Your mantra for the week: “All my loved ones who have moved on are somewhere in God and my song of love will always be heard.”
On Nov. 1 and 2, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, respectively, Filipinos will visit the tombs of their dearly departed.
I believe All Saints’ Day should be dedicated to a day of contemplating how to live a full and meaningful life. To remind us of the occasion, let me use the word “FULL” as an acronym to describe more adequately the fulfilled life.
“F” means fully letting go of all guilt by first not accepting that one is born with original sin, and second, to consider another word beginning with “F,” forgiveness, for ourselves and others.
“U” is for understanding that you are born with Original Goodness. Apply it every way you can, and it will bring to you a glorious and gratifying life.
“L” is for living lovingly, learning to let go, when needed, luxuriating whenever possible.
The second “L” is laughing as often as possible and learning to make others laugh. Laughter is therapeutic, producing endorphins that are natural painkillers. It’s liberating and constantly lifts the spirit.
Cabinet spouses’ project
On Oct. 22, the DU30 Cabinet Spouses Association Inc. held a benefit dinner and concert at the Philippine International Convention Center Reception Hall, “Awit ng Puso,” to raise funds for their scholars and other charities which include helping out evacuees unable to return to their ruined homes in Marawi City.
The program was well-organized by four cabinet spouses headed by lawyer Betty Medialdea, JoAnn Diokno, Dr. Elena Pernia and Ball Dominguez.
President Duterte serenaded Honeylet Avanceña with “Ikaw.” Whenever she is around, it seems Mr. Duterte is always in his best behavior. While watching the show, the couple were seen holding hands.
Pasig River wins prize
The Pasig River, once declared biologically dead, has won the first 2018 Asia RiverPrize, said to be the world’s foremost award in river basin management. It was given by the International River Foundation at the 21st International River Symposium in Sydney on Oct. 16.
In 1993, then President Fidel Ramos launched the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program, whose main task was to revitalize the river in 15 years. In 1994, then First Lady Ming Ramos, who could not stand living beside a dead and dirty river, wanted to give a boost to its rehab and started the campaign “Piso Para Sa Pasig.”
In 1999, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission took over the project headed by Gina Lopez. It took another 10 years to bring it back to life.
And just like the Pasig River, Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 Judge Andres Soriano’s decision on the Trillanes case has shown that the rule of law is alive and well and judicial independence is a reality, not just a dream. Two thumbs up for his astute insights!
‘En-rile’ sick
With 10 physical diseases and disorders that were the basis for his being granted bail on a plunder case, he still wants to “join the fun.” If he wins his nth senatorial bid, he would be the most ailing public servant ever elected. And that’s truly, “en-rile” sick!
E-mail the author at georgedfsison@gmail.com; catch him live in his lectures on IAMISM every Sunday at 7 p.m. on his Facebook page.