Three Words: A Short Story

Love is expressed in different ways. Simply remembering this each day helps us to accept and appreciate more, and to judge less.

I am posting a very touching short story from www.heirloomstories.com , "Three Words." The story is about the highest form of love.
The site, www.heirloomstories.com , poses this question to us: “Why doesn't the (following) story contain the word ‘love?’" Their answer to this question is “Because people rarely said ‘I love you’ in those days. They showed it.”

Here’s the story of the Three Words.
"Cossacks are coming!" the terrified young man yelled as he ran through the streets of Tagancha. He came from a nearby town that warm summer afternoon in 1902. His relatives were being murdered as he came to warn ours.
"Cossacks are coming!" were the most frightening words imaginable to Russian Jewish peasants.
Cossacks were members of the Tzar's army, but when they rode into a Jewish town everyone knew it meant trouble. It was best to hide until they left.
Most of the homes had dirt floors but my father's older brother, Yankel, had just built a nicer house. It had a raised wooden floor and porch.
Yankel told everyone to hide under his house but he stayed outside. He knew the Cossacks would search the house unless they thought it was vacant.
When they arrived, he greeted them.
"Where is everyone?" the leader asked.
"I don't know," were his last words. They killed him and left without searching the house.
Uncle Yankel is remembered for his short lifetime of generosity and caring. We owe our lives to him.

Jhoven G. Obelidon: Caregiver

“Care” and “giver” are two very positive words. Merged as “caregiver”, the term almost tugs at your heart when it is used.

To be a caregiver, one must be blessed with extraordinary kindness and compassion, patience and flexibility, industry and strength of character. One must have these virtues because it may not always be easy to tend to other peoples’ needs especially if they are gravely ill, physically dependent or emotionally distraught.

At Anawim Lay Missions Foundation, those who are men of faith view caregiving as an opportunity to profess their love for God and for others. At Anawim, 55 abandoned elderly plus a number of orphans, and physically and mentally handicapped individuals are cared for by volunteers like Jhoven G.Obelidon.

Jhoven completed a two-year Nursing Aid course in Montalban and has been a stay-in caregiver at Anawim since July 2007. Jhoven works on 24-hour shifts in tandem with another volunteer at the elderly male dormitory room. His responsibilities include ensuring that all of his wards (1) take in their prescribed medications and vitamins, (2)get ample exercise if they are not disabled, (3) maintain a good level of hygiene, and (4) live in orderly and comfortable quarters, among others.

(Among Jhoven’s wards is Lolo Jose Vallarta, 97 years old. Lolo Jose is a native of Nueva Ecija province and used to work for the Department of Public Works. He also fought as a guerilla during World War II. He still walks around with an upright posture and he can tour you around the Anawim grounds!)

Jhoven shares that the Anawim staff help each other to provide the best possible service to the elderly. It saddens the staff, however, that these elderly have already been abandoned, and that friends and relatives rarely come to visit their wards. Donations are also sent to Anawim only occasionally.

Thank you, Jhoven, for the respect and reverence you accord the elderly: those who have wisdom, those who have taught us, those who have cared for us when we were young.

I hope Jhoven’s thoughts and actions inspire us to really, always care and give!


Anawim Lay Missions Foundation houses the abandoned elderly at Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal. Check out their website for a detailed map and contact numbers.

Ajit S. Rye: God is Good !

Ajit S. Rye is a great father, brother, husband, a friend, an UPSCAn (UP Student Catholic Action), a football player, a development worker, an environmentalist and the “sun” in his daughter Ian’s life.

Ajit has also been embraced by God. God IS embracing him now.

Ajit wishes to share with us how he and his family have embraced God because he wants us to embrace God as well. He has been giving friends and relatives a simple yet very important gift: a copy of “Yayee 4: Embraced by God,” an inspiring book that includes his letters to his eldest child as well as his wife’s letter to Father JJ, a priest who has also been a shepherd to his spiritual healing. Yayee 4 is a rich compilation of different peoples’ experiences: the difficulties they have gone thru, their realizations, the efforts to liberate themselves from earthly attachments, and eventually their attainment of inner peace and joy.

Visits to Ajit’s Quezon City home are meant to be treasured for both the gift of time, and spiritual renewal or awakening. To the non-believer, one may at least appreciate the philosophical virtues, the value of his words -- all unspoken and continue to try to live an honest, inspired life.

