MY "UNWRITTEN" RULES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

  

Nowadays, apparently everyone is on social media.

As a consequence, I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents' worth, or should I say my personal rules, "unwritten" as they may be, on the use of this online facilitator that enhances social connectivity amongst individuals as well as groups.

I would like to dwell particularly on two of the most popular mediums, namely: Facebook and Messenger.

It has become habitual for me to respond to every comment/reaction that I get on both mediums. People might think I am a zealous person for doing so when I don't really need to. Nonetheless, I believe that although there is no written rule, we are bound to respond to comments/reactions as a  matter of courtesy, regardless of differences in beliefs or opinions.

Take the case of birthdays, it is essential to acknowledge people who greet us on our birthday individually, even if it amounts to spending the whole (or even the next) day thanking each and everyone. The reason being, if these people took time to type "Happy Birthday" or sent a GIF or sticker to greet us, why can't we take time to type "Thank You" or simply "Thanks" as well. It is but proper to thank them individually and express our appreciation for their greetings.

Why, you might ask? No one is under any obligation to greet us on our birthday, but the fact that they went out of their way and spent time to do so, means they value us or we are special to them. Regardless of the reason, it is only fitting that they deserve a response from us. After all, it only entails a simple appreciation on our part to show our gratitude.

I have observed that some people are accustomed to posting just a solitary "Thank you to all who greeted me on my birthday" on their status, or simply responding with the "Like" emoticon, which I find rather impersonal (just my opinion, although I would say a lot better than not replying at all.) Never take your friends' greetings for granted, for it would be tantamount to ignoring them, or their good intentions for that matter. After all, it only happens once a year.

Next time you get a greeting from your friends, be it on your birthday or other occasions, it would not hurt to reply. It only means you acknowledge the time and effort they spent greeting you, no matter how short or insignificant it may seem.

Another thing is the proper choice of emoticons used for reactions. If the post you are reacting to concerns a loved one's demise, choose either "Sad" or "Cares" but never choose "Like" because it somehow gives the impression that you favor what happened, or feel no compassion at the misfortune of others. Small things like these may seem insignificant but could make a lot of difference for a person's feelings. It is also important that you take note of the original date of posting, and make sure it is current and not a Memory. 

Also, before posting someone's demise, ask permission from the family first or make sure that the family has made a formal announcement before sharing it on your timeline, out of respect for them.

With regards re-posting or sharing someone else's status, it is alright to share it on your timeline, but make sure you allow a certain time to lapse before sharing, unless it is something extremely urgent.

The proper thing to do is acknowledge the post first by reacting with the proper choice of emoticon, then wait a few hours or even the following day before sharing on your Timeline, as a matter of courtesy to the person who initially shared it. This is to accord the person importance by giving him/her the credit of relaying the information first. It is unethical for the person re-sharing to do so almost at the same time as the one who initially posted it. Take note that it is not a race on who gets credit for posting it first, but simply relaying an information we deem vital enough to be shared.

Proper esteem should also be accorded those who post articles regarding their own religious beliefs or faith. We must be cognizant that we have different religions, so let us respect theirs as much as we expect them to respect ours too.

Lastly, with regards sharing other people's pictures/videos/articles on our timeline, recognition should be accorded the person who owns them by indicating CTTO (credit to the owner) on your status.

These unwritten rules not only reflect your character, or the kind of person you are, but more importantly, how you value people. 

Taking everything into consideration, it only sums up to one word, "RESPECT" for others.

After all, "Respect is Earned, not Given".

TIME TO EXTEND AN OLIVE BRANCH

About a couple of months ago, at the height of the election fever, we witnessed a divisiveness amongst our people.

It was a battle of colors, so to speak. It is not unusual to see campaign sorties represented by colors, but not of this magnitude, as evidenced in rallies of opposing political camps.

Sad to say, the antagonists/protagonists (depending on how they label themselves) were not limited to people supporting their own candidates/political parties, but friends and families as well. So many hurtful words had been spoken, much less, thrown at one another. 

