Palipasan

Doha Port, The Fishermen At Dawn

2012-01-26T21:43:00.001+03:00

With 12 degrees Celsius, despite of the freezing temperature, my feet dragged me towards Doha Port as I wonder what my lens can capture at 5:00 o'clock in the morning beside the empty boat that greeted my way into the port.

As I approached the bridge towards the Pier, I saw glimmering shadows who seems to ignore the cold breeze working incessantly while my shivering hands tried to focus my lens as the cold wind gently touches my face.

With little protection from the freezing wind, the Doha fishermen start to inspect to clean their nets from the sea water and checking for damages after their last night's heavy haul of fishes.

Seated on the damp wooden pier floor, with their callous bare hands, the fishermen meticulously mend broken nets.

Museum of Islamic Art, The Collections

2012-01-23T16:50:00.006+03:00

Box | Agate, gold, enamel, diamonds, rubies

India | 1751 - 1752 AD

The Museum houses magnificent collection of artworks dating from the 7th century to the 19th century, representing the full scope of Islamic Arts. I will be sharing some of the extremely valuable collections which I was able to photographed.

Bowl | Earthenware, lustre painting

Egypt | 12th Century

Oliphant (Hunting Horn) | Ivory, brass

Italy | 11th - 12th Century

Incense Burner in the form of a Lion | Bronze

Iran or Central Asia | 12th Century

Turban Helmet |
Steel with gilt studs, engraved and openwork design

Turkey | Early 1th Century Ottoman

Figure of a Monkey | Fritware, coloured glaze

Iran (Kashan) | c.1200

Ceramic Cenotaph | Fritware, underglaze painting

Central Asia | Second half of the 14th Century

My visit to Qatar's Museum of Islamic Art was an inspiring and great learing experience for me to get a full understanding of the islamic arts and culture from various countries.

There are hundreds of photographs in RAW format which I hope to find time to catalog them and share with you online soon. Thank you for joining me in a brief tour to Qatar Museum of Islamic Art through my blog and if you are in Doha or if opportunity allows you may visit Doha one day, I encourage you to see this beautiful and inspiring museum.

Museum of Islamic Arts, The Interior

2012-01-22T15:47:00.000+03:00

The Staircase

As I enter the main entrance, I was awed by the blend of modern and Islamic themes, the intricate pattern and design of the white geometric walls and its ceiling with Islamic pattern, the domed atrium and the staircase.

The ceiling with Islamic pattern

Glasses and stainless steels in geometric patterns adorn the floors and ceilings

The Glass Curtain Wall

The Atrium

Museum of Islamic Arts, The Facade

2012-01-21T08:18:00.001+03:00

The Museum of Islamic Art lies on the edge of Doha harbor at the south end of Doha Bay which opened its door to the public on December 2008. From the distance, the Museum seems to be floating on the surface of the water and as I approached the building, its shapes become more imposing revealing its geometric forms revealing its angular designs with its contrasting colors, shadows and lights.

Doha Port

2012-01-15T23:28:00.004+03:00

Serenity

The cold breeze stroked my face in the early Friday morning, it was Friday the 13th and it failed to scare my spirit as my feet brought me to Doha Port with my shivering hands tightly held my camera trying to find interesting subject to capture while the world seems to be in deep slumber.

Tranquility

The scene was so calm that the world seems to be at peace as I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with fresh air as my mind raced for still life to be captured with my lens as I look towards the empty fishing boats anchored by the bay.

A New Hope

Slowly the sun rises epically in the East seeping into the blue horizon of the cold water of the Arabian Sea as its golden rays brings a new life, a new day, a new hope.

"And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain"

(2 Samuel 23:4)

Be My Special Viewer As I Chase Colors and Lights

2012-01-07T11:41:00.004+03:00

Doha Skyline @ Corniche

Manual Mode | 120s | f//11 | ISO 100 | No Flash

For almost three months, my soul has been obsessed by a craft known as photography as I chased the magical colors and lights capturing them in a box called camera which record God's beautiful creation - the breathtaking beauty of earth, its water and skies, and the grandeur of man's intelligence through architecture, the edifices that have risen from the once barren lands and the gamut of feelings written on the human faces which reveals the even smallest details of thoughts, experiences and understanding.

Capturing Fishes and Sun @ Corniche

Manual Mode | 1/100s | f/11 | ISO 100 | 40mm | No Flash

As I begin my journey to photography battling the controls of my Canon 600D camera knobs and buttons ensuring that my shutter speed, ISO and aperture are in unison while I try to focus my eye in the viewfinder, I realized that at that instance - once my trembling finger press the shutter button I am going to frame the world in a magical snapshot of a "moment in time" wherein it will be preserved over time and it becomes eternal.

The Sailors of Arabia @ Corniche

AV Mode| 1/160s | f/16 | ISO 100 | 176mm | No Flash

As an enthusiast with barely three months of amateur experience, I realized that there is something magical on everything even in the most mundane things, that Life is "really" Beautiful, life is no longer simple - there's a story behind EVERYTHING - for every photographs, there are three parts attached to it: the SUBJECT, the PHOTOGRAPHER and the VIEWER, and each is nothing without the other. So please, I humbly share with you my photographs and kindly join me here in Palipasan in my magical tour to blog photography - BE MY SPECIAL VIEWER.

Red Hydrant @ Corniche

AV Mode | 1/640s | f/1.80 | ISO 100 | 50mm | No Flash

A Blessed Christmas To All

2011-12-25T16:36:00.003+03:00

My PC Desktop table on Christmas

Last night I attended an Christmas Exchange Gift party of my friends, we're just 11 souls that gathered to celebrate Christmas in synchronicity to million OFWs worldwide that celebrate Christmas. My friends have prepared Chicken Caldereta, Biko and Cassava cake, fried chicken, Lumpia and Macaroni Salad and Pancit.

The exchange gift event highlights the evening, 11 gifts were raffled and drawn among us, and to my surprise I got a Rice Cooker, a blessing in time to replace my 8-year old Rice Cooker that needs retirement.

Christmas Exchange Gift Rice Cooker

The night ended with typical OFW stories about family and familiar OFW Christmas tales. And as we talk about love, our story telling drifted into the meaning of Christmas - love, sacrifice and gift giving, suddenly it reminded me of a familar lines that perhaps you have uttered it at least once in your OFW life:

"Kamusta kayo dyan, okay lang ako dito, mahalaga masaya kayo sa Pasko"

At habang nagsasalita'y kapansin pansin ang garalgal na tinig at di alintana ang pagpatak ng luha mula sa mata.

OFWs around the world, particularly those who are separated from their love ones due to migration especially those that are in Middle East countries where Christmas is not celebrated at least publicly were more emotionally depressed during Christmas season, but with their courage and determination to surpass the trials in life, they celebrate Christmas in their own humble way through prayers and small social group gatherings.

Being alone in a lonely planet as an OFW should not stop us Filipinos to celebrate Christmas. As I long for traditional Christmas lights and lanterns, the thick smell of baked bibingka and puto bungbong - celebrating Christmas in a foreign land means getting in touch with your love ones, as I called them this morning and with an assurance voice I gently say:

"Kumpleto na ang Pasko ko, basta marinig ko lang ang mga boses ninyo"

It is one of the many occasions that I call my family over the phone, from my wife, to my children Geeka, Jason and my daughter-in-law Mely, and my makukulit and adorable na mga apo, Jarem (7 years old) and Janna (six years old), but Christmas is always different.

We all missed the Simbang Gabi, the bibingka't puto bungbong but it does not dampen our spirits to celebrate Christmas. Because for most of us OFWs celebrating Christmas is opening ourselves to God, allowing the true spirit of Christmas which is LOVE, PEACE and JOY to enter into our hearts and let it reign as we give praise and thanks the Almighty for His Divine gift to Mankind - the birth of the Holy Child.

Let Christmas begin within your own family - let love starts with your spouse, your partner, your children... and whole family and expands to all world. Let's spread love, they're just a a phone call away... and say:

"Maligayang Pasko"

Life is Beautiful, Capture It

2011-12-20T16:34:00.003+03:00

Capture the Light

(Practicing Bo-keh exposures)

After three months of absence in the blogging world because of various commitments from PEBA 2011 and the extra-ordinary missions I have at work, finally I find my way back to Palipasan.

For the last two months, I found my itchy finger on the shutter button learning the ropes of photography. My PEBA blogging friends have inspired me to pursue photography as an all consuming passion - among them are Ms. Jocelyn "Misalyn" Torres Gundan of Al Ain City Daily Photo my online mentor who have helped me decide to go for Canon Rebel T3i, the exceptional artistic talent of Ever Villacruz of Pamatay Homesick, and the multifaceted blogging talents of Pepe Cabrera of Camera ni Cabrera and Ruel "RJ" Pagoto of the Chook-minder's Lens have inspired me to take a new direction in blogging through photography.

Princess Janna, My Granddaughter

(Enhancing my portraiture skill)

But why photography? I always believe in the beauty of life, its purpose, emotions - love, pain and glory. While all these things can be perfectly written through blog, I still believe that incredible transformation of life, God's creation can be best captured in full details with lights, colors and textures through a unique perspective to tell its own story.

As I struggle my way into ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed, learning to become a photographer with the use of DSLR is a serious challenge - as there's always something new to learn, new directions to explore and new challenges to face which is I find fascinating capturing not only the physical beauty of creations but capturing the emotions of real life either in colors or in black and white.

Across The Sea

(My photo entry to Qatar Airways National Day Contest)

As I bounce back to my blogging niche, Palipasan will provide space for my new photographs which I would like to share through blog. While my software editing skills in Photoshop is generally weak, I'm highly dependent on my camera's optimum settings.

I'll be sharing with you my my photos hoping that it may will be glad to have you as my photo critique, please feel free to share your views and comments and in one way or another I hope that it may give hope and inspiration to my blogging friends, visitor and photo enthusiasts.

Remember..."Life is Beautiful, Capture It!"

The Peak, Hong Kong - (Hong Kong Skyline)

My first Night Shot (12/28/2011)

Kailan Ka Uuwi?

2011-09-03T07:45:00.004+03:00

Kailan ka uuwi? Katanungang payak subalit may hatid na kurot sa puso ng bawa't OFW kapag ang mahal sa buhay ang naghahanap ng katugunan.

Ilang beses ko na bang narinig ang tanong na ito?

Kailan ka uuwi Daddy? Inosenteng tanong ng aking bunso nung unang taon na ako'y mag-abroad. At makalipas ang 20 taon ko sa bansang banyaga, ito pa rin ang katanungang namumutawi sa kanyang mga labi, sa pangungulila sa isang ama na halos isang buwan lang sa bawa’t taon akong nakakasama at lagi kong sinasabi "Huwag kang mag-alala, uuwi si Daddy".

Kailan ka uuwi? Tanong ng aking asawa na pilit ikinukubli ang impit na pagtangis ng aming damdamin na pinaghiwalay ng malawak na karagatan, at sa kanyang mga panaghoy aking ibinubulong "Huwag kang mag-alala uuwi ako".

Kailan ka uuwi, tanong ng aking nagiisang kapatid, mga pamangkin at mga kaibigang nananabik na ako'y makaharap matapos ang matagal na di pagkikita. "Darating ako dyan, basta antayin ninyo ako, darating ako".

Walang katiyakan, pero puno ng pag-asa.

Kailan nga ba ako uuwi? 20 taon sa abroad, matagumpay na nakapagpatapos ng dalawang anak sa kolehiyo, may maayos na tahanan at kaunting impok, subalit tila ang kasagutan kung kailan ako uuwi ay napakailap at walang katiyakan.

Siguro pinalad lang ako na nagkaruon ng maayos na trabaho at magandang mga benepisyo kaya’t sinasamantala ko ang pagkakataon at umaasang muling makapiling ko ang aking pamilya sa bansang banyaga kahit pansamantala.

Subalit, ang ating mga kapatid kong OFW na kasalukuyang naiipit sa kaguluhan sa bansang Libya, Syria, Iraq at Afghanistan, kailan kayo makakauwi. Lubos ko kayong nauunawaan sa inyong pag-aatubili na umuwi sa ating Inang Bayan kung saan mas lalong walang katiyakan kung may hanapbuhay pa bang naghihintay sa inyong pagbabalikbayan. Ang akin laging dalangin nawa’y patnubayan kayo ni Bathala at gabayan kayo sa inyong kalusugan’t kaligtasan.

Sa aking mga kababayan at sampu ng kanyang pamilya na pinagpalang manirahan sa Amerika, Canada, Europa, at mga bansang mauunlad, kailan kayo uuwi upang bisitahin man lang ang bansang ating pinagmulan? Nawa’y habang tinatamasa ang mga biyayang pinagkaloob sa inyo ng Maykapal, at huwag sana ninyong limutin ang mayamang kultura na inyong kinamulatan at ipagmalaki ang lahing Pilipino kung saan nagmula ang di mabilang ng Bayani ng ating Lahing Kayumanggi.

Tulad ng aking panulat, anumang haba ng sanaysay ay hahantong din sa wakas, tulad ng isang awiti’y may simula at katapusan. At tulad nating mga OFW at Expats, sa kabila ng mausok, buhol buhol na traffic sa EDSA, sobrang init o maulan na panahon at nakakasukang kalakaran sa politika, uuwi’t uuwi tayo upang muling makasama ang ating mahal na pamilya at madama ang tunay na kulturang Pilipino sa tamang panahon.

Kung tutuusin, may 7,107 na dahilan upang ikaw ay umuwi kaibigan at nawa’y sa iyong pagbabalikbayan, bitbit ang iyong maleta na puno ng bagong kaalaman karanasan, kwento ng buhay at pagmamalaskit sa kapwa Pilipino, sa iyong pag-uwi nawa’y ikaw ang simula ng pagbabago.

Ikaw, kailan ka uuwi?

Reflections As I Turn 50...

2011-08-17T20:41:00.004+03:00

Photo taken in Xania, Crete Is, Greece on May 2011

I'd been working on numbers for the last 20 years and undeniably to me 50 is a heavy solid number. Today, 18th August I ponder on its numerical value as I turn 50 years old, a real milestone, a half-century stage reflecting on my life's accomplishments, new opportunities and challenges.

Looking back, I am aware that the passage of time has accelerated so fast as I witnessed how the world changes over the last 50 years. From the "Karitela" I used to ride from Makati to Pasay City, which was later replaced by Willy's jeepney and now the MRTs and LRTs have been a symbol of modern mass transportation in Metro Manila during the mid 80's.

At 50, what I do value is the countless number of blessings in those years. Growing in a simple urban home in Pasay City with abundant life lessons that resonate in my current status. My parents Vicente and Olimpia who were called by God to join Him in Paradise have left a legacy of faith and love during my young age and my wonderful sister Tessie who has acted as my second parent that has pushed me to dream big and always reminded me to live a simple life while reaching for the stars.

A girl next door named Elinor turned our relationship into a marriage graced by two amazing children RJ and Geeka which now I called my family - a plethora of blessings that brings me to my knees in humble reverence to God.

A circle of life completed by trusted friends, from my classmates and batch mates from P. Burgos Elem. School, Pasay City West High School, Makati Polytechnic and PATS School of Aeronautics. I am sharing this golden year celebration with them as I look forward to see them in the upcoming reunions.

To my relatives, Lito, Junior, Neneng, and Bibong, and extended families who keep on loving me no matter what - you are God's gifts. To my blogging friends from PEBA and Kablogs, Kenjie, NJ, Rose, Kiko, Arvin and CM who inspires me of your blogging talents that keeps me to continue writing blog, you fuel my senses to keep Palipasan alive.

And to all the people I meet daily or along the way over the last 50 years of my journey, thank you for you are the fiber of my life.

At fifty, my life has never been perfect, there have been disappointments and frustrations but these were outshined by abundant blessings and miracles that lacks worldly description found only in the Divine.

As I ring in this half-century of life, I am amazed, grateful, and thankful to the Lord for the wonderful 50 years of borrowed life and as I journey through the days ahead, many passages to tread and dreams left to fulfill I entrust my soul in God's care as I begin another year.

"You created my innermost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb" (PSALM 139:13 NIV)

Life is Beautiful, aging is the only available way to live a long life - enjoy it.

PEBA 2011 First Batch of Nominees

2011-08-07T16:03:00.003+03:00

The following is a repost from PEBA site presenting PEBA's first batch of 2011 PEBA Nominees in a video.

Note, for better sound and quality, watch in HD format.

We would like to invite you to join our exciting for this year

BLOG ENTRY CONTEST, Nomination Form

ANY BLOGGER, ANYWHERE! Nominate a Blog

NOKIA ESSAY CONTEST, Nomination Form

For blog entry contest, in OFW and Home Based bloggers Division, we will be awarding the prestigious Top 10 Bloggers of the Year. The Most Popular Blog Award is another prestigious award with trophy for the most number of accumulated Facebook Likes, Poll result and number of comments. Voting will start earlier, that is September 1, 2011 until December 5, 2011.

Nokia Essay Writing contest will win a Nokia phone and other cool gadgets.

Blog entry nominees and Nokia Essay contestants are eligible to join the raffle promo and will have the chance to win in the raffle of LCD TV, Netbook/Slim CPUs, Nokia Phones and other gadgets.

JOIN PEBA CONTESTS NOW!

click here to comment… for bloggers

PEBA 2011: HEROES HOMECOMING TOWARDS CHANGE

2011-04-09T14:58:00.002+03:00

In the observance of Philipines' Araw Ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), PEBA, the International Blog Awards annual event on its 4th Jubilee celebration, PEBA 2011 focus on the Global Filipinos homecoming towards change with its theme Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change). In support to PEBA's advocacy, the following is a repost on PEBA's official opening article for this year's International Blog Award, this is an invitation to the Global Filipino bloggers to support PEBA 2011.

The First Quarter Storm

Note: The photo of a boy holding a flag is an official entry of Analindenhann from Copenhagen Denmark,

The first quarter of 2011 is perhaps the most turbulent days of the Overseas Filipino Workers as they witness the political revolution in the Middle East and North Africa where thousands of OFWs were caught in the middle of domestic conflicts in countries such as Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Libya.

Even with these appalling events, Filipinos remain determined to continue following their dreams through migration in order to survive domestic poverty. The world could be cruel and unforgiving but also highly rewarding... because in every struggle, heroes emerge.

Leaving Is Not A Matter of Choice, Coming Back Is

Despite the varied reasons why Filipinos go abroad, nationalism is still evident on the narratives of the 12 million Filipinos scattered all over the world. PEBA has witnessed how OFWs take pride of our Filipino roots, our culture and our race. Filipinos abroad, after they have followed their dreams, have chosen to return, evident on how we are called... "Balikbayan." They return to share their talents, skills and fortunes in an effort to bring change to the families left behind, communities and country. Thus, PEBA 2011 is dedicated to our "balikbayans", the unsung heroes of our time. Their homecoming brings a spark of change to the lives of their loved ones and their homeland. PEBA 2011 honor them with the theme,

"Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago." (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change.)

The PEBA 2011 Challenge

PEBA 2011 will attempt to remind the P-Noy administration to solicit, listen and heed the advice our OFWs who have been the forefront of finding solutions on the world’s most powerful economies. It's about time that instead of concentrating on labor-export policy, this administration start tapping the professional services of OFWs in various areas of expertise in rebuilding our country's infrastructures and basic services by offering them job positions in government offices to be administration partners in nation-building.

We call on our Filipino expatriates around the world to continue their roles as Global Ambassadors of our country in foreign lands by promoting and patronizing our locally-made products, making the Philippines the first stop destination for holidays and investing in the home country. We ask them to teach their children and their foreign spouses on the positive Filipino values and the Filipino language. Let’s be proud of our race, for nationalism knows no time and boundaries

Expats, OFWs and Bloggers, They’re Heroes That Multiplies

To our Global Filipino bloggers, as the curtain rises for PEBA 2011 in celebration of our nation’s historic "Araw ng Kagitingan"; let us look back on the heroes of La Solidaridad - Rizal, Del Pilar, Ponce, Paterno, Jacinto, Lopez-Jaena , etc. who were the Filipinos reformists in Spain who used instead of the sword to campaign for changes in the Spanish-governed Philippine islands through essays, speeches, news articles, and other literary and journalistic forms. Their efforts ultimately led to the Philippine independence from Spain. Today, PEBA invites our bloggers to write and post topics on "Balikbayan" (Returnees), "Homecoming" and the positive "changes" and benefits it brings to their families, relatives and friends, to the community and to our country, the Philippines.

We call on our bloggers worldwide to share their stories - through essays and anecdotes, literary and journalistic forms, videos and photos on their quest for the real change that they want to be - for their own selves, for their families, communities and country on their plan homecoming or recent “balikbayan” experiences that bring positive change to the lives of their love ones. And to our non-OFW bloggers, we seek your talents to share with us your expectations and memorable experiences gained during the homecoming events of your returning family members, relatives or friends.

Like Rizal, Luna and Ninoy, 12 million OFWs have crossed borders to work, learn culture and technologies abroad in their effort to battle poverty in our courtyard; soon they will return and apply their knowledge and wealth to bring the change they want for their families, relatives, communities and country - for heroes never die, they just multiply.

