Showing posts with label humility. Show all posts

The Charisma of Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu

And the Inspiring Message in His Speech During the BHW Day (November 9, 2017)

By Apolinario Villalobos

I almost missed my chance to meet Sultan Kudarat Governor, Pax Mangudadatu when my schedule on November 9 got mixed up. Had Lotlot Espinosa, not called me about my promise to join her for the Barangay Health Workers’ (BHW) Day at the Capitol Gym, I could have opted for  two other appointments. The celebration was among those lined up for the more than one month celebration of the Kalimudan Festival 2017…the 19^th year.

Inside the imposing Capitol Gym, the BHWs of the different municipalities including those of Tacurong City represented by the Baras Sanctuary, were already jam-packed on the lower level of the bleachers. The groups were colorfully distinguished by the color of their t-shirts. The honorable governor was already almost halfway from finishing his speech when we entered and considered myself lucky to have caught up with his speech filled with historic details about the province. The portion of his speech that first caught my attention was his declaration of utmost GRATITUDE to the Christians for coming during the 1900’s and helped a lot in educating the indigenous inhabitants, especially, the Muslims.

He called on the Sultan Kudaratnons to be TOLERANT in view of the multi-cultured character of the populace. He was practically appealing for UNITY despite differences in religion. He unabashedly mentioned his humble beginnings, practically, struggling to be where he is now, but adding that what he is today, including the political mandates, he owed to God. He underlined his hatred of illegal drugs, thankful that the nation has Duterte as President. But what made his speech very remarkable was his emphasis on the Oneness of God, whatever He is called in various religions which practically struck me. Later, when I sat beside him at the presidential table on stage, I noticed his Masonic ring.

While those seated at the presidential table started to enjoy their lunch, the governor kept on looking around until he stood up, went to the lectern and over the microphone, asked the Jollibee representatives to see to it that everybody was given a packed lunch. I heard a story about his giving his portion of lunch to the guy seated not far from him when he noticed that he has not gotten enough on his plate. With what I have personally witnessed that lunchtime inside the gym, the story about his benevolence has been confirmed.

Before he left the building, he approached the different groups, and that was when I saw how close he is to his constituents. Despite his little more than 70 years of age, he spritely shook hands and gamely allowed himself to be photographed in their company…the sight was overwhelming! For me, he should be appropriately called, the “Bapa of the Masses” (uncle of the masses).

The smile never left his serene face which made him more close to his Rural Health Workers. While looking at him obviously enjoying their company, his soft voice as we conversed a few minutes back, lingered in my mind. I contented myself taking occasional photos and from a short distance, let ecstatic health workers/volunteers savor the special moment with him as for the others to come are for his other constituents…the elders and PWEDs, the artists, etc.

I am praying for your health, Bapa Gov Pax!...More power to you!

Pride and Mistakes

By Apolinario B Villalobos

Nobody is free from committing mistakes, be they petty or enormous.

Nobody shall ever learn how to improve his ways or do away with bad attitude unless there is an admission that a mistake has been committed, hence, the adage “learn from mistakes”.

While some are humble enough to admit their mistakes, the rest are overwhelmed by their pride… they just refuse to do it. The refusal is like a chain that holds them back from moving on.

The mistakes we made are among the steps we took towards our destiny. Refusing then, in admitting our mistakes would simply mean that we are stagnant. The arrogant cannot accept the fact that as a human being, he or she is not perfect.

Pride feeds on adoration of accumulated wealth, dizzying success, or plain appalling attitude. The arrogant filthy rich thinks, his money can buy anything, including power to hide mistakes. The success-intoxicated man thinks that he can do just anything better than anybody else, otherwise he could have not succeeded. And, there’s the simply conceited who sees himself as the only rightful- thinking creation of God, with the rest, wallowing in mistakes.

I think, the best thing to do, is evaluate what we have done and said at the end of each day as we live. It is important to know if we have done anything that could have displeased others, hence, displeased Him, too. That is the reason why He gave us brains….so that we can analyze.

                        

An Encounter with a Quote Enthusiast

By Apolinario Villalobos

I really do not know what to call the guy I met through another friend. He loves to quote other people and I admire his memory for he can even quote historical personages, with their sayings that I must admit are strange to me. We exchanged notes on blog subjects as he is also a blogger in his own right, though constrained by his busy schedule in their company as Operations Director. Practically, our styles do not have even a single similarity. While his blogs are full of “according to”, “as…..says”, or quotation marks, mine are simply stated and based on my own experience. However, we found out that two of our blogs tackled similar subjects.

We are both fond of history and biography. While I take note and absorb the essence of what I have read and tend to forget about the books later because of my short memory, he patiently takes note of statements of personages. While I am my own self in the course of our banter, his obsession shows no end about the personalities as he interjected quoted statements in our conversation which impressed me a lot. His memory is admirable.

He proudly told me about the “Tadhana…the story of the Filipino People”, supposedly written by Ferdinand Marcos. He also told me about the ancient books written by Greek philosophers, reprinted copies of which he found in a famous library in the United States. He even mentioned about Kahlil Gibran, and many more. I was humbled because although, I have read many books, I honestly could not recall their titles and authors, not even the history books that I was required to read as a high school and college student. I practically forgot about them. But, although, I hate Marcos, I have collected 7 books about him, especially, on his exploits as dictator, aside from those about his wife, Imelda. As regards Kahlil, I have two of his books.

I was dazed by the quotations that he impressed on me. All I could contribute was the “Golden Rule”, the author of which I do not even know. In the course of one of our conversations during a party hosted by a common friend, while I meekly told him about my AB course, earned from a then, struggling parochial school “sa isang liblib na bayan (noon, ngayon lunsod na) sa malayong lalawigan ng Cotabato sa Mindanado, at halos nasa paanan na ng Mt. Dagoma”, he bragged about his Master’s Degree earned from a university in the United States.

He slipped when he confirmed the fact that some students really copy/paste paragraphs from research materials in the internet. He admitted that he committed the same when he was finishing his Political Science course in a state university in Manila. His revelation was followed by a hearty guffaw to show that he enjoyed his act of plagiarizing materials from the books which made me shudder. In response to what he told me, I told him that I blogged about plagiarism a year ago, under the title “Plagiarism” a subject which also included plagiarized photographs and paintings. My revelation made him quiet suddenly and left me alone with my mug of coffee.

