ATE MARISSA: A WOMAN OF GREAT FAITH

ATE in the Filipino language means, “older sister.” Growing up as a child, I would always look up to my older siblings.  Definitely, I look up to  my Ate Marissa. When I was young, I would remember her always accompanying me to Pasig supermarket where we would buy stuffs for me to sell. As a child, I already had this  inclination to sell and save money. Maybe because I felt the need to do this being raised in  a poor family. My Ate Marissa was always there to support me. I always look forward to our market day because she would always treat me for delicious snacks which I always felt excited about.

When we reached high school, I witnessed how she tried to explore teenage things which I found  quite different but I never judged her at all. I was naive and shy then and I did not take the courage to ask and talk to her about it. I still see her as my Ate Marissa. She may have done things she wanted to experience at her young age but she never influenced or invited me to join her and do the same. That was a chapter in her life where she needed to change her environment, which by the grace of GOD helped her to be a better person. It was the time I saw her bloom like a beautiful flower where she discovered great things about herself which really changed her for the better. She gained many friends and at the same time she was able to establish meaningful friendships. Also, this was the time she experienced being liked and courted by the opposite sex. Honestly, it made me feel very happy and proud of her at that time seeing her change for the better. I even  remember all the memorable pictures she showed me from a birthday party where she looked very beautiful as a young lady.

From that time on, she has developed a level of maturity as a person,  which motivated her to help and support our beloved mother. We would wake up very early in the morning to buy food supplies at our favorite supermarket for our “karinderia” or mini-restaurant. We helped out in  marketing, food preparation, cooking, washing of dishes, and selling of food until we closed late in the evening. We had to sleep only for few hours as we had to do it again the next day.  It was a mundane activity that was quite exhausting and tiring but we did not have a choice because we needed  to do it to help our beloved mother. My Ate Marissa cooked like a master chef. Our customers would always buy and ask the ingredients we use as they really found the taste very delicious,  especially her goto. Ate Marissa never complained at all doing this laborious work to the point where she had to cook two to three times a day.

Finally, she was blessed enough to be given a chance to work as a professional since my Ate Marissa has earned a college degree. She had work experiences which I believe made her feel good and proud of herself as well. In fact, I remember the times where she would treat me during her payday. I deeply appreciated it a lot because for me it was an expression of love from my beloved, Ate Marissa. She did other menial jobs to earn money as a support to our parents.

Time flew very fast, as it seemed like in no time at all,  she met her husband (Kuya Efren) in Batangas where she joined her friends for a summer vacation. Kuya Efren noticed her because he found her friendly and quite talkative which he said was his opposite. From that day on, he never cut the communication and let go of the opportunity. Distance was  never been a problem at all as he would travel from Batangas to Taguig just to be with my Ate Marissa. Thus, they fell in love with each other and decided to tie the knot and raise their own family.

Just like other newlyweds, they had their own share of struggles and challenges but they were able to overcome it by God’s grace. Ate Marissa showed a great  deal of perseverance, patience, humility, love and faith as it was very tough and hard for her together with her husband to raise their family. Having to make ends meet, her family was able to rise above all these challenges and they are living a better life now. Her eldest daughter and son are both working professionally while her youngest son is an academic achiever.

In the year 2016, Ate Marissa was diagnosed with colon cancer. It shocked the whole family as we never expected this to happen at all. Our family does not have any history of this dreaded disease. This is the  biggest challenge that Ate Marissa had to face together with the whole family. Immediately, she had to undergo operation as we know how fast the cancer cells can spread.  She had her operation in Tarlac City under the care of our eldest sister, Ate Aida together with the support of her family. After her medical operation, her life has totally changed. This was the turning point of her life where she surrendered herself to the LORD and eventually found herself leading prayer groups such as block rosary and the Divine Mercy. Also, she would not hesitate at all to share her experience to people because GOD performed miracle on  her by letting her survive her major operations and other series of medical consultations and operations which she had all undergone with strong faith and joy from the LORD. Physically, she suffered much pain and fatigue but her faith in GOD made her believe that everything shall pass and she will be okay. She was able to display a very positive attitude with joy and happiness as if she was  not sick at all.

