Day 58: The Silence That Still Speaks Your Name

Some losses are too deep for ordinary words. This is one of those days when memory feels heavier, love feels louder, and silence says more than it should.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

— Psalm 34:18

It has been 58 days since you left us.

Fifty-eight mornings of waking up to a world that no longer holds your voice. Fifty-eight nights of trying to make peace with a silence that feels heavier than any sound.

And still… it feels unreal.

There are days when I manage. Days when I bury myself in work, in responsibilities, in anything that can keep my hands busy and my mind occupied. I move through hours like nothing has changed, smiling when needed, speaking when required, fulfilling roles that demand strength.

But grief has its own way of finding me.

It comes quietly. Unexpectedly.

In the middle of an ordinary moment, my heart would suddenly race, as if it remembers before I can even think. As if it whispers, “You cannot escape this. This is real.”

And today… today is one of those days.

Our home still carries you.

Not just in memories, but in presence.

I see you in the spaces you used to fill so effortlessly. In the corners where laughter once echoed. In the simple, ordinary things that now feel incomplete. It’s as if every wall, every chair, every quiet afternoon is still waiting for you to walk in again.

And maybe that’s what makes this so difficult.

Because in my heart, you never really left.

Whatever I do, wherever I go, I carry you with me. Not just as a memory but as someone I still long for. Someone I still expect to see. Someone I still want to talk to.

My younger brother.

I told myself I have accepted it.

I told myself you are in a better place—no… the best place. A place where pain does not exist, where tears are no longer needed, where peace is complete and eternal.

I hold on to that truth. I believe it.

But belief does not erase longing. It does not erase the fact that we could no longer see you, eat with you, talk with you, and be with you in this world. 

Because even if heaven has gained you… I have lost you here.

And there are days—honest, fragile days, when a part of me still resists reality. Days when my heart quietly protests and says, “What if this isn’t true? Unta damgo ra ang tanan!”

It’s not denial.

It’s love of the family… refusing to let go too quickly.

If missing you is a language, then my heart speaks it every day.

If longing is a place, then I have been living there since the day you left.

And yet, in the middle of all this pain, I return to God’s promise—that He is near, especially now, especially here, in the quiet places where I break without words.

Grief is not the absence of strength.

It is the presence of love that has nowhere to go.

So I will carry this.

I will carry you.

In every memory, in every silent prayer, in every tear I cannot show, and in every moment I choose to keep going even when it hurts.

Because you were never just part of my life.

You are part of who I am.

And no distance—not even death—can ever take that away.

58 days. 58 nights.

I miss you… more than words can hold.

Remembering You at the Family Camp-April 2, 2026

 Few hours from now, we will begin our family camp. It is meant to be a time of joy, reflection, and renewed faith but this year, it carries a quiet ache in our hearts. This will be the first of many family camps without our beloved Aljon.

In moments like this, his absence feels louder than any music, deeper than any silence. We can almost see him still moving around, helping with the setup, checking the sound system, offering his willing hands wherever they were needed. Aljon was never one to stay still when there was work to be done for God.

We remember how he would share his testimony with sincerity and fire, how he spoke of God’s faithfulness, how Christ changed his life, and how he held on to that hope no matter what. Those words, those moments, they remain with us… alive in our memories, and now, even more meaningful.

We also remember those recent, painful days—when we were gathered in the church, praying and holding on to hope, while he was at the hospital fighting his battle. Ate May, with a heart full of faith, reached out and encouraged the brethren to continue supporting and praying, because we all believed—deeply believed—that Aljon would still be with us in this year's family camp. We held on to that hope together. But God’s plans are always beyond what we can fully understand—unfathomable, yet never without purpose.

And beyond the duties, we remember the simple, beautiful things—his laughter on the court, whether it was basketball or volleyball, the quiet focus as he played chess, the gentle strum of his guitar, or even just the warmth of his handshake. In those ordinary moments, he gave extraordinary joy. 😭

Today, we grieve because we loved. And we love because God allowed us to share life with him, even for a while. Though our hearts are hurting, we hold on to hope—the kind of hope he himself believed in. A hope that one day, in God’s perfect time, we will meet again.

As we begin this camp, we carry Aljon with us...not in presence, but in spirit, in memory, and in faith. And perhaps, in the quiet corners of our hearts, we will hear echoes of his laughter, feel the strength of his testimony, and be reminded to live the kind of life that honors God… just like he did.

We miss you deeply Aljon. But we press on with tears, with faith, and with hope.

Day 30

 April 5, 2026 - God… it’s been a month.