This season will put a challenge to our Global Filipinos to flex its muscles to show that with the unity of its great numbers, it can be a potent force for political change, that OFWs can stop this culture of corruption, exploitation, and fraud and steer our country to greater heights by participating in a mature political exercise by participating in the Overseas Absentee Voting and joining forums and social organizations abroad that promote Filipino values and socio-economic assistance to OFWs and kababayans back home.

To the private sectors that have economically benefited on the remittances and homecoming spending of the OFW and their families; PEBA calls for your support on the advocacy programs and projects of the Government, LGUs and NGOs that promote values and welfare of the OFWs.

PEBA calls on POEA and OWWA to improve its reintegration program for returning, retiring and displaced OFWs. We ask this administration to restore an estimated 46 percent budget cut to the Department of Foreign Affairs 2012 budget and to increase funds to assist OFWs in Japan and the Middle East countries.

As the quarter storm closes, we prayed and mourned for the loss of our OFW compatriots, Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth who were executed in China. A painful lesson for every Filipinos to be careful and not to allow ourselves to be used as drug couriers.

Hundreds of OFWs are still missing in New Zealand after a devastating earthquake hit the country. In Japan, the horrifying series of earthquakes and tsunami that swept the Japanese shores where hundreds of OFWs are still unaccounted for and the continuing threat of radiation exposure remain an unending nightmare to the survivors.

My Bloggers EB Qatar Experience

2011-03-18T21:25:00.004+03:00

(L-R) Francis, Ronald, Buhay Qatar and The Pope

(Seated L-R) Francis, Ronald and Buhay Qatar

(Standing L-R) Rose, The Pope and Gerald

It's been a cold Thursday evening with wind blowing outside the Starbucks Cafe but the pleasant smiles and cordiality has brought warmth as I rub elbows with 5 best Global Filipino bloggers in Doha.

It was full of excitement and a rare opportunity to meet the real people behind the virtual walls whom I googled and admire their talents in creative writings in the blogosphere as I shake hands with Gerald Baluyot of The EXPAT, Buhay Qatar of Barangay Buhay Qatar, Ronald Mallari of POEMS on LIFE and LOVE and QUOTES, Francis Morilao of Unnamed Psalmist & Mga Kathang Isip ni Kiko and Ms. Rose Marie Armenta of Rainbow Box .

The conversation begins innocently on how long each has been blogging, subjects and blog affiliations. Freebies courtesy of Kiko were awarded to me and Buhay Qatar as "Early Birds".

More good conversation went on as we ordered our cup of cocoa cappuccino, as Buhay Qatar and Ronald share their expertise, strategies and success on monetizing blogs. Buhay Qatar was regarded as one of the pioneer in Qatar blogging who have helped and introduced Kiko and Ronald into the blogsphere.

Kiko and Ronald, both respected bloggers on literary arts shares their real life experience in preparing poem compositions. Rose whose beauty and charm captivates the group as she provides tips for creative writing on fiction short stories for 'emo' and love story subjects. Gerald, the youngest in our pears has shown great enthusiasm on photo and technology blogs.

More subjects were explored particularly on role of PEBA in blogsphere, The Kablogs Journal (TKJ), the ongoing Bethany project, PEBA organizational structure, financial sustainability through effective fund raising projects and the much awaited PEBA 2011 event.

The issue on National Bloggers Association was discussed in brief and it was highlighted that the freedom of expressions of individual bloggers should never be restricted by any blogging organization.

Unfortunately the coffee shop doesn't have a wi-fi facility as we 're unable to provide live news feeds from our mobile phones and laptop to reach our PEBA blogging friends who are anxiously waiting from Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Philippines.

So many blogging experiences were shared individually and collectively and it was a fruitful encounter. As the night grew deep and nobody wants to take a second cup of coffee, we called it a night. We said good-byes at 10:30 pm, Buhay Qatar left 30 minutes early, followed by Gerald. Ronald remains in the cafe as he awaits some friends. while me and Kiko separate ways after ensuring that Rose was safely boarded on the taxi cab.

I reached home by 11 pm, started my PC and posting messages in FB wall and guess what, I am not alone, Gerald begin posting our event photos while me, Kiko and Rose continue our “chit-chat” online - THE BLOGGING ADDICTS.

ME, PEBA & PBA

2011-03-09T17:42:00.005+03:00

Kenjie and Yanah have asked my personal opinion on the blogging initiatives for a "National Bloggers Association", I cannot help but take a deep breath as I read the drafted manifesto.

Personally, I find the manifesto as a hopeless banality on its futile attempt to persuade the intellect of Filipino bloggers from the Philippines and across the world.

There are several issues and questions that needs clarification:

1. Is there an immediate need to organize an association at National level? It seems that there are "forces" rushing to launch the NBA as "nothing could stop them".

2. Is there an immediate threat to bloggers' "right to free speech and to free expression" that NBA needs to address?

3. Is it planning to curtail the democratic air that bloggers breath individually by drafting and adopting a "code of ethics"? All the bloggers will agree that we value our informal conversation, egalitarianism, subjective points of view, and colorful writing over profits. And defining a code ethics will be tantamount to dictatorship and runs counter to the first order of its manifesto "to promote and defend the right to free speech and to free expression".

4. Is the NBA membership open to bloggers who are blogging anonymously using pseudonyms while some are using public computers? How can NBA effectively address the issues on copyright infringement and libel within its group and non-NBA members who are blogging anonymously?

My unsolicited advice before launching an initiative for a Bloggers organization at national level, are:

a. Connect the Dots - for its first step the organizers should have made an effort by offering a leaf of friendship and harmony to all established blogging communities at regional level in Visayas and Mindanao such as the Iloilo Bloggers, Davao Bloggers, Zamboanga Bloggers, Bukidnon Blggers, Soccsksargen Bloggers, CDO Bloggers (please forgive me if I failed to mention other blogging groups, its unintentional, "tao lang po").

b. Initiate formulation and organization of bloggers association in regions where it does not exists such as in Luzon and Metro Manila, or Southern Luzon, Central Luzon and Northern Luzon provinces blogging groups.

c. Instead of pushing for a National Blogging Association as being campaigned right now in its effort to gather prospective "Founding Members", I suggest that the proponents of this NBA to conduct an exploratory talk or a consultative meeting at regional levels as primary stakeholders for conception of an umbrella organization or a bloggers federation at national level.

At this point in time, I don't think that there is an immediate need for an NBA. I am personally happy with PEBA and the Kablogs community where I belong on which it has achieved its legal entity and recognized by Philippine's SEC and BIR. NBA organizers needs to assess and specifically define its goals and definite plan of actions and its projected programs before launching its project at national scale. The cloud of ambiguity will remain over the horizon as NBA's direction remains unclear in the blogsphere.

The challenge is "what can this NBA offer to Filipino bloggers that PEBA and Kablogs, or the Visayas or Mindanao blogging organizations cannot provide?"

Lumisa't Magbalik Ng Ibahagi ang Kaalaman

2011-02-27T23:10:00.002+03:00

"Nothing wrong to leave our country, learn abroad and come back to apply knowledge. Rizal, Ninoy, Luna did just that... Geography is not the only requirement to be Filipino. 11 million people agree."

Tugon ni G. Jim Paredes kay Sen. Gringo. Honasan sa kanilang maikli at hindi inaasahang balitaktakan sa "tweet".

Sumasangayon ako sa pananaw ni G. Paredes sa tuwirang kasaysayan ng lahing kayumanggi, ang mga bayaning sina Marcelo del Pilar, Lopez-Jaena, Antonio Luna, Rizal at Blumentritt ay nangibang bansa at inilunsad ang pahayagang La Solidaridad sa Barcelona ang isang uri ng rebolusyon sa pamamagitan ng malayang pagpapahayag nuong taong 1889.

Ang ating unang Pambansang Bandila ay hinabi sa malikhaing kamay nila Gng. Marcela de Agoncillo, ang kanyang anak na si Lorenza at Gng. Josefina Herbosa de Natividad (pamangkin ni Dr. Rizal), mga bayaning lumikas sa Hongkong mula sa mga Kastila.

Ang mga naunang bayani ay mga "ilustradong" Pilipino na nanginbang bayan kung saan ang populasyon ng Pilipinas ay tinatayang 8 milyong mamamayan lamang. Makalipas ang mahigit 120 taon, mahigit 80 milyong Pinoy ang tinatayang populasyon natin ngayun. At nagbago ang hugis ng pakikibaka, mga bayaning Pilipino'y nasa ibang bansa - hindi na sila ang mga "ilustrado" - na mas kilala sila sa tawag na OFW, 11 Milyong bayaning nakikibaka sa kahirapan sa sariling bansa- na hindi mabigyan ng katugunan ng mga halal na lider ng bansa mula sa Pangulo, mga Senador at Kongresman.

Nakalimutan rin ni Sen. Honasan na ang kanyang pagkakahalal sa Senado ay utang nya sa mga OFW na nagkampanya sa kanya sa kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas. Palagay ko ay may karapatan din na makipagtalastasan ang kahit sinong ordinaryong mamamayan kahit hindi halal ng Bayan sa isang Senador tulad ni Honasan, kaya't mali ang kanyang tinuran na "get elected first". Kung ito ay pasaring sa pagkatalo ni G. Paredes sa Barangay election nuong taong '90s ay tila di nakapagbigay ng sustansya sa pagtatalo at sa halip ay lumikha lamang ng negatibong imahe sa Senador.

Sa dinami-dami nga naman ng mga kalahok, ako, mga sundalo, pari't madre, ordinaryong mamamayan, masyadong nabigyan ng matingkad na kulay ang katauhan ni Honasan sa malawak na entablado ng EDSA. Hingaan, sinipulan, pinalakpakan. Matapos ang EDSA, nakalimutan ng taong bayan na si Enrile, Ramos at Honasan ang pangunahing tauhan rin sa likod ng Martial Law ni Marcos, dahil sa mabilis na pagpapalit ng telon, sila'y biglang naging bayani.

Ayokong tawaran ang pagkatao ni Senador Honasan, subali't nararapat nyang tanggapin ang puna at katotohanan ng mga pribadong indibidwal na ang layunin ng RAM sa pamumuno ni Honasan sa tangkang pag-agaw ng kapangyarihan mula kay Pang. Aguino ay nagdulot ng pagkasawi ng mahigit 100 Pilipino, pangamba sa mamamayang at muling pagkalugmok ng ekonomiya ng mga panahon na iyon.

Kung nagtagumpay ang RAM at nagapi ang administrasyong Cory Aquino, may ipagdiriwang pa ba tayong EDSA? At may tatawagin pa ba tayong Ina ng Demokrasya? Baka di na tayo makapag tweet at blog. Bawa't kwento ng buhay ay kailangang sumangayon sa isang magandang pagtatapos ng istorya - Pagbabago para sa Kalayaan. Kaya't nanaig ang kwento ng demokrasya.

At kaming mga OFW, bahagi rin kami ng pagbabago tungo sa maunlad na Pilipinas, dahil saan mang panig ng mundo kami'y Pilipino.Kami ma'y lumisan ay muling magbabalik upang ibahagi ang aming kaalaman para sa Bayan.

A Prayer for OFWs

2011-02-24T05:19:00.001+03:00

Dear God,

You crossed every border between divinity and humanity to make your home with us. Bless our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who have travelled to foreign lands with faith in their heart leaving their families behind as they break through the barriers of people, cultures, and languages to escape oppression and poverty.

There are many things going on that are beyond us even with our collective power. We come to thee in supplication and heartfelt pleadings as we are mindful of the ordeals of others.

We thank Thee for hearing the prayers of your people as China grant reprieve to our three OFWs and may the Chinese government grant a lesser penalty to their case.

We pray for the thousands of OFWs who were incarcerated and imprisoned in the Middle East, Asia and other continents, may Thou please grant them a new hope and freedom to return to their families to begin a new life as they entrust their lives into Thy hands. May Thou enlighten our leaders to put the plights of distressed OFWs as a priority and withdraw from plans of cutting the budget allocation for DFA's social service and legal assistance funds.

We pray to Thee that our OFWs in Taiwan will soon be relieved of the fears and uncertainties that haunts them on the current Taiwan-Philippines rift. May the government emissary would soon find an immediate resolution to this issue so that those more than five thousand scheduled for deployment will now be allowed to take on their jobs, and the nearly a hundred thousand currently employed may keep their jobs and be able to sustain their families.

We pray that may Thou please keep our overseas Filipinos safe in the escalating conflict in countries where democratic renaissance in Muslim nations is unfolding from Morocco, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and Libya as they await the immediate repatriation efforts being taken by our government agencies and may their families in the Philippines be freed from fear and worries of their condition and that the OFWs safety is assured despite the worsening condition.

We pray that may Thou save from harm our Filipino workers in war torn countries of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as OFWs in Nigeria, Somalia, Lebanon and Jordan, who have taken great risks to continue their fight against poverty to support their families in the Philippines despite of the work deployment ban imposed in these countries.

We pray for the safety of the Filipino nurses trapped in the rubbles during the earthquake in New Zealand, and the rest of the OFWs and Expats around the world who are suffering from natural calamities, diseases and injustices that they may find comfort through faith in Thee.

Hear our prayer Lord, to end the corruption that plague of our nation, the poverty and violence that displaces millions of our Filipinos from their homes, which separate and divide families.

As we await for the signs of time when the Filipinos around the world, the fathers and mothers brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters may be reunited as one happy family. that going abroad as an OFW is the least option. We pray for Thine tender love and kind mercy, with our faith, with our hope, with our love to thee, we pray for power greater than us all, we pray for divine intervention.

This is a joint call from the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, or PEBA, Inc, along with its 300+ KABLOGS, the RMN News Bantay OFW radio program and the Blas Ople Policy Center and we are asking for your prayers or support by reposting this to your blog, posting this link in your FB, Friendster and Twitter accounts or sending this as email to your networks.

The original photo where the image was taken in this post was an official entry by Erwin Serrano from Riyadh Saudi Arabia, 10^th rank winner to the 2010 PEBA International Photo Contest.

PAGBABALIKBLOG, PAGBABALIKBAYAN

2011-02-06T19:08:00.001+03:00

Kailan mo sila huling nakita? Miss ka na rin nila.

Halos isang buwan ang nakalipas ng huli kong bisitahin ng aking blog na itinuring na tahanan. Nagsilbi itong tahanan sa akin sa panahon ng kalungkutan at sa mga sandaling naghahanap ng kalinga ang aking pagal na kaisipan kung saan dito sa Palipasan ko nahantungan ang malawak na komunidad ng manunulat na itinuring kong kapamilya, at muli ako ay nagbabalik hindi lamang upang ibahagi ang aking panulat kundi upang ipadama ang aking pangako na di ko maaaring talikuran ang aking tahanan sa daigdig ng sapot, ang Palipasan - ako'y nagbabalik blog.

Sa tunay na buhay, ang salitang pagbabalik sa positibong talakayan ay may hatid na pag-asa, pagbabalik-loob at pagbaballik-pananampalataya ay naghahatid ng layong Kaligtasan ng kaluluwa mula sa tukso at pagkakasala kung saan nagkakaruon ng pagbubuklod ang tao sa pag-ibig ni Kristo.

Sa ibang antas ng pananaw, ang pagbubuklod ng pamilyang minsan ay pinaghiwalay ng Tadhana dahil sa kahirapan kung saan ang isang bahagi ng pamilya ay kailangang mangibang bayan sa hindi bababa sa isang taon upang maitawid sa gutom at mabigyang katuparan ang parangarap ng pansamantalang iniwang pamilya sa sariling bayan, sa pamamagitan ng PAGBABALIK-BAYAN muling pinagtibay ang simunpaang tunay na pagmamahalan.

Ang salitang pagbabalik-bayan ay higit pa sa madamdaming pagtatagpo ng minsang lumisan na OFW at ng naiwang pamilya sa Pilipinas, higit pa ito sa klasikong awiting hatid ni Gary Valenciano na pinamagatang "Babalik Ka Rin". Ang pagbabalik-bayan ay pagtupad sa pangako na magbabalik upang maisakatuparan ang mga pangarap na hinabi sa kabila ng pangungulila.

Ang pagbabalik-bayan ay isang simbolismo ng matagumpay na pagwawagi sa pakikidigma laban sa kahirapan kung saan hindi nagtagumpay ang tukso ng laman, droga, alak at sugal na hatid ng matinding kalungkutan at nanatiling tapat sa kasintahan, o kaya ay sa asawa't mga anak.

Sa mga susunod na buwan mula Marso hanggang Mayo, di maikukubli ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga kababayan nating OFW na magbabalikbayan sa Pilipinas bilang bahagi ng nalalapit na "summer" at Mahal na Araw, at buwan din ng "graduation" sa iba't ibang paaralan.

At kasabay nito ay may patikim na ang PEBA sa kanyang taunang patimpalak kung saan ang layon ng kanyang tema ay "Pagbabalik Bayan". At bilang panimula ay kanilang inilunsad ang "Theme/Slogan Making Contest" na magbibigay kulay sa pagbubukas ng nasabing patimpalak sa Marso.

Samahan ninyo ako sa isang makabuluhang paglalakbay sa malawak na daigdig ng blog upang ating saksihan ang iba't ibang madamdaming kwento ng tunay na buhay sa pagbubukas ng PEBA 2011, makibahagi tayo sa panibagong aklat ng kasaysayan sa daigdig ng blog - maging bahagi tayo ng "Pagbabalikbayan".

Empty Handed

2011-01-14T19:50:00.001+03:00

"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey." Matthew 25:14-15

Maybe you're wondering what happened to The Pope as Palipasan failed to make it's presence felt during the Yuletide celebrations. Due to health problems I was forced to take a blog holiday for a month.

I have been having pain from my left shoulder down to my elbow before Christmas. The pain is hot and throbbing, sometimes I feel numbness and tingling in my hand.

I tried to seek medical referral but the blood chemistry result was non-revealing. Then I was referred to the orthophedic department but the series of tests has caused more pain in my arm prompting me to cancel my next medical appointments.

Conflicting opinions were given by doctors ranging from arthritis, tennis elbow to mild stroke. And I think I would need a good electrodiagnostic test from a neurologist to check if there are any nerve of muscle damage. But since that I have no confidence in the medical practice in Middle East, I have to rely in my instinct prompting me to go on self medication supplemented with regular exercise, healthy diet.

After a month of blog holiday, the pain has receeded though sharp pain is still there during during sudden movement. I just need to slow bit on my work and observe proper posture particularly I am working more than 10 hours on my desktop computer from office to home.

I hope this will not prematurely prevent me from working and blogging.

I always thank God for the borrowed life and for every new mornings. And I always plead for a healthy body and mind so that I can share the "Gifts" to others so that when time comes that I need to face my Creator, I have the courage to tell Him - "My Lord, thank you for the 'gifts' and they're all gone and finished. I have shared all my talents to the fullest to all of Your children on earth. Now I am coming back to You my Lord empty handed"

"The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money." Matthew 25:16-18

Insights on PEBA 2010 Euphoria

2010-12-19T07:12:00.005+03:00

My daughter Geehan and son Roland James

It was a thrilling event as PEBA 2010 broadcast live through live stream technology as me and my wife watched it live in real time from my computer monitor in Doha, Qatar. We can feel the suspense as heartbeat rises as the musical intro Chariots of Fire echoes the auditorium as the video teaser is played that supplement the tension as the Top 10 Blog Winners were announced.

It was a tear-jerking moment as the Top 1 OFW Blogger Winner "Animus" was announced and Dan Jacob's (Animus author) mom, Mrs. Garcia took the centerstage as tears running through her eyes accepting the award and with sobs and cracking voice congratulated the PEBA organizers and proudly held her son's trophy in her arms.

At that moment, the audience was captivated by the emotional love and pride shown by a mother, who was once a former OFW herself over her son's victory through his winning blog post entry entitled "Ang Bakal Na Ibon Sa Himpapawid", an author account on love, sacrifice and struggles against the social risk of migration in their family where once her mother was an OFW, and now he himself is an OFW in Kuwait.

It was an atmosphere of magnanimity, a victorious event shared by both PEBA Organizers, community bloggers and OFW & Migrant workers and the Filipino families around the world. It was a reuniting moment for the whole OFW families who have witnessed the PEBA Gala Night, I myself was touched by my children's initiative in attending the PEBA night driving from Antipolo City to Teatrino, San Juan and narrating their great experience, as my daughter Geeka said "it was a great blog award experience, it's like attending FAMAS awards night".

The Pope's daughter and the PEBA President

While the whole event needs further polishing to achieve perfection on its next coming year, but generally it was a huge success as the message of familial love echoed throughout the PEBA season.

We owe the success of this event to the volunteerism jobs of our PEBA Super Heroes who have offered their shoulders so others can stand, rise and shine. The unwavering commitment of Yanah, the PEBA's Wonder Woman who deserves the Super Hero Award, Arvin, the PEBA's "Blog Crusader" and our own "Lara Croft" Jen who has been the face of PEBA in our district office in Quezon City.

"Charmed" by the Event

PEBA's Man of the Year award must be given to Jigs "The Spiderman" who has successfully connected PEBA to the web of generous sponsors and media partners who has brought glitters to the whole event.