God is good. We can connect with God when our mind is focused and calm. (Qi gong was helpful!) The world is perfect. I have forgiven them. God is great.

For Ajit, each moment, not just each day, is precious. In his nothingness, he continues to strengthen his faith thru prayers, reflection, family life, by communicating with others, and accepting God’s will without reservation.The cancer is in its terminal stage, he said, as Ajit has undergone all medical treatments possible but the physical affliction clearly does not matter.

Ajit is completely in love with, so happy and thankful to The Supreme Being.

The Wolves Within

While surfing the net one evening, I came across this short story from www.rogerknapp.com. This site has a lot more inspirational materials you can reflect on or share with your loved ones. I encourage everyone to browse thru them, including the Philosophy of Charles Schultz.

Here's the story, The Wolves Within.

An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times."

He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way."

"But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eye and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather solemnly said, "The one I feed."

Vote For Our Hero !

Elmer De Los Santos: Pastor, Where Are You?

I met Pastor Elmer De Los Santos in 1997. He had to take a leave from his duties at the Emmanuel Christian Fellowship and focus instead on earning a living.

He and his family had to face such difficult challenges before they were really, finally able to live peacefully. But I’ve always known that their situation was only temporary; their collective faith, honesty, courage and sacrifices can only result in great blessings. It was just a matter of time.

Pastor’s economic concerns began when he was victimized in a scam. His financial situation then took a turn for the worse due to a subsequent failed business venture. But he had vowed to honor and pay off all the debts he had incurred. For many months, he worked long hours driving a taxi cab. He lived frugally and still there was barely enough for rent, food and education.

When his wife decided to work abroad to help with the payments, Pastor Elmer accepted this albeit with a heavy heart. When she left for the Middle East, Pastor stopped driving the taxi cab and took care of the children full time. He missed his wife terribly and longed for her quietly. He could only pray for her safety. One day, however, his wife had called long distance. She needed help to return to the Philippines immediately. His wife’s employer was not a kind man. Pastor Elmer was grief stricken.

Fortunately, through the intercession of a friend, Pastor’s wife’s employer had to release her. The Pastor’s wife, however, was not discouraged by her experience with her first employer. She left again, this time for Taiwan, after a few weeks.

Since then, blessings have poured in for the De Los Santos family! Pastor Elmer’s wife won some cash in a contest; Pastor was able to invest in a house and lot for the family. The debts were being paid on a regular basis. Pastor Elmer still missed his wife but he was no longer worried about her safety. The family would be reunited soon enough.

I have very good memories of Pastor Elmer. He was such a morally upright man. He was responsible and he put other peoples’ interests first before his own. He lived simply, unattached as he was to material wealth or influence or power. Pastor Elmer is a preacher and an evangelist, effectively speaking, acting and living in god’s grace.

I have not seen Pastor Elmer though in a decade and I am hoping that someone out there who knows him gets to read this. Nananawagan po ako…I would very much like to see him again. (I already scoured facebook and multiply.)

Virtues To Live By

We reflect on our thoughts, words and actions regularly; ask for forgiveness; learn from our many mistakes; and, help our fellowmen. Oftentimes we still ask ourselves, “What more should I do?”

Apparently, there are checklists available...ha ha! While the list of virtues below may appear challenging, may be eye-popping, many of the virtues are very relevant to our lives today, now. Wikipedia lists over a hundred of them:

ability acceptance altruism appreciation assertiveness attention focus autonomy

awareness balance beauty benevolence candor caring caution charity chastity

cleanliness commitment compassion confidence consciousness consideration contentment

cooperativeness courage courteousness creativity curiosity dependability detachment

determination diligence discernment empathy encouragement endurance enthusiasm equanimity

equity excellence fairness faithfulness fidelity flexibility foresight forgiveness fortitude

friendliness generosity gentleness goodness happiness health helpfulness honesty honor

hopefulness hospitality humility humor idealism imagination impartiality independence

industriousness innocence integrity intuition inventiveness justice kindness knowledge

lovingness loyalty meekness mercy moderation modesty morality nonviolence nurturing

obedience openness optimism patience peacefulness perseverance philanthropy philomathy

piety potential prudence purity purposefulness resilience remembrance respectfulness

reverence responsibility (moral & social) restraint self-awareness self-confidence

self-discipline self-reliance self-respect sensitivity service sharing sincerity skill spirituality

strength sympathy tactfulness temperance tenacity thankfulness thoughtfulness

trustworthiness truthfulness understanding unity unselfishness wisdom and work !