April 5. Exactly one month since your passing, but the day our memories of you began to breathe louder than ever.

Aljon, your absence is still heavy. There are moments when everything feels normal, and then suddenly it hits. The silence. The space you used to fill. The laughter we still expect to hear.

Lisod gihapon dawaton. Murag bag-o pa kaayo ang tanan.

We still find ourselves asking why… and wishing for one more moment, one more conversation, one more chance to see you smile.

But even in this pain, we hold on to God.

Because if there’s one thing this past month has taught us, it’s this:

God’s plans are deeper than our understanding… and His love reaches even in our darkest grief.

We miss you, Aljon. So much.

But we also thank God for your life, for the joy, the memories, and the love you left behind.

Padayon mi diri… bisan lisod.

Carrying you in our hearts. Holding on to faith. Trusting that one day, in God’s perfect time, we will fully understand.

Until then, you are never forgotten. 🤍

​Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in the truth of John 11:25-26, where Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." 

We know that for those who walk in faith, "goodbye" is not the end, but a "see you again" in the kingdom of heaven.

​We reflect on the blessing of the time we had with Aljon, trusting that he is now in a place where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, and no more tears.

​Rest well, Aljon. You are deeply missed, but your spirit continues to guide us every single day.

​"God, grant us the peace that passes all understanding as we remember a soul who left us far too soon."

​Thinking of you always.

40 Days

 April 14, 2026-The artist community knew him as the Kristiyanong Artist—a master of the paint, the charcoal, the ballpoint, and the canvas. 

But to me, he was simply Aljon, my younger brother, whose soul was even more vibrant than the art he created.

Aljon didn’t just draw figures; he captured spirits. Whether it was the intricate stroke of a pen or the soft smudge of charcoal, his hands were a gift from God. 

But his true masterpiece wasn't found in a gallery; it was found in the middle of a Praise and Worship circle, guitar in hand, leading us all closer to the Creator he loved so much.

When Aljon played his guitar, you didn’t just hear music; you felt his devotion. 

He lived his life the way he approached his art: with patience, detail, and a deep faith.

It has been 40 days since you left us on March 5th, Aljon. 

The house is quieter without your music, and the world feels a little less colorful without your vision. 

But we take comfort knowing that today, you are likely leading the greatest worship team of all, painting the skies of heaven with colors we haven't even dreamed of yet.

Al, your art lives on in us, and your songs will never truly fade. We love you, little brother.

Thank you for teaching us how to see the beauty in the world and the rhythm in our faith. Fly high, Al. ✨

My Heart's Echoes: Aljon, You are Missed

There is a specific kind of silence that follows the departure of a younger brother. 

It is a heavy, echoing stillness. I find myself reaching for you in the middle of ordinary moments, only to realize that your presence is now a memory I can no longer touch.

Gimingaw ko nimo, Aljon. Pagka-sakit palandungon nga wala na ka.

I once believed that the day you left us was the hardest day I would ever endure. I was wrong. The hardest days are these countless days that follow—the "after" that carries the sharpest sting. During the day, I keep my mind a frantic hive of activity. I fill the hours with work and noise, building a fortress of busyness just to forget for a moment.

Pero inig human sa tanan, kung ako na lang usa... diha na mo-atake ang kamingaw.

When the world finally settles and I am alone, your absence occupies every corner of my being. My mind spins with the "if onlys"—the desperate wish to rewind the clock, to keep you here, to understand why it was you, my younger brother, who had to leave us so soon.

Ngano ikaw man jud, Al? Sa kadaghan sa tawo, ngano ikaw man?

There is a bittersweet comfort in knowing you have reached your destination. I tell myself you are in a place where the air is easy to breathe, where the heavy pains and the sickness that clouded your days have vanished into light. 

You are with the Lord, and for that, I am grateful. No more pain. No more suffering.

Apan bisan pa niana, pait gihapon. Sakit kaayo nga nawala ka namo.

How do we move on when everything I see and everywhere I go reminds me of you? My heart is still holding on because letting go feels like losing you all over again. 

I may never truly "move on," but I will carry you with me—in every prayer, in every memory, and in every silent moment where I still call your name.

Dili ka malimtan, Aljon. Magpabilin ka sa akong kasing-kasing, hangtud sa atong pagkakita pag-usab.

TASK 1: ESSAY

 

1. How does ICT help you as a student? How does it help our country, as a nation?

Mynk

 I made a Canva presentation about the most influential person in my life. 

Here's the link:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGO32sBXFw/s8u7T5m4k3erNJNlB9S-lw/edit

Blog # 2: Visual Media

Gwapo ko!

