Why Question?

For the people who set out to make a difference. For the idea that fueled a revolution. For a Just and Free Society

Questions have been with us since the beginning. As children we make constant inquiries into reality, asking and doubting what is and what isn’t. Thus, we begin to discover… To explore… To create. Create truths for ourselves due to our discontent and disbelief of reality and mold the world to our liking. It is here that we are masters of our own fate. It is here that we are truly free.

Yet, as years go by, and that youthful idealism wanes, we forget how to ask. Soon truths are being shoved in our faces and forced down our throats. Some of us, the lucky ones, resist. They rebel, they doubt, they question still. They are brave enough to face the unfamiliar and the uncertain. But most of us, are not that fortunate. We are fed with fear, fear of the unknown,  so that we may willingly accept these so called “truths”. Before long, these “truths” have become our shackles, limiting our potential for greatness, and caging us from our freedom to discover, discover the boundless realities waiting for us. These chains, these prisons, thus begin to mold us, to shape us into what they want us to be; lifeless machines that follow societal dogmas without understanding them. It is with this ignorance, this blind conformity, which fuels social stigmas that constantly plague our world for centuries. We forget, forget how to dream, how to doubt, how to ask. We begin to lose sight of what it is to be human, to be curious, and to wonder what is and what isn’t. It won’t be long now before our humanity is leeched out of us, before we are completely obedient machines, controlled by a society which squashes uniqueness and free-thinking.

But it is not too late, we can still  change the course of the collective human intellect. We can still rekindle that spark of idealism, that doubt and wonder of reality. We must realize that truths are not served on silver platters. They are not given out by people in robes, coats, or suits. They are discovered… They are explored… They are created. Created by doubting, doubting what is and what isn’t. For it is by doubting that we ask,  it is by asking that we explore, it is by exploring that we discover, and it is by discovering that we create. Let us all remember the power of questions, because it is by asking that we not only find the truth but also make them for ourselves, our brethren, and the world.

Sleight of Hand

The magician takes his place on the stage. With a box in tow and his lovely assistant by his side, he hushes the audience as he prepares his illusion.  He presents the box to the crowd; it is just a plain wooden box, about three-inch by three-inch. He opens it and shows the inside to be empty; the lining of the interior is covered by purple velvet. He then shuts the box and starts to gesture with his hands as though he was doing some form of incantation. After a pause, he then slowly opens the box again and out flies a white dove, which perches itself on the magician’s shoulder. The audience dazzled, start to applaud the magician for having been dumbfounded by the fantastic illusion.

Magic, isn’t it? Just as magic as how we communicate with a mere wave of our hand or a flick of our fingers. As though sending messages with our mind, we converse with each other by simply gestures of the hand.  But all of these are just sleight of hands, nothing more, nothing less. However, it still amazes me on how much we can achieve with these arcane gestures. Language has transcended from normal speech but has also incorporated the body’s movements to compensate the  message we are trying to get across. A simple pat on the shoulder, a comforting hand to hold, or a kiss shared between two lovers, all of these speak a language all of their own, where no words could even hope to translate. It is just mind-boggling to think that by speaking so little, we tell so much already. When someone asks a simple Yes-or-No question, we just nod or shake our head without thinking too much on the action, but it is just fascinating on how people understand us. We raise our eyebrows in confusion, we pout our lips to express disappointment, we tap our feet to show impatience. We are even taught in speech class on how the mere positioning of our body effects how a person receives us as a communicator (e.g. crossing one’s arms which shows that he is defensive). In an age where we have so many avenues to converse with each other, the simple movements of our body still has the greater impact.

Although, nowadays, we undermine the power of silence, the power of our body has when we communicate with each other. We use it everyday unconsciously, yet we do not know how much of our ‘unspoken word’ affects how others perceive us. Misunderstandings occur with a mere shrug of the shoulders or the intensity of a gaze. Conflicts arise just by simply turning your back on someone or keeping silent all through out the conversation. These simple things causes so much trouble because we do not understand the impact these gestures have on other people. An innocent batting of the eyes maybe perceived as flirting, simple shifting in an uncomfortable chair may be an indicator of rudeness, having a blank face in front of someone may be taken as indifference. We cannot deny the fact that the time that we do not speak, is the time when we speak the most. We get judged so much just by how we carry ourselves. That is why we should realize that, just as the illusionist has a role on stage, so do we, performers, say so much with a mere sleight of hand. And just like magic, we say so much by speaking so little.

