The Chronicler's File

A Journey to Christ: MMC 2007 Pilgrimage

2007-08-24T03:43:00.000-07:00

This is my first time to attend a pilgrimage. Although not as grandeur as any Marian Pilgrimages held in Lourdes, France or Italy, this one is quite memorable since its the first time for SFC Conference to have one, an excellent prelude and a good preparation for my last Metro Manila Conference as SFC.

The “Pilgrims”, attended by the MMC participants, gathered just in time in front of Bataan People’s Center near the City Capitol of Balanga. A short prayer was led to level up the start of a whole day pilgrimage.

(SFC West B was instantly tapped to lead the recitation of Holy Rosary all through-out the pilgrimage)

First Stop: St. Joseph Cathedral of Balanga City

Balanga, the capital of Bataan, was formerly a visita of Abucay before it was established as a mission of the Dominican Order in the Provincial Chapter of April 21, 1714 and later declared a vicariate on April 18, 1739, under the patronage of Saint Joseph. Upon the establishment of Bataan as a separate province in 1754, Balanga was made its capital by General Pedro Manuel Arandia due to its favorable location, at the heart of the new territorial jurisdiction. The word Balanga originates from the Tagalog word bañga (clay pot), which the town used to produce and which was among the best that can be found in the country.

The spiritual ministration of Balanga formerly belonged to Abucay. Balanga became an independent missionary center in 1739. Rev. Benito Rivas, O.P., strengthened this church by fortifying its wall. Rev. Juan Antonio Vicente, O.P, roofed it with galvanized iron and decorated the interior. Rev. Mariano Ma. Minano, O.P., from 1838-1845 constructed the arch of the choir loft and made the baptismal font out of granite from Mariveles. The parochial ministration under the Filipino clergy started with Rev. Mariano Sarili, June 21, 1898. The church was used as the site for Japanese artillery bombardment of Mt. Samat where Filipino and American forces gave their last stand during the last world war.

After the Holy Mass, officiated by the Assistant Parish Priest, the first decade of Sorrowful Mystery of the Holy Rosary was led by our own brother, Kuya Budz. A short talk delivered by the CFC Family Ministry Head of Balanga City followed giving important points of following Jesus, despite of many adversities. He pointed out that, even we choose to followed Jesus in his holiness, we are not yet secured of our life, but what assures us is of Gods love for us. No one is exempted from sufferings, trials and miseries. He even cited Bishop Soc Villegas who had just endured a vehicular accident after avoiding a carabao and in the process hit a tricycle resulting to a casualty.

We had our lunch after the first stop. Others settled in the nearby fast food chains, while we walk through the inner streets of the city towards where our bus was parked, in Barangay Dona Francisca, just beside a park. It was an instant bonding session and picnic on the park as we laid down our “banig” and shared our packed lunch of sauté tuna, fried fish and pork chop with matching tuyomansi sauce.

Second Stop: St. Dominic De Guzman Church

At 12:40pm, we are on the go to the next stop, St. Dominic De Guzman Church of Abucay, Bataan.

Located in the northern part of Bataan and Pampanga, Abucay is 119 kilometers from Manila or within a 50-km. radius from Manila Bay. It has a total land area of 7,970.00 hectares, 44% of which is ideal for habitation and lowland rice cultivation and fish farming.

The name Abucay was coined from "abu-kinaykay" which means digging the debris of fire. According to legend, a Spaniard came to this town and was asking for its name. It so happened that his arrival coincided with the just extinguished big fire that burned and destroyed quite a number of houses in the place and so the people were busy digging the remains from the ashes. Digging or shoveling, "kinaykay" in local dialect. So when this Spaniard asked for the name of the place, the residents quickly replied, "abu-kinaykay", thinking that this Spaniard was asking what they were doing. From then on this town was called that way and later on to Abucay.

(414-year-old church constructed in 1587 in the rich Spanish style of the day, and a living witness to the massacre of more than 200 native defenders from the hands of Dutch invaders on June 16, 1647.)

The spiritual ministration of Abucay was entrusted to the Dominicans in 1588. Forty others, together with Spanish Alcalde mayor and two Dominican priests were taken prisoners to Batavia during the Dutch invasion. This town witnessed the courage and heroism of our countrymen who resisted against the Spaniards, the Dutch, the Americans, and the Japanese colonizers. Movable wooden press blocks was taken within the church of Abucay to be the first printing press in the country and is refuted to be older than any other single press in the United States. Tomas Pinpin, a native of Abucay ,who grew up under the tutelage of the Dominican priests in the convent, learned the rudiments of printing from Fray Francisco Blanca de San Jose and Juan de Vera, a Chinese printer at the University of Santo Tomas, where as early as 1610, they printed several books in Spanish and Tagalog. Pinpin is undoubtedly the first Filipino printer. The present church was badly damaged by the earthquake of 16 September 1852.

The second and third decades of the Holy Rosary were recited led by our own Sis. Jo and a sister from West B-1A, respectively. A short talk was delivered that centers on Gods Covenant to his people. The First Covenant of Noah given after the great flood; that he will no longer perished his people though water. The Covenant of Abraham; because of Abrahams’ offering where he is willing to sacrifice his son, God made a covenant that He will make all the descendants of Abraham leaders of great nation; the Covenant of Moses; after saving the Israelites from slavery; God gave Moses the 10 Commandments; and the Covenant of Christ; because God loves his people so much; he send out His own Son, through His own blood, that we will be save and redeemed.

Challenge was poised to all the pilgrims. If God is faithful to his promises and faithful to his covenant to us as his sons and daughters, are we faithful to our covenant to God?

Third Stop: Our Lady of Pillar Church

Pilar is found in the southeast portion of the province of Bataan. It is bounded by Orion in the South, Balanga in the North, Bagac in the west and Manila Bay in the East. It has a total land area of 3,760.00 hectares. Its terrain is gently sloping to undulating, reaching a hilly peak. The highest elevation is 553 meters at Mt. Samat in Barangay Diwa. As of 1995, the town has a population of 28,207 residing in nineteen (19) barangays. Pilar produces an ample supply of rice, corn, vegetables, rootcrops and legumes. Chicken, hogs and ducks as well as freshwater fishes are abundant in the area. Bamboo, cogon and different vines can be sourced from hilly portions of Pilar while gravel and sand is abundant in Barangay Nagwaling, Alauli, Pantingan, Diwa and Liyang.

Legend of Pilar said that long ago this town was merely a barrio within the jurisdiction of the town of Balanga. There were very few inhabitants. One day a Spanish galleon was tossed to its shores by a violent storm. The galleon's destination was some town where it was to convey the image of a virgin. The Spaniards were greeted by the inhabitants were they landed. The visitors asked for the name of the place and they replied that it has no name. The Spaniards suggested that the place be named in honor of the image they had with them which was that of the "Lady of the Pillar". The people consented and since that time, the town had been called "Pilar".

The “patio” of the church was beautifully landscaped and well maintained with prayer garden. It includes life-size statue of Christ’ crucifixion and Jesus by the well with a Samaritan women. A fountain and a grotto with gushing water just beside a tall century old tree are among its prominent centerpieces.

The fourth decade of the Sorrowful Mystery was recited. The short talked delivered by a SFC FTW from Davao concentrated on two ways in living up of our covenant. By grow in love with God and grow in love with one another. Growing in love with God means listening to God and finding Him in every person that we meet; our family, our colleagues, our friends, even our enemies. Grow in love with one another means serving our brothers and sisters especially the poor.

Last Stop: Shrine of Valor

Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor in Mt. Samat also in Pilar, Bataan is our last stop. As we pass through the straight highway towards Mt. Samat, we could see the towering Cross on top of the mountain. We are around 20 vehicles lead by a police patrol car with motorcycled REACT volunteers facilitating the flow of the convoy.

As we trekked the winding road leading the summit of Mt. Samat, we could see almost the entire province of Bataan, its peninsula and nearby islets. The altitude of 564 meters is just enough for a bearable pressure on our ears.

(We have to pay some fees to experience this last stop: P50/ car parking fee at the Shrine of Valor, P20/ person entrance fee at the Shrine of Valor and P10/ person at the Mt. Samat Cross)

Mount Samat was the site of the most vicious battle against the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942.

Suffering heavy losses against the Japanese all over Luzon, Filipino and American soldiers retreated to Bataan Peninsula to regroup for a last valiant but futile stand. This retreat to Bataan is part of a United States strategy known as War Plan Orange.

After fierce battle lasting 3 days, 78,000 exhausted, sick and starving men under Major General Edward P. King surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. It was, and still is, the single largest surrender of U.S. Forces ever.

After the recitation of the last decade of Sorrowful Mystery in an altar, a culmination talk and short worship capped the pilgrimage. With the subtle breeze of air, with some scent of pine tree, we are literally closer to God praising and singing songs of worship.

A long-range binocular can be rented to view the Bataan peninsula. If the sky is clear, you can see the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan.

The altar hall is just a high ceiling structure with marbled walls engraved with the detailed history of Fall of Bataan. Just beside the altar hall is the entrance going down the war museum that has a wide array of displays from paintings of the Philippine heroes to armaments used by the American and Japanese forces during the heat of the battle.

Esplanade steps going to the summit where the Cross is located will take around 10 more minutes of brisk walking with pine trees alongside the trail. Built in 1966, this huge white cross stands as a mute but eloquent reminder of the men who died there. The foot of the cross has different murals depicting the history of great Malayan. The structure is 360 feet tall. The horizontal arms of the cross are 300 feet up and are at an altitude of 635 meters above sea level. There is an elevator that can take you to these "arms". The arms are actually viewing galleries from where you can see practically the whole east side of Bataan, Manila Bay and some portions of the west of Bataan.

