Ang Solusyon sa Trapikong Sumasakal sa Kalakhang Maynila

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nagpapakahirap ang gobyerno at Metro Manila Development Authority sa paghanap ng paraan kung paanong mabawasan ang trapik sa kalakhang Maynila, ganoong ang solusyon ay nandiyan lang…ang Pasig River. Dapat linisin lang consistently ang Pasig River upang hindi gamiting dahilan ang mga water liliy na sumisira sa mga makina ng mga sasakyang pang-ilog tulad ng ferry. Subalit, ang mga proyekto sa paglinis ng Pasig River ay hanggang launching lamang….kodakan ng mga opisyal na gustong makita ang mga mukha sa diyaryo at TV….pagkatapos ng launching, goodbye na sa project….nagkalimutan na. Tuwing may bagong administrasyon, bagong proyekto din ang nilo-launch. GANYAN KAPANGIT ANG UGALI NG MGA NAKAUPONG OPISYAL….MGA MATATAKAW SA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY….ANO ANG NANGYARI SA “PISO PARA SA PASIG” NA SINIMULAN NI MING RAMOS NOONG PANAHON NI FIDEL RAMOS PRESIDENTE?....WALA!!!!!!

Hindi na dapat pang ipilit ang paggamit ng mga masisikip nang mga kalsada na pinupuno ng mga kotse ng mga mayayaman at mga bus na galing sa ibang bansa na ang hangad ang lokohin ang Pilipinas na tinatapunan ng mga bus na gawa nila. Nakakabahala ang planong paggawa ng subway sa Metro Manila dahil sa palyadong drainage system na ang iba ay iniwang nakatiwangwang. Siguradong pagbaha, maraming malulunod sa mga subway trains. KUNG ANG LRT AT MRT NGA LANG AY MAHIRAP NANG I-MAINTAIN DAHIL SA CORRUPTION, ANG SUBWAY PA KAYA? HINDI PWEDE ANG MGA GANYANG HI-TECH NA FACILITY SA PILIPINAS DAHIL SA CORRUPTION NA MALALIM ANG PAGKABAON SA SISTEMA….ISANG MAPAIT NA KATOTOHANAN!

Kung sa Bangkok, nagawang i-maintain ng gobyerno ang kalinisan ng main river nila na tinuturing din nilang major traffic artery, bakit hindi ito magawa sa Maynila? May floating market ang Bangkok na pwedeng gawin din sa Maynila, subalit ang problema ay ang mga burarang mga iskwater na nakatira sa mga pampang (river banks) na kapag inalis ay aalmahan naman ng mga komunistang grupo at mga human rights advocates kuno.

Ang Pasig River ay pwedeng gawan ng bicycle lane na may bubong mula Escolta hanggang Laguna at iba pang arteries na dumadaloy sa iba’t ibang lunsod at bayan sa buong kalakhang Maynila. Upang magkaroon ng seguridad ay dapat lagyan ng mga ilaw at mga pulis outpost sa mga designated entrance/exit areas kung saan ay pwedeng umakyat at bumaba ang mga commuting cyclists. Pwede ring lagyan ng mga rest areas na may snack kiosks para magamit na pahingahan. Sa simula pa lang ay dapat na itong kontrolin upang hindi magamit ng mga sidewalk vendors. Kapag nangyari yan, ang mga commuters ay gaganahang mag-bike kaysa sumakay ng bus, LRT o MRT dahil makakatipid na sila.

Ang hirap kasi sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas, karamihan ng mga nakaupong opisyal na mga matatalino kuno ay graduate at nagseminar sa ibang bansa kaya ang mga natutuhan ay HINDI ANGKOP sa Pilipinas. Yan ang resulta ng ugaling pangongopya ng mga Pilipino. Dapat ay isaalang-alang ang kultura ng mga Pilipino pagdating sa mga proyekto dahil unang-una, walang disiplina ang mga Plipino. Dahil diyan, ang nangyayari sa Singapore ay IMPOSIBLENG mangyari sa Pilipinas dahil sa ugali ng mga hangal na opisyal na ang palaging tinitinghan sa mga proyekto ay kung paano silang kumita ng komisyon…AT LALONG DAHIL SA KAWALAN NG DISIPLINA NG MGA PILIPINO, NA KAPAG SINITA SA GINAWANG MALI AY TATAKBO SA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION!!!!!

What Excesses can Breed

By Apolinario Villalobos

Anything that is beneficial but taken in excess can be lethal, and anything that is done with good intention, but in excess, can be vicious.

Drugs are supposed to prevent or cure diseases, but when taken in excess can result to unexpected death of a patient, that is why some of these cannot just be bought over the counter of pharmacies, as they need proper prescription from authorized medical practitioners. On the other hand, an overdose of food can cause obesity which can lead to diseases. Drinking water in excess may affect the proper functioning of the heart that is why one of the worst thing that can happen to anyone, is the unchecked water retention of the body.

Too much love can mean pampering that could result to the “spoiling” of the person being “loved”. It can also drive one to commit a crime of passion because of the fatal attraction that developed. And, worst, it can lead the weak of emotion to the verge of insanity. The same is true with kindness which can result to the abuse of the kind-hearted. Along this line, too much familiarity among friends could develop abuse, too, on the part of the ones with weak discipline, disposition, and who are naturally selfish. 

It is not bad to be hardworking, but abusing the body to the point of exhaustion could mean fatigue and if left unchecked could be fatal, too. Also, in a group that is expected to work as a team, those working hard, may be abused by the indolent members who may become overly dependent. That is why, for the sake of teamwork, it is important that roles are played fairly.

As to the expression of faith, those who manifest it with utmost sincerity according to what their religion says, is admirable. However, their boisterous and arrogant attitude about their belief that only they have the right to be saved, really stink. It is revolting to see a faithful with outstretched hands and who walks on his or her knees from the door of the church to the altar, or pretend that he or she is overcome by the “spirit” while praying as shown by his or her fainting or uncontrolled shaking body…a scene that can be comical for others. All these overdose of faith is fanaticism.

Too much freedom in a nation can breed abuse on the part of inconsiderate and undisciplined constituents. And, too much discipline instilled in a person can make him too “sterile” and oblivious to the imperfect, albeit, normal actuations of others.

