Public servant in training; troubleshooter in action and spy in another life. I live ... I ignore warning labels. I revel in the pressure, the adrenaline ... that feeling of being on the edge and the fast pace that characterizes life ... welcome to my world!
As you reach the milestone of turning 50, a new chapter of life unfolds before you, a chapter filled with wisdom, growth, and a deeper understanding of who you are.
It’s a time to let go of societal expectations and embrace the freedom to be unapologetically yourself. You have accumulated a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insights that only time can provide.
Ides of March, 50 years old
It’s also a time to prioritize self-care and well-being. Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Cultivate your mind through continued learning, exploration, and pursuing new passions. And tend to your soul by connecting with loved ones, engaging in meaningful relationships, and finding moments of solitude to reflect and rejuvenate.
Turning 50 is about embracing the beauty of aging. It’s about finding gratitude for the lines on your face, as they reflect a life filled with laughter, tears, and countless moments of joy. Accept the changes that come with age, for they are a testament to a life well-lived.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Open yourself to the challenges and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. It is a celebration of a life well-lived and a life still unfolding.
When the fifty candles brightly glow, Embracing wisdom that time bestows, Each year a chapter, a tale to show, Grateful to God, in His grace we grow.
Through life’s twists and turns we’ve trod, In the valleys deep, under the sky broad, Guided by faith, we humbly applaud, For fifty years, thank the heavens, Oh God!
With each day a gift, a precious mold, In the tapestry of time we unfold, Fifty years of stories retold, In God’s embrace, our hearts enfold.
As the curtains opened on the stage of 2023 what followed was a symphony of challenges and triumphs, painting a portrait of resilience and gratitude. It commenced with a daunting hurdle as the first quarter found me hospitalized and in a wheelchair at the airport on my way back to Sweden upon returning from an unfinished visit to the Philippines. It was a time of uncertainty and vulnerability, where my world seemed to stand still.
As the warmth of summer graced the horizon, a newfound sense of liberation beckoned me towards the great outdoors. Embarking on a month-long camping expedition, nature grasped me in its gentle embrace, offering solace and rejuvenation.
Ah, the joys of summer. Let me weave a tale for you guys, of 5 glorious weeks spent immersed in the wonders of nature, and newfound friendships from several continents on a serene campsite in Trosa.
Then came the final stretch of the year, as winds of change propelled me towards a season of vibrant activity. From engaging in social activities to connecting with cherished friends, every moment was infused with a sense of joy and purpose. What truly illuminated this chapter was the remarkable improvement in my health. It was a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the blessings bestowed upon me.
Those five weeks in Trosa and a similar experience years back when I spent a month in another campsite in Peniche, Portugal reminded us that the treasures of life are not found in possessions, but in the moments we share with kindred spirits, our embrace of nature, and in the whispers of our own hearts. (Photo via Trosa)
There’s not a day I am not grateful to God for guiding me through these trials and showering me with His blessings. Each obstacle became an opportunity for growth, and every triumph a testament to the strength within. As the curtains closed on 2023, I am reminded that even in the darkest moments, faith and fortitude shines as a guiding light, illuminating the path ahead.
As our bodies basked in the joys of the outdoors, our minds thirsted for knowledge. With the campsite as our sanctuary, we immersed in a world of literary treasures which in turn inspire us to set pen to paper.
As the sun graced the Swedish skies, our adventure began with the lapping of waves against the dock. We embarked on a journey of discovery, learned the art of navigating the open waters, each of us taking turns at the helm of our boat. With the wind in our hair and the thrill of independence in our hearts, we explored coves and distant shores, the choppy waves guiding us towards boundless possibilities.
The allure of kayaking beckoned us to delve further into the depths of nature´s splendour. Awe-inspiring landscapes graced our path. Everyday we venture deeper into the embrace of nature as our souls became intertwined with the rhythm of the sea and an unbreakable bond with the water is forged. Dipping in the water, seeking respite from the sun’s glare. Embracing the freedom of weightlessness and reveling in the joy of laughter and the beauty of silence shared.
As the final moments of 2023 unfold, let us not merely cling to hopes for a brighter future but actively sow the seeds of peace in the soil of our daily lives. May each root branching out with understanding and compassion, fostering a world where differences are bridged and kindness is the currency of connection. May the dawn of the new year bring not only the promise of joy, but a commitment to radiate light in the face of challenges. Here’s to a year where the pursuit of peace becomes our collective resolution, and the attainment of joy and light guide our shared journey.