My encounter with the guy, made me ask questions such as, why some people have to quote others, even on simple subjects such as love, kindness loyalty, life, corruption, etc. when all they need to do is bring out their own experience or look around them for the needed input that can be shared. Why must they go to the extent, for instance, of quoting Mother Theresa or the new pope about compassion, love and charity when they can write about it based on the relationships that prevail among the members of their family or community? I cannot understand why they have to quote famous names when they write about corruption when all they need to do is open their eyes to what are happening around them. And, I cannot understand, too, why they must quote philanthropists when they write about poverty and other deprivations in life, when all they need to do is throw a glance at families living on sidewalks, and whose sustenance come from garbage dumps which is what poverty is all about-plain and simple.

On the other hand, if these “quoters” cannot help it, they should also try to absorb what they quote and put them into practice. I presume that the reason why the quotes caught their attention is that they are relevant, hence, worth remembering. But if they persist on just mumbling them to impress others, they become hollow “amplifier” of others or they are just acting like parrots. They cease to act as intelligent creatures who are supposed to use to the fullest what God gave them, by bringing out what are in their own mind, or better, act them out.

Finally, I am not saying that quoting others is wrong. What I am trying to imply is that, it should be done only when necessary, especially, when one is trying his best to emphasize his point, as quotes, especially, of reputable historical personages can help in the confirmation of ideas being presented. 

Jose P. Leviste, Jr.: Humility Personified

By Apolinario Villalobos

I almost decided not to take PR1811, the second flight of PAL from Manila to Davao on April 30,  as I was used to taking the first flight. It could have been a Providential design because on that flight, I met a guy with a down-to-earth character, and not just an ordinary one, but considered as an icon in the field of industry…Mr. Jose P. Leviste Jr.

At the PAL Mabuhay Lounge before the flight, he was with a group that I presumed to be businessmen on their way to Davao to attend an ASEAN scheduled activity. I observed his humble personality that somehow made him a standout. When we boarded our flight, we were seat mates and while we were fixing our seat belts, we exchanged smiles that broke the ice. He introduced himself simply as “Joey”, so I extended my right hand for a handshake at the same time giving him my nick name. He also gave me his business card and I apologized for not being able to reciprocate the gesture as I am not using such.

When I read the name on the card, I was struck with awe…seated beside me was no other than the Chairman of one of the respected industrial institutions in the country. Yet, he consistently showed a character oozing with humility. I was more than glad to learn that we were on the same plane of interests – nature, humanity and literary. However, I was very much elated for the opportunity of talking to a greatly accomplished industrialist. When he asked for my personal infos, he patiently typed them in his smartphone after which he took our photo. He also showed me his file of business cards coded with checks to remind him which of the owners of the cards have been met, meekly confiding about his tendency to be forgetful. His systematic habit was just admirable which showed that he was not totally dependent on others for all his daily personal needs.

As if on a cue, we would touch on subjects that interested both of us. We shared what we knew about the Philippine eagle, for instance. When I mentioned about my participation in the monitoring and documenting of the aerial mating of the national bird in Mt. Apo, while concealed with the Kennedy group sponsored by the National Geographic way back in the 80’s, he added his fascination about the monogamous character of the bird. When I mentioned about blogging, he told me that he got no time for such but shared that he has collated into a collectible book various write-ups about Lee Kuan Yew. He further surprised me with a confession that he had so far written four books, humbling me with my own, one title. A great guy, indeed!

I purposely slowed down on our conversation when I noticed that he was sleepy as I learned that since the start of the ASEAN Conference, he and other prominent businessmen were kept busy with meetings and social activities. He luxuriated on about twenty minutes of dozing which resulted to his late snacks. I was further touched when he gave me the small sachet of mango- flavoured chocolate from his platter that should have been part of his dessert together with slices of fruits.

As our plane was about to touch down, he confided that the reason for his coming to Davao was the inauguration of the Ro-Ro service between Davao and Indonesia…he was the guest of honor. He invited me to join him which I politely declined as I was on an urgent purpose.

As if the surprises brought about by the encounter were not enough, while we were on our way to the arrival area of Davao International Airport, one of my carry-on bags (I had three) slipped off my shoulder and which he unceremoniously picked up and carried! I was so embarrassed but he insisted on carrying it for me as he found me seemingly over-burdened. His gesture left me with two more carry-ons -a bag and laptop. What made me more embarrassed was when he told me that he was of same age with President Duterte and Sonny Domingo…the latter being his classmate! I was astounded as I thought he was just approaching his sixties. His being a mestizo and having a wrinkle-free face may be the reasons for his youngish look. At the arrival area, we parted our ways as I went straight to the conveyor to pick up my checked-in baggage.

When I finally reached my destination after almost four hours of travel, I texted my new friend with a message about my heartfelt appreciation and honest admiration of his rare character. I thought, he would not reply, being a very busy guy, but after a few minutes, I received an acknowledgment. I imagined him to have taken a fragment of his precious time just to send me his reply.

I coud not get over the overwhelming feeling after meeting the humble Joey Leviste, Jr., making me wonder if there could be other industrial icons like him. What is remarkable about him is his unassuming attitude that keeps his feet on the ground despite the dizzying success that he has achieved and keeps on achieving. Now I understand why he is immensely successful and blessed!

An Encounter with the Famous, World-Class and

Self-made Filipino Chef, BOY LOGRO

By Apolinario Villalobos

Foodies who are fond of following the TV show of Boy Logro, view him as a humorous guy as he concocts dishes on the spot, handling ingredients with his bare hands. His humor is innate as he could likewise concoct jokes on the spot to jibe with those coming from his guest. Although, dialogs are supposed to be scripted as required in such kind of sitcoms, it is obvious that many of his lines are extemporaneously delivered, thereby, adding spice to any situation.

As I am a foodie, myself, but with interest limited only to information due to my curiosity, I would view the shows of Boy Logro untiringly if I have the chance. But, my greatest chance of viewing this remarkable personality was when I encountered him at the PAL Mabuhay Lounge of Davao International Airport when both of us took the same flight to Manila. When he entered the lounge, he was with an airport security staff, so I presumed that he could be some kind of an important person, as I did not recognize him at first due to the baseball cap that he was wearing. I also thought he had no carry-on luggage, until I heard him tell the security staff to hand over the small backpack that the latter was carrying.

