The acquisition of government permits in this country feels like crawling through barbed wire—painful, slow, and full of hidden traps. What should be a straightforward process has mutated into a grueling obstacle course layered with redundant paperwork, delayed signatories, and the smug faces of people who know they hold power over your every next step.

The list of requirements alone reads like a cruel joke. One document demands another, which in turn requires a separate clearance from an office across town—each with its own set of signatures, fees, and arbitrary cut-off times. For ordinary folk who just want to run a small business, build a modest home, or apply for something as basic as a barangay clearance, it’s a bureaucratic purgatory.

And then comes the darker part—the part everyone knows but hardly anyone wants to talk about. Corruption doesn’t sit in some far-off high office. It lurks in the everyday desk drawers of permit offices. There are whispers, side glances, and “pa-kape lang” suggestions. I have seen it, heard it, been hinted at. A man trying to secure a permit for his eatery was told to come back “next week” unless, of course, he wanted to “speed things up.” A small brown envelope, discreetly passed, magically cleared a week’s worth of pending signatures in under ten minutes. You either play the game or wait indefinitely.

It’s no wonder people skirt around the process. Who would want to suffer through a maze only to be asked for grease money at the final door? I know families who opt not to register their backyard businesses because they’d rather not deal with the exhaustion. I know sari-sari store owners who quietly operate without full documentation, fearing not the law, but the paper chase and the draining transactions with fixers who feed off the helplessness of the uninformed. This avoidance isn’t born out of laziness—it’s a defense mechanism, a quiet protest, and sometimes, a desperate attempt to protect their already limited resources.

We can’t keep blaming the public for “non-compliance” when the system itself is often hostile, opaque, and unreasonably rigid. Try asking an office why they need a particular clearance, and you’ll either be met with a shrug or a stern “requirement po ’yan.” No explanation, no rationale—just blind obedience to forms. It feels like some requirements exist only to create jobs for more people who shuffle papers and sign things without accountability. In truth, the system doesn’t serve the public anymore. It serves itself, bloated and unbothered by the suffering it causes.

Meanwhile, those with connections skip the lines. They make one phone call and everything falls into place like dominoes—no queues, no waiting, no interrogations. It’s a parallel universe where things move with suspicious efficiency. And while the rest of us are drowning in photocopies, certified true copies, and vague requirements, the privileged few are waved through like royalty. This dual reality is one of the most painful truths of our governance: fairness exists only in speeches, not in practice.

What makes this even more frustrating is that we have the tools to fix this. Technology can automate clearances, reduce human interaction, and prevent bribery—but it remains underutilized or worse, corrupted too. A few LGUs have started to roll out digital platforms for permits, but the implementation is often half-baked, crashing mid-transaction or demanding in-person validation anyway. Instead of convenience, people are met with more confusion. It’s the illusion of progress without the reality of change.

What we need is not just simplification, but a cultural shift in how the government sees itself—not as a fortress to be approached with fear, but as a service provider to ordinary citizens. The paperwork must shrink. The explanations must flow. The processes must be transparent, timed, and free from the shadows of corruption. People will comply—not out of fear, but out of trust—if we finally build a system that serves, not swindles.

The fear of missing out (FOMO) can be a potent force, pulling us towards a constant chase for the next exciting thing, often leaving us feeling empty and dissatisfied. But escaping its grip is possible. Here are some actionable strategies to help you break free from FOMO and reclaim your happiness:

1. Shift Your Focus: From “Missing Out” to “Experiencing In”

– Reframe Your Social Media Use: Instead of passively scrolling through curated feeds, actively seek out content that inspires and motivates you. Follow accounts that promote your interests, values, and goals.

– Engage Mindfully: When you do engage with social media, be intentional about your interactions. Comment thoughtfully, connect with people who share your passions, and avoid comparing yourself to others.

– Unfollow and Mute: Unfollow or mute accounts that trigger feelings of inadequacy or FOMO. Curate a social media experience that aligns with your values and promotes your well-being.

2. Cultivate Contentment: Appreciate What You Have

– Gratitude Journaling: Take a few minutes each day to write down things you are grateful for. This practice shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering a sense of contentment.

– Mindful Moments: Engage in activities that bring you joy and satisfaction, even if they seem small. Pay attention to your senses, savor the taste of your food, or appreciate the beauty of a sunset.

