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it's love day...

2009-02-14T00:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines’, my dear.

It’s the day of the hearts deeply in love..

My wife greeted me this morning and of course, I returned the favor by making a call..

Gosh, too many occasions that I let go off..

Birthdays, anniversaries and this special love day…

But I always have thing to say..

Love doesn’t come only in one day..

Love shouldn’t be expressed only in one day..

But thru all the days made from sunlight to sundown..

Love doesn’t have to be expressed for only those dear to us..

But for all, as the Lord love all men.

It’s the day of the hearts…

And you can take my heart in exchange for love..

I will love you for as long as I live.

Aren

chasing the water.....

2008-08-19T04:02:00.000-07:00

Excerpts from OHS e-mail magazine dated; 16 August 2008

Hydrogen-Powered Fleet Tours America
August 16, 2008
If you are interested in what the future holds for hydrogen in the United States, you can, depending on where you live, see for yourself. Hydrogen Road Tour '08, a two-week, cross-country trek of a fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles, is currently underway. The fleet began its tour Monday in Portland, Me., and by the time it crosses the finish line in Los Angeles on Aug. 23 it will have made 31 stops in 18 states. For a map that includes all the tour stops, go to http://hydrogenroadtour08.dot.gov/.

I remember a Filipino inventor “Dingle” who declared that he discovered a way to run cars with water as fuel. Many people laugh at the idea. The man demonstrated and run his own car with water just to prove his claim. After years of exasperated defense of his action, the man stopped. No news was heard about him. Gossips and here says were told that perhaps, he had sold his technology to other countries who took a look at his ideas. With the exorbitant prices of fossil fuel now a day, many will surely think of his man and his claim. Could it be possible? The answer is si, da, aiwa, or whatever language you wish to say yes! While Mr. Dingle claimed to feed the engine with water, the above news clips speaks of hydrogen. And everybody’s elementary chemistry states that water was made of hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Maybe, Mr. Dingle had invented a way to instantly separate the two elements and feed the engine with pure hydrogen. Take a few finger taps on your computer keyboard and run your search engines and type “cars running on water”. It will take you to countless pages regarding the subject.
And so, hybrid or hydrogen cars touring the US showcasing the “now proven near reality” of Mr. Dingle’s claim! If ever there’s truth to his selling of his technology to other interested parties, the Philippines lost a very big opportunity. Well that’s a “now proven near reality” of the Philippine governments’ inability to hear and see their people’s intelligence. They’ll let other parties to benefit from their own people’s skills and abilities or they'll be happy seeing others enjoying the big pie while already satisfied on a corner with left-over crumbs.

name nAMes..

2008-08-18T23:11:00.000-07:00

Today I received one reply e-mail from one of my classmate, Lisa Udarbe. She’s formerly Ma. Luisa Salvador to us during high school (http://grandreunion.blogspot.com), a head turner with her charm and beauty, intelligent, competent and what else. She’s the cream of the crop and graduated taking almost all of the honors and awards. Back in elementary, she’s the girl to beat.

What makes it funny was she didn’t recognize me. Who else could, unless I will give full details of my identity? Back in elementary, I was known to be “Renato”. But when I go to college, my parents corrected my name and changed it to “Rene”. This was the name registered in my birth certificate and little bit simpler to remember.
I turned 5 years old living with my paternal grand-grand father. Because my older sister was already going to school and I’m playing all alone by myself, he enlisted me to Grade 1 as “saling pusa” (seat-in). They didn’t bother to ask my parents (cell phones were not yet invented) what’s my real name was and guessed it to be “Renato”. Thinking that because I’m only “saling pusa’ and that I may not continue, they didn’t bother. Unfortunately, I enjoyed going to school and my teacher then told my oldies that I can be enrolled in the next grade. Since age requirement at that time was not so strict, I finished elementary at the age of 11 and 15 during high school. However, my name remained to be “Renato”, known to be as such with all my school records bearing the name.
When I go to college, my parents decided to correct it and have it changed to “Rene” thru an affidavit. From then on, whenever I present my school records, the affidavit has to be included. (About the age, I also finished my 5-year agricultural engineering course at the age of 20.)

Coming here in Saudi Arabia, again my name was changed. In my company records, I was known as “Rene Andres” deleting the “San”. For reasons jokingly stated, that saints were not recognized in Islam.
My name was changed several times but the person remains the same. However a person was called or registered, his true identity will stick to his personality. Memories of a persons good deeds, conduct, strong character, how he dealt towards others and life itself, will remarkably remain in ones consciousness. “Oh, that guy or gal is like this..” How I could be known and what others speaks about me, would perhaps speaks of my true identity.

She could be Lisa S. or Lisa U., but she’ll remain to be the pretty and intelligent girl I knew. I could be Renato or Rene, but for others I would be this…and that…and this…and that.

Life will give us the chance to name that names you want to be known…

TriNIdAd, roSaRio...at AbiGaiL

2008-05-11T01:05:00.000-07:00

Ngayo’y araw na dakila’t, buong mundo ay nagalak,
Parangal sa mga inang, puso mandi’y binusilak,
Tanto ko at damang-dama, pag-ibig niyang walang kupas,
Liwanag ng tahanan ko’t, ilaw na ring walang wagas.

Damang-damang ng ina ko, ang hilahil ko at lungkot;
Puso kong siniphayo, wari man ding kinukurot;
Tinalaga ang sarili, sa anaki’y magbabantay;
Hindi niya alintana, kahit kanyang ikamatay.

Nar’on s’ya anumang oras, na kailanganin ko ang tulong;
Hindi na rin mapalagay, bawat oras ay ginugol;
“Baka mayro’n pang kailangan?” ito’y lagi niyang tanong?
Hindi siya humihinto, panganib may sinusuong.

Pag-ibig ng aking ina, hinding-hindi matawaran,
Walo kaming kanyang anak, binuhay na matiwasay;
Katulong ng aking ama, sa gawaing pumapagal,
Hindi niya alintana, ang hirap na dumaratal.

Kasipagang sadya likas, matiyaga at masikhay;
Ugali niyang walang bahid ni anumang kaimbutan;
Sa tuwinang ngumingiti, sa biro niyang ibibigay;
Malalaman mo sa huli, may aral ding tinataglay.

Displinang tinanggap ko’t, pinili ko na tularan;
Matuto sa tamang landas, akin na ring natutunan;
Walang hampas na lalatay, libong aral kahulugan;
Matuto sa kabutihang, sa pagtanda’y kaagapay.

Sa ‘kin na ring mga pinsan, hindi rin siya nangingimi,
Makita niyang hindi tama, itutuwid itong mali;
Kaya naman kung minsan ay, “Hitler” siyang maturingan;
Pakiwaring mabagsik daw, pero sadyang mabait din.

Tahimik na mga gabi, hindi pa rin humihinto;
Bawat anak binibilang, bago siya matutulog;
Tinuturing na biyayang, mula sa D’yos ay nagmula;
Kayamanang pinagyaman, na hihigit pa sa ginto.