If I'm Gone

Did I live happily

Did I care like it's my last

Did I live happily

Did I love like it's my last

Have I achieved my purpose

Have I done my best

Have I reached my stars

Have I done my best

If the clock stops ticking

If I'd be gone all of a sudden

What could happen

What could happen

Should my existence be gone

Would they mourn for me

One day or more

Would they mourn for me one day or more

They'll surely replace me once I'm gone

That's how easy it is to take my place

Then they'd just tell tales of who I was

But they'll do this surely when...

I'm forever gone.

Sana Nga, Siya

Feeling hyper ako ngayon dahil sa panibagong kalakaran o sadyang ito na nga kaya ang inihahatid ng tadhana para sa akin?

So nakilala ko s'ya dahil sa simpleng pagtatanong n'ya tungkol sa mga bagay-bagay. Unang approach n'ya apa lang sakin, ramda ko ang inosenteng likas n'ya kaya naman bagamat hindi ako nakikipag-usap o nakikipagsabayan, iba yung dating sakin noong panahong iyon kaya ayon na nga at hinayaan kong e-entertain s'ya noon. 

Huminto ako sa akong ginagawa nung time na yun. Nakinig ako. Bingyang-atensyon ang isang taong ngayon ko lang nakita, nakausap. Ngunit kaiba sa mga dating nais makipag-usap saken, iba ang dating n'ya. Kaya siguro ako nahumaling na huminto sa ginawa ko noon. 

Interesado ako. Interesado akong makinig sa kanyang mga kwento at mga tanong na siya namang binigyan ko ng aking oras. 

Fast forward. Kinagabihan, may message s'ya. Sinagot ko naman ang mga karagdagang paglilinaw na nais n'yang malaman. 

Fast forward. The next day, may message na naman siya. Sinagot ko din naman ng maayos. Hanggang ngayong gabi, may pinaparating din siya. Sinagot ko na naman. 

Nagpapasalamat siya sakin. Sabi ko naman, walang anuman at nasisiyahan ako. 

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang magiging hantungan nito. Siya na nga kaya? Hindi ko alam. Tanging panahon lang ang makakapagsabi bagamat masasabi kong may lukso ng dugo akong nararamdaman.

Sana nga siya na. Sana nga, siya. 

:) 

Dear Lord: A Prayer

 You are mighty, great and powerful Dear Lord. 

You are my shield, You are my fortress. You are my protection against all odds. You were my strength and still are.

Dear Lord.

Today, I felt I was attacked. The surging emotions this morning pulled me down, almost. Thank You Lord that you controlled my temper this morning. 

Dear Lord. 

I'm sorry I was almost tempted to fight back in anguish when I had the urge to defend what I thought was right and in the process could have hurt others' feelings too. Still, I just want to glorify You oh Lord because You didn't allow me to yield to sin. 

Thank you that I was hurt. 

Dear Lord You are my strength when I am weak. You are the treasure that I seek. You are my all in all.

Thank You for not leaving me alone. Dear Lord, thank You for being my guide. Continue too guide and be my compass.

Dear Lord. I cannot do everything without your help. Thank You for comforting me. Dear Lord, I love You and I trust in You.

In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.

EXPLAINED: Online Distance Learning, Blended Distance Learning, Modular (Self-Learning Modules)

 For DCNHS Students

ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING - Purely online learning. Online classes, discussions, activities, quizzes via Zoom, and Edmodo. Requires a laptop, a desktop computer, or a tablet, and a very strong internet connection.

BLENDED DISTANCE LEARNING - Learning is done through printed modules and limited online activities that do not require a laptop or desktop computer. Modules, books, and other learning resources can be ordered online thru Academic Panda and can be claimed from the nearest MRK facility. Students can communicate with their teachers via FB messenger. Answered modules can be returned to identified pick-up points.

PURE MODULE INSTRUCTION - Students will be provided printed modules. Answered modules will be retrieved by teachers assigned in the School Mobile Delivery Unit in strategic pick-up points. Purely modular.

ABLI NGA SULAT GIKAN SA USA KA MAGTUTUDLO

 Nunot sa pagkuyanap sa gikahadlokang sakit nga COVID-19, nagkalain-lain nga mga patakaran ang gimando sa atong gobyerno alang sa pagprotektar sa katawhan labi na sa nasod nga Pilipinhon. Lakip sa maong mga kamanduan ang mga hagit sa bag-o nga "normal" sa atong pagkinabuhi, pakiglambigit, ug ingon man ang pag-sagubang sa umaabot nga mga adlaw.

