ABC STARS Inspires

I firmly believe that the wealth of our nation is best exemplified by its people. Yes, The Philippines is made up of more than seven thousand spectacular islands that we proudly call our home but it makes it more endearing to showcase the greatness of its people. What is interesting though is the fact that most of these qualities and feats were not taught in schools rather through research and keeping abreast with current events. This is not your typical tidbits of information about our people and our country but try to read between the lines and partake of the essential meaning of what makes us a great people. Patriotism is the impetus for progressive change in our nation’s economy. The country has numerous living and departed heroes. It is estimated that about 10% of the population or around 9 million people are working overseas on a temporary condition. They help fuel the comprehensive national development through their remittances. They in...

He rests. A man blessed of the Lord! He lived till two moons short of ninety-four. Sworn to peace, his spoken word Will ring throughout our nation, nevermore! His name lives on --- in his progeny: Children, nine, grandchildren forty-eight, Great-grandchildren, twenty-nine --- for he Was a just man. A father to emulate. Esteemed by all who know him, friend or foe, He loved his country with utmost dedication And served his people well though high or low. His greatness now belongs to all the nation.           He lived to see rewarded, his work most dear!           Why shouldn't he rest, grinning from ear to ear? *Oragon, July 1992 photo credit: Old Man by the Sea via photopin (license) License: (license)

-I- How beautiful, the dawning!           As we come to sing to you Of love, so sweetly burning           Ever constant, ever true! This dawn, guitars are tinkling           May God's blessings rain anew Far more than stars oversprinkling,           Fresher than the mountain dew. From out this starry awning           Would that we could gather two One to waken you "Good morning",           With the other bid "Adieu!" Refrain: A newborn day is dawning,           The rays of the sun break thru, Arise early this radiant morning           As we sing "Hello" to you. -II- On the day that you were born           Flowers wafted their perfume, For on that baptismal morn           Life in grace began to bloom, --- A li...

Fount of graces never ending          Testament of Unity! Christ to us, in Bread presenting          God! In wondrous Mystery! Faith renewing, supplementing          What our senses may not see! Bread of Angels! Our Salvation!          Sacrament, most Holy! In unceasing jubilation          We proclaim Thy Majesty! Thine be homage! Adoration!          Praise! And Love! And Glory! Amen. Amen! photo credit: Dresden via photopin (license) License: (license)

Now we can laugh; We've had enough Of the "long and sleepless nights" That made of us hapless sights Of worn and weary owl-eyed creatures, Almost eerie surrealist figures. It's time to forget The tears and the sweat Of desperate supplicants (Bar applicants) Begging numberless saints, "las almas Del purgatorio" for the answer to "Las Palmas"; Blessing, for "nunc pro tunc" and "disposicion Captatoria" these "5's" in class recitation. It was a gruelling race; At a killing pace; Thank God! now that it's over We are still sound and sane and sober. The readings from cover to cover, The coffee-cramming-coffee days are over; No more "aide memoire" Or 'clause compromissoire", Enough's enough! Now, we can laugh! 2-9-62 (after the Bar) photo credit: Justitia via photopin (license) License: (license)

A candid shot of long ago Caught two boys racing in the sun Boundless energies aglow With zest for carefree, innocent fun Running laughter giving all In all they did though big or small. That was so long ago, I know, In Sorsogon beside the bay Where sea-kissed mountain breezes blow Where fields are green from May to May. The parish of impulsive Peter And St. Paul who's none the meeker. December-born and best of friends, Both fell in love with one Beloved And "lit their candles at both ends" That they might have their mettle proved For He who chose them from the rest Would settle only for the best. The "boy is father to the man" And one can almost hear them still--- "I can run faster than you can!" They pledged their heart and mind and will And are still racing so it seems In giving Christ their lives, their dreams. You see, those two barefooted fellows We knew as Jess Varela and (At left) Carmelo "Boy" Mor...

He had many and many a foreign friend, But beyond their friendship, they well knew, Was a love of country that would not bend That would be ever constant, ever true. Generations came and went, he stood, At ninety-three, a steady, guiding light. Firmly facing friend or foe, he would Reiterate our long, unfinished fight--- Foreign bases simply have no place In our country if we were truly free And friend of all, whatever creed or race; Upholding foremost our own security.           He lived to see realized, his dream most dear!           Ka Tanny rests, grinning from ear to ear. Oragon, July, 1992 photo credit: Philippine Flag via photopin (license) License: (license)