ROAD REPAIR
Tempers will rise again and many quarrels will come out as traffic will again be crowded not only because there are already too many vehicles but because there are so many roads under repair. Like here in our town, roads are still relatively good but giant mechanical drillers came and destroyed the roads.
They could have been improved easily by use of asphalt overlay but instead they decided to pulverize the cemented road in preparation for new cementing and they have chosen this time of the year when many people will be coming home for the All Saints Day celebration. I cannot find any logical explanation except plain political stupidity.
Some roads are already in desperate condition but they do nothing to make them better and now they are breaking better roads supposedly for repair. They say they are repairing the National Roads and the funds are from the National treasury. Smaller roads should be attended locally and never mind if local officials are as dilapidated as their road counterparts.
This kind of problem is all over the country and like the roads that they are repairing there must be a way to repair the mentality of the local officials together with all their bosses up there for the sake of our only country. There must be a Committee or a Team or whatever they want to call it to look at this matter.
As I said in the beginning tempers are rising and heaven knows how simple misunderstanding can sometime result to bigger havocs. Commuters are stressed resulting to many different kinds of ailments afterwards. All these things could have been prevented had people in authority made more logical decisions.
Looking at it positively I am just hoping that said road repairs shall be finished before Christmas to prevent more hot tempers. If roads are good visitors won’t be discourage from coming to our town. Even Tourists shall discover and enjoy our sceneries, our culture and traditions that we could all be proud off. After all our town have so many good things to offer.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
TOMB PAINTERS (Oct. 229, 2008).
TOMB PAINTERS
They suddenly surrounded me when I entered the gate of the Memorial Park. They were of all ages, from as young as seven to as old as seventy years old. Each one was showing his painting paraphernalia complete with paints, brushes, sandpapers, metal polishes and rags. This was an annual scene at the Cemetery, days before All Saint Day.
I didn’t know to whom to listen first as each one was offering his price for the job, some of them bragging about their supposed know-how, specialty or experience. Basing on my past experience I announced the amount I was willing to offer for the cleaning of the four marble slabs of my parents and sisters.
They all wanted me to double or at least add more to my offer and when no one accepted my price I decided to move to the Municipal Cemetery to visit my other relatives there. I was followed by three young boys who said they were willing to do the job for the price that I offered.
Aware of the possibility that these inexperienced kids would have very little chance to be hired in the midst of so many others I decided to award to them the job as I also decided to personally supervise them. When they started working the envious bigger boys came around to discourage them to the point of making insulting comments. But I encouraged the kids to go on to show the bigger boys that they cannot just go on bullying the little ones. In the process I somehow taught them important lessons. I let them realized that they cannot easily get what they want in life by bragging and bullying.
The teacher in me was again awakened and I did what I thought was the right thing to do at the moment while hoping that somehow someone would change his attitude in life for that unexpected experience.
It took the three kids a long time to finish the job so I had the chance to visit an old friend nearby. When I returned to supervise the boys with the finishing touches the older bullies were still there obviously repenting why they were outsmarted by the little boys. At the end I could feel the sense of victory felt by my young tomb painters. They became more inspired to work and I knew they would be doing better while I fervently hope that they would become better citizens.
At this point a relatively more decent big boy came-by reminding me that he was the little boy I hired last year and that he was so thankful because last year I also supervised him and that he learned a lot from me.
I was sure even my parents and my sisters who were buried there must also be very happy watching from where they were how little boys were learning while cleaning and painting their graves.
They suddenly surrounded me when I entered the gate of the Memorial Park. They were of all ages, from as young as seven to as old as seventy years old. Each one was showing his painting paraphernalia complete with paints, brushes, sandpapers, metal polishes and rags. This was an annual scene at the Cemetery, days before All Saint Day.
I didn’t know to whom to listen first as each one was offering his price for the job, some of them bragging about their supposed know-how, specialty or experience. Basing on my past experience I announced the amount I was willing to offer for the cleaning of the four marble slabs of my parents and sisters.
They all wanted me to double or at least add more to my offer and when no one accepted my price I decided to move to the Municipal Cemetery to visit my other relatives there. I was followed by three young boys who said they were willing to do the job for the price that I offered.
Aware of the possibility that these inexperienced kids would have very little chance to be hired in the midst of so many others I decided to award to them the job as I also decided to personally supervise them. When they started working the envious bigger boys came around to discourage them to the point of making insulting comments. But I encouraged the kids to go on to show the bigger boys that they cannot just go on bullying the little ones. In the process I somehow taught them important lessons. I let them realized that they cannot easily get what they want in life by bragging and bullying.
The teacher in me was again awakened and I did what I thought was the right thing to do at the moment while hoping that somehow someone would change his attitude in life for that unexpected experience.
It took the three kids a long time to finish the job so I had the chance to visit an old friend nearby. When I returned to supervise the boys with the finishing touches the older bullies were still there obviously repenting why they were outsmarted by the little boys. At the end I could feel the sense of victory felt by my young tomb painters. They became more inspired to work and I knew they would be doing better while I fervently hope that they would become better citizens.
