Faith and Gratitude: A Reflection on Hope, Grace, and National Resilience

In a thoughtful discourse on spirituality and resilience, Dr. Paul Chua explores the proximity of heaven—not as a distant promise but as a presence rooted within gratitude, faith, and hope. Emphasizing that heaven draws near through our beliefs and actions, Chua highlights how these values provide strength even amid challenging situations. Dr. Chua draws inspiration from figures like Nick Vujicic and Steve Harvey, noting how their faith transforms adversity into purpose. He explains Harvey's concepts of grace and favor, describing grace as God's unmerited kindness and forgiveness, while favor represents divine intervention that places individuals in opportunities beyond their effort alone. "Grace explains why we are still standing despite mistakes, failures, and detours," Chua states, adding, "Favor opens doors we did not know how to knock on." He further underscores the importance of dreams and vision sustained by faith and prayer, asserting that prayer aligns the heart and cultivates wisdom, patience, and clarity. Through his own journey in academia and public service, Dr. Chua shares his persistent prayer to write and share insights, a prayer eventually answered through an unexpected opportunity with The Daily Chronicle. He reflects, "I did not force it. I did not manufacture it. It was provision." Highlighting the role of relationships, Dr. Chua stresses that breakthroughs often come through people—friends, mentors, and colleagues—rather than miraculous events. This understanding has deepened his gratitude toward those who have supported him, inspiring a conviction that individuals are called not only to receive blessings but to become blessings themselves. "Often, what people are praying for is not a solution, but a person," he notes. Gratitude, he explains, narrows the gap between heaven and earth by focusing on given blessings and survival as evidence of grace. Specifically reflecting on the Filipino experience, Dr. Chua observes that faith and hope are tangible realities anchored in the nation's history of struggle and resilience. Despite hardships, the Filipino people continue to adapt, pray, and find strength through divine provision and communal support. Concluding with a prayer, Dr. Chua calls for continued grace and favor, asking for healing and guidance for the Philippines. He prays for humility and service among the people, leaders guided by integrity, and a nation ever closer to divine purpose. Dr. Paul Chua holds doctoral degrees in Fiscal Management and Peace and Security, along with a master's degree in National Security Administration. His expertise spans transport, migration, urban planning, and public policy, focusing on governance, innovation, and integrity, enriched by executive programs internationally.

Bernadeth Pons Returns to Indoor Volleyball, Aims for PVL All-Filipino Title with Creamline

Bernadeth Pons is set to make her return to indoor volleyball with the Creamline Cool Smashers as they compete in the upcoming PVL All-Filipino Conference. Fresh off an eight-month dedication to beach volleyball, where she helped the Alas Pilipinas women’s team secure their first-ever gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, Pons brings her championship mindset back to the court. "We are naturally excited to return to indoor volleyball after being away for eight months during the previous season," Pons said at the Rebisco Volleyball League National Finals and Invitationals press conference held at Privato Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig. "We are eager to showcase the skills and lessons we've gained from beach volleyball and translate them into our indoor performance." The 29-year-old veteran also expressed optimism about the team’s chances this conference, emphasizing the importance of their fully intact lineup. "I’m especially excited to see what our team will achieve since we have a complete squad for this tournament," she added. Pons acknowledged the ongoing adjustment process alongside teammate Dij Rodriguez, who also plays both indoor volleyball for Creamline and beach volleyball for Alas Pilipinas. The duo is focused on regaining their rhythm to contribute effectively to the Cool Smashers’ campaign, which commences later this month.