2016

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LEONIDA....the reason why I endure life in this world

Posted on Saturday, 31 December 2016

LEONIDA…the reason why I endure life
in this world
By Apolinario Villalobos

She is my elder sister, deaf and mute since birth, and is more than seventy years old. I cannot imagine myself dead ahead of her. She is the reason why I kept on telling classmates before, that I will not settle down with a family of my own as foremost in my mind was take care of her until she dies.

Despite her handicap, she took care of us, her younger siblings, nephews, nieces, and their children. We communicated through a sign language that only our family understands. It was she who developed my love for vegetables, as she would gather saluyot, kulitis and lupo from the yet, grassy, town plaza which was in front of our house. Sometimes she would gather wild mushrooms beside the fence at the back of our house. She would simply cook them with whatever onion, ginger, and tomatoes that can be found in our kitchen. She would boil thickly sliced green jackfruit, for us to be dipped in soy sauce which constituted our lunch when there was no rice to cook.

Her intelligence and curiosity are such that she is fond of browsing through magazines including the comic magazines of the yesteryears. She would collect them in several boxes. Had we thought of keeping them, we could have been rich because a copy of “Hiwaga” komiks today costs not less than Php200. While she was doing her own collection of komiks, I collected my own pages of newspapers used as absorbent protection of dried fish in boxes that our parents ordered from Iloilo and Cebu to be sold in our small stall in the market. I was not yet of school age at that time during which she would observe me as I scribbled on the ground using a twig, the words that I copied from the dried-fish smelling papers, especially, “Purico”, a very popular brand of lard.

When we got completely orphaned, she joined me and an elder brother, in washing bottles and pasting of labels on them for Panay Vinegar, the first business entity, though, home-based, in our town. It was located in our ancestral house that we rented out to a Chinese businessman who treated us, as members of his family. I was in my first year high school then, during which we would stay late at night, especially, if orders were overwhelming, as they would come from store owners in neighboring towns. That was how we earned money.

Later, she was taken in by our late elder sister, Erlinda (Mary to us and her friends) a teacher at the former Sambulawan Elementary Schhol (today, President Quirino). She practically took care of her four children, May anne (Inday), Toto, Neneng, and Nonoy until they got families of their own, as she spent more time with them, than with us. Both my elder sister and my brother-in-law, Ciriaco (Ciring), are gone.

When I was yet with PAL, she was the reason why I would always come home even for a short while. I would take the first flight for Davao, transfer to an aircon van upon arrival for our place which takes 3 hours to reach, and after lunch would leave again for Davao to catch up with the first available flight back to Manila – on the same day. I felt that was all she wanted – see me even for just a short time. An important gift to her is a copy of the glossy Mabuhay magazine which she would lovingly caress upon receipt, open the pages and gawk at the photos.

She is also among the reasons why I believe in the wisdom of God for having brought me back to the point in my life where I made a decision to take care of her, to reaffirm it…after several disastrous living-in relationships, and which further made me ponder that my family is NOT limited to my blood relations but the rest of His creatures who I can touch. Where she is now living comfortably is her comfort zone, from which I could not take her away, as she would be emotionally distressed.

It took time for me to decide to finally bring out her story. But I am forced by the circumstance that some people cannot accept their great fortune of having normal and successful siblings and children, and loving wife, and presently enjoying the laughter of their grandchildren. I want them to compare their situation with mine. I cannot even settle down again as I might be unfortunate to get a partner who will not accept my elder sister. That is how I am simply looking at my life. Had my sister been normal and happily settled with a family of her own, I could be somewhere else, most probably in a depressed area, living with the people with whom I feel most comfortable.









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The Promise of Duterte..."in my time"

Posted on Friday, 30 December 2016

The Promise of Duterte…”in my time…”
By Apolinario Villalobos

Duterte knows and understands the uncontrollable extent of drugs throughout the world and the Philippines is just among the victimized third-world countries. The country is ill-equipped for its total eradication, albeit, can be controlled with drastic actions. That is what he is doing, hoping that “in his time”, the drug problem can somehow be collared. If ever he mentions about the 100% eradication during interviews, I personally view this as a manifestation of his exasperation to impertinent questions of idiotic reporters…an attempt by him to stop them from blubbering silly questions.

If the media people are intelligent enough to read between the lines of his statements, they should know what Duterte is trying to say bluntly or imply. They should not go to the extent of relaying to their anchors at their stations about the obvious jokes that Duterte are saying. Worst, in their doubt about the intelligence of Duterte, they want him to be EXACT in all his statements, confidential plans included, for them to know if he is doing the right thing. These media people (not all of them), view Duterte as a guy whose intelligence cannot compare to his predecessors. They are not even impressed by the progress that he is gaining against the proliferation of drugs because their eyes are focused at the extra-judicial killings that they attribute to him…a sign of bad influence by Catholic bishops and hypocrite human rights advocates.

In this view, Duterte cannot be blamed why he adds in his statements the “in my time”. He just wants to make sure that while he is around, the drug problem is at least, controlled. He showed the world that if a leader is decisive and has a political will, so many things can be done for the sake of the country and its people.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE ASPIRING TO BE PRESIDENT, AND IF THEY ARE OBSERVANT AND SENSITIVE ENOUGH, THEY SHOULD KNOW BY NOW THAT DUTERTE IS SETTING AN EXAMPLE OF DECISIVENESS AND POLITICAL WILL…ACTS THAT THEY SHOULD DO “IN THEIR  OWN TIME”.




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Partido Pulitikal?...o Bayan!

PARTIDO PULITIKAL? O BAYAN!
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Malalaman kung ang isang tao na may ambisyong pumasok sa pulitika ay taos sa puso ang adhikain sa pamamagitan ng mga binibitiwang pangako. May mga imposibleng pangako dahil  paulit-ulit na sinasambit nila ang mga nakalipas nang ipinangako noon ng mga pulitikong naging korap nang manalo. Hindi rin maiiwasan ang plastikan tulad ng nangyayari sa pagitan nina Duterte at Robredo, lalo pa at magkaiba sila ng partido. Sa puntong ito, si Duterte na mismo ang nagsabi sa isang interview na nakikita niya si Robredo sa mga rally para pabagsakin siya, at sa sunod nilang pagkikita sa meeting ay nakangiti pa ito ng buong tamis sa kanya. Magkaiba sila ng pinaghuhugutan ng lakas – si Robredo ay ang kanyang partidong kulay dilaw at si Duterte ay taong bayan na kailangan niyang iligtas mula sa lagim ng droga at korapsyon.

Kung partido ang pinaghuhugutan ng lakas ni Robredo, paano niyang masasabing siya ay kakampi ng bayan ganoong sumemplang na ang partidong ito dahil ang mga adhikain ay hindi makabayan?. Ang ganitong uri ng adhikain ay pangsarili lamang – personal, kaya gagawin ang lahat upang makakapit-tuko sa puwesto ng mga kapanalig nito.