Kenjie "the Skywalker" and "Yoda" NJ Abad remains the guiding light over the galaxy and PEBA's "Harry Potter" Lord CM who always amaze the blogging community of his charismatic "magical power" in Kablogs and United Bloggers.

And lastly I would like to thank this year's Panels of Judges (the "Senate of the Galactic Republic") headed by Ms. Susan "Toots" Ople and Ms. Ellen Tordesillas for both OFW Bloggers and OFW Supporters Division for sharing their time, talent and wisdom in the selection of PEBA winners.

Thank you very much and Merry Christmas.

Pilipinas, Turismo at OFW

2010-11-18T14:39:00.003+03:00

Nakababahala ang lumalalang alitan sa pagitan ng Dept. of Tourism (DOT) at ng mga kritiko nito na di sumasang-ayon sa "branding" kung saan ang tagline na "Pilipinas, Kay Ganda" na inilunsad bilang kampanya ng DOT sa pagpapalawig ng turismo sa ating bansa.

Kung ako ang tatanungin at ang mga taong may tunay na damdaming nasyonalismo ay walang pag-aalinlangan sa sasang-ayunan ang paggamit ng wikang Tagalog sa kampanya ng DOT. Ano nga ba ang masama sa paggamit ng wikang Tagalog sa pag-anyaya ng mga banyaga na bisitahin ang bansang Pilipinas?

Kailangan ba ay wikang Ingles ang gamitin upang mapuna ang kalinangan ating bansang Pilipinas sa pandaigdigang merkado ng turismo? Hindi ba puedeng ikalakal ang kagandahan ng ating bansa, ang mayamang kultura, magandang dalampasigan at mayabong na kabundukan na matatagpunan lamang sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng maikli at payak na pananalita na isinulat sa wikang Tagalog?

Sa kabila nito ay iginagalang ko rin ang mga opinyon ng mga eksperto sa merkado ng turismo subalit di maikukubli na tila ang lumalalang usapin na ito ay bunsod ng alegasyon na hindi pagpapaunlak ng bagong Kalihim ng DOT sa Tourism Congress na kumakatawan bilang "stakeholders" sa pambansang turismo alisunod sa Tourism Act of 2009 na naging daan ng kawalan ng konsultasyon sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng mga "stakeholders" ukol sa mga pangunahing polisya tulad ng "branding",

Subalit bakit nga ba kailangang palitan ng DOT ang dating "Wow Philippines" na nakalakip sa ating kampanya sa turismo? Dahil ba ito ay nilikha ng nagdaang Administrasyong Arroyo at hindi ba ito naging epektibo sa paghihikayat ng turismo sa ating bansa? Kailangan bang palitan ang bawa't bagay na may kaugnayan sa Pang. Arroyo?

Sa pagitan ng lumalalang bangayan ng DOT at mga kritiko na tila naguumpugang bato ay apektado ang nakararaming OFW. Nakakalungkot pagmasdan ang hanay ng pamahalaan at ng mga pribadong organisayon na tila hindi magkasundo sa mga polisiya ng pagpapalawig ng turismo. Tila naisantabi rin sa usapin na ang mahigit 10 milyong OFW ay kumakatawan bilang tapapagpalaganap ng turismo at ang mga OFW at Expat ay sya ring bahagi ng malaking bilang ng turista na taunang umuuwi sa Pilipinas hindi lamang para makapiling ang mga mahal sa buhay kundi upang mapasyalan rin ang mga magagandang tanawin ng ating bansa.

Ang aking dalangin sana ay mabigyan kalutasan ang usaping "branding" kung saan ang buwis ng mamamayang Pilipino ang ginagamit sa pagpapalawig ng turismo, isang epekibong konsultasyon sa pagitan ng DOT at "stakeholders" ang nawa'y mamagitan tungo sa mapayapang pagkakaisa at huwag sanang kalimutan ang nakararaming OFW at Expats na epektibong tagapagtaguyod ng turismo ng Pilipinas sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo.

MABUHAY KA PILIPINAS

The PEBA Family Video

2010-11-16T21:19:00.002+03:00

The over six minutes official video of PEBA Network entitled "The PEBA Family" is already launched in YouTube which showcase the men and women of PEBA, the nominees, the officers, volunteers, scholars and its sponsors and donors who are part of the entire PEBA family.

During the preparation of this video which I started 2 weeks ago, my thoughts run wild as I create the storyline from zero. I begin with on the amazing talents of the men and women who are working behind PEBA as I stare into the photos that these finest people as these Nominees shares their unique talents through blog and have taken the PEBA challenge as they share their tales to the thousand readers so that whoever reads it may find hope and and inspiration in building a stronger Filipino family.

As I tried to rearrange the photos, the pictures of the Ernesto and Caren strikes me most. They are the 2 kids from the provinces of Camarines Norte and Aklan that PEBA has adopted for scholarship under the auspices of BELIEVE International. PEBA's misison has broken its barriers beyond social media platform as it gathers and honors the Filipinos in the world of blogging, its continuing mission to advocacy for the OFWs and its families and it's noble undertaking of adopting scholars.

Starting from scratch, I was able to compose a storyline beginning with music backgrounds I have taken from Kenny G album (Classics in Key of G) where I personally handpicked Over The Rainbow and What A Wonderful World (featuring Louis Armstrong, the original singer of the same song). I love the "Jingle Bells Rock" is a perfect choice for the Sponsors and credit reel segment it compliment the closing Chrismas teaser.

Though there are some family pictures from Nominees and volunteers that were not included in this clip, their photos will be included in PEBA's next video. I would like to thank Yanah and Kenjie for the PEBA family picture collection they have provided.

As PEBA is taking great strides in its various missons, we will be coming up with more videos soon. So I hope you'll like the above video which has already registered 56 views since this morning - join us and be part of the PEBA family

Isang Minutong SMILE

2010-11-05T01:56:00.001+03:00

Isang paanyaya bilang pakikiisa sa makabuluhang adbokasiya na inilunsad ng aking kaibigang blogista at kapwa OFW na si Lord CM mula sa isla ng Palau -

tayo'y makilahok sa unang taong anibersaryo ng

Isang Minutong SMILE sa Dec. 8, 2010

Ang mga sumusunod na talata ay posteng likha ni Lord CM

___________________________________________

Isang Minutong SMILE - Ibahagi natin sa mga Bata...

Walang masama kung susubukan mo,
kahit isang minuto
pagbigyan mo ang sarili
mong maging masaya...
kahit isang segundo lang okey na un...

Naalala nyo pa yan? Oo, Isang Minutong SMILE...Nagrequest si The Pope last year na sana magkaruon ng adbokasiya para sa animnapung segundong SMILE o Isang Minutong SMILE. At di naman sya napahiya dahil nagkaruon nga ng malawakang pagngiti nuong Dec. 8, 2009 alas otso ng gabi.

At ngayon nga, muli, ipagpapatuloy natin ang naumpisahan dahil nalalapit na naman ang Dec. 8 o ang SMILE Day.

Darating na naman ang araw kung saan libre tayong ngumiti ano man ang pinagdaraanan natin sa buhay, kalungkutan, kasiyahan, problema, o kahit ano pa yan subukan mong ngumiti kahit isang minuto lang, isang minuto para mawala kahit saglit ang bigat ng iyong problema, isang minuto para kahit papaano may mapasaya ka dahil lamang sa tamis ng iyong ngiti...

Dec. 8, 2010 - SMILE Day, mayroon kaming walong taong pangingitiin(Facebook User/Blogger) at kung papalarin, isang grupo ng mag aaral sa isang paaralan sa Baguio ang mapapa-SMILE, at kung susuwertehin, sana, isang buong school na puno ng ngiti sa labi ang makikita natin.

Samahan nyo po kami sa adbokasiyang ito, upang nang sa gayon, hindi lamang sarili natin ang mapangiti sa darating na SMILE Day, kundi pati na rin ang mga batang mas nangangailangan.

Magkakaruon po ang Isang Minutong SMILE nang pa-contest para sa bloggers at FaceBook Users na nasa Pinas, walo ang mananalo ng shirt na may logo ng Isang Minutong SMILE, at isang school ng mga bata ang susubukan naming pangitiin sa tulong ng mga mabubuting sponsors ng Isang Minutong SMILE.

At para sa mga gustong tumulong para sa adbokasiyang ito, dito lang po kami matatagpuan isangminutongsmile@yahoo.com

Samahan nyo kaming ibahagi ang Isang Minutong SMILE sa mga batang mas nangangailangan.

Isang malakeng pasasalamat na rin po kung gagawan nyo ng entry sa sarili nyong pahina ang Isang Minutong SMILE...Hangad din po naming maipakalat sa karamihan ang Isang Minutong SMILE

Tombstone and S.L.N.

2010-11-02T15:25:00.004+03:00

The tombstones

(Left - my brother-in-law, Right - my parents)

Among the many Filipino traditions, yesterday's Undas celebration is the one I missed most - the festive celebration of the living, the gatherings of family clans, a festive reunion of family relatives in the tomb of their departed relatives.

It was last 2007 when I observed the All Saints Day in the Philippines where I spend a day in my parents' tomb in Pasay City Public Cemetery. Last night, together with my wife, we offered prayers for the souls of my departed parents.

I felt sorry for my kids, they grew up without seeing their grandparents alive, and we are unable to keep a picture of a happy couple. But I tried to paint their images in the heart of my children how our parents has struggled to make a living, to send me and my sister to school and teaches us the basics of catechism.

A week before Undas, my daughter asked me, "Daddy, when did Lolo and Lola died?"

I was caught by surprised and unable to give her an instant reply, instead I told my daughter I was 10 years old when you Lolo died and I'm 18 or 19 year old when you mother passed away.

Did I made a grave sin? Did it really matter? My mind tried to rush back in time to remember the two dates engraved in my parent's tombstone where we and all the people that passed their tombs have read it.

And then I threw myself in complete surrender as I added "Di ko talaga matandaan anak".

In full submission, I told my daughter that I have really missed those important dates in her lolo and lolas tombstone.

But I told her that what matters most is the little dash between the dates in their tombstone - it the most pleasant and unforgettable memories of my parents that has been engraved in my heart.

Yesterday, my daughter and son pay their respect to their lolo and lola's grave - offered prayers, fresh flowers and lighted candles and stayed there for a couple of hours. And I received an SMS message from my daughter, as I was reading it I can't help but smile, it says:

Daddy, these are the dates in lolo and lolas tombstone:

Lolo
May 8, 1908 - March 11, 1970

Lola
April 10, 1910 - May 18, 1980

At the end of the text message, I just shook my head as it reads:

"Daddy, what does S.LN. means?"

I whispered to myself "Sa Lugaw Namatay" (lol), I hope my parents will forgive me.

Sige nga, ikaw ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng S.L.N.?

"PEBA Family" Video

2010-10-16T20:30:00.000+03:00

PEBA believes that the strength of a country, especially the Philippines is not found in Malacanang or in military camps. The true strength of a nation lies at the heart of its people, and at the walls of a holy place we call - HOME.

PEBA will be releasing a series of uplifting videos encouraging OFWs and Filipino to strengthen the bonds of unity and love within their families that will in turn strengthen the nation not just economically but morally.

If you want to participate and have your family photo added to videos such as this, please send them to

photos@pinoyblogawards.com

and we will be grateful for your participation.

Happy Birthday 'Bebi Ko'

2010-10-11T23:05:00.003+03:00

On this date, October 12 - twenty years ago today, my daughter was born as we named her Geehan Maika and it was the happiest moment of our lives as the world seemed to stop when the nurse handed her into my arms, she was God's most beautiful creation, a little angel, so innocent and pure.

Her giggles, laughter and cry are like melodies from the sky. And we rejoice on every new words she uttered... and I watched her first steps and her first walks.. I go crazy following her making sure that she'll not stumble and cry.

It's hard to believe that my baby girl is 20 years old now. It wasn't long ago that she always jumps into my back or carry her on my shoulders as I proudly carry her in my arms when she's half asleep. It was just like yesterday that I call her "Bebe ko.."

But I cannot remember how many birthdays I missed, perhaps 5, 7, 9... I lost my count... and I admit it was painful for me for not being present in my daughter's birthday celebrations. I wish I could see her close her eyes, make a wish and smile as she blows the candles from her birthday cake.

But God must be listening to my prayers. As each year she turned out even better than I often dreamed she'd be. She's more than I had hoped for and she's a sweet reward to me and my family. She grew up to be a lady full of wisdom, warmth and love, a good and fine role model, truly a blessing from above.

I couldn't be any prouder than I am today of her. She is my daughter and my friend, and a wonderful person, too. she has our love forever whom we adored her from the start.

It's a privilege to be her parent, a father and mother for my wife. She's a dear daughter of our heart.

From Daddy, Mommy and Jason & Mely

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 'BEBI KO',

I HOPE NEXT YEAR WE'LL BE TOGETHER ON YOUR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

OFW's Life Beyond Limit

2010-10-07T17:11:00.003+03:00

The following is an excerpt from my column on The Kablogs Journal Issue 7 (September 2010), copied here as part of my effort in tribute to sacrifices of our Modern Day Heroes - the OFWs.

OFW's LIFE BEYOND LIMIT

OFWs around the world have a story to tell and if all their stories combined in one book, we will have a compilation nf 12 million unique stories from OFWs around the world, stories of familial love, pain and sacrifice, heroism and martyrdom.

Even before I become an OFW, I always admire the exceptional courage of Filipinos chasing their dreams in foreign lands - and I wonder how could these people withstand the chilling winter snow in USA, Canada and European countries and scourging desert heat of Middle East and Africa. And I even wonder if my kababayans' are gifted with a nerve of steel to withstand the pain of separation from their love ones, wife, children, mother, father and siblings. And I ask myself in a satire manner "sila ba ang bagong Superman".

On January 1992, along with other 40 OFWs we're heading to Doha, Qatar, a country which I have never heard of. I never knew that at this point in time I am about to unmasked the real lives of "Supermen".

>>> Please read the rest of the article by clicking the link to The Kablogs Journal

Hangad Ko'y Kapayapaan Sa Usaping RH Bill

2010-10-04T23:48:00.001+03:00

Sa isang demokratikong bansa na ating kinabibilangan, mapalad tayong mga Pilipino na malaya nating naipapahayag ang ating mga personal na opinyon sa malawak at makabagong na pamamaraan ng 'media' tulad ng usaping RH Bill.

Nakakalungkot nga lamang isipin na ang ilang talakayan ng mga sibilisadong mamamayang Pilipino sa iba't ibang plataporma ng media lalo pa't sa internet ay nababalot ng poot at galit na nauuwi sa batuhan ng hindi lamang maaanghang na salita kundi paglilibak at pag-aalipusta sa pananampalataya ng nakararaming Katoliko.

Sa pagtatanggol ng RH Bill, huwag sana nating hayaan na galit at poot ang manaig sa bawa't damdamin nating mga Pilipino upang ikondena ang mga nakararaming pari at obispo na nagsisibli sa Simbahang Katoliko. Hindi rin sapat at matuwid upang ang pagkakasala ng ilang kaparian ay ating uriratin sa isyu na RH Bill at kung may ilang makasalanang pari ay nararapat lamang na isaalang alang rin natin ang damdamin ng mga tapat at mga taos pusong paring Pilipino sa iba't ibang bahagi ng ating bansa na nagsisilbi para sa tunay na kabanalan at pagmamahal sa Dyos at sa kapwa. At ang ating mga kababayang paring misyonaryo na nasa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo tulad ng Gitnang Silangan na kanilang buong tapang na itinatag ang mga simbahan para sa mananampalatayang Pilipino na naging sandigan ng mga manggagawang OFW.

Ang ating bansa ay nasa bagong kabanta ng pagbabago at tayo bilang mamamayang Pilipino ay nararapat lamang na maging bahagi sa pagsusulong ng isang tunay na pagbabago para sa maunlad na kinabukasan na sa mga darating na panahon kung di man tayo ang makinabang ay ang ating mga anak, apo at mga aani ng tagumpay na ating itinataguyod sa kasalukuyan.

Subalit sa ating pagsusulong ng pagbabago, dapat mapagtibay natin ang isang makabuluhang batas na ang bawa't panig ng lipunan ay mabigyan ng sapat na boses upang maipaliwanag ang kani-kanilang opinyon sa pamamagitan ng katotohanan at hindi ng pananakot, ng katwiran at ng hindi pang-aalipusta, paliwanag at hindi pambabastos.

Ilang beses ng sinukat ang katatagan ng lahing Pilipino, mula sa madilim na kasaysayan ng dekada 70, mga lindol, bagyo at iba't ibang sakuna, subalit sa pamamagitan ng ating pananampalataya lahat ng ito ay ating napaglabanan at napagwagian, ngaun pa ba tayo magkakawatak-watak bilang isang lahing Pilipino?

Lahat tayo ay may karapatang pumili - isang karapatan na nakaakibat sa puso at kaluluwa ng bawa't mamamayan mula sa kanyang pagsilang na itinuturing nating kaloob ng Maykapal sa ating katauhan. At ang karapatan rin na pumili ay binibigyan proteksyon at nakapaloob sa ating Saligang Batas. Gamitin natin ang karapatan na ito tungo sa isang tunay at mapayapang pagbabago na puspos ng pag-ibig at pagpapakumbaba.

Nawa'y magsimula sa bawa't isa sa atin ang tunay na kapayapaan tungo sa hinahangad nating pagbabago sa ating sarili, pamilya at ating bansa.

Pag Pamilya Ang Pinaguusapan, Mahirap Ba Mag-Blog?

2010-09-17T08:34:00.004+03:00

Ating nakagisnan ang pamilya ay isang pangunahing balangkas ng isang lipunan. Ang pamilya ay aking unang guro at ang aming tahanan ay nagsilbing paaralan. Ang aking pamilya rin ang unang naging gabay upang makilala at mahalin ang Diyos na Lumikha at sa aking pamilya rin ang nabigyan ng halaga ang tinatawag na pagmamahal sa Diyos at sa kapwa.

At higit sa lahat, natagpuan ko ang himala ng Panginoon sa pagkakaloob Niya ng pinakamalaking biyaya, ang aking sariling pamilya sa pamamagitan ng aking asawa at supling na anak nagkaruon ng katuparan ang halaga ng buhay at ng aking pagkakalikha.

Subalit kung ganito kahalaga ang salitang pamilya sa bawa't Pilipino, tulad ko at ng halos 12 milyong Pilipino na nasa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo, bakit ba kailangan pansamantalang iwanan ng isang ama, ina, o anak ang kanyang kaisa-isahang pamiya upang tahakin ang daan tungo pakikipagsalpalaran bilang isang banyaga.

Inaamin ko na hindi kayang tapatan ng salapi o materyal na bagay ang aking pagkakawalay sa aking pamilya sa maaring maging epekto nito sa kanila sa kasalukuyang lipunan na kanilang ginagalawan.

Subalit lubos akong naniniwala na sa tulong ng Maykapal, ng aking mga kamag-anak at kaibigan ay mapagtutulung tulungan namin ang mga hilahil ng buhay na kaugnay sa aking pagkakawalay sa aking pamilya at mapagtitibay namin ito sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya, pagmamahalan at pagtitiwala sa isa't isa.

May ilang maling pag-aakala na ang pangingibang bayan ng isang OFW ay isang dahilan ng pagkasira ng pamilyang Pilipino. Sinasabi ko na hindi ang pagiging OFW ang sumisira sa pamilyang Pilipino, ang kawalan ng pananampalataya, pagmamahalan at pagtitiwala ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nagkakasala at nagbibigay daan upang masira ang pamilyang ating minsa'y pinahalagahan. Walang pinipiling lahi, edad, kasarian at lugar ang tukso upang sirain ang isang masayang pamilya.

Ang pangingibang bayan bilang OFW ay isa lamang sa napakaraming solusyon upang labanan ang kawalan ng trabaho, kahirapan at gutom sa ating bansa. Bagama't ang landas tungo sa pangingibang bayan ay puno ng hilahil, pagtitiis at sakripisyo alang-alang sa kinabukasan ng iniwang pamilya sa Pilipinas, ito ay isang marangal na hanapbuhay na nagbibigay pag-asa sa pag-abot ng mga pangarap ng pamilya.

Mahaba na pala ang aking natalakay ukol sa usaping pamilya. Kasi sa aking malayang pakikipagusap sa pamamagitan ng chat kay Mr. Thoughtskoto nuong makalawang araw ay nabuksan ang isang katanungan:

"Pag pamilya ang pinaguusapan, mahirap ba magblog?"

Walamg kagatol gatol na aking ibinulalas ang personal kong kasagutan na "hindi"(hindi mahirap lumikha ng panulat ukol sa sariling pamilya), subalit depende iyan kung gaano kahalaga ang pamilya sa isang manunulat.