– Appreciate Your Progress: Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Recognize your efforts and acknowledge the progress you’ve made towards your goals.

3. Take Control of Your Time: Prioritize Your Values

– Schedule “No-Phone” Time: Designate specific times during the day for disconnecting from technology. Use this time to engage in activities that nourish your mind and soul, such as reading, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies.

– Set Boundaries: Implement effective time and energy management strategies by establishing clear boundaries and selectively accepting commitments that align with personal priorities.

– Plan Your Day: Schedule your day intentionally, prioritizing activities that are meaningful to you. This helps you stay focused on your goals and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the constant pull of FOMO.

4. Embrace Your Uniqueness: Celebrate Your Own Journey

– Define Your Values: What truly matters to you? What are your goals and aspirations? By clarifying your values, you can make decisions that align with your priorities, rather than being swayed by external pressures.

– Recognize Your Strengths: Focus on your unique talents, skills, and strengths. Celebrate your individuality and embrace your own path to success.

– Seek Out Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who support your values and goals. Connect with individuals who inspire and motivate you, creating a positive and supportive network.

5. Challenge Your Assumptions: Question the “Perfect” Image

– Remember the Curated Reality: Social media often presents a curated version of reality. Remember that most people are not sharing their struggles and challenges, creating a false sense of perfection.

– Seek Out Authentic Voices: Follow accounts that promote authenticity and vulnerability, sharing both the highs and lows of life. This helps to create a more realistic and relatable perspective.

– Challenge Your Comparisons: When you find yourself comparing yourself to others, ask yourself: “What is this comparison telling me about myself?” Are these feelings based on facts or simply assumptions?

Conclusion

Breaking free from FOMO is an ongoing process, requiring conscious effort and a shift in perspective. By focusing on your own journey, cultivating contentment, and taking control of your time and energy, you can escape the relentless cycle of comparison and create a life filled with meaning, purpose, and authentic happiness.
————–
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!

Submitting to the will of the Father was the crucial point that spelled our salvation. The prospect of a painful death was so harrowing that Jesus Christ sweated blood in his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. That prayerful evening where he had a clear vision of his death moved Jesus Christ into an agonizing cry to be saved from drinking his cup but altogether surrendering his fate to the will of the Father. That obedience of the son to the father was the key to our salvation for had the son refused to obey that will, the grand plan to save mankind from the wages of sin would not have been fulfilled.

As we repeatedly reenact the passion that Jesus Christ went through, we must remember his message on the cross. The painful death that he willingly accepted is out of his great love for mankind. He became man in obedience of the will of the Father who sent him. His mission was to proclaim the good news so that everyone who believes will not perish but have eternal life. He showed man by example on how to live a life in accordance with the will of God. His life was itself the message that man must receive, believe and live in order to attain eternal life.

It pains to see the suffering of Jesus Christ for all our sins. Our sinful ways make us unworthy of that great love which was manifested on the cross. As we remember the passion of Jesus Christ, it is worthy to share in that supreme sacrifice by doing our own sacrifices for the atonement of our sins. We had been assured of our salvation if we turn away from sins and believe in the Gospel. Let us heed therefore the call of the Lenten season for us to repent our sins and live a life according to the will of God. Our sinfulness is the cause that pushed Jesus Christ to his painful death. Every time we continue to wallow in sin, we are lost from the way that God showed us so that we may reach eternal life and salvation.

But the commemoration of the passion of Jesus Christ had at times been a literal depiction whereby penitents subject themselves to physical castigation and crucifixion. The bloody reenactments refresh the events on that first Good Friday as the faithful watch with awe and reverence the unfolding drama of the passion of Jesus Christ. Those who submit themselves to such punishment in order to feel the physical pain that Jesus Christ suffered in order to save us from sin. But more than physical castigation is our sincere acceptance of our sinfulness and our submission to the will of God in like manner that Jesus Christ showed us.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

Filipinos has that strong fervor of
practicing virtues on
specific occasions ,
beyond the holidays, comes the problem …

Filipinos often exhibit an inspiring level of generosity, compassion, and spirituality. Families gather to share meals, exchange thoughtful gifts, and attend church services. People give to charity, pray fervently, and reflect on their faith. However, as soon as the holidays pass, this fervor often diminishes, and the consistency of such acts of kindness and devotion is not always maintained.