May the New Year bring you and your family abundant joy, good health, and prosperity. May your bonds grow stronger, and your hearts be filled with peace, love and warmth. Happy New Year!
As we gather with loved ones embracing joy, let our minds also turn to those who have endured the ravages of war.
During a meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd at Malacañan Palace on 29 July, President Duterte retracted the planned abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States of America.
It may be recalled that the President has suspended for 3 times the abrogation of the VFA. To get some context and understand the significance of this latest development, check out my article “VFA Gets Another Lease on Life” which was published on the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 07 July.
On 07 March, 220 Chinese vessels were reported to be moored in Julian Felipe Reef which is within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. A diplomatic protest was filed on 21 March and the Department of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese Ambassador on 13 April to express displeasure over the continued presence of Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef. By 13 April, it was noted that only a handful of Chinese vessels remain in the reef.
In the weeks that followed, Chinese vessels continued to be spotted in maritime areas claimed by our country. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana have been very vocal in telling the Chinese government to order their ships to vacate the area. The situation out at sea eventually calmed down though the Philippine Coast Guard has stepped up patrols in the disputed areas.
However, a public debate on current government policy on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea (SCS/WPS) has broken out with the Government’s policy on the SCS/WPS coming under heavy criticism and scrutiny. There is as much an element of domestic politics in this debate as there is concern over the direction of Philippine foreign policy on the SCS/WPS issue.
So what do the Chinese make of these public debates in terms of revealing insights regarding where the Philippines stand vis-a-vis their efforts to seek control over a large swathe of the SCS? Was this the intent behind their incursion in March? China was definitely “testing the waters,” not only to send a message, but also to elicit a reaction, to gauge how far they can push the envelope. However, we need to consider that the actions weren’t only directed at us, but to the Americans as well.
It isn’t a coincidence that this happened a short time after a new US President has been sworn in because it makes perfect sense for Beijing to assess and test the mettle of the new tenant in the White House. What has happened in Julian Felipe Reef is therefore just one piece of a larger puzzle where Beijing is trying to assess Washington’s Indo-Pacific policy and strategy. It was also an opportunity for China to test the commitment of the Americans to its allies in the region.
Photo via Wikipedia
So yes, the public debates and the ensuing statements coming from the Philippine Government and from those in opposition to current policy may provide the Chinese a better understanding of where they and their SCS policy stands in the Philippines, but if anything, it merely reaffirms what they already know. Nothing new for them in that area. It is likely that the reaction the Chinese are waiting to see from the Philippines is one that involves the fate of the VFA, when the six-month suspension of the abrogation of the VFA that was announced in November expires in May.
Compared to debates and statements on our SCS/WPS policy, what happens to the VFA is a more relevant development the Chinese are more interested in because termination or continued effectivity of the VFA has a more profound impact to their plans and strategy in relation to the SCS/WPS area than mere policy statements that can easily change or be modified.
Terminating the VFA under these circumstances would possibly be perceived by the Chinese Government as a lack of confidence in our long-time ally. This will be seen as an opening to further drive a wedge between the Philippines and the US.
The Chinese know that the fate of the VFA was to be decided soon and stirred trouble at Julian Felipe Reef as a test and to create conditions that the Philippines will be forced to consider in its decision on the VFA.
On 14 June, they got their answer. For the third time, President Duterte suspended the abrogation of the VFA for another 6 months. You can read my take on that particular development in my article published on 07 July on the Philippine Daily Inquirer titled, “VFA gets another lease on life.”
Here is my take on the third suspension of the abrogation of the Philippine-US Visiting Forces Agreement. It was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 07 July 2021.
For those interested, Life in 17 Syllables is now available on Amazon Kindle. It would be highly appreciated if you could kindly spread the word to your friends and vast network. My heart is full, obrigadissima!
However, is the use of incentives, particularly raffles and lotteries, a good and effective policy for changing the minds of the vaccine-hesitant? Given that vaccination is critical to the lifting of restrictions that have stifled the economy, led to massive job losses, and closed scores of businesses, shouldn’t getting vaccinated be considered the civic duty of citizens?
Diplobugs 