journey begins

With Eyes Wide Open

2011-09-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

There are moments in our lives that we tend to be so cliche with situations that we would rather just be alone and reflect on the times we spent with non-sensible things. There are also situations that we resort to apathy because we could only do so much.

And I myself choose to speak for them....

Choosing what we like are sometimes affected with so many factors may it be internal or external (stereotyping, prejudices, discrimination). But choosing what we are deep inside us should not be subjected to any medical or clinical diagnoses like a disease or illness worth of scientific treatment.

If only we are human enough to stand for our right not to be discriminated by reasons of gender identity and sexual orientation then we should be human enough to come to the open to fight for one's right to be respected and protected above all else.

Let us look behind the facade of Human Rights and with eyes wide open maybe we could also speak and encourage people to be human no more no less.

My Name is 911

2011-09-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

About three weeks ago, my friend recommended to me "a you should watch movie", I was so excited that she brought along with her a copy of the movie entitled "My Name is Khan". It's a movie starred by Indian prestigious actors and actresses.

The movie, revolves around the life of man named Riswan Khan a Muslim from Mumbai with a suffering from an "Asperger's syndrome". Said syndrome is a type of autism according to Wikipedia as an autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development. Although not required for diagnosis, physical clumsiness and a typical use of language are frequently reported.

The movie depicts the life of a Moslem as an aftermath of the 911 NY attack, how some of our Moslem sisters an brothers living harmoniously with their peers in the United States but somehow devastated after the terrorism attack.

With Khan's depiction of the movie, I felt his innocence and loving nature this was made possible by Khan's mother who taught him about life and love. Even with his differences he became a man full of gifts like he knows how to repair things and even had a brilliant mind. His life changed when he met Mandira, a single mom who took Khan's breath away. They eventually get married and live a normal life until the death of Mandira's son that was found out to have been related with racial discrimination vis-a-vis 911 attack. Mandira blamed Khan (him being a Moslem who adopted his only son), and told him not to ever see him again until he finds justice for her son.

The story revolves around the objective of Khan to meet the President just to tell him that "MY NAME IS KHAN AND I AM NOT A TERRORIST" and that after that he would be able to faceMandira and that he could give justice to their son. But his journey towards his goal was not easy, however he made it through that stumbling blocks and even met people who not only help him but became so close to him as Khan touch their lives in ways they could not imagine.

Indeed, the story is both politically and romantically enticing as it depicts the aftermath of the 911 attack and how it affects the lives of all people in he United States may they be American or not. That behind the chaotic situation lies the story of an ordinary person not only worth telling but WORTHY TO BE HEARD. Racial profiling continues to be a decay of every nation and that children and ordinary people are the primary victims of this illness.

The story made me cry for hours, realizing that I too became part of the web of discrimination. Let us put an end to war, let us bring love and peace to every nation and state!

Photos: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1188996/plotsummary

Simple Potato Treat!

2011-08-22T03:49:00.000-07:00

While I am suffering from this pinky-eyed monster thing, there is nothing left for me to do but cook, eat, check my inbox and browse some important documents. Cooking with both my eyes in pain made me forget for awhile that I have an ailment going on for six days.

Here's my simple corned beef potato topper.What I did was just to boil two medium size potato, 3 fried sliced corned beef (Hormel), fried minced onion, and quickmelt cheese. Although I could have mixed green peas but loose the courage to buy outside. I just used ingredients that I have inside the fridge. And after all the ingredients were prepared, I placed it in a plate ready for baking (using microwave oven.) Whola!!! I just had a sumptuous dinner treat!

* Pinky Eye *

2011-08-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

What comes to your mind of the word pink?

Yes, there are a lot of things that describes pink and one of it is that it is CUTE ! But that description does not fit the characterization of a PINKY EYE because I am definitely talking about sore eyes in local parlance (Conjunctivitis).

Where's the cute in all that? For four days now I have been laboring of this situation aside from the red teary-eye, I also got mumps near my left ear that made my head ache. I never got used to having this sordid virus or bacteria whatever this one is.

The sad thing is, I cannot just self medicate using all types of eye drops because it might not treat the ailment. All I do is to take vitamin C, frequent washing of eyes (using tea or the chamomile feminine wash). However, the comfort of having myself treated take only a minute or two. So what to do with this one is to rest my eyes for a while and let it heal on its own.

When the cat is away the mouse will play!

2011-08-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

It's the time of the day that I love to have the company of cat (not that i hate having one, I just don't enjoy their presence!) and wishing their were many of them. I even summon the heavens above to bring me a cat instantly and wonder where all the cats have gone? I used to see them crawling and waiting to be fed at the back of my sisters home. But I did not see them, not even one. Literally, the mouse did play well last night and called that act a "nuisance per se". If only this animal is so cute like "ratatouille" my night would have been different. This is how my story went....

Last night I lay down early in my bed seeking the comfort for my back after waking up so early yesterday. I closed my eyes and started to relax and hope to have a good dream of which I could not remember. I heard a creeping sound at first then the next thing was a loud scratched. I tried to sleep again and hoping that the sound would end but it did not! As the night gets late the louder it became or was i just so damn disturbed. I tried to breathe four times to relax and let the interruption slipped away but that did not work either.

Guess what? I end up reading a magazine but could still hear every bit of its annoying scratch. If only I could crawl up to the ceiling and kill that thing I would do exactly like it. Even imagined putting a rat trap that would gradually kill the house rat (a big one indeed). I had lots of "if" words last night that leads me to think of so many things other than the annoying sound only to find myself helpless and restless and woke up late this morning!

Photos:http://www.google.com.ph/searchtbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=600&q=ratatouille&gbv=2&oq=ratatouille&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=644l4838l0l5134l15l11l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0

I WROTE A NOTE FOR YOU!

2011-08-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

My dear twin sistah,

So many thoughts are babbling out of my mind but one thing that I am absolutely certain is that I am so proud and grateful that you are my sister, my best friend and twin for all time. There are lots of unspoken thoughts but whenever we hang out together, may it be over a cup of coffee, plates of salads, hot sikwate, spaghetti, paksiw and humba we always find time to talk about things that matter not only to your family but to your own self. In fact, I am a witness to your personal, social (school-grocery-home routines), and family affairs and I am glad I was there during those moments may it be low or high but I know it didn’t matter because you always soar high even beyond your limits.

Many are your journeys and have come a long way to step into another phase that would not only change the way you see things but will definitely nurture your being. Wherever you may be rest assured that you have a home to come home to, right here in my heart because that is where you should be. I won’t bid goodbye but rather I will send you a song as you travel and find the things that you valued the most! I love you always and forever ate Raydine. KUDOS to your new life!

Love and Prayer,

Baby Piai

Welcome Home Baby BLEU

2011-05-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Just this weekend my puppy named “BLEU” was brought to me and totally made me happy because I now have a dog that means so much to me. I called her baby Bleu because she still looks like a baby with her size and height. She is a mix breed of Havanese-Shih Tzu Poodle and is five months old already. She is a sweet dog and loves to play around and lick peoples’ faces and skin.

Although she literally destroyed some of my favorite plants while enjoying her “out of the cage moment” I let it go because I can see her joy while roaming around the house. The next day we went out to the beach so she could swim with us, we let her swim and swim until we could feel her heart pounding so fast. As we went home after that short swim, I could see her tired body lying down her cage and even slept during our trip back home. After we fed her with delicious meal we could no longer hear her barking as she sleep so soundly inside her cage.

This puppy indeed had a characteristic that is easy to understand, for example, if she wanted to pee or poo and she is inside her cage, she would call your attention by barking and wagging her tails, that means she is experiencing the call of nature. However, I will still have a lot to discover about her in the days to come. Welcome my baby Bleu and thanks to the one who gave you to me.

Perfect Weekend Getaway at Kampo Juan!

2011-04-05T04:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, i had perfect weekend getaway, one I could never forget. Why is that so? because first i was with my closest friends, second, we were among the few people to visit the newest and will be one of the best Eco-Friendly 10 hectare Park named "KAMPO JUAN" located in Diclum, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon. The place is just 36 Km away from the City of Cagayan de Oro and just a few kilometers from the main highway! Thats just not it, on our way to that place we will pass by the Mac Arthur Shrine and reminded me that my history professors were wrong about one

thing, that Palo Leyte is not the place where he said the line "I SHALL RETURN" but rather he made it in Diclum, Manolo Fortich.

For me KAMPO JUAN is remarkably beautiful with nature at its best, nice location, accessible and with warm and friendly guides. My friends and I get readied wit

h our zip line ride (250 meters), hanging walk bridge that lead us to the main camp. I also took the 480 meters zipline with my friend where I could almost reach the cliff with "balite tree" touching my back with a smooth swift. I did enjoy the whole trip back to the main camp while we passed by another viewing deck that provides us with view of the scenery, where we could also see Mount Kitanglad!

Other than zipline and hanging bridge, Kampo Juan also offers parajumping activities, the ultralight, rapelling activity, unicycling and other stuff. I was told that they will officially open this April 22, 2011 with expected guest stars, so if you like to spend eco-friendly time with family and friends you might want to try Kampo Juan.

My next trip will be Jatico!

KAMPO JUAN kong gusto mo makasinati og nindot nga lugar diin makauban ang imong pamilya ug mga higala sulayi kini nga Eco-F

riendly nga Parke nahimutang sa Diclum, Manolo Fortich! Makita nimo ang Mt. Kitanglad, suba ug ang mabati nimo ang kabugnaw sa maong dapit. Uban sa akong mga higala nagsulay kami sa pagsakay sa ilang zipline diin makahatag og kaabtik sa atong kalawasan. Busa adto na, aron makatagamtam og kahupay ang imong panghuna-huna nga naipit sa kadaghan nga trabaho.

Mao kini akong entry para sa letrang K!

Birthday what’s in it for me?

2011-03-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

All done and we are good to celebrate the 2nd birthday of my god son Rob Ethan Velez Lariosa. There’s a lot of good food for the children’s party and of course nothing beats the hotdogs with marshmallows on sticks, spaghetti and the unbeatable chicken drumstick for kids and for adults eyes only.

The theme of the kid’s party is “Barney” with all the colorful balloons and no less than the "Barney cake" that is not only good for the eyes but for its taste as well. And the last but not the least is the main guest of the party, no less than “Barney” mascot himself who not only dance but sings as well.

But guess what excites me most are the games specifically the “Pabitin” game, where small toys, snacks, candies and all sorts were strung in a lattice of bamboo sticks and suspended in the air with a string. Yes, I enjoyed watching those tiny little hands trying to get the goodies strung around the bamboo as the goodies were lowered down. And not only that I could sense all their excitement that at last they got something from it and the achievements they get even if it’s just goodies.

On a serious note, I have read that this game is traditionally played during Santa Cruz de Mayo however it is now played during birthdays and during town fiestas. The game will end when nothing is left in the lattice bamboo.

The game is a direct influence of the Catholicism brought by Spain to the Philippines. It is sometimes called "paagaw" (anything for grabs) and is a special game during Santa Cruz de Mayo, a commemoration of the search for Christ's cross by Saint Helen and her son, Constantine the Great.

