Theresa May - citizens

"Only the ‘selfish’ and ‘greedy’ would want to oust President for serving his citizens." ~Theresa May,Prime Minister of Great Britain, March24, 2017 from AlJazeera Channel

Edmund Clowney - Trials

“Trials should not surprise us, or cause us to doubt God’s faithfulness. God sends trials to strengthen our trust in Him.” ~Edmund Clowney

Francis Euston Acero Quotes

"If you want the President to succeed, be critical. The person who points out shortcomings is more valuable to a leader than one who sings nothing but praise." ~Francis Euston Acero, March 25, 2017

"If your leader won't take criticism, or openly admit official wrongdoing, he isn't leading you. He's only pleasuring himself." ~Francis Euston Acero, March 25, 2017

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Mike Acebedo Lopez Quotes

"Politics is too small when compared to everyday Filipinos who have larger than life dreams." ~Mike Acebedo Lopez, March 27, 2017

"Those that remind us of the indomitable will of the human spirit to triumph over adversity, that make you believe in people, that make you hope for our country and our world." ~Mike Acebedo Lopez, March 27, 2017

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Chichi Villacorta Quotes

"Don't confuse ignorance with wonder. 'People used to perform the rain dance during drought.' That -- must've been filled with wonder." ~Chichi Villacorta

"If a foreign power plans to invade or intervene, there is no shortage of excuses." ~Chichi Villacorta (extracted from "WHY WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT WE SAY)

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Pericles Quotes

"Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you." ~Pericles, 430 B.C.

"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it." ~Pericles

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Solace from Oneness Happens Here

"Take in the stillness and the peace, and realise that it is holy. It is for you to feel the solace of your Creator's presence." ~from Oneness Happens Here

Carolyn Kenmore - learn

"If you can learn from hard knocks, you can also learn from soft touches." ~Carolyn Kenmore

Katie Holmes Quotes

On Parenting

"My child is the most important person to me, and her upbringing is paramount to my work right now. It's very important that I'm present and she has a stable, innocent childhood." ~Katie Holmes

"There's nothing in the world better than watching your child succeed.” ~Katie Holmes

Source: Over Sixty

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Paula Defensor Knack Quotes

"Only a Filipino can bring peace to the Philippines." ~Paula Defensor Knack from MY LEGAL OPINION ON THE THREAT OF AN ICC CASE : REASONS WHY THE COUNTRY SHOULD NOT WORRY. (final version Mar. 19, 2017, 12:07pm)

"The most accomplished people do not care about degrees honoris causa." ~Paula Defensor Knack (April 2017)

"The right to free speech does not cover accusations before the rest of the world without concrete evidence of each incident." ~Paula Defensor Knack

"You are like cry babies looking for a nanny from people who dont know your country and dont know your culture." ~Paula Defensor Knack from MY LEGAL OPINION ON THE THREAT OF AN ICC CASE : REASONS WHY THE COUNTRY SHOULD NOT WORRY. (final version Mar. 19, 2017, 12:07pm)

"You cannot win the battle without the right weapon." ~Paula Defensor Knack

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Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago Quotes

"At the end of the day, it’s more important to live a happy life than to chase society’s idea of success. Success looks different for everyone, and sometimes, just finding peace and joy in your own life is the greatest success of all." ~Miriam Defensor Santiago

"Be critical, vocal, and involved in the political process. We are a democratic country and it is our duty to keep our government in check." ~Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago

“Death is only a state of thermodynamic equilibrium!” ~Miriam Defensor Santiago

"Education is a powerful constraint against narrow parochialism and a gateway to ideas that can change communities." - Miriam Defensor Santiago

"God, preserve this country, and begin with me." ~Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago

"I have no illusions about myself, about my life, about leaving a legacy, or making a mark in people's lives. We are so insignificant. We are only here for a blink." ~Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago

"It is more important to have a happy life than a so called successful life, because success can be defined in so many ways. Just being happy is a success in itself." ~Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, former Elected Judge in the International Criminal Court, a former Senator of the Philippines, author of more than 30 books, a wife, and a mother; 5 November 2017

"Martial Law is an experience that many of us are familiar with, but it takes a lot of egoism to declare Martial Law. So I hope we'll never have it unless the ruler or the leader is very narcissistic. Martial Law is just an expression of a frustrated soul." - Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, April 2016

"There is only one person whom I know who have no records of corruption and that is Digong." ~Late Sen. Miriam Santiago on PRRD

“Those who like me, raise your hand. Those who don't, raise your standards."  

~Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago

"We have no sense of shared destiny." ~Late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago

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Lance Morrow - optical illusion

"Gravitas is deep moral seriousness. It is weight and consequence. Weight is not enough, impact surely is an element. Gravitas cannot be an optical illusion." ~Lance Morrow, Time Magazine

George Bancroft Quotes

"Beauty is but the sensible image of the Infinite. Like truth and justice it lives within us; like virtue and the moral law it is a companion of the soul." ~George Bancroft

“Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their amusement.” ~George Bancroft

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John Boyle O'Reilly - Be true

"Be true to your work, your word, and your friend." ~John Boyle O'Reilly

Karen Wright - mind

"An undirected mind worries, doubts, fears, and imagines the worst." ~Karen Wright

Joyce Herrera-Wong - Filipino spirit

"The Filipino spirit is like no other – the more we struggle from one turmoil and calamity to the next, the more resilient we become and we still manage to smile. We have an unwavering faith in God, we are creative, talented and optimistic. And for me, being a Filipino means that I have to support my country by respecting the voice of the people." ~Joyce Herrera-Wong on Greed and Narcissism, FB

Rolaiza Mimi Singayao Quotes

2017 is like a pancake.
Soggy and raw in the middle,
burnt on the sides,
topped with honey."
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao
December 30, 2017

"A nation who honors its teachers shall nurture a generation who values respect to fellow men and love of country." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"Arrogance, lies and deceit will never win people over. Duterte works,cares and is straightforward with us." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao, 18 September 2017

"Federalism for is meaningful self-governance. It's not a magic tablet, not a cure-all. We need to toil hard and shape up." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"I am in a journey with my fellow countrymen under Duterte's leadership to rid our country of corruption, criminality and address the devastating consequences of the Philippines being almost a narco state." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayap, on her Open letter to European Parliament: 'You disrespected our will as a sovereign people'

"I carry with me a guilt. And unshed tears. That men in uniform died to keep my city safe."~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"I dread the coming of summer.
For its smell of gunpowder, blood, ash and decay.
And records of humiliation, betrayals, grief and folly."
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"I honor my wrinkles. They are treasure maps, witnesses and companions to battles won and lost. I wear each with love and defiance." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"I pulled out and wrung you to dry.
To lie beside the blade.
By daylight, I keep you back, my heart.
To be healer, lover and fighter."
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"In my angry desperation, I found out that gentleness balms the mind and body. And getting up to wage battles has become a dance." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"Kulay kahel. Simbolo ng taunang paghalik at pag-idlip ng mga dahon sa dibdib ng lupa. Tanda ng pag-lisan at pag-uwi sa Sinta." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"Maanyag ka labaw sa katahum sa kabuntagon." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"Marawi in my mind had spectacular rains
that thundered, rolled, caressed and choked.
It blinded, soaked, froze and thawed.
The best rains are soft, warm,
hanging on pine trees. Like fireflies.
I kept all our rains in a jar.
To peek at. To hug on. To cling to.
Allow us more rains with you."
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"May we find the courage to be steadfast against injustice.' ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao, May 17, 2018

