Rick and Jaja Save the Date

This is the first save a date video I ever made and it's for my friends Rick and Ja back in January. The couple asked me to do their invitation video back in November and after a couple of delays, we pushed through with a filming early this year. This is what came out of it.

Story, Camera, Direction, Post-production, Editing - Me

Location - SBMA, Philippines

Equipment - Nikon D3300

GrainPro Distributor Leads the Way in Safe Storage in Ghana

 In 2010, Nana Yaw Obeng immediately saw the potential of hermetic technology to safely store grains and seeds. His vision is paving the way to safer postharvest storage and organic preservation, not only in Ghana, but throughout the continent.

A Postharvest Technology graduate of the Natural Resource Institute in the United Kingdom, Nana returned to Ghana upon completion of his degree and worked for the government. He started Agrimat, Ltd., as a trader of agricultural inputs and machineries. It is through his business that he found out about the GrainPro® SuperGrainbag®, a hermetic liner bag with superior air and water barriers to stop infestation and inhibit fungal growth without using chemicals. 

Harvest season is a busy time for the Agrimat team when farmers flock to buy these miraculous storage bags. Each farmer buys up to 10 to 15 bags at 8 Cedis, or less than US$2 per bag. Ivy Oduro Donkyi holds Agrimat’s wholesale warehouse, where GrainPro bags are sold to retailers from all over the countryside. Ivy is on her 14th year with Agrimat and she confirms, “our clients are happy with the performance of the SuperGrainbag and they keep coming back.” At the store, we find Dora Bempong who’s been an employee for 20 years with Sophia Turkson, another 14-year employee. Dora says, “I also use the SGB at my house to store rice and since I began using it, I’ve never had any infestation problems.”

The liner bag isn’t the only hermetic solution Agrimat is offering. Tom de Bruin, who visited Agrimat last month, explains that, "as the oldest and most senior partner of GrainPro in Africa, Agrimat also sells Cocoons™, which can hermetically store up to 1050 metric tons." They are piloting a new government initiative to set up grain warehousing facilities that will help smallholder farmers safely store their crops without the use of chemicals. This puts them and hermetic storage at the forefront of food loss reduction. 

The Troops Need Our Support

My father once told me that ‘the military is the noblest of all professions’. I still believe it so.


Recently, I had the rare opportunity to board the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar docked here in SBMA. Having been involved in the past with the Canadian Navy, this is one prospect I was very excited to be part of.


The tour gave me an opportunity to speak to our brave mariners. Over coffee served hospitably by the ship’s mess crew, stories of bravery and heroism poured out.


The ‘Goryo’ and his courageous crew did saw action last year against China in a standoff at the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Goryo scared away several Chinese fishing vessels in the island knowing that a fleet of Chinese Navy ships are close by for an encounter.


While that effort may have been nothing to some, it must have been a precarious position for a crew still learning to operate and navigate a relatively modern ship. With very little experience and limited training, the crew could have been easily overwhelmed given the fact that they are up against a formidable force just waiting for them to make the slightest mistake.


A ranking naval officer I interviewed told me that the crew was ‘the real heroes of the Philippine seas’. Their bravery and valor shall not go unappreciated. Thank you, guys.


The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and his twin, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which was personally welcomed by President Aquino recently, were part of the Excess Defense Article program that we share with the United States. The vessels are free but the cost of transferring them, the upgrades, and other extras such as armaments are paid for by our government in its armed forces modernization initiative. Both are decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard cutter-class ships known for their ability to handle rough seas and remain on patrol for up to 30 days.


The Goryo looks good. Its slender frame makes it perfect for speed. The ship is equipped with both Diesel engines and gas turbine (jet) engines, which aligns with our ‘anti-nuclear’ energy policies. It has enough weapons and surveillance systems to matter. While there are still much needed improvements and upgrades, it is a good looking ship that will get us eventually to our ultimate goals.


Comparing them to Canadian ships I boarded like the HMCS Ville du Quebec and the HMCS Toronto, I can tell that the Goryo has a longer shape, it is quite roomy and moving around inside is not as hazardous (I’ve knocked my knees a few times on Canadian day tours climbing those stiff hatches). Its massive size shows American standards unlike the British-designed Canadian warships that are more compact.


