When I was Young, Wild and Free

When I was Young, Wild and Free

By Marian Palmira S. Lopez

“Take Kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of the youth.”

This snippet from my favorite poem, Desiderata by Max Ehrman is a recap that I had an awesome childhood and I had lived it to its fullest.

At times, I tend to smile looking back to those memories when I was just a little earthling.  I couldn’t be much happier and contented of what I had.  That was the time that that your only problem is thinking of what would be the best game of the day for you to play and if, your parents would permit you to go out of the house. 

When I was just a little girl, I was likely to play toy guns, riding my bicycle and turning my sister’s wardrobe and dresser a complete mess.  I loved playing wrestling and more likely to have fights with boys. That’s because I always get pissed when they won’t let me join their games  cause they say it’s no game for a girl.  For that reason, I always get home looking like a homeless kiddo. 

I don’t know why but I didn’t like Barbie dolls, or paper dolls and collecting stamps like my sisters did.  In my case, my world revolves in my bicycle, and how could I possibly get inside the house without my mom seeing me with a grubby face. I can still remember that I would even pray that it would rain so hard so that we could ride in banana trunks again and go swimming in the floods.  

When we transferred our home uptown, I think I had the best time of my life! It was in the Northern part of the province and I tell you, the place is such a beauty! Though we lived far from the villagers, children would come to our house and we’d play all day long! We would fly kites, in the wide plains; playing catch me if you can in the rice fields and hide and seek when it’s full moon.  Going fishing in the river and climbing fruit trees are bliss. 

The best times for me were when we would go up the hills and slide our way down using or coconut fronds or used sacks of corn that we would steal from the cellar.  You can imagine how we screamed going down and laughed our hearts out when we’re stumbling and rolling down the hill. And going home is like ending your happy ever after.

During grade school, I have become a little bit of a boyish type and all I wanted to wear is my rubber shoes and my puroy shorts and T-shirts. My dresses were only worn during family gatherings and if it’s your turn to recite your latest poem you’ve memorized. 

Time flies so fast and then came my passion for drawing sprout. I loved the idea of creating something out of your imagination.  I loved drawing nature; especially different kinds of flowers. That time I would just sit in the corner and draw.  I could definitely watch Art Attack whole day, and follow their art projects.  That maybe gave a relief to my parents, that at last, I am considering girlish stuff this time.  Also, that maybe ended my childhood days.

Now, I’m a full grown woman and I can absolutely tell you that I have lived my youth to the maximum.  I am what I am now because of it. I have no regrets. I have no frustrations and I have no what ifs. I surrendered it gracefully.

To Yza Marie

What we have, is a friendship that nobody can withstand.

For years, you have been my source of strength and happiness. 

You were there in my darkest moments. 

You were there when everything seems so vague and storms seem roaring like forever. 

You were there when everything seems to fall apart. 

You were there when I had to make decisions that do not conform to many.  

You were there, when I was miserable and helpless. 

You were there when I fucked up. 

You were there when nobody were.

When Tita Yoli left, I promised her one thing, that I will, will always, always be, be there for you. I promised her that no matter what happens, I will look after you and be just around even if you don’t need me anymore. Even life will come our way and bring us new friends, new other friends. I will be there, just hanging around.

Life, indeed happen, that it took us to places, and lead us our separate ways. Life got tough on us, took us to places, different places. 

Life gave us the reason and all the reasons to be apart. 

We grew apart, we graduated apart, we had new friends, apart and we have learned to accept life as it is, apart.

But even life could not untangle the bond that we have. 

We are here. For each other, no matter what, no matter how.  

Dhay, forgive me for all my flaws and shortcomings, forgive me that I let life come our way. 

Forgive me for not being there in your toughest times. 

Forgive me when I was not there when you had to take that  bucket of beer to forget all of life’s dramas. 

Forgive me when I was not there when you proudly took that stage and moved that tassel from left to right. 

Forgive me when you’ve got no choice but to be alone. 

Forgive me because I was not there when you traveled to places, many places, many different places. Please forgive me for I was just here, not there with you.

