INUNDATED
It was September 26, 2009, Saturday, I had my schedule worked out the whole day. I had planned to do some walking and jogging at 7 a.m. then meet a friend at the Mall of Asia at 8:00 a.m., then proceed to office to finish some workload and at 2pm attend a seminar on financial literacy.
Not a single task was accomplished on that fateful day. It was a drizzle that welcomed me in the early morning. An hour had passed, the rain seemed to have a field day, pouring in more droplets of water from above without let up. The water in the street was beginning to rise and the rain kept pouring in with all its might, something was wrong, and so I thought. I kept looking out at the window and observing the water level outside, and when it reached the critical level which was an unusual occurrence, I instructed my Mom to warn my brother to get his car out of the street and move it to a higher ground for safety. It was just in the nick of time before a huge volume of filthy and blackish water invaded our homes and streets.
What we thought was just an ordinary rainfall brought us chest deep flood in our street in a span of a 6- hour downpour. Some low lying houses in our neigborhood were partially submerged at knee deep high. While the torrential rain was relentless, my naughty self didn’t stop me from calling my 9 year old nephew who lives just a few houses away from us and asked him, “Polo, the rain isn’t stopping , do you think it’s already the end of the world?” He hung up on me.
The story of Noah’s Arc was flashing in my mind during that time. Although, the experience we had was not of biblical proportions, the thought of flood rising without mercy was indeed a very frightening scenario. While I was so concerned with our plight, trying to strategize how to overcome the onslaught of flood, we were unaware of what others were going through.
The small storm, Ondoy, caught everyone by surprise. It wreaked havoc in the whole metropolis and nearby towns and provinces. The extent of damage it had created was a nightmare to behold. The rampaging water, rushing like an amuck, flowing and raging like mad, killing and drowning everyone and destroying everything that blocked its way. It was like there was a conspiracy of sorts, landslide, mud, flood, water and garbage attacking the unprepared humans with a cruel intention of annihilating the whole generation in one swoosh. The violent rage of Ondoy was uncontrollable.
Each one has a story to tell. Tales of defeat and courage. Tales of woe and survival. Everyone heard the news and saw the tragic event. The colossal destruction Ondoy left brought miseries to those who were hard hit. The trauma was evident in everyone. The cries and wailing of people brought chills to the spine, while others look for answers why it happened.
Was it an act of God, or was it a man made disaster? We have been warned but we never listened. We never left our comfort zones and went our own ways, pretending to be deaf to the sound of the alarm. We heard about global warming and its immediate effect , climate change. Concerned people begged us to stop environment degradation. Environmentalists extolled us to love nature and be good stewards of all of God’s creations, but still we didn’t respond. The manifestations of a deteriorating environment are glaring: soil erosion, landslides, water at rivers and lakes are rising due to siltation, rampant cutting of trees without replacing them, flooding because of improper disposal of garbage that clogged esteros and canals. Sad to say, we are the culprits ourselves. We are paying what we have sowed and now we learned a lesson the hard way. Ondoy tragedy is only a prelude to a more devastating calamities ahead. Experts and scientists showed the dangers of our non-action and wanton disregard of the calls to do our part, even the smallest step we do when done collectively can still salvage the planet earth, if not, the wrath of nature will continue to avenge the abuse it has suffered from the hands of humans leading us to a life of perdition, of drought, floods, and rising sea levels, the consequences of which are FAMINE and STRIFE. This is a wake up call.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Sunday, June 07, 2009
MARRIAGE DILEMMA
Marriage is an ultimate dream for some women. The plunge into the fear of the unknown is overtaken by the pure joy of being united permanently and officially to the person so loved. The couple builds a future together and finds strength in the love they both profess. The honeymoon stage kept the fire of love intense and overly romantic. For how long love remains in the air, only time will tell.
Marriage is sacred. The couple’s vow to remain faithful to each other is a tough act to follow. In marriage ceremonies, we usually hear these words heartily spoken by two people in love, “for richer and for poorer, till death do us part”. This is a covenant with God entered into by the couple promising to love until their last breath on earth. The Bible teaches “what God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” Further, as christians, we believe that God commanded that a husband loves his wife and in return the wife must submit to the husband. Quite tellingly, God’s commandment must be obeyed to the core of the soul if the couple wants a lasting and blissful life together.
But if the marriage vow is broken by a plethora of reasons, does God’s forgiveness at hand? Will He allow exemptions? How does He view annulment, divorce, legal separation and families that had gone apart?
Cases in point:
Case 1. THE HOPELESS GUY
The wife is in her early 40’s with 3 children. She has been married to a man who abhors work. They have been living with the parents of the guy. The parents in-law are the ones providing for the needs of their children. The guy is a sloth, in the truest sense of the word, no work, uses drugs, a drunkard, gambler, a philanderer who’s fond of ill-repute women. Name all the vices and he has it. He has sired 3 children with one of the bar girls he met. On the other hand, the wife has no work and for 15 years or so, has put up with his devilish ways. She and her children literally lived in hell. The parents of the guy pleaded that she remain faithful with him, out of pity and love for the parents in-law, she did, though she doesn’t see any hope that his man will change. Perhaps, sensing that she has been abused for such a long time, told herself, enough is enough. One day, she took a job at the call center firm and did well. She packed her bags and brought her 3 children with her, left her husband without telling where they will be staying. Now, she admitted, she has found peace. Could she stand by her decision ?
Case 2. THE SPINELESS HUSBAND
The wife is holding a managerial position in a big company while the husband is an office clerk in one of the banks in Makati. Wife discovered that husband had an affair with an officemate. Quarrel ensued, and husband decided to resign from his job. He had been applying for a job since then. Wife said, her husband does not have the guts and the “diskarte” needed to find another job. After successive failures in finding one, he opted to become a houseband, to the wife’s consternation.. There was a role reversal, she had become the sole provider. For years, husband remained in the house and looked after their growing daughter. A doting father that he was but a man who lack balls to look for a job and help out in their finances. The marital frustration of the wife put a strain in her work. She was always stressed, suffered depression and was extremely disappointed with her husband’s inability to find work. Worst, her husband constantly nagged her about her coming home late which came to a point that he accused her of having an affair with an officemate. The husband was spineless, did not have the drive to uplift the family’s situation. According to her, her body, mind and spirit are tired. She found solace through a male officemate and before she realized it she was falling for this man, also a married guy. She was almost at the verge of jumping into an illicit affair with him. Years had passed, husband finally found a work as a driver. Wife resigned from her hectic managerial job and settled for a lesser stressful job. She left her high paying job and worked as a call center agent. Were those major decisions her way of ironing out the mess in her marital life to keep the marriage intact? Perhaps, the friction had been temporarily resolved, but was she completely happy?
