Overflowing Greed

 

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Hilabian na!

Are we living in the apocalyptic era? It often feels that way. Natural calamities strike with alarming frequency, as though nature itself has grown weary of our excesses. “Resilience” has become a poetic illusion, a word we use to romanticize suffering. Meanwhile, politics decay under corruption and deceit, making one wonder: is this the beginning of the end, or merely the end of our beginning?

In October 2025, the Philippines was struck by a series of strong earthquakes and destructive typhoons that caused severe flooding and displacement. A 7.4-magnitude quake hit Davao Oriental, followed by a 6.8 aftershock, while Cebu was jolted by a 6.9 tremor. The Southwest Monsoon, intensified by typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong, worsened the devastation, leaving thousands struggling to recover.

On November 3, 2025, Typhoon Tino ravaged Cebu with fierce winds and heavy rain, claiming over 130 lives and displacing 33,000 families. Around 1.4 million households across the Visayas lost electricity, and entire communities were left in darkness as floodwaters swallowed homes and roads.

Many remain traumatized, enduring the pain of displacement and loss, while corrupt officials live in comfort, proof of a system that feeds on greed. Their suffering reflects a nation divided by privilege and injustice.

Could these disasters be the universe’s wake-up call? Nature’s chaos mirrors the imbalance we have created through greed and exploitation. As people deplete resources and prize profit over harmony, the earth retaliates, reminding us that balance is not an ideal but a necessity. Perhaps it is time to listen, to be humble, and to restore our connection with the world we share.

Studies affirm that human greed fuels this imbalance. Wiedmann et al. (2020) linked affluence and overconsumption to ecological destruction, while Nelissen (2022) found that abundance often breeds irresponsibility. These crises, then, are not natural accidents—they are reflections of human excess and loss of harmony with the earth.

How can we resist these corrupting excesses? How do we end the cycle that exploits both people and planet? Most importantly, how can the greedy awaken to the destruction they cause, not just to others, but to their own humanity?

True change begins within. It requires honest reflection on how our choices and habits affect the world around us. Through mindfulness, compassion, and responsibility, we can begin to heal the damage wrought by indifference and greed. Real progress starts when we choose to change ourselves.

In the end, the earth’s cry is not for vengeance but awakening. Disasters mirror our excesses, urging us to reclaim lost harmony. Change begins when we choose awareness over apathy, humility over greed, and compassion over control. To heal the world, we must first heal the human spirit.

Let this be a warning to all driven by greed: when public funds are stolen and the land is stripped for profit, nature eventually retaliates. The floods, landslides, and storms are not mere accidents—they are the earth’s reckoning, a reminder that corruption and exploitation always invite their own destruction.

When Thoughts Become Reality

 

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Eksakto pirme. Lisod sinudloan.

There is a saying that goes: our thoughts shape our feelings, our feelings influence our actions, and our actions create our realities. The quality of what we reap, therefore, begins with the quality of our thoughts. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “A man is what he thinks about all day long,” reminding us that every reality begins first in the mind.

According to Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, the universe responds to the frequency of our thoughts through the Law of Attraction. Whatever we consistently think and feel, we draw toward ourselves. Life, therefore, mirrors the energy we emit. When we focus on gratitude, love, and possibility, we attract circumstances that resonate with those emotions. In mastering our thoughts, we harness the universe’s power to turn intention into reality.

It takes great discipline to train the mind to lean toward the positive, for the way our brains have been conditioned from childhood to adulthood plays a significant role. Many are shaped by the attitudes of their parents and the environments that surround them. When one grows up amid constant criticism and negativity, the mind becomes attuned to fault-finding. The world, then, appears bleak, and the eyes naturally seek out what is wrong rather than what is good.

Many advocates of self-awareness recommend a journaling exercise in which one freely writes down their thoughts and later engages in reflection and evaluation. Through this process, the individual begins to map the terrain of their own mind, recognizing recurring patterns, fears, and aspirations. In seeing their thoughts laid bare, they gain clarity; and from that clarity arises the opportunity for renewal and inner growth.

