Friday, May 29, 2009

DAHIL PILIPINO KA, HINDI NA AKO NAG-IISA


"KABAYAN... PILIPINO KA BA?"

Ito ay isang katanungan na madalas kong naririnig., tila musika na ito sa aking tenga.

Ilang taon ka na bang OFW? Ilang beses ka na ring nagpabalik-balik ng Pilipinas? At ilang bansa na rin ang iyong pinagsilbihan bilang OFW?

Ilang beses mong nasaksihan na may napadaang Pilipino sa iyong harapan, lumapit, kumaway at nagsabing “Kamusta Kabayan” at kadalasan may pahabol pang katanungan na “Pilipino Ka Ba?”

Ikaw rin mismo, hindi maipagkakaila na minsan ay nagbigkas ka rin ng katanungang ito, habang may hatid na ngiti sa iyong mga labi sa kabila ng pag-aalinlangan.

Natatandaan mo ba ang kauna-unahang araw mo bilang Expat o OFW, kinasabikan mong makakita na kababayan sa lansangan, isang nilalalang na may kayumangging kutis, medyo pangong ilong at katamtamang taas at di ka nahihiyang magsabing “Kamusta ka Kabayan, Pilipino ka ba?

At kahit di mo na antayin ang kanyang tugon, makikita mo sa kanyang ngiti at mga mata ay mararamdaman mo na Pilipino nga siya, isang kasiyahang di maipaliwanag, na gusto mong sabihin - “Salamat Kabayan, hindi na ako nag-iisa".

Minsan sinususugan pa natin ito ng katanugang:

“Saan ka sa atin sa Pinas Kabayan?”
“Ilang taon ka na dito na nagtatrabaho?”

Mga simpleng katanungan na pumupuno sa nararamdamang pangungulila ng damdamin mula nang malayo sa ka sa iyong mga mahal sa buhay.

Kahangahanga, hindi ba? Kahit saang sulok ng mundo, may Pilipino, kahit sa mga bansang kasalukuyang may digmaan, nanduon ang Pinoy. Kahit ano ang kanyang kasuotan, hindi maitatago na sya ay Pilipino. Wala na ngang lugar sa mundo na hindi narating ng Pinoy, "ultimo" ang pinakatugatog ng Mt. Everest ay narating na rin ng Pilipino. Sayang nga lamang wala pang “Job Orders” sa Mt. Everest, isang dahilan kaya't walang nasalubong na Pilipino si Leo Oracion sa kabundukan ng Everest.

Mas komportable kasi tayo kung Pilipino ang kausap natin, mas masaya tayo kung Pilipino ang kasalamuha natin, sa simbahan, sa ospital, sa pagtitipon, ang mga mata natin ay naghahanap ng kababayan na makakausap. Panatag ang loob natin kung may makikita tayong “kabayan”.

Nasaan ka man, sa Saudi, Japan o Hongkong, kung sakaling may magtanong sa iyo kung Pilipino ka, huwag mo silang pagdamutan ng kaunting ngiti, nasasabik silang makausap ka, isipin mong minsan ay nangulila ka rin sa iyong kapwa kababayan.

Paunlakan natin ang kanilang katanungan at bigyan na mainit na pagtanggap at buong pagmamalaki rin nating sabihin

“Oo, Kabayan, Pilipino rin ako”.

Sa panahon ng ating pagpanhik sa tugatog ng tagumpay, may makakasalubong tayo na mga Pilipino na nananabik na tayo'y makausap, mga nalulumbay na damdamin, kumakaway, ngumingiti at nagnanais na makasalamuha tayo, huwag natin silang balewalain at biguin; kahit sa isang saglit, tapunan natin sila ng ngiti; dahil sa pagsapit ng matinding pagsubok sa ating buhay, sa dagok ng kabiguan at pangangailangan , sila rin mismo ang mga Pilipinong magiging kaagapay at sasaklolo sa ating buhay.

Kaunting oras lang naman ang kahilingan nila.

“Kaya Kabayan, kamusta ka, Pilipino ka rin ba?”