As I was talking to the crew, I can tell the dedication and willingness of these brave men and women. They are, after all, the crème de la crème of our navy and their commitment to defend our nation is simply inspiring to say the least. However, the unfortunate realization that our navy lacked necessary tools, machineries and experience makes their noble mission a challenge.


Our navy never had equipment like these before. Aside from a few small patrol boats, the navy is in dire need of modernization. The arrival of these ships marks an exciting yet turbulent era when we are engaged in building a fleet to protect our borders – a fleet that we can all be proud of.

A ranking naval officer I interviewed told me that the crew was ‘the real heroes of the Philippine seas’. Their bravery and valor shall not go unappreciated. Thank you, guys.

As the crew hurriedly learns the ins and outs of these twin vessels, more upgrades are on the way. Six riverine patrol boats capable of shallow and open water deployment arrived recently for the Philippine

Marines to further buff up our maritime lineup. We are also expecting our first frigates by 2019. After that perhaps our first destroyer-class ships will arrive shortly.


It takes time to modernize the armed forces especially for a country going through major socio-economic changes such as ours. It takes funds and know-how and both of which are in limited supply. Funds are also needed to recruit the manpower for this undertaking. Knowing well these challenges, I feel that the acquisition of these cutters for the first phase of our naval modernization is ‘tactically’ and ‘strategically’ advantageous to us.


Based on the discussions, I concluded that there is a real need for schools, more outreach programs, and heightened recruitment. We need to strengthen our tactical, operations, and engineering schools that teach our naval recruits the specific courses they require for their respective naval trades.

To do this, I believe that we need to start outreach programs to get the support of our local politicians and leaders who will lobby for investing in these schools. Outreach programs could also expose our youths to potential careers in our navy.


Manning the seas and protecting our borders from potential foreign threats take courage. The brave men and women of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar are few in number, but proud. To me, they are real-life heroes who put their lives on the line as a sign that our nation will not be bullied; that we will fight for the integrity of our borders.


This experience to me was an eye opener. There are certain realities exposed in our talks about the sort of cold war we have with China. There are certain realities and limitations articulated about the current relations of our country with our allies. Some of these realities are good but for the bad ones, it’s just heartbreaking.


In the end, it is still down to us Filipinos to defend our nation. If that time comes, are we ready?



A Great Time at Tropical Bay

My kid recently celebrated his sixth birthday at the newly-opened Tropical Bay Restaurant along Magsaysay Rd. I’d like to say hi and thanks to Ms. Lailani V. Strickland, her kids and her friendly staff for taking care of us that night.


We had a marvelous time. I tried their U.S. porterhouse steak, my wife had the tilapia, and the kid feasted on chicken wings. The food was simply amazing!


The acoustic set they had playing perfectly complements the light atmosphere and the overall dining experience. Finally, I appreciate the thoughtful birthday cards the kids prepared for our son.


You guys are simply awesome and I look forward to coming back someday soon.


For those looking for a wholesome family venue, you can contact Tropical Bay Restaurant at (047) 223 7777.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a marketing and public relations executive for a multinational company.

Should We De-Filipinize Or Start Caring?

For years, we Filipinos have been viewed negatively by foreign eyes. We’ve suffered ethnic slurs, racial profiling and more.

During the different periods of our history, colonizers, in an effort to demoralize us, called us “indios,” “monkeys,” and “baka.” Translated, these slurs mean just about the same thing --- “idiots”.

Some still continue to call us names in recent years such as the time when someone relegated us as a nation of nannies. Accusations of ignorance, incivility and opportunism have somewhat turned Filipinos into cheap artists offering cheap labor.

We swallowed our pride and allowed ourselves to be the so-called “bitches” of other countries because of poverty. And yet, we are also to blame for our own misfortunes.

Political minds at play met undignified words with their brand of verbal retaliation and nothing more. While we hurrah their efforts, not much has changed. After two EDSA revolutions, we are still the same old country basking in our perennial triumph of being the next tiger economy of Asia that couldn’t seem to shrug off the word “next.”