Case 3. THE VIOLENT TYPE
She eloped with him and foregone the opportunity to finish her studies in college, all because love prevailed over her. She lived with her in-laws and that begun her life in torment. She was physically, emotionally and psychologically abused by her rogue husband. The mother-in-law was a monster-in law in reality. The suffering she endured with her husband’s physical abuse and the mother in-law’s maltreatment of her crushed her self-worth. She stood by her man hoping that the beatings would stop. When she gave birth to a baby girl, the mother in-law took full custody of the child and completely detached the poor infant from her mother. She took it all in meek surrender. She never had the courage to fight for her baby that was rightfully hers. Until the birth of her second baby, a boy. Her sister who knew how much she had suffered from the hands of her husband’s family, took her away and the baby boy. The young girl barely a year old then was totally left under the care of the mother in-law. Now, she considers herself a single parent of a fine young man. Her daughter who grew up with her husband and mother in-law is a disturbed and a love deprived person. The daughter’s life with her father’s family was hellish. She has three children from different men.
The mother’s hatred and suppressed bile for years of misery from her husband’s family had assumed an identity in the person of her daughter who had gone astray. For her, the daughter has been long dead and only a reminder of an ugly and painful part of her life.
These are just some stories of marital conflicts, marriage woes and untold sufferings of women who have dreamt of living and sharing a life with a man they thought they knew so well.
Not all marriages are made in heaven. How enviable those women who are blissfully and happily attached to their husbands until their advanced years. But, how many women/wives stood for their husbands despite their deficiencies and glaring character flaws?
Can we fault women and wives if they take a stand by building their shattered dignity again by leaving their husbands who had never loved, respected and protected them?
God said, what he has joined together let no man put asunder. Is this a strict commandment? I think not. It is only our frailties which destroy us and eventually ruin relationships. Our concept of marriage had become superficial, had become a fad, a badge of “honor” that one has found a partner but in truth, marriage is more than that.
Marriage is sacred. The couple’s vow to remain faithful to each other is a tough act to follow. In marriage ceremonies, we usually hear these words heartily spoken by two people in love, “for richer and for poorer, till death do us part”. This is a covenant with God entered into by the couple promising to love until their last breath on earth. The Bible teaches “what God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” Further, as christians, we believe that God commanded that a husband loves his wife and in return the wife must submit to the husband. Quite tellingly, God’s commandment must be obeyed to the core of the soul if the couple wants a lasting and blissful life together.
But if the marriage vow is broken by a plethora of reasons, does God’s forgiveness at hand? Will He allow exemptions? How does He view annulment, divorce, legal separation and families that had gone apart?
Cases in point:
Case 1. THE HOPELESS GUY
The wife is in her early 40’s with 3 children. She has been married to a man who abhors work. They have been living with the parents of the guy. The parents in-law are the ones providing for the needs of their children. The guy is a sloth, in the truest sense of the word, no work, uses drugs, a drunkard, gambler, a philanderer who’s fond of ill-repute women. Name all the vices and he has it. He has sired 3 children with one of the bar girls he met. On the other hand, the wife has no work and for 15 years or so, has put up with his devilish ways. She and her children literally lived in hell. The parents of the guy pleaded that she remain faithful with him, out of pity and love for the parents in-law, she did, though she doesn’t see any hope that his man will change. Perhaps, sensing that she has been abused for such a long time, told herself, enough is enough. One day, she took a job at the call center firm and did well. She packed her bags and brought her 3 children with her, left her husband without telling where they will be staying. Now, she admitted, she has found peace. Could she stand by her decision ?
Case 2. THE SPINELESS HUSBAND
The wife is holding a managerial position in a big company while the husband is an office clerk in one of the banks in Makati. Wife discovered that husband had an affair with an officemate. Quarrel ensued, and husband decided to resign from his job. He had been applying for a job since then. Wife said, her husband does not have the guts and the “diskarte” needed to find another job. After successive failures in finding one, he opted to become a houseband, to the wife’s consternation.. There was a role reversal, she had become the sole provider. For years, husband remained in the house and looked after their growing daughter. A doting father that he was but a man who lack balls to look for a job and help out in their finances. The marital frustration of the wife put a strain in her work. She was always stressed, suffered depression and was extremely disappointed with her husband’s inability to find work. Worst, her husband constantly nagged her about her coming home late which came to a point that he accused her of having an affair with an officemate. The husband was spineless, did not have the drive to uplift the family’s situation. According to her, her body, mind and spirit are tired. She found solace through a male officemate and before she realized it she was falling for this man, also a married guy. She was almost at the verge of jumping into an illicit affair with him. Years had passed, husband finally found a work as a driver. Wife resigned from her hectic managerial job and settled for a lesser stressful job. She left her high paying job and worked as a call center agent. Were those major decisions her way of ironing out the mess in her marital life to keep the marriage intact? Perhaps, the friction had been temporarily resolved, but was she completely happy?
Case 3. THE VIOLENT TYPE
She eloped with him and foregone the opportunity to finish her studies in college, all because love prevailed over her. She lived with her in-laws and that begun her life in torment. She was physically, emotionally and psychologically abused by her rogue husband. The mother-in-law was a monster-in law in reality. The suffering she endured with her husband’s physical abuse and the mother in-law’s maltreatment of her crushed her self-worth. She stood by her man hoping that the beatings would stop. When she gave birth to a baby girl, the mother in-law took full custody of the child and completely detached the poor infant from her mother. She took it all in meek surrender. She never had the courage to fight for her baby that was rightfully hers. Until the birth of her second baby, a boy. Her sister who knew how much she had suffered from the hands of her husband’s family, took her away and the baby boy. The young girl barely a year old then was totally left under the care of the mother in-law. Now, she considers herself a single parent of a fine young man. Her daughter who grew up with her husband and mother in-law is a disturbed and a love deprived person. The daughter’s life with her father’s family was hellish. She has three children from different men.
