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

RAIN and RESURRECTION

     Rain taught me HOPE in every DOWNFALL. It's like heaven's tears that falls on the ground, then the Earth absorbs it... and gives life to all the living things above it.   

     I love bathing under the pouring rain... most especially when I was a kid. In fact, I still kinda do it sometimes until now that I'm no longer in my childhood years. I think, rain gives us different feelings and emotions depending on the mood, experiences and memories that we've had with it. It might be a shallow topic to talk about. But, it brings back a lot of memories in me. Some are bad... yet most of them are good. Actually, one's childhood is never complete without the experience of playing under the rain. It just makes me feel carefree for a while and unload life's burden. It's like you are being resurrected from dry spell's sweat and dust. 
     Rain cleanse my mind and adds up a pinch of sensuality and freedom as it drops on my skin. As for me, it's God's love and gratitude towards mankind... simple yet the best :)

   

Photo by: Jonelyn Santiago

DESTINY and DECISION

     We are the maker of our own path... and it's that one big decision of a lifetime which can change our lives forever.

     We normally ask for a sign when we are facing a moment of making big decisions. Some relies their future with what the stars hold for them. But actually, we are the ones who has the final say of what we wanted to do with our lives. We decide on something because we want change and we want to make our dreams happen. We decide because we want things to go on our way... which simply means that we are the one who has the power to shape of what our destiny holds for us. It's what we do today that will dictate of what lies ahead for tomorrow. It's never wrong to ask for Divine providence to provide us wisdom in any decision we make because it encourages us more to pursue for we have something to believe and to hold on to.

     Actually, deep within... we know what we want. We're just busy making alibis because we doubt and not fully trusting ourselves...

Photo by: Sukito San

RISKING and TRYING

     You'll never know unless you try...

     Life is a learning process and sometimes you have to take a risk for you to have the answers on what you've been looking for. Others are playing safe because of lack of courage to find out on what lies beyond. But who knows!... unless you give it a shot. It maybe a wrong choice when you get there but at least you've learned. You may succeed as well and reap the fruit of your brave act of risking and trying. After all, trying is never ending if we are eager to accomplish something. It's fine to be contented and be happy for what's enough for us. But greener pastures are not for free. Yet, it needs a little encouragement from ourselves to fuel our inner drive in life. "Victory comes to those who patiently wait", as they say, but it will be sweeter if you work hard for it.

     I remember what my mother always tell me that there's NO HARM IN TRYING. We just have to keep on going :)

Photo by: Sukito San

REST and REJUVENATE

     A good rest that keeps you rejuvenated is priceless.

     It's good to be busy and productive all the time. But, a good sleep and rest  at the end of the day is the best gift you can give yourself. If stress is already getting in your nerves and you start to lose your focus and concentration in anything you do, it only signifies one thing... just stop, keep calm and rest for a while. Your mind and body is your own engine, and if overused... might cause malfunction and will get something in return which isn't good when you reach your old age.

     So, aside from a healthy lifestyle... reward yourself with rest and be recharged for the next day:)

Photo by: Sukito San

BLOOD and FAMILY

     A true family always look out on each other and willing to give a hand to the one with a broken arm...

   Our personality, beliefs and upbringing is shaped first at home and with the family we are living with. I feel thankful and lucky that I grew up with a complete family... not so rich but happy and always ready to back you up in tough situations... in good times and in down times. We were taught by our parents to lift up each other and lend a helping hand to anyone in the family who need it the most in desperate times. A fight or quarrel sometimes is normal in a relationship but true blood always prevails in difficult moments. Others find their families in another home, in friends, in people who's always there beside them during their darkest hours... and I can't blame them. Maybe, family isn't really all about blood relations after all. I believe that family is about deep relationship between people who never pull each other down but with genuine intention of affection and care. Someone who will provide comfort when there is distress. Someone who will celebrate with you on your triumph and even on your simple accomplishments.

     Other people will come and go in our lives... but, our FAMILY will always be there by our side... no matter what.

Photo by: Sukito San

HOBBY and THERAPY

     Do what you love doing most and it will lead you to the right path!

     There were times when I'm down and tired from work and school and just wanted to divert myself and my mind away from the busy world. Doing my hobby which reminds me how to be focus on one thing while being productive and creative at the same time is my own dose of therapy against stress. In my case, I'll always end up with my first love... and that's drawing. Currently, I don't only sketch or draw on paper. But on a much bigger canvas and that's our "wall". Anyway, whatever you're hobby and passion is... just go for it. You'll never go wrong for it will always be worth of spending time with.

     By the way, the picture on this post with the bamboo wall mural is a sample of my humble masterpiece :)

Photo by: Sukito San