But how can this country jump to the next level when it’s in such a mess?

Dan Brown’s recent novel, Inferno, was quick to point out that Manila is “the gates of hell.” While he did not lambast the Philippines entirely, Manila, for all practicalities sake, is the Philippines. It is our nation’s capital and the city that represents everything that is our country to the rest of world. To describe it as filthy and evil says an awful lot about us Filipinos.

Criticism should be a catalyst for change. It’s funny that we’ve been so negatively criticized and branded before but remain numb and unwilling to change our selfish ways.

I don’t like Manila or my country being branded the gates of hell no more than the next guy. And yet, urbanization anywhere here leaves a trail of garbage and corruption unimaginable. And so, I would be a hypocrite not to agree that somewhere in this country, hell has an office.

Am I angry at Dan Brown? No. Am I angry with my fellow Filipinos? Not really. I’m just disappointed and amazed that despite years of negative branding, we’ve continued to tolerate the same. We haven’t grown, we got stunted.

But why would Mr. Brown call us that? For the uninitiated foreigner who enjoys a higher standard and quality of life, our country might as well be the gateway to hell.

The stench of rot, defecation and piss that greets you in Manila is probably as putrid as hell itself. Sadly, that’s just the first thing one has to face if they wish to acclimate themselves to our country.

I’ve had the opportunity to live in Canada for over a decade as a federal government public servant. I travelled to the U.S., visited Australia, and crossed the pond to Europe. Unfortunately, the Philippines is a far cry from the places I’ve seen.

I always had high hopes that there’ll be changes in our beloved country. But not much really happened. We are still a desperate nation ruled by selfish people who only want to enrich themselves. There’s poverty, corruption and kids who are undisciplined. Our nation’s future is secured. We will dejectedly endure more of the same.

Rich countries are prosperous for a reason. There are probably a hundred reasons why they’ve become powerful. I won’t elaborate on that. All I can say is that their leaders and their citizens are truly concerned and genuinely care in protecting their nation’s best interests. Unhindered by religious dogmas, they change constantly…for the better.

One example I observed is that they don’t mind the mess inside their homes but they freak out when someone throws garbage on the street when it’s not collection day. We Filipinos work the other way around. We are clean inside our homes but we are apathetic to anything outside of it.

We are a nation who is more interested in the cultures of other. Some foreigners even questioned our identity and authenticity citing our ability to embrace foreign cultures better than we do with our own. Thanks to our fascination to foreign media, we became culturally-savvy. And yet, we fail pick-up the very virtues that made them so great.

Nothing is wrong with taking inspiration from others or from going abroad to work. I did it and I think it was one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. And like most expatriates, I’d rather be here. But you can’t buy in completely to that notion when you see how our country is being panhandled.

We are a paradox. Despite our better points, we prefer to put the bad ones out on display. If that’s the case, then why are we so offended of being viewed so negatively? How do we expect foreigners to love our country when we ourselves can’t even stand it?

In my experience, Filipinos who go to these beautiful countries tend to adjust and abide by their rules. It stupefies me that we can’t muster any effort to do that here.

Truth hurts. It always does. But we’ve only resorted to countering with words. Too much talk, not much work. If we wish to be competitive, we have to take action.

Negative reactions will not change how the world sees us. We have to change how we think and start really caring if we want to gain the respects of outsiders. We can’t ride the coat tails of other Filipinos who became successful internationally. We have to do it collectively or risk sharing the downfall.

As for Mr. Brown, I think we should be thankful he pointed out our faults. He should even be commended. I haven’t read the book but I’m interested. I want to know how others view us as a people. And maybe everyone should have the same opinion on the matter.

Criticism should be a catalyst for change. It’s funny that we’ve been so negatively criticized and branded before but remain numb and unwilling to change our selfish ways.

Just my two cents…

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Dog Reunites With Master After 10 Years

When Jamie Carpentier divorced with his wife 10 years ago, little did he knew that he would also lose custody of his Basset Hound, Ginger. After his former spouse got the puppy, she had the dog given up to a local animal shelter without Carpentier's knowledge.

