Ang Bahay ni Lolo

Part 1

Masaya ang lahat dahil sila ang nakakuha sa bahay na pinapaupahan. Magkaklase sa high school sina Jen at Luis. Galing sa probinsya at ngayon ay nagtatrabaho na sa syudad. Kasama ang ilan pang kaklase at kaibigan napagpasyahan nilang maghanap ng isang mauupahang apartment upang matupad ang kanilang mga kwentohan noon na kapag nakapagtabaho na sa syudad ay magsasama pa rin sila.

Isang masayang pagkakahalo ng iba't ibang tao ang section nina Jen at Luis. Kahit magkaiba sa ugali, paniniwala at gawi, sila ay nagkakaisa sa mga bagay lalong lalo na kapag may naagrabyadong isa o kaya'y may sangkot sa gusot. Kahit noong college na sila hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin sila nagsasawang pag-usapan ang mga kwentong tungkol din sa kanila kahit pa sabihing memoryado na ng mga tao ang lahat ng mga estorya. Masaya kasi pag sila ay nagsasama, masaya ang mga ala-ala, masaya ang magkwentuhan kahit pa hanggang umaga.

Isang araw, nagpasya silang magkita para kumain ng Pizza, kasama ang isa pa nilang kaklaseng si Rose. Late pa nga si Luis kasi galing sa trabaho nya. Doon nila napagpasyahang maghanap ng apartment para magkasama na sila at dahil na rin may iba pa raw na susunod at makikisama sa bahay. Mas masaya yun, ang ingay siguro, naisip nila.

Ilang hapon ding nagpalibot libot ang magkakaibigan. Kung hindi mahal, wala nang bakante o naunahan na. Hindi sila sumuko hanggang sa may natagpuan silang notice. "Bilis puntahan natin", napasigaw si Luis. Tamang tama lang kasi yung may ari aalis na pala sa bahay, doon na maninirahan sa probinsya kaya nila pauupahan ang bahay nila. Maganda, bago lang, malinis at malaki pa. Pagkababa nila, may iba namang umakyat, nagtanong, napakunot noo at napailing sa presyo ng renta. Pero nasabi ng magkaibigan na maganda talaga ang bahay, ang lokasyon nito ay strategic kasi malapit sa kalsada, sa sakayan, sa eskwelahan, sa grocery, sa simbahan at sa mga kainan at disco.

Pinilit nilang makuha ang apartment, naghigpit ng sinturon at sa wakas naging ok na ang lahat. Kulang na lang ng mga gamit at magmumukhang bahay na talaga ito. Sa laki ng bahay pwede pang magpatintero dito, maghabolan at maglaro. Noong una tatlo lang silang nakatira--si Jen, Luis at Mon. Yung kapatid at pinsan ni Luis ay darating pag pasukan na. Ang kapatid ng kaklase nilang si Aira ay makikituloy rin pero sa pasukan pa rin ang dating. Ilang araw at gabi ang nagdaan. Unti unting nang nadagdagan ang nakatira sa bahay. Dumating na si ang pinsan ni Luis na si Josie, ng kapatid nyang si Sheila at ang kapatid ni Aira na si Renan. Nakituloy din si Phil na magrereview para sa Criminology board exam.

Masaya ang lahat. Sama sama sa pagkain, tulong tulong sa mga gawain.

Isang gabi pagkalabas ni Luis sa banyo pagkatapos maligo, may napansin siyang isang matandang lalaki na dumaan. Matanda, nakasuot ng shorts at mabilis na naglakad palabas ng pintuan sa likod. Siya ay nabigla sa kaniyang nakita at pinilit ang sarili na paniwalaing iyon ay isang guni-guni lamang. Hindi niya ito ikuwenento kanino man. Ilang araw ang lumipas, maraming hindi magagandang bagay ang nangyari, problema sa trabaho, sa pamilya, sa kalusugan kanilang naranasan. May pagkakataong nahuhuli sila sa pagbayad ng mga bills at renta sa bahay. Sila ay nagtaka, sila ay napag-isip kung ano ang nagyayari. Si Jen ay binibisita na rin ng mga bangungot. Pilit man nilang hindi maniwala sa mga espiritu o mga ibng nilalang, minabuti nilang bumili ng santo na pinabendisyonan sa simbahan. Ito ay para sa kanilang espirituwal na paniniwala at para na rin kung baka sakali makatulong sa pagpapaalis o pagpapatigil sa kung ano o sino man ang gumagambala sa kanila.

