At the first blush of September, when radio stations across the country start playing “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit,” we always feel that familiar mix of delight and unease. Yes, the long Christmas season is part of who Filipinos are, but it raises a question that never quite goes away: have we stretched the celebration too far for our own good?

I say this as someone who grew up with parols blinking above sari-sari stores long before Halloween arrived. Filipinos welcome Christmas the way the rest of the world welcomes the changing of seasons—automatically, almost instinctively. Once the “ber” months roll in, the air shifts, and households start rummaging through old boxes of lights and ornaments. I feel the charm of it, that warm tug that Christmas brings, but I also cannot ignore how early this cycle begins and how easily we let it swallow four months of our year.

We wonder if this prolonged cheer is rooted in our yearning for relief. Life here has never been light, and Christmas has always been our easiest refuge—a sanctuary built of lights, songs, and rituals that don’t ask much from the soul except participation. I’ve seen how a simple jingle can lift a tired jeepney driver’s mood or how a lantern outside a home can soften the impact of rising prices. Our long celebration, then, feels like a cultural defense mechanism, stretching joy to counterbalance what burdens us.

Yet this extended season comes with its own weight. By October, malls start rolling out sales and themed events, and you can’t escape the commercial pull even if you try. I have nothing against gift-giving, but the pressure to buy something—anything—for everyone seems to grow louder each year. It turns what should be thoughtful generosity into a frantic spending spree. I often find myself wishing the celebration were shorter because the weeks-long cues seem to prod us into consumption more than reflection.

Christmas parties add another layer to this marathon. Schools, offices, barangays, and even small social groups hold their own gatherings, each with its own exchange gift mechanics and potluck requirements. There is laughter, the reunions, the unguarded moments when people loosen up—but by mid-December, the line between celebration and obligation blurs. People catch themselves moving from one event to another with barely enough energy to enjoy any of them. The season becomes a calendar race, not a quiet savoring of togetherness.

Then comes the food—the glorious, overflowing dishes that define Filipino Christmas tables. I love the bibingka stalls by the sidewalks and the smell of ham sautéing in a neighbor’s kitchen. But I’ve also seen how families strain their budgets to recreate the idealized Noche Buena spread. There’s a silent pressure to match what commercials portray, and people often sacrifice what little they have to meet expectations no one actually demanded. The joy is absolute, but so is the exhaustion that comes with trying too hard.

Still, I cannot deny that this long celebration binds us. It gives towns color, keeps traditions alive, and somehow brings out a friendliness in people that is harder to find the rest of the year. When I walk through streets lit by parols crafted by local hands, hear children practicing carols, or watch a family decorate a modest tree together, I’m reminded why the season feels sacred. Amid all the excesses, a core of sincerity remains—warm, familiar, and unmistakably Filipino.

And maybe that is where the balance must lie. Filipinos can keep this extended Christmas, but we need to reclaim it—strip away the noise, temper the spending, return to the parts of the season that nurture rather than drain, and focus on the real celebrant—the Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth has gifted mankind with a savior and eternal life. A celebration that lasts a third of the year doesn’t have to consume us; it can shape us, gently, into a people who celebrate not because we’re pushed, but because we choose to value what truly matters.

WITH the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King, we are reminded to really develop and enliven our belief that Christ is the real and ultimate king for all of us. He is king not only to Catholics but to all of us and the entire universe. As such, we too share in Christ’s kingly office.

And his kingship is not only something social, political, economic, cultural, etc. His kingship extends to the spiritual, moral and supernatural dimensions of our life. He rules all aspects of our life—from our most internal thoughts and desires, to our most global and cosmic concerns. There is nothing in our life where Christ is not expected to reign. We are actually nothing without him.

It is only when we acknowledge and live this truth of our faith that we too can consider ourselves as king too in him. Thus, we share in his mission of human redemption, by uprooting sin and sanctifying all aspects of our life. We are supposed to actively participate, in accordance to one’s state in life, in the mission of Christ which is now the mission of the Church, and the mission of each one of us.

We need to do our part to make Christ our King. We can do this by making little conquests in our spiritual life everyday. We need to understand that our life will always involve some struggle. In fact, it is and should be a daily affair. Failing in that struggle does not only mean getting stuck at a certain point. It certainly means we have retrogressed. In this business of struggle, if we don’t advance, we actually retreat.

We should therefore be reminded of our duty to hone up our skills in spiritual warfare. Christ already hinted this much when he said: “from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent bear it away.” (Mt 11,12)
We have to understand though that to be violent in this sense does not mean to be destructive but rather to be constructive, driven by love and the desire to be united with God and with the others in a way proper to us as children of God and brothers and sisters among ourselves.

Our life here on earth cannot but be in some form of struggle. Aside from our innate urge to grow and develop that requires some effort, we also have to contend with enemies whose sole intent is precisely to bring us down, to divert us from our proper path toward holiness. This is not to mention that our ultimate goal is to reach heaven, which definitely will require effort and struggle, and of course God’s grace.

We need to make little conquests everyday in every front of this spiritual warfare. It can be in the battle for faith, hope and charity. It can be in the way we pray and in the offering of sacrifices.

Any progress or victory in any battle or skirmish, no matter how small, counts. As long as we struggle constantly, our spiritual life will always advance. If we persevere in our spiritual warfare, our fidelity to any commitment is assured, for God on his part will always give us what we need. Things would just depend on us.