Yet this journey requires both courage and discernment. When a person drifts toward self-righteousness, genuine transformation becomes difficult, for pride often guards the comfort of one’s familiar self. Many resort to self-preservation, clinging to who they have always been rather than who they might become. True change demands effort, humility, and sacrifice, and not everyone is willing or ready to take that path.

According to Dweck (2016), a fixed mindset limits personal growth by anchoring individuals to their comfort zones, where validation outweighs self-improvement. Moreover, Mezirow’s (1997) theory of transformative learning emphasizes that genuine change begins with critical self-reflection, a willingness to question long-held assumptions and embrace discomfort as part of growth. Thus, cultivating humility and openness becomes essential, for without them, the journey toward authentic transformation remains unattainable.

Then again, we cannot control the actions of others, for true change must come from within. Often, feedback, no matter how well-intentioned, is perceived through the lens of pride or insecurity, leading some to dismiss it as judgment from self-proclaimed perfectionists or the self-righteous. Such defenses, though comforting, harden the heart and dull the mind, closing off the very opportunities that could lead to growth and renewal.

You see, it takes time, and a measure of wisdom, to slow down and truly absorb things, rather than react impulsively to everything we see and hear.

In the end, the journey toward transformation is an inward pilgrimage: one that demands honesty, humility, and patience. Our thoughts form the blueprint of our reality, yet it is through awareness and self-reflection that we begin to reshape them. Change does not come from resisting others or defending our faults but from the quiet courage to face ourselves.

For in mastering our inner world, we do not just transform our lives, we illuminate the path for others to do the same.

Inherited and Learned Rudeness

 

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Yay eksakto na pamatasan!

A friend once recounted how a certain couple raised their child to mirror their own unkindness. Once prominent figures in their circle, they were often the subject of hushed whispers about their discourteous behavior. In the end, even those who knew them best could only agree with one enduring truth: you cannot buy class.

Manners are integral in daily encounters. They are the subtle expressions of respect and consideration that shape how we move within the shared spaces of society. More than gestures of politeness, manners reflect the depth of one’s upbringing and awareness of others. They bridge differences, soften conflicts, and nurture an atmosphere of civility in an increasingly impatient world.

Yet with the growing influence and complexities introduced by technology and media, people now engage in a multitude of behaviors, many of which stray from the greater good. Even professionals, who are expected to uphold discernment and integrity, sometimes distort definitions to suit their own perspectives, insisting on their version of what is right. Such tendencies often trace back to one’s upbringing, patterns of thought and conduct learned early on, now manifested and defended as truth.

Scholars have also observed this moral shift in the digital age. As Turkle (2016) asserts, constant connectivity has fostered a culture of self-validation rather than self-reflection, weakening empathy and ethical awareness. Similarly, Postman (2005) warned that media-saturated societies risk prioritizing entertainment over moral reasoning. These shifts reveal that manners and ethics, once rooted in upbringing and social norms, are now increasingly mediated by algorithms and online approval, challenging the very idea of what is “good” or “correct.”

The way we eat, the way we converse and truly listen without being absorbed by our phones, the way we respond to online comments, and even the way we present ourselves, all these mirror our manners. These behaviors are learned and gradually woven into our daily actions, silently revealing who we are. Yet what is more unsettling is the thought that others may emulate these behaviors, believing them to be right simply because they are commonly practiced. In this sense, manners are not only personal reflections but also social influences, shaping how others learn to define what is acceptable and good.

Some people claim that they need not conform to societal norms, insisting on being accepted for who they are. Yet beyond individuality lies the enduring presence of universal values, foremost among them, respect. True freedom does not exist in the absence of responsibility; it flourishes when guided by conscience and concern for others. The concept of the greater good must remain at the heart of this freedom, for when liberty is exercised without restraint or regard for others, it no longer uplifts, it descends into disorder. Indeed, democracy thrives not through unbounded expression, but through the balance of rights and respect.

