The story of a balot vendor

A photo that changed the way I see cyberworld nowadays... 

This is a touching post from Ms. Jhaquee Asistio that went viral over social networking sites and poured a lot of heart-felt emotions among netizens all over the land.

"si lolo balot.. i tried asking help from wish ko lang for him through their email, pero siguro sa dami ng mga humihingi ng tulong hindi sya napansin. sya ang suki kong magbabalot. 83 yrs old balo at walang anak. nakatira sya sa isang papag sa harapan ng pinagkukuhaan nya ng balot. sa kwento nya sa akin 15 pesos isang araw at 5 pesos araw araw sa tubig. umulan, bumagyo, madilim man o maliwanag ang buwan gabi gabi kong naririnig ang boses nya sa pagsigaw ng balot.. minsan nakita ko sya pauwi ako galing opisina may hawak ng sirang payong at lulugo lugo. tinanong ko sya bakit di pa sya umuuwi ang lakas ng ulan. kailangan pa daw nya ubusin ang natirang 15 pirasong balot nya para may mairemit sa kinukuhaan nya para bigyan pa ulit sya kinabukasan. sabi ko ala pa po ba kayo benta? meron daw pero hinarang daw sya ng tatlong kabataan malapit sa lugar nmin kinuha daw ang mahigit 150 pesos na benta nya kwento nya havang umiiyak. niyaya ko syang maupo kami sa harapan ng isang karideryang sarado na. sabi ko sa kanya "nasan ho ba mga kamag anak ninyo?". "nasa leyte mga kapatid ko gusto ko na sana umuwi nalang doon kasi napakahirap dito naghahanap buhay ako pero mapagkakatuwaan pa. may labing dalawang taon na akong di nakakauwi hindi ko alam kung meron pa ako babalikan. sana bago ako mawalan ng hininga makita ko na hindi pala ako mag isa. nagkukuwento sya habang lumuluha samantalang ako humahagulgol na. tiningnan ko sya sa mata kita ko kung gano na sya katanda at alam kong kinakapa na lang ng malabo nyang mga mata ang daang kailangan nya daanan para mabuhay ang sarili niya. sabi ko tay tara na po bigyan ko kayu pang kuha nyo ng balot bukas at pang remit nyo ngayun. uwi n po kayo mag alas dose na po wala ng tao sa daan. inabutan ko sya ng 600 na tag iisang daan. binalik nya sa akin ang 200 sabi nya pwede naman daw may return. at bago kami mghiwalay sabi nya "anak salamat ha, babayadan kita pangako". ngumiti lang ako. kinabukasan mas maaga ako umuwi, dumaan pala sya sa bahay namin at nagbilin sa mga anak ko. nagabot ng 100 hulog daw nya sa utang nya. pinopost ko po ito para po ilapit po sya sa inyo na sana po matulungan syang makauwi at makasama ang mga kamag anak nya sa leyte, habang hindi pa po huli ang lahat. sana po makapa natin sa mga puso natin ang pagtulong sa kanya. maraming salamat po. Please pa share po."

We, Filipinos are known for our family-oriented attitude and naturally kind-hearted people. When we see someone who died right before our very eyes, we tremble in fear. When we watch telenovelas and see the casts experience hardships, we watch in tears. When we see older people especially relatives suffer in pain, we feel it and easily gets emotional. In the US, Home for the aged is almost in all places but here in the Philippines you rarely see old people being neglected. And unsurprisingly, when this link from a Facebook user who was touched by this 83-year old balot vendor’s story went viral, Filipinos came to action like rain in heavens sending pledges of help and words of sympathy.

This story truly snuffled my heart. I was crying reading the post from my FB wall I can hardly go on with my work the entire day. And up to this moment, whenever I see videos of Lolo when he was still selling ballot, I just can’t help my tears from falling! And I think that was what happened to thousands of Filipinos being touched by LOLO.

