Rainbow after the Rain

In 2009, when typhoon Ondoy devastated cities and towns (including mine) with unprecedented number of deaths in Metro Manila, I thought I already saw the worst—and then came typhoon Yolanda.

Super typhoon Yolanda (International Name: Haiyan) was declared as an “Extremely Catastrophic Super Typhoon” by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) a few days before it made its landfall in Central Philippines on November 8, 2013. At its peak wind gusting up to 380kph (235mph), it registered as a Category 5 Hurricane in the Saffir-Simpson Scale and was declared the fourth most intense tropical storm ever recorded and the strongest to ever hit land.

As we watched from a distance here in Manila how the affected families rose above the situation—with an estimated death toll of 5,632 (as of this writing and climbing), damage to properties and agriculture amounting to PHP 30.8 billion, many missing members of families, children’s education standing at a halt, people sleeping on the streets after losing their homes with no food and water for many days—we cannot help but reach out to find ways on where we can extend assistance and provide support and comfort, even from afar.

I had the privilege of volunteering for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in their effort to donate 10,000 personal hygiene kits and 10,000 food kits from Manila to the survivors of the calamity a couple of days after the typhoon hit.  A total of 1,500 volunteers from different ages, races, and backgrounds came to the Aurora and Quirino meetinghouses to repack goods which were afterward picked up by Alagang Kapatid Foundation and the Philippine Navy for distribution to different parts of Leyte.

I also had the opportunity to assist in the interview of the first batch of missionary survivors who were evacuated from Tacloban to Manila and to listen in as they shared their individual stories that helped increase my faith in God and in the goodness of the human race.

Despite the bitter pain and trauma that most of the survivors experienced, they were extremely grateful that they survived the ordeal and that their lives were miraculously spared. Most of them lost all of their material possessions, but they were still very thankful that the most important of all their possessions were still with them—their families.

In this season of Thanksgiving, may we remember the things that matter most in our lives and have the heart to share some of ourselves—be it our time or material possessions—to those who are in need. Many lives have been lost and even more lives have been changed by this recent calamity. We are in a position to help lift heads that hang down and provide comfort to those who are in need of comfort. May we find time to reach out and offer a helping hand. As we do so, I know we will find joy in our hearts that no amount of money can buy and appropriately express our thanksgiving for all the blessings that we have.

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Well Done!!!



My daughter is graduating from college today and I think I’m feeling a little nostalgic. 🙂

It’s a wonderful privilege to be a parent and to be given responsibility to help shape the life of a human being on this earth. I have witnessed many unforgettable miracles in the course of this amazing experience. I remember the day she was born as if it happened only yesterday—and now she is about to embark on her adult role in the society. This tells me that I am now really getting old, but more importantly, it shows me how much Divine support I have received from our Heavenly Father all these years. 

I have a testimony that, as parents, we are given the task to watch over His children here on earth and in a lot of instances we are entitled to receive various promptings for the sake of their well-being.  Our Father loved these children even before we even had them and He cares for their success and happiness as much as we do.

I am extremely grateful for the chance given me to be a mother of two wonderful souls. They have taught me so much and the best moments I’ve spent in my life were those I spent with them.  Each phase of their individual lives gave me an opportunity to live them as well, and because of that I consider mine as such an abundant life with numerous colorful and exciting experiences! I am, indeed, blessed!!

Here’s to the graduating students out there, most especially my daughter.  I wish you all the best in life and I pray that in time you would find your special place under the sun. I hope that in all your endeavors you would remember to look up for support, and to get down on your knees as often as you can. Remember to give thanks for everything you will be blessed with and to share those blessings with the rest of our Father’s children in any way you can. Keep in mind to always be meek no matter how much success you will one day achieve. Life will be harsh at times, but try not to lose track of your eternal perspective. Enjoy life and remember to always make time for those things that matter most. Congratulations on your graduation!!!

I’d also like to extend my congratulations to all the parents who continually support and now so proudly walk behind their graduates. Cheers!! 🙂

To Jessica, my daughter: I love you and I am so very proud of you!!! Here’s lots of tight hugs and my warmest kisses. 🙂

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The Prince of Egypt

(Photograph by Franco Advincula)

A great country is now in turmoil. As the whole world watches the chaos unfold in Egypt, I cannot help sharing my thoughts about it.

In ancient times we read in the Old Testament of the many events that transpired in this great land—both wonderful and challenging. Even if you have never read the scriptures and have only watched the movie “The Prince of Egypt,” you will still have an idea of how prosperous this land was under the reign of the Pharaohs. We also learn that it was where Moses (that great prophet of old who parted the Red Sea and was helped by God to lead his people out of bondage) was raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter.