"Message to the World: The Philippines is a sovereign nation. We deal with our fate. We are NOT anyone else's slaves." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao, October 13, 2017

"She battled to conduct the storm,
lightning and rain.
And lay spent, her feet digging
into the cold mud.
Exquisite torture and bliss."
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"She stopped on her tracts.
Uncannily knowing.
Her bones knew the ring of disaster.
She's certain of the death.
As foretold."
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"Silence is balm, friend and armored knight.
An unlettered prose, an unsung lullaby.
An unforgivable tormoil set free in sands."
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"The life of a cat is gorgeously placid despite occassional upheavals." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"The most crippling of all the brutal forces is our apathy to the ails of our nation and the hate to the one man the majority had chosen to lead this country." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao, November 29, 2017

"They seek out each other.
As adversaries with past disasters.
Facing off after a clean war.
The wolf moon smirks."
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"Today,
I meet by the door
Betrayal.
Lead it into the parlor.
Stared it down until
it turned into a dark ash.
Its malodorous presence
lingered. Like death."
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"We are a sovereign state. Filipinos are a free People. WE ARE NOT UNDER THE DICTATE OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"We grace each season with our hilarious madness and colorful grief. Then, we leave unannounced." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"We need to find courage and speak against the evils in our communities. Even if they are friends, family or half of ourselves." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao, September 25, 2017

"Within us, a flower and fruit garden thrives and blooms." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

"Words appear, float , glide and sit firmly. Refusing to be moved." ~Rolaiza Miami Singayao in her prosaic poetic mode, 9 January 2018

"You disrespected our will as a sovereign people." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao on her Open letter to European Parliament, March 17, 2017

"You trample on our rights and turn the re-count into a mockery. Don't say ouch when we get back at you. ReresbakKami." ~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao, on Leni Robredo cheating (BBM Election Protest)

~•✿•~ ~•✿•~

VERSES

FINDING OUT

Shifting through debris, 

Gains far outweighs losses.

Broken and soiled.
We all thrive.

Ever so gentle.

It is a balm.

Finding out.

~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

~•✿•~ ~•✿•~

"I shall humbly wrap your words
around my head and chest.
To protect me from my ego.
To guard my heart
from the evil of pride.
To inspire me."
~‪Rolaiza Mimi Singayao‬

~•✿•~ ~•✿•~

MISSED IT, IN ONE MINUTE

Some days it hit so badly.
One wills the thick fog
to visit and envelope
what remains.
In tatters.
One calls out for the lashing rains
to bathe the melancholia.
In quarters.
One rolls gently
to evenly apply the warmth of earth
on sun-baked skin.
In sections.
In soiled tatters,
in shy quarters,
in dark sections.
She came and was led away.
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

~•✿•~ ~•✿•~

RIVERS

Kept suspended between words.

She bleeds.

Kept hostaged between letters.
She grasps.

Torn and kept.
She flows.

Both in Agus River* and
in the River of Pouyade.
END

*The Agus River flows from Marawi City into Lanao del Norte. 
The New Bridge is one of the bridges heavily fought with in the Marawi siege and is almost over where the end of Lake Lanao meets the beginning of Agus River.
~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao
October 11, 2017

~•✿•~ ~•✿•~

SHE

It was in a fit
of jealousy
that She,
the world
cast
a curse
for us mortals
not to give
wholly
of ourselves.

The curse spells
that our pleasures
not be everlasting.

And "stay"
is the doomed goodbye
after a quick
toothpaste kiss.

Listen.
We don't cling
but pack our wounded
eloquence.

With flowers.

By Rolaiza Mimi Singayao
February 12, 2018
Source: FB

~•✿•~ ~•✿•~

"She sits motionless in silence
while travelers roam and become storytellers.
She sews words
and a tapestry of parallel tales and woes."
~‪Rolaiza Mimi Singayao‬,
The Witch of Jahlut - On coming back Home.

~•✿•~ ~•✿•~

WHEN I AM FREE

She said to remember:
blissful silence, exquisite longings,
pastel colors, tea;
muted courage, fierce growls,
colorful misadventures, gentle snores;
soft rains, fog, uneven earth
and long walks in the dark;
welcomed disorder, undisciplined thoughts,
hilarious humiliations,
mischievous undying love;
and the endless demands to go unannounced
and arrange her own death.

~Rolaiza Mimi Singayao


~•✿•~ ~•✿•~

ATTRIBUTED QUOTES

"I speak for the children of the world who don't even have a piece of bread. I speak for sick who don't have medicine." ~Fidel Castro, United Nations, 1979

"Loyalty to petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul." ~Mark Twain

"Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the NEW EVIDENCE CANNOT BE ACCEPTED. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn't fit in with the core belief." ~Frantz Kanon, Psychiatrist, philosopher, revolutionary and writer from the French Colony of Martinique

"The world is divided into men who have wit but no religion and men who have religion and no wit." ~Ibn Sina

"Those feet are not yet steady on the ground of truth." ~Dante Alighiere, Canto III, Paradiso

"Tonight I can write the saddest lines." ~Pablo Neruda

"True strength often calls for the ability to sustain the tension without flight or fight." ~Herb Cohen

"Victory is changing the hearts of your opponents by gentleness and kindness." -An Nasir Salahuddin, Al-Ayyubi (1137-1193)

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Andrea Mason - great reward

"Over the years, I have learned that talent alone does not guarantee success, sometimes you have to work hard and put in a mighty effort to receive a great reward." ~Andrea Mason, Indigenous Leader, Northern Territory, AUSTRALIAN of the YEAR 2017

Aristophanes Quotes

"A man's homeland is wherever he prospers." ~Aristophanes (450-388BC)

"Hunger knows no friend but its feeder." ~Aristophanes

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Blaire Ejercito - For the Motherland

"The fight for the Motherland is bigger and more important than us . We cannot let this slip out of our hands. ..., "the enemy is powerful." So powerful and it is attacking the president on all fronts. He needs us more than ever. He is old, tired and almost losing hope. I can see it in his eyes . We can do this. We made it happen last May election (2016), we can certainly push this and complete the victory..................For the Motherland................ For the future of our children." ~Blaire Ejercito, FB

Julie Bishop Quotes

"I think (that is) the challenge facing governments around the world, that while globalization and economic integration, economic competition, have undoubted benefits, more people need to share in those benefits." ~Julie Bishop on her recent visit to the Philippines, March 17-18, 2017

"I think (that) President Duterte was responding to the concerns of the people of the Philippines, and the lesson for politicians around the world is to tap into the concerns, particularly of those who feel left behind by globalization, those who have been affected by the disruption of technologies, and those who fear change." ~Julie Bishop, Foreign Minister of Australia

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Barthold Georg Niebuhr - on creative

“It is better to create than to be learned, creating is the true essence of life” ~Barthold Georg Niebuhr

Ray Kroc - persistence

"Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence." ~Ray Kroc

Donald Riggs - success

"The successful person is the individual who forms the habit of doing what the failing person doesn't like to do." ~Donald Riggs

Richard Wright Quotes

"Men can starve from a lack of self-realization as much as they can from a lack of bread." ~Richard Wright

"Whenever my environment had failed to support or nourish me, I had clutched at books." ~Richard Wright

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Cesia Abigail - don't judge

“Do something nice for someone today and don’t judge them just because they're out there asking for money for we don’t know their situation… some deserve another shot." Cesia Abigail, from the article:Café Owner Lets Homeless Man Work For Food by Josh Starling, Mar 11, 2017