I know God will bless you all of what you desire for you are the best friend, one could ever have. Thank you for that!

I love you and I will always be a friend and a family to you, in ten lifetimes!

Have a blast! 

Happy birthday!

P.S.

Here is a collage of our moments together,

Sa tanan na imnanay, pamiestahanay kag walang hanggang kadlawanay!

Bal,an mo man nan a matulokay lang ta ya, alam na this na dayon.. hahaha!

A Decade Without You

A DECADE WITHOUT YOU

by Pal

It’s already a decade since the day you left.

It’s already a decade but the pain of your loss still linger.

It’s already a decade and yet we still grieve.

It’s already a decade but the longing is like forever.

It’s already a decade that we miss your hugs and kisses.

It’s already a decade that we last felt your last caress.

It’s already a decade when you last showered us with your wisdom.

It’s already a decade since we’ve lost our king in our little kingdom.

It’s already a decade but each day we miss you even more

It’s already a decade and it will never be like before.

It’s already a decade but the loneliness won’t go away.

The moment we lost you was the worst that came our way, a decade today.

It’s already a decade when life has set us apart.

It’s already a decade but you’ll be forever in my heart.

It’s already a decade and we might not understand why you chose not to stay.

But I can’t wait for the moment to be with you again, one sweet day.

Is this the Change that We Want Coming?

Is this the change that we want coming?

Lately, for the past few months, every time I watch the news in the television, read newspapers or browse my social networking sites, there is this feeling that I cannot fathom. I do not know how exactly what I’d feel, I mean I know what I feel but there are contradictions inside that tend to quarrel my contemplation against my emotional state.

Since the turn of the new administration is on track, I was excited yet very anxious of how the new president would lead the republic, and if “change” would really come. The question is, are we ready for this change? If so, are we ready to face the challenges that entail us with this change? Are we willing to take this change? Are we prepared for the risks and consequences that might come out of this change? And are we amenable enough to leave the past for the betterment of the future? No matter what, no matter how?

Today is the 100^th day that we’re under the leadership of the new president. I just can’t help but wonder, about all the good things that had happened during the past few months, things that this administration had brought; however, it cannot reciprocate the lives that were taken, the lives of those persons alleged to be involved in drugs. 

I cannot imagine how the families that have lost their loved ones, children who were instantly orphaned and were left wondering why life is so cruel to them, can still go on in their lives not knowing and understanding why a sudden “change” have affected their once normal perception of the importance of life. I just can’t help but really wonder, why on earth would you kill someone, for that “change ” to take place. 

Yes, breaking the laws of the land necessitates retribution, but without compromising the requirement of going through your right to due process.

Death is not the answer on how we could change the scheme. Death can never alleviate the lives of the families whose kin was slaughtered. Death can never be an answer to the question of a baby boy who would, later on, wonder why he grew up without a father because of this so called “war on drugs” crusade. 

Death can never feed the hungry mouths of a family of eight, now that their bread winner was shot dead along the busy street of the city because he was an alleged drug runner. Death can never heal a mother’s wound brought about by the pains of sorrow and grief because her son was found lying lifeless beside a trash can with a tag on his neck, saying “DRUG ADDICT AKO, HUWAG TULARAN”. Death can never be an answer, nor a solution to our country’s cliched dilemmas.

Why is this happening? It really saddens me. Is this what we want to instill in the minds of our children?

Is this what we want to be known to the world?

Is this what our forefathers had fought for against our invaders and colonizers? To kill each other? Our fellow countrymen?

Is this how are we going to address the pressing issues in our society? Just by killing/ just by death?

Is this what we want to leave to the next generations?

We have gone blinded by our urge for that change. Instead of shedding light to make a brighter tomorrow, we are giving in to resort in wicked ways of eradicating evil.

Remember, a wrong doing cannot be offset by committing another one in making it right.

We are instilling fear instead of discipline. We are breeding rage and angst instead of forgiveness and hope. We are amplifying division instead of unity. The church against the state, the human rights advocates and front-runners against our men in uniform who holds in the mantra, "to serve and protect", and the people who believes in second chances against those who have been sick and tired of the system.

