Author name: Warren Nacua

Life after death is one of the greatest mysteries and is a subject that has perplexed humankind for millennia. After the physical body dies, the question of what happens next remains. This article will explore the various theories surrounding what happens when a person dies and the evidence both for and against them.  One popular opinion is that we proceed to an afterlife, which can be seen as a spiritual world inhabited by a deity or deities, though the specifics vary from culture to culture. In Christianity, for example, believers anticipate being reunited with God in heaven, while for Hindus, the cycle of reincarnation brings them closer to the ultimate goal of liberation from the material world.  The evidence for an afterlife is, at best, highly contentious. Some perspectives come from near-death experiences, which involve real people who report feeling as though they have passed through a tunnel and seen strange, otherworldly visions before returning to their physical body. Strictly speaking, however, we cannot draw conclusions from such subjective accounts, as they are highly personal and impossible to independently verify. On the other hand, those who deny any existence after death point to the lack of scientific-based evidence for this belief. There have been studies conducted using advanced technology to measure brain activity after death and the results have produced nothing suggestive of consciousness or communication beyond our physical world. Such studies are, at least, consistent with the null hypothesis that death is, indeed, the ultimate end.  Recent research has shown that death is not, in fact, the end. Complex biological processes continue after the heart stops beating and organs stop functioning. Autolysis (self-digestion) causes cells to break up and bacteria to break down proteins and other organic matter, while apoptosis (programmed cell death) leads to an organized breakdown of the body. Put together, these processes represent a picture of ongoing chemical activity, albeit of a much slower pace than when the person was alive.  The debate about what happens when we die may never fully be answered and remains a matter of personal belief. Those who take comfort in the notion of an afterlife may never be totally convinced, while those who deny any existence after death will almost certainly never be proven wrong. The great mystery of death lends itself to very different interpretations, and one can only hope to continue on the path of learning more about this fascinating subject.

The Cebuano Holy Week is not complete without binignit. Binignit is a sweet stew of fruits (jackfruit, banana), tubers (gabi, camote, ube) and glutinous rice. For a better version landang and sago must be added into it. And why has binignit become famous during Holy Week? One, because the last week of the cuaresma (40 days) of Lent means strict fasting – no meat, hence there’s binignit. It is not known who invented it, but one thing is sure, it is a Cebuano delicacy. Other regions have their similar version like the “bilo-bilo” in the Northern Luzon. According to local tourism advocate Boboi Costas, binignit could be traced to the Spaniards at the time when they introduced Catholicism in the country. Since the Philippines was rich in root crops, the people then concocted a stew using available products for the Holy Week. Today, practically every household has binignit especially on a Good Friday. And each has their own version: there’s a colorful binignit with all the colors of the round sagos in it, there’s huge slices of bananas and camotes, and there’s the tasty and the not-so-tasty versions. But one thing is common on binignit season, since everyone is at home on Holy Week, either you cook binignit or not, you still get a bowl or two of binignit from your neighbors. Because even when Jesus dies, the Filipino spirit of sharing is alive. 

Investing in a memorial lot is an important decision to make. It ensures that a person’s memory will live on through a physical marker in which people can visit and honor them. Memorial lots can be used to commemorate a departed loved one, but can also serve as a lovely spot to bring family and friends together to remember and reflect.  When considering investing in a memorial lot, it’s best to start by researching the range of options available. Different providers will have different guidelines and restrictions on the types of memorial lots that they can provide in their cemetery. Potential investors should have an idea of the size and type of lot they are interested in before discussing any details with the cemetery.  It is important to also assess the financial cost of investing in a memorial lot. Each cemetery will be able to provide information on the pricing for memorial lots, prices that are typically broken down by lot size and type of memorial. It is also beneficial to take a look at the total cost of any additional fees or taxes associated with setting up a memorial lot. The care and maintenance of a memorial lot is another important component to consider when investing in one. Most cemeteries typically have an annual fee that covers the cost of their general grounds maintenance, but some may require an additional fee for upkeep of the specific memorial lot. The cemetery may also lay down any restrictions or regulations in regards to the types of markers, decorations, or other memorial accessories permissible at the lot. In addition to aesthetics and finances, other elements that can come into play when investing in a memorial lot are religious beliefs and traditions. Certain cultures have distinct burial rituals and rules that should be followed so it is important to research these and ensure that the cemetery and their staff are aware of the needs of the person being honored.   Investing in a memorial lot can be a meaningful way to keep a loved one’s memory alive but careful consideration and research should be put into the decision in order to make the memorial lot both personal and profound. If you want to invest in memorial lots, Celestial Meadows has five locations all over Cebu: Minglanilla, City of Naga, Toledo City, Moalboal and Compostela. 

