Silvery Week

I had the very silvery days this week. I was able to get two “not-so-common” silvery things. They are not so priceless things but something of importance to me.

No. 1:
The first silvery thing is the new found “someone”…actually not really someone, but “some-two” because they are two.

They were introduced to me last Wednesday, just before my lower household meeting. They were nice to me at first, but then I could sense that they would hurt me. I can sleep with them…but I have the option to sleep with them if I wanted to. But when I choose to sleep with them, I would be kissing them both all through out the night. And before they dictate the tempo of our new-found relationship, I said to myself that it would be my decision that would prevail, if they’re with me, I’ll “bite” them. If I don’t like to go out with them, I’ll just leave them home soaking salty wet.

Since I already set myself liberated last Saturday, I would make sure that I will never be imprisoned by someone that would make my life miserable, that will make my eating habit fully constrained…These first silvery thing that newly came into my life are my silver retainers…the duo….up and down..

Amidst the “ishes” sounds that I produced every time I speak some words, I feel like a coñotic guy speaking in a coñotic way. (Yeah, you know what I mean) and it’s a little bit awkward to lead a prayer with those uncontrolled sounds. But I know I’ll get used to that. What is six months of religiously wearing those retainers compared to the three years plus plus of biting brackets of my former braces?

No. 2:
Then just last night, just after my work. I attended the Slimmers World Celebrity Workout Aero Hip Hop Challenge in Trafalgar Plaza with Joshua Zamora, a former Maneuvers member, as the hip hop facilitator/instructor.


This event is part of centers' month long wellness program in all their branches. Aside from Joshua, Carlos Morales, they will tour the entire 11 Slimmers Center until February to conduct the same Celebrity Workout.

We’re around 20 participants who registered for that event. Bearing No. 5 as my number, we followed Joshua’s warm-out exercises, and then he taught us two sets of program of 4 eights each set. The hip hop moves made those other gym goers to stop for a while from their own program and work-outs and watched us in our routines in the aero floor.

After the two sets of quick memorization, we we’re asked to performed by group, and do what was taught to us, while representatives of the Center made their rounds scoring and selecting those who excel and exudes energy while performing the sets.

It took us only an hour to complete the activity. It was fun and really a pleasure dancing side by side with Joshua. What made us more excited is the announcement of winners for this aero hip hop challenge. The Bronze medalist was announced….then the Silver medalist bearing No. 5…wow! The Gold medal went to a girl.

Aside from the medal and Joshua Zamora’s photo opportunity with me (hehehe…baliktad yata), we were given some giveaways such as Strepsil products, Anlene (I don’t have osteoporosis!), energy drinks, cereal products, magazines, Lactacyd (how am I going to use this….hehehe), oxygen in can (yes, there is!), FM-radio-ala-MP3-type-player, among others. In the locker room, Joshua complimented me for the great routines, he even wave goodbye…..I regretted to give him my used t-shirt as his souvenir….just kidding.

I went home, wide eyed, grinning up to my ears. I can’t imagine having my silver medal for this Aero Hip Hop Challenge.

I don’t aimed to get the Gold medal….I believed it just God’s will for me to take home a Silver one... or else, I could not have a better title than SILVERY WEEK….

Free at Last

I was moved by her grace and delight many years I ago. When I came to know her, I said to myself, I want to know her more and be with her. At first, I was hesitant that I can afford her. Then I took the courage to woo her. I invest some amount for her. Literally, I try to buy her by my money (oww…that was before). I can still recall, she caused me around 50 grands, until I finally got her and became mine.

Our first month together is not an easy relationship. She hurt me many times, but still I continue to be with her. I was still persistent to continue our relationship, so I pampered her so much. We shopped together, I bought her clothes, we go to spa together, until we both feel refreshed. And she stays with. She was with me during my travels, my trips. She joined me in my dives, and she was able to join me during my climbs. She remained with me during my ups and downs. She even managed to control and dictate the food that I eat since we always dined together, we watched movie together and yes…she slept with me, not once, but many times. She constrained me to do things that I can do before she came into my life.

Until I became member of this community, but still she remains with me. There were times that I want to get rid of her, but she was already entangled in my life. And I can’t deny it that she somehow brought some status in my life. They said, it was “pogi points” to be with her, so I flaunt it and she became part of my comfort zone.

But I guess, there must be some reason why I have to come to my senses, that I can’t fully have her in my life neither be with her lifetime...