MR. EMILIANO D. DALA, an 83-year old homeless balot vendor touched the heart of many by his story. He doesn’t have any relatives here in Manila and does not like the idea of being a burden to his relatives in Leyte that’s why he is struggling to survive here in Manila particularly at Sauyo, Novaliches. He sleeps in a bamboo couch in front of the house where he gets his balot to sell every day. He was found by a certain MS. JHAQUEE ASISTIO, a modern Samaritan who asked him how come he still sells ballot in the middle of the night while raining cats and dogs in the whole city. Lolo Balot then confessed he has to earn enough money so he can remit to balot owner thus, he can get balot to sell the next day because his sales that night were stolen by kids who bullied him and snatch his P150 earnings for that day.  He also said he wanted to go home because life here in Manila is so hard, much more because he’s living alone. Ms. Asistio cried while hearing this poor man’s story that’s why she decided to took a picture of him and post it in Facebook, hoping people can see the story and help the old balot vendor. The said post became viral, with thousands of shares and millions of comments from around the globe. This is one perfect instance where we find good things in social networking sites. Ms Asistio only intends to impart to her not-so-many friends in FB what she saw that night, but now even media can’t help but reach out to him, to her and to the whole story that moved each and everyone’s heart…

As of this moment while I was writing this, he’s already in Samar, Leyte accompanied by Ms. Jhaquee and the “Wish ko lang” staff of GMA7. We were all very happy with the outcome of this story and I am very hopeful that a lot more like this will eventually ensues every now and then. This is a good start for all of us to extend our hands to our fellow Filipinos in need.

Truly, a very inspiring tale from two major casts of this present life story starring Mr. Emiliano Dala a.k.a Lolo Balot as the poor but pure-hearted man seeking space in the heart of people he happens to meet while doing his not-so-easy job, and of course, Ms Jhaquee Asistio who played as an instrument of God’s love as an angel here on earth. 

Modern Zarzuela

Written: 15 May 2013

Liquor and gun ban has been lifted. Posters and streamers of certain candidates vanished little by little in the sight of our narrow streets. In a few weeks , a new batch of government officials will take charge.

But are we ready? This election is becoming one hell of a “zarzuela” and this whole voting system has been turning out to be nothing but a dramatic play starred by merely actors possessing two diversed faces. One face for a character who shows so much sympathy to voters, and the other one acts as an antagonist in a suspense-thriller movie.

 I have been exercising my right to suffrage for 12 years now, participated 4 elections ever since. And at this age, I can see and understand just how powerful I am in determining our nations’ fate in the next three years. I am trying to view this whole process with high hopes, wishing we can still able to make better, if not the best decisions for our beloved country...

Let me show you some of my justified roots in modifying Philippine Election as a satirical role-playing zarzuela:

Number 1 Senator-elect Ms. Grace Poe was a sweet shocker. We were all surprised when her well-known name made it to the race and even topped the chart. If FPJ (her dad) is still alive, he might be surprised too! Being soft-spoken as she is, she thanked everyone including her surname. 

Mrs. Cynthia Villar who recently had a clash with millions of nurses over the land can now stop acting like she cares for the medical society, at all! More than that, she’s even happier she doesn’t need to make herself believe sincerely being friends with the not so fortunate senatorial candidate, Jamby Madrigal.

Landed on 5^th spot of senatorial race is the controversial Nancy Binay, daughter of no other than our Vice-President Jejomar Binay. If Grace Poe showed herself as a smart candidate as she always attend debates, Ms. Binay who never went any debate proved that she’s a smarter one by not attending. Now, that’s black magic.

Mr. Jun Magsaysay seemed to lose the race as his campaign star Ser Chief lost his charisma. Mr. Magsaysay must be more careful with his heart.

Airing of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s story everywhere, e.g. Maalala Mo Kaya and Mareng Winnie and also publication of his life story on book didn’t move so many audiences to vote for his son. Jack Enrile’s jingle during TV ads had an astounding recall, sadly his name on the ballot didn’t.

Eddie Villanueva lost again for the 3^rd attempt for a seat in the government. God had a very clear answer on his prayers and the reply is NO.