I Samuel 16:1, 6-7,10-13  +  Ephesians 5:8-14  +  John 9:1-41 “… the Lord looks into the heart.” A tiny baby is completely dependent upon its parents for giving it life and sustaining that life.  Yet we do not expect that baby to give thanks for what he or she receives.  In general, the younger a person is, the more his needs are met by others, and the less grateful he tends to be.  But as a child grows more independent and self-sufficient, we expect him to grow in gratitude. Yet as odd as it might seem, the average adult is often tempted to return to the state of that little child who believes that he or she is completely self-sufficient and needs to give thanks to no one.  This happens when one focuses on material things and loses sight of the spiritual life. If we grow not only older but also wiser, we begin to recognize how little in our lives comes solely through our own efforts.  In fact, the greatest maturity in life comes when we see that every talent and ability we possess is a gift from God that we no more deserve than the gifts a child receives at Christmas. The prophet Samuel in the First Reading reminds us of this, that “God does not see as man sees, because man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.”  The Church chose this First Reading because “sight” is the theme that runs through all of the Sacred Liturgy today.  More to the point, the theme is blindness:  the lack of sight that derives from losing sight of God in one’s life. In last Sunday’s Gospel Reading, Jesus drew an outcast into conversation.  The world of Jesus’ time and place looked upon this sinful Samaritan woman as someone to be avoided.  But Jesus saw in this outcast a heart which, though hardened, wanted to offer love to God.  Jesus drew that love out of her heart. During these middle weeks of Lent, the Gospel Reading comes from Saint John’s Gospel account.  We ought to notice that in John, intermediaries (or “middlemen”) play an important role in hearing the Gospel, and consequently in people placing their faith in Jesus. In John, it is not always Jesus Himself who inspires others to place their faith in Him.  Certain persons throughout John—such as the Samaritan woman from last week’s Gospel Reading, the blind man in today’s, and Mary the sister of Lazarus in next week’s—who bring people closer to Jesus. In today’s Gospel Reading from John, the man born blind is one of us.  When Jesus approaches him, Jesus does not ask if he wants to be cured, and the blind man does not request that Jesus cure him.  This dynamic is rare within the four Gospel accounts, so we ought to attend to it.  Jesus simply walks right up to the blind man, and heals him with a completely unmerited and unrequested gift. The gift itself, though, is not the chief point of the Gospel Reading.  John’s point is seen when we look at the response of people to this miracle.  Some are drawn to Jesus and begin to place their faith in Him because of the miracle He worked for the blind man. However, others are Pharisees.  The Pharisees, like the Samaritan woman, have hearts darkened and hardened by sin.  But the Pharisees, unlike the Samaritan woman, refuse to open their hearts to the gifts God wants to place within their souls.  The Pharisees are blind. When God works a miracle in their midst, the response of the Pharisees is to condemn the miracle-worker.  Through the course of this Gospel Reading, we see the man born blind become more courageous, though:  even he begins to confront the blindness of the Pharisees. Hopefully each of us is a messenger as the man born blind was:  that is, an intermediary between God and other persons.  God wants to bestow His graces in our lives every day.  First we have to recognize how dependent we are upon God, and in how many ways we are blessed by Him. Yet we must also be willing to tell others about God’s graciousness.  Sometimes, speaking of our faith in God’s goodness will bring others to recognize God working in their own lives.  Others, however, will only push God further from them, and may very well shun us, also.  In fact, this cost of discipleship may leave us alone at times with no one other than our Lord.

Women are powerful beings who have the ability to change the course of history. Since the beginning of time, women have broken down barriers and shattered stereotypes, proving that they are not just equal to men, but often surpass them in strength, resilience, and perseverance. The notion that women are weak and delicate has been debunked time and again. From the likes of Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth I, and Catherine the Great, to modern-day icons like Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, and Simone Biles, women have shown that they are capable of immense feats of courage, intelligence, and athleticism. Women possess a depth of strength that can only be described as remarkable. Despite centuries of oppression and gender inequality, women have continued to rise up and demand their rights. Suffragettes like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought tirelessly for women’s right to vote, while activists like Gloria Steinem, Angela Davis, and Betty Friedan led the feminist movement of the 1960s and 70s, paving the way for gender equality in the workplace, education, and politics. Today, women all over the world are still fighting for their rights, speaking out against gender-based violence, and demanding equal pay for equal work. In the Philippines, several groups headed by women are continuously fighting for women’s rights. Sen. Risa Hontiveros, the people behind Gabriela and many others are the backbone of these movements.  In addition to their political and social power, women also possess a unique emotional intelligence that enables them to connect with others on a deeper level. Women are natural caregivers and nurturers, and they often have an innate sense of empathy that allows them to understand and empathize with others in a way that many men cannot. This emotional intelligence is incredibly powerful and can help women to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. Women are powerful in their ability to create and innovate. Women have made significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as in the arts, music, and literature. Women like Ada Lovelace, Marie Curie, and Rosalind Franklin made groundbreaking discoveries in the sciences, while writers like Virginia Woolf and Toni Morrison explored the nuances of human emotion and experience in their work. Women have also made significant contributions to the world of business, creating successful companies from scratch and leading major corporations with vision and insight. Women are powerful beings with immense strength, intelligence, and emotional depth. Despite centuries of oppression and gender inequality, women have continued to rise up and demand their rights, using their power to effect positive change in the world. As we move forward into the future, it is essential that we continue to support and uplift women so that they can continue to inspire, lead, and make the world a better place for us all.

