Light of Peace in San Enrique: The Story Unfolds

The challenges were met head on. People can work together for peace despite the differences. It was unity in diversity.

San Enrique is a very tiny municipality in the central part of Panay Island in the Philippines. It has a rustic charm. What's funny is that there are many Ilonggos or  people from Iloilo who do not even

Light of Peace in San Enrique: How to Join

Saturday, August 26, 2015, will be a very big day for the people of San Enrique, a tiny municipality in the province of Iloilo. The Light of Peace in San Enrique will finally happen. For those who would like to know how to become a part of it, just read on.

Light of Peace in San Enrique: The Road to Inner Peace Town

Students and parents meditate in Catan-agan Elementary School
(Photo Credit: MMI)

What does it take to create an Inner Peace Town? Or some would even change the question and ask if it is possible to have one. After working with the people of San Enrique in the Province of Iloilo for about a couple of months already I can truly say that it is possible albeit challenging.

Leaders from the Church, San Enrique Local Government Unit, Academe, Barangays
and MMI light candles to celebrate the 10,000 Brightness

Challenges. Now that was a very common thing  encountered in the course of  the project and even now that the Light of Peace in San Enrique is fast approaching. Yes, there were a lot of challenges

Light of Peace in San Enrique: The Beginning

It may be fate or destiny. Hon. Ramona Go, the Mayor of San Enrique, calls it providential. I am referring to the first meeting of Mayor Go and the Director of Middle Way Meditation Institute - Iloilo (MMI), Ven. Burin Thitakusalu. I have heard the story told several times but I also would like to share it with those who do not have an inkling about it.

I first heard about it from Ven. Burin himself. It was when we were choosing the schools to be included in the list of model schools for the Inner Peace Leader Philippines Project. He wanted to include San Enrique Central School which is a small one unlike the other schools which are quite big in terms of area and population. He said he knew personally the Mayor in this tiny municipality in the Province of Iloilo. He then proceeded to narrate how he was approached by Mayor Go in the airport

Light of Peace 2014 - A Gathering of Thousands for Peace

Please click on these links for the video of a live interview Part 1 and Part 2 in Angtanay sa Katin-aran in the CPU Channel. The video clips are courtesy of Ven. Pisut Thanasudtho.

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As we go around  to invite people to join the Light of Peace 2014 event many questions were raised. Some were as easy as those just asking for the venue or the date  but there were also those who would like to get to know more than that. They wanted to find out what exactly motivated the main organizers as well as their partners to hold such a grand event.

Light of Peace 2014 - An Event Not to Be Missed

I was taking a short nap right after my morning classes when suddenly my phone started ringing. It was a good thing that the ringer was on since it is usually off whenever I have my class. A very familiar voice greeted me. I thought he called because of some business transactions but I was mistaken. He asked me if I remembered the Lantern of Peace event held last year. Though I gave him an affirmative answer I also told

A Summer Trip to Boracay at a Cheap Price?

                             (Photo copyright: BoracayMag, TriptoBoracay's partner magazine.)

Many people would ask whether it is possible to have a summer trip to Boracay Island at a more affordable rate. The answer to that would be a resounding YES! It was and still is a common notion that people will have to allot a big amount of money just so they can enjoy the pristine

Iloilo...My Home

Iloilo is such an interesting to live in. It has a very diverse culture and a much laid back atmosphere compared with other cities in the Philippines.

What makes Iloilo interesting?

Hhmm...It might be the Ilonggos themselves - what they do and have achieved. There are many Ilonggos who made a name for themselves and excelled in their respective fields. They can be found in almost all fields

Enjoy a Budget Trip to Boracay? Yes, You Can!

Affordable Summer Treat Courtesy of www.triptoboracay.com

Most people think that going to Boracay for a holiday would entail a lot of money. I would say that it is true. It can be expensive if they book in the hotels which are considered high end. On the other hand, there are actually many hotels that are quite affordable and yet comfortable and cozy. I was actually able to visit Boracay without spending too much. I have learned to restrain myself from giving in to the lures of the attractive displays in the shops and from over-indulging in the restaurants and bars. All I needed was a comfortable place to stay and the breathtaking view of the beach. These days, a trip to Boracay is even more affordable because of the choices of  package tours that are offered. Those who are interested in basking under the sun and getting the best holiday ever in a shoestring budget can actually do it.

Breakfast Stop-over at Culasi, Antique

The trip back home from Boracay will be longer than usual since instead of going directly to Iloilo City from Caticlan, we will be taking another route. We went via Antique. We left a bit early in the morning after sending off some guests at the Caticlan Airport. We weren't able to have breakfast yet at that time so while