Theodore Seuss Geisel - Children

"Children want the same things we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted." -Theodore Geisel

A THOUGHT TO PONDER: Sunny day by P. Coelho

“If you only walk on sunny days you'll never reach your destination.” ~Paulo Coelho

Shannon L. Adler Quotes

"Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you." ~Shannon Adler

“There is a difference between saying goodbye and letting go. Goodbye is not permanent. You can meet years later as old friends and share what happened in your life. You can smile and laugh about all the nonsense that you both went through. However, letting go is being okay with never seeing this person ever again…being okay with never knowing how their life turned out…being okay with fifty or more years of silence… being okay with running into that person at a grocery store and having them not acknowledge your presence.” ~Shannon L. Adler

Robyn Reisch Quotes

"Be patient with the guarded hearts in your life. They’re protecting a true treasure." ~Robyn Reisch

"Often, the most sincere people end up becoming the most guarded. Their sensitivity warrants protection." ~Robyn Reisch

"They’re not easily trusting. They’re discerning. If they let you in, however, you will find that the most guarded of hearts are often the most beautiful." ~Robyn Reisch on guarded hearts

"They're too wise to throw their hearts out foolishly, with the wild abandon of someone who is young at heart." ~Robyn Reisch on guarded hearts

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Yogi Bhajan Quotes

"Man without intuition is a man in the dark. You may have a candle; but if it’s not lit, it doesn’t mean a thing. I understand there are millions and millions of therapies and paths and religions and realities and individuals. But there is only one individual that is you. There cannot be any other. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do; nothing outside of you shall solve your problem." ~Yogi Bhajan

"What comes easy won't last. And what lasts, won't come easy." ~Yogi Bhajan

"Your strength is how calmly, quietly and peacefully you face life." ~Yogi Bhajan, (from Oriental Philosophers)

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Burnell Colton - average dreams

"I'm an average guy, but I've got above average dreams." ~Burnell Cotlon

F. Ferguson - testament

"The magnitude and bottomlessness of the pain you feel is a testament to the love you shared." ~F. Ferguson

David Fasold - no guarantee

"Intellectual brilliance is no guarantee against being dead wrong." ~David Fasold

Charles Du Bois - what we could become

"The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become." ~Charles Du Bois

Simon Rowe - position of influence

“For me, charity is practical. It’s the ability to use one’s position of influence, relative wealth and power to affect lives for the better." ~Simon Rowe

Jeffrey Dela Cruz Quotes

"A parcel of humanity won't make a civilization." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz

"During my reading leisure, one of the people that I do regularly stay tuned in Facebook is Mr. Mark Lopez. Though meek in his appearance, he is fierce with his keystrokes as every message he send to the public is painstakingly direct and honest. His latest rant on freedom of speech is one hell of an accolade as he give emphasis on openness of communication and information whichever side you choose without resorting to underhanded tricks and deception." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz, FB comment on Freedom of Speech, March 8, 2017

"Force feeding others with misinformation as self-proclaimed sentinels of truth is already a crime against humanity. Same applies to yanking in authority." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz, April 26, 2017

‪"Humor knows no age." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz‬

"If we have turncoat politicians, we do also have turncoat propagandists in our midst." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz

"Loyalty must be unwavering, not out of necessity." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz

"Maturity begins when the drama ends." ~Jeffrey dela Cruz

"Redundancy is the greatest form of trolling." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz

"Sarili mo lang niloloko mo sa oras na nagsinungaling ka sa isang tao. Walang mahabang paliwanag para dyan." ~JDCruz

"The first episodes of Pinocchio was so tragic as it deeply focused on the media's irresponsibilities which lead to people's demise." ~JDCruz, May 15, 2020

"The value of the sword is not that it falls, but rather, that it hangs." ~From Jeffrey Dela Cruz

"The wildfire of hate is not something that can be stopped by a single person alone but it can begin with you. The real enemy is not from the other party or among our ranks. It is among ourselves. Really, it is killing us." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz

"Understanding sarcasm is a sign of good health for they understand the deeper meaning behind a statement in another twist, yet, it makes others sick for having sarcastic people around." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz, FB, December 4, 2017


PILIPINO

"Hindi naman nakasalalay sa ibang tao para mo siya matanggap sa kung sino at ano siya. Tandaan mo, na ang tadhana ay mapagbiro. Wala ito pakialam kung ang makakasalubong mo ng landas ay taliwas sa pamantayan mo, at ang masayang parte nyan, ay siya mismo ang makakasama mo habambuhay." ~Jeffrey Dela Cruz, December 4, 2017

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Mark Lopez Quotes

"And for a nation which has grown weary of the ugliness of radicalism, maybe it is now time for the Left to act in unity with the rest of us." ~Mark Lopez, 25 July 2017 post SONA-2

"And in the free flow, you either get enlightened, or you get lost.
At the end of the day, it will boil down to your choice.
Yours alone.
And that my dear friends, is free speech."
~Mark Lopez on Free Speech, March 7, 2017

"As diverse, as opinionated, as varied an ensemble and as different we all are, we are united and bonded by a common aspiration -- the love for the Motherland. Except the greedy, corrupt and inept motherfuckers who have taken advantage of this land, and who have continuously abused the Filipino people. And this is where we should really draw the line. May God save the Philippines..." ~Mark Lopez on Hydra via We are Collective, March 9, 2017

"I did not vote to look for perfection, for decency or to exalt a presidency. I voted for a leader who recognizes what my country has become, and change it to what it should be. A leader who is empathetic of what people have endured and suffered for so long, and wants to act on it.............A leader who is willing to kill and be killed, just to clean up the mess that incompetence and greed left behind for so long." ~Mark Lopez, March 31, 2017 on Revolution (Repost)

"In an ideal world, this on going ASEAN Summit would have been considered as ground breaking, game changing and paradigm shifting, what with the participation of even the US, Russia, China, Japan, Canada, India, Australia and New Zealand." ~Mark Lopez, November 15, 2017

"In our real every day living, it is nothing but a shield of the powerful against the powerless, and a cover of cowards who cannot take responsibility for their action. In our world, "due process" is the tool of sly and savvy lawyers from elite schools to play around and make a mockery of real justice." ~Mark Lopez, March 31, 2017

"Social media has radically changed the way mass communication is now played, especially in the formation of opinion and points of view. It is a game changer, and it has created a seismic shift in how people now digest and process the news and information. Most importantly it has actually empowered the ordinary citizen himself into becoming an instant newsmaker, or a journalist in the broadest sense. As with what we have been discussing with my fellow socmed bloggers, if Duterte were elected prior to the advent of Facebook and Twitter, he would have probably met the same fate as Muammar Gadaffi and Saddam Hussein, or Manuel Noriega." ~Mark Lopez, July 25, 2017 (EXCLUSIVE: Concerned Filipino Mark Lopez on his open letter to US Congress, in an interview with Adam Garrie, The DURAN)

"30 years after, the overwhelming feeling is one of betrayal and disillusionment. EDSA '86 is no longer the dream of peace and progress but the nightmare of corruption and apathy. It is one of the greatest con and one the most brazen swindle in the history of this country." ~Mark Lopez, A Calm Before Storm