Her faith in and love of GOD and her devotion to our blessed Mother Mary moved her  to do noble things which she did not tell anyone at all including her family. She would go to poor places to share her blessings. Also, she would remember people without any occasion and would give whatever she could to help them survive even for a day. During Christmas seasons, she would gather children in front of her house and she would give them presence. She would always say, “GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES!” which became her mantra in life especially in helping other people. Through her great faith in and love for GOD she never got tired of reaching out to as many people and in joining them in their propagation  and devotion to the Divine Mercy and our  Lady of Fatima, which became her ministry.

Eventually, she influenced many people to love and serve the LORD through her ministry. In fact, a lady whom she invited to join the Divine Mercy confessed that she was a gambling addict. Through Ate Marissa’s persistence and invitation for her to join the Divine Mercy, she stopped gambling and had committed herself to the LORD by regularly joining the prayer group for  the Divine Mercy. She inspired, encouraged and motivated a lot of people to pray the rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet. I am a witness to how my beloved sister genuinely loved and served the LORD with all her mind, heart, strength and spirit. I am sure that she made our LORD very happy and proud  of what she done in her life.

On April 5, 2021, my Ate Marissa joined our beloved Creator as she passed away with a smiling face, as if she was happy knowing that she would finally have a chance to meet GOD and MAMA MARY in heaven. She even said, “There is Joy in Suffering” that is why she mentioned to her children that may GOD give  her more pain as she wanted to offer it  to HIM.

Ate Marissa, I know that you have lived a good life. You may have done things which people may dislike but I have realized that you have done everything because of your great love for your family. For that, your husband and three children have loved you very much.  I am very happy and more than proud of what you have accomplished here on Earth. You never complained and questioned GOD with all the pain and sufferings you went through. You showed great faith and love in GOD by loving, serving and praying for others.

I will surely miss you every single day Ate Marissa but I know in GOD’s time we will see each other again. I feel happy knowing that I have an angel sister now who will guide, protect and pray for me. Thank you for all the love and for every single moment we spent and shared together because I learned from it. Until we meet again, Ate Marissa.

Lessons of 2020

 What lessons did you learn from the year 2020?

Is this really a very important question to be asked after everything that had happened in the year 2020? Do we really mean it when we ask others this question?  What about the lessons we learned from this past year that may be worth reflecting and sharing? As known to most of us, a lot of tragedies and tragic incidents took place this year- the bushfire in Australia, the Taal Volcano eruption, the explosion in Beirut, airplane crashes in Iran and Pakistan, the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, social unrest over the killing of George Floyd, and the series of typhoons that hit the country and most especially the unprecedented COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic that has been affecting the whole world up to the present. These are just some of the many heart-breaking incidents that caused many lives to perish, which hammered hurt and pain in the heart and in the memory of many, especially those who were directly affected and became direct or indirect victims of these obnoxious events.  Thinking of all these incidents, it is hard to comprehend how human beings were able to rise up from these challenges despite the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual traumas they have all face.

In retrospect, let us altogether narrate some of the many lessons that we can pick up from these unforgettable incidents which I believe we can really ponder and seriously consider applying in our daily lives, whatever we think is worth reflecting and sharing.

First, the love for Mother Earth that was clearly evident during the height of the pandemic. It was reported that our atmosphere was transformed for a while from being polluted to being clean and clear. Our planet that was created by our God Almighty for us to love and protect which the human race is slowly destroying and killing has been flashed in the mainstream news as a big revelation and reminder for all of us.

Second, the love for human life and health which many of us have been concerned about  if not overly concerned about, where such love and concern were brought forth by this health crisis.  Many people are now engaging themselves into physical activities and observing the food that they eat daily. For a while, many people have appeared to be hypochondriac. Just a simple cough and itchiness of throat, people become paranoid, thinking that they might have been infected by the corona virus.

The love for family and relationships which people have learned to value more and at the same time realized the importance of spending more and quality time with their respective family.

 Ultimately, the love of GOD and loving others as central and core value of human life. People turn to GOD to pray and ask for protection, forgiveness from all sins, and blessings to survive and provide for their daily needs as many have lost their jobs and the lives of their loved ones.

You might want to reflect and think about the lessons you have learned from the past year. Lessons are intended for us to be reminded to do what is good for ourselves and for others. I hope that whatever lessons we learned from the year 2020, they will motivate and inspire us to do what is good and pleasing to GOD! Let us all continue to learn and gain lessons from the year 2020, which I sincerely believe, are telling a big message for all of us that we can capture as guides and codes to live by.