It’s been almost a month now after that Pilgrimage, but still the moments and experiences that we have together with our brothers and sisters are still vivid in my memories. The fun and special bonding are just bonuses. The pilgrimage is not just like a walk down with the memory line of Bataan’s rich historical past. It is not just like a “visita iglesia” in the month of July. But it’s an opportunity to hear God’s messages through this journey. This is just a reminder of everyone’s personally journey of knowing more of God and living out with the covenant that He has given us, a covenant of faith and a covenant of His promises.

Silvery Week

2006-01-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

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)

2006-01-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

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…

Another Saddest Day

2005-12-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

It’s just an ordinary Tuesday afternoon...but nonetheless, it's another saddest day of our lives in our family...

The last time we shed tears together when our mother died almost ten years ago...Today, we shed tears again..together..

Last night, I slept beside my younger brother...because I will never be able to sleep beside him for next two years...

Today, at around 3pm, he flew to Riyadh to work as graphic artist in Dr. Cafe. ( http://www.dr-cafe.com/) He was directly hired when the employer went here last November.

Its kinda ironic, he got his visa and ticket only just friday....few days before Christmas...but since the work is urgent thats why among his batchmates, he's the only one who has left ...and the rest will be early next year...

The saddest part of it….he will spend the Christmas Day in the country where Christianity is not openly proclaimed.....and he will not be in our midst...in our Noche Buena table...the very first Christmas that we will be incomplete...

At around 11:00, we left home enroute to NAIA Terminal 2. In between traffic lights, there were last "pabilin"....we arrived at the airport before 1pm.

There were so many well wishers....were one of them, we waited our kuya parked his car before my younger brother finally bid farewell..and have our photo-ops together

He hugged my tita, and then my pregnant sister and finally saw them shedding tears...I can't control mine...as he hugged me tight, I gave my letter to him...for him to read when his already flying...then my kuya's turn...

It pains to see our youngest brother leaving to work abroad...away from his very own family...in the middle of new world and culture...

The senti moment is just short, but deep inside, in our heart, it continues...

When he pushed his cart inside, he wave goodbye again.....we waited for him to text us if his luggage is within the allowable limit....32 kilos...exceeded by 2 but was already allowed to checked in...

12:47pm he text me; "ingat ka, kau na bhala kay tita at ate."

01:07:11 "lampas sa kin 32, pero ok na rin daw un d2 na ako immigration last stage na."

After we realized that he was already settled in, we drove home. He called when we arrived home...while waiting for the plane still being taxied.

3:04:33pm "D2 na ako aiplane nakasakay,bye kuya,ate,tita,yra (his gf) love u all"

While in the airport...I finally have the guts to text him "love you"...something that I know he already knew but only needs reaffirmation...

At around 8-9pm later....he will be in Riyadh....expecting for his first overseas call...

And I'm looking forward to see him again when he arrived sometime between his two years of contract in KSA.

I’m looking forward to hugged him again and say "i love you" personally.

A Bloody Experience

2005-10-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

I was handed with an invitation yesterday for a Baptismal Reception. “Kuya Alvin” it says….join us in welcoming our precious Raven Julian L. Calago to the Christian world, Oct. 22, 2005 10AM Max’s Restaurant Greenbelt.”

When my officemate gave me that invitation, I can’t recall who the baby is (ang anak ni Janice?)……I don’t bother to ask, I simply say thank you since at the back of my mind I won’t be able to attend that affair because I thought it will be on Sunday and I have an affair with SAGIP so I won’t be able to go there with “Max”.

But when my officemate gave a separate invitation to my other officemate, I then realized who the baby is.

Sometime last August 22, 2005, right after lunch, me and 4 officemates went to Intramuros, in Seaman’s Hospital. A former officemate of my officemates (gets niyo? Ibig sabihin, kaopisina dati ng mga present officemates ko) was confined, she’s on her way to deliver a pre-matured baby. Unfortunately, her blood type is AB, a rare blood type. Two of my officemates both have same blood type so they decided to go and donate blood. Upon arrival in the hospital, we were directed to go to the Red Cross Blood Blank just nearby. With so much confidence, two of my officemates thought they can donate blood, but it did not happened. Upon blood testing done to my first officemate, it turn out that she can’t donate blood because of abnormal platelet counts. But the turn of events came so frustrating when my other officemate can’t donate blood either, because of the simple reason and fact…”she’s a woman”…and she had her first drop of blood part of her monthly visit, just after our lunch…

Fortunately, there was a 140ml available AB type in the blood bank. But it can’t be bought, it should be replaced with same amount but not necessary of the same type. Only three of us we’re left. My other officemate who drives our service for sure can’t donate. The next one who is so petite cannot either. And I was left with no choice but to give out my blood to “whoever-who-will-use-it”. I hate the piercing of needle in my finger when they test if my blood is ok. When it was confirmed that I am capable to donate, I was dash in the inner room of Red Cross. I lied down and a soft ball was given to me, while a much larger needle pierced my arm, my focus is in the TV set. As blood draws from my arm, I grasp the soft ball and squeeze it on and off. I don’t look at the plastic container which holds my blood as it lay in a “rocking-machine”.

After some more minutes, it was finished. A fresh 450ml blood type O is gone from my circulation, from my body. It is now ready to be given to those who will use it. Meantime, the blood we got from the blood bank was given to our patient.

WE left the Blood Bank. I don't feel any difference when I still have the 450ml blood inside my body. I guess I weigh much lighter. It was my first time to donate blood. I was scared at first, but something higher pushes me and gave me to courage and release the fear within me for me to do this “bloody-act”….literally “padugo”.

I don’t know what happened to my officemates' former officemate after that incident. I can’t recall her name either.

That was already two months ago. Not until yesterday I realized that the invitation came from her, from Rhodelyn, my officemate’s former officemate. And her baby is Raven Julia.

I was teased by my officemate, I am the biological “father” since I made the mother and daughter live because of the blood that I donated…..actually, my blood didn’t go to her since my blood was just a replacement of the blood that came from the Blood Bank….now I wonder who’s the recipient of my blood…

COCOVILLE: A Response in Nation Building ....for our small coconut farmers and farm workers

2005-10-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

Another Mission
At the very first hour of September 23, 2005, armed with my handy cam, some notes, pen and abled body, I took the first trip aboard a non-air-conditioned bus going to Quezon Province. I took no noticed of my way to Quezon since I was asleep all throughout the travel. It was already 6AM when I arrived in Gumaca, Quezon. And met there officers and colleagues from UCPB-CIIF Foundation who arrived Gumaca the day before (our President, Edgardo Amistad, our Community Development Department Head, Neury Chan).

It took us another three full hours of travel from Gumaca to Mulanay and finally reached our destination at around 9AM where we met the local GK Team of Mulanay, the GK Team from Lucena and Manila (Ortigas) and the town’s Mayor.

We were welcomed warmly by Mayor Prudencio “Den” Maximo in his modest and properly maintained ancestral home.

A Glimpse of Mulanay
Mulanay is a coastal town in the southern side of the province of Quezon. It is bounded in the north by the municipality of Catanauan, on the east by the municipality of San Narciso, on the south by the municipality of San Francisco and on the west by Tayabas Bay.

Legend relates that Mulanay derived its name from the tagalog word Malunay which means "Plenty of Lunay". "Lunay" is the vernacular term for Pili wax which were abundant in the area.

The evangelization of Mulanay under the Franciscan Missionaries was in the 1600. However, its civil foundation as a municipality effected only in 1745 thru the approval of the King of Spain as contained in his royal decree. This town at that time, encompasses the municipal territories of San Narciso, San Francisco, Catanauan and which if measured will be as big as the province of Bataan. The original town of Mulanay was composed of only six barangays.

At present, Mulanay is composed of a total twenty eight barangays, four of which comprised the Poblacion. The municipality is an agricultural as well as an industrial town. From her rich soil, farm crops, like coconut, garlic, abundantly harvested. Fish, fresh and dried are sold by tons to big towns and cities during peak season.

In 1996, a film was shot entirely in this town. Entitled as “Mulanay”, starred by Jaclyn Jose, this movie is about the Doctor to the Barrio Program of the early 90’s.

And because of this movie, the town became known somehow and was properly affirmed of its own place in the map of the Philippines

(Trivia: Did you know that the house of Mayor Den was converted and used as municipal building during the filming of this movie?)

A piece of paradise
The warm hospitality of the town’s mayor was prominently felt. After the breakfast con-mid-morning snacks, we then toured the future site of GK Cocoville.

Together with the local GK Team, the town Mayor and the GK Team from Manila, we went to Barangay Butanyog. It’s a five-minute drive from the town proper going up south. Just beside the SOLCOM Grade School and the Oil Mill is an unpaved road leading up-hill. A short walk barely 50 to 100 meters from the road and the elementary school, there lies a leveled ground, overlooking Tayabas Bay and another much larger open field in much lower altitude. This sums up the 2.5 hectares of land that will soon bear clusters of brightly painted houses.

The inclined wall of earth in the upper leveled ground can be seen from the sea. The GK signage and name will be placed here so from afar; those in the sea vessels passing the Tayabas Bay can see it. It functions like a lighthouse but this time a large wall bearing the name of the village, heralding a village which is a community that lives in bliss of harmony and unity.

The first cluster of 40 houses will be constructed in the lower ground level which has its own path going to the beach front, barely 200 meters away.