Rising from the Dead

It’s sad to think that I haven’t been writing for almost 3 months now. Yes, I am back from the dead, sort of. It fills me with great dread and shame to see that for months I haven’t been able to produce a single output, considering the resolution I made (which seems like a bleak reality now). Though, I have my reasons; I’ve been actively participating in the student government elections in my school. I am part of a political party, you see, and it has been quite a passion of mine to be part and serve my party, considering all the wonderful ideologies and principles we represent (that’s for some other time). Alas, that meant more time in school and less time writing. I guess you could say that I could have made time for writing, but once you spend eighteen hours a day everyday in school, you kinda lose sight of your priorities at home. You could call it an addiction if you wish, but I would argue that it is a higher calling, something for the greater good.

Though, I must admit, my return could have been sooner, if it weren’t for my fear and lack-luster after having been idle for a long while. It was really disappointing and disheartening knowing that I haven’t been writing a while, so one thing led to another and I kept postponing it and postponing it until I just had to force myself to write again. As much as it is sad, I know that I must get back on the horse and ride off into the future. No matter how pathetic or feeble my attempts may appear, I must persevere and never give up if I ever want to make something out of myself (clichés, I know. They are rather annoying but never the less, “true”). I won’t let this set back (or rather lack of anything) to get me down, I will survive and move on till I reach my dream in the end (again, another mushy cliché, but then again, I’ve been known to be a sucker for something sappy).

With all that being said, I have made my resolve to do my best and try to write more often than I should. I make no promises for the future though, for I live an active professional and personal life. I’ll try to be more diligent and proactive when it comes to my writing and provide new material on a semi-regular basis. I will still try to achieve my Project 366, but we all know that is very unlikely to happen (but I don’t know, miracles do happen). I also promise to write more stories, more for me than for the readers; if I ever want to achieve my dream to become a world-renowned novelist, I must practice and practice. Ambitious, I know, but heck, I am in the age of idealism, I am defined for having big dreams but no direction. Hopefully my sense of “maturity” will help me in achieving my goals and dreams. With a little luck, who knows, I might make something out of myself very soon. Ciao 😉

30 Things About Me

So I was in the Twittersphere and found this cute little trending topic called #30thingsaboutme. Seeing it, I got to thinking and eventually writing about 30 little things about me. I thought of writing 30 random facts about me; from the bizarre to the profound, so without much further ado here are 30 things that you should know about me:

30.) I have got a serious sweet tooth. As in serious sweet tooth. I can be contented with eating pure sugar for all I care!

29.) I like reading manga. Especially the ones with the hot characters and cute little chibis.

28.) I am extremely squeamish. I can’t stand the sight of blood, puke or any gross fluids or bits coming from the body or anywhere else for that matter.

27.) I have a love affair with chocolate. In relation to my sweet tooth, chocolate is my sweet of choice every single time.

26.) I am fascinated with crime shows. The science, stories, and methodologies behind those things are quite intriguing. This is quite contradicting with my squeamish thing but hey, it is good entertainment for me.

25.) I like classical music of all kinds. The classic-classics like orchestras and concertos from the baroque, and renaissance era as well as classic rock and jazz.

24.) I hate charlatans and hypocrites. I extremely despise those who claim to be something they are not or credit the works of others to themselves.

23.) I like romance. Novels, stories, real life experiences, what ever. Whether it is directed to me (which has not happened yet) or between two of my friends, I just love seeing it in action.

22.) I like blue eyes. Whether on a dog or person or whatever, I really get mesmerized by them, especially when it is a smokey blue. You can say it is a real turn on for me.

21.) I dislike shallow people. Well not really dislike, but I prefer the company of those whom I can have a stimulating intellectual discussion with.

20.) I loathe Filipino commercial entertainment. It is so mediocre that it makes me want to vomit chunks.

19.) I love the color blue, green and red. In that order. More specifically, periwinkle blue, emerald-green, and crimson red.

18.) I love debates. Arguing with an intellectual elite and clashing your ideas is just nectar to my parched soul.

17.) I adore the ancient classics and mythology. I love Homer’s Greek epics, Norse mythology, Hinduism and Shintoism, and anything else related to the mystic culture.

16.) I hate arrogant people who think they are better than everyone and know everything. Come on people, it is just sickening. One of the things I have learned from Descartes is that I am wise for I know that I do not know.