At this point a relatively more decent big boy came-by reminding me that he was the little boy I hired last year and that he was so thankful because last year I also supervised him and that he learned a lot from me.
I was sure even my parents and my sisters who were buried there must also be very happy watching from where they were how little boys were learning while cleaning and painting their graves.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
CHURCHGOING ON SUNDAY
CHURCHGOING ON SUNDAY
Every Sunday if I can, I always attend the 6:00 a.m. Mass and like me there are other habitual Churchgoers on that time. We are supposed to be those who are “seeking first the Kingdom and Justice of God, hoping that everything shall be added unto us”.
Almost all of us are regularly occupying the same pews as a force of habit or for what ever particular reason as if they are our own territories. I always go to the area near the frame of the 10th Station of the Cross depicting the touching drama when Jesus told Dismas: “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. It is the only area where I could clearly hear but not necessarily because Dismas is my favorite Patron Saint.
A few seats in front of me is the choice of a white-haired octogenarian because it is near the side door of the Church where she ‘could easily exit should an emergency occur’, she told me one time.
I observed that she is the most greeted churchgoers. So many younger ones approach her to kiss her hands or just to whisper something. When she is not there I know she is either not feeling well or brought by a son to Manila for whatever reason.
Immediately in front of me a young man, always in old white T-shirt occupies the pew. There is always a small towel inside his back, one end of it is folded backwards to keep in place. It probably protects him from cold or absorbs his sweats.
One day I saw him wearing an oversize checkered polo shirt. It must be a hand-me-down of his employer or was bought from a cheap “ukay-ukay” store. But I could sense that he was feeling so happy with his new attire. It must be his birthday…
Another regular is the old spinster with her unusual style of dressing accentuated by a matching umbrella and a dangling something from her carefully gathered hair. She always leads the praying of the “Oracion” but for two Sundays she was absent. Somebody took over. When she came back the “Oracion” was not prayed anymore. Something interesting must have happen.
From where I sit I can always feel the passing of a limping lady carrying a guitar hurrying to join the choir. On other days a lady senior citizen is the one passing-by, this time carrying a mini electric organ to lead her own choir.
The late comers are almost, always the same person. One middle-aged lady always arrive at the height of the “Gloria” while another lady comes usually after the first reading and then tries to “insert” herself at the most crowded pew.
I never miss the routine of one tall, humpbacked, white-haired, Lay Minister who always come early, sometimes to do the Station of the Cross or at other time to approach one by one the displayed images of Saints ending at the Blessed Sacrament where he stays a little longer.
While everybody is waiting for the start of the Holy Mass, the Power Point screen is continuously showing different rules to follow, schedules to remember or a review of the catechism played repeatedly to the point of boredom. Same things are again verbally announced before the end of the Mass.
Meantime, 'lectors' and collectors come in uniform with their own peculiarities. There is that one who keeps on going to different parts of the Church as if so busy doing something aside from disturbing the concentrations of those doing their personal morning prayers. There is that one who comes often not in uniform but in her own special fashion so everybody would notice how different she is from everyone else. Together with the visual activities happening inside the Church are the very loud and disturbing conversations of the candle vendors with their equally noisy costumers.
This experience is not exclusive in our Parish. It also happens, sometimes even worse, in other parishes in the Philippines. The Church is alive. In European countries, Churches are seldom that active on ordinary days because many Churches in other countries are “dying” already.
Every Sunday if I can, I always attend the 6:00 a.m. Mass and like me there are other habitual Churchgoers on that time. We are supposed to be those who are “seeking first the Kingdom and Justice of God, hoping that everything shall be added unto us”.
Almost all of us are regularly occupying the same pews as a force of habit or for what ever particular reason as if they are our own territories. I always go to the area near the frame of the 10th Station of the Cross depicting the touching drama when Jesus told Dismas: “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. It is the only area where I could clearly hear but not necessarily because Dismas is my favorite Patron Saint.
A few seats in front of me is the choice of a white-haired octogenarian because it is near the side door of the Church where she ‘could easily exit should an emergency occur’, she told me one time.
I observed that she is the most greeted churchgoers. So many younger ones approach her to kiss her hands or just to whisper something. When she is not there I know she is either not feeling well or brought by a son to Manila for whatever reason.
Immediately in front of me a young man, always in old white T-shirt occupies the pew. There is always a small towel inside his back, one end of it is folded backwards to keep in place. It probably protects him from cold or absorbs his sweats.
One day I saw him wearing an oversize checkered polo shirt. It must be a hand-me-down of his employer or was bought from a cheap “ukay-ukay” store. But I could sense that he was feeling so happy with his new attire. It must be his birthday…
Another regular is the old spinster with her unusual style of dressing accentuated by a matching umbrella and a dangling something from her carefully gathered hair. She always leads the praying of the “Oracion” but for two Sundays she was absent. Somebody took over. When she came back the “Oracion” was not prayed anymore. Something interesting must have happen.
