2017

Most Lessons in Life

Are Like Bitter Pills To Swallow

By Apolinario Villalobos

It is a fact that some people who committed blunders, cannot take advices, suggestions, and reprimands with open mind. Pride, sadly stand in their way. Add to that the deeply-rooted attitude which for long has been taken for granted by affected parties. It takes a strong-spirited person or persons at times, to call the attention of the blunderer that he or she is out of tune, hence, not in harmony with the acceptable universal norms.

Unfortunately for the guilty, the resulting lessons that should be learned are bitter pills to swallow and which brings to mind the adage, “regrets always come at the end” . There is a universal practice to give the blunderer a second chance and even a third chance, for the sake of the “benefit of the doubt” and kind consideration. But if the blunder has been committed for the fourth time, which is a clear indication of defiance, there is no reason why appropriate action should not be imposed

Everybody has a blind spot and, this fact goes with the saying that unless we use a mirror, we cannot see our face. Only other people can tell us what our blind spots are. For the open-minded, this is fine, but for the arrogant, telling him or her about her “negatives” is not pleasant. The problem, however, is that, his or her “negatives” affect others.

In offices, the unbecoming attitude of inconsiderate employees has become a nagging problem of superiors and co-employees. These employees refuse to accept their mistakes despite mind-opening reprimands. Of course, there are ultimate penalties which could be suspension or termination, but for humanitarian reason, most offices are soft about them by avoiding their implementation as much as possible.

In this regard, among friends, there is always one or two who do not jive with the rest when it comes to attitude. Some friends abuse the trust and confidence given to them by their buddies. When finally, some of them could not take the contempt anymore, confrontation ensues with the barrage of truth coming out – hurting realization that indeed abuse has been committed. Of course, even for close friends who have patched up their differences, ill feelings may be considered as part of the past…water under the bridge. But a slight crack of distrust stays, and could already be beyond “repair”.

The Bright Prospect and Development of Shopping Malls and Supermarkets

In Tacurong City

By Mark Abeto Dionesio

The City of Tacurong is is located at the center of SOCCSKSARGEN. It is 92 kilometres (57 mi) from General Santos City, 96 kilometres (60 mi) from Cotabato City and 178 kilometres (111 mi) from Davao City. It is situated at the crossroads of the Davao-General Santos-Cotabato highways, and is the financial, commercial, education, and recreation center of the area. It serves the needs of 15 neighboring municipalities. People from these areas go to Tacurong to sell their products, purchase their needs, pursue education, avail of medical and health services, and seek recreation. As an important hub of the Mindanao transport grid, Tacurong is visited by numerous passengers and transients on their way to the cities of Davao, Cotabato, General Santos and even Cagayan de Oro.

It is the catch basin of economic development in the province of Sultan Kudarat, aside from being the center of commerce with a captured market from other municipalities of the province including the provinces of South Cotabato and Maguindanao. In the newly legislated Comprehensive Land Use Plan, there is a need for more viable business areas, and a more business-friendly and streamlined processing of permits and licenses to make the city more favorable to the investing party. The absence of big shopping malls and supermarkets in the City of Tacurong have many residents to go to the shopping malls of Koronadal and General Santos cities even with all the inconveniences attendant to it.

Investing in the establishment of shopping malls and supermarkets in this city will assure a profitable return of investment (ROI) and huge economic payback. The potential market demand for shopping malls is big, based on the growing population of the city which was pegged at 101, 081 residents as of 2015. The city being strategically located at the center or at the crossroads of neighboring municipalities in the western part of Sultan Kudarat and the nearby province of Maguindanao, the demand for the aforementioned facilities is invariably much higher.

A big fraction of the populations of the neighboring municipalities that would cater to the shopping malls and supermarkets, such as, Isulan (90,682), Bagumbayan (63,700), Esperanza (63,207), Sen. Ninoy Aquino (43,508), Norala (44,635), Tantangan (40,461), Lambayong(77,013), President Quirino(41,408), Buluan, Maguindanao(50,088), Datu Paglas,Maguindanao (28,387), Tulunan, North Cotabato (56,513) and Mlang, North Cotabato (95,070) could add up to the fast growing of Tacurong's own population.

For the current year of 2017, it would be safe to assume that the combined population would be nearing half a million – a significant consumer base that will make the establishment of shopping malls and supermarkets in Tacurong an attractive investment. The southern towns of Maguindanao composed of Datu Sangki Ampatuan, Maganoy, and northeastern, such as, Buluan and Datu Paglas can also be a captured market for the said venture.

To date, Tacurong City boasts of the internationally-renown Monte Vicenteaux Resort located at Barangay New Passi, as well as, the equally-popular resorts in Barangays Baras and Buenaflor, such as, the Jarrell Resort and Bonbon Resort, respectively. Add to that the Baras Bird Sanctuary of the Malana family, and of course, the colorful, Kalimudan Festival of Isulan and the city’s own, the Talakudong Festival …and, what an investor gets is one whole interesting package!

Two Incidents that Made Me Have an Utmost Respect

To Governor Pax Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat Province

By Apolinario Villalobos

I do not know the guy personally, except as  being a well-loved governor of Sultan Kudarat based on the stories that I have heard. But two incidents that I personally encountered confirmed the stories about his benevolence and fatherly character.