Source: http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Pabitin

Personal Photos of piaipipiay

feel the music!

2011-03-15T23:24:00.001-07:00

Last year when I went home to my hometown, I heard my sister was talking about a dance fitness program which was introduced by a common friend. I am talking about the “Zumba” dance fitness which is a Latin-inspired-dance-fitness with cool music and dance steps that will make your body sweat at the same time you will enjoy while exercising. What I like about the Zumba is that it will only take you twenty minutes to sweat your body off and is still a very effective means of burning calories. You only need 20 minute of your time a day (that’s five days a week) to just dance your body and feel the music.

For those people who have heart problem like me, you only need 20-30 minute exercise not because you want to loose weight but you will definitely do good to your heart and cardiovascular health. According to my readings, more than 40 studies in the scientific literature document that cardiac risk can be reduced by 30 - 50% by regular, moderate exercise - averaging far less than one hour per day. As for me, this dance-fitness do me good.

Sources: http://www.zumba.com/us/about/
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/exercise/a/enoughexercise.htm

Old as time

2011-03-12T03:10:00.000-08:00

Custom made antique furniture made my eyes brighter especially when we speak of antique crafts. And as I travel around places there is something in that place that caught my attention and furniture’s are one of them. It really tickle my senses when people starts to talk about the history of that particular furniture, where it came from and how it was made. More importantly, how these furniture became a witness of the changing generations and if only they can talk they will surely tell a good story.

With the furniture in the house, antique decorations does fit in it.

In Awe!

2011-03-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

When I travel, part of my breaktime is to tour around the place whether it may be a park, market, and some tourist spot in a particular place. However, this one made my night completely in awe while I visit my sister’s best friend’s home. As we reached their house, I could certainly say that this one is a very old house, it was confirmed when my sister’s best friend told me that the house is actually an 18^th Century old house but was renovated during 1920’s. If only I could clap and jump for joy upon seeing their beautiful decorations and antique one at that. Some of their decorations where used as cooking wares for native hot chocolate (called “sikwate”), the pink ceramic vase (16^th century old vase), old teapot, lamp and the manual planer. I could really hear myself screaming seeing these beautiful decors worth saving and keeping for. These are just few of their antique collection that suits the family’s home.

Tiny House

2011-03-10T21:55:00.000-08:00

When I went to Malaybalay City to witness the “Kaamulan Festival”one of the places I visited were the various booth surrounding the Capitol Grounds. I was amazed at how all these products were brought into one place to showcase the pride of Bukidnon. And guess what caught my attention is this decoration showing a miniature tree house made of bamboo and a branch of wood. The artistry and the work of art seemed to show the craftsmanship of this piece of work. Indeed, I love Filipinos for their love of art.

This might be used as birds nest and/ or house decor for those who love native products.

veggie on the go

2011-03-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

When I get busy with all the stuff in the computer I do not have time to cook for myself or to anyone at all. But if the going gets tough and tough gets going, somehow and somewhere inside me felt the urge to prepare a light and nutritious meal. Guess what I prepare? Yes, I prepare fresh vegetable salad, you need not sweat in preparing this. But all you’ve got to do is to check your refrigerator and picked the vegetables, sliced it and pour out either a mayo or vinaigrette to complete the meal. And this is how my fresh veggie salad on the go looks like. It taste better than just by looking at it. It is good to pair it with apple juice or orange juice too!

This one is good for the heart!

FESTIVITY GALORE

2011-03-06T22:34:00.000-08:00

For over nine (9) years of my stay here in Cagayan de Oro City, I have never been able to fully enjoy one of the famous festivity here in the Province of Bukidnon. If you are from Mindanao or at least from the Philippines I am pretty sure you have heard of “Kaamulan Festival”. This festival happens once every year (start during half of February and until March 10 of the same year) in the Province of Bukidnon particularly in Malaybalay City (where the Provincial Capitol is located). As I understand, “Kaamulan” comes from the word “Amul” a local dialect which means to gather, that is a gathering of all the seven (7) tribes in Bukidnon for a purpose, like celebrating a wedding feast, good harvest and a peace pact mixed into one. The tribal people of Bukidnon comprised of the following; Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon.

This year, I had witnessed the celebration with friends and cousins starting off with the street dancing coupled with beautiful float from eight contingents who will be competing with each other. The street dancing showdown was held in the capitol grounds where it was surrounded with thousands of spectator, visitors and guests from all over the Philippines. While watching the street dance we had to stand for several hours just

to see it and Malaybalay City was declared winner of this year’s “s

treet dancing competition”

Part of the yearly activity of the Province is the participation of all the municipalities of Bukidnon and business establishments through the showcasing of all the products and harvests within a particular areas. Booths were arranged all over the capitol grounds where visitors could see and visit, and mostly I enjoyed touring around the areas to look for souvenir and I for one bought some fresh vegetables for salad.

I enjoyed my whole stay in Malaybalay with a warm welcome of Ret. Major Valcaroza and family. And as for me, KAAMULAN is a celebration that I wish to be part of every year.

Bye Bye Cramps!

2011-03-06T22:03:00.000-08:00

It was an early dawn that I heard a shout, a shout begging for help to at least ease the pain in her muscles. Admittedly, I heard my own shout in the middle of the night, and sick worried with the indescribable pain in my legs. I was completely awakened in the middle of my happy dream (I mean dreams) to a painful truth that I have muscle cramps not only once but on numerous occasions. I said to myself I had to find means to settle this nightmare (if this was just a nightmare).

Working with the indigenous people in Mindanao had a great effect of my life as a development worker. I get a chance to talk to them in a more personal manner and eventually I made a lot of friends. And while we go to our community, I noticed that one of my colleagues wore something just below his knee and was amazed how it all got there. So I asked him, what it was and where did he get it, he smiled and was glad I asked him. He told me it was called “tikos or leg band” and it is used to at least prevent muscle cramps. I said to myself, this I might try not only because it looks nice when it is worn but also it prevents my nightmares.

Not contented with my colleague’s explanation I search through the internet and I came across a study of the Higaonon Culture and its tribal attires, arts and crafts. The Tikos is an anklet (technically not used for ankle but for the legs) made of beads and “Kulong-kulong” for male Higaonon, placed just below the knee to prevent cramps. And I have seen a lot of variations of tikos made from tikos vine or with the use of beads or made of other wild plants.

I had a chance to talk with my Higaonon friends to make one for me and choose a color for my leg band. I enjoyed wearing it and had a “nightmare free sleep” until it got reaped off my legs for reasons I do not know. So I did try to look for other alternatives and found another one until I have several kinds of leg band in my legs. For several years since I discovered that wearing the tikos, i am cramps free. And now I could no longer hear my own screams because I am still wearing one up until now.

Window to One’s Soul

2011-03-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

The night is so late or shall I say it is dawn already and I am still looking through the screen of my laptop checking my blogs and my Facebook account but still I cannot sleep even if I wanted to. So, I browse through the bookmarked site of my computer and clicked ANC live streaming. And it was indeed timely because one of my favorite travel shows is on air. Yes! it is “Travel Time” hosted by Susan Calo-Medina, a renowned Filipina TV Host up until today. I’ve watched several episodes of the show and just this early dawn via ANC live streaming I was able to watch the episode “Gardens in the Metro”. It featured several gardens from the Philippine Horticulture Society of the Philippines, a garden in Tagaytay whose owner experimented on the hybrid of plants and one garden in Cavite featuring rare species of plants and herbs.

Watching the episodes brings back good memories where I had to retrieve and/or rescue some plants in the house that suffered and died because I left home for two (2) months. Planting and finding new species and varieties of plants became a hobby of mine and yes, admittedly I have a “green thumb”. I could see the joy in my eyes as I water them every day and even talked to them. While watering my imagination travels to another dimension where I could see myself owning a small farm where I could raise my plants and be able to indulge with backyard gardening and eventually engaged with landscaping. While watching the episodes a lot of ideas came rushing through my head that made me say I am going to pursue this dream of mine in no time. I was brought back to the show where Susan gave a line that strikes me that “having some garden is a window to your soul”. Indeed, it is a soothing hobby to raise plants as it will replenish all the bad energy in our own little world. Until, she said her famous line “Huwag Maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan” (Don’t be a stranger to your own Country). The show did leave me something to think about up to this time.

Disclosure Policy

2011-03-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

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MY LOVELY MAMA

2011-02-26T08:43:00.000-08:00

As the flower blooms this summer,
So is the sweet lovely smile of your lips.
As the birds hum a tune for her chicks,
So is your voice so warm and subtle.

As the grass sprouts in the meadows,
So is your calm and cool nature.
As the tree grows in the forest,
So is your love to your seeds.

As the sun sheds its light to the world,
So is your care to your loved one.
As the Englands Rose shines to charities,
So is your lovely name.

As Mama Mary loves her own son,
So is your loving heart full of compassion.
As God loves His creation,
So is your immeasurable love.

Lovely Mama, lovely as the autumn breeze,
Shining as the early morning sun.
Twinkling as the moonlight,
But nothing in the world is lovely as YOU!

"FEELINGS"

2011-02-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

Alone with no one to turn to
In this very lonely place;
A cold lonely heart
Feeling blue and empty.

But how could she?
She doesn’t even know what she truly felt;
Crying inside this four gray walls
Yelling and shouting deep down.

As each day passes
Her eyes were enchanted;
With that adorable face
That only she could understand.

It’s a dream come true
Where life has to start;
Oh! How happy I am
The moment I saw you.

You looked so charming
Inevitably alluring;
Critically acclaimed one
And you’ve wake up this lonely heart.

HAUNTING

2011-02-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

Is this what I get from being so indifferent?
Or is this the outcome of what I did?;
Why do I feel this way to you?
You’re only just a mere boy to me.

But why do I feel terrible again?
I don’t have any idea;
Why do I care for you suddenly?
Is it because you’re leaving?
Can't you not stay with me?

Though I find you as a laughing stuff
But you brought joy to this wanderer
You have brainwashed me with the way you smile.

But I guess, its bye for now
I know we will meet again;
Just make sure that you’ll come back
Because the thought of you keep haunting me.

concierto for nationalism

2011-02-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Tuloy pa rin ang awit ng buhay ko magbago man ang hugis ng puso mo, handa na akong hamunin ang aking mundo

”

Few months ago, my friends from the XU-KKP kept on reminding me that they will organize a concert sometime on February 2011. And I was extremely excited with the concert and it happened so fast and the concert day is just arms away. I bought a ticket through a friend and invited more friends to watch the same. It was one of these days that people of different strokes come together to hear and see for themselves the performance of a certain Noel Cabangon. Me and my friends meet at 5:30 pm and had to walk to the Xavier University Gym to escape from the traffic caused by the weekly event “night cafe” in Divisoria. Just in time for the crowd to pave their way to their seats, but instead of squeezing our way to the assigned seat we paved our way to a more comfortable seat just in front of the stage. We were seated just in time for the two front act bands before the main artist to tickle our musically inclined senses.