Tungod sa bag-o nga normal, nabag-ohan kitang tanan. Adunay mga bag-ong kausaban sa atong adlaw-adlaw nga pagpanglihok ug kalahian sa kanhi naandan.

Apan, bisan pa man sa mga dagkung kausbanan, hinaot nga kanunay sa gihapon natung hinumduman ang mga hiyas ug mga pamatasan nga gitudlo, gipamana sa atong mga katigulangan nga unta magpabilin ang mga maayung gawi ug pamatasan nga angayan natong ikinabuhi ug ampingan.

Alang sa mga ESTUDYANTE.

Dalayegon ang inyong pagpursige aron makapadayon kamo sa inyong edukasyon. Bisan pa man sa atong sitwasyon, maningkamot ang inyong mga magtutudlo aron kamo mahatagan sa edukasyon nga inyong gikinahanglan.

Apan bisan pa man adunay dagkong kausbanan sa atong pagkat-on, isipa sa gihapon nga kung unsa kadaku sa inyong respeto kanila kaiadto nga managkita pa sa eskwelahan, mas labing-ipakita ang inyong pagpalangga ug pagrespetar kanila niining panahona.

Kamo maka-laom nga ang inyong mga magtutudlo nagapadayon sa pagpalangga sa kaninyo Kamo makalaom nga sila dunay kasingkasing mosuporta.

Ayaw sila dali-dalia. Naningkamot ang inyong mga maestro ug maestra aron kamong tanan ma-serbisyohan ug maatiman ang inyong gikinahanglan. Kay kining tanan, parte sa among gipanumpaan. Apan among gikinahanglan usab ang inyong pagsabot, pag-respeto, ug paghunahuna usab sa among mga pagpangandam.

Alang sa mga GINIKANAN.

Among daku nga pagpasalamat sa inyong suporta alang sa atong pagtinabangay aron ang edukasyon sa atong mga kabataan magapadayon sa gihapon ug atang mahatagan sa dakung pagtagad!

Niining dakung hagit nga atung giatubang, daku ang among paglaom nga kita magmalampuson sa atong paggtinabangay kay kini atung giubanan sa hugot nga pagsalig ug pag-ampo sa Kahitas-an.

Among hangyo lamang ang suporta ug hataas nga pasensya niining panahona nga kamo ang mag-atiman sa inyong mga anak sa ilang pagkat-on diha sa inyong tagsa-tagsa ka mga panimalay. Kami maningkamot taman sa among makaya aron makapadayun sa gihapon paghatag sa serbisyo ug giya.

Sulod sa pipila ka mga katuigan, gipaningkamotan namong tanan nga ang atong pinalangga nga mga kabataan magiyahan ug makat-on sa mga butang nga magamit nila isip parte sa katilingban. Nasayod kami nga dili lalim ang pag-atiman sa inyong tagsa-tagsa ka mga anak niining panahonan. Nakasabot kami niana--ilabi na kay giagi-an namo kana sa atong eskwelahan sauna. Among tambag ug paglaum, nga hataasan pa gayud ang inyong pasensya niining mga butanga ug panahona hangtod nga mabalik na usab namo ang inyong mga kabataan kung mabalik na kita sa kanhi. Hinaut pa.

Kung ugaling nagkinahanglan kamo sa among tabang, kami andam ug tagana kutob sa among makaya.

Alang sa mga ISIG KA MAGTUTUDLO: mga kasama, mga kapatid, mga kaibigan, mga kapuso, mga kabarkada, mga kapamilya, friends, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen!

I commend all of us for what an amazing journey we're going through. As rough like a broken road as it may, knowing that you still survive that journey as of today is ENOUGH to give your shoulder a pat. We thank God for helping us all along.

The struggle may not be over yet but sometimes, we really have to remember just those "little things" worth celebrating to somehow give ourselves an encouragement and go one with our journey as a public servant, as a teacher, as a mother, as a father, as a brother, as a sister, or whatever role you play.

PRAY. Trust me, it works! And when you're okay, move on and work again. I am still new to the department. I still have a lot to learn from the "seasoned teachers" but my highest regards and respects to you all for ALL THE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS you've worked really hard just to prepare your modules, learning materials, tests, and others.

Now more than ever, we need each other. We need each other's support. Be a listening ear. Talk with a colleague. Kumustahan. I think it will result us a nice feeling.

Taliwala niining tanan, ayaw kalimti nga ikaw sama lang sad sa uban. Tawo ka, duna sad kay panginahanglan. Dakung hagit kanatong tanan ang pagbalanse ug pagtimbang-timbang, ilabi na ang pagmugna ug desisyon nga alang gayud sa kaayuhan natong tanan.