"The greatness of this SONA2017 is never in its form, structure or oratorical sense. And the fact that it was laced with profanity and bluster makes it really pedestrian and jejune.
But it is exactly this authenticity and sincerity that elevates its stature. It's not so much about Duterte speaking in as much as we are actually expressing our collective rage against the status quo, and desire for change. It was not just a SONA. It was the BOSES NG MASA." ~Mark Lopez July 24th, SONA2017

"This is a time to be a very proud Filipino, and to stand side by side with our leadership in showcasing the world what we really stand for and what we desire to be in our place in the global community." —Mark Lopez, November 15, 2017 on ASEAN 2017, Manila, Philippines

"Truth is becoming inconvenient. It is becoming discomforting. And the end result is that it is splitting into alternatives. Your truth against mine. Which is which?" ~Mark Lopez on Free Speech, March 7, 2017

"We are now living witness to a generational leader who is enabling the world... where even Royalty comes down from their perch to honor and accord our country the respect and recognition it deserves." ~Mark Lopez, on Saudi Arabian Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif and President Rodrigo Duterte in an animated conversation in Malacañang. (2018)

"We have a strong-willed President leading the way, sincerely reaching out, and upholding a genuine socialist advocacy." ~Mark Lopez, 25 July 2017 Post SONA-2

"Your innocence is the perfect contrast and a constant reminder of my own imperfections. You make me aspire even as playing with you and making you laugh makes me perspire. You make me want to be better, because I can't do no less.
You are my inspiration." ~Mark Lopez, on his grandson's First Birthday, July 2017

ATTRIBUTED Quotes

"A developed country is not where the poor have cars. It is where the rich use public transportation." ~Gustav Petro, Mayor of Bogota, Colombia (via Mark Lopez)

“God cannot be everywhere, and therefore he made MOTHERS." ~Rudyard Kipling (Mother's Day 2017)

“Men are what their mothers made them." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The difference between Genius and Stupidity is that genius has its limits” ~Albert Einstein

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A THOUGHT TO PONDER: meritocracy by Osho

"In the future, democracy is not going to last long because the politician is already ignorant before the scientist; he is already in the hands of the scientist. The future belongs to the scientist, not to the politician. That means we will have to change the word democracy. I have a word for it: meritocracy." ~OSHO (Priests and Politicians: The Mafia of the Soul)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Eternal BEING

"The celestial order and the beauty of the universe compel me to admit that there is some excellent and eternal Being, who deserves the respect and homage of men." ~Anon

Jesse Lee Bennett - on navigation

"Books are the compasses and telescopes and sextants and charts which other men have prepared to help us navigate the dangerous seas of human life." ~Jesse Lee Bennett

Eileen Kennedy - beliefs

"Rigid beliefs make disappointments seem unbearable, whereas realistic beliefs help us to accept disappointment and go on from there." ~Eileen Kennedy

Quotes from INSPIRE MORE

"Character can never be undervalued or underestimated." ~from Inspire More

"Pursue your dreams and be a kind person in the process." ~from Inspire More

"Skin comes in different colours just like hair and eyes and every shade is beautiful." ~Inspire More

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THOUGHT TO PONDER: keep it to yourself

"Sometimes, you just want to tell a person everything. And sometimes, you find yourself regretting what you told that person when it comes back to you from a dozen other people. It’s not wise to communicate the little details of your life to just anyone; things get around that you don’t necessarily want shared with the world, and who knows how the truth will mutate through multiple exchanges." ~words of wisdom from Daily Vibes

Wilfredo Subong - way to prosper

"We have many good men and women in the corporate world. They know what ails society and they know what they can do to help in nation-building and uplift those who have less in life. However, they were adamant to extend their helping hand in the past because they are afraid that any financial assistance they provide might find its way to the pockets of greedy individuals in government and the private sector. Now that they feel that the president is sincere, truthful and has political will to implement plans, projects and programs for the poor, they open up. Getting rid of corruption is the only way for our country to prosper, because if the world will know that the money they share to help others are spent properly on noble endeavors and worthy causes, it will open the floodgates for more help coming from domesrtic and international sources." ~Wilfredo Subong, FB on (Comment:
Jaime Augusto Zobel asks: 'HOW CAN I HELP THE FARMERS?' posted by Secretary Manny Pinol, February 28, 2017)

PRISCILLA DANCEL BIERBAUM (RIP) Quotes

February 23, 1957

- March 14, 2021

"As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake." 

~Psalm 17:15

REST IN PEACE

March 14, 2021

"Peace is certain in the graveyard." ~Joffre Balce 

"A week ago today: Past 3.15pm Philippine time,  you peacefully gave up your spirit surrounded by our family who took care of you. You went away as the Angel beckoned you just as I finished singing you softly this last line: 

Farewell,  farewell,  sweet hour of prayer

"Precious in the sight of the Eternal is the death of His saints" ~Psalm 116:15

~Leah C. Dancel, March 21, 2021

~•✿•~ ~•✿•~

"Any day above ground is a good day. Before you complain about anything, be thankful for your life and the things that are still going well." ~Priscilla Dancel Bierbaum

"God has obviously gifted you in the area of compassion and in seeing small details that others fail to see or fail to address. I am so proud that you don’t shy away from doing hard things.

But sistah Inday, did you know that God is also going to use you in areas that you struggle in? Think of it." ~Precy D Bierbaum, February 28, 2020

"God tells us that as human-beings we have a heart problem. Academic knowledge of God’s Law does not enable us to think like Him. Becoming godly in our thoughts, attitudes and actions is beyond the comprehension and ability of ours without an additional help, God’s HolySpirit." ~Precy Bierbaum (Paraphrased from notes on Pentecost)

"Humility has great value in the eyes of God." ~Precy Bierbaum (March 2020)

"Love is poetry feeling or feeling poetry in love." ~Precy Bierbaum

"Never stop learning because life never stops teaching." ~Priscilla Dancel Bierbaum

"Never underestimate the strength you have, take your life in a positive and productive direction." ~Priscilla Dancel Bierbaum

"The night is more richly colored than the day. The world lit by itself." ~Priscilla Dancel Bierbaum

‪"Those pretty Poppy flowers are so delicately and beautifully arrayed on the field. Beaming is the gorgeous sunrise on the horizon that brings hope and peace through this troubled earth." ~Precy Bierbaum, April 27, 2020‬

"What we sow, we will reap either good or bad. Certainly money is necessary to live in this world. Though we haven’t always had paper money like we have today, there has always been a way to buy and sell either through trading other goods or various representations of wealth. It is clear we should not lust after money. However, we do need to be wise in the way we handle it and is not always possible to resolve every conflict, but it's possible to manage conflicts." ~from Precy Bierbaum her #lessonslearned

"When the children of Israel cried out for meat in the wilderness and the Lord gave them quail to the brim; So is tonight, when people cried out for food the Lord provided them with fresh milkfish (bangus) to the brim and the wafting smell of grilled fish is everywhere wherever direction you turn to..." ~Precy Bierbaum, April 22, 2020

"‪Yes George, the Elephant, may have the power and greatness, yet, the most gentle animal on the planet hence my most favorite amongst the animal kingdom." ~‬Precy Bierbaum, February 22, 2020 on George the Elephant at Nimmitabel NSW

OTHERS

"God has created us not to live by ourselves alone but to help each other. Like pieces of puzzle, we need to be united to achieve a beautiful work." ~Unattributed by P. Bierbaum

TRIBUTES FROM FRIENDS

"My strength comes from the Lord. Auntie Precy herself was amazing!  In so short a time,  one month or less,  she handled the time frame of her last days with courage and bravery. Her affliction and suffering wasn't that long; and she faced it headlong with quick acceptance." ~Leah C. Dancel,  (message to her niece Sarah, March 15, 2021)

"Na ala ala ko nga one time noon nag uusap kami about buying a property. Sabi ko kasi magandang investment ang lupa ba. Sagot nya sa akin, 'ako sistah ayaw ko mag invest ng material property kasi baka pag awayan pa yan ng kahit magkapatid. Kaya gusto ko na property ang love and respect ng mga tao around me. That would make me happy till the end',  so yon nga talaga ang ginawa nya." ~Azucena Diaz Gaurana 

"No words are enough to console the loss of loved ones, three in a row...

