PUBLIC OPINION
I was waiting for my watch being repaired one day. I noticed the small boxlike cabinet about 1x1/2 meter containing all that the repairman needed to do his job. He occupied an area of about 2x2 meters at one corner of an electrical shop. About five other costumers came and we were all seated outside the 2x2 meter territory of the watch repairman.
I realized that to earn a living it is not always necessary to occupy a big space. This repairman was happily doing his chores while talking almost endlessly about anything while we, the costumers, listened as we have no other alternative at the moment. Every once in a while someone makes comment either by objecting or agreeing with the watch man. He seemed not to run out of topic which I formerly thought was a monopoly of barbers.
After having heard a lot about increasing prices of almost anything, the topic suddenly turned to cell phone, the hero and villain of the new generation. A mother lamented how her son would rather skip his lunch just so he can buy load for his mobile. She wanted to confiscate his cell phone but feared that her son turn to be an outcast in this texting society. After all even those who are complaining of extreme poverty owned a cell phone.
Another waiting costumer complained about I-pods and other modern toys of our supposedly enlightened society. In all the topics being discussed the watch repairman was so authoritative in inserting his “two cents worth” of opinion.
Every now and then I tried to stir the gossipy topics of discussion to the delight of everyone. So this was how public opinions were formed. No textbook can really provide the perfect guideline for public opinion to be totally acceptable. We just have to take these opinions as they were gradually being “cooked” like a delicious ‘chop suey’.
As the repair of the watch problems were being finished one by one, the customers finally were all gone except for me because I brought four problematic time pieces. I was left with him who finally agreed with me that life, to be worthwhile must be enjoyed as we both did that day, except that his 2x2 meter territory where his 1x1/2 meter cabinet stood earned more than enough for the family to survive while I went home with the echo of the familiar “public opinion”.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
GOD PROVIDES
GOD PROVIDES
I looked at the birds, but not in the skies where they were protected and provided by God with their needs though they were just flying. They were two tiny and cute humming birds joyfully flapping rapidly their wings while sipping nectar from the equally tiny cute flowers of the Japanese Bougainvillea in front of my terrace.
I was quietly taking my breakfast when I noticed the pretty birds “doing their jobs” in order to live. I quickly got the message: “God provides, yes, but we and the birds must also work to get what we need”.
I was in this mood when I heard the pair of young crows both ‘shouting’: “Uwak…Uwak…!!!” I knew they wanted to eat but they won’t take bananas for food. So they continued ’shouting’ “Uwak…Uwak…!!!”
Crows were supposed to fly high while looking for young chicks for their foods but since these two were not yet strong enough to fly they must learn to adjust with their food habits. I gave them nothing but ripe bananas before I left. They made stronger sounds of disagreement but I didn’t mind. After a while they were quiet.
They learned how to eat bananas as they also learned to like them. They were still shouting “Uwak…Uwak…!!!” but this time they were shouting with joy upon discovery that there were so many other foods around them.
We, people who learned how to eat rice since childhood were panicking because of the scarcity of the valued grains. Let us just look around, because we are surrounded with varieties of food. We only need to do a little “flapping” of our arms, a little “kicking” of our legs…and food shall materialize.
I looked at the birds, but not in the skies where they were protected and provided by God with their needs though they were just flying. They were two tiny and cute humming birds joyfully flapping rapidly their wings while sipping nectar from the equally tiny cute flowers of the Japanese Bougainvillea in front of my terrace.
I was quietly taking my breakfast when I noticed the pretty birds “doing their jobs” in order to live. I quickly got the message: “God provides, yes, but we and the birds must also work to get what we need”.
I was in this mood when I heard the pair of young crows both ‘shouting’: “Uwak…Uwak…!!!” I knew they wanted to eat but they won’t take bananas for food. So they continued ’shouting’ “Uwak…Uwak…!!!”
Crows were supposed to fly high while looking for young chicks for their foods but since these two were not yet strong enough to fly they must learn to adjust with their food habits. I gave them nothing but ripe bananas before I left. They made stronger sounds of disagreement but I didn’t mind. After a while they were quiet.
