U-turns

Jam-packed. That's how it was this morning when I attended the first day of misa de gallo in our local parish.

Last night my sister told me that they will be attending the mass. I told her that it would be very crowded. I suggested that she should just stay home because she is pregnant. But her insisting made me think a little farther. I don't like being in the crowd because of a bad experience. I had been in a stampede. It was frightening and traumatic. I don't want my sister to experience that kind of situation.

This morning, I was awakened by the early Christmas greetings of our City Mayor, Fernando Q. Miguel. There was a roving truck playing a Christmas jingle with his message. I rushed to the church to catch the mass. The churchgoers encompass beyond the walls up to the side gates. But the calm atmosphere made me pass through the crowd easily during Holy Communion.

After the mass, I met my sister with Wing-wing near the church bell. There City government and SOCOTECO-I sponsored the coffee and chocolate drinks. We partake of the drinks while we chatted about the experience of being in the first day of 'simbang gabi'.

Often, I get caught of refusing to do something good. I'm only thankful that God allows U-turns. He calls us but we negate His will only to find that it is the best thing to do. Our faith can move mountains. Nothing is impossible. When we persist in doing good and for the right motives, we can't go wrong.

This Christmas, it is my prayer that peace and love will reign in our hearts. May justice prevails to those victims of Maguindanao massacre. Let's welcome this Christmas season with hope. Nothing escapes from the hand of God. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Destination: Bohol

Our travel is one of a kind. Having my mom with me is a great adventure. It is my mom's wish that she could see beautiful places and travel great distance. So, when the opportunity came to visit the chocolate hills in Bohol, I did not hesitate to inform my mother. She asked me if she could join the group that was organized by my officemates. I was told that there was an open slot so I gave my mom the surprise she ever wanted-a trip to Bohol.
From Gen. Santos City to Cebu, we flew via Cebu Pacific then, Cebu to Tagbilaran, Bohol via Ocean jet. Getting there in Cebu took us more than an hour. We were lucky because we were the first group to arrive in Cebu. Some of my officemates made re-booking of flight because the planned date was canceled. The holiday set by the President was recalled. We got enough time to roam in Cebu City thus we were able to watch 4D movie in Crown Regency Hotel and bought some goods from SM Mall and Ayala Center. We stayed in Sugbutel for a night before we crossed Cebu to Tagbilaran on the following day.
We visited Lapu-lapu Shrine in Mactan and Sto. Nino Chruch where Magellan's cross is found. These places played a great part of Philippine history. Lapu-lapu, a brave hero defended the place from European invaders headed by Ferdinand Magellan.
The second batch of our group arrived on the following day. We just met in the pier for our voyage from Cebu to Bohol. Amidst the crowd, we settled and soon arrived in the port of Tagbilaran safely. Before twilight, we were able to visit Hinagdanan Cave and Dimaluan Beach Resort in Panglao. We bought plenty of things, some for pasalubong and for personal souvenir. We slept in Kimling's Pension house.
On the next day, we visited another site, The Sanduguan. We moved to Dauis Church and Baclayon Church. At noontime we were at Loboc Riverside side waiting for the boat to cruise for us while we were taking a sumptuous lunch. We were entertained by some singers and dancers that made the atmosphere so jubilant. Afterwards we went to see the Tarsier and the hanging bridge. Then came the most awaited trip towards the Chocolate Hills. Before we could reach he place, we traversed a man made forest that was so airy. We climb the stairs to the highest spot where you could see the great scenery around. We were so amazed by the cool sight of the surrounding hills and its greenery. The hills looked like no other. contours of the hills were pretty enthralling in numbers. We didn't notice the passing of time in enjoyment. Before we knew, it was time to go and catch for a cruise back to Cebu. Though hurriedly, time had given us the a great moment of nature-pleasure. How we wish to stay in that beautiful place we can call a haven of natural beauty-BOHOL, only in the Philippines.