I like watching this concert because I know the songs that the artist will sing, had a copy of his latest album “Byahe” (or Travel in English). I love all the songs in it, and I cannot really wait to hear it in person from the artist himself "Noel Cabangon", who played guitar so well and a voice that would capture a heart like mine.

As he began to strum his guitar, the crowd were whistling and shouting his name, and it made a tingling sensation from my spine up to my head. And yes, it made my hair raised and I am glad that it was dark so no one could see that concert have a personal effect on me. I enjoyed hearing and even singing along the lines of Noel’s songs. Until he sings “Tuloy Parin Ako” (I Will Move On), it simply speaks of my life now. That my music still lives on with or without that certain aspect of life because I have something to live for, the rest of Noel’s songs kept on reminding me of all the wonderful and inspiring life ahead of me and what I have done to be where I am right now.

To Noel Cabangon your music is superbly powerful and full of life (nationalistic indeed).

A place to be..

2011-01-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

Four years had passed since I went back to visit the place where me and friends ate, back in our law school days. One of our favorite food is the cinnamon bread braised with honey and freshly baked, binagoongang baboy and our old time favorite arroz ala cabana (not only cheaper for just Php 50 but it has egg, banana in it)these are just few of the food we like to eat here at Honeybaked Café. I ordered the cheaper one of course but was disappointed that the cinnamon bread is not available and my friends ordered the binagoongang baboy.

Way back then, during lunch and snacks time way back during our law school days, we always go here to just eat and chat for awhile before we go to our classroom and be bombarded with questions like we are inside the courtroom. Yes, food were our weapon for law school as if we forgot for a moment that there are professors who treated us like we are accused rather than a witness to a crime. Funny though but that is how I imagine things back when I was still a student. The Café is located along Calamansi Drive, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, thus we have easy access with just a few meter walk from our school. And I have seen their new branch but I have not been there yet. Not just yet.

And now, I am physically back to the place sitting in the same place where me and my friends used to sat and reminiscing the moment may it be funny and lonesome moments where we usually take our refuge during our tormented moments as students.

New Year Blast!

2011-01-10T21:15:00.000-08:00

Remember that I wrote about my Christmas 2010? Yes, I wrote about one of my Christmas wish that came true. And probably will blab about what I did with my new year 2011. After travelling from the North of Mindanao, I went sailing home to Bohol with my friend Ritchille (Te Tata) so she could spend New Year to a new place also for the first time away with her family. Now here’s the situation, both of us had been planning to spend Christmas away from home in any place, but eventually changed our mind. She spend Christmas with her family and I will spend Christmas with my home away from home in Cantillan. The two of us volt in for our trip to my homeland Bohol where we will spend New Year at my hometown in Lila (comes from the flower lily) together with my siblings, father (because mom is at home in Texas), nephews and cousins.

December 29, 2010

We sailed on a fastcraft boat via Camiguin-Jagna where we payed eight (8) hundred pesos for the ticket that will traverse the sea for five hours. What a fast way to go home to Bohol with this trip, of course I have been one of their patrons since last year. The boat provided us with an entertainment of which I already memorized as it was played over and over again during my previous trips. And mind you, I can’t talk with Ate Tata while we are travelling because she had to close her eyes and sleep because she is seasick, so I had to close my eyes too and before we knew it were in Jagna already. We have two options either to take a bus and pay Php 50 or van with aircon and pay Php 80, we took the latter. We barely notice while talking that my hometown is just few kilometers away, and there’s our stop. Actually, this was not Ritchille’s second time here in our place but probably her first time spending New Year with us. Here we have two options again, either to sleep at our old house or with my sister’s family and again we choose the latter. The one thing I enjoyed going home is seeing my two grown sweet nephews who were so glad seeing me their auntie/yaya/tutor/mommy. And what made their smile so bright is when I gave their pasalubong s like their favorite chicharon and some chocolate stuff. But what amazes me is that Janssen (nephew) asked me “mommy P where is my Christmas gift”, I did not buy any because I want to ask them what they want as a gift. I answered Janssen “I don’t’ have a gift for you baby Jans”. You can see his gloomy face. But the his Kuya Marek, suddenly blurted to his brother, “Jans why is it that you have a hole in your Jerseys shorts”. It is there that I told the two of them, that I will buy Jersey shorts as my gift. They smiled and continue with their watching cartoons on tv. My sister is super glad to have us around and prepared food for our lunch. We just sit down after lunch and chatted for a while while fixing our stuff in the room. Then came dinner and we plan on going to the groceries the next day, to prepare for our New Year Feast. I plan to cook ube jam and spaghetti, ate Raydine wants to try the blueberry cheesecake and her delicious leche flan and that’s just for dessert.

Comes the next day (December 30), we went to the Tagbilaran City to buy all the stuff we need making sure we listed everything before going there so as not to forget anything. We usually but stuff at the ICM-Dao and there people from different parts of the land busied and hurried themselves pushing their carts to any direction to make it to the counter first. I enjoyed seeing familiar people and friends and exchanging greetings, hugging and laughing their heart out. “Okay let us go back to shopping”, we had to bring to carts as we have to double time so we check on the lists and started picking up goods to fill in the cart. Making sure that we got all the things in the checklist, headed to the counter and pay. Before I forget, I had to buy the gift I promised to my nephews so i had to squeeze in the time from the grocery to the department store and was glad I found it with Ate Tata’s help. Done with the groceries, we had to buy things at the wet market as it was cheaper to buy spices and other stuffs. All done, and we are ready to go home and prepare for the big day tomorrow.

December 31, 2010

After brewing our favorite blend of Coffee and a breakfast with family, we are all ready to get on with our specific menu for the day. With the help of my two nephews and Ate Tata, we successfully made the Ube jam first, and my sister experimented with the blueberry while busying herself with the Leche flan. My brother was assigned to do the grilled pork with my brother-in-law and my father was his favorite “balbacua” (cooked from the skin of cow). All done and the table is set for that wonderful buffet dinner for everyone. But first we have to extend our thanksgiving for adding another year to laugh with family and friends amidst trials and aspirations during the celebration of the mass.

January 1, 2011

The mass started when the clock strikes at 11:45 and in time for the Alleluiah part when the clock strikes at 12 midnight where you can hear the fireworks outside the church with all the churchgoers greeting each one Happy New Year. The mass was celebrated joyfully with inspiring message for all of us that New Year is about thanksgiving and for reconciliation. As we marched outside the portals of our Holy Rosary Parish Church built in 1925 with paintings on its ceilings that never cease to amaze me since I was still little up until now. I was told that the painter was a talented locale from Dimiao, Bohol. Yes, he was indeed super talented and the painting is the witness of them all. After greeting some friends and relatives outside the church, we are ready to blast our table for all that has been prepared. We took pictures to be posted in my Facebook account where my mom and siblings could see our celebration and will feel that they are with us even though they are far away from home. Now, what will I eat first, Oh! I should eat my Ube jam (made from Bohol’s pride the Kinampay na Ube), and its superbly tasty. Yes, it is delicious not because I made it but I enjoyed eating it with my family, next on my plate will be the leche flan, and the blueberry cheesecake and the rest is history. After eating I had to declare a toast to my family for making this New Year Celebration truly a time for Family. Now it is time to rest because there are many tables that awaits us in the morning.

January 3, 2011

I had to fast-forward some events to let you peak into our side trip to the “Queen City of the South”, Cebu City before we go back to Cagayan de Oro City. I truly miss this place because I used to walk around the City back when I was a college student and confident that I won’t be lost in the City that seems not to sleep. So we took a fast craft to take us to Cebu via Ocean Jet that offers “balik sakay promo” for Php500 though we only need to ride once but it’s faster compared to the slow boat, it will only take us 2 ½ hours to Cebu with no sweat. Our first stop in Cebu is the coffee shop “Josh and Matthews” owned by of our former colleague just near pier 1, what I love there is the unique taste of their “Sweet blend iced tea” and of course their coffee is superb. Second stop, is to HTS lodge just across my former boarding house along R.Landon-Junquera Extension Street (not the red district street) where we payed only Php600 for one night stay. We left the lodge and stroll along Ramos Street until we reached the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers along Fuente Osmena Street to experience the thrill of the Philippine First SKYWALK and their Edge Coaster Ride. We paid Php750 for the two rides, packed with snacks and free shirt, we took an elevator ride to the 36th floor for the Edge Coaster Ride and we were given instruction but cannot hear what the instructor was saying except that I mistake the down button as up and otherwise. As our belt where safely tightened we (me and Ate Tata) we were ready to face our challenge and all I could hear was Ate Tata shouting and telling me not to tilt the coaster, it is there I remembered that I can actually manipulate the degree of the tilt, so I adjusted the tilt and again readjusted it. It was totally fun and exciting and was amazed with the tilt of 55 degrees as we can clearly see how high we already from the ground level. The Edge coaster took a turn and when we reached the corner portion I could hear my stomach crumbling as I could imagine that the bolt is changing its gear from another angle. But Ate Tata could not see it in my face that I was a bit of anxious especially when we reached the corners of the building until we reached the end, where her screams were the only sound I can hear. And now it is time to disembark, and guess what she told me “Can we take it again, where I will not scream and unafraid?”, I answered, “next time we will ride again but first we have to go to the 37th floor for our skywalk”. We only have one photo in this event because each photo costs Php350 (and we only need one souvenir), after that we took the stairs that will lead us to the 37th floor, we showed our ticket and bought socks for the shoes provided. We have our safety guide to tour us around and ensure our safety. This time, we were no longer afraid as we are like walking along the beach of Opol only that we are at the peak of the building wearing Skywalk Suits with harness attached to our body. Here, it is like walking around the City with strong winds blowing your body only this time you can see the City of Cebu at a glimpse with beautiful lights surrounding it. We enjoyed the picture taking and the funny safety guide both from local and across the Philippines. After that skywalking adventure we went to the souvenir areas and arranged that our pictures be saved in a CD where we only have to pay Php500 for 12 photos (it is a bit expensive for photos) we are also told that the management will not be responsible for reimbursement in case the photos won’t worked in our computer. But to make sure that it will worked in my laptop, I asked the souvenir guy the exact program that he used in copying our photos because I ain’t getting that expensive CD with photos for nothing. And guess what?, it worked in my computer so I hurriedly downloaded all the photos I have for the day to my facebook account where I can store it for a little while. After that knee crackling ride we had our free snacks and off we go to the formal dinner. We met with my cousin Daisy and took us to The Walk (this is a place previously known as the Village ) we could see a lot of stores here, from fast food stores, restaurants and all sorts of stuff, after that walk, we went to see MR A located in the Upper portion of Lahug, Cebu City, where we can see the whole of Cebu just like the Tops. They also have restaurants to provide the needs of hungry visitors and a bar for those who love to drink and because the night is still young, we went back to the Walk and ate delicious Pizza at the Mamma Maria Pizzeria. It all happened in one night and I cannot forget it truly a New Year Blast for me.

Home Away from Home for Christmas!