Bam Aquino, the youngest senator who got in this year made it with flying colors, all color yellow. A 30% product of Ninoy, 30% Cory, 30% Noynoy and 10% of himself…

Senator still Koko Pimentel who once said Election here in the Philippines is a fraud, proved that he’s indeed cheated by leaving his mortal enemy behind Miguel Zubiri in the charts. Now he has faith in Philippine Election…

Mr. Edward Hagedorn fails to continue what he did with Puerto Princesa to the whole nation, so is Sir Dick Gordon during his Subic Days. Still, I can’t believe Dick failed to penetrate well to get in...

 Ms. Riza Hontiveros whose initials, RH may not have been saved by her controversial RH Bill.

Senator still Chiz Escudero is still cheesy in the senate despite the against all odds affair with his HEART.

Senator Alan Cayetano can now attack again co-Senator elect Loren Legarda.

Nuff said about national elections, now let's go down with the locals;

Aga Muhlach may have gotten the votes by his charm and by adopting some Bicol Express moves. And now he can be more true to himself by stop pretending he is a real deal Bicolano.

Former President Erap had a hard time “gambling” in mayoral seat in Manila. And he won the Bingo, I mean the votes over outgoing Mayor Fred Lim! Mr. Lou Veloso, Lim’s running mate as Vice Mayor didn’t obviously win, both in looks and his votes to his closest contender incumbent Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno…

In my very own city, Mayor Herbert Bautista had an apparent success against an unknown candidate. So unknown I didn’t even know his name… Mayor Bistek took everything sitting down, he didn’t even bother make streamers/ads during the campaign.

Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte won as governor of Camarines Sur over his grandfather Luis Villafuerte Sr.. Being the youngest governor in history, he said he’s willing to learn things. Well, starting from forgetting about Dota and surfing and focusing on his latest playing field, the governor’s office.

Ms. Lilia Pineda of Pampanga won a huge margin against former priest, Ed Panlilio. That was a rewarding victory feels like she just won in Jueteng!

Mrs. Anabelle Rama who even lost in her own precinct cluster must be more focused with her daughter than leading a district in Cebu. Asked how she felt after losing, she replied, “this is just one of these battles I fought”. And so the 1^st District of Cebu can still have their tranquilized peace…

Hunk Richard Gomez again was deprived of his happiness which is according to him is serving the people. Richard is known for his crafts, which is acting, archery, fencing, and losing elections…. And now that his wife Ms. Lucy Torres-Gomez is back as representative of Ormoc, she retained all her staffs − including Richard.

Mrs. Jinkee Pacquaio is now a Vice-Governor. By being quasi-celebrity, she seems to be so happy leading her fellow Sarangganis into a “beautifully made over” province.

 There’s so many ideas and funny comments mirroring 2013 Philippine Election and I myself can’t get over those ads and controversies that caught my attention by watching this whole process.

But on a more serious note, the bottomline here is that we should all be responsible for our votes. It is called the right of suffrage. Not a right to suffering. A simple wise vote can amend the whole nation into a better and brighter place. We are that strong force that put them there; so powerful than we ever thought we are. And because of that right we should not forget our unending task which does not end in going to precincts during 2^nd Mondays of May every three years nor in staining our precious finger with indelible ink by simply voting; but more than that we should watch and observe what they can accomplish in the next years of their tenure. 

We let them earn, after all! 

A holy day of a humble earner

Written : March 29, 2013

A few days before Holy week, I already planned things to do on a holy week. A 4-day vacation from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday has been one of the factors why I am so excited about summer. Sounds as a sinner indeed, but being excited about having tons of time to do things without having to think of work is really something precious to look forward to

Maundy Thursday − Our first stop is to do the Station of the Cross at Padre Pio  of Pietrelcina. It was 3 in the afternoon and just being under the heat of the sun has been one of the sacrifices you can do as penance. It was a nice rueful experience and it was not the usual station of the cross where you have to stop every station to pray and contemplate. As a matter of fact, you have to do it while carrying a real cross. And yes at some point, by experiencing carrying a cross I also contributed to some of the hardship of Jesus.