From where I sit I can always feel the passing of a limping lady carrying a guitar hurrying to join the choir. On other days a lady senior citizen is the one passing-by, this time carrying a mini electric organ to lead her own choir.
The late comers are almost, always the same person. One middle-aged lady always arrive at the height of the “Gloria” while another lady comes usually after the first reading and then tries to “insert” herself at the most crowded pew.
I never miss the routine of one tall, humpbacked, white-haired, Lay Minister who always come early, sometimes to do the Station of the Cross or at other time to approach one by one the displayed images of Saints ending at the Blessed Sacrament where he stays a little longer.
While everybody is waiting for the start of the Holy Mass, the Power Point screen is continuously showing different rules to follow, schedules to remember or a review of the catechism played repeatedly to the point of boredom. Same things are again verbally announced before the end of the Mass.
Meantime, 'lectors' and collectors come in uniform with their own peculiarities. There is that one who keeps on going to different parts of the Church as if so busy doing something aside from disturbing the concentrations of those doing their personal morning prayers. There is that one who comes often not in uniform but in her own special fashion so everybody would notice how different she is from everyone else. Together with the visual activities happening inside the Church are the very loud and disturbing conversations of the candle vendors with their equally noisy costumers.
This experience is not exclusive in our Parish. It also happens, sometimes even worse, in other parishes in the Philippines. The Church is alive. In European countries, Churches are seldom that active on ordinary days because many Churches in other countries are “dying” already.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
UNITY IN DISPARITY AND DIVERSITY
UNITY IN DIVERSITY AND DISPARITY
Books on partnership, relationship and marriage are many. But in spite of the volumes of guidelines, suggestions, formulas offered by various authors we are still surrounded by partners quarrelling, relationships breaking and marriages failing or going to the rocks… all resulting to broken homes and rotten ties among people.
Priests, Nuns, Pastors and Preachers of different religious sects as well as psychologists and guidance counselors seem to be unsuccessful in really keeping intact the unity of many couples. This is a reality that is in our midst.
In one study group a question was asked: “What is the most important factor in a successful marriage?” Different opinions were heard. There were animated discussions and heated debates until one participant aired his thought. “I think the most important factor in a successful marriage is longevity. Any relationship that lasts long for what ever reason is successful”.
There was temporary silence as if everybody agreed to that idea. Longevity is the important factor, yes, but then what contributes to longevity in a relationship? This triggered a new subject of much discussion and more confusion.
There is nothing more relevant and more tangible than actual personal experience. It is not enough that couples promise “To love and obey each other for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, ‘till death do them part”. There must be a valid way, a working formula. This is different in different cases. As one intelligent author very aptly say in his very popular book. It is difficult because Man is from Mars and Woman is from Venus who meets and lives together on Earth.
As such there is no general rule of thumb that could be applied to all cases equally. Each couple must discover for themselves what in their own particular case could lead to longevity in their partnership.
A friend asked me one time. “What is your secret that your relationship seems to be very harmonious and successful though you married in a whirlwind fashion?”
I calmly answered him. “We don’t follow the standard rule in standard book of guidelines. We don’t follow hook, line and sinker what unmarried people like Priests, Nuns and Pastors are saying because though they are very good in their books, most are simply not applicable in real life of real people.
If we find it more practical that we don’t always go together, we go separately. If it is good that we don’t eat at the same time for what ever reason or don’t sleep together and do things together, we then do them on our own way as long as they are done within the legal and moral boundaries.
Her needs are entirely different from mine. Her joys are not necessarily my happiness. My interests are far different from her interests. So we agreed to disagree on many points and we matured romantically that way.
What is important is that we are aware of each other’s needs; we are capable of filling each other’s needs and that we are always willing to fill each others needs. The secret of a lasting relationship is simply filling each other’s needs. That way we can be happy united even in disparity and diversity.
Books on partnership, relationship and marriage are many. But in spite of the volumes of guidelines, suggestions, formulas offered by various authors we are still surrounded by partners quarrelling, relationships breaking and marriages failing or going to the rocks… all resulting to broken homes and rotten ties among people.
Priests, Nuns, Pastors and Preachers of different religious sects as well as psychologists and guidance counselors seem to be unsuccessful in really keeping intact the unity of many couples. This is a reality that is in our midst.
In one study group a question was asked: “What is the most important factor in a successful marriage?” Different opinions were heard. There were animated discussions and heated debates until one participant aired his thought. “I think the most important factor in a successful marriage is longevity. Any relationship that lasts long for what ever reason is successful”.
There was temporary silence as if everybody agreed to that idea. Longevity is the important factor, yes, but then what contributes to longevity in a relationship? This triggered a new subject of much discussion and more confusion.
There is nothing more relevant and more tangible than actual personal experience. It is not enough that couples promise “To love and obey each other for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, ‘till death do them part”. There must be a valid way, a working formula. This is different in different cases. As one intelligent author very aptly say in his very popular book. It is difficult because Man is from Mars and Woman is from Venus who meets and lives together on Earth.