They learned how to eat bananas as they also learned to like them. They were still shouting “Uwak…Uwak…!!!” but this time they were shouting with joy upon discovery that there were so many other foods around them.
We, people who learned how to eat rice since childhood were panicking because of the scarcity of the valued grains. Let us just look around, because we are surrounded with varieties of food. We only need to do a little “flapping” of our arms, a little “kicking” of our legs…and food shall materialize.
Monday, June 2, 2008
SITE OF LABANAN SA ALFONSO
A Historical Landmark (The Residence of Dr. and Mrs. Luis Hermoso)
Location: Barangay III: Third house on the east side from the corner of Esguerra Street southwards along Rizal Street.
Significance: Site of the original house of Tranquilino Herrera, (Capitan Municipal in the year 1900), where the LABANAN SA ALFOBNSO happened.
Manner of Transfer: It was first inherited by Spouses Eustaquio Hernais and Basilia Herrera and handed down to their only child, Angeles Hernais (President Municipal: 1922-1925; Alcalde Municipal: 1937-44; 1956-60).
Demolished after World War II due to great damage caused by aging. Many years later, a new house was built and became the property of Mr. and Mrs. Zosimo Hernais (youngest son of Angeles). Zosimo’s nephew, Dr. Luis Hermoso and his wife Dorotea, later acquired it.
The old house of KAPITAN TARANG was one of the most historical buildings in Alfonso for the following historical reasons: It was made a headquarter (Quartel General) and also as a shelter occupied by a detachment of soldiers (guardia civil) under the command of Spanish Lieutenant, called TINIENTE ALFAREZ PUGA, and SERGEANT BLAS BELAOS, well known as KABONG BALAS to Filipino soldiers serving under the Spanish Flag.
On August 31, 1896, few days after the Cry of Balintawak on Aug. 23, 1896, an order from General Mariano Trias was received by Kapitan Narciso Mojica to liquidate all the Spaniards found in the Poblacion. The Kapitan was so nervous that his hands trembled. Capitan Hipolito Rint was in the Municipal Building (Casa Real) when the order was received. He noticed that the Kapitan was alarmed, so he requested for the order and as soon as he received it, he gathered his men who armed themselves with bolos, knives, pointed sticks (sibat), clubs and axes.
They proceeded to the quartel to attack the guardia civil who were armed with short guns and who closed all the doors and windows. The first to climb the stairs was Prudencio Rolle, well known as TANDANG DICIO. While he was peeping through the keyhole, a gun burst and he was thrown unconscious. His face was blackened. This enraged the revolutionists and they broke in through the door and windows. Soon there was hand to hand fighting inside the quartel.
The casualties on the side of the revolutionists were Andres Olaso and Florentino Cosa. Matias Hermoso was wounded on the arm. On the side of the Spaniards, Sergeant Blas Belaosa and two Spanish priests, Padre Bruno, Parish priest of Mendez and Padres Agapito, Parish priests of Bailen (Now General Aguinaldo), were killed. Teniente Alfares Puga had fled earlier, for he had a premonition of the attack.
The most prominent men who figured in this battle were General Hipolito Rint, Capitan Eriberto Cetro, known as Kapitan Berto, and Prudencio Rolle (Tandang Dicio).
This incident made the followers of Hipolito Rint admire his courage. He gained more in many followers and soon he had a good standing army. They engaged in many battles against the Spansiards and were most of the time, successful.
During one of the visits of General Mariano Trias to PINAGBANDERAHAN in Kaytitingga, he asked Hipolito Rint how they were getting along. The reply was “LAGING MAINAM” (always well). Since then Barrio Kaytitingga was also called Mainam.
On the lighter side of the story, I think it is worth mentioning that after the Liberation period, the old house of Kapitan Tarang was temporarily used as a dancing venue popularly called then as “cabaret”.
Fromn the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante,m.d.
Location: Barangay III: Third house on the east side from the corner of Esguerra Street southwards along Rizal Street.
Significance: Site of the original house of Tranquilino Herrera, (Capitan Municipal in the year 1900), where the LABANAN SA ALFOBNSO happened.
Manner of Transfer: It was first inherited by Spouses Eustaquio Hernais and Basilia Herrera and handed down to their only child, Angeles Hernais (President Municipal: 1922-1925; Alcalde Municipal: 1937-44; 1956-60).