Two brothers and a sister  all called by our Creator during this pandemic depressing time could really be affecting anyone's emotional, mental, physical conditions, events that would really rob anyone's joy.  But as friends (though virtual only) we encourage you to stay strong and stay safe and healthy especially now, on your mourning." ~Rose Marie Natoza Santos, message to Precy's older sister Leah. 

"She is a true friend , generous friend ever... She is and ever my soul friend that. ...My enemy ... is her enemy too! One and only very rare to find another friend like her." ~Trixie 'How's Martinez Weingarten 

VERSE 

➖💠➖💠➖💠

PRECY

I saw her smile but for a little while 

As pain permeated in her soul, but why 

She knew that soon she'd be in another aisle 

While waiting for her time,  came God's reply. 

Her time on earth was by God's might 

That her wishes made known to Him for long 

Her silent anguish pricked through the night 

She confessed all shortcomings to whom she wronged. 

She never took her life for granted like it was a game

Neither a doser of pranks nor served a dulcet treat 

No one dared to poison her mind, lest you'd be blamed 

She could turn your fair face into a russet rage. 

©Leah C. Dancel 

Copyright@2021

SH-Australia 

Filipino Poets in Blossoms 🌸 

July 1, 2021

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Quotes on DISAPPOINTMENT

"Carve a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Disappointments are to the soul what the thunder-storm is to the air." ~Friedrich von Schiller

"Disappointment is often the salt of life." ~Theodore Parker

"Disappointment is the nurse of wisdom." ~Sir Boyle Roche

"Disappointment can only last a moment." ~Howard (Howie) Michael Mandel, Canadian Comedian, Actor

"Disappointment or misfortune don’t last long among us, the poor; we can’t live if we brood on them the whole time." ~Viramma Racine

"Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it." ~Eliza Tabor

"Disappointment weighs heavy on the pride." ~Mike Howerton

"Man must be disappointed with the lesser things of life before he can comprehend the full value of the greater." ~Edward G. Bulwer

"Men's best successes come after their disappointments." ~Henry Ward Beecher

"Ones best success comes after their greatest disappointments." ~Henry Ward Beecher

"Opportunity is a favorable occasion for grasping a disappointment." ~Ambrose Bierce

"People look at you and me to see what they are supposed to be. And, if we don’t disappoint them, maybe, just maybe, they won’t disappoint us." ~Walt Disney

"Rigid beliefs make disappointments seem unbearable, whereas realistic beliefs help us to accept disappointment and go on from there." ~Eileen Kennedy

"The more we shelter children from every disappointment, the more devastating future disappointments will be." ~Fred G. Gosman

"The pleasure of expecting enjoyment is often greater than that of obtaining it, and the completion of almost every wish is found a disappointment." ~Samuel Johnson

"The prompter the refusal, the less the disappointment." ~Publilius Syrus (85BC-43BC)

"The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way." ~Robert Kiyosaki

"The sudden disappointment of a hope leaves a scar which the ultimate fulfillment of that hope never entirely removes." ~Thomas Hardy

"There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment." ~Jim Rohn

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try." ~Beverly Sills

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Drei Toledo Quotes

"For centuries under colonial rule, Filipinos have been so acculturated to foreign and local feudalism, we stopped being vocal and vigilant warriors of JUSTICE, TRUTH, and FREEDOM." ~Drei Toledo

"I am not here to judge what stage of enlightenment or overcoming anger you're at. I'm just here to listen, to perceive, to learn. " ~Drei Toledo, (Filipino Catharsis)

"In order to win a war, battles do not stop because of rain." ~Drei Toledo

"Kindliness magnetizes words, charges them with greater significance, attracts the listener, enhances communication — and makes you look and feel better. And of course, it doesn’t hurt the speaker, either." ~Drei Toledo

"Kindness is an art. You are the painter, and the painting. Color your words — your world — with soft tones and enhanced effect." ~Drei Toledo

"Military Strength is the best deterrent. In situations like ours, wherein our military forces have only recently been receiving the MUCH-NEEDED support and guidance from a strong and sincere leader like President Duterte, DIPLOMACY is our first line of defense." ~Drei Toledo

"Oligarchs usually keep silent when their own family members commit crimes. They're masters of SELF-DELUSION and thus condemn JUSTICE." ~Drei Toledo, August 2017

"President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) has won on a platform for genuine change and this will remain as his only agenda to serve the interest of the people." ~Drei Toledo, FB, March 3, 2017

"Purpose affects purport. Tone tempers tenor. Kind words unite. Unkind words divide. " ~Drei Toledo

"Since 2004 I was criticized for condemning the Cojuangco-Aquinos. I never imagined Halalan2016 would usher in the demise of LP." ~Drei Toledo, August 2017

"The supporters behind PRRD come from all walks of life. We have a multitude of DISSENTING OPINIONS from within, but our power lies in the FACT that we act as ONE SOLID COLLECTIVE. We succeed TOGETHER. We learn from mistakes TOGETHER. And We Defend the Republic TOGETHER." ~Drei Toledo, March 3, 2016

"The Yellow Regime underestimated the cumulative force of the time when reckoning comes to bring forth JUSTICE delayed for decades." ~Drei Toledo, August 2017

"We, the NINETY-ONE PERCENT behind President Rodrigo "Rody" Roa Duterte, we are willing to fight tooth and nail, and to die by the bullet to protect the President, to protect democracy, and to protect the will of the people." ~Drei Toledo, March 3, 2017

"Without healthy DETACHMENT from material wealth, it's difficult to condemn rich family members who have committed crimes." ~Drei Toledo, August 2017

"Yellow Oligarchs of the Philippines have RAPED the Motherland and her children for 3 DECADES. God bless PRRD, The Punisher." ~Drei Toledo, August 2017

ATTRIBUTED QUOTES

“One does not make war on two fronts, especially so far apart.”~F.G. Hourtoulle, Historian

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David Kupelian Quotes

"America was being replaced by a new source of wisdom” ~David Kupelian, The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised as Freedom

“Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.” ~David Kupelian, The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised as Freedom

“We, the parents of this generation, along with the degrading entertainment media, the biased news media, the lying politicians, the brainwashing government school system, and the rest of society’s once-great institutions whose degradation we have tolerated, are responsible.” ~David Kupelian, The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised as Freedom

Source: Per recommendation by Dr. Roderick Meredith

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Henry Brooks Adams - teacher

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stop." ~Henry Brooks Adams

RADO GATCHALIAN Quotes

The Author 

“and never doubt

that such glory

is always found in your roots.

believe

and you shall grow...”