Manners must still be uplifted and practiced. In an age where self-expression often overshadows respect and where digital spaces blur the boundaries of civility, the simple act of showing courtesy becomes a quiet but powerful assertion of humanity. Manners are not mere formalities; they are the invisible threads that hold communities together, reminding us that dignity is mutual and kindness is universal. To practice good manners is to affirm that, despite the noise of modern life, grace and respect still matter, and they begin with each of us.

Long after words are forgotten, it is our manners that people remember.

Where Compassion Begins

 

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Malakip an iban!

Lately, social media has become a cacophony of voices talking about mental health, sparked by the tragic news of Emman Atienza’s passing. Timelines are flooded with messages of sympathy, calls for kindness, and campaigns urging compassion for those battling anxiety and depression. Yet, amid this chorus of empathy, quiet contradictions drift beneath the surface: voices that speak of compassion, but hearts that falter when it is most needed.

You see, mental health is not confined to cases of depression that lead to self-harm. It also encompasses other conditions, often overlooked, where individuals struggle with psychological disorders that may cause them to harm others.

When we talk about mental health, we often picture depression or self-harm, but the reality is broader and more complex. Some psychological conditions, such as untreated personality disorders, unresolved trauma, or chronic stress, can manifest in behaviors that hurt others, not always through physical aggression but through emotional harm, manipulation, or insensitivity. Research shows that disorders like narcissistic, borderline, or antisocial personality patterns can lead individuals to act in ways that damage relationships and emotional well-being (American Psychiatric Association, 2022; Campbell & Miller, 2011). Still, it is essential to remember that most people with mental health conditions are not violent; harmful behaviors arise when psychological issues remain unacknowledged or untreated.

Yes, we often extend compassion to those who suffer in silence, but what about those who choose to inflict pain loudly and deliberately? What about the people who insult others in public spaces, or the leaders who oppress because they’re intoxicated by their own power? What about those who refuse to listen, who dismiss feedback, and continue to wound others just to satisfy their pride? How do we respond to them? What kind of compassion do they deserve?

When someone is told they exhibit such behaviors and simply shrug it off with, “That’s just who I am,” it shows a lack of self-reflection and perhaps even self-awareness. Denial, when left unchecked, becomes a cycle; and when that cycle persists, so does the madness.

According to Goleman (2006), self-awareness is the foundation of emotional growth, it allows individuals to recognize how their actions affect others. When people remain in denial, they create a psychological barrier that prevents change and reinforces dysfunctional patterns (Vaillant, 1992). Without reflection, this cycle of denial and defensiveness can harden into behavior that harms both themselves and those around them.

A superiority complex is, in many ways, a mental health concern, but it’s rarely talked about. Society often normalizes it, especially when displayed by those in positions of power. This mindset often evolves into something more systemic, seen not just in individuals but in institutions where authority feeds delusion. We tend to accept that some leaders or government officials are entitled to act that way, as if arrogance were part of authority. Recent studies even suggest that corruption among some congressmen, contractors, and officials within agencies like the DPWH persists not merely because of greed, but because people have learned to tolerate it (Acemoglu & Robinson, 2019). When entitlement goes unchallenged, it becomes a cycle sustained by silence.

Yes, we extend compassion to those who are struggling with depression, but accountability must also be part of the conversation. We must not remain silent toward those who misuse their power and cause harm to others, individuals whose unresolved psychological issues manifest as oppression or emotional abuse. Those in authority (like those with excessive greed) bear an even greater responsibility for their own mental wellness, for their actions affect not only themselves but the people they lead. When they refuse to acknowledge their behavior or seek help, society’s role is to raise awareness, not to ridicule, but to confront such dysfunction so they may regain clarity and seek professional intervention.

In the end, we also have the right to protect our own peace: to guard our mental well-being from those who threaten it, don’t we?

When Will We Ever Learn?

