Why we Pinoys are happy

Who says our peso coins are diminishing? Most of the money in my pockets are in coins.

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It says here that we Pinoys are the 17th happiest people in the world. We're poor but we're happier than the rich Americans. So who was it who said that "money can't buy happiness?"

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"Don't worry, be happy!" That's our slogan and that's the key to our happiness.

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We Pinoys must be believers in the Scottish proverb that says: "Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead."

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We also believe in what Will Rogers once said. "We are here for a spell, so get all the good laughs you can."

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Speaking of happiness, let me quote the philosopher Epictetus: "There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will."

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Pinoys must be listening to Epictetus, otherwise they'd be worrying about corruption, rising cost of living, the excessive noise made by politicians, etc. and getting no more space for happiness.

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The Freeman celebrated its 87th year yesterday. I got a text message from editor-in-chief Jerry Tundag which had me sobbing inside. Thanks for the memories, Jer.

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Everytime this newspaper marks its anniversary, Bobit Avila never forgets to credit me for his entrance into the world of column writing. As the Tagalogs would say, Bit, "Ah, naku, wala yan!"

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Thanks to reader Ma. Yolanda Tan of Bureau Veritas for the nice words she put in about me and my column in her letter to this newspaper yesterday. Thank you for wishing me good health and longer life, Yolanda. That's the best wish I got from reader as we celebrated our 87th founding anniversary.

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Thanks also to another reader Randolph Limosnero of Mandaue for his "best wishes" for The Freeman "as it enters another years of service to the Cebuanos." Mr. Limosnero said he has been reading us since he was in high school and he's now an engineer. Thanks again, Sir, and do keep on reading.

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Now, as a member of the Philippine Star Group of Publications, The Freeman is on the way to greater heights. The Star Group is leaving no stone unturned in pushing this newspaper (and yes its sister Visayan tabloid Banat News) towards the forefront of a more dynamic journalism.

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In my capacity as publisher of this newspaper, I would like to thank all those who have been supporting us through thick and thin. Daghang salamat!