Samantalang si Duterte na mula’t sapol ay naniniwalang nakatadhana siyang maging presidente para sa kapakanan ng bayan ay palaging taong bayan at kabataan ang laman ng mga talumpati. Ang isang patunay sa sinasabi niya ay ang pagkapanalo niya sa kabila ng kawalan niya ng sariling pondo para sa kampanya. Walang bahid na pangsarili ang kampanya niya laban sa droga dahil hindi naman niya ikayayaman ito, sa halip ay maglalagay lang sa kanya at pamilya niya sa delikadong kalagayan dahil ang binabangga niya ay mayayamang personalidad na sangkot sa droga.

Kung sinabi ni Duterte na wala nang puwang si Robredo sa administrasyon niya dahil obvious ang pagka-ipokrita nito, lalo pa at halatang walang simpatiya sa bayan…dapat lang! Ang opisina ni Robredo na tumutulong kuno sa mahihirap, silang mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan, mukhang hindi yata totoo. Yong isang kaibigan ko na mahigit dalawang buwan nang pabalik-balik upang humingi ng pandagdag sa gastusin sa pagpa-opera ng anak, hanggang ngayon, ni singkong duling ay walang natanggap. Hiningan pa ng staff ng bank account number para doon daw ipapadala ang tulong….na napakamaling sistema dahil pwedeng pakialaman ng mga magnanakaw ang impormasyon na yan, at higit sa lahat ay walang patunay na natanggap ng tao ang pera kung sakali man, kaya paanong maa-audit ng COA? Saan kaya nila nakuha ang ideyang itong napakamali?


Kung sasabihin ni Robredong wala siyang pondo, magtanggal siya ng mga pandekorasyong mga tao at isara ang opisinang pang-community outreach kuno na pandekorasyon lang din. I-maintain na lang niya ang opisina niya bilang Bise-Presidente…na standby lang hangga’t may mangyari sa presidente. Makipag-ugnayan na lang siya sa mga obispong Katoliko at mga grupo ng mga babaeng kapanalig niya at mag-camp out sila sa Liwasang Bonifacio o Luneta. Humingi kaya siya ng tulong kay Pnoy at Roxas....o baka nagbibigay na at para kung saan, sila lang ang nakakaalam!

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Better are.....(a poem for change)

For the coming year, perhaps, we should do what are “better”….HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Better are …

By Apolinario Villalobos

Better are those born of a simple family
            For later, they shall not wallow in sinful luxury.

Better are those who grew up on simple gruel
            For later, they shall not despise a meatless meal.

Better are those who grow clothed in simple trappings
            For later, they shall not be desirous of worldly things.

Better are those whose wants are simple
            For later, they shall not unnecessarily crave for more.

Better are those who earn by dints of hard work and honesty
            For later, they are assured of unquestionable integrity.

Better are those who are not exposed to the frivolous city life
            For later, they will not be swayed by even just a simple strife.

Better are those who pray to God with private sincerity
            For theirs is a voice, pure and not tinted with hypocrisy.

Better are those who give with honest intention
            For they do not expect anything in return.

Better are the couples who don’t flaunt their love for each other
            For they know that they need not be ostentatious, if they are sincere.

Better are those who readily admit their faults and failure
            For they know that doing so, lessons are learned for the future.

Better are those whose love for God is not defined by cults or religions
            For they know that God’s infinity is boundless as shown by his creations. 

Better are those whose love to others is unconditional
            For they know that they can only be just as such –

            Giving enough of what they have, and not so much.

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Ang Iba Ko Pang Escapades dahil sa Katakawan ko sa Adventure

Posted on Thursday, 29 December 2016

ANG IBA KO PANG ESCAPADES
DAHIL SA KATAKAWAN KO SA ADVENTURE
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang “kagubatan” ng Maynila ay puno ng adventure para sa mga taong matakaw dito….at isa na ako diyan. Ang ilan pa sa mga adventure ko ay ang mga sumusunod:

  • Nang pasyalan ko noon ang kababayan ko sa Dagat-dagatan, Malabon ay inabot ako ng gabi dahil nakipag-inuman pa ako. Habang nilalakad ko ang papunta sa jeepney stop, may nadaanan akong grupong nag-iinuman at ang isa ay kilala ko lang sa mukha dahil nadadaanan ko ang bahay nila tuwing pupunta ako sa kababayan ko. Mababait naman at magagalang dahil nag-alok pa, pero tinanggihan ko. Hindi pa ako nakakalayo ay nagbago ang isip ko kaya bumalik ako at nakipag-inuman na lang para ipakitang marunong akong makisama. Panay payo ang sinasabi ko sa kanila habang nag-uusap kami kung paanong kumita ng maayos. May tumayo at lumayo ng kaunti upang magsindi ng marijuana nang palihim pero dahil alam ko ang amoy ay nagalit ako kaya sinaway siya na pinagalitan nama ng iba. Sa inis ko ay pinagbawal ko na rin ang pagsigarilyo, pero hindi ko alam kong paano ko silang napasunod. Dahil pasado hatinggabi na nang maghiwalay kami ay pinaunlakan ko ang imbitasyon ng katabi kong sa kanila na matulog, Bisaya daw ang misis niya. Kinabukasan ko na lang nalaman na ang nagpatulog sa akin sa bahay niya ay lider ng Sputnik Gang sa lugar na yon at ang mga kainuman namin ay mga kasama niya na ang ilan ay inamin niyang mandurukot sa Divisoria! Mabuti na lang at hindi ako nakatay sa lugar na yon!...hindi na ako nakipag-inuman uli sa kanila, pero namamasyal na lang sa lider ng Sputnik upang mag-abot ng kaunting biyaya upang paghatian nila. Dahil sa ginawa ko ay napalapit ako sa kanila. Hindi na ako bumalik nang umalis ang kababayan kong babae dahil pinasok ang bahay nila at nasaksak silang mag-ina.

  • Sa Quiapo ay may nadaanan akong parang pinagkakaguluhan. Babae palang umiiyak at nagwawala at may hawak na “blade”…nagbabantang hihiwain ang kanyang pulso habang sinisigawan ang boyfriend na nabisto niyang may asawa pala. Waitress ang babae sa di-kalayuang restaurant. Nabisto kong Bisayang Cebuana ang babae kaya naglakas-loob akong kausapin siya at sumagot naman. Nang medyo humupa na ang galit niya at parang nagsusumbong na sa akin ay nilapitan ko siya at niyakap, sabay kuha ng “blade” sa kanya na ibinigay naman. Niyaya ko siya sa restaurant na pinagtatrabahuhan niya pati ang boyfriend niyang may asawa daw. Doon ay pinagalitan ko ang lalaki at tinakot na ipapakulong kaya nagmakaawa sa akin. Kinausap ko ang amo ng babae at inihingi ng pasensiya at nakiusap na pahingahin muna ito…pumayag naman. Pinangakuan ko ang babaeng babalikan ko siya kinabukasan at ang lalaki ay napilit kong isama ako sa pamilya niyang nasa Recto lang pala, malapit sa Regina Reinte River kung saan ay may barung-barong sila. Kaya daw niya nagawang makisama sa waitress ay binibigyan siya nito ng pera na binibili naman niya ng pagkain para sa dalawa niyang anak. Kargador siya sa isang bodega ng soft drinks at maliit lang ang kita kaya nag-sideline siya ng pagko-call boy!

