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the monster within

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My status as a FilAm citizen is constantly shifting. Sometimes I have the best of both worlds. Other times I am caught between a rock and a hard place.  Celebrating our independence days and the founding of either nation can prove difficult or challenging. This year The Philippines celebrated its 128th day of independence. Soon the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary.  The big news for Filipinos now is a double-edged sword. In a crushing 49-142 loss to Kyrgyzstan in the race for a UN Security Council seat, Marcos Jr.’s global rebranding campaign fell flat. The Philippines barely dodged another deadly Marcos launched bullet.  The failed vote is proof that no amount of diplomatic gloss can hide a record tied to US-Israeli backed fascism and complicity in war crimes that continue to harm Filipinos and Palestinians.  Our current protests center on #RejectPAXSilica. #weTHEpeople condemn the Marcos administration’s collusion with the US in their Pa...
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permission

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Amah  has several interpretations through the ages and around the world. Mostly meaning mother  in most contexts - mothers, mothered, mothering.  Biological, occupational, ancestral - they are the women who birthed or raised us, brought about our being, giving life to who we have become and continue becoming.  Returning to the island of my birth after being abroad for two decades and away even longer, since I left it for college and work in my teens.  ancient mother - 1, 338 year old banyan A place too familiar yet unrecognizable - where our resident volcano has been restive for close to two years on and off. Spewing ash mostly but also shaking often in rumbling earthquakes, even sending out vibrant plumes of brilliant lava a few times. 
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a communion of saints

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Pentecost is a movable feast that celebrates the Holy Spirit coming to descend upon the Apostles, as Jesus the Christ promised. Many religions recognize Pentecost as the birth of the Church. In 2025, Pentecost is celebrated on June 8. Pentecost is the universal dissemination of the Christ Consciousness throughout all time in the heart of every human being.  Pentecost - artist unknown "This is true communion with the Holy Spirit, Who sees the altar of God in everyone, and by bringing it to your appreciation, calls upon you to love God and Creation.  You can appreciate the Sonship only as One.  This is part of the law of creation and therefore governs all thought.”  ACIM, 123
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mystical melancholy

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Creative words possess evocative power that challenge conventions of meaning. Illustrative and ambiguous all at once - it is the sonic equivalent of a vividly visual Dali surrealist landscape.  A Whiter Shade of Pale is an ideal example - haunting and filled with the sorrow of loss or regret. It is a hugely enigmatic song - with its mysterious lyrics and Bach akin opening.  We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels 'cross the floor. AI generated image
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shroud for life

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The patadyong is a native wrap that is the cultural emblem of our Visayan islands. Its vibrant plaid and checkered patterns have kept our looms occupied for generations. It is a living tribute to Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity, and identity.  The patadyong is more than just some piece of woven fabric - its threads store the culture and craftmanship of our ancient ancestral lineage.  my personal collection One local legend attributes the craft to Datu Lubay, an ancient ethnic forefather who is said to have taught the people of Bugasong, Antique its distinctive weaving technique.  The patadyong is a woven textile made from cottons, abaca, and a variety of threads. Similar to the  malong  of the Muslims down south - the difference lies in its signature plaid or checkered patterns.  Over time, the patadyong - commonly worn as a wrap around covering - evolved into an integral part of Visayan life. Serving various functions beyond its role as traditional atti...
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Damn! Doom! Destroy!

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To Kamala and all Democrats - you need to show up as Tim Walz.  Enough of your sad sack scorned egos, licking your war wounds, dragging your droopy dreams.  Fill up your dance cards with a different shuffle - no more two step, out of step, wrong steps!  We the people demand your utmost participation - NOW.  Tim Watz town hall on education The country is being torched by a madder and sadder man - than the sum of all of you.  In your absence this is our daily diet.  In your presence this MUST NOT BE.  Wake up! Walk your talk! Wipe this out! 
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true love

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How much of our lives do we truly choose, and how much is shaped by forces around us - history, society, our aspirations, the expectations we battle?  While freedom is essential for self-fulfillment it has a cost and there are consequences. Personal stories are always intertwined with historical events - shaping destinies in ways we often fail to recognize. History lives on in our lives and shapes the world we live in.  There are many rights we take for granted in our democracy - from leaders respecting the rule of law to freedom of speech, from the freedom to criticize the government to the peaceful transition of power after free and fair elections.  Tragically, throughout history, many people have discovered how fragile those rights and democracies can be when extreme polarization leads to despotic rule and the erosion of democratic norms. Love alone cannot sustain people when their desires and life paths diverge too drastically. 
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