Naikwento na rin ni Luis ang kaniyang nakita at simula noon sila ay parang naliwanagan na. Unti unti ring nabawasn ng tao. Si Josie, Phil at Renan ay umalis na habang may dumating namang mga bagong kasama. Si Grace na dating ka boardmate ni Luis sa college pa siya at si Alvin na anak ng kasama sa opisina ng ina niya. Nagpatuloy ang lahat sa kani kanilang buhay. Nawala na rin ang gumagambala sa kanila. Minsan si Grace ay nakakapanaginip din sa matandang lalaki pero hanggang doon na lang yun. Ang lalaki ay nakita din pala ng kapatid ni Jen isaang gabi habang palabas siya. Akala niya ay may magnanakaw kaya naghanda siya ng pamalo pero sa kanyang gulat ang pinto ay sarado at walang tao ni isa.

Ang mga bagay bagay na ganyan ay binaleawala na lang nila. Sila ay nasanay nang mamuhay ng kasama ang isa't isa. Siguro ayaw lang ng matanda na may bagong titira sa bahay nila, pero nasanay na rin siya at natanggap na ang kanyang mga bisita. Pero hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin nila alam at kilala kung sino ba talaga ang matandang lalaki naglalakad sa kusina.

to be continued.....

Adsum

June 3, 2011

11: 40 am

What is in a name?

My name is...

Yesterday I represented our client for mediation. It was the fourth resetting and I thought that would be the end of it. On the second meeting, everything was falling into places but on the third, a new issue was brought by the other party to which our client does not want to concede and so he just decided to continue with the case in court. However, yesterday another issue was raised by the other party to which if we look at the legal side is ludicrous but setting that aside, I thought maybe they have a point. All they wanted is to retain their name in the case (I mean to be parties in the case) for the "sentimental value" of their names. Was that too much to ask? I think not but they have already been substituted in the case, they have already lost their locus standi. That was the dilemma which kept me pondering even after the mediation.

A name is a word or a combination of words by which a person, place or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is called, or known. People call us by the name given to us. Some people make fun of our names, too. However, our name distinguishes us from others and sets us apart from the rest. Certain characteristics, memories and experiences are attached to our names so that a mere mention of it would excite our senses, make us laugh, sad, or furious. Shakespeare in the famous Romeo and Juliet wrote, "What's in a name, that we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Since we associate one thing with its name that association will always remain. It is also said that names can shape a person's character for it was found out that we live up to what our names mean or the character of the person whom we were named after.

Our names are like treasures which cannot be taken away from us even when are are on our graves. We protect it with our lives so that it will not be tarnished along the way. Like the other party during the mediation, regardless of the end result, they just wanted to see and hear their names used all through out the litigation. It is the pride of ending a battle which they have started and withstood for more than a decade which impelled them to ask for such favor. It is their name, to which legality aside, I do not have any objection.

A performer...

Speaking of names, I was able to witness a  free performance by a BIG name in the music and entertainment industry, Vina Morales. It was unintended. We were about to meet an old friend in Ayala when Vina was there, as the host and at the same time performer/entertainer, during the Cebu Business Month celebration. She lived up to the people's expectation associated with her name--"performer". She sang, dance, sang and dance and hosted the whole duration of the show. She captured the heart of the audience because she used the Cebuano language. An expression of closeness and love for her own province. That was an experience!

Full dinner...

We ate our dinner in one of the big names in Cebu's food and restaurant industry--Casa Verde. I have tried their food several times but I seem to like them more every time I dine there. The famous Brian's baby back ribs will never be lost in our table, tingting's tavern shrimp is my favorite and a whole variety of food choices are available. We get also a chance to talk, laugh, share stories with Panyang, our friend who came from Butuan and met a new friend Charo (Panyang's friend). This is to enjoy the third day of classes. Until next time.

P.S. I found this website:
http://www.paulsadowski.com/NameData.asp where you just type your name and it will make its findings and analysis of who or what your characteristics are. You can try it to see for yourself. Here are my results:

You entered: Russel Pernites

There are 14 letters in your name.

Those 14 letters total to 65

There are 5 vowels and 9 consonants in your name.

What your first name means:

French	Male	Variant of Rusell: Red. Also a form of Rufus: Red-haired
English	Male	Form of Rufus: Red-haired.

Your number is: 11

The characteristics of #11 are: High spiritual plane, intuitive, illumination, idealist, a dreamer.

The expression or destiny for #11:

Your Expression number is 11. The number 11 is the first of the master numbers. It is associated with idealistic concepts and rather spiritual issues. Accordingly, it is a number with potentials that are somewhat more difficult to live up to. You have the capacity to be inspirational, and the ability to lead merely by your own example. An inborn inner strength and awareness can make you an excellent teacher, social worker, philosopher, or advisor. No matter what area of work you pursue, you are very aware and sensitive to the highest sense of your environment. Your intuition is very strong; in fact, many psychic people and those involved in occult studies have the number 11 expression. You possess a good mind with keen analytical ability. Because of this you can probably succeed in most lines of work, however, you will do better and be happier outside of the business world. Oddly enough, even here you generally succeed, owing to your often original and unusual approach. Nonetheless, you are more content working with your ideals, rather than dollars and cents.