As such there is no general rule of thumb that could be applied to all cases equally. Each couple must discover for themselves what in their own particular case could lead to longevity in their partnership.
A friend asked me one time. “What is your secret that your relationship seems to be very harmonious and successful though you married in a whirlwind fashion?”
I calmly answered him. “We don’t follow the standard rule in standard book of guidelines. We don’t follow hook, line and sinker what unmarried people like Priests, Nuns and Pastors are saying because though they are very good in their books, most are simply not applicable in real life of real people.
If we find it more practical that we don’t always go together, we go separately. If it is good that we don’t eat at the same time for what ever reason or don’t sleep together and do things together, we then do them on our own way as long as they are done within the legal and moral boundaries.
Her needs are entirely different from mine. Her joys are not necessarily my happiness. My interests are far different from her interests. So we agreed to disagree on many points and we matured romantically that way.
What is important is that we are aware of each other’s needs; we are capable of filling each other’s needs and that we are always willing to fill each others needs. The secret of a lasting relationship is simply filling each other’s needs. That way we can be happy united even in disparity and diversity.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
COMING HOME FROM NIGERIA
COMING HOME FROM NIGERIA
(Excerpts from my Nigerian Diary)
27 February 1979: This is now the 15th day since I filled my application for Emergency Home Call.
Yesterday my file was misplaced and it took almost the whole office hours for the clerk to find it. Then the two sentence letter by the Executive Officer, Mrs. Balogmi, took the typist about an hour to type.
So it was already closing time when I had the chance to bring my paper to the Ministry of Establishment. I was told to come back at 1:00 p.m. today and I hope that God will make it easy for me this time.
I have nothing to do this morning because all the other things I need to do have to depend on the outcome of my application.
I am no longer on the duty rooster of the hospital, one consolation at the moment but my air-con is again out of order.
28 February 1979:
6:30 a.m. – Ash Wednesday: Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
2:20 a.m. - Breakfast at JA’ International Hotel.
7:45 a.m. – To Ministry of Finance to see Mr. Adesina at room 28.
8:00 a.m. – Room 5 for Air Warrant.
8:15 a.m. – Back to LSHM for Xerox copy of the letter from the Ministry of Establishment. Bidemi helped me again.
8:50 a.m. – Warrant signed at last.
9:00 a.m. – To Tapawa Balewa – Nigerian Airways. Told to go back to the Ministry of Finance for the original specimen signature.
10:30 a.m. – Back to Tapawa Balewa – Nigerian Airways. Was told to come back next day but I pleaded and I waited.
2:30 p.m. - Lunch at Tapawa Balewa with Fatayih.
3:00 p.m. – Got the ticket .
3:15 p.m. – At Philippine Embassy for Balikbayan Stamp.
5:oo p.m. – Alitalia Office to exchange ticket. Ok but office closed to CBT.
2-March, 1979: I just realized how things are so uncertain in this world. I experienced everything lately when I started applying for Special Leave following my receipt of a telegram from my wife saying that my father was ‘very sick’.
That was last Feb. 12th, 1979. The following day I quickly made inquiries to Mrs. Ayelera of the Health Management Board, she being the project officer of Massey Street Children’s. She advised me to write an application for Special Leave to the Board Secretary thru the Chief Consultant, which I did immediately.
I was given endorsement but the Secretary was then busy attending meetings. My application was not given any action for several days. I was still relaxed because I really wanted to delay my leave so I could receive first my salary for the month of February. (Note: Very much earlier I had an agreement with my wife that she would send me a telegram saying that my Father is sick so I can file a Special Leave. So when I received the telegram I even answered her back complaining why she telegram me so early when I am still waiting for my February salary). If possible I also wanted to bring home my HB (Hanap-Buhay ) from Skyline Hotel.
On February 19th, 1979 I received a second telegram which was as urgent as the first. I called up my cousin Gelis, who confirmed that my father indeed was very sick and is confined at the hospital
At the Health Management Board I met a certain Bidemi Tijarni who tried his best to help but he got so excited to the point of irritating the Executive Officer, Mrs. Bologan who endorsed my application to the Ministry of the Establishment. I was told that that I was not eligible for the Special Leave because in as far as the Nigerian Government was concerned my father was not my relative.
At any rate I was successful in convincing the Administrator, Miss Young, who taught me what to do. So I submitted a second application, now for free passage which I should have included in my first had someone advised me what was right to do.
It was again frozen at the Secretary’s office for a few days and this time I was getting really impatient. I already wanted to take Mr. Owolabi’s offer to pay for my ticket. At about this time I was also trying to convince Mr. Odunsi, the Manager of the Skyline Hotel to lend me money so I could go. After several days he gave me but only 200 Naira.
On February 23 I was able to sweet talk the Secretary who listened to my problem. He endorsed my second application to Mrs. Bologan who was still annoyed so I was told to come back Monday, February 26th.