The Earth needs air and rain, but too much of it, results to typhoon and flood. The same is true with the cool and immaculate snow, as too much of it, results to snowstorm. The wildlife has its own way of “moderation”. And, it seems that lesser creatures are more intelligent than man in observing such discipline. I have seen film footages of different kinds of wild animals milling around drinking holes where the strong are shown chasing the weak with the obvious intention of enjoying the latter as dinner. After the overpowering animals have had their fill, they back off and leave the rest of the packs. But in the case of man, the situation is different, because for as long as there is an opportunity for the greedy to exploit, he practically sucks every drop of blood of the oppressed.

Greed and selfishness are innate in man’s character, but should be manifested in moderation to prevent exploitation of others that could result to their suffering. Unfortunately, it does not happen in politics where greedy officials are not satisfied with what they may have already stolen from the government coffer, and which could already ensure them of a comfortable retirement. They practically, want everything by all means….not only money but lifetime power!

The Beauty of Simple Life

By Apolinario Villalobos

The most beautiful people in the world are those who live the simplest life….that is my own view. For me, beauty is the essence of life and if it becomes complicated, it could no longer be considered as such. To sum it up, simplicity is beauty.

Beautiful people are just around us and I have encountered one in Buluan, Maguindanao. I contracted the guy who drove a pedicab for a couple of hour and as I found him to be trustworthy, aside from the tip, I also bought cookies for his kids and a kilo of fish for their dinner….simple gifts that I could afford. I was touched when he told me with utmost gratitude, “sir, sobra-sobra na po itong grocery” (sir, these grocery items are too much). The guy who eventually became like a brother to me, considered the cookies from the bakery and the fish from the wet market as precious groceries and which for my friend were special gifts, especially, because the Ramadan was closing. Unfortunately, for many people, only items at SM Supermart and other big outlets, that should be overflowing out of grocery bags are “GROCERIES”.

While I was on my way to Baseco Compound in Tondo, one early morning, I stopped for a mug of coffee and a pack of Skyflakes cracker at a sidewalk carinderia for breakfast. While I was about to open the cellophane wrapper of the biscuit, a scavenging couple and their young kid of about 4 years old, stopped by and asked for a glass of drinking water from the carinderia owner. As it was not yet 7AM, I presumed that they have not taken anything yet to warm their guts up. They could have just hit the road as shown by their empty plastic garbage bag. I invited them for breakfast of coffee and Skyflakes which they declined but due to my insistence, they sat down. I opened the biscuit wrappers for them as they were hesitant to pick them up. The woman shared her Skyflakes with her husband and their kid while carefully inserting the two packs in her soiled and dirty backpack…she did it as if she was doing a ritual in handling a fragile object. The Skyflakes crackers were treated with special care as they would probably become the family’s lunch for the day. I was almost moved to tears upon hearing the kid repeatedly say, “sarap, sarap” while munching bits of biscuits with much care.

When Jesus bid his disciples goodbye, the farewell fare was unleavened bread that he broke into several pieces to be shared by everybody. Wine which could have been limited in quantity was passed around. It was a special occasion that initiated the series of events leading to the spiritual salvation of Christians for generations to come.

Today, occasions can never be considered “special” if it is not held in expensive restaurants, five-star hotels, or resorts, with the expense that should run up to almost or even more than a million pesos!

Life in this world has greatly become complicated!....an ugly reality!

Baras Bird Sanctuary Revisited

By Apolinario Villalobos

The last time I visited the Baras Bird Sanctuary was during the successful celebration of the Bird Festival 2017 last May. Lately, I visited it again but it was some kind of a reunion with college buddies, Rey Malana, the owner of the avian reservation park and Charles del Campo who was with his second wife, Neneng. When we arrived, the park wardens were busy with the laying down of new tiles for the pathway that wound around the bamboo and “kakawate” grove. Mr. Malana, himself, showed as around while pointing to interesting birds, some of which belong to very rare species. While going around, we had to cover our head with salakot to protect us from bird droppings.

Overhead, branches of trees and leaning bamboos lush with foliage and twigs were dotted with nests. Birds of various species were oblivious of our presence. Egrets were either on the ground while the rest were minding their nest. Fallen bamboos were left to rot to maintain an ambience akin to a forest. Meanwhile, a few feet away from the pathway, the brownish Upper Katungal or Kapingkong River continued rushing toward the Ala River.

After our tour, Rey treated us to a film showing that featured a documentary about the sanctuary. I was personally amazed at how the city and Baras with its Bird sanctuary were beautifully presented, especially, from the bird’s eye view.

Rey confided that he has been a nature lover ever since he observed the regular homing of egrets to the bamboo grove of their farm. To keep the avian park well-maintained, the city government has granted it a subsidy. Working in tandem with Rey in keeping the birding hobby and nature awareness in Tacurong alive is Ms. Emelie P. Jamorabon of the city tourism office. She surprised me with her thorough knowledge of the birds that have found home in the swamps around the city, as well as, the Bird Sanctuary itself. When I paid her a visit, she excitedly opened a site in the internet about the birds of Tacurong posted by avid birdwatchers who regularly visit the city.

Both Mr. Malana and Ms. Jamorabon are hoping that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) could further help the city government in preserving the identified homing areas of endemic and migratory birds, especially, the almost three hectares Baras Bird Sanctuary. Another identified area is a swamp within a private land in Carmen, which according to Ms. Jamorabon will be developed into a subdivision.

Those who are interested to visit Tacurong, the gateways are Davao, General Santos and Cotabato cities. The staff of the City Tourism Office on the second floor of the City Hall, and the receptionists, as well as, the park wardens of the Baras Bird Sanctuary are more than willing to assist for quick tours.

Alimu-om

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sa biglang pagpatak ng ulan sa lupang tigang

Alimu-om ang sumisingaw

Animo ay manipis na usok

Ang amoy, nakasusulasok!

Ganoon din ang pagsingaw ng bahong itinago

Pilit sumisingaw, umuusbong

Hindi maitatago, umaalagwa

Mga pagbubunyag ang badya!

Akala ng mga tiwali, sila ay ganoon na katalino

Lahi daw, may bahid ng bayani

Wala pa namang napatunayan

Baka sakali, isa ding kawatan!