~Rado Gatchalian

(The Story of Trees)

DARLING SQUARE LIBRARY

Levels 1 and 2 

1 Little Pier Street

Haymarket

November 6, 2019

"A team is really working if everyone is inspired and motivated to shine as leaders in their own way. A team is even more than just a group of individuals if everyone works voluntarily and for a cause!" ~Rado Gatchalian, April 23, 2016

“And when this journey comes to an end: Life and death, faith and wonder, all become one.”
~Rado Gatchalian, A Meditation of a Traveler, April 10, 2020

“As we examine the lives of our heroes – we come to realise that our own life is the blueprint for this heroic journey. It is a choice we have to make. It is a personal challenge we need to accept.//

Every Filipino becomes a Hero. OR a Villain. But the question is: What kind of Face we want to give to our country? Is it a face of a Hero or a face of a Traitor? As we choose which Face to embrace – ultimately, it becomes the Face of our Poor Country. May we choose wisely.” ~Rado Gatchalian, “The Filipino Hero with a Thousand Faces,” August 27, 2020. Bayanihan News.

“As we take new steps to a Time and Place where no one can see and predict: let us put our feet on the ground close to earth, our hands embraced with each other close to heaven, and our hearts quietly listening to a beautiful voice that makes it possible for the earth and heaven to exist as One. .... One step at a time: it shall bring us to a place where understanding, acceptance, and love become truly One.” ~Rado Gatchalian, January 2018

“Be deep but know how to swim. Otherwise, you will die from your own truths.” ~Rado Gatchalian

"Beauty is a safe-keeping tool you use to nourish not just the exterior but the interior that needs more protection. Beauty is a supreme idea where the highest goal in life is only achieved through proper training of the mind and a conscious decision to lead a righteous life. Beauty elevates life to wisdom. Beauty raises life to strength. As man strives to lead  a beautiful life, one becomes wise and strong." ~The FILOsopher

“Bonifacio” is a combination of two Latin words — bonum ‘good’ + fatum ‘fate,’ ‘destiny.’" ~from Rado Gatchalian

"Death is a hopeless adventure while life is an opportunity for you to become a blessing to your fellowmen." ~Rado Gatchalian, Letter to the Filipino Youth

“Do not rush on giving final decision; otherwise, you will fail to see the best solution, and you will regret as it is too late! When you practise this rule, trust me, it will save you from making more mistakes in life.” ~Rado Gatchalian

"Embrace silence as jewels of peace and joy." ~RADO GATCHALIAN 

"Even a mountain has its own illusion. It thinks it is above all else until it realises that it can never compete with the sky and stars. Man, like a mountain, has so many self-illusion: that we are superior among the rest, we possess the only truth, and we can do everything. Then, we realise that like a mountain there is a limit to what we can reach..." ~‎Rado Gatchalian on #Reflection

"Everyone has answers to give. Everyone choose his own path."

~Rado Gatchalian 

"He who looks outside is lost; he who looks inside is free." ~Rado Gatchalian

"I am colour blind. Your skin doesn’t define who you are. Beneath that colour — what I see is a gentle beautiful soul, a person with dignity and respect, a heart and mind that speaks about love, joy, and peace. You are more than what I see. What is fundamental are those ingredients that make you as an extraordinary human being. Beneath your skin is a universal language: love. You are gifted with universal rights of freedom to live without fear, to live capable of achieving your dreams. Beneath your skin is a soul who doesn’t discriminate. Like a unique star, red, blue, or orange, you shine equally with the rest of stars. You shine brightly not because of your colour but because of the light that you bring to the Universe." ~by Rado Gatchalian

"I give the readers the liberty to judge and interpret based on what they 'see.'" ~Leah C. Dancel

"I would rather work with 10 people with 100% commitment than to work with 100 people but with only 10% commitment." ~Rado Gatchalian, April 2016

"If you want to escape from the lights: from the artificial and intoxicated — look sharply at the shadow. There, you shall see and find the light incapable of self-destruction. To see the real light, one must see the darkness hiding from it. There, upon creative meditation: one shall be able to see the difference between art and light. That’s enLIGHTenment." ~Rado Gatchalian,  May 27, 2018 on Vivid Sydney 

“In the silence of our heart and mind: like the stars and moon in a quiet night – from here to there, and there to here, the light that is shining is spread to all who seek and listen…” ~Rado Gatchalian, April 30, 2020

“Individually, each Filipino is brilliant. Collectively, we struggle to be great. As a Filipino, we succeed in our endeavours. But as a nation, we fail…” ~Rado Gatchalian (2019)

“It is my earnest dream that one day we Filipinos will learn and love to uplift our kababayan, to be happy with other’s success, to support our leaders, and to respect one another.... This is my dream.” ~Excerpt from my essay ‘The Filipino Dream.’ Published in The FILOsopher and EurasiaFuture, 14 June 2019

"It is when we lack the luxury of life

That every grain of rice becomes diamond." ~Rado Gatchalian

"It is when you fall from the dark that you intimately want to catch the stars." ~Rado Gatchalian, May 12, 2021

“My hope for all the new generations to come is to never forget how Bonifacio was killed by fellow Filipinos. This is a reminder that our own countrymen can be our worst enemies—and that we always need to be prepared and cautious.” ~Rado Gatchalian, “Rizal or Bonifacio? There Should Be No Competition,” November 30, 2020. The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

"Let us all be objective and find the beauty of looking at all the narratives. Like a work of art or literature: we shall not condemn the artist/writer just because his work doesn’t appeal to our taste." ~Rado Gatchalian

"Life as we breathe everyday becomes the best testament that we exist." ~Rado Gatchalian

"Life is a cycle: past, present, future, then, memory and legacy...In our genes: the blood that rushes to our veins is a residue of all humanity that comes together — to cherish and nurture what we call Life! Keep dreaming my son Jostein!" ~Rado Gatchalian, April 2019

"Life is a series of ups and downs. As we pause from a long tiring Journey: Here, we find time to see our surroundings. Sometimes, we feel we are all alone. No one to hold our hands when we are down. But as we pause and ponder: even the trees and stars are reminding us dearly — 'Do not be afraid!'" ~Rado Gatchalian

"Life is so short. Yet we keep looking to this thing called Happiness. Then, we feel so exhausted in search for this. As we travel from one journey to another — we always go back to what makes us really happy: by not looking. It is always within..." ~Rado Gatchalian

"Life prepares you to witness a grandest creation of all: You! As you become the best version of who you are — you become a unique star that shines upon the people around you. Be a masterpiece! Be a beauty where everyone can see the greatness in you: whoever and whatever you are. … Celebrate because you are simply You: loving, kind, passionate, vibrant!" ~Raed Braun Raezal, the FILOsopher

“Like a tree, embrace the wind with open arms. Feel the sunlight with grace. Soon, your roots will strengthen your spirit. Never quit!” ~Rado Gatchalian

"Like a tree, strong and brave — may we all confront each circumstance with a strong and positive mind and heart." ~Rado Gatchalian

"Like a tree you will grow up looking in the heavens but bending your knees to your roots." ~Rado Gatchalian

"Man is both a product of power — and losing… And we only retain such power when we find the meaning of losing it." ~Rado Gatchalian,  
‪"‬May the sound and sights bring you inner strength. Look and listen to where you are now: you shall have with you a companion worth remembering..." ~Rado Gatchalian, A Wisdom Called Empty 

"May you all find joy as you watch and listen to the prayers of the birds, the dances of the trees, and the solemn dream of a poet — peace: of the mind and of the heart!" ~Rado Gatchalian

"Oftentimes, the best and sweetest memories are moments when we pause for a while, smile, and treasure a time worth remembering!" ~Rado Gatchalian

"Only two words can satisfy the celebration of this day: Joy and Peace. Take these with you and may you walk a path worth remembering!" ~Rado Gatchalian

"Our ability to contain a life of learning and reflection away from the crowd — and towards the centre of who we are — is the first step in achieving peace, meaning, and joy. The next step is finding the wisdom in whatever circumstances: in silence or in the noise, in satisfaction or suffering. These steps always begin with your attempt to move forward. Don’t dwell in the past." ~The Traveler’s Diary by Rado Gatchalian

"… our journey may take days or years — the most important thing is that we realise to accept everything, however painful. Then, start a new life — with a better insight, with new perspectives in life." ~Rado Gatchalian

"Patriotism knows no boundaries. True patriotism lingers in the heart. This is also a testament that there is no monopoly in loving our country." ~Rado Gatchalian, Letter to the Filipino Youth

"Pride takes you to the highest mountain.

