People form relationships in the hopes that they will be mutually beneficial to both parties, each side giving and receiving in turn. However, some friends turn out to be emotional vampires, ever receiving, but never giving. You end up feeling drained and empty. Even worse, your self-esteem can take a serious hit, making you wonder whether you deserve the same love and treatment that you give thes ...[Read More]
When Friends Are Not Forever: Quitting a Toxic Friendship
Pakikisama: What It Means to Be a Friend in the Philippines
Social acceptance is highly valued in our society. We are branded “KJ,” or “kill joy,” if we decline being a part of a peer group activity. For example, if everyone except you wants to see a movie, but you have responsibilities at home, you have to choose whether or not to neglect your responsibility. It is a hard decision because we Filipinos really care about what others think of us. We even hav ...[Read More]
From My Heart (Issue 58)
Dear Readers, Sitting here in the office, where most of my friends are, it’s hard to imagine what my life would be without them. For years, they have been a part of me. We have shared stories – our happiness, our hurts, even crazy ideas. They help keep me in good spirits when I feel low. They pray for me when I have problems. They help me complete a task when I’m under time-pressure, and I do the ...[Read More]
It is Finished!
Holy Week traditions, including self-imposed suffering, have occurred in the Philippines for many years. This begs the question--Why?
Receiving God’s Blessing
How can my family receive God’s blessing?
Broken Chains: Discovering the Power of God
Jean Santos was deeply religious. She grew up in a family that had strong belief in superstitions, and medallions. Because of her past, she pursued acquiring “power.” Would “power” give her happiness and fulfillment?
Buying God’s Favor
Emer used to participate in penitensiya or flagellation during Holy Week, thinking this somehow will absolve his sins. Now, Emer holds on to a better hope.
Power to Heal and Provide
Nancy Poriol and her family experienced the power and provision of God when their son got sick and her husband lost his job.
From My Heart (Issue 57)
In this issue of MOMS, we are going to examine the themes that make up the heart of Filipino Holy Week. Do these traditions help us become the person we want to be?
Can Firecrackers Fight Evil Spirits?
A few weeks from now, hundreds of firecrackers will once again light the skies as we celebrate the coming New Year. Most people at the present time use firecrackers for fun, but there are those who still believe that firecrackers can actually drive away evil spirits. People in China were the first to use firecrackers in celebration of the New Year. In ancient times, they believed a beast called Ni ...[Read More]