The positive aspect of the number 11 expression is an always idealistic attitude. Your thinking is long term, and you are able to grasp the far-reaching effects of actions and plans. You are disappointed by the shortsighted views of many of your contemporaries. You are deeply concerned and supportive of art, music, or of beauty in any form.

The negative attitudes associated with the number 11 expression include a continuous sense of nervous tension; you may be too sensitive and temperamental. You tend to dream a lot and may be more of a dreamer than a doer. Fantasy and reality sometimes become intermingled and you are sometimes very impractical. You tend to want to spread the illumination of your knowledge to others irrespective of their desire or need.

Your Soul Urge number is: 9

A Soul Urge number of 9 means: 

With a 9 Soul Urge, you want to give to others, usually in a humanitarian or philanthropic manner. You are highly motivated to give friendship, affection and love. And you are generous in giving of your knowledge and experience. You have very sharing urges, and you are likely to have a great deal to share. Your concern for others makes you a very sympathetic and generous person with a sensitive and compassionate nature.

You are able to view life in very broad and intuitive terms. You often express high ideals and an inspirational approach to life. If you are able to fully realize the potential of your motivation, you will be a very self-sacrificing person who is able to give freely without being concerned about any return or reward.

As with all human beings, you are prone to sometimes express the negative attitudes inherent to your Soul Urges. You may become too sensitive and tend to express emotions strongly at times. There can be significant conflict between higher aims and personal ambitions. You may resent the idea of giving all of the time and, in fact, if there is too much 9 energy in your nature you may reject the idea. You may often be disappointed in the lack of perfection in yourself and others.

Your Inner Dream number is: 11

An Inner Dream number of 11 means: 

You dream of casting the light of illumination; of being the true idealist. You secretly believe there is more to life than we can know or prove, and you would like to be provider of the 'word' from on high.

Adsum
June 2, 2011
9:09 am

Arano's Restaurant

Second day of classes (May 31, 2011) and our restaurant and food exploration had also officially started. Another semester of law books with gastronomic sessions in between is underway. I was not present when the said promise to treat was made but as we use the term I was part of the "collateral damage", nasali sa libre! According to them Ate Cai promised to offer a treat last enrollment. So Ate Rhen, Maven, Julse, Lemz, Prinz (but Prinz had another  business to attend to), Ate Cai and me planned the dinner. Classes ended at 8pm, 30 minutes earlier from the schedule so we hurriedly flagged a taxi and proceeded to Arano's at Fairlane Village, Guadalupe.

We arrived at about 8:30 pm. The street was quiet, you would not even know that a restaurant existed there, but the considerable number of cars parked outside is readily observable. We got excited, it was all our first time. The place was a residence actually but a small portion was transformed into a restaurant. We entered through a small door with a carving which says "Arano". That was our cue, that indeed was the restaurant.

There was a small reception area inside. There are also sets of tables and chairs while customers may delight in watching the television while waiting. The walls were filled with Spanish and Mexican memorabilia like coins, posters, pictures and a whole lot more. Obviously, the texts were on Spanish so I had the slightest hint on what those words meant to say. The owner, a foreigner, was also there entertaining the guests with his antics and excellent customer service. More tables and chairs were located in their garden, a perfect combination because your stomach gets full while your eyes get full of the view too. Since we went there on an evening, the place was accentuated with dim lightings with Spanish music which soothed our ears.

The menu consisted of Spanish dishes. We ordered paella (good for 5 persons but it was just right for the six of us), lengua which for me was the most delectable so far and buffalo wings (chicken wings). We also ordered leche flan and Crema de Mangga (actually it was just the famous mango float) for dessert. Just a friendly reminder, if you want to eat at Arano's, I think it would be best to call them first so that your orders will be prepared ahead. Unlike the fastfood chains where the orders are served instantly, here they cook the food as ordered right at that very moment. So you have to be patient enough. As for first timers like us, we waited for almost 2 hours just to get a taste of our orders. We even ate the desserts first just to pass the hunger.

Alas, when the foods were served, we devoured them and we succumbed to the hedonic call of our senses. Except for the long waiting period, I should say I highly recommend this place because it is affordable considering the taste and quality of the dishes that they offer.

P.S.: Big Thanks to Ate Cai.

