This year is a very special year for me. On April 19, I will be 81 years old. My Chinese friends tell me that that 9 is a lucky number, because it’s commonly associated with the Chinese dragon, and that 9 times 9 is 81. Things start to get complicated, with all the calculations,numerology, and celestial animals… I will just leave this to the feng shui experts to analyze.

But the reason I think this year is special is that I will be celebrating my birthday during the Holy Week, where the entire Christian world, whether Roman Catholic or Protestant, remember the Lord’s ultimate sacrifice. This is the time we reflect on the actions of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins so that we all can be saved. Incidentally, I was also born on Holy Week, a “Sabado de Gloria”.

My wife Connie and I regularly pray the Rosary, and we remember Christ’s pains and sufferings when we recite the Five Sorrowful Mysteries.

However, once a year, during Holy Week, we go the extra mile. My family and I do the Stations of the Cross. I’m happy to report that even at my age, I still have the strength to do this holy ritual. Connie always does the first reading at the First Station. Then I do the reading for the Second Station. All our children get a chance to read, from our eldest to our youngest. As part of our family tradition, we all pray as one family at the chapel in the final station.

In addition, it’s also important to watch how we treat ourselves, especially our bodies. If we eat right, exercise regularly, and get enough rest, we can extend our lives to continue serving God and our fellowmen. That’s what wellness is all about.

Anyway, at 81 years of age, you might think that I’ve seen it all. World War II, the rise and fall of the Marcos dictatorship, exile, and return of freedom and democracy. Yes, I’ve seen a lot. But there’s more to see and experience! More mountains to climb, more high tech gadgets to play with, and more blog posts to write!

And I’m not slowing down. With this blog, and your email responses, I’m just getting started!