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ON SANGHIYANG FESTIVAL

2011-12-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

SANGHIYANG FESTIVAL
Wellness is the New Alfonso
(My unsolicited review and suggestions)

The Alfonso Eco-Tourism Development Management, Inc. (AETDM) in cooperation with the Municipal Government of Alfonso, Cavite deserves a Grand Salute for valorously introducing a welcome change to a small lethargically slumbering little town by ’spearheading, rebranding and launching of Wellness is the New Alfonso’.

In connection with this a new Festival is born: The Sanghiyang Festival which evolves from a centuries old ritual of Thanksgiving believed to emanate from the thanksgiving ritual performed by the family of Noah after they were saved from the Universal Deluge. This concept of converting Sanghiyang, the thanksgiving ritual, into a state of wellness is a brilliant idea except that it somehow jeopardizes one of Alfonso’s historical heritages.

The original thanksgiving ritual (sanghiyang) is performed during the month of January to acknowledge all the gifts, graces and benefits that God showers the Alfonsinos.To make the Festival historically relevant I suggest, if it is possible, to do it during the month of January and include a Grand Sanghiyang complete with all the trimmings of the original with the symbolic offerings of all the Baranggays and interested families plus the participation of all available “magsasanghiyangs”. It would be a novel idea to juxtapose Food Festival and Grand Sanghiyang for a powerful message of wellness and thanksgiving.

While Caracol and Rigodon are both beautiful and colorful dances they are not part of Alfonso’s culture. Caracol is a seashore festival of the lowlands while Rigodon is a welcome dance of the Aristocrats. They may not be included next time as there are many dances of the tagalog region more appropriate for Alfonso like ‘Maligayang Pagdating’.

I did not have a chance to observe all the presentations but the “Parada ng Kaganapan” was the most relevant as it was a display of Alfonso’s beauties
showing local products together with their handsome counterparts.

Because Alfonso is considered the Flower Center of Cavite I think it would be wise to invite all the cut flower farms in town to put up a garden show for the whole month of January as they also share more participation. It is not too much to require all public vehicles to hang simple flower arrangement during the festival week to be provided by the organizers. Establishments should also be requested to put up floral decorations.

In spite of the noise, the pomp, color and revelry of the running and jumping tribes I cannot see any connection of their dancing either with wellness or thanksgiving. There simply are no tribes in Alfonso. A vegetable and flower-costumed dancers could be more colorful and truly significant to the life of the Alfonsinos.

For the sake of euphony let us call people from Alfonso, Alfonsinos and Alfonsinas. We don’t call people from Batangas Batangenians or from Bulacan Bulacanians.

I believe that the whole activities could be could be compressed to only four days without idle moments instead of one week with many periods of lull.

With all the birth pains incurred by the organizers they all did a great job. CONGRATULATIONS AND MORE POWER. I am posting this now without having watched the culminating ‘Gabi ng Parangal’ tonight. The whole che-bang is an overwhelming success. Let us all offer ‘Sanghiyang’ (Thanksgiving to God) with tremendous hope that Alfonso shall not only be WELL physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually but also socially and politically.

THANK YOU AETDM. Alfonsinos and Allfonsinas are shouting…MORE !!!

A COMMENTARY

2011-12-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

A COMMENTARY

I would like to congratulate the efforts of the Alfonso Eco-Tourism Development Management, Inc. (AETDM), a private organization, for launching WELLNESS IS THE NEW ALFONSO, in cooperation with the Alfonso Municipal Government.

It is enigmatically termed SANGHIYANG FESTIVAL. A bold attempt to modernize, glamorize and even globalize a centuries old Thanksgiving Ritual known as ‘Sanghiyang’, believed to be an offshoot of the Thanksgiving Ritual performed by Noah’s family after they were saved from the Universal Deluge.

It is being introduced as “a state of Wellness attained when the mind, body, emotion and spirit are well and true acts of worship happens”.

I feel good that at last Alfonso has its own Festival that Alfonsinos everywhere could brag around as its own. Although I think massive information dissemination is necessary for all concerned to be aware of the new concept. As it is now even the original ‘magsasanghiyangs’ are confused and unable to comprehend what is going on.

It could be more relevant if the complete original Sanghiyang Ritual is reenacted in a grand scale with symbolic offerings of the different Baranggays at a giant ‘dulang’ with the usual crude ‘altares’ and participated by all the available ‘magsasanghiyangs’.

At any rate considering that this is the first attempt, much could yet be done to improve the Festival and again I thank the AETDM for the inspired effort.

Good Aphogenics 11-11-11

2011-11-10T17:30:00.001-08:00

GOOD APHOGENICS 11-11-11

It was a simple skin itch that I enjoyed scratching with my bare hand. As a result a little wound was created that I didn’t even considered treating with anything as wounds like that were usually self healing.

The following day the minute wound began feeling painful then later, projected sharp penetrating pains to different parts of my back, chest and arm. I was scared a bit when the pain projected to my heart area, aware of my long standing myocardial ischemia.

The radiating pain got worse on the third night to the point that little movements in bed could be excruciating. I requested my helper to look at my back wound. He saw a bigger circular wound with little pus with three new pointing areas. I suspected it was carbuncle, a staphylococcal infected that could last for two weeks if uncomplicated.

Because lying on bed somehow always traumatized the wound, it got worse that now I have to do a daily dressing and a regular antibiotic therapy. When it was at its worst I thought the penetrating pain could cause me sudden heart attack which I fatally welcome since I really wanted to die of heart attack to avoid prolong suffering and agony.

True enough I thought I could die that night and was pretty ready about it. I even thought of texting the Parish Priest to invite him to pay me a visit so I could confess, be administered with the Sacrament of the Sick. On second thought I said it was possible I could survive this event and no need to hurry. It was the third week now and the daily cleaning and antibiotic therapy was doing good. The radiating and penetrating pains were gone and there were no new pointings. So I was nt going to die yet and yes, I am very much alive happy as Budoy.

It is now 11-11-11 and I found a new life, new mission, new challeng

A VISITING GHOST?

2011-11-07T16:57:00.001-08:00

A VISITING GHOST?

This is not a horror story… the reason why I am posting this many days after All Souls’ Day. It all started after my children grandchildren, wife and guests all left in the afternoon of All Saints’ Day. I was again left alone in our old ten bedroom ancestral home. My gardeners stay at their quarter behind the old house.

It was not easy to say I didn’t feel lonely because honestly, somehow, tinge of unexplained loneliness stated creeping all over me and so I quickly introduced my antidote by singing a happy tune.

I slept alone in my room after closing the lights and the doors of the other rooms. I hated being disturb by closing and opening doors caused by the blowing of the wind through the windows.

In the middle of the night I was awakened by the strong urge to urinate. I simply rose from my bed to go to the bathroom which was adjacent to mine. Immediately I was temporarily stunned when I noticed the door of the opposite room was open while the light was brightly opened as if someone was inside. I was frozen for a moment. Who could have opened the room and its light? I presumed my wife returned and I didn’t noticed or felt her coming up… maybe to surprise me or whatever. I was sure any of my gardeners would have the guts to even attempt to play that kind of trip on me.

I honestly believe that ghosts maybe true but they were supposed to be simple entities incapable of opening doors and switching lights. So, not finding any plausible reason for the ghostly event I went directly to my desk to record the details about my feelings and analysis.

Though unconvinced that a ghost was doing tricks on me, I prayed surrounding myself with the white light of Jesus so that nothing could hurt me as I then proceeded to my room to continue my interrupted sleep. It was when I entered my room that I suddenly realized that when I entered my room earlier I felt the colder climate that I decided to change to a thicker blanket which I took from the room that I just found opened and lighted as I forgot putting of the light and closing the door before I wrapped myself in a thick blanket to prevent shivering.

What took place was not an eerie ghostly experience but just a simple, ordinary senior moment of lapses enough to keep doors and lights open.

A TIME TO BE HAPPY

2011-10-05T18:10:00.001-07:00

A TIME TO BE HAPPY

It was not an ordinary thunderstorm for it was also raining angry elephants and tigers. Typhoon Pedring was pouring terror and suffering to Northern and Central Luzon.

Sudenly, there was power failure which I suspected must have been purposely done to prevent electrical accidents especially to flooded areas. In moments like this I always try to shield myself from attacks of loneliness and fear by singing a happy song.

“ A time to be happy is now…” But how could be happy when I was fully aware that many were suffering, even dying in affected areas? “ A time to be happy is here…” Yes, it was easier to be happy where I was but I couldn’t imagine the feelings of those caught on rooftops specially the infants and the old folks.

“And the way to be happy is to make others happy…” How can I help make others happy where I was when I was confined solitarily in a darkened house that the wind was trying hard to forcibly destroy?

“ And to build a little heaven down here…” At the moment I was aware of all my heavenly virtues but I was simply trapped in my haven… helpless. So, I fervently prayed: “Powerful Father in heaven, Your Will! Nothing more, nothing less and nothing else”.

Then I went to be and slept peacefully knowing thAt God was in full command.

A BABY WAS BORN

2011-09-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

A BABY WAS BORN

Our farmer’s wife gave birth to a child, a baby girl. It was not unusual. She was brought to the Municipal Health Center at around 2:00 a.m. She quickly delivered her baby at almost about the coming of the midwife. Again it was not unusual and thanks God, everything happened quickly and smoothly except that at 6:00 a.m. she was already being discharged.

The father was told about ...the Center’s rule not to keep patient more than four hours if there were no complications. Again it was not unusual to follow the rule except that the husband didn’t have money to pay the “package amount” of Php 4,000.00. He didn’t know what to do so he approached my gardener trying to barrow said amount.

My gardener in turn told me the farmer’s predicament and I immediately went to withdraw from my ATM account which happened to be out of order that moment. I went to the Center to request that the woman be allowed to go home while I promised to immediately give the payment once the ATM got on line. My request was granted.

I advised the mother to undergo ligation as they already have three children. It was now very expensive to get pregnant considering all the collateral expenses before and after a child’s birth. Reflecting on my suggestion I wondered allowed “What if our parents underwent ligation after three children during our time?” I was the youngest in the family of ten while my wife was the 10th in a family of thirteen. The Reproductive Health Bill should really be debated intelligently and an intelligent decision must be arrived at.

A SIMPLE REQUEST

2011-09-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

A SIMPLE REQUEST

One day my gardener verbally told to me his long time dream. He wanted to learn how to drive. Realizing his simple ambition I immediately gave him permission to go to the Department of Science and Technology in Tagaytay where, someone told me they were offering driving lesson together with trouble shooting for Php. 300.00 only.

Accompanied by my regular driver the two went to Tagaytay just to discover that the said Php 300.00 was only the “entrance fee” and that at the end of the course he would spend almost Php 4000.00. So, they moved to a regular driving school where he was charged Php 2,900.00 and was told to start the following Monday.

Monday came so, my excited gardener woke up so early with the enthusiasm of a newly enrolled high school student on his first day of school. He went there at 1:00 p.m. for the starting lesson at 3:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m. he was back unable to begin the driving lesson. Birth certificate and a personal Identification card were required. But since he didn’t have those credentials he requested for his money back to him but no refund was made.

My poor gardener had to call his family in the province for the Birth certificate while I told him to request for a Postal I.D. at the local Post Office. There was a wrong letter in his birth certificate and an affidavit had to be made to correct that. Meantime to get a Postal I.D. he was required to produce a Community Tax Certificate and a Baranggay clearance.

My gardener had already spent another thousand pesos before he could start his driving lesson. That was after requiring him to pay for his student’s permit. But that was not the end of the story as his Birth Certificate with affidavit correcting the wrong letter wouldn’t be accepted for the issuance of a student’s permit. My poor gardener haven’t started his first driving lesson yet.

A TYPHOON VISIT

2011-09-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

A TYPHOON VISIT

There was power failure the whole night. The rain was non-stop and the wind was crazily blowing hard while typhoon Pedring was devastating many regions of the country.

I woke up feeling good after a pleasant night sleep in the cold of the storm accompanied by the lullaby of the raindrops. I was trying to dramatize in my mind what was best to do in this kind of situation. But first I wanted to know the news of the day. While scanning the pages of a broadsheet the lights went on. The power was back.

I quickly went to my favorite Netcafe shop just to be told that there was no internet on line so I went directly to the nearby eatery where I ordered my second cup of coffee for the day. I noticed that Typhoon Pedring was not kidding. It was producing whizzing, rumbling and every kind of sounds along its way which was all direction in a whirling manner.

I was waiting for the period of calm while taxing my mind with various thoughts. What could President P-Noy be thinking now while state-visiting Japan? What could the care takers of Malacanang be doing now that everybody was asking what to do next? What could affected people in affected areas be feeling during this time of uncertainty?

As far as I could remember this was the first time that what they call typhoon surge attacked like a tsunami reaching higher than coconut trees along Roxas Boulevard, drowning the U.S. Embassy compound.

Thousands of Whys and Whens and Hows were playing in my mind preventing “Alzheimer’s poison” to have a chance to enter my system. Typhoon Pedring left though Typhoon Quiel was not far behind.

JUST ANOTHER DAY

2011-09-16T17:37:00.001-07:00

JUST ANOTHER DAY

It was already in the morning… supposedly the start of the working hours but at the Glorieta where I go daily to do my internet chatting, all the stalls were still closed. I wanted to take my second cup of coffee but Saddle Rance was also closed like the Beauty Salon at the opposite side and the “Ukay-Ukay” store nearby. The Money Changer was still inactive including the Netcafe Shop where I was supposed to begin my day.
I wonder where everyone was though I was sure it was not a holiday and it was pretty unusual for this place to be like this. The unruly students that used to gather very early where nowhere to be found. Vehicles were busy at the front street but where was everybody to activate the Geleria?
An American national who also frequent the Netcafe came by so while waiting we had a long personal chat on various matters of interest. At the end of our animated conversation we both agreed that Alfonso was indeed a paradise considering everything that happens everywhere.
It was already 9:30 a.m. when the young woman on duty to open the Netcafé shop arrived. She immediately started unlocking about 9 padlocks securing the shop. The last one couldn’t be opened even with the assistance of the other stall owners.
I decided to go home and discovered that the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant was being aired on Television. Miss Philippines was already among the 16 semi-finalist. Then she was chosen among the Five finalist and eventually chosen third runner up. Everytime her name was called she would exhibit that tsunami walk that only she could do gracefully. It was not too bad considering that she was one among the 89 contestants from all over the world. It made my day.

PROCRASTINATION

2011-08-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

WHAT TO DO WHILE RAINING

To procrastinate, according to the dictionary is to delay or put off to a later time. It means postponing a decision or simply forgetting about it. It is considered the thief of time. Yes, it robs our time resulting to so many important things left undone. It is most practice during rainy days when we don’t want to do anything that we usually do.

Rainy days do change our attitude and disposition that is why procrastination during this time is more common. In fact it is turning to be a hobby that is not so interesting to do.

But if we study carefully we shall discover that procrastination could be converted positively like for instance fixing or putting into order the contents of your cabinet while the rain is pouring on; cleaning your books and bookshelves in time with the thunderstorm.

How about checking your files or just finding out if your hanging clothes are in good order? This is also the best time to clean your shoes to wash away the growing fungi in preparation for the sunny days. There are a lot of simple things we could do while procrastinating.

Ok, it is raining almost continuously. Let us procrastinate but let us procrastinate positively.

QUEEN OF THE BLOSSOMS

2011-07-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

QUEEN OF THE BLOSSOMS

Typhoon Juaning was angrily pouring buckets of rain from the skies. I was making my regular brewed coffee. It was twilight time.

My attention was easily caught by one glamorously attractive giant flower daintily glowing in the dim of the moment. It was about 1x1/2 foot in size showing its magnificence in the midst of tiny Japanese Bougainville and multi colored cactus blossoms.

It was indeed a dominant garden queen getting my full concentration while I was greatly wondering how it was formed. While I was continuously appreciating it I was also trying to make plans in my mind what I would do with it come morning time. It was so beautiful that I thought it should be seen and appreciated by more flower lovers.

While watching TV and sipping my hot brewed coffee the image of that dark pink giant blossom was still lingering in my mind. I started wondering how it was formed. What is a result of the heavy rains? I have never seen something like it before. It must have emitted its own special scent that I didn’t smell during that rainy night. I promised myself to do something with it earliest in the morning.

I planned to cut it so I could put it in a unique porcelain vase for my visitors to appreciate. It will surely be a good conversation piece. So, while I was drinking my first cup of brewed coffee in the morning I took a careful long look at the Queen of the blossom and behold! It was not a magnificent Queen of Flower I thought it to be. The brightness of the sunrise exposed its reality.

It was just a medium sized, dark pink plastic bag flown by the breath of Juaning on top of a big, thick cactus leaf. Yes, it was plastic and like many plastic things including plastics persons it deceived me completely. It taught me a big lesson: Be careful not to be deceived by plastic, be it a flower or a person.

RIZAL (the abnormal)

2011-06-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

RIZAL ( the abnormal )

I consider myself lucky that I took RIZAL as a requirement course. Through the course I learned so much about Rizal not only as our National Hero with statue at every municipality but more especially as another Filipino with extraordinary and unusual qualities.

At the end of the course we were required to submit an essay about Dr. Jose P. Rizal. There were so many subjects and topics to choose from. Many have already been written extensively by famous and infamous authors.

I tried to think of a topic not yet written about him and ended up writing about “Rizal, the Abnormal”. Yes, abnormal in the sense that he is so unusual and extraordinary, markedly different from the rest.

When we say it is abnormal to be an idiot, an imbecile or a moron we also say it is also abnormal to be a genius, for normality refers only to the inferior, the average and the superior mentality. Rizal is a super genius in almost all areas, with exceptional natural talent or creative intellectual ability from agriculture to medicine, to literature and the arts. He is a ‘super genius’ in a highly positive manner.

From early childhood he already showed abnormality as to be able to write a poem at the age of eight. He behaved ahead of his age and development.

As a young man he was linked to at least eleven (some say 23) women from Leonor Rivera to Josephine Bracken but he seemed unable to impregnate any of them presuming that Josephine Bracken was already pregnant when she came to the Philippines. Does it mean he was sterile in spite of some suggestions that he is the father of Adolf Hitler?

Furthermore, it is most unusual or “abnormal” to exhibit a normal pulse rate and possibly normal blood pressure in front of a Firing Squad before he was executed at Bagumbayan.

I do not mean to diminish the greatness of our National Hero. I am just looking at him from the point of view of a medical man that I am. In fact, I think our beloved country needs more unusual, exceptional and abnormal people like Jose P. Rizal to save our Motherland from the abnormal situation where it is now.

Happy Birthday Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal, our National Hero. Since you are the Father of our nation, let me greet you Happy Father’s Day too. From your normal Filipino height of five feet, two inches,you grew up to be the tallest Filipino to whom the whole world now looks up.

FATHER'S DAY CONFUSION

2011-06-15T17:28:00.001-07:00

FATHER’S DAY CONFUSION

The coming Sunday, June 19th is Father’s Day in the Philippines ( it is different dates in other countries) as well as the 150th Birthday of our Nation’s Father, Dr. Jose Rizal. I am reminded of a somehow memorable experience a few years ago.

That Sunday, the Parish Priest greeted all the churchgoing fathers, Happy Father’s Day! He even gave special blessings to all the fathers present whom the priest requested to stand up. There were more than a dozen of us who stood up for the blessing.

After the mass I was expecting some greetings at least from my wife and children who were all away from me that day. Came noontime and no greetings received. I felt so isolated that eventually turned to loneliness.

No greeter was felt till nighttime. Was it all I deserved after having been lucky enough to be specially blessed early in the morning? I was about to go to bed with a heavy heart but before doing so I decided to greet a father friend just in case no one greeted him too.

“Hope this is not too late, but Happy Father’s Day to you!”, I texted him. He replied quickly. “What too late are you saying? You are one week too early.

So, it turned out that because Mother’s day fell on the second Sunday of May, the Priest thought Father’s Day was second Sunday of June… and so the confusion that almost turned me suicidal.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Have an authentic record of important dates and send your greetings correctly.

SENIOR MOMENTS

2011-06-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

SENIOR MOMENTS

How long is a moment and how far can it go? The dictionary says a moment is a very brief space of time or simply an instant like what we usually consider a spur of the moment, But a moment could also be as long as the moment of great celebration like the momentous Edsa People’s Power Revolution

What is more interesting are the ’senior moments’ generally exhibited by, well, senior citizens… To begin with, senior moments mean many things. It is the time when a senior suddenly experience lapses of memory- when he is not sure whether he is coming or going. It is the moment when he forgets what he did a few minutes ago but remembers to the smallest detail what took place during the Japanese War.

It is interesting because it is the occasion when he starts looking for a comb or a key that he is tightly holding with his hands. It is even more interesting and entertaining when he buys something, forgets to pay then ask for the change.

Senior moments are significant inventories of what a person considers truly valuable to him like the experiences and people who are deeply imbedded in the deepest corners of his memories. Youngsters find this moment funny if not irritating.

Yes, senior moments are sometime useless pieces of information heard over and over again. But come to think of it, why are those moments surfacing every now and then? What makes an incident specially memorable while others are greatly insignificant? What happens to the mind of a senior citizen that makes it behave that way?

A moment is considered but an instant just like a flash of light or spark of anything but when referring to senior moments it could be a long story of epic proportion whether you are rich and influential person suffering from “Alsheimer’s Disease” are a neglected somebody afflicted by “senile dementia”.

When your time comes, what would you like to be doing and repeatedly expressing during your own senior moments? What about me, what do I expect? Well I hope I wont experience such moment because every morning I do Oil Pulling Therapy on waking up and before retiring while in between I drink 6 to7 cups of unsweetened brewed coffee.Most of all everyday. through the internet, I am showered with stimulating youthful ideas and constantly challenged by their 'modern' queries.

SCHOOL DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

2011-06-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

SCHOOL DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

School Opening is just around the corner. It is about time we scrutinize and understand the many different establishments active and connected to It. School is supposedly a place where people, especially young ones are educated.

To learn is to gain knowledge and it is but right to call the school for the very young ones, Learning Center which includes the Nursery and the Kindergarten. Then how about the Pre-School, does it refer to the Day Care Center? And there is the Primary School, the Secondary School and the High School.

A College is understood to be a place of higher specialized education. Now why are there schools called Colleges when they are offering only High School courses and why are some remains to be called just a School even if they are offering College degrees? It is simply beyond my comprehension.

An Academy on the other hand is a school for higher learning or sophisticated training. But I cannot understand why a school offering Nursery and Kindergarten is allowed to be called an Academy. It is ok to hear about such thing as Academy of World Healing or Academy of Cock fighting. Likewise, an Institute is an organization founded for a particular purpose that is why some schools are called Institutes.

What then is a University? It is an institution of higher or tertiary education but can also be called a Learning center because it includes everything from Nursery to Doctorate. With lots of establishments all offering education it is not unusual to find pupils and students confused enough to understand the different categories of the educational establishments. Where are you planning to enroll your children this coming school opening?

