PSE hopes for highest number of IPOs in 26 years

by James A. Loyola, Manila Bulletin

The Philippine Stock Exchange expects the number of its initial public offerings in 2022 to reach a 26-year high of 11 companies as it has three more maiden offerings in its pipeline for the year.

Year-to-date, the PSE has had eight IPOs, matching the number of IPOs for the entire 2021. While it is far from the PSE’s record of 21 IPOs in 1994 (16 in 1995 and 13 in 1996), this will put an end to the single-digit IPOs since 1997.

PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon attributed the growth in the number of IPOs for the year to a confluence of several factors.

“We see companies requiring capital to fund their post-pandemic recovery plans. At this time of high interest rate regime, selling shares to the public is a more viable option than taking out loans,” he said.

Monzon noted that, “It helps that we relaxed our listing rules last year and government repealed the IPO tax under Republic Act No. 11494 also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan II.”

The Amended Listing Rules of the PSE and the Bayanihan II IPO tax repeal have contributed to a faster, more accessible road to IPOs.

In March 2021, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the Amendments to PSE’s Consolidated Listing and Disclosure Rules which included time-bound relief for IPOs filed in 2021 and 2022.

This provision permits the PSE to consider, on a case-to-case basis, the profitability of the applicant for any two fiscal years in the three most recent fiscal years, excluding the year of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Specific requirements for Main and Small, Medium and Emerging (SME) Board Listing were also introduced. For the Main Board, the PSE previously required that the profit test, market capitalization test and shareholders’ equity requirements should be satisfied.

Under the new rules, the market capitalization test was removed but the two other requirements must be met by the IPO applicant.

The profit test was likewise revised such that the applicant-company must show an aggregate net income of P75 million for the last three financial years and a net income of P50 million for the most recent financial year.

In the past, the profit test used the company’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) specifically requiring at least P50 million for the last three years and a minimum EBITDA of P10 million for each of the three years as gauge.

For the SME Board, from a purely EBITDA-based screening, the applicant now has the option to satisfy either the EBITDA requirement or the net sales/operating revenue.

The latter requires applicant-companies to have a cumulative net sales/operating revenues of at least P150 million for the last three years or such shorter period as the company has been operating and show at least 20 percent average growth rate for net sales/operating revenues over the latest two years.

The Amended Listing Rules also contain Sponsor Model provisions for listing applicants in the SME Board under which the applicant’s suitability for listing will be evaluated in the first instance by a listing Sponsor accredited by the PSE.

“There are several companies that do not qualify to list based solely on the SME Board listing requirements. We want the stock market to be accessible to these businesses and give them equal opportunity to raise capital through equity financing, especially if they are profitable and have rosy growth prospects,” said Monzon.

To further assist potential listing applicants in their future IPO journey, the PSE is hosting the Road to IPO 2022 on September 15.

The virtual session aims to help business owners understand the strategic value of becoming a publicly listed company (PLC) and obtain firsthand information on how to prepare for a maiden share offering from members of an IPO deal team.

Te one-day event will showcase three main topics: “What Lies Ahead for the IPO Market?”, “IPO as a Key Strategic Initiative,” and “IPO Readiness Tips.”

“e want this Road to IPO activity to dispel the notion that an IPO is a daunting undertaking. Through this forum, we want to demystify the IPO process and simplify what is seemingly technical about going public with the help of speakers that have conducted their own IPOs and those who are tapped by companies to help them in their IPO journey,” Monzon explained.

The Philippines is on track to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific

 PRESS RELEASE

02 September 2022

The Philippines is on track to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific 

As the Philippines is gearing to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia-Pacific region, many opportunities for investments and partnerships await the hyperscaler and data center firms who want to invest in the country, especially from the companies in Hong Kong and China.  

 

The promising prospect and competitive advantage of the Philippines as the next investment destination for the hyperscaler and data center industry were highlighted during a webinar held by the Board of Investments (BOI), through its International Investments Promotions Service (IIPS), and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Hong Kong on August 24, 2022.  

In the event, Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual underscored that the Philippines is ready to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific. “We believe that the hyperscalers industry will be the next growth engine of the Philippines. We are keen on helping hyperscalers cloud services and start-up ecosystem in the Philippines,” he said.  