After doing my uploads, I approached him and unabashedly introduce myself in the Visayan dialect as I was interested about what he’s doing, especially, simple Filipino dishes done with readily available ingredients. When he learned that I plan to write something about him to inspire Filipinos who aspire to become chef, he gave me his trademark grin, complete with a twinkle in his eyes.

Boy Logro is a big contrast to other Filipino chefs with shows on TV who are using imported ingredients and use foreign names for their dishes to give an impression of being…what else, but “foreign” which is another offshoot of “stateside” mentality of many Filipinos. He is very proud about his “rags to riches” story, starting his career as a simple kitchen helper in a hotel in Manila. His profound interest could have encouraged his employer to trust him with a la carte dishes. With nothing but courage and a few pesos in his pocket, he grabbed opportunities that came his way in other countries where he became famous. A national TV staion is currently banking on his popularity to keep its viewers’ eyes glued to the screen every Sunday.

I left him in the lounge when I went to the pre-departure area to see another friend who was taking another flight out of Davao, but gave him my facebook name. When I opened my laptop to upload my blogs and check my facebook, I saw the “add request” of Pablo “Boy Logro” which I immediately confirmed. I promised him a full-length blog that I am sure can help serious researchers who access my other sites…those who are interested about “success” and “humility”.

POPE FRANCIS OF THE VATICAN

AND RODRIGO DUTERTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

By Apolinario Villalobos

In the August 2015 issue of the National Geographic, I found an item that details how the bombs of the USA and her allies devastated Laos during the controversial Vietnam War that rendered the laid back country into a crater-filled wasteland after the war. Laos is the venue of the ASEAN summit 2016 being attended by Duterte where he was supposed to meet Obama on the sidelines but unfortunately, did not materialize due to the impertinent question from a Reuter reporter which incited the Philippine president to “explode”.

The same issue of the magazine features the cover story about Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) which I did not give much thought at first. But after a nonchalant perusal, I was struck by several information on the pope that appear to be in synch with those about president Duterte’s.

Pope Francis was elected to the papacy just when the Vatican was at its darkest period due to piling up scandals that rocked the Catholic Church. The Philippines was in the same helpless situation in view of criminalities and political scandals, forcing the Filipinos to take the “risk” of voting for Duterte after realizing that the country needs a change that only one with a steely resolve can initiate.

The pope being from Argentina, broke the tradition of papal racial origin which should be either an Italian or at least a European. Duterte who claims to have a Muslim blood, is from Davao, a city in the southern island of Mindanao, broke the political tradition of the Philippines whose past Catholic presidents were from Luzon.

The pope, even while still in Argentina, was espousing the welfare of the have-nots. Duterte can cry unabashedly at the sight of an exploited, especially, raped and murdered innocents.

The pope considers himself a “street guy” or “callejero”, just like Duterte who shows his true humble color without hesitance if only to let those in the lower rung of the society know that he belongs with them.

The pope lives in a simple apartment, Casa Santa Marta, instead of the Vatican palace. Duterte’s staying at the guest house of Malacaἧan is just a compromise as given the choice he prefers to stay in a much austere accommodation. Both prefer the simple food that they used to partake.

The pope, while as archbishop in Argentina took the subway and had the habit of strolling along streets of unlikely nooks of Argentina. Duterte drove a taxi at nighttime to personally check on his constituents as best as he could, aside from using a simple pick-up type of car as his official vehicle as mayor of Davao City.

On the day of his proclamation as the new pope, Francis took the bus used to ferry the cardinals instead of the officially assigned limousine. Given the choice, Duterte preferred the old car that he used in Davao, instead of the luxurious one assigned to the president of the country.

Both Francis and Duterte are spontaneous…always, not afraid to blurt out what are in their mind…a feat that earned them enemies, albeit, during rare moments showed their down-to-earth person.

The pope has no plans of changing existing doctrines. The Filipinos are assured by Duterte of due process and fair justice system despite slight deviations that according to him are necessary  to help him in his cleansing efforts…and that, definitely, he will not resort to the Martial Law.

Francis has been telling friends that he needed to “start making changes right now”, since the day of his proclamation. Duterte is being propelled toward “changes” by his desire to have a transformation, hence, assuring the Filipinos that “change is coming”, thereby, seemingly in a hurry to cleanse the country of the drug menace and other forms of criminality first, to be followed by the rest of the cleansing that he promised to undertake.

Both are immensely misunderstood, though, unmistakably charismatic.

Ang Mga Alahas na Gawa ni Jenny

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Napansin ko agad ang puwesto ni Jenny (Jennifer Piana), sa idinaos na Trade Fair sa SM Bacoor dahil namumukod-tangi ang kanyang mga produkto. Ito ay mga alahas na yari sa tanso o copper, semi-precious stones at crystals – mga singsing, bracelet, kuwentas, at hikaw. Maganda at pulido o malinis ang pagkakagawa kaya naakit agad akong magpagawa ayon sa naisip kong disenyo para sa isang bracelet na ginamitan ng “Indian jade eye”. Ito ngayon ay ginagamit ko araw-araw, kahit nasa bahay ako.

Ang tanso ay kinikilala dahil sa health benefits nito, mula pa noong panahong hindi pa pinapanganak si Hesus. Ito ay itinuturing na gamot laban sa rayuma at arthritis. Ang elementong tanso ay bahagi ng ating katawan dahil kasama ito sa mga dumadaloy sa ating dugo, at iba pa tulad ng zinc, silver, manganese, etc. Katulad ng tanso, ang mga batong matitingkad ang disenyo at kulay ay hindi lang pampalamuti sa katawan bilang alahas ang gamit, dahil nagbabalanse din sila ng enerhiya sa ating katawan. Dahil diyan, ang mga nadiskubreng libingan ng mga tao noong unang panahon, lalo na nang mga namumuno sa kanila, tulad ng pharaoh ng Ehipto ay palaging may mga iba’t –ibang uri ng bato tulad ng jade, agate, quartz, opal, onyx, tektite at mga metal na bagay.