Investing early is a wise decision that can provide numerous advantages in the long run. It not only helps you grow your wealth but also enables you to achieve your financial goals faster. There are several benefits of investing early, and in this essay, we will discuss them in detail. The power of compounding. Compounding refers to the process of reinvesting the returns earned from your initial investment to generate further gains. This means that your money earns interest on the interest it has already earned, resulting in exponential growth in your investment over time. By investing early, you have more time for your investment to compound, enabling you to build wealth faster than those who invest later in life. Take advantage of market volatility. The stock markets are volatile and can often fluctuate in short time periods. However, by investing early, you have a more extended time horizon to ride out these fluctuations and take advantage of the long-term upward trend of the markets. Moreover, this can help you avoid making rash decisions during market downturns, leading to significant losses. Instills good saving habits. By making regular contributions to your investment portfolio, you develop a disciplined saving habit. Consistent investment contributions also help you prioritize your finances and keep your spending in check, leading to better financial management. Provides you with a financial cushion in case of emergencies. As you continue to invest over time, you build up a substantial investment portfolio that you can potentially use in case of unexpected financial crises. Having a sound investment portfolio can give you peace of mind, knowing that you have a financial cushion to fall back on, should the need arise. Achieve your financial goals faster. Whether it’s saving for retirement or buying a dream home, investing early can help you accumulate wealth faster, making your financial goals seem more achievable. Moreover, by investing early, you have a more extended time horizon to achieve these goals, enabling you to be more strategic in your investment decisions. Investing early is a smart financial decision that can provide numerous advantages. It enables you to compound your returns, take advantage of market volatility, instill good saving habits, provide a financial cushion in case of emergencies, and achieve your financial goals faster. Therefore, it is essential to start investing early to maximize your returns and secure your financial future. If you want to invest in Cebu, invest in Celestial Meadows for as low as P2,000 per month. 

The role of grandparents in a child’s life is invaluable, regardless of culture or society. They are a bridge between generations, preserving family traditions and values, while also providing a wealth of knowledge and experience. Grandparents are often the central source of emotional support, providing unconditional love and care for their grandchildren. In a world where the pace of life is constantly accelerating, and families are often scattered across the globe, grandparents are becoming increasingly important in maintaining family connections. A hug from a grandparent can provide a sense of comfort, reducing anxiety and stress that children often face in today’s complex and unpredictable world.  Not only do grandparents offer support and comfort, but they also provide a unique perspective on life. They can offer advice based on their own experiences, providing insight and wisdom that can be difficult to find elsewhere. They can provide grandchildren with a deeper understanding of their family history, helping to instill a sense of identity and belonging. Grandparents also play a crucial role in shaping the values and character of their grandchildren. By modeling positive behaviors, grandparents can help to teach children the importance of respect, honesty, and kindness. They can be role models for healthy aging, demonstrating the benefits of an active lifestyle and positive attitude. Despite the importance of grandparents in a child’s life, their physical presence is decreasing as families move away from each other. As a result, it is more important than ever to make the most of the time spent with grandparents. Hugging grandparents can provide a tangible expression of love and gratitude, strengthening the emotional bond between grandparents and grandchildren. In conclusion, grandparents are an integral part of any family dynamic. They offer emotional support and guidance, pass on family traditions and values, and provide unique perspectives on life. Hugging grandparents can be a powerful gesture, reminding both grandchildren and grandparents of the importance of family and the impact that a simple act of kindness can have on family relationships. Let us not forget to appreciate our grandparents and hug them whenever possible.