  • Sa Sta. Cruz, tapat ng simbahan ay may nakita akong dalawang tin-edyer na parang pinipilit abutan ng isang lalaki ng bagay na nakabalot sa diyaryo. Mukhang takot ang dalawang tin-edyer kaya nilapitan ko. Pinipilit pala silang bentahan ng kausap nila ng estatwang maliit ng isang santo pero ayaw nila. Pinakiusapan ko ang nagbebenta na huwag silang pilitin pero nagalit at sinabihan akong huwag makialam. Sa inis ko ay naitulak ko siya at dahil naunahan ko siyang sindakin ay tumakbo pero tumigil at akmang babalikan kami habang kunwari ay may binubunot sa likod. Ginaya ko rin siya kaya kunwari ay parang may binubunot din ako sa back pocket ko habang patakbo kong nilapitan siya pero dahil may sindak pa rin siguro ay tumakbo na lang papunta sa Chinatown.

  • Sa Libertad, Pasay ay may nakita akong parang “mag-ina”, babaeng hindi naman katandaan at isang batang babae, na lumapit sa akin upang humingi ng pamasahe dahil hindi nila inabutan ang pinuntahan daw nilang kamag-anak. Inasahan daw nila itong magbibigay ng perang pamasahe nila pauwi. Binigyan ko naman, pati pangkain nila. Lumipas ang dalawang buwan ay nakita ko na naman sila sa parehong lugar, pero gabi na noon, bandang alas nuwebe, kaya nagalit ako dahil napag-isip kong niloko lang pala ako. Galit akong lumapit sa kanila at habang nasa tabi nila ako ay pinagsabihan ko ang ibang tao sa paligid tungkol sa panloloko nila sabay sabi sa babaeng hindi ako aalis hangga’t hindi sila umaalis. Lumayo at sumakay sila sa jeep papuntang Maynila pero sumunod pa rin ako at sumakay din sa jeep at sinabihan ang mga pasahero tungkol sa raket nila. May sumakay na dalawang lalaki sa isang kanto at tumingin sa akin ng masama pero hindi ko pinansin. Ang balak ko ay alamin kung saan sila umuuwi para isumbong sa pulis. Pagdating sa tapat ng Philippine Women’s Universtity sa Taft Avenue ay bumaba ang “mag-ina” at sumunod ang dalawang lalaki, pero ang isa ay sinadyang itaas ang laylayan ng t-shirt sa likod upang ipakita ang hawakan ng kutsilyo sabay tingin sa akin. Hindi ko na sila sinundan. Madalas gawin ang raket na nabanggit ko at ang istambayan ng “mag-ina” ay palengke.

  • Sa Kalaw St. naman kung saan ay maraming mga seaman na tumatambay habang nag-aaplay ng masasakyang barko ay may nakita akong lalaking “grasa” na nakadapa, gulanit ang damit at may hawak na latang lagayan ng limos. Pagapang kung kumilos siya kaya naawa ako at binigyan ko ng pera at sandwich. Ilang linggo ang nakalipas, nakita ko ang lalaking naglalakad pero ganoon pa rin ang ayos sa tapat ng Isetan-Recto at sa porma ay matino dahil naninigarilyo pa. Sinundan ko siya hanggang sa Quiapo, sa tapat ng Mercury Drug, umupo muna at unti-unti ay inayos ang sarili sa pormang nakita ko noong nasa Kalaw St. siya. Lumapit ako upang pigilan ang babaeng magbibigay sana ng limos at sinabihang nanloloko lang ang “lumpo”. Pinagbantaan kong sisipain ang “lumpo” kapag hindi siya tumayo, at ang mga taong nakiki-usyuso ay sinabihan ko kung anong uring tao siya. Ayaw pa sanang umalis pero may lumapit na pulis at sinabihan siyang, “ikaw na naman?”


Iyan ang Maynila…masaya kung may pera ka, masalimuot at puno ng pagsubok para sa mga “curious”. More pa next time!

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Be Like a Tree

Be Like a Tree..
By Apolinario Villalobos

A tree, though standing still
and on a windless day
with not even a rustling leaf
is still erect and majestic -
host to winged creatures
that in the sky frolic.

We can be like a tree
by being still and patient -
under a heavy burden
in times of challenges,
we should not waver
but strive for success!

  

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Throwback: The Early Freight Service and PALShop Program of Philippine Airlines

Posted on Wednesday, 28 December 2016

Throwback: The Early Freight Service
and PALShop Program Of Philippine Airlines
By Apolinario Villalobos

Almost always, when it comes to specific topics for recollection of ex-PALers, the cargo operation, if ever mentioned becomes only a “by-the-way” as part of the Manila Station- Domestic. One reason, perhaps, could be the unassuming character of the ex-PALers who moved commodities from station to station, but the fact is, cargo operation was never behind as regards revenue generation of the airline, especially, during its Golden Years.

The early years of PAL saw Manila Station-Domestic under Manny Panlilio as manager, and located at the old Domestic Terminal (today, NAIA Terminal 4) where Airfreight Marketing-Domestic (AFMD) under Louie Adecer was also located. He was assisted by the All Cargo Aircraft Coordinators (ACAC) such as, Alfonso “Boy” Bayani, Beda Cuenco, Cecille Mella, and Tony Bejar. As Coordinators, they set up domestic cargo flights utilizing three to four DC3s, one YS-11, the “ubiquitous” Argosy, to quote Boy Bayani who added that the said aircraft should have been better called “Agony” as it spent more time on the ground due to frequent servicing than in-flight. In addition to those aircrafts, they sometimes chartered the L100-20, a civilian C-130 from the Philippine Aerotransport, Inc. (PATI), a competitor which was later absorbed by PAL.

The sales aspect of the AFMD was supervised by Johnny Corpuz, while the cargo handling was under Nonoy Tolentino. Later, however, due to an organizational shake up, both MSD and AFMD were brought under the administration of the MSP which at the time was headed by Mr. Ricardo Paloma. The organizational change also resulted to the re-assigning of the personnel to other offices, and among them was Boy Bayani who was transferred to the Vernida building.

As there was a dire need to shape up the operations of AFMD, Dr. Avelino Zapanta (PAL President during his retirement) was made to manage it in the interim, and later replaced by Jose Clemente. It was during the time that Dr. Zapanta prepared studies that led to the development of the Domestic Cargo Operating Manual, and which further resulted to the mechanization of the whole operation. From such feat, the Cargo Department became a formidable revenue earner of the country’s flag carrier which could have even enabled it to stand on its own as a “separate business unit” (SBU). But, that’s another story.

The metamorphosis of what was just a small airfreight division at the Old Domestic Terminal resulted to the conceptualization of other revolutionary programs, with the most remarkable as the “PALShop”. It was a program which benefited both the employees and the company. With the program, the employees were afforded the opportunity to enjoy the products of the provinces where PAL stations were located from Batanes to Tawi-tawi, at the cheapest possible price and could be picked up fresh from the PALShop outlet at the old Domestic Terminal. On the other hand, the company was assured that allowable weight of cargoes that translated to revenue would fill up the regular passenger and cargo flights, especially, during the “lean season”. All that the employees did was fill up an order form based on the list of products provided by the PALShop Office to be covered with the regular airway bill.

