YOUR mantra for the week: “I can’t change the world but I can change myself for the better.”
EARLY on, I said 2016 is the Year of Miracles and I have been asked about the essence of a miracle and the power behind it. Is it really God?
If we go by John 1:1 in the Bible, when the evangelist wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” the answer would be yes because the Word, strictly by definition, is an idea and God, being the Universal Mind, creates miracles through ideas.
One idea can heal an incurable disease. It is said that there is no such thing as incurable, because incurable, to my mind, means the cure just hasn’t been found yet.
One idea can also rebuild an entire life. The idea of IAMISM has led to many transformed lives by the correct usage of the “I Am.” The name of God, according to the biblical phrase in Exodus 3:14, is “I AM THAT I AM”—and the God within that I speak of is the I Am within each one of us.
Try saying, as a mantra, “I am a winner”—instead of “I am a sinner”—and you will find that “I am a winner” can create a miracle in your life. (“I am a sinner” can attract negative situations because of your inherent belief that a sinner must be punished.)
One idea can make billions of dollars, as Bill Gates did via Microsoft. Locally, Mang Inasal’s simple idea of serving unlimited rice took off, catching the attention of Jollibee which bought Mang Inasal for P5 billion.
So, if you desire to have a miracle in your life, all that is necessary is one idea, if you are open to new ideas, they will come and find you. It could come from a book, a conversation, a meditation, an intuition and, most importantly, from that Still Small Voice within that is pushing you to take action on a desire or the expression of a talent and ability. Listen well.
Salute to P-Noy
P-Noy’s administration ends in four days. As we say adieu to his six-year term, I salute him for moving the country to investment grade and for signing into law the Reproductive Health bill.
He is the only President who dared go against the Church even with the threat of excommunication.
I hail P-Noy and thank him for all his other achievements that his critics refuse to acknowledge. I sincerely believe that if he were given another term, the inclusive growth that people are looking for in the economy would have been obtained.
Again, it is the good fortune of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to inherit a flourishing economy—in a country now referred to by many as the “rising tiger” of Asia.
Ninoy Aquino, wherever he is, must be smiling his big smile and saying to himself, “I am glad my son has ended the major difficulties that I predicted would face the next few presidents after Ferdinand Marcos.”
I do not care how much I am trolled by P-Noy’s critics, but I will stand by my observations, and would like to commend P-Noy for a job well done and for doing his parents proud.
Thank you, Mr. President. Enjoy the rest of your life and may the God within you guide you to your highest good and greatest joy.
Surprising Allan
Gemini artist Ivi Avellana-Cosio surprised her devoted husband, another Gemini artist, Allan Cosio, with a birthday get-together at the Avellana Gallery in the Henry Hotel compound in Pasay. It was so secretly done that Allan was more amazed than surprised—as a buffet of sumptuous food greeted him in the terrace and guests milled around in the garden enjoying the full moon.
Allan and his friends sang their hearts out, accompanied on the piano by Jude Areopagita—showing that Allan could carry a tune, in addition to his ability to act onstage. It was at the Tambuli Playhouse where I first met him.
Among his guests were Bibay Nolasco, Tony Bondoc, party-hopping socialite Marivic Vazquez, the now-seldom seen PR practitioner Joan Orendain, and another well-known painter, Ramon Diaz.
My own surprise that evening was to see and hear baritone journalist Nestor Mata still belting it out at age 90. Nestor was the lone survivor in the plane crash that killed President Ramon Magsaysay on March 17, 1957; Nestor was rescued by farmers who lived nearby and was transported to Cebu City which took 18 hours of travel while enduring second- and third-degree burns all over his body.
Upon arrival in the hospital, like a true-blue journalist, he dispatched through a nurse a special report that began with, “President Magsaysay is dead.”
Being the only survivor of a plane crash must be some form of omen that guarantees longevity, a healthy body, a clear mind and a voice that still booms with enthusiasm. Cheers to you, Nestor!
Ishmael’s classic
On Wednesday, June 29, 3 p.m., National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal’s first film, “Pagdating sa Dulo,” produced by Frankesa Films of which I was chair, will have its world premiere at Cinematheque Centre Manila.
This movie was the biggest box-office flop in film history but still remains one of the top 10 best Filipino films of the industry.
I donated it to the Film Development Council of the Philippines with the reassurance that it shall be preserved for posterity in the best possible way. For 44 years, I managed to keep the film in mint condition so that today it could be subtitled and digitally restored.
The film stars Rita Gomez, Vic Vargas, Elvira Manahan and Eddie Garcia and is now a Bernal classic. I am so proud of it.
For further information, please call World Premieres Film Festival Philippines at 256-8331 loc. 116.
Thrilling news
One of the most thrilling news this week is Gina Lopez’s acceptance of her appointment as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Her lifetime advocacy has just expanded beyond her fondest dreams. She is now in a position to implement projects that would have been difficult to achieve without the approval of government.
This turn of events must be a result of her environmental advocacy and G-Stuff Stores which, according to her spokesperson Wilbur Hernandez, was inspired by the concept of the G-spot. It is really amazing what can happen when you hit the G-spot—for it can really open doors to a lot of excitement, swing wide the portals of passion and push-button gates of attainment.
Notice that on the political level today, the same thing is happening—exciting doors are opening, people are getting impassioned and are in a rush for attainment.
Also, Gina’s appointment as DENR head is underscoring the fusion between the de Buena Familia and Binuenas na Familia.
Above all, when the appointing council is reputedly an expert in the G-spot, then all RESOURCES become natural and all is well in the environment!
E-mail the columnist at georgedfsison@gmail.com; visit www.GeorgeSison.com and www.iamism.org; listen to his “Positive Session” radio program on DWIZ 882 AM every Saturday, 9-10 p.m.