AM I PRO OR ANTI-RH?

2011-05-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

AM I PRO OR ANTI-RH?

Are you pro or anti RH (?) is now the most asked question as it is also the most confusedly answered. It is the question that clearly divides the Church and the Government but also the people within the Church and the people within the Government. It is a powerful divisive question that may even completely divide the nation.

I answer it by relating my own story. To begin with, I married late but I married hurriedly. It was indeed a whirlwind wedding that happened so suddenly. My wife was the 10th in a family of 13 siblings while I was the 10th and the youngest in our family. If our parents stopped at three we would have never met but since RH was not yet a topic of much discussion during those times it was not difficult for our parents to follow their consciences.

In my mind I really wanted two boys, If possible twins, to be named David and Jonathan to perpetuate the strong biblical friendship of the original. My wife did not object to my ‘bright’ idea. So, like our whirlwind wedding we worked for a whirlwind child, a boy we named David but since Pope Paul VI was then in the Philippines we attached the name Paul to David.

After Paul-David we tried to practice spacing so we turned to use the Rhythm method just to discover soon enough that it was not really effective. Our Rhythm daughter was born. Discovering the defect of the Rhythm method we proceeded to use spermicide knowing that it was not abortifacient as it kills the sperm before it could fertilize the ovum. In less than two years our Spermicide daughter was born.

Thinking that Condom could be more effective we tried it in spite of the very diminished pleasure that it caused. But God knew better. He allowed the bursting of the Condom so that in less than another year our Condom daughter was born. Now with four children to attend to we tried everything from withdrawal to interruption to abstinence and of course it took three year before our Abstinence son was born. Now we have the dreamed-off Jonathan to be paired with David. Because David combined to a Paul we decided to attach Peter to Jonathan. He turned out not only to be an Abstinece son but also A Menopausal Child.

All the time we used our knowledge, reason, conscience and logic in building our family but God decided to gift us with two sons to guard our three daughters who are all doing good and at present has already graced us with eleven grandchildren all very healthy. God must be at the center of everything.

FLOWER CENTER

2011-05-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

FLOWER CENTER

What grand scenery! The whole length and width of the Church’s Plaza is beautifully landscaped by the collective efforts of the different Cut Flower Farms doing business in Alfonso. They coordinated their own versions of a Garden Show for the month of May, and why not? After all Alfonso is the Flower Center of Cavite and May is month of Flowers.

Not only that… all the vehicles from the smallest tricycle to the biggest bus are decorated with simple flower arrangement. All the establishments including the small carts of the ambulant vendors are bedecked with flowers of all scents and colors. Private houses are even more sophisticated in appearance.

Come procession time with the parade of the beautiful “sagalas” and their handsome escorts is extraordinarily presented in a very dignified way to honor the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Mayflowers who is superbly decorated with rare orchids, roses and flowers of all scents and colors.

She is surrounded by the “Damas de la Virgen” consisting of twelve pretty maidens uniquely crowned with intricate floral crowns sponsored by the different cut flower farms.

This is the first time a thing like this happened in our town. Everyone is extremely exhilarated. Thanks to the cooperative participation of the different Cut Flower Farms. We deserved to remain the Flower Center of our province. The Church and the Municipal officials through the initiative of the Youth Leaders specifically that of the May Flower Organization all joined together to make this Festival possible.

Suddenly I hear the festive tolling of the melodious Church Bells. I am awakened from an amazingly pleasant dream.

POST FIESTA LAMENTATIONS

2011-05-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

POST FIESTA LAMENTATIONS

Suddenly, for a moment, the whole town is so quiet. Everybody seems to be extremely tired as indeed it is true. Some are shouting invectives address “To Whom it May Concern” about mountains of garbage and mounds of trash at many corners complete with the accompanying smell of rotting things. Women, mostly tired housewives talk with hoarse voices and staggering walk showing signs of tiredness after many busy days.

Most kitchens are yet poorly attended and still showing remnants of the day that was. Cabinets are mostly teaming with unsorted left over being heated and reheated for the “altares”, whatever it really means.

Sad sighs about the incurred expenses and debts to be paid while thinking of the coming school opening. Finger-pointing about problems and misunderstanding during the rush in attending to the fiesta revelry.

There are lamentations here and there in deep emotions but that is not the end of it as new problems and new challenges are sprouting left and right even before the coming of the rains and the typhoons.

It is good to look forward to the colorful Mayflower festival coming soon with all its grandeur full of fresh flowers and beautiful ladies parading with their handsome escorts all intended to honor Our Lady of the Mayflowers.

Let us look at the fiesta lamentations as just a prelude to another interesting festival during this merry, merry month of May.

F-I-E-S-T-A

2011-05-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

F-I-E-S-T-A

It is the Spanish term for festivals honoring the Patron Saint of a certain town. Here in our town it is celebrated every May 16th, rain or shine, during War and in Peace. It is supposedly the date of the Martyrdom of St. John Nepomucene.

Fiesta used to be celebrated lavishly with dozens of brass bands parading back and forth through streets while other varied presentations are going on. Sumptuous foods are offered at every house while visitors enjoy meeting their friends and relatives.

The night before (Eve of the Fiesta) contest between participating brass bands is held during a ‘serenata’. At night on Fiesta Day a long processions of the different Saints of the different Baranggays together with the Patron Saint of the town and that of the Virgin Mary is held followed by fireworks display and then Ballroom Dancing.

There is a lingering belief that changing the date of the Fiesta festival brings about calamities and other problems as what happened when the Chairman of the Fiesta Committee one time change the date of the fiesta to make it fall on a Sunday. A tragic incident happened to one member of the family.

It has been experienced that many untoward incidents are happening during Fiesta revelries in many communities and as an offshoot of this, one politician suggested that the practice be stopped to improved the country’s economy. It turned out to be the end of his political career.

Considering that fiesta is just a motivational gimmick of the Spaniards while Christianizing the Philippines it is deeply imbedded in the psyche of the Filipinos that now the so called Filipino mentality is a great factor in maintaining the sanity of most Filipinos during trying moments. Fiesta will always be with us come hell or high water.

According to Alejandro Roces, “the Filipinos has such a strong feeling for the Fiesta because it tells him where he came from and who he is. The Filipinos love the Fiesta and would therefore, rally in its name”.

Lately, St. John Nepomucene manifests himself as a blue light that suddenly appears when one is praying for his intercession.

MY CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH POPE JOHN-PAUL II

2011-04-28T17:55:00.001-07:00

MY CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH POPE JOHN-PAUL II
(Excerpts from my Pilgrimage Diary: Oct.1-26, 1995)

Rome, in spite of the Arab pickpockets and the Gypsy snatchers was also home of the Pope and an audience with the Pope was a most romantically Divine encounter.

October 25, 1995: We arrived at the St. Peter’s Square at 8:30 a.m. but allowed only to enter after another half hour. There was a very big crowd and to keep everything in order needed a lot of security people – the Swiss guards in their colorful uniform.

We were assigned on the twenty second row in front of the canopy where the Pope was going to sit. Disabled persons were placed on the right side of the canopy. We were surrounded by pilgrims coming from all corners of the world: British, Portuguese, Indonesians, Guatemalans, Polish, American Indians and many others waving their own banners.

With all those pilgrims coming from everywhere, all bringing love and expressing it in a hundred different ways, the Vicar of Christ must be romantically overwhelmed. He moved around riding on His Pope mobile.

Our small group, fourteen in all, expressed our love by shouting at the top of our voices: “John-Paul Two, we love you… John-Paul Two, we love you…Philippines!”At the same time each of us was waving a tiny Filipino flag. I saw the Pope looked at us for a short while but that short while was full of heavenly bliss that culminated our Holy Pilgrimage.

SUMMER BONDING TIME

2011-04-14T18:06:00.001-07:00

SUMMER BONDING TIME

It is summer time again. Four of my grandchildren came to visit their “Lolo”. Three girls and a boy who is only two months old, was considered as their “bodyguard”.

I bonded with them through plays and storytelling and by doing other interesting things from origami to magic. This morning, to animate breakfast time I asked: “Who can define Love?” The six grader quickly replied: “I don’t know much about that”, while the fourth grader answered: “I am too young for Love”.

I explained that by love it can mean love of God, love of parents, love of friends, love of pets and many other things and not necessarily the love that was in their minds. This was followed by enlightened laughter. Then I looked at the two year old girl and jokingly asked what she could say about love. She childishly answered; “I love catfish”. More laughter ensued.

During dinner time I announced that our dinner topic was Honesty, and then asked “What comes to your mind? The six grader quickly said “Real”, to which the fourth grader immediately said “I agree”. I elaborated that they were both correct since honesty means truthfulness and if one is true; one is not a fake or plastic. Turning again to the two year old I asked: “How about you pretty girl, what is honesty?” She yawned “soup; horse”. I explained that she was honestly enjoying her soup while wishing to go horse-riding afterwards.

Since it was the period of lent I ventured to introduce Prayer as our next topic. The sixth grader quickly mentioned “Church” and the fourth grader replied “ God”. I explained that while prayers are commonly done inside the Church it could be done anywhere as prayer means talking to God and God is everywhere. Turning again to the two year old we all eagerly waited for her reaction. She carefully look to the left and to the right as if groping for the answer then she furrowed her forehead as if in deep thought before smiling at everyone and continued eating. Yes, I said, prayer could be done quietly as she very well demonstrated to all of us. A very lively discussion followed for quite a time.

I found this kind of bonding very effective as it stimulated the children to think and learn playfully. It also gave them a chance to actively participate. I was very careful not to allow anyone to feel guilty or totally wrong. Afterwards they were suggesting topics to discuss and so it turned out to be a continuing school while on summer vacation.

GONE ARE THE WELCOMING STAIRS

2011-04-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

GONE ARE THE WELCOMING STAIRS

It gave me a bit of heartache when I saw the bulldozed stairs that used to be at the northern side of the Town Plaza.. It was built, if I remember right, during the time of Mayor Adelardo Rosanes. That time the building of the stairs was praised and applauded by the community since it was the building of those stairs that closed the southern portion of Rizal Street to become a part of the Municipal Park that beautifully expanded the Plaza.

Where the covered court now stands used to be a rugged portion of the town. When the stairs were built the town Plaza was flattened and was decorated with several colorful circular concrete tables covered with umbrella shaped roofing. There was also a Spanish well that used to supply water to the Casa Real and to the community.

The stairs were so welcoming that the seat of the government suddenly look so “kind and accommodating” to its people. I consider it as the legacy of Mayor Adelardo Rosanes. It is too bad that it was not properly maintained.

Now, it is gone. I don’t know what they are planning to do with it but for sure the vacated portion shall be turned into a parking area of undisciplined parkers. I am afraid the area will turn to be a public eye sore and if the Plaza shall be fenced it will psychologically separate itself from the people. It may look physically beautiful but emotionally segregated from the community that it is supposed to serve.

I hope and pray personally that a good architectural design shall be as welcoming as the discarded stairs.

FEBRUARY 25, 2011 - 4:30 p.m.

2011-02-25T17:09:00.000-08:00

February 25, 2011 4:30 pm

Tears were flowing freely down my cheeks. I was watching the historical reenactment of the “Salubungan” during the height of the People Power Revolution at EDSA 25 years ago. It was difficult to describe how I felt.

I was there at EDSA with my fifteen year old son and some other members of the Altinig Choir. We were actually far from where the “Salubngan” occurred because we were not able to come near due to the bigness of the crowd. As we move around we sang songs of our choir.

I recalled how my son and I went there each with a bag for wet towel in plastic for the tear gas just in case, candies and water should we get hungry or thirsty and flashlight in case of blackout. Our bags were tied to our waists to prevent them from getting lost. I asked my son what he would do should we get away from each other due to commotions. He said he would look for a car with Ayala Alabang Sticker so he could be back where we then resided.

The atmosphere then was festive even if one had to pay P1.00 to be able to spit and step over the pictures of the conjugal dictators. We were there when the Marcoses fled to Hawaii. The nation was jubilant. We expected great changes but nothing much happened.

Now, 25 years later we were still hoping to feel the change that we all expected. My 15 year old son who was with me then was now an Australian citizen as well as my youngest son, the EDSA boy of the new generation.

My tears continued flowing down my cheeks as important symbols of EDSA were being handed down to the youth in front of the People Power Monument, for them to continue the spirit and the tangible reality of the EDSA People Power Revolution. My other youthful daughter was now a Canadian citizen.

To dramatize the need for Unity, Ateneo and La Salle choirs joined to sing “Magkaisa” together. Artists from competing channels 2, 5 and 7 also jointly gave their presentations. So many young people attended the 25th Anniversary celebration giving hope to every Filipino that Unity was still possible and attainable.

With tears now drying from my cheeks, in time with the historic speech of President Noy Aquino. I was praying that I live long enough to be able to finally experience the reality of EDSA’s dream. With all my children abroad holding dual citizenship I believe that they will still have the chance to be back to their country feeling safe and at peace with themselves and their own families.

I was aware that my Patriotism was greatly wanting…even corny. But my patriotism was congenitally imbedded in the center of my heart.

POLICEMEN CAME TO "RESCUE ME"

2011-02-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

POLICEMEN CAME TO ‘RESCUE ME’

I was talking to my friend who asked me where my wife was. I said she was in Manila and I was alone except for the gardener.

“Aren’t you afraid being alone?” asked my friend. I said No, because I have a long list of several relatives and friends whom I can summon to help me in case of emergency, by simply touching my Send message at my cell phone.

My friend wondered how I could call so many people at the same time. So, I took my cell phone and showed him the list of the people I want to come to help in time of need with a message: HELP! PLEASE QUIETLY BRING POLICEMEN! I added the word quietly to avoid commotions.

I was showing my friend my draft box where I save the message and the names and while in the process of demonstrating I accidentally touched the send button. It was too late for me to send another message that it was a false alarm.

In no time at all, three nieces, two nephews, several neighbors and friends all came rushing and panting, together with three policemen plus many other curious kibitzers.

It was a funny though embarrassing incident but in a way it turned out to be a drill just in case a real need for policemen came. It was consoling to discover that my neighbors immediately guarded my backyard with long, big pieces of wood ready to strike possible escaping suspects.

It was also then did I realize my truly concerned friends, neighbors and relatives.Knowing how so many were ready to help made me feel very good. But most of all I felt genuinely protected, aware that policemen were ready to offer their help…our towns finest indeed.

POSITIVE CRAB MENTALITY

2011-02-04T17:24:00.000-08:00

CRAB MENTALITY

Granting that crabs have mentality, it has a negative connotation deeply imbedded in the Filipino psyche. It is erroneously considered to be a kind of trampling at each other in a race towards a common goal. It is believed wrongly to be a kind of backbiting or jostling to prevent the progress of those getting ahead.

But come to think of it in a positive light and analyze the crab behavior more carefully. You will notice that the escaping crab from a basket is not actually being pulled down to the bottom but in reality is being pushed up on top of the pyramid formed by the other crabs.

The maneuver actually is a kind of reward or recognition of the achiever; a salute to the stronger and daring member; actually a kind of appreciation for the more adventurous and heroic crab in the clan. It is in fact a strategy for unity to keep the family together.

Scientifically the technology of pen culture also known as “aquasilviculture” is an intelligent positive application of crab mentality of socializing together whereby ‘crablets’ are enclosed in bamboo pens festooned with nets to keep them in one place. Plastic is wound on the upper portion of the net to discourage them from escaping the pen so that they can build many pyramids of fulfillment to keep them together in idle mangrove areas that can eventually be turned into economically protective sites without disturbing the natural ecological state.

If Filipinos could only apply this positive crab mentality there shall be less fighting, less hunger as we shall be congratulating the winners and praising the victorious. We shall be preventing them from going away from us to serve as our mentors, helpers and inspirations.

We certainly can possibly learn many lessons from the crabs. Let us help our leaders to stay up and cooperate with the good things they are doing instead of degrading their achievements. Let us build many pyramids for the many heroes and heroines of our society. Let us stick to one another as a family and as a nation.

There is definitely nothing wrong with the crabs or their mentality but there seems to be something unclear about the Filipino culture and the application of the Filipino mentality.

THE POWER OF ONE

2011-01-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

THE POWER OF ONE

Four ones in a row was the New Year’s most obvious greeting. 1/1/11…what a very strong combination! Number one represent many things: It stands for one God and the three ones are the three persons in the Holy Trinity. Co-equal, co-powerful, and most mysterious of all mysteries.

This New Year must be a mysterious one. Hopingly, many mysterious problems of the country shall be resolved. Mysterious accounts must be exposed. Mysterious transactions of the government must be uncovered. Once the mysteries are removed, genuine transparency shall be attained.

The moment transparency is realized, doubts shall not linger in our minds. Honesty and sincerity shall be felt and peace shall be tangible reality – the miracle of One.

The mystical combination of four ones shall only last for one day but if that one day that happens only once in a lifetime shall be allowed to linger then, hope shall be strengthened, faith shall be increased and Love shall soon prevail. With love prevailing, peace shall be achieved. When this happens progress shall not be far behind.

With all our children already happily living their own lives my wife and I suddenly found ourselves back to square one. One on one at breakfast, at lunch, during snack time, at supper and up to late night snacks while watching the Television.

We are back to our honeymoon period no longer staring at each other but rather looking together upwards to one direction as we offered our fulfilled life to God.

PROOFS OF AGING

2010-12-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

PROOFS OF AGING

I have written about the signs and symptoms of Aging, the Challenge of Aging, Graceful Aging and many other interesting Aging topics. Now, I was experiencing another Aging aspect – the Proofs of Aging.

For years I somehow tried to conceal my age by lying, behaving, dressing,
talking and acting younger than my age. I went to the point of wearing a toupee. What was now happening was something more interesting as I was beginning to discover the genuine proofs of Aging.

This was the first time I wasn’t able to attend the first day of the ‘Misa de Gallo’. Not because it was too cold or too early or any other alibis but simply because I was coughing like a hungry dog. The kind of coughing that always turned of seatmates especially during dawn masses.

With the introduction last year of “Simbang Gabi sa Gabi” at 8:00 p.m. I was able to complete the nine day masses. This year I was simply indispose due to scandalous coughing episodes. So scandalous were the attacks that I needed to walk to the comfort room, every time it happened, to void.

The Parish Priest must have noticed my conspicuous absence that he texted me inquiring if I was sick. I replied that I was ok except for the messy coughing that I didn’t want any other churchgoers to be turned off. So, for the first time since I reached the age of reason I failed to attend the “Simbang Gabi".

Aside from the scandalous coughing experience I sometimes could feel a kind of giddiness every now and then. The giddiness made me feel unbalanced as if I was going to fall anytime. It could be dangerous and risky for me while walking around. My giddiness could easily be solved by using a walking stick but again I still want to pretend I was very healthy and strong in spite of the obvious proof of aging. Other proofs were easily manifested such as the mess at mealtime and frequent lapses of memory. I could still handle the lapses as I could still regularly function at the netcafe. More difficult to manage is the constant falling of my denture even when not eating because my gums have receded so much they can no longer hold my dentures.

Everyday other proofs keep on popping-up as when I met someone so familiar but I just couldn’t decipher who he was or inadvertently thought that someone was somebody else. Lose of bladder control was also getting more frequent. It could sometimes be embarrassing and I wondered how many more years, how far and how long these proofs of aging would show. But what was important I thought was that I was ready to face the consequences having faith that God was guiding me. And I won’t mind if I would finally need to use a walking stick or a personal supporter to help me do my chores. There must be a way to face Eternity.

WHAT TO WRITE

2010-12-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

`WHAT TO WRITE

It has been my habit to wake up early as it has also been almost my habit to write about experiences, observations or just about anything. Writing is a very interesting hobby although it is not always easy to find a good topic to write about.

Today I arrived a little too early to my favorite net cafe to find out that aside from it all the other units in the area are still closed. I even suspected that it must be a holiday that I was not aware of.

The Drug Store across the street was already actively serving costumers who must have been there earlier to buy the needed medicines for a suffering patient. But at the Galeria were I was waiting for my favorite Net Café the first to open was the Western Union reminding me how people will soon need money to serve them the whole day.

I was expecting the Saddle Ranch eatery to open so I could order my brewed coffee while waiting but the Ukay-Ukay keeper came ahead. I imagined that many people also come early to buy old clothing. The Herbal store has been closed for quite a time showing that people are not yet sold to herbal medications.

Soon another net ‘addict’ like me came followed by the Waiter of the Saddle Ranch. I immediately ordered coffee and tried to offer the other ‘addict’ but he just said thank you as he rejected my offer. He sat near me so we talk about the prevailing hobby of most people, generally the younger ones, this days.

‘Internetting' as a habit could also be disastrous. Young ones are hooked to it to the point of sacrificing their daily allowances so they could go to the Netcafe where they indulge in different games. But to adults or elder ones the computer could be very useful. They need not go to the library to do paper research on many topics; they could easily contact their family members and other relatives who are stationed abroad, and many, many more but unfortunately many senior citizens are not yet computer literate and are not capable of using the computers effectively.

In my case I see to it that after breakfast I go to the Netcafe to connect to my children who are in other countries. That way parenting continues and I am always aware of their whereabouts. This is also my chance to freely do counseling. Meeting so many people of different ages in many parts of the world widens my area of communication.

There are many young ones who find a father in me that they request if they could call me “tatay”. I am of course flattered and I always try to let them feel that with me in the net they are assured of parental advice.

I am amused whenever people I don’t personally know request that I help them with their plans from what course or what job to take to how to go on with their wedding plans. I consider all these experiences very rejuvenating and mentally stimulating. Most of all many of them can confide to me their secret emotions thus being able to ventilate and express fully their otherwise suppressed feelings.

I am encouraging many senior citizens to try to learn the basics of the computer to while away their time while keeping their youthfulness if not usefulness. They say this is an invention of the devil although the devil need not be invented. It has always been with us and it is up to us to find ways to avoid them even in the net.

MY SHRINKING WORLD

2010-11-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

MY SHRINKING WORLD

During my not so distant past, when I still considered myself young, I had a chance to explore some interesting parts of the world. It all started when I got intrigued and curious why so many Filipinos go to other countries. With a friend I went to the Philippine Employment Agency (POEA) to inquire.

I was given an application form and after a few weeks, a call slip for interview. I was one of the few who passed the thorough interview, so with curious interest I went to Nigeria, Africa. It was an abnormal flight we had that brought our group to Paris, France for two days stop over. Those two days gave me enough interest and enough satisfaction about my expanding world.

The six months that I spent in the Country of the Black gave me the necessary experience and enough adventure to thank God for the blessing of such a wonderful chance.

My return to the Philippines was another abnormal flight that kept me in Rome, Italy for another two days. Good enough to visit the Basilica of St. Peter at the Vatican City. To see the Coliseum and the popular Coin Fountain plus time to buy small souvenir items.

My traveling escapade encouraged me to be magnetized by the lure of the world around me. When my eldest son moved to Australia, my wife and I were forced by circumstances to follow our son when we needed to meet the family of his girlfriend’s parents to discuss the details of their forthcoming wedding.