Kung hahayaan ng isang blogista ang dikta ng kaisipan kung saan ang pagpapahalaga sa pamilya na tila musika na malayang tumutugtog sa kanyang kamalayan ay di alintana ang bawa't titik na idinidikta nito kasabay bawa't kumpas at pilantik ng mga daliri ng manunulat sa bawa't tikatik na tunog ng "keyboard" upang lumikha ng isang makabuluhang panulat ukol sa Pamilya ay naibabahagi nya ang isang kwento ng kanyang buhay sa pamamagitan ng blog at taas noo nya itong mailalahok sa PEBA 2010 bilang tugon sa adbokasiya tungo sa matibay na Pamilyang OFW at Pamilyang Pilipino.

Ako, bilang bahagi ng PEBA 2010 at isang blogista ay umaasa na sa mga makabuluhang panulat ng aking mga kababayan na lalahok sa patimpalak ng PEBA ay makapagbigay daan ito sa bawa't makababasa na kababayang Pilipino na may pamilya o kapamilyang OFW upang magbigay inspirasyon na mapagtibay pamilyang Pilipino tungo sa matuwid na landas.

Ako rin ay umaasa, na sa pagbabahagi ng kwento ng buhay ng bawa't nominado sa PEBA 2010 ay haplusin nawa nito ang puso ng mga mapagparayang naninilbihan sa Pamahaang P-Noy at sa Konseho ng Kongreso at Senado na ipagsantabi ang personal na interes at sa halip bigyan na halaga ang tinig ng bawa't OFW at mga myembro ng pamilyang OFW para pagtibayin ang ang pamilyang OFW sa isang matibay na tahanang Pilipino tungo sa matibay na bansang Pilipino.

Ikaw kaibigan, pag pamilya ang pinaguusapan, mahirap ba magblog? Sana sumali ka sa PEBA 2010.

No Major Major Mistakes, Only Major Major Success

2010-09-14T16:59:00.001+03:00

You’ve failed many times, although you don’t remember.
You fell down the first time you tried to walk.
You were stripped of your crown as Ms. Philippines Universe
because of wrong "birth place" allegation.

Don’t worry about failure, Don't be afraid of your mistakes.
Worry about the chances you miss when you fail to try.

Your answer might not be the best,
but I know you're just trying to be honest.

On August 23, it took one man to bring the nation to shame.

But with your winning you bring back our nation to flame.

Note: Inspired by Ms. Venus Raj, image snipped from I Blog, Therefore I Am

Hindi Kami "Boss"abos (bosabos)

2010-09-11T13:57:00.003+03:00

In response to P-Noy Administration's proposal on reducing the DFA and OFW Legal Assistance Fund, Palipasan stands side by side along with PEBA, Kablogs and the Global Filipino communities worldwide in asking President Aquino to consider the repercussion of this action in the budget cuts which will eventually deny our thousand OFWs around the world who requires legal assistance and related services, either in jail or awaiting repatriation due to sexual and physical abuse and maltreatment and victims of human trafficking and other injustices that they suffered in the foreign lands.

The following is a manifesto issued by PEBA and KABLOGS on the proposed Government cuts on DFA & Legal Assistance Fund.

Official Statement of the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA) on the Proposed Cuts on DFA and OFW Legal Assistance Fund

We stand as an alliance of Filipino Expats and OFWs whose primary advocacy is to promote the welfare and safeguard the rights of our fellow Filipino workers abroad through blogs, we would like to call for the President Benigno S. Aquino and the members of the Philippine Congress to reconsider the proposed cut on the Legal Assistance Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ budget.

This act is dangerous to the already deplorable conditions of many OFWs who are incarcerated in various countries needing legal assistance. The legal complexities of those who have been abused, ill-treated and became victims of unfair labor practice are costly and a lengthy fight.

The proposed cut would undermine the ability of our Consulate Offices to file legal actions that would protect thousands of Filipinos abroad working for their families to survive the poverty-stricken living condition of our fellow “kababayans” in the Philippines.

How unfortunate that this is what we get for being the “modern day heroes.” No country would treat their heroes this way; it is insane to reducelegal assistance fund to a meager 27 million a year. The lack of funds as a reason for letting piteous Pinoy OFWs die in other countries brought by inability to legally defend their case would be tragic, senseless and an insensitive display of our government’s agenda on OFWs and other migrant workers.

Please, please! We seek for your forthright defense of our already underprivileged sector whose only intention is to let their families live a good life, send their children or siblings to school, save the Philippine economy and let our nation become great again. As Filipino Expatriates and OFWs, we provide our nation with new hope, we let the world see our eminence in various field, we make each of us proud to become Filipino and yet, the government has been less and less appreciative of our contribution by decreasing our means to be protected from legal scuffles.

As united bloggers in different parts of the world, we will continue to knock, beat our drums and reach every home with Internet to let the world know that this is not fair, that this is an injustice to our welfare and would send our many fellow Filipinos working abroad into the mud of legal demise.

We hope that this plead will not fall on deaf ears, we are in a new era of governance, our new administration have relentlessly brandished renewal as their guiding thrust, prove to us that you care for the OFWs by scrapping the proposed cut from DFA’s Legal Assistance Fund.

Pinoy Expats OFW Blog Awards (PEBA) www.pinoyblogawards.com

PEBA-OFW Alliance Action Group

Kablogs (Gateway of OFW Bloggers) www.ofwkablogs.com

For more information on this statement, please contact:

PEBA, Inc.

Felix Jigs G. Segre, Program Director, Head of PR & Media Affairs

Tel. Nos.: +63915.393.4770 or +632.219.1018

Email: jigs_segre@yahoo.com

Email: jigsegre@pinoyblogawards.co

Maging Bahagi Tayo ng Kapayapaan

2010-08-30T16:17:00.003+03:00

Nagalit, nainis, nakidalamhati... iba't ibang emosyon at damdamin na kumawala sa ating pagkatao matapos nating masaksihan ang Hostage Taking Crisis na gumimbal sa ating pagkatao at sa buong mundo na naganap nuong August 23, 2010 sa Luneta Grandstand.

Lahat tayo'y napako ang ating kaisipan at kamalayan sa paghahabi ng iba't ibang opinyon na pumapaluob sa karumaldumal at di katangap tangap na pagtugon ng ating kapulisan at ng pamahalaang Aquino sa hostage taking na nauwi sa kamatayan ng 8 Tsino at ng nag-iisang hostage taker na si Capt. Mendoza.

Maraming katanungan na tila di mabibigyan ng kasagutan, katarungan na tila di makakamit ng mga biktima ng karumaldumal ng krimen.

At ang mga mas apektado maliban sa mga biktimang Tsino ay ang 200,000 mga mangagawang Pilipino na nasa bansang Hongkong kung saan kasalukuyan nilang nararamdaman ang tensyon ng batikos ng mga Tsino sa ating mga kababayang OFW.

Nais kong ibahagi ang aking panayam sa aking kaibigang OFW na si Sonya (di tunay na pangalan) na kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho sa Hongkong bilang Domestic helper nuong August 28, 2010 sa aming Yahoo Messenger chat.

The Pope : musta ka na fren?

Sonya : hi im a bit ok, how about you?

The Pope : wala bang tension sa work mo?

Sonya : sa boss ko nun umpisa wala but ng dumating n un mga labi ng nasawi nagbago, di sya muna nagiimik sakin

The Pope : ganun ba? ikaw una kong naisip nung mangyari yung hostage incident. sabi ko naku nasa HK ka pa naman

Sonya : oo nga kala ko open minded si boss kaya lng talaga palang emotional sila ng sobra. di ko nag oopen ng opinion sa kanila not unless sila ang magtanong

The Pope : Oo mas makakabuti

Sonya : hay naku bro lahat kmi dito may pangamba. fren just pray for us here in hk, dpa namin alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa mga susunod n araw. tom first time kong sassali sa rally

The Pope : bakit ka sasama sa rally?

Sonya : sa tagal ko dito di ako nakikisali sa kung anu ano but now im willing para maipakita namin ang aming deep sympathy at parating n din ang condolence namin sa mag relativ na victims

The Pope : okay, basta mag-ingat ka kasi baka may mga manggulo

Sonya : naipangako ko na yan sa sarili ko na sasama ko if ever nga n magkaron

The Pope : alam ng mga amo mo yan? na sasama ka?

Sonya : kaya nga nag aalala ang mga anak ko. Siguro naman wala (masamang mangayari sa rally) kasi maganda ang layunin ng rally. Kagabi. madami syang (si Amo) tinanong s kin about sa atin. sobra talaga ang galit nila fren. kahit san kami pumunta (sa Hongkong) damang dama ang galit nila.

The Pope : talagang nakakahiya ang nangyari, isang kahihiyan ng bansa.

Sonya : lalong nakadagdag sa galit nila kahapon un paglalagay ng phil.flag sa ibabaw ng kabaong ni mendoza

The Pope : oo nga, nasusundan mo pala sa news dyan sa HK

Sonya : nun dinner time namin first time ako kinausap ni boss, ask nya kung bakit dw nakatawa p si Noynoy? Sagot ko facial xpression nya lng but deep inside he's xtremely mad

The Pope : okay

Sonya : 2nd ask nya kung lhat dw ba ng pilipino my guns? sabi ko hindi only the military and the polis.

The Pope : okay tama

Sonya : 3rd ask nya ko kung bakit dpa binigay un benifits ng hostage taker gayun di naman dw kalakihan compare sa mga demands ng ofw dito s hk

The Pope : oo nga

Sonya : sabi ko i have no idea and besides all of us too are asking why? 4th ask nya ko if good dw ba si noynoy? sabi ko nobody can tell now coz hes only 3 mos. on the position but his father are a good lider and mother. Sabi nya but not the son! so sa mga salita nya galit n talaga syasa huling ask nya ko pumalpak. Ask nya ko kung dapat dw b lagyan ng flag un mga ganun klaseng tao? nagulat ako nakita ko sa news may flag na yung casket ni hostage taker. Matigas ko sinabi n hindi pede lagyan even though hes a military bec(ause) he die not in a hero way

The Pope : korek ka dyan fren

Sonya : at talagang sinigurado ko na hindi lalagyan un pala nakita n nya s news. kaya bigla syang tumayo at sabay sabi n meron (meron flag ang casket).

The Pope : ngekkkk

Sonya : Shame. nainis na naman si bossing mo. shame talaga parang gusto kong humagulgol. pakiramdam ko bumaba ang pagkatao ko sa kanya

The Pope : ang hirap ng kalagayan mo rin

Sonya : sinabi ko na tom my rally ang mga pilipino just to show tothe hk people n nasa kanila ang aming sympathy at bilang pagpaabot n din ng pakikiramay sa mga biktima. Kaya fren pagdasal mo kami tom ha, actually nag pass din ako ng mga txt message n magsuot kmi ng white para kahit san ibaling ng tsino ang tingin nila ang mga pilipino nka white

The Pope : oo naman don't worry mamaya sama ko kayo sa prayers.

Sonya : im xpecting your support fren alam mo ba un

The Pope : makakaasa ka

Sonya : ok tnx, balitaan kita kung ano ang susunod pang mangyayari sakin dito ok

Isa lang si Sonya sa malaking bilang ng OFW sa Hongkong nangangamba sa mataas na emosyong nangingibabaw sa mga Tsino na nagdadalamhati sa madugong hostage taking nuong August 23, 2010.

Sa kabila ng kaliwa't kanang batikos sa ating pamahalaan, kapulisan at mga kababayan sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo, bilang mga Pilipino at pagsa-alang alang sa ating mga kababayang OFW na naiipit sa madamdaming emosyon ng mga Tsino, maging instrumento sana tayo ng kapayapaan at sa ating panalangin nawa'y makamit ang hustisya ng mga biktima at manunbalik ang tiwala at respeto sa atin bilang nagkakaisang bayang Pilipino.

Ngayung ginugunita natin ang Araw ng Mga Bayani, nawa'y ang ating mga munting tinig sa pamamagitan ng Blogs, Tweeter at Facebook ay makatulong tayo sa paghilom ng sugat, pag-aalis ng poot, magbigay pag-asa sa mga taong naulila at mga kababayang OFW naiipit sa emosyon ng galit sa mga bansang banyaga na ating kinikilala bilang mga Bagong Bayani ng ating bansa.

Note: Image snipped from flick.com uploaded by Rachael Elsa

Kung Hindi Ako, Sino?

2010-08-20T10:22:00.002+03:00

"Blog?, ano yun?

"Bakit ka nagba-blog?" "

Binabayaran ka ba?" "

"Adbokasiya? Hayaan mo na lang yan sa iba..."

Mga nakakairitang tanong sa akin ng aking ka-chat. Kaiskwela ko sya nung High School at natagpuan ko sya ngaun sa FB. Di ko naman sya masisi, siguro tunay na di niya alam ang salitang "blog" at tila walang paki-alam sa kaganapan sa kanyang kapaligiran at hindi naghahangad ng tunay na pagbabago tungo sa matuwid na buhay.

Napag-isip ko tuloy kung bakit ko ginugugol ang aking panahon sa paglikha ng blog tungo sa adbokasiya, bakit hindi ko na ilathala ang aking talambuhay mula sa pagdilat ng aking mga mata hanggang sa pagpikit. Pero di ba bahagi ng talambuhay ko ang aking mga nakikita, napagmamasdan, ang mga bagay at taong bumubuo ng aking buhay. naniniwala ako na ang aking talambuhay ay hinabi sa makulay na sinulid na aking nakakasalamuha sa araw at gabi, at bahagi nito ay ang aking pamilya, mga kaibigan, kapit bahay, kababayan at ang buong mundo - lahat sila ay naging bahagi ng aking talambuhay.

Bahagi sila ng aking pangarap na isang mapayapang mundo, isang mapayapang bansa at isang mapayapang pamilya. At sa kasalukuyang daigdig na aking ginagalawan bilang isang OFW, naka sentro ang aking kamalayan sa adhikain ng bawa't mangagawang Pilipino tungo sa isang makabuluhang pagbabago ng kanilang pamilya para sa maunlad na bukas - malaya sa sa gutom at kahirapan na naipagkait ng mga nagdaang pamahalaan.

Subalit ang landas ng mga OFW tungo sa hinahangad na pagbabago ay naglalagay sa matinding pagsubok ang pamilyang Pilipino, ang pangungulila ng OFW sa kanyang asawa't anak ganun din ang naiwang pamilya sa Pilipinas, ang dobleng responsibilidad ng naiwang asawa upang itaguyod ang ipinagkatiwalang mga anak sa kanyang pangangalaga.

Lumaki akong walang mga magulang, di sila nangibang bayan bilang OFW, nangibang buhay sila sa Paraiso ni Bathala, iniwan nila ako ng ako'y musmos pa lamang - kaya't alam ko ang nararamdaman ng mga pamilyang iniiwan ng magulang - katulad ko umaasa na sana sa bawa't Pasko, Bagong Taon, Berdey, o graduation kasama nila si tatay o si nanay.

Marami akong nasaksihang pamilyang nasira dahil sa kawalan ng pananampalataya ng mga kababayang OFW at kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas na nilunod ang sarili sa kasiyahan, sa tawag ng laman, sa espiritu ng alak, sugal at bawal na gamot at iba pang mga materyal na bagay na nagbibigay ng pansamantalang aliw. Subalit hindi ito dahilan upang sisihin ang pangingibang bayan ng OFW sa pagkasira ng pamilya, dahil sa kasalukuyan ang pundasyon ng tradisyunal pamilyang Pilipino ay tila nasisira dahil sa pagyakap natin sa modernong kultura dahil sa media na kung saan tila ipinapakita na ang pakikipaghiwalay sng mag-asawa ay isang ordinaryong bagay na dapat tanggapin ng lipunan; at ang casual at pre-marital sex ay isang bahagi ng boyfriend-girlfriend relationship na nais ipahatid ng telebisyon at pelikula sa mga nanunuod na kabataang Pilipino.

Tila ipinikit ng pamahalaan ang kanyang mga mata sa lumalalang suliranin sa moralidad at iniwan ang usaping ito sa Simbahan at ilang moralista. Pilit kong iniisip kung may nakahanda bang programa ang pamahalaan upang pagtibayin ang Pamilyang Pilipino lalo na ang Pamilyang OFW?

Sa kasalukuyan ay wala, baka si P-Noy sa mga susunod na araw, kung nababasa nya ang mga blogs ng mga Nominado ng PEBA 2010 baka maisip nya ang kahalagahan ng pamilyang OFW.

Ikaw kabayan, blogger ka ba? May kapamilya ka sigurong OFW, kamag-anak, kaibigan o kahit kapitbahay. Baka OFW ka ring tulad ko, ibahagi natin ang kwento mo, sa pamamagitan ng blog tmaging daan tayo sa pagbabago, para mapagtibay ang pamilyang OFW.

Sana hindi lang ako, pati ikaw sana kasama ko - sa tulong ng iyong blog nawa'y maging bahagi tayo ng pagbabago - sa PEBA 2010, makibahagi tayo bilang NOMINADO.

Thank You Lord for Each Unique New Mornings...

2010-08-18T19:50:00.002+03:00

The birthday cupcake present

from my daughter Geeka

Thank you Lord for holding my hands during the 49 years of my life - for giving me a wonderful parents, a sister, a wife and children, family relatives, circle of friends and people who dislike me too, where I learned to accept what I could control and let go of what I could not.

I learned to live in the moment and appreciate life's challenges as learning opportunities for growth. I learned to celebrate joyful moments, no matter how simple they are. Thank you for the beautiful and unique "daily new mornings" that you've been giving me for last 49 years, thank you for all the wonderful blessings... please don't get tired Lord of holding my hands and giving me new mornings.. thank you for loving me.

AMEN

Resilience of OFW Families : PEBA 2010 Entry 101

2010-08-09T17:02:00.003+03:00

Anyone can give up.

It's the easiest thing in the world to do.

But to hold it together,
when everything seems like falling apart
That's true strength!

And you can find it in the heart of every OFW families.

OFWs embraced uncertainties,
crossed distant shores,
braved the winter storms and desert heat .

Armed with love, trust and faith
OFW families have defied temptations
in exchange of life filled with
sacrifices and sufferings.

Despite the enormous pressures and
disintegrating factors,
The OFW families remained firm
in their mission as a "family".

Because the family
is a not only a smallest unit of a society,
it is a "domestic church".

OFW families are God's gift
not only to the Philippines but to the World.

Pope John Paul VI said,
"The future of humanity passes by way of the family"
(Familiaris Consortio, no. 87)

Dayuhan: PEBA 2010 Entry 101

2010-08-03T07:20:00.004+03:00

Si Efren, dalawang taong nagtrabaho sa Saudi Arabia at sa tuwing umaga bago pumasok, di nakakalimutan na tumawag sa asawa upang sabihin ang mga katagang "I miss you honey, and I miss our children". Ngaun nasa Pilipinas na sya at nagbabakasyon, nagrereklamo ang kanyang pamilya, dahil sa araw at gabi mga kainumang barkada ang laging kasama, pag nasa Saudi ang "miss" ay pamilya pag nasa Pilipnas ang "miss" ay barkada, videoke at serbesa.

Panay ang simba ni Rolly sa Doha at ang laging dalangin sana ay dumating na ang araw ng kanyang bakasyon para makasama ang pamilya. Sumapit na ang araw ng bakasyon ni Rolly, at tuwing araw ng Linggo hindi sya makasama ng pamilya sa pagsisimba, dahil kapag Linggo ay ibang Kristo ang kaulayaw nya, sa sabungan mo sya makikita pumupusta sa meron at wala.

Truck driver si Domeng sa Kuwait, sa loob ng pitong taon na pagta-trabaho isang beses pa lang syang umuwi ng Pilipinas, kuntento na sya sa pagpapadala ng pera sa pamilya, yung vacation leave pay at ticket na pinagkakaloob ng kumpanya ay kino-convert na lang nya na cash upang maipadala sa pamilya. Katwiran nya "magastos ang pagbabakasyon, kaya mas mabuti pang ipadala na lang pera na dapat sana ay gagamitin sa pagbabakasyon sa pamilya. Kaya nga daw nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa para kumita.

Si Gemma, dalaga at IT sa Singapore, kumakayod para mapag-aral ang mga kapatid. Subalit sa bawa't bukas ng kanyang bibig sa mga magulang at kapatid pera ang laging sentro ng usapan at ang tanging kinakamusta ay ang iniwang negosyo, ang kanyang paupahan bahay at naipundar na tindahan. Di nga nagpapabaya sa pagpapadala ng pera't balikbayan box subalit di naman naaalala kamustahin ang kalagayan ng ama't ina. Kaya't ang mga magulang nya'y minabuting huwag magsabi ng kanilang karamdaman, dahil pilit nilang inuunawa ang anak na masyadong pinahalagahan ang pera, dahil mas kilala nla ang kanilang anak, pero ang anak, di na kilala ang kanyang ama't inang tumatanda na.

Kung pamilya ang laging una puso nating mga OFW, bigyan natin sila ng tunay kahalagahan, sa maikling panahon ng ating pagbabakasyon, igugol natin ang ating oras sa isang makabuluhang pakikipagrelasyon sa ating pamilya - sa asawa, anak, magulang at kapatid.

Ang pagiging tunay na bayani ay nagsisimula sa pamilya, maging tutuo tayo sa ating pabigkas ng I LOVE YOU at I MISS YOU... say what you mean and mean what you say.