Wala na ring makatulad, si “Gelay” na aking ina;
Sa puso ko’y mananahan, hanggang ako’y nabubuhay;
Bawa’t dalanging sinasambit, siya nawa’y pagpalain,
Ng sa muling pagkikita, ligaya ay makakamtin.

Ginigiliw na Rosariong, tahanang ko’y inilawan;
Pag-ibig na iuukol, mamahaling walang hanggan;
Sa punyagi at pangarap, inspirasyon ko s’yang tunay;
Lalagi ka sa puso ko, hangga’t ako’y nabubuhay.

Biyaya kong tinuturing, anghel ka na ibinigay;
Sa buhay kong uma-andap humihina’t walang sikhay;
Liwanag ng iyong ngiti, ibinigay sa buhay ko;
Ang ningas mo ay tumingkad, nawa ito’y tuloy-tuloy.

Pag-ibig na inu-ukol, walang bahid na masama;
Sa buhay na nilalakbay, tayo nawa ay magkatuwang;
Balakid man o paghihirap, ito’y aking babatahin;
Buhay ko ma’y iaalay, upang ika’y paligayahin.

Minamahal ko ring anak, yaman ko’t aking buhay;
Nilantay na isang ginto, pinili kang mahinusay;
O Abigail na tinurang kayamanang walang maliw;
Pagmamahal ko’t pasakit, buong pusong ibibigay.

Tanging yaman ko kayong, sa akin ay ibinigay;
Paka-iingatan ko habang ako’y nabubuhay;
Dalangin ko sa Maykapal, tayo nawa’y pagpalain;
Pag-ibig at pagmamahal, lagi nawa nating kamtin.

WelCome ME back...

2008-04-16T01:32:00.000-07:00

After some hibernation, at last here I am. Its been too long that I wasn't able to make any blogs, nor visit my very own site. Its been a very busy days for me since February. My very good friend Basha, has to take his "unplanned" vacation while I have to take over his chores. Mind myself, I wasn't even able to peek athis site. What a poor myself. Afterwards, its' my turn to take my vacation and lo;

1. I met my tata Pepe right in person. Although, we weren't able to talk too much ( because, naiinip na raw sila sa paghihintay sa akin!). Only a few words and they left already. Kind words were enough, as he talked much about me ( kind because, as if all praises ako sa kanya, in front of my loveydovey and my biyenan). I was'nt even able to ask if thay already savor our halaya and suman. Sana, nakapagbitbit man lang sila. Next time, I'll make it appoint, that they should bring something back sa Oz.;

2. I was able to see again some penitensya (flagellants). I took some pictures and somewhat bewildered. Just imagining that at the heat of the 11:00 o clock sun, these people will shed blood and hit themselves. One guy's back looked like a lechon. It's blood and sweat that was coming out from self afflicted wounds. Just wondering, would God heed their calls for forgiveness after that bloody experience. I've heard, right after that bloody exercise, they will bath themselves and refresh themselves with abottle of beer or two. Or even up to the last man standing, they will drink to the fullest. So, was there any difference before and after?

3. I met my some of my classmates. Kuya Mar (w/ wifee), Pareng Ted, Eva, Danny B. Vic C., Rowena C., Noel N. and the lovely couples, Estre and Libring. After a long wait, my memoirs were handed over to me. Of course, I have to wear the shirt with their signs. Its goes along way and taught much of what had happened to them after the grand reunion. Not much plans ahead, but I'm sure they're planning something worthwhile. As I was not into drinking, i felt sorry for the other "drinking" guy.

4. Visiting my father and my other siblings brings good feelings and sense of belonging. My father was old, stricken with diabetes but I'm happy that he's coping. Although, we are facing some financial problems, we made a compromise to solve it first by ourselves. Very much taken were the concerns being given by other family friends, my father strongly rely on us. Something which, I looked upon. It won't be us and nobody can help us;

5. My unica ija has taken a review class for the college entrance exam. Some kind of experience that we had not undergone dring our high school days. It was an experience for her, as this was first time that she'll be living with some other people, far from our presence. An experience also for her to go and mingle with other children of her age coming from other schools. What a sigh, that she told us of her experience and how good was her school compared to the others. Now she knows how her school fared with the others, Luckily for her, as she can now prepare much better for college. I just hope, she could make it to UP for that was her target. Good luck my dear, and my prayers will be with you!

6. This is the most exciting part of my vacation that makes me crave for more days. Sana ini-extend ko ung aking vacation. While my unica ija was away, the cats will play! Hahahaha! That was a moment when me and my loveydovey were lonesome in the house. And what would you expect. Intimacy was always present that we felt we were in our courtship period. Ahh, it's very nice to think of those that i now suffer from homes__ness. I'll keep it short for my imagination to work....As I just started working, I now have plans for my next vacation grande.

It's back to work now.....stop day dreaming!

It bleeds..It hurts!

2008-02-03T04:34:00.000-08:00

Minsan sa pagsa-surf ko sa internet, nakita ko ang website na ito, http://forum419eaters. sa simula ay maganda ang nilalaman at magandi rin naman ang nilalayon ng mga ito. hanapin ang lahat ng mga manloloko sa internet o "scammer" sa English. Nakapanlulumo ang mga sumunod na bahagi sapagka't malaking bahagi ng website na ito ang tungkol sa love/dating scams. sa bahaging ito lumitaw ang kanilang pananaw tungkol sa mga Pinay na nagsa-surf sa internet. Kadalasang nilalaman ng kanilang mga usapan ang mga scammer na mula sa Russia at karatig bansa. Marami sa kanilang karanasan ang makakilala sa internet ng mga "babaing" Russians na sa kanilang paniniwala ay mga lalaking nagpapanggap na babae. Kadalasan sa kanila ay "makikipag-ibigan" hanggang sa naisin ng "babaing Russian", na makipagkita sa kanila.Sa puntong ito, hihingi ng pera ang mga "babaing Russian" upang gastusin sa pagsasa-ayos ng kanila papeles. Dito na lalabas ang mga paraan ng kanilang imbestigasyon.
Sa kasamaang-palad, ang Pilipinas ay ibinibilang ng mga taong ito na maraming "scammer" o manloloko. Sa isang bahagi, tinawag ng mga ito na manloloko (scammer) o pulubi (beggar) ang mga Pinay na kanilang nakaka-ugnayan sa internet. Ayon sa kanila, sa simula ay makikipagka-ibigan ang mga Pinay hanggang sa dumating sa punto na maiihinga ng ating mga kababayan ang problema sa pananalapi. Sa puntong ito, kunwari ay tutulungan ng mga ito ang ating mga kababaihan pero sa isang kondisyon. Marami sa mga ganitong pagkakataon ang hahantong sa pagsasagawa ng ating mga kababaihan ng isang "show".
Dito lumalabas ang tunay na kulay ng mga taong ito. Kunwari ay naghahanap ng mga manloloko sa internet, pero sila mismo ang mga nanloloko. Matapos ang "show", mangangako ang mga taong ito na magpapadala sila ng pera kinabukasan sa Western Union at antayin na lamang ng ating pobreng Pinay. Sa bandang huli, malalaman ng ating kababayan na wala talaga siyang aasahan. Going further, one member even captured the pictures of one Pinay doing the "show" and even encouraged the others to view it in the dedicated link.
Masakit para sa atin ang ginagawang ito ng mga ganitong klase ng tao. Pero kung iisipin, nasa atin na ring mga kababaihan ang problema. Ni hindi nga nila nakikita o nakaka-usap ng personal ang isang tao ay kaagad-agad nagtitiwala. AT hindi maliit na bagay ang kanilang ginagawa.
Kailan pa kaya matatanggap ng ating kapwa Pilipino na hindi na madali sa ngayon ang mabuhay. Kailangan ang ibayong sikap, talino at sipag. Samahan ng maraming dasal. Wala ng nakukuhang libre at madali, lahat ay paghihirapan. Sa ngayon, paaano pa natin matatanggal ang batik na ito sa ating pagkatao?

haPPy biRThDay...Issa!