2010-12-28T00:10:00.000-08:00

For over thirty (29) years I have spent Christmas with my family enjoying all the stuff inside my stomach and the gift giving with my siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces and after all the fun things at home went out with friends to spend time before bidding our goodbyes as we parted ways either because of school or work. Just last December 2010, I decided to spend it alone away from my family in Bohol, away from the usual things I do for several years that means away from my home. This time I spent it with the place I have grown to fall in love with, place that awaken and kept calling me wherever I may be. Two days before setting off to that place, I bought gifts for friends and experienced Christmas rush in the mall just near our house in the City of Cagayan de Oro. Prepared myself for an 8-10 hours trip to Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, with one backpack filled with stuff for five days travel, one paper bag for Christmas gifts and a pillow to make my travel a comfortable one. Contacted the van driver bound for Cantilan to confirm my arrival in Butuan before 11 am and reserved a seat for me. I requested a friend to send me to the bus station as early as three (3) o’clock in the morning so I could have a comfortable ride bound for Butuan City, bid goodbye to my friend and embark to the bus that will leave Cagayan de Oro City for Butuan City at four o’clock (4) in the morning. And because I woke up early, I slept during the whole trip and woke up just in time for my bus stop a few kilometers away from the Regional Center of Caraga in the Philippines (Butuan City). From the bus stop, I took a Multicab and just payed a meager amount to take me to one of the fastfood chain in Butuan City, where I will meet friends before setting off to my final trip. I had coffee and pancake with friends while waiting for my van ride at eleven o’clock (11) in the morning. We had fun talking while sipping coffee for breakfast and time went by so fast and the van is there to pick me up. Bid goodbye to two of my good friends in Butuan City and off I go to my destination. I felt Christmassy already with the place and my mood sets off to feeling Christ’s love for us when He gave his son to us. As the van entered the 90 kilometers trip where you can see the red mountain, I was again saddened because the mountain looks like something else, it took away a dream where I can see greenish object and all you can see are red dust and smoke in the mountains of Surigao del Sur and Norte, where their mountains where mined by Multi National Corporations with or without prior consent from the communities directly affected with the operations. I sleep again and then the driver woke me up and there I saw the Immaculate Conception Parish, where I will stay for Christmas. No one knew from my friends in Cantilan that I will be there for Christmas except Father Pete who were one of the friends I gained in Cantilan because of my advocacy against mining operations. But for the first time ever I was there not because of work but because I so love the place with all the friendly and welcoming people of Cantilan. While I was putting stuff inside my favorite place in the Parish Convent, I was taken into another place inside my head and thought that “This place is very promising with all the magnanimous and educated people, this place is also rich in culture and rich in natural resource, with all the sea foods in the table either during breakfast, lunch or dinner. I called this place, a home away from home. I feel I belonged here, and would be very sad if the mining operation will ultimately win against the people in Cantilan. With all the resources in the coastal and agricultural areas that will be greatly affected and the people’s livelihood and some governmental projects too are at stake.” I was awaken with the knock on the door, and it was Nanay calling me to have some merienda with Father Pete and Father Apo, and I enjoyed hanging with them because we had a lot in common, the advocacy for the poor and the people of Cantilan, and we didn’t even noticed that it was dark already and it is time for them to celebrate mass in the barrio/baranggays. I had no itinerary, so I went with Father Pete, and served as her semi-assistant. And in the next day, I woke up to attended the last novena mass before Christmas Eve and sleep again, in the evening, I went again with Father Pete, and for the first time again attended five (5) straight Christmas mass in the barrios. And felt that it was isn’t easy but I did enjoy the whole Christmas with the people in Cantilan. The last mass ended at one o’clock (1) in the morning of December 25th, 2010 and had my Christmas Celebration in one of the niciest beach resort named Immaculte Conception Beach Resort owned by one of the Parishioners in Consuelo one of the Baranggays of Cantilan. Father Pete, drived fast and brought as back to the convent in time for good sleep. And off I go to bed and planned to attend the 4am mass but wasn’t able to hear the bell ringing, again for the first time and heard another bell so I woke up and thought it was the four (4) a.m mass but it was the six (6)a.m. mass and thankfully attended said mass. I greeted all of my friends in Cantilan and told them I will spent Christmas day with them and thought that I was just joking, but when I visited them they could not believe their eyes, and I enjoyed their amazement and their warm welcome I had lots of food today and more to come in the evening. The long wait for dinner is coming and Father Pete, Father Josaf and I went to the lair of Mommy Emma Hotchkiss, one of my home here in Cantilan, and had cocktail drinks with two of his brothers. This was the first time I had cocktail drinks with all the drinks poured on my wine glass before dinner, and for the first time I thought of how I spent Christmas at home. Usually we drink wine after dinner but here we had otherwise. A fantastic Christmas Fever ever in my Cantilan Home, however my story doesn’t end there. Early morning after, I had an early trip bound for Kitcharao where my friends’ home is waiting, full of children and yes, families. I slept for a while in my friends room for thirty (30) minutes and awoke with full of energy for the days itinerary. The first one it to meet Humphrey “Totot” my favorite child in the family and so is everyone. Our second trip is to the place named, Almont, Inland Lake in San Roque, Kitcharao one of the view decks where you can see a portion of the Lake Mainit with the fresh breeze of the air and spend relaxing time even alone and with company of friends and family. And then, stop by the place where you can still view the Lake Mainit as well as the bus rushing by. The third stop would be the place named Mainit where you can see the biggest part of the lake and fishers paddling their way on the lake. Why there are lots of view decks, because Lake Mainit is the fourth largest lake in the Philippines. Back to my friends home, and here comes our dinner where they served the “pidjanga” this is a fresh water fish that is native to the Lake Manit, I love eating it whether fried or not and after dinner was a blackout, and “Totot” did the rest of the night so enjoyable by performing his talent and I slept with a smile tuckered in my lips. I have another home in here, and sure wish will come back here anytime soon. Until next trip as I went back home to Bohol for my New Year 2011 Celebration.

Goodbye is not forever

2010-11-08T05:31:00.000-08:00

Is this what I get from being so indifferent?
Or is this the outcome of what I did?;
Why do I feel this way to you?
You’re only just a mere boy to me.

But why do I feel terrible again?
I don’t have any idea;
Why do I care for you suddenly?
Is it because you’re leaving?
Cant you not stay with me?

Though I find you as a laughing stuff
But you brought joy to this wanderer
You have brainwashed me with the way you smile

But I guess, its bye for now
I know we will meet again;
Just make sure that you’ll come back
Because the thought of you keep haunting me

written by: rjack2000
all rights reserved 2000
any copying without mentioning the author is PENALIZED BY LAW

Graduation it is!

2010-10-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

I want to share a draft yearbook message which I made for a friend.

Greetings!

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. ~Albert Einstein

Today begins with a single step, a journey worth remembering to all 2011 Graduates because you reaped the fruit of all your hardships and of your parents and/or guardians who have been instrumental to what you have and will become in the future. This years’ Commencement Exercise brought us to a new beginning of looking into the grand scheme of things, that each one of you- graduates has responsibility to make good use of all the learning and/or knowledge that you have gained because what you are can be defined by how well you share and impart ones education to others. Success cannot be measured by the wealth we acquired but with the people we gathered and helped in whatever way we can.

As you march outside the gates and bid goodbye to your Alma Mater, you are also bringing with you a torch of light that will guide you to where you are heading, I am definitely certain you will surpass all the barricades of life if you continue to be faithful to His words. Continue journeying with heads up high and take a look back once in a while!

Congratulations to you GRADUATES

life's journey

2010-09-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

“Life is full beginnings, when one stop to begin, it is like cutting off one’s life”

A line shared to me by one of the retreatants here at the Monastery of Transfiguration, we chatted for like an hour or so before I set off for my morning prayer. Indeed, a perfect place for people with demented and/or broken life like me, who seek refuge and strength. A perfect moment to ponder on the many and winding events and turn in one’s life.

A man on his late fifty’s (50) or early sixty’s (60), sat on the chair waiting for his fetch and a woman on her thirty’s (30) sat on the 3rd step of the front porch of the Monastery Guest house the latter turned and stunned with his punch line. Quite contrary, here is a man who wanted to live longer and a woman who love to leave for good. This is maybe because two people have different outlook in life and came from totally different worlds. A man who shall I say helped in the destruction of the environment and a woman who advocate for its protection and preservation and promotion of the environment. A contrary it is indeed.

But what brought us here seemed to be common after all. To be in commune with our creator, and it is what matters after all. May today begins with a journey that these people will achieve what their hearts long for.
Thank you Mr. Quirino Morales for making today a celebration of new beginning in whatever form it may be.

SSSShhhhhh! SILENCE…

2010-09-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

It’s been a little while since I really kept silent. This has nothing to do with my very vocal nature but this has something to do with the field I am exposed with since time immemorial. I am equipped with potential or shall I say gift to really express what is or are in my head and to reason out for intellectual masturbation.

Yes, with the kind of life I have, it is really hard not to speak at all. However, I don’t speak of verbal silence, what I am referring at is the kind of silence that make the “being” in me stood still for a second or two. The kind of silence that listens and surrender amidst life’s doubt and uncertainty. A silence that takes a lifetime to practice and thus, awaken the spiritual being of me.
Today, as I turned thirty, I did the right thing of KEEPING SILENT, where no electronic gadgets that bothers me, without people who blabbing with their life and not hearing mine, letting people believe that I am alright when in truth and in fact I am not, smiling at people even if am not happy inside.

Out here in the world where I can hear the humming of the birds, seeing bees sucking nectars out of the many flowers in garden, and rainwater dripping on the leaves, came a SILENT RETREAT!

Retreat is negative word which depicts backing down from something. However, a retreat gave serenity and calmness to a hungry heart. For a day or two, I talked to my master and the lover of my soul, but most of the time I listen. Treating myself from every move I made, may it be right or wrong ones. Checking my relationship with the only man who loves me despite and inspite of all my shortcomings, a man who I am really sure will not abandon me in the middle of nowhere, but a man who will carry the cross for me.
Indeed, a celebration of my thirtieth year of blissful but challenging life, by Keeping SILENT…

N.B.
Thanks to the angelic voices and prayers of the monks it did clear out some bugging things in my head. And to my fellow retreatants letting me understand where I am standing at. To family and friends who made my retreat possible.

091110

SMILE GLUED ON MY LIPS

2010-08-04T23:12:00.000-07:00

As I return to the City of Golden Friendship, I was bringing along with me those broken glasses that were not used during the time I made the wall mosaic. It was definitely heavy but I had to bring a small box of broken glasses along with me and so with the remaining cement and sealant. And you know what kept me busy during this time is seeing people appreciating my work of art. Even if I was away from home, I posted photos in my Facebook account, entitled “to be or not to be, the Artist Side of me”so I could always see the beauty of my work. And there I saw people with giving comments with amazement that I am the one made that wall mosaic, together with a bottle of huge wine covered with glass mosaic too. My sister is so proud to answer that I did all of it without help from others except for Janssen who helped me collect broken glasses. I have several bottles of wine here at home waiting to be glued and be designed with broken glasses but as for now I want to savor the moment of being able to make a successful work of art. However, I made some collections of wine bottles wrapped with broken glasses and there will be more of my work within the coming days.