 How about you? What lessons did you learn from the past year?

"New Normal"

The term “new normal” is apparently the most popular and novel term being used nowadays brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. The so-called normal which means conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected has somewhat changed and it might change for a long period of time if not for a lifetime. The things we have been accustomed to do on a regular basis since the day we were born have seemingly changed. The way we do things from home, work, school and other personal activities we engage ourselves in have now likely changed to a “new normal.”

The preoccupation of people to this pandemic, from ordinary citizens, public servants, professionals, parents, students, millennial, Gen Z and to all people from all walks of life is going through a turbulent phase, a phase that many cannot adapt themselves yet to it. When COVID-19 became prevalent and started overwhelming the whole world, everyone was physically, socially, psychologically and spiritually shaken and challenged. It was like a roaring sound of thunder that reverberates to the ears, which made many people go frantic. As a matter of fact, it was reported that Thomas Schaefer, the finance minister of Germany’s Hesse state, has committed suicide apparently after becoming “deeply worried” over how to cope with the economic fallout from the coronavirus. Also, on March 25, 2020, after returning from Dhaka, a 36-year-old Bangladeshi man (Zahidul Islam, from the village of Ramchandrapur) committed suicide because he and the people in his village thought he was infected with COVID-19 based on his fever and cold symptoms and his weight loss (Somoy News, 2020). Due to the social avoidance and attitudes by others around him, he committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree in the village near his house. Unfortunately, the autopsy showed that the victim did not have COVID-19.

In this light, an article written by Leah Royden entitled, “A new normal: What does it mean to "get over" the loss of a loved one?”,   she explains that almost anything is ‘normal’ following the trauma of losing forever someone we loved in life, and continue to love through the agony of their absence.

For most people, however, their "normal" (albeit incredibly disturbing and upsetting) grief symptoms largely dissipate within 18 months. While the griever has not necessarily ‘moved on’, the most acutely painful sensations have shifted. As researchers Jordan & Litz put it, over time, “The griever is able to come to an acceptance of irrevocably changed circumstances and re-engage in life.”

So if you’re grieving, know that you’ll most likely return to a place of psychological well-being and a "new normal" in time—but the key word here is "new." The truth in the phrase "you never get over it" lies in the fact that you will never again be the ‘old’ you—the person you were when your loved one was alive. 

We are, to a large extent, created in the relationships we have with others. We bring forth different parts of ourselves with each and every person we share our lives with. We are a certain way with them, they are a certain way with us, and we are a certain way together. We mirror each other, we reflect one another back.

In essence, part of us have changed to a “new normal” as reality tells us that we cannot go back anymore to normal because of the physical loss of a loved one which in the process changes part of us.

Furthermore, due to the increasing negative impact of this pandemic to human life, academic and business institutions and religious practices and ceremonies have already changed as it has to consider the welfare of people. The normal way we do things in this regard has been changed to the so-called “new normal.”  Let us try to decipher on the current situation happening at present as we live in this “new normal” era.

When the government started to implement various ways and means to protect the lives of people, a lockdown was instantly imposed. At the beginning, it was not that strict yet as people  could still go out and do their normal activities. However, as the number of COVID-19 patient increases, the government realized that it has to implement strictly the lockdown and in a bigger scope. From community quarantine to enhanced community quarantine and general community quarantine, experts and government leaders are giving labels as to how quarantine will be implemented to a certain district or region. Under these different quarantine strategy and mechanism, there are scopes and limitations people can operate and do in a specific area and time. In effect, people are somewhat complaining, squabbling, articulating, criticizing and reacting to this “new normal” that is inevitable which we all have to adapt ourselves to.

People are praying and guessing when this pandemic will be over.  For now, we can only rely and depend on experts to tell us when this will be all over. Since this is still a big enigma for many, the Department of Health has just reminded us again of another “new normal” that we have to continue doing consistently on a daily basis which serves as preventive measures as follow: frequently washing of hands with soap and water, wearing of face mask every time you go out of your house and physical or social distancing (1 meter apart). All of us are still adapting and adjusting to this “new normal” and at the same time waiting for other precautionary measures and safety practices that we have to do while we are living and coping with this pandemic crisis.