Demolished after World War II due to great damage caused by aging. Many years later, a new house was built and became the property of Mr. and Mrs. Zosimo Hernais (youngest son of Angeles). Zosimo’s nephew, Dr. Luis Hermoso and his wife Dorotea, later acquired it.
The old house of KAPITAN TARANG was one of the most historical buildings in Alfonso for the following historical reasons: It was made a headquarter (Quartel General) and also as a shelter occupied by a detachment of soldiers (guardia civil) under the command of Spanish Lieutenant, called TINIENTE ALFAREZ PUGA, and SERGEANT BLAS BELAOS, well known as KABONG BALAS to Filipino soldiers serving under the Spanish Flag.
On August 31, 1896, few days after the Cry of Balintawak on Aug. 23, 1896, an order from General Mariano Trias was received by Kapitan Narciso Mojica to liquidate all the Spaniards found in the Poblacion. The Kapitan was so nervous that his hands trembled. Capitan Hipolito Rint was in the Municipal Building (Casa Real) when the order was received. He noticed that the Kapitan was alarmed, so he requested for the order and as soon as he received it, he gathered his men who armed themselves with bolos, knives, pointed sticks (sibat), clubs and axes.
They proceeded to the quartel to attack the guardia civil who were armed with short guns and who closed all the doors and windows. The first to climb the stairs was Prudencio Rolle, well known as TANDANG DICIO. While he was peeping through the keyhole, a gun burst and he was thrown unconscious. His face was blackened. This enraged the revolutionists and they broke in through the door and windows. Soon there was hand to hand fighting inside the quartel.
The casualties on the side of the revolutionists were Andres Olaso and Florentino Cosa. Matias Hermoso was wounded on the arm. On the side of the Spaniards, Sergeant Blas Belaosa and two Spanish priests, Padre Bruno, Parish priest of Mendez and Padres Agapito, Parish priests of Bailen (Now General Aguinaldo), were killed. Teniente Alfares Puga had fled earlier, for he had a premonition of the attack.
The most prominent men who figured in this battle were General Hipolito Rint, Capitan Eriberto Cetro, known as Kapitan Berto, and Prudencio Rolle (Tandang Dicio).
This incident made the followers of Hipolito Rint admire his courage. He gained more in many followers and soon he had a good standing army. They engaged in many battles against the Spansiards and were most of the time, successful.
During one of the visits of General Mariano Trias to PINAGBANDERAHAN in Kaytitingga, he asked Hipolito Rint how they were getting along. The reply was “LAGING MAINAM” (always well). Since then Barrio Kaytitingga was also called Mainam.
On the lighter side of the story, I think it is worth mentioning that after the Liberation period, the old house of Kapitan Tarang was temporarily used as a dancing venue popularly called then as “cabaret”.
Fromn the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante,m.d.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
ALFONSO IN A NUTSHELL
ALFONSO IN A NUTSHELL
Once proclaimed the Most Peaceful Town in the province of Cavite, Alfonso was the former Barrio Alas-as of Indang until 1859 when it was established as a separate Municipality named after King Alfonso XII of Spain.
It is the home of cultic ritual called “Sanghiyang” (Ancestral Offering) and the Firewalkers known as “Barkos”. It is also where the Old Testament-based house blessing called “Basang-gilagid” is still practiced.
Alfonso is the place where the legendary “alas-as” plant and the delicious “chicomami” grew first, and where the fairy called “Piritay”, who is always wearing red, is seen and known. Symbolic and very significant is its food called “Palutang” which is offered in every important occasion of thanksgiving, from the womb to the tomb. The most delicious “Pastillas”, “Tabliya” and “Achara” are all made in this town. Alfonso is the Flower Center of the upland Cavite.
Through the continous guidance of ts Patron Saint, John Nepomucene, the Alfonso folks are by nature peace-loving, Pro-God, Pro-People, Pro-Country and Pro-Nature. Only a stone’s throw from the scenic City of Tagaytay, Alfonso is a very good tourist destination.
From the book: TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Kegend by jett e. avinante, md.