2008-01-22T06:40:00.001-08:00

Oh, I almost forgot, it's also the birthday of my youngest sister Issa. She's now in Taiwan, married to a very loving husband and good bayaw, Lou Kuo Ping Lo. Two beautiful children were luckily endowed to them. Beautiful An-an is somewhat kereng-keng while the older boy is the same Inchik as he is to be. I remembered that this boy, Ii, wishes not to go home to Taiwan, the last time he went to the Phils. But in anyway, time will come and they'll stay there longer in the Phils. Insha-allah.

Again, happy birthday sis.

haPPy biRThDay...aBigAil!

2008-01-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

Its’ my unica iha’s birthday today. She’s now 16. Oh what a girl. Imagine, may 16 years old na akong dalaginding. The mother told me na may nagpadala pa raw ng bouquet early in the morning..Naks naman. Mukhang may admirer na. Kidding aside, maganda naman ang unica iha ko. (Syempre). Sa’n pa magmamana, di kundi sa nanay n’ya. Tama na ung sa akin na lang magmana ng talino. Sa kanyang Nanay na magmana ng lahat.

It makes me say a little prayer for my daughter. I prayed na sana maging maganda at worthwhile ang buhay n’ya. Every parents wishes na maging maganda ang buhay ng anak nila. “Magandang buhay” means, yumaman and maging successful sa anumang gagawin nila. Makakita ng magandang trabaho and be into a good relationship. In other words, everything should be A-OK.

In my solitude, I also ponder what could be growing up without hardship. I relate myself to the question, since my growing up was not made on silver platter. Just imagining the hardship I endured to be the person I am now. And yet, there were times that I also find it hard to cope with the everyday pressures this present day living gives. Sometimes, I’m thinking of giving a test on my daughter and see how much she can endure. Living in the near future won’t be that easy, and the toughest will have the greater chance of surviving.

No pain, no gain. Its’ what they say, but it truly meant what it says. Life is getting harder and harder, and we’re not sure of what the future holds on us. Our pains during our striving years could be well off with what these days’ offer. Even then, the way this generation copes will be a question. Baby boomers had already made their marks. Generation Xrs still has to earn their feathers. Millenials still has to find their directions.
Nonetheless, which ever generation you belong, challenges will be there. It only changed its name.

To my abi..happy birthday, anak!

WhEn iT rain...iT pouRs!

2008-01-13T04:38:00.001-08:00

We came to our resting room dripping wet. My people had just finished covering our problematic barley materials at the open area. Ah yes, I’m still here in Saudi Arabia. There is rain in Saudi Arabia? Of course, there is. Some people said that the rain in some parts of the Kingdom had been too intense and precipitation is more than 3 inches. That is why, flooding comes afterwards. Why? Because they were not used to having rain most of the year and drainage canals were not part of their civil works. So, where will the run-off go?

I even heard that rain was included in their prayers. They wish to have rains, but were they prepared to have it? What if heavy downpour lasting for more than 15 minutes comes, were will the precipitation go? In the last few years of my stay here, rain starts and ends the seasons. In 2003, hailstone came, and that was the first time in my life to see it. Ice, the size and like naphthalene balls (called “hail”) dribbling all around. Some said that it can even break the windshield of a running vehicle. It could be, yes. But that was the first and the last experience I had. In the coming years, only rain comes (even thunderstorms!) and no hailstone.

I asked the people first to uncover the piles so as to dry the canvas. They had not finished spreading the canvass when I observed dark clouds also spreading down west. And it was not just mere clouds, but rain already pouring in the area. A few droplets on my face and I asked them to cover it again.

Mind you, with temperatures at 14 deg C plus the wind factor, everybody’s chilling cold. It is hard to work with numbed hands and legs. The legs also were buried on the heap restraining every ones’ mobility. Every body’s complaining but we can’t do anything about it. Now here comes the rain that added to the misery.

Not all heaps were covered as we run out of canvass and...energy! Oh boy, we’re not expecting it to be like this. Saudi Arabia was equated with hot and arid climate. My self also stand in disbelief. Here you’ll have the extremes. Not just hot...but very hot. Not just cool...but very cool!

Oh, yes Umar! There is rain in Saudi Arabia!

Viva Senior Nazareno...

2008-01-10T02:36:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was the feast of the Black Nazarene at the St. John the Baptist Church, otherwise known as the Quiapo Church. In the news, you can see the throng of devotees encircling the float carrying the image. There were people or group of people who came earlier or even a day ahead just for the occasion. Devotees were very diversified; women and children, rich or poor, able bodied or even the weak. It is quite known that the 2nd highest official of the land, Vice President Noli de Castro was devotee himself. A practice he'd been doing even during his early teens. Sad to say, yesterdays' melee also brought casualties: 2 dead, a number of injured, a side from those separated from their troops.

In my town of Pulilan, there is also the Mahal na Senyor.It is another version of the Nazarene sheltered at a small chapel west of the town. On Friday afternoons, devotees tropped to the small chapel to hear mass. Some may believed that instead of going to the Quiapo Church, devotees can come to the smaller chapel and say their prayer. In both the Black Nazarene and the Mahal Na Senyor, devotees claimed of spiritual fulfillment, granted wishes and physical cure. Persons afflicted with ailments were cured from their illnesses. Persons with heavy and unbearable problems find solace, comfort and answers to their woes. If anybody stranger to the faith will hear this, surely finds it unbelievable, unrealistic.

Be it true, false or unrealistic, it was one man's choice and practice of faith that matters.

Happy New Year!!

2007-12-30T23:05:00.000-08:00

Pik..Pak..Boom!

It’s almost the same from all the other months that have ended. But December coming to a close also concludes the year to welcome a new one. It’s different because we will try to evaluate what we had done and what had happened to us.
In a few hours we will bid 2007 goodbye. For many, it was a good year. A year of promotion, a time of abundance, a record breaking feat, a wedding, a birth of a much awaited child, an ambition achieved. For my Class of 1978, it was the grandest ever reunion we had. And however it was, it is truly a success.
For others, it could have been bad. A death in the family, a job lost, a devastating accident, a severed relationship, a painful goodbye, a missed opportunity, a major setback.
But that’s precisely why God divided time into months and years; seasons and cycles; past, present and future. So that in the past, we can have a place to bury our mistakes and learned from it. In the present, we can set a benchmark with which to measure our success. In the future, we can have a goal to peg our hopes and aspirations.
Yes, it is the last hour. For 2008, we all hope for the best. We pray to have peace, prosperity and understanding. But as soon as the ticking of the clock marks the end of 2007, a New Year begins. No matter how your year ends, begin the year with God.
Happy New Year!!