The “new normal” is obviously here to help and support us as we continue to live our lives with hope and positivity that one day this pandemic crisis will be totally over. As we gradually submit ourselves to the “new normal” way of living, let us always be reminded that this is all for our safety and security. No matter how other people can’t understand and the worst accept this “new normal”, one thing is definitely for sure, we may or may not go back to our real and normal way we live our lives,  hence, we should always be ready and open for a “new normal” to come into our lives.

COVID-19 Heals

It has been more than a month since the Philippine government declared the whole of Luzon under Enhanced Community Quarantine or in simple term lockdown. At the early stage, I thought that this was something that would immediately disappear. I was even able to hang out and meet my friends to play badminton and do my regular work and church activities. However, I was taken aghast to hear in the news that this virus outbreak that started in Wuhan, China, in the wink of an eye has turned into a pandemic, which means “an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people.” It then dawned on me that this COVID-19 is a very serious matter.

Before this pandemic happens, people simply tried to live their life by doing things that would made them survived on a daily basis. Needless to say, everyone was concerned and preoccupied with work to earn and be able to provide for their personal and family needs. On a larger scale, big companies in the world continued to expand their businesses obviously to earn money and acquire wealth that perhaps would make them feel as little gods.  Do you think they have thought or have given attention to the impact their businesses could have to human life? I remember the documentary film by Al Gore entitled “An Inconvenient Truth.” At the beginning, a very beautiful and breath taking picture of the planet Earth was shown. From the illustration, the Earth looks very clean and virgin as colour blue dominating the image of our planet gives a very relaxing and soothing sight and feeling. Thereafter, the film presents us with the current dismal reality: the air that we breathe in is very dirty and polluted and apparently human beings have already acclimatized themselves to this reality. Our flora and fauna are endangered and are slowly dying. The beautiful creation that was given to us to protect and love, we have abused and raped for clandestine reasons.

Our current generation has seen that human activities have greatly destroyed if not killed values and cultures that are supposed to be preserved with the hope of spreading and maintaining it as a legacy from our ancestors and pass it from generation to generation. The thinkers would say that everything in this world evolves that is why things change. I agree that things change because that is the only permanent occurrence in this world but the question is what kind of change is happening in this world? If you try to do your little research at the tip of your fingers using your mobile phone you would discover what actually is happening in the world. As a matter of fact, the Philippines has been number one in the following arenas: We are the number one country in terms of graft and corruption; teenage pregnancy; and now for COVID-19 infected cases compared to our neighbour countries in the ASEAN. Also, we have been declared as the texting capital of the world and a country that has more mobile connection compared to its population.

Globally, many things have totally changed. People from different countries have fought for what they call human rights because they believe they deserve to be recognized, respected, included and accepted in the society. Abortion, same sex marriages, divorce, territorial dispute, economic competition and turbulence, civil war, political dispute, and religious beliefs and practices are some of the many social issues that have totally changed which people have fought for and are still fighting for across the world. Leaders from many countries have approved and made legal some of these social issues to feed the so-called human needs and the ego-seeking mind of people for human equality and freedom.

Another equally important issue that needs to be mentioned in the open is the current status of Catholic religion in some European countries. In countries like England, Netherland and Switzerland they have converted their churches into mini-department store, theatre and skating area. In fact, some churches are treated now as tourist spot because of its majestic and archaic structure only good for selfies and groupies for many tourists. Have you heard of the terms Nones and Dones? Josh Packard, Associate Professor from the Department of Sociology from University of Northern Colorado introduced these terms. Nones are those who, when asked about their religious affiliation indicated that they had none. They have rejected a religious identity or affiliation while Dones, a less defined category, are those who consider themselves “done” with church. They have not lost their faith but no longer attend church. You may have had a conversation with people who identify as “spiritual but not religious.” Not to mention the increasing number of people who chose to be atheist or non-believer.

The great philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living!” Have we spent time thinking and reflecting on a deeper level why this is happening to us? Have we thought of the real reason behind this? What do we think are the lessons we can get from this unprecedented event? Is this the beginning of the end of the world? Do you agree that this is all written in the Holy Bible?

Whatever answer you may have to any of these questions, I would like to believe that COVID-19 is here to heal. Why did I say so? Allow me to share my reflections and insights about this pandemic crisis that the world is facing today.