Long later a niece of mine invited me and my wife to join a month tour of Europe and the Holy Land. That was why I experienced Turkey, Greece, Italy and The Holy Land at Israel. Added to that, two of my daughters were employed with the airlines, one, with Japan Air Lines and the other with the Thai Airways. So, we also had the privilege and the opportunity to visit Japan, New Zealand and local tourist destinations.

Time came when I needed to retire and for retirement there is no place like home. Back to my hometown I felt I was in paradise that I only went to the city and other neighboring towns for social and shopping purposes. My world stated shrinking gradually.

I got so used to simple living in a very friendly and peaceful atmosphere that now I no longer want to go to the city for any reason. My area is now limited to my hometown but as I exist in my physically shrinking world I am paradoxically experiencing a more wonderful and more interesting expansion of my world.

As I scrutinize little nooks and corners of the different “Baranggays” of my town I am joyfully discovering many, many little worlds with their own unique characteristics. These little worlds that are only waiting to be explored before indulging into an excursion to the global village.

I realized that people need not go far to the vastness of the global world because visiting the tiny units of the real world in the vicinity of my own hometown is enough to offer me the peace of mind that he bigger and wilder world can never offer.. My world is shrinking physically and geographically but it is magnificently expanding heavenwards.

WHERE ARE THE OTHER HAROLDS?

2010-11-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

WHERE ARE THE OTHER HAROLDS?

On my way out from a visit to the Blessed Sacrament I saw a young boy seriously kneeling at the last pew of the church with his little hands clasped in prayers.

I waited for him outside then asked him how old he was

“9 years old po”.

“In what grade are you and what is your name?”, I continued.

“Grade 3 po at Harold ang pangalan ko po”

Out of curiosity I ventured to inquire, “What did you pray for?”

“Nagpasalamat po ako sa Diyos dahil tinulungan Niyang kumita si Inay”.

I was so touched seeing a nine year old boy thanking God early in the morning because his mother earned a little amount.

He said they were three siblings and his mother was selling “chichiriyas” in Tagaytay. I failed to inquire about his father and I noticed some coins in his right palm.

“What are you going to buy with those coins?”

“Pang almusal po namin”.

“Bread?”, I asked.

“Lucky me po” (soup in sachet).

“How many?” I inquired further.

“Dalawa po” (Two sachets of soup for a family of five?)

AT P8.00 each that means P16.00. I gave him P10.00 with instructions to buy bread. He was so glad to receive the money I offered. His eyes opened widely as he throw out a wide smile showing his yellowish unbrushed teeth.

I felt so good meeting a poor boy thanking God early in the morning for a little blessing received by his mother. Other children his age were already playing games at the internet that time. I wondered where the other Harolds are but for as long as there are boys like him there is hope that this country will not totally go to the dogs.

MY COLLEGE RING

2010-10-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

MY COLLEGE RING

Trying to evaluate one morning what could be my most valuable possession I ended up deciding that it was my college ring. Not because it was a 24 karat solid gold but because it was a symbol of many things.

It was the reality of my dream as it was the reminder of my sufferings, my hope and the fulfillment of my goal. It was the key that opened my chance to share a bit of myself to anyone who needed it. My ring was the effective amulet of my whole being.

I remember once during a formal conference my ring slipped out of my finger. It made a loud metallic sound on the floor as it rolled on scandalously. I tried to follow where it stopped and when I did not see it, I stood up to find out where it landed. Some of the forum participants helped to locate my ring while greatly disturbing the ongoing conference.

When I reached the height of my frustration and bitterness in not finding my precious ring a friend of mine handed it to me after keeping it until he saw me acting at my worst.

One time during a strong typhoon I wasn’t able to go home for lunch and I felt very hungry but I realized I didn’t have money, so, I
ofered my college ring to a restaurant as 'collateral' until the following day in exchange for a lunch pack.

In another thrilling event, a whirlwind wedding was to be officiated and when the priest asked the groom for his ring, I lent to him my ever helpful ring. It was also the ring I temporarily offered during my short engagement period with my wife.

Now that I have grown up children and not knowing what to offer them as a worthy remembrance, I gave my eldest son my college ring with instructions to keep it in safe so he can pass it later to his eldest son too. To my youngest son I offered my other precious ring, a lapis lazuli in gold because its powerful healthy vibrations kept me strong and vibrant for a long, long time. He was also instructed to pass it to his future son, as he was still single, to continue the family legacy to the next generation.

To my daughters I requested my wife to share with them her own valuable possession.

HELPERS ON LEAVE

2010-09-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

HELPERS ON LEAVE

My most trusted and most efficient Gardener needed to go home to Surigao del Sur. He is also my highest paid helper because aside from doing the gardening he is also a handyman and a good trouble shooter.

He needed to go home because his brother who recommended him to me got in trouble after he accidentally hit with a handgun someone during a drinking spree. While our maid who was just beginning to learn the household routine chores also needed to go home as required by her husband to attend to her family especially her three year old son.

I was left with my other helper who now has to do the gardening and the household chores. He was not complaining and was very efficient too except that his brother texted him to come home as their father was seriously ill. His leave was indefinite.

Now I am left alone to do everything. I am not complaining as I used to do these things before, although now my body parts are the ones complaining. I get tired more easily but that is not my problem….

Inside the house I am fully secured by iron grills and padlocks but I feel a little uneasy without someone staying at the premises. To solve my uneasiness I invited one of our farmers to sleep at the servant’s quarter every night for my peace of mind. Too good that the farmer I invited brought his brother with him

GHOSTLY DOORBELL

2010-08-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

GHOSTLY DOORBELL

I bought a doorbell, the one that is wireless with a button to change the more than a dozen melodies and another button to change the volume. With it is a separate little plastic boxlike cage for the battery of the button that triggers the ringing of the bell.

I bought it not to use as a doorbell but rather as a call bell by which I can always carry the trigger button with me while the doorbell itself is attached to a permanent electric outlet.

After using it for several days the trigger button became out of order and couldn’t be repaired. So, I just plugged the doorbell to an outlet at the head side of my bed where I could trigger it by directly pushing the melody button anytime.

One night without touching the trigger button the doorbell rang. I didn’t mind it thinking that dust particles could have triggered it or perhaps droplets of rain entering the window could have caused a spark that triggered the melody.

Another night a few days later I was awakened by a non-stop playing of the melody by itself so I just detached the unit from the outlet to stop it then returned it again for the power. I got used to it that the taking out of the unit from the outlet and then returning it has become a routine.

But one rainy night I was awakened by the voice of a shouting boy coming as if from a radio but to my wonderment it was from the doorbell. I felt a kind of fear all over me so I covered myself with the protective white light of Christ through meditation to calm myself.

I cannot stop wondering how it happened. It was 12:14 in the morning. Did my doorbell pick a radio frequency? But how??? For my peace of mind I completely detached the doorbell from the outlet hoping that in that condition it won’t ring anymore.

MONTEMARIA

2010-08-23T18:27:00.001-07:00

Excerpts from an article by Roger Pe on Spiritual Tourism (Inquirer: August 21, 2010)

MONTEMARIA, a site occupying 33 hectares at Bgy. Amuyong, Alfonso, Cavite is now being built. When finished it will be a community of chapels and rosary gardens to be linked together by a 10-meter wide procession road of about 1 kilometer long.
A giant statue of St. Michael the Archangel shall welcome visitors and pilgrims to the pilgrimage site occupying around 15 hectares. There shall be 5 chapels interconnected by spiritual gardens. As planned the following chappels shall be erected: La Scala Santa Chapel, House of Mary Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Perpetual Adoration Chapel, the Chapel of the Santo Niño and most of all the 4-story Neo-classical Podium on top of it shall be the 101 meter tall statue of Mary, Mother of the Poor, supposedly the largest shrine in thw world dedicated to Mary.
Montemaria shall be an international pilrimage destination for Christians travellers and Catholic pilgrims. The site will allow pilgrims to experience the Lord's greatness through its commitment to poverty alleviation and development program.
The whole idea became possible through the kindness of San Miguel Corporation that donated what used to be the site of Magnolia Dairy and Poultry Farm.

TECHNIQUE OF AGING

2010-08-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

TECHNIQUE OF AGING

Minus early death, aging is a reality that every individual has to experience or realize either happily or horribly.

Many people, especially women do not want to get old. They do everything, from acting young to applying rejuvenating cosmetics or surgical interventions to the point of changing completely their God-given appearance.

They want to look young and force themselves to feel young no matter if in the course they look like retardates or mannequins with permanent smiles and eyebrows.

Next to fear of death is fear of growing old, yet anybody who needs to live a full life cannot escape aging. We might as well prepare for it.

In attempts to keep young at least in appearance, many get lost in the wilderness of cosmetology and worse than getting old normally they most of the time remain horribly young.

The technique for graceful aging is to find the pathway to the Fountain of Youth by following a certain habit formula.

F-ind joy everyday,anywhere. If you are resourceful enough there are so
many sources of joy available all around you wherever you are.
O-bserve things around you and be curious about them. There are a lot of
interesting things happening that you fail to notice everyday.
U-nite with lively people. If you only meet "your kind", you will only end up
comparing notes about your problems, disappointments and ailments.
N-urture your health by eating the right food, doing the right exercise and
maintaining a good mental attitude in life.
T-hink positive. No matter how unfortunate you think you are, there are
others more unfortunate than you. Always look at the better side of
anything.
A-lways look forward and upward. The past is gone and must be buried
with the past. Don't be a slave of your past misfortunes.
I-nsist on the true, the good and the beautiful. Your opinion and attitude
about anything help in seeing the reality about them.
N-ever think old. Age is only a quality of the mind. You are only as old as
you think. Age doesn't matter if matter doesn't age.

O-bey the Laws of Nature. Live in moderation.
F-ind something different to do every now and then. Don't live in boredom.

Y-earn to learn again. There are always new things to know. Look for
them.
O-pen your mind always. A closed mind is a dead mind.
U-se your common sense which unfortunately is now very uncommon.
T-ry your sense of play. There are always interesting games for you.
H-ave a good sense of humor. Laugh at yourself and make other's laugh
with you.

SILENT AS A GRAVE (7/14/10)

2010-07-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

SILENT AS A GRAVE(7/14/10)

Typhoon ‘Basyang’ passed-by so quickly as when she came doing damages to several regions including the National Capital Region. Now there was a long period of calm, not the calm that goes with the typhoon. This was the calm resulting from the damages.

Power was cut off so no T.V., no radio, no internet and yes, no cell phone signal. As if to join the great calm, the dogs stopped barking, the roosters stopped crowing and the tricycle motors seemed to cooperate.

I was wondering… was this nature’s way of showing that the prohibition of “wang-wang” was indeed very effective to completely suppress all sources of noise? Or was my inherited deafness getting too serious so suddenly? This was the kind of silence I experienced only in a truly effectively managed library. The kind of silence one felt inside the adoration chapel.

This must be what they mean when they say ‘silent as a grave’. But as I pondered more deeply on the peaceful calm that engulfed me, I started to hear in my mind the sounds of raindrops, of thunder and of the wind last night that prodded me to sleep deeper and dream dreams of by-gone days.

I heard the sounds of my children playing at the backyard. I heard their shouts at each other while quarreling about simple things. I heard their happy songs. I said I must be nearing my grave that I was hearing its ‘eerie silence’.

But no, I have not yet heard the complete sounds of all my children. Many of them were far away making their noises in other countries. I may never have the luxury of the chance to hear them all… but I always pray that they will always be safe, peaceful and happy where they were.

I knew I have traveled a long way. As I heard the sounds of the ‘Jejemon’ I was reminded of the noises made by the ‘Jologs’, who learned their crafts possibly from the ‘Jefroks’, who in turn were taught their lessons by the many ‘gangs’ and ‘barkadas’ ahead of them.

But only those like me who started early must still recall the young ‘Borokintos’ of olden times. They were the noise-makers of their days. Young boys and a few girls who gathered during moonlit nights not for a session with grass or a taste of uppers and downers as they could get euphoric with only boiled bananas or ‘bualaw’ and coffee. Many times the boys went on serenading the pretty girls in the community.

After the ‘Jejemon’, a new generation of noise-makers shall evolve. I still hope to experience how I would feel or behave with my grandchildren joining the latest technical ‘Borokintos’. When that time comes I shall be totally happy, completely at peace with myself and finally ready to embrace the eternal silence of the grave.

":WANG-WANG", ANYONE?

2010-07-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

“WANG-WANG”, ANYONE?

“Wang-wang” is the common street term for siren’s sounds in the traffic. It means many things to many people as it also signifies power, strength, great influence and many more.

Since President P-Noy prohibits its use it becomes a topic of much discussion ranging from the funny to the sublime. A popular priest considered it synonymous to importance since people using it feels that way… that they are important and everybody else should give way.

People with “wang-wang” personality are difficult to deal with. They have delusion of grandeur who are willing to kill anybody that cross their way. So also are the counter-flowing thinkers. They will insists on what they believe is right and never mind what happened to everybody else.

Many go against the current even if by doing so they are sometimes delayed even further. Their idea is not really to go ahead but to go against. There is a challenge in going against because by that, one can show his superiority and messianic complex.

“Wang-wang” taught us many lessons not only for ourselves but for our continuous existence in this world we called a valley of tears. We must learn to give way, to be patient, to be cooperative and to unite with others if we dream of a better life.

We must thank President P-Noy for controlling the “wang –wang” community of Filipinos. We feel assured that he is leading us to the straight path that he promised.

ALONE ON FATHER'S DAY

2010-06-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

ALONE ON FATHER’S DAY

With five healthy children, four equally healthy children-in-law and nine grandchildren, all very healthy too plus an even healthier wife it was quite unusual for a father to be alone on this special day. Except for the still unmarried youngest son who must be very busy with his sports activities, most of them have sent their greetings either through the cell phone or the internet. Also everyone who was anyone at my ‘facebook’ and other accounts has made themselves felt, mostly through generalized greetings to all fathers.

I was not complaining of course, in fact, being the romantic and sentimental me I was dressed for the occasion with shinny, booty pair of shoes, brown pants and maroon-striped polo shirt with matching brown cap too.

I didn’t expect my wife to invite me to have lunch somewhere for actually after attending the Holy Mass she proceeded to attend to her projects at the farm with the helpers.

My youngest daughter texted me to explain that her family planned to invite me and my wife to have lunch at Tuscany, a Mediterranean restaurant in the vicinity of Tagaytay but their car conked and they had to cancel the trip.

After attending to my internet connections I went home, ate my lunch alone and accepted gracefully the reality that “My Father’s Days” are totally gone. My family has grown so well that everybody is everywhere except at home even during holidays. I accept with an open mind the fact that as my days pass-by I shall be more and more isolated from my family as I come nearer to my eternal home.

I learned later that my youngest son texted his greetings to my old number. He greeted me on time after all. The whole experience made my day.

QUITTING CIGARETTE

2010-06-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

QUITTING CIGARETTES
Cigarette smoking has become a presidential topic lately because Benigno (Noynoy) Aquino III, the president elect is a chain smoker. Many are nagging him to quit the habit and there are as many suggestions as there are letters in the alphabet.

I myself have tried about a dozen of those suggestions and have also failed a dozen times. Every time I tried I failed and ended up smoking more sticks until I became monstrously addicted to it that for about twenty years I was smoking four packs a day.

I was already expelling out rusty phlegm every morning and I knew the bad effects and all the detrimental complications of the habit but still I continued smoking because I simply couldn’t quit. Besides my bed was a huge clay pot (palayok) serving as my ash tray. When I run out of cigarette I pick again the already crushed butt and light anew.

I used to smoke three sticks before going out of bed on waking up in the morning. One uneventful day when I was about to light my first stick, I unceremoniously told myself: “What if I smoke after my bath?” and so it happened that after taking a quick shower my urge to smoke was even stronger and so again as if playing with myself I said “What if I smoke after breakfast?” It was my second victory that morning and I felt simply heroic having successfully conquered myself.

After breakfast the urge to puff cigarette was triple stronger but again I told myself “I will smoke after evacuating my vowels”. This time I felt truly triumphant so I bravely promised myself: “I will not smoke today!”. I was overwhelmingly successful. In the afternoon I was feeling uneasy as a result of withdrawal possibly. I didn’t take up any substitute like gums and candies. I just drank half glass of water whenever I have the urge. The next morning I again teasingly told myself: “I will not smoke today” I didn’t promise to quit smoking. I just challenge myself on waking up in the morning.

On the third day the withdrawal syndrome was already actively felt. I was afraid of something I couldn’t explain. The eerie kind of fear was felt the whole day so I just continued with my half glass of water therapy that on the fourth day I was totally disoriented but at the same time I felt stronger to fight all the discomforts brought by withdrawal.

On the second week I knew I have already conquered the habit. To continue overcoming the challenge I regularly put my favorite pack on my vest pocket and a working lighter on my pants pocket. Whenever I have the urge to smoke I take out the pack from my pocket and whispered to it: “You are only a pack of cigarette but I am a human being. You cannot be stronger than me” then I returned the pack to my pocket.

At the end of the second week I bought a whole cartoon of my favorite unfiltered brand, crushed all the sticks in my huge clay pot ash tray and burned them. While burning I cursed it as I would curse a criminal with instructions never to bother me anymore.

That was in 1978 or 32 years ago. Since then my appetite was improved and although I grew a little bigger I became healthier and happier if not handsomer.

Psychologists said that cigarette was the extension of our mother’s nipple. When we were babies we seek and connect to our mother’s nipple when we were hungry, afraid, in pain, or whatever negative emotion we were experiencing at the moment. The nipple was our security and now that we were weaned from the nipple we look for a substitute whenever we felt insecure. The substitute could be thumb sucking, smoking or other more abnormal and more disgusting mouth activities.

For whatever reason, smoking habit could willfully be controlled without any untoward side effects except for the withdrawal syndrome. Since the habit could be a sub-conscious need for security, hypnotic sessions could be very, very helpful.

AUTOMATION EXPERIENCE

2010-05-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

AUTOMATION EXPERIENCE

Much have been written and discussed about the recent automated election. There were pros and cons, praises and complaints. At first even foreigners congratulated our country as we too, congratulated each other. We were all extremely happy to be able to take part in such a historical experience.

But just when we were about to peacefully rest on our laurels many problems suddenly sprouted like mushrooms. Complaints here and there appeared one after another. Then we all realized and were awakened to the fact that yes, we are in the Philippines. The paradise that we thought we already regained was lost again so suddenly.

I thought what happened was a modern miracle of technology. So many people prayed before the elections that God must have at last listened. Yes, indeed for a while God listened but just after the election we forgot to thank him.

Many claimed that the automated election was no different from the previous ones if not worse than them. We are back to purgatory and I think we all deserve the punishments brought about by the evils of El Niño. We are already being toasted alive and we probably deserve the punishment.

We take everything as a joke. From Erap’s decision not to “conceive” to Mar’s plan to file an annulment, we don’t run out of funny stories about funny incidents and laughable experiences.

They say ours is a young republic and is on its way to maturity thus we experience all the growing pains. But what if we are an incurable retardate? And I am only talking here about the past automated election.

Perhaps this is a learning experience, a very important lesson that taught us all Filipinos to change our attitude on many things. It is only when we learn to convert negative experiences into positive outlooks that we can really get out of the mess where we are now.

Like the fast results of the automated voting experience we can all practice automated positive conversion in our minds and in our hearts with all our strengths as guided by our souls to finally discover a new Philippines peopled by new Filipinos.

PAGBATING PANALANGIN

2010-05-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

PAGBATING PANALANGIN
Natapos na ang eleks’yon, may natalo’t may nanalo;
Sa labanan ay talagang may ‘dejado” at “llamado”;
Nagtagumpay ang pinili at ibinoto ng tao:
Tinig ng tao’y tinig din ng Diyos na matalino.

Kaya’t tayo’s sama-samang bumabati sa nagtagumpay;
Magka-isa’t magtulungan sa paglilingkod sa bayan.
Sa ganito’y magagawang mapa-unlad ng lubusan,
At mabigyang bagong-anyo ang Pinas na ating mahal.

Ang progreso ay mabilis para lamang kisap-mata;
Kaya sa bagong pinuno, bansa ngayo’y umaasa.
Kung ang bansa’y mabibigo, magluluksa ang bala na;
Nguni’t kung magtulong-tulong ay malaki ang pag-asa.

Limutin na ang nagdaan at ibaon sa kahapon;
Harapin natin ng bukas na taglay ay puro hamon.
Malaki man ang gawain kung tayo’y magkakatulong,
Ang malaki’y lumiliit at madaling maiahon.

Kaming mga mamamayang nasa sektor na pribado,
Nakahandang maki-isa sa mga taong gobyerno,
Mungkahi nami’y pakinggan upang bansa’y mapanuto:
Magtulungan, magtuwangan at magbalikatan tayo.

Mga “concerned” mamamayan isali sa mga balak;
Magaan man o mabigat, pag-usapan ang pagbuhat.
‘Pag nangyari ang ganito ang lahat ay magsisikap;
Uunlad ang ating bansa, Pilipinas, babaligwas.

Sa ating Poong Maykapal tayo ngayon ay magdasal;
At hilingin na tanglawan silang mga bagong halal.
Sa pamumuno ng bansa, sila’y laging subaybayan,
Upang sa mga gawain sila’y hindi mangaligaw.

Panginoon tulungan din kaming mga nagsiboto,
Na matutong makiisa sa pag-unlad ng bayan ko;
Akayin sa wastong landas upang ganap na matamo
Ang pangarap ng lahat ng mabubuting Pilipino.

Salamat po Panginoon sa marami Mong biyaya;
Salamat po Panginoon sa tulong mo na sagana;
Salamat po Panginoon sa walang hanggan mong awa,
Kung wala ka Panginoon, wala kaming magagawa.

KAKABA-KABA

2010-04-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

KAKABA-KABA

Habang lumalapit, araw ng eleks’yon,
Mga kandidato’y naghihiga’t bangon.
May pangamba dine at may takot doon…
Ano kayang sadya ang magiging hatol?

Mga mamboboto naman ay gayon din,
Hindi makatiyak… Sinong pipiliin?
Kahi’t manok nila’y talagang magaling,
Kung hindi popular, baka matalo rin.

Kanya-kanyang gimik at mga padahak.
Magkabilang panig takot humalakhak.
Baka magkamali at iwanang sukat
Ng mga katoto na palipat-lipat.

Gastos, puyat, pagod, nakakahilo na.
Mga kandidato’y nangangalumata,
Nguni’t kailangang ngumiti, tumawa
Upang ‘di magtampo ang mga kasama.

Buhay kandidato’y mahirap din naman;
Puhunan ay yaman, pagod, kalusugan.
Na kapag nanalo’y babawiing tunay;
Kung matalo nama’y tatagulaylayan.

Dapwa’t bakit kaya mahilig ang tao
Na mamulitika at mag kandidato?
Makakatulong din kahi’t papaano
Maging isang simple’t taong ordinary.