Huwag nating ipagkait ang ating sarili sa ating pamilya. Mahalaga ang pera pero mas mahalaga ka sa iyong pamilya at alam kong mahalaga rin ang pamilya sa iyo kesa sa perang iyong pinadadala.

Si Efren, Rolly, Domeng, at Gemma, ilan lang sila sa mga kababayan kong dayuhan sa ibang bayan, hanggang kailan sila mananatiling dayuhan sa kanilang sariling tahanan.

Paunawa:

Hindi po ako kasali at hindi rin po ito poste bilang enty sa PEBA 2010. Ito'y isang paanyaya sa mga makakabasa sa makabuluhang tema ng kasalukuyang patimpalak ng PEBA - "Pagtibayin ang Pamilyang OFW: Mas Matibay na Tahanan Para sa Mas Matibay na Bayan"

Huwag maging dayuhan sa usaping pamilya. Makibasa, makibahagi at sumali bilang nominado sa adbokasiya ng PEBA tungo sa maayos na Pamilyang Pilipino.

Dalawampung Taon nAPO Kami

2010-07-27T00:41:00.001+03:00

Lulan ng LRT mula sa Libertad Station, binabaybay ng tren ang kahabaan ng Taft Avenue at sa mabilis na pagtakbo nito ay pilit naming inaaliw ang sarili sa mga tanawin na kalawanging yero na aming pinagmamasdan sa bawa't bubong ng mga kabahayan sa magkabilang hanay ng kalsada at ang nagtitipon na ulap na nagbabadya ng ulan sa buong Kamaynilaan.

Ang lumilipad kong kaisipan ay napalitan ng kaba ng aking marinig mula sa mga "speakers" na nagsasabing kami ay nasa Central Station. Hanggang sa tuluyang tumigil ang tren, at may kakaibang kaba at kasiyahan ang aking naramdaman dahil sa mga susunod naming patutunguhan ay maghahatid sa amin sa isang malaking pagbabago ng aming buhay.

Di maipaliwanag na damdamin ang bumabalot sa aking katauhan, at alam kong iyon din ang kanyang nararamdaman, dahil sa mga oras na ito ang aming gagawing hakbang ay kami lang ang nakakaalam

Hulyo 27, 1990, sa isang maliit na opisina ng Munisipyo ng Lunsod ng Maynila, sa tulong at kapangyarihan ni Rev. Davao ay pinagtibay ang aking pag-iisang dibdib sa aking maybahay na si Ehnor sa harap ng isang pares na magkaibigan na nagsilbing testigo sa kasalang sibil naming mag-asawa.

Isang payak na kasalan, walang imbitasyon at wala ring dekorasyon, walang magarbong kasuotan tulad ng barong at trahe de boda, at higit sa lahat ay walang litratista upang magbigay larawan sa isang pinakamahalagang araw sa aming buhay.

Simple sa mata ng nakararami, subalit ang simpleng okasyon na iyon ay ang pinakamasayang kaganapan sa aming buhay bilang pagbubukas ng aming sarili sa bagong kabanata ng aming buhay bilang mag-asawa, dahil simula ng araw na iyon hindi na kami dalawa kundi iisa - isang pintig ng puso, isang pangarap, isang pamilya.

Hindi naging madali unang yugto ng aming buhay mag-asawa na maaaring maihalintulad sa paborito kong sitcom na "John en Marsha". May mga linggong puno ng katatawanan, tampuhan, iyakan at lambingan. May mga tao ring nakikialam, tulad ng katauhan ni Donya Delilah at iba pang mga kontrabida na nagbigay kulay sa aming pagsasama.

Pinaglayo man kami ng kapalaran dahil sa kahirapan na nagtulak sa akin na tahakin ang landas ng pangingibang bayan, nanatilng tapat sa aming mga sumpaan, pag-ibig, tiwala at pananampalataya ang nagbigay daan upang mapaglabanan ang anumang pagsubok sa aming buhay.

Maraming kwento ang nabuo, maraming kasiyahan at kalungkutan ang naitala sa 20 taong naming bilang mag-asawa at ang 20 taon na iyan ay di mabubuo kung hindi dahil sa pagpapala ng Maykapal.

At sa aking maybahay na si Ehnor - maraming salamat sa iyong walang sawang pagmamahal - ikaw ang aking lakas sa oras ng aking kahinaan, ikaw ang nagbibigay liwanag sa mga sandaling ako'y nasa kadiliman at ikaw ang pumupuno sa panalangin sa panahon ng aking kawalan ng pag-asa.

Salamat sa pagdarasal at gabay ng mga kamag-anak at kabigan na laging nakasubaybay at sa aming dalawang anak na si Jason at Geek na tanging kayamanan namin bilang mag-asawa, at sa mga nakibasa.at mag-iiwan ng marka MARAMING SALAMAT SA INYO, AT SAMAHAN NINYO KAMING MAG-ASAWA SA PATULOY NA PAGBIBILANG....

DALAWANPUNG TAON nAPO KAMI!!!

Hindi Para sa Bayan, Kundi Para sa Pamilya

2010-07-19T04:45:00.002+03:00

Ang Aking Pamilya

Sa malawak na daigdig na ating ginagalawan, kahit sinong OFW ang tatanungin kung bakit sya nasa lupang banyaga, iisa ang kasagutan - "para sa kinabukasan ng kasalukuyang pamilya". Tila wala pa akong narinigan na kaya siya nasa ibang bansa bilang OFW ay para sa ating bansa, kung mayruon man na tutugon na para sa Bayan ay mas nararapat yata na sya ay nasa Pilipinas at duon magsilbi sa piling ng ating mga kababayan.

Sa tuwing sumasapit ang katapusan ng bawa't buwan, sa bawa't remittance centers sa iba't ibang bansa, mapupuna mo ang mahabang pila ng ating mga kababayan na matiyaga na naghihintay upang maipadala ang kanilang remittance, hindi para sa Bayan kundi para sa kanilang pamilya sa Pilipinas.

Bago sumapit ang Disyembre, maraming OFW ang abala sa pamimili ng toothpaste, sabon, shampoo, kape, corned beef, chocolates, towels at iba't iba pang abubot hindi para sa sariling pangangailangan, at lalong hindi para sa Bayan kundi para sa pamilya na nais nyang bahaginan ng balik bayan box.

Sa bawa't kwarto ng mga OFW, ay may mga kalendaryo, minamasan, binibilang at ang iba ay ini-ekisan ang bawa't petsa na dumadaan dahil kanilang kinasasabikan ang araw ng kanilang pag-uwi upang magisnan hindi ang Bayan kundi ang pamilyang kanilang iniwanan.

Sa mga araw ng pagsamba, sa bawa't mga simbahan at pook dalanginan na matatagpuan sa malawak na sandaigdigan, pinupuno ito ng mga abang katawan ng OFW na pikit mata't taos pusong nananalangin hindi para sa Bayan kundi para sa pamilya na nawa'y pagpalain at ilayo sa anumang kapahamakan.

Sa bawa't pangungulila ng mga OFW, di mabilang na gabi na tigib ng kalungkutan na binabalot ng katahimikan, ang mga luhang kusang dumadaloy sa kanilang mga pisngi ay hindi pangungulila para sa Bayan, kundi para sa pamilya na kanilang kinagigiliwan.

Sa kabila ng hirap na nararamdaman bilang OFW ay pilit na kinukumbinsi ang kausap at sinasabing, "ayos lang ako dito, wag kayong mag-alala" at 'mag-enjoy kayo dyan, masaya rin ako dito", dahil ayaw nyang mag-alala sa kanyang katayuan, hindi ang Bayan kundi ang pamilya na kanyang pinaglilingkuran.

Sa kanilang pangingibang bansa, sila rin ay natutukso, nadadapa't nagkakasala subalit pilit bumabangon, humihingi ng kapatawaran at nagbabago upang maibalik ang tiwala – hindi para sa Bayan, kundi sa pamilya na kanilang pinagpipitaga't nais makasama ng habambuhay.

At tulad ng awitin ni Gary Valenciano na nakasan sa kanyang liriko ang mga katagang "Saan ka man naruruon ngaun, sa Saudi, Japan o Hongkong, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin, at babalik ka rin" kaibigang OFW, hindi para sa Bayan kundi sa piling ng iyong iniwang pamilya na bukas kamay na naghihintay sa iyong pagbabalik.

Kaibigan, saan ka man naruruon ngaun, ang aking panulat ay aking nilikha hindi para sa Bayan kundi para sa aking pamilya.

Ikaw kaibigan - nais kong maging bahagi na aking natagpuan na bagong pamilya...

Ito ang pamilya ng PEBA, dahil sa kanila, mahalaga ang pamilyang OFW, mahalaga tayo sa kanila.

PEBA...natagpuan na... ang ating bagong kapamilya

Family Matters To Palipasan and PEBA 2010

2010-07-15T17:54:00.012+03:00

As the curtain rises on PEBA for its 3rd annual award - with PEBA 2010 theme on Strengthening OFW Families: Stronger Homes for Stronger Nation, the celebration gives us a welcome opportunity to look into our existence as OFW and Migrant Workers wherever we are right now and from our departure from the point of our origin, the place we always called home - the people whom we have left behind - whom we called our very own FAMILY.

From the place I am sitting right now, I look at my window and from the horizon, 3000 miles across the sea, the umbilical cord that connects me to our country the Philippines which I called home is my FAMILY.

We all have taken so many paths, but it cannot be denied that the family is the first and the most important path. A common path to all, because each family is unique just like every individual, a family is a path which cannot be repated or withdrawn for it is a fundamental gift of God to each one of us, and it can be said that we come into this world within a FAMILY and over the years we start to build our very own FAMILY because we do not only exists but because we live.

But in my 19 years as OFW, I have seen countless cases of infidelities on male, female, married, engaged, young and old OFWs in the Middle East. And it is heartbreaking to hear that a once happy family who dreams to have an economically established family ends up into a broken home. And it is ironic that such infidelities occurs in an Islamic Arab country where "illegal love affair" is a heinous crime in Sharjah Law. I cannot really believe on the boldness of our kababayan in taking such risks - "masarap ba talaga ang bawal?"

So many questions that needs to be answered...

"Is it really migration the main cause of family breakup?" a hopeless YES means that we need to condition the minds of the family left behind to brace the risk of permanent family separation. If there will be no OFWs will it guarantee that there will be no broken homes?

Or "Are human really weak that it cannot resist temptation?", that we must agree on Rico Puno's famous song lyrics that says "ang tao'y marupok, kay daling lumimot" that evil prevails.

Or should we blame our own government for promoting "Labor Export Program" for the exodus of our Filipino people across the world, that for every failure in our life, pamahalaan na lang ang dapat sisisihin natin as an easy excuse for our mistakes and misfortunes.

Each one of us is part of our own family and the mission of strengthening your family relationship must not be limited and reside on the shoulder of husband and wife . If you are a single (bachelor) OFW or single Pinoy expat, you have a greater role in strengthening your family back home too - as they put their hope in you and look upon you as a role model in your family. You maybe unaware how important you are to your parents and brothers and sisters back home that they always consult you on family decisions which concerns financial, health, social and spiritual matters - because you are an important part of their FAMILY.

When was the last time you said "I love you Dad" or I love you Mother", and how about your Kuya, Ate and bunso? Do you have an active warm connection with them? Do you remember their birthdays? Parents' anniversary? How often do you get in touch with your folks back home?

Have we tried to ask ourselves if we have put God in our marriage life and is the Heavenly Father the center of our family? Building a strong family must begin with a strong foundation of love, trust and faith. Each married or single OFWs - beyond borders, we have an important role in strengthening our family - not only through the remittances we regularly send, but through social and spiritual connections with our love ones.

The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." So before making your very first step, make sure that you'll be standing on a firm foundation called the "Rock".

Today, PEBA 2010 is knocking at the door of your home, eager to greet you with deep affection and spend time with you to listen to your untold stories, eager to hear your tales through blog entries as official nominee of PEBA 2010 which will touch the hearts of many readers across the globe as you share your stories about YOU and YOUR FAMILY - the love, pain, sacrifice, failure, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and success as an OFW and its Family so whoever reads will learn, live, and follow the right path in building an ideal Family of God.

This is an invitation to all my blogging friends who believe in the essence of the family as a fundamental institution of a society and the reason of our own existence as an OFW and migrant worker as we cross borders that we can do more in building a stronger OFW family through love, faith and trust.

Life is Beautiful.

Let us keep on blogging.

Let us keep on inspiring others

not to lose hope and to continue striving

in building a happy, resilient and righteous Filipino families.

Note: The above image was snipped from flickr.com uploaded by TriLauraTri

Curtain Rises on PEBA 2010 Season, Focus on Strengthening OFW Families!

2010-07-13T16:52:00.017+03:00

PEBA 2010 opens its doors to Global Filipino Bloggers with this season's theme “Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation” in its far-reaching efforts in tackling the issues that has been haunting our Filipino people on the myriad challenges and sacrifices that each OFW faces abroad - the monetary gains that it brings to the family and to the country, and the social cost on the family that they left behind. Through this event, as untold stories of the participating Global Filipino bloggers unfolds through our eyes, may the messages it conveys reaches the heart of our new Government that they may act swiftly and with compassion in bringing real change in the lives of our OFWs towards a stronger families for a stronger nation.

Please join me in supporting the causes of PEBA, let us support PEBA 2010 by grabbing the support banner at the end of this page.

The following is a repost from PEBA as it officially unveils its new season.

PEBA 2010 Season | Focus on Strengthening OFW Families!

OFW Phenomenon

It is verytypical for parents of a Filipino family to give better future to their loved ones especially their children. As opportunities for employment are not that much in our country, many leave their homes and loved ones for greener pastures overseas.

Working abroad is perceived by most Filipinos, as one best alternative of fulfilling and achieving those dreams. The prospect of having someone from the family working abroad (be it a father, a mother or the child) brings thoughts and visions of a family having a house fully equipped with home theatre entertainment showcase, HD Flat TV, new refrigerator, big washing machine, aircondition units in every room, having a brand new car, children having the latest cellphones, laptops, PSP, signature clothes, bags, and shoes, etc. mostly gizmos, doohickeys and thingamabobs.

“If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher”

The price for working abroad is very costly!

Going abroad and becoming an OFW doesn’t always turn the family’s dreams into realities... It does not always give the full proceeds and yields for the OFW. There are those who are very lucky to have good fortune and there are those who are less fortunate. Some are lucky to have kind and generous employers while some have cruel and abusive ‘masters’. Some get high salaries, some are overworked yet underpaid...others even don’t get paid. Some get good bonuses and incentives, some are not paid their salaries on time. Some have lavish villas, luxurious flats and apartelles, some live in impoverished tents and bunkers. Some have flashy cars, some have to hitch ride in trailers. Some go home twice or thrice a year, some have to wait for 2 years or more… sometimes foregoing his vacation and converting his ticket cost into cash to have something to send home. Some are lucky to have very good health insurance coverage, others struggle in fighting health problems and illnesses alone in a foreign land. Some are privileged to have their families with them, some are not even recognized by their own children.

Behind the scene of the financial benefits of the OFWs are tales and woes and sad stories of the OFWs and the families left behind. Numerous OFWs, in dire circumstances suffer loneliness and homesickness and they become vulnerable to temptations. And to cope with it, they engage in illicit and forbidden affairs with, either fellow OFWs, or with other expatriates and the adopted country nationals. On the other hand, the spouses who are left at the home front succumb to the weaknesses of the flesh and give in to unfaithfulness and philandering. The crumbling of the OFW’s marriage as an inviolable institution does not only affect the relationship of the spouses but has relentlessly caused the erosion of the basic unit of the society – the OFW Home. It has caused the break-up of hundreds of thousands marriages and families. Children grow up undisciplined and unguided, living literally like orphans. Many OFW children are not guided properly. The long period of separation of the OFWs and their families also creates gaps in the relationship of the parents and children. The closeness of the family with each other is oftentimes lost.

The intangibles are irreversible for the OFW family. Missing the milestones in the family’s social calendar may not seem that important but these are ways to improve relationships at home and prevent break up of families. Oh, how many of the OFWs missed their baby’s first step, birthdays, anniversaries, school activities, graduation, recognition programs, PTCA meetings, weekends, homecomings, etc? At least, for those who are lucky and can afford to be online are in a better position than others but this cannot compensate of being together as a family.

OFW Family in Crisis – The dream for the family’s bright future is turned into a nightmare

The Offices of the POEA and OWWA and other Advocacy Groups for OFWs’ concerns are alarmed with the growing number of cases of abandonment of families and broken marriages. An OWWA survey conducted 3 years ago revealed that 3 out of 10 OFWs have broken families. Assuming an OFW family with 2 children, that would translate to 6M Filipino youth whose growing up years could be influenced negatively by the pain and sorrow of a broken family. This will in ways affect the future of our country.

The crisis that the OFW family is in continues to disintegrate daily and there is no sign of its turning down. The migration pattern of Filipino diaspora is in a way proportional with the rise of broken families.

It is so ironic that the OFW who works abroad to give a better future for his/her family ends up with broken marriages.

PEBA’s 2010 Theme: An Out of the Ordinary Call

PEBA has witnessed the real life suffering and loneliness of the OFWs and their families and believes that strengthening the OFW families, strengthens the homes and the nation! Thus, this season’s theme of “Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation” does not just momentarily fit the issue of hour but is a timeless subject that cannot be bound by shackles so long as there are OFWs out there.

Scores of blogs and articles have been written about the subject in the past but it seems that the government authorities remain clueless of solutions and action plans to abate the increasing number of broken families.

We cannot wait and just rely on our government to come to rescue of the OFWs families in crisis. As Pinoy Expats and OFW bloggers, we have the moral obligation to help and encourage one another in our own little ways. What we blog and write about may encourage a fellow OFW or a fellow blogger to save his marriage from falling apart… it may help one to keep the family intact.

What can we do as bloggers? The PEBA 2010 Season opens with not just the OFWs and Pinoy expatriates writing about the OFW families but will be joining forces with local bloggers who, in one way or the other, have been influenced by OFWs in their lifetime. The support of the local bloggers who are sympathetic to the OFWs cause will have that exponential effect of reaching and educating up to the grassroots level.

PEBA calls on the bloggers to write and post about topics on strengthening the OFW families, and their being miles away from each other. Topics may include family communication, family gatherings, parent-child coaching and counseling, assistance and support in children’s homework and projects, conference meetings with family members, online contact with families, pointers on cheap communication, etc. PEBA calls on the bloggers to write about what they are doing to strengthen their families despite the distance and their absence from home. PEBA calls on the bloggers to share insights, ideas, pointers and how to express love for their spouses and children.

PEBA will not just be an organization that will give annual awards for exemplary blogs but it will proactively act on issues that will make difference in people's lives, especially the young children, and the OFW's and their families.

PEBA’s Call to our New Government Leaders and Private Sectors

OFWs are happy on the government’s appreciation of the billions of dollars that are remitted into the Philippine economy. Such acknowledgment must be placed in more concrete terms by giving more benefits and perks for the OFWs. Furthermore, PEBA calls on the new leaders to take a reality check on the OFWs and their families. PEBA calls on the government to take care and support the OFWs and their families by putting leaders – secretaries, labor attaches, consuls, and embassy officials who understand and are sympathetic to the plight of the migrant workers. Appoint new leaders who are mindful of the struggles and harsh realities in the life of OFWs and their families - leaders who have vision for the OFWs and their families.

To the private sectors that have benefitted from the sweat and blood of the OFWs remittances, PEBA calls on you to create and promote advocacy programs and projects and to fund social activities and values education workshops that will help strengthen the OFWs families.

The OFW is certainly a “hero” but behind the medals, gallantry and valor is a human, frail with flesh and blood and in want of a family life.

The sacrifices and hardships of the OFWs will always be there in order to fulfill their families’ dreams for a bright future. Those suffering should be worth it!

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PASAY CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL BATCH 78 GRAND REUNION

2010-07-06T18:13:00.002+03:00

It was a euphoric feeling as I received an invitation for my High School Batch 78 Reunion on its 32 jubilee which will be held on July 17 in our Alma mater grounds, Pasay City West High School.

As I browse our Facebook Alumni page, I cannot help but reflect on the people, places and events that made my experience at Pasay City West High Shool so memorable, that I wish I can take my annual holidays to attend and participate in this importat celebration of life, however being an OFW based in the Middle East, such desire will only remains as a "wish" filled with envy and sadness as I miss this important opportunity.

Pasay City West High School (Mataas na Paaralang Kanluran sa Lunsod ng Pasay) is one of our city's public school and continues to be one of the most competitive school since our time. And I'm proud that I was a product of this institution which have nurtured me during my learning years which have provided our batch a strong academic foundation and I am proud of the many successful paths of our batch mates have accomplished.

During my high school years, my Senior's academic performance was not totally impressive, because at that stage I was already a "Working Student" as a janitor in a grave yard shift in a Makati. But this does not prevent me to enjoy my high school life, and as I reminisce about the past, I would love to share some of it with you;

1. I was on my 2nd Year in school when I tried to join Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, but as the saying goes "many are called but few are chosen", and I got His message, God wants me to stay, enjoy and finish my studies in this Institution.