Norma Castro: THE Ate

Norma Castro (seated, in white shirt) with some friends at SM MOA.

It’s wonderful to be called “Ate!” Not only does it sound better than “manang” when it is used to address you, you know a real bond exists: you either share blood ties with another person, or have had an enriching experience together, or have acted as mentor to a learner or as a guardian to a child. Yes, you are older than the other person but when the relationship is acknowledged, the age difference may be deemed as incidental.



The quintessential Ate, to my mind, is Norma Castro as she takes her title rather seriously. She is devoted to her two wards and to her younger friends at a foundation. She is deeply concerned for their welfare, infinitely proud of their achievements, and willing to make sacrifices for them. Almost like a parent would be.



A month ago, Norma texted me: “Ate, my wards were included in the honor roll.” Norma brings the two kids to school, prepares what they need for classes, helps them with their homework, and ensures they get enough sleep. The other month, Norma also texted me: “Ate, my wards performed a number in class. I helped them practice.”



During her days off, Norma visits the children at Gabay Buhay Home. Her favorite pasalubong (gift) for the kids is a large order of pancit palabok (a noodle dish with shrimp sauce). She sleeps there overnight and takes the opportunity to bond with both the staff and the children. And while she is there, Norma’s wards always text her to check if their Ate is fine and to ask whether she is returning to their Pasig home soon.



Ate Norma never takes a day off if no one will take care of her wards. She refers to them as ”mga alaga” which in the vernacular means “those I take care of.” So Norma may easily forego resting or pursuing her personal interests, putting her wards’ interests first over hers any time. (“Alaga” is different from “pinalaki”, or to raise, as the former has a nurturing component while the latter emphasizes the provision of the basic needs of an individual: food, clothing and shelter.)



Children trust their Ate Norma because her good intentions are always reflected in her actions, in the way she speaks and in how often she smiles -- which is really more often that you, me and five others combined!



Ate Norma would be a joy to be with or to work with always. And I am writing this just so that she knows that we appreciate her and acknowledge all the good that she does.

Melecia A. Velmonte: Doctor For The Barrio

Google “Melecia A.Velmonte” and you will find a long search list on her: numerous research papers, medical missions, conferences attended, lectures done, organizational memberships, etc. And Dr. Velmonte’s achievements as well as contributions to the medical profession are actually even more than the sum of your search list.


An infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Velmonte finished high school valedictorian in San Dionisio, Iloilo and studied medicine at the University of the Philippines in Manila. She has been staffed in various hospitals, both private and public, but has always managed to find the time to treat patients from the marginalized sectors for free in different provinces all over the country.


Dr. Velmonte spends her free time in Barangay Maybangkal, Morong, Rizal still treating patients and organizing medical/dental missions with the help of local barangay healthworkers. She also tends to her farm and manages a conference venue called Silungan. (Dr. Velmonte’s Silungan is a regular venue for children’s camps as well as trainings, seminars and workshops for medical practitioners, government institutions, academic groups and non-government organizations.)


I am most touched by Dr. Velmonte’s deep involvement in the lives of children affected and infected by HIV. Dr. Velmonte has already worked with generations of these children thru the Extended Care Program at San Lazaro Hospital and the Precious Jewels in Quezon City.


But best of all, Dr. Velmonte’s standards for treating all her patients as well as her concern for their welfare are equally high, regardless of stature or economic background.


Thus, we are ever so grateful that she has chosen to return to the barrio and treat patients there,where she is most needed.

(For inquiries on Silungan, please call Bob @ 09178278497.)

Live Without Regrets

How wonderful! London-based Jane Adiong-Scott, a good friend of mine from college, wrote in and shared a beautiful poem.
Jane also writes poetry herself and we both studied Anthropology in the state university a long, long time ago.


If I Had my Child To Raise Over Again

IF I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars,
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often,
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd model less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.

--Diane Loomans

Typhoon Ondoy

As of yesterday, 247,555 families have been affected by Typhoon Ondoy. Let's extend immediate assistance to our countrymen!

Please check on the link below for donation drop off points:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/lv?key=tBMVeBvbdAtYRaRB6ErFWnA&toomany=true&pli=1


Thank you, everyone!