To this day, some of the adversaries have yet to move on from the outcome of the elections, and mend ways.

At this juncture, it is but fitting that political foes extend an olive branch to each other and let bygones be bygones.

It is time to acknowledge the mandate given by a majority of the electorate to the winning candidates, be it national or local, for there is nothing we can do to change the outcome anyway. The people have spoken and let us honor their decision.

Cooperation is the key to enable them to carry out the courses of action they have to accomplish in the next six years. 

We are hopeful they execute with utmost competence the tasks expected from them. The citizenry entrusted them with their votes and deserve only the best.

Leadership is uniting people around a common cause or direction, for the good of the country. 

Let us support our leaders and come together as one, with the end view of a better, if not the best, nation this part of the globe. Their success is ours too as Filipinos. 

We only have one country, and aspiring for nothing but the best for our beloved Philippines is non-negotiable.

LEAVE NO ROOM FOR REGRETS

I've experienced writer's block (condition of being unable/uninspired to write) for the past several months, for how can anyone be motivated to write given the depressing state we've been through (and is still going through) for the last couple of years.

The pandemic has caused havoc worldwide and there seems to be no indication that it will end soon. Despite measures undertaken by WHO (World Health Organization) and governments of countries to curb the problem, it seems to be a desperate move for there is no way we can fight an invisible enemy.

Experts say the pandemic will soon end, and we must prepare for the "new normal" life.

I almost believed that for a while, because during the holiday season, cases were down to 100 a day which paved the way for government to ease its restrictions.

But at the onset of 2022, cases suddenly sprung up to about 30,000 a day as a result of the omicron variant, which was higher than the average of 20,000 last year brought about by its counterpart (delta).

The increase in cases resulted in a snowball effect, not only in restrictions, but more importantly, escalated fear among the people. It brought us back to square one, and from all indications there's no way we are nearing the "new normal" life.

Lately medical experts have been saying that our situation will soon be shifting from pandemic to endemic.

No reason to rejoice, because it simply means there is no way for the virus to disappear. Truth be told, we were not able to conquer or defeat the virus. In essence, we have to accept the fact that we have to live with the virus for the rest of our lives, or get used to its presence just like the common cold, cough or fever.

For this reason, a serious introspection would be very valuable, or time for a much needed soul searching.

While we still can, let us appreciate the people we have in our lives, like family, friends or those who matter most to us.

In these times of uncertainty, we'll never know what lies ahead.

During the past month, I went through a distressing situation after losing five relatives in a span of two weeks. Five in a row, over so short a time, is truly heartbreaking.

So let us treasure our loved ones while there is still time. Make them feel our love.

Leave no room for regrets, for life is so unpredictable.

A RUDE AWAKENING (THE PAINFUL TRUTH)

It's been over a year since covid-19 became a global crisis.

Millions of cases, not to mention deaths, ensued in what could very well be the worst catastrophe the world had ever been confronted with. To this day, the surge  of people afflicted by the virus continues to escalate, and the sad part is, we seem to be helpless against an invisible enemy.

Since its onset, Filipinos had been relentlessly praying for an end to the pandemic. The oratio imperata, as well as daily recitation of the rosary for this intention had become habitual for Filipinos.

In addition, Pope Francis had consecrated the Philippines to Our Blessed Mother, and on two occasions, had delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world), a rare apostolic blessing given  on solemn occasions. Our pleas however, had somewhat remained "unanswered".

Our country had gone through the worst (typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.) and we would always hold out against them. We would pray for God's intervention and He would at all times see us through.

This time however is an all-together different situation.

It seems our prayers had been falling on "deaf ears" and we are at a loss as to the reason behind it. We even hear people asking, "why does God allow this to happen?"

Some religious sectors believe this is a form of chastisement. I would rather refer to it as a "rude awakening".