 

“We hope that you find these opportunities as promising as we do with your trust and passion. Let us make hyperscaler investments and partnerships happen in the Philippines,” Secretary Pascual emphasized.  

 

Also, Mr. Victor Aliwalas, VP and Technology Management Advisor of the PLDT Enterprise, shared his thoughts about the Philippine data center market. According to him, the country is ripe for digital and bullish growth prospects. In 2022, the Philippines is expected to lead the technology spending growth in Asia, ahead of Vietnam and Malaysia. Mr. Aliwalas also highlighted the Jupiter Cable System, the newest trans-Pacific cable facility connecting the Philippines to the USA and Japan. With a network distance of 14,866 kilometers, it is the fastest cable system between the Philippines and the US with 126ms latency between Daet, Camarines Norte, and Los Angeles, California.  

 

Other officials who pitched for the country’s standing as the next hyperscaler hub was Consul General in Hong Kong Raly L. Tejada, who highlighted the growing data center capability of the Philippines. While Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba of the DTI – Competitiveness and Innovation Group presented the value proposition of the Philippines for the hyperscalers as well as the numerous government initiatives for the firms.  

 

According to Undersecretary Aldaba, the Philippines has a thriving digital economy landscape with strong macroeconomic fundamentals that will continue to attract positive investment prospects.  Also, she mentioned that the Philippines is an early adapter of 5G technology in the Asia Pacific, according to Moody’s, along with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.  

 

Undersecretary Aldaba also pointed out that the Philippines has a “demographic sweet spot” because of its rich talent pool of 46.5 million workforces, and the country is producing an average of 750,000 graduates annually. With the amended PSA, the official said, the government is allowing 100 percent foreign ownership in the country’s telecommunications industry.  

 

The event was supported by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, who delivered a presentation on the state and direction of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure in the Philippines, and by the Department of Energy (DOE) –  Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Mylene Capongcol who presented the government’s plans and commitment to developing the renewable energy sector, which would also support the growing data center industry in the country. 

  

Meanwhile, the Philippines as a high potential market was attested by two of the leading hyperscaler companies in Hong Kong and China.  

 

Mr. Paul Lai, Senior Vice President, In-Country Project Investment of HGC Global Communications, Ltd., and Mr. Allen Guo, Country Manager of the Alibaba Cloud Intelligence – Philippines, both affirmed the country’s readiness as an ideal investment location, citing its resilient economy amid the pandemic, its “welcoming regulatory environment”, particularly with the passage of the amended Public Service Act (PSA) and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, coupled with the Philippine businesses increasingly relying on cloud-based IT solutions for growth. 

 

Executive Director Evariste M. Cagatan of the BOI’s Investments Promotion Services (IPS) delivered the closing message at the end of the webinar and emphasized that the country  “has a bullish economic growth trajectory” to host hyperscaler and data center operations, as the government has been aggressively promoting the Philippines with its competitive advantage.  

 

“We acknowledge the support of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence and HGC Global Communications Limited, both of whom already made it happen in the Philippines. They have generously shared their positive experience. With the likes of Alibaba and HGC Global that invested in the country and many others that have signified their interest in the field and further expand their footprint, the Philippines is now positioned to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific,” the BOI official concluded. # 

...

BOI Information and Communications Division

Office Address: 3/F Board of Investment Bldg. #385 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City 1209

Telephones: 8897.3086 / 8897-6682 local 277 

Mobile: (0920) 9814742

Email Address: infocomms@boi.gov.ph 

Why is music important in my life?

Music can raise someone's mood, get them excited, or make them calm and relaxed. Music also - and this is important - allows us to feel nearly or possibly all emotions that we experience in our lives.

Music is one of the most important and powerful things in my life. My life without melodies and harmonies would be totally empty. Listening to and playing different tunes helps me to de-stress, relax and it can also help to motivate me in trying times.

It is the expression of deep emotions and feelings.” “Music calms me down, lifts me up and always makes me feel a certain way. Explains things when words fail; Music speaks. Music means something that's inspiring and can match your moods Music helps me connect to life.

