The Four Ls of life are: to Live, Learn, Love, and Laugh. They embody a good, godly, and happy life. From my own life’s “wandering and wondering,” I’ve reached one profound realization: Rather than loathe the present disappointments or be anxious about the future, it is more meaningful to just experience life, learn and grow...
Category: Life
Post
‘Pasyon’ and ‘Semana Santa’ when I was young
AVERNES, France—When I moved to France in 2005, I didn’t expect anything closely resembling the practices of the Semana Santa of my childhood in the Philippines. But without fail, every year in March or April, as though set off by an internal spiritual clock, I hear familiar strains of pasyon in my head. Once, my...
Post
How decluttering helps ease mind and heart
Who wouldn’t want a house that’s free of clutter? Why not dispose of the things that have been gathering dust and eating up space for years and years? Easier said than done, of course, because what might be clutter for others is a trove of special memories for you. Many of us have heard of...
Post
The essentials that matter most
In Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s classic book, “The Little Prince,” a pilot whose aircraft is forced down in the Sahara meets a little prince from another planet who seeks the secret of what is important in life. At one point, the prince meets a fox who promises the gift of that secret and reveals it when...
Post
My understanding of economics
High prices often confront us. Government is trying to control inflation, which is increasing beyond its desired levels—an ideal of about 2% annually but currently is about 9%. Why do prices increase and why do they drop? Why do things appreciate and increase in value over time? Why do they depreciate? Market forces, we are...
Post
Small dogs are all the rage, but think twice before buying these fur babies
You often see them in malls and other public places looking so cute and cuddly. But laying aside their lovable appearance, is the proliferation of small dog breeds anything to be worried about? Of course, each one of us is free to choose the kind of pet and breed that we want to bring home...
Post
Love and near-death experience
I wrote this piece four days before Valentine’s Day, when, once again, all eyes, ears, and heartbeats are riveted on the theme of love, romantic or otherwise. But for this piece, I’m veering away from the romantic or paltry thoughts and notions about love. I’m zeroing in on the transcendent character of love—that it exists...
Post
4 things to remember when depressed
Have you ever experienced “bottom-stuck” moments, or been pinned down by tragedy or misfortune, hopelessness and depression, pain and struggle? Here are some bottom-line truths to remember. 1. Nothing is permanent and there is no such thing as “bottomless” or “bottom-most.” Remember this: No matter how miserable or seemingly fateful your current situation, it is...
Post
How to set yourself up for success
For most people, there’s no arguing that success is a magnificent obsession. It’s a powerful psychological driver, not just because you find self-worth in your achievements but also because of the value society places on them. But it’s good to remind yourself that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. There’s no general formula of success for...
Post
Despite controversy, the appeal of beauty contests does not wane
Filipino American Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel clinched the 2022 Miss Universe crown, but suspicions are being aired against the organization that made her the new queen of the universe in its 71st year. Critics are saying that the Miss Universe Organization, now owned by transgender businesswoman Anne Jakkapong Jakrajutatip, had a hand in Gabriel’s proclamation as...