Hindi mo na kailangang sagutin ito kaibigan, hinihiling ko lamang na ipadama mo sa iba nating mga kababayan ang ating pagiging Pilipino.

Monday, May 25, 2009

THE SECRET OF FAILURE


The Truth About Failure

Failure doesn’t mean you are a failure, it does mean you haven’t succeeded yet.

Failure doesn’t mean you have accomplished nothing, it does mean you have learned something.

Failure doesn’t mean you have been a fool, it does mean you had a lot of faith in yourself.

Failure doesn’t mean you have been disgrace, it does mean you were willing to try.

Failure doesn’t mean you don’t have it, it does mean you have to do something in a different way.

Failure doesn’t mean you are inferior, it does mean you are not perfect.

Failure doesn’t mean you’ve wasted your life, it does mean you’ve a reason to start afresh.

Failure doesn’t mean you should give up, it does mean you should try harder.

Failure doesn’t mean you’ll never make it, it does mean it will take a little longer.

Enlighten Yourself!

So, your failure isn’t a failure but first step towards a new destiny.
Your failure let’s you drive faster only if you want to touch your illusionary success with your own real sight.
And this is what I have learned and now I’m able to write it in words.

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." (Psalm 73:26)

Friday, May 22, 2009

YOU ARE UNIQUE



Enjoy that uniqueness. You do not have to pretend in order to seem more like someone else. You weren't meant to be like someone else. You do not have to lie to conceal the parts of you that are not like what you see in anyone else.

You were meant to be different. Nowhere ever in all of history will the same things be going on in anyone's mind, soul and spirit as are going on in yours right now.

If you did not exist, there would be a hole in creation, a gap in history, something missing from the plan for humankind. Treasure your uniqueness. It is a gift given only to you. Enjoy it and share it!

No one can reach out to others in the same way that you can. No one can speak your words. No one can convey your meanings. No one can comfort with your kind of comfort. No one can bring your kind of understanding to another person.

No one can be cheerful and lighthearted and joyous in your way. No one can smile your smile. No one else can bring the whole unique impact of you to another human being.

Share your uniqueness. Let it be free to flow out among your family and friends and people you meet in the rush and clutter of living wherever you are. That gift of yourself was given you to enjoy and share. Give yourself away!

See it! Receive it! Let it tickle you! Let it form you and nudge you and inspire you!


"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." (Psalm 139:14-16)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

TEARS AND SOUVENIRS



I hate to keep people waiting, especially my friends in the blogsphere who have shared their mementos and the responsibility attached to it - the trust and respect beyond anonymity within the 'Fellowship of Bloggers".



THE I5 INCANTATIONS

This was passed to me by my friend Violet of Silip, and the rules requires that :

1. Write something about 15 different people
2. You cannot say who they are
3. if someone asks you which one is about them, you cannot tell
4. tag 15 people who you think would do this, too (you don't have to tag the people you wrote about)

This tag has been circulated in the blogspehere for sometime and I have taken the freedom not to pass this tag to my fellow bloggers and friends who are now busy preoccupied on creating entries for PEBA 2009

YOU TOUCHED MY LIFE and it was...