The music matches our mood, or it can help us change it too— it's as we wish, since we choose its purpose. Music's ability to change our mood into the direction we want, to understand and comfort us, to soothe or stimulate us in whatever way we need— is powerful and life-enhancing.

It is scientifically proven that music enhances brain function, our brains are most active as we listen to music. Some people consider music as a way to escape from the pain of life, bringing relief from all forms of stress.

At the age of four, I started playing the piano at home. I listened to several worldwide operating radio stations. I was honored to be invited to Radio Moskow during the early 1980s.  My record library, which contains about more than 20,000 different pieces, accompanied me with my book library to the Philippines. I enjoy them up to this moment.

While every country has its own ways of communicating, there’s only one language we can all understand: the language of music. We don’t even need words to understand what music is saying. Every year people from diverse backgrounds come together for live performances and festivals. When the music is being played, it seems every one understands what’s coming out of the speakers as they move in unison. In a time of deep divisions music stands to be the magnetism that is able to draw humanity together.

During the last years, I was able to share my passion for music during innumerable radio shows hosted in the Philippines.  My listeners love to tune in and leave a lot of comments and music wishes. It made me really so happy.

Music is all around us intersecting our lives, regulating our moods and bringing good vibes to those who are listening. It raises your mood, bringing excitement, or calming you down. It allows us to feel all the emotions that we experience in our lives. It has the profound ability to help those who struggle to express how they feel too.

Musicians provide a powerful therapy that helps the listener make sense of the world we are living in. People have always found music significant in their lives, whether for enjoyment in listening, for an emotional response, performing or creating. This is no different for classical music or contemporary music performers.

Music plays a very important role in bringing people together. Whether it’s a festival, concert or a club night, people come together to enjoy the music that’s being played. It doesn’t matter where you come from, everyone is the same.

As a musician your gift, your talent must never be kept hidden. You have a responsibility to populate the airways with sound.

Music is not only important in MY life. Music is everyone's life. 

DOT chief overwhelmed by lawmakers’ proposal to enhance budget for tourism

by Jun Marcos Tadios, Manila Bulletin

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco was elated by the proposal of lawmakers to extend an additional budget for the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the Fiscal Year 2023.

Frasco unveiled new projects and convergence programs of the DOT on Wednesday, Aug. 31, during the briefing with the House Committee on Appropriations on the proposed 2023 budget.

The secretary rallied for the favorable decision of the House of Representatives on the P3.573 billion proposed budget for next year in able to attain the DOT’s plans and programs.

The attached agency under the DOT was the Intramuros Administration (IA), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), and the Philippine Commission on Sports SCUBA Diving – PCSSD.

“The plans (for 2023) will include the establishment of tourist service rest areas and information counters across the country; the development of a Tourist lifecycle app for tourists; a Tourist Assistance Call Center, and the launching of a guest incentive system, among others,” said Frasco.

Several lawmakers, however, noted the necessity of increasing the DOT’s proposed budget, underscoring the tourism industry’s significant contribution to the Philippine economy.

Frasco thanked the members of the House Committee on Appropriations that shows support for the proposed budget of DOT including Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan; Albay 1st District Congressman Edcel Lagman; Rep. Jefferson Khonghun from the 1st District of Zambales; and Congressman Wilter Palma from the 1st District of Zamboanga Sibugay.

“While I could have just stayed in my beloved town of Liloan, I accepted the tourism portfolio with high hopes because the President has identified the tourism industry as one of the top priorities of his administration,” Frasco uttered.

To fulfill the visions and programs of the present administration, Frasco uttered that they should have a commanding budget needed to fulfill all the visions and programs of the President.

House bill penalizes prank callers to emergency hotlines with jail terms, fines

by Raymund Antonio, Manila Bulletin

Prank callers to emergency hotlines may soon face jail time and fines if the proposed measure of Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting becomes law.

House Bill 3851, or “An Act Penalizing Prank Callers to Emergency Hotlines,” filed on Aug. 22, 2022, recognized “the inherent nature of having an accessible nationwide hotline by providing penalties to persons who will intentionally make mischievous and malicious calls that will spoil the government resources and make ridicule them for their benefit/reasons.”