 

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Unoy pa gajod mahitabo para maleksyon…

There’s a saying that goes, learn from your mistakes. It sounds simple enough, but not everyone is wired to take that route. It takes a certain level of self-awareness, and perhaps a measure of humility, to pause and say, maybe I was wrong.

But that’s not how it works for everyone. Take those who often struggle with self-reflection, for instance. They seldom consider that the mistake might be their own, finding it easier to place the blame elsewhere. Such a mindset makes learning more difficult, and the repetition of the same lesson almost inevitable.

Research suggests that self-reflection and emotional regulation are key components in learning from failure, yet not all personalities are inclined toward such introspection. Some individuals with a heightened sense of self-focus, for example, tend to externalize blame and struggle to acknowledge their own faults, making it difficult for them to benefit from personal setbacks (Miller, Campbell, & Pilkonis, 2007). This resistance to accountability can hinder growth and perpetuate the same errors over time.

When a person does not acknowledge a higher or divine presence, much like those who rely solely on their perceived control, they often fail to grasp the idea of divine or external interventions. Instead of recognizing a force greater than themselves, they anchor their confidence on their own superiority. Even in cultures steeped in beliefs of karma or moral balance, such individuals may still dismiss these concepts. Their sense of entitlement and self-righteousness overrides any openness to the idea that consequences may stem from forces beyond their own making.

As a result, they fail to see their mistakes or negative experiences as potential signs: whether divine warnings or the universe’s quiet response to the energy they project. Instead of viewing setbacks as meaningful reflections of their actions, they often dismiss them as mere coincidences or the fault of others.

So, when does a person ever truly learn? Must one encounter even more disastrous experiences before pausing to reflect, questioning whether these events are warnings or consequences? Or will they continue to dwell in the illusion of being all-knowing, resistant to insight and untouched by humility?

Ultimately, growth depends on a person’s ability to step back and question their own assumptions. When someone consistently dismisses their role in setbacks or avoids the idea that there might be something to learn from difficult experiences, change becomes unlikely. It’s not always about divine warnings or cosmic balance, but sometimes, paying attention to patterns and outcomes is what quietly pushes a person forward.

The true test is not in what happens around us, but in whether we choose to notice, or must we again await something grander, harsher, or more devastating to remind us of the quiet wisdom humility has always sought to impart?

Perhaps humility has never been absent, only unheard beneath the noise of our own pride. When we finally choose to listen, not through grand events or painful reckonings but through the quiet rhythm of everyday life, we rediscover what it means to be human: to see, to feel, and to be grateful for even the smallest truths that call us back to grace.

 

When We Are Shaken

 

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Hujong pati an kayag!

When the earth shook, we were reminded of how fragile our sense of control truly is. In that fleeting moment, all that seemed certain was swept away, and we found ourselves clinging to the divine. Some called out to God in fear, others in quiet surrender, but all were united by the same yearning for safety and grace.

Cristina Chi of The Philippine Star reported that a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental at around 9:43 a.m. on October 10, triggering tsunami warnings and widespread alarm across Mindanao. Initially recorded at magnitude 7.6 before being later revised, the powerful tremor’s epicenter was located offshore near the municipality of Manay and was strongly felt in several parts of Mindanao and neighboring regions.

We were on the fourth floor of a hotel for an educational engagement when the tremor struck. I calmly instructed the participants to follow the safety procedures we had long practiced during earthquake drills, yet many instinctively ran for safety in panic. As I took cover under a table, I silently prayed for the shaking to stop. The thirty seconds felt much longer: intense, disorienting, and deeply unsettling. When it was over, several of my companions were visibly shaken, some even traumatized by the experience.

Later, as emotions poured out on social media, mixed with humor, fear, and even a flood of memes, I found myself reflecting on our collective response. Have we become so desensitized that even calamity becomes a subject of entertainment? In moments like this, I wonder if we are gradually losing our empathy and evolving into an indifferent species.

