SOME OF THE STORIES OF MY SOME POSTS ARE BASED FROM A BOOK ENTITLTED
"KEEPING THE LEGACY"...
Monday, March 26, 2007
EQUALITY
We all wanted to be treated equal.
PAKIKISAMA is rooted in the intrinsic Filpino value of pakikigkapwa-tao. It refers to one’s desire to be treated as an equal. It is translated into acts of helping, sharing, and cooperating with others. A Filipino expects that the consideration he shows to others will be reciprocated. Nevertheless, this value also conjures up negative scenes of wild drunken orgies, profligate living, and consorting with dregs of society.
Hey, Pamela,” Sebastian called one Monday afternoon, vigorously waving his hand to emphasize his point.” You were unanimously chosen to be the pianist of the choir that will represent our school in a friendly competition with other high schools two Sundays from now. I act as the leader.”
“I’m so glad,” Pamela answered. “When the first practice?”
“Tomorrow after class in the music room. Our principal and music teacher will be our coaches,” Sebastian told her.
“Great! I’ll be there.” Pamela was ecstatic.
The first practice day was spent discussing he choreography, attire, and regular practice schedule. Opinions varied.
“I have second thoughts about practicing every night,” Sandra commented. We have lessons to study and homework to attend to.”
“But this will be for two weeks,” Sebastian replied. “We have to make sacrifices if we want to win.”
“Do we really have to wear uniforms? They’re expensive,” Tatiana remarked. “And besides, can we find a seamstress and tailor who can beat the deadline?”
“Nothing’s impossible,” Pamela answered. “I’ll see that.”
“How abut our transportation?” joined in Joy.
“I’ll ask Dad to make available two of our vehicles,” volunteered Arielle.
“I will ask Dad, too, to let us use ours,” Gabriel offered. “That will be enough for all of us, I guess.”
I’ll take charge of the snacks,” said Carl.
Sebastian thanked the members for their kindness.
The group practice also ran smoothly. Not one member was absent. Even their coaches were with them all the way.
“You know what I like this group?” Sebastian whispered to Pamela after the practice that Sunday night. “We are like one happy family. Everyone knows the real meaning of pakikisama. No jealousy, no complains, no bickering, no insulting.”
“I know,” Pamela replied. “That is why our practice has been going smoothly since day one.”
When the big day finally arrived, the group couldn’t contain its excitement. Every member came on time at the meeting place. Before they left for the contest, Sebastian made one last announcement: “I want to thank you for the sacrifices you made just to come and practice our piece. I am proud to have you as a members. Above all, I am proud that everyone know the value of pakikisama. In a group such as this, not only is talent of value but pakikisama as well. Thank you so much.”
The group nodded in agreement to their leader’s view. They know that pakikisama, as much as talent, is very important in any group, in any occasion, at all times.
In everything we do, we must learn how to be fair and equal.
PAKIKISAMA is rooted in the intrinsic Filpino value of pakikigkapwa-tao. It refers to one’s desire to be treated as an equal. It is translated into acts of helping, sharing, and cooperating with others. A Filipino expects that the consideration he shows to others will be reciprocated. Nevertheless, this value also conjures up negative scenes of wild drunken orgies, profligate living, and consorting with dregs of society.
Hey, Pamela,” Sebastian called one Monday afternoon, vigorously waving his hand to emphasize his point.” You were unanimously chosen to be the pianist of the choir that will represent our school in a friendly competition with other high schools two Sundays from now. I act as the leader.”
“I’m so glad,” Pamela answered. “When the first practice?”
“Tomorrow after class in the music room. Our principal and music teacher will be our coaches,” Sebastian told her.
“Great! I’ll be there.” Pamela was ecstatic.
The first practice day was spent discussing he choreography, attire, and regular practice schedule. Opinions varied.
“I have second thoughts about practicing every night,” Sandra commented. We have lessons to study and homework to attend to.”
“But this will be for two weeks,” Sebastian replied. “We have to make sacrifices if we want to win.”
“Do we really have to wear uniforms? They’re expensive,” Tatiana remarked. “And besides, can we find a seamstress and tailor who can beat the deadline?”
“Nothing’s impossible,” Pamela answered. “I’ll see that.”
“How abut our transportation?” joined in Joy.
“I’ll ask Dad to make available two of our vehicles,” volunteered Arielle.
“I will ask Dad, too, to let us use ours,” Gabriel offered. “That will be enough for all of us, I guess.”
I’ll take charge of the snacks,” said Carl.
Sebastian thanked the members for their kindness.
The group practice also ran smoothly. Not one member was absent. Even their coaches were with them all the way.
“You know what I like this group?” Sebastian whispered to Pamela after the practice that Sunday night. “We are like one happy family. Everyone knows the real meaning of pakikisama. No jealousy, no complains, no bickering, no insulting.”
“I know,” Pamela replied. “That is why our practice has been going smoothly since day one.”
When the big day finally arrived, the group couldn’t contain its excitement. Every member came on time at the meeting place. Before they left for the contest, Sebastian made one last announcement: “I want to thank you for the sacrifices you made just to come and practice our piece. I am proud to have you as a members. Above all, I am proud that everyone know the value of pakikisama. In a group such as this, not only is talent of value but pakikisama as well. Thank you so much.”
The group nodded in agreement to their leader’s view. They know that pakikisama, as much as talent, is very important in any group, in any occasion, at all times.
In everything we do, we must learn how to be fair and equal.
A KISS OF RESPECT
One of the famous gesture we are used to do is the act of kissing or bowing on the hands of our elders.
MANO PO is the traditional gesture of kissing or bowing on the hands of respected persons. It is the younger generation’s way of honoring the elderly, the clergy, and educated mentors.
The bus has began to slow down for a stop. Belle and Hazel picked up their suitcases and walked with my husband, Jolly, to the door of the Victory Liner bus.
“At last, we’re in Isabela with our grandparents,” they hollered.
“For eight hours of traveling, we had a good time on the bus watching a lot of beautiful scenery. But for sure we will have more fun when we arrive at our grandparents’ house,” Belle quickly added.
As the bus stopped, my two daughters ran down the steps into my parents’ arms. I heard them say, “Hi, Lolo! Hi, Lola! Mnao po.”
As they kissed my parents’ hand, I could see eagerness and reverence sparkle in their eyes. My parents, however, were more excited to see , kiss, hug, and carry them. “We’re happy to see you! We thank God for keeping you safe on your travel,” my parents said.
Our house was full of expectant people, happily awaiting us. My daughters and I kissed the hands of my aunts, uncles, and some relatives who were eagr to see us and partake of our pasalubongs. Jolly followed suit after putting down our suitcase. He kissed the hands of all the adults sitting on our veranda, just to make sure, because he didn’t know who among them were my relatives.
After our kumustahan, Belle told her grandparents, “Lo, La, I want to go to your barn and see the animals.”
“Me, too, Lolo, Lola. I WANT OT SEE THE CHICKENS AND THE DUCKS. I want to feed them!” said Hazel.
“Oh, really? Okey, let’s go,” said Lolo. Lola stopped us, however, and said,” Wait, I’ll get the feeds.”
“Yeheeeeey!” the girls shouted.
In the barn, Lola instructed the two children to throw some feeds on the ground.
Belle and Hazel did as told. A mother hen and a mother duck instantly came running and began scratching the ground where the feeds had fallen. Little chicks and ducklings rushed at once to feed themselves.
As the children watched, Belle noticed how obedient the chicks and ducklings were to their mothers.
“What lesson can you learn from the mother hen and the mother duck, and their siblings?” asked Lola.
“They take good care of their siblings. In turn, they always come when their mothers call them,” answered Belle.
“Lolo, I saw the chicks and ducklings kissing their mothers, as if saying ‘thank you for the food, Ma!” added Hazel.
“Oh, really!” Lolo exclaimed, laughing.
Later at launch, one of our male helpers cried and shouted, “I’m now ready to die! For the first time in my life, somebody kissed my hand! At last, somebody respected me!” His wife and children abandoned him years ago. We were shocked. Jolly asked, “What’s the matter? Why did he cry?” Belle quickly answered, “Because, Papa, nobody loved, honored, and respected him before!” “And now, meron na!” Hazel volunteered.
Jolly just smiled.
“Mama, I think his children won’t have a long life on this earth,” Hazel added.
“Why?” I asked, amazed with my daughter’s pinion.
“Because, according to the Bible, children who don’t respect their parents will not have a long life. They will die early,” Hazel answered.
“They didn’t follow Jesus’ command that we should follow and obey our parents in the Lord, for this is right,” added Belle.
That night, my parents my showed my children our family album, including my pictures when I was still a little girl like them. They laughed and giggled. After listening to stories from their grandfather, my mother asked them, “In Manila, what do yu do before going to bed?”
“We kiss Papa and Mama!” Hazel quickly answered.
“And pray to Jesus!” Belle exclaimed.
“And why do you kiss our hands, and your parents’ hands?” asked Lolo
“Kasi po, pagmamano is a sign of respect. It is a way of expressing your love and concern,” Belle said.
“And Jesus will be bless you abundantly if you do so,” Hazel stressed.
Giving respect to others is simply telling that you also want to be respected.
MANO PO is the traditional gesture of kissing or bowing on the hands of respected persons. It is the younger generation’s way of honoring the elderly, the clergy, and educated mentors.
The bus has began to slow down for a stop. Belle and Hazel picked up their suitcases and walked with my husband, Jolly, to the door of the Victory Liner bus.
“At last, we’re in Isabela with our grandparents,” they hollered.
“For eight hours of traveling, we had a good time on the bus watching a lot of beautiful scenery. But for sure we will have more fun when we arrive at our grandparents’ house,” Belle quickly added.
As the bus stopped, my two daughters ran down the steps into my parents’ arms. I heard them say, “Hi, Lolo! Hi, Lola! Mnao po.”
As they kissed my parents’ hand, I could see eagerness and reverence sparkle in their eyes. My parents, however, were more excited to see , kiss, hug, and carry them. “We’re happy to see you! We thank God for keeping you safe on your travel,” my parents said.
Our house was full of expectant people, happily awaiting us. My daughters and I kissed the hands of my aunts, uncles, and some relatives who were eagr to see us and partake of our pasalubongs. Jolly followed suit after putting down our suitcase. He kissed the hands of all the adults sitting on our veranda, just to make sure, because he didn’t know who among them were my relatives.
After our kumustahan, Belle told her grandparents, “Lo, La, I want to go to your barn and see the animals.”
“Me, too, Lolo, Lola. I WANT OT SEE THE CHICKENS AND THE DUCKS. I want to feed them!” said Hazel.
“Oh, really? Okey, let’s go,” said Lolo. Lola stopped us, however, and said,” Wait, I’ll get the feeds.”
“Yeheeeeey!” the girls shouted.
In the barn, Lola instructed the two children to throw some feeds on the ground.
Belle and Hazel did as told. A mother hen and a mother duck instantly came running and began scratching the ground where the feeds had fallen. Little chicks and ducklings rushed at once to feed themselves.
As the children watched, Belle noticed how obedient the chicks and ducklings were to their mothers.
“What lesson can you learn from the mother hen and the mother duck, and their siblings?” asked Lola.
“They take good care of their siblings. In turn, they always come when their mothers call them,” answered Belle.
“Lolo, I saw the chicks and ducklings kissing their mothers, as if saying ‘thank you for the food, Ma!” added Hazel.
“Oh, really!” Lolo exclaimed, laughing.
Later at launch, one of our male helpers cried and shouted, “I’m now ready to die! For the first time in my life, somebody kissed my hand! At last, somebody respected me!” His wife and children abandoned him years ago. We were shocked. Jolly asked, “What’s the matter? Why did he cry?” Belle quickly answered, “Because, Papa, nobody loved, honored, and respected him before!” “And now, meron na!” Hazel volunteered.
Jolly just smiled.
“Mama, I think his children won’t have a long life on this earth,” Hazel added.
“Why?” I asked, amazed with my daughter’s pinion.
“Because, according to the Bible, children who don’t respect their parents will not have a long life. They will die early,” Hazel answered.
“They didn’t follow Jesus’ command that we should follow and obey our parents in the Lord, for this is right,” added Belle.
That night, my parents my showed my children our family album, including my pictures when I was still a little girl like them. They laughed and giggled. After listening to stories from their grandfather, my mother asked them, “In Manila, what do yu do before going to bed?”
“We kiss Papa and Mama!” Hazel quickly answered.
“And pray to Jesus!” Belle exclaimed.
“And why do you kiss our hands, and your parents’ hands?” asked Lolo
“Kasi po, pagmamano is a sign of respect. It is a way of expressing your love and concern,” Belle said.
“And Jesus will be bless you abundantly if you do so,” Hazel stressed.
Giving respect to others is simply telling that you also want to be respected.
HARANA vs CHOCOLATES and ROSES
Years ago, “harana” was used to ask a person, especially females, for their hand through singing.