You know what? We are better than this. 

We Filipinos have been known to the world for surpassing each and every storm that come our way, against all odds for centuries. I still believe that these things happen for a reason. 

Let us all pray and hope for the best for our homeland.

Fingers crossed. I know this too shall pass.

How to Be Productive

Sharing this with you guyz! I think i need an "IDEA DUMP BOOK", hmmm, so that i could have a copy of all of my out of this world ideas, (just the wholesome ones eh,, hehehe) for future use, or rather, whenever my crazy mind feels like putting it to action.. hahaha

hope this can help! thanks!

Why Me Lord? by Redan Lopez

This is a prayer written by my father days before he 

joined our Almighty. I saw this inside his wallet, good thing that it can still be read.

 I think this deserves to be published. 

Why Me Lord?

Redan Ramon P. Lopez

Why me, Lord?

Amidst heavy burdens and trials

Amidst life’s difficulties

I have often asked God this question,

“Why me, Lord?, Why this, Lord?”

One day, in a soft, gentle voice in my heart,

He answered me, “but why not you my child?”

It is you I have chosen to share with me this cross, this special privilege.

I know you can bear it patiently for my sake

because I will give you the strength for it, my strength.

I know this cross wil bring you closer to me.

Because you will need to depend on me, completely.

I know you will come out of this cross with victory.

As my own cross ended in victory, too.

My child, today I give you my love, my hope and my joy.

A burning love that will pull you through all difficulties in life.

A hope that will keep you persevering,

Knowing that trials are temporary and victory always awaits those who trust in me.

A joy not without pain, but a joy despite pain and suffering

A joy that will touch the hearts of many.

A joy planted deep in your soul and no one can take away from you.

I know you will be good witness of My great love, M y child

This is why I share my cross with you.

I answered,

“Lord, now I understand.

Give me the grace to accept each cross I carry.

As a special privilege rather than a burden.

Even just saying it seems hard.

Lord, but with you at my side always,

I’ll pull through with courage.

Amen.”

Truthful Humanity

This article is something very personal and yet very universal in a sense that it is a constant thing in all walks of life in this unpredictable world.

I've been thinking on what is really  truthful humanity. The phrase itself is such a big word, that you can’t even think of a concrete answer in an instant if you were asked ‘what is truthful humanity’. Agree? However, as I think harder, the real essence of truthful humanity is that, it is very simple. No matter how big the word these words are, it will still boil down to the one and only rule for mankind, (if you will ask me) The Golden Rule. What is the Golden Rule? It states that “One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.”

Very simple right? Yet very hard to follow. In life, everything will run as smooth as silk if we follow the basic rules. We will never go wrong if we follow the Golden Rule. The moment that we realize all the things that had happened in our lives turned to crap, I’m sure that regrets will bombard you as hell. If only that you have done it the right way. But I guess it is never too late. As long as we live, we are still on the clock. All we have to do is think of the things that could have saved our relationships, might have make4 us graduate on time, or might have made us better persons. I am certain that each of us has heart that only needs to be pushed a little.

The Golden Rule is an example that will make us humane. Really humane. If we are humane, we might get the chance to know what the real meaning of humanity is. I have pointers here that I think could help you be humane enough to fulfill your role of exercising truthful humanity.

1st Rule, Don’t ever forget the Magic Words.

               Learning to say thank Pleas and Thank you won’t hurt you. Regardless of how little or how big your favor is, just say it.  Even in the restaurants, to waiters, when they take your order, or for asking a glass of water. You might say that they are getting paid to that but hey, if you are their shoes, how would you feel if someone asks something from you and then turns their back after getting what they want, how would it feel like? It’s not good right?

Especially the people who are doing favors for you without asking for anything in return, a simple thank you could really make their day. Be generous enough to say these magic words for it is one way of showing them that you care.

2nd Rule, Count and Share your Blessings.