Ang mga ayaw umamin sa kasalanang nagawa

Naglilipana sa senado, kongreso

Kalinisan daw nila’y walang duda

Kahi’t tunay na kulay ay lantad na!

Mga alimu-om sa pagkatao ng mga taong tiwali

Naamoy sa apat na sulok ng bansa

Hindi natatakpan ng salita at ngiti

Dahil sa paningin ng Diyos –

sila’y talagang  maling-mali!

Note:

Nakakasusulasok – odorous

Umaalagwa – overflowing

Badya – warning

Ang Kuwento ng Buhay ni Mariam

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Una kong nakilala ang kapatid ni Mariam na si Den dahil traysikel niya ang ginamit ko nang bumili ako ng kahoy panggatong sa Datu Paglas. Silang dalawa ay lubusang naulila sa murang edad na parehong wala pang sampung taon. Palipat-lipat sila sa iba’t ibang kamag-anak na ang iba ay napilitang umampon sa kanila kahit sa maikling panahon. May narinig pa silang kuwentuhan ng matatanda nilang kamag-anak na huwag na silang pag-aralin, at sa halip ay gawing utusan na lamang. Habang si Den ay pinag-araro ng bukid kahit wala pang sampung taong gulang, ang kanyang ate na si Mariam ay bugbog naman sa gawaing bahay, at talagang bugbog literally kaya nagkaroon siya ng peklat sa mukha na hindi nawala hanggang ngayon dahil sa sobrang pagmamalupit ng tinirhang kamag-anak.

Dahil umabot sa puntong halos wala nang kamag-anak na mag-aampon sa kanila, nagkahiwalay silang dalawa. Naiwan si Mariam sa Buluan at si Den naman, sa murgang edad na halos tin-edyer pa lang ay nakipagsapalaran na sa iba’t ibang bayan. Nagkita lamang silang dalawa nang si Den ay may asawa na at umuwi sa sinilangang bayan kung saan siya ay nagtatraysikel at si Marian naman ay domestic help sa Qatar.

Naiwan sa pangangalaga ng kanyang pinsan ang 15 years old na panganay ni Mariam at nag-aaral sa isang pampublikong high school sa katabing bayan ng Buluan, ang President Quirino. Ayon kay Mariam na nakausap ko sa cellphone dahil nasa Qatar siya, matalino ang kanyang anak na lalaki, lalo na sa Mathematics kaya ang pangarap niya para dito ay maging engineer. Sa pag-uusap namin nabanggit niyang ang gross niyang kinikita sa Qatar ay hindi lumalampas sa Php16,000 kada buwan at binabawas niya ng budget para sa pagkain niya. Siya kasi ay empleyado ng isang agency na nangongontrata ng paglilinis ng bahay at per hour ang bayad.

Ang pinsang nag-aalaga sa kanyang panganay ay binibigyan niya ng Php1,000 kada buwan para sa pagkain nito. Nagpapadala din siya ng pera para sa kanyang anak na babae na nasa pangangalaga ng asawang hiniwalayan niya. Ang allowance ng kanyang anak na panganay ay Php2,000 kada buwan, at sa halagang iyan kinukuha ang pamasahe at tanghalian kung lunch break sa eskwela. Nagbabaon ang bata ng kanin upang makatipid at dahil maliit lang budget para sa pagkain, bumibili siya ng ginisang alamang na bagoong sa halagang Php5 na pang-ulam.

Parehong matalino ang dalawang anak ni Mariam. Kung ang panganay na lalaki ay magaling sa mathematics, ang pangalawa naman na babae ay magaling sa English at Science, at consistent honor student mula pa noong nagsimula itong mag-aral kaya ang pangarap niya para dito ay maging Nurse. Walang hilig makipagbarkada ang dalawa dahil pagkatapos ng klase, diretso daw sila sa bahay upang mag-aral. Nakakarating kay Mariam ang magandang feedback tungkol sa kanyang mga anak sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pinsan. Dahil sa kabaitan ng kanyang mga anak, nagsilbi silang inspirasyon sa kanya.

Binanggit ni Mariam na noong bata pa siya,  kahit once a week lang ang pag-aral niya ng Arabic sa Madrasa o Islamic school, at sa loob lang ng isang buwan, pinilit niya ang sariling matuto kaya panay ang self-study niya kapag nasa bahay na. Ang English naman ay sa regular na public school niya natutuhan. Ngayon, parehong magaling na siyang magbasa at magsulat ng English, ganoon din sa Arabic.

Tulad ni Den, sinabi sa akin ni Mariam na ayaw niyang matulad sa kanya ang kanyang mga anak kaya hangga’t maaari ay ayaw niyang magkasakit o umabsent sa trabaho dahil ang patakaran ng agency nila “no work, no pay”. Nang huli silang mag-usap ng kanyang panganay, humihingi ito ng dagdag na pera para magamit sa project sa eskwela dahil ang natitirang perang hawak niya ay Php400 na lang. Masakit man sa kalooban niya ay napakiusapan ni Mariam ang anak na pagkasyahin ang pera hanggang sa second week ng July kung kaylan siya makakakuha pa lang ng sahod. Habang sinusulat ko itong blog, hindi ko alam kung nakagawa ng paraan ang anak niya.

Naisip ko na ang halagang Php400 pesos ay pinapang-Jollibee lang ng iba, pero para sa anak ni Mariam, kayamanan na itong maituturing na kailangang pagkasyahin sa loob ng dalawang linggo.

Noeleen’s Gift Shop

…a historic commercial landmark in Tacurong City

By Apolinario Villalobos

Noeleen’s Gift Shop had its soft opening in October 1968 just when Tacurong was beginning to metamorphose into a progressive junction with protrusions that led towards Cotabato (today, divided into Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao), South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and Davao. Tacurong is politically within the scope of the Sultan Kudarat province.

According to Mrs. Nenita Lao Bernardo, the proprietess, she opened the boutique with just a   capitalization of Php2,800 but by dint of hard work and astute management, she was able to develop it into what it is now…delightfully crammed with affordable novelty items. One can find neatly stacked blankets, towels, branded t-shirts, fashionable apparels, shoes, sandals, home decors, perfumes, colognes, jewelries, watches, trinkets, and various gifts for special occasions.