A year-end bonanza following the PALShop concept was the Christmas “tiyangge” (bazaar) on the fifth floor of the Vernida Building where the Administrative Offices were located. The bazaar was filled with products packed in crates sent by the different stations. Employees of the stations pooled their financial resources that they used for the purchase of local products based on the “order list” prepared in advance by the Standards and Coordination Division, under Ed Guatelara, and in close coordination with the Manila Station and Domestic Cargo Office for speedy delivery to Vernida building. With this arrangement, the provincial/station-based employees earned extra pesos to tide them over the holiday season while those in Manila were able to save on the commodities that they need, instead of being strangled by the prices of those found on the shelves of supermarkets that have soared expectedly.

Ex-PALers who benefited from the PALShop would reminisce about it with fondness. “Those were the days”, is what they could just say with a sigh.

(Note: Information on the early days of AFMD, including the names, is based on the recollection of Alfonso “Boy” Bayani.)







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Don't Despair if You Cannot Share Blessings the Way Others Do

DON’T DESPAIR IF YOU CANNOT SHARE BLESSINGS
THE WAY OTHERS DO
By Apolinario Villalobos

If you come across stories in the internet about people sharing blessings, do not wish that you could do exactly the same. Just absorb the message of the story and transpose it into what is applicable in your community and capability that you can possibly and sincerely do. There are many stories in the internet with some made more interesting by accompanying photos but, what you should do is profusely thank the Most Powerful for giving life to these unknown altruistic souls who reached out to others during unguarded moments and at unexpected places. What should be given notice is their immediate unselfish act that need not be copied, but instead, used as guidance and inspiration.

If you exert so much effort in imitating others, the act would not be realistic.  Try to be original. Unconsciously, that could be the reason why I did not attempt to read the book that I won as a prize and donated by our school Director, Fr. Robert Sullivan, during an extemporaneous writing in English when I was in high school. As a provinciano, I did not know that the book was very popular, then and today…the title on the cover was “Imitations of Christ”. The word “imitation” turned me off. I gave it to a boyhood buddy who is now with the Lord (hopefully) in exchange for a paperback that contained Khalil Gibran poems that he gave me, but which unfortunately, did not impress me, so I passed it on to another friend, too. I am not saying here that I do not like Jesus, but, since childhood, I had been guided by the Golden Rule, and of course, love of the Most Powerful.

Filipinos living in Europe and America who come across stories about altruism in the Philippines should consider the vast differences as regards living condition and other factors. In countries where they are, working hard for their families in the Philippines, every penny counts a lot. Taxes in the country where they are, are high and budgeting is to the last cent. Although, they may have a few dollars set aside for the “rainy days”, they also need to hold on to such savings, as they have nobody to turn to in time of emergency.

On the other hand, Filipinos in the Philippines have friends and relatives to turn to in case of emergency, making them “bold” enough to share their “extras” with strangers.  My point here is, if ever fellowmen abroad who come across situations about the Philippines in the internet that picture want or poverty in various angles, they should offer prayers, rather than force themselves, to part with their hard-earned money which they may need later.

Altruism does not manifest in the form of material objects alone, but in things that only the heart can define with sincerity….and they include prayers. If this attitude can be maintained, the setting in of despair or feeling of remorse can be prevented. Be charitable in your own affordable and doable way.


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Ang Pilipinas Noon at Ngayon sa Isang Sulyap

Ang Pilipinas Noon at Ngayon
Sa Isang Sulyap
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nadanasan na ng mga Pilipino ang maalipusta ng mga Kastila, pati ng mga Amerikano at sa maikling panahon ay ng mga Hapon….iba talaga ang maging malaya.

Nadanasan ang kalayaan nang ibigay ng mga Amerikano sa mg Pilipino ang pamamahala ng bansa, nagkaroon ng Commonwealth….umusbong ang katiwalian dahil ang mga humawak sa gobyerno ay mga mayayamang asenderong nanigurong hindi mawala ang kanilang yaman…pumasok sa eksena ang mga intelektwal, pero sa halip na kapakanan ng buong bansa ang inasikaso ay ang pagpayaman nila kaya nagkaroon ng karagdagang mukha ang korapsyon.

Nadanasan ang Martial Law….isinuka dahil ang kultura ng Pilipino ay hindi sumasang-ayon dito na kinopya lamang sa Saligang Batas ng Amerika…. nagkaroon ng People Power….subalit ang masaklap ay hindi nangyari ang ang inasahang pagbabago.

Pagkalipas ng administrasyon ng unang babaeng presidente, si Cory Aquino, na nagsilbi sanang “nanay” ng Republika ay nabigong magpakita ng mga inaasahang katangian…. hindi nagkaroon ng leksiyon ang mga Pilipino dahil nagkaroon ng isa pang babaeng presidente, si Gloria Arroyo....subalit, wala ring nangyaring pagbabago dahil lalo pang umalagwa ang korapsyon.

Nagkaroon ng presidenteng dating heneral at isang artista, at isa pang mabait at mahinahon kuno….puro sumemplang pa rin sa mga dapat asahan dahil lalo pang umalagwa ang korapsyon at ang nakawan sa kaban ng bayan ay halos hantaran na kung gawin….lalong tumapang ang mga kawatan dahil sa kalamyaan ng mga batas na walang pangil….at, ang masakit, nadagdagan ang problema ng Pilipinas sa droga na hindi alam ng mga Pilipino ay nagkakaugat na pala ng malalim at mabilis na yumayabong. Nabisto lamang ang katotohanang ito nang lumitaw ang isang Duterte.

Nagkaroon ng presidenteng hindi malamya, si Duterte, subalit tinutuligsa naman dahil sa mga extra judicial killings na pinaparatang sa kanya, pero wala namang napatunayan pa sa korte.

ANO KAYA KUNG ISANG KATOLIKONG OBISPO NAMAN ANG MANUNGKULANG PRESIDENTE DAHIL BATAY SA MGA PANANALITA NG ILAN SA KANILA, LALO NA YONG TAGA-NORTE, PARA BANG MAGKAKAROON NG KATAHIMIKAN ANG BANSA KUNG MAGING MABAIT LANG ANG GOBYERNO SA MGA TAONG SANGKOT SA DRUGS DAHIL “BAWAL” DAW ANG PUMATAY. SINO BA ANG MGA PUMAPATAY? AT, SINO ANG MGA PINAPATAY? KUNG SAKALING MATULOY, SANA AY ISAMA NA RIN NILA SA MABAIT NILANG PANUKALA ANG “MATIWASAY” NA PAGSAWAY SA MGA KORAP SA GOBYERNO!


AT LEAST,  AKO AY MAY SUGGESTION, HINDI TULAD NG IBA NA TULIGSA LANG NANG TULIGSA KAY DUTERTE PERO WALA NAMANG SUGGESTION KUNDI ANG MAGSAMBIT NG “DUE PROCESS” NA NOON PANG PANAHON NG COMMONWEALTH AY GINAGAWA NA PERO WALA NAMANG NANGYARI. DAHIL SA “DUE PROCESS” NA YAN, NAGSULPUTAN LANG ANG MGA KORAP NA HUWES AT MGA “MAGAGALING” NA ABOGADO NA ANG PABORITONG KLIYENTE AY MGA KRIMINAL NA MAY PERANG PAMBAYAD NG MILYON-MILYONG PESOSES!!!!