I met an Egyptian woman in Canada and I remember how fascinated I was by the stories that she told. She spoke of frequently visiting historical places that I’ve only read in the scriptures, such as Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. I listened intently as she related many stories depicting how rich the culture of her homeland was.

Today, it is heartbreaking to see the violence that is going on in that land. There is so much hatred and anger on the streets. Constant disrespect for the lives and rights of many people is displayed day after day. One thing is certain though; human beings cannot tolerate oppression for long. It is inherent for them to seek freedom wherever they are, whatever they believe in.

As street demonstrations and demands of the Egyptian people for change continue, I pray that violence may finally be brought to an end; that peaceful negotiations may prevail; that those who are oppressed may once again reach out to Him who once did and still has the capacity to help His people escape all kinds of bondage—be it physical, spiritual and even political. For He is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and in my mind is the rightful owner of the title “Prince of Egypt.”

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In Times of Trouble

Listen and watch as Stephanie Nielson, a survivor of a near-fatal plane crash that left most of her skin burnt, shares her story of hope and triumph despite her great trial and how she describes her beautiful life centered on faith in Jesus Christ and love of family.

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The Miracle of it All

 

Someone once said: “I don’t believe in miracles, I depend on them.” I thought that was an interesting line and it applies to me as well.

My whole life is full of miracles, great and small. Beginning from the circumstances under which I was born and raised, to surviving many life-threatening situations and challenges. Through it all and until this very moment, I have seen how the hands of God have delivered me in many, many instances and for that my heart is overflowing with gratitude.

Last night during dinner with some of my colleagues, I wasn’t surprised when someone exclaimed, “It’s a good thing you’re still here.” And I feel the same way! 🙂 It’s good to still be here, alive and facing all the challenges and enjoying all the wonderful blessings of this experience called life.

And despite the unending battles we are all facing; it is good to know that we are not alone. That as children of a divine nature, we are entitled to divine assistance if we only look up, reach out and ask.  

I know that faith precedes miracles. Even faith as small as a tiny seed of mustard can make the Red Sea part, raise a person from the dead, free an entire nation from bondage, or make all of our heavy burdens seem light. These things have happened before and they can happen again—even in a very personal way for each of us.

The promise was once given: “And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs…; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions” (Mosiah 24:14).

As I sat on the shore of a beach listening to the sound of the rushing waves this past weekend, I couldn’t help but admire the beauty and magnificence of God’s creations and I couldn’t even begin to comprehend the miracle of it all! But I am definitely most grateful to be in and part of it because I don’t just believe in miracles, I depend on them every single day. 🙂

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The Circle of Life

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

Yesterday I watched while the hospital aides wheeled and transferred a very good friend of mine onto her hospital bed as she lay unconscious from the recovery room. I stood in awe thinking how things can change in a snap of a finger in this, our temporary earthly existence.

Not too long ago, this friend supported me in a crucial way during one of my lowest moments and had figuratively become my crutches until I was able to get back up on my feet again. Now, she was lying helpless and numb fighting her own earthly battle, while I quietly stared feeling powerless and completely dependent on the only Being who could bless her with the healing that she needs.

We exchanged text messages the previous day and she expressed how hopeful she was until she found out more about her illness. I told her to have faith in Him and reminded her that everyone will be called “home” at some point and that if she is ever called home now, then I think she is in the best position as she has tried to live up to her potential and is serving Him the best way she can. 

As I waited for her to regain consciousness, I recalled many fond memories of our friendship as well as instances when we overcame misunderstandings that made our friendship even stronger. In most cases, we tried to follow the counsel given in the scriptures to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39). Being the more mature and sensible individual, perhaps (okay fine, I am sure) she did a lot more of the understanding and loving while I worked on my idiosyncrasies—which, by the way, is still a work in progress. 🙂

I guess the point I’m driving at is that we have a whole lifetime to perform wondrous things and improve ourselves in many ways; and although we don’t start out as shining, polished gems that we were meant to be, we can do all we can so that when the time comes that we are lying helpless and numb, or when we are called to return back home, then we could look back and declare to the Master as Paul did: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). 

Have a wonderful day everybody! 🙂 Let us all try to do something good in the world today! 🙂

 

 

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Reason Enough! :)

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

A motorcycle rider lost control of his bike and skidded in front of our car as we drove along the highway last night. I stepped on the brakes just in time to avoid running over him, but that essential act—that he later claimed saved his life—caused the car behind us to hit us and the next car to consequently hit the car behind us.