They say that this site is majestic in its location. And believe to be the best so far in any other GK sites because of its super-imposing nature bounded by within, the mountain and the over-looking sea. Not to mention the aroma of coconut product (latik scent) from the neighboring Southern Luzon Coconut Oil Mill.

Situationer: Our Beneficiaries
One third of the country's arable agricultural land or about 3.31 million hectares is planted to coconut sprawling in sixty four (64) out of total seventy eight (78) provinces, and 1,195 out of the 1,554 municipalities in the country. Of these coconut areas, the Philippine Coconut Authority said there are 1.6 million coconut farming families with landholdings of five hectares and below who deserve livelihood assistance. The small coconut producers which constitute a large segment of the marginalized sector in the society need to be uplifted.

And pursuant to the purpose of implementing and maintaining socio-economic programs for the upliftment, development and advancement of the life and living standards of coconut farmers through community development as well as through equitable distribution of wealth and other economic values, the UCPB-CIIF Foundation, Inc., one of the two social development arms of the UCPB Group had inked with Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. to undertake a housing exclusively for coconut farmers, farm workers and their families.

Among those small coconut farm owner and farm workers/tenant can be found in this town. They are those who work and deliver services to the Coconut Farmers Agri-Business Center, situated across Southern Luzon Coconut Oil Mill, Inc. (SOLCOM), the first coconut oil milling plant in this town. Such service may include sale of whole coconut, twining of coconut coir, making if geo-textiles and other coco-based activities for the Center.

The Vision, Dreams and its Reality
The work has started already, grounds were already leveled, electric line has already penetrated the site, water source was already drilled in, roads are getting flattened, and construction of “The Wall” that will bear the name of the village has started too.

Even the local GK Team (composed mainly of local Couples for Christ member, by the way, the Mayor and his wife is both now member of CFC) already mapped out their plan in profiling the future beneficiaries. Likewise, the enthusiasm and vigor of the Local Government Unit headed by their Mayor is getting its own heights.

More than this, the bayanihan spirit will soon be reflected again in this site, common in every GK sites in the country. Altogether, people who believes to the call of nation building and GK Volunteers will soon trooped to this side of the town and start to excavate foundations, build walls of the house, pass hollow blocks and bricks, paint the house with lively bright colors that reflect new hopes, landscape and beautify the surrounding with fences and ornamental plants.

Much more, after work has done, the GK beneficiaries, the underprivileged coconut farm workers, will have their own “beautiful, humane and quality but inexpensive houses where their family can make it a place to call home, living in a community having decent shelter that restores their dignity and uplifts their quality of life”.

Challenge
More works have to be done for us to truly build communities for our coconut farmers that will shield them from poverty and injustices. And we are then challenge to uphold the work that we have started. To realized that the impoverished Filipino coconut farm workers and their families comprises the larger population of agricultural areas in our country, we still have more works to accomplished to truly sustain and permanently uplift the living conditions of our small coconut farmers.

It has started. The UCPB-CIIF GK Cocoville will be the seed of transformation for our small coconut farmers. This partnership with Gawad Kalinga is an alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty, whose approach is integrated, holistic and sustainable – a concrete action plan to rebuild this nation by harnessing the best of the Filipino – our faith and our patriotism.

More to come
After our tour in the site, the whole group proceeded in the municipal building and a presentation was made by the Quezon GK Team showing Mulanay as the 7th GK Site to rise in Quezon Province, and more to come such as Catanauan, Padre Burgos and Lopez.

We left Mulanay after lunch with much hope and excitement for things to come and be done. As for me, I’m more than eager to be back again with spades and hoe, hammers and pails, and with deep conviction of helping our small coconut farmers, after all, I was born in Quezon and my roots are coconut farmers likewise.

MEMORIES OF BALER

2005-06-27T03:16:00.000-07:00

It was a "surprise" when my immediate boss allowed me to attend and assist the VF Facilitators Training to be held in Baler, Aurora. The said VF Training will be participated in by CFC and some MATUTUPAD Cooperative members in Aurora. And they will be the one who will conduct the 13-sessions of Values Formation to the members of UCPB-CIIF MATUTUPAD cooperatives in the area.

Baler, Aurora was selected to be the venue of said VF Facilitators Training where participants will come from the Central area (Baler, Ma. Aurora, San. Luis, Dipaculao etc) and the Casiguran area.

June 17, 2005, aboard a private van of a Tekton Core Trainor, we drove to Northern Luzon. After we fetched a fellow UCPB Staff in Cabanatuan City, we proceeded in Baler, Aurora via Bongabon and "villa". The town of Baler is 114 km away from Cabanatuan City. And in between Bongabon, Nueva Ecija and San Luis, Aurora (the town before Baler) is a very swirl road. The 64km stretch is composed of cleared landslides in both sides of the roads, randomly cemented road with some portion of it caving under, some boulders and uprooted trees lying somewhere, destroyed bridges and pavements. It still reflected the destruction brought about by the typhoon of late last year.

Around 1pm, we reached the town of Baler and head straight to our foster home for our four-day stay, Bay's Inn, a resort along the shoreline of Baler Bay. A fresh eggplant salad with pork binagoongan was served for our lunch.

After visiting the venue of the training, Bahia de Baler, just a stone throw away from Bay's Inn, we take the opportunity to visit a garden in Ma. Aurora, a nearby town of Baler.

Euphoric over Euphorbia
On our way to Baler, while on the road, I've been hearing the Tekton trainors talking about this plant, Euphorbia. They would gleefully comment if they see some along the road, in the gardens that we pass by. It draws my curiosity over the plant. And when they pointed one, all I can see from a far is a shrub like 'santan' with different colors of flowers. But it wasn't, they said.

It wasn't really. Upon reaching a garden in Ma. Aurora, there I saw for the very first time in close-up a Euphorbia. Commonly known as Crown of Thorns because of thorns present in its stems, it turned out that this plant is getting its own household significance and becoming to be a backyard industry of some households here in Baler.

To introduce to you this plant, and the hype it brings to plant collectors and lovers, these I found in my research.

A native to Madagascar, is a succulent, with thick, fleshy stems adapted for water storage. The stems are 5-7 sided, greyish-brown, branched & up to 2-3' in height, with many prominent, grey 1" spines. The leaves tend to be obovate (wider near the tip), up to 1'' long, but much larger (to 6") in the Thai hybrids. They are spirally arranged, have smooth margins, & vary from bright green to grey-green. Foliage is present only on new growth. Euphorbia millii var splendens is similar, but grows to 5-6".

The "Crown of Thorns" or more aptly, the Euphorbia milli hybrids have recently gained prominence in the gardener's consciousness. Who could resist the plumpness of its appearance, its compact growth, the variety or colors and color combinations of its floral bracts, and their over-petulant thorns? This is beside the plant's ability to produce flowers all year round, especially during February and March.

"Poysean" as they are called in Thailand produce larger flowers and are more vigorous compared to their American, European and Taiwanese counterparts. They regard the Euphorbia milli hybrids as harbingers of good luck as they possess the eight virtues of the gods: health, bravery, wealth, beauty, artistry, cleverness, poetry, and victory over evil and bad spirits. This is conspicuously parallel to the feng shui in Sansevieria.

After the "euphoric euphorbia" visitation and buying some, we return back to Baler town. It was already dark when we arrived in Bay's Inn and we had our hefty dinner in Bahia de Baler that includes freshly caught shrimps of big sizes. (By the way, a kilo cost only 150 pesos!)

Life in the Night
Ten o'clock in the evening in Bay's Inn is not boring at all, though we have cable television in our air-conditioned rooms, I opted to go out, walk in the sea side. As the waves touches the shoreline, that creates gushing sound, it mixes with the loud music coming from two separate live bands of the two entertainment/disco bar situated just across Bay's Inn.

Looking far in the horizon are blinking lights coming from the fishing boats hauling the next days catch while the vast sky posed brilliant moon and flashing stars aside from the intermittent lightning striking randomly across the dark sky.

At 2am, I returned back to my room and finally find myself dozing off to my dreams.

Tedious yet Noble
A hot creamed-coffee, beef tapa with rice and sunny-side-up-egg and sunny Saturday morning welcomes the 19 VF Facilitator's Training participants.

Six CFC's came from Casiguran which is 4-5 hours away from Baler. They left Casiguran 3am and arrived Baler at 7:30am. They said, the road going to Casiguran is 3 times worse than the road between the town of Bongabon and San Luis. The rest of the participants came from CFC locals of Baler, Ma. Aurora, San Luis and cooperative members who are willing to facilitate the VF sessions in other cooperative.

The Facilitators Training composed of lectures, teachings, and sample presentations done by Tekton Trainor. (I made a sample session among with the participants, my first time to handle a session in front of CFC elders in the area). And after the sample presentations, the participants themselves presented their own sessions. These sessions are those VF sessions that will be given to coco farmers and coconut cooperatives in Aurora province duly accredited by UCPB-CIIF (Cocofinance).

It was almost 11PM when the 3rd to last group session presentation ended. Though late already, I made myself available again in trekking down the shoreline.

Sunday Spree
After a breakfast of tapang usa, the two remaining group sample presentation went ahead. Enthusiastic and filled with zeal and passion, participants willingly signed their commitment of doing what they have been tasked to do. The Facilitators Training ended 1pm, just in time for those who came from Casiguran to catch up the last trip going back to their town.

With the warmth reception coming from the CFC in Baler, our stay wasn't boring at all. With lots of time in the afternoon, we were toured by a fellow CFC in the outskirts of Baler.

Ermita Park
It is located in Barangay Zabali. It is a short, steep trek from the foot of the hill, through small trees and cogon grass, to the top. There are concrete kiosk spreads in the site which serve as picnic hut. Still under construction are the grotto and the view deck. The view deck provides an excellent view of the town of Baler, Sabang Beach and Dimadimalangat islet, and the ranges of Mt. Sierra Madre.