For the first time, the lockdown implemented in all countries affected by the COVID-19 has helped our environment to be clean especially the air that we breathe in. People have noticed the clean and clear blue skies because now it emanates true and captivating colours as it was cleared from toxic gaseous elements. Also, the gigantic cross from Mt. Samat located in Bataan can now be clearly seen from Manila with the aid of binoculars. This only shows that the poisonous chemicals floating in the air were lessened because very few vehicles are allowed to travel every day. Isn’t it something that we really wanted to experience? Our atmosphere was reportedly clean for the first time. Giant companies and rich people manufacturing and acquiring a lot of vehicles hopefully can learn something from this positive change. It may sound crazy but it takes a virus to clean our atmosphere where we get our oxygen to breathe and survive.

 People have started to become obsessive-compulsive as everyone was advised to frequently wash hands and disinfect all the things commonly touched by our hands to avoid contamination from the virus. Also, we need to wear face mask in order to protect ourselves from getting infected or infecting others in case we have acquired the virus. Needless to say, people all over the world have likely realized the importance of cleanliness both physically and environmentally. There is a saying that goes this way, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness!” A very important habit that we should all be religiously practicing but we only realized to do it now because of COVID-19.

With the preoccupation and attention given by people to all temporal things available around us, many have confessed that they have more time now with their loved ones. Parents have more time with their children and hopefully children have more time with their parents as well instead of indulging too much on their gadgets. Families keep themselves busy at home by trying to do family bonding activities like exercising, playing games, cooking and eating healthy food, watching movies through Netflix, and most especially praying intimately. They feel more bonded and closer with each other as they stay home together every day.

Death brought about by COVID-19 has been a very painful experience to many families. Losing someone you dearly love is far beyond words and human feelings, which is very difficult to comprehend and accept. Frontliners, young and old people alike, have been victims to this pandemic but the lives of these people especially those who died to rescue lives definitely did not go in vain. They are true heroes who are not dauntless to face the danger of losing their lives in the midst of helping and saving others’ lives. It may be a heart breaking experience for those people who lost their loved ones but in the process, it tries to heal a part of their inner being, which hopefully helps them to become a better, stronger and independent person as they continue to go on with their lives without their loved ones. Hopefully, people have realized the true importance of spending quality time with people dear to us while they are alive.

Finally, COVID-19 seemingly has sprinkled water to the spiritual dryness of many people. It is very rare that you see Facebook walls being flooded with messages and photos that inspire the soul. Normally, you would see pictures and videos about vacation spots, shoes, perfumes, clothes, inappropriate acts, Tiktok videos, and all sorts of seemingly egocentric activities. Apparently, COVID-19 has moved people to reflect and pray.  Different kinds of prayers like prayer requests, prayer of forgiveness, prayer of supplication, prayer of gratitude, and other kinds of prayers are posted repeatedly. Also, pictures of Jesus, Mother Mary, Saints, Angels, and all other holy images can be seen every single newsfeed. Seemingly, people have realized that only by faith in GOD and constant and unceasing prayers will help end this pandemic crisis. However, do you think we would still see as much prayers and holy images on Facebook after this is all over?

The virtue of patience and obedience are likely to be very important as people during this quarantine period tend to get bored and restless. Surprisingly, there are others who are able to embrace and exercise these values but there are some who just can’t fathom the importance of patience and obedience even with the threat to life by this COVID-19. Hopefully, this COVID-19 has truly impacted and deepened the faith and relationship with GOD of people all over the world. After all, this is what we heard and continuously hear from people saying every day, PRAY, PRAY and PRAY.

It may sound bizarre or ironic but I believe that COVID-19 is healing the human race from indifference, eccentricity, lavishness and sinfulness. It bonds families, it teaches positive values, like generosity and compassion and love for health and life. I fervently hope and pray that after this is over, each one of us would be able to live with all our heart and soul the lesson this COVID-19 is teaching and healing in us. Let us not wait for another virus outbreak to attack us just for us to show how valuable life is.

In Psalm 121:7-8 it says, “The Lord will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Stay safe everyone and may GOD truly dwells in our hearts all the days of our life!

Counseling: A Ministry Not A Job

My career as a Counselor started way back 1997 when my professor in the graduate school invited me to apply as a University Counselor in one of the biggest universities in Manila. At that time, I just wanted to study because I felt bored in the mundane world of being an office employee. I never thought that I would end up working as a Counselor for twenty years now.