15.) I like cryptic speech. I like speaking in riddles which is to my friends’ chagrin. Most of the time they don’t understand what I am trying to say. Oh well!

14.) I am introverted and soft-spoken. Most of my friends would say otherwise but it is true! If I don’t know you that much, I would tend to shut the hell up! But once I got to know you, I become a regular jabber-jaw.

13.) I am always restless. I can’t sit idly by in the sidelines. I have to do something, anything! Watching, pacing, fidgeting, anything will do.

12.) I am good in math.  I have always said that math has always loved me but I have never loved math back, maybe as a friend though.

11.) I am a quick learner. I tend to get it the first or second go and get frustrated when they repeat it again in front of me over and over.

10.) I have a low self-esteem which I cover up with narcissism. Confusing huh… But this is how I get by. At least I know myself enough to realize that my vanity is only a defense mechanism.

9.) I am sarcastic, to a fault. I tend to make snarky remarks and snide comments that may or may not be witty.

8.) I am very opinionated. Meaning I am never undecided about a certain issue or topic and usually have something to say about it whether you like it or not.

7.) I have God awful spelling. Surprisingly, I have awful spelling and grammar skills despite my status as a writer. Thank God for spell check.

6.) I am comfortable alone. I like working alone because I am free with whatever it is I want, and I like being alone because it gives me time to think. Doesn’t mean though that I like being alone all the time.

5.) I dedicate my existence to the sole pursuit of  all that is beautiful and other worldly. Anything physical like sports is lost to me. I concern myself mostly with the arts and philosophy. I only indulge in friends and vices in the aspect of the physical.

4.)  I despise modern-day society. It is extremely unjust and unfair, the system our society works today. With power and money, you can get away with pretty much everything, while the poor have to suffer most of the wrong doings the people in power have done.

3.) I am a hopeless romantic waiting for love. As I have promised to myself, I will wait for the right person to arrive and once they are there, I will hold on no matter what. I want my first to be my last.

2.) I usually talk before I think. I’d rather go on instincts sometimes instead of logic which has caused me more harm than good but hey, that’s how my world works.

and, the number one thing about me is:

1.) I am a dude who likes dude. Don’t get me wrong, I like dudes on a sexual level but have no desire in becoming a girl. I am comfortable being just me but unfortunate, some people aren’t. I’m okay with other dudes and can be one of the guys, but sometimes people look at your sexuality first before anything else, which is just unfair. It is not like I let my sexual orientation dictate my whole personality.

Anyways, so that’s it, 30 little things about me. I assure you, there is more, a lot more but for the sake of our sanity, I’ll leave it there. Hope you enjoy and if you have any questions about me or my writing feel free to comment or something. Happy readings! ( ^-^)/

Love is All You Need

Her eyes glistened with the tears she knew she wouldn’t shed. As she held back the moisture in her eyes that was threatening to spill over, she couldn’t fathom the sheer amount of good fortune she has had in her life. Right in front of her was her best friend, her lover, her soul mate, kneeling with a 4 carat diamond ring nestled in the middle of his palm. Her mind going numb, she could only gaze at the sparkling beauty presented before her. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe, she couldn’t even remember how to blink. Her whole being was just focusing on the magnificent stone that shone with a dazzling brilliance and the man who likewise did the same. It was like the world narrowed down to just the two of them and the silence just as natural as the lights in the night sky. No unnecessary words, uncomfortable pauses, or unwanted interruptions, just them and the love they share.”

“So I assume silence means yes?”

“Huh?!”

“I assume that your silence means a yes…”

“Uh-h-h…”

“Oh come on! It is not that hard to say a three-letter word. Just repeat after me. Y-e-s…”

“And what if I am thinking no. It is much easier to say a no than a yes.”

“True, but it is much more fun to say yes…”

“How so?”

 “Well that’s because by saying yes you get a partner, a crazy companion to share your life with and have unbelievable adventures for the rest of your days. This partner will understand you for the unique individual you are, treat you like the queen you deserve to be, and love you with all his heart, body, and soul.”

“Well, since you put it that way, how can I possibly refuse?”

“Hahaha… Must you always be this sarcastic?”

“Must you always be this romantic?”

“I get by with what I have. So… What is your response madame? To forever?”

“Yes monsieur! To forever and ever with you.”