(Hidden beneath a clump of trees are the almost unrecognizable remains of a bell tower. Owing to its excellent vantage point, the bell tower was formerly used to warn people of Baler of raiding pirates. During sunny days the place is swelteringly hot.)

Digisit Beach
After that scenic view, we drove to Diguisit (Digisit). Situated on the eastern side tip of Baler is a remote shoreline. This upper landward shore is mostly sand while the water shores are barricades of corals forming a protective reef that prevents strong waves of the Pacific from smashing onto the shore. The area is good for diving, and during calmer months, for snorkeling.

After collecting some shells and 'sigay', corals and sea stones, we headed back to the northern part of Baler. While I opted to stay in the town proper and visited the church and the local museum, my colleagues visited Ma. Aurora.

President Quezon Memorial Park
Fenced by concrete material and set on a circular cement platform, it serves as a landmark of Baler, the birthplace of the late President Manuel L. Quezon. This is located in a big street block along with the Local Museum of Baler that houses the memorabilia of Quezon, of Angaras and other historical features of Baler.

Baler Catholic Chuch
It was the last Spanish garrison of four officers and fifty men siege by Filipino insurgents on June 27, 1899. This is also where the La Campana de Baler, an ancient high quality bell, was used and later stored as a relic.

I noticed the concrete footprints in front of the church leading to the Quezon Memorial Park. Just like the concrete footprints of Rizal in Intramuros from Fort Santiago going to Bagumbayan (Luneta). But I found no one from the Museum to answer my query.

Balete Park
My colleagues went to Ma. Aurora and visited the Balete Park.

This park contains the 600-year-old balete tree that was designated the official "Millennium Tree" of The Philippines. It is the largest tree of its kind in Asia, and it would take 60 grown men, holding one another at arm's length, to encircle its gigantic trunk. Due to its age, the tree's thick roots have grown above ground, such that caves have formed under various sections of the trunk. This unique tree has generated national media attention and is now the most visited tourist spot in Aurora.

Then they went ahead to the house of our hostess where they plentifully devour fresh buko. When they arrived in Bay's Inn, they brought with them, what else, Euphorbia, given to them as gift.

My last night in Baler is not the same with my first two nights. Since this is my last night, I decided to visit the local bar and singly watched the band performing in front of a handful costumers.

Monday Dip
At the stroke of 6am, we are in front of the resort, testing the sea water if it is cold. To my surprise, it's almost lukewarm! Forty five minutes of wading in the water is not enough to test the 'surfing' area of Aurora.

I remember, Saturday afternoon while conducting the training in Bahia de Baler, I've seen some folks in front of that resort, with their surf board, paddling and trying to ride in the waves as it touches the shoreline. The locals said that surfing season usually falls in the last quarter of the year where waves rose double.

In Barangay Sabang, located on this long stretch of gray sand beach, are several resorts namely: Angara's Beach House, Bay's Inn Resort (Our foster home), Bahia de Baler, Surfers' Inn, MIA Surf and Sports Resort and Baler Guesthouse and Restaurant, which, offer accommodations near the beachfront and provide food, relaxation, and respite for swimmers and surfers.

From March through June, the waves are relatively calm providing a good beachfront for swimmers and an excellent challenge for expert windsurfers. The months from October to February bring in the large waves for beginner surfers to learn the basics. Since the sea level is gradual in its depth and no sudden slopes, it is relatively safety to surf and you won't get any scratches if big waves will eat you down to the sea level since there were no coral present but only fine sand at the bottomed.

They said the most popular surfing point is found right in front of Bay's Inn, where beginners brave the moderate waves and regular surfers practice.

(Lindy's point, found further north along Sabang beach, is a highly-prized secret spot among local surfers.)

Unfortunately, I found no one in that very early Monday morning paddling their surfboard, only handful joggers in the shoreline. And the Surfers' Inn, where they have surfing board rental, is still close.

Home Sweet Home
After packing and having our hefty breakfast, we received 'buko' as pabaon from a cooperative member who have attended our VF Training.

We left Baler 9:30am taking the same road, the 'villa', going back to Cabanatuan, and from time-to-time do some stop over, buying some plants along the way from the locals (waling-waling, wild orchids, 'dapo'/fern)

I thought Euphorbia is already over but when we reached San Leonardo town in Nueva Ecija, we dropped by in another garden and my colleagues bought another variety of euphorbia, Euphorbia Lactea that looks like a fan.

That was already 7:30pm when I finally say "I'm home!".

My four-day stay in Baler is so quick but full of fun memories, noble works and mission, moments of interest, food, history and nature. And I quickly said to myself, I'll be back again in Baler....or probably the farthest town in Aurora, Casiguran (no electricity, only generator that runs until 12mn; no cellular signal till you go to higher places; cheap and fresh sea foods; plain, simple and full life).. and this will be another story.

2005-05-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

The Rising Sun

Standing proud

Sea of Clouds

Sea of Clouds

2005-05-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Trekking down from the summit...

2005-05-23T19:38:00.001-07:00

The Cathedral in Anilao

2005-05-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Maniguin Island: With watch tower, this island is around 2 hours away from Boracay Island... The dive site here is composed of walls...

2005-05-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

Feeding Time...feeding the fishes with bread..cool experience!

Ready For Dive (Check-Up Dive in Planet Dive, Anilao Batangas)

2005-05-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

Ready for Dive

GK and Rambo

2005-05-17T04:08:00.000-07:00

The moment we entered the GK Brookside in Quezon City as part of the Immersion Trip of GK News Bureau Volunteers last May 14, 2004, we were welcomed by greetings coming from the residents of the area. With smiles, children playing in the alleys and the parents who gathered around in that Saturday morning, gleefully greets us “good morning”.

We were then oriented by the CFC Caretaker team of the site, Tito Jerry and Tita Malyn Alonzo, of the development and the history of the Brookside. Starting from the relocation of scavengers who used to live in the core of Quezon City, they were first brought to Bulacan but due to its far location, they force to live in this side of suburbs beside the brook side of a well known subdivision.

It was through the effort of Sister Mary of Mercy that they were taken care of and eventually through the collaboration with CFC and Gawad Kalinga, they were able to transform the said squatter colony into a small haven of bliss.

As we stroll the pave alleys of GK Brookside, the 37.9 degrees heat of the sun doesn’t hampered us to visit the decent houses painted with rainbow colors, school building (now houses the Stella Maris annex school intended for the students in that depressed area) and library (with computers and printer), clinic (ready to accommodate any baby’s delivery), playing grounds and courts, multi-purpose hall, chapel and small parks that will truly help them to build–up their sense self worthiness and give them the pride of living in a peaceful and productive environment. All of these were made possible through the partnership and unity of many corporations, institutions and individuals, local and abroad, who were touched and contagiously infected with the spirit of bayanihan and heroism.

During the orientation, we were awed by the site development plan of GK Brookside and how it become what it is now considered as the model of all GK sites. What touches us more is when two of its residents shared their stories. They are the parents of Rambo.

(May 14, 2005 happened to be the Lord’s Day Celebration of UST - Sto. Domingo CLP. One of the groups who will perform is the group that I’m handling in our CLP. And my group prepared a gag-con-newscasting-program. When I edit the script made originally by one of our participant, weeks before the Lord’s Day, I added there the portion of Rambo being interviewed about his condition living in the squatters’ area and their relocation in a new GK house. Little that I know, two weeks after that script preparation, I’ll be able to meet personally Rambo’s parents, and directly straight from their mouth reaffirms their plight before).

Mang Rolan told us how faithful God is to him. Despite of being a drug dependent for many times and giving so much pain to Aling Cora, his wife and their children, physically and emotionally, he was able to transform himself into a responsible father and husband. After being confined into a center for some months, Aling Cora took charge of rearing their children and courageously struggles for their daily living. Aling Cora narrated to us how she and her son Rambo pushes their cart under the rain in the wee hours of the morning, searching and collecting things from the garbage that can be sold in junk shop. Rambo would tell her mother why at that very moment they were scavenging for their living while others were already in their home tucked in and sound asleep. Aling Cora thinks and shares the same as with Rambo, and their tears would both fall down along with the rain in their faces. It breaks my heart hearing such plight of these mother and son.

After Rambos’ father was rehabilitated, they found themselves sheltered in GK Brookside. Mang Rolan and Aling Cora now serve the community in Couples For Christ, while Rambo continues his studies as a scholar. Although they still have their life’s struggle, there are now living decently and with restored dreams and dignity.

GK Brookside and many other GK sites in our country tells many different stories of ups and downs, of broken hopes but restored pride and dreams through the help of many souls. Detailed stories of pains and struggles that sometimes cannot be capture by cameras and videos can only be written and documented by paper and ink. And these are the challenge for everyone to become the herald of these stories, to inspire and become the living witness of how unity and bayanihan can transform the community of the depressed into a heaven of peace and development. This is GK. And we are called to become part of it.

Tanging Ina Ko!

2005-05-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

12:39 am May 8, 2005

Nais kong bago matapos ang araw na ito, muli akong makagawa ng artikulong magpapahayag ng muli kong pagmamahal sa akin ina at pagpupugay sa lahat ng mga ina sa buong mundo.