We know everything happens for a reason, and nothing would transpire if God did not allow it. Be that as it may, we also know for a fact that ours is not a vindictive God. In all probability, it could be an indication that He just wants to open our eyes to things we fail to see and appreciate.

A couple of days ago, I read the story of a 93 year old man in Italy who was inflicted with the virus and upon recovering, was asked by the hospital to pay the cost of the respirator for 500 euros a day. Upon being informed he cried, not because he can not afford to, but because he realized he had been breathing God's air for 93 years and never paid, much more thanked God for it.

This man opened our eyes to the painful reality that we had been taking for granted the air we had been breathing freely all this time.

On hind-sight, maybe God wants us to realize and understand the worth, not only of the air around us, but everything He passed on to us on his own free will.

It's about time we make a discernment or a personal reflection. Before we even ask Him to put an end to the pandemic, let us first thank Him for all the things He gives on his own volition, for He knows our needs even before we ask Him.

So next time we ask ourselves why we have to go through this difficult situation, remember GRATITUDE (or lack of it) is the answer.

After all, it takes so little to be grateful. A simple "thank you" is enough.

IF GOD DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE, WHY SHOULD WE?

Of late, there had been a lot of skepticism about Pope Francis' stand on civil union among members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community. He was criticized by some sectors who misconstrued his stand as being in favor of same-sex marriage.

The truth is there is a difference between the two.

Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage, is marriage between two people of the same sex entered into a civil or religious ceremony. This is not accepted or considered legal in the Catholic faith, who only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. In the LGBTQ community, this union is referred to as a domestic partnership and not marriage.

Civil union on the other hand, is not marriage, but a legal relationship between two people (could either be of the opposite or the same sex)  that provides legal protection to the couple. It affords the couple rights, benefits, and serves as a means of safeguarding assets, property, etc., they acquired and own together as a couple. There are some LGBTQ couples, especially the affluent ones, who pool their resources to acquire property, set up a business, or make investments jointly.

Consequently, a legal issue usually arises in the event one partner passes on. In the absence of a will, assets that the couple owned or invested in jointly, would go to the heirs/relatives of the deceased partner and nothing to the remaining partner, which is quite insensitive considering half of said assets were acquired with his/her personal funds. This is where the law on civil union applies, by according the remaining partner what is due him/her legally.

Aside from this legal issue, Pope Francis was merely referring to gender equality or equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities, regardless of gender.

It is an open secret that the LGBTQ community had been the subject of discrimination, bullying, ridicule, over the years. Truthfully speaking, they are undeserving of the rancor inflicted upon them by some sectors of society, because they are among the most kind-hearted, hard-working, talented and compassionate human beings I know, apart from having contributed more to society than most "straight" people.

In addition, we need to commiserate with them because some did not choose to, but were merely born into that situation. That is why early on in their lives, a sense of perplexity usually ensues. They find themselves in a state of confusion and get baffled when as young boys they prefer dolls to toy guns, and vice versa for girls.

It's about time we accord them not only acceptance and understanding, but more importantly, respect which they rightfully deserve. After all, they are our brothers and sisters.

If God does not discriminate, why should we? 

AN AFTERTHOUGHT ON A PANDEMIC

Not once did it ever occur to me that I would be missing the tedious hours of traffic at EDSA, the long queues at restaurants, the hustle bustle inside malls, and the nitty gritty of everyday life. These seemingly disconcerting things of days past have transformed into momentous occurrences all of a sudden. 

Months of isolation have resulted into a separation anxiety, coupled with a yearning to re-establish a detached communication with the outside world.

Ever since the National Capital Region was subjected to a sixty day ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine), everything seemed to be at a standstill, especially at Metro Manila, which practically metamorphosed into a ghost town.

Religious advocates opine this is a chastisement sent by GOD, because man had been so engrossed with power, money and self regard that praying seemed to have been sidetracked.

There are two schools of thought on this viewpoint .