Evening of that same day, we did the traditional ALAY-LAKAD going to Antipolo from Sta. Mesa. We started around 6 pm. The walk goes well. I can see different kinds of people. People who really take this  as their “panata” (tradition) for years now. Some just want to join and become a part of this annual famous event during holy week, while some took this opportunity to earn money.

While walking I always noticed hundreds of beggars, well, not actually beggars because as exchange for a piece of coin, they will sing and play guitar. Most of them are blind. They are scattered everywhere all throughout our stride from Sta. Mesa to Antipolo (anyone who already tried Alay-Lakad at Antipolo surely knows this). Every time we pass by them, I always stop and extend coins to their cans as my way of appreciating them. Though blind and not being able to see us or who’s openhanded enough to give them a part of something from their purse, I know deep inside they’re thanking us. I think it was on that area called Tikling (the higher part near Antipolo) when I saw a heart-breaking scene. For others, it may just be an ordinary vista but for me it hit me so hard I even stopped and asked what happened. I saw a blind old man, in his 50’s I supposed with a man fixing his guitar sitting beside him. I saw how sad and worried the blind man was while waiting for his guitar to be fixed by a good man. I believed this poor blind man was also singing while playing the guitar, just like other blinds we came across that night. But unfortunately, his guitar suddenly stopped playing which according to the man who was helping him, a string was unattached. Worse, there are no open stores selling strings that time to replace what’s that part of the guitar that was broken. I was really moved and devastated picturing the old man’s scenario of needing to earn money that time while there’s still a lot of people passing by during Alay-Lakad. I was thinking his earnings that day can reach ten times larger than he earns on a usual daily basis. And unconsciously my tears began to kiss my face. My words here may not be enough to touch you but as I saw that blind old man that night, I was really disturbed. A lot of emotions overpowered me. I felt guilty seeing how some people strive just to survive, taking every opportunity they have to make money when all I did that holy week and the week before that was just planning where to go which of course means spending money. I felt ashamed of myself knowing I can’t aid or help him more if only I know how to fix his guitar. I wanted to stay longer there until I made sure his guitar’s ok so he can continue with his craft and take home significant amount of money for his family, but people joining the Alay-Lakad kept pouring everywhere giving us a hard time to stop longer. One more thing, my heart says I can’t stand to see that pitiful man anymore. It breaks me. Tears were overflowing that time but I tried my very damn best to hide it even to my partner. They probably think I’m nearly insane when in reality, I was no less than a vulnerable individual, in deep pain knowing I was so helpless just seeing him suffer and I can’t do anything about it. Maybe all I can offer him is prayer. What I  just saw became an eye-opener for me.    

As I ponder while ambling all throughout the church of Our Lady of Good Voyage (Antipolo), I also was in a different journey, a deeper and more meaningful expedition of searching myself and how I can be more helpful of people who needs me, just like that humble earner I had a glimpse of that life-changing moving night. 

Birthday Gift

Written: March 18, 2013

 On my boyfriend’s natal day (March 17, 2013), I decided to plan him a Birthday climb.

 This time, we went to Mt. Pico De Loro in Cavite. I initially thought of Mt. Batulao in Batangas but as I did my research, I read about a girl who fell from it and although news said it was human error, I still decided not to go there for my own peace of mind. 

This was him before his legs suffered cramps as we're approaching the steep assault part of the mountain.