The mother’s hatred and suppressed bile for years of misery from her husband’s family had assumed an identity in the person of her daughter who had gone astray. For her, the daughter has been long dead and only a reminder of an ugly and painful part of her life.
These are just some stories of marital conflicts, marriage woes and untold sufferings of women who have dreamt of living and sharing a life with a man they thought they knew so well.
Not all marriages are made in heaven. How enviable those women who are blissfully and happily attached to their husbands until their advanced years. But, how many women/wives stood for their husbands despite their deficiencies and glaring character flaws?
Can we fault women and wives if they take a stand by building their shattered dignity again by leaving their husbands who had never loved, respected and protected them?
God said, what he has joined together let no man put asunder. Is this a strict commandment? I think not. It is only our frailties which destroy us and eventually ruin relationships. Our concept of marriage had become superficial, had become a fad, a badge of “honor” that one has found a partner but in truth, marriage is more than that.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
HAPPY IN APRIL
Of all the months in the calendar, APRIL is extra special to me? Let me count the reasons.
Firstly, the first day of April makes a noise through the April Fool’s Day hogging the limelight. Fun, laughter, and endless guffaws mark the day. A person who frowns, shouts obscenities and gets red with anger if victimized by the April foolers is a loser. April Fool’s day encourages everyone to loosen up and be jolly even if people make fun of you and in extreme cases, plays a practical joke on you. This is a day for everyone to remember that life is too short to take it so seriously. Who and where did the April Fool’s Day start, I have no idea, but it sure is a good way to greet the coming of the fourth month.
Secondly, the Filipinos commemorate and celebrate the red-letter day which is April 9, so called, “Araw ng Kagitingan,” (Day of Valor). I think, a trait, people born in this month, possess. “Magigiting” (valorous/courageous) is what they are. In deference to this official Philippine holiday, Araw ng Kagitingan aptly described the courageous march of the Filipino war veterans together with the 12,000 Americans from Bataan to Tarlac under the Japanese occupation, a posthumous recognition of their valor is given to them. They were prisoners of war who suffered debasement and inhumane treatment in the hands of the Japanese by inflicting barbaric acts thru psychological, emotional and physical torture. Who would ever forget the infamous, “Death March.” Brushing up on our Philippine history will enable us to vividly recollect the hardships they went through. The survivors of this saga, who are the war veterans, cannot be just compensated with any amount of money. They deserve our commendation with the highest respect. So, you see, April has become an important event in the history of the Philippines. An event worth remembering, by emulating the spirit of the valourous Filipino soldiers who fought till the end all for love of country.
Thirdly, April may be the hottest month and the humid climate presents a challenge to one’s physical ability to withstand the scorching heat. Why is that? April is the peak of the summer month. The lure of beaches to get a refreshing cool is hard to resist. Schooldays are over and students find all sorts of activities to stamp out boredom. All you have in mind during this time is to have some fun and more fun by engaging in the activities you so long for.
Another reason to be happy about is that April is a holy month, too. Holy Week either falls in the month of March or April. Holy Week is about reliving the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. April is not just about having fun, but also an opportunity to meditate, reflect and discover the greatness and goodness of God. Holy Week is like a food for the soul, an opportunity to nourish our spirituality and purge ourselves of the toxicity of our wicked ways. What gives me the high most is the possibility that Jesus Christ, our God was born in the month of April. Consider these assumptions, historians say, Jesus couldn’t possibly be born in December because the month following the old calendar system is a winter month. If the climate during that month was cold, there wouldn’t be any shepherds tending the herds. Being outside in that month would be unbearable because of the biting coldness. The shepherds and the herds were said to be the first visitors of Jesus when he was born. Further, if it was cold then, Jesus wouldn’t be wrapped in just a skimpy clothing exposing his fragile body to the extreme cold climate. Furthermore, during wintertime, stars are rarely visible. The shining star that the 3 magi/wise men saw and followed to locate the baby Jesus was probably seen during the hot season or summertime. Well, the possibility of Jesus being an April person is just so overwhelming. I am riding high in the assumption that the Greatest Person in the world and the son of God was born in April. Believe it or not.
Next, April is a month to rejoice for I have friends and family members who were born in this exciting month. People, you know who you are; my heartfelt greeting of a HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. May the good Lord shower you with more blessings. You are all intelligent, talented, creative, generous kind and with a great sense of humor. May your tribe increase. You are all gifted people, therefore share your talents, skills, knowledge and material successes.
Finally, why is April extra special to me? I was born in April, too. Truly, April is loaded with various activities and facts (or stories) and these are reasons to be happy about. Pardon my biases, but that’s the way it is.
Happy Birthday to me.
Firstly, the first day of April makes a noise through the April Fool’s Day hogging the limelight. Fun, laughter, and endless guffaws mark the day. A person who frowns, shouts obscenities and gets red with anger if victimized by the April foolers is a loser. April Fool’s day encourages everyone to loosen up and be jolly even if people make fun of you and in extreme cases, plays a practical joke on you. This is a day for everyone to remember that life is too short to take it so seriously. Who and where did the April Fool’s Day start, I have no idea, but it sure is a good way to greet the coming of the fourth month.
Secondly, the Filipinos commemorate and celebrate the red-letter day which is April 9, so called, “Araw ng Kagitingan,” (Day of Valor). I think, a trait, people born in this month, possess. “Magigiting” (valorous/courageous) is what they are. In deference to this official Philippine holiday, Araw ng Kagitingan aptly described the courageous march of the Filipino war veterans together with the 12,000 Americans from Bataan to Tarlac under the Japanese occupation, a posthumous recognition of their valor is given to them. They were prisoners of war who suffered debasement and inhumane treatment in the hands of the Japanese by inflicting barbaric acts thru psychological, emotional and physical torture. Who would ever forget the infamous, “Death March.” Brushing up on our Philippine history will enable us to vividly recollect the hardships they went through. The survivors of this saga, who are the war veterans, cannot be just compensated with any amount of money. They deserve our commendation with the highest respect. So, you see, April has become an important event in the history of the Philippines. An event worth remembering, by emulating the spirit of the valourous Filipino soldiers who fought till the end all for love of country.