BECAUSE OF YOU

2010-08-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

I stood with downcast eyes
I ran amidst the stormy weather;
I fight with glorious light
I laugh beneath the trials of life.

I smile amidst shallow the river
I shout for joy;
I said a little prayer
I love beneath the trials I have.

I walk beneath the quirky path
I praised with unfathomable happiness;
I knelt with hearts on fire
I lived for a reason.

You changed my life and I thank you!
I am beautiful despite the difficulties ;
I felt no more pains and sufferings
I have no fear that because of you I truly lived.

A myriad of colours

2010-07-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

With a box of broken glasses with a myriad of colors at hand I had to research on the things that might inspire me to make use of what I have collected. I searched through google the many images that pertain to broken glasses and I found several photos using it. Some use it as a frame for mirrors, others use it to cover broken and unused vase, as cover for broken table, some as decorations of their front porch, others use it just like floor tiles, others make it as decorations for benches as a mosaic, and there are also a photo that used broken glasses as mosaic wall. With all the information’s at hand my mind bursts into imagination on how to make one for myself. I began to research on how to make mosaic wall, its requirements and materials so as not to waste my energy on nothing. I asked a friend who is into architectural designs for some tip and even borrowed stuff from him. I went to the City to buy glass sealant, white cement and hypo-allergenic latex hand glove. Went home and first design the broken glass inside my mind while I am facing the desired wall. In no time, my hand just started gluing the broken glass. While I was doing the design, I felt that I was taken to another place of mosaic walls. It took me days to glue all the broken glass. I made it stay for three days before proceeding to the next task, placing the white cement with the right mixture and poured it into a small container so I could carry it easily while putting it on the wall with the broken glass. At first it was difficult as I had to adjust the cement according to the designs of the broken glass but I managed to do it all alone with the critics behind me. It took me again several days to finish the wall mosaic but I am super glad that I did this mosaic using my sister’s house as the first model. Thanking my sister for allowing me to use a portion of her house as my first obra.

While Waiting

2010-06-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

While waiting for my appointment in a certain government post, I went home to Bohol to have some bonding moments with my family. I certainly did have precious moments with my nephews whose classes were just starting. For the first few days, I settled with teaching the younger brother (Janssen) with some school assignments and reminding them to do the assignment first before watching television.

It was really hard to teach a child whose body and mind were already exhausted at school with all the activities during school hours and the hyper active games they usually do during breaks. But it was during this moment that I found my long lost dream of collecting broken glasses from our seashore and eventually make something out of it.

My nephew Janssen enjoyed hanging out with me while collecting these broken glasses as they were plenty, we would even compare beautiful broken glasses whose colors ranges from smoked white, gray, green, pink, blue, orange, brown, violet and a lot more. I spent hours and days with Janssen to collect and picked as many broken glasses as I can. And enjoy the sunset while walking in our shoreline. I didn’t even notice that I have collected a whole lot of box of broken glasses and I tried grouping them together according to its color and sizes. Hopefully one day I will have to make use of these collected items.

One fine day

2010-05-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

One Monday morning, I spent long hours over the internet to chat with my mom and sister whose miles away from me, checking on new mails, browsing through Google on what is in and out of my blackberry phone. And while waiting for the completion of my downloaded music prepared brewed coffee to complete my morning routine. To date, I choose to be jobless with the reason that I was waiting for an appointment for almost a year and half, but government bureaucracy is definitely slows, I mean really slows down the process of development nationwide (pardon me for my bad words). And yes, I was patiently waiting for that particular appointment and kept myself busy with all the stuff, like for example, uploading photos through one of the popular social network here and abroad. Watching TV series online, downloading songs and put it on my Ipod (which was a birthday gift turned graduation gift) and some other sort of things but not reading books.
Oh! I did not recognize the time not until it was time for me to at least eat something for my stomach. And guess what I craved for anything but not rice. I washed up, picked up my bag with laptop in it and off I go to the City to find what I am looking for. And my feet brought me to one of the Slers Ham and Café just along Velez that offers a variety of sandwiches, coffee and a wifi connection too. So I choose the best seat facing the street and ordered their bacon, coleslaw and tomato sandwich and paired it with their café latte. I asked their wifi password but it turned out that their internet connection as still under repair, and said to myself your food better be good or else I would blab about this with friends. But before my head turns hot, they brought me the sandwich and coffee just in time to tickle my eyes with the bacon that looks so fresh and yummy. I grab half of the slice and have a big bite to be able to taste all the ingredients and yes! It is delicious compared with just looking at it (but maybe because I am already hungry) but I took another bite to confirm if it really was delicious but it is indeed yummy. It is mouth watering even while writing this one. The waiter should be thankful that I enjoyed my first meal so I do not need the wifi connection at all. But this is probably the time to slow things down and just enjoy my late brunch and be totally taken away with the food I am holding. Actually I love SLERS for their ChiCharon which I always brought home as pasalubong for my cute nephews and the smoked bacon that I cannot stop eating once I get started. SLERS according to what I have read in their web that it was actually an acronym of the owners (Fely Pelaez) children’s name, whose business started with just friends ordering ham for noche buena from the rising woman entrepreneur from Del Monte, Bukidnon which now becomes a famous local industry. So that was about my late brunch and how ecstatic I was for choosing this place to have my first meal.

MY PANDORA’S BOX

2010-04-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

All I thought is that one of the hardest tests of my life is failing the Taxation subject in my law school, a failure that drowned my heart, that my dream of becoming a lawyer is far from the truth and total darkness awaits me. All the while I was totally wrong, it pained me so much just when I decided to turn my guard off is also the time that when I left my heart so vulnerable to just anything and maybe anyone. It is like dealing with chest pains everyday and every hour. Each memory was not significant anymore because the pain blurred it away from my very own senses.

Yes!, the pain I am going trough right now made me forget of how it feels to love and to be loved. I have figuratively opened the door as if it were a “Pandora’s box” where I cannot control who and what goes in and out. By opening my life and extending so far as the heavens could reach gave me so much joy but as I soar high, it is perpendicular to my drop zone, where it does not provide me a safe landing. I was completely dropped dead facing the floor rampaged with dirt and scarred. Indeed, it was a dead drop zone. And I am still healing in my own way of dealing this unfathomable pain. My physical wound did great of hiding the signs of pain but inside me is still devastated and lost. No amount of words could exactly define what I am feeling right at the very moment. I am forgetting special moments to forgive myself from my own or shall I say self-made world. I am in the stage of blaming “me”, for allowing myself to really open so much and now “I am shutting my Pandora’s box “because I am forgetting me.

UNBEARABLE

2010-03-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

The sweet smelling breeze of air
Touches the innermost part of the soul;
Warm embrace catches the feeling of belongingness
Quite astonishing to its innate reality.

All the while resentment had been
internalized
And was accumulated to its inner self;
What could have been done for all the years
It’s such a pretty scapegoat.

I have been lulled all these years
With the belief that everything will
turn out to be fine;
But I was totally wrong
It even brought a tragedy to my own destiny.

What would these things be?
Are these just a mere instrument for
you to be happy?
And what about me and my
happiness?
It’s too much for me to bear.

A STORY TO TELL…

2010-02-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

An inspiration for those who are searching for life’s meaning!

When I enrolled in law school, one of my rendezvous is the school library. While settling down, I noticed some older law students bringing with them pieces of white paper and chatted with the younger students. I didn’t know what it is until one person sat in front of the table where I am and gave a paper to me. He explained to me the 5W’s and 1H of the organization where he is a member. Yes, I noticed how determined he was of the dreams of the organization and its members. It was during the launching of the organization, I have seen the sparkle of his eyes. How he expresses his thoughts and how well he understands the mission that the organization wishes to do. The person I am referring to is the founding President of the Center for Alternative Lawyering of Law Students (CALL) of Liceo de Cagayan University. But he had to bid Goodbye for a while to make his dreams a reality. I admit, a part of me was saddened that he had to leave the group but at the same time happy because he will be the first lawyer of the group. But I never imagined that in this world I would be working and dealing with him and know more about him. Here are some excerpts of ATTY. ROCO APRIL L. MANDAWE’s way of life.

The story that I was about to tell is based on how I knew Botsoy personally and professionally. Some of the lines here have been taken from the daily conversations, sharings and chit-chat we have had, some of it was also taken from the speech he had made and prepared for the get together of all of ALG Mindanaw Interns last February 17, 2008 at the Peace Center of BMFI.

Coming to terms with the “LEGAL” world

ATTY. ROCO APRIL L. MANDAWE fondly called as “BOTSOY”, is the 3rd child of the family who first dreamt of becoming a doctor in order to land a white collar job. However, his life was about to change after he was debarred to continue taking medicine, he then opted to enrol in law school as an offshoot to the dreams that fate never gave him. Yes, law school was not his first option but as he said it, “law school is an alternative path to his good future”.

His story doesn’t end there; it was just a start of a never ending quest for a meaningful, enjoyable at the same time difficult and inspiring life. A life he never imagined nor planned to sweep him head over heels, according to him a “SIGNIFICANT event of his life”.

Invitation of a summer job?

Meeting Rochelle Mordeno (one of the staff of BALAOD-Mindanaw, Inc) was an offshoot to everything that follows. And right at the very instance, he fell in love with this life and perhaps unknowingly. A life he voluntarily accepted without threat or intimidation, or fraud or even violence. The idea of a summer job was his drive to join the Summer Internship Program (SIP) that Balaod was and is still implementing. Botsoy never hesitated to undergo an extensive orientation seminar and immersion to Balaod areas. In his speech during the Interns Reunion held last February 17, 2008 that this was not new to him as there were similar experiences in the past although there was one significant difference of the Summer Internship Program of 2001, it was a venue for law students from various Law Schools and/or Universities to meet and worked with the vulnerable members of society. He practically joked that the source of most of the conflict between interns is the computer as they were only 2 computers for them to use and the other interns took longer than expected because they have deadlines to meet, and I quote “This is how serious we are”. The program was made possible in partnership with the NGO’s here in Mindanao. He even shared that he was trained to become resource persons to Paralegal Trainings or Seminars and assists in the conduct of Paralegal clinics in the areas where they were assigned. He was able to meet and lived with different kind of persons from the peasants, Fisherfolks, and IP’s.

Still a Summer Job?

The Summer Internship was never enough that even after the SIP, Botsoy and his batchmates still visit BALAOD during free time to continue what he had started, or sometimes they will be invited to assists trainings or seminars for the marginalized groups. I am proud to say that Botsoy, was really inspired that even during school days he still wants to be connected with the community through BALAOD.

After the SIP-Terminal Assessment, Botsoy wanted to make his dreams i.e. the establishment of a law-school based organization a product of his eagerness to reach out to law students of their views, beliefs, advocacies and experiences and connect them to the people who are waiting to be heard, i.e. the deprived and the oppressed.