That Monday I was full of hope but my file was misplaced and it took Mr. Lawal more than three hours to locate it. When finally Mrs. Bologan made the endorsement to the Ministry of the Establishment it was already 3:15 p.m., closing time. I was told to come the next day.
February 27th was fruitful because Miss Young quickly endorsed my application back to the Health Management Board. The Secretary’s receptionist whom I earlier fascinated with my origami art, helped me and in the absence of the Secretary it was endorsed for processing by the
Assistant Secretary.
This time the Executive Officer was calm and helpful because earlier in the morning I placed some origami art on her table. Letters to the following were finished this day.
1. To the accountant General for Air Warrant.
2. To the Immigration Office for re-entry permit.
3. To the Central Bank for foreign exchange.
The things that followed were tiresome (see February 28 Diary).
On March 1st, while Noriel was booking my flight I did the following :
1. Immigration Office
a. Met Olu Owosiyan who brought me to
b. Joel Allebo – who took my file then to
c. Mr. Mohamed Bello who stamped the re-entry permit.
2. Nursing School to endorse my Salary to my bank but I was a day too late. It was endorsed yesterday for the month of March.
3. To Standard Bank of Nigeria to buy Traveler’s check just to be told that I was not eligible because I was not a Nigerian resident.
4. Back to the Immigration for confirmation but Mr. Bello said GO means Government Official and the lady in the bank should know this. It was already closing time when she finally made it just after I presented her several origami pieces.
March 2, 1919: Today that I am writing this I am scheduled to leave thru Alitalia at 11:30 p.m. but look at what happened.
1. Morning I went to Standard Bank of Nigeria. I got the traveler’s check at 9:00 a.m.
2. Went to Alitalia for confirmation, just to be told that Italy was on strike and ”the flight tonight is cancelled”.
3. Went to Vic who accompanied me to Tapawa Bolewa.
4. Met Engr.Villaneva who helped me book my ticket to Nigerian Air ways scheduled to fly on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
5.
March 3, 1979: Fred Flores broke to me the sad news that my father died already last February 21st and was buried last February 25th.
I pray to God for his soul and also that I be allowed to go home smoothly as scheduled, tomorrow.
Another interesting thing happened last night. While I was packing my things I accidentally broke the arm of my eye-glasses. I recalled that I brought with me one extra pair of eye-glasses but it went with the air cargo I sent yesterday so I had to go and look for a new frame. The cheapest costs me 40 Naira, which is exactly the amount left in my wallet because I was told I should have from 40 to 50 Naira in my pocket before I go for airport expenses. So I paid for the new frame the last Naira I have and resort ed in borrowing 50 Naira from Dra. Gillego.
I just hope that these uncertainties will all end up tonight as I am writing this so that tomorrow when I wake up I will be feeling good until I arrive home.
Mach 4, 1979: Today, I am scheduled to fly to Rome at 12:30 p.m. I almost didn’t sleep last night, apprehensive about my trip. The thought of seeing Rome and then going home to my love ones makes me restless.
Last night, Dr. and Mrs. Tunggol (Joey and Dinah) visited me. They requested that should I chance to meet any of their relatives “Please don’t tell the truth about life in Lagos because they will surely worry”. The couple is also planning a way by which they can leave the country.
My going home, according to Dra. Dionisio is very demoralizing, because she knows that I am not coming back. She also wants to leave Lagos but as of now cannot yet find a way out. Everybody wants a way out but no one is really telling the truth to their relatives just the way I also didn’t tell the truth in my letters. I just wrote the good news.
I attended the Holy Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral at 6:30 a.m. At 7:30 a.m. when I arrived at JA’ International Hotel, Engr. Villanueva, Dra. Nazaretbh and Vic Matunding were there already because they thought I was leaving at 10:30 a.m.
After breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Engr. Villanueva, Dra. Nazareth and I went directly to the airport. Vic couldn’t join because of a very important appointment.
When we arrived at the airport, Dr. Nestor Reyes was there as well as Dra. Gallego and her brother Tikboy’s family. Then came also Dr. and Mrs. Tunggol.
I was almost apprehended by the police when we had picture taken because I didn’t know that it was prohibited to take pictures.
At 11:00 a.m. I was completely checked-in. Thanks to Engr. Villanueva’s help.
I felt somewhat lonely traveling alone and thinking of my father’s death but just the thought of home gives me strength and hope.
The plane was delayed. Take-off at 1:14 p.m. It was a lonely flight. Most of the passengers were Nigerians and very unruly. I wasn’t feeling so good either with diarrhea, headache due to so many sleepless nights plus the efforts I exerted in following my papers.
Break was served at 1:30 p.m., 2:25 p.m. – touch down at Kano Airport, 3:07 p.m. left Kano Air port. Thanks God I saw a Filipino. He is Dr. Ison from Baudin State, also going home to the Philippines. 7:20 p.m. arrived at Rome Air port. It is good that Dr. Ison was with me because without him things would have been so hard for me.
