May 2025 is Here!!!

The merry month of May starts today!

We start by thanking/celebrating all workers throughout the world!

May they have sufficient/just pay in exchange for their service, humane work terms/conditions, stable contracts, protective environment and policy!

May ushers in summer/memories/reunions/friendships/beaches/swimming, also of fun/laughter with family/relatives/friends, hometown visits/fiestas!

From May 1 to May 31, you can enjoy the fiestas in Bohol!

The Mary month of May also starts today!

Flores de Mayo/rosaries/processions/Santa Cruzan/Our Lady of Fatima.

Mama Mary joins St. Joseph, her carpenter husband/worker for his May 1 Feast Day May 1 so this month can also be considered as Mama Mary/Papa Joseph month of May!

May 2025 is significantly different as there are important elections to be held soon.

The world awaits the next Pope after the passing of the deeply-beloved Pope Francis last Easter Monday.

In the Vatican, about 135 Cardinals under age 80 will gather this 7th of May for the Conclave – “the centuries-old of a pope that derives its name from the Italian "con clave" (with a key) to underscore that cardinals are sequestered until they find a winner.”

Each Cardinal is allowed a single vote to be cast May 7 afternoon.

If a papal candidate obtains a two-thirds majority on a first ballot, then the next pope will be announced.

“If they don't find a winner on the first ballot, the cardinals eligible to vote retire for the evening, return to the Sistine Chapel the following morning where they can take up to two votes each morning, and two each afternoon until they have a winner.”

“Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney means no decision; white smoke signals the cardinals have chosen a pope and that he has accepted. Bells also are rung to signal the election of a pope, for further clarity.

Then, the new pope is introduced from the loggia overlooking St. Peter's Square with the words, "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a pope!") and his chosen papal name. The new pope then emerges and gives his first blessing.”

A week from now, the whole world will meet Pope Francis’ successor. Will the next Pope be a Filipino?

The Philippines has three cardinals eligible for the Papacy - Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Caloocan City Archbishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David and Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.

Shall we all join hands in prayers for the Holy Spirit to lead our Cardinals to elect God’s chosen representative as our next Pope?

May the next pope bring God even closer to all- especially those in the peripheries lovingly cared for by Pope Francis!

Let us also pray together for our Filipino people to be guided by the Holy Spirit when they cast their votes this 12th of May!

Will Filipino voters elect genuine servant leaders, vote based on policies/programs this time or will they continue to vote based on personalities/political dynasties?

Will Filipino voters refuse vote-buying and finally, elect honest/sincere leaders who will prioritize the interests of the needy Filipinos, not their own family-centered agenda?

Will the more numerous youth and overseas voters make history and end the era of political dynasties/corruption?

Let us also all together pray and unite with General Eliseo Rio and partners in advocating for clean/honest/more transparent 2025 Midterm Election and demand that Comelec implement these 2 simple procedures on May 12, 2025: (see https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=eliseo%20rio%20jr

“(1). No Automated Counting Machine (ACM) be physically connected to the Internet Public or Private Network through a modem, BEFORE the printing of the 9 copies of the Election Returns (ERs) by the precinct ACM, and, (2). Accredited precinct poll watchers and watchdogs be allowed to take photos of all the precinct Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs) or voters receipt, after the precinct Election Returns (ERs) have been transmitted.”