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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