Hindi tumatagal ang buhay ng mga mikrobyo sa tanso, kaya noong unang panahon pa rin, ang mga ginagamit na lagayan ng tubig at lutuan, pati ng pagkain ay gawa sa tanso. Dahil dito, marami na ring mga ospital ngayon ang gumagamit ng tansong material na ginawang stainless para hindi mahirap linisin, tulad ng mesa at lababo.

Ayon kay Jenny, dati ay taga-benta lang daw siya ng nagawa nang mga alahas na tanso, subalit dahil curious, nanood din daw siya kung paanong gawin ang mga ito. Bandang huli ay nagdesisyon siyang gumawa ng sarili niyang mga alahas upang ibenta sa mga kaibigan at tuwing may mga trade fairs. Umabot sa 12,000 pesos ang una niyang ipinundar para makabili ng mga gamit sa paggawa, pati na ang mga tansong kawad, mga semi-precious stones at kristal.

Sa awa naman daw ng Diyos ay nakakaraos siya tuwing sumali sa mga trade fair, kahit medyo may kamahalan ang upa sa isang puwestong maliit na sa tantiya ko ay 3feet by 3feet. Nangangarap si Jenny na sana ay magkaroon ng sariling puwesto dahil tuwing walang trade fair ay home-based lang siya at umaasa sa mga order na papasok sa pamamagitan ng facebook. Ito lang ang pinagkikitaan niya bilang isang single mom ng kanyang lalaking anak na pitong taong gulang.

Sa mga oorder ng alahas, makokontak si Jenny sa cellphone number 09064857384. May facebook din siya para sa kanyang mga produkto, i-google search lang ang “faceboo.com/coperasso”.  Pwedeng magpagawa sa kanya ng alahas batay sa sariling design. Pero, sana naman, kung oorder ay damihan na para hindi talo si Jenny kung ide-deliver niya.

FIRM, AUSTERE, FAIR, HUMBLE AND DARING ARE WHAT THE

THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION IS ALL ABOUT

By Apolinario Villalobos

The audacity of the Duterte administration is such that it did what the past administrations failed to do – challenge the drug lords by naming names. The firmness is shown in how it is doing all possible legal means to fulfill the promise that something significant can be done about the illegal drugs that spawns criminality in practically all sectors of the society, within six months. Its aura of fairness reaches out to the drug users and runners who are victims of the tenacity of the drug lords by inviting them back to the fold of the law.

On the other hand, the austerity shows in how Duterte took away all the frivolities from the national government affairs, foremost of which is the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by not allowing the egoistic officials to use them as fashion runways to show off expensive trappings, and by letting them have a taste of the poor man’s fare – mongo soup, alugbate soup, fried banana, and balut-based sauce, etc. And, to cap all the changes that Duterte is laying out, he did away with, “His/Your Excellency” as a reference to him as president.

If all those are not enough for one to discern the sincerity of the new president from the south, I do not know what else can satisfy his detractors. He does not have a trace of arrogance in his bearing as he shows that a Philippine president need not wear an expensive barong tagalog to be able to meld with the sophisticated ambience in and around Malacaἧan palace. What he used to be wearing as mayor of Davao, are what people see – barong tagalog or ordinary printed shirts with the long sleeves rolled up, on top of curdoruy or denims that go with a pair of casual boat shoes. The simplicity of Duterte has made the ordinary Filipinos identify themselves with him.

Duterte is a big lesson to all Filipinos. We should be true to ourselves as people of a third world country and not of a high-end nation whose people and their ways we try to mimic. However, it does not mean that we cannot be at par with them, because in so many fields and instances, we have shown our excellent traits. We should not be what we are not….we should not be hypocrites as to talk, think and act like westerners…partaking of their tongue-twisting named dishes during special occasions, copying their cocktails, and walking on a red carpet which is part of the royalty culture that the Filipino culture does not have. We must change if we want to metamorphose into the new Filipino!

Si “Mang Asyong” o “Mang Ace” (Ignacio Cabrera) ng PAL

 Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Unang na-touch ni Mang Asyong ang buhay ko noong unang araw nang pagpakita ko sa Philippine Airlines  “AOB” (Administrative Offices Building). Kasama ko ang ilang mga taga-Mindanao na mga bagong recruit para mag-training sa PAL. Inatasan siyang ihanap kami ng matitirhan o “boarding house” na malapit lang sa pagdadausan ng training, kaya ang ginawa niya ay dinala kami sa Airport Road, Baclaran. Dineretso niya kami sa isang “typical” na boarding house – ang mga kuwarto ay pinagkasyahan ng dalawa hanggang tatlong double deck na kamang bakal. Kilala siya ng may-ari kaya kahit wala kaming pinang-down payment ay tinanggap kami….ibig sabihin siya ang guarantor namin.

Pagkatapos ng training ay hindi ko na siya nakita dahil na-assign ako sa Romblon. Nagkrus uli ang aming landas nang ibinalik ako sa Manila upang ma-assign sa Tours and Promotions Division na ang opisina ay sa lumang domestic airport. Noon ko nalaman na kilalang kilala pala si Mang Asyong sa buong airport. Nakakautang siya kahit saang restaurant o karinderya. At, madalas pa niya akong nililibre ng tanghalian sa isang karinderya sa likod ng AOB. Dahil kulang ang kaalaman ko sa iba’t ibang trabaho sa PAL, akala ko noon, manager si Mang Asyong at malaki ang suweldo dahil maraming natutulungan, kasama na ako. Bandang huli ko nang malaman na ang puwesto pala ni Mang Asyong ay mataas lang ng kaunti sa puwesto ng janitor at messenger.

Ang hindi alam ng mga kasama ko sa PAL, kung hindi dahil kay Mang Asyong ay hindi ko narating ang Luneta, sa kabila ng kung ilang buwan na akong dumating sa Manila mula sa Romblon. Noong araw na samahan ako ni Mang Asyong sa Luneta, animo ay tour guide siya sa pagpaliwanag tungkol sa mga landmarks kaya lalo akong bumilib sa kanya. Nang magkapalagayan kami ng loob, madalas na kaming magpang-abot sa maliit na karinderya sa likod ng AOB, kaya animo ay pinag-usapan namin ang pagkikita. Habang nag-aalmusal, marami kaming napag-usapan tungkol sa buhay niya….mga gastos at ginagastusan. Nagkuwento rin ako sa kanya ng buhay ko kaya siguro naawa dahil nalaman niyang bata pa ay naging ulilang lubos na ako…sa madaling salita parang naging tatay ko siya. Noon ko rin nalaman ang tungkol sa mga pagkakawanggawang ginagawa ni Mang Asyong. Mula noon ay naging inspirasyon ko siya.