  • YOU - have always make me smile and giggles, have spoiled me with ice creams and all sweet things, and always carried me on your shoulder, I was 8 years old trying to learn more about you but God didn't told me you are leave us so soon.
  • YOU - have taught me to be strong; that a man of courage should never shed tears, even in time of death you never show defeat, but you didn't give me a chance to say adeiu.
  • YOU - are the remaining link to our family tree, you filled up the emptiness in me and have assumed the role of sister, mother and father, you are the real super hero.
  • YOU - educate me and guided me in my career, taught me the virtue of kindness and honesty. You are my mentor in philosophy and politics while my mind was drifting in theology.
  • YOU - never give up on me; always correct my mistakes and praises my achievements, you complete the missing piece of puzzle in my life, with you I am ready to spend the rest of my life.
  • YOU - are called the product of our love and a miracle from above. A clone of my gene and my alter ego, with you, our love has entwined and brought billions of colors in my life.
  • YOU - gave me an opportunity to work when I was 15, you taught me perseverance and humility and dedication, and you always believe that I can make it to the top of the ladder.
  • YOU - are my legal adviser, you inspired me to write in our Union Gazette, you used to call me Monsignor, and you have promoted me Pope (where I got my pseudo Popish Pope) when I won the Union general election.
  • YOU - never get tired of dreaming for others, you always have the vision to unite the bloggers and to help each other to bring inspirations to our our fellow Pinoy migrant workers, and you are my very first commentor when I launched "Palipasan".
  • YOU - you never run out of trivias and funny ideas, you always brings laughters to the heart of your readers, and I that's why I have penned an article about power of laughter, you are one of my top commentor.
  • YOU - have given vivid colors to hunger and poverty, framed the social cancers of our society, and captured the deteriorating state of our natural resources, and reminded us of our responsibility to our society and our commitment to change our country.
  • YOU - are my top commentor and favorite critic, I love the way you blog even if it is a one liner statement, your title suits you because you always visible in blogsphere - because you are here, there and everywhere.
  • YOU - are my favorite "kikay" - you never run out of posts, I love your personality and you are so expressive, your wits amazes me, and I am glad working with you in Blogshere.
  • YOU - are indeed journalist which cannot be denied, I love your style of writing which makes people 'awe', you keep on saying you're an old fashined guy, but it was the same good reason why you are most admired.
  • YOU - are the first blogger I ever met in person, "Popish Pope of Doha welcomes the Prawn Magnate of Saudi Arabia, as the angels plays their harps, the shrirmps jump in their delight.
Marami pa sanang YOU na gustong banggitin kaya lang 15 lang ang instruction, sorry po sa hindi nakasama, baka sa susunod ay 50 people na ang required, pasok na kayo..


BROOM - BROOM...

Broom-Broom, unforgettable 'wento' sa sasakyan? by Yanah of Life's A Twitch. This tag is about your unforgettable experiences in vehicles, and this is my story:
  • My career in the civil aviation industry has given me the opportunities to experience the joy of flying as passenger in various types of aircrafts, ranging from regular helicopters to executive type choppers, small seater airplanes, 12-24 seater airplanes, the DC-3 vintage aircraft and executive jets.
  • Only once in my life that I was able to ride in a ship from Cebu to Manila when we were stranded in Mactan Airport because of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. It was a great adventure, a more than 24 hours voyage filled with fun and excitement.
  • Fun is described as driving a Go-Cart at maximum speed in a rough road race track and shouting to the cars tailing you Eat-My-Dust hahaha.
  • Nothing can match the classic experienced of riding a "karitela" while seated beside the "kutsero" that used to be the King of the Road from Evangelista St., Makati Rizal to Libertad of Pasay City.


2009 Friendship Award - the Best Blogger

This tag award was shared to me by my friend Crisiboy of Jologs na Yuppie whose writings are centered on the latests news on entertainment celebrities and nations current events.

This award has a same rule of passing to other blogger like what I have received before.

  1. Take your award here
  2. Put the logo on your post
  3. Link the person who awarded you
  4. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
  5. Add links to those blogs on yours
  6. Leave a messages for your nominees on their blog
I am passing this award to the new generation bloggers I just recently met in the blogsphere:



BLUEDREAMER PARADISE' INTERESTING BLOG & I LOVE YOUR BLOG TAG AWARDS



These double awards were given to me once again by Crisiboy of Jologs na Yuppie and Dencio of I Am Dencio, and I would love to share this tag award to :



Sunday, May 17, 2009

ALAY SA OFW BLOGGERS


Ikaw... ikaw mismo, isa kang blogger at pirmihan kang naninirahan sa Pilipinas. Hindi ka nga OFW, pero alam ko na may kakilala kang mga OFW...

Kamag-anak mo o kapamilya, OFW ba sila?

Kaibigan, manliligaw o kasintahan - may OFW ba sa kanila?