Arano's Contact Number: 256-1937

Photos courtesy of:
http://ph.openrice.com/cebu/restaurant/sr2.htm?shopid=12061

First Day High

Kahapon, our classes have officially started. First day high? Yes, high sa readings, readings at readings.hehe....Ang bilis pa magsalita ng teacher, pero siguro nga nabibilisan lang ako kasi di naman ako nagbasa. I realized that this is indeed a serious part, unlike in high school or college where you get excited not because of the classes but because of your friends. I am not saying that I do not have friends or that I do not have people to hang up with but people are damn serious now, I cannot relate.haha

Anyways, with God's grace, I know I will be able to face all the obstacles with ease and with a big smile. That would be true to all of us. Promise!

Yesterday was a "katangahan" day for me. First, in the morning, I have to go back twice to the apartment to get my "baon" and then my wallet. Then I discovered last night that I have lost my School ID. I cannot remember where it is, no hint! When I went to emall to buy some groceries, I forgot to tender my advantage card, so I missed the points. A regrettable loss! I learned that phrase from Riano in one of his lectures (audio which I downloaded from the internet). He was explaining that the Filipino language was more beautiful because there are Filipino words which do not have a direct translation in English like for example the word "sayang", in English its "regrettable loss". Despite the "katangahan" the day was also filled with blessings that we should be thankful of more than the losses and problems.

Stress Free

Before, the term "stress" was used to refer to some clinically diagnosed psycho-somatic ailments or psychological ailments when the physical body is strained by overwork. Now, the word has become a common parlance, used by anyone to refer to almost anything. Stressed by work, stressed by studies, stressed by a person and so on and so forth. In this regard, it is assuring to know that stress is not permanent, stress can even be prevented. It now lies on the individual's coping capabilities and self management potentials. Some people eat, some people visit places, some people sleep, some people talk, some people write, some people play. It all depends on you.

As for me, I handle stress by praying first and foremost, by eating and by walking to places where my bare feet take me. It is the time where I find solace in nature, in myself and in the Supreme Being. I was not really stressed last Saturday but I wanted to take some time off and explore what Cebu is like at night. Together with a good friend, we had simple yet satisfying dinner at Robinsons Supermarket. The we decided to take a little walk, little by little until we reached the site of the newly renovated Plaza Independencia.

The Plaza has been open to the public for several weeks. It is now cleaner, safer and melodramatic. It is now connected with Fort San Pedro, which by the effects of the lightings have created a backdrop view of the Philippines during the Spanish era. It is also filled with obelisk and trees. Benches also accommodate the tired legs while the breeze breathes away the tiresome problems of the day. The running water from the fountain, the cemented pathways and the intricately designed gazebo seem to take you in a wonderland in the midst of a busy city.

Unexpectedly I saw another good friend, so we passed the night with talks, laughs and guffaw. This is stress free!

On Writing

Justice for Gerry Ortega!

Since the reacquisition of Philippines' democracy in 1986, Gerry Ortega is the 142nd slain journalist. While reading news articles about him, I thought of the advantages and disadvantages of writing, of bravery and of standing against the corrupt majority. I have not known him personally but he is a loss as a politician, as a journalist, as a civic leader and as a Christian.

Talento nga ba ang pagsusulat? Bakit ba tayo nagsusulat? Is a person destined to write and embrace it as a profession? In the first place can you consider it as a profession? Maraming katanungan ang pumasok sa aking isipan. Personally, I write because I want to share. Everyone is not given an opportunity to be able to speak with somebody to share ideas, feelings, and emotions. Everyone does not get the chance to capture a willing audience to listen. However, when you write, you tap the your inward self and share with humility and sincerity your opinion, views and insights no matter how interesting or insensible they are.

Napagtanto ko na sa pagsusulat, di mo kailangan na mamili ng tao na babasa sa iyong mga akda. Nagsusulat ka hindi para sa ibang tao, kundi para sa iyong sarili. It is one avenue where you are able to release your thoughts, angsts, happiness, disappointments, achievements, and failures. You write not to impress but to touch lives. Kung may taong nagugustuhan ang naisulat mo. If some people were influenced by the ideas you conveyed. Kung may mga taong indi ka maintindihan dahil sa lenggwahe mo. If people applause and congratulate how well you wrote. Kung may magsasabing pangit at walang saysay ang tema ng isinulat mo. Be thankful for you were not expecting those reactions when you wrote your piece. Ibig sabihin, regardless of the positive or negative comment, the hard fact is napansin nila ang isinulat mo, napansin ka nila. You were able to share your thoughts, you were able to reach them and their reactions is the living proof of that. Like Gerry Ortega, he wrote about the truth, he wrote for everyone. Through the simplicity of his words, many have been awakened from their deep slumber. Through the sheer power of the ink and the pen, he was considered as a threat by the guilty. Despite this he continued for he was guided by his conscience and good faith.