Dahil kay Mang Asyong ay marami akong nakilalang porter at janitor sa domestic airport na madalas kapusin ng pera kaya tulad niya, ay napasabak na rin ako sa “pag-abot” ng extrang barya para pamasahe o pambili nila ng pagkain. Kung hindi rin lang siya nauutusan sa ibang opisina upang maghatid ng mga dispatch envelop, magkasama kaming nanananghalian sa karinderya kasama ang mga porter at janitor kaya napasabak na rin ako sa pagkain ng kaning sinabawan lang o di kaya ay tinaktakan ng toyo o patis upang magkalasa, mapagkasya lang ang pera namin. Tuwing uuwi ako mula sa mga istasyong binibisita ko upang mangalap ng mga impormasyon para sa TOPIC magasin na pinahawakan sa akin, ang palagi kong dalang pasalubong ay “tuyong dilis” at “daing” para paghatian ng mga kaibigan naming porter at janitor. Madalas magpaubaya si Mang Asyong dahil ang kanyang share ay binibigay palagi sa isang taga-Novaliches na janitor.

Nang mag-retire si Mang Asyong ay nagkita kami nang mag-follow up siya ng retirement pay niya…payat at halatang may sakit. Inabutan ko siya ng kaunting pera na mabuti na lang ay tinanggap naman. Pinagbilinan ko siyang pasyalan niya ako palagi. Ang huling pagkikita namin ay sa ground floor ng Vernida building isang Disyembre (hindi ko matandaan ang taon), kasama ang kanyang apo. Tiyempo namang hindi ko pa nagalaw ang bonus ko kaya maluwag akong nakapag-abot ng pamasko sa bata at kay Mang Asyong…regalong katiting lamang kung ihambing sa mga naitulong niya sa akin at mga aral na napulot ko sa pakikisama ko sa kanya….mga aral na malaking tulong sa mga ginagawa ko ngayon.

A Wishful Prayer

…of a timid soul

By Apolinario Villalobos

Lord…

How I wish the hands of time

can be turned back to the day you rested

after you created the universe

and everything in it;

How I wish to see the paradise

that you intended for man

with all the creatures that lived in harmony

and where there’s no hunger nor thirst;

How I wish the world we live in now

may have a day of respite

from all the restlessness

brought about by our greed;

How I wish the advocates of your love

be given strength a thousand times

so that they may continue reaching out

to those who desire to go back to your fold.

This is not the last of prayers

from my timid heart that beats with hope…

Amen.

Sana ay pairalin ang mga sumusunod ngayong Banal na Linggo at iba pang araw…

Ang Pagpapaubaya at Pagpapakumbaba

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang pinakamahirap gawin ng isang tao lalo na ang may masyadong bilib sa sarili ay ang magpaubaya at magpakumbaba. Hindi matanggap ng isang taong masyado ang pagkabilib sa sarili ang basta na lang yumuko sa ugali o kagustuhan ng iba, lalo na kung pareho sila ng ugali. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, ang panalo sana ay ang taong magpapaubaya at magpapakumbaba, dahil lalabas na mas malawak ang kanyang pananaw. Ang girian na nangyari dahil lamang sa tinatawag na pride o pagkabilib sa mga sarili nila ay walang katapusan, hangga’t walang yumuko. Sa mata ng ibang tao, lalo na ng Diyos,  ang gagawa nito ay nakakabilib. Sa pagkatanggal ng galit sa kanyang dibdib, para na rin siyang natanggalan ng tinik at bigat sa kanyang balikat, dahil nawala ang inaalala niyang hidwaan na para sa kanya ay tapos na. Kadalasan, ang hindi yumuko ay nakokonsiyensiya pa!

May mga pagkakataong ang girian ay sa pagitan ng mag-asawa. Dahil sa tradisyong hindi dapat sinasaktan ang babae, ang dapat na magpaubaya ay ang asawang lalaki. Umiwas na lang hanggang lumamig ang ulo ng asawa niya. Kung sa pagitan ng magulang at anak, dapat lawakan pa ng magulang ang pang-unawa at pagpasensiya. Dapat niyang isipin na kung maaga niyang dinisiplina ang anak, hindi ito magkakaroon ng ugaling barumbado. Dapat aminin ng magulang ang kapabayaang ito na pagsisihan man niya ay huli na. Ang ganyang kaisipan ang dapat magpakalma sa kanya – isang kaisipang may pagsisisi. Hindi naman bulag ang Diyos para hindi makita ang ginagawa niya – yan na lang ang konsuwelo niya.

Walang masama sa pagiging mapagpaubaya basta ang pinagbigyan nito ay hindi naman abusado. May iba kasing tao, lalo na mga magulang, na maipakita lang ang kanilang poder o kapangyarihan, ay hindi pinagbibigyan ang hiling ng anak kahit nasa ayos naman. Palagi lang sana nilang paalalahanan ang anak na bilang mga magulang, hindi sila nagkulang, upang pagdating ng panahon hindi sila masumbatan o makonsiyensiya sa pag-isip na nagkamali sila sa pagpalaki ng kanilang anak.

Madaling sabihin subali’t mahirap gawin…yan ang siguradong reaksiyon sa sinulat na ito. Subali’t sa ibabaw ng mundo, wala namang imposibleng gawin. Dapat lang alalahanin na kung ipipilit gawin ang isang bagay, may paraan palagi. Ang balakid lang dito ay ang “pride” o masyadong pagkabilib sa sarili.