Samu't saring karanasan

Iba talaga ang aking pakiramdam sa tuwing ako’y bumabalik sa aking mahal na bayan. May galak sa aking puso at tuwa sa aking isipan kahit na paulit-ulit bawat linggo ang aking paroo’t parito. Isang linggong hamon ng pakikibaka. Lahat ng lungkot at agam-agam ay napapawi. Napapalitan ng panibagong lakas at pag-asa ang napapagal kong katawan kapag ako’y nakabalik na.

Ang aking tinutuluyan sa ibang lugar kapag ako’y na de-destino ay paiba-iba. Minsan ako’y tumutuloy sa hotel o di kaya’y lodging house. Maganda pag ako’y nakahanap ng boarding house. Katulad nitong ako’y nasa Kabacan. Nakakuha ako ng isang boarding house sa tulong ng aking ka-opisina. Di naman masyadong maganda ang silid subalit tama na sa akin ang ganoong kwarto. May isang kamang gawa sa kahoy at mga built-in cabinet na mapaglagyan ng mga kagamitan. Dalawa lang ang aking bag na dala-dala kapag ako’y naglalakbay. Walang masyadong mabigat na pasanin. Halos mga kakailanganin lang ang aking bitbit: mga damit, sapatos, panloob na kasuotan, sipilyo, iba’t ibang klase ng gamot, kwarderno, pluma at iba pa. Syempre di ko makalimutang dalhin ang aking Bibliyang bigay pa sa akin ng aking kaklase noong high school. Ito ang palaging nagbibigay sa akin ng inspirasyon sa anumang sitwasyon ng aking paglalakbay. May dala din akong pocketbook na mapaglibangan ko kapag ako’y walang ginagawa lalo na sa himpilan ng bus. Nakakabagot maghintay subalit kapag may dala akong libro, ilang pahina lang ng masayang pagbabasa ay nandyan na ang paparating na bus.

Masaya tumuloy sa boarding house. Marami kang makikilalang bagong kaibigan. Sa aking bagong tinutuluyan, maraming mga estudyante. Masarap makipagkwentuhan sa kanila. Huwaran ang kanilang pananaw. Sila’y puno ng sigla’t kagalakan. Parang naalala ko rin ang aking mga karansan bilang estudyante noon sa MSU. Kayraming aralin at mga asignaturang gagawin, mga gawaing sosyal at sibiko ang aking inatupag noon. Nakakapagod man ay sulit din ang tagumpay na aking nakamtan. Isang prestihiyosong titulo ang iginawad sa aking masusi at matiyagang pagsusunog ng kilay.

Sa aking kasalukuyang estado, lubos ang aking kagalakan sa mga panibagong hamon. Bilang isang binata, walang masyadong problemang kinkaharap. Madestino man ako sa malayong lugar, wala akong pangamba. Solong katawan ko lang ang aking intindihin, walang alinlagan. Di naman ako sobrang materyoso kaya wala akong problema sa mga bagay bagay. Ang mahalaga’y makakain lamang sa tamang oras at makapagpahinga kapag sumapit ang dilim. Di ko inaalala ang anupamang bagay sapagkat alam ko na ang lahat ng aking kakailangannin ay tutugunan ng Poong Maykapal.

Minsan kapag ako’y nasa aking higaan at nakikita ko ang aking paligid, naiisip kong napakasimple ng buhay. Sa dala dala kong dalawang bag, hawak ko ang mundo. Dalawang bag lang ang buhay ko. Pakiramdam ko, ako’y tunay na mayaman dahil wala akong ibang mabigat na pasanin.

