The “plan” to confer an honorary doctorate degree on Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte by the University of the Philippines (UP) Board of Regent (BOR) was aborted easily by no less than the President himself. President Duterte declined to accept the conferment for a very simple reason: Accepting such degrees or any kind of distinction is not within his policy, not in his wildest dreams, not in his blood, and not even a hidden desire for it ever since he was a Mayor of Davao City! The said “plan” which was disclosed and disseminated via social media triggered several reactions and impressions … Continue reading Honoris Causa For PDuterte: An Aborted Plan!
The Flame of God’s Love-What An “Easterly”Feeling!
The Easter Vigil with the blessing of the Easter Fire, Oil, Water and the Paschal Candle, gives me a strange feeling of excitement ever since my childhood days. I don’t know why it gives me goose bumps. It continues to amaze me probably because I liken it to the tradition of lighting a bonfire during Girl Scouts camping season! But the said excitement has quite changed to a different level as I grow up. The manner on how the Easter Vigil tradition is being undertaken makes it more significant, e.g. the gathering of the parishioners around the Easter Fire and the procession … Continue reading The Flame of God’s Love-What An “Easterly”Feeling!
The Beauty of Good Friday
Have you ever asked yourself? What is beautiful during Good Friday? A friend of mine who has no firm commitment as far as his religious orientation is concerned posed this query, “Why do you call it Good Friday? I simply ignored the question, instead I looked at him in dismay and responded, Really? Of course, he knows what’s being commemorated on Good Friday. He’s a very learned man. He’s aware of why Christians celebrate Holy Week, irrespective of his religion. As a matter of fact, almost all of us regardless of our beliefs know that Good Friday is the day … Continue reading The Beauty of Good Friday
Why Did Jesus Wash The Apostles’ Feet?: Holy Thursday Reflection
Today is the time wherein the feet of many of our Christian brothers throughout the world are being washed by priests and pastors during liturgical rites to commemorate Jesus’ washing of the feet of the 12 Apostles. This is likewise the day when the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles happened, including His revelation that one of the Apostles will eventually betray Him. In one of my CCD classes, one of the young girls asked me, “Why did Jesus wash the feet of the Apostles?” Unsure of what to say, I candidly told her the most practical answer that … Continue reading Why Did Jesus Wash The Apostles’ Feet?: Holy Thursday Reflection
Light At The End Of The Tunnel: A Holy Wednesday Reflection
There was a time in my bff’s professional life when she felt betrayed and humiliated by certain people whom she had crossed paths with. At first, these “decent” people appeared to be gracious and gentle, apparently they needed my friend for their triumphant entry. Unknowingly and probably due to her naivety of the word “power play” in the corporate world, these people ((prior to joining the organization) had already specific agenda in mind, i.e., to take steps on how my friend could be stripped of most of her crucial duties. They felt my friend could serve as a barrier in their … Continue reading Light At The End Of The Tunnel: A Holy Wednesday Reflection
Palm Sunday: A Prelude To Judas’ Kiss of Betrayal
Today is Palm Sunday, and Christians (Catholics and non-Catholics) throughout the globe commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus and his followers into the gates of Jerusalem. According to Scriptures, Jesus rode on a donkey with His disciples and large crowd preceding Him. While on their way, they cheered and cried out : “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”. The crowd carried palm branches, waving them with enthusiasm and inviting other people’s attention which lead them to ask, Who is this? And the crowd replied: “This … Continue reading Palm Sunday: A Prelude To Judas’ Kiss of Betrayal
Faith And Family: The Joy of Love
Juliet (not her real name) was a teacher in the Philippines before she decided to leave abroad for work as a nanny in NYC. Although it was dreadful saying goodbye (leaving her loving husband and 5 children), she thought it was the best option for her so she would be able to help augment the meager income that she and her husband get as contractual employees. At first, she was able to maintain a good relationship with her husband via internet communications, but it didn’t end happily. To cut the story short, their marriage turned sour after 15 years of … Continue reading Faith And Family: The Joy of Love
Privacy Matters
Having a private space for ourselves is one of current life’s essentials particularly in this tech advanced age where wrongdoers are rampant on the web. That’s one reason why most of us are cautious in revealing/providing information to anyone sans valid reasons. Even in our work spaces and private lives, we don’t necessarily share personal information to bff’s (best friends forever or boyfriends forever) or pic (partners in crime) despite the many lunches and dinners spent together. How much more if we share vital information about ourselves in a social media platform where required/submitted data are not even guaranteed to … Continue reading Privacy Matters
The Science of Humility: Is It Missing Now?
Anywhere in the world, we may have heard some news about violent road rage accidents. In Manila (a city where a traffic congestion is a serious issue), a cyclist was shot dead by a car driver due to this kind of accident. Prior to the shooting incident, the car driver blocked and confronted the cyclist which resulted to heated arguments and a scuffle to which the latter managed to headlock the car driver. CCTV footage revealed that the cyclist released the driver and even peered into the side window of the latter’s car apparently saying something to him. However, as the … Continue reading The Science of Humility: Is It Missing Now?
The Go-To Saint For Mr. Right
The month of March is referred to as the month of St. Joseph (although St. Patrick’s Day is also being celebrated in March especially in US and Ireland) because of his feast day which falls on March 19th. St. Joseph is the foster father of Jesus Christ and the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because of his pure love, fidelity, fortitude, and obedience, St. Joseph has earned many wonderful titles. He is considered as the Patron of the Catholic Church, Families, Workers, Virgins, Exiles, and is likewise being invoked for a happy and holy death. But most importantly, St. … Continue reading The Go-To Saint For Mr. Right