My friends in the community would tell me every time they would noticed her that I should get rid of her already. Because, every time they see me, every time I smile at them, they can’t fathom to think that it was her they see not me who smiles at them. They would push me to really move on without her.

I already accepted that…that in due time, I will find the right perfect moment for me to get out of that relationship.

God sent me so many instruments so that I could totally forget her. Until I noticed that we no longer shopped together, or I no longer buy her new clothes. There were no more pains coming from her. But every time I go out and dine with other friends she still manages to hurt me sometimes.

Until one day, just like the courage that I took when I have her, I draw strength from my friends, from their support and encouragement to finally say “No”…”Lets end this”…”I want you out of my life” ….. “I don’t want you controlling my life anymore, especially the food that I want to eat”..

I try to look for someone who could help me to get me out of that relationship. More than three years of being with her…I can finally said, I really have to move on. I don’t want her anymore.

That was last Saturday afternoon when I took the bow of turning my back against her.
A brother in this community introduced me to someone whom I know could help me to finally move on with my life without her. There were no pain when I broke the chain that bind us for more than 3 years…..and I know that this new special someone would make my life more easy….there could be pain, but it would not be as painful compared to what I had before….

I am liberated now. And I am happy with new special someone…..If you could see me now, you would see the glow in my eyes, and bright of my smile.

I already had my braces removed and I would then move on with my new retainer soon!

The Weekend That Was

Last weekend seems to be the weekend of many thoughts, many realizations and many unfolding moments.

SATURDAY:
It started with the CFC Leaders Conference in Expo Pilipino in Clark, Pampanga. As early as 6am Household Heads from the different Chapter of West B Cluster gathered again in BK Rotonda. Despite of the Facilitators Training that our Chapter had in Sto. Domingo the night before (Friday night) and the late dinner in Binalot (we ended around 12 midnight), we we’re already geared up early for Saturday’s Big Event. More than anyone else, the members of the 250-members choral coming for our sector are more excited. We were in a separate mini-bus joining other vehicles, private cars and buses leading to Clark.

Past 8am, we reached Clark. Long queue of vehicles forming caravans from different sectors and provinces make their ways towards the parking area of Expo Pilipino.

We had then our short rehearsals, while our group…the PINK SECTOR…..found their place in the upper bleachers of the venue. PINK simply because…this is the color assigned to our Sector, a very PINKISH Bandana was distributed to every delegation of our sector.

A colorful Fiesta Parade opened the event with participants adorned with colorful costumes and steps representing the fiestas and events in their place of origin such as Pahiyas of Quezon and Moriones of Marinduque. A powerful mass was heard, accompanied of course by the 250-member (?) choral coming from the different sectors of Metro Manila.

A hearty lunch was shared among others in our sector…thanks to Tito Rolly and Tita Nene, Tito Marc and Tita Ana for their generosity, plus of course the packed lunch of other members in the community.

The afternoon session started with worship with songs coming from the old compartments of CFC’s music box… simply, we cant go along with the song, we don’t know the lyrics and its melody…(buti na lang nandun sina Tander Jude, Tander Roan at Kuya Budz who sings so powerfully….)

But these not hinder us to welcome God’s presence in our midst.

The first talk was given by Tito Roque Ponte with sharings coming from a family of three generations (The lolo, the father and the grand sons). It was so inspiring to see these three generations serving altogether for God in building His kingdom here on earth.

The message was clear to me. The life that we have here should be a life wherein we can share it with someone whom together we can serve God. And raise your forebears in this place where God truly resides…the place where you yourself have been preparing so that tomorrows generation will be a community of God-fearing society.

The 2nd talk was delivered by Tito Tony Meloto, reiterating the importance of Gods work in helping our brethren the possible way that we can. The sharing of Dylan Wilks gave the true meaning of unconditional love and how we should embrace our brethren, our country, in helping our nation to be a nation of heroes and martyrs, where we can raise our children with God in their lives and God empowering everyone.

The 3rd Talk was given by Tito Frank Padilla. (I wasn’t able to listened to the whole talk since the choir members were already called in the backstage in preparation for the final praise fest)

And the CFC Leaders Conference ended with high note. Giving, transferring and accepting the responsibilities of the new generations represented by young CFC, who will continue the work God has entrusted this community to do.

(By the way, God never ceased to bless our Sector….our sector, the West B “Pink” Sector won three special awards…1st in Longest Caravan, 3nd in Largest “1K Challenge” Delegation, 2nd in Best Delegation)

That was already 10PM when we reached our respective homes.