Part of the motorcycle went under our car. The biker said he felt the impact when the car behind us crashed into our vehicle, but by some divine miracle he left the scene unscathed. I pulled the hand brake after we were hit the first time so when the car behind us was hit, our car absorbed most of the collision shock and the biker was spared.

I said a prayer in my heart before I got out of the car and was relieved to find out that the biker wasn’t hurt. It was almost traumatic for me to see his image fall in front of us and go under the hood of the car, but it was amazing how peaceful and calm I felt throughout the whole ordeal despite it being my first time to go through such an accident after all these years of driving. Needless to say, it must have also been an equally traumatic experience for all those who were involved—car passengers and drivers alike.

As we tried to shrug off the jitters of the previous night’s accident, we discussed this morning all the positive things that came out of that unwanted incident. How we were reminded that life is fragile and can be taken away in a snap of a finger. That prayer is the best way to help us handle highly stressful situations. That people will respond to us better if we treat them respectfully and kindly. And that there is always a purpose under the heavens why all things happen the way they do—even if they are most inconvenient!

So for us, the accident gave us a reason to celebrate life and friendship even more! And to have a big breakfast at McDonald’s on this beautiful morning that we would’ve otherwise skipped if it had only been a normal day! 🙂

Take care everybody! 🙂 Drive safe!! And have a great week ahead!!! 🙂

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Elements of Success

Three weeks ago, I attended a professional seminar and was very pleased by the approach of the facilitator on his topic. Although the subject matter was intended for the workplace, the audience appreciated his examples that applied to people’s lives in general. He boldly declared: “Life is all about relationships!” While discussing the 3Ps for success, I was delighted that he added an additional “P” word to the renowned triad of Passion, Practice, and Persistence. He gave this fourth P its very own presentation slide and referred to it as the most important element of success—Prayer. 🙂

The facilitator made plenty of jokes during his presentation. I thought he had a good sense of humor, yet beyond his funny stories, there was a lot of truth and wisdom in his statements.

There’s this Primary song about a foolish man building his house upon the sand, and the wise man building his upon the rock. Just as another song says “sand castles fall apart when the tide comes in,” we know that when one puts up his house upon sandy foundation, it won’t be long until it will all get shattered.

Through my life’s experiences, I’ve learned that true success is not measured by anything that the eye can see or the hand can touch, for these things are deceiving. It’s as intangible as a warm feeling when we’ve done something good that made someone else happy; or the peace and contentment that we get when we hear our children’s laughter; or an honest day’s toil whether in the farm or in the office; and a joyful heart after doing what we know is right. 🙂

At the end of the day, it all boils down to the knowledge that our efforts had been blessed knowing we did the best we could with whatever it was that our Heavenly Father had entrusted to us. 🙂

 

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Celestial Means…

 (Photograph courtesy of Edwin Redrino)

 

The rain was pouring hard last night on our way home from visiting my dad’s place. Under normal circumstances I would’ve enjoyed the ride, but the downpour was so heavy that I couldn’t see clearly through my windshield anymore and the road that we were on was already flooded.

 

Afraid of getting stranded while we were driving along one dark, flooded street, I said a silent prayer in my heart and prodded my son to offer another one in our behalf:

 

“Justin, would you please say a prayer to ask Heavenly Father to help us safely get home?” He nodded, closed his eyes and said a quiet prayer.

 

After a little while, when the rain settled down and we could already hear the hymn from our car stereo, I asked him again to say a prayer of thanksgiving. When he opened his eyes, I said:

 

“Did you thank Heavenly Father?”

 

“Uh-huh,” he replied.

 

“What did He say?”

 

He looked at me and shrugged his shoulders.

  

Prayer is our means of communication with our Father in Heaven. It is a divine instrument that we can use anywhere, anytime. We don’t need any power lines, batteries, or gadgets in order to connect. Just as I am excited to hear from my children about their daily activities, our Heavenly Father loves to hear from us on how our day goes, what our plans are, what challenges we are facing. He is never too busy or too tired for anyone. We are literally His sons and daughters and it would please Him to hear from us each day.

 

And just as I love talking to my children, our Father would also love to speak with us—if we would but let Him. His voice may not come as a boisterous thunder or with a strike of lightning, but it will oftentimes come as a still, small voice accompanied by a warm, peaceful feeling inside our chest.

 

How grateful I am for this means of reaching out to Him whose presence I may not be worthy to withstand. When the world is busy and no one else is available for me to talk to, I am grateful to know that I could always get down on my knees and pour out my heart to Him who listens anytime, anywhere, and to anybody—saints and sinners alike.    

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