THE REAL CHRISTMAS

The month of December has come. Many people are decorating their houses with different Christmas decors such as lanterns, Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights and Garlands. Some are listing different gifts to give their relatives and friends during the Christmas Eve. Some consider all those things as the real essence of Christmas. But are these things really the true essence of Christmas?

“Ang Tunay na Diwa ng Pasko
Na dapat nating isapuso
Ay ang umibig at magpatawad sa kapwa tao
Nang ang Pasko ay maging ganp sa buhay mo.

Ang Tunay na Diwa ng Pasko
Na sa ati’y itinuro ni Kristo
Ay ang mag-alay ng sarili sa kapwa tao
Iyan ang tunay na Diwa ng Pasko.”

Every time I feel that Christmas is coming nearer, this is the song that usually comes into my mind first. This song means a lot to me. Through this song, I have known the real and true essence of Christmas- to forgive, to love, to share and to have peace and unity all over the world. Material gifts and Christmas decors are just simple things that easily fades as times past by. But love, forgiveness and peace never last. Christmas is the Birth of our Savior, JESUS CHRIST, who sacrificed Himself to die for our freedom. He has done all those things because He loves us. So, we should also do the same thing not only during His birth but everyday. As some people say, “Christmas is Everyday.”

The best gift I can give to my community this Christmas is not the ordinary gift which can be bought in stores but LOVE, FORGIVENESS, SHARE what I have, and have PEACE and UNITY with them. Materials gifts easily fade but my extraordinary gifts would last until ETERNITY.

Filipino Values Month Celebration

“Pagpapatibay ng pagkataong Pilipino: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon”-was the theme of the recently concluded Filipino Values Month Celebration last November, 2009. This theme means so much for all the Filipinos.

All of the Nations around the world have their own cultures, traditions, values and ways of living which represent every countryman. We also have our own here in the Philippines. We have our own culture, tradition, values and ways of living. We are very popular because of being hospitable and friendly, having a good family ties and BAYANIHAN. All of these are our identity to be known around the world. We are showing these not only to our fellow Filipinos but also to foreigners. As times pass by, I can say that these things are being strengthened. But because of the beautiful paradise made by GOD is turning into a world of technologies or in short, a MODERNIZED WORLD, these values are being washed out.

So we, Filipinos, should strengthen our cultures, values and traditions so that we have something to leave to the next generations not only in the Philippines but also to other Countries for a BETER WORLD IN THE FUTURE.