I recalled that portion of the song I Believe which says: “I believe for anyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way”. That “someone” came to me in the persons of Engr.Villaneva and Dr. Ison.
We were accommodated at Satelite Hotel in Rome. Me, at room 303 and Dr. Ison at room 304. The Hotel is ok. 4 Stars by Philippine standard except that my room was not furnished with television set…
Tomorrow I am going to the air port to confirm my connecting flight to Manila then I am planning to join a guided tour in the afternoon so that on Tuesday I could go around to buy souvenirs and other “pasalubongs”.
I was told that it is not safe to roam around this city at night so I just stayed here in the hotel.
March 5, 1979: This morning I went to the Airport and confirmed my flight tomorrow. It is also good that I inquired about my baggage because all the time it was checked in Lagos direct to Manila but I saw the tag in my ticket is only up to Rome. I was able t o get my luggage.
This afternoon I toured the Vatican City in a Limousine car. I have pictures taken at St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, The Church of St. Paul, the ruins of the Coliseum and the famous “3 coins fountain”
I bought some souvenir items and chocolate for the children
People here are very pleasant to look-at. They are like living mannequins and walking dolls. But the new City of Rome outside the Vatican is not as clean as Paris. I am thankful I have this chance to see Rome.
March 6, 1979:
Wake up early because I am scheduled to fly at 7:50 p.m. I am so eager to be back home. The winter cold that I am experiencing at the moments reminds me of Tagaytay.
I’ve got to check-out before 12:00 noon or I’ll be charge $33.00 more. As of now I am already paying extra $33.00 because the 24 hour free hotel accommodation c/o Nigerian Air ways is al ready consumed.
Life her is very expensive but it is worth experiencing and worth remembering for a life time. Back home I don’t know yet what I will do but I am not planning to return to Nigeria for the following reasons:
1. The income and the inconveniences are not worth leaving the family behind.
2. The attitude of the Nigerian Doctors towards the Expatriate medical officers is not very encouraging.
3. The possibility of being afflicted by the Nigerian (African diseases) is not very remote.
4. The possible side-effects of the return to the Civilian Rule is not a joke. It is very real.
5. What happened in Iran may also happen in Nigeria.
I wonder why so many delays have to happen during my trip home. I was at t he airport at 2:00 p.m., checked in at 5:00 p.m. just to be told that PAL will be delayed until 3:00 p.m. tomorrow.
Dr. Ison was able to fly by Singapore Airline. At the Airport I met Josie Borbon, wife of an Italian who is coming home to visit her family; two Baby Sitters from Barcelona and a Seaman from Yugoslav, Ferdie. We became instant “barkada” when stranded.
I paid another $75:00 for extra baggage. Now we are accommodated at Midas Hotel c/o PAL. This Hotel is much better than Satelite Hotel and I was surprised to find so many Filipinos.
The room is bigger and fully carpeted but also not provided with T .V. set. We were served Hamburger, mashed potato plus fruits: bananas, apples, pears and oranges,
I pray to God that tomorrow things will go on smoothly. I did not do an overseas call because I know my wife would inquire from PAL and she would be told of the delay.
(Excerpts from my Nigerian Diary)
27 February 1979: This is now the 15th day since I filled my application for Emergency Home Call.
Yesterday my file was misplaced and it took almost the whole office hours for the clerk to find it. Then the two sentence letter by the Executive Officer, Mrs. Balogmi, took the typist about an hour to type.
So it was already closing time when I had the chance to bring my paper to the Ministry of Establishment. I was told to come back at 1:00 p.m. today and I hope that God will make it easy for me this time.
I have nothing to do this morning because all the other things I need to do have to depend on the outcome of my application.
I am no longer on the duty rooster of the hospital, one consolation at the moment but my air-con is again out of order.
28 February 1979:
6:30 a.m. – Ash Wednesday: Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
2:20 a.m. - Breakfast at JA’ International Hotel.
7:45 a.m. – To Ministry of Finance to see Mr. Adesina at room 28.
8:00 a.m. – Room 5 for Air Warrant.
8:15 a.m. – Back to LSHM for Xerox copy of the letter from the Ministry of Establishment. Bidemi helped me again.
8:50 a.m. – Warrant signed at last.
9:00 a.m. – To Tapawa Balewa – Nigerian Airways. Told to go back to the Ministry of Finance for the original specimen signature.
10:30 a.m. – Back to Tapawa Balewa – Nigerian Airways. Was told to come back next day but I pleaded and I waited.
2:30 p.m. - Lunch at Tapawa Balewa with Fatayih.
3:00 p.m. – Got the ticket .
3:15 p.m. – At Philippine Embassy for Balikbayan Stamp.
5:oo p.m. – Alitalia Office to exchange ticket. Ok but office closed to CBT.
2-March, 1979: I just realized how things are so uncertain in this world. I experienced everything lately when I started applying for Special Leave following my receipt of a telegram from my wife saying that my father was ‘very sick’.
