The Termites in Our Society

By Apolinario Villalobos

The current administration of Rodrigo Duterte has no doubt, inherited a sorely- weakened government due to the piled up unsolved cases of corruption with more undetected commissions added as days go by. Duterte has practically entered a home heavily infested with termites!

Some of these termites are plain citizens who just love to ride on issues. The others are attention-hungry and highly-entrenched government officials who are obviously blind to the consequences of their detractions. These termites paint a harrowing picture of the Philippines, as if they belong to another nation and with the intention of taking over the reign from Duterte. These nincompoops thought they are doing a favor to the country by trying to pull down a guy whose efforts are geared toward the healing of a sick society.

While leaders of powerful nations have finally recognized and supported Duterte in his campaigns, these pea-brained Filipinos act like deranged dogs with rabbis-infected saliva foaming down their mouth snarling at him, giving credence to what has long been suspected as their being financed by a powerful group or groups. Now, that is what I call selfishness and greed to the max!  

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!

Mga Unsung Heroes ng Bayan

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Hindi lang ang mga namatay sa digmaan ang dapat na ituring na bayani. Para sa akin kung ang  kabayanihan ay kasing-kahulugan ng gawaing mabuti hindi na dapat pang hintaying mamatay ang isang taong gumawa ng kabutihang karapat-dapat tularan upang kilalaning bayani. Marami silang nakakalat sa iba’t- ibang panig ng bansa ang maitututing na bayani tulad ng mga sumusunod:

Lahat sila ay maituturing na mga bayani ng bayan dahil kung hindi sa kanila ay hindi mabubuo ang ekonomiya ng bansa. 

Love of the Mother

By Apolinario B Villalobos

When it comes to giving love -

Nothing can beat the one

Who nurtured us within her

And for months endured our weight

A burden that she carried -

Until with hard drawn effort

Brought us forth into this world.

While in her womb

We partake of the air she breathes

We partake of the food she eats

We partake of the emotions she feels

Her blood makes our heart beat

And careful that we float with ease

She moves with well-guarded steps.

Our heart that beats is her mark in us

Greater than anything, we owe it to her –

She who cries when we succumb to sickness

And dry her breast for precious milk…

Our life, we owe to our dear mother

She, we should love more than any other.

The Shoe Repairman

By Apolinario Villalobos

Bent by years of hard toil

And pushed by his desire to live on

He breathes the fume-laden air

Endures the searing heat of the sun

Till dusk as his work is done.

He greets the morning sun

From where he sits every morning

Bringing forth the spool of thread

And the needle to start another day

Till dusk to be with his family.

He is……..,72 years old.

In Praying…

(haiku)

By Apolinario Villalobos

Just look up to Him when in…

sorrow, joy, anguish, even pain;

We should do this with humility…

So that we can pray with sincerity.

                                   

Dasal Para sa Mga Dapat Pasalamatan

At Dapat Magbago

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Lord…

Salamat sa mga biyayang ibinigay Mo at kasabay niyan ay isinasama namin ang mga sumusunod, pati na rin ang dasal para sa mga dapat magbago….