The phrase ningas-kugon has become a widely recognized Filipino term used to describe a behavior that starts with fervent enthusiasm but fizzles out over time. The term originally refers to the fire of kugon grass, which burns brightly but quickly dies down. This concept captures the tendency of some Filipinos to show devotion, kindness, and community spirit only during specific occasions, such as holidays, rather than sustaining such virtues throughout the year.

One of the most prominent manifestations of ningas-kugon can be seen during the Christmas and Holy Week seasons.

This cyclical nature of practicing virtues only during designated holidays can have negative implications. Kindness and faith are not mere seasonal commodities; rather, they are core values that should permeate everyday life. When acts of generosity or spiritual devotion are confined to specific occasions, they risk becoming superficial gestures rather than deeply ingrained habits that contribute to personal and societal growth.

Moreover, the ningas-kugon mentality may inadvertently lead to missed opportunities for fostering meaningful connections and addressing ongoing societal challenges. The positive energy observed during holidays has the potential to be transformative if sustained year-round. The spirit of giving can tackle poverty more effectively, the sense of unity can strengthen communities, and consistent prayer can provide ongoing guidance and solace to individuals.

To combat the ningas-kugon tendency, Filipinos are encouraged to reflect on their values and intentions. Authentic kindness goes beyond grand gestures; it is found in daily acts of compassion—helping a neighbor, sharing a kind word, or supporting a friend in need. Likewise, true faith is not limited to holiday rituals but is expressed through consistent prayer, gratitude, and moral living.

The Philippines, as a predominantly religious and family-oriented nation, possesses an immense capacity for love and generosity. If Filipinos harness these qualities with consistency rather than seasonality, they can make an enduring impact on their communities and create a culture of genuine kindness and unwavering faith. Let us embrace the idea that every day is an opportunity to show compassion and devotion, transcending the negative ningas-kugon ideal and evolving into a society marked by steadfast values and transformative actions.

HAPPY EASTER to everyone! Once again, we celebrate the final victory of Christ over our sins and their consequences. That’s what his resurrection, achieved through the instrumentality of the cross, means. We should all be moved to correspond to this BEST NEWS we could ever have in the best way that we can.

And that can mean, first of all, a sharpening of our sense of vocation to holiness and apostolate, and to spread that sense of vocation to everyone. Truth is everyone has a vocation because everyone is called to holiness and its accompanying duty of doing apostolate. This thing about vocation should never be treated as something very special, meant only for a few. It is meant for all!

And once we have that vivid sense of vocation, let us exert all the effort, with God’s grace which will always be abundantly available, to be as generous and heroic as we can in our fidelity to it, come what may.

In this regard, it would be good to realize that our fidelity should be something proactive, and not just reactive. We have to be both, of course, but between the two, it’s being proactive that is more important, since that would clearly show that we are truly driven with love, that there is growth and development in our life, that we are exercising our creativity and sense of initiative.

Being reactive is, of course, important too, otherwise we would be regarded as dead or, at least, insensitive. But being reactive comes more of an instinctive action. We cannot help but react and respond in some way to any stimulus that would come our way, be it small or big. In fact, we have to react if we, at least, want to be aware of what is happening around us.

It’s in being proactive that we have to pay more attention and where we have to train ourselves more. We are notorious for our tendency to fall into routine, and from there into complacency and passivity. We should not allow ourselves to be trapped by routine.
If we truly love God and everybody else, with a love that is nothing less than a participation of the love God has for us and as commanded by Christ to us, then we will never say enough in our self-giving. It will always be proactive, always looking for new frontiers in our own sanctification and in our apostolic activities.

Even if such attitude would already seem to be going beyond common sense, our reason and other human and worldly standards that we usually use to measure our love, we would still go on giving ourselves, never saying enough. We would just give and give, even if we seem to consume ourselves till death.

This is, of course, an overwhelming prospect, but that is what true love is. It is some kind of madness that knows no limits. It is given without measure, without cost, without any calculation.

Our fidelity should be inventive, innovative, creative, versatile and adaptive to all the conditions we can find ourselves in. This can happen, at least to some degree, if we truly strive to be close to God, to follow him and conform ourselves to him.

We should never get stuck at a certain level of loving, no matter how successful we already are at that level. Life continues to demand more things from us, and we cannot afford to be contented at any point. Love requires more always. There will always be new challenges, new openings, new needs, given the changing temper of the times and of the people.
This is the Easter spirit!