concierto for nationalism

“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..

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!

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!

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

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!

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

“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…

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

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

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.