The pup was soon adopted by an older couple who cared for her until they couldn't anymore. Ginger was once again sent to an animal shelter.

That's when Carpentier happened to check the listing of adoptable dogs on the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, N.H. He read about a Basset named Ginger. The dog is about the same age as the pup he once lost. After seeing the pictures, a connection was made.

Carpentier arrived at the shelter as Ginger was waking up from a nap. Her eyes lit up when she heard her former master's voice. Immediately, she ran to Carpentier and gave him a couple of licks and kisses.

"She knows who I am, she remembers my voice," Carpentier said.

The story was recently featured in the Nashua Telegraph. Click here for the full story.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Can Dads Have Equal Child Custody?

The traditional structure of families includes a father that works, a mother that cares and children that are being raised. That has been how it worked until recently. Nowadays, both parents work with the ability to sustain themselves individually.

During a divorce and the subsequent child custody dispute, when the parents can’t agree on the terms concerning the welfare of their children, it is the court that decides for them. In Orange County, most courts lean towards giving primary care to the mother with the dad gaining only limited access to the child or children.

Many dads have questioned why they can’t have primary custody of their own children. Some believe that the traditional structure and roles of each family member is where the courts base their decisions. Unless if the mother is deemed unfit only will they decide awarding the father primary custody.

With the growing numbers of capable dads who act as househusbands and moms who work long hours, there’s some credence to this inquiry.

The rule of thumb is that custody is decided based on what is best for the welfare of the child. Unfortunately, there are still holes in the system that may or may not be necessarily beneficial to the child or the father.

This age saw many socio-economic changes. Women’s rights, gender equality, workplace equity, so on and so forth. These ideals are not particularly applicable only to women but also men, especially with the recent shift from the traditional structures to a reversal of roles in modern times.

While we can’t blame judges for leaning towards mothers, it is hoped that divorcing couples agree on a joint or shared custody arrangement – if there are no factors that could hinder it. If both parents are capable of taking good care of their children, and both are living within the same area, then both should be given equal opportunities at raising their child.

Keywords: child custody dispute, joint custody, shared custody

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Accident Victim's Son's Noble Cause

Nothing brings so much pain and grief as the death of a loved, especially when it could’ve been easily avoided. Motor vehicle accidents caused by careless drivers are a leading cause of many wrongful deaths throughout the state of South Carolina and some local citizens, through sheer determination, are taking action so that the suffering endured by families of victims will never be repeated again.

That’s exactly what a young man from Charleston is doing after a fatal truck accident took the life of his father early last year. What started out as a mere university advocacy project is gaining much needed attention. His immediate goal is to have traffic lights installed on that two-way stop intersection where his dad was killed by getting everyone in the area to support his cause and sign a petition asking government to have the improvements done.

Walking hand-in-hand with his girlfriend, he showed the exact spot where his dad was struck. He told sources that his dad stopped at the highway intersection before continuing. He did not see an 18-wheeler truck coming at him. The resulting collision sent his dad’s truck across the highway sustaining severe injuries before succumbing 11 days later.

WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

The young man argues that if there were proper stop signs and lighted signals, the driver of the larger truck would have slowed down during the approach and that his dad would be alive today. Many residents in the area also agree that drivers need to slow down when approaching the shady intersection as there are numerous accidents reported already in the past.

Motor vehicle accidents caused by careless drivers are a leading cause of many wrongful deaths throughout the state of South Carolina and some local citizens, through sheer determination, are taking action so that the suffering endured by families of victims will never be repeated again.

Locals are being encouraged to come visit the group’s social media website and convey their support or their experiences on the intersection. He believes that speaking more about the dangerous intersection will get the state Department of Transportation office to take immediate action to address and do the necessary improvements.