Michael Villaflor, Jr.: Profile of Diligence and Humility

…another “unsung hero” of Philippine Airlines

By Apolinario Villalobos

When Michael Villaflor, Jr, or “Mike” to his friends and family was looking for a job after graduating from Mapua Institute of Technology with a Management Engineering course, the country was in its economic and political healing stage after Ferdinand Marcos was successfully ousted by the “People Power” which saw the installation of Corazon Aquino into presidency.  It was during this uneasy period when Mike initially tried his luck for a job in San Miguel Corporation. Unfortunately, the company was giving priority to applicants who graduated from the University of the Philippines and Ateneo. He went through similar discouraging experience when he applied at Philippine Airlines which was giving priority for applicants from the two aforementioned universities, as well as, the De La Salle University.

His persistence, however, in following up his application with PAL paid up when he was finally given the chance to undergo an interview and a series of written exams which he passed with flying colors. For assignment, when he visited the Office of the Metro Manila Sales in March 1986, headed by Milagros Limgenco, without much ado, he was sent to the Escolta Ticket Office to immediately render duty as Information Clerk. Due to his remarkable good performance, in less than a year, he was promoted as Cash Custodian, then, as Domestic Ticket Representative in the same ticketing office. In 1988, he was further promoted as Integrated Ticket Representative, a job which required him to compute international fares, as well. Unfortunately, on that same year, the Escolta Ticket Office was closed which caused his transfer to the Makati (Greenbelt) Ticket Office.  A little later of that same year he was transferred to the Taft Ticket Office, located on the ground floor of the Philippine Women’s University.

In early 1989, he retraced his steps to the Metro Manila Sales Area, but this time, with a new appointment as Sr. Market Planning Analyst under Marcial Zamora. His fast journey along the path of his corporate career brought him the following year, to the position of Staff Assistant for Luzon Sales Area which was merged with Metro Manila Sales by the VP-Sales and Services, Avelino Zapanta. This time, he worked under Teresita Al Luna.

While the career of Mike was gaining momentum, the general economic situation of the country was at its crucial that resulted to a slow down. Meanwhile, the management of the airline changed hands from Eduardo Cojuangco to Lucio Tan. In addition to the airline’s struggle to keep afloat, there were also problems that had to be dealt with – those of  PALEA (Philippine Airlines Employees Association) and the ALPAP (pilots’ and flight attendants’ association), which finally resulted to the temporary closure of the company in 1998. During the time, Mike was under Danny Lim who was at the helm of the Metro Manila and Luzon Sales.

When Philippine Airlines resumed its operations, Mike was transferred to its “flagship” office located at S & L building along Roxas Boulevard as Staff Manager in place of Atty. Cris Pascual, to work under Enrique Javier, the Country Manager for Philippines and Guam. Later, all PAL offices at S & L building were transferred to the airline’s Learning Center along Padre Faura, where he worked under different Country Managers such as Marilla Revilla, Genaro Velasques, and Dina May Flores.  When the San Miguel Corporation took over the company, it installed Salvador Britanico, Jr., as the Country Manager, and it was during this time that finally, Mike got his biggest break when he was appointed as Area Sales Manager for Luzon and Metro Manila.

When the Lucio Tan Group of Companies took over PAL from San Miguel Corporation in September 2014, Mike retained his job to work under his current boss, Harry Inoferio, who is virtually on a “home coming” stint, for he had spent a good number of years with PAL until he resigned to work with other airlines. Mike is doubling his effort, especially, at this critical moment of the airline industry under the shadow of the “open air policy” which is characterized by the cutthroat competition posed by locally- based airlines, as well as, foreign carriers that offer attractive fares. Despite the challenge, according to him, PAL is unfazed because its on-time departure reliability aside from its overall excellent service, have always been traditional trademarks that keep it flying with pride. Many passengers, especially the finicky, learn the lesson that a low fare can never replace an excellent service which is equated with comfort all the way of the flight, especially, long haul ones, hence, they go back to PAL after a “sad experience”.

In the office, Mike is ably supported by his equally diligent secretary, Melle San Jose Artillaga, who like him is equally meticulous in carrying out her job. And, at home, he is supported by his wife, Madeline and children, Mara Louise, Michael III, and Louise who understand his coming home late due to meetings. With all the challenges that he enjoys and the compassion of people around him that lightens his burden, he considers himself lucky and successful, yet feels at the same time, that he could still do more for the company.

To date, with a contented smile, he looks back to the day he was given a great opportunity by PAL which put him on the best career path, more than reason enough for him to continue doing his best. He also considers the short administration of the San Miguel Corporation as a good karma because it was during such time, while working with Salvador “Bud” Britanico, that he became a full-fledged manager.

But, most especially, for what he is now, Mike thanks his parents, Remy and Michael Sr. They molded him into a humble person who can work with utmost diligence and patience under pressure. Admirably, both parents who were supervisors of PAL then, did not try to use their influence when he was applying for a job in the company, as they wanted him to prove his worth on his own. Michael Sr. was a Ticket Office Supervisor (later on, a Manager), while Remy was a Desk Supervisor (later on, a Manager) of the Reservations Department.

Isang Kending Hinati, at iba pang Kuwento

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Malaking bagay ang pag-uusap kung minsan ng magkakaibigan upang sumariwa ng mga nakaraan. Nangyari ito nang magkita kami nina Del Merano, mag-asawang Mona at Reuben Pecson na isinama ang tinuturing kong “miracle baby” nila noon, at ngayon ay binata na, si JR. Ibinuntis ni Mona si JR nang panahong mayroon siyang malaking cyst sa sinapupunan, subalit sa awa ng Diyos, nakaraos siya sa pagbuo nito hanggang maipanganak bilang isang malusog na sanggol. Ngayon si JR ay isa nang piloto. Pananalig sa Diyos ang naging kasangkapan ni Mona sa pagkakaroon ng isang matagumpay na ngayong anak na Piloto.

Sa mga kuwentuhan namin, lumabas ang pinakatago-tago sigurong kuwento ni Del tungkol sa kending hinahati pa niya upang magkasya sa maghapon niyang pagsi-sales call noong kami ay nagtatrabaho pa sa Philippine Airlines (PAL). Isa si Del sa mga pinagkakatiwalaang Account Officers ng PAL. At, dahil sa kanyang pagka-single mom, tipid na tipid ang ganyang gastos. Nagulat daw ang kasama naming kasabay niya sa pag-sales call nang ilabas niya ang kalahati ng isang kendi at isinubo bilang miryenda. Ang natirang kalahati ay kanyang itinabi para sa hapon naman.