Alam ninyo, may isang bagay akong sobrang nasa saloob ko. Naiiinis ako kasi alam kong masama ito. Inaamin ko, mainggitin ako. Mainggitin sa mga taong may mga Nanay na nasa tabi nila at pwde nilang yakapin at halikan. Maiinggitin ako sa mga taong may Nanay na nakakasama nila sa mga gimik at lakaran. Maiinggitin ako sa mga taong may Nanay na nalalapitan nila at naiiyakan sa tuwing sila ay may mga problema. Sino ba naman ang hindi maiinggit kung wala kang maaari mong lapitan kapag kailangan mo ng kalinga ng isang Nanay. At sa puntong ito, labis akong nangungulila kapag naiisip ko ito.

Mahirap kalimutan kahit ninuman ang mga sandaling kasama mo ang Nanay mo. Oo nga’t namalagi ka sa sinapupunan ng Nanay mo ng siyam na buwan, higit pa rin dun ang sandaling mas kilala ka ng nanay mo.

Hindi na natin matandaan kung paano tayo pinapalitan ng lampin (vocabulary 101: LAMPIN – yari sa mantsang hilaw na tela or katsang puti) oo..inaamin ko, di ako umabot sa diapers ...kung pano tayo unang pinaliguan ng nanay natin (..sa batya pa lang noon)..at ang gamit na sabon sa atin ay Perla …. Tapos, ibabalot tayo sa isang kumot na may burda ng pangalan natin… kulay blue kapag lalaki, at kulay pink kapag babae…at kung pano tayo ipagkanaw (vocabulary 101: KANAW – pagtimpla) ng Nanay natin ng gatas (hmmm.. Bona na ba ang gatas na gamit noon kasi di pa noon naiimbento ang Promil – pero in fairness, kahit walang Promil, gifted na ako… hehehehe)…at ilang buwan, or worst, taon ng tayo’y bago ibutaw ng Nanay natin (vocabulary 101: IBUTAW – patigilin sa pagbreast feed)…siguro, noong panahong iyon, diring diri kayo sa kulay purple na nasa dibdib ng nanay niyo kaya’t nagtyaga na lang tayo sa bibiron (vocabulary 101: BIBIRON – feeding bottle)…

Noong bata ba tayo, ilang beses ba tayong sinasaway ng nanay natin kapag kinukutkot natin ang kantong dulo ng ating kumot o punda ng unan…at makailang beses ba tayong umiihi sa higaan natin katabi ng Nanay natin?

Hindi lang iisang beses na lalapit tayo sa Nanay natin at magpapapalit ng salwal natin kasi may pupo na…

Hindi ko malubos maisip na sa kabataan natin ay sobra sobra na ang ginagawang pagmamahal ng Nanay natin..hindi natin ito matatawag na malasakit kasi katumbas ng ginagawa nila sa atin ay ang buhay nila….

Noong unang pumasok tayo sa paaralan, kasa-kasama natin sya dahil may bago tayong mundong gagalawan at nais nating nakikita natin sila habang nag-aadjust tayo sa bago nating kapaligiran…

Si Nanay, kaylan man, nais niyang nasa mayos tayong kinalalagyan at di inaapi.. Naranasan mo na bang ang Nanay mo ang nakikipagaway sa Nanay ng mga kalaro mo? Hehehe.. nangingiti ako sa pagkakataong sinusulat ko ito kasi ang Nanay ko ang sumugod sa bahay ng kalaro ko at nakipagdakdakan sa Nanay ng kalaro ko…may pagkaguirrera pala ang Nanay ko….

Nanay ngang talaga na matatawag ang ating ina kasi lahat ng bagay na maari niyang ibigay upang mapabuti tayo, ginagawa niya di ba? Iba iba ang propesyon ng ating mga Nanay…at mas pinili niyang propesyon ang isang maging simpleng maybahay…katulong ni Tatay sa pagdidisiplina sa aming mga anak nila…

Sa panahong ngayon, tutol na tutol tayo sa mga magulang na gumagamit ng kamay para disiplinahin mga anak nila…pero noon, sa tingin ko, ok lang. Kasi ba naman kung hindi ako napapalo, nakukurot at isang beses na masampal ng Nanay ko noon, marahil hindi ako disiplinado ngayon, hindi ko pinahahalagahan ang mga nais nilang mangyari sa akin…masakit sa katawan kapag nararamdaman mo ang sakit na dala ng pisikal na pagdidisiplina, magmumukmok ka na lang at iiyak sa isang sulok habang isinusumpa mo sila (kasi naman bata pa, di ko alam na masama ang magsumpa ng tao…sensya na..murang isip pa lang.)

At matapos tayong disiplinahin ng nanay natin, kapag tumuntong na tayo sa hustong edad, binibigyan na tayo ng malayang pag-iisip at pagdedesisyon sa buhay…Noong nag-aral na ako sa Maynila, malayo sa piling ni Nanay, todo-todong mga bilin ang binibigay niya sa akin, sobrang pag-aalala talaga ang nasa puso niya…pero dahil alam ko na ang hirap na dinala nila at sakripisyo para sa akin, may tamang isip na na rin ako na gawin ang mga bagay na magpapaganda ng buhay ko.

Siyam na buwan sa sinapupunan…siyam na buwang kelangan niyang maging maingat na huwag madulas, huwag mahulog sa hagdan upang tayo ay di maagas (vocabulary 101: MAAGAS – makuhan, ma-abort)

Anim na taon bago tayo pumasok sa elementarya, nanay natin ang karamay natin sa lahat ng oras, kapag nagkakasakit tayo, kapag nais natin ng kalaro, kapag pinatutulog tayo sa duyan o di kaya’y sa bisig niya habang isinasayaw tayo…

Anim muli na taon sa pagtungtong sa elementarya, kaagapay natin sila sa paggagawa ng mga proyekto ng paralan, bagamat hindi si Nanay ang dumadalo sa PTA meetings ng paaralan, si Nanay pa rin ang nag-aabot ng baon sa atin….

Apat na taon sa high school. Apat na taong binibigyan na tayo ng konting laya para magdesisyon pero katulong pa rin natin sila…literally, sya pa rin ang naglalaba ng uniform at nagpaplantsa nito para sa atin…sa apat na taong ito, maipagmamalaki ko, maraming beses ko rin syang pinapanhik sa entamblado upang sya mismo ang magsabit sa akin ng medalya ng karangalan…

Limang taon sa kolehiyo…Limang taon singkad na nasigasig akong nag-aral para sa kinabukasan ko…at ang tanging baon ko dito sa Maynila ay ang mga pangaral ng magulang ko….si Nanay ang alam natin, katulong lagi ng Tatay natin upang kahit sa malayong lugar ay suportahan tayo… sa Limang taon ko sa kolehiyo, ilang beses sa bawat semestral break ako nakakauwi upang makapiling sina Nanay…at sa panahong iyon, muling ko syang nayayakap at nahahalikan, nasasamahan sa palengke upang ipagbuhat ng mga pinamili, nakakatulong sa paglilinis ng bahay at nakakakwentuhan habang nanonood ng telebisyon habang makatulugan na niya at si Tatay na ang gigising sa kanya…

Pagkatapos ng Limang taon sa kolehiyo, ang susunod na bahagi ay maraming taon pang kasama natin sya habang nagtatrabaho na tayo…pero hindi!

Isang taon mula ng aking pagtatapos at pagtatrabaho…ay maaga na siyang kinuha ni Lord… (http://thechroniclersfiles.blogspot.com/2005/03/kain-tayo-sa-mcdo-nanay-o-ipagluto-mo.html)

Halos dalawampu’t tatlong taon lang….23 years! Ganyan ko lang nakapiling si Nanay…dalawampu’t tatong taon ko lang muli’t muliy babalikan ang mga panahong kasama ko sya…23 years lang ng mga pangyayari sa buhay ko nakasama ko sya...at sa mga nagdaanang panahong iyon, ilang beses ko ba syang nahalikan at nayakap…at binati ng Happy Mothers Day Nanay….

Oo nga, naiinggit ako kapag nakikita ko ikaw na kasama ang Nanay mo…kausap mo sa cellphone ang Nanay mo..o di kaya’y katsikahan mo ang Nanay mo…o humihingi ka ng payo sa Nanay mo tungkol sa pag-ibig o anumang aspeto ng buhay…

At inaasam na sana si Nanay kausap ko pa sa cellphone, ka-text ko at pinadadalhan ng MMS ng mga akyat ko sa bundok, ng mga lakad ko sa SFC, ng mga MMS kasama ang mga kaibigan ko…

Hihikbi na lang ako sa isang sulok, at sa impit na iyak ay sasambitin ko..” Nanay, namimiss kita” ….(salamat, kalapit ng computer ko ngayon ang isang tuwalya nakasabit dito, madali kong napunasan ang mga luhang gumulong na namang pababa at ang sipon ko)…..

Nanay Happy Mother’s Day..at sa lahat ng mga Nanay sa mundo…sa nanay ng mga pinsan ko… mga Nanay ng mga kaibigan ko…sa mga Nanay ng mga ka-SFC ko…sa mga Nanay sa opisina namin....sa mga Nanay at Tita-titahan ko sa Tekton at sa CFC. at sa mga kaibigan kong ganap na ring Nanay….

Tanging Ina ko..nag-iisa lang....

The Journeys of the Heroes: Dingalan, Aurora

2005-05-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

They came in buses and in private vehicles. They came with shovels, hammers, paint brushes and pails. They came with the spirit of love, hope and heroism in their heart.

Fifty one warm bodies of SFC West B-1b including three non-SFC members, who were just invited, joined the rest of SFC Volunteers of West Sector in the Kalinga Luzon Singles Summer Build in Dingalan, Aurora.

