The rains are here and it seems like summer is coming to an end. We have showers from above nourishing the mountains. The temperature has dropped and we feel chills in the bones. When we feel hot and cold or have rain and sun in one day, we know it is the season for itchy throats, coughs, and colds. Then before long, we will have millions trooping back to school – and a new season coming.

All things must pass

Agustina Carantes Camdas left this world on May 8, at the age of 97. She lived a full and long life. She is one of the few Ibalois in Baguio who preserved, protected, and nurtured their homeland. She was a gentle lady, a woman of few words but set high standards and made sure things were done properly and in accordance with tradition. In her death, she is being given a grand send off befitting an Ibaloi doña.

We are celebrating her rich life with those she touched down generations. There are no tears. It is a happy letting go for someone who has rightfully earned her place in this life and the next.

Truth is relative

We have seen throughout the impeachment trial how truth has been twisted, ringed, and deformed to suit various needs. We have seen how the defense has tried to obstruct the truth or find reasons to keep things buried and under wraps. While some people can lie through their teeth, others see clearly through them.

In the long of time, truth will emerge. I feel sorry for the children of the accused, especially those who have to take the cudgels for their parents. They defend them even when they are wrong, and take the cudgels for them, even if they too are made to lie.

Millions have been spent in trying the Chief Justice, who otherwise could have saved the government time and resources, had he just done the honorable thing to resign, or from the beginning, not accept his controversial appointment. But he has laid out his destiny. As my mother used to say, “You make your bed, you sleep on it.”’

Eyeball to eyeball

A small country like ours can deal with a world power like China by using not only dip-lomacy but also creativity. We are no match to China in terms of military power or human resource. They have started to pinch us by banning tourists from the mainland and we can expect to feel pressure in various ways.

They are not the best enemies to have. And they are famous for bullying. Look at what they have done to Tibet. They do not respect human rights of their own, what more those who stand up to them. Although the Philippines’ ally, the United States will not openly take sides on this Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal issue. They have too much at stake in China. One is that most products sold in the US are made in China. And that’s only one of the many.

We must be all eyes and ears and be aware. And pray, storm heaven if need be, to keep war at bay.