Ikinuwento rin niya na sa pagpipilit na makapasok sa PAL ay halos nanikluhod sa nagbibigay ng typing test na bigyan siya ng ilang pagkakataon na umabot sa pang-apat hanggang abutin niya ang standard na bilis sa pagmamanikilya. Mangiyak –ngiyak siya nang makalusot sa test. Ang unang trabaho niya ay sa Accounting Office subalit napansin siya ng namumuno ng Internationals Sales Department na si Manny Relova, kaya on the spot ay sinabihan siyang mag-report sa opisina nito upang mag-issue ng mga tiket na pang-international. Dumaan siya sa masusing pag-aaral ng iba’t ibang pamasahe sa eroplano, kasama na ang sa iba pang airlines. Dahil sa kagalingan niya, mabilis ang kanyang promotion hanggang sa ma-assign sa iba’t ibang international station bilang District Sales Manager.

Naalala ko noon ang kuwento niya nang ma-assign sa San Franciso (USA). Ang tinirhan niya ay walang kagamit-gamit kaya sa sahig siya natutulog nang kung ilang araw. Kahit bago sa America ay malakas ang loob sa paglibot kaya sandali lang ay dumami na ang kanyang kontak at mga kaibigan na nakatulong ng malaki sa kanya bilang District Sales Manager.

Nag-resign siya nang bilhin ng San Miguel ang PAL, subalit nang bilhin uli ito ni Lucio Tan ay inimbita siyang bumalik na malugod naman niyang tinanggap dahil iba daw na challenge ang nararamdaman niya bilang kawani ng nasabing airline. Iniwan niya ang isang managerial job at ang malaking suweldo mula dito. Bumalik siya sa kumpanyang nagbigay sa kanya ng magandang pagkakataon upang mabago ang kanyang buhay, lalo pa at siya ay single mom. Ipinakita ni Del na ang pagtanaw ng utang na loob ay nakakagaan ng damdamin. Ngayon si Del ay District Sales Manager na uli ng San Franciso (USA).

Ang Simpleng Karinderya

Ni Aling Myrna (Sanchez) sa “LTO”- Imus City

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Hindi kailangang maraming nakadispley na paninda upang magpa-impress ang may-ari ng isang karinderya o sari-sari store. Ang karaniwang pagkakamali ng mga namumuhunan ng maliit ay ang kagustuhan nilang kumita agad ng malaki kaya pilit na pinupuno ang puwesto upang magpa-impress ganoong ang katotohanan ay matumal o mahina ang bentahan. Upang magawa ito ay nangungutang sila.  Okey lang sana kung sari-sari store dahil puwede pang tumagal ng ilang araw o kahit buwan ang mga kalakal nal hindi mabili bago maramdaman ang pagkalugi, subalit agarang kalugian naman ang epekto nito sa karinderya dahil sa hindi naubos na mga ulam sa maghapon.

Hindi makakamit ng isang negosyo ang tagumpay sa dami ng mga naka-display kung ang layunin ay magpa-impress lang. Dapat i-angkop sa kinaroroonan ng ngegosyo ang dami ng kalakal na binebenta. Napatunayan ito ni Aling Myrna, may-ari ng isang maliit na karinderya. Ang puwesto niya ay nasa bukana ng Government Center ng Imus City o mas kilalang “LTO” dahil ang unang nagbukas ng opisina dito ay ang Land Transportation Office. Nasa lugar na ito ang Cavite State University – Imus, Postal Office, Imus City Jail, mga korte, at Law Offices.

Nadiskubre ko ang karinderya isang umagang naghanap ako ng abogado sa lugar na nabanggit. Dahil maaga pa, naghanap ako ng isang tindahan na nagtitinda ng kape. Nakita ko ang maliit na karinderya na nasa isang “sulok”, isang tahimik na puwesto. Nang umagang yon, tatlong ulam ang nakalatag – pritong itlog, bistek/tapa (shredded beef). Maya-maya pa ay may mga dumating na estudyante upang magpabalot ng ulam. Nagulat ako nang malaman kong maliban sa murang halaga ng ulam na Php30 bawat order (ang standard ay Php35 hanggang Php40), at kanin na Php9 bawat order (ang standard ay Php10 hanggang Php12), ay may student discount pa!

Ang mga ulam na paninda ni Aling Myna ay kinikilala na ngayon sa local culinary world na “pagkaing Caviteἧo”. Sa kabila ng mura niyang paninda, hindi siya nalulugi dahil dinadaan niya sa dami ng namimili, isang sistema ng mga negosyanteng Intsik. Marami siyang suki dahil ang kanyang mga paninda ay hindi kapareho ng mga tinitinda ng iba pang karinderya na ang layo sa kanya ay ilang metro lang. Ang ibang mga karinderya ay marami ding katulong, samantalang siya ay wala maliban sa kanyang anak, kaya kontrolado niya ang operasyon, at higit sa lahat ay nakakatipid siya dahil wala siyang sinisuwelduhan. Upang makatipid sa tubig, ang mga platito at pinggan ay binabalot na niya ng plastic na itinatapon pagkatapos na pagkainan. Walang pinag-iba sa pagbalot niya ng ulam at kanin na pang-take out ang sistema. Ang hinuhugasan na lang niyang mabuti ay mga kubyertos at baso. Nakatipid na siya sa oras ay nakatulong pa siya sa pagtitipid ng tubig lalo na ngayong tag-init!

Lalo akong nagulat nang sabihin niyang tumagal siya sa negosyong pagkakarinderya sa loob ng halos pitong taon. Ang nakakatuwa ay ang sinabi niyang may mga dating estudyante na first year college pa lang ay suki na niya haggang magtapos ng kolehiyo sa Cavite State University. Ang iba naman, kahit graduate na, pero napapadaan sa lugar na yon ng Imus ay nagpapabalot ng bistek/tapa o adobo upang mai-take home. Maliban sa mga estudyante ay marami rin siyang suking empleyado ng gobyerno.