It is interesting to note that the shop today, serves even the third generation of early patrons, as their grandchildren have kept the tradition of trekking to it for anything that they need for various occasions, be they party dress, shoes, or gifts for birthdays and weddings. The boutique is frequented by customers from as far as Esperanza, Tantangan, Isulan, and of course, Buluan. One time, I chanced upon a family of 6 with the mother in colorful malong directing her children to the stacks of items where they should choose what they needed.

Noeleen’s is open from Monday to Saturday, as early as 8AM to accommodate customers who would come all the way from surrounding towns. 

Ang Tubig at Hangin

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang tubig at hangin -

Bahagi ng buhay kung sila ay ituring.

Sa tubig ng sinapupunan nakalutang

Ang binhi ng buhay na sumisibol pa lamang

Na sa mundong lalabasa’y walang kamuwang-muwang.

Gaya ng tubig, ang hangi’y buhay din,

Nagpapatibok sa puso, nagpapapintig;

Ang sibol, nakapikit man, ito ay nakakarinig

Na animo  ay naghahanda na, paglabas niya sa daigdig.

Hangin ang unang malalanghap niya

Sa takdang panahong siya’y isinilang na,

At, sa kaguluhan ng mundo

Imumulat ang mga mata -

Kasabay ng malakas niyang pag-uha.

Sa tigang na lupa, ang tubig ay buhay

Ito’y ulang bumabagsak mula sa kalawakan

Subali’t kapag lumabis na’t hindi mapigilan

Nagiging baha, pumipinsala sa sangkatauhan

Ganoon din ang hangin na dulot ay ginhawa

Basta ang ihip, huwag lang magbago ng timpla.

Baha at bagyo

Dulot ng tubig at hangin sa mundo

Hindi masawata

Kaya dulot ay matinding pinsala

Subali’t sana, kahit papaano’y maiibsan

Kung napangalagaan natin ang kalikasan -

Na ating inalipusta nang walang pakundangan!

Note:

Sibol – fertilized egg of the woman

Sinapupunan – womb

Kamuwang-muwang (kamuwangan) – knowledge

Pintig – pulse

Tigang – dry

Inalipusta - abused

Hindi Dapat Ikahiya Ang Mga

Trabahong Housekeeper, Domestic Helper at Caregiver sa Abroad

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Hindi dapat mahiya ang mga titulado o professional o mga galing sa mayamang pamilya sa Pilipinas na naging housekeeper sa ibang bansa dahil ang kaalaman nila sa pagsalita ng Ingles at pag-asikaso ng bahay upang maging maayos, pati pagluto ng iba’t ibang pagkain ang tama at angkop na kaalaman sa trabahong nabanggit. Bago naging sikat ang mga Pilipino sa pag-asikaso ng mga elders at pag-manage ng mga bahay at gardens sa Amerika, ang palaging hinahanap ng mga kliyente ay mga Britons o British. Sila ang mga kinukuha bilang “mayordomo”, “butler” at “nanny” dahil mga edukado sila.

Sa Amerika, ang mga anak ng mayayamanng business moguls ay nagtatrabaho bilang receptionists, food attendants, dishwashers, hotel staff, at iba pa, pagtuntong nila sa edad na 18 taon. Ang mga nabanggit din ang ginagawa ng mga artista sa Amerika na nagsisimula pa lang, kung wala silang available na assignment.

Ang pamilya ng mag-asawang artistang Pilipino na sina Eddie Guttierez at Annabel Rama ay nagtinda ng mga kaldero sa Amerika, mamahaling klase nga lang. Nagtiyaga silang kumatok sa mga bahay upang mag-alok ng kanilang mga paninda….at hindi nila ikinahiya ito dahi palagi nilang binabanggit ito sa mga interbyu nila nang magbalik-pelikula sila sa Pilipinas.

Ang mga pinagmamalupitang mga domestic helper sa Middle East ay mga Pilipinong kulang ang kaalaman sa pagluto at paglinis ng mga bahay dahil hindi sila familiar sa mga kasangkapan ng kanilang amo. Yan ang dahilan kung bakit pumasok sa eksena ang TESDA na nagti-train at nagsi-certify ng mga domestic helpers na pupunta sa Middle East at ibang bansa. Samantala, noon pa man ay marami nang mga Filipino professionals na nagtatrabaho sa Amerika at Europe bilang caregiver, nagmama-mange ng bahay at gardens at personal secretary at cook ng mga kilalang tao.

DAPAT TANDAANG HINDI NAKAKAHIYA ANG ANUMANG TRABAHO BASTA HINDI NAKAKALAMANG SA KAPWA, LALO NA ANG PAGNANAKAW AT PAGBEBENTA NG DROGA! HANGAL AT UNGAS ANG MGA PILIPINONG IKINAHIHIYA ANG MGA KAANAK NA NAGTATRABAHO SA ABROAD BILANG DOMESTIC HELPER, WAITER, CAREGIVER, DRIVER, ETC! ANG HINDI NARARAMDAMAN NG MGA UGOK NA ITO AY ANG SAKRIPISYO NG MGA NANDOON NA NAGTITIIS SA LUNGKOT DAHIL NAPALAYO SILA SA MGA MAHAL NILA SA BUHAY! MAKAPAL ANG MUKHA NG MGA HANGAL, UGOK AT UNGAS NA ITO DAHIL UMAASA DIN NAMAN SILA AT NAKIKINABANG SA PINAGPAGURAN NG MGA IKINAHIHIYA NILA!!!!!!

THE PROBLEM WITH THE HYPOCRITES

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang Mga Taong Isinusulat Ko ang Kuwento ng Buhay

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kaya ako nagsusulat ng mga kuwento ng buhay ng mga tao ay upang magsilbi silang inspirasyon sa iba. Kung mapapansin, sila yong mga nagsimula sa “ibaba” hanggang umangat o umasenso. Sila rin yong mga hindi nahihiyang magtrabaho kahit galing sa may sinasabing pamilya o mayayaman. Sila yong mga nagsikap upang makatapos ng kolehiyo kaya pumasok na student assistants sa pinapasukan nilang unibersidad o kolehiyo. Sila rin ang mga naghahabol ng schedule ng klase mula sa mga pinapasukang food outlets tulad ng Jollibee at MacDonalds, at iba pa.

