ABC STARS Inspires

A.M.D.G. 7 February 1975 Maritess, my child, It was 19 years ago today that you were born in our nipa hut, in our 8BCT camp atop a hill, beyond Baras, Rizal, beside Laguna Bay. And I recall those days because until last Sunday, we were "allowed" to be free for 14 days from your birthday up to the 21st (from 7 to a number divisible by 7) to discuss this coming referendum on 27 February (ending in7). When I think on it, Iget mad. That the exercise of our freedom of thought, opinion and conscience should depend on but one man. As if we owe our inalienable rights to any mortal on earth. As if man, created in the image and likeness of God, did not have freedom and human dignity as his birthright. And I feel sad. Very sad. For no one else is to blame but ourselves as a people. We act today as if freedom should be given on a silver platter. And not, as it should be, asserted precisely when threatened and despite the odds. As if we are not descended fr...

I i dare to question Thee! why? why him? the glint in his father's eye the laughter in his mother's heart? could such a loss be still a part of what they tell me is Thy will ---senseless then and senseless still? and why at such a tender age? the curtains were just up the stage, why should the play be abruptly ended without being comprehended? ah mortal that i am, because i'm mortal still! i ask the reason ---though they tell me that it's treason--- for this senseless, pointless loss! II unanswered doubts of yesterday though still unanswered, pass away; and tears, long dried up, leave a reign of quiet grief, unquestioning pain; and thoughts, though poignant still, must turn from out the hopeless, searing yearning for lost joys, to him---his joys. would he, had he his mortal voice tell us from beyond this shore: "mission accomplished!"? why say more? ah mortal that i am, because i'm mortal still! is this the reason why...

A Centennial Prayer This time, a century ago; A plague was creeping thru the land And yet, in Kabikolan then, In ways one may not understand, Devotion to Your Holy Face Became the key to our salvation. So, we publicly proclaim On this centennial celebration--- Refrain:      We venerate the Holy Face      That St. Veronica unfurled!      Deliver us from evil, Lord!      Have mercy! Saviour of the World! Today, a deadlier plague than then Has swept and paralyzed our nation--- A wanton disregard for life; For justice! By intimidation And institutionalized deceit, Our people groan in subjugation! Winds of hate and wild ambition Blow away reconciliation! Refrain: We turn to You, O Prince of Peace O Cause of genuine liberation! Sustain our hearts and minds and wills That we may end our degradation! That we may once again be free From fear, from want, from desecration Of our dignity as Man! A...

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...