For more than halfway of trekking (approximately 3 hours), I noticed my boyfriend stops once in a while. I thought he was just exhausted due to lack of sleep and failure to warm ourselves up e.g. stretching before we start, stair climbing, etc. And because I was ahead of him (so as for him to see me all throughout the climb), the next thing I knew I was trekking down to look for him. And then I found him a few steps down, with a guy pushing his left foot towards him as if massaging my partner’s toe. Guilt suddenly overpowered me thinking I was too fast forgetting to even ask him what’s taking him so long to follow me. He was in pain. After a while I asked if he’s ok and he responded that we can continue. We went on with me trusting his words that everything’s fine. Then on a shaded tree, it attacked him again as if he can no longer continue to move his legs! I was in a total PANIC this time. I didn’t know what to do first to help him with his feet now both in cramps.  A group saw us and as great mountaineers indeed, they rescued us. Again two of them massaged my boyfriend’s feet, gave us ointment (Vicks) and even medicines(Vitamin B complex) to strengthen his muscles and bones I assumed. This time I knew we were in total chaos and I am pretty much sure that there’s really no way getting into the summit. The pain lessened gradually as we chose to rest there until he’s already strong enough to go down for certainly, it would be very impossible for him to finish the trek. And then another couple saw us and gave us Skelan and advised us to take our lunch already. That was 1pm I supposed! 

After eating, I felt pity for him considering it’s his special day but life really is one hell of a brusque! More than that, I guess he saw me even more disappointed than sad and so he asked me if I want to reach the peak, but of course alone. And because for me climbing is not about just going there and trying, it’s all about not giving up until the end, I decided to continue the trail, ALONE. I have set my mind that it won’t be easy to trek alone and that time I can’t see anyone going up for its already afternoon, only going down… After an hour, I reached the top and just a few minutes, took 2 or 3 pics (all head shots, of course) am on my way down. Gladly when I arrived where he is that time, he was able to get enough rest and food and relaxation on his feet and is now ready to go down the mountain we chose to be the venue for his birthday….  ;)

 Mountain hiking for me is like living a prolific life. The trail may never be easy, in fact so hard. But no matter how hard it was going up, as soon as you hear the birds singing like they have their own rhythm, see up close the hidden beauty of nature reserved and free from people’s abusiveness, and feel the breeze of being in the summit and looking over the view below as if you’re on top of the world, I guess everything is all so worth it… 

Mountain Climbing

Written : March 07, 2013    

      Looking at the mountains from afar, one can hardly grasp a being can step on the peak of God’s huge pound of soil. But some are courageous enough to do so…. Eradicating the fear of snakes and other undomesticated animals in the middle of forest’s wilderness, the fright of treading the steeply trail when one wrong move can turn you into a corpse falling down the foot of the mountain.  And so not all people enjoy doing the trek.

    Mountain climbing can be modified either as an extreme sport as others percept it to, or a  simple exhilarating hobby that offers a crucial challenge of strength, endurance and patience. They say it’s a fatal activity that some people just can’t take their foot on a mountain for being a highly dangerous sport.  A lot of dilemmas can be encountered while climbing and I think I already encountered some of them;

Bad weather –  A few years back, 2008, we suddenly considered climbing Mt. Makiling in Laguna.  Although rainy, we still forced fate to give us a few shot at this mountain. Trekking is highly recommended during summer or dry season just so to eliminate a possible fall due to slick status of loam. A few steps before we reached the Mudspring ( Kumukulong Putik), I slipped on an unstable rock in front of me leading me a few steps down and losing control of my position for a few moments. Very lucky me my companion is behind me, enabling him to rescue me right away.  I can never imagine how my life will end if my partner failed to reach my hand just in time. Then again, I won’t be suggesting a solo hike. It can be very risky on your end.

       Getting Lost – While browsing the net on a nearby getaway that of course will make me be closer to nature, Rizal caught my attention specifically the Talim Island and Mt. Tagapo. As I did my research, it is definitely neighboring Manila (an hour drive to Binangonan) and a (30-minute boat to get to the island). I have a separate blog about Mt. Tagapo and the hidden beauty of Talim Island. Fast forward>>>  Climbing Mt. Tagapo requires good instinct because in one portion there will be more than one trail that can be a possible way to get to the summit. Otherwise you’ll spend the whole day going back from where you started and start again and lost 30 or probably an hour or two of your “precious” time. Good thing I still had in my bag the print out of what I researched the day before,  the blog that served as our guide in getting to the summit. Hiking 101: Sometimes, you must pretty know what to bring and foresee how this useful one thing can help you, or even save you! ;)