HARANA is a romantic expression of love through music.
A young man, usually with his friends, visits a young woman’s house at night and serenades her with songs that express his affection. The young lady may respond with a song and the singing may go on until both parties reach an understanding.
Don’t call me unlucky if my friend RK tells you I’m a probinsyano. My name is Nathaniel Barabas, but my freinds call me Boboy, and I think I like the name. True, in all my 40 years I have mostly stayed in my probinsya (my work as a farmer demeands my being here). But every now and then, when chance and need arise, Iget to see the city, a good 25 or so kilometers away from my place. But I don’t stay there for a long time. City life with its congested traffic, smog, and many things sort of suffocate me. And so when I’m done with my business in the city, I usually head back home.
Here in my place I enjoy life at its best-fresh and clean air, and vegetables, fruits, and fish. Have you tasted my native chicken adobo? Don’t eat it without the sweet-smelling dinorado. Don’t you know dinorado? Then come to my probinsya and partake of this favored fare under the playful innocent gaze of our beautiful women. The women in my place are simple, sincere, demure, and dedicated to their family and work. Perhaps after our evening meal you can whoop it up with my friends and me and harana one of the beautiful ladies nearby. (But please be forewarned: my friends don’t usually want me to tag along because they say I’m too defies age.) Oh, yes, this is one heart-rending activity you cityfolk don’t get to enjoy. Harana is mainly associated with probinsya. I know of city people, gentlemen and ladies, who come to the probinsya to witness and enjoy harana. Just like my auntie Heidi many years ago.
Auntie Heidi was fair-skinned and beautiful, and many a lovesick swain in my place wanted to get acquainted with her. One night, after eating our meal and the old folks were in the sala telling stories, reminiscing the good old days, we heard a guitar strumming a beautiful song. There was no electricity then, so all well quiet. Everybody stopped talking. The music went on and soon a baritone voice rent the air. “ Lovely bloom of the sampaguita. . .”
My grandfather ordered for a petromax to be placed in the middle of our balcony.And soon we recognized the faces of three gentlemen. They were blushing but they continued singing. I was excited. After their song, grandfather asked them to come up. They hesitated and decided to sing one more song.
“ O Ilaw sa gabing madilim, larawan mo, Neneng.”
Ihad to suppress my laughter because “Neneng” was pronounced “ Nining.” But they went on their number, unmindful of their pronounciation.
Grandfather persuaded them to come up and they did. But they were still blushing. Auntie Heide was all smiles at them, but they couldn’t seem to look at her. And they couldn’t seem to think of something to talk about. But grandfather came to the rescue. He asked me to sing along with them, and everybody blurted out, “ Yes, yes!” I didn’t sing but I kept smiling. Pretty soon one of the men who was near me patted my head and said, “ Boboy is very cute and handsome and-“
Oh, there, I saw RK winking and raising her eyebrow at you. Don’t believe her, I’m telling the truth. It really happened to me. She’s just envious because nobody is serenading her. Ok let’s go, my friends are waiting for us. But prepare some songs; you’ll be our harana star tonight.
Nowadays, is it commonly used? Maybe not. Today, men are used to buy chocolates and roses to express their love. But what if people today are using the “harana” method?
HARANA is a romantic expression of love through music.
A young man, usually with his friends, visits a young woman’s house at night and serenades her with songs that express his affection. The young lady may respond with a song and the singing may go on until both parties reach an understanding.
Don’t call me unlucky if my friend RK tells you I’m a probinsyano. My name is Nathaniel Barabas, but my freinds call me Boboy, and I think I like the name. True, in all my 40 years I have mostly stayed in my probinsya (my work as a farmer demeands my being here). But every now and then, when chance and need arise, Iget to see the city, a good 25 or so kilometers away from my place. But I don’t stay there for a long time. City life with its congested traffic, smog, and many things sort of suffocate me. And so when I’m done with my business in the city, I usually head back home.
Here in my place I enjoy life at its best-fresh and clean air, and vegetables, fruits, and fish. Have you tasted my native chicken adobo? Don’t eat it without the sweet-smelling dinorado. Don’t you know dinorado? Then come to my probinsya and partake of this favored fare under the playful innocent gaze of our beautiful women. The women in my place are simple, sincere, demure, and dedicated to their family and work. Perhaps after our evening meal you can whoop it up with my friends and me and harana one of the beautiful ladies nearby. (But please be forewarned: my friends don’t usually want me to tag along because they say I’m too defies age.) Oh, yes, this is one heart-rending activity you cityfolk don’t get to enjoy. Harana is mainly associated with probinsya. I know of city people, gentlemen and ladies, who come to the probinsya to witness and enjoy harana. Just like my auntie Heidi many years ago.
Auntie Heidi was fair-skinned and beautiful, and many a lovesick swain in my place wanted to get acquainted with her. One night, after eating our meal and the old folks were in the sala telling stories, reminiscing the good old days, we heard a guitar strumming a beautiful song. There was no electricity then, so all well quiet. Everybody stopped talking. The music went on and soon a baritone voice rent the air. “ Lovely bloom of the sampaguita. . .”
My grandfather ordered for a petromax to be placed in the middle of our balcony.And soon we recognized the faces of three gentlemen. They were blushing but they continued singing. I was excited. After their song, grandfather asked them to come up. They hesitated and decided to sing one more song.
“ O Ilaw sa gabing madilim, larawan mo, Neneng.”
Ihad to suppress my laughter because “Neneng” was pronounced “ Nining.” But they went on their number, unmindful of their pronounciation.
Grandfather persuaded them to come up and they did. But they were still blushing. Auntie Heide was all smiles at them, but they couldn’t seem to look at her. And they couldn’t seem to think of something to talk about. But grandfather came to the rescue. He asked me to sing along with them, and everybody blurted out, “ Yes, yes!” I didn’t sing but I kept smiling. Pretty soon one of the men who was near me patted my head and said, “ Boboy is very cute and handsome and-“
Oh, there, I saw RK winking and raising her eyebrow at you. Don’t believe her, I’m telling the truth. It really happened to me. She’s just envious because nobody is serenading her. Ok let’s go, my friends are waiting for us. But prepare some songs; you’ll be our harana star tonight.
Nowadays, is it commonly used? Maybe not. Today, men are used to buy chocolates and roses to express their love. But what if people today are using the “harana” method?
DO IT YOURSELF!
LAKAD literally means, “walk”. It is a euphemism for making an attempt to smooth out difficulties by using a network of “connections.” Here the Filipino padrino system literally, a “godfather or a sponsor who can help a person or his work comes to rescue. Tol, pakilakad naman ng enrollment ko! (Friend, kindly help me with my enrollment.) Bert and Cosme had been the best of friends since high sch Have you ever been shy in doing something? You can’t do anything because of this. But in other aspects, the word “HIYA” or meaning being shy can also mean embarrassment.
HIYA is the Filipino feeling of inadequacy to face up to something that involves other people who, he thinks, expect much from him. The English equivalent is “embarrassment,” or possibly “timidity,” “modesty,” or “ shyness,” depending on the situation.
Let me share you a story about two guys and their experience to see how a person gets embarrassed.
Spencer and his next-door neighbor, Francis, were invited to Louise’s 18th birthday party held at an expensive hotel. Being new to the neighborhood, they had no friends yet except the beautiful debutante, who lived three houses away. She was also a premed student like them and shared the same hobbies-spelunking and stargazing.
Spencer’s eyes stared at the grand edifice and the interior decoration. He ogled at the delicacies set on the center table. He cast sly glances at guests who were too formally dressed and very influential. The expensive chinaware were too delicate to touch. If he broke one he knew he’d be broke for some months.
When Louise’s father stood up and announced that food was to be served, Spencer’s heart began to race. “What’s the first thing to pick up?” he whispered to Francis.
“Let’s just observe what the well-dressed, high-profile guests to do and follow suit,” Francis whispered back The meal went on smoothly.
“Spencer, there are lot of foods at the center table!” Francis whispered to him.Just look at the spaghetti, rainbow roll with tuna and salmon, fried chicken, biko, mangoes, chocolate cake, and ube-macapuno ice cream. You like them, don’t you?” Yes,” stammered Spencer.
Let’s go get mangoes on the center table, Spencer,” suggested Francis. “I won’t miss this very delicious fruit for the whole world.”
“ But I fell out of place. I’d dare not to stand up and have more than a hundred pairs of eyes following my every move,” Spencer muttered under his breath.
“ You’re just too shy, Spencer,” consoled Francis.” Look, the people are too busy talking to each other. I even think they didn’t know we existed.”
“I know,” Spencer whispered back.” But what if I step on somebody’s foot, or worse, drop my mango and it would roll under the table?”
“ Oh, Spencer, you’re getting paranoid. You will never enjoy this party with such thoughts.” He then patted Spencer’s back and told him to relax. After a while, he said, “ let’s go. I am sure nothing would happen within that short distance.
Side by side they went to the table, got a piece each, and enjoyed the luscious fruit.
Out of the corner eye, Spencer saw the humbug who tripped him in the university hallway and poked fun at him for being a promdi. The boy approached the center table and began heaping his plate with food, unmindful of the guests’ stares. With a swagger that suggested he was used to getting his own way, he went back to his place and gobbled up his food. Then he returned for a second serving. As he twirled around to head back to his place, his left foot stepped on a small puddle of spilled juice on the floor. His feet wobbled. His arms flailed in the air. His plate shot up like an inflated parachute. His glass followed and, with an amateur gracefulness, crashed beside the plate.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the unpracticed piece of acrobat. The boy, now lying on his back, blushed like an ember. Then with a self-conscious smile he sat up, and hurriedly left the room. Spencer and Francis looked at each other, suppressed a smile, and continued eating.
If you were the one’s embarrassed, what will you do? Will you run away and get mad at yourself or just feel nothing happened?
ool. Both of them graduated from STI (Sto. Tomas Institute). Now, they were ready to enter collage. Early that May, they agreed to enrol together on the last week of the month, because the registration process at the university they planned to go to was long and tedious. The day of enrollment finally came. “Why could you not go with me? We agree to enroll together.” Bert was annoyed at Cosme’s refusal to keep his promise. “Sorry, Boy, I got a very important thing to do. But if you’re not done toda, maybe I’ll go with you tomorrow. I now you understand,” Cosme explained. “Ok, I do I’ll just send you a text message of the progress,” Bert remarked, then went on his way to the university. Cosme grinned widely. He felt relieved and began packing his cellphone, a bottle of water, a shirt, badminton rackets, and shuttlecocks inside his bag. More important to him was to play badminton with Kareem, Pards, Nonoy, Richard, and Jun—his new friends from Brgy. Tayokoy. For him, Bert was good only in jackstone and Chinese garter. Cosme turned off his cellphone before playing. That would be a disturbance to his concentration. Meanwhile, Bert arrived in the university. To his surprise, there were a lot of students waiting patiently for their turn to enrol. Soon he learned that there would first be an orientation test. There were just two schedules for it; the first being that day, and the last would be the next day. Bert took his cellphone right away and sent Cosme a message. “Cos, u nid 2 tek orientation tst 1st b4 u cn hv d nrolmnt sheet! 2morow s d last sched.” He took the test himself and then went on with the next step. It was already late in the afternoon when he went home, his enrollment still unfinished. Early the next morning, Bert dropped by Cosme’s house. “ Sorry he left very early this morning with five other guys,” Aling Es Cosme’s stepmother, told Bert. There was nothing much he could do, so he proceeded to the university to finish his registration.Cosme, on the other hand, felt exhausted after his game. Opening a bottle of water to relieve his thirst, he switched on his cellphone, which remained off since yesterday. He had several messages, one of which was from Bert. “Oh, no, today is the deadline of the orientation test.” Cosme became worried after reading the message. He called Bert, who had earlier finished his enrolment, and had gone to a bookstore to buy school supplies.” Boy, fetch me here at the gym. I’ll wait for you!” “I thought you would go with me today,” Bert chided Cosme upon his arrival. ‘I’m sorry, Bert,” Cosme apologized, then said anxiously, “Would there be another orientation test tomorrow?” he asked. “No! Today is the last, and I’m sure about this time it is finished. And do you know what this means? You have to enroll next semester, or you have to try other schools which I know you won’t do,” Bert explained. “No, I want to study here. But what should I do?” Cosme could no longer hide his frustration. He was really angry at himself. As he put his cellphone back into his holder, an idea flashed across his mind. He should call his Ninong Danny Lacson to help him with his problem. Yes, Ninong Danny is a good friend of the college president. Cosme grinned, convinced that his Ninong would come to his aide any time. The last orientation test was long over when the two friends arrived. Wiping the perspiration off his face, Cosme headed toward the woman administering the test. She seemed to be waiting for somebody. Cosme introduced himself to the woman. “Oh, yes, our college president, Mr. Tomas, called me about you. Well, are you prepared to take the test now? Cosme could not suppress his smile as he fished out his pen from his backpack. Bert could only look at him and the woman in utter consternation and disbelief.
