According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, struggle means "to make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition <struggling with the problem>" and "to proceed with difficulty or with great effort <struggled through the high grass> <struggling to make a living>".

A dove. People of different colors holding hands. The United Nations. These are just some of the symbols of peace.

Peace according to Wikipedia is, "a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality, and a working political order that serves the true interests of all. In international relations, peacetime is not only the absence of war or conflict, but also the presence of cultural and economic understanding and unity". When our countries and the world in general is at peace, things get better in our communities and opportunities are endless for each individual.

As we watch news on TV or read magazines and news as we surf the internet, we get to know about conflicts between and among countries or within their territorial jurisdiction that lead to chaos, misunderstanding, war, injuries, deaths and economic failures. The wars and riots in Europe, The Afghanistan War and the political instability in the Middle East are just some of the few examples of such. These are the so called man made calamities and crisis. Me and many of my friends that I have talked to about such feel and think that there are so much problems and concerns happening around the world and the victims are usually the innocent civilians and the families.

As I was blessed to have visited Ho Chi Minh City courtesy of my wife, I saw and understood more about war and its consequences. It does not only involve those who do not understand each other and get their way which are usually those in top management or top offices but it affects the country in general and most especially the women and children not only during the time of war but even after decades or generations thereafter.

A war definitely destroys the economy, the social order, the systems already in place, homes, infrastructure, lives, families and the like. One party claims to be the victor and the other talks about its downfall. What it does not consider is its long time effects to the people and the country. I was shocked to see the pictures of innocent women and children who fell victim to the war and more disturbing are the children who after decades and decades of war were born and are living in a not so normal state or situation due to certain mutations and effects of the chemicals used during the war. I salute their parents who stay strong despite these tests and trials.

So many picture images and real life images have made me appreciate peace more and would want to stay and keep harmony, diplomacy, respect and tolerance with other nations and with other cultures within our nation and even our own communities. As far as I am concerned, war does not do any good. If there are conflicts or misunderstandings, the best way to handle it is through dialogue that deserves patience, commitment and understanding with the best interest of the people most especially their safety and well being as priority. As what is said, "Wala sang indi masturyahan", anything can be resolved by a good conversation. What is important is to go to the table open minded and with an aim to fix things and make things better.

Even in our everyday lives and our own circles, let us retain harmony and be the peacekeepers. In peace, good things happen and we assure a good future for our children and strengthen families.

32.

In terms of age, it is said that when one turns 32 he or she is already beyond the calendar since the most number of days for certain months is only 31. As such, the term is "lampas na sa kalendaryo". Thus, many who go beyond 31 do not already reveal their age.

In my case, I am proud and happy to say and share that last August 11, 2011 I turned 32. I believe that age is only a number and the years ideally show and reveal that we become more experienced, more mature, more ready to face bigger challenges and more willing to grab great opportunities. What remains the same is the celebration of my birthday with and for others.

Since 2008, I have celebrated my birthday with kids and families. It is my way of sharing my blessings and celebrating my special day with those who will appreciate it the most. My twin annual birthday special projects are called the Kasadyahan Pangkabataan ni LEX yr 4 and the Pabunyag sa Syudad ni LEX Tupas yr 4. For this year, the beneficiaries of the Jollibee kids party are the special children and their parents with the help of CSWDO. More or less we served smiles, laughter, games, food and drinks to 100 people. The feeling is priceless to see children smile and laugh as we gave importance to these children as well as the parents and day care workers who find the time, courage and wisdom to take care of them well. In the afternoon of my birthday, we were able to help baptize 32 indigent babies and kids at the Alta Tierra Parish. The babies and kids were accompanied by their parents and God parents. These new God sons and daughters of mine add to the more than 100 God Children that I have as a result of the mass baptism. After the baptism officiated by Msgr. Jamuyot, we treated the parents, God parents and other guests who were more or less 450 people to a reception, unlimited drinks and shakes, gift balloons and diapers, and many more.

What was different this time is that I celebrated my birthday on the day itself. For the past 3 years, I celebrated it on the day of my age but since 32 goes beyond the days of August I decided to do it on the day itself. What stayed the same is the support of generous individuals and groups who want to help in these noble endeavors and this time many more offered help in making the celebrations bigger. I would like to thank my wife, Dr. Candice Tupas who made sure these projects continued and were made bigger, to my Nanay (fmr Mayor Myrna Causing Tupas) and Tatay (fmr Governor Niel Tupas) who always support me in my endeavors, to my parents in law for the strong support, to Cong. Jerry Trenas and Mayor Jed Mabilog who supported the projects, to Fruit Magic for the unlimited shakes served, to Jollibee UPV Branch for the support, to PEPSI, to Aldente and Steps of Rome, to Bayani Cafe, to Zip-O purified drinking water, to my staff, to Glicaz that even on a short notice accepted the job of catering the event, to my media partner for this project ABS CBN Iloilo and also to GMA Iloilo for featuring the event, to my friends from the media, to Randy, to the Alta Tierrra Parish that has been the home for this project for 4 years already, to the people who would like to stay anonymous and just would like to support this endeavor, to my leaders, friends, relatives and supporters and to everyone, the gratitude will always be present.