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LIFE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
Love Letters to the Divine How prayers on paper produce miracles Random Talk Kate Adajar
Writer and motivational speaker Vange Uy-Cuaki’s newest book encourages readers to go through their own faith and manifestation journey
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ROWING up, I personally experienced how some dreams can seem distant and unattainable. What I discovered along the way is the simple yet powerful tool that bridges the gap between our aspirations and reality. It’s the act of writing down our dreams, goals, and prayers.
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Dr. Henriette Ann Klauser’s ’s book, Write It Down, Make It Happen Happen, But beyond interesting delves into the psychology behind this practice, proofs of science lies a explaining how putting pen to realm of faith—a belief paper can activate systems in that the act of writing our minds, setting in motion the manifestation of our down our prayers deepest desires. This can pave the way for book has taught me how to document miracles. my dreams and eventually experience them unfold. But beyond interesting proofs of science lies a realm of faith—a belief that the act of writing down our prayers can pave the way for miracles. Here is where writer and motivational speaker Vange UyCuaki comes in. I recently purchased her book and it unveils her life journey which exemplifies the transformative power of faith and the written word. In her book, Write Your Own Miracles, Uy-Cuaki shares the nine prayers she penned to God back in December 2002. Decades later, she bears witness to
‘Write Your Own Miracles’ delves into the power of faith and writing
how each dream unfolded before her eyes within different timeframes, a testament to the miraculous power of faith-filled writing. Uy-Cuaki’s story is not just about the fulfillment of her own dreams, it’s a source of hope for anyone grappling with rejection, suffering, or heartache. Through her experiences, which were featured in GMA Network’s drama anthology Magpakailanman, she reminds us that amidst life’s trials, there is always room for miracles. She is proof that by faithfully waiting and allowing God to heal our wounds, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. What sets Uy-Cuaki’s book apart is its personal touch. As readers journey through its pages, they’re not only greeted by inspiring anecdotes but also by colorful artwork and readable fonts that make the reading experience truly delightful. And tucked within its pages are free stickers and blank pages for readers to chronicle their own prayers, inviting them to partake in the journey of faith and manifestation. As we find ourselves in the midst of the love month, there’s no better time to celebrate the greatest love of all—the love from God. It’s a love that knows no bounds, a love that transcends our wildest dreams and deepest desires. And what better way to honor this love than by writing down our prayers and wishes, trusting that God hears every word and works miracles in our lives. Whether you’re drawn to the science behind writing or the faith that underpins it, one thing remains clear: writing down our dreams is undeniably effective. It’s a practice that has been tested and proven time and time again, offering us a tangible way to express our hopes and desires to a higher power. Our faith pushes down the ink for us to experience firsthand the greatest miracle of all—God’s unfailing love. To share your prayers or random thoughts, email the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.
20 good luck tips and strategies from FFCCCII entrepreneurs
By Grace Estanislao Castillo and Clarissa Sultan Mediavillo BASED on informal interviews of various entrepreneurs of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), these are some of their suggested good luck tips and practices for the coming Chinese New Year which starts on February 10, 2024 as the “Year of the Dragon”: 1. CLEAN AND DECORATE: Start the Chinese lunar new year with a thorough cleaning of home and office or workplace, also add vibrant decorations, to welcome good fortune. 2. RED DECORATIONS: Incorporate redcolored items decors, as it symbolizes luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. 3. FAMILY REUNION DINNER: Gather with family and loved ones for a special dinner meal on New Year’s Eve which is February 9, 2024 this year, fostering unity and happiness. 4. WEAR NEW CLOTHES: Dressing in new attire signifies a fresh start and invites positive energy. Avoid wearing white (traditional mourning color in Chinese culture) or black (traditional mourning color in Western culture). 5. SHARE “ANG PAO” (MEANING “RED PACKETS” IN HOKKIEN OR SOUTH FUJIAN PROVINCE LANGUAGE): Give and receive Ang Pao red envelopes containing money to share blessings and good wishes. It doesn’t matter
how big or small the money is, every Ang Pao given or received brings good luck. In Mandarin, the Ang Pao is called “Hong Bao”. 6. PAY RESPECTS TO ANCESTORS: Pay homage to parents and ancestors by visiting their graves or setting up ancestral altars in their memories. “Xiao Sun” in Mandarin or “Hau Sun” or filial piety of honoring and obeying elders is a foremost Confucian moral virtue of Chinese culture, which is believed to bring good luck, coincidentally similar to the Bible commandment of Christianity on honoring parents. 7. WORK HARD FOR GOOD LUCK: Entrepreneurs said that one sure and time-tested way to attract genuine good luck is to practise hard work consistently. They said honest hard work shall multiply blessings and open up new opportunities. 8. ENJOY TRADITIONAL FOODS: Enjoy dishes like fish, dumplings, noodles and of course the popular “Tikoy” or sweet, glutinous rice cake for their symbolic meanings of happiness, prosperity and unity. 9. RESOLVE DIFFERENCES: Communicate and seek to resolve differences with family members, relatives, friends, work colleagues or business associates, in order to begin the Chinese New Year with positive energy and outlook. Conflicts, anger, unresolved misunderstandings and enmity are unnecessary burdens on people as we travel life’s journey towards success and prosperity.
Ang Pao or Red Envelope, this one has Chinese character ‘Hok’ in Hokkien and ‘Fu’ in Mandarin. Feng Shui symbols like the Yin and Yang. A red cake with the Hokkien or south Fujian province language for greeting other people.
10. LIGHTING FIRECRACKERS: The loud sounds of firecrackers are traditionally believed to ward off evil and bring good luck. However, entrepreneurs recommend that people take safety precautions in using fireworks and avoid too much noise, lowquality fireworks. 11. OFFER TEA TO ELDERS: Show respect to parents or elders by serving them tea during family gatherings. 12. SETTLE DEBTS: This is an ancient Chinese belief, clear any outstanding debts before the Chinese new year in order to start with a clean slate. 13. AVOID NEGATIVE WORDS: Refrain from using words associated with bad luck, anger, conflicts or unsavory language to maintain a positive and hopeful atmosphere. 14. VISIT TEMPLES OR CHURCHES TO PRAY: Seek blessings at temples or Churches to Pray to God for a prosperous and harmonious new year ahead, since our Creator is the ultimate source of good luck in the whole universe. 15. FENG SHUI ADJUSTMENTS: Arrange furniture and decor according to logical, ecological ancient Feng Shui principles for optimal energy flow and over-all efficiency. Be Careful! Do not succumb to too much superstitions and overly commercialized
selling of trinkets which actually cheapen and bastardize true Feng Shui. 16. GROW LIVE, BLOOMING PLANTS: Decorate your home or workplace with live, blooming plants to symbolize rebirth or new growth, to attract positive energy, or at least to make home or workplace a more conductive place for wellness and success. 17. AVOID SWEEPING ON NEW YEAR’S DAY: Sweeping the floor of the home or workplace on the first day may sweep away good luck, so it’s best to do it before February 10, 2024 or the day after. 18. ENGAGE IN CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: Participate in any traditional performances or events to connect with diverse, rich Chinese culture, whether painting or calligraphy exhibits, culinary events, film festivals of Mandarin movies, traditional dragon or lion dance performances, musical concerts, tea ceremonies, etc. 19. STAY POSITIVE: Maintain a positive mindset whatever your situation is and just focus on your aspirations for the coming new year. 20. EXPRESS GRATITUDE: Thank God and those people who have supported you in the past year, fostering goodwill and encouraging positive relationships.