A Passerby’s Trail

The city has gone into “survival mode”.  It’s something that has been going on in the past few months.  As Mayor Lisa Wong announced an estimated $5 million deficit for this coming fiscal year’s budget, she also announced that there is freezing on spending and new hiring.  All spending beyond the day-to-day spending are now being scrutinized and approved by the Mayor’s office. 

The finance team has been working closely with the Public Revenue.  The mayor is now in the process of speaking with other cities and towns to talk about their experiences in going through situations like this.  She is also working with local, state and federal officials to advocate for more money to the city. 

Facing the tough challenges of financial rehabilitation, we are urged to take full responsibility for what is happening to our city.  Since changes are going to take time, we are asked to be patient and to step up to the plate and assist the government as we go through this very difficult process. On the other hand, the mayor and her team members are still working hard to ensure that we are not in this financial position again.  We should therefore learn how to wait if we want to see positive changes.  Smile, don’t whine.

After almost 259 years, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo is finally two steps away from sainthood. Pope Benedict XVI has declared her as “Venerable” — a title that recognizes a person’s heroic virtue and sanctity and is the first step to sainthood. “Blessed” is the next step that occurs after at least one miracle is attributed to her intercession.

I look forward to her sainthood because she has been such a great inspiration to me.  Being a part of the Religious of the Virgin Mary once, it has been my dream to see Mother Ignacia recognized as a model and mother for women of all times.   I was educated in the RVM schools from kindergarten to college, and I had been an RVM sister for seven years.  I can still remember as a child praying for her beatification every single day.  I had tried her novena several times and each time — my prayer was granted on the third day.  I had to think of another thing to ask for and then some more because her intercession was that quick.

Nine days before my husband and I got married, we also prayed the novena together.  Our wedding day was successful and even when the Saint John Vianney choir couldn’t make it to our wedding, the RVM sisters were there to sing during the mass.

I am humbled that I grew up knowing Mother Ignacia with all my heart.  I tell other people about her and the RVM congregation whenever I can.  To me, she is not just the foundress of the first and oldest religious women’s congregation in the Philippines. She is an exemplary and great woman - heroic, humble and holy.

Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I just want to let you know that I really appreciate your…
- strength of character
- integrity
- value system
- simplicity
- intelligence
- your analytical mind
- decisiveness
- organizational skills
- flexibility to accommodate new changes
- being good with people around
- being generous to those who are in need
- being fair in dealing with other people
- being honest and sincere with our business
- determination to finish what you have started
- being able to listen and understand me
- being patient and loving
- playful spirit that makes me smile and laugh
- honesty and spontaneity

I am particularly proud of your…
- expertise in electrical system, security system and fire alarm system
- willingness to do volunteer work without expecting anything in return
- skills in database, computer and networking stuff
- competence in handling all sorts of accounting paperwork, income tax documents, etc.

I am happy that you…
- like to spend some quality time with me and our little girl
- enjoy working at home and in the yard
- and I share the same interest with computers
- have this outrageous knack for arcade games
- make some delicious dip, cookies, and croissants

I especially love your…
- very infectious laughter
- broad smile that makes me grin back all the time
- strong hands that hold me safely while walking in the streets
- gentle touch that makes me feel loved
- strong arms that make me feel secure
- blue eyes that make me fall in love every time

Thank you so much…
- for choosing me to be your wife
- for being my faithful husband and loyal friend
- for being a great dad to our little girl
- for telling others good stories about me and sweetpea
- for working long hours to ensure everyone’s taken care of
- for trying to spend time with us even after a long day of stress
- for doing the groceries with or without me
- for fixing me some breakfast whenever you can
- for all other miscellaneous things you do during Saturdays and Sundays
- for taking care of paying the bills
- for being considerate of our needs
- for being kind to my family and friends
- for being honest about how you feel regarding me and others
- for your willingness to discuss issues that concern our marriage
- for discussing current news and spiritual matters with me
- for taking the challenge of going back to College
- for taking me and sweetpea with you in your travel
- for forgiving me every time I make mistakes
- for trying your best to communicate with me without hurting my feelings

And above all - thank you…
- for being always there for me and our little girl.

And I just couldn’t think of any other way of letting the whole world know how much you are appreciated and loved!