ONE STATEMENT, NOVEMBER 1-30, 2025
"Getting old is natural, normal, and a blessing; because not everyone gets the chance. It's a wonderful privilege, wrapped in wisdom and love; and should elicit only thankfulness, humility and praise. But what makes it truly meaningful and worthwhile is with whom we give our worship to; the same one who will never fail, who never commits mistakes that destroy our person and faith in the beauty of life and creation, the very same one who gave us life and will truly accompany us until the very end and beyond."
"A thankful person is humble, respectful and
wise."
"Even if life's challenges seem to take double time in
their attacks, still we hope and trust in our Heavenly Father's
deliverance."
"That which we value the most defines who we are. And
if we have to give it up or use it for a greater cause, such as for honoring
our Creator, God and Savior, that will determine for us our eternal
destiny."
"May we not be so proud to think that everything that
happens to us came by our own efforts alone; because behind it all is our
Heavenly Father who cares and provides. May we not be so bitter that we lose
hope during calamities and tragedies; to the point that we forget that we are
loved, that we are guided and blessed. May we always remember to give thanks
and pray, to always be tactful and circumspect in our ways."
"It's not good to think too highly of ourselves, or we
might end up getting embarrassed and eat our words. But it's also not helpful
if we doubt ourselves too much, to the point that it debilitates us from doing
what we must to move forward and make things better. Instead, may we see
ourselves as our Heavenly Father does: precious and loved, with potential for
good and greatness, with the gift of giving and promoting life and peace."
"Our favorite radio station says, 'If you have nothing
good to say, don't say anything...' is timeless advice. And by good we can
understand anything from well-deserved praise, to constructive criticism, not
one that tears down another person's self-esteem because they are couched in
language meant to bait rage and anger, or to fuel doubt and confusion. And
though we are often tempted to retort something equally harsh to put down
people who seem to be entitled or who don't understand or respect who they are
talking to, may we instead learn patience to be tactful, wisdom on what
provocations to ignore, and courage to uphold truth and peace."
"It's a current events item, it's a lived reality and
tragedy: when people pompously start doing something, but fail to count the
cost; that when calamities happen, the vanity and worthlessness of their plans
and promotions are exposed, unfortunately sometimes in ways that take away
lives, livelihoods and futures. May we heed the admonitions of our Savior, a
human carpenter by trade, a builder and restorer of lives and souls by career
and vocation: to always ponder on our paths, weigh many times our options and
the possible consequences, yet proceed boldly in the face of difficulties and
ungodly oppositions, and embrace challenges and setbacks as ones that will
strengthen our character, and develop in us patience and fortitude. For at the
end, it is not trophies and awards of excellence and outstanding delivery that
matter, nor recognitions for heroism and gallantry, but patience and
perseverance, and a character and mindset lifted up above the world's
corruption, biases, prejudices and entitlements, to one at peace and confident
of an eternal place in our Heavenly Father's kingdom."
"From looting and theft, taking undue advantage, to
victim-blaming/shaming and self-righteousness, gloating over the difficulties
of other people is sadly a very convenient part of human nature. It might even
be hidden beneath over-sharing of personal troubles or mental-health struggles,
that seek not so much relevant and meaningful help and support to the many who
are undergoing similar hardships but more of calling attention solely on the
sharer, validation of wrong choices, and decisions that reject reason and
wisdom. Rather, may we live the good virtues of our faith. As much as each of
us must grow more mature and develop personal strength and fortitude through
all of life's trials and tribulations, may we be sensitive to each other's
personal struggles; which sadly we will never fully understand; and instead be
listening ears, silent witnesses, givers of hope and strength, inspiration and
support, with what we have, with what we can, where we are."
"May we always remember the Lord's goodness; may they
remain vivid and real in our minds and hearts. So that when times of trials and
hardships come, instead of the pain and exhaustion, the fear and anger, we will
invoke only wisdom and understanding, peace and patience, love and joy."
"Our Savior's resurrection gives us hope: that whatever
slump in life we may be in, as long as we endure, we stay alive, better days
are coming. And that's what's important."
A couple of months before Typhoon Yolanda struck in 2013,
National Geographic published an article on its monthly magazine, regarding the
Rising Sea Levels. Its front cover in fact, showed the head of the Statue of
Liberty, only right half protruding out of the water. In the futuristic world
map shown and given as detachable poster, most of the Philippines' major
cities, those areas that do have the most population densities, are already
submerged underwater.
Twelve years after, it has become more clear...
It's not the rising sea levels that could wipe us off the
face of the earth--it's PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CORRUPTION, INCONSIDERATE PRIVATE
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, and UNCONTROLLED LEGAL MINING, insatiable greed to the
highest level, laundered on luxury items and experiences by the perpetrators
(graftors and corruptors alike, and we add: private business) and their
families, while the citizenry are drowning year-on-year in poverty and muck.
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