Hindi naman lahat masarap o di kaya madali ang buhay manlalakbay. Sa totoo, napakaraming suliranin ang aking kinakaharap. Ako’y pihikan din subalit sa mga panahong kinakailangang magtiis, nakakayanan ko ring magtiis. Sa panahong ako’y maysakit, mahirap din. Nandiyan ang masamang pakiramdam. Kailangan magpahinga subalit kailangan magtrabaho. Pinipili kong kayanan ang aking karamdaman sapagkat alam kong mas mahalaga ang aking pagpasok sa trabaho. Gumagaan naman ang aking pakiramdam sa mabuting pakikitungo ng aking mga kasama sa trabaho. Masaya sa piling nila.

Dahil dito, napagtanto ko na walang imposible sa buhay. Lahat kakayanin pag nasa positibong pananaw. Kung nakikita ang kapangitan sa anumang bagay, lahat ng negatibo ay matatanaw subalit pag kagandahan naman ang nakikita sa anumang bagay, nandoon din ang lahat ng kabutihan.

Back Again

It’s great to be back again in my hometown. It’s been five days that I’ve stayed in Kabacan. I rented there a room in a boarding house along Abellera Street near Wesleyan Bible School, recommended by my officemate Bing. I got it for a very minimal amount, called student’s price. I feel like a student once again, travelling and coming home every weekend. I have boardmates who are students in University of Southern Mindanao. I’m glad to be acquainted with them.
It’s good to see my family doing well. The new venture of my younger sister called ATM, stands for Automatic Tubig Machine is on its way. When I got home the structure was already constructed. It’s going to be operational soon. It’s a good investment that I supported which will later produce additional income. Maybe next week when I come home, the system will be successfully installed. I was able to meet my friend Jun Fresco, the owner of this business yesterday when he dropped to inspect the structure.
Later in the evening, Kuya Dodong and I went to inspect if the harvest of rice in my area was finished. Indeed, it was done and ready for processing. Soon it will be sacked and sold in the market. I treated Kuya Dodong and Ongkid with some drinks from our store.
This morning, I attended the third mass. I wasn’t able to attend the second mass. Last night,Jing Jing, Roger and I agreed to attend the earlier mass but I did not make it because I had a transaction with Ate Tess this morning. I washed my clothes and had lunch in my auntie Ebing’s house. The boxing fight of Marquez and Mayweather was on the 8th round when I arrived. Mayweather won the game.
I went to Fit Mart Mall and paid my electric bill. I met Agnes Paglinawan, my former co-member in our High School choir. I told her that this morning, I watched the world tour concert of Mariah Carey and I recalled her because of the song “Hero”. She used o sing this song when we were in High School. She answered me that maybe it was a sign of our meeting.
I missed the High School Choir group. I still remember some of our songs, Panis Angelicus, The Lord’s Prayer, Buhay ay Yaman, Masdan mo ang Kapaligiran, Tuldok, Masdan mo ang Mga Bata, May Isang Bayan, Gonna Build a Mountain, Himig ng Pag-ibig, Magsimula Ka, etc. These songs have special place in my heart because it reminds me of my happy days in High School together with other choir members. I recalled how we practiced and prepared during rehearsals for our various competitions and performances. It was very tedious and hectic. Our choir conductor that time was Mr. Jurilla. He was very particular of the mastery of the song and the choreography. We frequently stayed late at night for the practice. But our victories and experiences were worth remembering. The experience taught me patience and hard work. In order to succeed, one must persist and prepare. Practice makes perfect.
Things happen unexpectedly. It may occur unnoticeably, plainly or vividly. These moments become precious for it helps you recall people, things, places and events. It will help you connect to the past and make you aware who you are and what you’ve been through. We cannot turn back time but deep within our rich memory we can go visit the past and cherish the beautiful memories we have created at various points in our life.

