The Ripples in My Life by Josyl Aquilam

I am not alone

jhaquilam — 2022-04-19 16:03:12 UTC

I've reached this stage in my life with the belief that I am not alone. It is the reason why I've been smiling upon sharing my disposition; my confidence of that belief engulfed my heart and mind. I have shared the kind of water to describe my situation for the past days, and it was rough, but passable. The ripples of my Cardoner journey were not that smooth, for I felt discontentment, dissatisfaction, even frustration because of the expectation that was not met. However, I told myself that these, too shall pass. I've been open about my experiences, and in spite of the ups and downs I am still here, surviving and continue to move on, until I have reached the peak in my life to accept whatever will happen to me, for I believe that it happened for a reason. Yes, acceptance is the key. I surrendered everything to the Lord, I offered to Him my life. This is always my prayer to Him. My gratitude is endless. This Cardoner volunteering is not just for me to teach, but it taught me a lot. I think the last drop of my patience is being challenged. But I pray that whatever be the challenges in the days to come, I will still smile, and will be proud of telling myself that, "I pass", and AMEN!

My everyday prayer

jhaquilam — 2022-04-19 16:06:43 UTC

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep my faith will stand

And I will call upon Your Name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your Name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

And You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour

Sirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

My XLC Preparation

jhaquilam — 2022-04-20 03:55:03 UTC

At 8AM, I already seated in front of my computer. I was checking my lesson for XLC. All I thought we have a class today, but...

But my preparation was not gone into waste. I reviewed my PPT, and saved it for next week. Hence, I am prepared for the next session. However, I reflected the word preparation, and all I can say is that, I am not yet prepared for my other classes.

Grateful

jhaquilam — 2022-04-28 14:09:39 UTC

Thank you, Lord for this opportunity!

Good to be back!

jhaquilam — 2025-02-12 21:27:09 UTC

I don't know, I just stopped.

Perhaps because I have no patience to this kind of thing: techy all the way, like using this medium than writing in my journal or in my Suki Daybook(from Mercury).

I stopped because, I don't feel like it.

Period.

But now, I'M BACK! I pray that I can sustain from now on.

Remembering EDSA Revolution

jhaquilam — 2025-02-25 06:08:04 UTC

I was 16 years old then, not minding what's happening, its effect and the future it may bring. To many, it was a symbol of courage, unity, and hope. But from the province, I wonder—what does it truly mean for me?

I once asked my parents about it and I was told not to mind it, just focus on my studies and finish High School. I sensed that there was fear, there was silence, and many suffered. I only saw in the television how ordinary people, not just politicians or soldiers, made history. They had no weapons, only prayers, voices, and faith in each other. That was so inspiring.

At this point in my life, I need to ask, have we truly lived up to the spirit of EDSA? There are still injustices, poverty, and corruption today. Did the sacrifices of those who marched for freedom create the future they dreamed of?

Our country is the one I live in today. And yet, I ask myself, have we truly honored the spirit of EDSA? Sometimes, when I see the news, when I hear stories of corruption, injustice, and the struggles of the poor, I wonder if we have forgotten. Have we grown too comfortable, too distant from the sacrifices of those who marched on EDSA?

But then I remember: EDSA was not just about Manila. It was not just about one moment in time. It was about the power of ordinary people, students, workers, farmers, teachers, parents believing in something greater than themselves. And maybe that is the real lesson for me.

As a Filipina, I want to believe that the legacy of EDSA is not just in history books. It should live in how we stand up for what is right, how we help those in need, and how we continue to dream of a better Philippines. Maybe I did not march on EDSA, but we can still carry its spirit wherever we are, even in the quiet corners of Davao.

It was so depressing to know that PBBM declared, February 25, 2025 as working holiday. This move is more than just a calendar adjustment, it is a political statement. Whether intentional or not, it affects how Filipinos remember history, how future generations learn about EDSA, and how the Marcos administration positions itself regarding the past. It is part of a broader struggle over historical narratives, democracy, and the role of People Power in shaping the nation.

1st Day of Summer Class

jhaquilam — 2025-06-01 21:06:40 UTC

Thank you, Lord for this day!

I have so much to be thankful for. I am back for my regular Summer class with 6 units at hand, but will only teach 3 units in the undergraduate level due to the year load from the past semester. However, I still have to teach 6 more units in the graduate school due to colleagues' summer off. Though I know I will be grateful for this, but I still wish that June shall be handled smoothly. Please guide and protect me always, Lord!