Ang tanan mong kahago tungod ug alang sa edukasyon sa imong umaabot mga estudyante magbunga gayud ug maayo ilabi na kay imong kauban ang Dios. Padayona lang ang pagsalig sa Ginoo tungod kay dili ka Niya pasagdan.

Alang sa mga office staff, security guards, ug uban pa. Kaninyong tanan, daghang salamat! Aduna kamoy dakung bahin sa kalampusan natong tanan. Hinaot nga magapadayun ang inyong kalipay sa pag-atiman, pag-alima, ug pagbuhat sa mga butang nga duna gayuy dakung parte alang sa atong kalampusan.

Alang sa mga GAHUPOT SA RENDA SA PANGAGAMHANAN sa eskwelahan, sa division, ug sa atong lokal nga kagamhanan.

Dawata ang among daku nga pagsalig ug pasidungog kaninyong tanan. Nasayod kami nga ang inyong mga plano ug mga kalagdaan nga giimplimintar alang lamang gayud sa atong kaayuhan.

Sa inyong padayon nga suporta ug pag-atiman sa inyong mga nasakopan, kami magalaom nga dili gayud ninyo kami pasagdan.

HINAUT PA. Hinaut pa.

-JRB
08052020

Inablihang Sulat Alang sa mga Ginikanan

 Mga Tinahod nga Mga Ginikanan,

Kumusta?

Among panghinaot nga anaa kamo sa kapiskay sa inyong panglawas.

Kaming mga maestro ug maestra mapasalamaton gayud sa inyong pagsalig sa DepEd sukad sauna labi na gayud karong panahona.

Dili matukib sa pulong ang among pagpasalamat sa inyong pagsalig ug suporta aron lamang magapadayun ang edukasyon sa inyong mga anak, nga ingong gitugyan kanamo sauna hangtod karon.

Niining higayona, kami magatuktok na usab sa inyong mga kasingkasing aron ang inyong mga anak magabayan sa gihapon.

Kamo makalaom nga among buhaton gihapon ang taman sa among makaya aron maka-alagad gihapon kanila kauban ang among mga lider sa departamento, principal, ug uban pa. Daghang salamat sa inyong pagdawat sa hagit nga karon kamo na usab ang adunay dakung bahin aron mogiya sa pag-eskwela sa inyong mga anak diha sa tagsa-tagsa ninyo ka mga pinuy-anan.

Daghang salamat sa inyong hataas nga pasensya. Nanghinaot kami nga magkakita-kita pa gayud kita sa umaabot.

Kauban natu ang Ginoo ilabi na gayud niining panahona.

Kaninyo matinahuron ug mapasalamaton,

Mga Maestro ug Maestra

#newnormal #PadayonLang

An Open Letter

 I stood my ground and worked silently along with the rest of my colleagues but I am compelled to write this because there are those critical of teachers kesyo wala daw gitrabaho ang teachers karon. Actually, gatrabaho. Most of us are not posting lang the work we do in social media. In the first place, what for?

As a matter of fact, the whole school year daghan trabaho ang teachers. We are not posting them all lang because of personal reasons, Data Privacy Law, ug uban pang applicable laws.

Sa pagkatinuod, ang teacher kay nurse, doctor, engineer, chef, engineer, foreman, elecrician, janitor, stylist, choreographer, dancer, singer, clown, mama, papa, ate, kuya etc sa eskwelahan. Name it. We have a lot of work to do in school but many of us also bring these works at home and I have personally known many teachers burning their midnight oil. Sleepless nights? Daghan. Sacrifices? Sobra. But still we did not let go because we love our job. We love our students. We love the Filipinos. We love the Philippines. We are inspired by our leaders. We love.

We love because we are humans. Humans. Just like you, we are also human beings. Not robots. We are bound to feel, and sometimes, to fail. We cannot do everything. We are not machines. Machines even need to rest and be refreshed.

Teachers feel anxiety too. Our faith in God though tells us we have the confidence to move on and do our duties and responsibilities without hesitation. After all, God is bigger than any other.
---------
Something Personal

The next part is something personal.

The past weeks had been so crucial to many of us and I for one, even if I endured some fever and vertigo these days had tasks to accomplish: submit weekly reports, generate and analyze enrollment data, validate enrollment applicants, contact transferees, organize my own advisory class, contact them one by one to finalize their choice of learning modality, constantly update everyone, host Zoom Meetings and many other things required of us. On top of these, together with Ma'am Pua, we are also operating the hotline numbers of the school for enrollment concerns and we talk to parents, students, and answer their calls and inquiries.