           Unprepared – Mountain climbing is a sport. It is an outdoor activity which you don’t just get yourself up playing without even training.  Cramps is a very major dilemma in hiking. You have to prepare yourself for a long creepy walk and elevated assaults going up the summit or else you’ll be nursing your aching feet all throughout your supposed fun-climbing day. Worse, you’ll be in a  situation where you’ll be left without a choice but turn around and go home and forget all about steeping into the summit. Core exercise is needed especially your muscles. You can try arms and legs stretching for climbing rocky mountains, also crunches and push-ups. Also recommended are cardiovascular exercises specifically in legs. My partner experienced it already and me as his sole climbing buddy was somehow being affected knowing he’s suffering from cramps instead of enjoying.

           Mountain climbing is an activity where you can raise your physical and mental abilities to the limits. For me, this is one sport where you can encounter different kinds of challenges, sometimes all at one time. Imagine being in a remote area where your parents are not around to tell you what to do in case you get hurt, burned, bruised, got short of your food or drinks and other provisions. In short, how to survive when the only person you can rely on is YOURSELF. Nothing compares to the feeling of being on top of anything, sometimes. It’s a sense of achievement taking aside all your fears just  to finish the climb instead of going home. Though trails were tough where a strong body and mind requires one  individual to reach the summit, it is an heavenly feeling knowing you’ve encountered all remote obstacles. It’s not the mountains that we conquer after all, it’s ourselves…

Moving on

Written: February 15, 2013

Being in a pit of losing someone/breaking up is never easy. Whatever the reason is and whether you or the other party wanted or asked for it, being on the tail of a sunken relationship can twist your whole world upside down. It can sometimes generate varieties of painful and upsetting feelings.

Maybe some people are just not good in being detached with others who they learned to put their trust and invest their feelings into. Even the strongest person saddens when someone very close to them chose to depart or suddenly left them. And we can never mastered or expertise that composure whenever someone decided to put their lives away from us. But why? Why are humans so sentimental? So disturbed and overly aware of self-emotions. So unreasonable at times that we tend to be selfish; always thinking of our own selves and egos. 

Let me list down some of the common reasons why most of us find it very/extremely hard to get back on their feet after a break-up;

1. Customary practice. They say humans are habitual individuals. When we do it twice or thrice, we tend to do it occassionally thus adopting it as a hobby. Being away from people who routinarily awakes us at morning, cooks for us during meals and kisses us goodnight before we sleep is truly an abyss situation to overcome.

2. Hopelessly hopeful. The adage "miracles happen everyday" and entertaining the idea that people can change in one click is a huge challenge and people involved find it amazingly challenging to test themselves on how far their patience can take them.

3. One of a kind. When we were deeply in love, we overlook faults. And so we settle for everything and anything that can make them stay, regardless of its hardness. And when they left us, we still are blinded by the lists of what makes them unique and wonderful in our shaded love.

4. Lost trust. When a friend betrayed us, it's not that easy to give our trust again, what more if that person is the one who we gave up everything for? It's the feeling of being betrayed a million times adding to the fact that our efforts were not reciprocated well. 

5. Excessive change. In a budding relationship, it is just fair to adjust in a way that you will be both convenient and happy. Sometimes we change a lot for our partner that we tend to forget our own selves and what we truly were before. And so we cannot easily bring back that old "us" even after that partner strayed away from us. Everybody has gone through something or been with someone that has changed them in a way that they could never go back to the person they once were.

6. Irony of opposite emotions. There will be a moment in your moving on process, mostly on the first stage, when you keep on recalling everything that happened between the two of you. The adventures, the sacrifices, the fun and the compatibility that you have established during the tenure of your relationship.  And how can you ever forget that famous "magic" moment when your eyes collide and your whole world just stopped spinning? It is always on the highest level of difficulty trying to forget your special someone who you've built a lot of memories with, not to be left behind but to be remembered. And just maybe the time for you to let go of the memories is not now.