SUNDAY:
At 6am, I was already up, getting ready for Sunday 7am mass in Lourdes Church. No more slug of bullets, or droppings this time.

With my SS….hmm…new acronym huh! Special Someone (SS)…we heard the mass. The homily is so powerful that we can easily relate since we both serve in SAGIP. (Sunday was the Feast of Sto. Niño)

After a cup of coffee in her place, I went to SAGIP Tatalon for the service. I had the chance to see again the kids Christ was referring to in today’s gospel. Two consecutive Sundays I failed to be with them due to my other activities, and now I can surely said that they miss me. I was welcome with hugs and greetings coming from the SAGIP kids.

At around 11am, we left the selected SAGIP Kids to the NSTP UST who in turn conducted their own activities and we proceeded to Tondo to have our lunch. After being stuck in the traffic, walking a long way under the sun, we were able to reach Lolo Rey’s house. Together with us are some brothers who still have to leave early since they will be attending the C.O. in Sto. Domingo. And they left early after sumptuous lunch. By the way this I my first time to be in Tondo and celebrate their feast over lunch.

I have to dropped by first in BK Rotonda and meet some SFCs of San Jose before I’ll proceed to Sto. Domingo for I will lead the closing worship. But it didn’t happen.

Around 4pm, I received a message from my SS. She said that her pregnant sister and her family who leaves in Montalban Rizal is being harrased by their neighbor, a police/jail guard who is apparently drunk, shouting and inviting fistfight. This is the same jailguard whom my SS have seen firing his gun during last 2004 Christmas and New Year.

Without any 2nd thought, I decided to accompany her to Montalban. I don’t have any idea what will transpire when we arrived in Montalban. I don’t have any idea either what ever trouble is stored for us there. When my SS arrived in BK, she’s holding her rosary in her hands and I know she is very much concern being the eldest in the family of 5 siblings.

When we took the FX going to Philcoa, we seated at the back seat. It was sunny then and the afternoon glare of the sun is really sweltering. As she continues to pray her rosary, I noticed the shadow cast from the back glass door of the FX projecting in the back of the seat of the FX’s middle passenger seat. It says “NO FEAR” …. Then when I look at the door of the FX…..there’s this sticker you can’t easily read not until you read it outside the door. “NO FEAR”…. Then I was reminded of Genesis and Exodus verses, of God’s assurance of protection. As God said to Moses and Abraham, have no fear, be not afraid, just be still, I will be your shield.

When we reach Montalban, the place is near Avilon Zoo, we then try to iron out things but we believed who’s being harassed and my SS decided to file a separate complaint at the Barangay in behalf of her pregnant sister who suffered emotional disturbance and fear because of the incident. It turned out that the person who causes this trouble got many records of complaint filed against him by other individuals and family in the subdivision. I managed to write an affidavit of complaint instead since my SS can’t think clearly due to the events.

Before we left Montalban, I was asked to pray over for her sister and her sister’s family for protection and for the immediate resolution of this oppression.

We left Montalban almost 7PM already. When we took the jeep going to Philcoa, we took noticed of the Couples For Christ sticker place in the headboard of the jeep.

We arrived in her place safe and before we parted, before I left, we recite another prayer together...

We started the day together hearing God’s words and ended it together bearing God’s love and concern to others, to her family…in our prayer I just thank God and praise Him for all the protection that He has given us all throughout our travels, our dealing with the barangay official and with our oppressor, and for giving us wisdom, clear mind and understanding.

And I personally lift up to Him for whatever “friendship” that we had, for this experience together, for the moments that we’ve shared together and pray also for what desire God is leading us…

Until I reached home, my SS is so thankful for the day that we had, for being there.

Only few can write fondness to anyone, few can profess this online….but I’m just happy to be of God’s bearer of love for those who needs it….

The weekend ended with so many things to remember, the Clark experience with the whole community and that Sunday ordeal.

God loves us so much, despite of our sinfulness, our unworthiness, and our imperfections, our failures to heed His call and follow Hhis command, He continues to give us His blessings and protections…in simplest way, in odd things, he continue to make His presence.

The “NO FEAR” shadow of the sticker ……. The CFC sign….. God is always in our midst…

2006…. Lucky Year (A bullet, a cab, birds’ dung and the rain)

2005 has ended barely two days ago and 2006 has just started and on its way in our lives.