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Barazel "Bob" Salazar: From Security Guard and Ateneo Professor, to PAL Executive

Posted on Monday, 26 December 2016

Barazel “Bob” Salazar:  From Security Guard
and Ateneo Professor, to PAL Executive
By Apolinario Villalobos

I met him when I had a short tour-of-duty (TDY) in Masbate as a ticket clerk, a few months after I joined PAL, and when Tablas station (my first assignment) was temporarily closed for runway improvement. During the time, the station Supervisor was Rudy Cid and the Load Controller was Jolly Fernandez, who resigned from PAL to run for mayor of the said town, against one of the Espiἧosas, and although, he won, his stint was cut short by his violent death from the hands of an assassin.

I vividly recalled the day when Bob and Rudy Cid asked me to leave the check-in counter during my confrontation with one of the bodyguards of the mayor (an Espiἧosa) as regards their package using the “padala system”. Although, the said system could be tolerated for compassionate reason, some parties abuse it, and being new, I was very strict in following the rules that I learned during my training. I had no knowledge then, about the local politics in Masbate, and it was only when the flight has left that they explained to me everything…about the Espiἧosas. From then on, Bob became more vigilant in checking during flight days if personalities that could provoke me at the check-in counter were around. If none, I was allowed to go on with my checking in of passengers.

I had no idea of how Bob was able to break into the airline industry. I was surprised then, when during a meeting lately, he told me that he went through a series of discouraging and harrowing experience before finally securing a job in PAL as a Ticket/Freight Clerk. His father was a Court Interpreter while his mother was a school teacher who died when he was in second year high school. His father remarried  but continued taking of them, albeit, with difficulty. It was during the time when they experienced receiving food from the relatives. He settled down at age 19, while he was in high school. To help his family, he did odd jobs selling newspapers, cleaning buses, working at construction sites, and as surveyor assistant. It was when was married when he pursued his college education and wife helped him financially until he graduated. During the time, he was working as a security guard, an inspiring fact that he proudly divulged to me without any qualm.

After graduating from college, he worked as Inventory Clerk, and shortly, joined PAL  as Ticket/ Freight Clerk assigned in Masbate station, But when he was assigned in Naga as Station Agent, he pursued his Master’s Degree at the University of Nueva Caceres. To help him augment his income he taught a the Ateneo de Naga in the evening. He was able to finish his MBA in 1987 at Naga, and the following year, he was assigned back to Masbate but at the time, as Branch Manager. He moved on as Branch Manager of San Jose (Mindoro) in 1992. His teaching and post-graduate studies were not cut short, although, he was transferred to other stations on temporary duty. 


Our path again crossed when he was assigned at International Sales Office at S and L building along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City. That was the time when the Philippines and Guam Region was merged with the International Sales-Philippines which was considered as the company’s sales “flagship”. When I left the company, I learned about his series of promotions that he more than deserved.  He was promoted as Product Manager in 1998; assigned in Iloilo as Branch Manager in year 2000; Cargo Marketing Manager in Manila up to 2005 during which he authored the RHUSH which raked in millions of dollars of cargo revenue for the company. Still in 2005, he was promoted as Asst. VP for Visayas; and, finally, in 2010, sent to Japan as Country Manager. Today, he is happily retired, but grateful to PAL with which he spent more than half of his fruitful life.






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Children of Dawn

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Children of Dawn
By Apolinario B Villalobos

I call them children of dawn
Oblivious to the cold
Who on the paved sidewalk
Are peacefully sprawled.
With empty stomach
They stare at the wave
Of people who rush by,
Inhale the exhaust of cars
And bathe in the dust
That the wind sweep at them,
Unmindful still of the heat
That the sun beams
As it reaches its zenith
Signaling the half-day cycle
Of Mother Earth.

Surviving on morsels
Found in garbage bins…
With glee, smiles at found
Unfinished sandwiches
Half- eaten breads
Half- rotten fruits,
Thankful for them
Just like the birds of the sky
The fish in the vast oceans
Trees that on polluted air survive
And other creatures of the wild;
These children of dawn
Are luckier than most of us -
With innocently sparkling eyes
And simple, yet, virtuous desires!


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Ang Tubig at Hangin

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! 

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The Philippine National Bank of Bacoor City (Aguinaldo Highway Branch)

Posted on Wednesday, 21 December 2016

The Philippine National Bank of Bacoor City
(Aguinaldo Highway Branch)
By Apolinario Villalobos

My opening of an account with the Philippine National Bank (PNB) as a repository of my pension was actually a revival of my trust to this bank which happens to be the “sister company” of Philippine Airlines, my former employer. I had my first experience of the bank’s service when I decided to use checks for personal transactions many years back, particularly, during the 1980s. My feeling of security was anchored on the bank’s being a government institution since 100 years ago. I closed my checking account when I left Philippine Airlines as I had no more use for it. Though I had some regrets, I treasured the opportunity of having experienced the traditional Filipino service which is deeply impressed with hospitality.

The second time I had the chance to experience the well-known traditional service of the bank was when I filed for my pension with the Social Security System (SSS) which during the time was literally, a neighbor of the bank, as it was just a few steps away, along Aguinaldo highway. As I was in a hurry to go back to the SSS, Ms. Sheryll Ann Erive compassionately attended to me immediately. My transactions with the bank did not end with the issuance of my ATM card which was given to me together with complete instruction, including the rules that cover the ACOP. I could not help noticing the smile that never left the lips of the personnel, even the contracted staff – the security guards, as they open the door for the clients with a warm greeting.

The Branch Manager, himself, Mr. Roy Tan is always smiling and ever patient. Just this morning when I dropped by to make some verification on my ATM withdrawal record, he put down the phone momentarily to listen to me. But upon noticing that Ms. Sarah Artiaga was already free, I asked that I be entertained by her. With much patience, Ms. Artiaga immediately displayed my e-record to help me recall one withdrawal which I failed to enter into my cell phone’s archive. My query was a blessing in disguise as I came to learn about their internal security verification system which will be needed for my future blogs.

My pension is comparatively small but my experience that morning made me feel that the amount of deposit made by their clients is immaterial for them, as what matters is the client, himself. In other words the number of digits does not make any difference as foremost in their mind is the satisfaction of all their clients. Such service is given substance by their latest message to their clients which says, “you first”.

According to Mr. Tan, they are not affected by the cut-throat competition posed by other banks as they continuously exert their total effort to satisfy their clients based on their “traditional service” which as mentioned earlier, is truly deeply impressed with Filipino hospitality. The principle is simple....satisfy the client and he will be back. And, what else can put a client at ease than an assuring smile. Nevertheless, Mr. Tan mentioned that the bank has plans to enhance its service for the convenience of their ever-growing number of clients. To date, the bank has a “bank on wheels” which I came across at the PNB/PAL headquarters along Roxas Boulevard.

