New Year Blessings

We write this column as we bid adieu to Year 2021 and look towards 2022 with what lies ahead of us, carrying hope in the midst of uncertainty. The events that transpired in Year 2021 kept all of us on our toes especially prior to the declaration by government authorities of Alert Level2 in our area. We feel as if independence has been finally declared with all of us including minors, who were able to go malling and freely go to other places of recreation. All that was needed was the vaccination card. With the vax cards as our passes, many of us made their cue to vaccination centers, thus speeding vaccination efforts by the government. Whatever lies for all of us in Year 2022, only God knows. However, we can always hitch our wagon to the stars- even if we reach only the tree tops. As they say hope springs eternal and we can always hope for the best. Sharing our lives and whatever little we have with our neighbors and our friends is perhaps one of the means to make our everyday life beautiful and meaningful. Incidentally, we will be commemorating the 125th Martyrdom of our foremost national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. How he shared his life and work while in his exile in Dapitan is one way we can emulate and honor his heroism. He was a peacemaker and he opted for peace which is what the world needs today.

The Order of the Knight of Rizal, Naga City and Camarines sur chapter is scheduled to commemorate the 125th Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Center. The theme of the commemoration is: “Rizal Para sa Agham, Katotohanan at Buhay.” As its former Commander, I encourage. all members to attend.

The City Government of Naga is likewise scheduled to have its flag raising ceremony, and the usual laying of wreath at the monument of Jose Rizal on December 30. The Department of Education officials led by Schools Division Superintendent Mariano B. De Guzman will participate in the ceremony.

Greetings also to all alumni and alumna of the Ateneo de Naga University on the occasion of their Alumni Homecoming on December 30, Rizal Day. May “Animo Ateneo” stay alive in these times!

Belated birthday greetings also to the First Lady of Naga City Atty. Marion Legacion on the occasion of her birthday anniversary last December 28, 2021.

Likewise, greetings to the daughters and son-in-law of the late Ely Miranda whom we chanced upon at the Casa Soriano Restaurant last December 19, Ely was a member of the then Naga City Press and Radio Club of which I was also among the active members. Ely was then a print advertiser of the Victor Bichara and sons cinemas.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“WE WILL OPEN THE BOOK. ITS PAGES ARE BLANK. WE ARE GOING TO PUT WORDS ON THEM OURSELVES. THE BOOK IS CALLED OPPORTUNITY, AND IT BEGINS ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW YEAR” - EIDTH PIERCE

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“GOD’S MERCIES ARE NEW, EVERY MORNING!” -LAMENTATIONS 3