Slowly but surely, Tabsik hin Kagamhanan, the first original novel written in the Waray language, is becoming a monumental achievement in Waray literature. Published in 2014, this novel has transcended mere storytelling to become a vessel of cultural preservation and a commentary on various themes relevant to human existence. It offers readers multiple narratives that interweave a strong bond of love between a married couple with historical fiction, featuring real historical personages and events. This blending of genres not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on the history and heritage of the Waray people.

The novel’s horror elements, involving the feared mythical creatures of the underworld, provide an exhilarating dimension that taps into the collective psyche and folklore of the Waray culture. These supernatural aspects are not merely for shock value but serve to deepen the reader’s understanding of Waray’s spiritual beliefs and the cultural significance of these myths. The portrayal of these mythical creatures intertwines with a biblical narrative, presenting a cosmic battle between God and the devil. This adds a layer of spiritual depth and invites readers to ponder the eternal struggle between good and evil.

An adventurous journey into the unknown or the spiritual dimension is another compelling aspect of Tabsik hin Kagamhanan. This theme of adventure keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also providing a metaphorical exploration of inner journeys and spiritual quests. The novel does depict the vivid customs, traditions, and superstitions of the Waray people, making it a treasure trove for those interested in ethnographic details and cultural studies. This cultural richness adds authenticity and immerses the reader in the world of the Waray, making their experiences and worldview come alive.

The suspense in Tabsik hin Kagamhanan is crafted with intricate twists and symbolisms, keeping readers engaged and reflective. The novel’s ability to maintain suspense while weaving in deeper themes showcases its richness in storytelling and thematic exploration.

One of the most significant aspects of the novel is its gospel presentation, which asserts that true deliverance from demonic powers is through the victorious death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This theological perspective is a core element that defines the novel’s spiritual stance and offers a message of hope and redemption.

Critics have accused the novel of being an advocacy work that promotes certain beliefs. However, it is essential to recognize that all works of fiction inherently reflect the author’s convictions and worldview. Art, by its very nature, is an expression of the artist’s inner thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. Tabsik hin Kagamhanan is no different, as it encapsulates what the author deems necessary for people to understand and reflect upon. This perspective invites readers to engage with the novel not just as a story, but as a dialogue with the author’s mind and spirit.

The reception of Tabsik hin Kagamhanan has been overwhelmingly positive, with many readers acknowledging its contribution to Waray literature and culture. It is becoming a classic, celebrated for its depth, vivid characterization, narrative style, and cultural significance. Its recognition by a leading university in Region 8 further cements its status as a vital literary work that resonates with both the local community and the broader literary world.

Tabsik hin Kagamhanan is more than just a novel; it is a cultural artifact, a spiritual exploration, and a local icon of the enduring power of storytelling. It captures the essence of the Waray people, their history, beliefs, and aspirations, making it a significant contribution to Philippine literature. As it continues to gain recognition and readership, it stands as a beacon of Waray language and culture, inspiring future generations of writers and readers alike.

Amazing to the people is the inaction by this administration to protect our territory against clear Chinese aggression. The incidents being done by the Chinese had been escalating, from driving away our fishermen to ramming fishing boats, then blocking the delivery of food provision and supplies to our navy and coast guard assigned in the area. The latest incident was a clear aggression where Chinese forces attached a philippine vessel causing damage and injuries to our personnel manning the area.

The statement of the officials in command of our forces lamented how the Chinese are provoking them to retaliate that could result in a clash that may trigger war between the opposing forces. The actions had caught the attention of the internationally community and the common observation is against the Chinese bullying of our forces despite the arbitral ruling in our favor.

Apart from the aggression that was caught on video, there had been many incidents in the past where Chinese forces had purposely damaged fishing boats of Filipino fishermen. They had been prevented from engaging in their livelihood within philippine territory. These fishermen had been driven away and our government had not taken enough action to protect the rights of our fishermen. All that had been done is file protests which had all been refuted if not totally denied by the Chinese government.

In another arena, our territory had been intruded by Chinese nationals led by a town mayor who had been placed under investigation on alleged connections with Chinese operators of offshore gambling and other criminal activities. The senate probe had discovered many illegal activities where the mayor is connected either on her official capacity or as investor for being member of corporations doing business in her jurisdiction. The investigation had uncovered connections with high ranking officials that appear as allies or protectors of the mayor who may have taken a different ploy of aggression.
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WITH Christ telling his disciples not to give what is holy to dogs, or throw one’s pearls before swine, (cfr. Mt 7,6) we are somehow reminded that in our worldly affairs, no matter how technical they are or physically straining and dirty, we should never forget that God is always there, and that they are meant to be done or attended to with God and for God always.