Para kanino na ba ang pagsusulat? Sa aking palagay ay para sa lahat. Di na kailangan ng mabulaklak na pananalita or idiomatic expressions. Write from the heart, explore, and let yourself be heard.

-ooOOoo-

Below is an excerpt of Bob Ong's (Stainless Longganisa) view on writing:

"Pag tinatanong ako ng mga tao kung ano ang maganda sa trabaho ko, sinasabi kong amo ko ang sarili ko. Pag tinatanong nila ako kung ano naman ang pangit, sinasabi ko ring amo ko ang sarili ko.

Hindi para sa tamad ang pagsusulat. Lahat kasi ng aspeto ng trabaho nakaasa sa'yo. Ikaw ang boss at ikaw din ang tauhan. Alam nila pareho kung natulog lang maghapon ang isa't isa. Pag nag-AWOL ang boss at nagdesisyong mag-mental bungee jumping, automatic na on-leave din ang tauhan. Tigil ang produksyon.

Hindi para sa tamad ang pagsusulat. Hindi mo maloloko ang time card ng opisina. Hindi ka mareregular. Walang promotion. Walang 13th month. Walang bonus. No work, no pay. Walang half-day, walang holiday. Walang overtiem pay. Wala man lang perks o company give away. Walang Christmas party. Walang outing. Wala kang katrabaho. Wala ka man lang masabihang bad trip ka kay boss bukod sa kamay mong drinowingan mo ng mukha.

Hindi para sa tamad ang pagsusulat. Buong kumpanya nakaasa sa'yo. Wala kang ibang paghuhugutan ng sipag, tiyaga, at determinasyon kundi sarili mo. Walang deducton sa late o absences dahil ang usapan lang lagi ay kung may natapos ka o wala. Piece work wage. Walang mga palusot na kailngan dahil wala ring mga palusot na uubra. Wala kang ibang hahagupitin kundi sarili mo, at walang ibang hahagupit sa'yo kundi ikaw. Lahat, self service.

Hindi para sa tamad ang pagsusulat. Pag binisita ka ng idea, gana o inspirasyon, kailangan mong itigil LAHAT ng ginagawa mo para di masayang ang pagkakataon. Walang "sandali lang" o "teka muna." Dahil pag lumagpas ang maikling panahong yon, kahit mag-umpog ka ng ulo sa pader mahihirapan ka nang maghabol.

Hindi para sa tamad ang pagsusulat. Doble ang hirap sa trabaho kung masakit ang ulo mo dahil ulo mo mismo ang kailangan mo sa trabaho. At hindi mo rin pwede lunurin sa trabaho ang mga naiisip mong problema sa buhay dahil ang mag-isip ang mismo mong trabaho.

Hindi para sa tamad ang pagsusulat. Mata lang ang kailangan ng pintor para malaman kung pangit o maganda ang produkto n'ya. Tenga lang ang sa musikero. Dila at ilong lang ang sa kusinero. At dalawang oras lang ang sa mamemelikula. Pero sa manunulat, kailangan n'yang basahin nang paulit-ulit at intindihin ang mga naisulat n'ya para malaman kung nakakaantok, matabang, sintonado o maputla ang naging resulta.

Hindi para sa tamad ang pagsusulat. Araw-araw may shootout ang manunulat at ang suki n'yang demonyo. May general assembly ang iba't ibang tao at Pokemon sa loob ng ulo n'ya. At may riot ang mga prinsipyong nasungkit n'ya noong mga nagdaang dekada. Lahat yan nangyayari habang pinipilit n'yang maging mas matinong tao ngayon kesa kahapon. Tulad ng magsasakang nagtatanim ng palay sa gitna ng giyera.

-ooOOoo-

Very interesting right? Very inspiring. Madagdag ko lang, di para sa tamad ang pagsusulat, pero pwede kang magsulat kung tinatamad ka.

Adsum

May 28, 2011

2:59 pm

Kinse ug Traynta

Kinse ug traynta.

La lang, kinse ug traynta mga adlaw
sa kada buwan nga labing importanteha
Sa mga empleyado ug trabahante
Ug usahay sa mga estudyante na nangeskwela.

Kinse ug traynta.

Tunga-tunga ug katapusan sa bulan
Adlaw kung kanus.a madawat ug matagamtaman
Ang bunga sa pag.antos ug paghago
Sa inadlaw na trabaho sa opisina.

Kinse ug traynta.