                Every morning as you wake up, thank God for the day that He has given unto you. Every day is new beginning, a new day to start to be better than you are yesterday. Keep in mind that you have the blessing that someone in the other part of the world doesn’t have.  Think of simple ways on how you can share this to those within your reach. Giving your old pairs of pants to a friend who you know does not have that much is something right? By just showing a simple kind of kindness to your neighbor is something that would make you smile at night when you go to bed. You would tell yourself that, you have done something good in a day.

3rd Rule, Respect, even the unrespectable.

                Respect the gift of life, respect the people around you, and respect those who may seem 

unrespectable. Always bear in mind that we are all creations of God, so therefore, it is our obligation to respect one another even if others are not, cannot, and will not. No matter whatever walk of life they come from, treat them fairly. Never give biased judgment based on what your naked eyes can see. “As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.” This is a line from my favorite poem, Desiderata. It is not being plastic or hypocrite. It is just that you are an educated person, you are loved, you are ought to love no matter what happens. It is just being diplomatic.

               

These three rules that I have given you are but a fraction of what we are really capable of meeting what the role of a human who exercises truthful humanity. However, these words that I have written here are all fruits of my pragmatic knowledge on how people should in accordance to what the society require us. If we just follow the very basic rule as I have said earlier, The Golden Rule, will certainly make us live harmoniously as possible with others as what we are ought to.

                Peace, love and harmony. This is what my best friend always says. And I guess this what truthful humanity is all about.

               

Love Under the Rain

I am the kind of person that does not love rain. Yes, when I was just a kid I tend to love bathing under the rain along with my siblings but, as I grow up, it changed. Every time it rains I feel really blue. 

Some say that they love rain because it is nice to sleep when it’s raining but not me. I feel sad when it’s raining at night. Especially when I’m alone, I feel afraid. Well, that’s not what I am going to tell you this time. This article is about living from the past. I had an intro about rain because my topic is about my favorite drama series now is entitled, “Love Rain”.

At first, I wonder why my Mom is shuddering and keeps on watching it over and over again. I got curious so I watched it myself. Now I know. It is really one of a kind story. it is a love story of the past that was never given an opportunity to flourish.

Love Rain focuses on the romance between the offspring of two estranged lovers. Typical plot, right? I was surprised that they dedicated a good chunk of the whole series to the backstory, actually.

We are introduced to the introverted In Ha, an art student who’s very skilled at painting. In just three seconds, he falls in love with Yon Hee as he passes by her in the school grounds. Ever since then, he attempts to get to know her. He even went as far as grabbing an old umbrella from a storage room just so he could share it with Yon Hee during a rainy day.

Though I do not believe in love at first sight, I wasn’t repulsed at the admiration that In Ha had for Yon Hee. This is probably because he was too shy to actually voice out his feelings for her. He was so slow to the point that you’d get frustrated at the way he allows his bestfriend, Don Wook, to steal the apple of his eye away from him.

In Ha watches quietly in the background as Yon Hee and Don Wook get closer and closer. Eventually though, conflict arises the moment In Ha and Yon Hee realize that their feelings are actually mutual. They leave their town to be together, then go home to face the mess. Unfortunately, their budding relationship is cut short when fate gets in the way. Yon Hee develops tuberculosis while In Ha gets arrested thanks to his roommate and friend. They never saw each other after all of that.

30 years later, by chance or maybe even fate, their offspring bump into each other during a trip to Japan. Ha Na, unlike Yon Hee, is perky and cheerful. Joon, unlike his father, is cold and infamous for being a playboy. After Ha Na accidentally loses her phone to Joon, their lives are eventually entwined. Also, during a rainy day in Korea, their parents finally reunite after so many years apart. The situation between the two couples is the main conflict in the story.

First of all, the back story is what really got me into the series. Although it’s a given that In Ha and Yon Hee would not end up together, it was still heartbreaking to see them torn apart by fate. The first five or so episodes are dedicated to their history and, for some reason, I enjoyed it more than the whole series itself. I fell in love with the 1970’s couple and it took some time for me to adjust to the present timeline.

The backstory contains more drama than the present timeline. The latter tends to be really light-hearted and sometimes, it feels like a romcom. Everything was thrilling when I was waiting for the moment that the two couples would find out about their complex predicament. After that, the series became a bit boring. I watched until the end to see how In Ha and Yon Hee’s story would unfold. I really wanted them to get together more than Ha Na and Joon.

