How do we find topics to write on that could remove people’s minds from this pandemic? Sometimes, I think it is something next to impossible, but one could try, can’t one? Well, for one, I have been getting calls and greetings, and even gifts from friends I have not heard from for some time. I hope this is a sign that our people are getting rid of their anxieties and fears, and have began to cope with the problems, especially regarding health that we are facing.
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And among those loving and thoughtful people are Frederick and Mariane Sia, whose kindness I cannot thank them enough for. I would like them, and all those who have been lifting my spirits with their calls and gifts for which I am so grateful, to know that I credit my will to keep on thriving and praying for inspiration to go on “Twinkling”, despite the odds, to them. My wish now is for all of us to continue praying that our Good Lord will remove this pandemic, not only from our country, but from the entire world as well!
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To think that I, for one, have been under “quarantine conditions” for almost a year now. Thank God for television, I can still divert myself and find subjects to write about and keep abreast of happenings. And I am sure I am not the only one in such straits. But let us continue praying that this virus that has come upon us so suddenly and wickedly, will soon be conquered by science. Think of all the other plagues in the past that have been dispatched by vaccines and medications, and don’t despair. The saying “While there’s life there’s hope” is still a truism I live by. And I hope it is the same with all our readers and friends.
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Even in my present “solitary confinement”, I often get surprise calls from dear friends, like the Piccio sisters, Buddai and Diting, who really lift my spirit with their own attitudes. Things do not seem go bad at all when you have thoughtful and loving friends and folks who care for you. These days, I also tend to recall school events, like when I was in a school play at La Consolacion College and my role was that of the High Priest Onias. And my classic speaking line was “How long, Lord God, How Long!”
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For instance, let us think of the advances of science and research going on despite the pandemic fears that could have paralyzed mankind, except those of sterner stuff. If you have been watching the same programs on TV that I have, you must have seen the coverage of the flight of some men to the moon and because they were probably beyond the reach of gravity, you could see them floating around like released balloons! Think of someday being able to do that, and you will forget COVID and all the problems of the day. Maybe.
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Let us shift to the ever-interesting subject of politics. What do you think of the tandem of Ping Lacson for president and Vic Sotto for vice president in the next election? Or do you have another partnership in mind? There has also been mention of picking Leni Robredo, the incumbent vice president, who has been quietly standing in the sidelines, but who, I am sure has the capability and the sympathetic nature we want in our leaders. We didn’t do badly with our two female presidents, Cory Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, did we? So, think about that, girls!
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It looks as if the Olympics show is going on, or at least, that’s the latest I heard. If anything can take people’s minds away from pandemics, I think sports is one of the best. But there is also a possibility that the games may be cancelled, in the event that COVID cases crop up and affect both athletes and officials. As far as I know, however, they are still going on. I wish them all – players and officials – all the best and will pray for them all the way!
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Let’s stop thinking of pandemics and look forward to the day when anyone with an adventurous spirit can join Jeff Bezos on his trips to the moon. I think several have already indicated their desire to join one of his trips, and I hear he is already being criticized for charging those “passengers”, or shall we call them “Tourists”? That’s rather unreasonable, how is the guy going to finance his trips if he accepts passengers for free? Me, if I could afford it, I would certainly buy a ticket! It could be my “last trip” but who cares? I will probably breathe my last singing “Fly me to the Moon”!*
