ACCEPTANCE and HEALING

     With ACCEPTANCE, comes HEALING.

     In any problems that we are facing in our lives, we always seek for solution. Sometimes, we take a detour in "bargaining" false hopes. Much worst, when we take a break and get stocked with "denial". May it be a family or domestic problem, a breakup in love, a relationship falling apart, a terminal illness or health threat, a financial crisis, and even a problem within yourself. All these troubles that we are going through should be dealt and be analyzed carefully by you initially... for you to come up with a good solution. Divine help through prayers to provide you fair wisdom in dealing with such downfall and moral support from your family and friends or from someone you really trust is a big help in guiding you which direction to take under confusing moments and stressful situations. Hopelessness, despair, and sadness... are normal feelings that may visit us in our darkest hours. But, NEVER make yourself and your mind dwell too much on it. RUN AWAY from it as fast as you can for this may lead you to depression and lure you into committing suicide afterwards. Keep calm for a while and think as you go to the nearest possible solution for your shortcomings. The way to do it is to recognize your problems and never turn it into a monster that will creep you under your bed when you go to sleep. Most of all, resort to "acceptance" as much as possible. Unload your life's burden by accepting it wholeheartedly and turning that acceptance as your permanent solution. Then... "healing" to oneself will surely follow. 

     Smile! Just hold still and be strong. All things shall pass... even problems too :)  

Photo by: Sukito San

PRIDE and EQUALITY

     PRIDE focuses to oneself while EQUALITY concerns to all.

     June 26, 2015 is the date when the U. S. Supreme Court declared the legality of "same-sex marriage" nationwide. LGBT community and its supporters celebrate as they have waved their hands with rainbow flags. Gay rights advocates have also turned their profile pictures on some social networking sites into colorful rainbow-layered backgrounds. Afterwards, #PrideAndEquality became the trending talked about hashtag among search engines on the net.

     I have nothing against gender equality and it's good to be proud of who you are because it's a clear sign of good self-esteem. No offense meant to anyone... but, "same sex marriage" for me is not an option to show how you love the person. I am pro marriage... but I'm also pro in the sanctity of marriage itself. Well, humans have free will on what he or she wanted to do with his/her life. I have some friends who are lesbians and gays and have lasting relationships with their partners because there's loyalty and commitment without any papers involve. I have nothing against them because as for me... the goodness of one person doesn't depend on the sexuality. But on how he or she deals with the people around him or her. Aside from the fact that they are fun to hang-out with. Anyway, marriage is the legality  of a relationship for most people and it holds a legal right under such human law. Yet, this piece of paper doesn't give an assurance to any same-sex couple the genuine acceptance of the society and some people around them who oppose on the said right. Implementing this law maybe the first step of legally considering same-sex relationship to be recognized out in the open. But "consideration" is different from "acceptance". We are still living in a society where not all are open-minded and most are judgmental of others, not only in sexuality, but also when it comes to race, religion, and social status. True "equality" really has a long way to go in all walks of life. The standard of what is right and what is wrong  is dictated by the social norms, the society, and the majority... and the little voices left  which includes the LGBT community among the few will have a hard time imposing their pride because of the absence of equality.

     Love is for all... and unfortunately, "equality" nowadays still has a price in some point or the other such as discrimination and bullying. And, I still don't know what to conclude on this issue in this ever changing world. Let's see what happens next...

Photo Art by: Sukito San 

MOTHER and CHILD

     A "MOTHER'S LOVE" is the exact definition of what unconditional and eternal love really means!

     If there is one person that I love the most... it's my mom. I always love it when my mother and I used to have coffee every morning and I will be the one to make her caffeinated drink. We talk anything under the sun on what we have gone through the other day. It makes me feel good when I crack a joke and I can make her laugh or make that glimpse of smile appear on her face. Simple talks and moments that gives bliss in my heart as it radiates to the ambiance of the whole room. A good conversation with my mom with her cuddles and kisses takes me to a perfect state of happiness. She implanted on me and with my siblings how to be a good parent to our future children someday by means of her actions and not by words alone. Setting up on us as a good example with the guidance of our father as well. I am happy and blessed that I have my "Nanay" with me... and she alone is enough as an inspiration for me to strive more and do good in life.

     Being a certified "Mama's Boy" doesn't make you less as a man and shouldn't be shameful at all because I'm proud to be one.
     HAPPY MOTHER's DAY Nanay :)

Photo by: Sukito San

FAITH and RELIGION

     Faith is the real essence of any religion... as religion is the foundation of one's faith.

     I am a devout Catholic and that is my religion. But my "faith" in HIM is above my religion and more than its boundaries because it is a deep personal relationship. Religion on the other hand is the catalyst that introduces man to his faith. But, "faith" for me is more than just a word and deeper to define that only my heart can read and not by my eyes and words alone. It's the trials, hardships, and gratitude in life that purifies one person to light up the spark on his faith in any religion where he belongs. Religion divides us as spiritual life seekers. But all of us has one common faith within us that only differs with its sincerity and clarity depending on the manner of how we hone it ourselves and allow it to change our lives on the good side. Not for ourselves alone but being good to others as well. Some people wanted to look for an explanation and be scientifically-oriented on this matter... and I can't blame them, for we are all entitled of free will for our own life choices. Most of all, FAITH is NOT FORCED... it is felt wholeheartedly without waiting something in return. With no offense meant to anyone, atheist, or any religion... as I respect religion in all forms.

     In my humble opinion, religion is the practice of one's faith. But, faith is the life... not of the religion but of the one who bears it. 

     Be blessed everyone!

Photo by: Sukito San

COLORS and HAPPINESS

     Life is colorful if we keep on being happy!