Maau pa ug magnegosyo na lang
Para di na maghuwat na swelduhan
Ikaw ang masunod, ikaw ang magbuot
Ikaw ang muhatag sa sweldo nila.

Kinse ug traynta.

Apan kinahanglan ghapon ka maningkamot
Para mudaghan ang halin ug ginansya
Kay didto mo man kuhaa ang ihatag
Nga sweldo kada

Kinse ug traynta.

Unsa na man lang, asa na lang ta
Kung sige ka ug huwat
Ang uban gigutom, wa nay ihukad sa lamesa
Kay dugay pa man muabot ang

Kinse ug traynta.

Karon ako nang nasuta
Ug ako nang naamguhan
Nga dili d i lalim
Ang manarbaho, mangita ug kwarta.

Kinse ug traynta.

Dili na pud nimu mabasol ang uban
Nga mangutang bisag naay interes
Pangsumpay sa gininhawa
Para naay lay panggasto sa dili pa muabot ang

Kinse ug traynta.

Mao pud d ay nga ang uban
Dili na magkatawa inig abot sa kinse ug traynta
Kay ila naman nabaligya
O d kaha ibayad ang madawat inig

Kinse ug traynta.

Adsum
May 28, 2011
11:50 am

[kahibaw na mo sa ako gipasabot.hehe :-)]

Reunion

Kahapon napagkasunduan naming makita nang aking dating katrabaho, si Chantele. Sa isang sikat na pizza store ang aming tagpuan. As usual, sabi nya, ma.lalate daw xa. Alas 7 ng gabi ang oras na napagkasunduan pero lampas alas 7 na wala pa sya. Nilibang ko na lang ang aking sarili sa pagbabasa ng dyaryo at magazine. Actually d ko nabasa ang magazine kasi biglang dumating si Rhea. Sya pala ang sorpresang sinasabi ni Chantele pagtawag nya kanina. Medyo nasorpresa ako pero bahagya lang kasi when Chantele told me that somebody else would come, I was expecting Rhea or Marian.

Sabay kami sa interview, sa pag take ng exam at sa pagkatanggap sa trabaho. Na.destino din kami sa parehong opisina. For a short period of time we saw each other's attitude, work ethics and friendship. Bawat isa may sari-sariling diskarte pero bilib ako sa pagkakaisa. Kahit minsan may kaonting personal na hidwaan, nagtutulungan pa rin para sa ikabubuti ng nakakarami.

Unexpectedly, we were much surprised with Chantele. Imagine, halatang halata na ang kanyang pagkapayat. Rhea looked satisfied and contented sa kanyang new work because of the positive aura that she emitted. As for me, yun na yun.hahaha. We considered it as a small gathering too celebrate Chantele's birthday and a get together na rin. Napag.usapan namin ang mga masasayang alaala. We talked about people, places, events and memories. Naging cheat day ng lahat. Barkada overloaded pizza, lasagna at dalawang pitcher ng four seasons.  Busog na kung busog, kain na kung kain, tawa na kung tawa. Bahala na.

Ang sayang balikan ng nakaraan. Ang sayang pag.usapan ang ngayon. Ang sayang isipin ang mangyayari sa hinaharap. Whether under the moonlight, habang suot ang orange na t-shirt o sa isang kainan o kahit saan man basta mabuti at maganda ang samahan, talagang mapupuno ng kasiyahan lalo na pag may tagay na four seasons. Until next time.

Adsum
May 28, 2011
9:20 am

Bahala na si Batman

"Come to think of Ayala as a barangay. It has all the basic services-- the roads, water, electricity, infrastructures, health centers, etc. Why is it developed? Why is it successful?", the question thrown to me by a former professor during our short talk at Starbucks Ayala.

Bahala na si Batman.

I thought for a while and answered "maybe in Ayala the planners are also the implementors while in the government others plan but others implement."

Bahala na si Batman.

The whole conversation revolved around the Philippines, as a whole. Sometimes touching on economics and politics and basically everything and anything under the sun.

Bahala na si Batman.

I also had a crash course in photography. Talked about the aperture, exposure, lighting, prime lenses, etc. and I got a free hot green tea.

Bahala na si Batman.

Accordingly, the Philippines have good planners but we have been overwhelmed by a plethora of plans without considering the effects if the parts are placed together to form the whole. 

Bahala na si Batman.

The Philippines lacked nationalism. So I was able to promote my fascism but then again the economic argument resurfaced.

Bahala na si Batman.

Was the prehistoric governance in the Philippines better? A question that we were not able to answer. Maybe yes, maybe no. We do not have empirical data as of the moment. The concept of "pamahatlaan" was discussed. Why not infuse spirituality with governance? Why is the deva raja effective? Was the political system that the Philippines adopted really incongruent with our political culture?