Humility takes you to heaven."

~Rado Gatchalian 

"Study and work hard and one day you will have a better future!" ~Rado Gatchalian

"The best eulogy is given when the person is still alive." ~Rado Gatchalian 

"The idea of being a Filipino is beyond colors and our status in life. It is rooted in our innermost being. We have lost our soul as a Filipino. It is a challenge for all of us to remember who we are and to find our truest identity as a race. This is the wisdom we all need to find. … When we find our soul as a Filipino – we can find who we really are. Once we have it, we can have the ultimate joy as a nation." ~Rado Gatchalian

"The Philippines is heading in the right direction with President Duterte as our social vehicle!" ~Rado Gatchalian, March 23, 2018

"... the real test is to understand that what is essential is invisible to the eye." ~Rado Gatchalian

"The sky unfolds its grace without condemnation." ~Rado Gatchalian, "One small piece of universe"

"The Universe connects People with Good Intentions and Purpose. Life is a small piece of Happiness but also a big piece of Joy." ~Rado Gatchalian

"There is always the best of everything from the best of people. When we find the 100 percent dedication from the people: we find the best possibilities that can be achieved." ~Rado Gatchalian,  May 12, 2021

"Those who know Rizal know that Jose Rizal was deliberate. For him, everything was precise and calculated. He waited for the right time. He hoped for the right time. Therefore, Rizal was wise." ~Rado Gatchalian, excerpt from Rizaliana 2021. 125th Martyrdom Anniversary of Rizal. Rizal Park, Rosemeadow, City of Campbelltown. 30 December 2021. Organised by the Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown (RPMC).

"Time is new again to a soul who giggles like a child." ~Rado Gatchalian, 31 December 2016

"To live a meaningful and passionate life: wherever and whenever you are — you bring inspiration to others so that they can become the light themselves." ~Rado Gatchalian 2021

"Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh passed away today. Thank you for all your beautiful teaching and writings. Thank you for your life that has inspired so many people around the world."  ~Rado Gatchalian, January 22, 2022

"We can only fly if we unburden ourselves with heavy stuffs: too much thinking, too much philosophy, too much emotion, too much expectation, too much fear and doubt, even too much hope and dreams." ~Rado Gatchalian 

"We have too many ups and downs. With failures and victory. We almost gave up. But like our Philippine flag: we shall remain high. High in spirit. True in our motives." ~Rado Gatchalian, March 2, 2017, UnitedDDS Sydney

“We often wonder why pen is mightier than the sword? Why so? Because words can occupy not just our body but our soul. Because ideas can build not just a village but an entire country. Because words, spoken and written, can move mountains. Because poetry can heal a broken heart. Because stories can shape the future of a child. These are the power that can truly win the battle!” ~Rado Gatchalian

"When everything you dream — is to do something worth remembering — not for yourself but for others. You keep walking on a path where everyone can follow with more joy and blessings. That way: you will always remain a teacher not only to your students but to everyone." ~Rado Gatchalian 2021

“When we learn from the elders who are at the twilight of their lives: every morning is a state of happiness; a smell of flower, a paradise; one flickering star is a billion constellation; a touch of a child is a sweet embrace of all great people combined; and a swim on an afternoon sea, a playtime for the remaining hours.” ~Rado Gatchalian, Excerpt from “A Wisdom that is called Empty”, 4 September 2023

"Wisdom is given by Nature

so that we can walk with the trees

knowing well that our roots

are the most beautiful part of

who we are." ~Rado Gatchalian

"With all the miseries and chaos in life — there is one order capable of healing and restoration: the presence of mind and self-preservation. 2020: here we come!" ~Rado Gatchalian

“With every step we take: find a path that is better than yesterday. When we choose the positive way — we find a will to make a better version of who we are.” ~from Rado Gatchalian 

"Without your gentle and strong wind: I cannot start to fly. May you fly with me again as we soar to a higher mountain." ~Rado Gatchalian,  May 12, 2017

“Writing is not just an ability to write. There is more to it. Thinking and reasoning are just two seeds that would nourish letters and words to become fruits of inspiration and change! Let the seeds grow!” ~Rado Gatchalian

"You can be a better hero when you live, prosper, and contribute to our society." ~Rado Gatchalian, Letter to the Filipino Youth

"...your only true victory is that you become loyal to yourself" ~Rado Gatchalian

🌷🌿🌸🍀🏵️☘️🥀🌼🌺🌱💮

SALAWIKAING PILIPINO

"Ang buhay ay isang alapaap —
iyong pagmasdan ang kagandahan:
ngayon o bukas, mawawala sa isang iglap."
~Rado Gatchalian

"Ang buhay ay nakaukit sa iyong sariling palad." ~Rado Gatchalian

"Ang huhubog at huhulma sa Puso ng Pilipino ay magsisimula sa pag-ukit ng tamang Pag-iisip para sa Kamalayang Makabayan. Ang daan para sa Pagbabago ay ang paglalakbay tungo sa Tamang Kaalaman para sa ating bayan." ~‎Rado Gatchalian

“Ang kakampi at kaibigan lang ng Makata ay ang Salita. Doon namin binubuhos pag wala kaming kausap, wala kaming karamay, ang Salita, ang Tula ang siyang yumayakap sa amin.”

~ Rado Gatchalian

ENERSONGS Presents “Pag-ibig, Himig”

03 June 2023

Kapihan Nina Empoy@Epang,

Toongabbie, NSW, Australia

"Ang pag-ibig sa Inang Kalikasan
Ay pag-ibig din sa Inang Bayan!"
~Rado Gatchalian

"Buti pa ang ibang lahi. Ang respeto at paghanga ay binibigay kay PRRD!" ~Rado Gatchalian

“Hindi hadlang ang kahirapan para umangat ang buhay. Mangarap, manalangin, at kumilos para sa kinabukasan!” ~Rado Gatchalian,  DDS Sydney-International Founder, 2016

"Nagsimula sa isang binhi at pangarap para sa ating Inang Bayang Pilipinas. Tunay na pagmamahal sa lupang ating tinubuan. Dahil kay Duterte pinagtagpo-tagpo ang mga Pilipinong hindi magkakakilala — at ngayo’y magkaibigan na at ang iba’y pamilya na ang turing." ~Rado Gatchalian,  April 23, 2021

"Sa bandang huli: lilisanin natin ang mundong ito - at malalaman nating may mas malaking pananagutan pa kesa sa sariling buhay natin. Iyan ang pag-ibig: sa kapwa at sa bayan." ~Rado Gatchalian, April 23, 2021