It was a life-long struggle to really be heard in the four corners of the wall, but it didn’t stop him to pursue their dream. And with the inspiration and support of BALAOD, CALL was formally established, recognized and accredited on August 11, 2004 (which was the also the 4th year anniversary of Balaod). The existence of the organization was a continuing challenge but seeing the pioneer members poured so much to make this dream come true was truly a blessing to us who are left behind to continue what they have started. At this moment, Botsoy had to say goodbye leaving a legacy to the present and incoming members of CALL. While taking the bar, he never ceased to get connected with CALL members in many ways as he can. After the he had been consistently reaching out and share his experiences and gave pre-orientation seminar with the incoming members of the law school-based organization.

I say, this is not just an ordinary summer job. You got paid but not necessarily money. Interns got paid with rich experiences that law schools failed to provide. Interns got paid with friends and people teaching them the way of life.

Botsoy discover a summer job he will never forget!

The next big thing

Thinking of a better question to ask while making this story of a man I know, I had to re-evaluate my own thoughts of why I joined BALAOD too. And there, I was texting and setting a little chat with Botsoy, right then and there I decided to pay him a visit to his present office. I could see his face sparkling and his wide and cool smile welcoming me in his present world. After the chit-chat, he then gave me his speech and the answers to my question was there, written humbly and heartily. This is how he answered my question as to his learning while he was with BALAOD.

My stay in balaod Mindanao spelled out the meaning and essence of the word alternative lawyering. I have no clear definition of the word alternative lawyering, but I can define it based on what I have experienced, it can be define as a developmental lawyering or lawyering “WITH” the people, as my colleagues would say it. Slowly, I learned and appreciated the existence of these kind of people, their passion and their dedication, their option, their path, their career as alternative lawyers and all the people, the paralegals who opted to work with the people.

When asked what made him decided to join BALAOD, this is how he answered it;

My joining of Balaod was another unplanned activity of my life right after taking the bar. After I had my vacation, I then went home at Cagayan de Oro City. And the next thing came up to my mind is that, what shall I do next after my bar exam, I then prepared a lot of application letters and searching for a job. While searching for a job, I happened to pass by BALAOD Office and there was my feet brought me. I talked with Normie Batula (staff of BALAOD) about my interest in joining the organization.

There I was, discovering the nature of BALAOD and its existence. Everyday I learned so much that I deeply understand what BALAOD do, i.e. we do things not because we were told to do so, but because we know and understand why we are doing these things. All endeavours were made to building empowered, sustainable, peaceful communities.

In front of ALG Mindanaw Interns, Botsoy shared all of his learnings, it was intense and precise that I will blame myself if I will not include it in this story.

It is in the concept of lawyering with the people that I also slowly learned to fully lived and appreciate the mission of BALAOD, that is “contributing to the advancement of legal and justice issues in the different marginalized sectors and communities in Mindanaw in the context of active peoples participation in governance towards building an empowered and sustainable communities, helping build peace”.

It is then in my understanding, why we have the BPLT, (the basic paralegal training), paralegal clinics, enhancement of the paralegal skills, because we wanted people address their issues on their own, stand in their own, and use law as a tool in addressing their needs.

It is then in my understanding, why there is a creation of paralegal committee in the organization, in the barangay level, in the municipal level, networking, linkaging with other groups, network building, because these are our ways of scaling up our advocacies to resolve the issues in the community;

It is then in my understanding, why we facilitated the formulation of their Barangay Development Plans through Participatory Rural Appraisal (BDP PRA), or People’s Development Agenda (PDA), Local People’s Agenda, formulation of local policies, local legislations and all other baranggay or community-based works because we are in the premise that the community themselves are in the proper position what are their issues are, and how to resolve the issues themselves, in this way, there will be a sense of owning and appropriateness of response or projects in accordance to their needs, and not only because it is given, dictated by the upper government like the national government; resolving their issues can also be achieved through their active participation in governance, hence we also work with the government line agencies, had a dialogues with them, and assert our rights to address our issues through mobilizations, rallies, pickets and other peaceful and related means;

It is then in my understanding, why we have to go to the area or the place of incident, not only for us to have a better understanding of the situation, but more so, for us to experience the real situation. In living, talking and sleeping in the houses of our partner communities, does not only helped us better understand their issues but as well it nurture our relationship with them and gained confidence with each other and we tried to resolve the issues together, because we believe in their capacities, and somehow, to become empowered and sustainable communities.

It is therefore in my humble opinion that all the abovementioned efforts are mostly not done by other most lawyers. I guess that made us different from them.

BOTSOY’s way of life at present!

At present he is connected with the Public Attorneys Office at Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. And I want to share the last line of his speech;

Now, Im in the government, as a public attorney, or the abogado ng bayan. I may not be in balaod but the formation I have and the way of life we opted to lived is still running through my veins, I know I am not perfect or righteous, but at least I am trying my best to do my part, to say no when everybody say yes or its ok. Change may not be that easy, but im trying to start it in myself so that others may follow. And to be true to my lawyer’s oath. As I say, ang kaalam kung kini dili mapaambit sa uban ilabi na sa mga pinihig nga katawhan, kini walay pulos.(That Knowledge, if not shared to others, especially to the oppressed and marginalized people, is useless.) SERVING OTHERS IS LIKE SERVING GOD,

It was really worth a ride from Cagayan de Oro City to Malaybalay City. Botsoy’s humble experience strucked me right from the core of my being, seeing my “kauban” taking another route to become one of the “peoples lawyer”. As we toured around his office he showed to me the folders of cases he now handled, but I could never see regrets nor hopelessness in his face but only eagerness and dedication. Before we parted he said to me, whenever he misses BALAOD and the community he will just listen to music particularly the one where we had our voice in it and the songs that some of our colleagues made.

“YOU”

2010-02-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

Come to my life unexpectedly
Woke up this sleeping heart of mine;
Made me realize the feminity in me
Have impressed me with the way you are.

Let my day so bright
Always hold me tight;
Give me hope to face life
Make me feel so right.

Inevitably healed the wounds inside me
Brought me into reality and keep me track with destiny;
Took care of me when I’m lowly
And Lead me to understand your presence.

Made me so happy at times when I’m weak
Kept me standing despite the storm that astounds me;
Give inspirations to this lonely heart
Love me with all of your heart

And I thank and salute you for that!

A CHOICE TO MAKE

2010-01-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

Love come, love goes
I could hardly know;
Everybody is following the flow
That you and I will grow.

Unspoken thoughts were kept
T’was stolen by a thief;
He tore away the guilt
Making my emotions shift.

Your presence was 0nce my joy
I thought you’re one of my toys;
Helping me to cope up
With life’s doubt.

You assume everything to be fine
By that, you have become blind;
Have not been to the limelight
Because you are afraid of the light.

Its fate that leads our doors to crossed
At the end of the day it was closed;
Letting us realized
To take another route.

Indeed it was full of fun
I always wish it would come;
But everything has to end
So do roads that we once shared.

We have reached to the peak
Where we could hardly speak;
So its time to bid
For both of us to be free.

Freedom! Has always been my dream
A dream come true for you and me;
Time is giving us a clue
For our lives to part.

A WORLD CALLED PARALEGALIM

2009-11-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

by: Piai Palma

Prelude to Learning Paralegalism

Learning is and will always be my favourite endeavour. If a difficult activity involves learning, I would not retreat from it nor show a sign of hopelessness even if it will take me a lifetime to learn that lesson. Education, whether formal or informal, opens new doors, windows, and avenues through which one can explore possibilities and horizons. This is especially true with regard to the law.

This was contrary to my previous belief that learning, my being a student, would end in law school. It never really occurred to me that there was an uncharted yet useful universe of legal knowledge and skills simply called “paralegalism”. I never encountered this one before, not during college or law school. (Though it might have been mentioned in one of my classes during which I probably was thinking about something else.) Here is the story of my experience with the world called paralegalism.

Pre-Campaign Mode

After wrestling with and cracking my brains out from the most harrowing examination I had in my entire life, the first agenda I had was to take a long rest. I decided to give myself a good break. And, indeed, I was given a good break. That fateful day I received an unexpected call from Ate Bibing, one of my mentors (Kon eleksiyon pa, gikamang ko!). She called to ask me to go back to CDO the soonest possible time and be part of the “marchers” of the Sumilao Walk. At first, I doubted the feasibility of the plan, because walking would literally mean travelling with all my cargo behind my back (And in case you want to know, I do not travel light).

Nevertheless, I joined the 55 Sumilao Marchers, uncertain of what will happen to me and clueless on how the walk would inspire me and teach me lessons that I will never learn from law school. For the six-month duration of the walk and campaign, there was no time for me to think about the result of the bar exam (although I prayed once in a while that the examiner would be in a good mood when checking my booklet).

“Taking the law and putting it into the hands of the marginalized groups and communities”, this is a goal that a lawyer should be pursuing. Knowledge of laws should not only be available to those who can afford to study law in a formal school, it should be made available and accessible to those sectors particularly affected by the law, always. This holds true in the case of the Sumilao Farmers who have struggled to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. And I believe that the predominant factor in the Sumilao Campaign is paralegalism.

Paralegal Activities Culminating in the Decision to Walk

Years of strategizing, tactic sessions, and case conferences with the farmers brought about the decision of the Sumilao Farmers to walk for 1,700 kilometers and personally ask the Government for redress of their grievances. Fifty (55) committed Sumilao Farmers (members of the organizations MAPALAD and SALFA), together with groups believing in their cause, gathered to reclaim what is legally theirs. The ability of the farmers to transform their case and to demand accountability from the concerned government offices enabled them to maximize not only legal options but extralegal strategies as well. These options and tactics, of course, were developed over time, taking their roots from the MAPALAD hunger strike that inspired the Sumilao Farmers to persevere in their pursuit of asserting their rights over the 144 -hectare Sumilao land. Finally, the Sumilao Walk for Land, Walk for Justice emerged.

Paralegalism at Work

Climbing a 10-step staircase is not easy, especially when one has to do it several times. However, this feat is nothing compared to what the Sumilao Farmers have done. Imagine, they (should I say we) had to wake up as early as 1:00 in the morning to prepare for the march, traversing an average of 35-45 kilometres per day. This is an unbelievable story, even to me who was part of it, but you have to believe it.

It was actually during those hardships they encountered, under the heat of the sun and the pouring rain, that the Sumilao marchers were able to discuss and deepen their understanding of the issues in their case. It was along those roads, as they came nearer to Manila where the seat of Government is located, where they imbibed the value of their struggle to assert their rights.

The farmers, young and old, did not only understand their case but also learned to effectively communicate their claims to the public. Though they have no formal education, their experiences taught them to share their knowledge and views on citizens’ rights and public accountability to the public. For them, walking was the most strategic way of telling their stories and sharing their struggles with other farmers whose rights had also been trampled upon and besmirched.