Ang buhay ng tao’y mahirap malirip,
Puno ng ligaya sa pananaginip;
Nguni’t ang totoo kapag iniisip
Ang buhay na ito’y puno ng ligalig.

Talagang sinadya ng Poong Maykapal
Na tao’y magdnas din ng kahirapan.
Upang ‘pag natikman ang hapdi ng buhay,
Matutong lumuhod at saka magdasal.

Talagang masarap na magunam-gunam
Ang tamis, matapos pait ay matikman.
Masaklap matalo, nguni’t malinamnam
Ang biyaya ng D’yos ay walang kapantay.

ELEKSIYON

2010-04-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

ELEKSIYON

Sa kaharian ng ibon, minsan ay nagpulong-pulong
Upang pilii’t ihalal ang magiging panginoon:
Minungkahi si Agila nguni’t maraming tumutol
Dahil siya’y nandaragit ng mumunting mga ibon.
Minungkahi si Buwetre, maraming ‘di sumang-ayon…
Dahil siya ay sa patay nabubuhay sa maghapon.
Minungkahi si Paniki, si Loro at iba roon,
Hindi sila magkaundo, iba-iba ang opinion.

Sa kaiisip kung sino ang nararapat mamuno,
Nagkasundo ang marami na si K’wago ang iupo.
Sabi nila si K’wago raw ay talagang matalino;
Kahi’t gabi at madilim, malinw ang mata nito.
Kaya’t wala ng tumutol – naging Pangulo si K’wago,
At ano mang iutos n’ya’y sinusunod na totoo.
Kahi’t anong gawin niya, ginagayang todo-todo
Ng lahat ng mga ibon na sa kanya ay saludo.

Nguni’t hindi nila alam na pagsapit ng umaga;
‘Pag sumipot ang liwanag, lumalabo na ang mata;
Si Pangulong K’wago nila ay wala ng nakikita;
Ang kilos at gawa niya’y marami ng sumasala.
Nguni’t mga taga-sunod, pilit-matang sumasamba,
Ano mang gawin ni K’wago ay kanilang ginagaya;
Kung si K’wago’y matapilok, tumatapilok din sila,
Kung si K’wago’y matihaya, tumutulad ang bala na.

Sa paglalakad ni K’wago ang lahat ay umusunod;
Kung si K’wago ay mauntog, sila rin ay sumasalpok.
Ng si K’wago ay maligaw sa kabila noong bakod,
Ang iba pang mga ibon ay sumamang nalulugod.
Sa kalyeng ‘di nakikita si K’wago ay napaluhod;
Ang kaniyang tagahanga’y nakigayang walang lungkot.
May isang trak na dumaan, silang lahat ay nasalpol…
Pagsunod sa punong bulag, lahat sila ay natepok.

Gayon din ang pamayanan, tila isang kaharian,
Na may punong pinipili upang sila’y pamunuan.
Sa pagpili ng pinuno, dapat nating kaingatan,
Baka ang ating mapili’y pinunong pang-kadiliman.
Kailangan natin ngayon ay pinunong may pananaw –
Upang sa ating pagsunod ay hindi tayo maligaw.
Ang pinuong naka pikit at sa liwanag ay silaw
Ay wala ring magagawa kahi’t ga’no pa katagal.

Kaya’t ngayon na panahon ng paghalal ng pinuno,
Tayo ay maging maingat upang hindi na mabigo.
Kung tayo ay magkamali’t maniwala sa pangako,
Tayo rin ang magdurusa, kung ‘di dapat ang maupo.
Piliin natin ang punong matalino at may puso;
Na kahi’t sino mang tao’y p’wede siyang makihalo;
Malawak ang pang-unawa’t ang pananaw ay malayo…
Upang maabot ang hangad na bayang may bagong anyo.

MY PERSONAL EASTER

2010-04-09T17:16:00.001-07:00

MY PERSONAL EASTER

Holy Week is supposed to be a time for silent meditation, for introspection and self-reflection but the recent Holy Week didn’t turn out to be that way. My eldest and youngest sons together with my eldest grandson came all the way from Australia to commemorate Holy Week with other members of the family who are comfortably based here in the Philippines.

This year was our turn to sponsor the “Pabasa” for the clan’s antique image of San Pedro Apostol. There was a mixture of solemnity and excitement as we happily recalled by-gone days; as we review nostalgic experiences; as we divulged secret maneuvers to outdo one another.

My eldest grandson was a riot. He won’t stop in one place or even in one simple position. He is that active that back in Australia he had to wear helmet to protect his head from injury.

Holy Thursday was my youngest daughter’s birthday and her husband insisted that we all have lunch at Chateu Hestia, a sophisticated garden eating venue. Everyone enjoyed not only the meal but the healthy atmosphere with beautiful shrubs and vines and colorful ornamentals.

The following day, Good Friday, my eldest daughter and her husband again treated us to another lunch. It took us time to look for a place that would allow my granddaughter’s pet to be with us. Antonio’s Grill was accommodating enough though it was a late lunch of very especial recipes. It was a terribly hot day. Tagaytay’s breeze was not enough to help everyone feel comfortable.

After the very long procession of the images in the salvation drama the night turned out to be chilly, just good enough to disturb my respiratory system after a sudden crazy change of temperature.
I ended up coughing severely as always during hot, dusty season. I failed to join the Black Saturday and Easter Sunday celebrations. I performed my religious duties on Television.

Now they are all gone and back to their own homes. It is not easy for me to change mood from exhilaration to solitude. Now the disturbing noises of the campaigning candidates are helping me cope. Never mind the damage to my already weakened hearing.

To add more gloom to my solitude there is rotating brown out every so often driving me mad as I don’t know where to go for the luxury of a simple electric fan. The hammock and the long bamboo seats at my garden are very inviting if not for the hundreds of tiny insects all enjoying a bite at my ‘delicious’ skin,

I was not fooled during the first day of the month but I feel foolish not knowing how to behave properly in solitude with power interruption and deafening noises caused by unconcerned candidates.

Rain, rain where are you? Come now! Soon… we much need you.

HOLY WEEK DRAMAS

2010-03-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

HOLY WEEK DRAMAS

Among the traditional Holy Week practices in our hometown are the “Pabasa” and the “Prusisyon” of the characters that participated in the Salvation Drama.

The Marquez clan of my grandmother side owns the antique image of San Pedro Apostol while the Aviñante clan of my grandfather side owns the antique image of Mater Dolorosa.

This year it is our family’s turn to sponsor the “Pabasa” and the “Prusisyon” of San Pedro Apostol. That is the reason why my eldest and youngest sons who are both based in Autralia are coming home together with my eldest grandson who is carrying my family name.

During the “Pabasa” on Holy Tuesday we invited members of the Marquez clan to join the celebration together with friends, the other relatives from all sides. It is a kind of Religious Reunion for everyone.

More especially we invited a group of Passion Chanters who shall participate in reading a part of the Holy Passion of Jesus Christ. More than a dozen images shall be in procession to dramatize the Salvation Drama of Jesus Christ from His triumphant entry to Jerusalem on “Domingo de Ramos”, His Suffering Procession on Holy Wednesday, His Burial Procession on Holy Friday and His Glorious meeting with His Mother on Easter Sunday at the “Galilea”.

These Holy Week rituals are traditionally done all over the country in different colorful manners. Some with various ways of performing the “Penitencia”,that includes the actual crucifixion of some penitents. A dramatization of Christ’s life is lavishly presented through “Cenaculo” and different manners of doing the Fourteen Stations of The Cross and the “Visita Iglesia”.

All these ritualistic practices are offshoots of the Spaniards’ motivations while Christianizing the Filipinos when they came. It is lamentable that while the motivations are improved and continued, the original lessons intended by the Spaniards are forgotten and even caused the appearance of many confusing religious sects.

EL NIÑO'S RAINS

2010-03-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

El NIÑO’S RAINS

Yesterday I woke up in a ‘”gloomy” morning. Thick, dark clouds like the yokes of century eggs were hovering all over the skies but everybody was happy. The “gloom” was in fact a welcome development now that everyone was praying for rains.

The effects of El Niño have been damaging farms, plants and animals. Diseases were appearing one after another. Heat was somehow devastating every individual. The appearance of dark “gloomy” clouds were like sudden sparks of light during black outs.

The dark clouds were possibly brought about by artificial cloud-seeding to induce rains. But rain, it did not. Instead very tiny particles of raindrops showered for a while making everyone exposed to them, catched colds. Sneezing and coughing were the untoward results. What a waste of money if it was indeed cloud-seeding that carried the thick dark clouds for a while.

When the climate was very hot, even tempers rise too often and too easily. Misunderstandings ensued quickly and quarrels became very common incidents and to think that we were only at the early stage of El Niño phenomenon.

Authorities announced that the heat wave was expected to last ‘till the month of June. Natural springs were gone and small rivers were dried. People were requested to save water but fires were left and right like every time during fire-prevention month. It was ironic that water was supposed to be saved and fire was supposed to be prevented.

While El Niño was doubling its damages to life and properties, candidates for the coming elections were throwing lots of money trying to destroy each other.

The whole day I was in complaining mood until I went to bed and then all of a sudden this morning when I woke up it was raining gently. People’s lamentations must have reached heaven which gave us the kind of rain that penetrated the scorched soil.

Instead of singing my favorite childhood song: “Rain, rain go away”, I belted out “All flowers will sing, all fields will rejoice, true joy is all around. All flowers will sing, all fields will rejoice,.. Good rain is now pouring down.

EDSA REMEMBERED

2010-02-24T16:11:00.001-08:00

A LETTER TO FRIENDS AND RELATIVES ABROAD
Published at the Philippine Star, Feb. 16, 1987

Dear Town mates,
It is not easy to describe one’s feelings after having actually joined a revolution as I did. I never felt so happy, so jubilant and so triumphant, all my life than after having personally participated in this historic transformation of the Filipinos. To me, what happened was “God’s politics”, a Divine intervention, a real miracle. Political analysts, psychologists and sociologists are all at a loss in evaluating the phenomenon of People Power. The experience made me feel so proud.
Now a new Filipino is born, a new Republic emerges and a new hope is just around the corner. The Filipinos are saved by their own brand of spirituality, life style and sense of humor. I was there when it all happened, can you beat that? I often say that if you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem. Now I know where I actually belong. I pity you who fled to other countries. You did not have the chance to get involved in this historic turn about.
My fifteen year old son cannot blame me anymore when he grows up. He will always remember that time when I enjoined him to be with me in chasing freedom and saving democracy. If I don’t leave him and my other children treasures when I die, I am confident they will always remember a simple ‘kind of courage’ that they will always cherish for as long as t hey live.
Helping save a country is not an easy job and having done so creates not a simple feeling. It is a feeling of extreme greatness and perhaps Marcos was right when he said “Filipinos will be great again”.
In fairness to him who flew to Hawaii, I am putting this on record that like Judas, Marcos also played a big role in the fulfillment of this democratic salvation.
My fond regards….

HOLY WEEK THEN AND NOW

2010-02-23T17:55:00.000-08:00

HOLY WEEK
When I was a child, which happened a good three scores and many years ago, the observance of Holy week was a highly moving experience. We were expected to practice holiness in thought, in word and in deed. The execution of fasting and abstinence was strictly implemented during the period of Lent specifically on Fridays.

We were not allowed to play noisy games or tell dirty jokes. Radio stations played only inspirational and prayerful tunes. We were taught to practice how to sacrifice and do more acts of mercy.

Beginning Ash Wednesday, chant reading of the Passion of Christ was done in most household. The solemnity of the atmosphere was felt anywhere you go. During Palm Sunday we brought to Church our elaborately decorated palms for blessing. After the Mass we brought out the eggs which were supposed to be “strong” with their hard shells, and then we looked for an opponent in a game called “tuktuk”. It was simply a direct hitting of each other’s egg. The egg that cracked was given to the winner. The one who gathered the most number of eggs turned very popular among his peers.

The station of the cross was done only inside the Church in front of the 14 stations framed around the wall. At ten o’clock in the morning of Holy Wednesday, some children were gathered inside the Church to catch the “kampanero” who ran around until caught. This was supposed to be a dramatic symbolism of the apprehension of Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane after He was betrayed by t he traitor, Judas Iscariot.

During the procession on Holy Wednesday, the statue of St .Peter who was at the very front got lost then found at the middle of the procession. After a while he got lost again and later found following at the very end of the line. Before the end of the procession St. Peter was again lost, brought home to appear Sunday morning at the Galilee. This was done to symbolically emphasize the three times that he denied Jesus.

After the ritual on Holy Thursday, the Holy Eucharist was displayed the whole night and until the Good Friday ritual, while also presenting the “Siete Palabras” in different manners. On the dawn of “Sabado de Gloria”, the resurrection of Jesus was announced by the pealing of the Church’s bells. We then start jumping and shouting and enjoying the “Pagkabuhay”.

The “Salubong “was the reenactment of the meeting of Jesus and Mary at Galilee after the resurrection. It was Easter Sunday, supposedly the most important aspect of the life of Jesus Christ.

As years passed-by, many changes happened not only to the observance of the Holy week but mostly to the people themselves. This time we doubt and were uneasy to call the week Holy. Holiness was now hardly felt in the air as the celebration was now just a vacation when families can enjoy by observing their own version and interpretation of the occasion. Jesus was somehow lost. So, let us all proclaim the mystery of our salvation: “Christ have died, Christ have risen, Christ will come again at the end of time”.

SOLITUDE

2010-02-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

SOLITUDE

I don’t remember the name of the author of one interesting poem that runs like this:
“I had a little tea party,
This afternoon, at three.
It was very small, three guests in all…
Just I, myself and me.
Myself ate all the sandwiches
And I drunk all the tea;
It was also I who cut the pie
And passed the cake to me”.

When one is alone he turns sentimental and poetic. Sometimes he resorts to building castles in the air or attending to an imaginary party. Psychologists say it is normal. Similar experience visited me for about a week when all my helpers left for different valid reasons.

While walking around doing my routine slow-jogging exercise someone curiously asked who lives with me at home. I replied in jest that I have my echo, my shadow and me. Being in solitude affects people differently. Many succumb to depression while there are those who simply feel suicidal.

My own experience taught me several lessons but I never felt lonely at all time. Why should I be lonely when it was the best time for me to make an inventory of my life? It was also a moment for me to enjoy complete freedom… in thought in words and in deed. I found it quite intriguing, challenging and enjoyable. I happily scanned the deepest recesses of my memory to as far back in the fast as my subconscious mind could allow to as far forward in the future as my superego actually brought me.

It was awesome and immensely enjoyable to be all by myself without anybody to object or interrupt my thinking mechanism. It was celestial to realize how magnificent I have been all my life.

I have all the reasons to celebrate. It was greatly fulfilling to do things for myself without being a slave to anyone. I have lived my life fully. No regrets at all. I came to the world alone and there is no practical reason why I cannot leave the same world alone. I can always bring with me, myself, my echo, my shadow and me.

But meantime I am still willing to enjoy all the good things that this kind world can offer with all the good people I know.

CUPID'S TARGET

2010-01-31T17:29:00.000-08:00

CUPID’S TARGET

A popular song of long ago declared that “Love is a many splendor thing” and indeed it is. It is also a many confusing promises and a many lamentable disappointments. Love, in fact could be anything or perhaps plain nothing as good poet clearly established.

February is considered and accepted as the month of love. It is when Valentine’s Day is celebrated supposedly for lovers following all the puzzling stories behind it. It will also be the start of the Chinese Year of the Tiger.

Love is generally a romantic relationship though it could sometimes be a mathematical problem. One plus one is two but in love one plus one is one or sometimes three since love could result to a triangle or a square or a rectangle but rarely is it a straight line. Love could be a dot as a dating spot or a circle like an engagement ring.

I cannot see up to now the rationale why the month of February is celebrated as the month of love. This month is always lacking even when it is sometimes added with another day. Is it because in fact love is always lacking?

The old poet noted that Love is almost always on fire but it is never burning; It is much in winning supposedly but more often loosing; it promises to be true but most of the time end up lying; at times it is sick but seldom is it dying; love can actually be anything but generally it is actually nothing.

Who is he who says? Love is like a cup of coffee. When it is hot we want it cool, when it is cool we want it hot, always wanting what is not. The color red claims the color of love as shown by a fresh red long stemmed rose or merely a red heart shaped piece of paper. It is commonly represented by a heart because it is as fragile, as sensitive and as hard working as the heart.

But most of all love is symbolized by Cupid because It is as innocent, as naked as it is also as courageous as a warrior ready to release his arrow to win a fight.

Love promises the stars and the moon, the rainbow and the honeydew, the bed of roses and the happy times but you will wonder why love is never at peace with itself. To many Valentine (LOVE) is just a day but I don’t mean it that way.

THE ANTIQUE BELLS RING AGAIN

2010-01-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

THE ANTIQUE BELLS RING AGAIN

The disturbing noise of the busy afternoon was suddenly subdued by the peculiar joyful ringing of the antiquated church bells. They were playing the old familiar “iskela” that I used to hear during happy occasions like when there were “fiestas” or wedding celebrations.

The bells were silenced last September 17, 2009 when the repair of the belfry was started. Exactly four months later, on January 17, 2010 the precious bells were again hanged and yesterday January 20, 2010 they were ‘singing’ again to announce the 149th anniversary of the establishment of the Parish of St . John Nepomucene.

Many anecdotal stories have been told about those priceless bells. Old folks used to discuss about the giant bell, so big that ringing it could cause a pregnant woman to abort her baby because it sounded so loud to be heard clearly to as far as Nasugbu, Batangas. Legend says it was buried.

There was the story about a certain Parish Priest who planned to sell one of those bells to be used in repairing some damaged portion of the old convent. The whole community united to oppose the plan that never materialized.

There were times like during the first and second world wars when these bells were effectively used as alarms to notify the people when there were dangers. For many, many years these bells were instruments to announce certain time of the day as well as important events in the community.

Now that they are ringing anew, many new stories shall happen; many new important events shall be experienced by the people. With the united effort and concern of everyone to rebuild the old belfry structure, the regular melody of the ever efficient “carillon” of the town shall continue to alert the people of various events.

As time moves on the peaceful community shall be evolving with the new technologies, with the new way of life of the puzzling new generation. The church bells shall remain the active witnesses of all that shall come. Things shall change drastically from the way of life to the political practices but the antique church bells shall remain the same.

THE MAGIC OF NEED

2010-01-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

THE MAGIC OF NEED

Early in the morning, a Ruby Crystal year ago, during the New Year’s mass, I uttered a very short and simple prayer: “Lord, this year I am planning to marry. If it will be good for me and if it will be for the greater glory of God please send me the right woman”.

The day after, God sent her to me. She was not the maiden I wanted in my mind but she must be the Eve I needed in my life. After three short meetings in a period of eleven days and forty five minutes of informal but sincere courtship, we married in a whirlwind manner. We hurriedly made our vows before the altar of the Lord not because we were being chased by anyone but simply because we were old enough to do so.

It turned out that I was also the man she needed. Our mutual need for each other became the strongest string that bound us tightly together.It also took us a long period of confusing and troubling adjustment but gradually we discovered our individual needs. Through trial and error we slowly found the way to fill those needs until we both realized that the magic power of a successful relationship is simply filling each other’s needs.

Even since that matrimonial power of needs and our improved method of filling them remained our miracle potion that brought us five healthy children. Two boys and three girls who were all healthy and not one ever brought home a grave problem.

We considered ourselves billionaire in that sense. Now, those billions of blessings have attracted three healthy, kind and roundly qualified sons-in-law, one pretty, healthy and very capable daughter-in-law, all on them instrumental in bringing us five pretty angels, two handsome warriors and another wonder child coming soon.

As we celebrate separately (because that is the need of the moment) our Ruby Wedding Anniversary, we thank, praise, adore and glorify God for all the wonderful graces. He taught us that the secret of a lasting and harmonious relationship is nothing but the magic power of filling each other’s needs. In the final analysis, the magic of need is the needed magic.

THE FIRST DAY of the Rest of my LIfe

2010-01-09T18:00:00.001-08:00

THE FIRST DAY
Of the Rest of my Life

The day was the Feast of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo. To me it started at 1:00 a.m. when I was greeted by a Congressman, the father-in-law of my daughter who happened to be celebrating his birthday too. After that I no longer slept deeply as I was anticipating excitedly the appearance of Sunrise of my new day.

At 5:00 a.m. I was gifted with a tight embrace by my wife who seemed to be more excited to kill the old chicken given to me by a previous housemate in ‘exchange for my life’. I thought it was unfair to the chicken that did nothing but laid eggs. She also wanted to cook a noodle recipe so that I may live longer life. I chided her if she didn’t realize that I already have lived long enough.

We heard mass at the chapel of the Little Souls located at Tagaytay.
It was a solemn experience with only few in attendance and everything was done in almost heavenly manner. While the mass was going on, my youngest daughter, with her husband and only daughter arrived to join us.

A sister –in-law of mine who came from Bohol with her husband was scheduled to leave for America the following day was invited by my wife to meet and join us for lunch at Josephine’s. Her other sister with the husband also were invited to be with us. The fair of couples came pretty early so they proceeded to the next town where their two brothers were based and invited them too. One came with a lady friend.

There, at Josephine’s, an 87 year old Grandmother was also celebrating her birthday at a very long table. I noticed that some of them were glancing at me interestingly. I decided to stand up, went closer to them and greeted the celebrating Grandmother.

As it turned out one of the granddaughters of the celebrant was my ‘godchild’ during her baptism. It has been many, many years ago. The tiny pretty girl who used to see me on Christmas Day was now married to a successful businessman. They have three children and were based in Dubai. What followed was a lively nostalgic revival of the by-gone days.

Sooner my sisters and bothers-in-law said good-bye to go back home.. The whole experienced turned out to be an unusual but differently enjoyable birthday celebration not at all planned. More interestingly, the waiter was somehow stunned when I handed to him 9 senior citizen’s card during payment.

My especial guest turned out to be my charming grand daughter who was the only available projection of the latest generation of my clan. The whole event made my day after I attended the anticipated mass that afternoon.

CRAWLING TURTLE

2010-01-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

CRAWLING TURTLE

So the story goes that once upon a time the life span of both men and animals are the same. Both men and animals die at the age of forty.
One day the Committee of the Dogs had a meeting. The ‘Chairdog’ suggested that “Since we are the best friend of men we could show more our friendship and loyalty to them if we could give ten years of our lives to men so that men will live up to fifty while we, dogs, live only up to thirty”. It was unanimously carried.

But it was heard by the Horses and they too gathered into a meeting. The President of the Horses proposed that “Because we are the best helper of men we could best help men by also donating ten years of our lives to men so that men will live up to sixty while we live only up to thirty like the dogs”. Again the proposal was unanimously approved.

The two important incidents reached the Kingdom of the Monkey. The King ruled that “In as much as we are the nearest relative of men, we could share ten years of our lives to men so that men will live up to seventy and we die at thirty like the dogs and the horses. No monkey objected to the rule.

