Publisher's Note:

At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation for organizing the first Maui Fil-Am Heritage Festival. Considering that it was held for the first time, the festival  was a successful event.

                                                                   

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Fil-Am Observer is pleased to welcome  Aurelio  “Ie” Agcaoili II to Hawaii and at the same time as a columnist for the newspaper. He is a creative writer, photographer and a graphic designer. He is a degree holder in philosophy at the University of the Philippines at  Los Banos; then  went on to study for a graduate degree in mathematics (and at one point, also linguistics) while teaching philosophy at Marikina City University. He later went on to work in a corporation as a quality assurance supervisor, and then finally as a financial advisor prior to migrating. Good luck Ie.

                                                                                     

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Thanksgiving Day is perhaps one of the most celebrated holidays here in America probably because of its historic significance. Unfortunately, its real meaning has been washed out into a mere shopping spree. We have lost the essence of the holiday.

When was the last time we uttered those two magic words “Thank You” to our spouse for fixing a delicious dinner; to our children for helping us with the household chores; to our co-workers for doing a good job; to our teachers for imparting their knowledge; to our doctors and nurses who took care of us when we were sick; and to a stranger who opened the door for us?

We have taken for granted the simple things in life. Aren’t we thankful for the air that we breathe, for that magnificent rainbow, the sun, surf, for our freedom…?

The Word of God teaches us to be thankful. The doxology, “Praise God from whom all  blessings flow,” is a testimony of our gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed we thank God for His creation and all the blessings He has poured on us and for answering our prayers.

This is what real thanksgiving is all about. Expressing your thankfulness is what matters.

Let us then make everyday a day of thanksgiving.

Aloha and Mabuhay!