Here are some historical notes about the bank: it was established on July 16, 1916 at the old Masonic Temple in Escolta, based on Public Act 2016 authored by Miguel Cuaderno, replacing the government’s Agricultural Bank;  its first president was an American, H. Parker Willis; it served as a de facto Central Bank of the Philippines in 1949; its first local branch was established in Iloilo in 1917; its first international branch was opened in New York; it was the first to offer the ATM service to clients; the Memorandum of Agreement with Lucio Tan Group of Companies was signed in May 2002, two years after the said group became the bank’s first single stock holder; the bank also prides in the awards received from SSS twice (Balikat ng Bayan), as well as, Reader’s Digest and AC Nielsen (Gold Superbrand).







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Ang Mga Pagsubok sa Buhay ng mga Pilipino

Posted on Tuesday, 20 December 2016

ANG MGA PAGSUBOK SA BUHAY NG MGA PILIPINO
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Noong unang panahong saklaw ng Bibliya, gumamit ng mga pagano ang kinikilalang Panginoon ng mga “Piniling Nilalang” (Chosen People), upang mabuksan ang kanilang isip. Pinadanas sa kanila ang maraming uri ng paghihirap dahil sa ginawa nilang pagsuway ng Kanyang mga utos. Ang mga pangyayari ay hindi nalalayo sa mga nangyayari sa Pilipinas. May mga pangyayari at mga tao ring ginagamit ang kinikilalang Panginoon ng mga Pilipino upang magkaroon sila ng leksiyon, tulad ng mga sumusunod:

  • Paggamit ng kahirapan mula sa kamay ng mga korap na mga opisyal sa gobyerno. Dahil diyan, lalong umigting ang pananampalataya ng mga Katoliko, kaya noon, mistulang ginamit si Marcos upang magpahirap sa mga Pilipino, hanggang sa may lumutang na isang Cardinal Sin na nagbigay sa kanila ng inspirasyon. Subalit nasayang ang pagkakataong pinagkaloob ng People Power dahil makalipas ang ilang administrasyon, mula nang bumagsak ang Martial Law ay lalo pang namayagpag ang corruption dahil ang mga Pilipino ay hindi nagbago. Ibinoto pa rin ang mga tiwali, kapalit ang ilang pirasong perang papel.

  • Sa pag-usad ng panahon, unti-unting lumaki ang problema sa droga na mistula ding ginamit ng Panginoon upang magpahirap pa rin sa mga Pilipino. Nagdatingan ang mga dayuhang drug lords na nagtayo pa ng mga laboratoryo sa paggawa ng shabu. Subalit sa kabila ng mga nakikita na sa paligid na pagdami ng mga drug addict at drug pusher, HALOS WALANG MAGAWA ang gobyerno dahil mismong mga ahensiya at opisyal na dapat magpatupad ng batas ay sangkot na rin, pati mga mambabatas at insititusyon tulad ng Bilibid na dapat sana ay ginagamit sa pagbabago ng mga nahuli. Pati ang ilang mga magulang ay adik na rin kaya nakikisalo sa mga anak na adik kung suminghot ng shabu. Sa kabuuhan ay tila walang pakialam ang mga Pilipino, lalo na ang mga kaya sa buhay dahil hindi naman sila nabibiktima, at lalung-lalo na ang mga “moralista” na walang kibo. Ang problema sa droga, mga adik, drug lords at drug laboratories ay pagpapakita ng mga naipong pagkakamali pero hindi pa rin pinansin.

  • Nagkaroon ng presidente, si Duterte, na nagkalakas ng loob upang sagupain ang bisyo ng droga at korapsyon, pero may mga taong sakim sa pulitika at makasarili, lalo na ang mga “moralista” kuno na pumipigil sa kanya. Kaya sa kabila ng mga ginagawa niya para sa pagbabago at kabutihan sana ng lahat, may mga pumapanig pa rin sa mga pinatay na kriminal sa ngalan ng mga batas kuno, na puro naman may butas dahil gawa lang din ng mga mambabatas na tiwali. Ang mga “moralista” kuno ay pumanig pa sa mga pinatay na mga kriminal sa halip na mga biktima nila.

Samantala, ang mga sumusunod ay mga hudyat na nagpapakitang dapat ay lalo pa nating pag-isipan ang kalagayan nating mga Pilipino sa panahon ngayon:

  • Ang pagkabisto ng pakikiapid ni de Lima sa lalaking may asawa. Dapat ay maisip natin na pwede palang gawin ng isang kapita-pitagang abogadang senadora ang karumal-dumal na pakikipagrelasyon na nabanggit, kaya siguradong marami pang mga mambabatas na may kahalintulad na ginawa, subalit dahil hindi maingay tulad ni de Lima, ay hindi napapansin.

  • Ang pagtuturuan ng mga sangkot sa droga – mga kilalang drug lord at kakutsaba nila sa gobyerno. Dapat ay maisip natin na TOTOO PALA ANG ISYU SA PAGKALAT NG DROGA NA NABISTO LANG DAHIL KAY DUTERTE, AT HINDI TSISMIS.

  • Ang anomalya sa Bureau of Immigrations tungkol sa big- time illegal casino operator na si Lam. Dapat ay maisip natin na hindi malayong mangyaring nagkakaroon din ng big time na suhulan at kutsabahan sa iba pang ahensiya lalo na sa Bureau of Customs na noon pa man ay kinikilala nang isa sa nuknukan ng pagkakorap na ahensiya dahil sa mga nabistong big time smuggling….at, paano na iba pang mga ahensiya? Kaylan tuluyang ibubunyag ang kanilang mga katiwalian?

  • Ang mga anomalya tungkol sa illegal na paggamit ng pork barrel at mga karumal-dumal na mga krimen tulad ng Maguindanao Massacre na inuupuan pa rin ng mga mababagal kumilos na mga opisyal…at dahil sa kakapalan ng mukha ay kapit-tuko pa rin sa mga puwesto.

Kaylan magkakaroon ng talagang mapagkakatiwalaang tauhan ang presidente, dahil kahit ang mga niluklok niya ay unti-unti nang nagpapakita ng tunay na kulay at kalamyaan?


Kaylan tayo magbabago, lalo na ang mga pumipigil ng mga hakbang tungo sa pagbabago? Hihintayin ba nilang sila mismo ay maging biktima na rin ng mga kriminal?

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The San Pedro Calungsod Parish Church of Tacurong City

Posted on Monday, 19 December 2016

The San Pedro Calungsod Parish Church of Tacurong City
By Apolinario Villalobos

My curiosity about the new San Pedro Calungsod parish was triggered by the information about it from Bogz Jamorabon last year. Then I came across the photo-posts of Ruoma “Amor” Maluyo Taganas in his facebook. The photos from exactly a year ago, as it was taken during December, too, showed kids waking up and preparing for the Misa de Gallo and their unguarded moments while resting and taking catnaps. For me, their recorded unguarded moments were manifestations of heartfelt sacrifice. They are the members of the Knights of the Altar of San Pedro Calungsod Parish.