The SFC West B-1B volunteers convened in BK Welcome Rotunda with other SFC from other chapters of West Sector last April 28, 2005. At around 5:30am, two buses and five private vehicles left to Aurora. Amidst the early morning traffic of metropolis, the smooth road of NLEX, the dusty road of Bulacan, the long and winding highway of Nueva Ecija, till the footsteps of Aurora province, they reach the town of Dingalan at around 10:30am.

The GK site is situated in slightly steep slope of Barangay Caragsakan, overlooking the scenic Dingalan Bay and the Pacific Ocean in the East and bounded by the ranges of Mount Sierra Madre in the West and South. The perfect site for this community will house the families of Barangay Paltic who were devastated by the typhoon on the latter part of 2004.

Heroes of today

The scorching heat of the sun greeted the volunteers as they trooped uphill to the site and they were welcomed by the towns’ Mayor, (coincidentally, GMA Channel 7’s news crew were there also headed by their reporter, Carlo Lorenzo) and some of the beneficiaries who volunteers in building their own houses.

Excavation works began at 2:00 pm after the whole group offered a short Praise and Worship. Pail of gravels started in rolling around, hands to hands, and the intensity of the days work began with so much enthusiasm.

Before the sun finally hides from its horizon, the builders were able to excavate six foundations, poured some gravels and cement, and some were able to build one layer of hollow blocks as wall.

The glare of the sun was finally replaced by the lights of the stars scattered in the vast dark skies and the fireflies that thrive in that place, leaving no one in awed as they share stories of the first day of work. As if the day is not yet over, some still choose to be awake and chat and hold personal dialogues that truly made that moment an ideal place to be bond close together. Snores and hiss finally enveloped the area with some occasional sound of slapping hands shooing away not-so-friendly-mosquitoes. (Brothers sleep in tents, while sisters stayed in the partially completed houses.)

The morning breeze and the early morning rays of the Saturday sun is a perfect ambience to worship God. Even without guitars, the Builders led by Jeck Diño, powerfully exulted, praised and thank the Lord for the great night rest and lift up the next day’s work for God’s protection and guidance.

A short and inspiring talk by Sis. Rosette Reyes reaffirms everyone of the kind of heroism that everyone is doing. The modern day’s hero is no longer armed with guns and swords but with shovels, hammers and pails doing the battle of building the nation.

As they chant “Filipino, Ako! Bayani ako! Kristiyano Ako! Ito ang Gusto ko!” the volunteers trooped back again to their areas of assignment and continue their work.

Daniel, Patrick and Jacquiline

As the group started again their work, I was able to interviewed and mingled with some of the kids in the site. They belong to those families who have been devastated by the typhoon that destroyed their houses in Barangay Paltic.

Daniel is two years old and the youngest of the four siblings. As he hold the biscuits, cookies and chips that we gave him, he told me in his own tots words as he recalled it the big flood that destroyed their homes. Innocent as a child he remembered his toys that were swept away by the flood.

Patrick resides in a small nipa hut near the place where we pegged our tents. I noticed him Friday late afternoon gazing nearby our tent and I called him to come nearer and let him sit in my lap. Silent type but his deep eyes speak a lot. He’s just a small one year old toddler wearing only big sando. I learned from his playmate that Patrick’s father stays in the site doing the iron works (making the window grills for the houses), Patrick understand what I’m saying, when I asked him to go to home since it’s already getting dark and even asked him to be back the following day so we can play. That was Saturday morning, I woke up late, and Patrick’s mother told me that Patrick went to our tent looking for me, making true to his word (…eesh..he did not speak I recalled, he just remembered what we have agreed about the day before).

Jacquiline is six years old. I noticed her standing at the back of the bayanihan chain of brothers and sisters hauling hollow blocks from one point to another. It’s prominent in her forehead the scars of big stitches. When I approached her together with a sister and asked her what had happened to her forehead. She obliged in telling the stories that she was swept away by the flood together with her grandmother during the November tragedy. Fortunate for her, she was saved by his father when her head surfaced on the rampaging waters of the flood, while her grandmother lost her life being bruised and battered by the boulders and logs that came down from the mountain slopes.

Bayanihan Chain

The most awesome scene that I really like is the bayahinan human chain formed every time some construction materials will be brought from one place to another. When the truck of hollow blocks arrived in the site, it can’t pass through going near the construction site since it was blocked by a wrecked van that was stalled in the middle of the service road. Almost fifty brothers and sisters from different chapters heed the call of forming these bayanihan human chain hauling hollow blocks from the truck parked uphill going down to the construction site.

Aside from the volunteers, we simply admired the kids who help us also in hauling construction materials. At one point during the hauling of gravels in pails and cans, empty containers are being carried by the kids going to the source of gravels while the filled-in pails were hauled hands from hands to hands to hands.

Barangay Paltic: A place of lost hope and dreams

I was lucky to join the second batch of volunteers who visited the area of devastation, Barangay Paltik. It is located near the Dingalan Bay, 15 minutes drive from the GK Site. Upon the entrance to the road leading to that barangay, you can see already the big boulders, logs and uprooted tree still scattered around. And when we reached the barangay proper, we saw some houses along the road still buried half of its height. And when we trekked towards the interior of the barangay, we were shocked and astounded by the presence of more boulders as big as of a “beetle car” and more big logs.

While we were traversing the path of the boulders and logs where it came from, some barangay folks that stayed there with their houses spared by the flood mockingly shouts on us. “Baka may humawak sa mga paa ninyo dyan!” (There might be someone holding your feet there!). And then we learned that that was the exact site where many houses were swept away by flood losing many lives.

Houses were buried almost to their roofs. Coconut trees that grows as tall as three story building is just a stretched arm away to its fruits when you stand beside it. The remains of houses are still there, trusts, ceilings, reflecting the kind of destruction it had during that day of devastation. In one place, nothing left but just a houses’ flooring in the middle of boulders and more boulders. Just imagine how much water it will take to carry these boulders down to the lowland. The fury of flood waters left nothing in that barangay but only lost hope, dreams and dear lives of many.

We left Barangay Paltic with heavy heart and gloomy emotion, remembering the sorrow and grief folks have experienced there and returned back to Barangay Caragsakan with so much hope and conviction in our heart that what we are doing in this GK site is a restoration of hope and dreams for those victims of typhoon.

Unity Dinner and Fellowship Night

Saturday night in Barangay Caragsakan is very far different from the usual nights of the metropolis. After preparing the dinner of every chapter, they convened in one place and put all the food they have prepared in one big table. Dishes of different menus like, tinola, inihaw na tulingan (big tuna fishes), fried fishes, noddles, canned tuna, adobong kangkong and sinigang na isda were spread out in the table. After the short prayer everyone was asked to get their food, together with the beneficiaries, but was advice not to eat first since the food will still be blessed. When everyone was assured that they already have their food in their plates and containers, no one imagined that the food they’ve got from the table will be given instead, as being instructed, to others for exchange, a symbol of honoring everyone who took part of sacrificing for others.

This is the Unity Dinner that happened that made everyone realized that sacrifice for others is sweetest at its best.

The night was culminated by the presentations coming from different chapters. Hosted by Sis. Jill Javelosa, Bro. Oneal Palomar and Bro. Jun de Leon, the trio made the crowd broke down to their feet, together with the “magical-comical” presentation of Nueva Ecija chapter, “dance-acting-roll-over-the-floor-laughing” presentation of West B-1B, dance presentation of West B-1C and “dance-human-puppet” presentation of West B-1D/E.

But the stillness of the night doesn’t ends there. Unmindful of tired body from the days work, the Dingalan heroes still managed to brighten up the dark humid night. Stories and conversations over coffee still echoes from the unfinished houses, from the tents and from the open field.

Labor Day, literally

“Patrick!” “Patrick!” as I shouted early morning of Sunday. And I saw Patrick under the Aratiles tree near their hut. After I gave him some jelly ace (the trekkers favorite trail food) I continued waking up everybody…

May 1 is Labor Day. And literally, everyone was already in their feet finishing what have left on Saturday afternoon. While some houses have already their façade coated with bright colors of paint, the walls of the houses they have started begun to show up. The volunteers were in the right track and facing. From barren soil, they toiled and excavated it, poured gravels and cement, erected the foundation, and built five layers of hollow blocks comprising the houses’ walls.

But the day is so short, while everyone were still eager to finished what they have started, it has to stop, to finally culminate the activity with a powerful and emotional talk by Bro. Bob Lasala. The call of heroism and bayanihan should not stop in Dingalan. But it should continue in the respective GK sites of every chapter. The sense of urgency in helping less fortunate brethren, especially those victims of typhoon in this area is very much needed. Currently house in an evacuation center, crowded and with no much space to roam around, prone to sickness and epidemics, low in spirit and financially disabled. This is the present scenario that they are experiencing. And the hope that we are bringing to this people, by merely of our presence is more than enough to let them feel they we care for them. We don’t have to be rich and talented for us to contribute and help our brothers and sisters. Our presence will build relationship that will last forever.

Till we meet again

That was almost 2pm, everyone were in a hurry packing up things, having a quick lunch. And I have to bid goodbye to Daniel and to Patrick after giving some more jelly ace and chocolates. (I’ve got Daniels’ older brother’s slingshot as souvenir, he gave it to me.)

Rushing against time, we left Dingalan with unfinished business. But with the promise that we will back again to fully rebuild the hope and dreams of the families that continue to struggle to live with dignity again.

As our buses left the place, we saw the kids lining up along the road, waving goodbyes, with smiles, reflecting new hope and new life.

This is not the end of our journey as heroes. This is only the tip of more battle in building our nation to prosper until we see no more slums and poor in our country. There are more Daniel, Patrick and Jacquiline in every heart of this country and we are here as Singles For Christ to help bring bright future for them and their families.#

Pa-kiss Pare!