Been there done that. I  know all of us in one way or the other have survived a lot of letting go in every aspect of our lives. And the best that we can do is just provide time enough time to heal whatever element of you that has been wounded over the broken bond. Looking back at those memories are bitter sweet thoughts. And the bottom line of all of these is just one thing, a simple end-all reason of all reasons why we can't let go of that person is because despite the fact that thinking of them makes us sad, it is still the very thing that makes us happy.

Regrets

LIVING A LIFE OF REGRETS.

Written: February 04, 2013

Being positive. Always dream big. Cheer up and smile.

My life has never been the same all the time. Though working 9 am to 6 pm has been a routine, everything else is still different. Every day of my life I encounter things that make me hold back. Things that scare me to death. And so I have always dream of soaring high and leave the mediocre island that I am in but always a struggle.  “Always” that can possibly lead to “forever”.

What’s wrong with me? What have I done wrong in life that makes me suffer this hard and morbid? My life is a tough one to live. Or was I the one making it hard for myself to survive?

They say regret arises when you haven’t done anything when your heart and soul wanted to do so. That’s another thing apart from the issue of having done mistakes and escape from it? Or started at the wrong foot, failed to correct it and so leaving you without a choice but to live a life of errors.

A life of regrets.

When you’re troubled, a lot of what-if’s will rise as if you have a choice at that moment of deciding.

Susceptibility is the mother of life-changing decisions. Once you get aware of what’s going on, you’d realize some flaws, blunders and loopholes.  And then you’ll come up with that thing called “change”.

I always follow what I want in life. Regardless of the rules and standards we all have to go through, I know for a fact that trailing on the path where my heart is has been the truest and safest decree to live on.

 Regret is a hunter and all of us can be a victim. A prey that will never attain peace of mind.  It tracks you in any place it can see a chance of harming you. But the worst crime you could ever commit in this world is your self-refusal of achieving all your long-life desires by holding back and being petrified to make a shot. Failing to pursue your heart’s aspirations is a sure defeat whereas taking the first attempt to try is already a half-way victory.

Palanca letter = high school days

Palanca is a spanish word which literally means “lever”.  To give lift or to rise. It serves as an encouragement as if you are lifting a retreatant’s soul like sending good luck reminding them you are praying for them while you’re on your retreat. It  is more often send in the form of a prayer.  The palanca is not actually the letter but the action. It’s what you do (writing them) that moves and encourages them within the presence of God.
When I was in high school, I used to experience retreat a lot of times. Starting on my 1^st year of secondary school, our school held numerous mandatory religious retreats , may it be within or outside Metro Manila. Of course, we were always praying the location will somehow be out of town or farther than the previous year.  As a kid we were interfered by the excitement of going out and having fun with classmates who are also friends, than praying with them.
I think 90% of my high school  pals will agree with me that we enjoy this primarily because this is the perfect moment to bond with each other, sleep together, having fun like an outing that we almost forget that we were there to pray then eat and then pray again. And one of the highlights and exciting part before going to retreat is sending and receiving those “palanca letters”.  Some letters  are brief and straight to the point with just a simple “good luck” inside. Others were as long as novelas as if you’ll be gone for years or entering the convent as a monk... Others were sweet notes but came from a crush which makes it the best and well-kept among others. I can say that I was looking forward receiving and writing palanca letters from people of all levels of importance to me and me to them.
Years have passed but still I kept each palanca letter I had before inside my pandora’s box. They were living memories of my high school and teenage years.
And those palanca letters were never an ordinary letters written by ordinary individuals. They were written by people close to me and no matter how short, sweet, touching or simple the messages are, the thought that someone is supporting and praying for me while I’m there “lifts” me and draws me closer to God by the power of prayer .
How ‘bout you? Did you also experience having palanca letters?
 

Epitaph

Have you ever asked yourself what epitaph to write on your tombstone when you die?

