Think about it
Bro. Eddie Villanueva in Senate race
By Jun Velasco
“A rational nature admits of nothing which is not serviceable to the rest of mankind,” Marcus Aurelius
OUR nation’s ambiguous character marked by deteriorating morals is a clear signal for the advent of a new crop of leaders who will re-define our future.
President Pnoy is one such leader. His Daang Matuwid has sealed investors confidence that pushed our economic performance to the front seat.
Another leader in the mold of character builders is Brother Eddie Villanueva who should be our best argument against the deterioration of our morals and spirituality in this ballyhooed seat of Christianity in Asia.
When he first took a crack at the presidency, we felt a big let-down, knowing the gargantuan odds against it. It was premature for a spiritual leader to slam the deeply entrenched materialist establishment. For one thing, there was the very popular son of two national heroes who Filipinos thought typified the alternative to our beleaguered nation. It was but natural for another moral alternative (Villanueva) to be sidelined.
It was not Brother Villanueva’s time.
It maybe apt to mention that most of those we sought then on what they thought of the evangelist said it was not his time, but they never questioned his preparedness to lead a nation that is mired in graft and corruption.
We recently came across a news items showing Brother Eddie with the highest rating of 47 percent in a field of 16 prominent newsmakers including Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle (44 percent), Sen. Loren Legarda (44 percent), Mike Velarde (43 percent) and Joseph Estrada (42 percent). The poll was in reference to sheer popularity, but if the norm was on who is best to uplift the spirituality of the nation, maybe Brother would be a runaway topnotcther.
How would an evangelist fit into the service of government at this time?
Brother Eddie’s think-tank summarized his senate goals under the 3Es, “Ekonomiyang agresibo’t walang napag-iiwanan, Entrepinoy na masamang Pilipino ang nangunguna at nakikinabang, at Edukasyon na napapanahon.”
It would be suntok sa buwan if we expect the evangelist to be in the senate’s top winning column, but his entry in the equation has already shaken the circle of the most likely winners like Legarda, Chiz Escudero, Allan Cayetano, Cynthia Villar, JV Ejercito, Koko Pimentel, Gringo Honasan and Sonny Angara. Brother Eddie, who is running independent, is expected to stage a come-from-behind sprint.
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In the local scene, we expect another come-from-behind movement in Andre Abalos, who is eyeing a board member’s seat in the provincial government as an independent. We initially protested his non-inclusion in the ticket of the major political parties, but on second thought it is a challenge devoutly to be wished. A former San Fabian Councilor, Andre has the backing of the business and education community, being the vice president of the Metro Dagupan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Like Villanueva, Abalos is an incorrigible idealist, a character trait our country needs these days.
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We are reprinting an article from a leading health magazine the following tips for transmitting joy written by its editor Cathy S. Babao.
“The field of positive psychology has gained much ground in the last several years because so many people in the world are in search of that elusive thing which can truly bring them happiness and joy.
In the insightful and inspiring book, “What’s Missing?” by Dallas Morning Star editor-at-large Rena Pederson, the Rev. Mark Craig of the Highland Park United Methodist Church says that most of the people who come to him feeling despondent are looking for a sense of purpose, a way to make their life count. He recommends five steps:
- Ask yourself every day what you can do to be more helpful to others—then do it.
- Write, phone or e-mail someone each day and say how much you appreciate that person.
- Ask what you can do to help the elderly, the sick, or the abused—then do it.
- Commit yourself to a single act of kindness in your family, your school or your workplace before the day is done.
- Think of someone you have not forgiven for something. Forgive them this day.
It is essentially in giving of ourselves and our time to other people that we can find joy. Rather than the getting, it is often in the giving that joy effortlessly comes to us.
Going back to the question—how does one live with joy? The answer is simple—give, forgive and travel light! Let go of your cares and let God do the rest.”
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NOTES: Over at Tisoy’s Restaurant, manager Sonny Co sees the Dagupan mayoral race as even, with Belen Fernandez enjoying an edge over re-electionist Benjie Lim among the intelligensia…. In the province, Susan Yadao says the “political assaults” on Gov. Espino have gained the hoi poloi’s sympathy making him more unbeatable in the elections…. Police Chief Marlo Chan’s “re-familiarization” rounds have earned him positive points in his first week here, but has he made a courtesy call on the governor?…. Beauteous Gen. Yolanda Tanigue of Bugallon, Pangasinan wants Art Lomibao to win the vice gubernatorial race. “He is a good man,” she told ace media consultant Marvie Nisperos of Sual town.
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