Thirdly, April may be the hottest month and the humid climate presents a challenge to one’s physical ability to withstand the scorching heat. Why is that? April is the peak of the summer month. The lure of beaches to get a refreshing cool is hard to resist. Schooldays are over and students find all sorts of activities to stamp out boredom. All you have in mind during this time is to have some fun and more fun by engaging in the activities you so long for.
Another reason to be happy about is that April is a holy month, too. Holy Week either falls in the month of March or April. Holy Week is about reliving the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. April is not just about having fun, but also an opportunity to meditate, reflect and discover the greatness and goodness of God. Holy Week is like a food for the soul, an opportunity to nourish our spirituality and purge ourselves of the toxicity of our wicked ways. What gives me the high most is the possibility that Jesus Christ, our God was born in the month of April. Consider these assumptions, historians say, Jesus couldn’t possibly be born in December because the month following the old calendar system is a winter month. If the climate during that month was cold, there wouldn’t be any shepherds tending the herds. Being outside in that month would be unbearable because of the biting coldness. The shepherds and the herds were said to be the first visitors of Jesus when he was born. Further, if it was cold then, Jesus wouldn’t be wrapped in just a skimpy clothing exposing his fragile body to the extreme cold climate. Furthermore, during wintertime, stars are rarely visible. The shining star that the 3 magi/wise men saw and followed to locate the baby Jesus was probably seen during the hot season or summertime. Well, the possibility of Jesus being an April person is just so overwhelming. I am riding high in the assumption that the Greatest Person in the world and the son of God was born in April. Believe it or not.
Next, April is a month to rejoice for I have friends and family members who were born in this exciting month. People, you know who you are; my heartfelt greeting of a HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. May the good Lord shower you with more blessings. You are all intelligent, talented, creative, generous kind and with a great sense of humor. May your tribe increase. You are all gifted people, therefore share your talents, skills, knowledge and material successes.
Finally, why is April extra special to me? I was born in April, too. Truly, April is loaded with various activities and facts (or stories) and these are reasons to be happy about. Pardon my biases, but that’s the way it is.
Happy Birthday to me.
INDIFFERENCE
Two months ago, while lying idly in the sofa I overheard Kris (Aquino) over a television program in her nightly showbiz news called SNN giving away a bit of a trivia as to who was the popular actress who bought a P3M bag. Rarely do I watch celebrity shows. I find it a waste of time peeking at other people’s lives and delving into their private affairs digging about their interesting sometimes shocking love affairs, love escapades and such other superficial information about their showbiz careers. There are stars who wantonly display their prized possessions bought in megabucks. The ostentatiousness that go with being a celebrity without regard to the wide margin of poverty this country is confronted with is for me the height of insensitivity and indifference to the hapless plight of others. As Madonna quipped in her song, “it’s a material world,” and materialism rules in this kind of profession. Yes, being in a celluloid world, makes one living in a grand fantasy. Who could resist the lure of becoming famous, rich and pampered. On the other hand, my admiration goes to a few celebrity stars who are passionate on their chosen advocacies despite their busy schedules. Advocacies that they adhere to, to inform, reform and initiate change.
Going back to the P3M bag, the mere mention of it kept me into thinking who that celebrity was. Somehow, the news piqued me. I asked,” can’t they do any better aside from living lavishly right in the very eyes of a million poor people. This country is poverty stricken, how callous is she to buy a P3M bag and let the whole world know she is in possession of the most expensive bag. She maybe overflowing with money and honey but is it imperative for her to brag about it? Her daughter , a budding starlet quickly came to her defense, justifying the act by telling that her mother gives a lot to charity work. Good defense, but her being charitable isn’t the crux of the matter. The celebrity who bought a P3M bag is even the wife of a senator of the Philippines. The senator who confesses that his heart goes for the poor people, for the ordinary people, for the have nots. The senator who supports austerity programs of the government to be able to deliver basic services to the underprivileged. I do not question where the celebrity got the money to purchase the bag, she’s famous and rich, and she can very well avail of an expensive stuff that only the moneyed can afford. Definitely, government money is not involved in this controversial purchase.
My take on this, is that I am not green with envy as to the million peso bag, that I have to make a big deal about this. That superstar was born with a silver spoon, she’s wealthy, famous and loved and respected by her legions of fans. Her only fault, if you could call it that, is that she resides in one of the poorest countries in the world. A developing country, a euphemism for a third world country, comprising of millions of starving poor, living a hand to mouth existence, which every peso earned is already a blessing to them, and here she is, the superstar, rich and famous, with her head turned to the other side evading the cruel and harsh reality of poverty in her country, squandered her own money to buy a P3M bag. Yes, she possesses such enormous amount of money, it was a hard-earned money, earned thru hardwork being a bankable star in the movie industry, but I only plead that she be discreet with what she purchase with her money because while she’s living outrageously and pompously, a lot of people in the lower strata of our society struggle to survive by all means to keep them afloat.
In these times of worldwide recession, let us not be immune and indifferent to other people’s misfortune, despair and the scant resources they have, let’s be sensitive to the sufferings of others.
This piece of words of wisdom is worth remembering, “COMFORT THE AFFLICTED, AFFLICT THE COMFORTED.”
Going back to the P3M bag, the mere mention of it kept me into thinking who that celebrity was. Somehow, the news piqued me. I asked,” can’t they do any better aside from living lavishly right in the very eyes of a million poor people. This country is poverty stricken, how callous is she to buy a P3M bag and let the whole world know she is in possession of the most expensive bag. She maybe overflowing with money and honey but is it imperative for her to brag about it? Her daughter , a budding starlet quickly came to her defense, justifying the act by telling that her mother gives a lot to charity work. Good defense, but her being charitable isn’t the crux of the matter. The celebrity who bought a P3M bag is even the wife of a senator of the Philippines. The senator who confesses that his heart goes for the poor people, for the ordinary people, for the have nots. The senator who supports austerity programs of the government to be able to deliver basic services to the underprivileged. I do not question where the celebrity got the money to purchase the bag, she’s famous and rich, and she can very well avail of an expensive stuff that only the moneyed can afford. Definitely, government money is not involved in this controversial purchase.