Paralegalism Passed on through Generations

Most of the marchers are married and had families whom the left behind when they walked to Manila. Security and protection for their families haunted each and every one of them as they travelled from one island to another. This was just one of the various issues encountered by the farmers which led to some heated discussions and arguments from the front to the end line of the march. But they did not let these small irritants affect them. Instead, these concerns harnessed their ability to discuss and resolve arising conflicts, ranging from personal to organizational. Another extraordinary thing about these farmers was their ability to combine skills in mediation and negotiation with their traditional way of dealing and settling their conflicts or issues in their community. (Majority of the farmers are Higaonons.)

The marchers who have been exposed to struggles in the past one way or another have made significant contributions to the growth and wisdom of the younger farmers. Under the guidance of their elderly, the young marchers were not only able to learn to speak their minds but they also learned to handle their differences smoothly. One of the venues that the group provided for the farmers to share their experiences and opinions was the daily reflection sessions. The participation of the farmers in the reflection sessions was overwhelming as they themselves were able to develop strategies on how to make the daily walk less stressful and more bearable.

Paralegalism used in Getting the Message Across

The Media has always been seen by the farmers as a very powerful tool in the advancement of their rights. Hence, telling the Sumilao story to the media played an important role in disseminating information about their case and the genuineness of their claim to the whole world.

One of the strategies the farmers adopted in developing their communication skills was to rotate the spokesperson’s role. Each one of them was required to speak before the public using the megaphone, to explain their case and to call on them to support their cause. So by the time the media people came to interview them, they were confident enough to respond and deal with the media. However, the farmers made it clear that they would not stop their march while media people were interviewing them. They could not afford any delay and they had to arrive at their stopovers by night time.

They were disciplined enough to continue with their walk, regardless of the eventuality or individual desire for rest or meandering. They only stopped at times when their command leader advised them to do so, and only at designated and safe places. Throughout the march, we learned that what captures the media’s attention the most is the human side of the story and its connection to the endless struggle of the Sumilao Farmers. As days passed, more and more media became interested in the walk until the day the 55 marchers returned to Sumilao. In a way,the media became their allies in accessing justice.

Through all this, using the law as a means to access justice was the primordial tool used by the Sumilao Farmers to validate their claim ad to make our government and its leaders accountable. The Sumilao Farmers are not lawyers in the technical sense of the word, but they have “lawyered” for themselves by walking and taking a stand for what is right.

(Photo by: Bro Ogie of SLB)

Oblivion

2009-10-10T02:10:00.000-07:00

Sitting on the bench

All alone with no one to turn to;

To talk to

I’ve been waiting for some rescue.

I guess nobody dares to care

I may sound so alone;

It’s not only that

There’s something else more than that.

And it’s greater than that

I’m angry again;

I don’t know why

I couldn’t find any answer.

Unless there’s somebody

who is ready to lend a hand

Who understands, Who cares

For Whom?

Nobody else but ME…

911 Breakfast Buffet

2009-09-18T01:16:00.001-07:00

"911 Breakfast Buffet"

written 09-18-09

In the early dawn of September 11, 1980, the fifth baby was born in the family of six. She has round sparkling eyes and fair-colored skin. She was named PILIPINAS MARY C. PALMA with a nickname “Baby Piay/Piai/PI”.

To make the long story short! When I was still a child, even with the meager earnings of my parents, 911 has been a celebration of the family. There’s always a small gathering of family members sharing what was prepared in the table. I always loved having cakes and spaghetti’s of course, I mean, who wouldn’t be with that age. And the best part of it all is the blowing of candles.

But when I started to get older, it seems to me that 911 has become a very personal event of my life, that I become selfish to the extent that I don’t want friends to celebrate it with me. I tend to make 911 a day of personal reflection and recollection to the extent of making me out of reach from family and friends who wanted to wish me all the best in everything. Funny! But it had been my practice for quite sometime now that is, having time alone during 911. Friends surely do not understand what I have become these past few years. Plus, 911 in the year 2001, has turned my life into mourning and grief instead of a celebration because it was also the year when the US was attacked and caused death and injury to many innocent people. But I don’t want to dwell on this part of the story because it will only remind me of the heartless people who have made such a huge destruction to mankind.

Now, back to 911! It was only on my 25^th birthday that I again felt that 911 is a family celebration, that’s when my younger brother Thirdie phoned and asked me to come home to Bohol and have a joint birthday celebration with him. I was so amazed and strucked because Thirdie could have celebrated his 22^nd birthday ahead of me but he chose to celebrate it with me. It was one among the sweetest gift I could ever have from my siblings, simple yet so full of love. After that day I could always feel the sense of togetherness even when I’m islands away from my family, 911 is indeed a celebration. Although, I prefer to always hibernate on 911. If not because of my family and friends, I wouldn’t celebrate my 26^th, 27^th and 28^th 911.

Now here comes my 29^th 911. Yeah! it is definitely sad not to stay sweet 28 forever, where a lot of things had happened during this time of my life. I have become accustomed of just celebrating 911 as normal as it can be. But, come to think of it! 911 come once a year and I couldn’t help but wonder why would I hibernate all throughout the day when I can have it after the celebration. That’s where the 911 breakfast buffet comes in. Usually, I attended mass in the morning to start my 911 with thanksgiving for all the love that God has poured unto me. But, why not start my day with a thanksgiving for the greatest gift of all… THE GIFT OF PERSONS… I would never have become what I am today if not because of the people who have been there for me through moments of celebration and mourning. These people are the ones sent by God, in whatever way they can to bring color to this solitary and wandering life. Of course I could have celebrated my 29^th 911 to my hometown and with my family, but I know they will always be here inside my heart wherever I may be. And I’m so blessed for having very loving and thoughtful sisterhoods and brothers who always reminded me of the joy and excitement of celebrating birthdays when we were still kids. Yes! My 29^t^h 911, was full of amazing stories of family and friends physically present or not, who have become part of my journey for the last 28 years, and hopefully for the coming years. A bundle of thanks for all who greeted me in advance and all the belated greetings and gifts, it was a wonderful 29^th 911.

FALSE BEAT

2009-09-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

December 13, 2000

Room 426 USC-Main

“for wing”

by rjack2000

Memoirs are still fresh

Moments we once shared;

I have given you a test

You only care less.

You uttered you love me

But that doesn’t mean so much to me;

There’s something more that I want

Something made out from a decision

A DECISION TO LOVE…

Attraction is your taste

Looks for you is the best;

That’s why emotions left easily

Since reasons are not kept.

Alas! I like you

There’s nothing I could do;

Reality makes me see

That you are in me.

Unfairness? Aye! I admit

T’was a part of me, you don’t know;

You’re still a child for me

Such mindset of mine doesn’t fit in you

Time has changed

And so did we;

Priorities left us hanging on a cliff

Without choices at stake.

Instinct does not run through me

For reasons is my soul;

You cannot control

Because I’m not a fool

Drifting thoughts of a beloved!

2009-09-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

What am I that you should love me and hold me as your dearest love of all… the first time I heard of this song made a tingling sensation inside my tummy, a mixed emotion crashing down on me and eventually left me teary-eyed. I could not contain the lines that strucked me, seldom will I shed a tear when hearing music but hearing the lyrics made me wonder again and again, am I worthy of my lovers love? Don’t get me wrong, I have been in love and will still continue to love, but I asked myself did I love my lover as he has loved me more than I could ever wonder? I kept reminding myself that in loving it is not important who gives less and who gives more. But is the love I gave more than enough to compensate my constant lovers’ love for me, a cast of doubts crashed into my heart. Then question sprung, am I really worthy of his love.

They say that when a person cries and the first drop goes in the left eye, it meant that the person is sad, but when its on the other side, the person is happy… and yes, this is truly a confession to make, duh… when I hear this song, the first drop always goes to the left side (not that I can control my tears from falling to this direction). Does this mean that I am sad because I don’t truly love him in return? Or because of shame because sometimes I fly often away… (My thoughts keep on drifting to the times that I become unfaithful to the covenant that my lover and I made)

Shame… yes! I am ashamed because no matter what I do he always give his love without asking something in return. I am ashamed because I cannot and will not be able to reciprocate his love. I was again struck when I read the homily of a priest I used to know while having my review where he talks about respect and obedience to my lovers’ will, i.e. doing the right things without me hurting myself and other people. Obedience without fear and letting go of the things that is not for us, surrendering when the pain is too much to bear and faithfulness to my lover, that no matter what happens he is there for me and will embrace all of me without hesitation. This is another shameful situation, because I know I have disobeyed my lovers will a countless time.

But I relentlessly talked with my lover despite my shortcomings and one of the best ways to really hear my lovers’ loving presence is my self-confessed prayer. It is there at that particular moment that I truly burst my heart out without fear of misjudgment and ridicule. It is in praying that I have time to talk with him, to be thankful of the gifts I have but at the same time ask myself what have I done to deserve his love even at times I become unfaithful to him and when I deviated away from his plan (which always happens). Fr. Jboy once shared to us (reviewers), during a mass held at UP that praying should not be understood as a reward and punishment mechanism, that is, one pray because she wanted to ask him for a favor, and I for one commit the same mistake over and over. Pardon me for defending my actuations, but I would always consider my lover as my emotional buffer as I am a very secretive person when it comes to my personal life. No one could better understand me without judgment but the lover of my soul. And pardon me again, because I can’t change the way I talk with him no matter what.

Succumbing to pain, yes I have had pains that I never shared to anyone, how I died of pain of losing something that I dearly loved, for making a truce with my lover that caused too much pain in the end and thereafter change the course of my path. I was there already but I opted to take another path away from the person I truly love, the man who would not break my heart. And as I begin to forget about him, another one came and come back and then again, I think this was never meant to be. Happiness could only be had if and only in loving it is coupled with commitment that is to really be with the person no matter what the cost is. “Deny oneself pick up ones cross and follow Jesus” does not literally mean go with him, but it’s doing what he loves us to do. I began to wonder why can’t we be with the ones we love especially when all seems to be perfect. Why can’t the love of our lives deny oneself pick up his cross and be with the one they love? There are really things in this world that is beyond our grasp and that includes love…

There are so many instances in my life while having chat with my lover that left me teary-eyed. As I intently listen to my lover and what message he wants to get across, my mind wanders around the words spoken, and could see scenes in my daily life that I had omitted, committed and/or most of the times abstained from doing so. I have wondered why in certain point in my life why I asked myself why God would gave me so much or why I could not have some things that I believe should be mine. But despite of it all, his presence embraced me to understand that my ways isn’t really his ways. So, I will end my thoughts and let this pain of mine be drifted away by his unfathomable love as I surrender all that I am to the one who really loves me the most--- may this song be a constant inspiration to be thankful for the gift of life….. Thank You LOVER OF MY SOUL for your constant reminder.

MY HEART’S THANKSGIVING

*REFRAIN:
As I sing my heart’s thanksgiving
And my eyes look heavenward
How the stars you flung like jewels
Bid your welcome, shine your light
As I marvel at your moonrise
I’m in awe, yet I ask,
What am I that you should love me,
And hold me as your dearest love of all?