In other words, we should avoid being swallowed up by the mundanity of these affairs as if God has nothing to do with them. We should avoid being so absorbed by them that we would not have God in our mind and heart.

This definitely would require of us a certain discipline that would put God at the center and peak of our human activities. For this, we have to learn how to be recollected amid the hustle and bustle of our daily activities.

Yes, we have to learn this skill. It’s actually a fundamental and indispensable skill. Without it, there’s no other way but for us to get confused and lost in our worldly and temporal affairs. And instead of reaching our final and proper destination, we end up somewhere else.

We have to learn to gather all our powers and faculties together so they can be engaged with their proper and ultimate objects which, ultimately, are God and others. We have to see to it that everything we do and get involved in, somehow get into the lifelong dynamic of loving God and others.

What we have to avoid is our tendency to fall into self-indulgence, pursuing only or getting entangled simply with our own interests and goals which usually are of the practical, worldly and temporal ones, and nothing beyond.

What we also have to avoid is to have our powers and faculties scattered and often in conflict with one another, entangled with objects that, though having some validity, are not the proper and ultimate objects we should try to pursue.

This need for recollection simply indicates that our life consists of different aspects and levels that we have to orchestrate to be able to reach our final end. We just cannot go about reacting spontaneously to things, depending solely on instincts and feelings. We are meant for something much, much more than these.

Our tendency, given our fallen nature and the effects of our personal sins, is to get dispersed in our attention and to plunge into activism. In the process, we lose our interior serenity and eventually our true way.

The loss of serenity can lead us to bad consequences—loss of self-control and dominion over things, proneness to temptations, vices and sins, disorder in our sense of priority, etc.
For Christian believers, the source and end of their consciousness should be God. This is simply because the Christian faith teaches that God is the creator of the whole universe, including us, and continues to govern us intimately in our hearts. There should therefore be a living relationship between God and the believer.

We need to be focused always on him. Straying from him would be to stray from reality. It would lead us to make our own reality and our own world, with consequences that sooner or later will always be bad for us.

This human need for recollection will always bring us to the realization of the existence of God, with the corresponding rights and duties towards him. We should therefore see that everything in our life has God in it, or at least traces of God in it. We just have to learn how to discover God in these things.

Building a stronger team is crucial for the success of any business. By following key strategies, a business owner can foster a collaborative and supportive environment where team members can thrive. Clearly defining roles and responsibilities, hiring the right people, and promoting open communication are essential. Providing opportunities for growth, fostering a positive work culture, and encouraging collaboration are also vital. Setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and encouraging innovation further contribute to team strength. Leading by example is crucial in inspiring and motivating team members. By implementing these strategies, a business owner can build a strong team that drives the growth and success of the business.

Building a stronger team for a business involves several key steps. Here are some strategies that a business owner can implement to build a stronger team:

1. Clearly define roles and responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each team member to avoid confusion and ensure everyone knows what is expected of them. This will help in setting clear goals and objectives.

2. Hire the right people: Take the time to hire the right people who have the necessary skills, experience, and cultural fit for the team. Look for candidates who not only have the required technical skills but also possess good communication and teamwork abilities.

3. Foster open communication: Encourage open communication among team members to promote collaboration and idea sharing. Create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts, opinions, and concerns.

4. Provide opportunities for growth and development: Invest in the professional development of your team members by providing training, workshops, and opportunities for skill enhancement. This will not only help them grow personally but also contribute to the growth of the business.

5. Foster a positive work culture: Create a positive work culture that promotes teamwork, respect, and recognition. Recognize and appreciate the efforts and achievements of team members to boost morale and motivation.

6. Encourage collaboration and teamwork: Encourage collaboration and teamwork by assigning projects that require the collective effort of team members. Foster a sense of unity and shared goals to enhance team cohesion.

7. Set clear goals and objectives: Set clear goals and objectives for the team and ensure that everyone understands them. This will provide a sense of direction and purpose, aligning the efforts of team members towards a common goal.

8. Provide regular feedback: Provide regular feedback to team members to help them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback should be constructive and aimed at helping them grow and develop professionally.

9. Encourage innovation and creativity: Create an environment that encourages innovation and creativity. Encourage team members to think outside the box and come up with new ideas and solutions to challenges.

10. Lead by example: As a business owner, you should lead by example and demonstrate the qualities and values you expect from your team members. Show dedication, professionalism, and a strong work ethic to inspire and motivate your team.
Remember, building a stronger team is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and investment. By implementing these strategies, a business owner can create a positive and productive team environment that contributes to the success of the business.
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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!