A Ferris wheel once stopped being an amusement ride the moment fear took hold of me high above the ground. My dread of heights has embarrassed me before, and it still rules parts of my life. Still, I refuse to dismiss it as mere cowardice, even as I stand in awe of people who appear able to command the very fear that commands me.

One of my most unforgettable defeats happened when I accompanied my little daughter on a Ferris wheel because she was eager to ride. I boarded with the honorable intention of being a dependable father, but somewhere above the fairground, dignity slipped out of the carriage. I shouted instructions at the operator to stop the wheel while I was still hanging in the air—as though stopping it at its highest point could improve matters. My daughter had wanted an adventure; she ended up beside a father issuing emergency orders to a man operating a perfectly ordinary carnival ride.

The incident was funny to everyone safely below, but embarrassment feels different when you’re trapped between the sky and an amused crowd. A fear of heights does not wait for reason to finish speaking. The mind may know that the carriage is secured, yet the body behaves as if gravity has filed a personal complaint. The hands tighten, the stomach turns, and every small movement feels like a warning. At such moments, courage is not absent because of choice; it is simply drowned out by an alarm that is louder than common sense.
Mayon Volcano taught me the same lesson on a much grander scale. During a trip to its higher side, I could no longer bear the sight of the rising elevation. I disembarked from the minibus and waited for it to return from the summit, surrendering my place while the others continued upward. There I was, beneath one of the country’s most magnificent natural landmarks, unable to appreciate its height because my mind had already converted beauty into danger. Mayon remained majestic; I remained firmly attached to the lower ground.

Air travel has not made peace with me, either. Boarding an airplane is still a form of mental torture, beginning long before the aircraft leaves the runway. Other passengers settle into their seats, adjust their pillows, and browse the entertainment menu; I become acutely aware that a heavy machine carrying hundreds of lives is about to rise thousands of feet above the earth. Scientific explanations about lift, engines, and aviation safety are reassuring—until the cabin door closes. Knowledge helps, but fear has never been famous for respecting facts.

This is why people who jump from airplanes for adventure leave me both astonished and bewildered. I enter an aircraft hoping to remain inside it until landing; they pay good money to leave it in midair. Mountain climbers puzzle me in much the same way. They look at a steep wall of rock and see a challenge, while I see an excellent reason to admire the mountain from a sensible distance. Where do they find the nerve to trust a parachute, a rope, a narrow ledge, or their own footing when the ground lies so far below?

Their courage, however, is rarely the absence of fear. Skydivers train, inspect their equipment, follow procedures, and rely on experienced instructors. Serious climbers study routes, weather, physical limits, and safety systems. What appears to me as effortless bravery is often disciplined control: fear is present, but it has been given a proper seat instead of the steering wheel. That realization deepens my admiration for them. They do not necessarily possess a different kind of heart; they may simply have taught their hearts how to remain steady.

I may never leap from an airplane or greet a mountain summit as casually as others do, and perhaps I do not need to. Yet I also do not want fear to keep choosing my boundaries without resistance. The better answer may begin with small, safe encounters with height, honest acceptance of my reactions, and professional help if the fear continues to interfere with ordinary life. Courage, for me, need not wear a parachute or stand triumphantly on a peak. It may simply mean rising a little higher than before—and remaining there long enough to breathe.

THE Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, celebrated on September 15, invites us to contemplate the unique place of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the mystery of Christ’s saving work. Her life was marked not only by extraordinary joys but also by profound suffering.

The Gospel offers two beautiful passages for this celebration. In John 19:25–27, Mary stands faithfully beneath the Cross as Jesus entrusts her to the beloved disciple, making her the Mother of all believers. In Luke 2:33–35, Simeon foretells that a sword will pierce her soul, revealing that her motherhood would always be united to the redemptive mission of her Son.

Mary’s sorrows were never signs of defeat. Instead, they revealed the depth of her love and her unwavering trust in God. She remained close to Jesus from Bethlehem to Calvary, never abandoning Him even when others fled. At the foot of the Cross, she silently shared in His suffering with complete faith, offering her maternal heart in union with His sacrifice for the salvation of the world.

With this feast, we are reminded that suffering acquires its fullest meaning only when united with Christ. Human pain, disappointments, losses, and sacrifices need not lead us to despair. Instead, they can become occasions of grace when accepted with faith and offered in love.