Overall, I’m glad I watched it mostly because of the story between In Ha and Yon Hee. Their love is just so beautiful. They didn’t see each other for 30 years yet they still couldn’t forget about their first love. The scene above is probably my favorite. While crossing the street, In Ha notices Yon Hee. He’s in shock, but he rushed through the streets under the pouring rain just to make sure that it was her. This time, it was Yon Hee who offered to share her umbrella with him. It just made me feel all mushy inside.

Though their love story didn’t have a happy ending, they did one very heart breaking decision; to give way for the happiness of their children. It is clearly a reminder that if you have let go of the past once, it is a 50-50 chance of getting it right the next time.

My Anti-Stress Formula

Stress. The word that I think no one can ever get rid of nowadays; especially busy and very active people. Everyone does seem clamoring about it. “I’m stressed!” that’s what you can often hear from students. So, what is stress?

Stress is made up of many things: It is a family of related experiences, pathways, responses and outcomes caused by a range of different events or circumstances. Different people experience different aspects and identify with different definitions.

 Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a stress. Some stresses get you going and they are good for you - without any stress at all many say our lives would be boring and would probably feel pointless. I guess stress for me is that stress is not necessarily something bad – it all depends on how you take it. The stress of exhilarating, creative successful work is beneficial, while that of failure, humiliation or infection is detrimental.  So therefore, what we must do is learn on some ways on how to manage stress, and how are we able to take it as positive as possible. Why is it that we are experiencing stress? That’s because we are alive. A lot of causes of stress; best examples are family issues, relationship challenges, school stuff, and mainly personal finances. Yet all these things are normal. Stress is normal. 

I may not be very good at this but allow me to give you some of my knowledge on how to manage and maybe relieve stress for that matter. For I once experienced a death defying circumstance of being so stressed out. And I tell you, that is not a pretty good sight.

No.1. Take a break. 

Learn how to take a pause. No matter how important what you are doing, always remember that your health is a precious wealth. And no one can ever give you that good health but yourself. Take a minute to breathe and to clear your mind. Listen to your favorite song or watch a delightful movie. Take time to stroll around the mall. Go to the beach, and watch the waves as it soothes your eyes. Look at some green plants, some trees, and flowers. They absorb the negative elements from your body. Or try to call some close friends, have some beer and unwind for a little while. Relax, go to your favorite spa and have soothing massage. Enjoy the moment. With this, you can have an ample time cleansing your body from the unwanted things. 

No.2. Manage your time properly.

If you want something done right away, avoid doing thing things you don’t have to do. You know for you yourself know what are things that are important, less important and are not important. Avoid wasting your time on unnecessary things. Try cleaning up your calendar of activities. Learn to prioritize. Make a list of things that should be done now, later and tomorrow. But don’t exhaust yourself too much. Just do what you can for today. Overloading things is never a good idea. First thing’s first. Be systematic. With this, you can organize your mind and will make you avoid cramming.

No.3. Switch on your social life. 

Talk to someone. Don’t keep all that stuff inside you. Connect to people. Have a chat with friends. Tell them your what’s happening in your life now. Go to your mom, and tell her about your job, about you hot office mate and that annoying suitor of yours, or those stupid things which are happening in school. Let it all out. Share them your problems. It will surely take away a lot of baggage in there. 

No.4. Take care of your body. 

You are not superman. Have a well-balanced diet. Eat what’s best for you. You are not a kid anymore for someone to tell you what is good or bad. Take a rest. Don’t abuse your body. Sleep if you have time. Don’t over expose yourself with alcohol and smoke. This will ruin your healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly. Go to the gym if you want. Be athletic. Engage in some sports. Learn to be physically active sometimes. This will make you more alert and energetic and will keep you away from sickness. This will also help you think well, and be less worrisome.

No. 5. Think positive. 