Looking back, I never realized that I would do this job of listening to people’s problems from all walks of life. When I was a high school student, I remember having the patience and perseverance to listen to different stories of people whether sad, happy, funny, and even the most inane story you could ever imagine. As I grow older, I was still caught in situations wherein I have to listen to people. I remember working out in the gym and the instructor ended up telling me his personal stories. With friends, they would usually confide to me their experiences whether good or bad. With all these things that happened in my life, I have come to a realization that GOD has actually prepared me to do a job which I actually see as a ministry.

One of the many inspiring experiences I would never forget was when I volunteered as a Counseling Psychologist in a drug rehabilitation located in the far-flung area of Bulacan in the Philippines. I would remember all the moments I had counseled every single drug dependent in that rehab center. These people who are labeled as addict, evil, rapist, murderer and all other pejorative and degrading words you could think of are now being seen by the society as useless human beings. These kind of people especially now in my country is seen as a menace to society and that all of them deserved to be killed. How I wish that you would have a chance to know and genuinely listen to their stories for you to understand why they do things that they are not supposed to do. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

One day my student was crying in deep pain sharing that he was expelled from school due to academic failures. He tried his very best to study well but sadly he was not able to meet the academic standards of his course. Also, I recall the time when my student confessed that her father attempted to sexually molest her. It gave me an indescribable feeling because it was first time in my life to listen to such a story and counsel a young girl who was going through a terrible and despicable experience of her life.

At the end of each day, I would always go to GOD’s chapel to pray and ask for HIS help as I know that I could not do it alone by myself as HE is my only ONE and TRUE Counselor who could help all these broken hearted and helpless people. In Isaiah 9:6 it says, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

Ultimately, I know that I am accountable to my Great Counselor above, whom I strongly believe has given me this ministry and the gift to touch people’s lives and to help them become a person that God wanted them to be through my counseling. It is my hope and prayer that by our personal experiences of GOD’s love and compassion, we may also be moved to counsel people around us who would be in need of help.

May GOD our COUNSELOR and KING be always our source of love, inspiration and wisdom in our humble desire to serve our fellowmen through our chosen ministry. Whatever you do, wherever you may be, there will always be people around you, who might be in need of your help.

May GOD bless your kind and loving heart!

I have CONTROL!

Gluttony (Latin: gula), derived from the Latin gluttire meaning to gulp down or swallow, means over-indulgence and over-consumption of food, drink, or wealth items. In Christianity, it is considered a sin if the excessive desire for food causes it to be withheld from the needy.

I believe that many of us have witnessed, know someone or perhaps you yourself is in this kind of situation whereby you don’t have control over consumption of food, drink or even acquisition of wealth items. Apparently, there is an issue of weak if not lack of control over these things. In psychology, the ego just wanted to feed the desire of the id that the super ego is weak and don’t have control over it. Needless to say, there are underlying reasons for someone to overly indulge himself to these kinds of material things.

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders states that approximately eight million people in the U.S. have anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and related eating disorders. Eight million people represent about three percent (3%) of the total population.  On the other hand, according to WHO, worldwide alcohol causes 1.8 million deaths (3.2% of total) and 58.3 million (4% of total) of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Unintentional injuries alone account for about one third of the 1.8 million deaths, while neuro-psychiatric conditions account for close to 40% of the 58.3 million DALYs. In this regard, the life of many people is in jeopardy as this phenomenon continues to rise.

The great Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology was once asked, “What do you think will solve the problem of people who are addicted to drugs and into other forms of addiction?” He replied, “The person has to recognize and be in communion with his Supreme Being for him to be able to control his addiction.”

In Proverbs 23:20-21 warns us, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Likewise, in Proverbs 28:7 declares, “He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.”

I remember my personal struggle which I shared to my community where I have acquired a lot of shoes, clothes and watches. I am not proud sharing this but I know the reason why I have accumulated such a large amount of these material things. I also remember my counselee telling me that he hates his mother for being to obsess with branded stuff like Louis Vuitton, Prada and the like.

I know that many of us are exposed to all these material things which sometimes separate us from GOD. We cannot control our earthly desire to consume and collect as it gives us a good feeling and sense of pride as a human being. But with GOD, we all know that we can control everything if we truly put our mind, heart and soul into everything that we do. I remember the saying, “In everything you do put GOD first and HE will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”

Let it be our prayer and recite every day, “I have CONTROL because GOD is with me!”