“An emergency hotline should be able always accessible, free from interruption, and seamlessly receive emergency calls to save lives for those needing it at a crucial moment,” the explanatory note said.

“To uphold the reliability and integrity of this public service, this legislation is proposed to forbid and penalize prank callers for irresponsibly alarming the emergency hotline,” it added.

Any person who would be found to make prank calls to emergency hotline numbers should be held liable with the following penalties: arresto menor, or jail time of one day to 30 days, and a fine of P5,000 for the first offense; arresto mayor, or jail time of one month and one day to six months and a fine of P10,000 for the second offense, and prision correccional, or six months and one day to six years, and a fine of P20,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.

The explanatory note cited Memorandum Order No. 07-07-206 issued by the National Telecommunications Commission and Executive Order No. 56 that assigned emergency hotline 911 as the nationwide emergency answering point, replacing Patrol 1197.

“The government is duty bound to serve and protect the people and it is expected that this crisis hotline is used appropriately by the public,” the bill said.

The proposed measure defined a prank call as “a mischievous or malicious telephone call made to trick or fool someone to annoy, abuse, threaten, harass, or solicit any comment, request, suggestion, or sound which is obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, or indecent, or a call intending to make false requests or false alarm of an emergency, knowing the report or information or alarm to be false.”

Adapting all the way

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

WE are somehow reminded of this need of ours to adapt all the way to all kinds of persons and situations in life in that gospel episode where Christ was asked why the disciples of John the Baptist fast, while he does not. (cfr. Lk 5,33-39) That’s also where Christ said that famous line about not putting a piece of new cloth to patch an old one, and new wine into old wineskins.

Like Christ, we should try our best to adapt ourselves to all kinds of persons and situations to such an extent that we can echo what St. Paul once said about becoming all things to all men for the sake of the salvation of man. (cfr. 1 Cor 9,22) This, we should try our best to do without losing our Christian identity.

As we all know, Christ is the Son of God who became man to recover us from our state of alienation from God due to sin. He went all the way to become like sin, without committing sin, if only to identify himself with us even in our worst condition. (cfr. 2 Cor 5,21) In so doing, he shows us the way of how we can recover our Christian dignity as God’s image and likeness, children of his, sharers of his divine life.

If we are consistent with our Christian identity, we should do the same. The challenge of adapting ourselves to all kinds of persons and situations is enormous. It is, in fact, overwhelming. But there’s always the grace of God to help us when we reach our human limits in this regard.

Fact is to make Christ present in the lives of all of us is next to impossible. And yet that is what we are asked to do. How would you, for example, transmit the doctrine of our faith, or show the beauty of the liturgy, etc., so full of mysteries, to different kinds of people, from kids to adults, from manual workers to intellectuals, etc.?

I always find this challenge unnerving. And yet that is what is always presented to us. What immediately comes to mind in trying to tackle this challenge is for us to truly exert the effort to know and accept people in the way they are, but always referring them to Christ with whom we should keep a living relationship.

Let’s remember that Christ was always adapting himself to the people, being flexible to everyone, and yet managed to accomplish his mission, whatever the situation was. He was not only passively adapting himself to the environment. He was also actively pursuing his goal in different ways. That’s versatility for you.

Eventually, he rounded off all these expressions of adaptability, flexibility and versatility by offering his life on the cross. There he made as his own all the sins of men, died to them and rose from the dead. He turned the cross from being a tree of sin and death into a tree of life. His death conquered sin and death, and reopened the door to eternal life for us.

To become Christ-like would indeed require a lifetime effort, but we can always start and develop it anytime. Let us not wait for some so-called opportune moment to be so. Any time, any situation can and should be an occasion to be like Christ. Obviously, we have to know Christ more and more. Thus, we need to be familiar with his life, his teachings and his example.

Let us put our mind and heart into this most important responsibility of ours.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

PNP disaster teams ready for 'Henry'

By Francis Earl Cueto  and Arlie O. Calalo

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said that its disaster response units to Northern Luzon regions are ready to be dispatched as Super Typhoon "Henry" had been spotted closest to Luzon at past midnight on Thursday.