When we say life begins at forty it is because we only live normally up to forty years of age. From forty to fifty men starts ‘howling like a dog’, from fifty to sixty we begin ‘working like a horse’ and from sixty to seventy most men just ‘monkey around’.

There is no anecdotal record of what other animals donated some years of their lives to men that surpass the age of seventy but I will not be surprised if the turtle decide to also give ten years or more of their lives to men so that men live a little more longer. After all at the end of it all the turtle shall still live more than a hundred years. It will be carrying its home wherever it shall go but it shall continue crawling strongly around. Tomorrow and days later I will not be astonished if I wake up feeling like crawling on my way to the comfort room. Then I know that the turtle have decided to share with me a few of its crawling years.

SYMBOLS

2010-01-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

SYMBOLS

Symbolically the Feast of the Epiphany is the official end of Christmas. After today it is the time to remove all symbols: the manger, the Christmas tree, the lanterns, the poinsettias, Santa Clause, the reindeers, the snowman and the most important and most relevant symbol, the star.

We shall be discarding Christmas in our lives until another year. But no matter what we the do the star shall remain. It may no longer be visible at daytime but during dark, dark night the star is most bright.

Christmas is our light, our hope, our guide so that when we are in the dark all we need to do is look up and we shall be properly guided by the twinkling star for Christ shall be born again in our hearts.

As the feast of Saint Valentine approaches we shall be creating new symbol – the heart which in turn becomes the symbol of love. If Christ is symbolized by the star then we can say that the star also is the symbol of love because as we all know Christ is love that we must focus our lives on Christ.

The heart as a symbol of love is important too because the heart brings about trust. If you don’t trust the one you love, your heart shall be beating erratically. Love is also symbolized by a fresh red rose to show the fragility, the sensitivity and the freshness of love to keep it alive and healthy.

A ring also symbolizes love because the ring has no beginning or end. It is just a continuous circle that goes on and on without obstacle as love should be. A more popular symbol of love is Cupid for his youthfulness as love should never grow old; for his nakedness since love should be truthful and covers nothing; for his valor as shown by his bow and arrow, to face life’s challenges.

After Valentine’s Day is the Holy week with all the interpretations of God’s love in the way of the Cross. First, the love of Jesus is remindful. During the Last Supper He told His disciples “Do this in memory of Me”. Second, the love of Jesus is obedient. He said “Thy will be done”. Third, The love of Jesus is courageous. He accepted the verdict of death at the Sanhedrin. Fourth, the love of Jesus is persevering. He persevered the scourging at the pillar and crowning with thorns.

Fifth, the love of Jesus is strong. He carried the heavy cross. Sixth, the love of Jesus is patient. He fell down with the heavy cross, stood up again and continued walking with it. Seventh, the love of Jesus is helpful. He allowed Simon Cireneo to help him carry the cross. Eight, the love of Jesus is understanding. He told the women of Jerusalem:”Don’t cry for me, cry for yourselves and your children”.

Ninth, the love of Jesus is truthful and forgiving. During the Crucifixion He allowed Himself to be stripped naked to bare the truth then He shouted “Father, Forgive them for they know not what they are doing”. Tenth, the love of Jesus is caring. Before He died He told Dimas: “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. Eleventh, the love of Jesus is trusting. From the cross He said: “Woman, behold your son. Son, behold Your mother”.

Twelfth, the love of Jesus is redeeming. He died to save the whole world. Thirteenth, the love of Jesus is peaceful. He allowed His holy and blessed body to be laid peacefully in the tomb. Fourteenth, the love of Jesus is triumphant. He resurrected from the dead.

The whole year round is an expression of God’s love for us symbolically expressed in different manners. But God is expecting us to love Him in return not symbolically but truthfully and genuinely.

"ECLECTIC" MOMENT

2009-12-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

“ECLECTIC” MOMENT

New Year’s Eve brings many things. It is the time for good-bye and hello. It depicts change. It is a time for renewal, a happy merging of darkness and the light, a moment for silent meditation amidst the noises of the firecrackers and the karaoke. It also means equality in the sense that everyone turns one year older whether you are a child or a senior citizen.

It is the period of many superstitious practices. There are the 13 rounded fruits on the table, the polka dots on clothes and curtains, the hanging grapes on windows and doors which are all supposed to be open wide. It is the moment to turn on all light switches as well as the water faucets. It is the occasion for a sumptuous dinner full of symbolisms.

New Year’s Eve announces death and birth. Death of bad habits and disappointments, of failures that are supposed to be buried with the outgoing year. But it also connotes birth to new dimension of existence.It is birth to new hope, new outlook, new plans, new strategies – new life.

To many, New Year is noise. Intended noise to drive away the evil spirits and welcome good fortune. Fire crackers are left and right and with them are all sorts of accidents. Common are blown hands and blindness, broken bones and not so remotely, death.

This event is the most “eclectic” moment of the year. It brings about opposite and varied emotions. It promises different gifts and different opinions, different intentions and different approaches. It is in fact the most confusing moment to ponder on anything. Happy New Year!

SHARING CHRISTMAS

2009-12-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

SHARING CHRISTMAS
Christmas could be anything. To children it means toys, candies and carnivals. To the elders it is a nostalgic reunion with plenty of foods and exchange gifts. To lovers it is a time for significant exchange of yeses or rings or anything that seals their relationship.

I just discovered a new and unique way of sharing the Christmas spirit. I saw a little girl repeatedly requesting her mother to buy her a baby doll with diaper but the mother simply couldn’t afford. I offered to buy the toy then gave it to the little girl as my Christmas gift to her. You could never imagine the expression of joy by both mother and child.

To the old man who used to sweep-clean the Church plaza I gave old T-shirts and cash while to his grandchild I offered a wallet with crispy bills. It was his first wallet and he could not hide his great happiness. As her most valuable gift to a vegetable vendor at the side of the road, what cheered her heart no end was a copy of her toothless picture that I took earlier near my Christmas tree. She pressed it over her heart as she considered it the most valuable gift ever.

A folded paper Peacock did the Christmas magic to a poor little girl that I met in a hospital. Same magic was created by a colorful yoyo received by an orphaned boy after opening his gift from a raffle package that he got.

There are hundred ways to express Christmas in simple manner, for Christmas is Peace and Love incarnate. Anyway we express Peace and Love to anyone we are sharing Jesus Himself. Jesus is the reality of Christmas. To many Christmas is but a day. Mine is not that way.

Similarly New Year represents Happiness and Prosperity. Let us all think of ways to express Happiness and Prosperity to everyone this coming year 2010. If many shall be practicing this, the whole year shall be Happy and Prosperous.

THE OTHER WISE MAN (Ang Haring Naiwan)

2009-12-25T17:14:00.000-08:00

Just 365 days before the next Christmas I want to share my favorite Christmas Story

ANG HARING NAIWAN
Desiyembre 7, 1962

Kasabay ng malalambing na awit ng mga anghel,
Isang talang maliwanag ang sa langit ay nagningning;
Pawang nangagbabalitang doon sa bayan ng Belen
Ay sumilang ang dakilang sasakop sa sala natin.

Samantala sa Silanga’y may mga haring nag-usap
At nagbalak na dumalaw sa sumilang na Mesiyas.
Naghanda ng mga handog ang mga haring magilas;
Nagkasundong magtatagpo sa takdang araw at oras .

Si Haring Melchor at Gaspar at gayon din si Baltazar
Ay nagkita’t sama-samang sa Betlehem ay naglakbay.
Samantala, ang mabunyi’t matulunging si Shellimar –
Sa kaniyang dinaana’y sawing-palad na naiwan.

Ang dahilan ay sapagka’t sa landasing tinatahak…
Isang pulubing maysakit ang nakitang naghihirap.
‘Pagka’t likas na malambot yaong pusong binusilak,
Ay huminto’t pinagyaman ang pulubing napahamak.

Ginamot at pinakain ang maysakit na matanda;
Ni Shellimar na sa kanya’y naghatid at nagkalinga.
Sa ganitong kabutiha’y nalimot ang panukala
Na dadalaw sa Betlehem na sinilangan ng Bata.

Ng lumakas ang katawan ng pulubing tinulungan;
Si Shellimar ay saka lang nagpatuloy na maglakbay.
Dapwa’t sadyang sawing-palad, noon naman ay lumisan,
Ang Mag-anak na dahila’y lumipat sa ibang bayan.

Ito’y dahil sa pag-iwas sa utos na ipapatay,
Ni Herodes ang lahat na mga batang bagong silang .
Kaya naman ang humabol at naiwang si Shellimar,
Halos dibdib ay magputok sa tinamong kabiguan.

Kaya’t kanyang naisipang ang Mag-anak ay habulin
At kahit na saang sulok, Sila’y kanyang hahanapin.
Nguni’t tuksong kahit sino ang lapitan at tanungin
Ay walang makapagturo sa Mag-anak na butihin.

Si Shellimar ay patuloy na naglakbay at naghanap,
Lalo’t higit sa maraming mga pook ng mahirap
‘Pagka’t nalalaman niya na ang Banal na Mag-anak
Ay hindi makikihalo sa mayaman at mapilak.

Subali’t sa tuwing siya’y sasapit sa isang pook,
Si Jesus na hinananap laging hindi inaabot.
Lagi siyang naiiwan, dapwa’t wala siyang pagod
At patuloy na susundan ang Dakilang Mananakop.

Sa kaniyang paghahanap sa maraming mga bayan,
Lahat ng uri ng tao ay kaniyang nasilayan…
Kaya naman ang maraming dala niyang kayamanan
Sa maraming mahihirap ay unti-unting nabigay.

At maraming mga taon ang patuloy na lumipas…
Si Shellimar ay patuloy sa kaniyang paghahanap;
‘Pagka’t siya’y buong pusong umaasa na sa wakes
Ay makikita rin niya ang nawaglit na Mesiyas.

Tatlumpo’t tatlong taon na ang matuling nakalipas,
Hindi pa rin nakikita si Jesus na hinahanap.
Kayamana’y naubos na’t nabigay sa mahihirap…
Ang kawawang si Shellimar sa Jerusalem napadpad.

At sa nasabing bayan, bigla siyang kinabahan
Ng makitang may’rong isang taong pinarurusahan.
Tila may‘rong nagbubulong at sa kanya’y nagsasaysay
Na iyon nga si Jesus na matagal ng sinusundan.

Kaya’t siya ay humabol sa taong may pasang kurus
Na noon ay pinapalong patungo sa isang bundok.
Nguni’t sa daan ay isang alipin ang napalugmok
Sa harapan ni Shellimar at umiyak sa himutok.

Isang aliping babaeng pinalo ng panginoon…
Lumuluhang humingi kay Shellimar ng munting tulong .
Ang tanging natirang sinsing sa mga paglilimayon,
Sa daliri ay kinuha’t inihandog niya noon.

Isang sinsing na d’yamanteng ihahandog sa kay Jesus
Ibinigay sa alipin upang ito ay matubos.
Sa gayon ay naubos na pati huli niyang handog,,
Sa Mesiyas na noon ay nakapako na sa Kurus.

Si Shellimar ay patakbong sa kalbaryo ay sumugod
Upang makita’t mamalas si Jesus na Mananakop…
‘Dapwa’t huli na ang lahat ng sumapit s’ya sa bundok
Si Jesus ay namatay na sa saliw ng kidlat-kulog.

Hanggang sa huling sandali’y naiwanan si Shellimar
Ni Jesus na batang musmos ng simula niyang sundan.
Sa malaking pagod niya at matinding kalungkutan
Lumuluha at pasising kinausap yaong bangkay.

“Oh Diyos ko ano baga ang aking pagkakasala
At sa aking paghahanap ay ‘di ka na napakita?
Simula sa kamusmusa’y sinundan-sundan na kita,
Bakit Ikaw’y nagmaramot , ano’t ako’y inulila?”

Isang tinig na tila ba sa langit pa nagbubuhat
Ang tumugon kay Shellimar at malakas na nangusap:
“Ako’y iyong nakasama, nakita at naka-usap
Sa maraming pagtulong mong ginawa sa mahihirap”.

RANDOM IRONIES

2009-12-21T18:30:00.001-08:00

RANDOM IRONIES

We did not personally wish to be born, yet, we were born; we don’t want to die, yet, we are sure we are all going to die. Isn’t that ironic? Now between our ironic birth and death are various interesting ironies.

Let us fast forward to the present season. Christmas itself is ironic. The King of kings was born not in a golden crib but in a lowly and messy manger. Instead of the equivalent of midwife, nurse or doctor during that time, with him were smelly animals.

That night before He was born everybody was gathered in houses except the Son of God who couldn’t find an inn. The dark, dirty cave suddenly turned heaven when Christ was born. Darkness turned bright. Wasn’t it ironic that the stars and the angels are looking down to the Creator who only created them?. There are more ironies like the way we are celebrating Christmas which was an offshoot of a Pagan ritual.

In out town, there are ironic incidences too. The celebration of the 150th founding anniversary was done seven months later on a special day with no explanation or any significance why the second week of December.

Filipiniana street dancing was performed by “Karakol” dancers though “Karakol” is a religious ritual by the lowlanders as it was a prayerful dance connected to the religious activities performed on rivers or other bodies of water.

Speaking of ironies, last election a Mayor was proclaimed winner in July 1, 2009. The loser protested and was proclaimed winner and claimed the seat in September 22, 2009. After two months a supposedly Supreme Court decision was handed down for the dethroned Mayor to claim back his glory but as of this writing the sitting mayor haven’t vacated his seat.

Both parties are relying on laws but it is ironic that laws have so many loopholes. For as long as there are lawyers they can always find loopholes. Thank God that in spite of all the happenings Alfonso is very lucky that no untoward incidents happen.

Old folks attributed it to the kind Patron Saint, John Nepomucene who always intercedes for peace in moments like this. And it is not ironic.
So with the guidance of Saint John Nepomucene we all hope that everything will be settled peacefully.

SIMBANG GABI SA GABI

2009-12-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

SIMBANG GABI SA GABI

The absence of the unique church bells was filled with the laud rendition of “Kampana ng Simbahan” but the usual brass band (the original tararadying potpot) goes around announcing to one and sundry about the new Night Mass.

It is a bit ironic because this refers to the “Misa de Gallo” which means Dawn Mass. For the first time this is being introduced by the New Parish Priest without canceling the traditional Dawn Mass at 4:30 a.m.

This is the anticipated “Simbang Gabi” in order to accommodate the increasing number of churchgoers during this season. Indeed the church is full. With its colorful and bright decorations anybody will definitely feel so good and so happy.

Much more so because it is not too cold, the whole weather is so kind and accommodating. Everyone feels comfortable. No one is sleepy and the usual early morning bad breath is not commonly encountered. However, thick, colorful sweaters and jackets are not yet too common as the weather is easily tolerable.

Artificial palm trees suddenly grew on both sides of the church, decorated with white lights and complete with shiny fruits. The atmosphere is very festive, you will forget even for a while, all your problems.

Out side the church I saw only one “puto” vendor as churchgoers are not used to “puto” snacks at night. It is interesting to anticipate going back to bed without having to wake up so early in a chilly dawn.

ALFONSO DAY '09

2009-12-10T17:25:00.000-08:00

ALFONSO DAY ‘09

The celebration is termed ALFONSO DAY’09, a three day celebration supposedly to commemorate the Sesquicentennial or 150th anniversary of the town’s establishment in May 16, 1859.

It is seven month delayed but anything good whether advanced or delayed is always important and significant. It is time for merry making and serious reflection. The significance of the occasion is bannered by its theme: “Pagkakaisa ng mamamayan, susi sa pag-unlad ng bayan”. Meaning, “Unity of the residents, is the key to progress”.

Easier said than implemented like all other themes on different occasions, the residents and visitors alike are expecting much good to come out of this event.

As I m writing this a Thanksgiving Mass is being offered to initiate the valuable celebration. I will be followed by a Thanksgiving Parade with the participation of representatives from all sectors of the community. After this, the appropriate Opening Ceremonies follow. In the afternoon there shall be Filipiniana Street Dancing and the Baranggay Choral Competition at night.

The second day shall be a colorful Band Marching by several participating brass bands in the morning, Parlor Games and Street Dancing in the afternoon and finally a Jamboree at night.

The third day shall be culminated by a Medical and Dental Mission. It is good to experience that during this time when massacres, kidnappings and head decapitating are happening in other parts of the Country, here in Alfonso we have days to enjoy and count our blessings. It is hoped that the intention of the day’s theme for Unity and Progress be achieved.

PARTING WITH MY PRICELESS COLLECTION

2009-12-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

PARTING WITH MY PRICELESS COLLECTIONS

It all started when a middle-aged woman from Mindanao applied as housemaid. Since we have been scouting for one for quite sometime she was immediately hired under observation. She was assigned a room but the following morning she complained that she wasn’t able to sleep as she felt uneasy and was hearing some muffled laughter. We explained to her that the laughter was coming from our neighbors.

The following day, before midnight she complained of severe abdominal pain and I saw her doubling up. Fearing that she could be suffering from Acute Pancreatitis I brought her to the hospital. When she was relieved of her complaints, she was allowed to go home the following morning to rest with her relatives in Tagaytay.

My wife casually told the incident that happened to one of my daughters and her husband who happened to have a Priest friend who is allowed to perform exorcism. With the intention of cleansing the house of possible negative spirits, he invited the priest who very willingly agreed.

I was caught flat-footed as all of a sudden the exorcist priest was there to perform cleansing rituals and prayers. He first blessed the water, the salt and the incense then offered especial prayers while sprinkling salt, water and accompanied by the incense at every nook and corner of the house. After the house he proceeded to the garden continuing the ritual. After a while he requested if he could sit down as he got so tired and week driving away bad elementals, who, according to him got mad when I cut several trees. Those trees were cut to prevent them from damaging our house in preparation for the coming of typhoons.

The priest explained afterwards that he was successful in driving away the many bad spirits but I must remove and throw away all elephant and dragon figurines in the house. I was stunned for a while because I have about fifty elephant figurines that I have been collecting since around 50 years ago. He instructed me to break the figurines into small pieces then throw them away under running water at the nearby brook. The brass figurines must be burned first before burying them.

Looking around I realized that all four sets of electric candle stands were decorated with dragon so they were broken and thrown to the brook too. A two-foot collector’s item, porcelain jar which was embossed with dragon all around was also broken into pieces before being thrown to the live brook.

It is not easy to describe the feeling of one who just thrown away priceless collections. In fact I did it with a heavy heart but if it was the way to prevent harboring evil spirits in the house, so be it.

The following morning, my son-in-law asked if I was able to sleep well and if I was not bothered by disturbing noise. I said I have always been sleeping peacefully well and I was never really bothered by any devilish noise but that night I had severe chest pain that I had to take 'isodil' to relieve myself.

TRIPLE GOLD

2009-11-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

TRIPLE GOLD

At long last, I finally saw a Tarpaulin streamer announcing the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Alfonso on Dec 11-13, 2009. Yes it is our Triple Gold Anniversary. Alfonso was established as a separate municipality from it’s mother Indang on May 16, 1859. There are 150 reasons to celebrate and ‘it is better late than never’, as the saying goes.

In other towns especial dates like this is given lavish attention with lavish celebration.Townmates abroad are requested to come home for the celebrations that usually are done monthly for the whole year. The date also falls on the feast day of St. John Nepomucene, our Patron Saint. Earlier I got so disappointed when both the Municipal Government and the Church seemed to forget the monumental occasion.

I, in my little and simple way tried to celebrate it by launching a tiny book about Allfonso on May 24, 2009. It was a very small book with a little bit of history, a little bit of legend and much about Alfonso that deserves to celebrate its Triple Gold. It has many defects as it was mainly based on oral history gathered and compiled for 50 years. It was indeed so thin that one can finish reading it in one sitting. But it was the only book about Alfonso officially accepted so far by the Cavite Historical Commision for publication to the point of sponsoring it together with De La Salle Dasmariñas, Cavite Studies Center and the Municipal Government of Alfonso.

Through my little book I am expressing my full hearted greetings to my "paradisic" hometown on its Triple Gold Anniversary this year.

THE CHALLENGE OF GRACEFUL AGING

2009-11-26T17:18:00.000-08:00

THE CHALLENGE OF GRACEFUL AGING

Growing old is truly fun that is why it has many names. Senior Citizen which depicts authority and wisdom; Second Childhood, as if being re-oriented anew to an entirely new world; Alzheimer’s, meaning one has reached the great period of confusion; Golden or Diamond Age to keep the glamour no matter what.

This stage of aging has also many nicknames too: “Amoy lupa”, “Uliyanin”, “Makulit”, “Burara”, “Bengengot” or worst still, “Tangengot” and many more according to the whims and enjoyment of the younger generation.

I am not referring to my own personal experience because in as far as I am concerned I am still in the prime of my life. I am sharing this to everyone after having observed several Senior Citizens who have surrendered to the difficult challenges of aging.

This is the phase of life when the person knows he knows but knows not what he knows. This is the period when the person remembers vividly what he did when he was a little boy but forgets where he was a while ago. This is the moment when the person looks everywhere for the item he is tightly holding in his hand. This is the time when one wonders why he is at the middle of the stairs not sure if he is going down or going up. This is the age when he usually has lapses in thought, in words and in deed.

He enjoys discussing his ailments and brags about the many pills he is taking but to no avail as he continue to have pains here and there. This is the time in his life when he is badly in need of a companion to guide him in his moments of disorientation but unfortunately this is also the occasion in his life when every one he knows and everyone that matters to him is nowhere to be found.

He wants and craves for many foods to eat but at the same time is afraid of the side effects and the untoward consequences. He wants to share a lot of his wisdom to the younger generation but said generation thinks what he is sharing is out of this world, obsolete or an idea applicable to life during the Stone Age.

Yes growing old is fun and overgrown persons are indeed funny. They are tired of living but they don’t want yet to die. They are left behind by the new trends and the new technologies but are too lazy to catch up, thinking that they are too old to comprehend anything that is new.

The best way to confront the challenges of aging gracefully is to continue being observant and curious about things, to find joy everyday anywhere you are, to nurture a healthy sense of humor and to continue pursuing a dream no matter how simple or how far it seems. At the end of the day, count your blessings and pray this way: Dear Lord, Your will! Nothing more, nothing less and nothing else. Amen

UNUSUAL MORNING

2009-11-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

UNUSUAL MORNING

It is not the cold breeze. No, it is not the crowing of the roosters or the barking of the dogs. It is neither the sounds of the early tricycle motors that makes waking up in the morning unusual.

Something is missing that keeps you feeling as if you are missing a few beatings of your heart. It has been a constant reminder of the sunrise as far as you can remember that now its absence creates a lonesome mood.

I am referring to the sound of the church bells that used to bring new challenge, new adventure, new hope to the parishioners as they wake up early in the morning to meet the new day.

For quite some time the inviting great alarm sound is not heard on waking up or throughout the whole day. The bells with most beautiful melody have been silenced not because they are no longer needed but because they have been serving their purpose for more than a century that the belfry where they are hanged needed repair and restoration.

