The idea of phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles no longer seems to be a whisper of possibility; rather, it feels more like an oncoming tide. While I am no fan of change for the sake of appearances, I believe it’s about time we stopped guzzling oil like there was an endless supply beneath the ground and started treating electric cars as the practical, forward-thinking choice they truly are.

I must say, electric cars are beautiful. Have you ever stood near one at a stoplight? (Not in Tacloban, though). They’re like a cat padding across a tiled floor: silent, sleek, and unassuming. Contrast that with the roaring beast of a diesel truck or the coughing wheeze of an old gasoline sedan sputtering to life. And it is not just the noise—or lack of it—but what they leave in the air. While gas guzzlers belch smoke clogging our lungs and skies, e-cars promise a cleaner, quieter world. It is called respiration and should not resemble inhaling the exhaust from a thousand impatient tricycles racing for a flagdown.

But beyond that romantic notion of fresh air and quiet roads; well, there is the more undeniable fact: oil isn’t eternal. You ask that of fish folk who get their catch upstream of an oil rig apocalypse assuming they could find any. The world’s reserves are shrinking, and every barrel pumped from the earth is a tick-tock closer to the inevitable. Transitioning to electric cars isn’t just an environmental statement; it’s practical preparation for the future. It’s like switching to solar panels when you know the electric grid is one typhoon away from total blackout.

Of course, I’ve heard the arguments against e-cars. People say they’re too expensive, or that charging stations are as rare as a sunny day in a monsoon. But wasn’t this the same skepticism greeted by the mobile phone, the Internet, or even the solar calculator? Technology has this way of catching up with our needs, and most times a lot quicker than we think. Besides, the e-cars could be cheaper to keep over time since they tout fewer moving parts than their gas-powered brethren. Imagine no more waiting at the repair shop while a mechanic shakes his head over yet another busted carburetor.

The irony is that most of us already use “e-vehicles” every day without batting an eyelid. That’s right, even here in our region. Those electric tricycles zipping around town, the e-bikes wobbling through backstreets are cousins to the world’s Teslas and Leafs. They’ve proved their worth in small ways, ferrying goods and people efficiently, and they don’t leave a trail of smog in their wake. If small-town folk can make the shift, why not the rest of us?

Admittedly, there’s a touch of melancholy in saying goodbye to gasoline cars. They’ve been part of my life since I learned to drive a car, their growls and purrs woven into memories of long drives, roadside stalls, and the occasional engine failure that taught me the art of patience and shelling out hard-earned cash. But progress often demands trade-offs. I’ll gladly swap nostalgia for a planet where my future grandchildren can see the stars without squinting through smog.

The bigger picture, though, isn’t just about cars. It’s about mindset. We’ve clung to gasoline because it’s convenient, familiar, and tied to the image of freedom on the open road. But freedom isn’t about burning finite resources; it’s about adapting to new paths when the old ones crumble. Electric cars aren’t just vehicles; they’re symbols of a shift—an acknowledgment that the road ahead needs a different kind of fuel.

As for what comes next, the answer is simple: we have to make e-cars accessible, not just a luxury but a practical choice for everyday use. Charging stations need to sprout like roadside eateries, and manufacturers must think beyond shiny price tags. But if we can manage to steer the collective effort to build the infrastructure that supports e-cars, we may finally enjoy smoke-free thoroughfares that don’t suffocate our nostrils with black fumes nor stain our light collars as we commute to our workplaces.

The day that people have been waiting for is a good reason to celebrate. More that our individual birthday is the birth of our Savior who dwelt among us. He was sent by God the father to fulfill the promise to save mankind from sin. It has been over two centuries since the messianic mission that was foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament had been proclaimed, yet, many people are still do not believe that Jesus Christ has come. There are many people who are still looking for the coming of the Savior and more who had been proclaiming falsehoods. This is why there are many modern-day preachers who established their own religious sects not in line with the true Church that God has established in the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

It is therefore a great challenge for every person to know Jesus Christ through the Word of God, the Holy Bible that was compiled by the Roman Catholic Church. It is the Word that was made flesh and became man to live with mankind through our Lord Jesus Christ. Apart from the Holy Bible, there are other sources of faith, namely: Sacred tradition and the Church magisterium. Very clearly, Jesus Christ never told His disciples to write His teachings. In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 16, Verse15, Jesus told His disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”. One must read or listen to audio versions of the Holy Bible in its entirety and not just selective piecemeal verses for one to know Jesus Christ.

