"ECLECTIC" MOMENT

“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

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)

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

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

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

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

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.