The bells were brought down to rest while the bell tower is being repaired. No one still alive remembers how the original belfry, much more the whole church, looked like. No document so far has yet been found to show the original appearance. Since its destruction by a great typhoon during the 1920’s so many incidents have happened. The whole roofing was blown away while the bell tower and the façade were greatly damaged. A temporary church has been erected and was in use until the early 1950’s when the old church was rebuilt.

The temporary church would have offered more historical value as it was used as temporary holding shelter for all the males, 15 years and above gathered by the Japanese during the occupation. But it was demolished completely when the original church was rebuilt.

Before the old church was rebuilt it served as hiding place by guerillas fighting the bandits during the war. After the liberation it was temporarily used as Poultry farm. Aside from regular religious ceremonies, no recorded historical event happened in the church. The National Historical Institute did not find reasons to include it as one of the protected heritage site.

Now a new bell tower is being built to hang again the precious bells of the Parish of Saint John Nepomucene. The wisest thing for the parishioner to do is to help revive the glorious morning when we again shall all be awakened daily by the heavenly sounds of our most important and priceless treasure. Back again will be the laughter of the “iskelas”, the lamentations of the “aguniyas” and the “plegarias”, the wake up calls at 5:00 in the morning and the come home summons during the praying of the “oracion” at 6:00 p.m.

POSITIVE CONVERSION

2009-11-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

This is an invitation to all blog users to practice positive conversion specifically for our beloved country, Filipinas.

The reason why generally people are prone to act negatively is because we are negatively energized by what we see and experience everyday:
NO PARKING ON THIS SIDE, NO SMOKING, DO NOT ENTER, DON’T URINATE HERE, DON’T THROW YOUR GARBAGE, etc.

By positive conversion I mean we could convert a negative perception or notice or whatever negative there is so that in the process we also convert our feelings and attitude into something positive.

The example of a negative notice that says NO PARKING ON THIS SIDE, could be converted positively into PARK ON THE OTHER SIDE, PLEASE.

DON’T THROW YOUR GARBAGE could be converted into USE THE GARBAGE CAN.

DON’T URINATE HERE could be converted into USE THE COMFORT ROOM.

You will be surprised. Your attitude, outlook and disposition in life will also be turned into positive as you are positively energized in the course.

Negative: I WAS ROBBED OF THOUSANDS LAST NIGHT. I FEEL BAD.
Positive Conversion: THANK GOD THE ROBBER SAVED MY LIFE.

Let us all challenge ourselves to positively convert all our negative experiences.

To start with… Negative: FILIPINAS IS LEFT BEHIND BY MANY COUNTRIES.
Positive conversion: FILIPINAS IS FAR ADVANCE THAN OTHER COUNTRIES.

THEY LOST EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF THE CALAMITIES is negative.
Positive conversion: WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE IS LOST THE FUTURE STILL REMAINS AND THE FUTURE HAS EVERYTHING…

LIFE'S RECIPE

2009-11-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

LIFE’S RECIPE

If life is a recipe it is made up of three very important ingredients: Heredity, Environment and Education cooked on an equally important pot over a tripod of Family, Government and School. The finished product is appropriately sauced with the morality offered by the Church.

The three main ingredients must be properly balanced and rightfully cooked for life to be deliciously palatable. Most of all the tripod that holds the cooking pot must also be equally strong and sturdy to keep the cooking constantly in good process.

The tripod is made up of the family values, the governmental concerns and the moral teachings and guidance of the Church.

It is unfortunate that the family cannot perfectly accomplish its mission as sometimes both the father and the mother have to work outside the home to make both ends meet.

Likewise the government has so much concerns that the family is sometime left less attended. In like manner the Church that should cater for the moral regeneration of children are also affected by the appearance of so many religious sects to the confusion of the parishioners.

About the main ingredient, Heredity, nothing much could be changed or totally improved. We never had a chance to choose our ancestors. On the other side protection of the environment depend so much on how we take care of it.

Education is the ingredient where much could be expected. While in some remote communities many children walk miles to reach school and while in still other villages no school is at all available, Alfonso is solucky that schools are as common as common colds and is a commodity like common sense.

At the Poblacion alone there are the old Central Elementary School, the National High School, the private Sacred Heart School of Cavite, the Victorious Montesorri College, the Maranatha Living Hope Academy,the Westpoint College plus several Day Care Centers and many tutoring services.

Nearby at Barangay Pajo is the Nazareth Institute and the Biblica La Belle Academy at Bgy.Marahan. At Bgy. Luksuhin there are about half a dozen functioning schools, such as Agnus,Die, Blessed Ville, Flanessa Martin, Gracious Gift plus the Govt. High School. Outside the Poblacion, all the other Barangays are not deprived of educational institutions like the St. Joseph Parochial School a Kaytitingga.

Taking all things into consideration, Alfonsinos are indeed still lucky that the recipe of life is still carefully and properly cooked the right way in spite of light disruptions here and there brought about by the ‘modernities’ and technologies of the present generation. We must all thank God for all our blessings.

ALFONSO REMAINS A PARADISE

2009-11-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

ALFONSO REMAINS A PARADISE

Two negative incidents do not convert a community into hell. They could only be two dirty stains in an otherwise immaculately clean sheet of linen. It should not be a reason to despair.

I am talking about two recently televised news reports about what happened in our town. First, the death of a young man by hazing and second the rape of a seven year-old girl. Yes, they are both disgusting news but they are isolated and do not substitute for the many good things that our town has to offer.

I am writing this in reply to many reactions of Alfonsinos abroad who are greatly disturbed by the two incidents. I don’t blame them because the two sad events generated pictures of disarray and lawlessness. It is really nauseating but as a permanent resident of our lovely town I assure you that the place you left whether temporarily or permanently is still the same old PARADISE.

You will still meet the same old superstitiously cautious but greatly hospitable compatriots. There are new comers from other places brought here generally by marriage but they are quickly absorbed and influenced by the lovable practices that we are all proud of. Our traditions and heritages are still intact and maintained.

A ‘Balikbayan’ or visitor who shall care to scrutinize the progress and the present pride of our town would be surprise to discover new frontiers in our midst. There are so many improvements.

To begin with, after passing Tagaytay’s ‘Thank You Arch’ if you decide to turn right to Brgy. Sikat you will immediately be met by “TAAL SILANGAN”, the Ambulatory Care Center built according to U.S. standard and have modern equipment using the latest technologies. It offers diagnostic services, Executive Check-up. Women’s Health Care, General Medicine and many others. There are available Residential Condominiums.

Next to it is “VILLE SOMMET” a ‘magical place where great food could be had, relaxation can be captured, momentous occasions celebrated and the abundance of nature experienced’. It caters for all events such as weddings, team building and social events. Just accross the street is the new Marcia-Adam;s Tuscany, a sophisticated place for fine dining. Not far after Ville Sommet is the ‘ACADEMY OF WORLD HEALING’ a “non-profit educational healing foundation established specifically for the purpose of addressing the issues that result from our unhealthy, un-natural life styles’.

Should you care to proceed towards Nasugbu, you will see ROYALE TAGAYTAY COUNTRY CLUB, INC. at Brgy. Upli with a nine-hole golf course, clubhouse, swimming pool. There are sports facilities and many other amenities. Nearby immediately after the grand entrance of Royale Tagaytay is located, ALFONSO HOTEL with its extension, the ALFONSO FARM RESORT at Brgy. Pajo. It is a Wedding venue which serves also as a place for Team Building and Horse riding lessons.

At Brgy. Buck Estate you will find the former SONYA’S SECRET.GARDEN (with Bed and Breakfast). It is intended to be a private paradise but due to much prodding from friends and some guests is now share with more people and is no longer secret. SUNRISE HOLIDAY MANSION could also be experienced as it is perfectly situated at the elegant Royale Tagaytay Estate. And so is the MC MOUNTAIN APARTELLE, a ‘highland vacation within reach’. Not very far from here, at Baranggay Palumlum you will find the Kampo Trexo, a place that offers events that promotes health and care for the environment.The former 100 hectare site of the Magnolia Dairy Farm is now Father Suarez' healing place. Plans are already being finished to convert it to a Little Jerusalem.

At Brgy. Amuyong is located SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION MANAGEMENT TRAINING CENTER. Not very far away at Brgy. Sulsugin can be found the ALFONSO FARM MONTESORRI. It has Eco-tourism facilities consisting of campsite, a pavilion, fishing huts, barbecue grills and picnic. Parking space is good for six buses.

At Brgy. Bilog could easily be reached the modern retreat center TALITA SUMI, managed by Italian Priests. nearby is Kampo Trexo at Barangay Palumlum where you can also find the popular Coffee Farm House. A quick trip to Brgy. Taywanak shall bring you to MOSQUEDA FARM where you’ll find the Air conditioned ACADEMY OF COCKFIGHTING. A little farther to the north is the ST. PAUL’S FORMATION CENTER. Back to Brgy. Luksuhin you will see the HILLCREST GARDENS, also a beautiful Wedding venue. At the Poblacion there is the new ALFONSO GRILL AND NATIVE FOOD RESTO at Palinta street. MICO'S RESTAURANT and LETT AND AJ RESORT are both very much around. There are still many new venues I have not yet visited.

The absence of big factories results to the absence also of Beer Gardens and Red Cottages. That is why there are many rest houses by important people coming from other places making the place a haven for retirees.

Alfonso is not considered CAVITE FLOWER CENTER for nothing. Here one will find the PHILIPPINES CUT FLOWER CORPORATION at Brgy. Buck Estate where one could find varieties of European Roses. PURIFICACION FARM at Brgy. Matagbac produces orchids, cacti and mini roses.

BLOOMS AVENUE at Brgy. Taywanak produces vanda, catleya, gumamela and bromeliads. VERSANO PLANTS AND FLOWER GARDEN is in Brgy. Pajo where you can find mums, gerberas and others. In Brgy. Marahan there is ALPIÑA’S FARM also producing mums, garberas, anthuriums and many others.

Aside from those mentioned above there are many backyard gardens exhibiting beautiful and fragrant flowers sometimes together with honeybees. There are also interesting private projects at almost every corner of the 32 Barangays making Alfonso truly a Paradise to behold. Some of these projects like that of DR. PANGANIBAN in Brgy. Palumlum and the nearby JOHN’S GARDEN have their own things to offer.

With so many beautiful places to experience I don’t give much interest to some petty bad news.They are mini serpents in the old Paradise.

BROWN-OUT

2009-11-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

BROWN-OUT

A strong Typhoon is expected to enter the country. Early in the night the lights are turned off. There is power interruption due to the Typhoon Santi which is expected to arrive at 10:00 p.m. It is good to cut off powers than risk many accidents from electrocution or massive neighborhood fire.

Whenever there is power interruption many people say there is brown-out. I cannot comprehend what is the basis for the term brown-out when actually every corner suddenly turns black. Black-out must be a more appropriate terminology.

But whether we call it brown or black, whenever there is power failure, people in the community somehow gets disoriented. One has to stop whatever one is doing, whether watching television, eating, reading a book or writing a letter.

Candles are searched and lighted with fear that the flame may touch a curtain flown by the wind or simply forgotten in one corner to start a dangerous conflagration.

The more affluent families turn on their generators unmindful of the noise it produced resulting to a roaring sounds as if continuously being emitted by a dinosaur.

At moments like this I find writing under the glow of a lonely candle challenging though inspiring. It makes me busy while allowing the valuable time to pass-by fruitfully.

This is also the time to recall and reminisce the by-gone days. It reminds me of past mistakes and successes as intensely as future dreams and plans.

The misnomer ‘brown-out’ could also remind us that we are brown as dust especially when such brown-out occurs a couple of days before All Saints’ Day.

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

2009-10-29T17:32:00.001-07:00

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION
“Every kid (and kid at heart) looks forward to October, 31st each year. Little boys magically turn into vampires and little girls into fairies, bidding for the greatest haul of sugar laden sweets and candies. However, Halloween has a much deeper, and in some ways darker history, that has given birth to one of the most beloved holidays in the world.
Halloween’s origins go all the way back to Ancient times with the Celtic festival of Samhain. This was the Celt’s version of a New Years Eve celebration honoring the end of summer and harvest time, and marking a period of cold, darkness, and death of winter. Celts believed that this end of the year time marked the time in which the barrier between the living and the dead became thin. On October 31st the spirits would come back from the dead and create havoc by damaging the crops with frost and causing a multitude of other troubles.
The Roman church soon enacted a holiday to detour the worship of spirits, and so proclaimed November 1st as All Saint’s Day to honor the saints and martyrs of the church. This day was also known as All Hallows Eve. As the two religions began to mix much of the traditions of Samhain, such as dressing up in costumes and dancing around the fire, became one with All Hallows Eve to create Halloween”.
At present the celebration of Halloween has given so much emphasis on the negative spirits so that now even policemen and security guards are wearing masks of ghosts and other fearful elements. The result of this practice is turning the celebration to the darker side of life.
Since this is already accepted as All Saint’s Day I wonder why the Roman Catholic Church allow such kind of celebration. A better way of doing it probably is to encourage all Catholics to bring out in front of their houses their revered images of Saints on this day. That way the celebration shall me more positive, more festive and more relevant. Our Saints and Martyrs of the Church shall be properly honored.

BEAUTIFICATION

2009-10-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

BEAUTIFICATION

Who doesn’t like things beautiful? Beauty is one of the triad of harmonious living. Remember the True, the good and the beautiful of the fabulous Imeldific? Yes everybody wants oneself to be surrounded by things beautiful, if possible at all time.

Likewise higher authorities do things to create and promote beautiful places.Following this idea, the Church official made the Church Plaza more beautiful by fencing it with iron grill and creating a more impressive entrance arch. In like manner the Municipal authorities also saw to it the Municipal Plaza was also ‘beautiful’ with good clean landscape for everyone to behold.

Parking buses, jeeps and tricycles were not allowed. Vendors of all kinds were also told to vacate the spaces around the covered court. Now the unfinished Municipal Building was visible to everyone. Suddenly there was a wide open area that doesn’t suffocate.

Unfortunately streamers and tarpaulins of all sizes and colors were still hanging all around in wild abandon. The buses and other transport vehicles moved forward in front of the wider and longer front of the Church Plaza. But, as if attached to the transport vehicles by invisible rope the candy-vendor with its compartmentalized box and table followed. And so the vendor of delicacies such as puto, kutsinta, sapin-sapin, maja-blanca, petse-petse and cassava products and many others. In no time at all the ‘kwek-kwek’ and ice cream vendor were not left behind.

As the Municipal Plaza got clearer, cleaner and seemingly safer, the Church Plaza is beginning to be crowded and dirtier. They are now beginning to hang “sitsiriyas” on the newly painted iron grills. Some are even fixing their none functioning vehicles in the very front of the arch.

It is lamentable but it seems to be a cycle going round and around. The tricycles were remove because they were ‘eye-sores’ but they were allowed to gather in great number enough to occupy two blocks in a once very peaceful and serene neighborhood. This was true also in many previously quiet Barangays.

It is every citizen’s dream to live in a community where the true, the good and the beautiful keeps the harmony and peace. It will possibly remain a wild dream.

FOR WANT OF A MAID

2009-10-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

FOR WANT OF A MAID

She came from Bacolod. A 48 year-old, talkative woman who had been widowed twice. She was referred to us by a friend who knew all along that we have been looking for a housemate to help us do the regular household chores.

Immediately, she started telling many interesting stories about her family. Both her husbands died of accident and she was left with four children two each from both former partners. Her eldest daughter was taking up Nursing while her son was taking up Engineering. The two younger are still in the elementary grades.

Asked how she managed to send her children to school, she said they were both full scholars because they were intelligent. She seemed to be the housemate we have been looking for. We considered ourselves pretty lucky this time. She knew how to cook, do laundry and ironing and almost anything that we wanted her to do.

We offered her a room used by my nephew before he got married and have a house of his own. Because the room had been idle for a long time some insects and house lizards have been everywhere. It was cleaned by my two boy helpers. When she was about to sleep she was greeted by a giant “tuko” lying flat on her bed.
I asked my boy helpers to chase the “tuko” and in fact it was killed.

The new housemate was probably traumatized and was unable to sleep. The following morning she was going around telling everyone how uneasy she felt that night to the point that she thought she heard laughter and some undecipherable sounds as if from ghosts.

She did her job well. Both my wife and I silently wished that she stay longer with us. All is well the whole day but at around 10:00 O’clock in the evening she came up to the second floor where my wife and I were sleeping, complaining of severe abdominal pain. I gave her anti-acid thinking that she probably was suffering from hyperacidity. But she was not relieved. I gave her anti-spasmodic but also to no avail. She claimed that it was the first time it happened to her.

I presumed that the pain was psychological and was probably being experienced by her for second gain such as “attention-getting or mask of responsibility”. I went to bed myself assured that the pain would be gone soon enough. But no… it turned more severe. She started doubling up. Imagining that it could be a symptom of “pancreatitis” I brought her to the hospital. As a routine procedure she was given drips, injections and other medicine. An electrocardiogram was performed as well as blood chemistry, urinalysis and fecal examination. When she complained of mild chest pain she was administered Oxygen inhalation and scheduled for Ultra sound examination the following day.

I talked to the Resident-on-duty to explain my suspicion that the symptom was psychological and true enough when I told her that I would ask her “Ninong” to fetch her so that she could rest and recuperate in his place, she immediately felt relieved of all her symptoms. What we first thought was a gold find turned out to be just a bundle of mad. It cost as much.

Moral of the story: If you can do the job yourself, don’t depend on maids.

HE DID NOT DIE IN VAIN

2009-10-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

HE DID NOT DIE IN VAIN

A very young and healthy man died as a result of “brutal hazing practice” The incident was broadcast on T.V. The whole town was shocked. Things like this were never heard before. Ours is a “quiet” town.

Parents won’t believe that a kind of Fraternity was operating in our “peaceful” locality. Until this horrible incident no one really cared and no one seemed to listen to a few concerned citizens warning about supposedly “brotherhood organizations” and their secret activities.

Now everybody is talking about it and everybody is interested especially parents who used to be unconcerned about the whereabouts of their children.

Like the destructive onrushing of flood brought about by Typhoon Ondoy the killing was a ‘big bang’ that awakened the whole community.

Municipal officials shall be busy inquiring on important data about the existence of several groups recruiting members. Policemen shall be investigating and watching more thoroughly. Schools shall be more careful and concerned about their students.
Churches shall be preaching more and more about the dangers of such groupings.

I don’t personally know the fellow who was brutalized ‘hazingly’. He is not from our town but happened to be here because he is employed in one hardware store.

I also learned that these ‘fraternities’ are not the legitimate ones like those existing in big Universities. They are just gang groups masquerading as “fraternities” and recruiting mostly out-of-the-school youth and helpers coming from other regions.

If the death of the victim could bring about a better outlook and would eventually prevent formation of other “fraternities” then I could honestly say he did not die in vain. May he rest in peace.

TAMING A MINI FOREST

2009-10-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

TAMING A MINI FOREST

Our ancestral house is surrounded by trees, big fruit-bearing trees plus many others for ornamental purposes. I called my place a MINI FOREST. It looks so good, so refreshing and so invigorating – an envy of many guests who happen to see and experience it.

It is also my pride because it serves as nature’s show window complete with beautiful birds and cute pretty butterflies flying around at all time. The harmony of nature’s sound is like an endless lullaby that keeps you dreaming continuously.

But there is one big problem. During Typhoon Season the tree branches turn to be dangerous fractured pieces of nature that could damage greatly our house and those of our neighbors.

I decided to cut (not kill) the tall ones like the Narra, the Mahogany, the Ilang-ilang, the Santol, the Mango and the Eucalyptus as well as the Indian trees. My garden suddenly turned bright but not really changed. New crude landscaping is needed to keep the whole place natural.

Soon new branches will grow out of the cut trunks and new younger looking trees shall be back to revived my Mini Forest-Garden.

What I did without the intention, turned out to be a useful protective measure that gave me tremendous peace of mind when Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng came one after the other. I was able to sleep contentedly even if the rain was pouring hard. No branches were flown by the wind to damage properties while my garden was growing fresh green branches at the same time with the colorful poinsettias in preparation for Christmas Season.

POLITICAL RARITY

2009-09-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

POLITICAL RARITY

It is uncommon in the Philippines. In fact it is the first that something like it happened. It is so rare an incident that some skeptics were quietly disappointed. I am referring to the peaceful take-over by Mayor Joy Peñano who was vindicated several years after filing a protest against the result of the last election that originally proclaimed Ver Varias as winner.

From the very start of the protest there were only wild talks and wilder jokes but there were never great fights between political opponents and followers. In other municipalities, situations like this results to many quarrels and misunderstandings sometimes resulting to killings – but not in Alfonso, our town which has always been relatively peaceful as proven during the Second World War.

Local residents attributed it to the miraculous intercession of the town’s Patron Saint, John Nepomucene. During the Japanese occupation the neighboring towns were all heavily disturbed but the town of Alfonso remained peaceful and surprisingly festive. Social organizations did not run out of interesting activities for everyone. As a result the damage of war was minimal though the Japanese also stayed there for quite sometime.

In 1934 the elected Mayor Juan Mojica, Sr. won only one vote over his opponent, Laureano Rosanes but there was no commotion. Everybody seemed to trust everyone so genuinely that the result wasn’t protested or discussed further.

Going back further before Alfonso was established as a separate town from Mother Indang there was very strong oppositions between Don Bonifacio Aveo and Don Felix del Mundo in choosing the site to be made the Poblacion. Aveo was sponsoring Taywanak (Malaking Bayan) because it is the meeting point between Indang, Maragondon, Magallanes and Bailen, while del Mundo was backing Pajo because it is directly connected to Indang. Both were established political leaders and no one would give way. During the heat of the controversy Don Herminigildo Aviñante, a civic leader, offered Alas-as as a compromise solution since it is located in a neutral point. Both Aveo and del Mundo readily accepted the suggestion and since then Alfonso has always been peaceful.

At present the peace and tranquility of the place is possibly because it remained a virgin after all those years gone-by. There are no factories and business establishments that usually attracts workers from far places and since there are few outsiders there are no beer gardens or red houses. Staying in Alfonso is simply an experience in Paradise. Thanks both to Mayor Joy Peñano and Ex-mayor Ver Varias

LUCKY NINE

2009-09-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

LUCKY NINE

9-9-9 is the numerical representation of the date September 9, 2009 but to many old folks ”s’yam-s’yam” (9-9) means 9x9, signifying endlessness when referring to non stop raining like what we are experiencing now, at least here at Southern Luzon due to the passing of typhoon Labuyo.

When it is raining continuously, calamities such as flood, landslide, etc., are experienced in many communities in the lowlands. Lucky are we in the uplands where such calamities are almost nil.

It is pleasant to eat anything during rainy days. Pleasant too, it is to relax and just indulge in daydreaming. More pleasant still is to just observe the surroundings with the trees swaying gently left and right, sometimes wildly in all directions.