Naala-ala ko pa.....

2007-12-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

(Sa tula kong ito...Part 3)

Nagniningning sa isip ko’t, naglalaro sa hinagap,
Tangi na’ng ala-alang, kundi man din sa pangarap,
Mga saglit ng kabataang, babalikang walang kurap,
Isa-isang dumadalo’y sa lunduyang puro ulap.

Bahag-hari ang katulad ng kabataan kong makulay,
Masdan mo sa langit, ngiti sa labi ay nakasilay,
Dulot nitong kasiyahan, sa nakalipas na pag-ulan,
Bahagi ng isang pangako’t paalala ng Maykapal.

Binalikan ko’ng nakara’ay, yaong tigib nitong saya,
Isa-isang pinupulot, sa isip kong mapurol na,
Bawa’t tagpo na maisip, ako pala’y natatawa,
Pati itong katabi ko, iniisip sa ‘ki’y iba.
(Baka raw kasi ako’y, name-mental na!)

Ako baga’y si Totoy n’un, naglalaro sa kaparangan,
Hinahabol ang anumang makita kong gumagapang,
Lukso dine, lukso duon, wala akong kapaguran,
Di ko na alintana, ang pawis ko sa likuran.

Madalas na manghuli rin, ng kulisap na lumilipad
Tipaklong o lukton man, anong lakas magsilundag,
Pero eto at dumating isang katotong mapang-inis,
Bawa’t hakbang na palapit, kanya itong pinapalis.

(Kaya naman bilang ganti, kapag huhuli ng tutubi,
Kakantahan ko ng bigla, walang gatol pasintabi’
‘TUTUBI, TUTUBI, ‘WAG KANG PAHUHULI,
PALAPIT NA SA ‘YO, BATANG MAPANGHI!)

Inaakyat ang matayog, punong bayabas o mangga man,
Walang sawa sa pagkain, hinog kaya o manibalang,
Dala-dala sa bulsa ko, asin kaya o bagoong,
Lalantakang mga bunga, sapat-sapat na masiyahan.

Akin na ring aayain, ibang katoto’t kababata,
Dadako sa kabukiran, pagkatapos ng anihan
Natitirang mga palay, amin itong pupulutin
Ang pumpong na maiipon, amin namang gigiikin

Tutulungan ko si Amang mag-ipon ng giniikan,
Ito kasing si Kalakian, wala man ding kabusugan,
Matapos na isuga ko, duon sa kaparangan,
Dayami at pulot naman, kanya namang babanatan.

Sa pagsapit ng tag-ulan, kidlat kulog nagsalimbayan,
Hindi ako makalabas malakas kasi itong ulan,
Pero ako’y natutuwa’t, iba na namang karanasan
Isusulat sa isip kong, natatanging kaganapan.

Itong “kwak, kwak” ng mga itik, sa umaga ang panggising,
Tilaok o putak kaya ng mga manok na putatsing,
Asahan mong sa pugaran, itlog nila’y bibilangin,
Bahala na kung alin, uunahing kukuhanin.

Kapagdaka si Kalakian, ayun at gutom na naman,
Unga dine, unga duon p’wet mandi’y sinilihan,
Ako nama’y maaawa’t, ikukuha ng giniikan
Saka ako mabibigla sa ‘king bagong natuklasan.
(Kagabing malakas ang ula’t kulog kidlat nagsalimbayan,
Merong milagrong nangyari na’t ito ngayo’y tinuturan,
Munting payong na nagsulputan, sa puno ng mandalaan,
Kabuteng anong sarap ayu’t biglang nagsulputan,
Kaya ngayon pag kumulog, ako na ri’y natutuwa
Sa paniwalang may kabuteng susulpot na lang bigla!)

Dating gintong kaparangan, unti-unting nananariwa,
Mga damo at halaman unting-unting nagsibulan,
Bawa’t hakbang ko at lundag, nakiliti ang pang-yapak,
Saka ako mahihiga, sa damuhang parang papag.

Mga mata ay matalas, bawa’t kilos ay mabilis,
Pinitak na inararo, ngayo’y playground ang kawangis,
Lumulundag na palaka, baka di mo mahuli,
Uuwi kang luhaan, pati damit ay marungis.
(Sa di kalayuan ako pala’y minamasdan,
Ni amang kanina pa, palihim na natatawa,
Tulad ko ra’y isang bagong ipinanganak na baka,
Ekis-ekis itong tuhod, dahil ako’y isang lampa)

Sa wari ko’t gunam-gunam wala pa ring kasing-saya,
Itong aking kabataang, sa malas ko’y lumipas na
Sa puso ko at sa isip hindi ito makukuha,
Lilipas lang at sa huli, ikukwento sa balana.

Talos ko ring ang kabataa’y lumilipas nawawala,
Para itong bulalakaw, sumisibat na paibaba,
Katulad di nitong alon, lumalakas humuhupa,
Kapag tapos na sa dagat, huminahon itong sigwa.

Kaipala ay darating ang oras na mawawala,
Dating sigla at lakas kong, bagun-tao ang kamukha
Sa darating na panahon, wala na ring magagawa
Kundi na lang gunitai’t, pasalamat kay Bathala!

Tao Po! Tao Po!

2007-12-24T00:48:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas tomorrow and tonight will be the “panuluyan” of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Joseph. Shall we say that these same scenes happened in the Philippines and every character speaks in our native tongue, in Tagalog!

“Tao po! Tao po!” said the couple to every house they came across while knocking on their doors. Not one, but many will reply, “ Wala po, patatawarin po. Puno na po dito!”
Sadly, the couple will go along way until finally, a man will show them to the makeshift “barong-barong”. And there, the Savior will be born. The man to be called “Anak ng Tao”.

In our daily lives, many persons knocked on our doors, windows and wherever part of the house to get our attention. “Tao po, may tao po ba?” “Tao sa tao”, anybody, stranger or not, will start this kind of greetings, specifically, to get our attention. They won’t tell “hayop po, may hayop po ba?” but the truthful, sincere, polite and soft spoken “tao po”. In the “panuluyan”, their knocks on the doors could represent many things.

One could be, the truth of having God in her bosom knocking in every ones’ heart (house). In the “panuluyan” they were shoved away and told that the house were full. Our lives or hearts are full of some other things that we can no longer accommodate the mystical invitation of letting God into our hearts, into our lives. We are full of earthly materials, aspirations, ambitions that we no have the time, space and will, to let God to come in.