Bahala nasi Batman.

Ito na siguro ang pinaka kalat kong naisulat.hehe. It is reflective of the ideas which popped out during the whole duration of the conversation.

Bahala na si Batman.

Relativity in time and sense of time. It was already midnight when we decided to leave, mainly because only a few people were left and we had our respective works to attend the other day.

Bahala na si Batman  

Holy Week: Procession, Hanginan and Monte Cueva (April 23, 2011)

After long months of work and school, I think Holy Week was the longest vacation so far. It was not just a time for vacation and relaxation but a perfect opportunity to count all the blessings that we received, not entirely be “holy” but at least be good and do some sacrifice to feel what Jesus suffered to save humankind.

Good Friday Procession

I grew up with the Good Friday procession as a tradition. It is one of the events where the family is gathered as one, behind San Pedro because as they usually say, “para mauna ta ug abot.” Unfortunately, this year, we were not able to line behind Sr. San Pedro because it rained. After a short wait, the rain stopped and then we proceeded to the line down Magsaysay Avenue, 30 de Deciembre Street, a short turn at A. Mabini Street and back to the Church.

It is amusing to watch people holding their candles while candidly walking despite the slight rain. It is also an opportune time to meet friends and familiar faces, where a mere nod and an exuberant smile without any words is enough to utter everything—for this time is for the Lord.

After the walk, the kissing of the “santo entiero” followed. We lined up to take turns. One observation which I want to point is the attitude of our local officials who come last but maneuvers themselves through the long line and reach the dead Christ’s body first. This is not a good example for the youth and the children, I thought everyone is equal in the eyes of God? I know some of the people there just do not have the temerity to protest because they (local officials) are in the position but if these were just ordinary people, for sure a debacle was underway. Anyway, that does not deserve to be discussed here (out of topic).

Black Saturday

 As planned, we went to Hanginan in Southern Leyte on Black Saturday. Agreement was to meet up at 5am at the terminal but time is relative (you know what I mean…hehehe) but we were able to leave while the sun was not yet up.

I decided not to sleep on the duration of the travel so I won’t miss the picturesque sceneries along the way and maybe because of the drive because by far this will only be my second time to go up the famous chapel above the mountain. Actually, my first was way back when I was in grade 4, that was long time ago and I do not even have much memories about it anymore.

 When we passed the Municipality of Matalom, we saw the traditional early dawn station of the cross. It was assuring to learn that many people still practice their religious beliefs and rituals but I have observed that most of the participants were the older ones, where are the youths and the youngsters? Maybe deep asleep in the comforts of their homes, I should say. I came to contemplate about my own spiritual journey. I, similar to children of my generation and friends of my age have come to this Earth exposed to the religion that we were born with. At that very age, we can say that we have no choice because we have to obey what we are told and follow what the elders believe and practice. I became an altar servant mainly because of my mother’s persistence and partly because of my curiosity to know more about the operations of the church. It did open my eyes to facts, realities, doctrines and dogmas of the Church but I cannot say that it strengthened my spiritual maturity. As I grew up, I inquired, I questioned, I became critical not to the beliefs but to why people believe differently. If there is only one God, why are there so many religions? And things like that. I learned to compare and distinguish different religious beliefs. I am a Roman Catholic and I am proud of that. I have attended services by other denominations and religious movements like the Baptist, Adventist, Aglipay, Krishna Consciousness, to name a few and I am fulfilled because through such exposure I was able to slowly find answers to my questions. In this journey I have observed that religion and politics (referring to the government system) have something in common—inequality of rank and position. Both are advanced forms of organizations composed of rigid stratification where rank, position and power is the considered a paramount agenda. In both, there is a divide between the persons in power and the persons to whom the power is exercised (those who are ruled). In both, the persons in power enjoy more privilege and are accorded with utmost respect and sometimes fear by the persons ruled. In both, rules, regulations and laws are strictly implemented to govern and promote social order. The main difference is that accordingly, in religion the spiritual aspect is the main concern while in politics the secular life is the center of interest. Nonetheless, this may be the reason why since time immemorial the Church and the State have always been in conflict or should I say in control and balance! So much with the serious topic (I have not yet completed that study),  I have learned that indeed people worship the same God but this God may take different forms and names. By allowing myself to understand each religion’s or religious movement’s beliefs I was able to synthesize and realize that I should never be confused because in the end we are still worshipping the same Supreme Being. Through the blessings and the challenges by which God gave me, I can now say that I am stronger than before. I grew more mature in terms of spiritual understanding and in appreciating what I have now--like this opportunity, this lifetime, these friends, my family, my work, my studies and countless others. After being engrossed in deep thoughts for quite sometime, I realized that we already arrived at the Maasin City Bus Terminal.