Ma. Elisa Catalan: Rainbows After Each Rain

daniella, lisa's daughter


lisa with son J.R., a future chef

I have never met a woman more candid, warm-hearted, thoughtful and hardworking as Lisa.

So candid, I remember that when pagers where still popularly used, I was surprised by the operator’s reply when I tried to leave a message for her.
Legaciesofgoodwill: “I wish to reach mobile unit xxxxxx.”
Operator: “You have reached the mobile unit of Lisa Catalan formerly Gutierrez. May I take your message?”

I was, of course, flabbergasted and laughing the whole day. Who else could possibly do such a thing? Hi hi hi.

Now her life story can definitely be used by Star Cinema, the perfect script for a potential blockbuster film. Her father passed away when she was very young and Lisa has many siblings. So at fourteen she was already a working student, studying high school at Arellano while working at a photo shop in Makati. Barely sixteen, she was already working abroad to help her family, sending money weekly to her mother. Upon her return to the Philippines at age eighteen, she got married and gave birth to a child.

All the more she needed to be enterprising. Lisa was (and is) the epitome of sipag at tiyaga (industry and perseverance), familiar traits currently associated with a “presidentiable.” First, she sold rice cakes door-to-door, then held Tupperware parties to sell plastic wares, then encouraged her clients to purchase insurance policies, and then sold cars! Lisa worked mornings till evenings, gave excellent service, and sold quality products to her clients because she wanted to earn enough money for her family in an honest manner.

Today, the child she gave birth to when she was just a teenager, J.R., is set to graduate from college next year. She also has a daughter, Daniella, in elementary school. Lisa rents an apartment and drives her own car.

She is a Christian, regularly attending service every Sunday morning. She encourages her children to live Christian lives as well. And they do.

Throughout the colorful, exciting events in her life, Lisa never lost faith; she actually grew stronger in time as a person and a believer, drawing strength in God to face each new challenge in the most righteous way she can.

To those interested in acquiring the rights to Lisa’s life story, it’s up for bidding.

Archimedes Cordero: A Gentleman of Faith

Mr. Cordero in red; front row: Migo, Viel and Lourdes Cordero, Brian and Jason Quimio; back row: Bambi, Gemma and Joey Cordero, Erwin and Celeste Quimio


As scheduled each week, 85-year old Mr. Cordero makes his rounds at a Makati village, giving Holy Communion to the sick and elderly. It is also an opportunity for him to visit his friends who are now mostly confined to their homes.

On some days, Mr. Cordero participates in the community’s senior citizens’ activities. He enjoys socializing and continues to appreciate new learning experiences. He wanted to know, for instance, what a home for the aged looked like and joined a field trip just to see one. Mr. Cordero likewise attends bible study sessions regularly.

A deeply religious man, Mr. Cordero was a lay minister serving the church for decades.

But each day, each cherished day, Mr. Cordero looks after his beloved wife, Lourdes. She has Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. Cordero makes sure she eats well and drinks her medication; allows her to do the things she wants to. He talks to her all the time — whenever it is possible as she now sleeps for prolonged periods of time. Mr. Cordero himself has cancer.

I have been visiting Mr. Cordero. Let me share with you some nuggets of his wisdom:
“I have accepted that I am sick but this is just really part of growing old. Anyway, I am ready for anything.
“I worked very hard for my family.
“When I was working in my first job, the owners offered me a scholarship to Berkeley. I think they did that because they found me trustworthy.
“I did not know that I placed second in the engineering board exams until I saw my photo in the newspaper while I was walking on the street. I was on my way to work then. I was shouting ‘Ako ‘yan! Ako ‘yan!’ It was very embarrassing that I just grabbed a copy and then ran as I had forgotten to pay the vendor.
“I became a working student because our family was having financial difficulties at that time. It was after the war. I wanted to help my family by being independent.
“I love going home to Alaminos, Laguna. My friends and relatives are there because I came from there.”

Mr. Cordero is much more than trustworthy. He is humble, simple, engaging, funny, hardworking (used to be) and intelligent. Now retired, he aims to pass on all the values he possibly can to his three children.

When Mr. Cordero became one of the top taxpayers in Alaminos, Laguna, everyone was so surprised. Well, at least initially. He does own a few parcels of land and derives some income from them but he is certainly not your average taipan. Eventually we realized that Mr. Cordero became a top taxpayer simply because he was simply an honest man. Now, about the other local businessmen in the area… (I leave this totally up to the readers.)