My take on this, is that I am not green with envy as to the million peso bag, that I have to make a big deal about this. That superstar was born with a silver spoon, she’s wealthy, famous and loved and respected by her legions of fans. Her only fault, if you could call it that, is that she resides in one of the poorest countries in the world. A developing country, a euphemism for a third world country, comprising of millions of starving poor, living a hand to mouth existence, which every peso earned is already a blessing to them, and here she is, the superstar, rich and famous, with her head turned to the other side evading the cruel and harsh reality of poverty in her country, squandered her own money to buy a P3M bag. Yes, she possesses such enormous amount of money, it was a hard-earned money, earned thru hardwork being a bankable star in the movie industry, but I only plead that she be discreet with what she purchase with her money because while she’s living outrageously and pompously, a lot of people in the lower strata of our society struggle to survive by all means to keep them afloat.
In these times of worldwide recession, let us not be immune and indifferent to other people’s misfortune, despair and the scant resources they have, let’s be sensitive to the sufferings of others.
This piece of words of wisdom is worth remembering, “COMFORT THE AFFLICTED, AFFLICT THE COMFORTED.”
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
ANG BAGONG PILIPINAS
“Mga mahal kong Pilipino, Pagmalasakitan natin ang ating bayan na siyang nagbigay sa inyo ng buhay at kasarinlan. Ipakita natin sa buong mundo na ang mga Pilipino ay mapagmahal sa Diyos, makapamilya, mapagkapwa, masipag, maganda ang ugali at matatalino.”
Kapagdaka ay umalingawngaw ang isang masigabong palakpakan na may halong pagpupunyagi at pagmamalaki. Ang mga salitang narinig ko ay nagmula sa taong nasa ibabaw ng entablado habang ang paligid ay napapalibutan ng napakaraming tao. Tila baga’y ito ay isang engrandeng pagtitipon. Sa aking paglalakad, aking napagsino ang taong nagsasalita ng mga katagang tinuran sa itaas, ay ang Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas.
Naitanong ko sa aking sarili, bakit ganoon na lamang ang paghanga at natatanging pagtingala na ipinakikita ng mga tao sa kaniya. Sa mukha ng sinunman ay mamasid ang INSPIRASYON na iniluluwal ng kaniyang persona; ito ay umaapaw at sumasanib sa katauhan ng bawat Pilipinong naroroon. Nilisan ko ang mataong lugar na iyon at nagpasya akong maglibot libot. Namangha ako dahil kakaiba ang aking namamalas. “Ako ba ay nasa ibang planeta?, tanong ko sa aking sarili. Nasaan ang mga dyip na naglipana sa kalsada at animo’y mga hari sa lansangan. Mga dyip na ang musikang pumapaibabaw ay tutulig sa iyong pandinig. At ang mga bus na malalaki ay parang maaamong leon ngayon na dati rati’y parang mababangis at nagwawalang elepante.
Hinahanap ko rin ang dating senaryo sa ilang kalsada kung saan naglipana ang mga traysikel, motorsiklo, bisikleta, pedicab, traysikad, kariton ng buko, prutas at bote’t dyaryo na sumasakop sa malapad at masikip na kalsada. Wala akong magawa noon kundi iwasan ang mga ito dahil ang aking sasakyan ay animo’y walang puwang sa kalsada. Mapapailing ka na lamang, hindi sa ayaw ko silang maghanapbuhay, pero sana alam nila kung saan sila dapat lumugar, kelangan lang naman sumunod sa batas trapiko.
Napansin ko rin na malinis ang paligid, maayos at maaliwalas. Hinahanap ko ang mga iskwater o ang mga agaw-lupa na na parang mga bulaklak o kabute na nagsulputan sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Pilipinas. Kapalit ng tagpi-tagping barung barong at mga batang naglalaro ng walang saplot pang-ibaba, ay luntiang mga halaman at mga bulaklak na sumasaliw sa ihip ng malamig na hangin. Ang dating lugar na kinasasadlakan ng mga iskwater, ngayon ay malinis na parang parke at paraiso. Nawala ang gabundok na basura na madalas na matatanaw sa paligid. Naalala ko kailangan kong pumunta sa upisinang gobyerno para humingi ng isang dokumento na “certified true copy.” Ilang sandali lang, iniabot na sa akin ng babae sa ahensya ang dokumento at matamis na ngumiti. Nakahanda na akong bumunot ng pera upang bayaran siya, pero agad niyang sinabi, “walang bayad yan.” Nagulat ako dahil, noon, may bayad itong isandaang piso, wala pang resibo. Nagbago ang serbisyong gobyerno, napawi ang masusungit na tao at naging mabilis ang serbisyo. Nawala na rin kaya ang korupsiyon? Malaki na nga ang ipinagbago ng ugaling Pilipino, dahil ba ito sa taong nagbigay inspirasyon sa mga Pilipino. Sa Mindanaw, kilala sa yamang dagat at yamang lupa. Katunayan, may mga banyagang bansa ang interesado rito dahil sa malaking potensiyal nito sa kalakal at turismo. Isa itong maituturing na munting paraiso ngunit pinamumugaran lamang ng ilang taong may baluktot na paniniwala. Sila na sumisira sa imahen ng Mindanaw at naghahasik ng masama nilang idealohiya. Ngayon, mapupuna ang tahimik na bayan. Ang mga Muslim at Kristiano ay nagkakaisa bagama't marami silang pagkakaiba. Lahat ay abala sa pagtatrabaho, at lahat ng banyagang makikita ay malayang naglalakad sa dibdib ng Mindanaw. Positibo ang nakikita kong pagbabago sa islang ito. Sa aking muling pagtanaw sa Pilipinas, kapuna-puna na ang bawa’t taong aking makasalubong ay may saya sa mukha. Ang disiplina, pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ng bawat isa ay mararamdaman. Maraming imprastraktura na mapapansin saang mang lugar sa Pilipinas. Walang gaanong krimen. Ang sandatahang Pilipinas at kapulisan ay mataman na nagbabantay sa kaayusan at katahimikan ng bansa. Anga mga mamahayag ay malayang nagsusulat ng kanilang mga kuro kuro, saloobin at kritisismo. Sa aking obserbasyon, bawat Pilipino ay masagana at kuntento.