Nowadays, we must be dependent to ourselves. Nothing will happen to you if you are just waiting for a miracle to happen.
HIYA is the Filipino feeling of inadequacy to face up to something that involves other people who, he thinks, expect much from him. The English equivalent is “embarrassment,” or possibly “timidity,” “modesty,” or “ shyness,” depending on the situation.
Let me share you a story about two guys and their experience to see how a person gets embarrassed.
Spencer and his next-door neighbor, Francis, were invited to Louise’s 18th birthday party held at an expensive hotel. Being new to the neighborhood, they had no friends yet except the beautiful debutante, who lived three houses away. She was also a premed student like them and shared the same hobbies-spelunking and stargazing.
Spencer’s eyes stared at the grand edifice and the interior decoration. He ogled at the delicacies set on the center table. He cast sly glances at guests who were too formally dressed and very influential. The expensive chinaware were too delicate to touch. If he broke one he knew he’d be broke for some months.
When Louise’s father stood up and announced that food was to be served, Spencer’s heart began to race. “What’s the first thing to pick up?” he whispered to Francis.
“Let’s just observe what the well-dressed, high-profile guests to do and follow suit,” Francis whispered back The meal went on smoothly.
“Spencer, there are lot of foods at the center table!” Francis whispered to him.Just look at the spaghetti, rainbow roll with tuna and salmon, fried chicken, biko, mangoes, chocolate cake, and ube-macapuno ice cream. You like them, don’t you?” Yes,” stammered Spencer.
Let’s go get mangoes on the center table, Spencer,” suggested Francis. “I won’t miss this very delicious fruit for the whole world.”
“ But I fell out of place. I’d dare not to stand up and have more than a hundred pairs of eyes following my every move,” Spencer muttered under his breath.
“ You’re just too shy, Spencer,” consoled Francis.” Look, the people are too busy talking to each other. I even think they didn’t know we existed.”
“I know,” Spencer whispered back.” But what if I step on somebody’s foot, or worse, drop my mango and it would roll under the table?”
“ Oh, Spencer, you’re getting paranoid. You will never enjoy this party with such thoughts.” He then patted Spencer’s back and told him to relax. After a while, he said, “ let’s go. I am sure nothing would happen within that short distance.
Side by side they went to the table, got a piece each, and enjoyed the luscious fruit.
Out of the corner eye, Spencer saw the humbug who tripped him in the university hallway and poked fun at him for being a promdi. The boy approached the center table and began heaping his plate with food, unmindful of the guests’ stares. With a swagger that suggested he was used to getting his own way, he went back to his place and gobbled up his food. Then he returned for a second serving. As he twirled around to head back to his place, his left foot stepped on a small puddle of spilled juice on the floor. His feet wobbled. His arms flailed in the air. His plate shot up like an inflated parachute. His glass followed and, with an amateur gracefulness, crashed beside the plate.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the unpracticed piece of acrobat. The boy, now lying on his back, blushed like an ember. Then with a self-conscious smile he sat up, and hurriedly left the room. Spencer and Francis looked at each other, suppressed a smile, and continued eating.
If you were the one’s embarrassed, what will you do? Will you run away and get mad at yourself or just feel nothing happened?
ool. Both of them graduated from STI (Sto. Tomas Institute). Now, they were ready to enter collage. Early that May, they agreed to enrol together on the last week of the month, because the registration process at the university they planned to go to was long and tedious. The day of enrollment finally came. “Why could you not go with me? We agree to enroll together.” Bert was annoyed at Cosme’s refusal to keep his promise. “Sorry, Boy, I got a very important thing to do. But if you’re not done toda, maybe I’ll go with you tomorrow. I now you understand,” Cosme explained. “Ok, I do I’ll just send you a text message of the progress,” Bert remarked, then went on his way to the university. Cosme grinned widely. He felt relieved and began packing his cellphone, a bottle of water, a shirt, badminton rackets, and shuttlecocks inside his bag. More important to him was to play badminton with Kareem, Pards, Nonoy, Richard, and Jun—his new friends from Brgy. Tayokoy. For him, Bert was good only in jackstone and Chinese garter. Cosme turned off his cellphone before playing. That would be a disturbance to his concentration. Meanwhile, Bert arrived in the university. To his surprise, there were a lot of students waiting patiently for their turn to enrol. Soon he learned that there would first be an orientation test. There were just two schedules for it; the first being that day, and the last would be the next day. Bert took his cellphone right away and sent Cosme a message. “Cos, u nid 2 tek orientation tst 1st b4 u cn hv d nrolmnt sheet! 2morow s d last sched.” He took the test himself and then went on with the next step. It was already late in the afternoon when he went home, his enrollment still unfinished. Early the next morning, Bert dropped by Cosme’s house. “ Sorry he left very early this morning with five other guys,” Aling Es Cosme’s stepmother, told Bert. There was nothing much he could do, so he proceeded to the university to finish his registration.Cosme, on the other hand, felt exhausted after his game. Opening a bottle of water to relieve his thirst, he switched on his cellphone, which remained off since yesterday. He had several messages, one of which was from Bert. “Oh, no, today is the deadline of the orientation test.” Cosme became worried after reading the message. He called Bert, who had earlier finished his enrolment, and had gone to a bookstore to buy school supplies.” Boy, fetch me here at the gym. I’ll wait for you!” “I thought you would go with me today,” Bert chided Cosme upon his arrival. ‘I’m sorry, Bert,” Cosme apologized, then said anxiously, “Would there be another orientation test tomorrow?” he asked. “No! Today is the last, and I’m sure about this time it is finished. And do you know what this means? You have to enroll next semester, or you have to try other schools which I know you won’t do,” Bert explained. “No, I want to study here. But what should I do?” Cosme could no longer hide his frustration. He was really angry at himself. As he put his cellphone back into his holder, an idea flashed across his mind. He should call his Ninong Danny Lacson to help him with his problem. Yes, Ninong Danny is a good friend of the college president. Cosme grinned, convinced that his Ninong would come to his aide any time. The last orientation test was long over when the two friends arrived. Wiping the perspiration off his face, Cosme headed toward the woman administering the test. She seemed to be waiting for somebody. Cosme introduced himself to the woman. “Oh, yes, our college president, Mr. Tomas, called me about you. Well, are you prepared to take the test now? Cosme could not suppress his smile as he fished out his pen from his backpack. Bert could only look at him and the woman in utter consternation and disbelief.
Nowadays, we must be dependent to ourselves. Nothing will happen to you if you are just waiting for a miracle to happen.
***EMBARRASSED***
Have you ever been shy in doing something? You can’t do anything because of this. But in other aspects, the word “HIYA” or meaning being shy can also mean embarrassment.
HIYA is the Filipino feeling of inadequacy to face up to something that involves other people who, he thinks, expect much from him. The English equivalent is “embarrassment,” or possibly “timidity,” “modesty,” or “ shyness,” depending on the situation.
Let me share you a story about two guys and their experience to see how a person gets embarrassed.
Spencer and his next-door neighbor, Francis, were invited to Louise’s 18th birthday party held at an expensive hotel. Being new to the neighborhood, they had no friends yet except the beautiful debutante, who lived three houses away. She was also a premed student like them and shared the same hobbies-spelunking and stargazing.
Spencer’s eyes stared at the grand edifice and the interior decoration. He ogled at the delicacies set on the center table. He cast sly glances at guests who were too formally dressed and very influential. The expensive chinaware were too delicate to touch. If he broke one he knew he’d be broke for some months.
When Louise’s father stood up and announced that food was to be served, Spencer’s heart began to race. “What’s the first thing to pick up?” he whispered to Francis.
“Let’s just observe what the well-dressed, high-profile guests to do and follow suit,” Francis whispered back The meal went on smoothly.
“Spencer, there are lot of foods at the center table!” Francis whispered to him.Just look at the spaghetti, rainbow roll with tuna and salmon, fried chicken, biko, mangoes, chocolate cake, and ube-macapuno ice cream. You like them, don’t you?” Yes,” stammered Spencer.
Let’s go get mangoes on the center table, Spencer,” suggested Francis. “I won’t miss this very delicious fruit for the whole world.”
“ But I fell out of place. I’d dare not to stand up and have more than a hundred pairs of eyes following my every move,” Spencer muttered under his breath.
“ You’re just too shy, Spencer,” consoled Francis.” Look, the people are too busy talking to each other. I even think they didn’t know we existed.”
“I know,” Spencer whispered back.” But what if I step on somebody’s foot, or worse, drop my mango and it would roll under the table?”
“ Oh, Spencer, you’re getting paranoid. You will never enjoy this party with such thoughts.” He then patted Spencer’s back and told him to relax. After a while, he said, “ let’s go. I am sure nothing would happen within that short distance.
Side by side they went to the table, got a piece each, and enjoyed the luscious fruit.
Out of the corner eye, Spencer saw the humbug who tripped him in the university hallway and poked fun at him for being a promdi. The boy approached the center table and began heaping his plate with food, unmindful of the guests’ stares. With a swagger that suggested he was used to getting his own way, he went back to his place and gobbled up his food. Then he returned for a second serving. As he twirled around to head back to his place, his left foot stepped on a small puddle of spilled juice on the floor. His feet wobbled. His arms flailed in the air. His plate shot up like an inflated parachute. His glass followed and, with an amateur gracefulness, crashed beside the plate.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the unpracticed piece of acrobat. The boy, now lying on his back, blushed like an ember. Then with a self-conscious smile he sat up, and hurriedly left the room. Spencer and Francis looked at each other, suppressed a smile, and continued eating.
If you were the one’s embarrassed, what will you do? Will you run away and get mad at yourself or just feel nothing happened?
HIYA is the Filipino feeling of inadequacy to face up to something that involves other people who, he thinks, expect much from him. The English equivalent is “embarrassment,” or possibly “timidity,” “modesty,” or “ shyness,” depending on the situation.
Let me share you a story about two guys and their experience to see how a person gets embarrassed.
Spencer and his next-door neighbor, Francis, were invited to Louise’s 18th birthday party held at an expensive hotel. Being new to the neighborhood, they had no friends yet except the beautiful debutante, who lived three houses away. She was also a premed student like them and shared the same hobbies-spelunking and stargazing.
Spencer’s eyes stared at the grand edifice and the interior decoration. He ogled at the delicacies set on the center table. He cast sly glances at guests who were too formally dressed and very influential. The expensive chinaware were too delicate to touch. If he broke one he knew he’d be broke for some months.
When Louise’s father stood up and announced that food was to be served, Spencer’s heart began to race. “What’s the first thing to pick up?” he whispered to Francis.
“Let’s just observe what the well-dressed, high-profile guests to do and follow suit,” Francis whispered back The meal went on smoothly.
“Spencer, there are lot of foods at the center table!” Francis whispered to him.Just look at the spaghetti, rainbow roll with tuna and salmon, fried chicken, biko, mangoes, chocolate cake, and ube-macapuno ice cream. You like them, don’t you?” Yes,” stammered Spencer.
Let’s go get mangoes on the center table, Spencer,” suggested Francis. “I won’t miss this very delicious fruit for the whole world.”
“ But I fell out of place. I’d dare not to stand up and have more than a hundred pairs of eyes following my every move,” Spencer muttered under his breath.
“ You’re just too shy, Spencer,” consoled Francis.” Look, the people are too busy talking to each other. I even think they didn’t know we existed.”
“I know,” Spencer whispered back.” But what if I step on somebody’s foot, or worse, drop my mango and it would roll under the table?”
“ Oh, Spencer, you’re getting paranoid. You will never enjoy this party with such thoughts.” He then patted Spencer’s back and told him to relax. After a while, he said, “ let’s go. I am sure nothing would happen within that short distance.
Side by side they went to the table, got a piece each, and enjoyed the luscious fruit.
Out of the corner eye, Spencer saw the humbug who tripped him in the university hallway and poked fun at him for being a promdi. The boy approached the center table and began heaping his plate with food, unmindful of the guests’ stares. With a swagger that suggested he was used to getting his own way, he went back to his place and gobbled up his food. Then he returned for a second serving. As he twirled around to head back to his place, his left foot stepped on a small puddle of spilled juice on the floor. His feet wobbled. His arms flailed in the air. His plate shot up like an inflated parachute. His glass followed and, with an amateur gracefulness, crashed beside the plate.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the unpracticed piece of acrobat. The boy, now lying on his back, blushed like an ember. Then with a self-conscious smile he sat up, and hurriedly left the room. Spencer and Francis looked at each other, suppressed a smile, and continued eating.
If you were the one’s embarrassed, what will you do? Will you run away and get mad at yourself or just feel nothing happened?
ESCAPING???