For years, Mr. Cordero worked as a college professor and saved part of his salary to put up a gas station in Manila aptly called Eureka. Archimedes, Eureka. I found it! For decades, his business’ mission was solely to provide excellent customer service. Mr. Cordero himself helped repair vehicles when the need arose.

Mr. Cordero has truly led an exemplary life as a father, husband, Filipino citizen and a man of true Catholic faith. And I have admired the values he has stood for ever since I was in grade school.

Free Yourself

Walk in the rain,

smell flowers,

stop along the way,

build sandcastles,

go on field trips,

find out how things work,

tell stories,

say the magic words,

trust the universe.

-Bruce Williamson


Challenging moments are supposed to remind us of THE BIGGER PICTURE. Therein lies our great purpose/s in life. But we can only truly reflect upon these things if we give ourselves some time. If we give ourselves that chance.


I love what Bruce Williamson wrote (the emphasis on some of the words are mine). I hope you do, too. I hope that you would copy, print and share this with as many people as you can. You can also use this for your book markers, refrigerator magnets, journal covers, etc.

Rufina Gonzales-Gupaal: Learnings From Her

Fina, in yellow, with husband Jun and her four princesses

Fina is constantly smiling. She has such a pleasant demeanor. And I have heard countless stories of her generosity to family members, both immediate and extended. If indeed the face is the mirror of your soul, then Fina has a kind soul for sure.

I wanted to write about Fina because of the value she places in good education. With limited resources, she and her husband Jun managed to provide college education in a private university for her daughters Jasmine and Rowena.

One is only able to do this if one is willing to make great, personal sacrifices in terms of material possessions; if one can look far into the future and dream of a more comfortable life for the children; and, if one accepts the realities of life now and understands that change is possible. Change should be possible.

Fina has worked as a housekeeper at St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City for the last 15 years.

That her two daughters finished college is most inspiring. But Fina’s legacy to and for us is much more than the pursuit of higher education for her children. What is more valuable is our knowledge that anyone, someone like Fina, can create better lives, finding absolutely no justification to do otherwise, if you just have the biggest heart to will it to be so.

Apolinario Poldo, Jr.: Our Everyday Hero

Pol, on the right, hosting a corporate event with officemates Cris Laudenio and Beth Gutierrez.

Unconditional love is so valuable, so rare. So I will tell you all a few things about Pol, a man who has it, who feels it for his family and has given up much for them without asking anything in return.

About two decades ago, when Pol was still single, he would purchase on installment small appliances for himself: a television set, radio, single-burner stove, oven toaster, electric fan, an emergency lamp, etc. Upon his parents’ request, Pol would then send these items to Las Navas, Northern Samar, his hometown. Pol would simply purchase new ones for himself all over again. He would also regularly save a portion of his salary and then send it immediately to the province if needed.

In the mid 1990s, Pol’s family also encountered a period of great financial difficulty. They had to mortgage their parcel of land; Pol promptly took out a Social Security System (SSS) loan to help redeem the said property. For two years, he had monthly salary deductions to pay for the loan.

Pol has always been a dutiful son and brother: in thoughts, words and deeds. He has only needed one thing: the assurance that his family would have a better life.

Today, Pol works as a Sales Manager for an outdoor advertising company. He has a wife and two daughters, one already in high school. He has also invested in a house and lot in Northern Samar. The family has even begun to save up for the children’s college education.

Pol certainly deserves all the blessings life has brought him.

Pol has worked for the same company in the last twenty (20) years; while there is great value to his length of service, he is treasured primarily because of his industry, kindness and honesty. He has excellent attendance at work, even coming in early to plan his day. Pol is polite and sincere to clients, suppliers and co-employees. He acts as mentor to his subordinates, selfless in helping his department meet targets and generous in sharing his wealth of knowledge.

Pol is a devoted family man. He is a thoughtful husband, and a protective and responsible father. Pol shuns vice, preferring to channel all resources to provide his family with the basic comforts. Pol best exemplifies our ideal, modern-day dad: deeply involved in rearing his children, shares in the housework, faithful and affectionate to his wife, and always believing in and reaching for the brighter star.

Pol finished his secondary education in Las Navas, Northern Samar. He was taught trade skills in the course of his employment but learned a lot more on his own. Despite the odds, Pol clearly made his decision a long time ago to be a man of courage and goodwill.

I admire him for the man that he is and what he has accomplished thus far.

