The morning Russia rolled its tanks across the border into Ukraine in February 2022, many analysts predicted Kyiv would fall in days. I remember reading those confident forecasts and thinking how quickly great powers convince themselves that smaller nations are soft targets. History, however, has a stubborn way of humiliating such arrogance.

Three years later, the war has not produced the swift triumph Moscow imagined. Instead, the invasion hardened Ukrainian resistance and rallied international support around a country that many outsiders once dismissed as fragile. A smaller nation, when pushed against the wall, often discovers reserves of courage that no intelligence report can measure. Tanks, missiles, and spreadsheets of military capability rarely capture something as unruly as national will.

I have noticed that powerful states repeat this mistake with almost ritual regularity. They look at maps, budgets, and troop counts, then conclude that victory will follow the arithmetic. Yet war refuses to behave like arithmetic. People defend their homes with a ferocity that seldom appears in military briefings.

Consider the uneasy tension between the United States and Iran. Policymakers and commentators sometimes speak as if a conflict there would be quick and decisive, as though geography, history, and nationalism could simply be brushed aside. But Iran is not a helpless pawn on the chessboard of global power. It is a country with a long memory, rugged terrain, and a population deeply sensitive to foreign intervention—factors that have humbled more than one ambitious empire.

I often think about how leaders, surrounded by strategy papers and glowing screens, can lose sight of the human element. War plans assume predictability; people rarely cooperate with such assumptions. A farmer defending his town, a teacher guarding her children, a mechanic picking up a rifle—these figures do not appear in neat columns of military data, yet they have a habit of reshaping wars.

There is also the quiet strength of national pride. Smaller nations often carry centuries of survival stories—stories whispered in kitchens, taught in classrooms, and sung in old songs. When an outsider threatens that shared memory, resistance becomes more than military duty; it becomes a matter of dignity. And dignity, unlike ammunition, does not easily run out.

That is why I sometimes hear an old line from the folk song Where Have All the Flowers Gone by Pete Seeger echoing in my head: “When will they ever learn?” The question hangs in the air every time a powerful nation assumes that strength alone guarantees victory. Time and again, the battlefield answers with a patient, bruising correction.

Power should travel with humility. Before marching armies or launching missiles, leaders might do well to remember that even the smallest nation contains millions of stubborn hearts. And those hearts, when stirred by invasion or threat, can turn the grand calculations of superpowers into long, costly lessons.

THE readings on the Third Sunday of Lent remind us that we are meant for eternal life. In the first reading, from the Book of Ezekiel 37,12-14, we see how God promises to raise his people from their graves and fill them with his Spirit.

The Responsorial Psalm (130) practically asks us to trust in God’s mercy always, considering that we cannot avoid falling into sin. The Second Reading, from Romans 8,8-11, tells us that it is the Spirit of God that will give us true eternal life to our mortal bodies. The Gospel Acclamation, from Jn 11,25-26, reminds us that it is Christ who is the resurrection and the life, and if we believe in him, we actually will never die.
And the Gospel, from John 11,20-45, talks about the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It clearly shows that Christ has power over death.

With all these truths of our Christian faith, what we have to do is to correspond to them as best that we can. And it can only mean that we should try our best to be eternity-ready all the time.

We should therefore be clear about this point. Our time here on earth is a time of transit toward eternity, from where we came and to where we are heading. That’s because we are creatures of God who is in eternity. We came from him, and since we have been made in his image and likeness, we are meant to be with him in all eternity.

Our definitive state of life is to be with God in eternity. We therefore need to be eternity-ready in our time here on earth. And we can approximate that state of life and prepare ourselves for it by trying to be with God always, following his will and ways as we go through the drama of our earthly life.

We should know how to flow with the times without getting lost along the way. While there are changing things as we flow with the times, we also have to know that there are things that are not supposed to change, that will always have permanent value and relevance to us.

We need to see to it that our thoughts and desires are immersed in the supernatural gifts of faith, hope and charity, those theological virtues that enable our earthly and temporal affairs to acquire spiritual, supernatural and eternal value.

That is why, we need to study and assimilate the doctrine of our faith, make it generate hope in our earthly pilgrimage, and fuel the love that catapults us to eternity, uniting us to God and others.

This is how we can link our time here on earth with the eternity of our definitive life. It’s a matter of the belief that there is God and that he is our creator who gives us our very existence and that he continually, without any gap or break, intervenes in our life.

We have to be more aware of this truth, and more important, know how to deal with it. We often take it for granted, or worse, we can think that our life can just be on our own, completely dependent on what and how we make it to be.

Or we can think that we can be with God at some time and can be on our own at other times. We need to outgrow this mentality, because it simply does not correspond to reality. Ok, it’s not easy. There’s deep and vast awkwardness especially in the beginning. But it’s not a problem that cannot be solved.

Kun nagtatapo iton duha nga mag isog ngan waray napapirdi, sigurado may ada nabubukolan!

The confrontation between the United States and Iran is not merely about nuclear programs, sanctions, or military maneuvers. At its heart lies a clash of two leadership frameworks, each locked into its own worldview, each unable to bend without risking legitimacy.

On one side stands America under Donald Trump, defined by an aggressive, undiplomatic posture. The administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran is less about diplomacy and more about leverage. Sanctions, military buildup, and withdrawal from international agreements are tools wielded not to build consensus but to project toughness. This framework thrives on confrontation, presenting strength abroad as proof of resolve at home.