The “tao sa tao” is the fellowship being required by a man with the “kapwa tao”. It is the announcement of the arrival of another “tao” that should be treated likewise. It was also Gods’ way of expressing His desire to be with the highest form of His creation. God created man in His likeness, and by meeting the other tao, fellowship between God and His creation materialized. Likewise, the other "tao " who opened up himself meets God in his likeness.

This season, let’s open ourselves, feel and be responsive to others. Merry Christmas!

...traise my Roots.

2007-12-22T23:42:00.000-08:00

I had exchanged e-mails with my Tata Pepe Vergara (http://www.lolopepe.smugmug.com/) for the last two days. He had been in Australia for a very long time, and going over their website, http://www.vergara.net (or http://home.iprimus.com.au/rustica/index-v.htm) carefully gives the accounts of his long, tedious, back breaking and mentally exhausting quest for establishing his lineage. While he successfully created the long lists of his own, it comes to a point that many persons he identified in his work, form part of the very tangled web of relationships and affiliations formed in years, even centuries ago. The man unselfishly put all information he collected, heard and researched from the very old registry books available from the munisipyos, kombentos, and even during “lamayans” (wakes). He took the challenge of going from one place to another, sniffing every information, leads and directions he may take. Whether valid or not, weight anything or void, he still took every bits of information given. In all of those days of searching, he took the cudgels voluntarily, spending his own resources, even endangering his dear life and limbs, but with lots of courage and hope. His only consolation was to meet, talk and get even the smallest information. Meeting, talking and seeing long lost “namesakes” rejuvenates his tired and exhausted body. Especially, meeting the “oldest patriarchs or matriarchs” of the clan in areas he intentionally visits.

Results of his quest tucked on his belt can be found at the following websites,: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/1821/coronel/coronel.htm, http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/1821/mag-isa/index3.htm

Working on ones’ own genealogy is a very tedious, nerve wracking, exhausting and many times, disappointing. But the eagerness, courage and hope shown by my Tata Pepe is exemplary, convincing and unique. His works does not end in this generation but will continue for as long as relationships are being made, new “kamag-anaks” were being found, new “namesakes” were being met, new “Tata Pepes” were born, so forth and so on.

I must be thankful for knowing and being related to a Tata Pepe..now I can

….traise my Roots.

Is that luv i c in ur eyes, or merely a reflection of mine?

2007-12-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

I hide my tears as I say your name, but the pain in my heart is still the same.
Although I smile and seems carefree, there's no one who missed you more than me!!

I love you so much my heart is sure. As time goes on, I love you more.
Your happy smile, your loving face, No one will ever take your place.

As I lie awake in my bed, all sorts of thoughts run through my head,
Like why do I love you so much, Then I realize it’s the whole you are!

I love your eyes I love your smile, I cherish your ways I adore your style.
What can I say? Your one of a kind & 24/7 your on my mind!

A special smile, a special face, and a special someone I can't replace.
I love you and I always will. You’ve filled my heart no one can fill!

I had liked many, but loved a few. yet no one has been as sweet as you.
I'd stand and wait in the world’s longest queue. just for the pleasure of a moment with you.

Sweet as a rose bud, bright as a star. cute as a kitten that’s what you are.
Bundles of joy, sunshine and fun. you are everything I love all rolled in one

You’ll always be mine now & forever.You’ll always be mine for you're my treasure.
You’ll always be mine please tell me it’s true. Please be mine forever I'll always love you!

I don’t have the measles, not confined to bed, aspirin won’t help coz it isn’t my head,
I don’t have back ache nor with the flu, it’s more serious than I thought...I’m missin you!

Sa Tula Kong Ito......Part 2

2007-12-20T23:21:00.000-08:00

Sa Tula Kong Ito, Ako Sana’y Pagbigyan…
Part 2….

Bayan kong sinilanga’y dili iba’t ang Pulilan,
Mga binata’y makikisig, dilag nama’y maririkit,
Sa tahanan nitong ama, palamuti’y nangagsabit,
Tanda ng kasaysayang walang patid iniukit.

Sa pagpasok mo sa Longos, kalabaw na nakaluhod,
Ang sa iyo ay bubungad, masdan mong buong lugod,
Sagisag ng isang lahing, sa D’yos Ama nananalig
Paniwala sa Maykapal, lahat yao’y binubunyi.

Ang Longos na nuong una’y tahanan nitong PI,
Eskwelahang humubog din, isip mandi’y pinapanday,
Kahit tabi nitong ilog, at sa isip na mahusay,
Hindi na rin malilimot, ang talino sa pagsikhay.

Dumako ka pa roon, at Sto Cristo’y sasapitin,
Lugar ng mga Ochoa, dakilang tao’t pinuno rin,
Mga tao’y mababait, bukas-palad sa pagtulong,
Katangiang sadyang likas, karangalang yumayabong.

Kung lalakad pakanluran, sa Cut-cot ay magagawi,
Dito dati ang kiskisa’y ang hilera’y walang patid,
Inaning palay sa kabukiran, dito lahat gigilingin,
Sa pagdating ng tag-ulan, ay kaysarap na sinaing.

Saan mo ba makikita, unang tangke ng gasolina.
O Rural Bank ng Pulilan, marami ring natulungan,
Hindi baga at sa Paltao, na susunod sa iyong dalaw,
Kasingtamis ng kakaning, apelyido ni ka Islaw.

Ilang Dampol baga may’ron, di ko yata matandaan,
Pero sulit na puntahan, lalo na kung sa tag-araw,
Di na rin malilimot, penitensyang pinagmasdan
Tiwala sa kakayahang maghugas ng kasalanan.

Mga Dampol ring ito, tinatahak na baybayin,
Ilog Angat na sagana, sa tilapia at ayungin
O kaya ay maglunoy, at sa tubig na kaylamig,
Ginhawang dulot nito, sa kalamna’y sumisigid.

Kung sa tag-araw ding yaon at namasyal pa-hilaga,
Dulong Malabon ang tutugon sa pagod mo’t pagkauhaw
Ilang kusing ang kailangan, sa bulsa mo’y di aapaw,
Milon kaya o pakwan pa, lantakan mo buong araw.

Sa saliw ng ilang himig, ikaw kaya ay umindak,
Ensayo ng musikerong, walang humpay sa pagbirit.
S’an kaya matutunton dili baga at sa Lumbak,
Mahal na Senyor na patnubay, pintakasi kong ring tunay.

Sa Poblaciong itinangi, binibini’y bumibihag
Ng isip at kakayahang namulat sa kagandahan
Mga binatang na sa gilid mga taring kung turingan
Disiplina sa sarili’y aral na ring nasilayan

Sikat nuo’y Sine Aida, nang malao’y bolingan
Katabi nitong giliw, minumutya kong paaralan
St Dominic na tuwina, sa isip di nawawaglit
Ninais kong makita ka’t madalaw ding ilang saglit.

Lagi ka ba sa munisipyo, nitong bayang tinuturol?
Saan ka ba nahirati, pag napagod yaong binti,
Espesyal na halo-halo papremyo na ituturing
Ilang hakbang mula dito’t narating mo na ang langit.