A Child Now In Heaven

There was a child who passed away last weekend. His name was Em-em.


Em-em was used by a criminal syndicate for many years. By the time he was rescued, he was already physically, mentally and emotionally damaged.


He could not even stay in a home for his own safety and security. He was always hungry and dirty. He was always looking for friendship and affection.


I cared for him. I wonder now if I did enough. But my love may have just remained in the periphery of his troubled life.


Rest in peace, my dear Em-em. I do not know how I will be relieved of my sadness and regret. But may all of our future acts of goodwill deeply touch more lives because you truly deserved to live in a much better world.

Happy Birthday to Femie Trinidad!

That's my mom on the left with her good friend, Lulu Consignado, both quite successful at upstaging Dawn Zulueta.

My mom will be celebrating her 68th birthday on September 3rd. I want to greet her for the first time on the net and thank her for loving her children: Richard, Anthony, Tom and me.

Karen V. Cortez: Young and Compassionate

Karen on the left with her mom, Ellen, and grandmother Amanda Marcelo. The children should join one of the idol contests.

Australia-based Karen Cortez visits the children at Gabay Buhay Home every year whenever she takes a vacation in the Philippines. Karen is 12 years old !

Last Easter, she helped host an Easter egg hunt, some games, lunch and a water balloon fight with and for the kids. It was such a fun filled day so when her family had to leave already, some of the girls asked her to visit again. And Karen did.

Del A. Castillo: Healthy Food Advocate

At Likha Diwa, Del is wearing a red shirt; front row:
jules and leslie; 2nd row: maris and mavic; back, rodel


There are many alternatives to crispy pata. (Howling in the background.) Okay, okay. Let me qualify my statement: there are many healthy alternatives for a better quality of life. yahoo.

Health is clearly a matter of choice. And we need to make good choices. People like Del Castillo help us in our most trying, tempting moments.

Del Castillo has been a tireless advocate for healthy eating. For 13 years now, she has been operating Likha Diwa sa Gulod where fruits, vegetables, seafood, tofu, mushrooms and meat substitutes are primarily served.

The Likha Diwa menu includes traditional Filipino recipes (adobo, kare-kare, etc.) and products of Del's continuing culinary experimentations such as the vegetarian paella and relyenong tofu.

Think carrot and cucumber juices. Squid and mushroom sisig. Fish lumpia. Rice coffee. Mushroom and chili veggie meat quesadillas. Sinigang sa bayabas.

Del has personally encouraged friends and relatives to make THE SHIFT in their diets: more servings of fresh, raw, organic fruits and vegetables; the use of olive oil and yoghurt; limiting soda and fastfood intake. Good, practical choices.

Through the years, Del has also shared cooking techniques and invited countless guests to sample her product development creations. Wonderful feasts!

To complement the healthy eating, Del has been running too, easily finishing a 10K when I am just into my first Kilometer. Really, the power comes from omega-3, oranges and the pechay balls.

Likha Diwa is located along C.P. Garcia, near the University of the Philippines and Katipunan Road (1 Lt. J. Francisco Street, Krus na Ligas, Diliman, Quezon City. You may reach them at 925-55-22.

What It Takes To Be A Mom or Dad

Someone gave me a photocopy of this list. I am sharing this with all of you as even those without children will appreciate this.

Please feel free to copy and forward it to your friends and relatives.

If anyone knows the original source, just let me know so we can properly acknowledge the author.


What It Takes To Be A Mom or Dad


1. Read to your children.

2. Keep your promises.

3. Go for walks together.

4. Let your children help with household projects.

5. Spend time one-on-one with each child.

6. Tell your children about your own childhood.

7. Go to the zoo, museums, and ball games as a family.

8. Set a good example.

9. Use good manners.

10. Help your children with their homework.

11. Show your children lots of warmth and affection.

12. Set clear, consistent limits.

13. Consider how your decisions will affect your children.

14. Listen to your children.

15. Know your children's friends.

16. Take your children to work.

17.Open a savings account for college education.

18. Resolve conflicts quickly.

19. Take your children to your place of worship.

20. Make a kite together.

21. Fly a kite together.

Our Tita Cory

photo courtesy of Time.com

Among Tita Cory's greatest gifts to the Filipinos is her courage to lead us when we feared the dictatorship.

Ma. Cheryl F. Prudente: Environmentalist

I had a house built somewhere in Cavite.

