From the Philippines with love! WenF Returns
[Periodically, I publish curated comments posted by readers over a period of time. For the past 2 months (since March 17, 2023), the posts in this blog have been viewed more than 3,000 times in 25 countries, in order of most number of views to the least:
Canada, Philippines, U.S., Hongkong SAR China, Australia, Portugal, India, South Korea, U.K., Mexico, Ireland, Singapore, Sweden, U.A.E., Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Brazil, & Finland.
With the huge number of comments I receive everyday, I have set two requirements before I publish a reader’s curated comments: written consent/permission to publish them, and the curated comments have reached at least between 800 and 1,000 words. I make sure that the final piece retains the original thoughts and style as I received them. There is not much editing, except to tailor it according to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) standard.]
This post is from comments submitted by WenF from the Philippines, for a period May 2 to May 23, 2023. This is a second post published on her behalf with her permission.
On: Mother’s Day (Parts 1 & 2)
(Comments posted: May 23, 2023)
Tribute from the heart
It took a while for me to write my comments on these 2 articles. I felt so inadequate to comment on a post that was lovingly written. The heart that beats for your mother is so palpable. And the narrative is so full of pride. I could almost picture your mom as you described her- very strong character, a solid support to your father, a firm but stable presence to her children, indefatigable in her task as a teacher and as a homemaker, unbreakable will to bring out the best in her family. Your tribute is from the heart. She would surely be in tears if she read your post. What joy you would have given her.
The song
The songs you included in the post are also very appropriate. If your mother could only listen to the songs, they would fill her heart with tender love as she remembers that all her sacrifices for her family have been rewarded. The way your elder brother has taken care of your mother when she is helpless is the most concrete evidence that your mother’s love and sacrifices are reciprocated.
As a teen
When I was in my teens, I always identified myself as my father’s daughter. Not that I liked my mother less, but I always felt that my behavior mirrored that of my dad’s. My father was more sociable and demonstrative of his affection than my mom. He never raised a hand on his daughters except once when I hurt my younger sister. Dad spanked my brothers for misdemeanors but not his daughters. My mom was stricter than my dad, never hesitating to use a belt when we misbehaved.
Married life
But as I grew older, particularly when I got married, I began to see my mother in myself. I sound like her, and I reason like her. Also, I have a deeper appreciation of how much she sacrificed in order to give her family the best.
I was given more because I was more in need
I was a sickly child. My parents prioritized my treatment and medicines over the needs of my other siblings. They had to wait their turn for a new shirt, pants, or shoes after my medicines and /or treatment had been taken care of. Mom and dad prayed for my health like anything. She must have been so insistent for God to heal me that my asthma slowly but surely left me.
I cannot write as beautifully as your tribute to your mom. But I send daily hugs to my parents in prayer. I cannot thank them enough for their selflessness. How I wished they got to know you too before they passed away. I am sure mom and dad would be so touched by your loving post on your mother.
On: Nostalgic Jade from Vietnam
(Comments posted: May 23, 2023)
Vietnam and Canada
I read with fondness the comments of Jade. See, I have visited both Vietnam and Canada so I could relate to the many comparisons she made of the two countries. I am glad that she has found her peace in her home country and still kept the happy and beautiful memories of her growing up years in Canada. In due time, I am hopeful that she will bring her children to visit Canada again and share with them the wonders of a modern and first world country.
I liked the pictures of Vietnam that you featured in the collated comments. They reminded me of the scenic spots I visited in Hanoi. I am sure that Jade is healing in her restful countryside with her parents and children. When she spoke of the eternal spring in Vietnam, I recalled my first visit in her country. We arrived at dawn in Ho Chi Minh during the weekend of Chinese New Year. Instead of going straight to our hotel, our tour guide brought us to the flower market. She said that preparations for the Chinese New Year meant plenty of flowers on sale. Lo and behold! As soon as we alighted from our van, we saw so many varieties of flowers for transport to flower shops, hotels, and other retail outlets. So colorful!
I also felt that Jade has a forgiving heart. Her comments on the confessions of the other woman made me feel that she is on the way to forgiving and fully letting go of her past heartache. A supportive family in her home country will surely be a lot of help. And I saw that from the people of Vietnam. After the horrors of war, I saw how gentle and peaceful the people are. They smile and nod their heads on their first encounter with visitors.
Yes, they rose from the ashes of war and rebuilt their country without forgetting the painful lessons of the war.
I hope Jade will remain engaged as she reads your posts.