And with that, the man rose and crossed the distance between them, and without breaking eye contact, places the ring on her left hand. As the two lovers gazed at each other’s eyes, comprehending one another’s thoughts til they were lost in their own love, they could only mutter one last thing before they were completely consumed with a kiss so deep and so wide as the night sky:

I love you.

With those three words, they saw their whole life together. From the day they met to the day they will eventually die. From their sordid past to their hopeful future. Those three words said it all, and for them, it was enough because it was all that they would need and all that they could want. Forever.

I have returned! Sort of…

Hiyah world! It’s me again. I know I haven’t been writing that much lately. Oh who am I kidding! I haven’t been writing at all. I have a perfectly good explanation for that actually. You all must know that I am an engineering student, and well our work load is a little bit heavier than most. Add to that my obligations to my extra-curricular activities after (and even during) school, well, let just say that has given me a lot on my plate which has forced me to postpone my writing. For the past two weeks I have been venting on my new planner (yes, I finally bought a planner) in lieu of posting here. Bright side, it let out my creative side, drawing doodles more than actual writing; down side, I haven’t seriously wrote anything in the past couple of weeks. Now looking at this blog after my “break”, I have to say that the disparity between my last post to this one is so great that it is just disheartening for me as a writer. Don’t think for once that I forgot my little project, I have, believe me, and it has been making me restless these past couple of days knowing that my time is running shorter and shorter. It is discouraging, but that doesn’t mean I have lost hope.

Since we are on the topic of my Project 366 (since my writing friends got so irate with me for still calling it Project 365 despite this year being a leap year – okay errant thought) I have been thinking of altering the terms a little. Knowing my current academic situation (did I forget to mention I am studying engineering?) and the nature of my work load, I have thought to make it easier for all of us. Instead of writing everyday, I was thinking of writing only during my free time (which is scarce); it doesn’t have to be daily, anytime will do. I can also write multiple times a day to compensate for days I have missed out. The main objective of this modified Project 366 is to have 366 posts for this year, so yes, I am cheating this one, SUE ME (DID I MENTION I AM ENG!)! I will no longer force myself to write when I have clearly nothing to produce (trust me, the hardest thing I have done). I will now only write for my leisure cause I don’t want to add something else to my already intimidating pile of things to do; I just hope it will reach up to 366 posts.

Anyways, that is all I have to say on that matter. Hopefully, you’ll hear about me a little bit more from now on. Hmmmm… Ironically, I am writing this during the lunar new year so yes! This is me making a new start. And since I brought up the topic of a lunar new year, Gong Hei Fa Choi (<- not sure if actual spelling) everyone and happy year of the water dragon!

Ciao ( ^-^)/

The Beginning of the End

Slowly, she rose from where she sat for almost an hour and a half. The feeling of rejection and heart ache spreading through her body like the blood in her veins. She felt so perky, so happy a moment ago. Well… That was until she saw what she was seeing now, and it only broke her heart more just by staying there. But she couldn’t move; her feet, it seemed, had melded with the pavement. As the couple a few meters a head started to make their way to her, she started to make sense of what has happening right before her eyes.

It wasn’t long ago that the guy of her dreams and ,ironically, her best friend told her how much she meant to him and how much he wanted to be more than just friends. At the time she thought that it could never work; he was too wonderful and she was just too undeserving. So she broke his heart, to save him the disappointment and to save her the heart-break. It seemed like a good idea, but it tore her inside.

She couldn’t! How could she?! He was so much a good a friend that she felt unworthy of his time, of his attention, of his love. Then how could she take him as her boyfriend?! In the end, he’ll just give up on her then all the years of friendship would have been gone. She couldn’t lose that, she couldn’t lose him. So, like a coward backing down from a fight, she told him all the reasons why they couldn’t be together. She called him names and, for the most part, lied about how much he was unfit to be her boyfriend. It destroyed her, lying like that to him, at the same time she could barely stand it when he was slowly crumbling inside right before her. It took all her strength to say those words; every blow to his name was a slash to her heart. It was slow torture but, as predicted, it was effective. Too effective in fact. A couple of weeks after, she found out that he was leaving the country. She thought it was for the better, being separated, but that didn’t stop pure agony that ensued, where she cried over him every waking second of her life. Every word she said coming back to her, haunting her, mocking her for the fool she was. Why didn’t she have more courage to face the unknown with him?! Why didn’t she have the guts to take what was hers?! Why didn’t she listen to her heart instead of her insecurities?!