I wanted the structure to be attuned to its environment. Where does the sun rise? How deep would the underground water table be? Where do its tributaries lie? What is the direction of the wind? How shall it help cool my house? What plants would be best for the garden given the area's soil quality?

I wanted the process of house construction to conform to all environmental laws, whether existing or moral in nature.

I wanted a home that nurtures, aids its environment; that will also help me save on utilities and various other costs in the long-term. Well, my home now has a specially designed plumbing system and two cisterns for storing rainwater, large windows that frame clear skies, high ceilings, and a fishpond! My home makes use of low wattage electric bulbs, a lot of steel, cement and aluminum components to reduce the need for future, constant repairs and replacements, and earth colors that send messages of peace and warmth.

When I was going to have my house built, I could only think of and trust Che Prudente.

Che Prudente is one of our best catalysts for change in the way we view and respect the environment. She has been involved in the fields of policy-making, design, research, education, advocacy work, among others. To further her cause, Che works closely with schools, communities, both government and non-government organizations, industries, commercial enterprises, and even "ordinary" people (like me, for which I am eternally grateful).

Of the many projects Che is involved in, I am particularly appreciative of her efforts to share her expertise among the youth in various communities around the country. The modules include more than just lectures as participants get to visit river or lake areas and test their water qualities.


The Youth for Wetlands Ecological Camp was held last April 15-17, 2009 at Angono, Rizal.

As an individual, Che practices what she preaches. At home, she has an aquarium with excellent water quality, a correct mix of fish that actually survive till old age, and flora that really serve as fish food and shelter. She devises household systems to save on water and electricity (for instance, she does not reheat and simply eats leftovers straight from the refrigerator).

Che studied Architecture at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila. She also finished her Masters in Engineering in Water and Environmental Resource Management at the UNESCO-IHE (Infrastructure Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering) Institute for Water Education in Netherlands. Whew.

I asked Che about her current involvements apart from the Ecocamps. I thought there were three or four things on her agenda. Please read on and think hard if Che is still able to sleep:

• Technical Assistant for the TWG (pre and post conference) of National Wetlands and Climate Change Policy Workshop
• TWG: Updating the National Wetlands Action Plan
• Team Leader: GREENovation and GREENretrofitting of the Candaba Wetlands Information Center Complex in Apalit, Pampanga
• Lead Project Officer: Ensuring Access to Safe Water for Households in Communities Affected by Floods in the Philippines (Northern and Western Samar)
• Technical Team: Pilot Low-cost Residential Houses with Wastewater Treatment Facilities (Tipas, Rizal and Dasmarinas, Cavite)
• Technical Team: Installation of Low-cost Floating Septic Biogas Reactor for Offshore Settlements in Selected Sites in Tawi-Tawi.
• Technical Team: Low-cost septic and wastewater treatment for a resettlement area in Bacoor, Cavite.

Everyone's probably thinking now: "I should be doing more for the environment, too. Yes, please, in ways great and small.

Che's commitment to all of these projects must inspire us to live lives of moderation, to remember that we are all just passing through in this world, we owe it to the future generations to leave intact our God-given wealth of resources.

Let's reduce, re-use and recyle. Let's ask everyone we know to do the same. Let's support projects for the enviornment. And let's spearhead our own campaigns, too, if we can.

CSR-Makati Batch'83 Project

Bambi Cordero and Malu Marquez brought books for the Bilibid Prisons' library last June, 2009.

There are a lot of elementary, high school and college students among the prisoners at the medium-security area. It's great that after they leave prison, they would have had an opportunity for further education.

The books donated came from all the way from Australia. A member of our batch, Elena Villacorta-Cortez, has been soliciting them from library administrators and even garage sale proponents.

I look forward to writing again about the next projects of Batch'83. Thanks, ladies!

Manel Basaysay-Calabit: Social Worker And Friend

THE CHILDREN ALWAYS HUG ATE MANEL WHEN SHE VISITS THE HOME. She hugs them back tightly. And the children immediately start to tell her everything that happened to them in the last week or so. There is also a barrage of questions and emotions -- to which Ate Manel's head turns right, then left, then right again, maybe at least five more times.

"We have a school project and our teacher said we need to pay sixty pesos on Monday but Tita said there is no more petty cash."
"Jerome pinched Isabel again that's why she cried!"
"Roland refuses to lend us the guitar. He is the only one enjoying it."
"Is Kuya Bert still bringing us to Megamall on Saturday?