2. I learned to play snare drum, bugle and guitar during my Junior year. And during break and recess periods, I used to play guitar with my friends Noel under the "langka" tree, I guess this is where jamming started where we play the pop music like Hotel California (Eagles), Wandering (James Taylor), How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees), Panakip Butas (Hajji Alejandro) and The Way We Were and Kapalaran (Rico Puno).

3. I instantly become a superhero when I rescued my pretty classmate who suddenly collapsed in her chair during our music class where I scooped her unconcious fragile body into my arms and I run (I wish I could fly) & brought her to our school clinic. OMG she was the apple of the eyes among the guys during our time, and I feel six feet tall on that day as I say "Up, up and away".

4. Before graduation, I surprised my Garnet Section as I topped the NCEE as I score 92% beating the top students in my class where some exclaimed "unbelievable" and I replied 'ingit lang kayo"

My 4th Year Class Picture

I hope this reunion is the start of many gatherings for our alumni, as it provide an opportunities for us to personally reach out with our long lost friends and a step in healing the feeling of belonging and alienation we felt in one way or another with our fellow classmates. It will also serve as a venue for our batchmates to show our support to our Alma Mater that have once supported our dreams and aspirations, because Alumni play a significant role in the growth and well-being of Pasay City Wesh High School.

Like us, our Alma Mater continues to grow and evolve, and our time at PCWHS contributed to its growth and evolution. Although we may not be physically connected to the school, we will continue to be connected spiritually. This connection can be maintained through our Alumni page in Face Book.

But let me remind you that Facebook should not be taken as a substitute to alumni reunions, nothing can substitute the person-to-person warm pleasantries, group hugs, warm handshakes, the smiles and tears of joy and happiness. Let us be a "touch person", let's get out from our cocoon, and show your beautiful and colorful wings - let us be proud to be part of this Grand Reunion of our Batch 1978.

Kudos to our Reunion Coordinators, Dr. Manny Dayacap, Mr. Sandy Casten, Mr. Egay Calixto, Ms. Tussy Ramos, Ms. Evelyn Samaniego Abuck, Ms. Cecille Laya Vidal and Ms. Esper Arganoza Revaula for your dilligence in your pursuit to break down the "Long-Time-No-See" barriers by organizing this grand alumni reunion. I pray that may this be a successful event, and the experience be the most memorable and nostalgic homecoming reunion of our Alma Mater.

In The Midst Of The Storms

2010-07-02T07:25:00.002+03:00

"And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew." (Matthew 7:25)

The stories of rain, water and storms always make my heart pound as our resilience and faith have been tested over the years, amidst the fury and havoc of storms that pass our country. Behind every storm are stories of fear, grief, survival, courage, self sacrifice and heroism that leave their mark in the heart of every Filipino. They find God in the middle of all this chaos.

As Filipinos, we are no strangers to storms; and as Christians, throughout the Bible – you’ll be amazed that at various occasions - God made His presence felt through rain, water and storms.

>>> Follow this post in The Kablogs Journal's July issue's "celebration of life".

Happy Birthday To My Wife, Elinor

2010-06-22T22:41:00.001+03:00

In the early years of our marriage, I spent hours writing romantic messages in Hallmark cards, with my artistic hands at every stroke of my caligraphy pens I tried to put into words how I felt about you. with the help of postage stamps,it will embark on an average of 14 days journey across the seas until my message reaches our doorstep.

As time marched on, I tried to find the perfect words. Today, as my fingers find the rights thoughts across my keyboard ensuring every keys I press will put into words how I felt about you. with the click of the mouse or the ENTER key, this will be instanteously posted into the internet as my message will be transported and be visible in your monitor screen.

As you celebrate your birthday, I want to tell you how honored I am to have you in my life, despite the vast ocean that separate us at this special day, God's infinite wisdom has keep our hearts together.

I may not be able to give you a birthday gift but I hope with this post, my message of love can reach your heart. This LOVE maybe too small a word to convey what I feel for you, but it has served as glue that binds us together, that sealed and kept our family together for years.

You're the reason for sweet yesterdays, and my promise for tomorrow. May today, 23rd June, 2010 be filled with love, understanding, and contentment as you journey through life with me... HAPPY BIRTHDAY... MY WIFE AND MY LIFE, ELINOR.

He Never Gives Up On You

2010-06-22T10:15:00.001+03:00

I find it craziness...
To hate all roses, because you got scratched by one thorn.
To give up all your dreams, because one did not come true.
To lose faith in prayers, because one was not answered.

Totally madness...
To give up on your efforts, because one of them failed.
To condemn all your friends, because one of them betrayed.
Not to believe in love, because someone was unfaithful.

Remember that Life is Beautiful,
another chance will come up.
A new hope, A new friend, A new love, A new life.

Never give up on anything!
Because God never gives up on you...

In fact, He has already done so much for YOU.

Note: Image was snipped from flickr.com uploaded by ://maraculio

OFW Dads - Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T00:52:00.001+03:00

To all the Filipino fathers in the world who have taken the road to Diaspora and braved the biting wind of loneliness, our Government has exulted you as "Modern Day Heroes", while your children have looked upon you as "Men of Steel" and traditionally you are commonly referred to as "haligi ng tahanan (house foundation)".

However, behind those machismo beliefs - the large chest, bulky muscles strong and calloused hands; these "manly" body structure cannot contain the tears running down from the men's eyes cascading to their cheeks and the muffled cry that they tried to contain during the still of the night where the faceless "homesickness" strikes unexpectedly. When everybody sleeps, or alone in the cold room, the men in shining armour shed tears too as they realized how many special events and occasions they have missed, their kids baptism, first walks, annual birthdays, first communion and graduations... enough to bring the "Man of Steel" sobbing in tears as the emotional anguish of men is unmeasurable as they hide those tears of sadness from their family and with cracking voice - they talk to them on the telephone, or thru internet or snail mail, they always tell their wife and children - with firm voice and with assurance that "I AM OKAY", even though you they're not.

Driven by their determination to fight poverty by trading loneliness for econimc gain in the hope of bringing brighter future to their family, their sacrifices as OFW Dads are priceless, they are not just heroes, but super heroes - you are Super Dads who plays bigger role in nation building and have been an inspiration to your proud family back home. And most of you have made our country known in evey part of this world, you are an ambassador in your own right and an evangelist too as you bring your religious faith in the foreign lands.

TO ALL THE OFW FATHERS, DADS, AMA, ITAY and TATAY and LOLO... HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, I look forward in the coming days when you reunite with your children and wife.

MALIGAYANG ARAW SA LAHAT NG MGA AMANG OFW, BAYANI KA!

Maligayang Araw Ama

2010-06-18T19:07:00.001+03:00

Dear Tatay,

Tanging ang mga masasaya mong ala-ala ay walang sawa kong binabalik-balikan, sa kabila ng aking murang kaisipan at hindi ko malililimutan. Kung saan ako ay lagi mong kinakarga sa iyong mga balikat, o kaya'y isinasakay sa iyong likuran.

Ang bawat mga dapit hapon mula sa pasimano ng ating bintana habang pinagmamasdan ko ang paglubog ng araw at ang pinananabikan iyong pagdating mula sa iyong pinagtatrabahuan at pansamantala tangan ko ang paris ng iyong sinelas para isuot sa pagod mong mga paa. Samantala si Inay ay abala sa pagluluto ng manok na tinola.

At sa tuwing araw ng sweldo ay di mo nakakalimutan, na kami ni Ina't Ate ay laging pasalubungan, sorbetes na nasa galon na lata at espesyal na ensaymada, sa ating hapag kainin ay ating pinagsasaluhan.

Subalit maikli man ang panahon na iyong ibinahagi sa amin, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako at ikaw ay ipinahiram sa'min ng Maykapal. Sapat na iyon upang habang buhay kang mamalagi sa aming puso't isipan.

Sa bawa't pag-aalala ko sa aking mga anak, ngaun ko nararamdaman ang pag-aalala mo rin sa akin nung ako ay bata pa, sa bawa't oras na pagbahagi ko ng pagmamahal sa aking anak, ay napagtanto ko rin na ganito rin ang pagmamahal iyong nararamdaman sa amin.

Saan ka man naruruon ngayon Tatay, alam kong masaya ka sa piling ni Nanay, walang gutom, pagod at karamdaman na nararamdaman. Subalit huwag mo namang madaliin na ako'y makasama sa Paraiso na iyong kinalalagyan dahil nais ko pang makasama ang aking pamilya para mapaglingkuran, dahil alam kong sila'y mahal mo rin.

Itay, Happy Father's Day !!!

Nagmamahal mong anak,

Boy

Happy "Tatay" Day sa lahat mga ama at magiging ama.

Paunawa - ang larawan ilan sa mga piling larawan na kuna ni Sarolazmi mula sa flickr.com

KABLOGS - PEBA Forum

2010-06-15T15:56:00.001+03:00

Para sa nalalapit na Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards at sa patuloy na pagdami ng sumusuporta sa KaBlogs, muling naghahandog ang inyong lingkod ng isang tambayan kung saan ang lahat ay may kalayaan sa kani-kanilang opinyon...

Isang tambayan kung saan ang lahat ng bagay ay maaaring pag-usapan, pagkwentuhan, pagtsismisan, o pagdebatehan...

Isang tambayan kung saan magkakasama-sama ang lahat, magkakakilanlan at muli magkakaisa sa hangaring kabutihan para sa kababayan.

Muli, inihahandog namin sa lahat ng OFW/Expat, saang sulok ka man ng mundo ang isang tambayan.

click the image to register in the forum

Paunawa: Ang original na artikulo ay matatagpuan na naka-poste sa Kablogs at Dungeon Lord

Kalayaan, Paano Ba Kita Mararamdaman?

2010-06-10T15:14:00.001+03:00

Ika 12 ng Hunyo, isang daan at labing dalawang taon ang nakaraan, mula isang bintana ng balkonahe ay magugunita na iwinagayway ni Hen. Emilio Aguinaldo ang watawat ng Pilipinas bilang hudyat ng kalayaan ng ating bansa mula sa pagkaka-alipin sa mga banyaga.

Isang daan at labing dalawang taon ang nakaraan, halos 10 Milyong Pilipino ang nasa mga bansang bayaga, nakikipagsapalaran, naghahanap ng kalutasan upang makalaya sa kahirapan at kakulangan ng hanapbuhay sa sariling Bayan.

Kalayaan sa kahirapan ang aming ipinaglalaban, nilisan ang sariling bayan, pamilya’y isinaalang-alang upang maitaguyod ang kanilang kinabukasan na ipinagkait ng ating sariling pamahalaan.

Kalayaan, paano ba maging tunay na malaya kung ang Saligang Batas ay dinadalahura sa bulwagan ng Kongreso at ang Freedom of Information Act ay binaliwala ng mga Kongersista na sariling bulsa ang tanging pinatataba.

Kalayaan paano ba maging tunay na malaya, kung ang sigaw ng katarungan ay hindi napapakinggan, at ang tinatawag na hustisya ay sadyang may kinikilingan, tila mas pinapaburan ang mga taong may pera at may impluwensya sa Korte Suprema.

Kalayaan, paano ba maging malaya, kung sa iyong sariling tahanan ikaw ay laging kinakabahan, na anumang oras baka ikaw ay pagnakawan, kaya’t pinto ay laging sarado, may bantay ka pang aso at lagi kang armado.

Kalayaan, paano ba maging malaya, kung ang salitang kalayaan ay laging pinaguusapan sa pagitan ng mga NPA at pamahalaan. Paano mo makikita ang sinasabing kalayaan kung ang mga taga-Mindanao ay laging nasa gitna ng digmaan.

Kalayaan, paano ba maging malaya, kung ang Sandatahang Lakas ay laging nagbabanta sa pag-aaklas at kudeta. Paano ba maging malaya, kung ang Kongreso ay laging aligaga sa pagbabago ng Saligang Batas, isang paraan upang manatili sa puwesto at patuloy na mapagnakawan ang kaban ng bayan.

Kalayaan, paano ba maging malaya, kung kaming mga mangagawa na nasa ibang bansa’y takot na bumalik sa sariling Lupa. Tila ang salitang kalayaan ay para sa iilan lang, sa mga elitista, politiko at pawang mayayaman? At ang mga mahihirap at mangmang ay pinagsasamantalaha’t pinaglalaruan.

Kalayaan, mula sa aking kapanganakan tunay kitang kinasasabikan, sa pagsasalin ng kapangyarihan sa bagong pamahalaan, nawa’y sa mga susunod na taon, ang tunay na kalayaan ikaw ay maramdaman ng aking Bayan.

Note: Image snipped from flickr.com, uploaded by Meljoe San Diego

Kabayan, Migrant's Workers Day Pala Ngayun

2010-06-07T17:04:00.001+03:00

Iisang mukha, di maipagkakaila, sila ang aking laging nakikita sa tuwing katapusan ng bawa't buwan, sa kahabaan ng pila, sapat na ang tanguan kasabay sa pagtaas ng aking dalawang kilay kasama ang isang matipid na ngit na tila nagsasabing "Kamusta ka kabayan".

Bagama't hindi ko man sila nakikilala kanilang mga pangalan, tuwing sa oras ng padalahan sila ang aking kahuntahan, kwentuhan o kangitian habang nag-aabang sa pila upang makapag-padala ng remittance sa aming mga pamilya.

Hapos 40 minuto na akong nakatayo, mahaba pa ang pila, walong katao pa ang nasa aking harapan bago ako humantong sa counter ng padalahan. At aking nilingon ang pila mula sa aking likuran, halos 10 pang katao ang sumusuod sa akin.

Tinitiyak ko ganito rin ang mga kaganapan sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo, mga lahing kayummanggi, nakapila sa iba't ibang remmitance centers upang magpadala ng pera sa mga naiwang pamilya sa Pilipinas. Mas kilala sila sa tawag na OFW, pero para sa pamahalaan sila'y hinihirang na "Bagong Bayani" dahil sa pagsulong ng ekonomiya ng ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng buwanang remittance kanilang ipinapadala.

Ngayon, ika-7 ng Hunyo, itinakda ng pamahalaan ang araw na ito bilang "Migrant Worker's Day" sa ilalim ng tema na "OFWs: Tagumpay sa Hamon ng Panahon, Kaagapay sa Pagsulong”.

Habang nag-aabang ako sa pila, di ko mapigil na banggitin ang balitang ito sa lalaking nasa aking unahan, "Kabayan, Migrant Workers Day pala ngaun bilang pagkilala ng pamahalaan sa ating kabayanihan."

"Wag mong pinag-iintindi yan brod, naka-isip na naman ang pamahalaan ng pagkakagastusan at baka pagkakitaan pa nila tayo sa pagdiriwang na 'yan. Sa halip na makatulong sila sa atin, lahat ng puedeng pagkakitaan sa OFW ginagawa nila, pero serbisyong tutuo ng gobyerno sa OFW di mo maramdaman", tugon nya sa akin.

Di ko namalayan na tumatango ang ulo ko bilang pagsang-ayon sa kanyang mga sinabi, may katotohanan, sa mga OFW di nila alintana ang anumang papuri ng pamahalaan kung hindi naman nila nararamdaman ang pagbabago ng estado ng ating bayan. Gaano nga ba kahalaga ang mga papuri na ito sa bawa't OFW na abala sa pagtatrabaho habang pinaglalabanan ang di masukat na pagsubok at kalungkutan na malayo sa mga mahal sa buhay.

Habang pinagmamasdan ko ang aking kaharap na iniaabot ang kanyang pera at lumang resibo sa counter ay marahan nyang binigkas ang isang katanungang - "Matatanggap ba ito agad ng pamilya ko bukas?"

"Makakaasa kayo Sir, bukas puede ng ma-withdraw yan ng pamilya ninyo sa Pilipinas", narinig kong bigkas ng teller at ilang saglit, lumisan ang aking kabayan na may ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. Sapat na katugunan sa kanyang katanungan upang mapawi ang pagod sa pagtatrabaho at mahabang pila - mas higit pa sa papuring inihahanda ng pamahalaan sa kanya.

May Nag-Teks

2010-06-03T20:07:00.002+03:00

Sa pagnanais kong magkaruon ng mas malawak na komunikasyon sa aking pamilya sa Pilipinas, minabuti kong bumili ng Smart Buddy Prepaid SIM ngayong umaga para sa Roaming facility na naipagkakaloob nito sa mga OFW na katulad ko.

Mula sa isang shop sa Souk ay nakabili ako ng Smart Buddy SIM sa halagang QR15.00 (P185.00). Pinagmasdan ko ang pakete, binusisi ang panlabas na anyo niyo, selyado at may nakasulat ang mga katagang "SMART PINOY SIM, Ang SIM para sa Overseas Pinoy".

Maingat kong inilagay ang Smart SIM Card sa aking selpon at ibinalik ang baterya at takip at ini-'ON' ko ang selpon. Masusing pinagmamasdan ko ang 'screen' ng aking selpon at napangiti ako ng lumabas mula sa mukha ng aking selpon ang mga salitang "SMART Buddy" na nangangahulugan na maayos na gumagana. Inilapag ko ang selpon pansamantala upang alamin mula sa pakete ang numero ng aking Smart SIM subalit wala pang ilang segundo ay tumunog ang selpon, "may nag-teks".

Sino kaya ang aking unang texter, may pagkasabik kong dinampot muli ang selpon, ang text ay mula sa di ko kilalang numero "09284646289" at ito ang mensahe:

Congratulations! your SIM no. Had won (950,000) thru electronic raffle draw fr:PHILIPPINES charity foundationw/ Banko Sentral ng Philipinas "Handog pangkabuhayan to claim your prize.! call me now.! i'm Vergilio M. Perez frm BSP info. Dpt Per-DTI#3920 series of 2010

Dali-dali rin akong nag-text sa kanya, at ito ang kasagutan ko -

Mr. Perez, maraming salamat sa inpromasyong inyong ipinagkaloob, ipagpaumanhin mo kung di mo ako makakausap ng personal dahil sa aking pagiging abala. Ang aking napanalunang salapi na iyong nabanggit ay aking ikagagalak kung maipagkakaloob mo sa Bantay Bata Foundation ang halagang 900,000 at ang natitirang 50,000 ay ipinagkakaloob ko sa iyo bilang balato - ang iyong Ninong Milyonaryo.

Ikaw, gusto mo bang makibahagi sa susunod kong swerte? Iwanan mo lang ang pangalan sa aking comment box matapos basahin ang blog na ito at maaring sa iyo ko ipagkaloob ang aking mapapanalunan at huwag kalimutan na ako'y ipagdasal na sana sa aki'y laging may mag-teks.

Tiyan Na Kumakalam O Kaisipang Uhaw sa Kaalaman?

2010-05-30T23:43:00.001+03:00

Edukasyon, gaano ka ba kahalaga sa buhay ng bawa't Pilipino? Ilang ulit na sinasabi ng bawa't magulang na pilit iginagapang ang pag-aaral ng kanilang mga anak ang mga salitang: "Anak, mag-aral kang mabuti, dahil ang edukasyon ay ang tanging maipamamana namin sa iyo".

May kasabihan pa nga na, "Ang edukasyon ay bagay na hindi maaring manakaw sa iyo". At may isang politiko na nagbanggit sa kanyang plataporma na "Kung may isang "college graduate" sa bawa't pamilya ay di maghihirap ang bansang Pilipinas". At may ilang talata rin na nagsasabing "Ang edukasyon ang susi sa kahirapan".

Kung pawang may katotohanan ito, bakit patuloy na nagiging kalunos-lunos ang estado ng edukasyon sa ating bansa. Hindi na kailangan suriin pa ang mga datos upang imulat sa katohanan ang sambayanan kung saan tila ang salitang edukasyon ay para sa mga taong may pera lamang.

Pinagtitibay ng ating saligang batas mula sa Malolos Constitution ang pagbibigay ng kahalagahan sa karapatang pantao ng bawa't mamamayan na bigyan ng pamahalaan ng libreng edukasyon ang bawa't mamamayan.

Sa pampublikong paraalan ako nakapagtapos, 1968, Unang Baitang ko sa paaralan ay halos 25 mag-aaral lamang kami. sa pagtatapos ko sa Mataas na Paaralan, 1978, halos 40 lang kaming mag-aaral. Ngayun di bababa sa 80 estudyante ang magsasama-sama sa bawa't section, ang iba ay umaabot pa ng 100 mag-aaral. Isang malaking hamon sa mga guro ang pagtuturo sa ganito kalaking bilang ng mag-aaral,

Subalit mapalad ang mga paaralan na may hustong bilang ng guro at bayaning tunay ang mga gurong mas pinili na magsilbi sa bayan na sa halip na mangibang bansa sa kabila ng napakababang pasahod na ibinibigay ng pamahalaan. Subalit hanggang kailan magtitis ang mga bayaning gurong tulad nila, paano kung magising sila at tanggapin ang hamon ng pangingibang bayan dahil sa kawalan ng pag-asa mula sa pamahalaan.

