Epilogue

We're finally back in Victoria. The trip to Manila was both refreshing and tiring. I planned to make this a trip to refresh my body, mind and spirit. I believe I have achieved this even if I put on some weight.



Being away for 3 weeks from my routine made me see things from the right perspective. In the end, success in career is not everything. What matters is faith, family and friends.

My tour of the various places have shown me the power of God. Indeed, everything he created is good. From the beaches of Bohol, to the churches in Cebu and Manila, these show the awesome power of God. He created all these for our enjoyment.

The masses in the Philippines showed how faith is integral to their lives. It is a wonder why with people of such faith, there are a lot of corrupt politicians who make the life of such wonderful people miserable. But there is hope that someday, there will be justice. With various movements to clean up the political process, there is hope for the Philippines.

One good thing the Arroyo government has done is to show people what evil is and that if people want change, they have to fight it. The death of Cory Aquino has shown a contrast against the evil of the existing Arroyo regime. This is probably one reason why there is this sense of loss when Cory died. She was the epitome of a true selfless leader. Contrast this to the epitome of selfishness and greed from Arroyo.

But there is hope. The death of Cory brought life to democracy in the Philippines. Thank God for this. I still think and believe Cory should be canonized as a saint of the Church.

During my visits to various churches, there were insights that I had. The pastor at St. Gabriel made me realize that God makes every day specially for me - personally! He made it for me to enjoy. Every day is an opportunity for victory in the Lord.

My trip to the Monastery was also quite refreshing. Not only did it remind me of the days when I was searching for the Lord. It made me realize that in everything I do, it is an opportunity to "taste and see the goodness of the Lord". Indeed, every minutes is an opportunity to experience the goodness of the Lord.

My trips to the various old churches in Cebu, Bohol and Manila, showed me God is timeless. Through the visits to the museums, it showed me how a lot of things have changed and how God remains the same. Liturgy may have changed, but it has remained the same! Gone are the days when the altars were made of silver. But God is still there. He is still present in the eucharist as he was 500 years ago.

The masses in various parts of the country showed me God is everywhere. Even when I did not understand the mass in Cebu, I know, God was there. The host I received is the same Jesus I received in Manila and the same Jesus I receive here in Victoria.

My talk at the Philippine Computer Society has shown me how my faith can be integrated with my work. Prayer should be part of my work. What was interesting was when they ended their prayer - it ended with something like, "in all things, may God be glorified". Indeed, our purpose for living is to glorify the Lord!

God is alive! He loves me so much, he has given me everything - not to abuse but to enjoy. Praise God for this opportunity to experience him in a different way. May God be glorified in my life - this is the purpose of my life.

Lord, thank you for all these things you have given me. May you be glorified in my life through Jesus your Son.