On: Comments of Sofia from Mexico
Comments posted: May 20, 2023
How nice to read reactions from Mexico. Sofia shared so much about her culture. Very interesting that there are so much we share in common: being awed by the birthing process of nature, celebrating death as much as life, the strong but invisible bond with mothers. Your blog really engages your readers to be candid and open like they are sharing to a friend and not a stranger.
On: Face Death and Love Life
(Comments posted: May 17, 2023)
I chanced upon this earlier post of yours as I was navigating your site. In a way I am delaying writing my comments on your two-part article on Mother’s Day. I have so many thoughts on those articles that I need to gather before I can write.
So I found myself clicking on Affairs with the Mammon. I find this article very practical. Death is a reality that must be accepted as early as possible.
As a young professional
I remember when I was still young and single, I would tell my mom not to worry about me as I traveled all over the Philippines as head of marketing in a startup healthcare company. That I could die anytime, anywhere and she was the beneficiary to all my insurance policies. She would always be angry with my reply, scolding me that I should not speak of death so nonchalantly.
My earliest investments were also memorial plots, simply because they were the only real properties I could afford to amortize in my early 20s. Hahaha! But I really felt like a real property owner at the young age of 25. Again, my mother asked, “Why do you need two memorial plots? How many times will you die? “
Death and life
But you are so correct. When I have a healthy understanding of death and dying, I am more mindful of each day that I am alive. I was never afraid to accompany my parents, aunts, and elderly in-laws in the last stages of life. I was there to hold hands, pray and cry but my heart is always full of gratitude for lives fully lived.
Soon, I will be investing in a columbarium vault in my parish. That will make it simpler for the family I will leave behind. By then, the memorial plots can be sold like real investments. Practical, right?
On: Reactions on the comments of Precious from Canada
(Comments posted: May 16, 2023)
I appreciate it that you publish the comments of your readers. I get to read another point of view. From another mother like me, I feel the heart of Precious. It is truly heart breaking for every mother to leave her family in search of livelihood. But difficult choices are made out of love. This is so true in third world countries. Mothers need to find supplemental income in order to put food on the table and send children to school.
I once volunteered to teach basic money management to children of migrant workers. I realized that these children have an understanding of the difficult plight of their parents who labor overseas. They are very frugal and would pray that their parents can someday stay home with them.
On: King Charles III Coronation
(Comments posted: May 11, 2023)
I did not watch the live stream of the coronation of the new king. The event held no significance to me who is from a third world country. I view the pomp and pageantry of the event as an awful display of wealth. The lead characters in the event do not attract me in any way because they are only held in high esteem for their vast wealth and position.
But I appreciate the rich historical background you provided. The inclusion of the flags of the countries within the commonwealth is very educational too. How the world’s perception and appreciation of the monarchy has changed over time is also a fascinating evolution.
I agree that the new king will only be relevant to our present time if he dedicates himself to a cause that will impact the future. For example, his concern for the environment is admirable. His being a senior makes him a strong advocate for climate change and environment conservation because of the wisdom borne from experience. If he can move world leaders to unite their resources for the conservation of the environment, that alone makes him relevant today and the future.
On: AI ChatGPT
(Comments posted: May 11, 2023)
ChatGPT can never replace human authors. I say that with conviction.
ChatGPT draws from the past works of others. How can it be original? It may be able to gather from various sources and formulate an opinion, but how can it draw insight?
ChatGPT does not have emotion. How will it communicate sincerity or move readers into action? Perhaps my musings are borne out of ignorance or limitation of knowledge, but I truly believe that while this AI can complement the work of human authors, it cannot fully replace them.
I am thankful that ChatGPT was not yet available when I was a teacher. I always required my students to write their thoughts about new developments in my subject. And I was always amazed by the insight that young people wrote when I engaged them to look within and beyond. I would have been frustrated if ChatGPT churned out for my students the same or similar outputs.
On: First Conversation with ChatGPT
(Comments posted: May 2, 2023)
Very insightful conversation. I find the responses of ChatGPT as direct to the point, very honest and without bias. He sounds human too. He was willing to accept his limitations without diminishing his value as a complement to humans. I fully agree that no machine or computer program can overtake the creativity, originality and sincerity of a human author.
[Thank you, WenF from the Philippines, for your well-thought reflections. I appreciate how much time and energy you put into your every comment. I am always humbled that you find my posts worthy of your interest and attention. You always inspire me to write better posts. Keep it up! Mabuhay!]
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