Ang iba pang mga naisulat ko na ay naging biktima ng pagkakataon kaya “kumapit sa patalim” upang mabuhay o di kaya ay nagsakripisyo para sa pamilya. Mayroon ding mga pari at pastor na MABABAIT at karapat-dapat na tawaging mga pastol na Itinalaga ng Diyos sa mundo upang gumabay sa mga Kristiyano.

Hindi ako basta-basta nagsusulat lang dahil PINIPILI ko ang mga taong bina-blog ko….mga karapat-dapat na nakaka-inspire ang buhay. Ang problema ay ang mga HYPOCRITE na kaanak ng mga taong dapat ay maging inspirasyon ng iba dahil sa pagsisikap nilang kumita para sa pamilya kaya nangibang bansa, at ang iba ay na-rape pa nga….IKINAHIHIYA KASI NG MGA WALANG UTANG NA LOOB NA ITO NA ANG MGA KAANAK NILA SA ABROAD AY HINDI MANAGER NG OPISINA KUNDI HOUSEKEEPER, YAYA, GARDEN CLEANER, CAREGIVER, ETC.  Ang mga nahihiyang magbanggit man lang ng uri ng trabaho ng mga kaanak sa abroad ay mga UGOK AT MAKAKAPAL ANG MUKHA dahil SOBRA-SOBRANG  umaasa din pala sa mga padala ng mga nasa abroad!

Dasal para sa Eid Il Fitr…

Taimtim na Dasal

…bukod-tanging natira nating pag-asa

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sa pabago-bagong panahong dulot ay pinsala

sa halip na biyaya…

Sa harap ng kagutumang ating nararanasan -

walang katapusan…

At, sa harap ng mga kinatatakutang krimen -

‘wag munang tapusin ang dasal ng “amen”.

Magdasal pa tayo ng marubdob at taimtim

‘wag maging sakim…

Sa panahong ang patayan ay kalat sa mundo

piliting ‘wag masiphayo…

basta’t  namumutawi ang dasal sa ating bibig -

sa pag-asa, tayo’y nakahilig!

Strong Faith in God

And the Resilience of the Filipino

By Apolinario Villalobos

In the face of adversities, the Filipino has always been strong, steely- willed and resilient. It is this supple character that makes him adjust to any condition after a catastrophe. His unquestionable faith in God is the vigor that makes him move on and hurdle the rest of hindrances along the way.

No man-made or natural catastrophe can ever make the Filipino turn his back from God. For him, all these are just trials that make his faith stronger. He knows that God will never give him a challenge that he cannot muster. He knows that all these are the proverbial litters of stones and thorns along the way of his journey to the waiting arms of the Lord.

Life is beautiful. But everything in the universe has its end. To prepare himself for this, the Filipino has even shown greater faith in God by becoming more aware of His presence. Religious movements are on the rise. Humble prayers for mercy have grown louder. The Filipino can be likened to Tobit and  Job, Biblical characters whose lives were full of challenges that put their faith to an acid test.

God manifests His consolations in mysterious and unexpected ways. It could be His way of showing His love to the Filipinos as a people. The Philippines is profusely endowed with natural resources. The Filipino has an easy smile and has the habit of taking a scandal lightly and make it worthy of a good laugh, without losing its serious color.

God has chosen a people in the past – the Israelites, as the Bible says….they, who had to roam around the desert for forty years. Today, He must have chosen a new one – the Filipinos who are engulfed in controversies and series of misfortunes…but for how long will the Filipinos be tested by the Him?

Ms. Judith P. Bernardo: Lending Respectability

and Sophistication to Housekeeping and Caregiving as DecentJobs

by Apolinario Villalobos

When Ms. Judith P. Bernardo shared with me how she managed her life while in the United States, she proudly mentioned how she tried her best to be respectable as a Filipino while doing housekeeping, garden maintenance, and caregiving jobs. She used to her advantage, the American culture which is founded on fairness for all who are willing to flex their muscles in order to earn a living while in the shadow of Uncle Sam. Another advantage of Ms. Bernardo up her sleeve is her social adequacy which enabled her to meld with the locals, be they Americans or immigrants from various nations who have been able to have a secure foothold and who belonged to the higher rung of the American society.

Without any qualm, she grabbed every opportunity to earn that came her way which enabled her to establish connections with clients, soonest as she was able to adjust herself to the environment. Her courage and determination were fueled by her former social status in the Philippines and her former job as a young member of the American diplomatic corps based in Southeast Asia, and which bolstered her self-confidence.

After a few years of doing the various jobs single-handedly, she was able to form a group of trusted house cleaners and gardeners, with her as the coordinator. Requests from clients were channeled through her, an arrangement which helped many immigrants. A little later still, she ventured into catering which was very much appreciated by her clients. Later, some of them requested that she also attend to their elders whom they prefer to be taken cared at home, rather than being sent to the home for the aged.

Social graces have always been part of Ms. Bernardo’ life while growing up and moving around her circles of cliques. This plus factor made her a sought after housekeeper and caregiver, as she was also trusted by her clients with the finances allotted for the homes that she maintained and elders under her care. She was also appreciated for her culinary expertise, always ready with suggestions about what food could go well with red or white wine and any liquor.

According to Ms. Bermardo, Filipinos who work as caregiver and housekeeper abroad need not be ashamed of their job. All that they need is try their best to project a respectable image. She added that teachers and other professionals who happen to land on such jobs should not be despised or belittled as they are in fact, well- equipped. She is right, for how can an ignoramus who has no knowledge on the proper housekeeping that deals with handling of fragile household furnishings, be trusted by a client? Or, how can one who can barely speak English be hired by a family that speaks such language only?

With her exposure to housekeeping as a job and social graces that have been part of her life, I asked if she is willing to be contacted as resource speaker for trainings and seminars that may require such, to which she replied in the affirmative, adding that she can also be consulted on banquet preparations.

Ode to Mother Earth

by Apolinario Villalobos

Looking back when time began

God said the words

Giving life to all

That He desired,

The endless expanse of the void

Was filled with motley specks

That moved with harmony -

A prodigious task

Of the Almighty.

A tiny dot in the universe

Mother Earth throbbed with life

As God made her a living sphere

Covered with green and blue

All part of God’s grandiose plan

Done in a few days of divine toil,

Though, He rested finally,

Being satisfied at last

On the seventh day.

