ABC STARS Inspires

Destiny. That is THE one word that was/is and probably will be the driving force that steered/steers and will steer the direction of my life. It is the hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future. Other words for it are fate and fortune. Free will comes into play only if you choose or refuse anything that will happen in your life. The mere fact that which family you were born into or being an orphan had been predestined for you. However, choosing friends is something that is inherently a matter of being half fate and half choice. I have climbed a mountain. I was elated. I even saw a soaring falcon as it disappeared into the forest. I discovered water again for the first time in my life. The thirst you experience after reaching the summit is indescribable. I consumed a great amount of precious water just to quench the new thirst. Climbing a mountain was not on my bucket list. If I had a choice I would have remained at home for the rest of my life

The subdued humming of the air conditioning became inaudible It is raining heavily outside as raindrops hit the roof and the pavement I like to let the words flow as I listen to the relaxing melody of the downpour I noticed that the more I write in this kind of situation the more it is incredible People wonder why poets like the water in this form- it is mere enchantment The rhyme and rhythm makes the readers want to reflect on the poem's core 8/14/2015  photo credit: clouds bring the f-stop blues via photopin (license) License: (license)

If I made you smile, laugh or shed a tear In the most subtle and surreal ways If I made you think so that you could hear In the most challenging and pivotal days                                                              Then I have been doing my vocation                         To reach even the farthest spirit gone astray Then I have been living my God-given mission To show you the brightest light to guide your way August 9, 2015 photo credit: Looking over Hohenschwangau via photopin (license) License: (license)

　　    So, this is what you do at early dawn. Now I understand, the city is breathtaking at this time beautifully illuminated by the street lights, the moon and the stars. I tried to read your mind because you looked so lost and forlorn. Your guardian angel mentioned that this is not your usual route. You were walking aimlessly and almost listlessly. 　    “Can you hear me?” You whispered ever so softly. Tears like morning dewdrops began to flow down your cheeks. I wanted to wipe them away but I could not; remarkably I fondly replied, “Yes, I can hear you.” Then you asked, “Why?” I tapped your shoulder lightly and told you, “...so that I can watch over you.” 　　Can you see me? You thought to yourself as your vision became blurry. “I am here just walking beside you. This is what’s amazing and wonderful about it for I can be with you at anytime and not only during our previous, usual breakfasts every Saturday at home. For always, anytime and anywhere.” 　　Our conversatio

　 　I was still at the university at that time and I knew what I wanted. I wanted to work in a mall. Why? It was an escape from the Manila heat. In the mall there is central air conditioning so one can even wear a light jacket and not perspire. It was cold so I loved it. 　　There were other reasons. People are happy when they are in the mall. They can see a movie then enjoy a meal afterwards in one of the numerous restaurants. They can check out goodies like ice cream and chocolates. In the family-friendly atmosphere, I liked watching happy families because it made me happy too. 　　I always liked going to the bookstore and the mini zoo in the mall. Well, the tiny zoo is actually the pet shop with its fish, turtles, guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters. But I came for the dogs, to see the different breeds up close and personal. To see these at home meant taking out a thick encyclopedia from the bookshelf and looking at colored pictures of different kinds o

Photo by Father Louie Occiano 　 　Like martial arts, waiting is an art. It is also a talent. With this in mind, it can therefore be developed. Children have a very short attention span. As we grow into maturity and wisdom, like fine wine, we become more patient. 　　Mastery of waiting can be achieved. We can become so good at it that we become lovers of the very act of waiting. Essentially, waiting is the practice of looking forward to a beginning or an end of an event no matter how trivial or great it may be. 　　Isn’t it exciting to wait for the birth of a baby or for a university graduation which is the end of formal schooling? 　　A series of events starts with the beginning of the new year. The changing of the seasons come to pass. The comings and goings of people in our lives and the commencement of occasions; Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas and the end of the year. 　　The passage of time; seconds turn into minutes; hours, days, weeks, months,

                                                                                                           Amelia ‘Naynay’ Castillo Fulgentes brought pride to Bicolandia as she won the Miss People’s Choice Award and given the title as Miss Philippine Airlines in this year’s Miss Philippines USA at the coronation night held last July 12 staged at the Alex Theatre, Glendale, California. Naynay was born in Naga City and later migrated to America when she was seven years old. The twenty two year old Fil-Am Beauty Queen is currently finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Colorado. As one of the major title holders, she will be taking part in different charitable projects in the Philippines with primary focus on the education of poor and young students. Moreover, as Miss Philippine Airlines 2015 and its spokeswoman, she encourages Bicolanos/Filipinos to fly PAL, our national flag carrier. Miss Fulgentes will be one of the officia