PNP Chief, Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., said police disaster response units, personnel and equipment were immediately deployed to Ilocos and Cagayan Valley and some parts of Cordillera.

At the same time, government resources have been prepositioned near designated evacuation centers for possible relief operations in areas threatened by Henry.

At the national headquarters, the PNP high command activated the NHQ Disaster Incident Management Task Group (DIMTG), an updated and enhanced plan of action by the PNP on disaster preparedness and response management in support of other concerned agencies.

The Chief PNP said the DIMTG supports the government's disaster risk reduction and management efforts in accordance with the PNP Critical Incident Management Operational Procedures (CIMOP).

Earlier on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Henry" has slightly increased its strength while moving to Batanes while Tropical Depression "Gardo" has weakened into a low pressure area (LPA).

Weather specialist Raymond Ordinario said in a press briefing that Henry moved south-southwestward northeast of Batanes at 25 kilometers per hour (kph).

Estimated some 430kms east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, the super typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 195kph near the center and gustiness of up to 240kph, Ordinario said.

"Due to the forecast expansion in the extent of tropical cyclone winds associated with Henry, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals may be hoisted for localities in extreme Northern Luzon within the day," the Pagasa forecaster had said.

"By Friday afternoon, Henry may begin tracking slowly northwestward before eventually accelerating northward by Saturday and it may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) either on Saturday evening or Sunday morning," Ordinario said.

Meanwhile, the LPA was located at 760kms east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes while moving westward at 35kph.

"The remnant low is unlikely to directly affect the weather condition as well as the sea conditions over the coastal waters of the country," Ordinario said.

Super typhoon weakens a bit as it nears Batanes

Pagasa said the trough of the super typhoon enhanced by the southwest monsoon or "habagat" is affecting Metro Manila, Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region.

Also affected are Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Batanes, Cagayan, Zambales and Bataan where cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms can be experienced.

"Flash floods or landslides are possible in these areas due to moderate to at times heavy rains," Pagasa said.

POINTS TO PONDER

Sometimes we all could use a little extra pick-me-up. Saying that life can be challenging would be an understatement. But it’s important to remember that life has its ups and downs and we need to keep pushing forward. Much like our “life is short” quotes, strength quotes, uplifting quotes, graduation quotes, and quotes about change, these life-changing quotes will inspire you to see things from a new perspective. And that may just be the nudge you need to make it through.

Let's  think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply. Sometimes we feel our life is turning miserably. Our negativism doesn't allow us to keep our eyes, ears - and, most important! - our minds, hearts

and souls opened. We reach our breaking point.

This breaking point can be the prelude to our strongest moment. It is when we reach our breaking point, that we discover our real strength. Allow me to ask you, my dear readers; "What happens to you or with you when you

reach your breaking point?" Do you face it or do you run away?' I'll be giving you a very simple answer: If you face it - you break it. If you run away (and/or close your ears, eyes and mouth) - it breaks you!

Everyday - a dull reality! Many of us will answer this question with a big YES! Actually, who do we like to cover a newborn day already with a grey veil?

Each day has a new face, but sometimes we don't have the strength to watch its countenance. Of course, not every day has adventures and highlights.

Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that, at the same time, seemed especially desolating and painful with a particular satisfaction. Indeed, everything I have learned, everything that has truly

enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness.

If it ever were to be possible to eliminate affliction from your earthly existence, the result would not be to make life delectable, but to make it too banal and trivial to be endurable.

By observation, we can feel that many of us need help to manage our everyday life. We need something that would keep us going as we journey through life. Many times we can also learn from other people and their experiences.

Blue eyed or very philosophical but so very true: If the world is to be brought to order, my nation must be first changed. 

The nation is to be changed, my home town is to be reordered and must first be set right, my dear brothers and sisters. And, one step further: If my family is to be regenerated, I MYSELF MUST FIRST BE!

And here is one more thing: Affection is the humblest love - it gives itself no airs. It lives with humble and private things: soft slippers, old clothes, old jokes, and the thump of a sleepy dog's tail on the kitchen floor. The glory of affection, the disposition of mind, the good will and tender attachment, is that it can unite those who are not "made for one and another', people. who, if not out down by fate in the same household or community, would have nothing to do with one and another.

