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Success is not about the weight of possessions but about the depth of purpose

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I have come to realize that success is not confined to the shiny symbols of wealth—owning luxury cars, flaunting the latest branded gadgets, or curating picture-perfect travels for social media applause. While these things may signify achievement for some, they are merely fragments of a much bigger picture. They are external validations, fleeting in nature, often mistaken for the true essence of success. For me, real success is rooted in something more profound and enduring—the accumulation of knowledge and wisdom. It is found in the lessons we embrace, the values we uphold, and the growth we experience along life’s journey. Success lives in the classrooms where curiosity is sparked, in the voices of mentors who shape our character, and in the stories shared by elders whose wrinkles are maps of experience. It thrives in the quiet halls of museums where history whispers truths, in the sacred silence of churches where faith deepens, and in the shelves of libraries where ideas transcend t...
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More Than a Duty

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August is Altar Servers Month , and I take this opportunity to look back with gratitude on my more than eight years of serving as an altar server at San Isidro Labrador Parish of Alabel, Sarangani Province. When I first started, it was not a common routine for young people like me. I had to make sacrifices, especially waking up early, and I often had to battle with fear and shyness in front of people. Standing at the altar was not easy—I was nervous about making mistakes and unsure if I was worthy to serve. Yet through God’s grace, I gradually learned that serving was not about perfection, but about offering myself fully to the Lord. Over the years, this ministry has shaped me in ways I never imagined. It taught me humility, discipline, and the importance of being present not just physically, but spiritually, during every Mass. It allowed me to experience the liturgy more deeply, to understand the richness of our Catholic faith, and to witness firsthand the beauty of our traditions. Th...
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We found joy in simple things—'law-oy' and ginamos were feasts in our eyes.

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Today, I fully embrace adulthood—not just by age, but by heart, spirit, and understanding. I come from a life of poverty and hardship, where survival was a daily challenge. Yet, despite the struggles, our father taught us to move forward, to dream bigger, and to never lose hope. We found joy in simple things—'law-oy' and ginamos were feasts in our eyes. We didn’t have much, sometimes just one or five pesos for school, and I often skipped recess, choosing instead to train my mind and imagine possibilities beyond our reality. I studied not just what's in the books, but even those topics that no one paid attention to—because I knew knowledge would someday be my way out. Poverty made me shy, made me feel like an outcast, and turned academic success into a far-fetched dream. But today, I realize: despite it all, I have arrived. Not yet at the finish line, but far from where I started. This is adulthood—with scars, wisdom, and unshakable resilience. Christian Jay Laya currently s...
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How Mayor Salarda Redefined Leadership in Alabel

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The Legacy that shaped a Generation: Mayor Salarda’s Lasting Impact by Christian Jay Laya, LPT, CSPE- HGE, MAPS (CAR) After nearly nine years at the helm, Mayor Vic Paul M. Salarda is set to conclude his tenure as the chief executive of Alabel, Sarangani Province, in June 2025. Not seeking any elective post in the upcoming elections, Salarda leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, good governance, and a strong commitment to public service. Under his leadership, Alabel witnessed significant developments across multiple sectors. Major infrastructure projects, including new road linkages, were completed, while people’s associations and cooperatives were expanded to empower communities. Salarda also prioritized the welfare of Alabelians during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring timely interventions and support mechanisms. Throughout his administration, Salarda pushed for innovations in economic governance, strengthened the local education system, revolutionized agricultural practices...
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Easter Sunday’s Final Mass

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Easter Sunday’s Final Mass: An Afternoon of Light and Hope in Alabel On April 20, 2025, the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Alabel, Sarangani Province concluded its Easter Sunday celebrations with a solemn and spirit-filled 5:00 PM Mass, the final liturgical gathering for the day. As the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the church in warm light, parishioners came in quiet procession, hearts uplifted in celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Elmer Cantular, a Claretian missionary priest currently assigned in Datal Anggas, one of Alabel’s most remote and mountainous barangays. His presence brought a profound reminder of the Church’s missionary spirit—bridging distance and difference to proclaim the Good News to all. Fr. Cantular’s homily centered on the enduring message of Easter: hope rising from the tomb, light dispelling the darkness. Drawing from his pastoral experiences in the uplands, he shared heartfelt reflections on how even in...
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A Hit Can Win Votes, a Flop Can End Careers

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A Hit Can Win Votes, a Flop Can End Careers by C J Laya   A campaign jingle serves as an auditory brand for a political candidate, shaping public perception through melody and message. A well-composed jingle, with catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics, can evoke emotions, reinforce campaign themes, and leave a lasting impression on voters. It becomes a powerful recall tool, making the candidate's name and platform memorable.   On the other hand, a poorly executed jingle—whether due to off-key singing, awkward lyrics, or an unappealing melody—can have the opposite effect. Instead of drawing voters in, it may annoy or even alienate them, making the campaign seem unprofessional or out of touch. In worst cases, a bad jingle may become a subject of ridicule, spreading negative publicity and discouraging voter support.   Ultimately, the success of a campaign jingle depends on its ability to resonate with the public. A strong jingle reinforces a candidate’s image and mess...
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A typical pictures

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