Some people live in a world of lies, lies to other person for them to “lusot” from their sins.
LUSOT literally means escape from something by wriggling into a hole or through a split. It points to a mentality that is concerned in getting away from an undesirable, unpleasant, or altogether difficult situation in the fastest and least painful manner.
LUSOT has been the title for this story. It is about a little girl who escaped from her sin, disobeying her mother.
I can’t wait for our summer vacation!” Keren cried out excitedly.
Our family was headed for Ajuy, Iloilo, the birthplace of my father. The day before our trip, we made the necessary preparations. My father conditioned the vehicle we were to use. My sisters and I were so excited e hardly slept that night.
The next day, we got up at 5 a. m. , put all are things in the car, and started to travel. We reached the municipality of Ajuy at around 11 a. m. Then after a 10-minute banca ride we reached the beautiful island of Nasidman.
We settled in a cozy cottage, owned by Nanay Inday, my Lola’s sister. “Girls, please put your things in the room,” Mother said, pointing to the bigger room to the left.
We really enjoyed our first two days there. Only the food, prepared by Nanay Inday especially for us, left something to desired. Meeting our relatives was half the reason we were here; the other half was beaching. So the following morning, before breakfast was set, we went beaching.
Mother warned my little sister not to swim for a long time or else they’d get sick. They obeyed, at least for a while. But the waves of children’s passion for swimming carried away my mother’s warning.
“Time for breakfast,” Mother shouted from the kitchen. All of us dashed inside except Keren.
“She went swimming” Omega informed us. Mother called her, and told her to stop swimming. “You’re allowed to swim up to 11 o’clock only because the scorching heat will cause fever.” she announced. We all nodded, including Keren.
We spent the whole morning swimming. After eating hearty lunch, we rested in our room. We thought Keren rested with us, because of Mother’s warning. Instead, she swam the whole day without our knowledge. It was already 6 o’clock when she went home.
“Where have you been?” Father asked her. “I’m with Nanay Inday, I. . .I. . .stayed with her the whole afternoon, I mean n the library,” she stammered. There was really a library in Nanay Inday’s house, not far from our cottage.
“Then why is your hair so wet?” Father inquired.
“I’ve just finished taking a shower,” she lied. She did everything to hide her mistake. The truth came out, however, because she burned with fever that night. She confessed everything to mother.
We scheduled the next day for boating. We posed for pictures around the island. Unfortunately, Keren was so sick to accompany us. Before we left, father made realize her mistake. “I told you this before; I don’t like disobedient children who escape from their mistake. Because of this you stay here with Nanay Inday. I hope you will not do this again,” Father explained. Keren nodded.
Alone, she saw the boat slowly drifting away on the calm waters. She heard her sisters giggling. She saw her mother lean on her father’s chest. She also saw the wide ocean beckoning her to come. And she learned her lesson well.
In some cases, as the saying goes, “Telling lies could be good and telling truths could be bad”. It has a point. But not at all times. Lying is a great sin...
LUSOT literally means escape from something by wriggling into a hole or through a split. It points to a mentality that is concerned in getting away from an undesirable, unpleasant, or altogether difficult situation in the fastest and least painful manner.
LUSOT has been the title for this story. It is about a little girl who escaped from her sin, disobeying her mother.
I can’t wait for our summer vacation!” Keren cried out excitedly.
Our family was headed for Ajuy, Iloilo, the birthplace of my father. The day before our trip, we made the necessary preparations. My father conditioned the vehicle we were to use. My sisters and I were so excited e hardly slept that night.
The next day, we got up at 5 a. m. , put all are things in the car, and started to travel. We reached the municipality of Ajuy at around 11 a. m. Then after a 10-minute banca ride we reached the beautiful island of Nasidman.
We settled in a cozy cottage, owned by Nanay Inday, my Lola’s sister. “Girls, please put your things in the room,” Mother said, pointing to the bigger room to the left.
We really enjoyed our first two days there. Only the food, prepared by Nanay Inday especially for us, left something to desired. Meeting our relatives was half the reason we were here; the other half was beaching. So the following morning, before breakfast was set, we went beaching.
Mother warned my little sister not to swim for a long time or else they’d get sick. They obeyed, at least for a while. But the waves of children’s passion for swimming carried away my mother’s warning.
“Time for breakfast,” Mother shouted from the kitchen. All of us dashed inside except Keren.
“She went swimming” Omega informed us. Mother called her, and told her to stop swimming. “You’re allowed to swim up to 11 o’clock only because the scorching heat will cause fever.” she announced. We all nodded, including Keren.
We spent the whole morning swimming. After eating hearty lunch, we rested in our room. We thought Keren rested with us, because of Mother’s warning. Instead, she swam the whole day without our knowledge. It was already 6 o’clock when she went home.
“Where have you been?” Father asked her. “I’m with Nanay Inday, I. . .I. . .stayed with her the whole afternoon, I mean n the library,” she stammered. There was really a library in Nanay Inday’s house, not far from our cottage.
“Then why is your hair so wet?” Father inquired.
“I’ve just finished taking a shower,” she lied. She did everything to hide her mistake. The truth came out, however, because she burned with fever that night. She confessed everything to mother.
We scheduled the next day for boating. We posed for pictures around the island. Unfortunately, Keren was so sick to accompany us. Before we left, father made realize her mistake. “I told you this before; I don’t like disobedient children who escape from their mistake. Because of this you stay here with Nanay Inday. I hope you will not do this again,” Father explained. Keren nodded.
Alone, she saw the boat slowly drifting away on the calm waters. She heard her sisters giggling. She saw her mother lean on her father’s chest. She also saw the wide ocean beckoning her to come. And she learned her lesson well.
In some cases, as the saying goes, “Telling lies could be good and telling truths could be bad”. It has a point. But not at all times. Lying is a great sin...
HIS CIRCUMCISION...
Have you ever been circumcised, cut yours to manhood? Was it painful? Here is what “tuli” means.
TULI OR BINYAGAN is a minor surgery that entails the cutting of the foreskin of the male genitalia. This act is considered a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood. Aside from being a symbol of virility, it may also signify a man’s formal assumption of his roles as a male member of society.
Here is a story about a boy who has been circumcised in a probinsya way.
Hey, guys tuli naba kayo? What cut yours to manhood? Scissors? A knife cut mine. It was many years back after my graduation from elememtary. I dulled the summer away with my grandparents.
One sunny Sunday morning Lolo peeped into the bathroom. He changd inside to scrub my back with pumice. He could not resist but laugh when he learned that still I had my “foreskin” intact.
After breakfast, I tagged along with him to the nearest manunuli. Lolo asked me to wear an oversized T-shirt that flaunted down to my knees.
“Remove your shorts,” the manunuli commanded. Lolo pulled my shorts down slowly. He tiptoed to hang it on the lowest branch of a nearby tree.
“Brief,” he ordered.
I stared at him blankly. He chewed a couple of guava leaves.
“Now remove your brief,” he said impatiently.
“Manong, I’m not wearing any brief,” I mumbled. Then, kneel,” he said softly.
I saw a guava stick in front of me. It was scraped smoothly. Beside it was a newly sharpened knife that shimmered under the sun.
“What is that for?” I asked innocently, looking at the knife, and still standing straight as a statue. He did not answer my question, but instead commanded me to kneel down.
A hand tapped me at the back. I knew it was Lolo who stood behind me.
I knelt down, tilting up my head and surrendering myself to an expert hand. The poundings had started. “One, two, ouch!” I stopped counting. The knife cut through my skin. I could feel it, even if I still had my head tilted upward. After a while, I heard the manunuli spit out the guava leaves over the wound.
Blood gushed out from the wound and despite my helpless state, I gathered enough courage to stare at my new appendage-like a war-weary soldier holding on to his beloved daughter’s photograph in the face of death.
I did not move. I did not stand. I just knelt. “Are you alright?” Lolo tapped me on the shoulder.
I did not answer. I was on deep thought of what had become on me. A lot of matters crossed my mind-girls, ladies, and a wife.
I pushed away my Lolo’s hand from my shoulder. What does Lolo think of me? I rhetorically asked myself. Bata! After all, I had just been through the rite of passage into manhood.
Having been “tuli” is good because it cleans yours by getting the foreskin and keeps you away from diseases. But is it okay for you, wearing loose shirt and when touched by something or somebody, is very painful?
TULI OR BINYAGAN is a minor surgery that entails the cutting of the foreskin of the male genitalia. This act is considered a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood. Aside from being a symbol of virility, it may also signify a man’s formal assumption of his roles as a male member of society.
Here is a story about a boy who has been circumcised in a probinsya way.
Hey, guys tuli naba kayo? What cut yours to manhood? Scissors? A knife cut mine. It was many years back after my graduation from elememtary. I dulled the summer away with my grandparents.
One sunny Sunday morning Lolo peeped into the bathroom. He changd inside to scrub my back with pumice. He could not resist but laugh when he learned that still I had my “foreskin” intact.
After breakfast, I tagged along with him to the nearest manunuli. Lolo asked me to wear an oversized T-shirt that flaunted down to my knees.
“Remove your shorts,” the manunuli commanded. Lolo pulled my shorts down slowly. He tiptoed to hang it on the lowest branch of a nearby tree.
“Brief,” he ordered.
I stared at him blankly. He chewed a couple of guava leaves.
“Now remove your brief,” he said impatiently.
“Manong, I’m not wearing any brief,” I mumbled. Then, kneel,” he said softly.
I saw a guava stick in front of me. It was scraped smoothly. Beside it was a newly sharpened knife that shimmered under the sun.
“What is that for?” I asked innocently, looking at the knife, and still standing straight as a statue. He did not answer my question, but instead commanded me to kneel down.
A hand tapped me at the back. I knew it was Lolo who stood behind me.
I knelt down, tilting up my head and surrendering myself to an expert hand. The poundings had started. “One, two, ouch!” I stopped counting. The knife cut through my skin. I could feel it, even if I still had my head tilted upward. After a while, I heard the manunuli spit out the guava leaves over the wound.
Blood gushed out from the wound and despite my helpless state, I gathered enough courage to stare at my new appendage-like a war-weary soldier holding on to his beloved daughter’s photograph in the face of death.
I did not move. I did not stand. I just knelt. “Are you alright?” Lolo tapped me on the shoulder.
I did not answer. I was on deep thought of what had become on me. A lot of matters crossed my mind-girls, ladies, and a wife.
I pushed away my Lolo’s hand from my shoulder. What does Lolo think of me? I rhetorically asked myself. Bata! After all, I had just been through the rite of passage into manhood.
Having been “tuli” is good because it cleans yours by getting the foreskin and keeps you away from diseases. But is it okay for you, wearing loose shirt and when touched by something or somebody, is very painful?
KURSUNADA
KURSUNADA is a condition of intense liking for an object or for a member of the opposite sex. Sometimes this value connotes a sadistic and lusty fancy when it refers to a condition of dislike.
Another use of the term is when one Filipino resents the glance of another and strikes out in anger.
A story here that I have read tells about a person we shall call na “nangursunada” towards the girl he likes.
Melvin had just moved to a new school and it was his first day. Financial constraints forced his parents to send him to the public school. Not knowing what awaited him in this environment, he left early. He was charmed by the view surrounding him. His sight was not particularly fixed but rather bounded from here to there. Consequently, he was unaware that he had bumped into a girl rushing past him from the corner of the library.
Words froze in his throat. The girl had already finished her lecture and had gone before his apology came out of his mouth. Her beauty, not to mention the fragrance that exuded from her long ebony hair, struck him.
Nights and nights thereafter, Melvin dreamed of this girl. He later learned that her name is Joanne. How could he forget her rose-pink cheeks as she fumed in girlish defiance over his recklessness? How could he lay in bed without recalling the lovely face and beautiful brown eyes that sparkled in her gaze? If only he had met her in a more pleasant situation.
But Melvin determined to know Joanne at all cost. Such was the only way sleep would return to him.
A bouquet of Holland roses in hand, he traced the path he first took hoping it would lead to another bump with girl of his dreams. Girls in school uniforms stared at him with sundry expressions, but there was no Joanne. Reaching the library, he had no choice but to seek solace in its silent hall, where boys, girls, and teachers cast probing stares at his bouquet. They seemed unable to guess where and to whom those long-stemmed roses were heading.
Then something caught his eyes. From the edge of the adjacent shelf, he saw black flowing hair glistering in the fluorescent light. A surge of blood rushed through his body. Suddenly he felt weak. His knees seemed to have loosened and felt as though someone bolted his voice box out of his throat. It took him a lot of conditioning before he ultimately moved his feet to deliver his package.
For you. He was not even sure if he had really uttered those words or if it was only his mind speaking. He did not even have time to hear what Joanne had to say. Or time to ask who was the brawny professor sitting beside Joanne, looking daggers at him.
Maybe you might have this KURSUNADA thing. However, in another sense, KURSUNADA tells, too that in everything we do, we should have determination.