Ako’y naupo sa malawak na parke. Nalulunod ako sa maraming pagbabagong nangyayari sa aking bayan. Nagtataka, nagtatanong ngunit may halong pagmamalaki at galak sa dibdib. Nawika ko, eto ang matagal ng pangarap ng bawat Pilipino para sa kaniyang sarili at bansa. Maya-maya ay natanaw ko ang mga tao na humahangos na tila baga’y may hinahabol. Gusto kong malaman kung anong komosyon iyon. Sa aking paglapit, nakita ko ang taong noo’y nagsasalita sa entablado, ang Presidente. Nakikipaghuntahan siya sa maraming tao, bata matanda, mayaman, ordinaryo at simpleng tao. Nang ako’y mapalapit ng kaunti, tumingin siya sa akin, siya nga ang Presidente na nagbigay ng inspirasyon sa Pilipino tungo sa makabuluhang pagbabago. Pagkakataon ko na ang sandaling iyon upang magtanong sa kaniya. Akma akong magsasalita, nang sa aking likuran ay may sumigaw ng:
“HOY GISING! Terminal na po tayo, hanggang dito na lang ang bus..” Nakakainis ang mamang konduktor na iyon. Maihahalintulad ko siya sa isang magnanakaw; mandarambong ng kaban ng bayan. Yun nga lamang, ang konduktor na yaon ay isang magnanakaw na pumukaw ng isang magandang panaginip. Tumalima ako para bumababa ng bus at bago ako makaapak sa lupa, tumamabad sa akin ang tunay na realidad, ang Lumang Pilipinas na bagamat sadlak sa kahirapan ay tigib pa rin ng pananabik sa mga pagbabago. (Ang kwento ito ay kathang isip lamang ng may-akda ngunit ang ilang pangyayari ay hango sa tunay na karanasan).
Monday, February 02, 2009
GOING BANANAS
Ask a Filipino if he ever tasted a banana que, it is likely you’ll get an affirmative response from a salivating person dreaming of sinking his teeth in the soft flesh of the fruit. Try to walk along the busy streets of sidewalks and almost everyone will see a makeshift booth peddling banana ques on sticks. Some people can’t help but stop by and partake of the sweet snack. The bananas are stuck together through a trimmed bamboo stick. Sometimes, you can buy a stick with two or three bananas in it. It is a food snack that people from all walks of life eat. They flock at the improvised booth and don’t mind waiting to be served. What’s more, it is cheap, costs only P10.00 or P12.00 a stick (US$.25). Although it is known as a street food, it is nevertheless, nutritious.
Bananas are rich in potassium which is good for the brain. (www. bananabenefits.com) Bananas are aplenty in kind; there is lacatan, latundan, senorita, etc.. But banana ques are made from banana SABA. These are rolled in brown sugar and deep fried. The caramelized smell while being cooked wafts through your nostrils and gives you a cue to get one for yourself. It’s quite addictive, if you may ask me.
Admittedly, I am a certified banana addict of whatever kind. A true blue banana lover. I can live through the day with just bananas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Thankfully, Filipinos with gustatory expertise, are a genius in creating a variety of snacks from SABA, an all time favorite merienda for the Filipino tastebuds.
· Minatamis na saging with or without sago (Sweetened banana)
· Ginataang saging with bilo-bilo (Banana with coconut milk)
· Turon with langka (Banana wrapped in spring roll (lumpia) wrapper with sliver of ripe jackfruit
· Maruya (Banana with flour)
· Nilagang saging (Boiled banana)
· Pritong saging ( plain fried banana without sugar)
· Inihaw na saba (Grilled banana)
· Nilupak na saging (Mashed Banana)
Recently, I came across an article about a foreign national named Andrew Zimmern. He is a famous chef in New York who stars in his own food show called , “Bizarre Foods.” His short stint in the Philippines to look for unusual and bizarre foods led him to different places in the metropolis. He discovered “balut,” “soup no. 5” in Angono and “Banana ques”. “My hands down favourite, banana que,” said he. According to the article, Mr. Zimmern stuck two sticks of banana ques before leaving the banana que stall. He got hooked on it and was wondering why banana ques haven’t reached international status in the food /cuisine industry. Maybe, he can make an improved preparation for the banana que lovers less the cholesterol causing oil. That, I am waiting with bated breath.
So, you see, a banana que is just a simple sweet snack for the Filipinos with sweet tooth. But simple or ordinary it may seem, it’s a wonderment where these bananas get their distinct taste. Perhaps, it’s because, they thrive in Philippine soil. Yes, only in the banana republic.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE
There where times when you feel like life seems monotonous. You're not going anywhere but just float in the sea of the universe. The journey is a continuous struggle, the so-called, "survival of the fittest" takes centerstage in your mindset.
The earthly life isn't a rose garden promised to everyone. Sometimes, even the toughest person crumbles and bows down to defeat. Where does one turn to and find a sanctuary to lighten up? There are a slew of avenues to choose from. There are roads that can lead one to perdition, roads that give temporary relief and highs, and narrower roads that entail sacrifice, solitude and openness, hence finds grace to face life with a new perspective.
I, myself, find strength and the will to go on in a simple song. A song that reminds that Life is still beautiful despite the unpleasantness that goes with it. Here goes the song....
Child of the Universe
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others.
Even the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter.
For always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble.
It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is.
Many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love.
For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment.
It is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years.
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe.
No less than the trees and the stars.
You have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you.
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God.
Whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations;
In the noisy confusion of life.
Keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams.
It is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others.
Even the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter.
For always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble.
It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is.
Many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love.
For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment.
It is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years.
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe.
No less than the trees and the stars.
You have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you.
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God.
Whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations;
In the noisy confusion of life.
Keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams.
It is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy.
WORDS THAT STUNNED ME
Words and phrases can make or break your spirit, depends on how you take them. There are words that scar you for life, that heal, inspire or induce one to reflect. Words can be funny, sometimes uttered without a thought, and oftentimes just an ordinary remark or greeting, enough to stupefy you.