Sentro ng kasiyahan t’wing katorse nitong Mayo
Lahat-lahat ay luluwas sa karitong may adorno
Hila-hila ni kalakian, sa karera ay panalo
Kapagdaka’y lumuluhod, nagpupugay kay San Isidro.

Kapag ika’y pa-hilaga .mga nayong mararating,
Tenejero’t Penyabatan, kabukira’y walang patid,
Nahuhuling nga isda, sa tubigang malilinis
Sarap nito pag ini-ihaw sa ulingang nagdidikit.

Ngayon kaya’y makilala, kung bago na ang Parokya
Birhen Mariang Milagrosa, pintakasi ng balana
Dating nayong natutulog, ngayo’y gising sa pagsamba
Dinalanging mga biyaya, sana laging makamtan pa

Bakit kaya kakatuwang, ang hanggahan ay kalsada
Mga nayong Balatong A sa silangan ay makikita
Katapat nitong nayon, Penyabatan sa kanluran
Dati namang magkasama, isang pusod pinagmulan.

Dangan kasi’t makikisig mga binata sa silangan
Di naman pahuhuli mga dalaga ng kanluran
Sa saliw ng isang awit, lahat nama’y sama-sama
Sa sayawan o awitan, wala namang kapaguran.

Huwag ka ng pahuhuli’t, tuwing umaga’y liliksihan;
Sariwang gatas o isda man, sa Inaon ay agahan;
Magsasakang masisipag, mga inang masisinop
Kahit kaila’y di dadanas ng anumang pagdarahop.

Kasabihan na mabini, itong Birheng Peregrina
Mga dalaga sa nayon n’yay ito’y laging paalala
Kaya naman ang binatang minsan dito ay mapadpad
Asahan mong sa pagbalik, kasal agad hinahangad.

Kahit saan ka dumako, sikat ngayon itong Pugpog
Malinis na paliguan, sadyang di mo malimutan
Tingnan mo rin kapalaran dulot nitong kababaan,
Tunog nitong mga motor, ngalan nito’y pinagmulan.

Sinadya kong ipahuli, ang baryo kong sinilangan
Baka kasi pag pinuri ako’y inyong mapulaan
Balatong B na sa pangalan inyo na ring katuwaan
Sa ibang salita kasi munggo lang ang kahulugan

Dito kasi sa baryo ko’y wala akong kakayahan
Dangan kasi wala namang maisip na katangian
Aha! meron pala, ito kasi ay manggahan
Piko’t kinalabaw , masarap din na pahutan.

Simple lamang at payak itong aking sasabihin
Balatong B na baryo ko, na tahanan ko pa rin
Isang tao ang isinilang at sa iyo ay nabuhay
Ako itong iyong anak, na makata kung mangusap.

Dangan kasi at kinulang, panahon ko at sa oras
Meron pa ring ilang baryo, na di ko man mahagilap
Ngalan nya’t katangian, lugar kaya at direksyon
Nahalata tuloy itong, memorya kong pumupurol.

Hayaan n’yo sa susunod, isusulat ko sa iskrol,
Listahan nitong bayan, sa Pulila’y walang gatol,
Bigyan kaya ng panahon, itong aking pananaghoy
Niluma kong mga bigkas sa tulang pinupukol.

Sa Tula Kong Ito...Part 1

2007-12-20T23:12:00.000-08:00

Sa tula kong ito, ako sana’y pagbigyan..
(Part 1)

>Nais ko sa bayan….
>Kapayapaan at kalayaan, sa bayan kong ginigiliw.
>Turol ko na ang kailangan, pero sadyang walang bangis.
>Kahirapan sa kalahatan, yaman lang ng iilan
>Sa lakas ng bisig kong, dayuhan ang nakinabang
>Tahanan ko ay binuksan, ngunit kanilang dinustaan.
>Saan ko pa hahanapin, itong aking kapalaran,
>Duon kaya sa malayong lupain at kaparangan,
>Ligaya ko’y iniwanan, ala-ala’t kabataan
>Upang bigyan kasagutan itong aking karukhaan.
>Tanging bakas na iniwan ko, nuong ako ay lumisan,

>Kagandahang asal….
>Sadyang hindi maiwaksi, ang bisyo na laging gawi,
>Sa tuwinang umuuwi, anu’t walang atubili,
>Dili baga’t dadalawin kaibigan at pintakasi,
>Paaralang hinubugan nitong aking katauhan.
>Isang aral na ibinigay, katauha’y pagbutihin,
>Ng sa ganoon sa bayan ko malaki ang maging silbi,
>Sa pagtulong sa kapwa ko, sa kasamaa’y atubili,
>Ipagtanggol ang mahihina, mga taong inaapi,
>At sa Diyos isusulit ginawa kong mabubuti.

>Ako….
>Sa panahon na nagdaang, kabataan ay lumipas,
>Natuto’t nabuhay na lumalaban ng parehas,
>Walang layunin na masama, sumusunod sa batas,
>Ngunit sadyang may iilang, lubhang ganid at marahas,
>Kaya’t itong pag-iisip, tumitibay, lumalakas.
>Layon kong mamuhay ng payak at matuwid,
>Bawat pisong kinita ko’y, dugot pawis ang kapalit
>Tahanan ko’y ipinundar, sa sikap ko at punyagi,
>Kaya duo’y nananahan, pag-ibig na lubhang tangi.

>Ikaw..
>Paano mo nakilala, tanging kabiyak ng ‘yong puso,
>Hindi baga’t sa tuwina sa suyua’y narahuyo,
>Walang oras at sandaling, di nais na magkalayo,
>Pagka’t sadyang iningatan pag-ibig sa talingsuyo,
>Mata’y laging nagniningning, isip laging natuliro
>Tanging layo’y ligaya n’ya, walang puwang na mabigo
>Sa supling na iluluwal, ginhawa sa una’t bunso.

>Nuon..
>Ilang singkad na panahon, sa atin ay lumipas pa,
>Pero sadyang ‘di malimot, sa isip ko’y tumatak na,
>Ligaya ng kabataan, nuon ko lang natamasa,
>Sayang’ walang kahulilip, pagkat sadyang mahalaga,
>Nuon ko rin naranasang, umibig sa kaiskwela,
>Karanasa’y itinatak, kahit bigo nuong una,
>Damdamin ko ay nasaktan, parang mundo ay tumigil,
>Pero dahil sa ‘Puppy Love”, ako ngayon ay bigatin,
>Pag-ibig kuting na inihayag, iyon pala ang panggising,
>Minsang tulog na damdamin, ngayo’y h’wag ng susubukin.

>IKaw ba yan?…
>Sa panahon na darating, tayo ay magkikita
>Larawan mo sa king isip, naglalarong parang paslit,
>Payak na katauhan nuo’y aking babalikan
>Sa darating na panahon, pagbabago ay titingnan,
>Ang bikas mo nuong una, siguradong mag-iiba
>Ikaw kaya ay yumaman at gumanda ka pang tunay,
>Ikaw kaya ay tumangkad at kumisig yaong tindig,
>Baka naman katawan mo, bariles na ang kahugis,
>Makapal na buhok nu’on, “top gone” na ang kawangis,
>Katayuan sa lipunan, siguradong iba na rin.
>Sa muling pagkikita, ito’y ating mapapansin.