Another use of the term is when one Filipino resents the glance of another and strikes out in anger.
A story here that I have read tells about a person we shall call na “nangursunada” towards the girl he likes.
Melvin had just moved to a new school and it was his first day. Financial constraints forced his parents to send him to the public school. Not knowing what awaited him in this environment, he left early. He was charmed by the view surrounding him. His sight was not particularly fixed but rather bounded from here to there. Consequently, he was unaware that he had bumped into a girl rushing past him from the corner of the library.
Words froze in his throat. The girl had already finished her lecture and had gone before his apology came out of his mouth. Her beauty, not to mention the fragrance that exuded from her long ebony hair, struck him.
Nights and nights thereafter, Melvin dreamed of this girl. He later learned that her name is Joanne. How could he forget her rose-pink cheeks as she fumed in girlish defiance over his recklessness? How could he lay in bed without recalling the lovely face and beautiful brown eyes that sparkled in her gaze? If only he had met her in a more pleasant situation.
But Melvin determined to know Joanne at all cost. Such was the only way sleep would return to him.
A bouquet of Holland roses in hand, he traced the path he first took hoping it would lead to another bump with girl of his dreams. Girls in school uniforms stared at him with sundry expressions, but there was no Joanne. Reaching the library, he had no choice but to seek solace in its silent hall, where boys, girls, and teachers cast probing stares at his bouquet. They seemed unable to guess where and to whom those long-stemmed roses were heading.
Then something caught his eyes. From the edge of the adjacent shelf, he saw black flowing hair glistering in the fluorescent light. A surge of blood rushed through his body. Suddenly he felt weak. His knees seemed to have loosened and felt as though someone bolted his voice box out of his throat. It took him a lot of conditioning before he ultimately moved his feet to deliver his package.
For you. He was not even sure if he had really uttered those words or if it was only his mind speaking. He did not even have time to hear what Joanne had to say. Or time to ask who was the brawny professor sitting beside Joanne, looking daggers at him.
Maybe you might have this KURSUNADA thing. However, in another sense, KURSUNADA tells, too that in everything we do, we should have determination.
Friends for Life
"A friend in need is a friend indeed..."
There have been many insights about friends and friendship. Friendship is a treasure that no one could ever steal. Some say that it the best surprise GOD has given us and a relationship wherein two people give love to each other. Friends are someone who are fun to talk with and someone who is always there for you.
In life, we need a friend who we can lean on. I do have friends, lots and lots of them. I really could not count them. Do you have one? I’m sure you have.
Want to meet some of them? Meet:
Queenie – a big girl with a cute voice. She has been the joker in our group. She uses her cute voice to make us laugh. She would sing a song. She also likes to watch PBA Games. A basketball die-hard fan. Sometimes, we quarrel and fight. But later on, we become friends again.
Adelpha – a guitarist. She loves to play the guitar and plays songs especially about GOD. She has this trait that we love from her. It makes the around her laugh. She’s the shoulder that anyone could lean on. She talks and gives us inspirational messages about life.
Naressa – a water-addict. She always goes to the sink to fetch some drinking water. There was never a day that she asks somebody to go with her to the sink. She is a true friend. She’s the type of person who can keep secrets. She will be always there to support you.
Inah – a singing sensation. She has a beautiful voice. A fighter and a defender, name it, she’s the one. Being “suplada” is in her face but if you get to know each other, she can be nice. She is also pretty.
Karla – the Barbie look a like in the room. She has very cute eyes. If you have problems, just go to her and she can comfort you.
Louanne – a mestiza. She is also die-hard fan of Kim Chiu. She is also a joker and we all laugh because of her dancing of “Chickboy”. She likes to eat flat tops. She was my schoolmate. I already knew her. But I learned more about her now were classmates. She, also a good friend.
Chanel – an anime expert. She is an anime addict. She is also the quietest person in the room. You can tell you secrets to her and she can keep it.
Brigette – an ever smiling person. She gives jokes and we sometimes laugh when we hear it. She is also a trusted a friend.
There are still many of them. But I can’t describe them anymore. I’ve used all the words in my vocabulary to describe them. But there is nothing to worry about. Even though you are not listed above but what matters is what’s inside of my heart.
We need to have a friend because you cannot bear with it, having no friends at all. Being a friend, we must also be the shoulders to them, and knows how to defend them no matter what happens.
We all need a friend, make a clean breast of it. We can’t be a loner. We need to interact with one another. And through this interaction, friendship begins something we can treasure always. Friendship is like a seed. Why? A seed needs foundation, a little bit of sunlight, air and love. Just like friendship. Friendship needs foundation for it sooner to become a tall tree that can give shade to the people wants to have. It is also a network of a long lasting relation, with a great bond that no one could ever break.
There have been many insights about friends and friendship. Friendship is a treasure that no one could ever steal. Some say that it the best surprise GOD has given us and a relationship wherein two people give love to each other. Friends are someone who are fun to talk with and someone who is always there for you.
In life, we need a friend who we can lean on. I do have friends, lots and lots of them. I really could not count them. Do you have one? I’m sure you have.
Want to meet some of them? Meet:
Queenie – a big girl with a cute voice. She has been the joker in our group. She uses her cute voice to make us laugh. She would sing a song. She also likes to watch PBA Games. A basketball die-hard fan. Sometimes, we quarrel and fight. But later on, we become friends again.
Adelpha – a guitarist. She loves to play the guitar and plays songs especially about GOD. She has this trait that we love from her. It makes the around her laugh. She’s the shoulder that anyone could lean on. She talks and gives us inspirational messages about life.
Naressa – a water-addict. She always goes to the sink to fetch some drinking water. There was never a day that she asks somebody to go with her to the sink. She is a true friend. She’s the type of person who can keep secrets. She will be always there to support you.
Inah – a singing sensation. She has a beautiful voice. A fighter and a defender, name it, she’s the one. Being “suplada” is in her face but if you get to know each other, she can be nice. She is also pretty.
Karla – the Barbie look a like in the room. She has very cute eyes. If you have problems, just go to her and she can comfort you.
Louanne – a mestiza. She is also die-hard fan of Kim Chiu. She is also a joker and we all laugh because of her dancing of “Chickboy”. She likes to eat flat tops. She was my schoolmate. I already knew her. But I learned more about her now were classmates. She, also a good friend.
Chanel – an anime expert. She is an anime addict. She is also the quietest person in the room. You can tell you secrets to her and she can keep it.
Brigette – an ever smiling person. She gives jokes and we sometimes laugh when we hear it. She is also a trusted a friend.
There are still many of them. But I can’t describe them anymore. I’ve used all the words in my vocabulary to describe them. But there is nothing to worry about. Even though you are not listed above but what matters is what’s inside of my heart.
We need to have a friend because you cannot bear with it, having no friends at all. Being a friend, we must also be the shoulders to them, and knows how to defend them no matter what happens.
We all need a friend, make a clean breast of it. We can’t be a loner. We need to interact with one another. And through this interaction, friendship begins something we can treasure always. Friendship is like a seed. Why? A seed needs foundation, a little bit of sunlight, air and love. Just like friendship. Friendship needs foundation for it sooner to become a tall tree that can give shade to the people wants to have. It is also a network of a long lasting relation, with a great bond that no one could ever break.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
NINONG! NINANG!
NINONG / NINANG is a traditional Catholic practice of enlisting popular and rich members of the society to be sponsors during wedding or baptism rites. The godparents are treated like secondary parents and become a continuous financial and moral support for the rest of the couple or child’s life.
A story here tells you about NINONG and NINANG.
Elsie had been staring at the calendar all afternoon, counting the days. Next week would be Christmas. Three months later would be her Ate Elaine’s wedding. “Mom, I wonder what Lola Ely will give you this Christmas. And what gifts will Ate Elaine and Kuya Ron receive on their wedding?”
Mommy Rose was surprised. “So that’s what you’ve been thinking about all day?” she inquired.“Of course, Mom! Every Christmas, you and Dad receive gifts from your ninongs and ninangs.”
“Well, it’s just that they are very thoughtful. We’re so happy because they treat us like their own children.”Again, Elsie counted the days in the calendar. “Mom, I’m sure Ate Elaine will get Mrs. Dela Pena, Atty. Corpuz, Engr. Mercado, and our seaman neighbor, Mr. Ambrosio, to be their sponsors,” she said confidently.
“Elsie, what are you saying?” Mom interrupted. “What do you mean? What about this people?” “Don’t you know, Mom, they are rich and very influential? They are also your friends!” answered Elsie.
“My dear, please come with me in the kitchen and help me cook your favorite dish. I’ll tell you something. “I’d like to peel potatoes and carrots.” “Oh, that’s very nice, dear! Thank you for wanting to help me.” “But I don’t want to cut the Baguio beans. They’re so thin!” continued Elsie. “By the way, Mom, you said you’d tell me something. What is it?”
“Oh, yes!” said Mom. “Three months from now your Ate Elaine will be married to your Kuya Ron. I hope you will treat him as your real big brother, just like your Kuya Bert. We expect that you will respect him, too.”
“Yes , of course, Mom. Let me changes our topic. What is the role of the sponsors during the wedding, and why do I call your lolo’s and lola’s?” asked Elsie.
“That’s an insightful question.” Mom was smiling sweetly now.” Don’t you know the sponsors are the second parents of the bride and groom?”
“So, Mom, your sponsors are my grandparents?” asked Elsie.
“Exactly!” Mom exclaimed.
“Mom, I’ve finished peeling the potatoes and carrots. Can I now cut the Baguio beans?” Elsie asked.
“Oh I thought you don’t want to cut them!” her Mother smiled.
“You know Mom, when I get married, I’ll be the one to choose my sponsors. They should be persons close to me. I don’t mind if they are rich or poor, educated or not, as long as they have a good character, okey na akin! (That’s all right with me!) Of course, I want them to be spiritual just like you and Dad, who always pray for, advice, correct, and help us. Above all, they must be God fearing! I’m very proud of you and Dad!”
“Why?” asked Mom.
“Because you have been good children to your parents and sponsors,” continued Elsie.
“What made you say so?”
“Besides sending them simple presents, you also visit them, especially when they are sick. And most of all, you always include them in your prayers,” Elsie said cheerfully.
I know you have ninongs and ninangs. But aside for giving gifts for us, I know there is something more to it.
A story here tells you about NINONG and NINANG.
Elsie had been staring at the calendar all afternoon, counting the days. Next week would be Christmas. Three months later would be her Ate Elaine’s wedding. “Mom, I wonder what Lola Ely will give you this Christmas. And what gifts will Ate Elaine and Kuya Ron receive on their wedding?”
Mommy Rose was surprised. “So that’s what you’ve been thinking about all day?” she inquired.“Of course, Mom! Every Christmas, you and Dad receive gifts from your ninongs and ninangs.”
“Well, it’s just that they are very thoughtful. We’re so happy because they treat us like their own children.”Again, Elsie counted the days in the calendar. “Mom, I’m sure Ate Elaine will get Mrs. Dela Pena, Atty. Corpuz, Engr. Mercado, and our seaman neighbor, Mr. Ambrosio, to be their sponsors,” she said confidently.
“Elsie, what are you saying?” Mom interrupted. “What do you mean? What about this people?” “Don’t you know, Mom, they are rich and very influential? They are also your friends!” answered Elsie.
“My dear, please come with me in the kitchen and help me cook your favorite dish. I’ll tell you something. “I’d like to peel potatoes and carrots.” “Oh, that’s very nice, dear! Thank you for wanting to help me.” “But I don’t want to cut the Baguio beans. They’re so thin!” continued Elsie. “By the way, Mom, you said you’d tell me something. What is it?”
“Oh, yes!” said Mom. “Three months from now your Ate Elaine will be married to your Kuya Ron. I hope you will treat him as your real big brother, just like your Kuya Bert. We expect that you will respect him, too.”
“Yes , of course, Mom. Let me changes our topic. What is the role of the sponsors during the wedding, and why do I call your lolo’s and lola’s?” asked Elsie.
“That’s an insightful question.” Mom was smiling sweetly now.” Don’t you know the sponsors are the second parents of the bride and groom?”
“So, Mom, your sponsors are my grandparents?” asked Elsie.
“Exactly!” Mom exclaimed.
“Mom, I’ve finished peeling the potatoes and carrots. Can I now cut the Baguio beans?” Elsie asked.
“Oh I thought you don’t want to cut them!” her Mother smiled.
“You know Mom, when I get married, I’ll be the one to choose my sponsors. They should be persons close to me. I don’t mind if they are rich or poor, educated or not, as long as they have a good character, okey na akin! (That’s all right with me!) Of course, I want them to be spiritual just like you and Dad, who always pray for, advice, correct, and help us. Above all, they must be God fearing! I’m very proud of you and Dad!”
“Why?” asked Mom.