Out of a handful dust from her womb

God made Adam, by such name he was called

And with God’s breathe of life

What was once a lump with limbs

Has become like Him in image

And let to roam the Garden of Eden.

But then, loneliness soon had its toll

Which when God has perceived -

From Adam’s rib, He made Eve.

Alas! Mother Earth now nurtured

Not only lesser creatures

But the pair that God made

In His own image;

A paradise, Eden was supposed to be

But to it, a serpent found its way

Tempting Eve to have a taste of ecstasy

And, no sooner than she did have a bite

She made Adam commit the same apostasy!

The blunder made by Adam and Eve

Instigated the misery of Mother Earth

As they opened the floodgate of afflictions

That soon blemished her once pristine face;

Greed and selfishness, for long led lives -

Cain putting to death his own brother Abel

And many others whose names are written

On the sacred pages of the age-old Book

And all it needs is for us is to take a serious look.

And it is so sad,

As warnings that Mother Earth belched

In her effort to wake man up with a jolt

Did not budge him even just a bit…

Holding On to Dear Faith

By Apolinario Villalobos

Tears may fall in anguish

Hearts may break in sorrow

Dignity may be lost in hunger

But always, despite all these -

Something is left of our faith.

Questions may be mumbled

Doubts may raise eyebrows

Whimpers may lessen the pain

Despair may block our sight

But always, faith gives us light!

Ang Dalawang Uri ng Tao

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sa aking palagay at opinion, dalawang uri ng tao mayroon sa ibabaw ng mundo:

Ang mga taong abnormal ang itinuturing kong mga salot ng lipunan dahil kahit alam nilang mali ang paggamit ng droga ay ginagawa pa rin nila. Kahit alam nilang mali ang pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan ay ginagawa pa rin nila. Kahit alam nilang masama ang manlamang at manloko ng kapwa ay ginagawa pa rin nila. Kahit alam nilang kaya sila nag-aral upang makatapos ay upang makatulong sa sarili at kapwa, nagpapabaya pa rin sia.

AT, DAHIL SA DAMI NG MGA ABNORMAL SA MUNDO AY NAHAWA NA RIN ANG KALIKASAN KAYA NAGING ABNORMAL NA RIN ANG PAGSAPIT NG MGA PANAHON. ANG MGA BAGYO AT BAHA AY NANGYAYARI SA MGA BUWANG DAPAT AY TAG-INIT. ANG MATINDING INIT AY NANGYAYARI SA MGA BUWANG DAPAT AY TAG-ULAN.

The Mysteries of Life

By Apolinario Villalobos

Waking up to the promise of another day

That for me is a great life’s mystery…

Another day… another life

Never mind if it’s filled with strife.

The caress of the wind

The city’s din and hassles

The undulating grass in the meadow

The warm sands of the beach

On a calm day under a coco’s shadow

Are mysteries all

That only life can give to me -

A humble and grateful soul.

A newborn baby’s cry tearing silence apart

And curl its mother’s lips for a smile

Is a mystery fathomed only by the heart;

The rain that patters on the ground

The glare and scorching heat of the sun

The drifting clouds in the azure skies –

Are just some of mysteries in the life of man

Stuck since birth till the day he dies.

Manalig nang Walang Pag-alinlangan

At Huwag Pairalin ang Kayabangan

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sighs for Lost Opportunities

Due to Wasted Time and Arrogance

By Apolinario Villalobos

It is always the sigh of regret that one can only heave out of his chest every time he losses an opportunity. Wasted opportunities may result from wasted time as some are just careless in managing their lives. They seem to or deliberately forget that time is a very important element that affects man’s daily life. Many forgot the adage about the hands of time that cannot be moved back. Man is no match to the infinity of time. So many also forgot that nowadays, in order to survive, discipline and resourcefulness are very important factors, and both are affected by time.

Those who slave it out from 8 to 5 every day, lost precious hours deducted from their take home pay every time they report to work late. They always blame the traffic. I cannot understand why they cannot leave home hours before the onset of the traffic which is normally at 7AM.

For those who are looking for jobs, stories are true about intelligent guys who graduated cum laude but oftentimes fail to land a job. These humbugs wonder how other job hunters could ever get a job despite poor scholastic marks for courses earned from unheard of provincial colleges and vocational schools. The cum laudes forgot that the “early birds get the seeds”. Because of pride and overconfidence, they thought that they can always make it because of high marks on their transcript of records with letterheads of prestigious universities. They forgot that nowadays, employers prefer applicants who show interest in the job, and this interest is initially indicated by being the first in the line on the day of interview. Of course, scholastic marks earned from memorizing lessons can help, but job hunting is a different thing. Respect for time and adeptness in reasoning are two most important measures used to know if a person is ready to take responsibilities.

Those who finish high-end courses from universities thought that the job they prefer must fit their course to a “T”. In this regard,  “management course” graduates, expect to be “managers” right away. They do not want to start from the lowest rung as an office staff. As computer engineering graduates, they expect an “engineer” tagged in the position they are applying for. They do not want to start with a job as computer technician or programmer. These losers only have their pride to blame.

As regards the parents who are crying their hearts out because of growing undisciplined children, they should not ask themselves how this could have happened. In the first place, they forgot to implant in the minds of their children the values that should have been the foundation for their developments. They allowed the children to spend precious time with their peers outside their home even during unholy hours. They give their children hard-earned or borrowed money so they can go to internet cafes to play games instead of studying their lessons at home. They give in to the whims of their children for gadgets that are not necessary. These parents had all the opportunities and time to nurture their children properly but wasted them. They equated love with “pampering”!

Children of well-to-do families have more opportunity to prepare for their future. They have money for every thing that they need, especially for education. But they spend more time with barkadas than with their parents, even skipping classes to be with them to play games in internet cafes or hang out in parks and mall. When they grow old, they realize that they have been left behind by friends who have been serious with their studies.

Lawmakers are losing time and opportunity in bringing out relevant issues beneficial to the government and the people, because they waste precious time lambasting each other for the selfish motive of gaining publicity mileage. They pretend to be immaculately clean in person and heroic in their effort as they besmear each other’s image. In the process, they forgot that they are supposed to formulate laws instead of broadcasting intrigues which should be left to the rumor mongering writers and columnists of showbiz magazines and tabloids. Before they know it, no more time is left of sessions that should have been devoted to their basic mission as lawmakers.