Forget all the bad vibes. Keep in mind that everything has a purpose and everything happens for the best. Bear in mind that God has a mighty plan for allowing things to happen. Don’t forget to pray. Do not leave your religious life unattended. Nourish your spirit by going to church, reading the Bible or just simply praying before going to sleep. This will help you keep peace with your soul.

These are just simple things that will surely help you cope with stress and deal with it. As I have said, stress, is completely natural because we are living. All we have to do is know what we have to do when this silent killer attacks us. 

For the Sake of the Past and of the Future

After staring at the insertion point for quite a long while, blinking and annoyingly disrupts the flash of thoughts that ravels inside my head, at last, there is one descent idea that sprung out of my slightly beautifully damaged mind. It is about what is really our role as a citizen, and how are we able to become a responsible one. What does it entail us for doing so? What will be the perks of being a responsible member of the society? Or is there any?

 Let me share you this line from my favorite literary piece of a great Filipino writer, Carlos P. Romulo. Here it is, “I am a Filipino- inheritor of the glorious past, hostage to the uncertain future. As much as I must prove equal to a two-fold task- the task of meeting my responsibility to the past, and the task of performing my obligation to the future.”  This is such an example of a maxim that I think, every citizen must ponder on. The splendor of this line tags along a pronounced duty that one should not forget nor even avoid to think about.

Given that we are living in the generation where everyone seems to be very vigilant and is criticizing on every move of the government through the social media; however, I guess we sometimes forget what the essence of being a responsible citizen is. By making Carlos P. Romulo’s lines as guiding principle, how can we say that we are what we are supposed to be?  I have one little suggestion, JUST FOLLOW THE RULES. It may seem very simple, but I know, we all know, that this is very hard to follow.  I bet that upon reading this, you may want to stop, and click on for the new tab on your internet and scan the pages of your wall, update your status on Facebook and see what’s trending on twitter, or look for much more entertaining video on YouTube. But hey man! If you still have that one little consideration, just a little one for the sickening society, or you just want to know what’s inside my sick mind, you can go on reading my blog.

Let us start from the very basics. First thing’s first. Before we complain on other people’s actions, let us not forget on exercising our rights in the first place. Right? Then, we must bear in mind that it is our obligation to know what are our rights for us to exercise it properly. Let us recognize the idea of engaging into active citizenship.  Rights are there for us to exercise and not just to be passive about it.  These are the most important rights to the citizens of the country.  With this, we might be able to know what we should do, and know our limitations. Thus we might also learn to respect our fellows and continue to make the flow of the government right in track.

Next thing is, we must participate. Let us not just be mere audience of this big show of the government. Take note, this is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. So, in one way or the other, we are a part of the government. We are not just live spectators of the crimes that are rampantly happening n our society. 

Being a part of the of the government projects wont kill us right? Even just giving a little time to support these projects will bring a huge impact on the greater development of the country. Thinking of the welfare of one’s community as a whole is something that we should put in mind. Not that the disastrous idea of individualism is what we are put first. It is division we are displaying, not unity. Doing our part does not mean that we’ll just comment on social media about the government’s crap every time. It is not joining rallies though. It is not boycotting the election because we say that it is still of no use. It is getting involved. Getting involved in every way possible that we could do it.

Show concern. It is one thing that we can say and we can set as examples to the succeeding generations that hey, we care, so you must too.  Romulo said, “we are inheritors of the glorious past”, right? So how can we give credit to the people behind that glory we are reminiscing?  Patronizing our own products, preserving the rich culture and tradition, and loving the place that we are living in, are ways that we can value what our ancestors have left us. 

With these things, by being a true citizen, being committed and dedicated members of one society, will make us answer the call of meeting our responsibilities to the past and performing our obligations to the future. For the benefit of not only the children of our children but the bright tomorrow of our beloved country.

Living at the Brink of Survival

Life is unfair. It is a sad reality that nobody could escape. It is a fact that no one cannot deny. Rather to accept it as a challenge and most importantly as a blessing; because it is just a simple reminder that the Almighty has chosen you to be recipients of these obstacles in life for you are strong and valiant.

Let me tell you a story of never ending hope, unconditional love and fervent faith of a woman that I know back in my hometown in San Dionisio. Her name is Tina.