Now, he was walking towards her, with this goofy look on his face, while this blue-eyed baby doll was draped over his arm. Just hours ago did she receive the most hopeful news she has had in the past weeks. He surprised her with a phone call telling her to meet her at the park. He sounded so excited over the phone that she felt hopeful that all was not lost. After their brief conversation, she decided to finally tell him all the words she held back on the night they last met.

But now! Now it was just pure agony to see him like this, to see him with… her. She wasn’t that dense to not know why he looked like some silly idiot. How many times did he look like that when they were together? Little did she know that those intense looks and burning stares had more to them than what she initially thought. They were almost directly in front of her! She couldn’t breath, she was drowning. She started to take deep breaths but it wasn’t working. She tried her hardest to hold back the tears. She couldn’t let him see how much she was ruined inside.

“Karen, it’s good to see you again!” he said, his voice melting her bones. She could only muster a shaky smile and a weak “hi” while trying to maintain her composure. “I’d like you to meet Jean. Jean this is Karen, my best friend since college.” ”Pleasure to meet you.” said the blonde bombshell who looked like she modeled for Vogue. “Hello…” She was losing her voice; she couldn’t find it. She was drowning from the tears that she was keeping back inside.

“Ehem.. So what are you doing here?” She asked, her voice still a little shaky. “Oh! Umm… I just got back from my trip abroad! Isn’t that neat?” He said with so much enthusiasm that she couldn’t help but smile. “Also, this is where we are planning our wedding.” “Wedding?!” “Yes, we’re getting married.” said the blue-eyed mannequin.

She was swimming. She was drowning. She couldn’t take it anymore; she had to get out. But she couldn’t, she has to stay there and look like a complete moron nodding while the only thing she wanted to do was to crawl into some hole in the ground and die. She could only give a weak congratulations as the air in her lungs slowly leaked out. She desperately needed an escape; she couldn’t handle what she was hearing. Married?! What is this?! Some kind of sick joke?! You’re freakin’ too young to get married! she thought to herself.

“The wedding is four weeks from now, and we wanted to get married here.” “So soon…” She said, barely a whisper now. “We’ve been planning this for months now actually; we’ve just decided to have our venue here. Plus with the relocation and all…” But she couldn’t hear him anymore. Her head was floating. She couldn’t feel anything. She was growing sicker by the second, and it was the only thing she could do not to throw up. God! Why now? Why him?! Why me?! She could barely hear him asking if she was okay before her whole world turned black.

Black Coffee

Oh, bitter resentment, how I have come to know you after the time we have spent together. You are no stranger to me; I know you as much as I know myself. You and I are more or less equals, walking the path of life side by side. You are the shadow that I always see beside me; a specter of harsh memories constantly haunting me wherever I may go. You remind of all the heart aches that I have been trying so hard to bury within me, leaving a nasty after taste in my mouth every time. You make a mockery of my life, making me look at all the wasted opportunities and possibilities waiting out there for me. You make me feel like my whole existence has been some sort of cruel joke. I wish now that I never knew you, that I never should have let your cold spirit rest within my turbulent mind. You make me wish to end it, to bring an end to my miserable existence once and for all. You make me wonder how much my life would have been different if I was just normal, if I was just like every complacent sheep out there who never really do live their lives but just wade through their reality like some ship-wrecked fool, floating along the sea of life; no direction, no clue, only drifting idly by till they reach sweet oblivion. For that, I will never forgive you.

Yet, on the other hand, I can’t help but feel grateful as well. You brought comfort when the warmth of others brought none. You made me numb inside for some time, helping me push through with my life when the unbearable hurt would have otherwise crippled me. You somehow gave clarity when I was lost in my own madness. You were both a bitter friend and a refreshing companion, and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. Still, you must not have been content with my new-found dependence in you so you had to disturb the little peace I had left. Now, you pick at the cuts and sores, causing me to bleed with so much pain, so much agony, that I could at times barely breath. But you also gave me so much to think about, that, in itself has given me a huge enough distraction for me to ignore the hurt. In a way, it has made me into a better person; a bitter yet better person. I have a fresher perspective of life, a new persona if you will. Though this new me is a little bit more colder and cynical than before, at least I will get by. No longer is there any light in me; you put that out long before. I’ll just have to exist with the warmth of others in the mean time, till I find my own happiness again. For now, I am not living for myself, I am living for others so that I may live. It’s a convoluted logic, but hey, it makes sense to me and that is all that counts.