“Because you have been good children to your parents and sponsors,” continued Elsie.
“What made you say so?”
“Besides sending them simple presents, you also visit them, especially when they are sick. And most of all, you always include them in your prayers,” Elsie said cheerfully.
I know you have ninongs and ninangs. But aside for giving gifts for us, I know there is something more to it.
QUE SERA, SERA...
“Ay! Bahala na!” a common phrase we hear from some Filipinos.
BAHALA NA is an unproductive perspective of life. It is rendered loosely as “COME WHAT MAY” or QUE SERA, SERA (WHAT WILL BE, WLL BE). It conjures up utter helplessness in face of difficult situations. Notwithstanding its sense of fatalism, this common idiom is also a Filipino expression of faith in a higher Being. “BAHALA NA” comes from “Bahala na,” where Bathala is a tagalog name of God. Its literal meaning, therefore, would be “LET GOD TAKE CHARGE!”
Jessie was my classmate in fourth-year high school. He had always been the laughingstock in our class. Every morning he came to class late. If he wasn’t late, he was cutting classes and playing cards with his friends near the campus. He had never been in class for the whole day and had never devoted himself to studying lessons. His mother always came to school to check whether Jessie was attending his classes. Sad to say, she seldom found her child in class, or if he was there, she hardly saw him joining down notes or listening to class discussions.
One day the teacher asked, “Who of you are feeling happy today? Many students raised their hands. She was amazed at her students’ response. But she was even more delighted to see Jessie raising his hand. The teacher said, “Ok, Jessie, tell me why you’re happy today.”
Jessie replied, “Because, I have again another day to play and . . . .bahala na!” The teacher sort of anticipated that answer from him.
Every day there seemed to be no end to his playful self. Jessie was very happy all the time, never thinking of his future and never dreaming of having a d life.
The teacher was worried about him, so after class she asked Jessie to stay behind. “Why do yu remain happy even if you don’t pass any test? Aren’t you worried that you may fail all your subjects this year?”
Jessie politely answered. “I have always wanted to be happy-go-lucky guy since I lost my father. I always try to pretend I’m happy, but actually I’m aching deep inside when I’m alone. Because of my father’s loss, I have always wanted to live in the past, with my father, and forget about the future.”
The teacher hugged Jessie and said, “Please don’t waste time by playing and fooling around. I believe your father would not be happy seeing you this way, if he we here today.”
The next day, Jessie came to class early, much earlier than any of his classmates. He came to realize that living in the past and not planning for the future was not the best thing for him. From the day on he came to class early and studied much harder.
It was no surprise then for everybody to see Jessie receive a number of honors on our graduation day. He made it to the top because of a simple hug, because of the words of encouragement from our teacher.
There are lot meanings for this phrase. Saying this is such a bad habit. We must do everything to what we do. “Kung ginawa man lang natin, lubos-lubosin na!”
BAHALA NA is an unproductive perspective of life. It is rendered loosely as “COME WHAT MAY” or QUE SERA, SERA (WHAT WILL BE, WLL BE). It conjures up utter helplessness in face of difficult situations. Notwithstanding its sense of fatalism, this common idiom is also a Filipino expression of faith in a higher Being. “BAHALA NA” comes from “Bahala na,” where Bathala is a tagalog name of God. Its literal meaning, therefore, would be “LET GOD TAKE CHARGE!”
Jessie was my classmate in fourth-year high school. He had always been the laughingstock in our class. Every morning he came to class late. If he wasn’t late, he was cutting classes and playing cards with his friends near the campus. He had never been in class for the whole day and had never devoted himself to studying lessons. His mother always came to school to check whether Jessie was attending his classes. Sad to say, she seldom found her child in class, or if he was there, she hardly saw him joining down notes or listening to class discussions.
One day the teacher asked, “Who of you are feeling happy today? Many students raised their hands. She was amazed at her students’ response. But she was even more delighted to see Jessie raising his hand. The teacher said, “Ok, Jessie, tell me why you’re happy today.”
Jessie replied, “Because, I have again another day to play and . . . .bahala na!” The teacher sort of anticipated that answer from him.
Every day there seemed to be no end to his playful self. Jessie was very happy all the time, never thinking of his future and never dreaming of having a d life.
The teacher was worried about him, so after class she asked Jessie to stay behind. “Why do yu remain happy even if you don’t pass any test? Aren’t you worried that you may fail all your subjects this year?”
Jessie politely answered. “I have always wanted to be happy-go-lucky guy since I lost my father. I always try to pretend I’m happy, but actually I’m aching deep inside when I’m alone. Because of my father’s loss, I have always wanted to live in the past, with my father, and forget about the future.”
The teacher hugged Jessie and said, “Please don’t waste time by playing and fooling around. I believe your father would not be happy seeing you this way, if he we here today.”
The next day, Jessie came to class early, much earlier than any of his classmates. He came to realize that living in the past and not planning for the future was not the best thing for him. From the day on he came to class early and studied much harder.
It was no surprise then for everybody to see Jessie receive a number of honors on our graduation day. He made it to the top because of a simple hug, because of the words of encouragement from our teacher.
There are lot meanings for this phrase. Saying this is such a bad habit. We must do everything to what we do. “Kung ginawa man lang natin, lubos-lubosin na!”
GULONG NG PALAD
Maybe you have heard the word GULONG NG PALAD. I know, it’s a title of a show, where Kristine Hermosa was the actress. Now, here is what the word is all about.
GULONG NG PALAD ( wheel of the palm) pictures one riding on the rim of a wheel of fate. If one waits long enough, he will find himself on the other side of the wheel. Now he is beneath it, tomorrow he will be on top of it. The average Filipino accepts his fate and comforts himself by saying: “ GANYAN ANG GULONG NG KAPALARAN” (That is the wheel of fortune).
As a child, I used to complain to my parents about the lack of electricity in our province. “ It’s so dark in this place at night,” I would whine,” while my friends Ronnie and Rene can still walk around their neighborhood in the city, I already have to be in bed.” Growing up n an island where the chief means of transportation to the big city was a sailboat, I experienced early on the clear contrast between our primitive rural life and that of the city.
Only two buses plied the roads of our town. They traveled from the seaport to the opposite end of the island. Thus, most townsfolk traveled by foot. The place was economically depressed, but there were still a handful of people who, by earnest effort and hard work, became successful.
I remember in particular a rather plump woman who had a flourishing store by the seaport. Because of her thriving business, this woman and her husband lived a life of luxury, with a number of servants at their bidding-cooking their food, washing their clothes, and running errands for them.
During political rallies, which were as common then as now, one could see the couple’s house swarming with people. “There were a lot of people who came to the pension,” I overheard a friend of my aunt say the day after the event,” and believe it or not, most of them I have never seen or known before.” And she added as an afterthought,” But, really, all of them had their fill. Busog na busog.” Because of the couple’s popularity they naturally became the envy of the townspeople, especially their business competitors.
Many years later I visited our town. The store of the rich woman was no longer there. What had become of Tia Biata? I wondered. In my mind, I could still see her walking up and down her big house, the ground floor being their store, with her brightly colored dress and sparkling jewelry in different shapes & sizes. I asked Mother about Tia Biata. “ She passed away a few years back,” Mother replied.
I found out that before her death she experienced a terrible reversal of fortune, losing not only her house and store but also her other properties after her husband’s death.
“ One time I was in the market,” Mother went on. “As I was waiting for a jeepney for my ride home, I saw her. She looked thin and emaciated. Then she came right up to me.”
I wanted to ask Mother if the woman still recognized her, but Mother continued, “She was sort of catching her breathe, and then without any greeting, she said, ‘ Inday, please give me some money to buy food.’ I fished out 20 pesos from my purse and handed it to her. She then thanked me and walked away.”
Everything might be worst but just go with the flow of your GULONG NG PALAD…
GULONG NG PALAD ( wheel of the palm) pictures one riding on the rim of a wheel of fate. If one waits long enough, he will find himself on the other side of the wheel. Now he is beneath it, tomorrow he will be on top of it. The average Filipino accepts his fate and comforts himself by saying: “ GANYAN ANG GULONG NG KAPALARAN” (That is the wheel of fortune).
As a child, I used to complain to my parents about the lack of electricity in our province. “ It’s so dark in this place at night,” I would whine,” while my friends Ronnie and Rene can still walk around their neighborhood in the city, I already have to be in bed.” Growing up n an island where the chief means of transportation to the big city was a sailboat, I experienced early on the clear contrast between our primitive rural life and that of the city.
Only two buses plied the roads of our town. They traveled from the seaport to the opposite end of the island. Thus, most townsfolk traveled by foot. The place was economically depressed, but there were still a handful of people who, by earnest effort and hard work, became successful.
I remember in particular a rather plump woman who had a flourishing store by the seaport. Because of her thriving business, this woman and her husband lived a life of luxury, with a number of servants at their bidding-cooking their food, washing their clothes, and running errands for them.
During political rallies, which were as common then as now, one could see the couple’s house swarming with people. “There were a lot of people who came to the pension,” I overheard a friend of my aunt say the day after the event,” and believe it or not, most of them I have never seen or known before.” And she added as an afterthought,” But, really, all of them had their fill. Busog na busog.” Because of the couple’s popularity they naturally became the envy of the townspeople, especially their business competitors.
Many years later I visited our town. The store of the rich woman was no longer there. What had become of Tia Biata? I wondered. In my mind, I could still see her walking up and down her big house, the ground floor being their store, with her brightly colored dress and sparkling jewelry in different shapes & sizes. I asked Mother about Tia Biata. “ She passed away a few years back,” Mother replied.
I found out that before her death she experienced a terrible reversal of fortune, losing not only her house and store but also her other properties after her husband’s death.
“ One time I was in the market,” Mother went on. “As I was waiting for a jeepney for my ride home, I saw her. She looked thin and emaciated. Then she came right up to me.”
I wanted to ask Mother if the woman still recognized her, but Mother continued, “She was sort of catching her breathe, and then without any greeting, she said, ‘ Inday, please give me some money to buy food.’ I fished out 20 pesos from my purse and handed it to her. She then thanked me and walked away.”
Everything might be worst but just go with the flow of your GULONG NG PALAD…
BAYANIHAN SPIRIT
You might be wondering if you go to a place and see a house brought to another place, lifted by people, are they angry at the owner of the house or they were stealing it? You are wrong. This is what we call BAYANIHAN SPIRIT.
BAYANIHAN SPIRIT is manifested in helping one another during crisis. This s born out of camaraderie, friendship, neighborliness, or plain fellow feeling attitude. Damayan operates on the same basic of mutual help.
Let me share you a story about this BAYANIHAN.
Donna invited Embroy for a vacation to her Family’s farm in Antique. Without hesitation, Embroy prepared his clothes, bought his air ticket, and winged his way to the island of Panay.
Lush valleys, tree-covered mountains, and golden farmlands welcomed him to the province as the bus winded its way to the airport to Donna’s hometown. As soon as the bus stopped, Embroy got off gleefully then he took the hand of Donna’s mother and placed it gently on his forehead.
Tired from travel, Embroy slept early that night, watched by the stars and lulled by the cool breeze. So deep was his slumber that it was already midmorning when he awoke. A breakfast of dinorado, fried bangus, chicken adobo, vegetables, and fruits freshly picked from nearby trees awaited him in the dining table. After atching Embroy gulp his sarasara, Donna took him in the nearby stream where they took a dip.
The water was clear, and if not for his fear of leeches, Embroy could have spent the rest of the day there. Later, they went to town to buy food. On the way home, he was surprised to see a gathering of people. Men in their working clothes seemed to be pulling a house. Women-some of them sitting, others standing-were cheering the men.
Embroy became agitated, especially when he saw children running around. Some of them played with their pet dogs and frolicked with the older people He could not understand what was going on. Did these people get mad at the owner of the house and then decided to destroy it? But their faces, although sweaty and dusty, seemed to contradict his fear.
Reading his dilemma, Donaa explained that the people were doing a bayanihan.
“Bayanihan. I think I heard that word before,” Embroy said, his eyes narrowing as if digging deep into the recesses of his brain.
“For sure you know it.” Donna’s eyes brightened. “It is one of the virtues unique among Filipinos. It is helping a common cause without being paid. Maybe you get some nsacks afterward, but what is important is you join forces and finish the task. Sad to say, such virtue is endangered as the Philippine Eagle .”
“Now I remember. We had been taught about that in our elementary years. And you are right. Today we scarcely see Filipino helping one another. What we often hear on radio, read on newspapers, and see on TV nowadays are Pinoys trying to take advantage over each other-sometimes through nefarious means. Poor Pinoys,” he sighed.
“I will hold these for you.” Donna took the bundles from Embroy’s hands.” You better go and sweat it out with our kababayans.”
“That’s a good idea. But don’t laugh at me if I mistake a brawny leg for a house post,” Embroy smiled, knowing that a rewarding vacation awaited him at Donna’s place.