Kumpare o kumare, kapitbahay o kaiskwela, siguro may OFW sa kanila...

Ikaw, nangangarap ka bang mangibang bansa, maging immigrant, expat o maging OFW?

Kung ganun, ikaw ang simula... suportahan mo ang ating mga kababayang Expat/OFW, tulad mo rin sila, mga Pilipinong blogger na nagkakaisa, naghahangad na mabigyan pansin sa daigdig ng blogsphere.

Makibahagi ka sa KABLOGS kaibigan, ang iyong pagsuporta sa KABLOGS ay pagsuporta rin sa mga OFW bloggers. Kaya't paki-grab na ang sumusunod na "banner code", i-display at ipagmalaki ito sa iyong sidebar site at bilang pagkilala sa iyong pagsuporta ay ilalathala ang iyong site at ang panulat sa pahina ng KABLOGS.





Dito sa KABLOGS, kayo po ang celebrity, kayo po ang tunay na bida, kayo ang kapuso at kapamilya.
Tulad ng parola sa dalampasigan, makibahagi tayo sa paghahatid ng liwanag sa malawak na daigdig ng blogging - ang pagsuporta sa KABLOGS ay isang ALAY SA OFW BLOGGERS, maaaring bukas isa ka na ring OFW blogger na tulad namin.

Ipagmalaki natin ang ating lahing Pilipino, suportahan natin ang lahat ng Pinoy Expats at OFW bloggers.

Friday, May 15, 2009

SUCCESS IS WAITING TO HAPPEN



When we see someone successful,
we say that he just got lucky.
'He must have been at the right place at the right time.'
People only see one side of the picture.
People don't see the failures.

If you study history, you will find that -
All stories of success are also stories of great failures.
So if you are failing;
Remember, success is waiting to happen.



“The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14)


“For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again,
but the wicked stumble in time of calamity” (Proverbs 24:16)

Monday, May 11, 2009

POWER NAP - SLEEP YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS




A power-nap is a short sleep which terminates before the occurrence of deep sleep or slow-wave sleep (SWS), intended to quickly revitalize the subject. The expression power-nap was coined by Cornell University social psychologist James Maas. (Source: Wikipedia)

Mid-day sleep is termed as 'power nap'. “A power nap is defined as a short nap during the day of about 20-30 minutes duration”, says William Deardorff, Medical Advisor for www.Spine-health.com.

What do Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy all have in common? They've all made considerable contributions to the advancement of mankind, they're all distinguished in their respective fields, and they were all avid power nappers.

People who regularly take mid-day naps experience decrease in drowsiness. Research has also shown that it increases your level of alertness during the day and reduces stress.

Some more advantages of mid-day naps are:
  • boost in productivity at work,
  • improved ability to concentrate,
  • less stress,
  • better reaction time,
  • increased learning,
  • more efficiency,
  • better mood,
  • better health,
  • increase in stamina, 
  • memory improvement,
  • you can avoid sleep debt by making up on your sleep deficit.
In countries where siestas are common like in Latin America and in Middle East like Qatar and Saudi, businesses may open from early in the morning until noon, then close for three to four hours and reopen for another four or five hours. Workers nap for 15 to 30 minutes and spend the rest of their time with family. They return to work refreshed and ready to tackle the afternoon assignments.

While some companies are beginning to encourage the midday power nap, your boss or company might not yet buy into the benefits. If that is the case, try these sneaky tips to grab a quick break (use at your own risk):

  • Nap in your car. During your lunch break, head out to your car for a quiet place to take a quick nap. By getting out of the office, you will avoid any distractions and interruptions from your co-workers. If you’re worried about people seeing you in the parking lot, drive to the nearest store and pull into a parking spot to take your nap.
  • Fake phone call. Your boss might not like the site of you sprawled out taking a nap, so sit at your desk and hold the phone to your ear like you are on a call. If possible, sit with your back to your office or cubicle door. Best used when you just need a few minutes to relax and recharge.
  • Bathroom sleeper. On my first job as a janitor in Makati I found the serenity of the toilet , a great place to avoid interruptions and I highly doubt anyone will question you even if they do realize that you have been in the bathroom for more than 30 minutes.