Life for me has been a thing of ups and downs in approximately equal measure. I don't have something sensational to report every day about my progress. Often, I wonder if fulfillment in life is necessarily tied to change for the better.

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” said Toni Morrison, author. .

Special General Assembly at San Antonio Housing Homeowners Association held

 

To streamline the functions and responsibilities of the San Antonio Housing Village community officers, the National Housing Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Housing and Homesite Division (HHD) of PLGU-DdO, conducted a special general assembly and election of officers for San Antonio’s Housing Association on August 31, 2022.

San Antonio Village I is located at Brgy. Maparat in Compostela with a total of two thousand five hundred (2,500) settlers according to HDD, thus the need to concretely systematize community leaders for the improvement of the village. Executive Assistant for Communications and Public Relation Edward B. Macapili represented Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga during the conduct of the event. He conveyed that the provincial government will do its function to settle existing conflicts in the housing settlement in accordance with due process of the law.

On the same day, the body conducted an election for the Committee on Elections of the village. The Elecom committee is in charge of electing the grievance committee, which will oversee housing and facility issues. Further, the NHA and DHSUD conducted an orientation on R.A. 9904, also known as the Magna Carta for Home-owners and Home-owners Association. 

The success of the general assembly is a first step towards resolving concerns and conflicts in the housing settlement. This will incorporate basic government services, sustainable livelihood programs, and strengthen the maintenance of the village regulations and other necessary undertakings. Present during the event were Compostela Mayor Levi Ebdao, HDD Head Sue Getrude Generale, personnel from the DHSUD and NHA Region  XI, and Brgy. Officials of Brgy. Maparat.

The special general assembly will also be conducted on the remaining housing settlements in the province in the coming weeks. (JA, PAO-IPRD DdO, photo by J. Cadiz)

What faith and obedience can enable us

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT gospel episode where Christ asked Peter to put out into deep water and lower his nets for a catch shows us that when we would simply have faith in God, we can do wonders in our spiritual life and apostolate despite the great odds that we may have to contend with. (cfr. Lk 5,1-11)

At first, Peter was doubtful if what Christ told him was worth following. “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,” he said. but to his credit, he immediately corrected himself. “But at your command I will lower the nets.”

The story is very moving indeed, and the good news is that it can happen to any of us as long as we have faith and trust in God. And because of that faith and trust, we can just obey God’s will and ways even if humanly speaking they may appear to us as an impossibility.

We need to learn to trust God, and in his word and in his ways, no matter how unreasonable, impractical or impossible. For this, we have to go beyond our own understanding and estimation of things, and open our mind and heart to the light of our faith and love for God and for others.

While it’s true that we have to use all our human faculties in dealing with our earthly affairs and concerns, that is, our intelligence and will, our sciences and arts, our common sense and cultural and social wisdom, we should not forget that all these would have no real value unless they are engaged with our faith in God.

God knows everything. He is omnipotent. He actually intervenes in our lives in the most intimate way since he is the one who ultimately supports our existence and who governs it wisely with his providence.

We have to realize that God continues to work and to govern over all his creation, and as his image and likeness, as his children, we are meant to cooperate in carrying God’s work and governance here on earth. Seen in this way, any work we do, as long as it is honest and good work, is actually first of all God’s work before it is ours. We should be excited to carry out that work with him!

We should just develop the sense of feeling at home with the fact that our life and all the challenges and trials we are going to face in it will always demand from us things beyond our powers and resources. And that’s simply because we are meant to go to God for all our needs, without neglecting any effort we can give along the way.

With God, we have everything. As St. Teresa de Avila would put it, “Solo Dios basta!” What we lack in our humanity, we can always make up by relying always and completely on God. 

But, alas, this can happen only when we have faith, for faith is our best resource. As St. John puts it in his first letter, “This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.” (Jn 5,4) Without faith, we are left with a big problem right from the start.

Thus, before all this exciting drama and adventure of life, our attitude should be that of being sporty and game, based on our faith in God and trust in his all-powerful and merciful providence. This attitude is actually what is presumed every time we enter into some form of commitment, whether to a vocation or marriage or work, etc.