Like Mary, Christians are called not to run away from the Cross but to embrace it with confidence, knowing that God can transform suffering into a path toward holiness and eternal life. That is why Christ himself said, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt 16,24)

We should not forget that our ordinary life ordinary life is the place where holiness is achieved. Every challenge, whether in family life, work, illness, or personal struggles, becomes an opportunity to grow in charity and fidelity.

Our Lady of Sorrows teaches us that holiness is often forged in silence, perseverance, and complete abandonment to God’s will. Her example encourages us to remain steadfast even when we cannot fully understand God’s plans.

Our Lady had an intimate union with her Son’s Passion. We should therefore stay close to her, especially during moments of suffering and uncertainty. No one understood Jesus better than His Mother and that she gently leads every soul to a deeper friendship with Him. Her maternal presence gives strength to those who carry heavy crosses and inspires them to persevere with hope.

The Cross should not be seen merely a symbol of pain but the source of joy because it is where love reaches its highest expression. When Christians unite their daily sacrifices with Christ’s sacrifice, even the smallest acts of patience, forgiveness, and generosity become spiritually fruitful. Mary’s faithful presence at Calvary demonstrates this truth. She teaches us that love remains steadfast even when words fail and circumstances seem overwhelming.

As we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, let us entrust our own sorrows, fears, and burdens to our Blessed Mother. She understands every human suffering because she herself walked the path of grief with perfect faith.

Standing beside her at the foot of the Cross, we learn to remain faithful in trials, confident that God never abandons those who trust in Him. May Our Lady of Sorrows help us embrace the Cross with courage, unite our lives with Christ, and discover that beyond every Good Friday lies the hope and joy of the Resurrection.

The success of an organization depends less on top-down control and more on the ability of every team member to contribute their best work. Empowering employees isn’t just a feel-good initiative – it’s a strategic imperative that drives innovation, boosts engagement, and builds a resilient, high-performing workforce. When employees feel trusted, valued, and equipped to make decisions, they don’t just do their jobs better – they take ownership of the organization’s success and help it adapt and grow in dynamic markets.

Start With Trust and Clear Expectations

Empowerment begins with trust, but trust can’t exist without clarity. Many leaders hesitate to delegate authority because they fear things will be done “the wrong way” – yet this mindset only limits growth and creates dependency. To build trust, start by setting clear, measurable goals and defining what success looks like for each role and project.

When assigning responsibilities, communicate the what and why behind tasks, but leave room for employees to determine the how. For example, instead of dictating exactly how to create a marketing campaign, explain the target audience, key messages, and desired outcomes, then let your team develop the strategy and tactics. This gives employees the freedom to apply their unique skills and perspectives while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Be transparent about challenges and opportunities facing the business. When employees understand the bigger picture, they can make decisions that support long-term goals. Share relevant data, involve team members in problem-solving discussions, and invite feedback on processes and strategies. This not only makes employees feel valued but also taps into their frontline insights to drive better decisions.

Provide the Tools, Training, and Support to Succeed

Even the most motivated employees can’t thrive without the right resources. Empowerment requires investing in your team’s development and ensuring they have what they need to perform at their best.

Invest in Continuous Learning: Offer opportunities for skill development, whether through formal training programs, mentorship relationships, cross-functional projects, or access to online courses. Encourage employees to pursue areas that interest them, even if they’re not directly related to their current role – these investments often pay off in unexpected ways, as employees bring new skills and perspectives back to their work.

Remove Barriers to Success: Take time to identify and eliminate obstacles that prevent employees from doing their jobs effectively. This might mean streamlining bureaucratic processes, providing better technology and equipment, or clarifying roles to reduce confusion. Ask employees regularly what’s holding them back and take action to address their concerns.

Offer Constructive Feedback and Recognition: Empowerment doesn’t mean leaving employees to figure things out on their own. Provide regular feedback that focuses on growth and improvement, not just criticism. Celebrate successes – both big and small – and recognize employees for their contributions, creativity, and effort. Public recognition can boost morale and encourage others to take initiative, while private feedback helps individuals develop their skills and confidence.

Delegate Authority, Not Just Tasks

True empowerment goes beyond assigning work – it means giving employees the authority to make decisions that affect their projects and responsibilities. This includes the power to allocate resources, resolve customer issues, adjust processes, and even take calculated risks.