You will return to your work with an increased energy and enthusiasm after a short nap. Just don’t sleep too long as then you will enter the deeper stages of sleep and will have a difficult time becoming focused again. As my friend Nebz of Isla de Nebz puts it in his post The Hidden Powers of Fiesta Siesta, "It freshens our soul, it invigorates our mind, it spikes up our spirit, and enables us to continue the day with exciting hope and vigor."

If you get caught sleeping, be prepared to discuss the benefits to an afternoon power nap and how you are attempting to improve your work productivity.


Sunday, May 10, 2009

MOMMY, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY




The above  artwork was a creation of my daughter Geehan
for my wife on the occasion of Mother's Day.


"A mother holds her children's hands for a while, their hearts forever."



Friday, May 8, 2009

Isang Liham Ni Inay Ngayung Mother's Day


Ibinabahagi ko sa inyo ang liham na ito, na ipinadala sa akin ng kaibigan at batchmate kong si Bb. Cecille Vidal sa pamamagitan ng e-mail, isang orihinal na likha ni Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles, Spiritual Director ng CWL ng Parokya San Augustine ng Baliuag, Bulacan.


Mahal kong Anak,


Sa aking pagtanda, unawain mo sana ako
at pagpasensiyahan.

Kapag dala ng kalabuan ng mata ay nakabasag ako ng pinggan
o nakatapon ng sabaw sa hapag kainan,
huwag mo sana akong kagagalitan.
Maramdamin ang isang matanda.
Nagse-self-pity ako sa tuwing sinisigawan mo ako.

Kapag mahina na ang tenga ko at hindi ko maintindihan
ang sinasabi mo, huwag mo naman sana akong sabihan
ng ‘binge!’ paki-ulit nalang ang
sinabi mo o pakisulat nalang.
Pasensya ka na, anak. Matanda na talaga ako.

Kapag mahina na ang tuhod ko, pagtiyagaan mo sana akong
tulungang tumayo, katulad ng pag-aalalay ko sa iyo
noong nag-aaral ka pa lamang lumakad.

Pagpasensyahan mo sana ako kung ako man ay
nagiging makulit at paulit-ulit na parang sirang plaka.
Basta pakinggan mo nalang ako.
Huwag mo sana akong pagtatawanan o
pagsasawaang pakinggan.

Natatandaan mo anak noong bata ka pa?
kapag gusto mo ng lobo, paulit-ulit mo ‘yong sasabihin,
maghapon kang mangungulit hangga’t
hindi mo nakukuha ang gusto mo.
Pinagtyagaan ko ang kakulitan mo.


Pagpasensyahan mo na rin sana ang aking amoy.
Amoy matanda, amoy lupa.
Huwag mo sana akong piliting maligo.
Mahina na ang katawan ko.
Madaling magkasakit kapag nalamigan,
huwag mo sana akong pandirihan.

Natatandaan mo noong bata ka pa?
pinatyagaan kitang habulin sa ilalim ng kama
kapag ayaw mong maligo.

Pagpasensyahan mo sana kung madalas,
ako’y masungit, dala na marahil ito ng katandaan.
Pagtanda mo, maiintindihan mo rin.

Kapag may konti kang panahon,
magkwentuhan naman tayo, kahit sandali lang.
Inip na ako sa bahay, maghapong nag-iisa.
Walang kausap.

Alam kong busy ka sa trabaho,
subalit nais kong malaman mo na sabik
na sabik na akong makakwentuhan ka,
kahit alam kong hindi ka interesado sa mga kwento ko.

Natatandaan mo anak, noong bata ka pa?
Pinagtyagaan kong pakinggan at intindihin
ang pautal-utal mong kwento tungkol sa iyong teddy bear.

At kapag dumating ang sandali na ako’y magkakasakit
at maratay sa banig ng karamdaman,
huwag mo sana akong pagsawaang alagaan.