Once proclaimed the Most Peaceful Town in the province of Cavite, Alfonso was the former Barrio Alas-as of Indang until 1859 when it was established as a separate Municipality named after King Alfonso XII of Spain.
It is the home of cultic ritual called “Sanghiyang” (Ancestral Offering) and the Firewalkers known as “Barkos”. It is also where the Old Testament-based house blessing called “Basang-gilagid” is still practiced.
Alfonso is the place where the legendary “alas-as” plant and the delicious “chicomami” grew first, and where the fairy called “Piritay”, who is always wearing red, is seen and known. Symbolic and very significant is its food called “Palutang” which is offered in every important occasion of thanksgiving, from the womb to the tomb. The most delicious “Pastillas”, “Tabliya” and “Achara” are all made in this town. Alfonso is the Flower Center of the upland Cavite.
Through the continous guidance of ts Patron Saint, John Nepomucene, the Alfonso folks are by nature peace-loving, Pro-God, Pro-People, Pro-Country and Pro-Nature. Only a stone’s throw from the scenic City of Tagaytay, Alfonso is a very good tourist destination.
From the book: TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Kegend by jett e. avinante, md.
Friday, May 30, 2008
THE INTERNET
THE INTERNET
It thrilled me no end when I opened the internet and found four of my children on line. Two of them are in Australia, one is in Canada, and one is in BF Homes, Parañaque. Only the one in Caloocan City is not on line. My eldest told me about his newborn son who is suffering from colds. My youngest must be very busy that he did not have time to chat. The one in Canada related to me their different, challenging and intriguing experience while adjusting in a new country with entirely new culture. The one in Parañaque , Metro Manila proudly told me her interesting experiences with her two very smart daughters.
Yes, globalization made it easier for family members to be on different parts of the world but the modern technology made it easier also for everyone to keep in touch with one another. Keeping in touch with one another, I think, is the secret of unity and continuity. It is too good that in spite of my age I am still somehow updated with use of modern technologies like the internet. It is the only thing that keeps me connected with my far away children.
We didn’t talk about anything too important or too relevant this morning but what we did for a few minutes was enough to make my day. I hope that the effect on my children is the same.
When I took up the basic course in computer my intention was only to make revenge with my children who were so impatient to explain to me the many confusing computer terminologies. While taking the short course I was not actually the student because every morning I taught my instructor what to teach me like on the first day I said: “I don’t know anything about this animal”, while pointing to the computer, “First , teach me how to open and close it without danger of destroying it or me being electrocuted”. The following day I told him to introduce me to the terminologies which were all Greek to me. I was so astonished when I learned that Mouse was not an animal, Menu had no reference to food, Hardware was not sold in hardware stores, Icons were not Saints or Great People, Bullets do not come from guns, etc., etc.
When I learned the basic, I surprised my wife and my children when they came home one afternoon and saw me sitting confidently in front of the computer and as people used to say, after that, the rest was history. So I am now computer literate though there are still so many things I should learn to be competent.
There was a time when I used to be the ‘Walking Encyclopedia’ to my children. They approached me for anything they wanted to know. With the computer we are now almost on equal footing, though I have to consult my youngest son for anything that goes wrong with it. With a website, a blog spot, a friendster account, a tagged account an e-mail address and access to MIRC and many more who would like to leave this world soon?
It thrilled me no end when I opened the internet and found four of my children on line. Two of them are in Australia, one is in Canada, and one is in BF Homes, Parañaque. Only the one in Caloocan City is not on line. My eldest told me about his newborn son who is suffering from colds. My youngest must be very busy that he did not have time to chat. The one in Canada related to me their different, challenging and intriguing experience while adjusting in a new country with entirely new culture. The one in Parañaque , Metro Manila proudly told me her interesting experiences with her two very smart daughters.
Yes, globalization made it easier for family members to be on different parts of the world but the modern technology made it easier also for everyone to keep in touch with one another. Keeping in touch with one another, I think, is the secret of unity and continuity. It is too good that in spite of my age I am still somehow updated with use of modern technologies like the internet. It is the only thing that keeps me connected with my far away children.
We didn’t talk about anything too important or too relevant this morning but what we did for a few minutes was enough to make my day. I hope that the effect on my children is the same.