Few birds are flying. But one little humming bird catches my attention. It is happily jumping from flower to flower of the bright Japanese Bougainvillea.
I wonder if it could sip from the rain-drenched blossoms. That bird must be too hungry to try its luck under the very dangerous situation or perhaps that little bird is a worried mother trying to get something it could share with its tiny offspring.

Then I see two bigger birds also looking for food. They sighted the ripe bananas hanging at the window of my open terrace. I just allowed them, even took pictures of them while happily feasting on my ripe bananas.

Back to 9-9-9, this is the 40th day of Cory’s death and this is the day Noynoy will make or announce his decision if he is going to run for presidency this coming election next year. As I am writing this he is at Press conference and whatever he shall announce I just hope it will bring much luck to the already too deprived Filipinos.

POLITICAL RAINBOW

2009-08-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

POLITICAL RAINBOW

People are not just talking about a yellow bird or a yellow submarine, nor about a yellow box or the third color of the rainbow. But for whatever reason everybody’s interest suddenly turned to yellow – the new color of courage, Philippines style; the new symbol of Freedom; the banner of Democracy.

Now Noynoy, the son of Ninoy to whom the yellow ribbons were hanged everywhere to welcome him home from self exile, wants to see the country turning yellow to convince him to run for Presidency in the coming election.

I can understand Noynoy’s predicament. Presidency is not a joke as his mother realized when she run and won against a very strong dictator. For indeed his mother, Cory was not joking when she chased democracy back for the Filipinos to enjoy again. Now Cory is universally accepted as the Mother of Democracy.

Ninoy sincerely believed that the Filipinos were worth dying for and Cory proved that Filipinos are worth living for. Now can Noynoy at least show that the Filipinos are worth anything at all?

Yellow is originally and globally considered the color of cowardice. Is that the essence of the color now flowing in Noynoy”s veins or is he overwhelmingly confused of what is yellow’s true meaning now for the present generation? Is the new yellow too insurmountable to tackle after his parents made it so huge and heavy to handle?

The new political revolution could be expected to be very colorful but unlike the rainbow that God let appeared after the deluge as a promise not to repeat what happened, the prevailing colors now appearing seem not to promise anything to the voters. Whether it be Loren Legarda’s Green or Bayani Fernando’s Pink or any other color and for that matter I believe that even Noynoy’s yellow doesn’t yet promise any worthy hue to our already graying country.

AWARDS

2009-08-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

AWARDS

Awards are being distributed left and right in whatever season for whatever reason or in whatever category. The latest and most controversial brouhaha is the award for the National Artists. There is so much misunderstanding that it reaches the Supreme Court for the final decision.

I simply don’t understand why so many people are so awards conscious as if award is the only thing that matters. Recently, a parade during the Nutrition Week observance showed children carrying different fruits and vegetables, all trying to invite for an award such as The Biggest Squash, The Reddest Tomatoes, The Longest Eggplant or whatever…

I still remember what I experienced a long time ago when I was invited to Chair the Awards Committee for a Christmas Parade. The School Principal requested us, judges, to see to it that all groups would receive an award as every student in any group spent money and effort, all hoping to receive awards. We decided to introduce many categories to accommodate every participating group. Aside from the usual Most Artistic, Most Colorful, Most Symbolic or Most Unique, we added categories like Most Well-behaved Group, Most Attended, Most Orderly, Most Simple, etc., etc.

At the end of the parade every group got an award to the amusement of the Principal and of many parents, except that one teacher loudly protested scandalously. She claimed that her group was the most Artistic, the Most Colorful and the Most Symbolic aside from being the Most Disciplined. It took weeks before the controversy subsided and only after said teacher had branded me as the Most Stupid if not The Most Insensitive Judge ever. Since then I never accepted judging any competition.

One time during the Town’s Day Celebration I was chosen to receive the Town’s Historian Award. I didn’t know how the Awards Committee arrived at their choice but in all honesty I couldn’t accept the award as I was fully aware how historically misinformed I was. I didn’t attend the awarding ceremony but the Master of Ceremonies received the award on my behalf.

Giving of awards shall continue for as long as the world is whirling so let us expect more misunderstandings, more controversies, more confusions and more and more of the same problem.

The Honor Guards

2009-08-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

THE HONOR GUARDS

While watching Cory’s funeral cortege on television I was greatly touched by the outpouring of love expressed by thousands and thousands of Filipinos from all walks of life. I was in fact so carried by my memories back to the time of the EDSA Revolution in 1986.

But I was more profoundly affected by the plight of the four Honor Guards that remained almost motionless in their dignified stiffness for nine hours. I pitied them so much but I appreciate them for doing their duties with flying colors. I knew they were trained to do their jobs.

Alternately they were rain-drenched and scorched by the heat of the sun but they stood with sincerity and firmness in performing their duties. Cory must be very proud of them as she was immensely thankful too.

Along the way they were thrown coins and flowers; teased by some naughty mourners but they remained unmoved. They served their Commander-in-Chief in the most courageous way.

I learned about their names on newspaper reports and I understood they would be given rewards of promotion and increase pay that they fully deserve. I join all the other good Filipinos in honoring the Honor Guards. I wish you the best!!! Pfc Antonio Cadiente, Airman 2nd class Gener Laguindam, Petty officer 3 Edgardo Rodriguez and Police officer l Danilo Maalab.

Positive Conversion of "L" sign

2009-08-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

POSITIVE CONVERSION OF “L” SIGN

Yesterday, after taking my bath I suddenly had the urge to look for a yellow shirt. When I finally found an old collarless T-shirt I then looked for a matching yellow cap before a proceeded to my favorite netcafe to do my daily routine.

Yellow used to be the most distasteful color for me but after the EDSA revolution that I personally experienced with my 15 year old son, yellow quickly turned to be a most important color.

Immediately it projected a very different connotation. Instead of symbolizing cowardice that it used to represent it now stands for bravery, freedom, democracy and joy.

Yesterday, former President Corazon Cojuanco Aquino “Cory” who popularized the color yellow and died of colon cancer complications was buried. My patriotism was greatly awakened when the mother of Democracy died. Yellow is revived; Bayan Ko and Magkaisa are again on the air. Laban sign is once more popular.

This time the outstretched thumb and index finger forming an” L” has a different meaning. While it started as a fighting symbol, meaning Laban, now it is converted to mean love. Imee Marcos who once said she would spend her last centavo to get even with Cory attended the wake, together with her brother Bongbong and his wife, perhaps without deep sincerity but it was a good start.

President Gloria Macapagal Aroyo visited the wake too even just for a very short time but the mystery of love could miraculously transform things from “laban” to “Love”. It is not a sin to hope so let us all pray that the positive conversion rolls on.

Ninoy and Cory both gave their lives for us Filipinos – so that we may live freely and peacefully. It is not an impossible dream if we are all willing “to march into hell for a heavenly cause” in our own little ways.

Somehow, while watching on TV the thousands of mourners joining Cory's funeral, I felt a bit of sadness because my 15 year old son who was with me then during the EDSA revolution is now an Australian citizen as well as my youngest son.
My middle daughter is now a Canadian citizen and my two married daughters left in the Philippines might also immigrate to other countries. My wife and I could be left alone with my old fashioned "parochial patriotism".

MISSION UNACCOMPLISHED

2009-07-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

MISSION UNACCOMPLISHED

“If you are no longer talked about, you are finished and shall soon be forgotten”, so said someone, somewhere, sometime. It simply signified that you were no longer active, no longer seen around. Your existence were barely felt by others. You were either considered too weak or too sick if not yet dead.

This was the agony of a senior citizen. His activities were limited, his movements were minimized either by ailments or circumstances that prohibited him from getting involved in various activities, sometimes as ordered by his children who thought they were doing him good.

So I launched a book that I started writing 50 years ago. It was an entirely different book – semi historical, semi legendary. A compilation of my personal impressions about my hometown. Some thought it was weird if not outrageous. Thus it generated controversies that many didn’t like it . Someone deducted that half of the readers didn’t like the way it was presented but I was sure that the other half enjoyed it immensely. The optimist in me banked on the satisfied and gratified as well as enlightened 50 % of the readers. It was enough for me to consider my book successful and more than enough to keep people talking about me. I was far from being finished yet.

To add more intrigue for a more substantial topic of discussion, I was hit by a speeding motorbike. I saw it directly onrushing to my path but a mysterious force pushed me just a hair line away before I fell down without hurting myself as the same mysterious force saved me and prevented my head from hitting the pavement.

Onlookers at the Municipal Park screamed and rushed to my rescue when they saw the incident. Many offered help, volunteering to bring me to the hospital. Many expected me to have sustained massive abrasions, contusions, dislocations and fractures all over my body but nothing of that sort happened. People suggested that I file a complaint against the unlicensed driver of a borrowed motorbike. But I left it to the Policemen to evaluate the violations and to observed their part and duty as guardians of the public.

For days people kept talking about that incident. They kept on talking about me and that way they kept me alive. Perhaps God wanted me to stay for a more while for a certain mission that I must accomplished. But what could be the mission? I hope the Guardian Angel who saved me shall appear in my dream one of these nights to explain to me how I should go about my unaccomplished mission.

ROADSIDE THRILLER

2009-07-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

ROADSIDE THRILLER

A young man together with his two little nephews went to a bakery to buy bread. He parked his van in front of the bakery not knowing that the younger nephew followed him after locking and closing the door. The key was left inside with the other boy about 5 years old.

Every thing was seemingly normal except that when the boy inside was told to open the door of the car he couldn’t. Perhaps he didn’t know how to maneuver the lock and his uncle didn’t know what to do immediately. His apprehension caught the attention of many people at the plaza including about a dozen of uniformed policemen who all gathered and peeped at the boy who was trapped inside.

Unaware of what was actually going on the boy inside began to panic. Fear was all over his face as people continued peeping at him and instructing him to do this and that. Meantime a man carrying a hard wire and a flier came to help. He inserted the wire on top of the door trying to pull the lock but it simply didn’t work. There were so much suspense and drama. It was like watching a portion of a telenovela.

Onlookers were panicky too, fearing that the boy might be suffocated or might accidentally start the car. More people gathered around the car as even moving buses stopped to watch the event. The boy in turn got more terrified while the uncle was greatly confused.

Varied suggestions were offered by various people but they only added fear to the trapped boy and more confusion to the already confused crowd. After about almost an hour the kibitzers also got tired and one by one they left. The boy inside possibly thought that the danger was over because there were no more big eyes staring at him. He leaned to the door of the back seat, pulled the lock and Eureka the door of the car was opened.

The uncle had to pause for a while. He couldn’t quickly start the car as he was trying to decipher what hit him early in the morning.

A PRIEST FOREVER

2009-07-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

A PRIEST FOREVER

I have long wanted to write about Priests and Priesthood but I always ended up groping in the dark. Priesthood is a profession and a vocation that entails endless sacrifice and hardship. It needed strong determination, self discipline and many extraordinary characters to attain the goal.

The life of a Parish Priest must be very difficult, I just realized after I had a casual chat with our new Parish Priest. I could imagine the difficulties he would encounter during the adjustment period. To be able to cope with the whims of thousands of supposed to be followers who have their own individual ideas on how the Church should be.

Intermingling with these regular churchgoers with irregular moods was never a walk in the woods. There are the ‘convent hangers’ who think the convent is their own house as well as other church goers with their own peculiarities in characters. There are the other religious sects, the ‘born again’, the ‘born already’ and the ‘born also’ that needed to be dealt with intelligently.

Furthermore, a Priest most of all is also human, with his own genetic traits. He too gets hungry and tired. His own emotion could also be adversely affected by unwanted incidents that occur around his life.

A little mistake or mild shortcoming is quickly magnified. He has no one to quickly turn to during moments of weakness. He also needs a shoulder-to-cry-on even while his own shoulder is still dripping with tears of others.

It is about time parishioners should pay more attention, consideration, understanding and compassion to their Parish Priest. Let us forgive them too even if they do not directly confess to us.

A Priest is a Priest forever according to the order of Melquiesedec. Let us adjust to him while he is adjusting to us without expecting perfection. Let us wear his shoes once in a while just to have a feel of how it is to be one. After all a Priest is Christ’s representative to look after us. He is as fragile as we all are because our bones and his are not different. Our flesh and his are just the same. Our blood and his are of the same color and content.

Without the cooperation and help of the parishioner a priest can actually do nothing but without the Priest that caters to our spiritual needs we all shall be damned.

A HAIRLINE FROM DEATH

2009-07-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

A HAIRLINE FROM DEATH

From the netcafe I was on my way to the school to meet our new Parish Priest. As has been my habit lately, considering my age, I was walking carefully and very slowly against the traffic along the sidewalk.

There was a normally passing passenger bus followed by a rushing motorcycle heeding towards me. I thanked God that my presence of mind and strong instinct of protection caused my reflexes to make a sway just a little bit to my left enough to avoid the oncoming motorcycle by a hairline. But I also fell down. I hurt my right wrist, my right elbow and my right flank. I immediately and successfully stood up. Again I thanked God my head didn’t hit the cemented pavement.

People quickly came to help me. As it turned out, the motorcycle driver was about to overtake the bus but it slowed down to allow passengers to get out. So, the motorcycle hit me instead.

I brought the driver to the police station to blotter the incident. I was asked if I would file a complaint against the driver. I said: “Why me? Here he is admitting that he is driving a borrowed motorcycle without a license and not wearing a helmet. They were all traffic violations that should be punished by the police”.

I also discovered that the driver was driving with a metallic right leg. I left him to the police for the necessary disposition and penalties to serve as warning to so many others who were driving like him putting passers-by at great risk.

Reflecting on what happened a day after I realized that God was probably reminding me that life was just a flash of light that could vanish instantly. That in spite of all the care in my movements I was still vulnerable. But reviewing the scene, I was convinced my Guardian Angel pushed me a hairline away from the onrushing motorcycle then same Angel supported me from falling down traumatically. It was indeed a miracle that kept me still alive.

FATHER'S DAY CONFUSION

2009-06-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

FATHER’S DAY CONFUSION

Last Sunday, June 14, 2009, second Sunday of June, our Parish Priest, after the mass announced and greeted Happy Fathers Day to all concerned. Some newspapers also showed commercials on Father’s Day as some friends and relatives also sent to me text greetings.

All the while I knew that Father’s Day would be June 21st yet which falls on the 3rd Sunday of June. The confusion that happens yearly was probably caused by the fact that Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May and many thought that Father’s Day was also a second Sunday.

Came true Father’s Day, June 21st didn’t surprise me that there were only few greeters although I was expecting my wife to invite me to eat outside to celebrate my especial day. But as usual she was too busy attending to her ‘farm’ with the helpers so that I was left alone in the house to eat “bahaw” (cold rice) and salted egg with tomatoes.

Only two of my children and a son-in-law greeted me but I was not complaining because I was fully aware of the prevailing confusion. So, left alone with only my echo, may shadow and me, I felt a kind of loneliness creeping throughout my being; the lonesome feeling that was always a constant twin companion of the aging process.

I couldn’t help but think of the by-gone days, the happy moments and the memorable events. I was completely engulfed by nostalgic incidents that I found myself traveling joyfully in the past. It was a thrilling trip through the time tunnel that showed me clear pictures of happy days. After all I didn’t need a formal invitation from anybody to enjoy the occasion. It was all in my power to go anywhere I wanted to visit to experience again especial occasions that brought me excitements long before I became a father.

My mind was still so fertile and so healthy that I could still make a choice to enjoy my day. This was possibly an off shoot of the Father’s Day confusion but who cares; I was still immensely enjoying it when three high school students came by requesting my help with their assignments. One of them was my boy helper who was able to finish high school with the TESDA help. Unable to pursue a collage education he was again applying to help me with my daily chores. It was ironic that while all my children were everywhere except by my side this day, these children by other fathers were here seeking my fatherly help.

Who is Responsible?

2009-06-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

June 13, 2009

The Health Officer-in-Charge
City Health Office
Tagaytay City

Dear Sir;

Yesterday,a septuagenarian woman, sent off her Balikbayan nephew and niece to the airport on their return trip to New York. On her way back to the province she felt somewhat sick. She passed-by Mercury Drug in Tagaytay to buy some medicines.

While waiting, she suddenly felt she needed to empty her intestines and so she asked the Manager, for the toilet. She was not at once accommodated in spite of her pleading, by giving so many flimsy excuses.

The woman wasn’t able to control her abdominal spasms and had loose bowel movement on the spot. She was feeling so sick and what happened was a greatly embarrassing situation which could have been easily avoided had she been given access to the toilet on time.

Mercury Drug is an outlet for medicines and is expected to have several sick people most of the time that are there to buy their needed medicines.
Why is it not provided with easily accessible toilet and why was it given Sanitary Permit to Operate?

In events like this who is supposed to be responsible? Is Mercury Drug in Tagaytay not violating any business permit?

Let us not allow other victims to experience something like this. I request for appropriate action.

A Pleasant Surprise

2009-06-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

A PLEASANT SURPRISE

She first intended to surprise everyone, because my middle daughter is fond of surprising us every now and then. But this time her parents-in-law are visiting their family in Canada so she decided to divulge the secret before they come.

She is five months pregnant with a baby boy. It is in fact a most pleasant surprise. Her elder daughter is three while her younger is about two years old. She is afraid that her in-laws might get ballistic when told the secret.

But I am sure it would be the other way around. Instead of getting ballistic, her in-laws would surely be over excited about their first coming grandson. A first grandson is always greatly awaited by grandparents.

In my case he would be my second grandson but my excitement is not in anyway diminished. It makes me feel so good that I would have two grandsons and six grand daughters. That is quite a wide range of projection. Instead of feeling old I feel even newly rejuvenated. I happily anticipate the moment when I can play with them. I am afraid I will no longer be acceptable to them as the generation, cultural and geographical gaps are already so wide but whatever… I just feel terribly happy

Author's Response to Book Launching

2009-05-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

TINGKORAW BOOK LAUNCHING
Author’s Response May 24, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning… After hearing so many good words, for a while I thought we were talking about somebody else’s book. I was tremendously overwhelmed.

I am groping for enough and appropriate words to thank you. I just feel totally stunned and speechless. So, from the shy corner of my heart I thank you all.

Mrs. Aida Leyran for the unaltered National Anthem and the nostalgic Alfonso Hymn;
Rev. Fr. Gani Aviñante for the greatly inspiring Prayers;
Mayor Virgilio Varias for a most pleasant welcome address;
Hon. Cesar E.A. Virata for the interesting review of important historical events in Cavite;
Dr. Emmanuel Caliro for his wise and encouraging words.
Prof. Aquino I. Garcia for everything that you said and Ms. Teresita P. Unabia for the amazing review of the book.

If the introduction by Professor Silverio Baltasar exposed the character of the book and the Foreword by Ms. Felice Sta. Maria captured its deeper and real essence, now the review by Ms. Teresita P. Unabia unveiled completely the mystery of TINGKORW.

Possibly as interesting as the book we are launching this morning is the intriguing story behind its creation.

To begin with, I never intended to write a book. The book coming out this morning is only a result of my own brand of Parochial Patriotism.

After finishing Medicine and taking the Board Examinations in 1961, I returned to my hometown to wait for the release of the results. Since I was not yet legally allowed to practice my profession and being a law-abiding citizen, I didn’t know what to do. All the friends that I left seven years ago were gone and busy with their own individual ventures. I temporarily helped in the clinic of Dr. Rodolfo Poblete under his supervision. That way I had a chance to be with different people during house calls. I was curiously encouraged to jot down notes about interesting events that happened in my town as I heard them fresh from the mouths of old folks.

I began compiling my notes at random as I heard them. My interest was stimulated further every time I heard new important story or legend. So I started entering my compilation into a big record book. It turned out to be a valuable and import ant compilation of Alfonso’s Oral History.

With the permission of then Central School Principal Miss Juliana Stuart I incorporated earlier data gathered by the Elementary School Teachers in 1956. I also included a Tagalog Poem about Alfonso that I wrote in 1951 when I was in Second Year High School.

A Journalist friend of mine, Mrs. Evangelina Ortega Dalusag volunteered to correct my grammar, spelling, word agreement and choice of words without changing or altering the original chronology of my compilation. As it was it turned out pretty popular among students, researchers and other town mates and friends.

With the advent of the computer I was forced to take up a basic computer course to update and upgrade my compilation. It took me a lot of hours and bond papers before I was able to save in the floppy disc my treasured compilation just to realize later that files saved in a floppy disc is not a guarantee of permanency.

When the Cavite Hitorical Commission was created, one of its members, Mr. Napoleon Vidallon, borrowed my compilation, presented it to the Chairman, Prime Minister Cesar Virata for possible publication. After scrutinizing it, the Prime Minister returned it to Mr. Vidallon with valuable comments. I still have the hand written comment by Prime Minister Cesar Virata, sent on June 11, 1998 who said: “I believe the materials cannot be published as is. It will require organization, editing and additional gathering of sources and materials”. It awakened me and inspired me to work further for its improvement but as I said I was not really intending to write a book.

Came Professor Silverio Baltasar, also a member of the Cavite Historical Commission who volunteered to help me organize the book then afterwards he submitted it to the original staff of The Cavite Studies Center. I didn’t hear anything about it from them.

It didn’t bother me at all but then a daughter of mine secretly submitted it to the Ayala Foundation for review and possible publication. It was indeed thoroughly reviewed and many suggestions were offered but following all the suggestions would result to a book very far from my original compilation while I also felt that I was old enough to do more research, so, I just kept my compilation on my desk.

It was very perplexing that so many people were more eager to publish my compilation than I was. One U.P. student offered himself to request the University of the Philippines to publish it. At the same time another Ateneo student also made a similar offer. Again as I said I was not really intending to write a book so I just kept it as it was until Rev. Fr. Nestor Isagani Avinante discussed it with the New Staff of The Cavite Studies Center.

The New Staff composed of Professor Garcia, Professor Lubang and others came one day to see my compilation. They offered their help to do everything to make my compilation worth publishing in the form of a book with the final editing by Prof. Neriza Villanueva and the untiring and endless help of Mylene B. Delatado. When they told me that Ms. Felice Sta. Maria agreed to write the Foreword I knew I got the ‘imprimatur’ for the publication of the book.

The book TINKORAW: Alfonso’s History and Legend which is coming out this morning is not actually my book. It is your book…Prime Minister Cesar Virata, De La Salle Brothers, Staff of Cavite Study Center, Rev. Fr. Isagani Avinante, Mayor Ver Varias, Congeressman Roilo Golez, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrocio Makalintal, Mr. and Mrs. Vic Ortega…
And yes, Ladies and Gentlemen… this is your book…

At this point it is interesting to note how ironic it was that because of my original crude compilation I was awarded as the Town’s Historian during the celebration of Alfonso Day 2007. I felt too shy to accept the award.

Now am offering a truckload of gratitude to all the sponsors who jointly supported t he realization of this Launching:
The De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
The Cavite Studies Center
The Cavite Historical Commission
The Local Government of Alfonso
Thank you all so much.

Before I finish I would like to specially acknowledge the encouragement, support, patience and understanding of my wife, the former Teresita Costa of Indang, Cavite. Allow me to offer to her the first copy of the book as I also share with you the secret of our longevity as partners.

