I find it hard to start this post this morning. Where I am, there is much revelry, joy, and happiness. I can see kids opening their presents, and I’m here sipping my usual morning cup of coffee. I find it hard, because I know the deep sense of despair that many Filipinos find themselves in today. Where the Christmas Dinner was not as lavish as it is usually depicted on television, where a package or two of pancit canton and affordable cheese is the main meal of the day. And corned beef is the centerpiece of that dinner.
It is not only in food, but in surroundings. There are many families that aren’t surrounded in bricks and mortars, nor are they surrounded by a gate, and beautiful lights and Christmas decorations. I’m sure you know what I mean, we most probably passed by such houses this week in our travels. It is the scenario that is being played out in millions of households in The Philippines, and yet, for all the meager celebrations that take place — there is love there.
And at the end of the day, even as I pray for these families, for our nation, and for our people, I am thankful that even in such cases of great hopelessness, there is love. And it is in love that we find the most wonderful treasures of life. We cannot move forward and live a meaningful life without the sense of love for the relationships we have and will continue to have until the last years of our lives.
I do get emotional during this time of year, it is that time of year that almost summons a great deal of mixed emotions, a whole grabbag of feelings, that I oftentimes think I have gone mad. It’s a madness that I welcome, and it’s a madness that has served me well throughout the years. It is hard to empathize, but it is in this madness I find the needed tool to grab on to that empathy.
Where ever we are, I truly hope, we enjoy this holiday season, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope you don’t miss the great overall lesson that this season provides for us. The lesson of love, and the lesson of gratitude. Let’s be thankful for what we have, and let’s be mindful of the relationships that truly make life grand and worth living.
To my fellow writers, may you be inspired as I have been because of you, may we keep our focus, and continue to fight the good fight. May we stand united, even in our differing views. May we stand tall in our love for our nation and our people. Truly, this Christmas, we are even more blessed, to have found kindred spirits here online. My fellow band of brothers, my appreciation to you increases tenfold each and everyday.
To the readers and commenters, the team here at FV experss our warm thanks for all the input you always give, and the kindness you have shared during this holiday season.
We, the writers and contributors of Filipino Voices wish everyone a solemn, peaceful, and loving Christmas and Holiday Season.
(photocredit: pinoyexpression.com)
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Merry Christmas, too! Happy New Year, also! We have a difficult world,
in our difficult civilization. We have disasters, callousness, poverty, cruelty, sadness, tragedy, etc… Inspite of all of these bad things. Inspite of a world of extremisms of all kinds , evil politicians and broken dreams. It is still a beautiful world. We receive our graces and blessings. We are still here…
A grand design, rooted in evil, is in the works if good men as much as allow our wicked politicians in Congress do their thing again in skillfully played political subterfuge.
Too many politicians wore those smiles in street-displayed tarpaulins greeting every one and all a “Merry Christmas”. Most people may even like it.
Just remember that dignity remains a few of the very poor.
They do not want awa.
Agree. And yet most maligned by some of us.
The politicians ‘indignify’ the poor by buying their votes for a few hundred bills (P200 to P1,000 only)- clustered though. Not one superman can give a huge crowd that much money, can he?
Food, yes they can. The catering service is after all, free from one of the politician’s most favored clients.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Nick. More power to Filipino Voices. For certain, your site continuously inspires more folks to express their political opinion in issues. This we need, more than ever, this coming 2010.
Happy New Year to all!
Thank u, Nick. But eclipses notwithstanding, I have a feeling it’s going to be a good year. Hey, it can only get better, right…? It’s the Year of the Tiger, after all, and high time we all became more courageous and decisive (me especially). ;-) Warmest wishes for the coming year, all!
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all! yeheeeeeey, welcome 2010!