People had been captivated by the techno fad of communications that most are frantic about being connected. The fastness of information had practically reduced the globe like one mote in a web. What used to be distant places across the globe are now too near akin to just on ones palm. Messages that used to travel across the miles over the months are not longer so as the miles today seem too short a traversable distance in a few ticks of the second. The communication cycle had truly been cut short and made of the clearest signal to rid of undesirable distortions. The advancement in communications technology is by and by a boon in many aspects. It had made life tremendously convenient as time is used to the optimum efficiency. The long wait for message transmission and feedback is now a matter of a click of a button.

Many are unwittingly unaware of the fundamental truth that we can never say no to communication. It is the means by which we are able to relate with our fellow beings and there is no way evading such means. Whether one makes a reply or not to a particular communication, there is always to the message sender a feedback that comes in many forms. Even if the recipient of a particular message purposely ignores the message or sends the same to the trash bin, the sender will in some way receive a feedback message. A no reply is not really so for to the sender such act of the receiver is reply in itself. It may mean to the sender that the receiver did not hear or receive the message or is too inutile and incapable of sending back a reply.

The unfortunate thing however is that the feedback out of a no reply often sends the wrong signals to the sender. Gut perception about the response is likely inaccurate and is just too good to be true. It is not unlike the situation when message sender formulates his own responses to fill the gap created. It is thus always the better option to make clear ones response so that there will be no miscommunication or worse, misunderstanding. Clear and express communication that bears the true message is still the best rather than keeping it hanging, distorted and confusing. This is not much on the technology but on the persons’ ability to make clear and true messages that promotes understanding.

One important point that communicators must never forget or even set aside is the fact that meanings are in people. It is misplaced connotation to consider dictionaries as containing meanings as what are found in it are definitions. Meanings vary depending on the individual’s experiences and perceptions. In this era of high technology communications, people must exercise prudence in sending messages that might sow misunderstanding instead of good relations. The tendency to be quick often led to unforced errors that sometimes result in destructive repercussions.

The challenge upon every person is to make communications a useful tool to promote peace, harmony and understanding. With the advance gadgets that afford quick communications, there is more reason to be extra cautious so that only what is good and what is true are sent across people across the globe. We must be responsible in choosing the information that we must spread to others. This is the only way that we can do our share in maintaining harmony and understanding, two essential elements to world peace and progress.
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THE story of the 2 disciples on their Emmaus (cfr. Lk 24,13-35) tells us that we can always count on God to help us, intervening in our lives in a most crucial way, whenever for one reason or another we find ourselves depressed and demoralized. We should never forget this truth of our faith, especially because in our life we will always have many occasions that can cause us frustration and sadness.

We need to trust in God’s providence and mercy. We have to learn to live a spirit of abandonment in the hands of God. Yes, if we have faith in God, in his wisdom and mercy, in his unfailing love for us, we know that everything will always work out for the good. If we are with God, we can always dominate whatever suffering can come our way in the same manner that Christ absorbed all his passion and death on the cross.

Let’s always remember that God, in his ineffable ways, can also talk to us through these crosses. In fact, he can convey precious messages and lessons through them. It would be good that we have a theological attitude toward them, and be wary of our tendency to react to them in a purely human way, based only on our senses and feelings and on worldly trends.

In all our affairs and situations in life, we should always go to God to ask for his help and guidance, and to trust his ways and his providence, even if the outcome of our prayers and petitions appears unanswered, if not, contradicted.

This should be the attitude to have. It’s an attitude that can only indicate our unconditional faith and love for God who is always in control of things, and at the same time can also leave us in peace and joy even in the worst of the possibilities.

Remember the Book of Ecclesiastes where it says that for everything there is a season, “a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal…” But everything is under God’s control.

We have to follow the example of the many characters in the gospel who, feeling helpless in the many predicaments they were in, earnestly rushed to Christ for some succor. They went to him unafraid and unashamed and they got what they wanted.

It may happen that we may not get what we want. And in this, we should not be too surprised or too worried. What is sure is that God always listens and gives us what is best for us.

In those situations, I believe we just have to allow ourselves to play in God’s game plan, in his abiding providence whose designs are beyond reckoning, or are way beyond our comprehension and appreciation.