Ang UP at PUP na pawang mga state Universities para sa mga tinatawag na Eskolar ng Bayan ay nais pang bawasan ng pamahalaan ang subsidiya, masisisi mo ba ang mga estudyanteng maging radikal laban sa pamahalaan. Sabi nga ni Gat Jose Rizal, "Kabataan ang pag-asa ng Bayan" pero ano ang maasahan sa kabataan na pinagkakaitan natin ng pagkakataong makapag-aral, di ba ninanakawan na natin sila ng kinabukasan?

Masisisi mo ba ang mga magulang na patigilin ang kanilang mga anak sa pag-aaral? Pampublikong paaralan nga subalit kailangan magbayad ng matrikula, magsuot ng uniprome, bumili ng sapatos na balat at goma, libro at ilang kagamitan, baon sa araw-araw, walang katapausang school projects, kontribusyon sa kung anu anong pagkakagastusan sa paaralan.

Di ko maisip ang hapdi sa puso ng mga magulang na makita ang kanilang mga anak na hindi makakapag-aral sa pagbubukas ng paaralan ngayong Hunyo. Walang magulang na nais makita ang kanilang anak na hindi makapag-aral.

Tutuo, ang edukasyon ay susi sa kahirapan, subalit kapag sumapit ang pagkakataon na ikaw ay pamiliin para sa iyong mga anak, ano ang iyong uunahin, palamanan ang tyan na kumakalam o ang kaisipan na nauuhaw sa kaalaman. Subukan nating mag-aral ng walang laman ang tiyan, baka matagpuan natin ang kasagutan sa kanilang katanungan.

Note: The image was snipped from flickr.com, uploaded by kamalayan

The Pope's Not Ready To Say "Adeiu"

2010-05-26T12:32:00.002+03:00

Holding On

Since April, my blogging energy has come to its lowest level, with only 8 posts during the last 2 months.After 16 months of blogging with 237 posts, I have reached to the point that I felt my mind was a dry sponge and I just feel tired of blogging for no reason at all. I guess I am suffering from a blogger burnout. According to Eric Brantner, the following are the tell-tale signs of a blogger burnout:

• You haven’t posted in a couple of weeks—The first symptom of Blogger’s Burnout is a decrease in posting frequency. It starts with going from 3 posts a week to 2 a week. Then to 1. Then to 1 every couple of weeks. Take note of any significant declines in your posting frequency as they could be a sign of bigger things to come.

• Writing a blog post feels like a chore—When you first start blogging, you can’t wait to sit down at the keyboard and share your thoughts with the world. After a while though, blogging starts to go from fun and exciting to annoying and tiring. Whenever blogging starts to feel like something you’re forced to do, Blogger’s Burnout has struck.

• You’re all out of ideas—Stop me if you've heard this one before. You open up a Word document to write a post, and before you know it, an hour has passed by without you writing a single word. All bloggers get a case of writer’s block on occasion, and if you don’t handle it properly, a temporary case of writer’s block can turn into permanent Blogger’s Burnout.

Well, all those signs are present in me right now, but I won't allow this syndrome consumes my blog that will eventually bring Palipasan to its demise. The Pope is not prepared to die in virtuality... there are still so many things that hums in my mind that I need to blog and so many blogging friends that I really care about who have shared a part of their lives that brought inspiration, tears and laughter and lessons in my life.

Right now, I need to stop my mañana habit and reduce my FB online games... shhhh my pet Kutkut in Petville and my resto in Cafe World... sorry neighbors I have to reduce my playing schedule - I admit that have not outgrown my PC gaming habit but I don't want to give up my blog, for obvious reason - to me my blog is a labor of love, a timeless endeavor that allows me to vent about whatever on my mind.

Mr. Burnout, you're a loser, I am not giving up my blog that easy, The Pope's not ready to say "adeiu".

Note: The image was snipped from flickr.com, uploaded by looking through your eyes

Faith

2010-05-17T22:33:00.002+03:00

When you come to the edge of all the light you know,

and are about to step off into the darkness of unknown;

Have faith in yourself.

Faith is knowing one of two things will happen -
There will be something solid to stand on,
or you will be taught how to fly.

Always remember - faith conquers fear.
And Life won't be Beautiful if you loses your faith.

Image snipped from flickr.com, uploaded by .I Travel East.

Sailing Through The Storms

2010-05-12T20:49:00.002+03:00

God enabled us to sail through all winds of the storm…

Winds that bring sickness, tragedy, failure,

and disappointment in our lives.

We can soar above the storm.

Remember, it is not the burdens of life

that weigh us down;

It is how we handle them.

I Was Hacked

2010-05-10T18:33:00.001+03:00

My Facebook account has been hacked this morning. Anybody who will be asking money in my behalf, PLEASE IGNORE!

The hacker was able to access my Facebook account, changed my login email and password and unfortunately the hacker was also able to get access to my Yahoo account because of identical password i am using on both account.

The hacker have send chat messages to all my Facebook and Yahoo friends and contacts and attempted to tell fictitious stories that i need money for some emergencies trying to make it appear that I need to borrow money from unsuspecting victims from the amount of 5,000 pesos to 5,000 dollars.

My pamangkin residing in Pasay City has been victimized this morning, she was duped of 5,000 pesos after the hacker used my YM and told her that I am borrowing money to help a my friend living in Cebu City. The hacker informed my niece to send the 5,000 pesos money through Western Union only under the name of JOE MIRANDA.

I just learned about this hacking incident tis morning after receiving a call from my blogging friend Kenjie for suspecting that my FB and Yahoo account was hacked because he received an alleged message that I was in trouble and trying to borrow 5K DOLLARS.

HOW IT STARTED

This morning, 4:20 am Doha Time, I was checking my emails and I was logged in at my Facebook account, a certain "Let Ching" appears from my FB chat box, and I assume that this "Let Ching" from California is my classmate in PCWHS batch 78, the conversation goes:

LET CHING

   "Let Ching" : Nakaboto ka na ba?
    Me            : Tapos na, 2 weeks ago pa
   "Let Ching" : Anak mo ba itong si Gee
    Me            : Oo
   "Let Ching" : Kaya pala, kamukha mo, hahaha, Puede ko ba sya i-add sa FB friend ko?
    Me            : Uuwi ka ba sa reunion natin?
   "Let Ching" : Hindi, ikaw?
    Me            : Hindi, neks year pa bakasyon ko
   "Let Ching" : Naka online ba ang anak mo ngaun?
    Me            : Hindi, tulog pa iyon ngaun, late na kasi kung matulog yun.
   "Let Ching" : Ano ba ang name ng anak mo?
    Me            : Geeka
   "Let Ching" : May roaming ka ba?
    Me            : Wala, sige na maliligo na ako, 5:00 am na at late na ako sa trabaho.
    ///end of our conversation///

I suspect that after I had a conversation with the hacker and after I have logged off from my FB account, it give him the opportunity to gain access to my FB account and after 20 minutes the hacker has started conversation with her first victime,

The hacker's first victim was my pamangkin, 4:40 am Doha Time, the hacker was already chatting with my pamangkin, telling her na I need to help my friend in Cebu, etc. etc. and if she can lend some money to my namesake... later in their flow of conversation my daughter's name was mentioned by the hacker quoting what we have discussed mentioning it to my pamangkin that my daughter is still sleeping and have she's not yet logged sa FB, and the hacker said also, "sige na, maliligo pa ako, 5:00 am na at late na ako sa trabaho.

IT SPREADS LIKE FIRE

All my contacts in both Yahoo and Facebook were contacted by the hacker, trying to dupe them. Unfortunately, the same hacker was able to gain access to my another relative's account sa FB at Yahoo who is in list too, it was a nightmare. Yung pamangkin ko na nagpadala na ng 5k ay kinulit pa ulit ng hacker and asking her na dagdagan pa iyong hinihiram to make it total 14K.

Yung mga kasama ko sa work pati mga anak nila, mga blogging friends ko around the word, the circle of friends of our family.... they have been contacted and were tried to be duped, I am really sorry for any inconveniences it have caused you.

My family has already reported this matter to the authorities in Manila DILG and PNP offices and we are hoping that we could find a trace of this perpetrator of this cyber crime. I have also informed the Facebook administrator on this hacking incident.

I pray that this incident will come to an end, and I reiterate my sympathy to my dear friends and relatives who were disturbed but was able to sense a possible hacking scam, and my heart goes to my unsuspecting pamangkin who lost her treasured 5K pesos (which she keeps for the school matriculation of her children), and I would like to thank my Blogging friends, Kenjie of Thoughtskoto and Charlie of Dungeon Lord for warning our blogging friends through their simultaneous posts in the internet, to Jee, Deth, Azel, Bhing, Rio who have circulated the hacking news through various chat platforms, I owe you so much, pautang naman HAHAHAHA (canned laughter)

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, and to my hacker, in case you are still reading this e-mail too, you can run away from me, and you can run away from my friends, but you cannot run far from Christ, may you God forgive your sin.

And thank you Lord for today's trial, I just learned that there are things which could go wrong unexpectedly as it opened my eyes that I am not totally in control of everything that I need to hold your hand tightly and rely in your guidance and making me realized Your greatness for showering me with wonderful people, my friends who have helped - called, blogged and chat with me in this trying time. Thank you Lord.

MY FACEBOOK AND YM MESSENGER WERE HACKED

2010-05-10T10:51:00.002+03:00

Please be informed that both of my Yahoo and Facebook accounts were hacked. I just learned it this morning though my friend Kenji that someone is using my account and using my namesake, GEORGE BABIANO sending offiline messages either thru FB and YM borrowing or soliciting money.

PLEASE IGNORE such messages, and I have not authorized any of my family in my behalf to borrow money from my friends and relatives. I never borrow money through e-mails chat and other internet media site.

This morning, I asked my daughter to send an email to all my contacts in my Yahoo account to warn them of this cyber crime and she was able to send warning to all. But now I cannot access my Yahoo account too.

My niece in the Philippines has been duped for 5,000 pesos, it was too late to warn her.

I am sorry for the inconveniences that it have caused to my friends and relatives. We are now coordinating with the DILG office to track the hacker who seems to be operating from the Philippines and I'll keep you posted for any development. Thank you to Kenjie of Kablogs and LordCM of Dungeon Lord for informing our friends of the potential threat.

You may get in touch with me at my new email at popishpope@yahoo.com or you may contact me at my mobile number at 0974-5640624.

Sometimes there are dark clouds ahead of us, but Life will still be Beautiful.

Celebrate Labor Day With Optimism

2010-05-01T07:50:00.001+03:00

Today, we pay tribute to the generations of men and women, the tremendous contributions and sacrifices of workers who keep our nation standing in the midst of economic crisis and political upheavals. Let us look back to the struggles of our labor leaders who have taken the front line - who have organized, marched, went on strike, and even sacrificed their lives that resulted to a strong labor unions and subsequently conclusions of CBAs for guaranteed salary increases and better working conditions.

Let us remember the great labor leaders of our land, whose voices echoed from the foot of Mendiola bridge to the streets EDSA, the unparalleled contribution of Ka Felix Olalia that has inspired millions of peasant workers for his pro-democracy struggle during the dark era of Dictatorship. Let us also acknowledge the success of respected labor leaders who have invaded the plenaries of Senate and Congress - Ernesto Herrera and Crispin Beltran; and let us acknowledge the icon of Labor Code of the Philippines, Ka Blas Ople, who obtained recognition from the ILO and created the POEA and OWWA.

But the battle for reform is not over, still a large working population of our society has been deprived of their right to organize, they are the contractual workers of our society who are abused, exploited and manipulated by entrepreneurs and industrialists who own the popular shopping malls, food chains and factories which are favored and protected by the elite and the people in power. Thousands of OFWs are languishing in jails, holed in the Embassies, and unaccounted numbers of abused and exploited domestic helpers and women OFWs and migrant workers who are victims of human smuggling and illegal recruitment.

This labor day, let us look with optimism and with the coming National Election, we are given a chance to change the future of our families, the future of our workers and the future of our nation. Let us examine the credentials of the presidential, VP and Senatorial candidates and let us look for leaders who are incorruptible, God fearing and who has a meaningful reforms that can create business confidence, invite new investments, ensure better job opportunities and protect workers rights.

We need a new leader that can represent the voices of our 10 million OFWs worldwide, a leader that will protect the flight of our migrant workers whose monthly remittances has resuscitated our dying economy. With full confidence, I am endorsing Ms. Susan "Toots" Ople, former Labor Undersecretary, an active advocate of Migrant Workers and protector of the OFW. Toots Ople, the daughter of late Blas Ople is a Senatorial hopeful, No. 38 in the COMELEC official ballot sheet - let us give our vote of hope to Susan so she may continue her advocacies for the Migrant Workers and let our voices be heard in the plenaries of Senate, let us vote SUSAN "TOOTS" OPLE, No. 38 for Senator.

Susan Ople (left) as key speaker and supporter of PEBA

"Let Susan Ople’s name rise to the Senate from the votes of the OFW (Kenjie Solis)"

I Have Cast My Vote Of Hope

2010-04-29T21:13:00.006+03:00

It was 11:00 a.m. as I stand outside the polling precinct, the specter of voters, political parties' and PPRCV representatives is nowhere in sight. There were no underpaid teachers and COMELEC representative too. Instead, an Embassy staff welcomes me with a warm smile as I present my Voter's ID - I AM AN OAV VOTER.

With the old-fashioned technology, I was handed with the ballot sheet neatly folded and I was directed to the vacant chairs that awaits me in the comfortable air conditioned room of the Embassy designated as Voting Cell.

As I took my seat, I carefully opened and spread the ballot sheet, where I need to manually write the names of my selected candidates on the lines provided, this is far from the GMA-7's Sexbomb Girls' music video entitled Bilog na "Hugis Itlog" which shows a ballot sheets with pre-printed names of official 2010 candidates. This time I need the aid of my "kodiko", a piece of paper that contains my preferred candidates that I have personally chosen over the past two weeks guided by my conscience, faith and political belief.

I started filling the ballot sheet with my Senatorial bet as I glance on my "kodiko", women senatorial hopefuls top my list, Susan 'Toots' Ople, Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Yasmin Lao and Sonia Rocco. Next was Frank Drillon, the only seasoned legislator in my list followed by new and young senatorial hopefuls who were less popular to the masses, among them is Ruffy Biazon, Alex Lacson and Neric Acosta.

For my Presidential bet, it was a difficult choice, I was looking for a candidate that is God fearing, incorruptible, well educated and a no-trapo image in the political arena which leads me to choose between Noynoy and Gordon. But the center stage was set between Villar, Erap and Noynoy - this dictates me to give my vote of confidence to NOYNOY AQUINO, despite being underrated for his performance in the Senate, I believe that Noynoy can lead our nation to be a less corrupt nation and with MAR ROXAS for my chosen VP.

As I cast my vote through the provided OAV brown ballot box, I pray that may the new proclaimed leaders of our land be our new Moses and Aaron of our time, may they lead us to the end of the dark tunnel of poverty, hunger and corruption.

As leave the Embassy compound, my heart is filled with pride and enthusiasm; and with a grinning smile I look at my finger nails - clean and free from indelible ink, being an OAV really makes a difference.

When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. He must be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not a brother Israelite. The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, “You are not to go back that way again.” He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel. (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)

The Fabric of My Life

2010-04-24T10:19:00.001+03:00

After 21 days of hiatus, returning to Palipasan is not an easy start. I find it difficult to gather my thoughts to begin my story in a nutshell as I was s previously confined within the four walls of my job that seems more like a jail as I spend long hours examining voluminous technical publications and records of the newly delivered Italian helicopters in Doha.

And returning to my blogging world is a little bit frustrating, it seems that after my mind has taken a deep dive into the ocean of numerical and numbers, sitting in my desktop - my mind seems to be rusty as I stare on the blank compose window of my blog. It's like returning to an abandoned home with the intention of cleaning it up and I don't know which room to start.

But after a couple of minutes, I once again discovered my touch as my fingers find its way through my keyboard as it put into words the thoughts that continuously flows from my mind.

And I would like to take this opportunity to thank my blogging friends who have anonymously visited my site during my hiatus period especially to MarcoPaolo of AJosMSL, Ms. FaYe of My Life in Holland and Fiel-kin of Fiel-kun's Thoughts for leaving heart-warming note in my shout box. To those who have requested ex-links, I'll try to visit your sites soonest, thank you so much.

After hiatus break, I realized that we are indeed connected, you - me, and everyone who have left their mark in this site, our connection grows and the unique YOU continues to come to life. As I look into Palipasan as a piece of fabric, each one of YOU - either an anonymous visitor or regular blogging friend - you are a unique pattern that continues to evolve everyday.

You are the threads that continuous to grow in my site, you are the life fabric of my blog because your presence continue to help me weave new colors and patterns to my own fabric of life.

I bounce back to life writing new blog, I hope that I could add new colors and textures to your own fabrics of lives too.

Image snipped from flicker.com - uploaded by cazratz

A New Beginning This Easter, The Kablogs Journal

2010-04-04T22:38:00.012+03:00

As we join the rest of the Christian world in the celebration of Easter, on Jesus Christ's triumph over sin, and we take joy in spending this special time with family and friends and reflecting on the many blessings that fill our lives. During this season of renewal, let us come together and give thanks to the Almighty who made us in His image and redeemed us in His love

In our journey towards Easter, we have gathered some of our Kablogs' best blogging authors, men and women of talents and skills - Nebz Bandiez (Isla de Nebz), Janelle Vales (The Pink Tarha), Azel Venerable (Panunumbalik ng Ulirat), Doc RJ Pagoto (The Chook-Minder's Quill) and Nalen Aguilar (Manilenya) who have collectively agreed to voluntarily share their time, talents and skills in one collaborative blog in bringing hopes and inspirations to our Kablogs members and the general Global Filipinos worldwide.

Today, as we discover Easter's wonderful and humbling invitation for new hope and new life, we at Kablogs is proud to announce the launching of our maiden issue of our first online magazine - THE KABLOGS JOURNAL, a celebration of a new beginning and a new hope dedicated to the OFW bloggers.

As we strive to bring you a better and worth reading articles which resonates our Global Filipinos values and aspirations, we invite you to join us at The Kablogs Journal's maiden journey, follow us and be part of our "Fellowship of Bloggers" - share your talents, your ideas and comments & suggestions to further improve the contents and the quality of our new site, this is your site - The Kablogs Journal.

This Easter Season, let's enjoy the Easter spring at:
thekablogsjournal [dot] blogspot [dot] com

Please bear with me as I temporarily closed my comment box and encouraged you to visit, explore the pages, read and direct your comments on various articles of your favorite blog authors on The Kablogs Journal. You might please take a glance and spend some minute of your time to read my column article entitled "A Journey in Faith" as I share with you my Easter reflection - "The Tomb Is Empty".

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Ano Ba ang Kahulugan ng Easter Sa Iyo?

2010-04-03T15:13:00.003+03:00

Hinubog ako ng aking namayapang Ina sa lumang tradisyon sa paggunita ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay ni Kristo. Sa tuwing Byernes Santo, sa pagsapit ng alas tres ng hapon, pinagbabawalan na kaming maglaro sa lansangan ng aming mga magulang, higit pa dyan di ka na puedeng maligo hangga;t hindi sumasapit ang Domingo de Gloria. Isang matandang kaugaliaan na kapag ikaw ay nasugatan sa panahon ng Mahal na Araw ay baka ito ay hindi gumaling lalo pa't patay si Kristo. At kung magiging matigas ang ulo'y tatawagin kang 'hudyo' ng mga nakatatanda. Ang panahon ng pagninilay ay iginugugol sa pagbisita Iglesya, panunuod ng senakulo at penitensya, panunuod ng Ten Commandments na hatid sa black and white TV.

Ang kapistahan ng pagkabuhay ay may hatid na kasiyahan sa aking pagkabata dahil ito ang panunumbalik ng aming muling pagligo sa banyo, malayang paglalaro sa lansangan, at panunumbalik ng mga normal na palabas sa telebisyon. Maari na muling maghabulan sa larong patintero at taguan, muling magtawanan at maghalakhakan na walang sumusuway o tumatawag sa amin na Hudyo.

Subalit ang ala-ala ng Muling Pagkabuhay sa aking kamusmusan ay higit pa sa paglalaro, dahil ito ang sama-sama naming pagsisimba at mula rito ay nagtutungo kami sa Roxas Blvd. upang maligo sa malinis na tubig dagat sa harap ng Redemtorist Church ng Baclaran o dili kaya'y mamamasyal sa Luneta para sa isang salu-salo sa luntiang damong bermuda nito, o kaya'y pamamasyal sa Avenida o sa Downtown ng Maynila.

Ngayon, nabahiran na ng komersyolismo ang tinatawag nating Easter. Wala na ang pagtitipon tipon ng pamilya sa pagdiriwang, iilan na lang din ang nagsisimba ng madaling araw upang masaksihan ang prusisyon ng Salubong.

Mas nabibigyan kasi ng kahulugan ang pagsalubong sa Easter sa pamamagitan ng Easter Egg Hunt, ng Bunnies, ng Easter gifts at Easter clothes. Kadalasan hindi na nakikita si Kristo sa kanyang matagumpay na pagkabuhay mula sa kamatayan. Paano nga ba mapupuna kung naging abala tayo sa nagdaan na Mahal Na Araw, sa mahabang bakasyon kung saan iginugol natin ang ating panahon mula sa paguwi sa probinsya at paghanga sa maganda nitong mga tanawin.