Marcelo: My One and Only Uncle!

Uncle, Tiyo, Tito, Tata are some of the endearing names we call our uncle in the Philippines. But for my family, we call our one and only uncle, Tata Elo or Telo for short. Tata Elo is the first cousin of my Inang (mother) as both their mothers are siblings.

According to my Inang, my uncle lost his parents at a very young age. He lived with his sister for a while but because of personal issues and conflicts my uncle had to leave. Thus, he walked for 5 to 8 hours going to the place of my Inang.  Every time he would share it, he cannot imagine having to survive it and be able to walk for very long hours without eating and drinking at all. Tata Elo would usually share that vivid experience he had which will be forever in his mind.

Since Tata Elo only finished Grade 3, he can only land a job decent enough for him to earn for a living. He worked as a factory worker in a textile company near our residence in Taguig. I can say that he has enjoyed his work as he has showed his love and dedication to his job.

I will never forget the very first movie I have watched at Pinoy Theater in Pasig together with him. It was a very exciting and happy experience for me as it was my first time to be in a movie house. Also, he would bring me together with my youngest brother to a church in San Pedro Laguna, even if he knew that I would vomit because I usually get dizzy from a long travel.

Tata Elo as an uncle played multiple roles in my family. He would be a father and at the same time mother as well. I recall the time when I got sick and he wanted me to drink medicine. It was very difficult for me as he was instructing me to swallow it with a banana. I was crying like a baby while trying very hard to swallow it. When he asked me to put my tongue out, he got very mad because the banana was gone while the medicine was still in my mouth. Whew! That was a hard but loving moment I had with Tata Elo.

As I grew older, it was my chance to show my love, concern and service to him. I will never ever forget the time when I brought him to a public hospital for his eye cataract operation. We commuted going back and forth of the hospital. We have to ride a sidecar going out of the place. The road was like a moon crater flooded with water. The driver lost control of the sidecar and swerved down on the road with muddy water. I was shocked and don’t know what to do as I have to protect his eyes because it was newly operated. I felt very sorry for Tata Elo because I cannot give him the best service at that time.

Every time we would visit his doctor for his eye check-up, he seems to feel good and excited about it as Tata Elo is one person who loves to go out and roam around. Maybe because he was deprived of these opportunities when he was young. I felt good and happy seeing him enjoying every single fun time we spent together. He requested that I bring him to Manila Zoo and Luneta which I did together with my nephews and nieces. We also visited the National library and while we were moving around the museum, I heard a very loud sound like a big stone that fell from a tall building. I was taken aghast to see Tata Elo on the floor like a baby because he fell off from an elevated stage. Thank GOD he was not hurt at all. GOD must really love my Tata Elo very much.

Knowing how he lived a poor and hard life, it was my dream for Telo to ride in an airplane. I would narrate to him how beautiful the blue clouds and the big ocean and all other God and man made creation our eyes could ever see from above.  Finally, the day came when I was blessed to have the means to give him his first experience to fly. I can see the happiness and excitement in his eyes as we got inside the airplane and slowly fly up to the air.  My heart was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as I finally realized my dream for Tata Elo. We went to the beautiful island of Bohol where we visited century old churches, the majestic Chocolate hills and had our first floating restaurant experience while listening to the angelic voices of the Lomboc children's choir. I never heard and felt my Tata Elo complain during our whole trip and he even said that he wanted to go to Palawan for our next trip.

With all the happy and loving moments I had with Tata Elo, I will try my best to emulate three things that he has shared to me. First, being happy all the time without complain. He has always been very happy and I never heard him complain about his condition in life despite his being single. Second, his unconditional love to serve us especially Inang. He never got tired of serving us until the time he aged. Third, his commitment and dedication to love GOD through his daily mass and praying of the holy rosary as his devotion to the blessed Mother Mary.

Tata Elo, you have shared your life to us and I will never ever forget every single moment I had with you. I am very thankful to GOD for having you in my life as you have influenced and inspired me in many ways. You are my one and only uncle that GOD has given me and for that I felt very blessed.

I know that in GOD’s loving time I will see you again Tata Elo and I can’t wait to hug and kiss you and spend happy moments together and hear you laugh and talk in your “ngongo” way. See you in heaven Telo. Thank you for everything.