>Ikaw pa rin..
>Kahit mukha mo’y nabago, pigura mo’y nadiskaril,
>Wala namang nanatili, sa kabataang magmamaliw,
>Wala akong itatangi, kundi ikaw at ikaw rin,
>Dahil hindi ang panglabas, ang sa aki’y susuriin,
>Kundi ikaw na ‘klasmeyt’ kong, nagbago man o sa hindi,
>Bahagi ka ng buhay ko, ng panahon sa “Dominic”,
>Ituturing pa rin kita’t, sa puso ko’y di ‘wawaglit,
>Tanging ‘yong ala-ala, gintong-yamang natatangi,
>Pagka’t kahit kailan pa man, ikaw sa ki’y mananatili!

>Mabuhay ang bayan at ikaw, klasmeyt ko!

Oh Baguio, my Bagiuo!

2007-12-20T07:18:00.001-08:00

Greetings! Let's do this for Baguio...Everyone who has gone to SAGADA, PULAG, IFUGAO, andother places in the Cordillera -- will notice thatBAGUIO has LOST its CHARM--it is crowded, it is polluted, water is scarce, it is full of squatterseven in the watershed areasand it is Hot The pine trees are so choked with smog.Session Road is no longer leisurely cool walk -- it'slike being in Cubao (okey - exaggeration but i really hate the billboards up there -- it's so cluttered, aneyesore) hopefully Sagada won't follow suit---but it's gettingto be commercial up there too. Maybe by signing up,you will help RECLAIM BAGUIO's lost beauty and stop the degradation of all the other places we all love inthe Northern region--so, how about signing thispetition?PETITION for BAGUIO:We believe that the City of Baguio
Is culturally, environmentally and aesthetically unique and differentfrom other cities in the Philippines.We believe that Baguio is the nerve center of fourrich and diverse cultures: the Filipino culture in general, the highland Cordilleran culture, the lowland Ilocano culture, and the heritage culture broughtabout by the Americans during the early 20th Century.We believe that in the past two decades, the City ofBaguio has experienced a substantial degradation of its unique culture, environment and art.We believe that the approval of certain politicianswith no respect for the aesthetics and the environmentof Baguio to put up concretestructures such as malls, overpasses and fly overs only worsens Baguio City's lamentable decay as a "City ofPines."We believe that this overdevelopment (as they termedit but actually not )and resultingpollution have to stop. We believe that due to its unique history and blend of cultures, Baguio can be to the Philippines as Barcelona is to Spain, Chiang Mai is to Thailand, and San Francisco is to the United States: a main center of arts, culture, philosophy, education, tourism, sustainable development and environmental awareness.We believe, therefore, that the City of Baguiodeserves to be declared a
We believe that Baguio City's heritage as a center of culture andenvironmental awareness is a valuable asset not just to the Philippines, but also to the world."Special Heritage Zone," so that the degradation brought about by overdevelopment can be minimized and gradually controlled.
We believe that Baguio City's heritage as a center of culture and environmental awareness is a valuable asset not just to the Philippines, but also to the world.We now respectfully call on the residents of Baguioand the Filipino people to sign this humble petition,and for the local and national governments concernedto implement and declare Special Heritage status onthis unique mountain City as soon as possible,preferably before the Baguio Centennial in 2009, so no further destruction on its limited cultural,environmental and aesthetic resources may continue.
Thank you.

I received this e-mail from a former co-employee in Manila. I go over the names and found that most of the addresses of the people who had received and forwarded the message were mostly not from the place. I typed my name as the 152nd recipient and signatory to the petition and will pledge to support this cause. I remember when I was a child and my great grand parents told that they are going to the City of Pines (circa 1960’s). I was told that I’ll be part of the trip hence I have to prepare myself and look forward to it intensively, only to find out that they started very early the next day. I was left behind together with one of my great grand lola. I was “ Kasama sa gayak, di kasama sa tulak!”.Since then, it stuck on my mind, that one day I’ll step on this famous mountain city.

Already I’m in my senior year in college when I have my first step on the city. I even pretended to have kissed the ground just like what the late Pope John Paul (rest in peace) did. I was a delegate to the Rizal Youth Convention (circa 1983) really savor and enjoy every minute of my stay. Together with the other delegates, we roam and roam the most famous parts of the city due to the very limited time we have; Burnham Park, Mines View, PMA grounds, Chinese Temple, Presidential House and many more. The place was so cool, and the smell of the pines was refreshing. Just walking (and sometimes running downhill) around was even relaxing. In other words, the place was still terrific.

When I joined a company in Makati selling fertilizer, I was assigned at Region 1 in Luzon Island. Since then, Baguio City was just a stone throw away from Urdaneta, where I am staying. Me and my wife (Rose) also had some good times in Baguio, as she joined me during most of my trips. We will buy fresh vegetables and flowers on our way back and sell it in our place, especially during fiesta time. Baguio was a good place to go. If a person will be told that he is going there, surely, he will look forward to it. Coming back afterwards, he had too many tales to tell.
After then, I had never been to the place. This e-mail now described to me how the Mountain City is decaying due to the overdevelopment. I pity those who have not seen the place when these shopping malls had not been constructed. Congestion was the problem, as there were too many students from the “kapatagan” (plains) went up there to study. Strangers from other places will go there and stay as long they wish. Instead of going down to the “kapatagan”, people go up there instead. Hence, problems will come up uncontrolled. Housing, drainage and sanitation, basic services, potable drinking water, transport and energy problems are now on the way. Baguio is now densely populated and the local government is now facing problems common in urban and newly-urbanized communities.

Baguio , O, Baguio. Your soothing cool, fresh and fragrant air has gone. But we will work towards you coming back again, somehow. Perhaps, we can start with Baguio City. Other sites also needs reconsideration of priorities whether to go and continue their urbanization or consider revitalize and preserve their historical and leisure values.

While we are pursuing this petition, some other groups were also on the run for the same purpose. In other areas of the Bicol Region, a group known as “Sarong Banggi” (literally, an evening) is also active in collecting names and signatures, for the preservation of the Cagsawa Shrine and the Bicol National Park. Even in Philippine Congress. Members themselves had filed organic proposals for the establishment of a separate ruling commission to do the task. However, the commission will have limited powers and concentration. Normally, the Cagsawa Shrine was under the management of the Philippine Department of Tourism, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources covers the Bicol National Park. The Bicolano members of Congress states that both departments were not keen on protecting both sites.

It would be very interesting to participate in any of these activities. In any part of the world, national parks or any historical sites has to be preserved. Those were the only connections existing in between the generations of the past, present and the future.

