Your mantra for the week: “I always expect the best and that is what I get.”
The Christ has risen, it is Easter. In the Christian world, the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is celebrated today. In my world, I also celebrate the rising of the Christ on a daily basis. As I have often said, the Christ is the equivalent of the God within and one can call it forth 24/7. It has no office hours because it is only a thought away.
The Holy Week is considered holy in the sense that it is sacred and the focus is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Others refer to it as the death of God and its rising after three days.
It is unfortunate that many do not realize that these are all symbols that have been derived from Mother Nature and astrology. Please refer to the article in my column last March 22, “The arrival of spring is a time to celebrate the gift of life.”
I am taking the risk of being labeled an anti-Christ, which means I am either anti-Jesus of Nazareth or I do not agree that he was anointed as the Christ. But I am neither of the two, because I consider Jesus of Nazareth as a Way Shower and I will reiterate that I believe he was the first to discover that God was within each man which he called “Our Father” (The Cosmic Birther of all radiance and vibration, as translated directly from Aramaic which was the language Jesus spoke) and taught all his life.
I do not believe Jesus died for our sins because no one can die for anybody else’s “sin.” Besides, if he did, why are we calling ourselves sinners when someone has already settled our debts? What he did, metaphysically, was to let us know that whatever mistakes we have made can be transformed by renewing of our minds. He clearly demonstrated this in his own life as he went up the mountain to pray for 40 days and 40 nights.
His being anointed as the Christ is the equivalent of Buddha’s the Enlightened One; to be called the Christ is most deserved because Jesus knew that the Kingdom of Heaven was within each man. And that, to me, is the truth that would set us all free from lack and limitation.
The Source is within us and that is why the Holy Scriptures say, “Decree a thing and it shall be done unto you.” This is Holy and Sacred and a blessing like no other.
I can now hear that still, small voice saying, “There is no one that can ever love you as I do, thus, you must always first come to Me and I will open the doors for you, and no matter what you think you may have lost or missed shall be replaced with something even better than you have ever imagined.
“Free yourself from the past. I have given you a mind that is so powerful because it is My mind you are using. And through its use, you can move towards a better life. You have a choice, and whatever you choose, my beloved child, I always say yes.”
Let the rising of the Christ be your daily celebration. Happy Easter to all!
The new Old Manila
During all Holy Weeks, hotels are the only places that are open-for-business; and when one visits any of these establishments, it is not Holy week, it is Christmas time… just like they are in the beaches and resorts. It is the time for frolicking, licking the heat, relaxing, family reunions, and the like. It is holy only in the sense that it is a whole lot of fun.
I visited the new Old Manila at the Peninsula Hotel where the right people are usually seen. Sometimes even the “wrong” ones are there, wrong implying they are up to no good in the midst of the most splendid ambiance. The Old Manila’s transformation to the new is nothing short of magical.
Every nook, every accessory, is tasteful and well-chosen. But its pièce de résistance are the two Delphin Oval Chandeliers, created by Dutch designers Annet Van Egmond and William Brand. Furthermore, the etched glass dividers that match the entrance doors effectively enhance its elegant atmosphere.
Add to this, is the masterful decision of replacing the once open kitchen with an enormous one-piece solid dao dining table with specially designed cushioned chairs to complement it. The room’s perfection is equaled only by its excellent menu—our compliments to Argentine-Italian chef de cuisine Ricardo Acquista.
From my back pages
Meanwhile, back in my Conde de Makati days…
“Last Easter, my wife [to conceal my identity, I pretended to be married] sent me a poem which she says she lifted from a book of poems by Lois Wyse entitled, ‘Are You Sure You Love Me?’ She suggests that all husbands [great and small] get a copy of Miss Wyse’s book and read it thoroughly for a better understanding of those who are ‘maltreated in the name of marriage.’ This is the poem she sent me:
You called and said, “I won’t be home.”
So I put the roast beef in the refrigerator.
And part of me went
In cold storage, too.
You see, my dear,
I react very badly.
I mean… when you say, “I won’t be home.”
My temperature drops 42 degrees.
You can tell by looking at my lipsticked lips
Or stockinged legs or girdled derriere.
The chill is also in my voice,
And no matter how hard I try to get rid of it
I cannot
Because, my love, I did not put it there.
“Lois Wyse is also the author of the best-selling ‘Love Poems For the Very Married’ which does not mean “iyan-ang-sabi-ng-mga-mister-ko.”
Side show
“An unexpected side show at the Ramon Jacinto/Rene Knecht verbal bout, which was held at the Club Filipino, [was that] there was a wedding reception quietly going on. Emilio Tuason and Vicky Lopez were among those who attended the ‘bout,’ together with some two hundred guests. No one was visibly impressed. But they all left obviously depressed.”
This incident actually happened during the reception of Emilio and Vicky’s wedding. After they separated, Vicky openly dated Tito Yuchengco before he tied the knot with Marit, while Emilio continued bringing foreign talents for concerts with the very competent Boy Abunda no less as his public relations arm. Today, all is well with everyone—that is how it is in civilized society.
Much-deserved award
Congratulations to Jesi Mendez for having been cited as Hair Asia’s icon of the Philippines salon industry. Truly a much-deserved award for Jesi. After all, he has put in a lifetime of creative work in the hair-styling world. You hear his name when it comes to hair… there and everywhere.
When sex is not available
I had an interesting conversation with Wilson Tieng of Radio Philippines Network and Solar Television Network who claims he no longer owns the network because “I have sold my shares to someone who wants to remain unidentified.”
However, through the grapevine, we found out that there is now a legal battle for ownership between three parties. The reason for the legal fray is that the package includes two casinos which has really made it oh-so-desirable. In a society where many people are bored, gambling provides the ultimate excitement—when sex is not available.