It is truly admirable to see ordinary people who were affected by the horrors of a wrongful death event take part in causes that will help improve safety in the community. It is through these actions that change starts – change that benefits everyone for the better.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Keywords: fatal truck accident, pain and grief, department of transportation, safety in the community

Warming Up To Stem Cell Research

What stem cell research is trying to achieve for spinal cord injuries is how embryonic stem cells can help victims by regenerating damaged nerve cells and other materials needed to restore the correct transmission of electronic signals between the brain, to the spinal cord, to the nerves and back.

Accidents especially those that involve motor vehicles, sports and premises negligence can cause severe injuries. Often these injuries have long-term debilitating consequences that could limit a person’s ability to perform physical tasks, among others.

Many accident victims who are suffering from spinal cord injuries and paralysis are seeking out possible medical treatments that could potentially bring normalcy and physical functionality back. The good news is that such a solution could be in the works through stem cell research.

Stem cells are studied because they have properties that support growth regeneration from a single fertilized egg which replicates exponentially to form embryonic stem cells.

Considered taboo before, the recent popular opinion on stem cell research has changed with more people, including government agencies, actually supporting it. In previous decades, it had to go through many obstacles as well as clinical ups-and-downs before it became accepted as a serious scientific branch.

Such acceptance may very well open doors to many medical breakthroughs and scientific discoveries -- one that could change the lives of accident victims, particularly those suffering from spinal cord injuries

Stem cell research may hold the key to spinal injury treatment

Stem cells are studied because they have properties that support growth regeneration from a single fertilized egg which replicates exponentially to form embryonic stem cells. If continued, this embryonic stem cell will go on to form a living being – which is why the study has been morally controversial in the past.

What stem cell researchers are trying to achieve for spinal cord injuries is how embryonic stem cells can help victims by regenerating damaged nerve cells and other materials needed to restore the correct transmission of electronic signals between the brain, to the spinal cord, to the nerves and back.

This ambitious endeavor is proving to be very successful in many clinical studies on non-human samples. Actual human tests are in the horizon. If human testing proves successful, then a cure could be found for spinal injuries in the near future. Such will also open the possibilities to treating the myriad of other injuries and diseases common and currently untreatable.

With continued positive support, then research will resume, too.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

keywords: spinal cord injury, stem cell research, embryonic stem cells

Girl's Inspiring Brain Damage Campaign

Kasey Wagner

People of all ages can be affected by brain damage. Traumatic brain injury is probably one of the most serious of all types of injuries as it may completely alter the life of a person. Often with debilitating and dire long-term effects, these injuries are mostly caused by accidents and medical malpractices.

Brain injuries are a serious problem that can happen anywhere to anyone and requires the support of family and friends. In the lone star state, one girl is raising awareness on brain injuries by supporting local charities and opening up about her own permanent disability.

Kasey Wagner, a 15-year-old Texan teenage girl is getting involved in her community by helping raise local awareness about brain injuries through her own personal experiences. As an active supporter, fundraiser and spokesperson for local government and private concern groups, she has raised $1,000 for local charities and programs such as the Walk for Brain Injury campaign scheduled this March.

The young lady herself was a victim of a 2009 car accident that left her with brain injuries that continue to affect her ability to manage multiple tasks and do activities that require plenty of mental processing such as driving a vehicle. The brain injury has left her easily anxious and frustrated when told to do many things at the same time. She even finds it difficult to deal with people or understand spatial issues.

What impresses about the girl is her will and determination. Despite her handicap, she has been consistently leading fundraising efforts in and around the state to educate about brain injuries. Locals are inspired by her daring efforts.

Brain injuries could have a lasting and profound impact on one’s life. It could affect a person’s potential and, because of the required long-term care, may result in further medical expenses. Only through love, encouragement and support, a victim can regain a little measure of normalcy. 

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Originally written for Day, Day and Brown, posted 18 Feb, 2013

Tags: brain injury, walk for brain injury, car accident

Agrieved? Ask For Freebies

Tip: It won't hurt to ask for certain freebies from the SM department store if you are aggrieved due to poor service or misinformation.

SM City Olongapo

On Friday, 15 Feb. 2013 I bought a total of over $100 in clothes and other items for me and the wife to avail of the Valentine's Weekend Sale that should've totalled to about 35%. 