If we were just like the people, cooperating and united, we could lead this nation to a better future.
BAYANIHAN SPIRIT is manifested in helping one another during crisis. This s born out of camaraderie, friendship, neighborliness, or plain fellow feeling attitude. Damayan operates on the same basic of mutual help.
Let me share you a story about this BAYANIHAN.
Donna invited Embroy for a vacation to her Family’s farm in Antique. Without hesitation, Embroy prepared his clothes, bought his air ticket, and winged his way to the island of Panay.
Lush valleys, tree-covered mountains, and golden farmlands welcomed him to the province as the bus winded its way to the airport to Donna’s hometown. As soon as the bus stopped, Embroy got off gleefully then he took the hand of Donna’s mother and placed it gently on his forehead.
Tired from travel, Embroy slept early that night, watched by the stars and lulled by the cool breeze. So deep was his slumber that it was already midmorning when he awoke. A breakfast of dinorado, fried bangus, chicken adobo, vegetables, and fruits freshly picked from nearby trees awaited him in the dining table. After atching Embroy gulp his sarasara, Donna took him in the nearby stream where they took a dip.
The water was clear, and if not for his fear of leeches, Embroy could have spent the rest of the day there. Later, they went to town to buy food. On the way home, he was surprised to see a gathering of people. Men in their working clothes seemed to be pulling a house. Women-some of them sitting, others standing-were cheering the men.
Embroy became agitated, especially when he saw children running around. Some of them played with their pet dogs and frolicked with the older people He could not understand what was going on. Did these people get mad at the owner of the house and then decided to destroy it? But their faces, although sweaty and dusty, seemed to contradict his fear.
Reading his dilemma, Donaa explained that the people were doing a bayanihan.
“Bayanihan. I think I heard that word before,” Embroy said, his eyes narrowing as if digging deep into the recesses of his brain.
“For sure you know it.” Donna’s eyes brightened. “It is one of the virtues unique among Filipinos. It is helping a common cause without being paid. Maybe you get some nsacks afterward, but what is important is you join forces and finish the task. Sad to say, such virtue is endangered as the Philippine Eagle .”
“Now I remember. We had been taught about that in our elementary years. And you are right. Today we scarcely see Filipino helping one another. What we often hear on radio, read on newspapers, and see on TV nowadays are Pinoys trying to take advantage over each other-sometimes through nefarious means. Poor Pinoys,” he sighed.
“I will hold these for you.” Donna took the bundles from Embroy’s hands.” You better go and sweat it out with our kababayans.”
“That’s a good idea. But don’t laugh at me if I mistake a brawny leg for a house post,” Embroy smiled, knowing that a rewarding vacation awaited him at Donna’s place.
If we were just like the people, cooperating and united, we could lead this nation to a better future.
BUENA MANO
Have you ever heard the word “BUENA MANO”? Maybe you have heard it.
Spanish term that means “good hand,” BUENA MANO is a magical belief that a good sale at the start of the day brings in more customers and more transactions.” Good” may mean a large transaction, which spells more money. It may also involve an early sale, which assures brisk business for the whole world day.
Let me share you a story that I have heard or maybe I have read I forgot where I got this, that shows the true meaning of BUENA MANO.
I was in second year high school when I earned my first peso. Enjoying my summer vacation-which meant away from books and demanding teachers-I did not think of anything to do except be with my friends and play basketball. One evening my parents persuaded me to take up summer job in the hospital where both of them worked.
The thought of earning my own money thrilled me.
I agreed to do the job.
By the end of the week, I received my pay-only a few pesos-but it gave me a sense of satisfaction. It was the first money earned from my own labor.
Then my mother suggested we go the city to buy a pair of slippers. We went after work.. I tried on a pair of blue slippers. I do not remember now what happened afterward-it could have been my excitement at my new treasure-but I readily fished out some money from my pocket and handed it to the sales clerk.
Reaching home, I unwrapped my slippers and put them on. But they were too small for me. I was angry with myself, but my parents assured me that they knew the storeowner and I could go there the next day and change them for a larger size.
I arrived at the store the next day while the sales people were just arranging their wares, putting some items outside for shoppers to see them.
“These slippers we bought last night are too small me,” told the sales head, a forty-something woman with bulgy eyes. “Can I have them changed?”
“Little boy,” she told me between loud chuckles,” come back later. We haven’t had our buena Mano yet.”
I could not understand term buena Mano, but the giggles and stares of the sales people made me aware of the futility of arguing; I would have to come back later. I have since learned the meaning of that term.
One columnist* in a daily paper wrote that there is a “need to counter buena mano as a magical belief.” However, many Filipino business people, he said, still limit the idea of buena mano to an exchange of money at the start of the day; one that they think will automatically bring in more money.
We may not be a salesperson or a tiangge owner, but we believe that if you offer fair deals with everyone you meet, you have a buena mano no matter what time of day.
It is time we . . . expanded this notion of buena mano to refer to business ethics. A ‘good hand’ is an honest hand . . . .The buena mano not in the buying itself, but in the goodwill and trust generated by the vendor’s own ethical practices, together with graciousness and a sense of service. All that comes together to keep the cash register ringing, in terms of returning customers and the friends they bring along.
Spanish term that means “good hand,” BUENA MANO is a magical belief that a good sale at the start of the day brings in more customers and more transactions.” Good” may mean a large transaction, which spells more money. It may also involve an early sale, which assures brisk business for the whole world day.
Let me share you a story that I have heard or maybe I have read I forgot where I got this, that shows the true meaning of BUENA MANO.
I was in second year high school when I earned my first peso. Enjoying my summer vacation-which meant away from books and demanding teachers-I did not think of anything to do except be with my friends and play basketball. One evening my parents persuaded me to take up summer job in the hospital where both of them worked.
The thought of earning my own money thrilled me.
I agreed to do the job.
By the end of the week, I received my pay-only a few pesos-but it gave me a sense of satisfaction. It was the first money earned from my own labor.
Then my mother suggested we go the city to buy a pair of slippers. We went after work.. I tried on a pair of blue slippers. I do not remember now what happened afterward-it could have been my excitement at my new treasure-but I readily fished out some money from my pocket and handed it to the sales clerk.
Reaching home, I unwrapped my slippers and put them on. But they were too small for me. I was angry with myself, but my parents assured me that they knew the storeowner and I could go there the next day and change them for a larger size.
I arrived at the store the next day while the sales people were just arranging their wares, putting some items outside for shoppers to see them.
“These slippers we bought last night are too small me,” told the sales head, a forty-something woman with bulgy eyes. “Can I have them changed?”
“Little boy,” she told me between loud chuckles,” come back later. We haven’t had our buena Mano yet.”
I could not understand term buena Mano, but the giggles and stares of the sales people made me aware of the futility of arguing; I would have to come back later. I have since learned the meaning of that term.
One columnist* in a daily paper wrote that there is a “need to counter buena mano as a magical belief.” However, many Filipino business people, he said, still limit the idea of buena mano to an exchange of money at the start of the day; one that they think will automatically bring in more money.
We may not be a salesperson or a tiangge owner, but we believe that if you offer fair deals with everyone you meet, you have a buena mano no matter what time of day.
It is time we . . . expanded this notion of buena mano to refer to business ethics. A ‘good hand’ is an honest hand . . . .The buena mano not in the buying itself, but in the goodwill and trust generated by the vendor’s own ethical practices, together with graciousness and a sense of service. All that comes together to keep the cash register ringing, in terms of returning customers and the friends they bring along.
Reflections on Teachers and Teaching
Class!
I was quite excited and quite nervous, can I do it?
Last January 25-26, 2007, University of the Philippines held its’ KYSD or Know Your School Day. In this activity, students for them to have time to relax will substitute teachers.
Some schoolmates explained to us what this activity and what will happen. Some who are willing will substitute the teachers and will be the teachers. Some of my classmates were excited to hold a subject. Some were excited to hold a position. Some too were confused, if they were going to hold a subject or have a position or not. Right! Teaching is not an easy thing to do. I was looking at my classmates. They were excited for this activity. Then I have also asked myself if I shall have one? Yes! What will I lose if I hold one? Then there I go. Just like being a real teacher, we need to fill a form and be interviewed. Like others, too, I was also nervous of giving answers to the questions they will throw unto me. Well, I was also confused on what subjects will I hold? There are too many of them. Will it be English, Math, Science, or what? Uh!!! But well, I finally came up with a decision, to apply for Science, Reading and Filipino. Definitely, I broke the rules. How bad I was. It was said that we could apply or hold for two subjects only. But one teacher told us that we can apply more because what if you cannot be accepted for the subject you’re applying. And she has a point. But luckily shall I say that I was hired for the three subjects. I thought of it. And I said to myself, maybe I can do it? At first, it looked easy for me. On the first day of the activity, there was a program in which we, the “teachers” will be given ID’s. I had three ID’s. Imagine! Before that, we were also given some instructions on what lesson should be tackled and it is up to us how we are going to do it. My subjects were still on the second day and the third so I also had a chance to see some of them work. I think they were nervous on what to do. I was also nervous when I saw them. But I thought I can do it. The first subject I had was Filipino. I was to continue the part we stopped at Ibon Adarna. We read the continuation. Then, we had a game called “Paint Me a Picture”. They were to portray some scenes that I give them. I was really laughing on what others did. Then the bell rang, signaling that being a Filipino teacher was over. But, o..ohh! I still have two subjects to handle. I asked my classmates if my performance was okay. Some said it was okay and that they had fun. It gave me then a sort of reason that I can do it. Then I had Reading. We covered one selection and had a quiz and promised that we will have a game. But we lack time. I asked them if they were okay and they said yes. Here at last. I am going to have my last subject, Science. We covered a chapter and again promised to have a game. But Ernestine and I have not fulfilled our promise but it was okay.
The last day had come and we had our closing program. My colleagues and I were given a Certificate of Recognition just enough for me for a smile.
I have also said to myself that being a teacher and to teach is not an easy thing to do. You have to focus on your teaching. You must also be patient at any times. You must also treat everyone, too equal and fair. You must be approachable. Lastly, strict but reasonable. If you look one by one, it seems to be easy but in fact, it is not. I am not frightening anyone to try to teach but believe me.
For everything I have done, I proved myself… I can do it!
I was quite excited and quite nervous, can I do it?
Last January 25-26, 2007, University of the Philippines held its’ KYSD or Know Your School Day. In this activity, students for them to have time to relax will substitute teachers.
Some schoolmates explained to us what this activity and what will happen. Some who are willing will substitute the teachers and will be the teachers. Some of my classmates were excited to hold a subject. Some were excited to hold a position. Some too were confused, if they were going to hold a subject or have a position or not. Right! Teaching is not an easy thing to do. I was looking at my classmates. They were excited for this activity. Then I have also asked myself if I shall have one? Yes! What will I lose if I hold one? Then there I go. Just like being a real teacher, we need to fill a form and be interviewed. Like others, too, I was also nervous of giving answers to the questions they will throw unto me. Well, I was also confused on what subjects will I hold? There are too many of them. Will it be English, Math, Science, or what? Uh!!! But well, I finally came up with a decision, to apply for Science, Reading and Filipino. Definitely, I broke the rules. How bad I was. It was said that we could apply or hold for two subjects only. But one teacher told us that we can apply more because what if you cannot be accepted for the subject you’re applying. And she has a point. But luckily shall I say that I was hired for the three subjects. I thought of it. And I said to myself, maybe I can do it? At first, it looked easy for me. On the first day of the activity, there was a program in which we, the “teachers” will be given ID’s. I had three ID’s. Imagine! Before that, we were also given some instructions on what lesson should be tackled and it is up to us how we are going to do it. My subjects were still on the second day and the third so I also had a chance to see some of them work. I think they were nervous on what to do. I was also nervous when I saw them. But I thought I can do it. The first subject I had was Filipino. I was to continue the part we stopped at Ibon Adarna. We read the continuation. Then, we had a game called “Paint Me a Picture”. They were to portray some scenes that I give them. I was really laughing on what others did. Then the bell rang, signaling that being a Filipino teacher was over. But, o..ohh! I still have two subjects to handle. I asked my classmates if my performance was okay. Some said it was okay and that they had fun. It gave me then a sort of reason that I can do it. Then I had Reading. We covered one selection and had a quiz and promised that we will have a game. But we lack time. I asked them if they were okay and they said yes. Here at last. I am going to have my last subject, Science. We covered a chapter and again promised to have a game. But Ernestine and I have not fulfilled our promise but it was okay.
The last day had come and we had our closing program. My colleagues and I were given a Certificate of Recognition just enough for me for a smile.
I have also said to myself that being a teacher and to teach is not an easy thing to do. You have to focus on your teaching. You must also be patient at any times. You must also treat everyone, too equal and fair. You must be approachable. Lastly, strict but reasonable. If you look one by one, it seems to be easy but in fact, it is not. I am not frightening anyone to try to teach but believe me.