Do words absolutely define who you are? No , I think not. People see a lot of you in the outside, the source of words and perceptions that they create about you. This may sound superficial but words are sometimes used as a yardstick that gives the impression of what and who you are. Some words said maybe taken as true but others initiate us to ponder.
Words that stunned me is a simple compilation of remarks and utterances, as far as I can remember from a diversity of people that have somehow influenced me and my relationship to others.
I am sure everyone has a story to tell about Words that can make one speechless.
Read on and see what I mean.
*******************************************************
"Veinte-cuatro horas. (Beinte kwatro oras) - 24 oras."
Not the news at GMA 7. The label I got when I was a kid from crying non-stop from morning til noon. The only thing that stopped me from crying was when I get to sleep while crying. It was not just a silent cry but a nuisance and loud cry from a kid who seemed to be craving for attention always. Deserves my title.
"If you don’t call us “Ate” slimy worms will come out from your mouth."
(Gross! The warning I got from my older siblings when I refused to address them as such out of respect for being older than me. Took advantage of my naivete.)
"You’ve got a photographic memory."
(I am not sure anymore, I guess, I’ve lost it now.)
"Vangie... I love you... "
(A young lad in the neigborhood who was on the verge of being a stalker for following me around. Grrrrr, love your ass, boy. Who knows about romantic love when you’re just in elementary. Well, the last thing I heard was that his first born daughter was named “Evangeline.”)
"Hindi ba sumasabit ang hairpin mo sa jeep?"
(As a COCC cadet in training in 3rd year HS, since I’ve got a short hair that cannot be ponytailed, I fixed my hair by putting lots of hairpin on top to put it in place. My classmates envied me... why? Not because of the hair, but the greeting that came from our snobbish crush ng bayan male teacher, who took notice of me and whispered to me up close and personal. - Eat your hearts out, girls. )
"QUIT!!! QUIT NOW!!! "
(The platoon leader who taunted me to quit as a COCC cadet. But I stuck it out and became an Officer ).
"Evangeline, Pacencia , get out of the room!"
(My class adviser who sent me and my seatmate out of the classroom, perhaps telling me that even if I was her favorite student (feeling), I will not be spared from her rules in the class. Truth was, my seatmate was showing me her FLAMES results. - C’mon, guys of the 80’s, in highschool, you know what FLAMES is?)
"Evangeline, bakit kumakain ka pa, kakatapos lang ng lunch."
(A Filipino teacher who caught me eating during her class. ”Eh, gutom pa po, eh”. - Highschool rules, sucks!)
"Evangeline, you seat beside the President (of the class) for the last two quarters."
(My class adviser again who put me in the middle row, in the middle seat, thought I can be subdued by having me seated beside the class president. Well, after just a quarter, the class president was worse than me.)
"I am nominating Evangeline as Vice-President of the class."
(I didn’t pay that classmate of mine megabucks to nominate me. Thanks buddy, but no thanks, you don’t know what’s gonna be ahead when I get elected.)
"WOW, nakamercedez benz ka, huh."
(A classmate in HS who often saw me and my younger sister alight from a Mercedez Benz when our Dad used to drive us to Paco Catholic School. If she tried to look at the car’s engine, she’ll realize it’s a Toyota in a Mercedes Benz clothing.
"I saw you two cheating."
(Words written in red ink when we received our papers back. - Yaikks! Sorry Ma’m, we’ll never do it again. Thought it was cool.)
"Walang diyos, blah, blah..."
(A belief proclaimed by a great and well known artist-painter when I personally heard him say that while lecturing us, would-be-enrolees on painting. - Sir, your gift is exceptional but you scared me out of my wits with your professions of your eccentric philosophies in life. Fortunately, sir, I was a student of St. Scholastica’s College and I believe in God. Several years later, I read in the newspaper that you have died. Finally, you met your Creator, may you rest in peace in the heavenly kingdom of God.)
"Why haven’t you had any boyfriend?"
(A curious dude who happened to be a balikbayan cousin thrown that question at me. He got a smart answer, “I dumped them.” (Them? )
"Gusto mo reypin kita..."
(Uttered by my 5’ 10” ADHD student who defied all my rules). ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Just cast him a piercing look, he stopped and bowed down.)
"Tomboy ka ba?"
(During my driving lessons, the instructor, perhaps for lack of something to say, and wanting to satisfy his insatiable curiosity, bravely asked me that question. Well, manong, you got your answer, NO!)
"Bakit di ka pa nag-aasawa?"
(My usual answer since I’ve heard it asked many times, “Strict parents ko.”)
"Iha, ang dami mo namang anak."
(The old lady remarked when she saw me walking with 5 kids in tow ages 9, 8, 6, 5 and 2, who were my niece and nephews. Ahh, I should have replied, “Sorry, can’t help it.)
"PANGIT!!!!!!"
(The taong grasa who was obviously visibly irked when I failed to drop him a coin. I should have given him a P100 bill, it might spell a different me, a “DIYOSA” walking by.)
"Pahingi ng waffle....
(Me) Sorry, ubos na....
Pahingi na lang ng kiss."
(A conversation from a young taong grasa who’s a ladies’ man.)
"Attorney, ako na ang magbabantay ng kotse mo. (Ehh, me an attorney!)"
(Said by a watch-your-car boy who appeared from nowhere. Well boy, for your information, I am a Supreme Court Justice, the court of last resort.)
"Talk to her, mabait yun."
(An advise I often heard from our clients/borrowers to fellow borrowers who default in the payment of their loans. Mga sipsip, better be or you can’t have your renewals).
"Pag tumatawag ka nanginginig na ko."
(A male loan client who avoids talking to me for fear that my wrath will destroy him. - Tsk, tsk, I am the most compassionate loan officer you can talk to, strict though but with a soft heart.)
"I’ll treat you to a lunch."
(Thanks, but no thanks, you’re not bad but I don’t play around with married guys, sorry.)
"I’m a balikbayan widower from Spain, come with me or give me your number."
(An indecent proposal from a man in his late 50’s or early 60’s, said while I was tending my Waffle store.)
"He’s dead. Bruce is dead."
(My handsome playful Golden Retriever pup who died at 3 months old because of corona virus. RIP)
"You are a Child of the Universe."