We might say GOD is not the vengeful type. He is merciful and would not allow His children to suffer. On the other hand, we must be cognizant that although GOD is indeed merciful, He is also just. He rewards those who are good, and punishes those who are not.

It is imperative that when we speak of GOD in this context, we are referring to the FATHER and not the SON.

The SON, as we are all so accustomed to, is gracious and sympathetic to all our needs and pleas. He answers most, if not all, our prayers. In fact, He is everybody's best friend.

It is a different case altogether with the FATHER, who is righteous, unrelenting and the adjudicator when the final judgment takes place.

JESUS and the Blessed Mother could only appeal to him for our sake, but the final verdict as far as salvation is concerned, is His alone.

In various apparitions, Mama Mary had been pleading for mankind to change their ways and repent. Likewise, JESUS had been doing everything in His power to save us, through His representative on earth, the Holy Father, and the church (Catholic or otherwise). It's about time we ponder on this seriously, and make an effort to amend our ways.

A positive impact brought about by the ECQ, is that people started calling on GOD once again and have been praying regularly.

Thanks to the wonder of social media, we are not amiss of our obligation as Catholics. Online streaming made it feasible for us to participate in masses, recitation of the rosary, and even the exceptional opportunity of being granted a plenary indulgence by the Holy Father.

We are extremely grateful to Pope Francis for imparting the rare apostolic blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) coupled with the granting of a plenary indulgence on all who received the papal blessing. Days before, he also accorded the same indulgence to all Covid 19 patients, frontliners, including all who pray for them.

What a blessing to have him in our midst at this very critical time. Imagine the 83 year old Pontiff, himself certainly not at the peak of health, walking in the rain on a desolate St. Peter's Square, carrying the weight of not only Catholics, but the whole of humanity, on his shoulders.

Such a moving scene to see him praying in front of the miraculous image of the Crucified Christ which saved Rome from the 1522 plague, and giving mankind so much hope that this too shall pass.

Another worthwhile outcome of the "lockdown", is that it rekindled family ties and revived the Bayanihan spirit Filipinos are widely known for.

Big corporations (notably San Miguel Corporation, of which I am a proud alumni), and people who have more in life, generously shelled out their resources to donate food, medicine, face masks, personal protective equipment, and other essentials needed by frontliners, indigents, and daily wage-earners deprived of their livelihood.

As an afterthought when this pandemic is over, it is essential to make a reality check, take heed of the purpose of our lives, and call to mind things we seemingly took for granted.

May we realize the importance of prayer, cherish moments spent with family and friends, refrain from wasting food, be sympathetic to the sufferings of others, and take note of all things that matter.

More importantly, may we learn to appreciate the worth of human lives, the loss of which can come to pass at a time we least expect.

After having gone through one of the lowest points of our lives, may we never forget: our days of isolation, longing for family and friends, worrying about food on the table, unpaid bills, restricting family members from visiting at hospitals, and to a regrettable extent dying alone.

May we be constantly reminded of the "invisible enemy" and the days when the world "seemingly stopped".

May we learn our lessons and become the people God envisioned us to be.

One day (hopefully soon), we shall once again feel free to walk in the streets without restraint, delight on its warmth as we bask under the sun, openly interact with one another without the need for protective gear, and so much more.

Should we find ourselves under these circumstances again, we could probably say we have attained a certain degree of normalcy.

Until then, a lot of self-sacrifice is of the essence before we come to terms with the "new normal".

Admittedly, it would entail a lot of effort to go back to where we left off, if at all possible. It might take months or even years, we'll never know for sure.

One thing is evident though. By God's grace, and in HIS time, it is bound to happen.

I am optimistic that when that time comes, we would have made a lot of soul searching, shelved our old selves, and became better versions of one's own person.

Pope Francis once said, "See you soon when all this is over."

Yes Pope Francis, in time, this will be just a memory, (albeit a despondent one), with lessons learned.

For how can we appreciate the beauty of life once more, if we did not go through, and surpassed a distressing time in our lives?