2005-03-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

(This was posted in my yahoogroups last December 13, 2004)

Birthday ni Tatay noong nakaraang Linggo. Wala namang magarbong handaan, kundi isang payak na misa ang inialay namin sa kalapit na simbahan.

Sa pagkakataong ito, gugunitain ko ang ala-ala ng isang guro, magulang, kaibigan at asawa.

Noong bata pa ako, sa katigasan ng ulo ko, tanda ko pa ang latay ng sinturon ni tatay kapag kami ay napapalo niya. May isang pagkakataon na naputol ang kanyang lumang sinturon sa paghagupit sa akin. Masakit, pero di ako nagtanim ng galit sa kanya ng parusahan niya ako ng ganun.

Malambing din ang aking tatay, may isang pagkakataon noong ako’y nagkasakit, susunduin niya ako sa aking kwarto upang kanyang buhatin at dalhin sa hapag kainan. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam, habang inaala-ala ko ngayun yung feeling na buhat buhat ka ng iyong ama, nakayakap ka sa kanya, nakahilig ang ulo mo kanyang balikat, at pakiramdam mo, sinasabi niya sa iyo, “safe ka sa akin, anak”….

Todo suporta ang tatay lalo ng ako’y “bininyagan”. Diyata’t sya ang aming kasama ng kuya ko ng pumunta kami sa doctor sa bayan upang magpatuli. Hawak ko ang mga kamay niya ng mahigpit habang ako’y nakapikit at “binibinyagan” ng doctor.

Guro sa isang pampublikong sekondarya ang aking tatay. Ng magkamulat ako ay isang ganap ng guro ang aking ama. Nagtuturo ng subject na science, practical arts, social studies, woodworking at abala rin sa gawaing pang Boy Scout. Isang pintor sa kanyang sariling kakayanan si Tatay, marahil sa kanya ko naman namana ang aking talento sa pagguhit.

Vrica kung tawagin ang tatay sa paaralan ng mga kapwa niya guro. Vrica, mula sa unng letra ng kanyang pangalan, Virgilio, “V” at “rica”, mula sa unag dalawang kataga ng kanyang apelyido. Kakaiba di ba? At kakaiba rin ang ginagawang serbisyo ng tatay sa paaralan. Tanda ko pa, kapag Foundation Day sa aming school, serbisyo niya ang inuupahan ng mga may kayang pamilya sa aming bayan upang gumawa ng karosa ng mga anak nilang nagwagi sa patimpalak ng pagandahan (at payamanan, kasi paramihan ng pera e!)

At sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo niya, ay naitaguyod niya kaming mga anak niya upang mapag-aral niya sa kolehiyo.

Relihiyoso si Tatay. Isa syang lector sa aming simbahan, at naging miyembro ng Couples for Christ sila ni Nanay noong nandito na ako sa Maynila. Kaya naman ngayun ay naiintindihan ko na rin kung ano yung mga sinasabi nilang household noon.

Pero may isang bisyo si tatay na dati ay di ko pinapansin noong akoy bata pa…YOSI, kadalasan ako pa ang pinabibili niya ng sigarilyo sa kanto sa may tindahan. Ngunit, sa paglipas ng panahon, noong tumuntong na ako ng kolehiyo at nawalay na ako sa aking mga magulang, kabilang sa ginawang pagtitipid ni tatay upang kahit papaano ay makadagdag ng allowance na ipapadala sa amin dito sa Manila, ay unti unti niya na itong binabawasan, pero nagsusumbong sa akin si Nanay na di pa rin daw ito nawawala. Isang liham ang ginawa ko noon kay tatay, may halong pagtatangka, tanda ko pa sa liham na sinulat ko..”tatay, kung ikaw, nakakapagsigarilyo, ako man kaya ko na ring magsigarilyo sa edad kong ito, pero di ko ginagawa,…sana sa pag-uwi ko dyan sa probinsya, buo pa kayo at malusog” …parang ganito ang linya ng liham ko kay tatay..Marahil, naantig si Tatay kaya nama’t pinagpursigihan nyang itigil ang paninigarilyo, sa sobrang pagkakaantig sa sulat ko, ipinabasa pa niya ito sa Ninang ko na kapwa niya kaguro sa paaralan.

Nagdaan ang panahon, napagtapos niya ang kuya ko bilang inhenyero, nababakas ko sa kanya ang kasiyahan, nagpakain nga siya sa mga kaguro niya ng makapasa si kuya sa board exam. At sa aking pag-aaral, di ko binigo si tatay na makapagtapos din sa kursong inhenyero.

Nang lumuwas sila ng nanay at tatay ko upang dumalo sa aking pagtatapos, si tatay at kuya ko lang nag nakadalo sa Folk Arts Theater, kasi ang Nanay ko noon, lumuwas nga pero dahil sa kanyang sakit ay di na nakayanang sumama sa Folk Arts. Walang handaan matapos ang aking graduation, nagkasya kami sa isang malamig na sago’t gulaman na pumatid sa aming uhaw bago kami umuwi sa bahay ng aming tita na kung saan nandoon ang aking nanay na naghihintay. Iniabot ko ang “dummy” diploma kay nanay at nagsalo kaming lahat sa nilagang baka na pinaluto ng aking tita.

Lumipas ang ilang buwan, tuluyan ng naratay si Nanay sa karamdaman. Habang nandito sa Manila si Nanay, ang Tatay ko naman ang kasama ng aking dalawang kapatid sa probinsya.

Isang araw, kailangan sumailalim ng prosesong medical si nanay at kailangan ng malaking halaga. Agad akong nag long distance kay tatay at sinabi sa kanya ang pinansyal na pangangailangan. “Hihintayin ko na muna ang sweldo namin para may madala dyan, kayo na muna ang bahala sa Nanay nyo” …..isang pagbibigay ng katungkulan at pag-aatang ng responsibilidad, dahil matapos ang araw na hinihintay namin ang kanyang pagdating, ang aking kapatid mula sa probinsya ang dumating dala ang pera, wala si Tatay, iyon pala’y inatake sa puso at dinala sa hospital. Walang kamala’y malay si Nanay na nakaconfine na pala si Tatay sa probinsya.

Unang araw ng interview ko noon sa isang trabaho, umaga pa, 7AM ng June 10. Nakatanggap ng tawag sa telepono ang aking tita, pagbaba ko ng bahay mula sa pagbibihis sa kwarto, maluha-luha niyang sinabi sa akin..” wala na ang Tatay mo” ….di ko maintidihan ang tinuran niya, pinaulit ko, baka lamang nagkakamali ako ng dinig… “nauna na ang Tatay mo” ….para akong pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa, pumanaw sa Tatay samantalang si Nanay ay kasalukuyang nasa St. Lukes Hospital.

Napawi na ang sakit na dala ng pagpanaw ni Tatay, tumanggap kami ng benepisyo na sya namang ginamit sa mahabang gamutan ng aking ina.

Nakapagreview ako at pumasa sa board exam. Ganap ng inhenyero, pero wala si Tatay sa aking tabi upang tanggapin ang titulong itinuturing pangalawang medalya sa dibdib ng aking ama.

Wala pang isang taon, sa maikling panahon din ay sumunod na si Nanay kay Tatay. At ganap na kaming naulila.

Matatamis ang ala-ala ni Tatay. Isang guro, isang kaibigan, isang ulirang asawa na maging sariling buhay ay kanyang inialay para sa kabiyak, isang mapagmahal na ama.

Tuwing magagawi ako sa aming simbahan, at makikita ang imahen ng Birheng Maria na nakadambana sa altar. Naalala ko si tatay, kasi ito iyung rebulto na isinailalim nya sa detalyadong pagpipinta ng orihinal na kulay. Kaylan man di ko malilimot ang kanyang pagtuturo sa akin kung paano pumedal ng bisikleta. Ang gabing kasama ko syang namamasyal, matapos ang araw ng aking pagtatapos, nakaakbay sa kanya, Ang hagupit ng sinturon niya. Ang kanyang yakap at lambing. Ang pagsasama niya sa amin sa panonood ng kung-fu movies sa masurot na sinehan ng bayan.

Habang sariwa pa ang mga bagay na ito, pilit kung itong binubuhay sa aking gunita. At sa nagdaang kaarawan, nandoon yung walang sawang mga “sana”…sana nagbibirthday ka ngayun na kapiling namin at nagliliwaliw….at sana’y kapiling ko pa sya sa pag-aaruga ng kanyang mga magiging apo.

Sana kaakbay ko pa sya at sinasabing… Pa-kiss nga pare!

Kain Tayo sa McDO Nanay o Ipagluto mo ako ng Spaghetti

2005-03-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

(This was posted in my yahoo groups last Dec. 4, 2004....Dec. 6 is my birthday)

Tuwing sasapit ang kaarawan ninuman, unang pinasasalamatan si Lord. At ang susunod siguro hindi lahat nakakaisip nito, ang ating mga magulang, especially ang mga nanay natin.

Kaya naman sa espesyal na araw na ito ng aking buhay, matapos kung pasalamatan si Lord sa muli niyang pagpapahiram ng buhay sa akin, nais kung bigyan muli ng pagpupugay ang aking nanay.

Hindi naman ako nanay’s boy, marahil ay litaw lang at natural lang sa akin ang maging malambing sa aking nanay. Ako sa magkakapatid ang laging nakapulupot sa nanay ko kapag nanlalambing, kapag natutulog sya, tatabihan ko sya at yayakapin, at laging humahalik sa pisngi.