Start small by delegating decision-making authority in low-risk areas, then expand as trust and confidence grow. For example, you might let customer service representatives resolve complaints up to a certain dollar amount without manager approval, or allow project leads to adjust timelines based on team capacity. When employees have the power to act quickly and decisively, they can better serve customers and respond to changing circumstances.
Accept that mistakes will happen – they’re an inevitable part of growth and innovation. When errors occur, focus on learning rather than blame. Ask questions like “What can we learn from this?” and “How can we prevent similar issues in the future?” This creates a culture where employees feel safe taking risks and trying new approaches.

Create a Culture of Collaboration and Inclusion

Empowerment flourishes in environments where every voice is heard and valued. Build a culture that encourages collaboration, diversity of thought, and open communication.
Foster Teamwork: Create opportunities for employees to work across departments and levels, sharing ideas and supporting one another. Encourage mentorship and peer-to-peer learning, where more experienced employees can share their expertise.

Foster Teamwork: Create opportunities for employees to work across departments and levels, sharing ideas and supporting one another. Encourage mentorship and peer-to-peer learning, where more experienced employees can share their expertise and newer team members can bring fresh perspectives.

Embrace Diversity: A diverse workforce brings a wide range of skills, experiences, and viewpoints – all of which drive innovation and problem-solving. Ensure your hiring and promotion practices are fair and inclusive, and create spaces where employees from all backgrounds feel comfortable contributing their ideas.

Encourage Upward Communication: Make it easy for employees to share concerns, suggestions, and feedback with leadership. Hold regular town halls, implement anonymous suggestion boxes, or schedule one-on-one check-ins where employees can speak openly without fear of repercussions. Act on feedback when possible, and explain why certain suggestions can’t be implemented – this shows employees their input matters.
Support Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth Empowerment isn’t just about work – it’s about recognizing that employees are whole people with lives, interests, and goals outside of their jobs. When you support their personal well-being and growth, you build loyalty and create a more engaged, productive workforce.

Offer flexible work arrangements that allow employees to balance their professional and personal responsibilities – whether that’s remote work options, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. Encourage employees to take time off to rest and recharge, and lead by example by prioritizing your own work-life balance.

Support employees’ personal goals, even when they don’t align with immediate business needs. For example, if an employee wants to pursue a certification in a related field, offer to cover the cost or adjust their schedule to accommodate classes. When you invest in employees as individuals, they’re more likely to invest their energy and commitment into your organization.

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment

When you empower your employees, the benefits extend far beyond individual performance. Empowered teams are more innovative, more adaptable to change, and more committed to achieving organizational goals. They take ownership of problems, collaborate effectively, and go the extra mile to deliver exceptional results.

Remember that empowerment is a journey, not a destination. It requires consistent effort, patience, and a willingness to let go of control. But the payoff – a motivated, capable workforce that drives sustainable success – is well worth the investment.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!

Tacloban City, long accustomed to December rains that cool the air and soften the season, now faces a Christmas unlike the ones etched in memory. The skies are clear but unyielding, the nights warm instead of crisp, and the streets dusty rather than damp. This is the unmistakable mark of El Niño — a climate phenomenon that has reshaped not only the weather but the very rhythm of our holiday traditions.

El Niño suppresses rainfall by altering Pacific wind patterns, weakening the southwest monsoon and reducing tropical cyclone activity. For Tacloban, this means a December stripped of its familiar showers. Farmers in nearby barangays worry about crops, water levels in reservoirs dip, and households brace for rationing. The festive abundance we expect at Noche Buena is shadowed by the specter of scarcity.

The implications are serious. Agriculture suffers as rice and corn yields decline. Water supply tightens, forcing communities to conserve. Even health is at risk, with heat stress and sanitation challenges rising in the absence of rain. A hot Christmas is not merely uncomfortable; it is a reminder of our vulnerability to climate shifts.

Yet Tacloban has endured worse. From storms to surges, the city has rebuilt with resilience. This El Niño Christmas must be met with the same spirit of foresight and adaptation. Water conservation, climate resilient farming, and community preparedness are not optional but urgent. Local governments must enforce ordinances that safeguard scarce resources, while households must adjust lifestyles to prioritize survival over convenience.

The editorial stance is clear: Tacloban cannot afford complacency. The absence of rain is not a passing inconvenience but a call to action. If Christmas is a season of hope, then let that hope be grounded in responsibility — in the collective effort to endure dryness with discipline, and to transform adversity into resilience. The warmth of this season may be literal, but it must also be moral: the warmth of solidarity, foresight, and shared sacrifice.