A Time-Honored Tradition

TOMORROW, November 1, all roads will lead to all public and private cemeteries as the whole country celebrates the traditional All Saints Day. For the past few days most of our countrymen are seen busy sprucing up grave sites of their loved ones. The following day is All Souls Day, and November 1 having been declared as a national holiday, it’s going to be a long weekend. This Filipino tradition of honoring our departed ones is a time-honored practice and often times a festive one as we share some repast while spending the night in vigil at the tomb of our loved ones who have gone ahead of us. On the part of the government, tight security has been provided to see to it that peace and order are maintained. Some local governments have even made available emergency clinics on the site. A truly reflective and meaningful holiday, therefore, to all!

We have read from news reports both on print and broadcast media that the Duterte administration is about to enter into a Code of Conduct arrangement with China with respect to the use of the Scarborough shores in the South China Sea. Reports also are that the Philippines will not insist on the observance of the Arbitral Ruling of the UN in favor of the Philippines. To some international law experts this latest stance of the Philippine government will amount to a de facto recognition that indeed, the shoal is part of China’s territory. If the reports are true, this is unfortunate and a sad day for our country.

TRIVIA: Greetings to our friend Tess Mancera who celebrated her 70th birthday anniversary with her close relatives and friends at the Champaign Garden.Tess and her husband Danny were among the members of our “Household” during our CFC (Couples for Christ) days.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “TO IMPROVE THE GOLDEN MOMENT OF OPPORTUNITY, AND CATCH THE GOOD THAT IS WITHIN OUR REACH, IS THE GREAT ART OF LIFE.” JOHNSON

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “I CLAIM THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY.” JOHN 10:10