Pag nanaig ang pag –ibig,
Ang ibigi’y sakdal tamis.
At matamis lalo ito
Sa dalawang pilas-dibdib.

Ang dinibdib na pagkasing
Magkatugo’t magkabigkis,
Pag binigkis ng damdami’y
Mahirap ng magkawaglit.

Kung mawaglit yaong isa’y
Hinahanap na masugid,
Ng masugid na kasuyong
Dati-rati ay kaniig.

Magkainiig na pagliyag
Pag tunay na magka-pintig,
Ipipintig ay ligayang
Sa suyua’y walang patid.

Ang pagpatid ng panahon
Sa sumpaa’y di matamis,
Ang matamis ay bayaang
Pag-ibig din ang manaig.

In this tiny book that I am now holding is a little bit of history, a little bit of legend and much about Alfonso that anybody will learn to love after reading TINGKORAW.

With it goes a little bit of my mind, a little bit of my heart, a little bit of my strength and a little bit of my soul. Fifty years in the making. In as far as I am concerned this is unique and this is priceless. I want to offer my first copy to my wife becasue in as far as I am concerned she is also unique and she is also priceless. That is why I love her so much.

At this point I like to intruduce my 5 month old youngest grand daughter, Chiara Veronica together with her mother, my youngest daughter, Madora Joliveth and her husband Raffy Kapunan Ortega. At the moment I think Chiara Veronica is the only patriotic projection of my clan. My other children and grand children are scattered to the different parts of the world. But it is interesting to note that all my absentee Children are now represented by their in-laws . My Son Pau-David, based in Australia is supposed to be represented by her Mother-in-law, Mrs. Angie Almeda Policarpio but her father is seriously ill and she was not able to come; My Daughter, Belina-Judith who is now in Bohol with her family and Mother-in-law, is now represented by her Father–in-law, Congressman Roilo Golez who flew all the way from Bacolod early this morning to catch up this event; My Daughter, Brinna-Zita , who is based in Canada with her family is represened by her Parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrocio Makalintal; My youngest, Peter-Jonathan is also based in Australia and still single. He is represented by so many who love him. Thank You.

Jett e. Avinante, m.d.

LET ME FEEL IT

2009-05-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

LET ME FEEL IT

A writer once sent a story manuscript to a popular magazine with a request that it be publish in the coming issue. Then he waited for the magazine expecting that his manuscript was included.

When he did not find his story, he angrily approached the editor to complain: “Why did you not publish my story?” He shouted at the editor. “It is very interesting. It is full of adventures with so many suspense portions before reaching the climax. How could you be so mean? How could you be so insensitive? How could you reject such a valuable article?”

The editor calmly responded: “Please relax and let me explain. Yes, your story maybe true-to-life. Yes, it could be interesting and more than all of what you said. But please don’t tell me. Let me feel it. Honestly I did not feel any of those things you said your story was about. If I did then I could have made it the cover story”.

The incident reminded me of some politicians who are proudly telling things and offering tempting promises. Let us all wait for someone we can feel and let us make him our country’s cover story to inspire all of us. Is there anyone around?

MYCOTIC SMILE

2009-04-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

MYCOTIC SMILE

I woke up with a mild mycotic infection near my upper lip. It hurts a little especially when my lips move. In order not to touch the sore I lifted my upper lip a little upwards just enough to avoid the infected portion.

I continued my daily chore including my daily visit to my favorite Netcafe to establish connection with my children and other friends. (My computer at home is not on line or I won’t leave the home and get paralyzed in due time).

On my way many people greeted me good morning or hello just to express something. Meantime I just kept my upper lip a little lifted to prevent the pain brought about by contact with the mycotic infection.

Little did I know that by doing such a stanch I accidentally created a kind of smile that encouraged all those people that I met or encountered to smile back at me. I never in my wildest imagination thought that such a forced smile could do so many people’s morning so bright and enjoyable

HERE IS PARADISE

2009-04-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

HERE IS PARADISE

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During the last three consecutive days there was a generous downpour of rain late in the afternoon ‘till early night. The climate was suddenly converted into a comfortable and refreshing experience for everyone.

The flowers sang, the fields rejoiced and joy was definitely all around. Sleep seemed like a slumber on a bed of roses and dreams were experiences in the fantasy world.

Come morning time with the ground still wet while the sunshine was almost a beatific glow. If it could only be this way everyday, life would have been a paradise. This, of course was only for those like me who need not do anything or go anywhere at night .

For those who need to work or go some where or just do anything at night, there must be some kind of paradise too. Thinking about it I realized that paradise mean different thing to different people. There could never be a true paradise for everyone here on earth at all time. Paradise is a personal creation of each and everyone.

Paradise, after, all is only a state of the mind. Any situation or experience that makes us feel good and contented is our paradise. That way paradise could easily be created even if only in our minds. A mind that thinks positively is a mind that lives in paradise.

Let us create our own paradise by deleting all the negative vibrations and substituting it with positive thoughts. Let us convert negative posters and signs to something positive without necessarily deviating from the intended meaning. Instead of writing “NO Parking on this side”, let us scribble “PARK on the other side PLEASE”. Instead of saying “NO littering” let is say “CLEANLINESS is next to Godliness”. Better than putting a sign, “DON’T throw your garbage here”, is a sign “Please use the garbage can”.

By practicing positive conversion, you’ll find it very easy to love than to hate. It is only when we finally learn to really love that we can really claim paradise here on earth.

TUPIPEL

2009-04-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

TUPIPEL

If the word sounds new to the reader it is because it is in fact, new. Coined from Tagalog words, TUPI (fold) and PAPEL (paper), it is simply and literally referring to the act of folding a piece of paper.

Unlike ORIGAMI, the Japanese art of paper-folding, TUPIPEL is not strictly a genuine form of art. It interestingly evolved as a therapeutic hobby when I first used it as an easy substitute for cigarette and something to hold on during the period of withdrawal when I finally quit the habit after having been smoking four packs (80 sticks) daily for about twenty years. Almost as addicting as cigarette smoking I was hooked to it and the results were artistic creations that attracted some art lovers. More than a work of art, however, TUPIPEL serves many useful purposes.

It serves as a good companion during moments of solitude and loneliness. As such it is more comfortable than playing solitaire; a very effective cheerer in time of boredom, an instrument for expressing different emotions; a security blanket during moments of fear and apprehension. As a toy it could be more interesting, more enjoyable if not more challenging as the more expensive and more sophisticated electronically controlled ones. It is safer too. As decorative pieces there are endless possible forms and shapes.

The unique artistic results of TUPIPEL are difficult to duplicate so that each finish item has its own unique characteristics and “personality” that more often reflects that of the TUPIPERO or TUPIPERA.

Yes, TUPIPEL is something new, something good, something useful and something also for you, whoever you are and whatever you are doing. Indulging in it is like being in constant period of honeymoon. Like in honeymoon a lot of common sense is needed plus a good sense of humor and some amount of resourcefulness to enjoy it and for it to be fruitful. The beginning, like during honeymoon is a period of adjustment and interesting discoveries, both pleasant and unpleasant. One has to do a lot of stretching, of pressing, of creasing and careful caressing most of the time while folding and unfolding in every possible directions. All the while, just like during honeymoon, there is a need for utmost care and tenderness in order not to beak it. Even real honeymoons are sometimes spoiled and broken for the simple lack of tender loving care.

There can also be period of boredom at times but boredom that also challenges the wisdom of the TUPIPERO very similar to the challenges encountered by honeymooners that eventually matures the mates. Then the triumphant moment of compatibility when the folder and the paper being folded becomes blissfully adjusted. From then on you are totally married to the hobby and there is no stopping. Every new creation you make shall give birth to more artistic creations unless, of course, you are artistically impotent or infertile.

Give a crying child a fluffing bird and see how his face brightens; offer a Japanese young lady with a paper crane and she will fall in love with you. Create a paper trash disposal container during picnics and notice how other picnickers are amazed at your creativity. Propose your love by offering paper roses or make your prayer request by offering paper rosary to a nun or a catechist.

As therapeutic tool it is more useful. It helps revitalize fingers weakened by arthritis and paralysis. It gives way to one’s destructive tendencies and sadistic leanings by merely breaking it, as it also becomes a vehicle of one’s “hot” temper or “burning” anger by actually burning it. For children it is an endless source of toys. Try TUPIPEL. It could change your entire life style.

I won’t forget what once happened inside an airplane up in the air. A young girl passed-by my side. I gave her a paper tulip. She quickly called her brother whom I offered a paper frog. It was seen by other children and one by one they approached me. I, in turn offered them different folded items. It didn’t take so long when I found myself surrounded by the mothers of the children who were curious why their children were all coming to me. At this point the stewardess commented: “Be careful so that the airplane don’t tilt on that side”. I gave her a small garland of paper 'sampagitas'.

POST HOLY WEEK REFLECTIONS

2009-04-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

POST HOLY WEEK REFLECTIONS

Gone is the Holy Week. Gone are the “Holy Parties”. Gone are the “sacrificial beach funs”. Gone are the “colorful” processions. Gone are they all, leaving behind much confusion in the minds of the new generations.

My grade one grand daughter asked me so many questions during the Holy Week celebrations. Questions I didn’t mind asking during my childhood days and are now giving me some kind of reflective interpretations.

She asked me: “Lolo is St. John a male?” Confidently I said “Yes, he is one of the apostles”. My grand daughter continued: “Why does he look like a woman with long hair and shiny face?” I thought for a while before I replied: “Well, because he is the youngest apostle that is why he doesn’t have beards like St. Peter and St. James”. I don’t know if my answer convinced her but she asked another one: “Why is St. Martha dressed so beautifully, is she not supposed to be cooking? And why is she holding a key, did she lock the cabinets?” Those and many other questions that challenged what I thought before was my ‘encyclopedic’ intelligence.

While my grandchild kept on asking questions and while I continued answering her with childish emphasis, in my mind I myself was stimulated to ask so many queries. After the procession I went around visiting different Saint Owners who were all offering so many foods, never mind the ‘fasting and abstinence’ rule of the Roman Catholic Church.

It was while doing those rounds when a heard another child asked: “Why are they putting plastic flowers?” Casually I said: “To keep them fresh ‘till Sunday morning during the Salubong”. “How can they be fresh if they are plastics?” continued the child. I quickly countered: “For those flowers to look fresh at all time”. The child shake her head while protesting: “They are cheating the Saints?” Another child joined us with her own questions: “Why are the people getting the flowers?” Her brother called her and so the “interview” was ended.

Come to think of it. We are doing this celebration supposedly to perpetuate the story of salvation. But as it is, the correct story is not properly perpetuated. No wonder, many Catholics are already turning to other sects for their spiritual guidance.

Is it not a practice of idolatry to kiss the cross during the Veneration of it? Why are the Apostles included during the “Salubong” when they are supposed to be hiding because the people are mad at them? I think it is very important that things be clearly explained so that the new generation will find it more relevant than going to the computer to play or chat happily even during the Holy Week. Gone really are those days when Holy Week was Holy and people were pious. Come Holy Spirit, enlighten us all…

(Note: The above article was published last year and this year it is good to note that there was an exhibit of the different Saints at the Church Plaza with little explanations about the Saint or image on display. The display was only from 6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. Many didn’t have a chance to see it as it was so hot the whole. It would have been better if the exhibit was extended for two days up to around 10:00 pm.)

EASTER SUNDAY (?)

2009-04-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

EASTER SUNDAY (?)

After Holy Friday and Black Saturday it will be Easter Sunday again.

It is too unfortunate that Christians are celebrating Easter Sunday without a vague idea of its satanic origin. “Easter” is only one of the many names of a woman who greatly deceived the world. Her religion caused mightily untold suffering and misery during her time and up to now. Many priests seemingly are not aware of this pagan practice that was given a Christian connotation that made Satan very happy.

Nowadays hunt for Easter eggs are practiced even inside the Church. How ironic. There are certainly better ways of celebrating Jesus Christ’s Resurrection as it is the most important of all Christian holy days.

By adopting and Christianizing some pagan celebrations we also adopted Easter (the pronunciation of “ISHTAR”, the name of the pagan Mother Goddess). In other countries she was called Eostre, Astarte, Ostera, and Eastre. She who was also called Semiramis, Wife of Baal, Ashtaroth or Ashtoreth and Queen of Heaven.

Her power started when she married King Nimrod, the great grandson of Noah who rebelled greatly against God. When Nimrod died she turned adulterous and idolatrous and when she gave birth to an illegitimate son she said that her son, Tammuz, was the reincarnation of her husband King Nimrod claiming that he was supernaturally conceived and that he was the promised seed, the ‘savior’.

Tammuz was worshipped with various rites at the spring season. Legend says that after he was slain by a wild boar, he went into the underworld but through the weeping of his mother…he mystically revived in the springing forth of the vegetation – in spring! Each year a spring festival dramatically represented this supposed ‘RESURRECTION’ from the underworld.

The rabbit is a well known symbol of fertility. It also symbolizes the Mother Goddess (Easter).Annual Spring fertility rituals are associated worship of the Mother Goddess and Tammuz, the reincarnation of her husband Nimrod.

The egg on the other hand was a sacred symbol among the Babylonians. They believed on old fable about an egg of wondrous size which was supposed to have fallen from heaven into the Euphrates River. From this marvelous egg – according to the ancient story – the Goddess Astarte (Easter) was hatched. And so the egg came to symbolize the Goddess Easter.

The seductive symbol of ancient ungodly religions inspired by Satan have been incorporated into people’s everyday lives, even to this day – continuing to obscure the truth of God. Jesus has been obscured by painted eggs and bunnies. Attention has been shifted away from the truth. Materialism prevailed (clothing, products and candies with the wrong symbolism). Stores merchandise the name of Easter (not “Resurrection Sunday”) and sell goods that have nothing to do with Christ’s death and resurrection. Christians naively use symbols and practices that unknowingly perpetuate ancient anti-Christ traditions – symbolic customs followed by the same religious cults that inspired the destruction of great numbers of Christians and Jews. Satan is laughing at us. Hahehihohu!!!
-(Quoted from the internet)

CHAIN REACTION (Abuse of Goodness)

2009-04-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

CHAIN REACTION
(Abuse of goodness)

It all started when I offered my home as a shelter near the school of an “honest boy”. He found a wallet with bunch of money but instead of keeping it he tried to find the owner whose I.D. was in the wallet. His act impressed me that was why I helped him.

He must be so gratified by the way I treated him that after a few days his mother and an auntie came-by to apply for work in my home. Since they couldn’t be accommodated they applied their children to “do any job” there was available.

I hired the 17 year-old girl cousin of the boy for my daughter in B.F Homes to help with the needs of my grand daughters. Now the Auntie told me about her 17 year-old daughter and 15 year-old son who cannot continue their studies due to poverty. She pleaded to me to accommodate them for whatever they could do. But they were in Bicol so the woman asked for P1,500.00 for the bus fare to Manila with promise that the two would arrive the following day. The money was given but the two didn’t come as they needed to finish their school activities. The woman must have purposely lied to me. The money sent was quickly spent. The poor liar requested for additional P800.00 this time promising very firmly that the two would arrive soonest. Only the 15 year-old boy came but the original ‘honest boy’ that I offered shelter was now telling me he was going home to help his parents and siblings. That was after he had broken a giant century old Dama Juana bottle; after I have given him a pair of imported shoes and several T-shirts and shorts.

After a few more days the 17 year-old girl cousin finally arrived accompanied by a friend who was also looking for a job. The sister of my boy helper would be given to my daughter in Caloocan while her friend would replace the one who was hired first but already went home after less than a month.

Now, the woman came to me very early the following day (Monday of Holy Week) requesting for advance payment for her daughter. I was beginning to feel irritated and impatient. I didn’t give her the advance. It has always been good to be good but when one’s goodness was already being abused, one must set a limit. Poverty was most of the time being used as an excuse for dole outs and was wrongly turning out to be a choice. Let us help them help themselves too.

MODERATION

2009-03-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

MODERATION

I was almost caught flat-footed when a smart 15 year old boy, yesterday, asked me point blank: “What is the best advice you can give to everyone?”

For a while I was speechless while rolling my eyes upwards groping for an acceptable answer. I was tempted to say “Be good” but I knew it was an overused advice very rarely implemented or practiced.

I took one deep breath before I had the nerve to say: “Moderation in everything… yes, in thought, in words, in deed!” The boy was the one stunned by what I said but then approvingly agreed by saying: “Yes, I think that is the best advice I ever heard”.

If we moderate our thought, we would not be entertaining impure ideas or plans as we would only be thinking positively. Our attitude on our selves, on other people and on things would always be pleasant and encouraging.

If we moderate our words we would not say bad things about people, places or events. We would be picking good adjectives to describe anything.

If we moderate our deed we would not be harming ourselves or other people. We would not overwork. We would not overeat. Our health would be maintained to its best.

It sounds too elementary but is it not a good advice?

STILL AROUND

2009-03-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

STILL AROUND

I am still around and I am still alive. Very much around and very much alive to express much thanks to those “concerned citizens” who thought I was completely incapacitated.

No, I am not incapacitated by that mild ‘stroke’ that softly attacked me at early dawn a few days ago. I know God only whispered to me that I no longer belong to the friendster generation or the mirc company. So, I am still here as I promised BRB.

Nothing much really changed about me. Perhaps I got a little lousier because I lost my USB but even that incident I didn’t so much mind as all the documents I have there were also carefully saved in my hard disk. I can also recover and retrieve most of them from my blog spot. After all I am not that lousy yet.

I request my relatives and friends not to worry. God permitting, I intend to live up to the year 2020 for reasons God and me only knows. I still CTC, mind you and I am still capable of ROFL. If you cannot catch me in my Garden you may find me groping at flixter, finding pictures at multiply or simply horsing around at tagged.com. But most of the moments I am at the internet I am seriously exchanging ideas at facebook or checking e-mails at yahoo and hotmail if not googling for some important items to help me do my mental calisthenics.

I find this present world still so enjoyable, I am not ready to change dimension of existence. You cannot yet expect my ghost to haunt you during gloomy nights or suddenly appear in your dream to cheer you up.

Yes dear friends and other concerned citizens, I am still around and I am still alive. Whether that is bad or good news to you GTG in the far future.

LEAVE IT TO GOD

2009-03-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

LEAVE IT TO GOD

My daughter must have told her children that I had a mild ‘stroke’, so, that night my grand daughter texted me: “Lolo, are you ok?”

I replied, “Yes, I am fine”.

She followed up: “Were you deformed?”

I answered, “I was, slightly, but I am well now, Pogi again”.

She followed up further: “Don’t worry. We all love you. We will take care of you. Good night!!!”

I was so touched by those simple but sincere texts from a 7 year old girl. It was so inspiring and so encouraging to hear such kind of words showing concern.

The messages must have served like a kind of healing balm that suddenly made me feel good and brought me a lot of joy. Now I feel assured that at least one of my physical projections already promised to take care of me.

The greatest fears of aging parents especially in this high tech generation is the feeling of being left alone. It happens left and right. Many aging parents are left to themselves or at most with a lousy helper. It is not easily affordable to hire a caregiver or even if it is affordable, caregiver is not always easily available. The Homes For The Aged are disappointingly unreliable.

The deforming effects of that mild ‘stroke’ that affected me was “miraculously” gone. A small ‘embolus’ must have caused it, was dislodge and is now circulating with my blood flow looking for another chance to block another arteriole. God’s ways are really mysterious. For a short while He reminded me of the fragility and uncertainty of life and for another moment He let me realized anew that in His care I am safe and sound.

LIKE A THIEF IN THE DARK

2009-03-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

LIKE A THIEF IN THE DARK

It happened a few minutes after midnight of March 22, 2009, the early Dawn of Sunday. I felt a strong urgency to urinate which was not unusual to me as I have been experiencing this for quite a while.

I rose from my bed. I felt I was salivating profusely. I presumed I have eaten something that must have stimulated my salivary glands. But upon lying down my saliva was dripping on my pillow and continued that way till early morning when I was already drinking coffee before going to Mass.

I felt a little weakness but it didn’t bother me as I have also been experiencing it every once in a while.

I walked carefully and slowly on my way to the Church wiping my dripping saliva occasionally. I felt something wrong must have happened. In my mind I mentally reviewed Cerebro-Vascular Accident (CVA) more commonly known In layman’s term as ‘stroke’. If I remembered right the major specific types were (1). Cerebral insufficiency due to transient disturbance of blood flow, or rarely, to hypertensive encephalopathy; (2). Cerebral infarction, due to embolism or to thrombosis; (3). Cerebral hemorrhage. Both ischemic and hemorrhagic tend to come on abruptly. Cerebral Hemorrhage is catastrophic.

As I always do in times like this I deeply inhaled “health vibrations” to be distributed to all parts of my body then breathe out all ailments from my systems. It always worked for me. I felt good that way until the time for the singing of Our Father. I felt that my voice was somehow slurred. I must have been attacked by a mild ‘stroke’. I didn’t entertain fear nor the idea of going to a Doctor for check-up. I was more afraid of what they will do to me once I make consultations.

I would be examined completely and thoroughly and many findings would be discovered. Many medications would be prescribed too. More side effects would surface which will invite more medications and more investigations.

Like a thief in the dark, a mild stroke had stolen a bit of my health.

I continued doing my routine. I went to the Net café alone though more cautious this time. Salivating continued but otherwise I felt good. I could still easily wipe my dripping saliva from the corners of my mouth.

Should anything more than this happen to me anytime, this should not disturb anyone. I have been in this world for quite a while and I am all ready for whatever God desires for me.

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A LENTEN SACRIFICE

2009-03-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

A LENTEN SACRIFICE

After the Sunday Mass a woman whispered to me that she was requested to relay to me the message that a close relative of our family died at a nearby Baranggay. She told me the name of the deceased and some of her relatives but I didn’t know anyone of the names mentioned.

I was hesitant to go to the wake as it has been my experience before not to be noticed or talked to by anyone in a wake simply because no one knew me and I knew no one. But the following day another woman reminded me about my dead relative.

Early in the morning the day after, I decided to go to the wake to see my long lost relative. As I expected nobody there present knew me nor did I recognized anyone familiar to me. I viewed the 95 year old dead woman but I couldn't in my deepest memory remember her.

I introduced myself and asked the daughter-in-law how I was related to the woman. From by my side answered another old woman who traced several family trees to end up how my mother was a very close relative of them. Stories about the dead woman and my also already dead mother were recalled and retold while everybody was interestingly listening. So, we were distant relative but that was not important.

My coming to the wake gave a lot of sunshine to the clan. I did not know that my presence could be that important to them. After giving my little donation, animated exchange of by-gone-days stories followed to the extreme interest of all present. My attendance to that wake was not in vain.

The place was not easy to reach. It took the tricycle that I hired three long turns and a short rough road before we finally reached the end where the house was located. Sometimes doing a little sacrifice can mean so much to some distant and almost forgotten relatives. I considered what I did as one of my offertory sacrifices this period of lent.