It's good to be back!

Having been too engaged (and exhausted!) in mundane affairs, we decided to spend our holiday in Scotland a couple of weeks ago. We visited Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital (pictured). Dubbed as one of the most interesting cities in Europe, we saw for ourselves the massive buildings, attractive museums and shops, breath-taking natural scenery, and most of all, the magnificent Edinburgh zoo which has been a haven for endangered species like penguins, polar bears, and tigers. At the zoo we were amazed to witness the famous Penguin parade.

It has been so wonderful to take time off, forget the pressures at work or home, be together and enjoy the place and moment to the full. Thank God the weather was on our favour! We were at this stage when the London bombings rocked the nation. Bomb explosions happened on three separate underground trains in the capital, while another occurred on a bus. The catastrophe has overshadowed the city’s jubilation for hosting the 2012 Olympics. As of this writing, 55 lives were lost in the atrocity; 51 of them have already been identified.

As our eyes kept glued on the TV, we felt sorry for the victims and their devastated loved ones. Those responsible for the blasts were later found to be suicide bombers - all been born and bred in the UK. I feel sorry for them too as they have been blinded by false principles which do not respect values that any sensible person, culture, or creed would adhere to. I’m thankful that we we’re alright as I assured my father and 2 sisters (as well as other relatives and friends) about this when they contacted us the moment they heard the news.

After returning home, we attended Mass and lit a candle for those who suffered from the 7/7 explosions. Our heart goes for them. “God save the Queen!” goes the UK’s national anthem. In this moment of sorrow and uncertainty, I dare say, God save us all!

Taking a break – which everyone is entitled to - has re-charged our tired body and spirit. It has made us re-discover our relationship, our plans for the future, our responsibility for ourselves and others.

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Warm greetings to the people of Kawit, Cavite on the occasion of the town patroness’ feast on 22 July. Long live, St Mary Magdalene!