Sa mga nagdaang panahon na nakapiling si nanay, gagap pa ng aking ala-ala ang mga pagkakataong kapiling ko siya. Sa murang isipan ay tinuruan na nya kami ng gawaing bahay, ang maghugas ng pinagkainan. Sa kanya ko nasalamin ang repleksyon ng isang inang huwaran, gagawin lahat para lang sa aming anak niya. Kabilang dyan ay ang pagtulong niya sa aking tatay upang magkaroon ng ekstra income, nagmamanicure nanay ko sa mga co-teacher ng tatay ko, sa Mayor namin at pamilya nito sa aming bayan, sa mga kapitbahay namin, sa mga magulang ng mga kaklase ko at kung sino pang mga kalapit na kakilala. Maraming paa at kamay na ang “naalagaan” nya. (kaya nga’t napapangiti ako lagi kapag may nararamdaman akong engrown sa kuko sa aking hinlalaki sa paa, naaalala ko sya),

Malinis sa bahay ang nanay ko, tanda ko pa kung pano nya lampasuhin at is-isin ng eskoba na may sabon ang aming sementong sahig dun sa unang bahay na kinalakhan ko, at ng lumipat kami sa bahay ng lolo ko, dun naman sya nagflofloorwax ng pula sa sementong sahig, (dun ko siguro nakuha yung pagiging malinis ko sa bahay, naks! At tanda ko pa noong nasa kolehiyo na ako at kung umuuwi ako sa probinsya twing bakasyon e ako ang nangangalaga ng sahig namin, nagbubunot, naglalampaso, nagpapakintab)

Labis ang pag-aaruga ni Nanay sa amin, sa aking gunita ay buhay pa yung ala-ala na pinaliliguan niya kami sa may poso sa tapat ng gaming bahay. Gamit ang batong panghilod at labakara (bimpo) ay tinatyaga niyang linisin ang aking kili-kili, talampakan, singit, likod hanggang matanggal ang libag sa katawan. Nakakakiliti! Gayundin ang ginagawa niyang paglilinis ng aking tenga, hihilig ako sa kandungan ni Nanay at tyatyagain niyang tangalin ang aking tutuli. Ito ang talagang nakakakiliti dahil nakapikit ako habang ginagawa ni Nanay ito sa akin.

Mahaba ang litaniya ng ala-ala ng aking kabataan, kabilang ang pag-angkas ko sa bisekleta ni Tatay habang si nanay ang nagpepedal patungo ng palengke, ang pagsasabit ni nanay ng ribbon at medal sa akin twing pagtatapos ng school year. Ng sumapit ang huling taon ko sa high school, napagod ang nanay ko kabilang ang tatayo ko at ang lolo’t lola ko sa pag-akyat sa entabaldo sa halos mahigit sa isang dosenang medalya ng karangalang nakamit ko.

At sa pag-aral ko dito sa Maynila, nalayo ako kay nanay, tanging sulat lang kapag nagpapadala sila ni tatay ng allowance dito sa amin ng kuya ko ang aming naging komunikasyon. Di ko nasundan kong anong mga paghihirap ang dinaranas nila ni tatay sa aming bayan para lang makapag-aral kami ni kuya. At sa mga sulat ni Nanay lagi nyang nababanggit. “pagbutihin namin pag-aaral namin, pagkasyahin at pagtiyagaan na lang namin ang kanilang pinadadala gayundin ang pakikitira sa aming kamaganakan dito sa Maynila.”

Limang taon ang lumipas, matapos ang pag-aaral ko sa kolehiyo, binuno nina nanay at tatay ang pag-aaral naming magkakapatid, napagtapos ako ng maayos. Tuwing sembreak, bakasyon, pasko at iba pang okasyon, dun ko lang nakakapiling ang nanay at tatay ko. Sa panahon ng nagsisimula ko ng makamtan ang aking tagumpay, dun na ginupo ng sakit si nanay, kidney Malfunction, at kinakailangang ng mahabang gamutan, maraming operasyon ang nagdaan, pero nakatayo pa rin si nanay at patuloy na naglilingkod sa aming mga anak niya.

Minsan, sinamahan ko si nanay noon sa PGH, magpapacheck-up, kagagaling lang niyang operasyon ng isang linggo, may tubo pang nakakabit sa tyan, nagcommute kami pauwi na, sa tapat ng Quiapo dun kami bababa, nauna akong bumaba, at kasunod ang nanay ko na dahan dahan pa, pero ang lintek na dyip umandar, nahulog ang nanay ko sa dyip, napasalampak sa kalsada, ang hinayupak na dyip umarangkada ng takbo, galit na galit akong humabol sa dyip pero wala na akong nagawa….awang-awa ako sa nanay ko noon…awang-awa, kayat sa twing may ganitong sitwasyon akong nakikita ko o nararanasan, si nanay ang aking naaalala.

Sa guhit ng tadhana, naunang pumanaw si tatay habang nakaratay si nanay sa ospital dito sa manila. Isang araw ang lumipas, ako ang kasama niya sa ospital, walang kamalay malay si nanay na nauna na si tatay at tandang tanda ko pa, pinagmamasdan niya ang wedding ring nila noon ni tatay. Makalipas ang isang araw, isiniwalat ng aking mga tiyahin sa aking mahal na nanay ang pagpanaw ni tatay. Napupunit ang puso ko ng marinig ang palahaw ni nanay habang nakaupo ako sa labas ng kuwarto niya sa ospital, di ko makakayanang makita ang reaksyon niya habang ipinapaalam ang pagpanaw ni tatay.

Pero, kelangan ituloy ang buhay, kailangang ipagpatuloy ang hamon ng tadhana. Kayat habang sumasailalim ng gamutan si nanay ay kapiling naming sya dito sa maynila. Nang panahong iyon, nagsisimula na akong maghanap-buhay, bilang pangtustos na rin sa mga gastusin sa pagpapagamot ni nanay. May mga pagkakataong nagkakasarilinan kami ni nanay at ito yung mga sandaling kaylan may di mawawalay sa isip ko. Sabi nya sa akin “gusto ko pang mabuhay ng mahaba para sama-sama tayo”. (hindi ito bola, habang tinatype ko ang bahaging ito, umaagos ang luha ko at may lump sa lalamunan ko)…

Hanep talaga si nanay sa pagaaruga, minsan pagkagaling ko sa trabaho ko, aba ang mga damit namin ni kuya, nakasampay na at kanyang nilabhan. SAbi ng tita ko kung saan kami nakitira noon sa Malabon, tinatyaga ni nanay labhan ang aming damit para wala na kaming labahan pag-uwi. Di ko maimagine, si nanay nasa gripo sa labasan, payat pero manas ang mga paa at mukha, nakaumbok ang kanyang tiyan kasi may empty container na nakakabit sa kanyang tagiliran na nilalabasan at sinasalinan ng dialysis solution, naglalaba.

Wala pang isang taon ng pumanaw si tatay, sumunod na si nanay. Masakit pero tinanggap na namin. Sa huling oras ni nanay sa aming probinsya, sabi ng aking lola, ako ang huling hinahanap ni nanay. Habang unti unting nawawala ang init ng katawan ni nanay, mula binti papataas sa bahagi ng kanyang katawan, hinihintay pala niya na ako’y dumating.

Ngayong aking kaarawan, naalala ko ang niluluto niya na paborito naming magkakapatid. Mayroong may birthday sa amin at may espesyal na okasyon kapag ito ang ulam namin…ang giniling o tinadtaran….at naalala ko ang espesyal na gulaman at leche plan na gawa ni nanay….gayundin ang peanut butter at mazapan na ginagawa niya…

Dami ko ng luha na ibinuhos tuwing nangungulila ako sa aking nanay? Sa panahong may problema ako at gusto ko ng matatakbuhan, sana nandyan sya. At may magaganda, masagana at masayang sandaling sana ay kapiling at kahati ko sya….

Tanda mo ba yung commercial ng Mcdonald na may scene na mag-asawa, may sakit yung babae, sabi nya, ..”yung kurtina”…”yung unan”…”bili ka na ng merienda”….alam mo na ba?…Di ba ang lupet, may sakit na iyong babae, pero sa bandang huli, iyung asawa pa rin nya ang nasa isip niya…

Ganun ang nanay, may sakit na sya pero super pa rin sa pag-aaruga sa amin, mamatay na sya pero kami pa rin ang nasa isip niya, at maging sa huling hininga niya, kami pa rin ang inaalala niya…

At ito pa ang bagong commercial ng Maggi Spaghetti, isang bata pauwi ng bahay galing sa kanilang paaralan..sabi niya sa mga taong kakilala niya sa daan….”birthday ko ngayun”…”birthday ko po ngayun”….at pagdating sa kanila, nagluluto ang nanay niya ng isang masarap na spaghetti….isang mainit na halik ang iginawad niya sa nanay niya bilang ganti ng pagmamahal….. ”birthday ko ulit bukas”…

Kayo? kelangan mo pa bang hintayin na magkaroon ng commercial sa tv gaya ng Mcdo at Maggi bago mo maisip ang dapat mong gawin... swerte ka siguro, kasama mo pa ang nanay mo. Kaya kung ako sa inyo, iparamdam nyo na ang dapat, gawin ang tama... mahalin mo sya.... minsan pag-uwi mo, pasalubungan mo sya ng hamburger at french fries.. samahan mo na rin ng yakap at halik…saka mo sabihin, “Nanay I love you! Salamat ng marami sa pagbibigay buhay sa akin.”

Birthday ko na naman ngayun Nanay, kain sana tayo sa McDO o ipagluluto mo sana ako ng Spaghetti….sana…..