To date, the San Pedro Calungsod parish church is yet, a structure of massive and imposing concrete circular wall within which is the worship area with an altar, several chairs and benches, and covered with rubberized tarpaulin. Though frugally initiated, the effort to put up the foundation can be considered monumental, as the parish has just been established only in October 23, 2014 to serve the faithful who live far from the city, and in barangays such as Montilla, Lachica, the Upper and Lower Katungal, Baras, New Passi, and New Isabela. The parish is politically within the jurisdiction of Barangay New Isabela.

Admirably, the church leader, Amor lives “on the other side” of the city, San Emmanuel which is part of the parish of Our Lady of the Holy Candle, and far from the San Pedro Calungsod. I learned that he patiently motors his way to the parish from his home using a “single” motorcycle. Sometimes, we cannot really tell when the call of devotion would come as it did to Amor and to answer such call, he might be scrimping on some personal needs to save for the fuel of his motorcycle.

The land on which the church stands has been donated by the Notre Dame Educational Association Foundation-Tacurong. The area covered by the parish is partly agricultural, being filled with pockets of African palm, corn, rice, plots of vegetables, as well as, residential, shown by newly-developed subdivisions sliced from lands that saw good old days as rice and corn fields. Not far from it is Tacurong’s famous wildlife sanctuary for migratory birds, the Baras Bird Sanctuary operated by Rey Malana with the financial assistance of the city government. A little farther still, is another tourist landmark of the city, the Vicenteaux International Resort in New Passi, operated by Roger Bernardo, a self-made barrio guy who, through dint of hard work and frugality was able to etch his name in the city’s political landmark and contributed a lot to its economic development.

The parish provides a “short cut” passage to Banga and Surallah, towns of South Cotabato. Surallah is the gateway to T’boli, a tribal community which is among the country’s touristic come-ons for culture enthusiasts. Providing the natural western boundary with Isulan, site of the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol, is the Kapingkong River which many locals prefer to call Katungal River. It connects with the Rio Grande de Cotabato and used to teem with crocodiles, but today, only their cousins, the “bayawak” can be found along the banks dense with tall tropical grass and occasional trees. But they may not last for long because they are being hunted for food.

When I visited the parish church with only Amor aware of my arrival, I found volunteers decorating the Mass area for the Misa de Gallo with the bemoustached Fr. Diosdado A. Esguerra, DCC, himself, who was simply clad in t-shirt, denims and slippers. He was a picture of humility and whose fatherly affection to his volunteers was obvious. He melded with them well, as I even thought that he was not the parish priest, had not Amor told me. On the other hand, Amor exudes similar humility duplicated by his prudence, as he does not talk if not spoken to.

The parish is aptly named after the young Filipino saint, San Pedro Calungsod who only had a palm leaf with him to symbolize the coming of the Christian Faith to a Pacific island that he and other Catholic missionaries visited. The faithful of the new parish on the other hand, are one in singing the “Hallelujah” for the realization of their dream…to have a church not far from their home.


I am calling on balikbayan Tacurongnongs to include in their itinerary a visit to the San Pedro Calungsod Church, if they plan to visit T’boli, birdwatch at the Baras Bird Sanctuary and later proceed to the Vicenteaux International Resort in New Passi for a refreshing dip in the pools of spring water. A visit would give them an idea on what to sincerely offer to San Pedro Calungsod. The church is on the left side, after the traditionally called “Crossing Rajah Muda”, if one takes the “short cut” to Banga and Surallah.






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Mga Tanong Tungkol sa mga Pangyayari sa Buhay ng Tao at Droga

MGA TANONG TUNGKOL SA MGA PANGYAYARI
SA BUHAY NG TAO AT DROGA
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

·        Kung mangati ang balat natin, hindi ba kinakamot ang bahaging nangangati, dahil ito ang unang nararamdaman bago tayo pumunta sa derma doctor upang magpasuri?

·        Kung nagkaroon tayo ng sugat na maliit, hindi ba tinatapalan ng “band aid” o pinapatakan ng gamot upang maampat muna ang pagdugo, at saka magpa-ineksiyon kung kailangan?

·        Kung sumakit ang gilagid dahil sa ngiping may butas, hindi ba umiinom muna ng pain killer upang mawala ang pamamaga ng gilagid at pananakit bago tayo pumunta sa dentista para ipabunot ang sirang ngipin?

·        Kung nagagalit ang mga magulang sa maliliit pang mga anak na ayaw pasaway, hindi ba pinapalo muna sila bago pinapaliwanagan ng dahilan?

·        Hindi ba kung may sunog, pinapatay muna ang apoy na tumutupok sa bahay, bago iniimbistigahan ang dahilan ng sunog?

·        HINDI BA ANG DROGANG NAKASIRA SA BUHAY NG MGA KABATAAN AY DIREKTANG GALING SA MGA DRUG PUSHER?...NA  IBIG SABIHIN, ANG MGA DRUG PUSHER ANG MGA DIREKTANG SUMISIRA NG LIPUNAN?

KUNG ANG SAGOT AY OO, BAKIT MARAMI ANG NAGAGALIT KUNG MAY MGA DRUG PUSHER NA NAPAPATAY, GANOONG SILA ANG DIREKTANG DAHILAN KUNG BAKIT KUMALAT ANG DROGA? BAKIT HINDI SILA “KAMUTIN” UPANG MATANGGAL AGAD ANG “PANGANGATING” DULOT NILA SA LIPUNAN, NA TALAGA NAMANG SUSUNDAN NG TULUYANG “PAGGAMOT SA SAKIT SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAGLIPOL NG MGA SUPPLIER AT DRUG LORDS?”

KILALA ANG MGA DRUG PUSHER NA DIREKTANG DAHILAN NG PAGKASIRA NG MGA KOMUNIDAD, BAKIT SILA HAHAYAANG PAKALAT-KALAT LANG NA PARA PANG NAGYAYABANG?

MAY MGA DRUG PUSHER NA HINDI NAMAN ADDICT AT TALAGANG PERA LANG ANG HABOL AT ALAM NILANG MASAMA ANG KANILANG GINAGAWA NA MAY KARAMPATANG PARUSA KUNG SILA AY MAHUHULI. YAN AY DAHIL MAY TALINO SILA AT HINDI NAMAN MGA BALIW NA WALANG KATINUAN ANG PAG-IISIP. DAHIL ALAM NG MGA SALOT NA ITO NG LIPUNAN ANG KANILANG GINAGAWA, BAKIT SILA KAAAWAAN? BAKIT HINDI IBIGAY ANG AWA SA KANILANG MGA BIKTIMA?

Ang ISANG drug pusher ay NAKAKAPAMINSALA NG DAAN-DAANG KABATAANG ESTUDYANTE MAN O HINDI, AT DAAN-DAAN DING PAMILYA. Kung ikumpara ang mga numero, alin ang mas malaki? At dahil hindi lang isa ang drug pusher sa buong bansa, hindi ba nakakabahala ang milyon-milyong buhay na sinisira nila?



