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Spiritual Awakening: Being Independent!!!

A Tribute To The Philippines!!!

As today marks Philippines Independence Day I thought I would write about the importance of finding your independence while experiencing a spiritual awakening. If you have been a long time reader of this blog you know that I served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in The Philippines from July 2002 until February 2003. In the six months that I worked with at-risk youth teaching Math, English, and Livelihood Skills some of my best learning came on days when I was alone and able to really go deep inside myself and find the answers to the questions that I was asking. There was one day I decided to be totally independent and detached from everything. I decided to walk from San Fernando in La Union to The La Union Botanical Gardens. It was about a 10 KM walk with the final 5 KN u a mountain as The Botanical Gardens were at the top. During this walk I came across many people who asked me why I was walking my answer was simply to appreciate the beauty of your country. In The Philippines most people didn’t walk unless they had to they would jump on a jeepney and ride wherever they needed to go. I on the other hand preferred to walk when I could as each time I walked I observed more and more amazing architecture, gardens, and I met some incredible people. Such was the case on my walk to The La Union Botanical Gardens. I met a man who was walking his Caribou to market and asked if I could pet in he said yes and even let me ride the caribou. Being offered to ride the caribou is a high honor in The Philippines. When I finally arrived at The Botanical Gardens I was thirsty and was able to ask the shop keeper for water as I stated Gusto Ko Nang Tubig. As I sat enjoying the water I realized that we create our own freedom. I took many photos, however unfortunately I left my camera at The ATM and when I went back it was gone so all I have are memories of the time spent at The Botanical Gardens in San Fernando. I was upset at first but then realized that I had my health, a family I was staying with that was treating me very nicely, and some great memories of a day that gave me insight into being independent.
I remember hearing this, The Philippines National Anthem and thinking how beautiful it is. Each time I play it I get inspired as it represents independence and a strong will of a nation. The Philippines has had its fair share of uprisings to gain independence and still has some inner strife to maintain its independence. It is in finding your own independence by rising up and taking action like The Philippines that you begin to embrace the spiritual awakening that is happening to you. In finding your independence you find role models and teachers that will keep you inspired to stay on your spiritual path.

Spiritual Awakening: Role Models To Help You Become Independent!!!

Though she has left the earth Corazon Aquino continues to serve as an example to those seeking independence.

Corazon Aquino

María Corazón Sumulong “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino was a Filipina politician who served as the 11th President of the Philippines, the first woman to hold that office, and the first female president in Asia. Aquino was the most prominent figure of the 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled the 20-year authoritarian rule of President Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy to the Philippines. She was named Time magazine’s “Woman of the Year” in 1986. She is the first President without any political experience as she had not held any other elective office.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga. She was the country’s second female president, and the daughter of former President Diosdado Macapagal. Arroyo is also the first duly elected female Vice President of the Philippines.

APL D of The Black Eyed Peas, Manny Paquio, Boxing Champion and Philippines Statesman, and Batista from The WWE are positive Filipino role models who show us that when we go after a dream we can achieve that dream and thus become independent.

Spiritual Awakening: Do You Know These Famous Filipinos?

Tai Reina Babilonia (born September 22, 1959), skating with Randy Gardner, was a five-time gold medalists at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and won the gold medal at the 1979 World Figure Skating Championships. They were medal favorites at the 1980 Olympics but were forced to withdraw due to an injury to Gardner.

Babilonia was the first figure skater of partial African American descent to win U.S. and World titles. She is part Filipino and Native American on her father’s side. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, however, her mixed ethnic ancestry was rarely discussed by the media.