In the Bible, the book of Wisdom reminds us: "Do not court death by the errors of your ways… for God did not make death. He takes no pleasure in destroying the living." This echoes the wisdom of our Filipino ancestors who valued "gamot ng kalikasan" (natural remedies) and believed in nurturing the body with what God provided. Our brain, created by God, knows how to keep us alive—if we allow it to do its job. This ancestral wisdom is a part of our cultural heritage, connecting us to our roots and guiding us in our health journey.

Fr. Demetriou reminds us that the brain is an electro-chemical marvel that manages every function of the body. Whether it's making us hungry, thirsty, or fatigued, the brain's ultimate goal is survival. It makes decisions that are sometimes hard for us to understand. But when we step back and think about the bigger picture, we see that what we label as "sakit" may actually be the brain's way of adapting to the unhealthy environments we create for ourselves.

In our fast-paced lives, bombarded by commercials promising quick fixes, we're often deceived into thinking that popping a pill or consuming an instant drink will solve our problems. We've all seen the TV ads: a smiling character takes medicine, and in seconds, they're magically healed. But real life is not a commercial. Healing takes time and deeper understanding.

Just like how we trust our elders' advice on everything from love to finances, Fr. Demetriou encourages us to trust the wisdom of the brain. Products that are marketed to push sales often trick the brain. Take artificial food, for instance. When you eat something sweet, your brain registers that you're getting energy. But if that food is artificial and lacks nutrients, your body doesn't receive what it needs. Believing you're low on energy, the brain urges you to eat more. This cycle continues until we are overeating, tired, and out of balance.

This reflection invites all of us to celebrate life-mabuhay in the truest sense. It asks us to listen to our bodies, respect the wisdom of our brains, and adopt a balanced approach to health. By being informed and critical, we can avoid being stuck in old paradigms or confused by conflicting health advice. By being informed and critical, we take control of our well-being, aligning it with God's plan for us to live full and healthy lives. Let's embrace this celebration of life as a source of inspiration and motivation in our health journey.

So, let's take this challenge to heart—shift our perspectives, listen to what our brains are telling us, and enjoy the gift of life with clarity, courage, and wisdom. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to live better, healthier lives guided by our brains, our culture, and our faith.