As I’m taking pleasure in relaxing last night, my attention has been snatched by a news on TV about the mass shooting of a drug addict on a neighborhood in Cavite City. Eleven civilians died while a lot of people were injured.  Everyone was inexorable.  And all of that was just because of a “trip” of a certain person drown to drugs. And then I whispered behind my head, how fast we could all die! One blunder of someone can stop the life of another. One means of a person’s enjoyment hooked on drugs can be a slaughter for a lot of people in a community. Anyone can be a victim, anytime and in any place…

How can we escape this so-called “death”? How are we prepared for it and how can we possibly accept  with readiness when none of us wants to die? I suddenly recall ideas in my head when I thought about “epitaph” on a trip on All Saints Day 2010 to Tarlac for a visit with my brother-in-law’s deceased members of the family. From one cemetery to another; I even thought it was a reunion. How can I stop my mind from being open and vague to imaginations?

I wonder why only famous people contain epitaphs on their graves. Can’t ordinary people put their final say on their tombstone? It pinched my attention from roving my eyes around the trees and mountains alongside the area as we passed through Hacienda Luisita coming home that day. And suddenly I asked myself what’s the best to carve on my own tombstone? I want something so special, an inscription that will summarize my stay on earth. How I want to be remembered when I die? The works I have done and accomplished? My sayings and grown-up beliefs? The character I want people to recall when they think of me.

Lines came to me as we trail on the expressway…

Maybe I should say, “thanks to friends who enjoyed my stay and also to the enemies who can’t wait for this day".  I laughed at myself while thinking of my loved ones’ reaction after reading that. Or perhaps a better line could be “see you soon.” I have thought of a lot of things to say like “here comes the body of a girl who loves night but scared of sleeping” or “finally this girl will sleep longer than 5 hours”, “those who want to come with me here, text text na lang”. Now I’m laughing my heart out but nobody seems to figure out why! LOL… “Sorry for being pale, death failed to request an appointment” or “I was always ready to die, however, people around me left unprepared“  or yet “sorry for the short notice”. I have considered a lot of entertaining lines which simply describes me. “Due to the constraints of time, I wasn’t able to coordinate with you regarding this event" or “Some people wish they can have part two, well I don’t”. “This girl has been very excited meeting her maker, she refused to wake up”. I can also use it to describe myself like “the explorer who refused to rest and eat, now dies tired” or  “the girl who never missed a gathering will now miss her own”. On a serious note, these also entered my mind. “Fragile emotions, brave heart” and “the date of my birth and death is unessential; my epitaph is the interval between them”. 

But before we went home that night, I have come up with I think the best thing that can ever describe me:

“The girl who always looks for thrill in ordinary, finds courage in fear, strives appreciation in emptiness and hits life in trying.”

What about you? What lines would you want to leave the world when you die? Share that here and leave the world with question...

No fear for New year

The past year, 2012 has been a year of “struggle” for me. A lot of problem arises, have embraced and solved them all as much as I can. Family problems, love life matters, work-related concerns and self issues… All of that has contributed to my growth as a more responsible person now.

One of the complicated things I encountered on the first quarter of 2012 was “stress”. I really can’t handle it well at first, but realizing that I have a lot of fall backs to rely on, I finally made whip those barricades away.  Travelling has been one of the major factors why I still maintain my sane despite disasters of the previous year. Middle of my year was ok. We traveled a lot.  Even on a stormy day, we managed to travel to Laguna, Tanay, etc. just because we wanted adventure… Last quarter of 2012 was a bit shaky and challenging. Family problems never cease to pain my head. But I maintained my composure amidst everything. I knew I can make it all through the help of God!

Counting problems without setting your fingers on your blessings is like overlooking God’s gifts. If we only knew how to take care of every little thing He has been giving us since day 1, one can spend a lifetime praising and thanking him. As I said once before, I really feel the divine intervention helping me all throughout my journey. Every time I need something as life requires me, I can always look for a silver lining to cope up. I really feel God loves me. And I want you to feel that too.

Celebrated it with my loved ones is priceless. Something I can never ever exchange with anything else.  As expected, I tried to end the previous Dragon year 2012 with a puff! And I really know and feel and believe that I can have my two thumbs up for this new year 2013.