CATASTROPHE

The world is becoming an unsafe place to live. The polar region is warmer. Glaciers are melting at a rate faster than they should. And the rest of the earth is experiencing extreme heat and cold conditions. Experts point out to the thinning ozone layer as the primary cause of such circumstances. As of late, rainfall pummels summer time. Floods have turn the rainy season into a disaster. There is a change in the weather condition all over the world. A big part of what is happening nowadays can be attributed to our unresponsive stance on the major issues of today. Humanity is in transition. And unless people join hands in turning the tide around, earth will eventually head towards destruction and the humanity into extinction.

One often unseen source of the world’s miseries is the garbage. Majority among the population think that the excess and the junk of used resources are gone with. Consumers bring out their trash and dump it anywhere but their own backyards. A big misconception of common occurrence nowadays is to view all garbage as disposable and therefore biodegradable. At least the governments nowadays are implementing the segregation of garbage items and monitoring the dump sites of these trash. But it is never enough. All citizens must be responsible not only in taking out their garbages but in knowing where these things go. All of us roam the earth. It is just right that everyone takes care of the place we live in the best way we can.

One basic responsibility that anybody can do is to throw his trash into a designated area. It is much harder for the other person to pick up what someone has just thrown. There is no shortcut. People must get involved. Garbage disposal is becoming a problem of grand standing. There are countries that impose penalties on its erring citizens for dumping their trash anywhere. It is a good sign that there are governments who care about the environment. But companies can do better. Industries should clean up their backyard to allow a more conducive place for nature to grow.

Floods and global warming will get worse unless the governments and their people will cooperate in preserving and protecting the natural elements of the environment. Trees, watersheds and forests are vital to the existence of all living things in the world. All living organisms rely on trees for air, for food and for other basic needs. The seemingly endless cutting down of trees to make way for industries to emerge and develop is the biggest threat to our existence. The emergence of natural disasters are signs that abuses against nature must be stopped at all costs. Development becomes nothing if it comes at the expense of the elements that keeps the earth alive.

As oil, plastics and other toxic resources are being dumped anywhere, more and more organisms and plants have been annihilated. With all the expenses that companies are using to make profits, it is time for them to pay back. These industries must set the limits in expanding their line of businesses. Dumping of waste materials must be properly monitored. There is a need to recycle all non-biodegradable items. Saving the earth is not merely a priority. It is a big commitment for all human beings to make the world a better home for generations to come. Our survival is a signature of our responsibility as protectors of the environment.

SPIRALING OUT

Government regulations have been instrumental in making lives difficult for all consumers worldwide. Consider the distribution and price control of oil. The world has become too dependent on the Middle East for its supply. The Arab world knows that without oil, the world will never move so whatever these people demands, countries bring to them in a silver platter just to appease their needs and demands. But now is the right time to put some discipline into the meteoric rise of prices. The organization that controls the oil is becoming helpless in halting the recent crisis. Their clout and influence is thinning out. It doesn’t make sense as to why the entire globe will depend on one part of the earth in order to get going.

Nations must join hands and look for other options. Drilling explorations should be given a priority. People have lived long enough to know that the Middle East oil only makes the Arab countries richer and the rest of the world poorer. Perhaps governments should also tap the brilliance of the numerous experts to make things happen. The world is entering a new era of coping up. Developed countries have spell out the forthcoming doom. The monster which has been intended to make life easier for the wealthy nations has fought back and is now affecting us all.

Big countries have implemented programs that has gone uncontrollable. Take the case of the World Bank. Loans continue to flow to hard-pressed places in the world. There is no looking back. Third World nations just keep on borrowing. Everything is adjusting and updating around the globe. Right now, the key to survival is never to get behind. Lagging back means getting killed on the opportunities that lay ahead. Things are offered on the table, and it is up for any nation to pick it up, join the bandwagon and move on. Guess where this coping up with the world’s standards have brought us? Nowhere but in struggling and compromising situation.

Industrialization and globalization are being pursued nowadays. Countries which are incapable of joining the trend are pressured to reconsider. Otherwise, the development progress of these areas suddenly become dim. The world is engrossed in making it to the top. And why not, the perks of a good life is a reward nobody wants to decline. But is it? The more a nation moves closer to its dream of being successful draws it further from the rest of the pack. Competition is always there. The world’s standards are becoming unmanageable. Everyone is following it. Instead of making it adjust to the world’s needs, it has become a barometer for all countries to follow. Capitalism has been trend for years. Developed countries let it loose. And today, the world is focused on it. Governments must take the initiative at this stage. All noses are being led to hard times ahead. Everybody wants to live a life of luxury and a life of ease. By following the standards of the big countries, the rest of the globe is becoming increasingly helpless in coping up. Countries must unite and organize themselves into groups to stay competitive and put themselves within striking distance of the world leaders. By being attached to a group, the chances of being recognized as a player becomes strong. The union of nations make countries valuable and in position to be recognized.

