The Boracaynon

By Gil delos Santos The way how I always play out is "express than impress". Little did I know, some people somehow get impressed through the little ways of my self-expression but displease others in the same manner in other hand. How ironic two different people looking at the same act have two different views. This used to be a questionable irony in my mind until I later realize that their individual judgement is actually activated by their own individual realities and backgrounds. Nothing to worry at all now even to the tiniest degree. I get affected no more by people outside my circle. They belong to the zoo, somewhat I belong to the sea. I swim in the open ocean of understanding and flexibility while tiny minds are imprisoned in the zoo of close mind. To be able to get the fulfillment that every human ultimately wish, distancing from what destroys self motivation is key. Yes, social distancing. I distance myself from the virus that destroys my system. Distancing i...

By Gil delos Santos Applause and congratulations to ACAFI (Aklan Culture & Arts Foundation, Inc.) for a spectacular show last night, Dec 19, 2019 which showcases the Aklan traditional and festival dances that marks Ati-atihan as the mother of all festivals in the Philippines. A new story has been told as well as the show's highlight in the form of dance drama - its newest entry to the performing arts stage called "The Legend of Aklan" written by Leopoldo Dela Cruz that tells a story of the "Aklanon God and The Mythical Deer" which traces the legend story from the furthest Barangay of Libacao in Dalagsaan. The performance was intensely delivered by over 30 scholars called the Tumandok it Aklan Performing Arts. The initiative is well supported and funded by the office of the governor. Honorable Joeben Miraflores and his Vice Governor, Mr. Quimpo are present during the event and said it will become an annual event now to showcase Aklan's cultural her...

By Gil delos Santos Not long ago, I was bragged upon of being desperate to ambition certain people's success. I smiled, got amused with the idea inside. They seem universal with success definition. I can claim success too in my own little world especially against those personalities they compare me with. If a man cannot approve certain facts in life, I am curious how God delivers the approval.  Success is mostly associated with wealth and material possessions to the mind of the average. Gina Lopez is the real representation of success in my own definition. It is measured how much impact we contribute to the lives of the people effecting them to become better than how they were in the aspects we intend them to improve. Learn her deeds the same way how you should learn the story of the neighbors whom you criticize. Your goal in life determines your own definition of success. I believe religion preaches universal kindness, not that "WHO" most people ...

By Gil delos Santos The upcoming national polls pop an idea in my head about the people's biggest right to choose. It is the occasion when everyone becomes the loudest in expressing their right in response to who to choose in the seat for public office. Far from that scene - in the quieter everyday life, most of you tend not to practice that right to choose right to work on your advantage. You are surrounded by opportunities if your consciousness is up...yet you always catch yourself trapped in between situations that limits the healthy mindset to exercise uncompelled right to choose until it's too late.  Life as you make it, you create your own options. Your heart dictates your mind what to choose between what you have previously created in your subconscious mind. Make it a conscious effort in your process of option-making. Be clear and straightforward to your conscious self to choose being smart than by being stupid. Like, by not by clinging to a wrong belief or ...

By Gil delos Santos Technology nowadays converges all levels of the society to a new venue of norm where the quantity network of an individual becomes a standard source of respect over the quality traits of a person.  The reason that "social media influencing" becomes a loud independent profession that emerged in recent time.  The more followers, the more attractive a person becomes.  This is now the actual social platform who the public most listen to.  Those who have bigger followers have bigger names, have bigger influence. These influences set a new standard of social norm.  We can agree that some of them barely do not have basic decency which sadly goes through the wire and through the veins of poor headed followers.  Do Filipinos embrace this trend well enough? The fun entertainment side, yes they might do.  I can however personally see how abrupt it affects the individual mindset in order to catch what's right.  I myself get hooked up wit...

By Gil delos Santos I recently added a permanent text on my right arm that spells out "R E C I P R O C A T E" as personal outcry to combat the changing climate in society. Time had taught me to un-believe the efficiency of an old saying -- "Kill them with kindness" in as far as people relationships are concerned. Kindness these days becomes a bridge to the island of abuse...while tough-love is mostly perceived bad by the receiver that usually leads up to cause good-ties breakage. The cure is not retaliation but immediate reciprocity. Be the best to good acts in return but not to be too soft to those who take advantage that hurt feelings. No one deserves a guinea pig treatment for selfishness of others. More over, the thought of "instinct" as the rightful inner voice that saves people from misfortune fades out in my head like an ice melted in time that loses its useful sense. Instinct nowadays becomes a dramatic reason to exaggerate people's st...

By Gil delos Santos Two decades later, these feet of mine are back to the island where they first feel the sand...for good - Boracay. Though the island's transformation is not a surprise anymore as I get to see my home island in a regular basis at least twice a year, I couldn't help but compare the global experience I had with other islands. Thought Boracay need to offer something else more than just the water activities to somehow showcase our cultural heritage as it sadly starts to fade away. Months before, back in my mind as I was trying to foresee a long-term plan for my permanent return and being in the tourism business, I try to conceptualize some sustainable community based tourism which is becoming a trend in the industry. I didn't even go very far away until I realize that there is already something close-by that Boracay can be proud of.  Department of Tourism Malay chapter recently hosted a tour to feature Boracay's nearby tourist attractions. I wa...