Unfortunately, two department managers made the costly mistake of giving me the wrong info that lost for me a small percentage of the promised discount.

After a long apology from management, I insisted that they compensate me for my troubles. They were hesitant at first until I told them that I'm not paying for any of the items.

My beautiful wife

Management relented and gave me a coupon for a free box of 12 brownies worth $10, discount coupons, extra raffle tickets (which management staff completed at my behest) and full management assistance for the rest of my shopping walk around. Yeah, I guess you could say they made the shopping experience and the hassle worthwhile.

It was so good, I ended up spending $500 in the three-day span that covered the sale period. In the end, one of those raffle tickets won me a 50-inch flat screen TV. Yeah, I'm that blessed.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Tags: SM, Shoe Mart, Olongapo City, Subic Bay, Philippines, consumer rights, freebies, recompense, aggrieved, Valentine's Day

Paternity During A Divorce

Divorces are one of the most emotionally-charged and traumatic events in one's life. While building a lifetime full of hopes and positive aspirations for you and your spouse, a divorce can enter the picture and, in an instant, take all that is good away leaving you on an emotional roller coaster that doesn't seem to end.

As divorce makes you question your beliefs and your ability as a husband, experts agree that doubting one's ability as a loving father is a common mistake among fathers. Divorce may have ended your relationship with your spouse, but it shouldn't end your paternity or your relationship as a father with your children. Divorce affects fathers all over the country.

The article quotes a licensed psychologist who touts the importance of a father in the upbringing of children. Specifically, the therapist points to the crucial nature of a dad being in the lives of children in a emotional and physical way.

Whether you have a boy or a girl or both, your children are constantly looking up to you. As a father-figure, your sons see you as a guiding light of who they are supposed to become while daughters learn who they should look for in a mate by your example.

According to the therapist, there are five important things that a father should do after a divorce to maintain a healthy relationship with his child or children.

She advises that fathers should stay in town if they can and maintain regular, predictable contact with the kids. She also mentioned the importance of being emotionally engaged and supportive of their best efforts, such as attending school plays or watching them play in a little league baseball game.

Her point is that the more present a dad is in a child's life, the stronger the bonds are that are being created. While absence could make the heart grow fonder, with children, it is presence that matters the most.

For all legal concerns involving paternity, divorce and child custody, it is advisable to contact a legal professional who can help during the difficult times. Legal professionals are trained and experienced in handling such sensitive cases and can guide fathers through their rights concerning their relationship with their child during a divorce proceeding.

(Originally Published  De Plaza and O'Connor Law)

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

Dearest Family and Friends,


The Christmas holidays are finally upon us again. As I enjoy fair weather here in my tiny urban paradise in the Philippines, my thoughts travel to Christmases past.

I recall friends, family and loved ones whose love and sincerity during troubled times and whose presence and company, near or far, brought warmth to otherwise very cold holidays. They are a testament to the power of humanity -- that it is greater than any boundaries, whether it is religion, race or geography. As such, they will forever remain entrenched in my memory.

Of course, Christmas is, as always, the most wonderful time of the year. Apart from the carolers, the food, the hustle and bustle, the shopping sprees and midnight masses, there is something about christmas that brings out the best in everyone. This is also the season to reflect, share and receive. A time to recall past trespasses and misgivings and a time to reflect on lessons learned. A time to recall those who was there to love us and those who caused us misery. Finally, this is a time to extend our human-side and our humanity to those in dire need of it, friend or foe.

Christmas is what we make of it and no matter what angle, it is a beautiful time that evokes beautiful feelings. I wish Christmas lasts for a year. Wishful thinking aside, I'm just happy that there is a Christmas. Whichever religion you belong and whatever you call it, let's thank God for this wonderful time.

From myself and my family to you and yours, have a wonderful merry Christmas. Open your heart and let in the blessings that the holiday season may and will bring. With all my love, it is my hope that humanity reigns in you and that you receive health, prosperity and so much happiness in the new year.



Sincerely,


Victor Dela Casa

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.