One could easily be deceived by pretenders who claim to be preachers carrying Holy Bible that had been translated by sects that tailor-made according to their own personal interpretation. Such is prone to many errors that may lead the listeners to believe what the preacher tells. It requires apt knowledge not just of the bible verses but a good background of hermeneutics to one to understand the context of the bible as expressed by the writers at the time of its writing, considering the culture and social norms of the communities during those biblical times.

For many non-Catholic preachers for instance, they do not give respect to Mary the mother of our Savior as they claim that in the Gospel of John, Chapter 19, Verses 26-27, Jesus Christ while hanging on the cross shouted, “Woman behold thy son. Son, behold thy mother. They misinterpret the statement of Jesus Christ not even giving due respect to her mother as He simply addressed her “woman”. With a good background in hermeneutics, one would understand that during that time in history, the word woman is a high form of addressing a woman, mothers included.

It is therefore a misplaced interpretation for preachers who pretend to know the bible, to disrespect the mother of Jesus Christ. Even in our times, we need to respect the mother if we want to be in good terms with the son. How can one claim to be a good friend with the son if he disrespects or even blasphemes the mother. Can one have the courage to ask for any favor from the son if he does not respect the mother? It is a good question to ponder if we want to obtain God’s favor. In this year’s Christmas, may we all learn to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ as we celebrate our Savior’s birth.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

THIS is the outpouring of praise and thanksgiving that Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, prayed after what was told him by the archangel Gabriel that he would have a son despite his old age and his wife’s barreness, finally took place. (cfr. Lk 1,67-79)

It’s a joyful prayer that we should make also as our own as we approach the greatest event of human history when the Son of God is finally born to us. This prayer is the proximate prophecy of what the birth of Christ would mean to all of us.

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free,” the prayer begins. “He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.”

Especially nowadays when there is a lot of confusion about what our life here on earth is all about, this prayer would clarify things for us and put us in the right condition and outlook in our life.

This prayer will give us a strong and abiding sense of the real purpose of our life. Indeed, with the flowering of technological developments around, we need to realize more deeply that the quantum leap in that area also calls, nay, requires, a matching quantum leap in our sense of purpose. Otherwise, we would get what is tantamount to an overdose, an overload of something that would be very harmful to us.

It would be ideal if we can manage to have an abiding sense of the real purpose of our life, so we can avoid getting entangled in the distractions or, worse, lost in the maze of concerns or stranded in idleness, laziness, loneliness, worries and the like.

And what kind of purpose can this be that would keep us going no matter what situation we find ourselves in? This could only be God, our love of God, from whom we come and to whom we belong. He is our beginning and end, our everything.

That’s why we need to sharpen our awareness of him, feel his presence and his abundant merciful love for us, learn to discern his will and ways in every moment, and know how to relate everything in our life to his ever-functioning Providence.

We need to strengthen our faith that only in God can we have the ultimate purpose in life. St. Paul said so: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10,31)

Before that, Christ himself told us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” (Lk 10,27) Nothing could be clearer than this as to what our final purpose in life is. All other goals and objectives we have in life should only be secondary and instrumental to this ultimate purpose of our life.
We need to find ways to correspond to this clear commandment of God to us. That effort will help us to broaden our mind, to continue making initiatives, to widen our perspectives, to deepen our hope and inflame our charity.

It will spur us to action always, not contented with knowing things alone or having some theoretical attitude in life. It will push us to develop a universal heart, capable of dealing with everyone and of reaching out to everyone, including the most difficult personalities and enemies we can have in this life.

