The last time many Filipino relatives truly stand shoulder to shoulder is beside a coffin, under a white tent, with folding chairs scraping the concrete and coffee going cold. Death becomes the appointment that everyone finally honors. I find this quite sad, and quietly tragic.

I have watched this pattern repeat itself too many times to dismiss it as a coincidence. Weddings are postponed, birthdays reduced to greetings on a screen, reunions endlessly rescheduled because someone has overtime, another has a deadline, another is “too tired from work.” Then one dies, and suddenly time loosens its grip. Leave credits appear, long drives are endured, and plane tickets are bought without complaint. The dead, of course, no longer benefit from the effort.

Work is the most convenient and most accepted excuse. Filipinos are proud workers—resilient, reliable, willing to sacrifice rest for responsibility. But somewhere along the way, busyness has been mistaken for virtue, and absence has been normalized. We say “next time” with such ease that it begins to sound like a promise, even when experience tells us it rarely happens.

What makes wakes so crowded is not just grief, but guilt. Conversations begin with apologies: Ang tagal nating hindi nagkita, sayang, ngayon lang tayo nagkasama. Laughter sneaks in between prayers, stories are exchanged, food is shared, and for a moment, the family looks whole again. That brief warmth is real—but it is painfully ironic that it blooms only when someone is already gone.

There is something unsettling about how death becomes a social magnet. The deceased turns into the unwilling host of a reunion they will never witness. Candles flicker, relatives reconnect, old misunderstandings soften, and yet the one person who could have enjoyed seeing everyone together lies silent. It feels like offering flowers to someone who can no longer see color.

Filipino culture is rich in family values, but this habit exposes a contradiction. We claim closeness, yet practice distance. We praise togetherness, yet delay it indefinitely. The wake becomes proof that gathering was always possible—it simply lacked urgency until death supplied it.

I am not blind to the pressures people carry. Jobs are demanding, commutes are brutal, and survival leaves little room for sentiment. Still, if time can be carved out for mourning, it can be carved out for living as well. A shared meal, an ordinary Sunday visit, a reunion with no tragedy attached, should not feel like an extravagance.

Perhaps the quiet lesson here is simple and uncomfortable: do not wait for a coffin to summon family. Gather while voices are strong, laughter is loud, and stories can still be corrected by the people who lived them. Reunions should be gifts to the living, not condolences to the dead.

As the United States and Israel pound the defiant Iran, the need for alternative sources of energy source becomes a thunderous voice. Every time war erupts in the Middle East, the Philippines pays the price. The US–Israel invasion of Iran will once again s raise oil prices soaring, and Leyte and Samar are left at the mercy of forces far beyond our shores.
Kay anon ga diri kita maniguro pag pamilng hin iba na source ?

Eastern Visayas already suffers from poverty rates around 30%—far higher than the national average of 18%. Now, rising fuel costs make shipping goods between islands more expensive, farmers struggle to move their harvests, and families relying on diesel generators face unbearable electricity bills. This cycle repeats every time global oil markets tremble.

History has shown us the danger of dependence: the 1973 oil crisis drove inflation above 30% in the Philippines, and the 1990 Gulf War plunged us into blackouts. Today’s conflict threatens to replay those scars. But unlike before, we now have a choice.

Leyte is blessed with geothermal energy, a resource that powers thousands of homes. Samar has untapped potential in wind and solar. The seas around us could fuel tidal power. These are not dreams—they are lifelines. Investing in renewable energy is not just about protecting the environment; it is about protecting our people from the next oil shock.

The message is simple: Eastern Visayas must break free from oil dependence. If we fail to act, every distant conflict will continue to dictate the price of rice on our tables. But if we seize our natural strengths, we can turn crisis into opportunity—and finally light our homes with power that is truly ours.

We must look for Alternative Sources of Energy and celebrate the chance . We must not sow doubt on the Electric Cars and Solar Panel that somehow ease our dependence on crudo.

Our attitude must be curious and open to the Alternative Source such as Solar, Battery Power, Wind and even Hdropower.

We must not be victims and hostages to fossil fuels power!

Women entrepreneurs are increasingly shaping the business landscape, bringing innovation, creativity, and unique perspectives to various industries. However, the path to entrepreneurial success is often fraught with challenges. To navigate these hurdles and thrive in the competitive business world, aspiring women entrepreneurs need solid advice and strategies. This article provides essential tips, emphasizing the importance of networking, mentorship, and self-belief.

The Power of Networking

Networking is a critical component of entrepreneurial success. It involves building and maintaining relationships with other professionals, industry experts, and potential partners or investors. For women entrepreneurs, networking can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.

• Expand Your Reach: Networking events, industry conferences, and professional organizations provide platforms to meet like-minded individuals and expand your professional circle.

• Gain Insights: Engaging with experienced entrepreneurs can offer valuable insights into market trends, business strategies, and potential pitfalls.

• Find Opportunities: Networking can lead to new business opportunities, collaborations, and access to resources that can fuel growth.

• Build Support Systems: Creating a network of supportive peers can provide emotional support and encouragement during challenging times.

• Master Navigation: Women entrepreneurs put their ideas to the test through networking. They follow up to ensure they sow their seeds of ideas in the most fertile networking ground.

Seeking Mentorship

Mentorship is another vital resource for aspiring women entrepreneurs. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and advice based on their own experiences and expertise.

• Gain Valuable Advice: Mentors can offer practical advice on various aspects of running a business, from developing a business plan to managing finances.

• Learn from Experience: Mentors share their successes and failures, providing valuable lessons that can help you avoid common mistakes.

• Expand Your Network: Mentors can introduce you to their network of contacts, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

• Receive Encouragement: A mentor can provide encouragement and support, helping you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

• Find Role Models: Mentors can serve as role models, demonstrating what is possible and inspiring you to achieve your full potential.

Believing in Yourself

Perhaps the most critical factor for entrepreneurial success is self-belief. Aspiring women entrepreneurs must believe in themselves and their abilities to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

• Develop Confidence: Building confidence involves recognizing your strengths, celebrating your achievements, and learning from your failures.

• Embrace Risk: Entrepreneurship involves taking risks, and believing in yourself can give you the courage to step outside your comfort zone and pursue new opportunities.

• Stay Motivated: Self-belief can help you stay motivated during challenging times, reminding you of your goals and your ability to achieve them.

• Overcome Obstacles: Believing in yourself can empower you to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of adversity.

• Trust Your Vision: Confidence in your vision will help you stay motivated through challenging times, while also providing the courage to take risks and make bold decisions.

Additional Tips for Success

• Develop a Robust Financial Plan: A comprehensive financial plan is essential for the success of your business venture. It addresses all aspects, from tax planning to budgeting, providing a solid foundation for long-term growth.

• Leverage Digital Platforms: In today’s digital age, it is crucial to use digital platforms to reach your target audience. Invest in creating an engaging web presence and explore social media channels for promotions.

• Invest in Professional Development: Continuing education is essential for staying ahead. Invest in professional development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills.

• Create a Strategic Plan: Develop a strategic plan that considers all aspects, from marketing to sales. Include clear objectives and timelines for each goal to achieve long-term success.

• Be Decisive: Move quickly with your ideas. Implement and analyze them. Seek feedback, modify, and try again. Action is a key component of being an entrepreneur.

Conclusion

Aspiring women entrepreneurs have the potential to make a significant impact on the business world. By prioritizing networking, seeking mentorship, and believing in themselves, they can overcome challenges and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. With the right mindset, strategies, and support systems, women can thrive in the world of business, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to economic growth.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!