Many other teachers have even bigger and more complicated tasks than mine, than ours. But still, not one of us complained.

December 2 last year, I was confined to a government hospital after I suffered high fever for several days. Later on, I was diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) by my attending physician.

They had to inject higher dose of antibiotics through the dextrose attached to my hands regularly. It was costly and normally would be painful but I didn't feel any pain at all.

Other church mates and concerned friends and colleagues visited me back then, and I truly appreciate their encouragement even if I wasn't well at those times. I thought their presence and prayers helped my immediate recovery.

I can still recall that it took me around 12 hours at the emergency room while waiting for a vacant ward. My fever would not subside. I thought I was floating, out of balance. Basically without strength. I had to be accompanied by my Mama and my brother if I needed to walk. Otherwise, I'd fall. Everything was completely new to me. First time in my life.

Even if I was dizzy and all, I was not given any medicine at that time. Some doctors and nurses were too busy treating patients with "more serious conditions."

It was not until the 11th hour or so from the time of our arrival at the emergency room was I given paracetamol by one of the nurses after my mother insisted because they thought my condition got worse. Thanks to our pastor and some church mates who were with us at that time until I was transferred to a room.

In my 12-hour stay at the emergency room, I noticed there were several patients coming in that emergency room. I saw how medical workers tried to revive some patients. Many were revived, but some were lost. At that time, I witnessed around 4 deaths from patients of different cases--drowning, road mishaps, old age, and more. Was it a traumatic experience for me? Yes.

But do I still want to be a teacher? Definitely yes! Para sa mga bata, para sa bayan. Para sa pamilya. Para sa Dios.

To our leaders, thank you for pushing us to our limits!

To my colleagues, laban lang!

Now more than ever, we have to be united. There should not be room for hatred, but love. There shouldn't be any cause of misunderstanding, but love.

Let us pray that GOD'S TIME NOW and GOD'S WILL BE DONE. NOW.

Self-Care During the Pandemic

 Self-Care During a Pandemic

For many of us, the pandemic has disrupted our daily routines, especially those related to self-care. Here are some active steps you can take to nurture your well-being during this difficult period.

Set up a daily routine

This can provide some much-needed structure to your days. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Create a routine that works for you.

Pick up a hobby

If your schedule permits it, engaging in a new hobby like reading, knitting, playing fun board games, or cooking can act as a great stress-buster.

Eat healthy, well-balanced meals

This is a good time to try new recipes and get creative with your cooking. Maintaining regular meal times is also helpful for your health and general well-being.

Stay connected

Humans are social creatures and engaging with others is really important for our emotional health. Apart from phone and video calls, online hobby classes and social media can also help you stay in touch.

Practice Gratitude

It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the worrying news surrounding us. Create a little time during the day to focus on the positives in your life, through journaling or simple reflection.

Make time to disconnect

Make some time during the day to disengage from the news and other activities. Use this time to rest and recover your energy.

Above all, PRAY.

Adapted from IndiaBioScience.

The Accident: May 24, 2020

9PM. It was unexpected, & sudden. It really was my first time. But when my motorcycle was down and I felt I was already at the distance, the thought that "ah, ingon ani diay feeling ug na ka sa diagrasya. At first I was helpless and I accepted na wala na koy mahimo but to endure.

There was no pain or whatsoever. I didn't even hear the thug if there was. I just found myself in a state of Oblivion. Wala na koy mahimo because natumba na ang motor. Then I felt nga nasukamod na ko sa dalan. I felt the sensation while nabagnos akong nawong sa karsada.


After that slit moment nga okay, wala na koy mahimo Kay diagrasya na man Jud ni, then nibangon ko, and tried to pull up my motorcycle. Then I realized nga nibangga diay ko sa sakyanan nga naka park. Then people started to come. One man helped nga mapatindog akong motor.


The vehicle owner came. They inspected their car. I apologized. They said daku magasto pa ayo sa car. The car plastic cover was torn. It seems that there was a long scratch in the car. I maintained my composure, though apologetic. After a few minutes of inspection by the owner...


The owner found out it wasn't a scratch after all, but remnants of the torn plastic cover of the car. I said, "thank you Lord." He mentioned He will need to have the plastic cover paid, it was purchased online. I said yes. He said we will talk again tomorrow at 7am.