Any progress in the virtues will always go a long way in our spiritual life. We need to remind ourselves strongly that everything that we do should always be for God’s glory and not for our own glorification.

This is how we make Christ our real King!

Communication is the lifeblood of any successful relationship, be it personal or professional. We rely on it to build connections, share ideas, and navigate the complexities of life. Yet, despite its fundamental importance, effective communication remains surprisingly elusive. The most challenging aspect of this seemingly simple act lies not in the words we speak, but in the invisible barriers that often impede our ability to truly connect with others.

Beyond the Words: The Silent Barriers

The challenge lies in understanding that communication is more than just the transmission of information. It’s a complex dance of emotions, perceptions, and interpretations that can easily be misconstrued. Here are some of the most significant silent barriers to effective communication:

1. Assumptions and Prejudices: We often enter conversations with pre-existing assumptions and biases about the other person or the topic at hand. These preconceived notions can cloud our judgment and prevent us from truly listening to what the other person is saying. We might jump to conclusions, misinterpret their words, or fail to consider their perspective.

2. Emotional Filters: Our emotions play a significant role in how we perceive and interpret messages. When we’re feeling stressed, angry, or anxious, our ability to communicate effectively can be compromised. We might become defensive, express ourselves poorly, or fail to consider the other person’s feelings.

3. Cultural Differences: Language, customs, and norms vary across cultures, leading to potential misunderstandings. What might be considered polite in one culture could be offensive in another. Cultural sensitivity and awareness are essential for effective cross-cultural communication.

4. Lack of Active Listening: We often focus on formulating our response rather than truly listening to what the other person is saying. This can create a disconnect, leading to misinterpretations and missed opportunities for understanding. Active listening involves paying full attention, asking clarifying questions, and demonstrating empathy.

5. Fear of Conflict: Many people avoid conflict at all costs, even when it’s necessary for healthy communication. This fear can prevent us from addressing important issues, leading to resentment and misunderstandings. Constructive conflict resolution requires open and honest dialogue, a willingness to compromise, and respect for different perspectives.

Overcoming the Barriers: A Path to Deeper Understanding

Addressing these silent barriers requires a conscious effort to cultivate more mindful and empathetic communication. Here are some strategies to enhance your communication skills:

1. Practice Active Listening: Focus on understanding the other person’s perspective, not just waiting for your turn to speak. Use verbal and non-verbal cues to demonstrate that you’re paying attention, such as maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions.

2. Seek to Understand, Not Just to Be Understood: Empathy is key to effective communication. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and try to see the situation from their perspective. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of their words and emotions.

3. Embrace the Power of Questions: Open-ended questions encourage the other person to elaborate and provide more context. Avoid leading questions that steer the conversation in a particular direction.

4. Be Mindful of Non-Verbal Cues: Our body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can convey messages even more powerfully than our words. Be aware of your own non-verbal cues and how they might be interpreted by the other person.

5. Cultivate Emotional Self-Awareness: Pay attention to your own emotions and how they might be influencing your communication. Take a step back if you’re feeling overwhelmed or reactive. Recognize that emotions are valid, but they shouldn’t dictate your communication style.

6. Seek Feedback and Be Open to Learning: Ask others for feedback on your communication style. Be open to receiving constructive criticism and using it to improve your skills.

7. Practice Patience and Forgiveness: Communication is a two-way street. Mistakes will be made, and misunderstandings will occur. Be patient with yourself and others, and strive for forgiveness when necessary.

Conclusion

The most challenging aspect of effective communication lies in recognizing and overcoming the invisible barriers that often prevent us from truly connecting. By cultivating mindful communication practices, embracing empathy, and actively seeking understanding, we can bridge those gaps and build more meaningful relationships. It’s a continuous journey of self-awareness, patience, and a willingness to learn. The rewards, however, are immeasurable – deeper connections, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

In recent months, the Philippines has been shaken by revelations of corruption implicating officials from top to bottom. For many citizens, the headlines feel like a heavy shadow cast over our democracy.

Corruption thrives when people lose hope, when cynicism replaces civic duty, and when silence becomes the norm. But history reminds us that nations rise not because of the purity of their leaders alone, but because of the courage of their citizens.

Ha pagka yana, naworok ako,! A highly influential local persona is saying these confused words ! Utterly indicating the sad feeling that it has and unable to elaborate.

A heavy and dark shadow cast over the country. And no amount of rehtorics, videos can put a balm on this pain . It oddly seem that the pain will remain, forever in our hearts .
What can we do , we the not-so-innocent bystanders:

• Strengthen Civic Engagement: Participate actively in local governance, school boards, barangay assemblies, and community projects. Democracy is strongest when citizens are present.

• Demand Transparency: Support calls for open data, accessible audits, and freedom of information. When government processes are visible, corruption has fewer places to hide.

• Practice Integrity Daily: Refuse to normalize “small” corrupt acts — from bribery to favoritism. Change begins with the choices we make in our own lives.

The unfolding scandals may feel overwhelming, but they also present an opportunity: a wake up call for reform. If corruption is systemic, then so too can be integrity. Citizens, united in vigilance and hope, can push for leaders who embody service rather than self interest. We can build a culture where accountability is expected, not exceptional.

Let us pray for the country !