That was last Feb. 12th, 1979. The following day I quickly made inquiries to Mrs. Ayelera of the Health Management Board, she being the project officer of Massey Street Children’s. She advised me to write an application for Special Leave to the Board Secretary thru the Chief Consultant, which I did immediately.
I was given endorsement but the Secretary was then busy attending meetings. My application was not given any action for several days. I was still relaxed because I really wanted to delay my leave so I could receive first my salary for the month of February. (Note: Very much earlier I had an agreement with my wife that she would send me a telegram saying that my Father is sick so I can file a Special Leave. So when I received the telegram I even answered her back complaining why she telegram me so early when I am still waiting for my February salary). If possible I also wanted to bring home my HB (Hanap-Buhay ) from Skyline Hotel.
On February 19th, 1979 I received a second telegram which was as urgent as the first. I called up my cousin Gelis, who confirmed that my father indeed was very sick and is confined at the hospital
At the Health Management Board I met a certain Bidemi Tijarni who tried his best to help but he got so excited to the point of irritating the Executive Officer, Mrs. Bologan who endorsed my application to the Ministry of the Establishment. I was told that that I was not eligible for the Special Leave because in as far as the Nigerian Government was concerned my father was not my relative.
At any rate I was successful in convincing the Administrator, Miss Young, who taught me what to do. So I submitted a second application, now for free passage which I should have included in my first had someone advised me what was right to do.
It was again frozen at the Secretary’s office for a few days and this time I was getting really impatient. I already wanted to take Mr. Owolabi’s offer to pay for my ticket. At about this time I was also trying to convince Mr. Odunsi, the Manager of the Skyline Hotel to lend me money so I could go. After several days he gave me but only 200 Naira.
On February 23 I was able to sweet talk the Secretary who listened to my problem. He endorsed my second application to Mrs. Bologan who was still annoyed so I was told to come back Monday, February 26th.
That Monday I was full of hope but my file was misplaced and it took Mr. Lawal more than three hours to locate it. When finally Mrs. Bologan made the endorsement to the Ministry of the Establishment it was already 3:15 p.m., closing time. I was told to come the next day.
February 27th was fruitful because Miss Young quickly endorsed my application back to the Health Management Board. The Secretary’s receptionist whom I earlier fascinated with my origami art, helped me and in the absence of the Secretary it was endorsed for processing by the
Assistant Secretary.
This time the Executive Officer was calm and helpful because earlier in the morning I placed some origami art on her table. Letters to the following were finished this day.
1. To the accountant General for Air Warrant.
2. To the Immigration Office for re-entry permit.
3. To the Central Bank for foreign exchange.
The things that followed were tiresome (see February 28 Diary).
On March 1st, while Noriel was booking my flight I did the following :
1. Immigration Office
a. Met Olu Owosiyan who brought me to
b. Joel Allebo – who took my file then to
c. Mr. Mohamed Bello who stamped the re-entry permit.
2. Nursing School to endorse my Salary to my bank but I was a day too late. It was endorsed yesterday for the month of March.
3. To Standard Bank of Nigeria to buy Traveler’s check just to be told that I was not eligible because I was not a Nigerian resident.
4. Back to the Immigration for confirmation but Mr. Bello said GO means Government Official and the lady in the bank should know this. It was already closing time when she finally made it just after I presented her several origami pieces.
March 2, 1919: Today that I am writing this I am scheduled to leave thru Alitalia at 11:30 p.m. but look at what happened.
1. Morning I went to Standard Bank of Nigeria. I got the traveler’s check at 9:00 a.m.
2. Went to Alitalia for confirmation, just to be told that Italy was on strike and ”the flight tonight is cancelled”.
3. Went to Vic who accompanied me to Tapawa Bolewa.
4. Met Engr.Villaneva who helped me book my ticket to Nigerian Air ways scheduled to fly on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
5.
March 3, 1979: Fred Flores broke to me the sad news that my father died already last February 21st and was buried last February 25th.
I pray to God for his soul and also that I be allowed to go home smoothly as scheduled, tomorrow.
Another interesting thing happened last night. While I was packing my things I accidentally broke the arm of my eye-glasses. I recalled that I brought with me one extra pair of eye-glasses but it went with the air cargo I sent yesterday so I had to go and look for a new frame. The cheapest costs me 40 Naira, which is exactly the amount left in my wallet because I was told I should have from 40 to 50 Naira in my pocket before I go for airport expenses. So I paid for the new frame the last Naira I have and resort ed in borrowing 50 Naira from Dra. Gillego.
I just hope that these uncertainties will all end up tonight as I am writing this so that tomorrow when I wake up I will be feeling good until I arrive home.
Mach 4, 1979: Today, I am scheduled to fly to Rome at 12:30 p.m. I almost didn’t sleep last night, apprehensive about my trip. The thought of seeing Rome and then going home to my love ones makes me restless.