This Type of Love

Love is such a cruel and funny thing. It makes a mockery of us all, pulling on our strings like we are some sort of puppet. It turns us into fools who forsake the voice of reason in our heads. It changes us as a person in subtle and strange ways; sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worst. Yet, it is this same love that makes us human. With this kind of love, we can do a number of great things. We become more than what we are for its sake. It gives us strength, hope, and courage when we are at our hour of need. It is the last sensible thing in this world when we can no longer find meaning in it. Love is the only thing mystical left in this realm that is filled with so much cynicism and technicalities. It is proof that we are more than mere flesh, bone and blood, that we have a soul that has the capacity to love and be loved. It is this true love that gives us the encouragement and hope that we need to move on and be greater than what we think we can be.

Though there are only a handful of people blessed enough to have experienced this form of love. Those who go out into the world whole heartily and are not afraid to get hurt along the way. It is a tough and perilous road, seeking the thing that you love the most. It requires a strong mind and an open heart as we must persevere through every trial and challenge that blocks our way. Yet, the reward that we receive in the end makes it all worth while. It is rare to find examples of this kind of love, the type that has withstood time and tempest, growing only stronger over time. It is instances like these which inspires all the romantics out there who are one their way to find their true love. It is stories of this sort that makes living, that is filled with love, so much more fulfilling. Even though some may not find the love of their lives, these tales of loss and love are good enough for them to carry on and be happy with themselves.

I myself have found love which has made me content. I have found the love of my friends which has carried me through my darkest hours. Their love for me and their love for those they chose to love gives me the vigor and luster I need for life. It is because of their love that I can love back and continue to love for each of my waking moments. It is this love that has taught me to forget all the wrongs and ills in my world and just focus on the good news that life has brought. It has made me patient, care free and content with myself  that the pleasures of a physical existence no longer has that much of a hold on me. I only seek now the spiritual side to things for that is where I find my true happiness, my true love. I suppose love makes poets and philosophers out of us all. We just need to be open to love and let it settle in our hearts. It is the love that we are capable of that has made the gift of life all the more precious.

A Letter of Due Gratitude

You there! Yes, you who works so hard for so little, unappreciated by many and known only to few. Neither fame nor recognition is yours while you labor for the sake of others. But here I am to say that I do see you, toiling there while others benefit from your efforts. They do not appreciate you for what you have done, but I do. So much of what you accomplish is lost to them, yet I am filled with such overwhelming gratitude and awe as you mold the world into form To them, you are a specter, a spirit, an apparition; indeterminable from the shadows of this world. To me, on the other hand, you are more than that! Quite the opposite, you are the sunshine that provides warmth to this otherwise frigid earth, you create sense when there is only noise and static, and you alter the course of history for the betterment of mankind. While others turn an apathetic eye, I can’t help but stare at wonder.

An agent of change, you move the globe, making it spin, turn, and twirl. You influence the nature of things and it is this work that makes you so much more than what you are. Like the wind, you are powerful yet intangible, mighty yet ethereal, capable yet subtle. Most people just do not understand this. They live in the here and now, not realizing that the essence of your work is that of slow change, like a constant tide eating away at a solid rock. You polish and smooth the quality of life that we are living, ebbing away the rough and battered surface. Still you are not given the due praise that should be given to one of such worth and it is this lack of respect that has filled me with so much woe and grief.

Yet do not fret, my dear, there are still others like me. I do not stand alone in my gratitude for the labor you have done. There are more of me who shares in this belief, but we are numerable and small. Still, few we maybe, we are still a force to be dealt with. Whenever you may feel weak and weary, we shall be there to catch you and give you strength. Whenever you may feel that the world has become a stranger, we shall be there to be your friends.  And whenever you may feel lost and out-of-place, we shall be there to light your way back. We may not share the burden that you carry, nor move the same way that you do, but we are here to be your support whenever you need us to. Just beckon us and we’ll be there to be what you need us to be. We have great faith in you and it is this faith that will make us move in your name.

With this, I hope that you stay true to the noble purpose you pursue, for there is no one else that can work in the way that you do. May you grow and prosper even more and may you move forward with your cause, bringing about great changes in life and in the men who are living theirs. Though, most respond to your greatness with mocking humor and bitter ire, there are still people like me who you inspire to do great things. I guess, in the end, it is not the honor and applause that will make all your efforts worthwhile, but it is the lives you have made better with the work that you have done.