Book Review: Sunsets are Sonnets and Other Poems by Alvin B. Cruz

Have you experienced feeling empty, but you don't know what you are missing?

Was there a time that you feel down and alone but can't properly explain what is happening?

Are you someone who is silently grieving and lost?

This book, Sunsets are Sonnets and Other Poems will help you find the right words to express how you feel. The book features 30 poems – old and new that talk about the 3L's: life, love, and loss.

It was written by Alvin B. Cruz, a writer, professor, and communication consultant. He is an inveterate traveler and has lived and worked as an English teacher in the United States, Japan, and the Maldives. His earlier poems were published in The Philippine Graphic and more recently his poetry at Wales Haiku Journal.

Through the poems and the traditional Japanese haiku in the book, the author was able to paint a picture of the realities of life that teaches us a valuable lesson on dealing with loneliness and pain. Each poem is unique and rooted in different experiences of the author.

His haiku was beautifully written with illustrations that match perfectly, allowing the readers to enjoy the images described on each page. The use of the different elements of nature, allowed readers to realize that we are not alone with whatever problems we are dealing with right now that even our surroundings understand what we are going through. Just like one of my favorite lines and the title of the book “Sunsets are sonnets whose lines of light overshadow the hidden dangers that lurk in the deep recesses of this dark world.”

Overall, the book was an easy and light read with just over a hundred pages. This book is powerful and will bring out the deepest emotions within us through the author’s excellent wordplay and imagery.

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Title: Sunsets are Sonnets & Other Poems
Author: Alvin B. Cruz
Publisher: Central Book Supply, Inc.
ISBN: 978-621-02-1248-8
No. of Pages: 116
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Edition: 2020
Binding: Softbound

You may order your copy through Central Books

Disney Songs That Will Empower and Inspire Every Dreamer

Walt Disney is known as a pioneer of animated films. He is also the creator of famous cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse and the man behind Disneyland and Disney World which we consider to be the happiest place on earth.

His works represented imagination, optimism, and success inspiring individuals to dream and to work towards achieving that dream. He is someone who was creative and was constantly innovating. He was not scared to push the boundaries which has been one of the key factors to his success.

One of his famous quotes is something that I hold on to. I even have this written on our bedroom wall to remind me every day to pursue my dreams.

"If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney

Throughout the years, Disney has been producing movies and songs that are aligned with these values as they continue to bring happiness and inspiration to individuals all over the world.  

Thus, let me share with you some of the Disney songs that will surely empower and inspire the dreamer in you. 

1. How Far I'll Go by Auli'i Cravalho from the movie, Moana (2016)

2. Try Everything by Shakira from the movie, Zootopia (2016)

3. Almost There by Anika Noni Rose from the movie, Princess and the Frog (2009)

4. Happily Ever After by Jordan Fisher & Angie Keilhauer from Magic Kingdom. 

The song Happily Ever After is a personal favorite and this is usually played in Disneyland during the fireworks display. This resonated with me so much that I cried during the first time I heard it and it still gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it.  :) 

Anyway, do you have other favorite Disney songs that inspire the dreamer in you? Feel free to comment below. 

Why is Philhealth the ONLY Government Entity Without an Online Payment Facility for Voluntary Members?

UPDATE: Philhealth now has an online payment system for self-paying individuals. 

2020 was the year where most businesses, institutions, and organizations have shifted to online or digital platforms. Online classes were implemented. E-commerce has taken a huge leap and the use of digital wallets such as GCASH, Paymaya, and other online payment facilities has never been this popular.

These initiatives and lifestyle changes took place as a response to the government's and health experts' call to stay at home and avoid unnecessary trips. So, this made me wonder Why is Philhealth the ONLY Government Entity Without an Online Payment Facility for Voluntary Members?

 

For weeks, I have been researching how I can pay my voluntary contribution to Philhealth without going out of the house, and sad to say, I had no luck finding one. We haven't gone out for over a year (literally!) and that's how serious we are about staying at home so, going to the nearest Philhealth office is not a good option for us. 

I was able to read about the Moneygment app but based on the latest update, it is currently available. 

According to Philhealth's website, they have several accredited service partners who accept online payment however, when we checked it seems that these are for corporate accounts/ employers as it has been asking for a corporate/ company code, corporate name, etc.  

• Bank of the Philippine Islands (via Bizlink)
• Citibank N.A. (Citidirect)
• Land Bank of the Philippines (via EPS)
• Security Bank Corporation (via Digibanker)
• Union Bank of the Philippines (via OneHUB)
• BancNet Inc.(via e-Gov facility)

Given that is attached to the Department of Health, do you think it should be one of the key agencies looking after our welfare and safety? 

Do you think they should be the first institution to offer these online services so that people so, that it is possible for people to follow their advice to stay at home?

For now, I still have no clue how and where I can pay my Philhealth contribution without leaving our house. If you know a way on how to make an online payment for Philhealth, please share it in the comments below. It would mean a lot to me. Thank you! :) 

Hope in a Box: Get your own limited edition merchandise from Davao's Top Fashion and Design Creatives and Artisans

by Jon J. Nuñez

When the health crisis hit the country almost a year ago, among the most affected are the communities of artisans in the different parts of Davao region. Most of these creative people are members of the lumads or ethnic tribes of Region XI. 

Unknown to many, the Davao Fashion and Design Council (DFDC) have been partnering with these artistic folks by way of commissioning their weavers, beaders, and sewers to create world-class creations that are a big hit around the country and even globally.  

Alas, the pandemic came, the fashion industry is among the first to be told to cancel events as it would entail the gathering of crowds-- such as fashion shows and exhibits. Thus, the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC) headed by Manila fashion directors, designers, models, and behind the scenes production staff, have been doing fundraising drives ever since last year. This time, through the partnership of DFDC, comes the Box of Hope. 

By supporting this project, we can help the displaced creatives and artisans of the fashion industry, especially the community of sewers, beaders, and weavers. For every purchase of Box of Hope, you help put food on the table for the family. A Box of Hope consists of a Kadayawan Bomber Jacket, 3 Kadayawan Masks, and a limited edition Araw Brooch for only Php 10,000. 

To order please send a private message to DFDC designers Edgar Buyan, Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, or Benjie Panizales.

We would appreciate if you can share this post. Thank you for your support!