You crown me with honor and glory
And you set all things under my feet
You have made me a li’l less than angels
Even if I fly often away (*)

In my anxious and brow-beaten moments,
You comfort me, fill me with peace
When my foes threaten, dare and surround me,
You’re my strength; you’re my light and my shield (*)

How exalted your name is, O Yahweh,
And how lofty the work of your hands
Yet how closely, how dearly you draw me
To your love, your divine majesty (*)

When all the lights are out!

2009-09-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

Often than not, we tend to be so convenient in using electricity and forget about emergency power failures. But have we ever given a thought to prepare ourselves when all of the sudden lights are turned off and all we can see is total darkness?

Yes! Darkness sometimes pissed us off especially when dinner is set and we are about to taste the first spoonful of delicious food. We say, we don’t want to experience it again. At this point in time, a light, i.e., emergency lights becomes handy.

Why handy? It is because we do not need to carry on heavy generators in cases of emergency, like when our place is hit by a typhoon, hurricane and all sorts of calamities. It is then handy, because kids at home can use it without any danger.

Indeed emergency lights is safe and easy-to-use, safe as this does not contain high voltage of electricity hence, kids at home will be far from being hurt. It is easy-to-use, as there are only buttons to turn and/or push in times of use.

In fact, there are varying types of emergency flashlights fit for all usages, to name a few; the 4-in-1 auto emergency flashlights built for home use, the multifunctional emergency flashlights used for wide range area and illuminates it just like ordinary lights, there is also a glow stick emergency flashlights which is handy for campers all over the world as it is super small yet it glows twice as much as ordinary flashlights, the solar torch flashlights fit for conserving energy, there is also what we called the squeeze flashlights which by its name one will surely how to manipulate it, and last but not the least is the TLPFL-0610 ideal for Home and CarSpot to Flood Beam.

It is then important that not only in our homes that we should have emergency flashlights but also to wherever we go, in our cars, office work, in our bags and even in our pockets because, even a little spark could save life, and that maybe yours.

i fly away

2009-09-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

They say that when a person cries and the first drop goes in the left eye, it meant that the person is sad, but when its on the other side, the person is happy… and yes, this is truly a confession to make, duh… when I hear this song, the first drop always goes to the left side (not that I can control my tears from falling to this direction). Does this mean that I am sad because I don’t truly love him in return? Or because of shame because sometimes I fly often away… (My thoughts keep on drifting to the times that I become unfaithful to the covenant that my lover and I made)

Not Another Sad Movie….

2009-08-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Looking back

It had been a decade since the struggles of the landless farmers take its roots and can even be counted from the time our land had been corruptibly invaded by the Spanish conquest who among others taught us the encomienda system. which was in effect what our Filipino ancestors had been practicing and implementing towards our own blood - the FILIPINO LANDLESS FARMERS.

The Saving Grace

And with the passage of RA 6657 commonly known as CARL, in 1988, it gave hope to our farmers that in time the land to which they till would become theirs at last. The passage of such law is based on the provision of the constitution on social justice which the constitution aptly stated in CALALANG vs. WILLIAM, that, Social Justice is neither communism, nor despotism, nor atomism, nor anarchy, but the humanization of laws and the equalization of social and economic forces by the state so that Justice in its rational and objectively secular conception may at least be approximated. Social Justice means the promotion of the welfare of the people, the adoption by the government of measures calculated to insure economic stability of all the component elements of society through the maintenance of a proper economic and social equilibrium in the interpretation of the members of the community, constitutionally, through the adoption of measures legally justifiable, or extra-constitutionally, through the exercise of power underlying the existence of all governments on the time honored principle of salus populi est suprema lex.

The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (RAA 6657) gave flesh to the intent of the constitution and is a revolutionary piece of legislation that seeks to free the peasants from the bondage of the soil. And that such law is definitely enacted for very specific reason, that is, equitable distribution of agricultural resources. Thus, seeking to cure the unjust situation where vast areas of land all over the Philippines are owned by very few yet very influential families and individual.

The Hindering Factor

But said struggles of the farmers to have and benefit from the fruits of their labors were not easy for here comes the Supreme Court by virtue of their power to interpret the laws of the land, introduced various amendments of RA 6657 such as the promulgation of the LUZ FARM CASE, NATALIA REALTY CASE, and the FORTICH CASE as well as the enactment of Congress of RA 7881 and other anti- AR Bills.

What have we come so far…

As the supreme court concluded in its opinion in Association of Small Landowners in the Philippines Inc. vs. Secretary of Agrarian Reform

And I Quote:

“By the decision we reach today, all major legal obstacles to the CARP are removed, to clear the way for the true freedom of the farmer. We may now glimpse the day when he will be released not only from the his own feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. At last his servitude will be ended forever. At last the farm on which he tills will be his farm. It will be his portion of Mother Earth that will give him not only the staff of life but also the joy of living, and where once it bred for him only deep despair, now can he see in it fruition of hid hopes for a more fulfilling failure. Now at last can he banish from his small plot of earth his insecurities and dark resentments and rebuild in it the music and the dream.

This would have a wonderful story to tell to our children, great-grandchildren and even to the next generation. Such decision would have been very great indeed, had it not of the pending bill in the congress allowing the passage of FAC Bill, that would ultimately lead to SHATTERED DREAMS of our lowly farmers.

Here comes the bride…

What’s in for us with this fresh and enticing bill?

They say:

The bill aims to provide farmers with greater access to credit by, among other measures, combining the modern technology of the banking sector with the traditional credit needs of the rural poor. Hence the law today limits borrowing by the farmers only from the Landbank for a period of ten years.

We say:

A big NO… for to allow the farmers to mortgage their lands in the current state of Philippine Agriculture (high interest) is tantamount to taking their lands from them and even result to massive foreclosure of CARP lands.
And not only that, it will ultimately open the floodgates of land reconsideration thereby defeating the very essence of AR, that is to provide land to the tiller. Thus, violating the Sections 4 and 5 of the 1987 constitution.

They say:

The FB’s are now allowed to mortgage or sell his cultivation rights over the land to any person whether natural or juridical in order to give greater access to financial institutions. (Section 27-A)

We say:

Fac will endanger the farmers by putting their ownership at risk reverting hereto, the Social Justice intention of CARL. More so, the sale, transfer, conveyance of lands without the approval of DAR clearly shows DAR’s gradual loss of power its power to implement CARL as well as AR laws virtual repeal.

They Say:

The bill is the timely answer to the country’s declining agricultural productivity as well as investments.

We say:

This is a a big mistake, for the bill do not dig deeper to the root cause of our problem by opening the CARP-awarded lands to any mortgage, sell or conveyance and the lifting of the 5 hectare retention limit. For the very problem is the failure on the part of the government to provide for the needed support services to make the awarded lands become productive.

ENTICING yet a Poison Ivy

They say there are lots of things they can offer for the farmers… But we say no, for we believe that this bill is a POISONOUS VENOM, that if tolerated would indisputably paralyzed the peasant farmers in our land. And in return, the main objective of CARP will no longer be available thus making it a stale and obsolete law.

PILIPINAS C. PALMA
BALAOD Mindanaw, Inc.

BEHIND EVERY PERSON IS A GREAT STORY

2009-08-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

The long and Winding Road

Events started when I decided to take another route from the Queen city of the south, away from the friends I have learned to love to land where I have never stepped into, the City of Friendship. The place was then so new to me, but I do not have uncertainty that I am meant to be here. And there’s a reason for everything that will come into my life.

After a few months of getting to know the new surroundings I took my entrance exam at LDCU and hopefully passed it. I enrolled in the college few days after passing said exam. The first few months at law school were all so tiring and routinary that most of the time at the library, to our classroom and home and study again.

A course that change my course of life

During the first semester I often heard some law students who joined a particular group that is so unfamiliar to my hearing. And one friend of mine made mention on her various engagements and experiences during the summer vacation that is so unusual to students like us, for others would just love to go home and intertwined their summer by staying at home or go on tour to visit places. But the stories she told me, awakened something down under me to try and be a part of the group to where she belongs.

It was only during the second semester that I got hold and witness how the group worked and indulge themselves to an activity that catches my attention. The activity was all about “MARGINALIZATION OF WOMEN IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM” that was held during our law day. I was able to get to know clearer and better the reason for being of the group who formally introduced themselves as CALL (Center for Alternative Lawyering of Liceo) a partner of certain NGO I hardly know.

After the said activity some members of the group invited some of my classmates and I to join them and gave us a piece of paper marked as “APPLICATION FORM”. At first I was hesitant for such word depict an idea that there is a very big task at stake plus the part wherein I am told to answer my concept of Alternative Lawyering, which I find it hard to answer for I am not familiar of such word. But thankfully, I was able to give my own first definition of what it means for a “BAGITO” like me. But even before they ask me to join, deep inside me, I am determined to take the path for such quest of life.

The walk of life

As I submit my application form I could feel the tingling sensation inside my brain for I know I am about to take another route. The day started when a member of the group text me to join them and explained to me what is going to happen. So I barged in without hesitation thus bringing all my stuffs in a very big traveling bag bigger in size than me for a one-week activity. There in the BOS that I met law students who are as eager as I am to learn and hear what Alternative Lawyering is all about. Many are the things that happened that made me see life in a way I could never imagined existed. For during my routinary life in the college I was dreaming of a life where I could see myself wearing high-heeled shoes and working in an office wearing a formal yet frigid outfit just to fit into the world where I thought is the only path I could have. (This is my reflection during the BOS)

And it was during the immersion that I feel the intensity of eradicating my usual concept on what legal profession is, for I realized that there are things that the academe or the school failed to teach me, that is the value and empowering the people you lend your services to as one value and empower oneself.

The Summer Experience

Being one of the applicants for CALL, we had to be separated and exposed to different sectors which members of ALG is focusing on… I was then exposed to Mining and IP sectors where I was able to witness how mining company works and how it affects the community in general. I was made to believe that laws are just and equitable but it is otherwise. And with regard to IP issues, where they were taught on how to stand for their own right by using the law as their tool. And not only that, such assignment is worth having for it taught me how to deal with different kind of people. Sometimes, I get carried away seeing them being displaced and evacuated for certain reasons they do not understand with inaction on their part. Such a summer experience is a heartbreaking and inspiring one for it made me more convinced that there is something inside of me to give.

After summer what?

Being part of the group, my engagement with ALG work still continues for the experience I had is just but a “sample” of the many events of life coming my way.

The journey only begins

Now as I continue to live my life being a member of CALL, everyday of it is a lesson learned. Being mold to continue the legacy that my mentors imparted to me is a good start of being one with the people in their fight for justice. And not only that, I became deeply involved with ALG work by becoming a part of an institution that do not only teach me to live life to the fullest with purpose but also teaches me to give the technology or the learning’s that law schools had taught me in order to empower the people especially the marginalized sectors, and I thank BALAOD for it widened my horizon to the traditional belief of what lawyering is all about. I could see the road clearly as I travel to life with headstrong conviction that no matter life may take I will bring this important event of my life, that no one can steal this away from me for it is mine in the making and I’ll bring it with me in my grave. But as of today, the journey for life has just begun with BALAOD and ALG as a whole

Published (Touching Lives. ICCO. 2005 )