Ate Manel communicates to all while walking, her gentle face taking on a variety of expressions in succession, each time appropriate for a particular response.

"Tita, don't you have petty cash anymore? Were you able to submit the liquidation last Wednesday?"
"Jerome? Where is Jerome? Jerome, why did you pinch Isabel?"
"Please ask Roland again nicely to lend you the guitar. If he still refuses, I will just talk to him."
"Yes, Kuya Bert will pick you up at nine a.m. on Saturday. Please get ready early."

With great pleasure (and admittedly greater amusement), I have repeated witnessed instances like this in the last six years. And Ate Manel has always just been her patient, kind and loving self to the children as well as to the staff. She is a listener, not one to pass judgment on anyone.

Ate Manel is passionate about social work, constantly seeking higher standards even among peers. But she encourages us all with utmost care and sensitivity.

Ate Manel is a registered social worker who has been involved with the Virlanie Foundation, Inc. for street children since 2002. She was first assigned as a community organizer in the Payatas, Tondo and Barangay Singkamas, Makati areas. She then became a residential social worker at Marco Polo Home.

In a little over a year, she was promoted as project coordinator for Gabay Buhay Home where I met her. Presently, she is a supervising social worker, handling four residential social workers assigned to four different homes. Ate Manel focuses on case management requirements for the children living in these homes.

Whenever a child is set to leave the home for adoption, Ate Manel would start to cry and her emotions would affect you so much you are bound to cry with her, perhaps even louder than her. But the tears you will share emanate from love and happiness. Finally, the child would have a family to call his/her own.

There is a promise of a more comfortable life for the child and better educational opportunities. But you know you will miss the child terribly. A child you cared for and helped nurture for years. You may actually never see the child again. Maybe we eventually stop crying when we remember that the distance will always be physical in nature only.

Ate Manel grew up in Bacacay, Albay so fate has truly blessed us. Ate Manel found her way to Virlanie Foundation, and the children of Virlanie (and I) have found a very good friend in her.

Taking Time to Say Thank You

How many of us have had the chance to sincerely express our gratitude to the caring, amazing people we know?

We should be able thank everyone we can, everyone who deserves an acknowledgment for their good thoughts and deeds!


Portions of this blog shall be devoted to everyone who would like to thank their loved ones or share inspiring stories with us.

These tribute portions are to be included so we can write to all our family members, friends, other relatives and even acquaintances that have given us unconditional love, or have shown us random acts of kindness. We want thousands of people to know right now that we appreciate people who have selflessly provided us with valuable legacies.

To thank someone, compose a letter, dedicate poetry, share insights on goodwill, upload photos of our ideal people and your loved ones.

This is a campaign to extend goodwill to everyone. Let yourself be heard! We all have it in us to INSPIRE GREATER LOVE.

Creating Legacies

Many of us envision "leaving something behind" when we are gone for the people we love, be it our family, community or country. And we hope we are given the opportunity to achieve this within our lifetimes.

Having a legacy, or legacies, becomes noble when our purpose for giving eventually goes beyond our own interests. The act of sharing the gift is neither for nor about us anymore.

A legacy may become extraordinary when it cannot be held, its value cannot be quantified by one; yet, it is a treasure many can truly behold and benefit from!

Countless "ordinary" individuals fill our world with goodwill to ease our daily struggles, to simply promote health, to prepare the young for responsible adulthood, to challenge injustices, and to sometimes even save us from our oft misguided selves. Without fame, power or money, perhaps even without realizing all the positive effects of their actions, they have already left valuable legacies to us.

How do we learn about the efforts of many individuals whom we have never heard of or met before (and are probably unlikely to meet in the future)?


To immortalize the extraordinary legacies of noble individuals is the primary objective of this blog.

Together, we shall chronicle how our ideal people enrich lives with hope and faith, by focusing on their goals and standing up for what is right, through valuable lessons they have learned, by their being compassionate, by their understanding of the truth.

Our everyday heroes have dedicated a great part of their lives to

• sharing their skills, talents and time
• active, ideal advocacies
• deepening their spirituality and those of others
• building the kindest memories with and for their loved ones
• uplifting us with their humor and intellect
• feeding and enriching many minds and bodies through their generosity
• serving and supporting others effortlessly.

This blog shall be a record of "ordinary" peoples' achievements, great and small, that have touched many lives. That will touch our hearts.