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Ang Pasko at Bagong Taon

ANG PASKO AT BAGONG TAON
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Paulit-ulit…paulit-ulit, tuwing sasapit ang pasko at bagong taon ang pagsabi na, “tayo ay magmahalan, magbigayan, magpatawaran, at tumulong sa kapwa”. Ni wala man lang masambit na “alang-alang kay Hesus dahil birthday niya”. Para sa KARAMIHAN, ang lahat na dapat gawin ay dahil sa nakasanayan nang bahagi ng espiritwal na kultura. Ganyan din ang nangyayari pagsapit ng bagong taon na hinihintay pa para gawin ang  pagbabago. At, ang nakakalungkot, para sa KARAMIHAN, ang pasko ay kasingkahulugan ng bonus, regalo, pagkain, caroling, party, bagong damit, bagong laruan, atbp. Marami ang dumadalo sa Misa de Gallo na animo ay nagpa-fashion show…nagpapakita ng legs at cleavage.

Sa Pilipinas kung saan ay may pinakamahabang pasko dahil nagsisimula  na Setyembre pa lang, ang gawi ng mga taong masama ay ganoon pa rin. Ang mga kurakot sa gobyerno ay kurakot pa rin. Ang mga adik at pusher ay ganoon pa rin. Ang mga mandurukot at akyat-bahay ay nagnanakaw pa rin. Ang napapansin lang ay ang pagsigla ng mga negosyo ng mga kalakal lalo na ng mararangyang pagkain at laruan para sa mga bata. Ang mga may pambayad sa kuryente ay halos maglagablab ang bahay dahil sa dami ng Christmas lights.

At, nagkakaroon pa ng countdown, pati Misa de Gallo hanggang sa pagsapit ng pasko. Pero habang nagka-countdown, ang KARAMIHAN naman ay tuloy pa rin ang paggawa ng hindi maganda at hihintayin na lang daw nila ang katapusan ng Disyembre para maisama sa listahan ng New Year’s Resolution ang dapat baguhin. Ang nakalista naman, kalimitan ay nasusunod hanggang ikatlo o ikaapat na buwan lamang ng sumunod  na taon.  Ang masaklap, ILAN sa mga kabataan ay ginagamit na dahilan ang Misa de Gallo upang magkita silang magbabarkada at makapagdi-display ng bagong damit, sapatos, at iba pa. Nag-iingay sila sa pamamagitan ng malakas na halakhakan upang makakuha ng atension sa halip na pumasok sa simbahan.

Pagkalipas ng bagong taon, hindi nasunod ang pagdidiyeta…masarap kasi ang adobo, menudo, atbp. Hindi nasunod ang pagtitipid…sayang kasi kung hindi bilhin ang na-sale na handbag, damit, ang promo na tiket para sa Boracay o Hongkong. Hindi nasunod ang pagtigil sa pag-inom ng alak….nakakahiya kasi sa mga barkada kung hindi pagbigyan. Hindi nasunod ang pagtigil sa paghitit ng sigarilyo….nakakapanginig kasi at nakakalagnat kapag walang matikmang usok sa maghapon. Hindi hiniwalayan ang kabit dahil kawawa ang dalawang anak at mas masarap kasi ang luto ng kaysa tunay na asawa. Tuloy pa rin ang pangungurakot dahil ang iba ay hindi rin tumigil. At, napakarami pang ibang “nabali” na pangako!

Kung maging bahagi lang sana ng ating pagkatao ang paggawa ng kabutihan sa kapwa, hindi na kailangang maghintay pa ng pasko at bagong taon para gawin ito. Magiging “routine” na lang sa isang tao ang paggawa ng kabutihan kung mula sa paggising niya sa umaga hanggang sa nakatulog siya sa gabi ay walang bahid ng kasamaan ang kanyang mga sasabihin at ikikilos. Kung walang perang pantulong sa iba, halimbawa, huwag na lang mang- alipusta o magyabang, o di kaya manglamang ng kapwa. Huwag ding maging ganid o kamkam upang walang maapi at maghirap dahil sa epekto ng ginawa.

Ang mga binabalak na gawin tuwing pasko at bagong taon ay pwedeng gawin araw-araw. Ang regalong ibibigay, halimbawa, ay hindi kailangang materyal na bagay.  Ang pagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa kapwa ay walang katumbas na anumang salapi at hindi na kailangang bilhin pa…maging totoo lang sa pagmahal ay okey na. At ang pinakamahalaga, kung araw-araw ay maganda naman ang ginagawa, ibig sabihin ay wala nang dapat baguhin pagdating ng bagong taon….hindi na kailangan pang ipunin ang mga masamang ginawa sa loob ng isang taon upang ilista sa New Year’s Resolution na dapat baguhin KUNO dahil pakitang tao lang pala! Pero dapat isipin na hindi tayo ligtas sa pagmamasid ng ISANG PINAKA-MAKAPANGYARIHAN SA LAHAT na tinatawag sa iba’t ibang pangalan!

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Sincere Friendship

SINCERE FRIENDSHIP
By Apolinario Villalobos

The best way to realize or put into practice our purpose in life is by befriending the needy…reaching out to them. The needy do not need millions or thousands or hundreds of pesos. All they need are handfuls of rice, few pieces of coins, old but still wearable clothes, slippers, and so many other things that most of us just throw away or leave to rot in the backyard or stockroom.

But many people WOULD RATHER befriend affluent or influential people who are friends of their friends, friends of these friends, still friends of these friends, and so on. They exert all efforts to find connections that they can use to realize their selfish motive of riding on the fame or worse, benefit from the financial affluence of other people. Sometimes this happens during the christening of children. Some parents endeavor to include influential people in the long list of godparents, for obvious reasons already mentioned, other than what is expected of them as “second parents” of the godchildren. Along this line, some couples, also, ask friends who know mayors or barangay chairmen or other local officials to stand as sponsors during their wedding, for the same aforementioned reason. In other words, many would like to befriend people for selfish motives, most especially, for prestige and financial security.

In this regard, even the mass weddings sponsored by mayors, and which are viewed by many as done with sincerity, are in fact used as a political tool. For delicadeza’s sake, the mayor could have just spent for the snacks and pay the honorarium of the conducting priest or pastor or minister, AND ASSIGN ANY OF HIS NON-POLITICAL STAFF TO STAND AS SPONSOR, PERHAPS, THE REGISTER OF DEEDS, CHIEF OF THE REVENUE OFFICE, ETC. What happens is that, when election time comes, these “inaanak” become the campaigners for their “ninong mayor”…a puking reality! Truth is, there is not even a slight trace of sincere friendship out of the said “connection”, as several days after the ceremony, the “ninong mayor” may not even remember the names of those for whom he stood as “ninong”. This is about “mass wedding”, not the wedding of people who are personal acquaintances of the mayor. This happens most often in slum areas and barangays or remote villages and towns. So, there’s your “friendly” mayor just because he is sponsoring “mass wedding” using people’s money!

Prestige and security in life can be possibly achieved even without employing make-believe friendship with prominent personalities. True friendship with a REAL PURPOSE should be initiated by a person with utmost sincerity without any taint of selfishness. On the other hand, those who belong to the lower stratum of society should never dream of gaining the friendship of people who belong to the upper, and whom they do not know personally. One should endeavor to earn recognition instead of gaining it through connections. To call people who do not know you personally as “friends” is embarrassing enough. In plain language it is “name dropping”. It should also be noted that friendship is supposed to be a “two-way” relationship…with sincerity from both sides.