Will this be lucky year for me….for us?

I’m about to start the year with a 7AM mass in Lourdes Church in Retiro. As I am about to open our front gate, I heard a sound of something that dropped and within a feet I saw an object looks like a stud, when I picked it up, I was just shocked a bit…it was a slug of silver bullet. I took it in my pocket and went ahead to church.

Upon reaching the UDMC area, the intersection of E. Rodriquez Avenue and Quezon Avenue, It looks like a very abnormal day with very little number of vehicles plying down the street. When I’m about to cross the Quezon Avenue, this “God-Blessed” taxi cab appeared very fast in my left coming from E. Rod turning right to Q. Ave. Apparently, the driver might think that since there were no vehicles coming from España, they can liberally drove fast to their right without considering the pedestrian crossing that area. I was a feet way from the bumper of the cab. I can only murmured unknown words when I let him passed first.

Then I boarded the PUJ waiting beside the BK Rotonda that took me around 20 minutes before the jeep was loaded fully. That made me more late for the 7AM mass in Lourdes Church.

While waiting for someone in the church patio and thinking what to do with the bullet in my pocket I saw a police patrol car parked outside. I was having the second thought of reporting that incident to the authority. Then suddenly, I felt something that hit the top of my head. When I touched it….it was wet…I’m HIT.....by a bird’s droppings.

I heard the 8AM mass instead with someone special. I was quite elated to hear the first mass of the year with someone who knows how to appreciate and knows how to reaffirm what you’re doing. What made this more special is to hear the mass with two members of her family…whoa….looks like I’m already a member of their family…hehehe.

I had a breakfast with them. Over brewed coffee, toasted bread and pesto spread, we shared stories, and we had our good laugh.

It was already 11AM when I decided to go home, and when I reached the UDMC area, I dropped by in the detachment nearby, and just turned in the slug that almost hit me, though they did not wrote down any report and even asked me with stupidly what I would like to happen and just said that I just turned in that thing for they might be doing some statistics or report of any gun-firing incident. (I guess they should have that kind of monitoring!)

The silver slug that almost hit me came from a 9MM firearm.

I thought everything was over. I just walked on my way home until it began to rain that made me soaked a bit wet…with no rain protection, only the small towel that I used before to wiped off the dung in my head.

After those incidents, it made me realized many things:

* Its saves to be late. Although I had alarmed my cell phone at 6AM so that I won’t be late for the 7AM mass, it was already 6:30AM when I finally got up from my bed. Only if I got on time, and fix myself on time, probably the bullet hit my head on time too. It pays to be late and it even saves your life.

* Ironically true, it doesn’t necessary means that if there were only few vehicles on the road, you will never have a hit-and-run accident. Be more watchful and wary on things that seem to be abnormal. It just like this, if you’re ***hole officemate is very kind to you, which is very abnormal, then something might be fishy or something might be cooking for you.

* Birds’ dropping is not really a hassle. Imagine, only few got it. And you will say thank you to have this than to have a girlfriend or boyfriend who does another affair behind your back. And you will be more grateful to have more droppings than to have a bullet in you head instead!

* It’s more rewarding and laudable to have a date together with a chaperon especially if it’s a family member. It creates bonding. (Although it’s somewhat acceptable to kiss a girl in her cheek as we do it with our sisters in our community, it’s slightly awkward to kiss her with her two brothers in her side so I opted not to.)

* Being a law abiding citizen and reporting any incident to any authority is not really a nitty gritty task. When I reported the slug that almost hit me, you have the options of what to do with it. I wonder they should have an SOP on incidents being reported. But at least, that police officer knows how to reaffirm…”sir you are lucky”…. (No! I’m not Ate V’s son) …

* Walking in the rain is something that we shouldn’t miss doing. It will bring back the memories of your childhood days when you are top-naked playing “patentero” with you “uhugin” playmates. And walking in the rain will make you think fast on what to cover your head, a newspaper on hand, your jacket if you have, your hankies or a used towel with bird’s dung!

Alas, the year 2006 had begun….it begun with new stories for me to ponder and to share. And memories to be cherished lovingly are on the pipe, I hope.

At this first week of the year, I do pray for everyone’s good health, prosperous life, abundant blessings, God’s mantle of protection, flourishing relationships and love all over….and another….World Peace!

Indeed, the start of the year is lucky for me….the 9mm slug spare me.....or else you wouldn’t be reading this one…