Natural disasters often expose both our vulnerability and our humanity. In moments of crisis, such as during an earthquake, individuals respond with instinctive fear or calm composure depending on their sense of preparedness and meaning making (Becker et al., 2017; Lindell & Perry, 2012). Yet, as emotions spill over into social media, reactions can shift from empathy to detachment, where humor and memes blur the line between coping and desensitization (Vasterman et al., 2005). This raises moral questions about our collective sensitivity and compassion in a digital age that easily turns tragedy into spectacle (Bloom, 2016; Zaki, 2020).

The calamities we experience in the Philippines continually remind us of our shared vulnerability and our enduring humanity. They compel us to take precautions and to care not only for ourselves but also for those around us. In moments like these, our priorities are realigned toward what truly matters. Material possessions may fade or be lost, but the kindness we extend and the relationships we nurture endure. Ultimately, the meaning of our existence is not measured by what we accumulate, but by how deeply and selflessly we serve others.

Those who fear the most are often those deeply attached to their possessions. Their anxiety stems from the thought that everything they have worked hard for, their homes, cars, and material investments, could vanish in an instant, reduced to rubble. The greater the attachment, the deeper the fear. When our sense of security is anchored on what we own, we become vulnerable to losing peace of mind the moment these things are threatened.

The tremors we experienced remind us to remain humble and grounded. They teach us to focus on what truly matters, rather than investing our emotions in things that are fleeting. In the face of uncertainty, we are called to place greater value on what endures: genuine relationships, acts of kindness, love for the environment, and respect for others. These are the foundations that sustain us when everything else begins to shake.

In the end, every tremor reminds us that nothing in this world is permanent, except the strength of a humble heart and the goodness we share with others.

When One Ignores Resistance

 

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Magbantay lamang kay bas mahitukyod!

Resistance exists everywhere, especially when individuals are placed in uncomfortable situations brought about by natural phenomena, imposed by leaders, or enforced by institutions.

At its core, resistance is a human response to power and control. Foucault (1978) argues that where there is power, there is also resistance, suggesting that opposition is a natural counterbalance within any social system. Similarly, Scott (1985) explains that even ordinary individuals find ways to resist authority, whether through open protest or subtle acts of defiance. Institutions, such as schools or governments, often establish rules that may not always align with the values or comfort of the people, which in turn can spark resistance (Giroux, 2011).

Leaders of institutions or even small organizations must recognize this phenomenon, not to simply yield to the whims and demands of their members, but to genuinely consider the well-being of the people they serve. Neglecting this responsibility may drive individuals to express their discontent in various forms of resistance, ultimately placing leaders at risk of being displaced.

Recent national events reveal visible forms of resistance, such as rallies, protests, and walkouts from schools and government offices. These actions stem from widespread frustration over blatant corruption, systemic oppression, and the deep social inequalities perpetuated by politicians, political dynasties, and even contractors and engineers who allegedly misuse public funds for personal comfort.

Such collective actions reflect how citizens challenge systems of power that appear to favor the elite while disregarding the needs of ordinary people. Tarrow (2011) notes that collective action often arises when inequalities become too visible to ignore, while Scott (1990) emphasizes that resistance can be both overt, like protests, and covert, through everyday acts of defiance. In the Philippine context, Abinales and Amoroso (2017) highlight how corruption and patronage politics have long fueled public dissent, showing that resistance is deeply rooted in the struggle for fairness and accountability.

The lesson for any individual, especially those in management and leadership roles, is to embrace a leadership style rooted in genuine care rather than being driven by selfish intentions born of unchecked desires or psychological deficits. Leaders must cultivate self-awareness and ensure that equality and fairness are consistently upheld within their organizations, creating environments where people feel valued and respected.

Otherwise, resistance will become increasingly difficult to address and may manifest in ways that undermine organizational stability and harmony.

Ultimately, resistance is not merely an obstacle but a signal, a reminder for leaders to ground their actions in care, fairness, and self-awareness. When leadership fails to honor the dignity and well-being of people, resistance becomes inevitable; but when it succeeds, it transforms potential conflict into collective strength.