When I took up the basic course in computer my intention was only to make revenge with my children who were so impatient to explain to me the many confusing computer terminologies. While taking the short course I was not actually the student because every morning I taught my instructor what to teach me like on the first day I said: “I don’t know anything about this animal”, while pointing to the computer, “First , teach me how to open and close it without danger of destroying it or me being electrocuted”. The following day I told him to introduce me to the terminologies which were all Greek to me. I was so astonished when I learned that Mouse was not an animal, Menu had no reference to food, Hardware was not sold in hardware stores, Icons were not Saints or Great People, Bullets do not come from guns, etc., etc.
When I learned the basic, I surprised my wife and my children when they came home one afternoon and saw me sitting confidently in front of the computer and as people used to say, after that, the rest was history. So I am now computer literate though there are still so many things I should learn to be competent.
There was a time when I used to be the ‘Walking Encyclopedia’ to my children. They approached me for anything they wanted to know. With the computer we are now almost on equal footing, though I have to consult my youngest son for anything that goes wrong with it. With a website, a blog spot, a friendster account, a tagged account an e-mail address and access to MIRC and many more who would like to leave this world soon?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
AMUSEMENTS IN ALFONSO
L. AMUSEMENTS IN ALFONSO
1. HARANA (SERENADING)
It is very old form of amusement introduced by Godofredo Canlobo from Batangas during the late 1800’s and was adopted by the local bachelors. At night, they gather at a certaion meeting place carrying a guitar. They go around singing kundimans.
Then the group will choose a girl’s house and there, sing their best songs until the family of the girl is awakened who, in turn, invites the sernaders to come in. They chat, play and sing together, at times, ‘till late, late at night’.
During the mid-60s and innovation was introduced. The practice was used in welcoming lady visitors. Occassionally, due to peer or gang competition and jealousy, misundertandings occurred among different groups of manghaharana (serenaders). During the Second World War, the practice became so common that troubles became rampant. After the war, it was temporarily prohibited but later, was revived and activated by the modern generation with multiple variations.
According to Olimpio Ortega, when Godofredo Canlobo introduced harana, he was with is friend named Serafin. They both came from Talisay, Batangas. The reason for their frequent visits to Alfonso was to see Filomena Aviñante (Menang), the pretty daughter of Francisco Aviñante II (IKYONG) and Eusebia Rosanes.
Inspired by Godofredo and Serafin were Esteban Crizaldo, Apolonio Escano, Pablo Rom. Olimpio Ortega, Ignacio Varias and Hermogenes Eroles.
On the otherhand, Anastacio Añonuevo (Tasyong Taba) believed that the Harana pioneers were Pedro Pillerva and Pablo Rom.
Anastacio, later became a member of the ALULONG, together with Ireneo Alano, Juan Aviñante, Olimpio Ortega and Pablo Gloriani.
2. SABONG (COCKFIGHTING)
Like anywhere else in the Philippines, Sabong is also a favorite pastime in Alfonso. I read that sabong has been practiced in the Philippines since the time of Magellan. It is an interesting form of amusement but one could be deeply involved in it. Some businessmen had gone bankrupt due to this gambling habit. Sabong was legalized already but some still insist on doing the illegal tupada.
3. SIPA (Local Football):
It is a kind of ballgame played by the feet and is more commonly played in the Barrios than in the Poblacion. The ball is made of woven bamboo strips. It could be palyed by twos or by teams; the best kicker is of course, the winner. It used to be a very interesting betting game during Barrio Fiestas but with the advent of new ball games, sipa lost its popularity. Very few among the youth today have seen the game.
There are other interesting games in Alfonso, such as hagarang taguan, tumbang preso, tibigan and others.
I can still recall those days when we used to catch kuru-kuruk, hiding backwards through dust mounds; kiskis-kiskisan (toy rice mill), using salagubang, and also gula-gulaman using pakinoy.
We used to gather sapinit (wild berry), among abandoned fences. We made sumpit (toy wind gun) out of usiw and anos from the brooksides. We used tagpo as bullets. We also gathered irok, days before the Fiesta. We made bantay to catch the bird pakiskisi during harvest season; parukot and pakwis to catch monkeys and alamid (wild cat), as well as musang. We caught yayay and kagang using the sticky jackfruit sap (dagta).
