ABC STARS Inspires

My late father reached the pinnacle of success when he became a prominent national government director. From the time he assumed office until the day he left this world he was known as the director. Even after his passing he was still fondly called that title.  A Wikipedia article about him discusses his life in greater detail. It was an opportunity he worked for and he relinquished it without any qualms when it was taken away from him and was offered a ‘promotion.’ He called it delicadeza. I did not understand it at first as I was young then but I know now the reasons and ramifications and these convinced me to reiterate yet again that he made the best decision. Long before the Azkals came to fame, one of my brothers became a football sensation when he became the national football goalkeeper in his sporting heyday. I remember being awed and astonished while reading about his profile in a feature in an international football magazine. Now he is connected with an intern...

From a distance the train horn announced to all that it is ready to leave to ply its daily route from Naga City to Legazpi City. It was still a cold March morning around 5:00 a.m. And I had the chance to hear it. It reminded me of traveling. And I was contemplating on chances as a topic. I decided to write about both: chances and travel. Ideas began to be cultivated in my mind but first I had to do my morning exercise. I headed to my usual route and passed along a fast food chain. I saw a short line of people at the parking area and I wondered what the fuzz was all about. I have read their banner that they are giving free sandwiches at six in the morning until supplies last I guessed. Free food! It got me excited. Cheese, egg, and sausage sandwich... Yummy! I saw regular people and mothers with their children following along. I decided to pass on the chance and to give it to someone else like a young child perhaps. Even though free food is free food, I gave it up. Life is a...

Being an archipelago, you either have to go on board a ship or take an airplane to travel abroad. Together with my three siblings we took a flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur. It was our first trip to a foreign country. It was a graduation gift to the three of us and an elder brother to watch over us. Upon arrival at the airport, we saw a sign with our last name on a piece of paper. We had a tour package or basically, the whole nine yards. We then got on a coaster with the travel officer and the chauffeur. It took more than half an hour to get to our hotel. We stayed at an upscale accommodation with breakfast included. To be honest, the first night was a bit daunting for me as I realized that I was not in the Philippines anymore. You may call it separation anxiety or what but past midnight or so I was finally able to snooze. At Seven o’ clock in the morning, I was awake and I looked out the wide ceiling to floor panel window. It w...

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)