I can say that in that experience, God saved me. How I got away from the motorcycle to the concrete is something that I can't recall. I suffered minor injuries to the left side of my lips, nose and cheeks, right elbow, left forearm, left knee. The car damage also wasn't severe.


I can't sleep well.


The pain wasn't imminent during the accident. It was painful by the time I was at home na.


God, thank you sa another chance nga mabuhi ko.. thank You nga gitabangan ko Nimo... Wala koy mahimo Kung wala ko nimo tabangi... Akong isalig nimo ang tanan.

What it Means to Commit to the Lord

This life revolves around goals we have whether they be short term or long term. The point is that if you have no goals, it’s very clear that you’re not moving toward anything of great significance. By the way, your life isn’t that meaningful due to the fact that you don’t really have something that you’re working on in order to improve the overall quality of it in the long run.

The Word of God boldly declares that where there’s no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Therefore the same thing also applies equally to your personal life. The reason is that if you don’t have any visions at all, you’re compromising your whole life for a miserable future.

Having goals is undoubtedly very important; however, not every goal people have will actually succeed. It’s quite unfortunate that in many cases people have dedicated their entire times and efforts working on goals that will eventually fail miserably. Even though some of them may succeed, but the problem is that they don’t really bring forth the type of lasting peace, joy, and fulfillment that God would like them to experience. To put it differently, their goals don’t take them to the place that God would want them to be.

The question is how can we ensure that our goals revolve around God? How do we also ensure that our goals don’t become an impediment to God’s plans and purposes for our lives? How do we make sure that God’s will for our lives is put ahead of own ambition and agenda? Well, it’s worthwhile that we consider these Scripture verses below in order for us to get a clear understanding regarding that issue.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans (Proverbs 16:3).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The first Scripture verse sounds very vague and broad due to the fact that it doesn’t specify any conditions whatsoever. Nevertheless, the ideal way of trying to understand this verse is to hook it up to the second verse which is found in (Proverbs 3:5-6). First, our knowledge and understanding are very limited while God has perfect and absolute knowledge and understanding. The very things that we’re striving for may not be the things that God would want us to have.

Practical Application

Since God is asking us to trust Him wholeheartedly and not lean on our own human understanding, this will make sure that we seek His will first by acknowledging our own human limitations. When we trust God in such manner, we allow Him to have His ways in us. We also allow Him to control the circumstances. So it’s no longer about what we want done in accordance with what we believe is the right thing to do. Instead, it becomes all about us allowing the all-knowing God to guide us wherever fits His perfect will for our lives.

We can strongly rely on the fact that an all-knowing God will never lead His beloved children to failure. In that case, the best way of pursuing our goals is to let God determine what should be done and when it should be done. The good news is that when we consult Him before we start working on any plans we have in a patient and obedient fashion, He’ll make His will plain to us. That’s exactly what it means to have our plans established by Him.

Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father, we genuinely acknowledge the fact that we only know and understand partially while You know and understand everything perfectly. Lot of time we ignore that as a result of being pressed by time, curiosity, worry, impatience, and so forth. What a bad idea for us to live our lives going after things that won’t do us any good in the long run since they are outside of Your will for our lives.

We pray that You give us what it takes, so that we can strive to make sure that we find ourselves at the center of Your will. Whatever goals and visions that we have, it’s guaranteed that they will all come to pass if they are consistent with Your perfect will. We pray that You empower us to live a life marked by complete reliance on You along with that You’re able to do for us within Your perfect will and timing for Your own glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Reference: Living for Jesus Alone

EXPLAINER: The Novel Coronavirus' Effects to the Philippines, and What We Can Do About It

It happened swiftly. Everyone was caught off-guard; even the strongest and the wealthiest nation in the planet bowed down due to the ill-fated COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to the World Health Organization, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. According to health authorities, you can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.

As of this writing, there has been 1, 363, 365 total of reported confirmed positive cases worldwide, 292, 467 recoveries, and 76, 507 deaths. Of course, this data changes so rapidly. These confirmed cases aren't all cases. They only include people who tested positive. Testing rules and availability vary from country to country. Today, DOH reports 104 new COVID-19 cases, 14 new deaths, and 11 new recoveries.This brings the totals to 3,764 confirmed cases, 177 deaths, and 84 recoveries as of 4pm today, April 7.

As previous routines in our daily lives were greatly affected, we notice a multitude of stories from all across the globe how the weak and the strong, the rich and the poor struggled to survive. Unimaginable horrific situations from various hospitals and medical facilities stormed the news outlets and social media platforms brought about by the devastation caused by the novel corona virus. As more and more countries report daily rise of infected persons and fatalities, the world is in panic as governments look for vaccines and medicines for this disease. In fact, solidarity tests and trials are in place between medical facilities following strict protocol of the World Health Organization.