Last night, Dr. and Mrs. Tunggol (Joey and Dinah) visited me. They requested that should I chance to meet any of their relatives “Please don’t tell the truth about life in Lagos because they will surely worry”. The couple is also planning a way by which they can leave the country.
My going home, according to Dra. Dionisio is very demoralizing, because she knows that I am not coming back. She also wants to leave Lagos but as of now cannot yet find a way out. Everybody wants a way out but no one is really telling the truth to their relatives just the way I also didn’t tell the truth in my letters. I just wrote the good news.
I attended the Holy Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral at 6:30 a.m. At 7:30 a.m. when I arrived at JA’ International Hotel, Engr. Villanueva, Dra. Nazaretbh and Vic Matunding were there already because they thought I was leaving at 10:30 a.m.
After breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Engr. Villanueva, Dra. Nazareth and I went directly to the airport. Vic couldn’t join because of a very important appointment.
When we arrived at the airport, Dr. Nestor Reyes was there as well as Dra. Gallego and her brother Tikboy’s family. Then came also Dr. and Mrs. Tunggol.
I was almost apprehended by the police when we had picture taken because I didn’t know that it was prohibited to take pictures.
At 11:00 a.m. I was completely checked-in. Thanks to Engr. Villanueva’s help.
I felt somewhat lonely traveling alone and thinking of my father’s death but just the thought of home gives me strength and hope.
The plane was delayed. Take-off at 1:14 p.m. It was a lonely flight. Most of the passengers were Nigerians and very unruly. I wasn’t feeling so good either with diarrhea, headache due to so many sleepless nights plus the efforts I exerted in following my papers.
Break was served at 1:30 p.m., 2:25 p.m. – touch down at Kano Airport, 3:07 p.m. left Kano Air port. Thanks God I saw a Filipino. He is Dr. Ison from Baudin State, also going home to the Philippines. 7:20 p.m. arrived at Rome Air port. It is good that Dr. Ison was with me because without him things would have been so hard for me.
I recalled that portion of the song I Believe which says: “I believe for anyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way”. That “someone” came to me in the persons of Engr.Villaneva and Dr. Ison.
We were accommodated at Satelite Hotel in Rome. Me, at room 303 and Dr. Ison at room 304. The Hotel is ok. 4 Stars by Philippine standard except that my room was not furnished with television set…
Tomorrow I am going to the air port to confirm my connecting flight to Manila then I am planning to join a guided tour in the afternoon so that on Tuesday I could go around to buy souvenirs and other “pasalubongs”.
I was told that it is not safe to roam around this city at night so I just stayed here in the hotel.
March 5, 1979: This morning I went to the Airport and confirmed my flight tomorrow. It is also good that I inquired about my baggage because all the time it was checked in Lagos direct to Manila but I saw the tag in my ticket is only up to Rome. I was able t o get my luggage.
This afternoon I toured the Vatican City in a Limousine car. I have pictures taken at St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, The Church of St. Paul, the ruins of the Coliseum and the famous “3 coins fountain”
I bought some souvenir items and chocolate for the children
People here are very pleasant to look-at. They are like living mannequins and walking dolls. But the new City of Rome outside the Vatican is not as clean as Paris. I am thankful I have this chance to see Rome.
March 6, 1979:
Wake up early because I am scheduled to fly at 7:50 p.m. I am so eager to be back home. The winter cold that I am experiencing at the moments reminds me of Tagaytay.
I’ve got to check-out before 12:00 noon or I’ll be charge $33.00 more. As of now I am already paying extra $33.00 because the 24 hour free hotel accommodation c/o Nigerian Air ways is al ready consumed.
Life her is very expensive but it is worth experiencing and worth remembering for a life time. Back home I don’t know yet what I will do but I am not planning to return to Nigeria for the following reasons:
1. The income and the inconveniences are not worth leaving the family behind.
2. The attitude of the Nigerian Doctors towards the Expatriate medical officers is not very encouraging.
3. The possibility of being afflicted by the Nigerian (African diseases) is not very remote.
4. The possible side-effects of the return to the Civilian Rule is not a joke. It is very real.
5. What happened in Iran may also happen in Nigeria.
I wonder why so many delays have to happen during my trip home. I was at t he airport at 2:00 p.m., checked in at 5:00 p.m. just to be told that PAL will be delayed until 3:00 p.m. tomorrow.
Dr. Ison was able to fly by Singapore Airline. At the Airport I met Josie Borbon, wife of an Italian who is coming home to visit her family; two Baby Sitters from Barcelona and a Seaman from Yugoslav, Ferdie. We became instant “barkada” when stranded.
I paid another $75:00 for extra baggage. Now we are accommodated at Midas Hotel c/o PAL. This Hotel is much better than Satelite Hotel and I was surprised to find so many Filipinos.
The room is bigger and fully carpeted but also not provided with T .V. set. We were served Hamburger, mashed potato plus fruits: bananas, apples, pears and oranges,
I pray to God that tomorrow things will go on smoothly. I did not do an overseas call because I know my wife would inquire from PAL and she would be told of the delay.
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