Prodigal Son

We have an instant brother from 1995; he is with us from his early 5^th month from birth. He is the family center of attention; we give him all the love that a family should give. Since, he is the only baby that time he got all he wants. He was a very cute little boy, a very talented and bright toddler; he is also an honor pupil when he was in his elementary years. But, when he enter his teenage life his world was totally change, he is always with his friends, he learned to smoked and drink liquor. He was totally influenced by his friends. He even steals things to finance his vices, worst he steals our things little by little. He doesn’t even try to listen with our advices, when he was scolded, when we try to talk to him, he doesn’t care. He stopped going to school because according to him it was so tiring going to school, he never bother to follow simple commands/house rules we give to him. The only thing he knew is he has many friends and he is enjoying it. We give him hundred times chance to changes, but it never happened. Until the time when our parents give up, we just let him go with what he wants. He leaves our home and stayed anywhere. We heard from neighbors that he tried working as slave in a lumber factory for him to sustain his living; he slept in a parked jeep at night. Until the time he realized all things he did was wrong. (Hopefully!). He went back to our house asking for our parent’s forgiveness about all the things he does. He repented (How I wish and pray, it’s from the bottom of his heart). Now, I don’t know how this story will will come to an end…. Our parents are relying on our mutual decision. Hopefully, whatever that mutual decision is, it will lead into a positive result. If me alone will decide I want to give him another chance, who knows he already realized the essence of life. I know my parents as well as my brothers and sisters have a soft heart, hopefully this will end like those of the Prodigal Son.

Our Lady of Peñafrancia "INA nin BIKOLANO"

Our Lady of Peñafrancia also known as “INA NIN BIKOLANO” is the most celebrated religious activity in Bicol Region. As Arch. Legaspi mentioned in an article, “Our Lady of Peñafrancia is part and parcel of the identity of the Bikolanos. She is their mother, patroness, and protector. If siling labuyo is the character index of the Bikolanos, Ina is their spiritual index. She has been a rallying point of unity for the Bikolanos. Anywhere a Bikolano goes; he or she is expected to be a devotee of Ina.” Devotees believe that if you will sincerely ask for blessings from her it will come through.

This is celebrated in Naga City every September. It is started with “TRASLACION PROCESSION” or the Feast of Divino Rostro, this year the procession falls today (September 10). The image of Ina as well as the Divino Rostro is transferred from Basilica to Naga Cathedral. The images are transferred through a procession that is participated by almost all religious organization, civic organizations all over the Bicol region, as well as devotees all over the world. The two images are carried by a group of men known as “voyadores”. It was followed by a nine day novenary mass. At the last day of the novena the images will be brought back to the Basilica (her home) this if called “Fluvial Procession”. This time the images of INA and the Divino Rostro are carried by“pagoda” arch designed water transportation) this will pass through the Naga River.

The image of Divino Rostro.

The image of "INA" Our Lady of Peñafrancia.... Viva La Birhen!!!!!! Viva!!!!

"Fluvial Procession"

How I wish I could attend to the celebration once again. During my childhood up to my college days we are always going to Naga City to participate in the fluvial procession or if not to watch the Fluvial Procession and of course to pray for the Divine Intercession of “INA”. May she continue to shower her abundant blessings to all of us.

Toms Shoes Supports Your Altruistic Desires

In each person there exists a personal, humanistic desire to help others in the name of the betterment of all people. Whether this is an active desire, one that has been suppressed, or has merely been put on the back burner of your busy life, giving selflessly remains a gateway to happiness and personal satisfaction, and can be achieved quite easily without any drastic measures, or even any expense.

In fact, there are now companies that allow people to match their need for essential items, such as shoes and clothing, to altruistic desires. So while your penchant to give, as well as how you choose to give, may be a personal choice (often based upon your personality and specific events in your life), it can be a public act that helps an entire social structure.

One such example of this is the company Tom’s shoes, which provides one pair of shoes to children in need for every one pair you purchase. While shoes may seem an odd thing to give (especially when compared to other basic needs like food or shelter), keep in mind that the majority of children in underdeveloped countries grow up barefoot, which greatly increases the risk for diseases and injuries, and also prohibits children from going to school.

So, while you provide yourself with a new pair of shoes, you can also alter someone else’s life positively, giving them comfort, safety, and opportunity. There are also similar companies that offer a percentage of their profits to give to charities. One such retailer is 3 Clothing Co, who gives 10% of every purchase to non-profit organizations that enhance communities and work for the improvement of the overall quality of life.

As you can see, your personal choice for philanthropy does not have to be inconvenient. It is available directly within your shopping expenditures, holding rewards that will last long after any product you buy.