For everything I have done, I proved myself… I can do it!
A Love Affair with M/V Doulos and Books
Welcome on board!
The day had finally come, the day to visit M/V Doulos. It was a wonderful day to visit this huge ship. Everyone was excited to go.
Definitely, there were two batches and we belong to the first batch, so we went there earlier than the others did. In the morning, we had regular classes because we were going there in afternoon. Our teachers gave us some instructions. They were quite busy, too looking for some jeepney we can ride in going there. Supposedly, we were going to take a Kaoshung bus in going there, but the mother who looked for some told us that it was okay but there were no busses available. So what we did, we just hired for some jeep.
Some of my classmates said that they are going to buy some books. Books! I really wanted to buy, too but I do not have enough money. However, I just brought my money with me. Everyone was ready to go and everything was ready. There were four jeepneys waiting for us, just enough for the two-year levels: the freshies and the sophies. We were two pay P15 for the fare, going there and going back to the school. Before we went inside the jeep, there were some who went first to the sink and beautify their faces, just making sure they will be beautiful and handsome in going there. In each jeepney, a teacher is assigned to go with the students. Mme. Logarta, our Social Science teacher was with us.
There was then the roar of the motor and there we go! Before we left, Mme. Logarta told us to pray, so we prayed. Our jeepney was very noisy. We were talking about much stuff. Mme. Logarta scolded us for being noisy but later on we finally came up with an agreement: “It is okay to talk inside the jeepney but when we reach the ship, everyone should be quite.” I bought, too candies for me to chew. It took us several minutes to reach the ship because it is located at Pier 1, Berth 28, Cebu Domestic Port. We were excited that even though the jeepney was still running, we went out of it. The ship if truth were told was big. We were to fall in line. There, a crew of the ship met us. He was talking there like a giant man and he was scolding us because we were talking. Then later on, he knew that we were still high school students and apologized for scolding us because he thought we were college student. At this height? But well, he told us about the captain of he ship, Captain McDonald. At first, we thought that Captain McDonald and you know Ronald McDonald, a famous character of a fast food restaurant, were the same. Afterwards, he explained that the two were different. We also passed by the ticket booth and an American woman smiled at us. We smiled at her, too. By the way, we had a free admission but adults must accompany us. Lucky for us. Then we went inside. At first, we went to the book fair. There were so many books inside. Doulos carries a stock of half a million books for sale, covering subjects such as Science, Education, Sports, Cookery, History, technology, Photography, Christian Living, and a wide range of Children’s Literature. There we go! Everyone there was busy reading. I was also quite busy roaming around to look for a book that can fit my budget. I was dizzy looking for one. There were many books of choices. Outside the book fair, there was an ice cream booth. I was planning to buy but it was very cheap. Imagine, just a small cup of ice cream costs P30. I went outside to see if there were other foods for sale. I was just going back inside when an attendant told us that we could not get inside back. We asked for help. Luckily, one person helped us to get inside. I started again to look for a book but then our teachers announced that we were going down for a forum. When we were going down, some crews were giving a sort of a storybook. I had one.
When we reached the lower portion of the boat, some people in attires and in different nationalities greeted us. Then the forum began. There was also another school there. We listened to what they were saying, especially about God. We enjoyed, too the games. When it ended, they gave us also a magazine entitled “Book of Hope”. I enjoyed reading it. We went upstairs again for the book fair. At last! I have found a book. It just fitted my budget because it just costs P50. The book was entitled “Safely Home”. Alcorn wrote it. I am not so familiar with him but as I read the back portion, there were good comments about him. In fact, until now, I have not read it yet because I am busy with some works to do. Our teachers then announced that we were leaving. We went down and waited for our jeep. We reached the school happily and talked about the things we did in the boat.
It was such a memorable day to visit the ship, M/V Doulos and the have a keepsake from the ship, a book.
The day had finally come, the day to visit M/V Doulos. It was a wonderful day to visit this huge ship. Everyone was excited to go.
Definitely, there were two batches and we belong to the first batch, so we went there earlier than the others did. In the morning, we had regular classes because we were going there in afternoon. Our teachers gave us some instructions. They were quite busy, too looking for some jeepney we can ride in going there. Supposedly, we were going to take a Kaoshung bus in going there, but the mother who looked for some told us that it was okay but there were no busses available. So what we did, we just hired for some jeep.
Some of my classmates said that they are going to buy some books. Books! I really wanted to buy, too but I do not have enough money. However, I just brought my money with me. Everyone was ready to go and everything was ready. There were four jeepneys waiting for us, just enough for the two-year levels: the freshies and the sophies. We were two pay P15 for the fare, going there and going back to the school. Before we went inside the jeep, there were some who went first to the sink and beautify their faces, just making sure they will be beautiful and handsome in going there. In each jeepney, a teacher is assigned to go with the students. Mme. Logarta, our Social Science teacher was with us.
There was then the roar of the motor and there we go! Before we left, Mme. Logarta told us to pray, so we prayed. Our jeepney was very noisy. We were talking about much stuff. Mme. Logarta scolded us for being noisy but later on we finally came up with an agreement: “It is okay to talk inside the jeepney but when we reach the ship, everyone should be quite.” I bought, too candies for me to chew. It took us several minutes to reach the ship because it is located at Pier 1, Berth 28, Cebu Domestic Port. We were excited that even though the jeepney was still running, we went out of it. The ship if truth were told was big. We were to fall in line. There, a crew of the ship met us. He was talking there like a giant man and he was scolding us because we were talking. Then later on, he knew that we were still high school students and apologized for scolding us because he thought we were college student. At this height? But well, he told us about the captain of he ship, Captain McDonald. At first, we thought that Captain McDonald and you know Ronald McDonald, a famous character of a fast food restaurant, were the same. Afterwards, he explained that the two were different. We also passed by the ticket booth and an American woman smiled at us. We smiled at her, too. By the way, we had a free admission but adults must accompany us. Lucky for us. Then we went inside. At first, we went to the book fair. There were so many books inside. Doulos carries a stock of half a million books for sale, covering subjects such as Science, Education, Sports, Cookery, History, technology, Photography, Christian Living, and a wide range of Children’s Literature. There we go! Everyone there was busy reading. I was also quite busy roaming around to look for a book that can fit my budget. I was dizzy looking for one. There were many books of choices. Outside the book fair, there was an ice cream booth. I was planning to buy but it was very cheap. Imagine, just a small cup of ice cream costs P30. I went outside to see if there were other foods for sale. I was just going back inside when an attendant told us that we could not get inside back. We asked for help. Luckily, one person helped us to get inside. I started again to look for a book but then our teachers announced that we were going down for a forum. When we were going down, some crews were giving a sort of a storybook. I had one.
When we reached the lower portion of the boat, some people in attires and in different nationalities greeted us. Then the forum began. There was also another school there. We listened to what they were saying, especially about God. We enjoyed, too the games. When it ended, they gave us also a magazine entitled “Book of Hope”. I enjoyed reading it. We went upstairs again for the book fair. At last! I have found a book. It just fitted my budget because it just costs P50. The book was entitled “Safely Home”. Alcorn wrote it. I am not so familiar with him but as I read the back portion, there were good comments about him. In fact, until now, I have not read it yet because I am busy with some works to do. Our teachers then announced that we were leaving. We went down and waited for our jeep. We reached the school happily and talked about the things we did in the boat.
It was such a memorable day to visit the ship, M/V Doulos and the have a keepsake from the ship, a book.
What do stars in skies tell me about life
In our lives, we feel sad, sometimes happy. Then when we look up the sky, we see those twinkling objects, the stars that sometimes comfort us in our low parts of our life.
Stars- heavenly bodies that are up in the sky. They are mainly of hydrogen, partly of helium, and have traces of heavier elements like iron, calcium, sodium, carbon and oxygen.
Stars are our idols in life that we want to reach, the ones we fantasize, the one we see in our television sets, the one who gives us entertainment. Also our idols in life, our parents who helped us since we were young, taking our first step in life and until now, they are always there in our backs. When we need help, they are there. When we feel down, they are also there. Moreover, in times of joy, they are there, sharing their happiness with us. Lastly, being the wind beneath our wings.
Stars are our inspirations in life, the ones that gives us strength to do things that we cannot do on our own. Like again our parents. When we do something, they are always to cheer us up, like a cheerleader cheering a game we are playing
Stars reminds us that everything around us is within reach, no matter what comes, we can all find peace and a little bit of magic.
Watching stars are like watching our lives. Stars seem to twinkle because of these atmospheric dusts. It is like us. We twinkle. However, some times covered with these dusts, the hindrances. Nevertheless, there is still a chance to shine again.
Our life here on Earth is not ours, we just barrowed it from the God Almighty and at anytime he can take it away from us. It is like a star. It also dies like us. It is also born like us.
Let me give you some quotations and poems about stars and reflect on these. Is it like us?
· Stars open among the lilies.
Do such expressionless sirens not blind you?
This is the silence of astounded souls.
· A galaxy is composed of gas and dust and stars—billions upon billions of stars.
· At this latitude I'm spinning 836 miles an hour round the earth's axis...I close my eyes and I see stars, deep stars giving way to deeper stars, deeper stars bowing to deepest stars at the crown of an infinite cone.
· For still I looked on that same star,
That fitful, fiery Lucifer,
Watching with mind as quiet as moss
Its light nailed to a burning cross.
· Give me space...
space for my mind to reach
into that indigo space
shattered by stars.
I shall drag them down and wear about my head
and fill my hands with the firefly glimmer
of fugitive thoughts.
· In the far distance
· A lone star holds the sky.
· Look at the stars! look, look up at the skies!
O look at all the fire-folk sitting in the air!
The bright boroughs, the circle-citadels there!
· Stars lay like yellow pollen
That from a flower has fallen;
And single stars I saw
Crossing themselves in awe;
Some stars in sudden fear
Fell like a falling tear.
· Well, not bad, but there are decidedly too many of them, and they are not very well arranged. I would have done it differently.
Stars are indeed like us. Sometimes were shy that we wanted to be covered with dusts. Sometimes were messy like the stars scattered in the skies. Sometimes we shine but a hindrance comes.
Moreover, it is up to us, do you want to be covered always or shine again?
Stars- heavenly bodies that are up in the sky. They are mainly of hydrogen, partly of helium, and have traces of heavier elements like iron, calcium, sodium, carbon and oxygen.
Stars are our idols in life that we want to reach, the ones we fantasize, the one we see in our television sets, the one who gives us entertainment. Also our idols in life, our parents who helped us since we were young, taking our first step in life and until now, they are always there in our backs. When we need help, they are there. When we feel down, they are also there. Moreover, in times of joy, they are there, sharing their happiness with us. Lastly, being the wind beneath our wings.
Stars are our inspirations in life, the ones that gives us strength to do things that we cannot do on our own. Like again our parents. When we do something, they are always to cheer us up, like a cheerleader cheering a game we are playing
Stars reminds us that everything around us is within reach, no matter what comes, we can all find peace and a little bit of magic.
Watching stars are like watching our lives. Stars seem to twinkle because of these atmospheric dusts. It is like us. We twinkle. However, some times covered with these dusts, the hindrances. Nevertheless, there is still a chance to shine again.
Our life here on Earth is not ours, we just barrowed it from the God Almighty and at anytime he can take it away from us. It is like a star. It also dies like us. It is also born like us.
Let me give you some quotations and poems about stars and reflect on these. Is it like us?
· Stars open among the lilies.
Do such expressionless sirens not blind you?
This is the silence of astounded souls.
· A galaxy is composed of gas and dust and stars—billions upon billions of stars.
· At this latitude I'm spinning 836 miles an hour round the earth's axis...I close my eyes and I see stars, deep stars giving way to deeper stars, deeper stars bowing to deepest stars at the crown of an infinite cone.
· For still I looked on that same star,
That fitful, fiery Lucifer,
Watching with mind as quiet as moss
Its light nailed to a burning cross.
· Give me space...
space for my mind to reach
into that indigo space
shattered by stars.
I shall drag them down and wear about my head
and fill my hands with the firefly glimmer
of fugitive thoughts.
· In the far distance
· A lone star holds the sky.
· Look at the stars! look, look up at the skies!
O look at all the fire-folk sitting in the air!
The bright boroughs, the circle-citadels there!
· Stars lay like yellow pollen
That from a flower has fallen;
And single stars I saw
Crossing themselves in awe;
Some stars in sudden fear
Fell like a falling tear.
· Well, not bad, but there are decidedly too many of them, and they are not very well arranged. I would have done it differently.
Stars are indeed like us. Sometimes were shy that we wanted to be covered with dusts. Sometimes were messy like the stars scattered in the skies. Sometimes we shine but a hindrance comes.
Moreover, it is up to us, do you want to be covered always or shine again?
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