Finally, every worship day should have been spent by people who belong to the various religious leanings for the atonement of their wrongdoings. Unfortunately, their effort is thickly coated with insincerity and hypocrisy. Deep in their mind, they believe in God, but deep in their heart, they believe that He is blind and dumb, so that when they come out of their temples of worship, they are back to their old selfish and arrogant characters.  

Mindanao

By Apolinario B Villalobos

Itinuring na lupang ipinangako -

Ng mga Pilipinong dito ay napadako

Mga naglakas -loob na makipagsapalaran

Hindi inalintana panganib na madadatnan.

Maraming kuwento ang aking nalaman -

May mga kulay ng lungkot at kaligayahan

Nguni’t lahat ay puno ng hangarin, ng pag-asa

Sa lupang ipinangako, magigisnan, bagong umaga.

May mga Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Ilocano

Mayroong Bicolano, Bulakeño, Caviteño, Batangueño

Mga taga-Luzon silang dala ay lakas ng loob, kasipagan

Hindi ininda ang init sa  pagbungkal ng tigang na kabukiran.

Mayroon ding galing sa Antique, Negros, isla ng Cebu

Sumunod ang mga taga-Leyte, Antique, Guimaras at Iloilo

Ano pa nga ba’t sa malawak, mayaman at luntiang Mindanao

Iba’t iba man ang salita,  pagkakaisa pa rin, pilit na nangibabaw.

Hitik sa kwentong makulay ang buong isla ng Mindanao

Unang tumira’y mga kapatid nating sa relihiyon, iba ang pananaw

Silang mga  taal na katutubo, makukulay, matatapang at mahinahon

Tanging hangad ay mabuhay ng matiwasay, tahimik, sa lahat ng panahon.

Ang mga  Kristiyano, Muslim, Lumad – lahat sila ay nagkakaisa

Nagtutulungan, nagbibigayan, mga paniwala man nila ay magkaiba

Nguni’t dahil sa makasariling hangad ng ilang gahaman sa kapangyarihan

Animo kristal na nabasag, iningatang magandang samahan at katahimikan.

Nguni’t tayo ay Pilipino, iba tayo – lumalaban na may masidhing pag-asa

Sa harap ng masalimuot na mga problema, matatatag na kalasag ay nakaamba

Ito’y ang masidhing paniniwala sa Maykapal, malalim at marubdob na kapatiran

Ugaling nagbuklod sa mga taga-Mindanao, magkaiba man ang pananaw at kaugalian.

Ating isigaw-

Mabuhay ang Mindanaw!

(Kuwento ng Buhay ni Elmer Festin)

By: Apolinario B Villalobos

Ang landas ng buhay na ating binabagtas

Mahirap tahakin lalo na kung tayo’y nakayapak -

Mga lubak na hindi mapansin ay ating natitisod

Matatalas na batong di maiwasan ay nayayapakan

Pati tinik ng dahong mariang sumusugat sa ating talampakan.

Ang taong hindi handa sa pagtahak nitong landas

Sa ilang hakbang pa lamang niyang magawa -

Kahihinaan na ng loob at pangangatugan na ng mga tuhod

Hindi malayong babalik sa pinanggalingan

Di kaya’y mangingipuspos at sasalampak na lamang sa daan.

May isang taong sa murang gulang ay naglakas-loob

Nagpakatatag at taimtim na nagdasal sa Panginoon

Na harinawa sa paglisan sa sinilangang Bantoon, isla ng Rombon

Patnubayan siya sa kanyang paglayag at tatahaking landas

Bigyan din ng malinaw na pag-iisip at katawang malakas.

Masakit iwanan ang isang bayang tulad ng Bantoon

Islang animo’y tuldok sa mapa ng Romblon

Di man pansinin, ito’y mahalagang itinuring

Ng mga Kastilang dumating noong unang panahon sa ating bansa

Kaya’t sa aklat ng ating kasaysayan siya’y naitala.

Ito ang kuwento ng buhay ni Elmer Festin

Isang taong may ngiting agad mapapansin

Napadpad sa Cebu kung saan siya’y nahikayat

Suungin ng buong tapang, masalimuot na buhay –

Na wala namang pag-atubili at matatag niyang hinarap.

Ilang taon din siyang dito ay nagturo

Naglinang ng dunong ng mga kabataan

Hanggang sa siya ay kawayan ng kapalaran

Na nangako sa kanyang sa dakong katimugan

Siya ay makakatamo ng pinapangarap na kasaganaan.

Dala ay kakaunting pera na sa bulsa ay kakalog-kalog

Pilit winaglit ang pag-aalala at takot sa dibdib na kakabog-kabog

Hindi rin alintana ang mga tuhod na nangangatog

Siya ay naglakas-loob na pumalaot at tumango’ sa tawag ng kapalaran -

Ipinasa-Diyos na lamang, magiging bunga ng kapangahasan.

Sa Notre Dame, sa Tacurong siya ay napadpad

Paaralang sa bayang ito ay pinagkakapitagan

Limang mga gusali nang panahong iyon ang kanyang nadatnan

Pinangangasiwaan ng mga pare at madre na Oblates of  Mary kung tawagin

At katulad ni Elmer, pagtulong sa kapwa ang sinusunod na adhikain.

Nakitaan siya ng kakaibang sigla sa pagturo

Dahil hindi lang sa mga aklat, mga estudyante niya ay natuto

Naibahagi rin niya ang kaunti niyang kaalaman

Pati sa gymnastics na para sa mga estudyante’y bagong larangan

Kaya napasigla niya ang dati’y matamlay na kapaligiran.

Anupa’t si Elmer ay nakilala hindi lang sa loob ng Notre Dame

Dahil ang galing niya sa pagturo, sa iba ay nakatawag pansin

Kaya nang magkaroon ng Polytechnic Institute sa bayang ito

Binuksan nila para sa kanya ang kanilang pinto

Upang makibahagi sa kagalingan ng kanyang pagturo.