Ah, those days when teen-agers palyed bahay-bahayan and took a bath nude at the brook without a tint of malice.
The technological age has corrupted everybody with the ataris, betamax, video, CDs, the computer, and other mechanical devices that entertain the passive viewer.
From the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
1. HARANA (SERENADING)
It is very old form of amusement introduced by Godofredo Canlobo from Batangas during the late 1800’s and was adopted by the local bachelors. At night, they gather at a certaion meeting place carrying a guitar. They go around singing kundimans.
Then the group will choose a girl’s house and there, sing their best songs until the family of the girl is awakened who, in turn, invites the sernaders to come in. They chat, play and sing together, at times, ‘till late, late at night’.
During the mid-60s and innovation was introduced. The practice was used in welcoming lady visitors. Occassionally, due to peer or gang competition and jealousy, misundertandings occurred among different groups of manghaharana (serenaders). During the Second World War, the practice became so common that troubles became rampant. After the war, it was temporarily prohibited but later, was revived and activated by the modern generation with multiple variations.
According to Olimpio Ortega, when Godofredo Canlobo introduced harana, he was with is friend named Serafin. They both came from Talisay, Batangas. The reason for their frequent visits to Alfonso was to see Filomena Aviñante (Menang), the pretty daughter of Francisco Aviñante II (IKYONG) and Eusebia Rosanes.
Inspired by Godofredo and Serafin were Esteban Crizaldo, Apolonio Escano, Pablo Rom. Olimpio Ortega, Ignacio Varias and Hermogenes Eroles.
On the otherhand, Anastacio Añonuevo (Tasyong Taba) believed that the Harana pioneers were Pedro Pillerva and Pablo Rom.
Anastacio, later became a member of the ALULONG, together with Ireneo Alano, Juan Aviñante, Olimpio Ortega and Pablo Gloriani.
2. SABONG (COCKFIGHTING)
Like anywhere else in the Philippines, Sabong is also a favorite pastime in Alfonso. I read that sabong has been practiced in the Philippines since the time of Magellan. It is an interesting form of amusement but one could be deeply involved in it. Some businessmen had gone bankrupt due to this gambling habit. Sabong was legalized already but some still insist on doing the illegal tupada.
3. SIPA (Local Football):
It is a kind of ballgame played by the feet and is more commonly played in the Barrios than in the Poblacion. The ball is made of woven bamboo strips. It could be palyed by twos or by teams; the best kicker is of course, the winner. It used to be a very interesting betting game during Barrio Fiestas but with the advent of new ball games, sipa lost its popularity. Very few among the youth today have seen the game.
There are other interesting games in Alfonso, such as hagarang taguan, tumbang preso, tibigan and others.
I can still recall those days when we used to catch kuru-kuruk, hiding backwards through dust mounds; kiskis-kiskisan (toy rice mill), using salagubang, and also gula-gulaman using pakinoy.
We used to gather sapinit (wild berry), among abandoned fences. We made sumpit (toy wind gun) out of usiw and anos from the brooksides. We used tagpo as bullets. We also gathered irok, days before the Fiesta. We made bantay to catch the bird pakiskisi during harvest season; parukot and pakwis to catch monkeys and alamid (wild cat), as well as musang. We caught yayay and kagang using the sticky jackfruit sap (dagta).
Ah, those days when teen-agers palyed bahay-bahayan and took a bath nude at the brook without a tint of malice.
The technological age has corrupted everybody with the ataris, betamax, video, CDs, the computer, and other mechanical devices that entertain the passive viewer.
From the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
HELPER PREDICAMENT
HELPER PREDICAMENT
For senior citizens with some children scattered in far parts of the world, living without helpers is difficult. More difficult is finding the right helper for the right job.
Nowadays anybody who has acquired a little ability and have saved or borrowed a little money intends to work abroad. We have to choose our helpers from those left behind because they did not pass the requirements and are actually hesitant to work anywhere. We, who need or depend much on helpers, gamble every time we hire one.