O dili kaya'y sa mahabang oras na ating iginugol sa paggamit ng internet, "connecting to people across the world, adding friends, and accumulating virtual cash points and accepting virtual Easter Eggs mula sa nakaka-addict na larong hatid ng mga sikat na Facebook. Sa nagdaang isang Linggo habang tayo'y abala sa internet, naka-connect ba tayo kay Kristo kahit ilang minuto lamang? Naka-kuha kaya tayo ng 'spiritual points' sa pag-ala-ala sa kanya sa huling linggo ng kwaresma.

Di pa huli ang lahat, salubungin natin Siya ngayong Linggo ng Pagkabuhay, walang kailangang points na ipunin, walang Easter Egg at Bunnies na dapat hanapin, buksan lamang natin ang ating puso para sa Kanyang muling pagkabuhay. Hinihintay Ka nya kaibigan.

Alalahanin rin natin ang ating mga kababayan na nasa ibang bansa, na dala ng kanilang responsibilidad sa hanapbuhay bilang medical staff at mga domestic helpers, lalo pa sa gitnang Silangan kung saan ang Easter ay hindi malayang naipagdiriwang, isama natin sila sa ating panalangin, upang sa gayon malaya nating masabi sa ating sarili at sa kapwa na - HAPPY EASTER.

A Holy Week Appeal of Prayer for Maricris

2010-03-31T18:28:00.005+03:00

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering

away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” (Luke 22:42)

Six months ago, I have posted Ms. Maricris, A Cancer Patient, as Ms. Maricris Ugay personally appeals for financial assistance and prayer in battling her breast cancer.

Today, in behalf of his husband, son and friends, please help us in lifting our heartfelt and urgent prayer for Maricris whose breast cancer is at its terminal stage, please help us in our prayer that may she withstand the physical pain and sufferings that she is undergoing right now; and may she experience the peace of Christ and His healing love on the forthcoming Resurrection of Christ the LORD.

A Prayer for Maricris Ugay, A Cancer Patient

Merciful Father,

My friend Maricris' is suffering from breast cancer and is now its terminal stage which we have feared. I am afraid. I am lonely. Questions seem to crowd my mind: Will she be cured? Will she find comfort from the pain? How long will she live? How will her family handle this? I ask with all my heart that she be healed. But, if her healing is not in Your great plan, I trust You to be with her through it all.

I trust You to give her peace, to let her live with hope, to relieve any pain, and to let her know Your presence. I trust You to bring her loved ones and friends close to her during her illness, that we might support each other, and that Your great hands might support us all we pray that from now on, whether sick or well, we will live each day as if it were eternal, and trust our eternity to You as we await the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

We also invite you and your friends in our mission to gather more people for a collective Healing Prayer for Maricris Ugay which was launched by his husband in the internet through Facebook. You may please click on the image below to visit the site.

"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD." (Psalms 118:17)

Holy Week Reflection

2010-03-29T15:47:00.002+03:00

The Almighty LORD will teach me what to say,

so I will know how to encourage weary people.

Morning after morning

He will wake me to listen

like a student.

(Isaiah 50:4)

Today, we enter the last week of the Lent - the Holy Week, an opprtunity for contemplation, cleansing, and renewal for our heart and soul as we spend the next seven days accompanying Jesus, the man - the God, whose human journey begins as we approach him closely to feel Him close enough to feel His breath, touch His wounds and stand at the foot of the Cross.

May this final week of our Lenten journey draws us to the teachings of Jesus on love and forgiveness, charity and service for others as we look into the flight of our distressed OFWs languishing in jails in foreign soil, the countless number of Domestic Helpers who were abused, and assaulted by their employers and our kababayan who were victims of illegal recruitments and human trafficing.

May Christ passion and death on the Cross open our hearts and minds towards genuine act of charity - of sharing our talents, time and wealth to the poor and the needy.

Let us spend the next seven days with our eyes on Him from riding through the crowds in Jerusalem to rising from the dead. Ask ourselves some hard questions about where we are in our spiritual walk and where we would like to be.

In the observance of Holy Week, I will be in solitude holding in prayer as we enter the mysteries of coming days.

A blessed Holy Week to all of you.

Miss U Like Crazy

2010-03-23T16:06:00.002+03:00

Tulad ni John Lloyd at Bea

sa kanilang huling pelikula,

Para rin tayong Petronas Tower

sa tuwing tayo'y magkasama.

Bagama't di ko naitala

ang una nating pagkakakilala,

Tandang tanda ko pa nuon

nang una tayong magkita.

Ang aking mga mata'y nabihag

sa makinis mong katawan,

ang amoy langka mong halimuyak

ay aking pinagnasaan.

Sa unang haplos pa lamang

at kalabit ay akin ng naramdaman,

na ika'y karapat-dapat sa akin

at di na kita pakakawalan;

At ikaw nga'y aking inuwi sa aking tahanan,

akoy napuspos ng kaligayahan.

Sa aking munting kwarto,

tayong dalawa lang ang nagkakarinigan.

Dumaan ang mga sandali at ika'y aking ipinakilala,

sa mga inuman ikaw ay isinama

Ipagpaumanhin ang di magandang tanawin,

mahirap kasing iwasan ang ilang kaibigan.

Ipagpaumanhin mo rin kung

ika'y aking isinama sa lamay sa patay.

Mahirap ring tumanggi sa mga pagdadalamhati

na nangangailangan ng ating pakikiramay.

Alam kong iyong ikinatutuwa

kapag magkasama tayo sa simbahan.

Sa bawa't misa, di ko maitangging

tayong dalawa ang pinagmamasdan.

Natatandaan mo rin ba

ang bawa't gabi ng ating karoling,

Di matutuloy ang karoling kung wala

ang isa sa atin.

Subalit nitong huling buwan ipagpaumanhin

kung ika'y aking nakalimutan.

Dahil sa Pesbuk, Petbil

at Parmbil ika'y nakaligtaan.

Sa mga alikabok na naipon sa iyong katawan,

aking napagtanto ang aking kasalanan.

Kamalian ay aking dapat itinutuwid,

sa Petbil at Parmbil di na ako muling pagagamit.

Katawan mo'y aking muling hahaplusin

at ika'y laging kakalabitin,

Dahil ikaw ang tunay na nagbibigay saya

lalo't pag wala ang aking asawa.

Dahil di nila alam ang ating pinagsamahan

sa tulad kong isang hamak na

GITARISTA

Kulang ang buhay ko kapag nawala ka

dahil ikaw ang aking nag-iisang

GITARA.

Pope's Ibanez Guitar

The "Be" Attitudes

2010-03-19T10:03:00.003+03:00

Inspired by the three Catholic priests and Marian devotees that have been a large influence on me and my families namely:

Rev. Fr. Julian "Budyok" Bermejo of Our Lady of Peace Parish, La Carlota, Negros Occidental; an Uncle, and our family spiritual adviser;

Rev.Fr. Romerico "Omer" Prieto of Holy Family Parish, Quezon City, my friend and mentor;

Rev. Fr. Yulito "Itoy" Ignacio, San Carlos Seminary, Spiritual Director, Philosophy Dept - my "kababata", my co-"sakristan" and friend.

May we follow Christ's footsteps through these "Be" attitudes.

Be understanding to your enemies.

Be loyal to your friends.

Be strong enough to face the world each day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.

Be generous to those who need your help.
Be frugal with that you need yourself.

Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.
Be foolish enough to believe in miracles.

Be willing to share your joys.
Be willing to share the sorrows of others.

Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.

Be first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.
Be last to criticize a colleague who fails.

Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not tumble.
Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.

Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you; they may change.

Above all, be yourself.

Sa Condom, May Kaligtasan Ba?

2010-03-17T21:48:00.005+03:00

Nakababahala ang tumataas na antas ng Aids sa ating bansa na ito ay tinatayang umabot na sa bilang na 4,567 katao ang may kaso ng HIV/AIDS.

Subalit mas nakababahala ang kawalan ng tunay na programa ng pamahalaang Arroyo sa panunguna ni Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral sa pamamagitan ng pag-angkat ng mga condom na nagkakahalaga ng 8 Milyon Dolyar. Ayon sa huling panayam ni Sec. Cabral "The consistent and correct use of condoms is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of HIV, which could lead to full-blown AIDS”. (Manila Standard Today)

Ito nga ba ang tanging solusyon sa pamamagitan ng "madalas at wastong paggamit ng condom" upang maiwasan ang HIV/AIDS?"

Sa lumalalang imoralidad sa ating lipunan kung saan tila isang ordinaryong tanawin ang extra marital affairs ng mga artista, ng mga politiko, ng mga empleyado ng Gobyerno at pribadong tanggapan kung saan ang usaping casual sex ay tila katanggap tanggap na sa ating lipunang ginagalawana kung saan tila isang piping saksi na lamang ang ating pamahalaan at ang tanging solusyon ay ang programang pamumudmod na parang kendi na iniaalok sa lansangnan sa bawa't mamamayan.

Ang tila patuloy na pagkasira ng bawa't himaymay ng moralidad ng mga kabataan hatid ng mga malalaswa't gahiganteng billboards sa lansangan ng Metro Manila kung saan makikita ang mga mapang-anyayang halos hubad katawan nila Angelica Panginiban at iba pang mga sikat na artista na tanging suot ay panty o underwear.

Ang mga dancers ng mga sikat na noontime shows ay tila di na rin nalalayo sa mga dancers sa bars at beerhouses sa kanilang mga mapang-akit na kasuotan habang nagsasayaw sa harap ng mga camera na sinasabing programa ng bawa't Pilipino. Ang dati kong kinagigiliwan na palabas na Going Bulilit na ngaun ay ipinapakita ang mga eksenang magkasintahan na ginagampanan ng mga child stars, kung inaakala na ito ay isang katatawanan, sa aking paningin ito ay may negatibong hatid sa murang kaispan ng mga bata nakapanunuod.

Mga mapang-akit na motel na dikit dikit sa kabahaan ng mga kalye na tila kumakaway sa mga motorista sa Metro Manila hatid ang mga mensaheng Short Time, Reduced Rate at Special Offers - mga murang lugar na palipasan ng mga nakararaming magkasintahan, magkalaguyo at ng mga parokyanong tumatangkilik sa mga nagbebenta ng panandaliang aliw.

Nnakalimutan na ng pamahalaan ang responsibilidad sa moralidad ng bawa't pamilya na bumubuo ng bawa't barangay ng ating lipunan dahil sa pagiging abala sa pangungulimbat sa kaban ng Bayan. Baka naman may bahid ng korapsyon ang pag-angkat ng 8 Milyong Dolyar na halaga ng condom kaya't ang Malakanyang ay di nag-atubili sa programa ng DOH.

Ngaung papalapit ang Mahal na Araw, sa nakararaming Katolikong Pilipino sa nasa Pilipinas at sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo, sa mga OFW na malayo sa mga pamilya at asawa, bigyan pansin natin ang moralidad na itinuturo ng Simbahan. Maging tapat tayo sa ating asawa, iwasan ang pre-marital sex at anumang uri ng tukso na magtutulak sa atin sa pagkakasalang hatid ng casual at commercial sex.

Wastong edukasyon na nagsisimula sa bawa't tahanan, paaralan at simbahan ukol sa konsepto ng pakikipagrelasyon, pagpapamilya, pakikipagtalik at sa banta ng sakit na AIDS ang tunay na solusyon sa suliranin ng AIDS. Ang pagiging tapat sa asawa at pag-iwas sa tukso ng laman ang tanging paraan para maiwasan ang nakamamatay na HIV/AIDS.

Kung naimbento ang filter sa bawa't sigarilyo para sa mga taong di mapigilan ang bisyo ng paninigarilyo, salamat sa condom sa hatid na solusyon sa mga taong di makapagpigil sa tawag ng laman, yan ang tanging hatid na mensahe ng ating Gobyerno. Kaya't kayong mga kababaihan, kung ang inyong asawa o kasintahan ay makitaan ninyo ng condom sa pitaka, huwag kayong magtaka dahil yan ang mensahe ng DOH, ang maging laging handa.

Ngayong papalapit na Semana Santa, nawa'y matagpuan ng bawa't mamamayan ang tunay na kaligtasan mula sa banta ng HIV/AIDS sa pamamagitan ng tunay na pananampalataya sa Diyos at pagmamahal sa pamilya at asawa at kapwa tao.

Nakalangoy Ka Ba Sa Kumunoy Ng Korapsyon?

2010-03-15T18:12:00.001+03:00

Iboto ang kandidatong may kakayahang labanan ang korapsyon at kahirapan ng bansa. Ito ang kahilingan ng grupo ng mga Obispo ng Simbahang Katoliko.

Hindi maitatanggi ng ang korapsyon ay isang dahilan ng patuloy na paghihirap ng ating bansa, ang mga binabayad nating mga buwis na sa halip ay mapunta sa mga proyektong agrikultura, inprastraktura, edukasyon at kalusugan ay napupunta lamang ang malaking bahagi nito sa bulsa ng mga "corrupt" na politiko. Sino nga ba ang mgakakalimot sa mga kontrobersyal usaping ZTE Deal, Fertilizer Scam, at sa kagkakakulong ni dating Presidente Erap sa kasong pandarambong.

Ayon sa Wikipedia, ang salitang "corruption" at "corrupt" ay maraming kahulugan, ang ilan dito ay"

"Political corruption: the abuse of public power, office, or resources by government officials or employees for personal gain, e.g. by extortion, soliciting or offering bribes"
"Bribery in politics, business, or sport (including match fixing)."

Ito ang pinakamalapit na kahulugan na sumasalamin sa kasalukuyang lipunan na ating ginagalawan. Subalit ang korapsyon ay tila isang sakit na kanser na walang gamot na unti unting kinakain ang kalamnan ng ating Bansang ginagalawan.

Ttila manhid na ang masang Pilipino tungkol sa suliranin ng ating bansa ukol sa usaping korapsyon dahil hindi lamang sa loob ng mga gusali ng pamahalaan nangyayari ang iba't ibang mukha ng korapsyon. Ito ay nagaganap sa bawa't bintana ng mga ahensyang sangay ng Pamahalaan at sa bawa't kahabaan ng kalsada ng ating bansa kung saan halos karamihan ng morotirsta ay nagbibigay ng suhol sa ilang kapulisan at traffic authorities upang matakasan ang mga traffic violations na kinasasangkutan.

Nakakalungkot isipin na tila naging bahagi na ng ating lipunan ang salitang "lagay", "suhol", padulas at "kotong". Pamilyar ba kayo sa mga pangungusap na -

Sir/Mam, nagmamadali po kasi ako, baka puede pong mapabilis ang approval at release ng aking mga papeles, ito po Sir/Mam, nakikiusap lang po sana ako (sabay abot ng papeles na may nakaipit na pera sa ilalim nito)".

Naku 'Sarge', di ko po alam na "No Left Turn" po dito, pasensya na po kayo, nagmamadali lang po kasi ako, Sir, pasensya na po kayo talaga, baka po puedeng madaan ito sa pakiusap (sabay abot ng driver's license na may nakaipit ng P200.00).

Inaamin ko, minsan ako'y lumangoy sa kumunoy ng korapsyon, kung saan ang salapi ay bahagi ng aking pakikipagugnayan sa bawa't sangay ng pamahalaan, sa bawa't bintana at lamesang aking pinupuntahan, ngiti ng pagkakasala ang aking hatid sa nag-aabang na mga pobreng tagapaglingkod ng bayan. Ako'y nagpapasalamat na ako ay makaahon sa pagkakasala sa tulong ng aking pananampalataya.

Dahil walang saysay ang ating tinig para sa isang tunay na pagbabago kung tayo mimso ay bahagi pa rin ng bulok na sistema ng ating lipunan kung saan ang korapsyon ay binigiyan natin ng puwang sa ating puso't damdamin. Tanging tunay pananampalataya lamang ang makapaghihiwalay sa atin sa ganitong uri kanser ng lipunan.

Huwag mo ng tangkaing lumangoy sa kumunoy ng korapsyon.

Nawa'y sa atin magmula ang hinahangad nating tunay na pagbabago.

Don't Wait For Tomorrow

2010-03-11T08:17:00.005+03:00

A captivating scene in Mall of Asia

According to my friend Albert Einstein,

"Gravity is not responsible for people to fall in love."

It just happens.

And when it does happen, don’t wait for the right time to express it, because right time is when your heart beats faster.

If you love someone.. don’t wait for tomorrow, or for the other person to make the move.

I agree that ‘Tomorrow never dies’, but also remember…

’Tomorrow never comes, so live in today.’

Note: Image used was snipped from flickr.com and edited. Parental guidance is necessary for children/minors on unexpected scenes on couples' public display of affection.

Kilala Mo Ba Ang Iboboto Mo?

2010-03-07T21:13:00.003+03:00

Halos 2 buwan na lang ang nalalabi at ako'y kabilang sa mahigit 550,000 overseas voters mula sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo na muling boboto para sa susunod na mamumuno sa ating bansa. Isang hamon sa aking katauhan upang kilatisin maigi ang karapat dapat na pagkalooban ko ng aking boto sa Mayo 10.

Subalit ngaun lamang nangyari sa akin buhay bilang isang botanteng Pinoy na sa nalalabing 2 buwan, mula sa aking masusing pananaliksik ay wala pa rin akong napipiling na kandidato na mamanukin sa 2010 Election.

Haba kong sinusubaybayan ang mga nangununang politiko sa pamamagitan ng internet na hayagang namimili ng boto sa pamamagitan ng malawak na paglustay ng milyon milyong salapi sa Political Media Campaign, di ko alam kung karapat dapat pa silang pagkalooban ng aking boto habang ang nakararaming Pilipino ay nagugutom at walang pagkain sa kanilang hapag kainan at malinis na tubig na maiinom.

Kung iipunin ang kabuuang halaga na ginastos sa Political Media Campaign ng lahat ng kandidato, siguro'y makasasapat ito upang matustusan ang mga gutom na sikmura ng pobreng Pilipino o kung ilalagak ang salapi sa makabuluhang proyekto na lilikha ng bagong trabaho, maraming Pilipino ang mabibigyan ng tunay at bagong pag-asa, pero hindi mangyayari ito, dahil sa politika walang kawang gawa, isang larong kailangang mamayagpag sa paningin ng publiko ang kandidatong madalas nakikita sa TV o naririnig sa radyo upang makasiguro ng boto, isang paniniwalang hindi ko masikmura.

May isang politiko na nilangoy ang dagat ng basura at ginamit ang mga bata sa kanyang kampanya na nagmistulang phedopile sa aking paningin at nasasangkot sa anomalya sa C5 at ngaun ay sa isyung suhulan.

Ang isang politiko naman ay nagsabing hindi sya magnanakaw kapag sya ay nahalal, na nakasakay sa alapaap ng popularidad ng kanyang mga magulang, subalit hindi lang naman ito ang basehan upang maging Pangulo, kailangan ay may matibay na plataporma ukol sa mga isyung kumakaharap sa ating lipunan.

At ang pangatlo naman'y patung patong na demanda at pagkakakulong dahil sa kasong pandarambong ay tila pinaniniwalaan pa rin ng masang Pilipino, ganito na ba kababa ang mentalidad ng tinatawag na masang Pilipino upang sya ay pumangatlo sa tinatawag na survey ng bayan?

Ang isang kandidato naman'y mas kilala bilang kaalyado ng Gobyerno na tila sa kalituhan ng pamahalaan at ng kanyang partido ay sya'y napabayaan dahil sa kanilang paghahabol sa bagong karera ni Gloria sa pagiging Kongresista ng Pampangga. Nais sana kitang bigyan ng boto pero sa iyong mistulang pag-iisa sa iyong pakikibaka, malamang na hindi ko rin maibigay sa iyo ang aking boto, baka sa susunod, sa taong 2016 ikaw muling makilala.

May ilan pang mga kandidato sa pagka-Pangulo na tila mga sugong propeta na may hatid na pangakong milagro sa naghihikahos na lipunan ng ating bansa. Mahigit pa sa sakit na ketong ang suliranin ng ating bansa, hindi kita iboboto kung dadaanin mo lang ako sa pakanta kanta sa entablado o pagbisita sa palengke ng galunggong upang malaman ang tunay na halaga nito sa merkado.

Wala pang laman ang aking listahan ng iboboto sa pagka-Pangulo at Pangalawang Pangulo kailangan ko pang lubusin ang pagkakakilala sa kanila. Sa 12 Senador, dalawa pa lang ang nasa aking listahan, sila ay inyong makikilala sa susunod na kabanata.

Ikaw, kilala mo ba ang iboboto mo?

Ang larawan ay mula sa amBisyon2010 Facebook fan page.

Please Help Me Be Worthy of Your Love

2010-03-04T05:06:00.003+03:00

I haven’t heard Your voice,

but I know when You speak.

I do not follow Your words,

but I know what You say.

I cannot know Your immense love,

but I feel the warmth of Your heart.

I may not be capable of loving

the way You do,

but help me make myself

worthy of being loved by You!