Summer 2015

Yes, summer's just around the corner ... or not. Typical Swedish summer means sporadic local rains and sun spots here and there. A straight sun sunny days for weeks is out of the question. Today is one of those typical Swedish summer days. Rain, sunshine and rain - all at the same time. Weird! Definitely weird yet quite charming. I can't explain this Swedish summer phenomenon any other way. All I can say is I intend to enjoy it in any and whichever way it comes. What is your summer like this year?

Thoughts about a boy

Sunday.

My boys have returned last night from their weeklong ski holidays up north of Sweden, sans yours truly. Other than I had to work, my wrists has not really recovered 100% after my scooter accident from last summer - but I'm getting there. Slowly, but surely.

As soon as my son walked through the door, he flung himself and gave me a big hug. I missed you, he said. I returned his warm embrace with a big smile and a peck on his cheek. I missed you, too, kiddo, I said.

That's my boy!

My 13-year old was beaming with a big smile, his cheeks rosy red. He looked so happy. Our time away from each other did wonders. I realised there and then that he needed that time for himself. It was his alone time. Up in the alps to gather his own thoughts. To chill out. Put behind the daunting pressure of school work on the side. Breathe in some fresh air. Re-focus. Get inspiration and a new perspective on his priorities. It is vital ... it is needed. Bonding with his Dad was a great idea.

Time and again, I have to remind myself that my kid, in his towering height of 5'8 and chiseled features of a swimmer's muscular upper body, firm and long lean legs, is still a child at 13. One can easily mistake him for a full grown adult, but he isn't. I, too, tend to forget. But I get that now. His teen phase, as anyone else's, will pass. It's all part of growing up. This is his discovery-phase. Learning. Wanting and needing. Getting a taste of success and failure. Processing defeat and frustration in his own way. And then comes acceptance that one can't have it all. But this is just a beginning. There's still a lot in store for him. I know fully well he will be just fine. The big life is waiting for him. Life's lessons will teach him well, and hope to God he will learn them just as well.

In any case, teen or adult, he will always be our baby.

Pope Francis in my heart

His Excellency Pope Francis

Today, 18 January 2015, is the last day of Pope Francis' papal visit to the Philippines. Since day one, I have been following his activities in my native country and have been in awe and truly inspired by his genuine acts and words of love and compassion. His smile is infectious. His humour affable and adorable. His is the kind of company one would like to keep close. His positivity and strength shines through his persona like a cloak to protect you from all things harmful, bad and evil. You know you are safe and sound in his arms and comfort your pain.

Twenty years ago, I had the privilege to be among those who welcomed Pope John Paul II during his papal visit to my Alma Mater, the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas - the oldest Catholic University of the Philippines. This year, His Excellency Pope Francis came for yet another visit to inspire and rekindle the hearts and souls of the Catholic faithfuls. Pope John Paul's visit was a memorable one, of me being there in the midst of all the preparations in welcoming him and bear witness to his inspirational talks as a young adult back in 1995. This time around, it is no different. Thanks to the internet, I was able to follow the preparation and activities surrounding Pope Francis' papal visit to the Philippines - and yet again, as Pope Francis sets foot to the University of Santo Tomas. I take pride in being a part of the Catholic institution which has helped developed me as an individual - as a faithful and as a compassionate person I believe I have become.

Pope Francis and his flock of faithfuls

I have tirelessly browsed every single videos and picture galleries available documenting Pope Francis' visit and itineraries around Manila and Tacloban. I can't help shed a tear each time he offers great and genuine sensitivity and prayers to the plight of the common people ravaged by the storm, poverty and social hardships. His were words of heartfelt hope and compassion, that our pain is his pain, as well as his faith and belief in God and His mercy and blessings should also be part of our lives in each and every day.

Audience at the University of Santo Tomas

During his audience at the University of Santo Tomas, I was, again, moved to tears as I read the translation of his impromptu and spontaneous speech. Discarding the written address prepared beforehand, he chose to speak from his heart as brought by what has transpired during the short program presented to him where street children were given an audience with him asking "why God allowed for children to suffer so much" and "why God allowed drugs and prostitution to exist" and even offered a minute of prayer in remembrance of the death of Kristel, the young volunteer in Tacloban who helped prepare in the activities for his visit there.

I am in awe and will always be inspired by his calm, kindness and words of compassion. I will try my best to remember, to act and put into good use his advice - To think. To feel. To do. All in perfect harmony.

Mabuhay, Papa Francesco!