     My family used to hang out in my sister's backyard with this boring wall behind. Well, since I've been doing wall murals... I simply painted it with striped colors which is appetizing to the eyes as you can see in the picture. Knowing that my family always bring food and simple snacks while hanging out on this place. Kids in our family as well as the adults loved it and it changed the ambiance of the place from a boring one into a happy yard with a yummy-looking wall behind it. Actually, we already named it as the "Ice Cream Wall". It only proves that colors can really take an effect on one's mindset and feelings when the eyes starts to look on such hues and brightness. I think, our brain and heart is visual in nature. And a happy mind always gives birth to positive views which makes us an optimistic person.

     Bring more colors into your life... because a happy life is a healthy life. Good vibes everyone :)

Photo by: Sukito San

CONFIDENCE and SELF-ESTEEM

     Always think that you are worthful... and never give an inch to anyone who will pull you down.

     I've always been the thin and skinny boy in school. So, when I'm capable enough to make myself look better, I grab the chance of doing so. You have to make a way if you really want to attain something. Since, I can't afford to go to gym that time. I used to borrow barbells to anyone I know who already has it. I started doing sit ups and push ups regularly. And it paid off after a year and a half of doing it religiously. "No pain, no gain", as the saying goes. My self confidence and self-esteem starts to improve and boost up because I like what I see when I look in the mirror. It's like the new and better version of myself. And if you feel good about yourself, positive auras and good vibes tends to radiate out of you and people around you will surely notice that. It's not bad to look good that you wanted yourself to become as long as you don't overdo and exaggerate things. Also, it feels good to inspire someone to make themselves better as well because you're a living proof to it.

     All of us are beautiful in our own unique way. Love what you have and enhance what you got.

Photo by: Sukito San

MERCY and COMPASSION

     MERCY is divine when freely given with a heart full of COMPASSION.

     When Pope Francis came here in the Philippines for his PAPAL VISIT within the period of January 15-19, 2015... our family and I made it a point to see the Pope and go to hear his mass at the Quirino Grandstand. His visit has a theme of "Mercy and Compassion", for the Pope wanted to visit and show his compassion towards the victim of the last typhoon and earthquake that took many lives and left grieving families empty-handed in Visayas, Philippines. 

     It turned out to be rainy that day due to a typhoon. But still, people were eager enough to see the Pope personally despite of the bad weather condition. As we head to the mass before sunrise in Rizal Park, popularly known as Luneta, a mother with his two young boys approached and begged us if they can come with us as we commute  and do the long walk in going to the said mass for the reason that she and her kids don't know how to get there. And so my mom, my siblings and I agreed for them to come with us. The closer we get to our destination, the more the crowd gets bigger. Roads are getting congested and overcrowded. Our family is firm in heading  in the front area of the grandstand because we really wanted to see Pope Francis in personal for this is once in a lifetime chance and might never happen again or might took years and decades before this moment repeats itself. But, the mother that joined us ask if we can just stay in the place where we are currently standing because her children can't go on anymore due to tiredness, hunger, and coldness as the rain continues... and we only have our plastic raincoats as protection against it.

     Aside from the fact that they were also carrying big bags and a Sto. Niño image as well. Our family and I stayed because we should prioritize the safety of the children that's with us... although we really wanted to be in front and see the Pope in person. Still, safety should come first especially for the kids.The  most awaited moment came as Pope Francis waved his hands among the crowd... and we failed to see him personally because of the overwhelming crowd.

     We felt frustrated of not seeing the Pope in person. Yet, we felt blessed because we have lived his message which is "Mercy and Compassion", by showing it to the mother and children who got along with us.

Photos by: Sukito San  

SHADOWS and SKELETONS

     Shadows of the past will always haunt us back as long as we keep skeletons in our closet...

     Unresolved issues in our lives that has been buried long before as we try to forget it will be forever etched deep within us not unless we free ourselves from it. It will always be a shadow that will follow us as we go on in life. Forgetting it is a temporary solution or more as an escape than solving life's negative issues which we cannot avoid for it is a part our existence. Facing it... accepting it... and dealing it with right judgment, fair wisdom, and forgiving heart will free us from being a prisoner of our dark past.

     I realize that those shadows and skeletons in our lives are there on purpose... and that is to benefit from it as a lesson not to fall from it again and appreciate more of what freedom from our own crosses truly means. 

Photo by: Sukito San

MOMENTS and MEMORIES

     Life is a collection of moments as time turns it into memories.

     It's hard for us to remember the exact dates of our life events... because it's the moment that we truly remember.  Moments are compiled by the heart while the brain filters it and then archive it as memories. 

Shared moments with a loved one... will always be remembered by the heart even the mind begins to forget as it gets old with time. On this sense, moments taught me to treasure them as I enjoy their company... while imprinted memories in my head made me value it even more. It made me realize to never be ashamed or be afraid of showing how I love my family and friends while they're still here with me. Happy and unexpected moments are the ones that can wow us in the future when we suddenly think about it while leaving a slight glowing smile on our faces.

     Create priceless moments because they are the ones that give everlasting memories :)

Photo by: Sukito San

FATHER and SON

    You'll know that you're a good father... if your son looks up to you as his first and original hero.

     One of my unforgettable moment with my father is when we both lend a helping hand in making a coffee table out of old and scrap wood. We don't really get along with each other that much before but a bonding that took place over this coffee table bridge the gap somehow as we enjoy each others company in one activity. It's like we finally meet at one point without any walls that divides us. 
      Any son can be a father soon... and any father were once a son. So, he will surely understand what his young man feels and have been going through. Likewise, the son will soon realize his father's actions because he too, will fill up that shoes one day when the time is right.    

     By the way, the coffee table on the picture is what my father and I have completely done... and I'm proud of it!

Photo by: Sukito San