It’s just a few days more before Christmas and everyone is surely busy going to the different malls and bazaars to buy the perfect gifts for their loved ones. The Christmas season, while filled with festive cheer and consumer spending, can also present unique challenges for entrepreneurs. Here are some of the most common hurdles entrepreneurs face:

1. Managing Increased Demand and Inventory:

– Supply Chain Disruptions: The holiday rush often leads to increased demand, straining supply chains and potentially causing delays in receiving and fulfilling orders. Entrepreneurs need to be prepared for potential stock shortages and proactively manage their inventory levels to avoid disappointment for customers.

– Shipping Delays: The influx of packages during the holidays can overload shipping carriers, resulting in delays and potential missed delivery deadlines. Entrepreneurs need to factor in these potential delays, communicate clearly with customers, and consider alternative shipping options to ensure timely delivery.

– Production Bottlenecks: Increased demand can also put a strain on production capacity, potentially leading to delays in manufacturing or fulfilling orders. Entrepreneurs need to be proactive in managing their production processes, ensuring they have the resources and capacity to meet the seasonal surge.

2. Balancing Personal Time with Business Demands:

– Family Time vs. Work: The holidays are a time for family and friends, but entrepreneurs often find themselves pulled in multiple directions. Balancing personal time with the demands of their businesses can be challenging, leading to feelings of stress and guilt.

– Employee Availability: Many employees take time off during the holiday season, potentially impacting staffing levels and business operations. Entrepreneurs need to plan ahead, ensuring they have adequate coverage and support during this busy period.

– Holiday Fatigue: The constant hustle and bustle of the holiday season can lead to fatigue and burnout, impacting productivity and decision-making. Entrepreneurs need to prioritize self-care, take breaks when possible, and avoid overworking themselves.

3. Marketing and Promotion in a Competitive Landscape:

– Standing Out in the Crowd: The Christmas season is a highly competitive time for businesses, with many vying for consumer attention. Entrepreneurs need to develop creative and engaging marketing campaigns that stand out from the crowd and capture the holiday spirit.

– Budget Constraints: Marketing budgets can be stretched thin during the holidays, with businesses vying for prime advertising space and promotional opportunities. Entrepreneurs need to be strategic with their marketing spend, targeting their efforts effectively and maximizing return on investment.

– Last-Minute Shopping: Many consumers leave their holiday shopping until the last minute, creating a rush of demand in the days leading up to Christmas. Entrepreneurs need to be prepared for this surge, ensuring they have sufficient inventory, staffing, and marketing resources to meet the last-minute demand.

4. Managing Financial Expectations and Cash Flow:

– Seasonal Peaks and Troughs: The holiday season often brings a surge in sales, but businesses also experience a lull after the holidays. Entrepreneurs need to manage cash flow carefully, anticipating the seasonal peaks and troughs and ensuring they have sufficient financial resources to navigate these fluctuations.

– Increased Expenses: The holiday season can lead to increased expenses, from holiday bonuses and employee incentives to marketing campaigns and festive decorations. Entrepreneurs need to budget wisely, ensuring they can cover these additional costs while maintaining profitability.

– Holiday Returns and Refunds: The holiday season often sees an increase in returns and refunds, impacting cash flow and profitability. Entrepreneurs need to have clear return policies in place, manage returns effectively, and minimize the impact of returns on their bottom line.

5. Maintaining a Positive and Festive Atmosphere:

– Employee Morale: The holiday season can be stressful for employees, especially those working in retail or customer service roles. Entrepreneurs need to create a positive and festive atmosphere, recognizing employee contributions and fostering a spirit of camaraderie during this busy time.

– Customer Service: Customers are often more stressed and demanding during the holidays. Entrepreneurs need to prioritize exceptional customer service, ensuring customers receive prompt and helpful assistance, even in challenging situations.

– Holiday Cheer: Despite the challenges, entrepreneurs need to maintain a positive and festive attitude. Embracing the spirit of the season, celebrating successes, and finding joy in the midst of the hustle can make the holiday season a more fulfilling experience.

Navigating the Christmas season as an entrepreneur requires a combination of careful planning, strategic execution, and a positive mindset. By addressing these common challenges proactively and embracing the festive spirit, entrepreneurs can turn the holiday season into a time of success and growth for their businesses.
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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!