Here Comes The Sun

What Might Happen On December 21, 2012

And Why You May Want To Put Lots Of Sunscreen On

Disclaimer: I'm no expert on this December 21, 2012 doomsday prophecy. I just read enough materials on it to come up with my conclusions.

Here comes the sun and I say it's alright. That's a line from The Beatles / George Harrison song Here Comes The Sun which I think, could very well be the appropriate theme song for December 21, 2012.

All around the world, people are bracing themselves for what could be the end of the world come this Friday. For sure, 21 Decemeber 2012 is going to be a busy day for astronomers and doomsday believers alike.

Scientists are assuring everyone that it's going to be just another day. I'm hoping they are right. My best bet is that they are right.

But if they are wrong, I have a possible scenario based on events that we know will happen on either 20 or 21 of December (depends how you interpret the Mayan Long Count Calendar) and other ancient, historical facts available on the Internet.

1. The Mayans are genius mathematicians and their calculations of time and astronomy are quite accurate and intricate (for their time and technology).

2. The Mayans are huge Sun worshippers.

3. The Mayans do human sacrifices as part of their sun worship.

4. There's going to be a shift in our planet's axis, the precession of the equinoxes on 21 December 2012. This will change our perspective of the night sky including common navigational references such as our North Star.

5. The Earth and the Sun will align directly with the Milky Way's Nuclear Bulge (center) on 21 December 2012. This is a very rare event which happenes once every 25,000 or so years.

6. The Sun will bulge horizontally by half a degree (or so, due to the magnetic tug and pull) making it appear larger on 21 December 2012.

7. The Mayan long count calendar is a 5,124 year cyclic calendar. How they came about this number is anyone's guess but for a civilization that's only been around for 5000 years (including modern age), it's a mystery how they calculated this and proved it's accuracy to actually use it.

8. No other ancient culture is more steeped in extra-terrestrial references than the Mayans (Mesoamericans). Their writings and monuments are filled with innuendos about visitors from outer space, etc.

(Let me point out that these facts are documented on the Internet and that you can find them if you so wish to do some research.)

Connecting the facts together, we can hypothesize that on Friday, we will have an extraordinarily hot day. The shift of the earth's axis combined with a larger sun and our galactic alignment could potentially weaken slightly and briefly the magnetic field that shields us from cosmic radiation and in turn, giving us an extraordinarily warm day. A worst case scenario is the possible disruption of the same magnetic fields but in a much larger scale, allowing the complete thinning of our ozone layer and the direct and unhindered penetration of harmful UV rays that can burn the skin, disrupt communication systems and weaken structures. This scenario sounds indeed like a doomsday scenario.

Now, I'll tie it up with the Mayan culture. The Mayans civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the planet. They've been around for at least 5,000 years. Their religion is based on the movements of the Sun, Moon, Planets and the Stars. They revere heavenly bodies and most importantly, the sun, because they affect the harvest, the tides and the overall Mayan way of life. Sometime around 3000 BC, they claimed that creation took place. As such, we are in the current creation age of 5125 years. They also claimed that once this creation age is over, a new one will begin.

Now, let's imagine ourselves as a sun worshipping Mayan about 5000 years ago. If you looked above and notice that the sun looks slightly bigger than before, you'd most probably be at awe. If you felt that it's extraordinarily hot while the sun is at it's largest, you'd most probably feel very uncomfortable, alarmed and quite weary. If you see people around you dying, burning, your house made of straw bricks burning, etc., because of this extraordinary heat, you'd probably be very afraid. Seeing dead people might make you think that the sun god isn't happy and demands human sacrifice. Thus, you sacrifice human life regularly to appease it.

Looking at it, well, it does make some sense. Oh my crazy imagination working at full-throttle. Personally, I'm hoping that Friday is just another beautiful day. So far, we have a very mild Christmas season and I'd like to keep it that way.

Of course, these are just my theories. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm not an expert. But it won't hurt to wear sunblock and avoid going out on Friday if you feel "endangered." With Christmas just around the corner, it'll be terrible if my worst case scenario theory is correct and you develop a pretty nasty case of the sunburns. Imagine the kind of Christmas portraits that would make.

V Dela Casa

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.