Pagpasensyahan mo na sana kung ako
man ay maihi o madumi sa higaan,
pagtyagaan mo sana akong alagaan sa mga
huling sandali ng aking buhay.
Tutal hindi na naman ako magtatagal.

Kapag dumating ang sandali ng aking pagpanaw,
hawakan mo sana ang aking kamay
at bigyan mo ako ng lakas ng loob
na harapin ang kamatayan.

At huwag kang mag-alala,
kapag kaharap ko na ang Diyos na lumikha,
ibubulong ko sa kanya na pagpalain ka sana …
dahil naging mapagmahal ka sa iyong ama’t ina…


Paunawa, ang nakalarawan po sa itaas ay hindi ko po ina, hindi ko rin po lola, lalong hindi ko rin po syota o asawa, kinuha ko lang po sya sa milyong larawan sa internet dahil sya ay nagpapaalala sa aking namayapang ina, pang mayaman lang po kasi ang pagmamay-ari ng Kodak nung aming panahon kaya't wala akong naitabing larawan ng aking ina. At kung sakaling ang liham na iyan ay para sa akin, nararapat lamang na ito ay aking sagutin:


Pinakamamahal kong Ina,


Dahil magkasama na po kayo ni Itay ngaun,

alam kong maligaya ka na sa iyong kinalalagyan

dahil matagal na ring hindi mo na ako dinadalaw sa aking mga panaginip.

Tandaan mo po, patuloy ko pa rin kayong idinadalangin,

pero sana huwag mo muna po akong sunduin at kukuhain -

dahil napagtanto kong masaya rin naman pala dito

habang kasama ko po ang iyong apo at ang aking asawa.

Bagama't bata pa ako ng inyong iwanan,

alam kong pinagmamalaki mo ako kay Bro

Dahil kahit kailan ay hindi kita binigo,

at magpasahanggang ngaun,

dala-dala ko sa puso ko ang mga Ginintuang Pangaral mo.


Nagmamahal, ang iyong Anak

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

WRITE YOUR NAME



Don't write your name on sand,
waves will wash it away.
Don't write your name in sky,
wind may blow it away.

Write your name
in hearts of people you come in touch with.
That's where it will stay.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

DO NOT RUN



Do not run through life
so fast that you forget
not only where have you been,
but also where you are going.

Life is not a race,
but a journey to be savored
each step of the way.

Friday, May 1, 2009

"ON THE SEVENTH DAY YOU SHALL REST"


How could I forget this memorable day, for seven years I have been a pro-labor activist, I have served as labor union president on two consecutive terms and have concluded two-CBAs, organized labor unions, assists research and analysis for labor unions within the Federation and visited picket-lines, joined street parliaments, attended international labor conferences before I became migrant worker, and I have been inspired on Lech Walesa's greatest contribution to Poland and to the world history.

"Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed." (Exodus 23:12)

Today we celebrate the grace of human labor. We were created to be workers, sent forth to “be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth.” God never envisioned his creatures to be passive and just soak up the atmosphere. We were created for a purpose, and it is the great project of our lives to figure out that purpose and embrace it.

Created by God, we have also been gifted by God, given talents of many varieties. Those talents and gifts are never given to us just for ourselves. We cannot bury them in a hole, but must instead reinvest them in the kingdom of God to bring honor and glory to God’s name. All of our work is intended this way, so that our own labors are a participation in the ongoing creation of the world, a participation in the mission that God has entrusted to his creatures.

The rich, elites and the capitalists don’t have permission to write off human labor as some kind of necessary evil or a commodity to be bought and sold. In the “industrial age”, men and women were often reduced to mere instruments in a society that emphasized “productivity” over the dignity of the human person, the worker. The “technological age” promised more “time” for leisure and freedom but sadly has failed to deliver.

Everyone must instead venerate all labor, that of our own efforts and of others. We as OFW must also vigorously defend the rights and dignity of our co-workers, particularly of the poor and marginalized. And we must always offer all of this back to our God who created us to be creators with him.

Happy Labor Day!

"Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee." (Deuteronomy 24:14-15 )




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