Tina is a mother of eight, and a wife of a fisherman and also a drunkard. Her husband’s earnings seem not to surpass the family’s daily needs so Tina is helping in any possible thing, she thinks, she can. In the morning, she gathers sea shells and sea weeds which she sells to the nearby barangays. Tina, also sells, ice candy in the elementary school, from where her students are attending to. In the afternoon, she accepts laundry.

A great hurdle in Tina’s life came when her son was diagnosed with hernia. Hernia is the protrusion of an organ or the fascia of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. Tina had no choice but to seek help from neighbours and friends. In a hernia operation, one must need around 100,00 pesos, and where on earth could Tina get this amount of money? She made a list of the people who have donated. You know what’s heart wrecking here is? As I see Tina’s list, people just gave her, 20.00 pesos, 5.00 pesos, and worst, 2.00 pesos. Of course, Tina did not complain about this, however, she continued on asking for help until one Good Samaritan answered Tina’s prayers.

Another obstacle came when Tina’s eldest daughter, from whom she thought was working in Manila got married to a man who is somewhat ‘can afford’. Tina didn’t knew this at all. She just learned this through a friend. On the day of the wedding, Tina came, but her daughter rejected her. Her daughter told her husband that it was her “yaya” before. Tina did not say a word and just left.

She said to herself, maybe, she was not good enough for her children to call their mother. Maybe because she was not able to finish her schooling. Maybe because she is just an ordinary housewife and a shell vendor.

I do not know how Tina felt that time, but I know that it really hurts, big time! On the other hand, because of her love to her children, she did not complain.

From then on, I haven’t heard from Tina again, until my younger brother told me that Tina is sitting in at Grade three in the school her where her children is in too and sells at the canteen when break time.

From Tina’s story, reminds me on hat it is to be a mother. Doing whatever you can for your children and never lose faith when problems arise. Her unconditional love for them had pushed her to do more, and to hope for the best. I guess, Tina just reminds me that no matter what happens, education is the best key to survive and the only inheritance a parent could ever give to her children.

No matter how unfair life is, it is for us to know the real meaning of it as we go along in this journey we call, survival. Also, for us to differentiate the meaning of survival, from knowing the true essence of living itself.

New Roads, Same Critiques

The City government of Iloilo is now busy repairing and widening roads in streets that are mostly used. There are a lot of speculations and reactions which are more often than not criticizing these works.

People are very predictable. If the government is not doing anything many would condemn it. If the government is doing everything, much more would criticize and put malice on it. Where would the government place itself? Most of the inhabitants of Iloilo City are complaining about the not so good roads in the city. Many would say that it is not good to travel around the city with these kinds of roads. Now that there are a lot of repairs and widening of roads they are also complaining and even more protesting about traffic and stuff. Many would say that why they don’t take this road first, not this or that. Or, why just now? Some would also say that election is fast approaching that’s why the government has a lot of projects sprouting like mushrooms. This might be true but bear in mind that the government is just doing its job to its people. These city-wide repairing of roads must be put to criticisms of skeptics who knew nothing but to throw bad apples against the government. It must be appreciated and praised for it is for the welfare of every citizen of Iloilo City.

The Department of Public Works and Highways have plans that are already set to make the roads better for the convenience of the people and also for tourism, economic purposes and others and not just for the upcoming election for the benefit of those incumbent politicians.

So, one must make it to a point that before they criticize something, they should weigh things first before jumping into conclusions that are detrimental to the part of the people concerned. 

P.R. Please!

Being an employee of a government run institution, one must consider that good public relations is a must in dealing with the residents of that certain place. However, it seems that some, if not all of the government employees do not know what public relations is all about.

One example is the staff of  one of the municipalities in Iloilo. Given the fact that they are there to serve the people where they work for, and they are getting paid enough to do their jobs well, but sad to say that they are not. In most cases, if a citizen of a certain local government would enter the municipal hall, employees are expected to give this poor fellow his needs or what he wants. These workers must greet and ask that person what he or she is up to. Yes, not all citizens are aggressive enough to go directly and ask. Most of these citizens are too shy so it is up to the employees to make this person feel comfortable. Deal with the person with a smile or just a face that doesn’t show that he or she is uninterested.

