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Monday, July 11, 2005
Penaflorida: 'Thanks-living'
By Atty. Jobert Penaflorida
On the spot!
FRANKLY, I am sick and tired, like most Filipinos, of the seemingly never-ending political drama that continues to harass and endanger our lives as a people and as a nation. In these trying times, only some wonderful surprises can perk up what can otherwise be a difficult and burdensome existence. Thus, rather than dwelling once more on the pathetic developments in the political front, I'd like to share some heartwarming insights I learned from the sermon of Mosignor Meliton Oso last Monday when he officiated the simple thanksgiving mass at ABS-CBN.
But before that, allow me to thank, in behalf of the hardworking women and men of ABS-CBN TV-10 Iloilo, our dear viewers for giving us a delightful surprise. To be honest, we did not see it coming this soon, although we have worked very hard for this. The official results of the 2nd Quarter survey conducted by Philippine Survey & Research Center (PSRC) showed that finally, and contrary to our closest competitor's repeated claim, ABS-CBN is now the No. 1 TV station in Iloilo. TV 10-Iloilo emerged on top of the ratings chart, both on daytime and evening programs.
But the most heartening for us is that our local banner program, TV Patrol Iloilo sa Diyes has posted a phenomenal and unprecedented rise in the ratings that can only be described by four words: by leaps and bounds. When TV Patrol Iloilo began broadcast in January 2003, it was a very difficult process to bring the viewers to shift channels and watch it. The initial poor and negligible rating (of less than 1%, vis-...-vis competitor's overwhelming share) did not deter the news team to work hard. We just kept on working harder, guided by our basic principles: Credibility, Integrity and Ability.
Indeed, God helps those who help themselves. One after the other, blessings began to pour. From finalist in 2003, we surprised everyone, including ourselves, when TV Patrol Iloilo stole the thunder from national news programs to be awarded as 2004 Best TV News Program in the Philippines by the prestigious Catholic Mass Media Awards. But even the awards were not enough. While slowly yet steadily growing in ratings, we were still trailing far behind.
But God is good. The latest PSRC survey showed TV Patrol Iloilo finally topping the ratings chart with a whopping 31.8% rating, overwhelming its competitor by an enormous 22% advantage, which got only 9.8%. In behalf of our station manager, Ms. Charie Ginete-Ilon and our news chief, Ms. Gemma Villanueva, and everyone at ABS-CBN Iloilo, Madamo gid nga Salamat, Kapamilya!
Now going back to the meaningful sermon of Monsignor Oso, this pro-active priest shared with us three important tips for a simple yet meaningful life. First is the ability to love. True enough, when we learn to truly love, we learn to be giving, to be generous, to be kind, to be thankful, and to see life in a brighter perspective. We find reason for living and experience joy in plain and trivial things. The smile and laughter of our loved ones; the simple holding of hands; the loving hugs and the sweet kisses - they are enough to lift up our tired bodies and spirits.
Second is the ability to forgive. Indeed, life becomes harder to bear and more difficult to live when we carry with us unnecessary emotional baggage that prevents us from moving on. While forgiving those who have wronged us is equally hard and painful, we need closure so as to have a fresh start and a new beginning. Otherwise, we continue to be vindictive, hardened, hurt and pained all throughout life. Most importantly, we must learn to forgive not only others, but also ourselves.
Finally, we need to develop the ability to make and to fulfill a promise. Interesting enough, while we constantly hear the first two - loving and forgiving, we do not always hear the counsel of making promises and fulfilling them. Perhaps, because we live in a society of broken promises where word of honor is no longer a virtue. No wonder our politicians who promised us the sun, the moon and the stars can get away with it and win again in the next elections. Accountability is no longer fashionable.
Monsignor Oso pointed out that we should go beyond lip service. Thanksgiving, while important, is not enough; it is living a life of constant appreciation and gratitude that makes life more enriching and blessed. Thanks-living allows us to be thankful for even the simplest blessing that comes our way each day and showing gratitude to God by sharing it with people around us, especially those who are marginalized.
This short yet sweet sermon of the good priest offers us plentiful of points to ponder on - things we often forget during moments of triumph and celebration. Monsignor Oso's words are not only meaningful and inspiring; they help keep us grounded. /For comments and reactions, email attyjobertpenaflorida@yahoo.com.
(July 11, 2005 issue)
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