The Filipino's Bayanihan Spirit

Difficult times can bring out the best in people and the Filipinos' Bayanihan spirit has been evident during this time of calamity. Last September 26, Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) brought record rainfall of almost 18 inches in 24 hours (the previous record was 13.2 inches in June 1967). This caused severe flooding in so many areas. It left lives lost and thousands of people homeless. Rich and poor were not spared. Houses in gated subdivisions were submerged and for many there wasn't even time to transfer their cars and possessions to higher ground. Others lost all their belongings as the flood just washed them all away. So many people who lived along the river banks lost not only their belongings but their homes as well. And all along the roads, expensive cars and SUVs were submerged in the flood, sometimes ending up one on top of the other when the floods subsided. And yet, those who lost their material possessions have still been able to be thankful that they and their families have survived the typhoon. So many others lost their lives.

Through all this, it is heartwarming to see how the Bayanihan spirit, where everyone lends a helping hand to those in need, is still very much alive in the Filipino. So many have helped clean up muddy homes, clear the streets of mud and debris, pack relief goods, and donate money, food, blankets, clothes and other goods. So many companies and individuals have done and are continuing to do their part to help out. There are drop off points for donations all over and people have been volunteering to pack and distribute goods. There are medical missions for those affected by the typhoon. Even students have volunteered to help in relief efforts. There are even ways for people to donate to Manila from abroad.

The origin of the term "Bayanihan" can be traced to the tradition which used to be very common in the rural areas. When a family was going to move to a new place, their neighbors would volunteer to help them. They would use a strong bamboo frame to lift the house stilts from the ground and men positioned at the poles would carry the whole house to the new location (the house was made of bamboo and nipa).

All over the world, not just in times like these, there are so many people in need. Let each one of us do whatever we can, wherever we are with whatever we have. Let each one of us, Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike have the Bayanihan spirit.

Filipino Hospitality

The other day I passed a group of construction workers having their lunch and as I glanced at them, one of them said "Kain tayo!" (Let's eat). This is not unusual for the Filipino. It would be more unusual for them to just keep eating without offering to share their meal.

Visitors to the Philippines will find that Filipinos love visitors and hospitality is a way of life in the Philippines. From their willingness to share their meal to the well meaning eagerness to give directions when you've lost their way (although I must admit, sometimes the directions are not that accurate), you will find that Filipinos are eager to make their visitors feel at home. Since most Filipinos can understand English, it is easy for visitors to get around.

Endemic Philippine Animals

The Philippines has many endemic animals (native to the Philippines and not occurring naturally anywhere else). Among the critically endangered animals that are endemic to the Philippines are the Tamaraw, Visayan Warty Pig, Mt. Isarog Striped Rat, and the Negros Shrew.

Among those classified as Endangered are the Calamian Deer, White Winged Flying Fox, Visayan Spotted Deer, Mindoro Shrew and the Palawan Soft Furred Mountain Rat.

Among those classified as Vulnerable are the Dugong, Flying Lemur, Giant Bushy Tailed Cloud Rat, Philippine Gray Flying Fox, Giant Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat, Large Mindoro Forest Mouse, Mindanao Shrew and the Palawan Fruit Bat.

Earning Money through Internet Marketing

For those of you who have heard about Bo Sanchez and the internet marketing workshops he promotes, another one is scheduled soon in Manila, Philippines!

The workshop is called the Truly Rich Hands-On Internet Marketing Workshop and it will be held on September 25 to 26.

Jomar Hilario, an Internet Marketer who sold P2 Million worth of sales in 30 days for one single event, will be the instructor for the workshop and their invitation says he will teach participants the proven systems that have earned millions for others.

Tempted? Interested? Email Beckie at beaconlightevents@gmail.com or call (632) 722-9562 (Tues-Friday 9am-6pm) to reserve your slots.

Cory Aquino's Poem

A woman of faith, Cory Aquino wrote this poem which reminds us that we never know when our time will come and we must live each day with eternity in mind.

Prayer for a Happy Death
by Corazon "Cory" Aquino

Almighty God, most merciful Father
You alone know the time
You alone know the hour
You alone know the moment
When I shall breathe my last.

So, remind me each day,
most loving Father
To be the best that I can be.
To be humble, to be kind,
To be patient, to be true.
To embrace what is good,
To reject what is evil,
To adore only You.

When the final moment does come
Let not my loved ones grieve for long.
Let them comfort each other
And let them know
how much happiness
They brought into my life.
Let them pray for me,
As I will continue to pray for them,
Hoping that they will always pray
for each other.

Let them know that they made possible
Whatever good I offered to our world.
And let them realize that our separation
Is just for a while
As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.

Our Father in heaven,
You alone are my hope.
You alone are my salvation.
Thank you for your unconditional love, Amen.

A People of Faith

Filipinos are a people of Faith and yesterday, we honored an example of faith, as we said our farewell to an icon of democracy, the late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino. She was a housewife when she was called on to be the president of the Philippines. At the time, she was the only one who could unite the Filipino people to fight for democracy. Although some may say she was not a very good president, I think she did the best she could and no one can ask more of us than our best.

WOW Philippines

The Philippines is a great place to visit and there are wonderful beaches, fantastic diving spots, exotic wildlife, historical sites and festivals to enjoy all year round. Why not consider taking a vacation in the Philippines? Visit the WOW Philippines website for more information and invite your family and friends from all over the world to explore our Fantastic Philippines. You can even request our tourism offices to send them brochures.

I recently had a friend from New Zealand ask me for some brochures. I came across the UK WOW Philippines website which was offering brochures. I made a request and soon after, my friend received the brochures from the New Zealand office. If you are in the US, you can request for brochures from the US offices.

Five Loaves and Two Fish

"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish", the disciples answered Jesus when he told them to feed the hungry crowd.

"'Bring them here to me,'he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 18-21

As I read these words, I asked myself, what are my five loaves and two fish that Jesus can multiply? What can I offer to the hungry crowd such that they would be "satisfied"? The Philippines is a beautiful country with beautiful people, but many of them are in need, many of them are hungry. And so, I do not know where this blog will lead, and what I can do, but I will take one step and offer a little bit of my time today. Who knows how the Lord can multiply my five loaves and two fish.