Sa bago niyang malawak na kapaligiran at hitik sa iba’t ibang halaman

Lalo pang sumidhi ang kanyang hangad na makahubog ng kabataan

Hindi naman nasayang ang marangal niyang adhikain

Dahil taos-pusong pasasalamat ay kanyang naramdaman at natanggap

Mula sa mga estudyanteng binigyan niya ng pag-asa ang mga hinaharap.

Natupad ang pangarap ni Elmer na maibahagi ang kanyang kaalaman

Napatunayan niya na kakapusan sa pera ay hindi hadlang

Hindi rin nasayang ang kanyang pagpunyagi magmula pa sa kanyang kabataan

Kahi’t sa pagtahak niya sa landas ng buhay siya’y nakayapak lamang

Dahil alam niyang sa dulo nito’y mayroong walang hanggang kapayapaan.

(Si Mr. Festin ang nagbigay ng pagkakataon sa may-akda upang mahasa niya ang kanyang kakayahan sa pagsulat. Hinirang siya ni Mr. Festin bilang patnugot ng “The Green Ember”, pahayagan ng high school department ng Notre of Tacurong noong 1966, kahi’t siya ay nasa first year pa lamang. Ang tiwala at dagdag kaalaman sa pagsulat na ibinigay sa kanya ni Mr. Festin ang naging kasangkapan niya sa pagharap sa mga pagsubok ng buhay. Kulang ang mga kataga ng tula upang maipadama ng may-akda ang taos-pusong pasasalamat.)

Happy Father’s Day!

Olive’s Life…a story of love and compassion

By Apolinario Villalobos

Here’s a story that I hope will open the eyes and mind of those who claim to be Catholic but whose acts are wanting of its essence.

The first time I saw her was when she was just about four years old in the care of his father who diligently and lovingly attended to her needs as a growing child. Her mother left them to work abroad. She practically grew up till her teen-aged years with her father by her side, as her mother came home only when her “schedule would permit”, being a pianist in music lounges.

Loneliness drove her father to find intimate relationship with other women. Despite the “un-Christian” ways of her father in the eyes of the devoutly Catholic, she did not condemn him. This she did to reciprocate the honesty of her father who did not hide anything from her.

When her parents parted ways, she maintained her compassionate understanding of her father’s ways until the latter got sick beyond recuperation. She practically shed tears and humbly implored her mother to reconnect with her father. When finally, forgiveness was uttered by her mother, she unabashedly announced it to the world to let go of the overpowering emotion in her heart.

Not only did she reconnected her father to her mother, but she also gave recognition to her “other” siblings that they deserve. She lovingly refers to them as her “extended family”. In the company of her stepmother, she brought the remains of her father to his hometown for internment. In front of relatives, she announced her unconditional love to her stepmother and her half-sister. Her act was followed by the rest – relatives and friends who welcomed her “extended family”.

Unconsciously, Olive did what the people’s pope, Francis, has been asking for the whole Christian flock to do – be compassionate to others and love them unconditionally.

Olive is a baptized Catholic, the essence of which is Universal. In my simple understanding, one can only be one, if he takes down the walls of hypocrisy around him. To love like a Catholic means having no borders around…without laying down conditions. Questions should never be asked before a Catholic extends a hand of compassion to others. A Catholic should never ask a hungry stranger if he is also a Catholic before a few coins can be given to him. And, a Catholic should never ask somebody if he has sinned before he can become a friend!

What Olive did is more than what the people’s pope, Francis has been asking his flock to do….

Magsaysay Park of Tacurong City

By Apolinario Villalobos

The park of the city has metamorphosed into what it is today with panoramic landscape accentuated by manicured hedges and shaded by the old acacia trees and palmettos. During the 60’s, the park had a skating rink as its landmark and a few meters away, fronting the west was the stage with basketball court in front. Both the skating rink and the basketball court were used by the farming residents to dry their palay and corn. Free movies were also shown at the plaza, sponsored by the drug merchants, almost one every two months.

During the time of the late mayor Jose Escribano, weekends were for amateur singing contests. To add life to the young town which was newly-weaned from Buluan, the vocational schools such as  Aumentado Fashion School, later renamed Grimaldo Fashion School and Parisienne Academy were encouraged to hold fashion shows to showcase the creations of their students who took up dressmaking. Among the favorite models were Didith Ulangkaya, Daisy Villalobos and Charlie del Campo.

Jose Escribano later built a swimming pool, the first in the area that covered Isulan, Esperanza, Lambayong and Koronadal, to encourage the influx of weekend picnickers. To make Tacurong more lively, a musical band, Firebrand, was put up, composed of the local firemen to make use of their free time. The band which was permanently quartered at the back of the stage hired a singer from Manila, Lito, whose signature songs were those of the Bee Gees.

For easy accessibility to his constituents, Escribano held office at the town plaza, beside the swimming pool which occupied a quarter of the total space of the plaza. It was then called, “Tacurong Resort” which helped in making the town popular in the province.

The swimming pool was the first touristic landmark of Tacurong. Today the whole area of what used to be “Tacurong Resort” is the home base of the military Task Force assigned to protect the city.

Tillah: Badjao woman who works with dignity

By Apolinario Villalobos

On my way to the bus terminal of Tacurong city where I was to take a van for Davao, I saw a Badjao woman who was carefully covering the seat of a motorbike with a piece of corrugated cartoon, supposedly to protect it from the scorching heat of the sun and a sudden downpour. I talked to the woman and asked for her name which she gave as “Tillah”. She told me that she has four children who has the same “job” and that they are positioned in strategic corners of the city. By strategic, it means where motorbikes park. Even car owners concede to have the hood of their cars covered with a piece of cartoon.

The cartoons are the dismantled corrugated boxes that the Badjaos ask from store owners and had seen good old days as containers of milk, sachets of instant noodles, etc. The collection of dismantled boxes become precious belongings of these boat and stilt house-dwelling Filipinos. They are paid Php5 for their “service”. In the evening, the cartons become their sleeping mats that cover the cold pavement of a sidewalk where they could spend the night.

Further asked about her family, she told me that she is a widow with four children. Having no source of income in Zamboanga, except begging, they ventured inland, trying their luck in any town along the way, as they seek a “greener pasture”. They are lucky to have stayed longer in Tacurong because of the benevolence of the residents.

Hopefully, I would be able to meet the children of Tillah….perhaps, when I come back to the City of Goodwill.