Pagtitiyaga ang puhunan ni Aling Myrna sa pagka-karinderya kaya malayo sa isip niya ang style ng ibang negosyanteng gustong kumita agad ng malaki. Malaking bagay din ang nabubukod-tangi niyang mga “ulam-Cavite” kaya binabalik-balikan. Mistulang family bonding din ang paghahanda ng mga itinitinda niyang ulam dahil ang isa niyang anak na lalaki ang nagluluto ng mga ito na dinadala sa puwesto nang maaga upang maibenta sa mga estudyanteng dumadating alas-siyete pa lang ng umaga. Bago magtanghali ay dinadagsa na siya ng mga suki kaya halos hindi sila magkasya sa mga mesa na ang iba ay hinahabungan laban sa init ng araw.

Nakita ko sa mukha ni Aling Myrna na nag-eenjoy siya sa pagtinda ng ulam kaya hindi ko man tinanong kung tatagal siya sa larangang ito ng negosyo, naramdaman ko nang umagang yon na maaaring mangyari…. dahil isa siyang larawan ng tagumpay na ang bigay sa kanya ay kasiyahan kahit hindi limpak-limpak ang kita!

Ang Pakikinig

…sining at kakayahang nawawala na

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang pakikinig ay isang sining at kakayahan, subali’t sa panahong kasalukuyan, nawawala na ang mga nabanggit na pantukoy  dahil ang mga tao ay nagkakanya-kanya na ng mundo…halos wala nang panahong makipag-usap sa isa’t isa. Kung makipag-usap man, nagmamadali kaya hindi pa man umiinit ang puwet sa inupuan ay nakatayo na agad at nakaakma nang umalis.

Siguro ginawang dalawa ang tenga ng tao upang para sa mga ayaw magtago o magtabi ng mga napakinggan ay pwedeng palabasin ang mga ito sa kabilang tenga. Mayroon din sigurong mga tengang hindi nililinis palagi upang matanggalan ng tutule kaya ang mga sinasabi sa kanila ay hindi nakakapasok. At mayroon pa rin sigurong maraming liku-liko ang loob ng tenga kaya hindi naiintindihang masyado ang sinasabi sa kanila, kaya iba ang mga ginagawa sa mga dapat ay pinapagawa.

Ang isa pang dapat mangyari ay manimbang ang isang nakarinig ng mga kuwentong hindi maganda kung ito ay ipaparating sa iba o sarilinan na lamang niya. Kung minsan, ang kawalan ng panimbang ang nagiging dahilan ng mga kaguluhan dahil naikakalat ng isang nakarinig ang mga kuwentong dapat ay tumigil na sa kanya. Ito rin marahil ang dahilan kung bakit ang gamit ng tenga ay magbigay ng balanse sa ating katawan. Dapat malaman na ang isang dahilan kung bakit naduduleng o tabingi ang pagtayo o paglakad ng isang tao ay dahil may diperensiya ito sa tenga.

Ang pinakamasaklap ay ang kusang hindi pakikinig ng isang taong nangako pa naman sa simula ng panunungkulan – with a smile!….yan si Pnoy. Ang sinabi niya noon na: “kayo ang boss ko…hindi maaaring hindi ako makikinig sa inyo”, ay walang nangyari. Sa dami ng mga sinabi sa kanya tungkol sa pagka-inutil ng mga tauhan niya, kahit isa ay wala siyang pinakinggan. Ang napapansin ng mga Pilipino ay ang mistulang ugali niya na “sige na lang” kapag Ombudsman ang kumilos tulad ng ginawa nito kay Purisima at nitong huli ay kay Vitangcol. Sa Ingles, ang tawag sa kanila ay mga “sacrificial lamb”, naubusan na kasi siya ng dahilan upang pigilan pa ang desisyon na naibulgar na.

The Lesson from the Consistent Humility of Jesus

….that man never ever learns!

By Apolinario Villalobos

The birth of Jesus is the greatest manifestation of his humility. Unfortunately, instead of emulating such virtue, Christians celebrate his questionable birthday every December with so much pomp and unrestrained festivity. To justify the scandalous celebration, “Christians” reason out that they are just “happily celebrating”. Can’t happiness be celebrated in simple ways? Why spend the whole year savings for just a few days of spending all “in the name of Jesus”? Also, it is during such seemingly paganistic manifestation for the “love” of Christ that the hurting difference between the rich and the poor is very much defined…still, we pay no heed to such scandalously unchristian practice.

Bible readers come across parables about Christ’s humility, but instead of emulating them, what they read remain just that – stories from the pages of a book. And yet, they even unabashedly boast that they have read the Bible…and that, they are Christians, too!

When Jesus entered the place of his prophesied judgment and death, he was on a donkey. Today, many church dignitaries cannot go to a certain place without taking a chauffeured luxury car. While some priests are furnished with expensive car by their rich parents, why can’t they refuse such for the sake of their vow of poverty? However, for convenience of mobility when they do their “job”, perhaps, they can opt for a less expensive one so as not to trigger curiosity. Pope Francis has always been calling on his fellow priests to observe utmost humility and simplicity while shepherding their flocks. Unfortunately, only few seemed to have answered his incessant call. Some bishops and priests still drive around in Benzes and cars whose prices are enough to feed a thousand children in one month.

Jesus showed his paramount humility by washing the feet of his disciples. On the other hand, some avowed Christians squirm at the sight of street children and beggars clothed in rags. One morning, while waiting for a ride in front of a big mall, I saw a lady in white churchly dress give a sandwich to a beggar using her fully extended hand to keep her distance, while covering her nose with a handkerchief. When I approached the beggar, I did not smell any revolting odor at all, although he was grimy. The lady obviously attended a morning Mass in the mall as it was a Sunday, and giving a sandwich to a grimy beggar with an fully extended hand while covering her nose, after attending a Mass, was perhaps her “way” to show her being a Christian!

While dying on the cross, Jesus invoked his Father with full humility by asking why he was forsaken. Today, government officials and politicians who are being tried for robbing the government coffer of people’s money, swear to God that they are honest…adding that, they be struck by lightning where they stand if they are telling a lie!...humble, indeed!

Jesus was consistently humble since birth until the time of his death, but we refuse to acknowledge this manifestation….and, today we are paying for such arrogance…by suffering from the onslaught of natural calamities and man-made hostilities!...we just never learn!