God willing, see you soon, in better days.................

MEET DR. GODOFREDO GODOY, MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER'S " MOST APPRECIATED PHYSICIAN "

Most people get anxious or fearful at the sight of hospitals and physicians. Haven't we all experienced that at least once or twice in our lives? After all doctors had been tagged as the " bearer of bad news."

We also get intimidated by grouchy or irritable doctors every now and then, which makes us hold back and reluctant to ask questions that we need to be enlightened of. Some of them get displeased by too many questions, while others are too meager with their words or proper explanation.

It is for this reason that doctors should possess a very approachable and persuasive character, not to mention the highest amount of patience at all times. It is of vital importance for they are dealing with precious lives. Patients should be afforded "tender loving care" for it helps in their healing process.

It is in this regard that I would to like to bring into everyone's awareness that there is such a physician who breathes life not only on all of the above qualities, but so much more. He is Dr. Godofredo Godoy, an Internist Cardiologist of Makati Medical Center, (and my personal physician as well) who I am so blessed to have met.

Dr. Godoy had been awarded as Makati Medical Center's " Most Appreciated Physician " for 5 consecutive years based on votes gathered from the hospital's roster of physicians, employees and medical staff.

He is also known as MMC's "Poster Boy" as he was one of the models chosen for the hospital's "Malasakit" campaign which embodies compassionate care, service and sympathy not only to patients, but to anyone who feels the need to seek help. If you happen to drop by MMC, you will notice that posters featuring him abound in the hospital's various premises.

How did I encounter him? Well this is my story.

I needed to consult an Internist and not being aware of anyone from MMC's roster of physicians, decided to call their hotline to ask for details and suggestions. The receptionist gave me the name of Dr. Godofredo Godoy. At first I was reluctant because I preferred a lady doctor. I was musing over the thought of what if he turns out to be an old and grumpy doctor?

So I searched his name in the ever reliable Google and was led to various write-ups on him. I clicked on the first article which was one published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Upon opening the link, what readily caught my discerning eye was his picture with Cardinal Tagle. More than the picture however, what really left a mark not only in my mind, but in my heart as well, were the opening words of the article which quoted him saying " Lord, please add some of my life to my cancer patients."

For someone spiritual like me, those words were enough to dispel all my doubts and be assured that I was being led not only to the right doctor, but a man of God as well. I had initially prayed to the Holy Spirit (as I always do whenever I need to make a decision) to guide me in choosing the right doctor. For me this is another one of the many Divine Interventions in my life. I also believe that GOD puts certain people in our lives for a reason.

So I went to his clinic that afternoon and noticed that unlike most doctors whose patients wait in the hallway, his patients waited in comfortable sofas inside his clinic, just outside his private room. While waiting for my turn, I looked around and my mindful eyes saw plaques with "Most Appreciated Physician" embossed on them.

When it was my turn, his secretary ushered me to his private clinic and I was greeted by a good looking man in his white coat flashing a very cordial and warm hearted smile. In a soft spoken manner and toned down voice, he asked what my concern was. After discussing my concern, since I couldn't contain my curiosity, I asked about the plaques and what they represent. He explained that it is an annual award bestowed on an MMC physician who aptly embodies the title and voted upon by physicians and employees of MMC. He happens to be a Hall of Famer after having been voted and awarded for 5 consecutive years, which is no mean feat after all.

I told him that even if it was my first time to meet him, I honestly believe he truly deserves the award based on my experience and inter-action with him in such a momentary time.

He even joked that his name contains the word GOD twice, GODofredo GODoy. What a remarkable concurrence indeed, which probably ensues a message somewhere between the lines.

I have this gift of being able to sense someone's character based on a person's demeanor, words, body language, etc. I wasn't wrong in judging him after all. He truly is God sent not only to me but to all of his patients as well.

If only I could change the name of that award, I would add "Most Admirable and Ideal Physician" as well. Don't you all agree?