TEACH THEM YOUNG

Treasures enlighten our homes especially if they are our lovable and adorable kids that we are talking about. All of us are caught in awe when we hear our children speak and act like adults. And why not? They are probably smarter than we are at this age. Maybe it’s about the milk. What about the vitamins that these kids are presently supplemented with. Technology may have a role in expanding and training the minds of our children these days. But whatever it is, we are definitely proud of what our little angels can do.

When I scolded my son just last night about some mess he did, I am amazed that he took it in stride. I know because he said, “Even if you are angry with me daddy, I still know that you loved me.” How can you not like a child like that? I fondly remember the time when he also told me that he doesn’t want to be a genius. I asked him why. And he replied that he simply wanted to be cool, that it is enough for him to write, to read and do math. I always smile when I remembered my son whispering to me that we should not call his grandma fat because she will get angry. His grandmother had a good laugh about it.

Children are the mirror of our actions. They are good imitators. I am always amazed at what my son can do. And all parents should too. Whenever he gets tangled with problems usually with his own doing, he dials my number at the office and talks to me about his concerns. He asks me how to spell this word and that word especially when it is associated with passwords for an online gaming website. A lot of people instill discipline at a very early age. While this is helpful, it also shuts down a child’s growth and creativity. Discipline usually breeds fear in any kid’s mind. The room for expression is cut off at that very instant. The child keeps the pain to himself, and he pours it elsewhere with destructive and undesirable actions.

While our children need discipline to keep them in place, it is more important to pamper them with acts of love. It never hurt a bit to tell them every now and then that we love them. I always tell my son that I loved him. At any given moment, he also tells me that he loves me. Praise them for every good deed and accomplishment. This will build their confidence up. No matter how small the act a child does, inspirational and good words will keep him or her going. I shower my son with praises when he finishes his food during breakfast. I praise him when he eats vegetables. I praise him when finishes a stage on his computer game. Things may be trivial to us adults but it mean so much to our little ones. Let us uplift their spirits all the time. When our kids feel frustrated or confused, let us take the initiative to pull them out of their dull moments. We may not know it but children can sense if something is amiss. My son has asked me time and again if I am happy. I inquire what made him ask me that question. He tells me that I sometimes don’t smile. Today, no matter how many problems swirl around, I make it a point to smile at my son to complete his day. We can make a difference in our children’s future. Be it a hug or a tap in the back, do it because it means so much to them.

A SMILING PHILIPPINES

When Magellan landed in Mactan in 1521, it wasn’t his conquest for King Philip of Spain that made him stay. It was the hospitality of the people that attracted the Portuguese conquistador to stay. Today, Filipinos are known for their hospitality. All throughout the archipelago, guests and visitors are offered and given the best service and treatment deserving of royalty. Even in the far-fetched rural areas where resources are wanting, anything available and of value are offered. It will be a trademark that Filipinos will be known for throughout the world. Although, struggling all through out their history, the Philippines has been a paradox. In no other place on the globe can anybody find a group of persons who loved fun so much. Despite all the hardships and the difficulties that the Filipinos have to bear most of the time, they can still manage to find the comfort of laughter and celebration in their lives. A smiling Filipino can be found anywhere in the world. Friendly, encouraging and helpful, these are the traits that make Filipinos a rare breed in this already chaotic earth.

The Philippines has been a favorite destination for most foreigners. For many, the islands is a paradise. The beaches are a favorite getaway to unwind and relax from the physical and mental rigors of urban life. Nature comes at a premium. Although, the country is slowly rebuilding itself into one of the world’s competitive industries, the Philippines continue to maintain its countryside as a place for anyone to enjoy and savor. Resorts of all sorts which ranges from caves, mountain trails and rivers among others lay throughout the islands to be visited and revisited time and again.

The archipelago is a diverse collection of numerous tribes with each group having a distinct and unique quality worth looking into. All year long, different regions celebrate their festivals as a way of showcasing their wares for the world to see. Traditionally a religious people, Filipinos use these feasts to thank the Creator for all the blessings which they’ve enjoyed throughout. Filipino products a big attraction especially among foreign guests who bring these things to their homelands. In addition, exotic Filipino dishes and fruits allow everyone to savor. Regions in the Philippines are represented by their own resources and Filipinos take pride in what their place has to offer.

What distinguishes the Philippines from the rest of the world is its array of talents and brilliance. Known also to be a world class traveler, Filipinos has contributed a lot to the world of arts, music, entertainment and science. There is at least a single Filipino in any agency or organization in the world. By far, the biggest contribution that the Philippines has given to the world is its flexibility and adaptability to function in any aspect of human life. Filipinos can easily train and function on any level of profession found in many countries. A lot of engineers, doctors, businessmen, singers, dancers, mechanics, caregivers and domestic helpers have given the world a glimpse of what the Filipinos can do.

The Philippines may be somewhat lagging behind in the economic race from the rest of the world, but being a prime destination to spend a vacation is the country’s biggest attraction. Nature is at its best. And the people are the best in any part of the globe. There is a certain sense of comfort among Filipinos at a first glance which are unfound in other nationalities.