In the Philippines, the government declared the whole country in a state of national emergency as early as March this year. The crisis later turned out really futile as local transmissions emerged from a number of local towns and cities. To stop the widespread infection, and in the hope of containing the virus, the Department of Health, have urged the public to observe extreme measures such as constant hand washing, social and physical distancing, and among others. Extreme situations calls for extreme actions, they say. With this, the government formed the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) that meets everyday to tackle this emergency situation. One of the things that were imposed is the on-going "lockdown" and placing parts of the country to enhanced community quarantine.

Business establishments were shut down, schools were closed, churches and other institutions were forced to temporarily stop serving the public. Private offices, factories, car repair shops and malls have closed. The entire country is under strict quarantine and the army and other enforcers are on the streets to monitor compliance.The homeless were forced to vacate their abode and were rescued to temporary shelters prepared by local government units for them.  In fact, some public areas were converted to temporary quarantine facilities.

With the implementation of enhanced community quarantine and among others, most Filipinos were forced unemployed. While other establishments and government offices impose work-from-home measures, many other workers and other vulnerable sectors were having hard times to cope up with the situation. The Department of Labor and Employment answered this by giving out financial assistance to affected vulnerable individuals.

Those still working in hospitals have their hands full dealing with the outbreak. They are modern-day heroes sacrificing and doing what they can to fight in the midst of insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), uncertainties, and the like. At first, even those from private hospitals were overwhelmed with the situation. To add to the dilemma, a number of health workers have been infected, and worst, some even died from the virus. Their infection and death is attributed to patient's who lied travel histories, exposure to COVID patients, and among others. With hospitals preparing for an expected surge in cases in the weeks ahead, the race is on to get doctors and nurses the equipment they need in time. At some point in time, the lack of funds has even forced some health care professionals to go ‘begging on social media’ for personal protective equipment amid the outbreak. Fortunately, a number of individuals, celebrities, social media influencers, politicians, business establishments, and other organizations heed the call. Truly, angels emerged and stories of compassion have been flooding our newsfeeds as well--we will focus our next post about that.

The government is on top of the situation and in fact, fast tracked whatever means that can be done in light with the situation. Measures and actions of the government mentioned here are only some of the several ways they have adopted throughout the whole country. Thankfully, local government units are also actively engaged towards the matter. Truthfully, everyone is doing their best in our quest to bring back what was normal. On the other hand, other government agencies are also crowdsourcing as we they look forward to implement the "new normal."

According to the Department of Health website, there’s currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

The website further cited that you can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you:

• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.
• Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell. 
• Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean.

While the rest of the world is busy tackling this crisis, all we can do for now is to stay at home and keep on praying for the safety of our families, for the healing of those who are sick, for the strength and courage to our health workers, for the success of our government, and for this COVID-19 pandemic to end as soon as possible.

 *********************************************************************

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_coronavirus_pandemic_by_country_and_territory

https://www.who.int/

 https://www.doh.gov.ph/

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/733003/philippines-covid-19-deaths-now-177-cases-climb-to-3-764/story/?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0UCBY8xcGTfyOv5R_9yXKC7MJ6oo8FJ0qeHYUKAyFhrlOeT75mPleV7rk

YEAR-END 2019 REALIZATION

Looking back, it has been a roller-coaster ride. In my 30 years of existence, I have many near-death experiences.

In grade 1, my father was almost carried away by the strong currents as he braved the flood in trying to fetch me from school. Thanks God, my former teacher secured me, and was reunited with my father the next day.

Several times in high school and even in college, I had ulcer, migraine, and other attacks--all thanks to the care and love of my former mentors and friends, I managed to go through.

Twice I was hospitalized--first was because of dengue sometime in 2014, and the second one was during the opening of December this year.

These and a lot of other instances when I was sick might have resulted to my passing away but I'm still here.

I'm posting this because I just thought how wonderful and how beautiful is God's love. I get to encounter, meet new friends and had been blessed with wonderful colleagues, and I also found a wonderful church family.

I cannot do it on my own. I need God in my life. He reached out His love, his warm embrace and I can still feel it every second of the day. God is faithful to me, and had done marvelous things in my life.

I want to encourage others to remain steadfast and to trust God. Jesus is my Savior, my Healer, my best friend. God helped me, God protected me and provided all means that's why I'm still alive and I know, He sees the same for you too! This is my personal testimony. Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future."

Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

To God be the glory!