After a hard day’s work, got in the car and drove, with shoulders heavy, depressed, scared and feeling defeated. Turned on the radio and the melodious words/lyrics reverberated in the car, “You are a Child of the Universe.” That lulled my spirit to a state of peace. - My advice, listen to that song.
Not the news at GMA 7. The label I got when I was a kid from crying non-stop from morning til noon. The only thing that stopped me from crying was when I get to sleep while crying. It was not just a silent cry but a nuisance and loud cry from a kid who seemed to be craving for attention always. Deserves my title.
"If you don’t call us “Ate” slimy worms will come out from your mouth."
(Gross! The warning I got from my older siblings when I refused to address them as such out of respect for being older than me. Took advantage of my naivete.)
"You’ve got a photographic memory."
(I am not sure anymore, I guess, I’ve lost it now.)
"Vangie... I love you... "
(A young lad in the neigborhood who was on the verge of being a stalker for following me around. Grrrrr, love your ass, boy. Who knows about romantic love when you’re just in elementary. Well, the last thing I heard was that his first born daughter was named “Evangeline.”)
"Hindi ba sumasabit ang hairpin mo sa jeep?"
(As a COCC cadet in training in 3rd year HS, since I’ve got a short hair that cannot be ponytailed, I fixed my hair by putting lots of hairpin on top to put it in place. My classmates envied me... why? Not because of the hair, but the greeting that came from our snobbish crush ng bayan male teacher, who took notice of me and whispered to me up close and personal. - Eat your hearts out, girls. )
"QUIT!!! QUIT NOW!!! "
(The platoon leader who taunted me to quit as a COCC cadet. But I stuck it out and became an Officer ).
"Evangeline, Pacencia , get out of the room!"
(My class adviser who sent me and my seatmate out of the classroom, perhaps telling me that even if I was her favorite student (feeling), I will not be spared from her rules in the class. Truth was, my seatmate was showing me her FLAMES results. - C’mon, guys of the 80’s, in highschool, you know what FLAMES is?)
"Evangeline, bakit kumakain ka pa, kakatapos lang ng lunch."
(A Filipino teacher who caught me eating during her class. ”Eh, gutom pa po, eh”. - Highschool rules, sucks!)
"Evangeline, you seat beside the President (of the class) for the last two quarters."
(My class adviser again who put me in the middle row, in the middle seat, thought I can be subdued by having me seated beside the class president. Well, after just a quarter, the class president was worse than me.)
"I am nominating Evangeline as Vice-President of the class."
(I didn’t pay that classmate of mine megabucks to nominate me. Thanks buddy, but no thanks, you don’t know what’s gonna be ahead when I get elected.)
"WOW, nakamercedez benz ka, huh."
(A classmate in HS who often saw me and my younger sister alight from a Mercedez Benz when our Dad used to drive us to Paco Catholic School. If she tried to look at the car’s engine, she’ll realize it’s a Toyota in a Mercedes Benz clothing.
"I saw you two cheating."
(Words written in red ink when we received our papers back. - Yaikks! Sorry Ma’m, we’ll never do it again. Thought it was cool.)
"Walang diyos, blah, blah..."
(A belief proclaimed by a great and well known artist-painter when I personally heard him say that while lecturing us, would-be-enrolees on painting. - Sir, your gift is exceptional but you scared me out of my wits with your professions of your eccentric philosophies in life. Fortunately, sir, I was a student of St. Scholastica’s College and I believe in God. Several years later, I read in the newspaper that you have died. Finally, you met your Creator, may you rest in peace in the heavenly kingdom of God.)
"Why haven’t you had any boyfriend?"
(A curious dude who happened to be a balikbayan cousin thrown that question at me. He got a smart answer, “I dumped them.” (Them? )
"Gusto mo reypin kita..."
(Uttered by my 5’ 10” ADHD student who defied all my rules). ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Just cast him a piercing look, he stopped and bowed down.)
"Tomboy ka ba?"
(During my driving lessons, the instructor, perhaps for lack of something to say, and wanting to satisfy his insatiable curiosity, bravely asked me that question. Well, manong, you got your answer, NO!)
"Bakit di ka pa nag-aasawa?"
(My usual answer since I’ve heard it asked many times, “Strict parents ko.”)
"Iha, ang dami mo namang anak."
(The old lady remarked when she saw me walking with 5 kids in tow ages 9, 8, 6, 5 and 2, who were my niece and nephews. Ahh, I should have replied, “Sorry, can’t help it.)
"PANGIT!!!!!!"
(The taong grasa who was obviously visibly irked when I failed to drop him a coin. I should have given him a P100 bill, it might spell a different me, a “DIYOSA” walking by.)
"Pahingi ng waffle....
(Me) Sorry, ubos na....
Pahingi na lang ng kiss."
(A conversation from a young taong grasa who’s a ladies’ man.)
"Attorney, ako na ang magbabantay ng kotse mo. (Ehh, me an attorney!)"
(Said by a watch-your-car boy who appeared from nowhere. Well boy, for your information, I am a Supreme Court Justice, the court of last resort.)
"Talk to her, mabait yun."
(An advise I often heard from our clients/borrowers to fellow borrowers who default in the payment of their loans. Mga sipsip, better be or you can’t have your renewals).
"Pag tumatawag ka nanginginig na ko."
(A male loan client who avoids talking to me for fear that my wrath will destroy him. - Tsk, tsk, I am the most compassionate loan officer you can talk to, strict though but with a soft heart.)
"I’ll treat you to a lunch."
(Thanks, but no thanks, you’re not bad but I don’t play around with married guys, sorry.)
"I’m a balikbayan widower from Spain, come with me or give me your number."
(An indecent proposal from a man in his late 50’s or early 60’s, said while I was tending my Waffle store.)
"He’s dead. Bruce is dead."
(My handsome playful Golden Retriever pup who died at 3 months old because of corona virus. RIP)
"You are a Child of the Universe."
After a hard day’s work, got in the car and drove, with shoulders heavy, depressed, scared and feeling defeated. Turned on the radio and the melodious words/lyrics reverberated in the car, “You are a Child of the Universe.” That lulled my spirit to a state of peace. - My advice, listen to that song.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