On the other side is Iran, a religious theocracy that perpetuates its regime through suppression and ideological defiance. Its leaders derive legitimacy from clerical authority and a narrative of resistance against Western imperialism. Hostility toward America is not incidental—it is essential, a rallying cry that unifies a population otherwise fractured by economic hardship and political repression. For Iran’s rulers, compromise risks unraveling the very identity of the state.

Together, these frameworks form a mirror-image hostility. America’s aggression validates Iran’s anti-Western rhetoric; Iran’s defiance justifies America’s pressure. Each side needs the other’s hostility to sustain its own narrative. The result is a cycle of escalation where diplomacy is perpetually undermined, not because interests cannot align, but because leadership styles cannot coexist.

And that the World’s Energy Supply Chain is not only disrupted but sadly put on the brink of decapacitation.

The War came with the two leaders defiance and pressure and the World feel the pain .
But the consequences of this collision extend far beyond Washington and Tehran.

In the Philippines, the war’s ripple effects are already visible. As a nation heavily dependent on imported fuel, every spike in global oil prices translates into higher transport costs, electricity bills, and food prices. Farmers face rising expenses for fertilizers and fuel, while commuters and small businesses struggle with inflation. Overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, live under heightened uncertainty, their safety and livelihoods at risk should the conflict escalate.

Thus, at the end of the day, the War is also our war, our disadvantage and never just Israel-US and Iran, it is the Philippine War, one that we are always a victim and never a victor!

Women entrepreneurs significantly contribute to the economy and society, yet they often face unique challenges in gaining visibility and making a substantial impact. Overcoming these hurdles requires a multifaceted approach, leveraging digital platforms, networking, and strategic self-promotion. By implementing specific strategies, women entrepreneurs can amplify their voices, break through barriers, and achieve greater success in today’s business environment.

Leveraging Digital Platforms

In today’s digital age, establishing a strong online presence is crucial. Women entrepreneurs can use various digital tools to enhance their visibility and reach a broader audience.

• Content Marketing: Creating and sharing valuable content can establish women entrepreneurs as thought leaders in their industries. Blog posts, articles, and social media content can showcase expertise and attract potential clients and partners. Tailoring content to address specific customer pain points ensures relevance and engagement.

• SEO Optimization: Optimizing website content and using relevant keywords can improve search engine rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find their businesses. This includes optimizing meta tags, URLs, and website copy to align with search engine algorithms.

• Social Media Engagement: Actively participating on social media platforms helps women entrepreneurs connect with their audience, build communities, and promote their businesses. Engaging with followers, participating in industry discussions, and sharing company updates can increase brand visibility and recognition.

Networking and Community Building

Building strong relationships and networks is essential for women entrepreneurs to gain support, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Industry Associations: Joining organizations like the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tacloban-Leyte, Inc. provides networking opportunities and advocacy. These associations offer resources, mentorship programs, and platforms for women to connect and share experiences.

• Industry Events: Attending conferences, seminars, and workshops allows women entrepreneurs to connect with peers, potential investors, and customers. These events provide opportunities to learn about industry trends, showcase their businesses, and forge valuable partnerships.

• Mentorship: Seeking experienced mentors can provide guidance and support in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Mentors can offer advice on business strategy, financial management, and leadership development. Mentorship can also help women entrepreneurs build confidence and overcome self-doubt.

Addressing Systemic Challenges

Women entrepreneurs often face systemic challenges, including funding disparities and gender bias. Addressing these issues requires advocacy, awareness, and proactive measures.

• Advocate for Funding Equity: Women-led businesses often receive a disproportionately small amount of venture capital funding. Advocating for equitable access to funding and supporting initiatives that invest in women-led businesses can help level the playing field.

• Challenge Gender Bias: Confronting stereotypes and biases that may hinder progress is crucial. Sharing experiences, challenging assumptions, and advocating for a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem can help break down barriers.

• Promote Supportive Policies: Supporting policies that promote gender equality in business, such as access to capital, mentorship programs, and resources for work-life balance, can create a more supportive environment for women entrepreneurs.

Showcasing Success and Innovation

Highlighting achievements and demonstrating innovation can enhance the credibility and visibility of women entrepreneurs.

• Highlight Achievements: Sharing successes and milestones demonstrates capabilities and impact. This can include showcasing successful projects, awards, and positive customer feedback.

• Embrace Innovation: Focusing on bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the market can differentiate women-led businesses from competitors. Highlighting unique approaches and creative problem-solving can attract attention and generate interest.

• Address Social Challenges: Emphasizing how businesses address social challenges and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world can resonate with customers and investors who value social responsibility.

Enhancing Leadership Skills

Developing strong leadership skills is essential for women entrepreneurs to effectively manage their businesses and inspire their teams.

• Continuous Learning: Investing in professional development opportunities, such as courses, workshops, and seminars, can enhance knowledge and skills. Staying ahead of industry trends and continuously improving business acumen is crucial for long-term success.

• Strategic Planning: Developing a strategic plan that takes into account all aspects of the business, from marketing to sales, is essential. Setting clear objectives and timelines for each goal ensures focused effort and measurable progress.
• Self-Confidence: Believing in oneself and one’s ideas is paramount. Self-confidence helps women entrepreneurs stay motivated through challenging times, take risks, and make bold decisions.

By implementing these strategies, women entrepreneurs can enhance their visibility, overcome barriers, and achieve greater success in today’s business landscape.

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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!