Helping Hand

Woah! I’m excited! I woke up today refreshed and kicking. After three days of giving benefits to indigent people of Sen. Ninoy Aquino in Isulan, it feels good. I’ve been tasked to pay-out sums of money to beneficiaries determined by DSWD in connection with the government’s program called 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program). It’s really overwhelming to hear people say, “Thank you!” for the blessings they have received from the government. I have seen indigenous poor Filipino people deserving of governments assistance. Some of them dressed in their cultural attire, barefooted. Other said that they only took “nganga” to lessen the hunger they felt just to be there. The amount they have received can be used to buy food and clothing. I’m just sad about the obnoxious “honorable” politicians hovering to be seen by people and be recognized. Instead of helping the poor, they have caused inconvenience so the releasing was stopped. Oh filthy politicians insatiable for attention! Can you just work silently helping people? Why should you make known your good deeds? For personal gain and recognition and in the advancement of your “honorable post”? It can’t be denied that politicians need to be seen to be heard and recognized but it should be done in a manner that advances the common good of all and not for personal interest.
Today, it is the commemoration of the 26th death anniversary of Sen. Ninoy Aquino who sacrificed his life to stand for good governance, fighting a dictator. Let this day be a reminder that we have to live their ideals. Everybody should take part the benefits and burdens of our nation.

Bruised

It was a one fine day. I never expected that an accident would happen. It was our LBP 46th anniversary. We had wellness activities held in South Cotabato Gymnasium. I actively participated in “Karakasa” which is a kind of exercise similar to “Taebo”. I was happy seeing my colleagues from different branches. Some of whom I befriended when I was assigned in their branches. It was a lot of fun and energy that my T-shirt was soaked with sweat. After watching the volleyball game I decided to go home to change my shirt. When I reached home I felt a different kind of heat on my face. I drank water to be relieved but the sensation never faded. I washed my face. I felt a little comfort. I drove towards the gym but upon reaching the overpass downtown, there was a Nissan Patrol car in the fast lane signaling to turn right. I was on the slow lane but I was moving fast. I saw the signal quite late that applying break would cause my motorcycle to be skid or tumble. I moved fast not to hit the car but I hit the shoulder of the road. There and then, my motorcycle fell. I hit my eyebrow somewhere. It was lacerated irregularly. My three front teeth were broken. One was severely fractured. A tricycle driver brought me to the nearest hospital. From the mirror of the tricycle, I saw my terrible face, my damaged teeth and blood in my mouth and face flowing.
I should have taken heed of some the signs I have encountered. The different heat I felt when I arrived home should have given a sense to sit or relax for a short while and never be too in a hurry. If not for hurrying, I could have avoided the accident. The helmet that I usually wear should have made me think twice of not going to drive.
In the hospital, I was grateful that I was given immediate attention. My lacerated skin in my eyebrow was stitched. My other bruises were cleansed and treated. A little later, my father and Ate Elsa arrived to attend to my situation. I am grateful to them. Some of my officemates visited to see my condition. I was happy to see them.
I am glad that during those times, I was comforted by the people who knew me. I felt love and the situation became easy to bear. I applied for a 5-day sick leave. I am happy that today I’m on the 6th day of my recovery. I give thanks to God for sparing my life and giving me another chance to continue living. The situation I’ve been through made my faith stronger than before. I know how painful it was for Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. His sacred heart has saved me not only in my accident but my sinful spirit too. I was reminded that life is short indeed. It should be lived well for others. I cannot be proud of anything – good looks can vanish in a split of a second. Health and wealth can be taken by God anytime. It was a humbling experience. My injuries were nothing compared to what Jesus suffered. God was bruised more than I bruised, all to offer His life for us.

My Favorite President

Corazon 'Cory' Aquino is my favorite president because she is a leader by example. She upheld great values and never compromised the welfare of the Filipino people. She is simple but just like little David who defeated Goliath, she toppled a dictator.

One thing I liked about her was her faith in God. She was very prayerful and she set an example that there is no big problem in prayer.

She was an ordinary person with extraordinary belief.

Now that our beloved President is gone, all I can say is a message of thanks for her contribution in the lives of many Filipino. Her love for our country will always be an inspiration and her unwavering faith will radiate in the hearts of the Filipino people who loves her very much. I love you President Cory Aquino!