Hanginan
Maasin City Bus Terminal did not look as I expected, it was almost bare but maybe it was because of the holiday. I am overwhelmed by the fervor that the local government officials showed to put an end to smoking and the derivative risks that nicotine bring through declaring itself as a “no smoking city”. It must have been hard for that means loss in income but this proves that if there is a will there is a way. We commissioned a tricycle to take us to the base point to San Francisco Xavier Chapel in Barangay Hanginan. At P10 pesos each, the ride was worth it. At about 6:30 am we started the trek to the chapel. It was a smooth walk at first but eventually we encountered uncemented pavements which made the walk more challenging. Along the way, interesting notices can be observed. At the bus terminal, the charge for using the comfort rooms was P2 but as we went higher, the charge for its use also increased from P3 to P5. Does this mean something? I do not know but what matters is the fact that Filipinos really find entrepreneurial ways in every extant opportunity. They are sensitive to the demands of the people passing by, thus the supply for comfort rooms have increased [law of supply and demand at its crude application]. Another notable observation is the prevalence of posters and tarpaulins advertising a particular educational institution (I won’t name names but the pictures will speak for it) which as of the very moment that we were there, together with the foil packs and cellophane wrappers are scattered as rubbish spoiling nature’s beauty. It is both the responsibility of the pilgrims and the owners of these products or institutions causing these advertisements to maintain the cleanliness of the place. In addition to the efforts of the barangay officials, we should also help. This is not a one way responsibility but a consensual and united duty imposed upon all of us! I hope next time, all I can see are natural wastes not synthetic plastics and printed papers.  There really is learning anywhere. I so love this trip!

The Chapel is located at the top of the mountain so you have to walk several kilometers to reach it. Habal habal or motorcycles are available but it would defeat the purpose of sacrifice. Resting posts or cottages are provided so you can stop and sit for a while, there are parts which are cemented and there are others that are not, all you have to do is enjoy. During our ascent, we met some familiar faces who were on their descent, they have been there earlier. One advice which they gave is never to say “kapoy or I’m tired” because it will add to your burden and you will reach the chapel at a slower pace in a longer period of time. So there was an unwritten rule not to say the “words that should not be said.”

The green mountain was awesome! The 300 plus-step stairs that were at times steep never failed to amaze me. We stepped on them one by one, while striking a pose in between. For about 2 hours we reached the Chapel, filled with sweat and hungry but fulfilled and satisfied that at last we reached our destination. We took our bows and said our individual prayers and intentions. The Chapel had relatively improved, thanks to the kind hearted donors. We got the chance to be touched by the image of San Francisco Xavier. The feeling was unexplainable that no words of this language can describe what it is.

We ate our official breakfast at a nearby carenderia. To supplement our own food, we bought 2 bowls full of stewed native chicken. It was delectable! After eating and taking numerous pictures we started our descent. I will just take the chance to post the picture that we took of these fellows here since the email address that she gave me does not exist according to google.

We felt more blessed because upon reaching the foreground we were able to pray over and kiss the image of the crucified Christ as it was being taken around the place.

Monte Cueva
Since it was still 10am, we decided to proceed to Monte Cueva. We took another tricycle ride to the place and to our surprise we took a considerable mileage. We started our trek towards the place by following the arrows posted and by once in a while stopping to get instructions from the locals. The place was superb! You have to pass through a bridge with clear waters flowing and then see the vast green meadow and the image of Mary. It was perfect for people on spiritual journey, it was a perfect time for the occasion and it fell exactly according to our plan. The Chapel is located at the top of the mountain so you have to go up through several, several, several steps of stairs. There actually is a station of the cross on each stop, so you can sit or kneel and pray. However, as the altitude increased the difficulty also increased. We had to catch our breath and held tightly on the railings to support ourselves. The stairs have also begun to become steeper to the point that Abigail had to crawl her way up.

The sight above was more beautiful, even magical. It was then that we realized where the place got its name—Mountain Cave or Cave in a mountain. There was a small cave which they transformed into a chapel. It was made of stones yet solemn, it was simple yet grand, it was surreal actually.

After lighting up our candles and saying our respective prayers and intentions, we took off and started our descent. We walk again down, just like in Hanginan, the descent is more challenging because gravity will pull you down, It requires full control and concentration in the midst of the impending rain and the hungry stomach.

We reached the bus terminal without finding any stalls which sell some delicacies so we were contented with the chips and biscuits that we brought along. We left the place bringing with us an incomparable holy week experience. We will be back, that’s a promise!

Adsum

May 25, 2011

8:45 am