THE POWER OF ONE
Four ones in a row was the New Year’s most obvious greeting. 1/1/11…what a very strong combination! Number one represent many things: It stands for one God and the three ones are the three persons in the Holy Trinity. Co-equal, co-powerful, and most mysterious of all mysteries.
This New Year must be a mysterious one. Hopingly, many mysterious problems of the country shall be resolved. Mysterious accounts must be exposed. Mysterious transactions of the government must be uncovered. Once the mysteries are removed, genuine transparency shall be attained.
The moment transparency is realized, doubts shall not linger in our minds. Honesty and sincerity shall be felt and peace shall be tangible reality – the miracle of One.
The mystical combination of four ones shall only last for one day but if that one day that happens only once in a lifetime shall be allowed to linger then, hope shall be strengthened, faith shall be increased and Love shall soon prevail. With love prevailing, peace shall be achieved. When this happens progress shall not be far behind.
With all our children already happily living their own lives my wife and I suddenly found ourselves back to square one. One on one at breakfast, at lunch, during snack time, at supper and up to late night snacks while watching the Television.
We are back to our honeymoon period no longer staring at each other but rather looking together upwards to one direction as we offered our fulfilled life to God.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Saturday, December 18, 2010
PROOFS OF AGING
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.
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.
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
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