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.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
WHAT TO WRITE
`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.
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.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
MY SHRINKING WORLD
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
WHERE ARE THE OTHER HAROLDS?
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.
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.
Friday, October 29, 2010
MY COLLEGE RING
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.
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.
Monday, September 13, 2010
HELPERS ON LEAVE
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
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
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
GHOSTLY DOORBELL
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.
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.
Monday, August 23, 2010
MONTEMARIA
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.
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.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
TECHNIQUE OF AGING
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.
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.
Friday, July 16, 2010
SILENT AS A GRAVE (7/14/10)
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.
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.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
":WANG-WANG", ANYONE?
“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.
“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.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
ALONE ON FATHER'S DAY
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
QUITTING CIGARETTE
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
AUTOMATION EXPERIENCE
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
PAGBATING PANALANGIN
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.
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.
Friday, April 30, 2010
KAKABA-KABA
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
ELEKSIYON
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.
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.
Friday, April 9, 2010
MY PERSONAL EASTER
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 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.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
HOLY WEEK DRAMAS
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.
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.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
EL NIÑO'S RAINS
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
EDSA REMEMBERED
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….
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….
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
HOLY WEEK THEN AND NOW
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”.
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”.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
SOLITUDE
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.
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.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
CUPID'S TARGET
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
THE ANTIQUE BELLS RING AGAIN
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 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.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
THE MAGIC OF NEED
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.
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.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
THE FIRST DAY of the Rest of my LIfe
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.
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.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
CRAWLING TURTLE
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.
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.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
SYMBOLS
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.
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.
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