Another instance is that if a person asks for example what they would do in order to get a sedula, these employees, would just look at you and just points to a section of the room where there is no person around. Many people line up to wait for such person and only to find out that she is busy having her manicure along with her other colleagues. Another is that, one poor farmer is looking for a municipal councillor or any of the politicians to seek help. The employees told him to just wait and didn’t even bother to call for the attention of the person concerned. They are just busy playing computer games in the middle of office hours.

CCTV’s let’s say that are not just for thieves and for the authorities to solve crimes, but also, to check if the staff of a certain government institution are working according to what they are supposed to. Not sitting pretty in their rotating chairs busy watching noon time shows and leaving the people standing, lining up to get the chance that they get the answers they have intended in the municipal hall.

The government must see to it that the employees know what public relation is and practice it. It is just a matter of diplomacy we are talking about here. 

Cheating Never Wins!

It is such a great degradation of your dignity if you are being untrue to people, especially to yourself!

I don't say that i am the truest person and the most honest one, but HEY! try to be one also. Okay?? it is not what you want to let your children know someday! I do not pin point just to the person in this news but to those who take credit for the work of others. 

Another thing, you are being sent to school right?  We study to know the right thing. and to know what we are supposed to do. Hope that this will serve as an opener to those who keep on cheating their way up to college and even after. 

People, please take into consideration that each and every little thing you do, there is and there will always be others who might get involved. Your family, your community, your school, and your country. So better think a hundred times first before doing something.

I tell you, cheating is never wins!

Here, check this out!

http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=652154&p=68360943

The Porky Thing!

Since the time that whistle-blower Benhur Luy appeared last July to the public, revealing the number one controversy that the Republic of the Philippines is now facing; the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) scam. Everyone seems to be clamoring and protesting about this. It is good to know that the social media is playing its great role in expressing the voice of the people; from the market place to the high society.

“Abolish Pork Barrel!” “Janet Napoles must be penalized!”. “Stop Corruption!” These are what we can often hear from the mouths of everybody and also what we can read in some of the social networking sites. However, do we really know what is really the meaning of what we are crying for? Or do we really know exactly what it entails us to do after?

Let me give you a brief background of the “Pork Scam”. The pork barrel scam controversy first revealed in July 2013 involving five senators, Bong Revilla, Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Bongbong Marcos and Gringo Honasan and 23 representatives to transfer their pork barrel funds with a total of 10 billion pesos in the fake non-government organizations (NGOs) for the non-existent projects. The alleged mastermind of pork barrel scam by whistleblower named Benhur Luy was Janet Lim Napoles, CEO and president of JLN Corp..

Now that Napoles is being charged guilty of this case, what about the senators who are involved? It will really take a long time for them to be convicted of such crime for they belong to the big names in the society.

May I just remind you that Napoles is not the only one who was able to wrong our country, and our people. And how can we ever stop corruption? Can we stop it by abolishing the PDAF? Again, PDAF is supposed to allocate funds equally to every congressional district to be used for the residents’ most urgent needs. And who knows the needs of these congressional communities better than the people they have elected to represent them? Well, I can see here that we have trusted the wrong people. We were deceived by the things that they have promised before we have casted our votes.

Another thing, we can see students rallying in the streets, marching and screaming to stop corruption. Is this what we are supposed to do? Yes for some reasons maybe. But come to think of it, if we do this, will the people up there will ever listen to us? I don’t say that expressing our sentiments and exercising our right for the Freedom of Expression is wrong but let me tell you that we are being sent to school to study. To what? Of course to become better citizens of this nation. Much better than what we have now. To what? To become good leaders someday or maybe to become the best that we might have. For what? For the betterment and welfare of our sick society. Why don’t we just do our own thing, let them do their jobs and let us wait for our turn.

This PDAF scam just reminds us that we are the victims of the crimes that is unknowingly we are also accomplices from the very start.