In this life, we need to develop a sportsman’s attitude, since life is like a game. Yes, life is like a game, because we set out to pursue a goal, we have to follow certain rules, we are given some means, tools and instruments, we train and are primed to win and do our best, but defeats can always come, and yet, we just have to move on.

We need a sporting spirit because life’s true failure can come only when we choose not to have hope. That happens when our vision and understanding of things is narrow and limited, confined only to the here and now and ignorant of the transcendent reality of the spiritual and supernatural world.

The count on wasted COVID-19 Vaccines hit 60 million (as on March 10th) from the 44 million tally reported during the Blue Ribbon Committee one week ago. This expired vaccines will be disposed through pyrolysis or decomposition by high temperature. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been mandated to do the pyrolysis of the expired vaccines, although the safe disposal of the ashes has yet to be accounted for. While the Department of Health (DOH) was cautioned about the potential amid its potential risk to public health and safety.

The vaccines, priced at least P500 per piece, were mostly paid by the national government (though some were received as donations – a clear millions pesos flushed down the drain from the taxes paid by the Filipinos.

The wastage of millions of COVID-19 vaccines is beyond comprehension, does not resonate against the upsurge of the pandemia and death tally published! Definitely, it is unacceptable to say that the wastage in the financial resources is attributed to the “public’s dwindling interest in vaccines and boosters.”

The issue about donating the soon-to-expire vaccines by the Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) discussions and negotiations cropped up during the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. Apparently, there are NO takers/countries interested to receive the donation – not even Myanmar, Turkey, Syria, and some African nations.

MY COMMENT:

It is, indeed, a very sad reality that millions of COVID-19 and hard-earned millions are going the drain all because of the Filipinos indifference and polluted misconception about the role of vaccines. I find it a stupidity of the highest order reading the DOH’s statement about the “public’s dwindling interest in vaccines and boosters.” Never mind if they are the academically founded individuals who frown and disbelieve on the results of scientific researches or R/Ds – they compose the so- called anti-science sector. Vaccines, before being released to the consumer markets, pass through several layers of laboratory tests, validations before reaching the markets/outlets for consumption. Were not the staggering number of deaths caused by COVID-19, dominated by those who did not have vaccine and booster shots? The millions of pesos spent to procure the now expiring vaccines could have been added to the ‘ayuda’ given to displaced laborers and victims of natural calamities, instead!
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Songs of old and late are two different types of music that have their own unique characteristics. Old songs are typically traditional folk songs that have been passed down through generations, while late songs are modern pop or rock songs that have been released in recent years.

One major difference between songs of old and late is their instrumentation. Older songs often feature acoustic instruments like guitars, pianos, and violins, while newer songs incorporate electronic sounds and production techniques. This can lead to differing opinions on which type of music is more enjoyable or authentic.

Additionally, the themes explored in older versus newer songs can vary greatly. Older songs often focus on love, heartbreak, or social issues like poverty and injustice. In contrast, modern music may delve into more abstract concepts such as mental health or existentialism.

Despite these differences, both old and late songs share a common goal: to evoke emotions in listeners. Whether it’s nostalgia for simpler times or a call to action for change in society, both types of music have the power to move people in profound ways.

Throughout history, music has been a powerful tool for expressing emotions and telling stories. Songs of old and late have elicited different reactions from people over time. While some may appreciate the nostalgia and simplicity of older songs, others may prefer the complexity and innovation of modern music.

Overall, people’s reactions to songs of old versus late are largely subjective based on personal taste and cultural context. However, it is clear that both types of music have had a significant impact on society throughout history.

When it comes to judging songs from different eras, there are many factors to consider. Old songs and late songs have their own unique qualities that make them stand out. Old songs often have a nostalgic quality that brings back memories of a bygone era. They also tend to have simpler melodies and lyrics that are easy to sing along with. Late songs, on the other hand, tend to be more complex in terms of both melody and lyrics.

In terms of subject matter, old songs often focus on love, nature, and everyday life experiences. Late songs tend to explore more complex themes such as politics, social issues, and personal struggles. However, both old and late songs can evoke strong emotions in listeners.

In conclusion, while old and late songs may differ in style and content, they both serve an important role in our cultural heritage and continue to shape our musical landscape today.