Right now we have four helpers at the house and two farmers. One farmer got sick and needed rest, the other one who is illiterate, lived-in with a widow together with her six children. They decided to move to our farm but we rejected the idea for fear of bigger problems later. Our other helper is a high school graduate that we helped finish a driving course. He learned how to drive but is still confused about the Manila traffic maze after 15 years. In fairness, he is our all-around errand boy as well but sometimes abuses too. He is from Iloilo like the illiterate farmer.
My cook-janitor-gardener who finished the Primary grade from Bicol has to be moved temporarily to the farm together with another high school graduate also from Iloilo. We shall be left only with an 18 year old boy who only learned bits of informal lessons taught by volunteers to the orphanage where he came from.
He was an abandoned child that turned torture victim in the hands of his own illiterate uncle. He stowed away and later found a place at “Kanlungan Sa ERMA”, a shelter for the abandoned children. At his age he is now ready for release that is why he is under observation in our care as his temporary foster parents. Upon hearing his story our hearts were touched and we wished to help him.
After 5 months observation he showed some improvements but the call and influence of the street is still embedded in his system. My wife and I can tolerate all his shortcomings knowing that he has no parents or relatives to turn to while we are also prying and hoping that he will improve and later be our support as we age.
One night while strolling at the town plaza after dinner he was mauled by a group of boys after asking if he came from the orphanage. He said he didn’t know any of the maulers. It was possibly a case of mistaken identity. But he took a kitchen knife from the house and quickly returned to the plaza to get even with the maulers who already fled. We also heard that somebody who thought he was mocked by him wanted to do revenge. Street culture is very conducive to troubles and we cannot blame him for his instinct to fight back but we also cannot be blamed for being afraid of possible consequences of keeping him.
We sincerely want to help as we have dome many times before but we also want to be very cautious especially now when criminality is rampant anywhere. We are now in that predicament. To accept or release the abandoned who already found haven in our care.
For senior citizens with some children scattered in far parts of the world, living without helpers is difficult. More difficult is finding the right helper for the right job.
Nowadays anybody who has acquired a little ability and have saved or borrowed a little money intends to work abroad. We have to choose our helpers from those left behind because they did not pass the requirements and are actually hesitant to work anywhere. We, who need or depend much on helpers, gamble every time we hire one.
Right now we have four helpers at the house and two farmers. One farmer got sick and needed rest, the other one who is illiterate, lived-in with a widow together with her six children. They decided to move to our farm but we rejected the idea for fear of bigger problems later. Our other helper is a high school graduate that we helped finish a driving course. He learned how to drive but is still confused about the Manila traffic maze after 15 years. In fairness, he is our all-around errand boy as well but sometimes abuses too. He is from Iloilo like the illiterate farmer.
My cook-janitor-gardener who finished the Primary grade from Bicol has to be moved temporarily to the farm together with another high school graduate also from Iloilo. We shall be left only with an 18 year old boy who only learned bits of informal lessons taught by volunteers to the orphanage where he came from.
He was an abandoned child that turned torture victim in the hands of his own illiterate uncle. He stowed away and later found a place at “Kanlungan Sa ERMA”, a shelter for the abandoned children. At his age he is now ready for release that is why he is under observation in our care as his temporary foster parents. Upon hearing his story our hearts were touched and we wished to help him.
After 5 months observation he showed some improvements but the call and influence of the street is still embedded in his system. My wife and I can tolerate all his shortcomings knowing that he has no parents or relatives to turn to while we are also prying and hoping that he will improve and later be our support as we age.
One night while strolling at the town plaza after dinner he was mauled by a group of boys after asking if he came from the orphanage. He said he didn’t know any of the maulers. It was possibly a case of mistaken identity. But he took a kitchen knife from the house and quickly returned to the plaza to get even with the maulers who already fled. We also heard that somebody who thought he was mocked by him wanted to do revenge. Street culture is very conducive to troubles and we cannot blame him for his instinct to fight back but we also cannot be blamed for being afraid of possible consequences of keeping him.
We sincerely want to help as we have dome many times before but we also want to be very cautious especially now when criminality is rampant anywhere. We are now in that predicament. To accept or release the abandoned who already found haven in our care.
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