Today’s Liturgy of the Word starts us out with the Israelites and Moses in the desert. After accepting God’s invitation to abandon slavery for freedom, the people quickly started complaining: They missed the food the Egyptians let them have, they feared they would die of thirst … and on and on. Acting as if God had made no plans and was incapable of providing for them, they groused so much that Moses expected a mutiny. (See Numbers 11 where Moses accuses God of being a negligent mother and complains that his task is more than he can handle.) In response, and to show how shortsighted they were, the creator of snow and rain brought water from stone, demonstrating that for God, nothing is impossible. (See Job 38.) The desert wanderers really did have legitimate cause for worry. Like so many people today, they had no idea where their next meal would come from and clean water had become a luxury they could only remember. When we consider how little time they had spent in freedom, we can appreciate that they were like dependent children, frightened because the situation was entirely out of their control. Israel’s thirst sets up John’s account of the woman at the well. Although we rarely note it, a key aspect of this story is that Jesus was the one who was thirsty. This gives us a pretty iconoclastic image of God! We, who usually turn to God for help, are faced with Jesus, the Christ, sitting thirsty by a well without a bucket. Then, along comes a feisty Samaritan woman. The Savior of the world makes a request: “Give me a drink.” Water is a precious commodity in the desert. Sharing water symbolizes hospitality, openness to the stranger and respect for life. In an inside out image of the God who draws water from stone, the vulnerable Jesus must ask for life-giving water and acceptance, and he does it at the well that symbolizes her heritage of faith in the God of Abraham. Once they have begun their conversation, the tables turn again and Jesus reveals that the divine thirst is not for water, but for a life-giving relationship with humanity. What happened in the interchange between Jesus and Photina (the name the Orthodox give the Samaritan) should have been more threatening to the guardians of Jewish and Samaritan religion than anything else Jesus preached. When Photina tried to pit the Jewish and Samaritan approaches to God against one another, Jesus led her beyond every expression of denominationalism and dependence on ritual. All that mattered to Jesus was that Photina (and by extension all people) would know God as he did; he thirsted for her to be moved by God’s own Spirit and to abide in the truth-generating relationships that flow from that. This is exactly what happened. As Photina began to comprehend what Jesus was saying, her feistiness turned to curiosity and then to faith. As the representative of a people who had sought God through a series of shallow affiliations (five husbands), she found a truth and love worthy of her and was impelled to share it. Too often, we focus on Photina’s “five husbands,” as if this story were about the conversion of a loose woman. That overlooks the astounding theology and universality of this Gospel message. Theologically, this Gospel story reminds us that our creator invites humanity into relationship, but never imposes. This paints a picture of God as both vulnerable and thirsty, ever waiting near some well to offer life to those who can listen, wonder and respond. The universality of today’s message comes through Jesus’ proclamation that real worship and relationship with God does not depend on place or ritual, but on how the people become vulnerable to the Spirit’s action in their lives. Paul preaches this very same message in the Letter to the Romans when he assures us that our “justification” is based on faith. If we were to put Paul’s idea in the context of the interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, we would say that salvation springs from relationship with God; it is never bound by any particular deed, creed or ritual. Salvation happens when we attend to God’s thirst and respond with personal hospitality. Once we have been affected by a relationship with God, it automatically begins to flow into all our other relationships, making us not just believers, but almost irresistible evangelizers. Today, Photina may appear to us in many guises. We will recognize her not by her name, geography or appearance, but rather by her enthusiastic love and the way she invites us to respond to God’s thirst and enjoy living water forever. Like her, all we need do is respond. As a result, the world’s thirst will begin to be quenched. BY MARY M. MCGLONE (ncronline.org)

Travel or invest? It is a common dilemma that many people face today, especially those in their 20s who already have some extra money on their hands. With the rise of affordable travel options, the global emphasis on experiential travel, and the historically low interest rates on many investments, more and more people are considering buying a plane ticket or investing their money instead. When deciding whether to travel or invest, much consideration should be given to each option. Travel can provide an invaluable experience, offering unique and exciting opportunities to explore foreign cultural, see exotic locations, and meet new and interesting people. Additionally, a well-planned vacation can also be a preparation for a future career or professional development, or even provide a much-needed break from everyday pressures. However, investing – especially over long-term investments – has its own unique opportunities. Investing your money in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, or securities allows your money to grow, giving you peace of mind for your future. With a diversified portfolio, you Increase the likelihood of steady, solid returns which provide you with a sound financial future, including potential retirement income.  Another consideration between travel and invest is the time frame. Generally, travel should be done sooner rather than later. Travel can provide experiences and memories that are incomparable to anything else, and these moments can never be recreated. However, investing is something that can be done repeatedly, over and over. The more you put in over a long period of time, the more returns you can expect when you need the money. Your best bet may be a combination of both choices. Investing long-term and taking frequent vacations can be a mutually beneficial combination. Over time, investments can help fund your trips, while experiences abroad can increase your knowledge, worldview, and cultural perspective. Similarly, if you are struggling to decide between a one-time, large expenditure or a series of smaller costs, the combination of travel and investing could provide a viable alternative. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer to the question of travel or invest – it depends on your unique situation, needs, and goals. With careful consideration and strategic planning, you can choose the decision that is best for you  and make the most of life’s opportunities. If you want to start small, invest in Celestial Meadows. Send us a message here!