THE BEST OF ME

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." -Col 3:23

Lately, I’ve been training almost daily, working hard to improve my golf swing -and, in the process, up my game. My family is starting to raise eyebrows, suspecting I’m sandbagging my rounds -just so I don’t have to treat them to that seafood dinner if I ever play my best round. I am not fixing my game. I am training for the Olympics. This is for the glory of the country, people.

I’ve also been putting in extra effort at work. As a lighting designer, I’m committed to making my firm the absolute best in Asia, and on this side of the galaxy, and securing a legacy for future generations. My descendants will thank me when they’re basking in the glow of well-lit skyscrapers, churches, sports stadiums, and golf courses.

Like a possessed workhorse, I even find time to wash and wax the car and clean the house. Not just for the family, mind you. We’re expecting a visit from the Pope. Yep, the Pope. I want the place looking spotless when the Holy Father knocks on our door.

Okay, maybe not.

I am too old for the Olympics, my company is not in any competition -not for the longest drive, not for the best in anything. And the Pope -he doesn’t even know I exist.

So why am I putting myself through all this? It’s not just about pushing myself for personal gain or glory. It’s about going beyond my own limits and striving for something greater. Sure, I want to improve, to challenge myself, but ultimately, it’s not just me, or for me.

I play, I work, to offer my very best to Someone far more deserving. My efforts, my dedication -these are my offerings to my God and Savior, Jesus Christ. And in doing so, I find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends personal achievement -even when at times too many, I fail miserably.

Happy Sunday, champs!

Cheers!

DRIVE X

Our Saturdate went the way of the unusual yesterday. Instead of the usual leisurely dine-in breakfast, we went for the Drive-Thru option at McDonald's because time wasn’t on our side. Induction ceremony and an extra-inspired homily by our parish priest had stretched our morning and eaten into our sit-down breakfast time.

(I’m not complaining, Lord. I’m just… mea culpa, Lord.

)

At the Drive-Thru, we rolled up to the speaker, rattled off our orders with a smile on my face (you never know), paid, and faster than the sunniest side-up, breakfast was served right through our car window. McFast.

As we cruised back home, I decided we might as well knock out some grocery shopping. Lucky for us, there’s an egg vendor conveniently located along the road to our village. We pulled off a little Drive-By maneuver. From where I was parked, I honked once to get their attention, and flashed an “X” with my fingers. And sure enough, faster than a scramble, a tray of extra-large eggs went through our car window! Talk about eggficiency!

Just as the smell of breakfast inside the car was making me even hungrier, we spotted a banana vendor near our village entrance. My wife said, “Bili tayo!” Lacatán for dessert after a McBrekkie? Why not! And so, we did a Drive-X, where X = pulling-up-the-street-to-buy-something-from-a-cart-pulling-street-vendor.

What was supposed to be the ordinary became the x-traordinary. Thanks to Drive Thru/By/X, my household was not deprived of a morning delight.

Cheers!

NOW SHOWING

And so it begins.

The biggest zarzuela.

The grandest comedy show.

The colossal display of absurdity in the Philippines.

Election fever has again descended upon the nation like a pandemic, bringing a viral swarm of candidates filing for local and national posts. The cast features a motley crew of actors, ex-convicts, thieves, and con artists, swarming the COMELEC sites with the energy of a town fiesta.

One of the main attractions is the family dynasties. Whether running together or, at times, against each other, these shameless entities -those who have turned politics into a family business -proudly proclaim "public service" as their noble calling. Their sincerity only seems to match their ability to fatten their own pockets.

Yet, amidst all the melodrama, there’s one silver lining: This is the one time every few years when billions (perhaps even trillions) of pesos flood the economy faster than a Christmas bonus.

The printing industry -from tarpaulins to posters and t-shirts -gets its once-in-three-year surge. Even pedicabs can expect new trapal rain covers, featuring the smiling faces of 'public servants.' Meanwhile, sari-sari stores and street vendors will see an opportunity to replace their outdated 2022 'vote-for-me' shirts with the latest campaign gear. In this election season, everyone gets a slice of the action.

And let’s not forget the short-term voters, the ones trading three days’ worth of rice for three more years of corruption-laden governance. Their bellies, at least temporarily full, will have something to chew on -just like gravy on chickenjoy.

Of course, there are those whose intentions are pure and who truly seek to serve the people. But they seldom win. So yeah, there's that. May God bless them.

Now tell me, can your favorite K-drama serve up such rich content?

And so I remind myself:

You may want to sit back, grab some cheese-flavored popcorn, and enjoy the show.

But, if by any serious chance you’re not happy with this circus and worried about your children’s future, then please, drop the popcorn and do something for your country.

For starters -who will you vote for?

Cheers!