"Sa pagdiriwang natin ng ika-limang taon ng ating pakikibaka at pangarap na pagbabago, sana hindi natin makalimutan ang ating pinagsimulan at kung paano tayo nagkakilala. Tumanaw tayo ng loob sa pagkakataong pinagkaloob sa atin — at dito matututo tayong magpasalamat at dahil sa mga unang araw na iyan nabuo ang ating samahan." ~Rado Gatchalian on DDS Sydney April 30, 2021 - 5th Anniversary

✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️

 “Ang buhay ay hiram lamang. Sa isang iglap lilisanin mo ang mundong ito. Ano ang kayamanang iyong iiwan? At kahit ano mang yaman ang iyong binuo lilisan kang walang dadalhin. Sa pagtatapos ng iyong nag-iisang buhay: magsumikap na bigyan ng halaga ang mga bagay na mas higit pa sa salapi. Ang pag-ibig sa iyong kapwa ang tunay na kayamanang iiwan mo sa mundong ito. At kahit wala ka na: ang pangalan mo ay mananatili sa alaala hindi dahil sa iyong nakamit sa buhay kundi ay dahil sa kung ano ang iyong pinagkaloob sa kapwa. Ang pag-ibig ang buod ng buhay at kamatayan.”

~ Sipi mula sa DESIDERATA PARA SA PILIPINO ni Rado Gatchalian. Binasa sa SBS Radio Filipino noong 07 Agosto 2022 kasama si Annalyn Violata. St Leonards, NSW, Australia.

🌎🌍🌏🌐🌎🌍🌏

BIGO ANG DAIGDIG

ni Rado Gatchalian

Bigo ang daigdig

sa mapagsamantalang kabataan

na walang inisip kundi ang sariling kasiyahan.

Nagsusumikip ang dibdib

ng mga lola’t lolong naghihintay ng dalaw

ng mga anak na lumimot sa pinanggalingan.

Meron pa bang natitirang pag-ibig

sa sa isang irog na ang hanap ay

tunay na pagmamahal?

Kung ang lahat ay umaasa

na ang bawat isa’y kusang magpapatawad —

bakit kailangan pang ipagpabukas?

Para lamang ba sa isang makisig

ang pakikipaglaban sa kung ano ang sapat

sa gitna ng mundong naghihirap?

Kung kaya lamang pagbayaran 

ang lahat ng pagkukulang

sa isang buhay na ang kahulugan 

ay kapatawaran, bakit kailangan pang 

may isang batang walang kamuwang-muwang

sa kasalanan ang mamatay?

Bigo ang daigdig, bigong-bigo

hindi dahil nais nitong sumuko,

subalit dahil salat sa pag-ibig na totoo.

Bigo ang daigdig, bigo ang daigdig,

nawa’y makinig ang dapat makinig,

at sandaling makiusap sa daing,

Bigyan ng pag-asa ang unibersong

ang tanging pakiusap

ay huwag na huwag sumuko kailanman.

Bigo man ang daigdig,

patuloy na iinog, hindi dahil may lakas,

kundi dahil may patuloy na nangangarap.

Source: FB/The Filosopher

April 27, 2021

🌷🌿🌸🍀🏵️☘️🥀🌼🌺🌱💮

ATTRIBUTED QUOTES

“Be like the strength of the sun and you can conquer the world in your Journey.” ~Anon

“The problem is not the poverty but the inequality.” ~Prof. A.C. Grayling

“We should cautiously feel the ground ahead of us, as cockroaches do, and try to reach the truth in all modesty. We should stop trying to recite the part of all-knowing prophets. But this means that we ourselves must change.” ~Karl Popper, excerpt from his talk given in 1989 at the Liberales Forum at St Gallen University

“you are a child of this grand spectacle —
believe in your power:
tomorrow when the sun rises —
you will see that light and beauty are the same.”
~Rado Gatchalian
(one small piece of universe)

"You might think you are not successful or have not achieved big things in your life. BUT: if you are healthy, have a family and true friends, have a stable job, have a place to live in, and can eat 3x a day — that is more than enough to be happy and thankful!" ~Rado Gatchalian 

UNATTRIBUTED

"Knowledge is our strongest ally to fight the enemies of the State. To safeguard the integrity of the Heart of country we need to strengthen the Mind of the People. It is the only way to cure the social disease of corruption and poverty."

Quotes from RAED BRAUN

"As we write our own story — every beginning and end is a series of remembering." ~Raed Braun

VERSES

"As death comes nearer to a young poet, 

not everything in you shall die, 

but when you are forgotten 

do not pity nor weep endlessly, 

among the stars in the sky 

you glimmer beneath the clouds awaiting the twilight of joy, 

and you wrap your body among the gods whose desire is solely to celebrate beauty."

~Rado Gatchalian

Hymn To Stoic Beauty

ETERNAL LOVE
by Rado Gatchalian

Like tulips and bees

Sweetest are the kisses —
The Cosmos collides with the stars
Like friends and lovers

Of Time: of now and beyond.

Perhaps, when the trees and sky
Embrace as two beautiful creatures:
Even the wind and water

Become One — in love
—
and in life.



"Eternity exists in the shadow, in darkness,

Quietly hiding in every particle in the universe:

We are born, and when we die,

We become one stone, everywhere, all the time."

~Rado Gatchalian

"Friendship with trees: true and pure,

One beautiful day from spring to summer.
Let yourself be free and spread your wings,
Keep calm and she will take you to heaven."
~Rado Gatchalian, short poem

Small pieces of wonder

"homage to the queen —
of beauty and awe.
a pearl in the air
shining through her wings —

too many wonders whispering in the wind."
~Rado Gatchalian



"life is so precious
only a child can give
like a butterfly
it spreads its wings
on your lips
and you become a new earth
in paradise."
~Rado Gatchalian
Poem: the craft



LOOK AT THE STARS
by Rado Gatchalian,
31 December 2016

There were days when you were about to quit
Days too when some people condemned you
Perhaps it was a year when too many struggles
Came your way where you had no choice
But to embrace it or else you will fall
Do not worry
For a new journey is about to begin
When you fall, you rise up again
When you are down, cheer up
When you're losing hope, pray
When you are misjudged, take it as a lesson
When you feel you're alone, look at the stars
There are many blessings to count
Step into a new journey
With hope and faith beating in your heart
Time is new again to a soul who giggles like a child...



"Of all inner contents, of all hidden smiles:
Happiness is both young and eternal —
While earth rests its beauty:
The heart speaks like a mother and a child."
~Rado Gatchalian




"Then, when I become rain —and come back to earth:I shall pay reverence to this treewhere roots are so deep,piercing the core of my heart."~Rado Gatchalian


"whether you deny its existence
or glorify its infinite power —
a tree looks at you, and you look at the tree:
and a beauty is born in eternity."
~from The Sermon of the Trees, Rado Gatchalian
VISUAL INSPIRATIONAL

“As you begin the day with thanksgiving, you allow yourself to embrace abundance and blessings in your life. As you embrace the sunshine, you embrace grace. To live, to be alive, is a blessing not everyone is given the opportunity. Do this from now on and you will see a significant change in your life – you will start to appreciate everything whether it is ordinary or extravagant.”
#RulesForLife#TheFILOsopher

ATTRIBUTED VERSES

“We speak the good words,
But do not live them.
We perform the beautiful rituals,
But don’t embody them.
We praise our capacity for reason,
But are unreasonably intolerant
Of other people’s validity, and reasons.”
~Ben Okri, from ‘Mental Fight’



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THANK YOU

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