On Fraternity and Sorority

2007-12-20T07:18:00.000-08:00

I went to a hospital here in Saudi Arabia, during the treatment of my neuralgia. And, whenever or whom ever I talked to in the hospital, they called me “brother”. Almost every time I need something, I have to start calling them not by the names shown on their lapels, but a respectable “brother or sister”. The manner those words were given and called upon, there is respect in both genders. I remember my “brods and sis” in my fraternity, since we also called everyone as brothers and sisters. Intimate and jolly, my brods and sis in my fraternity becomes my extended family during college. And I wonder where they are now?

Whenever the words fraternity and sorority will be spoken, anybody stranger to the words will always think of young teenagers or students engaging in horrific activities; vandalism, hooliganism, drugs, sex and other outwardly outlawed activities. In the 60’s up to early 70’s, these campus organizations became the venue for socio-political discussions, mobilizing its members to become the more active and vigorous segments of student activism. It was during these times, that most of these solid organizations engaged themselves in extra-collegiate activities. However, many of those whose concentrations were on the academics, athletics and cultural excellence remained strictly on their orientation and goals.

Many times, the frantic and negative belief about fraternities was brought about by the open and heinous crimes committed by some members that many times equated with fraternities. Many people think that gangs and fraternities were the same, only cloaked differently.

Fraternities and gangs were organized in almost the same manner; it differs widely on the concepts, objectives, membership strata and location. Fraternities and sororities were founded and organized, following a framework, common needs and objectives and operating within the limited boundaries of many schools, universities and colleges. Most were named using Greek or Latin alphabets with the purpose of longevity and continuity, a character supposed to be inherited with the alphabet! History had indicated the many people; fraternity members themselves defend the sacred and noble purpose of joining a fraternity (or sorority for the ladies) and cast themselves away from the outlawed and barbaric kind. Mostly, it would be found that among the leaders of the society, there will be outstanding personalities who were at one time or even up to now, boast of being fraternity members themselves. Who could ever believe that even the judges, who judge these fraternity felonies, were themselves fraternity members? Doctors, philosophers, military men, attorneys-at-law, soldiers, musicians, artists, policemen, agriculturists, veterinary doctors, dentists and so many others, were members of fraternities. That depends however, on how their organizations or societies will be classified. Some companies even hired employees whom were their “brods and sis”. An affiliation cultured on common fraternal experiences. Of course, with whom you’ll share the benefits but with no other than a brother, literally.

Myself is a member of a fraternity, the Delta Phi Omicron Fraternity and Omicron Phi Delta for our sister ladies. I was in my third year in college when a very close friend of mine, ask me to join his fraternity. My father previously warned me against joining one, but curiosity overtook me. During the welcome rites alone, I was hit by a paddle. An experience, that divide my sense of reasoning whether to continue or not. How in the hell could a group of intellectual people whom I myself admire, could become hungry lions waiting to devour my flesh. And yet it happened. For the next 5 months, I have to do all of the research paper and templates of the masters. But I cheated them most of the time! Once I made the research for the more senior Masters, I kept myself a carbon copy of the paper. So that, in my senior year I don’t have to do it. I already have one. I pity myself for I have to do the laundry and cleaning of the rooms of some of the Masters. I have to be made a laughing stock even in the middle of the class, and the smiling professor allows it (lately, I found out that he was a member and a master himself). Now comes the final initiation time.

One Saturday morning, I, together with the other neophytes, numbering 13, become the “kalibre .45 batch”. Don’t ask me to tell what happened, but it was a whole day of body punches, I have to put down myself to earth looking for my lost pride. It was a terrible day and a day I will not forget. The next Monday, I can not walk to attend my classes, as my legs turned purple and swelling. Those sons of a ____! How can they do these to me? It was the hardest part and the rest will be reaping time.

I was made to become a more responsible person, dedicated to serve the needs of others, serve and do everything for the good of the organization. My fraternity was made of honorable men and women. Two of my “brods” topped the board examinations for agricultural engineers (just like me taking 15th place). Some became pioneer in tissue research; others became persons in public service. We never had been involved in any campus rumbles, but more on academic rumbles.

Lastly, my father warned me from joining a fraternity, but later on he joined one, The Knights of Columbus, a fraternal association of practical Catholic men. Later on, I joined him and we both became fourth degree members. Names of fraternities do not suggest its well being, but what the men, and women, making it believes and does. Like a cloth that serves a purpose, the kind of thread woven into it makes the difference.

I am forming a fraternity; any body wants to join me?

Paalam na Maestrang Kuring!

2007-06-25T01:10:00.000-07:00

Gunita ko’t, gunam-gunam…
(Isang malayang taludturan)

Gunita kong makita ka sa umaga’y sapat na;
Gunam-gunam kong maisip na ika’y laging kasama;
Tanong ko’t balikwas sa isang pakling turing nila;
Walang habas na pagsagot sa inuring palamara!
Gunita kong inasal mong hinabi sa isang tupa;
Gunam-gunam sa diliryong ika’y laging tumatawa;
Pulos dampi ng pighating talos ko rin na daratal;
Walang layong umiwas pa kahit yaong sawing giliw!
Gunita ko ang aral mong sa isip ko’y tumitighaw;
Gunam-gunam na talakay sa talinong iyong bigay;
Kapalarang matiwasay na ‘yong laging pakiusap;
Talos ko rin na sa akin bukas palad na ibibigay.
Gunita ko ang disiplina na sa anyo ng pamalo;
Gunam-gunam na pakiwari, dahil ako’y iyong bunso;
Mahalaga’t itinuring na di iba sa kadugo;
Pagka’t batid na sa panahon, aakayin sa matino.
Gunita ko ang pagiliw na lagi ng sinasambit;
Gunam-gunam na nahirati, tiklop-tuhod sa pagkapit;
Balatkayo’y di naisip pagka’t sadyang iniibig;
Buong buhay ay ibinigay para sa yo’y itinangi;
Mapalad ka o Pulilan, napadpad ang isang Kuring;
Na nagmahal at nabigay ng buhay na ginigiliw;
Pasakit n’yang lubhang tamis di ba’t ngayo’y inani mo?
Sagitan ng mga anak na kahit na saan dako;
Sa relihiyon o palingkuran, pamumuno o serbisyo;
Ilang anak ang tumulad sa paghubog ng talino;
Ilang anak na tumulak mamuhay sa ibang dako;
Inhenyero o kimiko, peryodista o siruhano;
Abogado man o sundalo, ang ngalan mo ay itinanyag;
Kapalarang sadyang sulit, sa turo n’yang walang bahid;
Pagka’t sadyang ang ngalan mo sa puso n’ya iniukit.
Ngayon siya’y pumanaw na’t bilang isang ala-ala;
Di ba’t sadyang tama lamang, na s’ya ngayon ay parangalan;
Kahit sa huling sandali ng buhay nyang itinangi;
Sa dibdib mo ay ihimlay ang pagal n’yang katawan;
Di man sapat ang nakayanang sa saliw ng isang awit;
Paalam na Maestra ko, mahimlay ka ng tahimik;
Mga turo’y di mawawaglit sa puso ko at sa isip;
Kasama ka sa dalangin ko, magulang kong itinuring;
Paalam na, paalam na, aking Maestrang Kuring!

Rene San Andres
Dammam, KSA
27 June 2007