During the Kalimudan Festival 2017, I attended the Rural Health Workers’ Day at the Capitol Gym after missing the Children’s Day, the day before. I needed to have something to blog about the festival that I have missed for several years. I took photos of the different groups that took turns in showing their patiently-rehearsed numbers at the center of the basketball court. On the stage was the presidential table where officials including the honorable Pax Mangudadatu were seated. Later, I sat two paces away from him and had a chance to observe him.

When lunch was served, he did not touch his food while the rest were enjoying theirs. He was looking at the Rural Workers from the different municipalities of the province, and who were occupying the bleachers and it dawned on me that he was also observing the Jollibee reps who were distributing packed lunches. After awhile, he stood up and took the microphone through which he asked the Jollibee reps to say, “please, pakibigyan ang lahat ng mga tao ng pagkain… at baka pwedeng bilisan lang…”. He did not return to his seat, until everybody had their lunch in styro box.

Just recently, I dropped by his office but found him surrounded with staff and visitors. His secretary made take a seat not far from him, so that we could immediately talk after the last staff with documents for signature would have left. What caught my attention was his softly- spoken remark to a staff who explained to him about a project that was intended for Muslims. He said, “ayaw ko ng ganyan….gusto ko para sa Christians at Muslims….hindi lang Muslims”. The staff withdrew the documents. When he noticed me, he smiled and shook my hands and before he stood up for a meeting in another room, we had a comparably lengthy talk.

For those who are not familiar with the province of Sultan Kudarat, Muslims and Christians inhabit its lowlands and the highlands are by the Lumads. The province used to be part of North Cotabato when the original Cotabato Province was divided into two – North and South. Later, North Cotabato was further divided resulting to the creation of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao. Isulan is the capital town of Sultan Kudarat.

The Isulan Public Market

By Apolinario Villalobos

Isulan, although, the capital of Sultan Kudarat Province, and where the capitol and some regional offices are located, is still a struggling municipality. But the decision by the local administration to give priority to the development of a clean public market is wise. The market site is conveniently divided into the “wet” and “dry” sections with pre-fabricated stalls….all, neatly arranged…and, most importantly, with clean toilets.

Many months ago, I was intrigued by the statement of a commentator of a radio station based in Koronadal City who said that the public market of Isulan is better than that of their city (Koronadal)….that was before it was razed down by fire. I had the chance to visit the Isulan public market one afternoon when I dropped by on my way back to Tacurong from Bagumbayan. The commentator was right as I found the Isulan public market just wondrously amazing!... although, of course, there is traffic at the two junctions that serve as the gateways to the market site which is a normal phenomenon in any developing town around the country. I must admit that, although, I hail from Tacurong, a close neighbor of Isulan, the last time I visited the latter was more than twenty years ago…and expectedly then, I was amazed by the transformation that I saw.

If local governments of third and fourth class municipalities and cities are craving for tourists, especially, foreigners, they should take note that the first “spot” that these visitors want to see is the local market, the “tiangges”…the stalls that are filled with local produce, fruits, vegetables, fishes, etc., aside from street foods, and not expensive cafes that serve spaghetti, pizza, hamburger, etc. because they can have them in big cities. It is in the public market where tourists could observe and feel the local culture and see the true colors of the community. What these tourists want to capture with their cameras are photos of market vendors and their wares…their friendly smile. Isulan is on the right path of becoming a popular tourist haven or at least, a jump- off point from where visitors can visit nearby touristic destinations.

Lest I be misunderstood, I would like to make it clear that I am not discouraging the mushrooming of modern establishments. But while this kind of establishments have affluent financiers, most of which are from other localities, the lesser business investors who are the indigenous residents need the support of their LGUs…and, this important concern should be taken into consideration.

Local governments should learn from other Southeast Asian nations that have no skyscrapers to boast, but are crammed with foreign visitors the whole year because of their exotic setting.

As an imformatio, the governor of Sultan Kudarat is Honorable Pax Mangudadatu. And, the mayor of Isulan is Honorable Marites Pallasigue.

Nilapastangan ng PCSO Chairman ang Tiwala ni Duterte

…dahil sa walang katuturang Christmas Party

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Bulag yata at hindi nakikinig sa mga balitang paghihirap ng mga Pilipino at sa mga sinasabi ni Duterte ang Chairman ng PCSO. Kahangalan ang ginawang paggastos ng 14.3 million pesos para lang mapasaya ang ilang empleyado ng ahensiya. Ikinatwiran pang mas mababa daw ang gastos kaysa mga nakaraang ginastos…ANONG PAKIALAMAN NG KASALUKUYANG ADMINISTRASYON NI DUTERTE SA NAKARAAN? …GALIT NGA ITO SA MGA KAPALPAKANG GINAWA NG MGA NAKARAANG ADMINISTRASYON!

BANTAD ANG BAGONG CHAIRMAN NG PCSO…WALANG PAKIRAMDAM DAHIL SA GINAGAWA NIYANG BATAYAN NG KANYANG MGA DESISYON ANG MGA GINAWA NG MGA NAKARAANG PAMUNUAN NG AHENSIYA,  AT ANG ISANG HALIMBAWA AY ANG NAKAKAHIYANG CHRISTMAS PARTY NILA NA OKEY LANG DAW DAHIL “NAKAMURA” SILA!....ANG MGA TAONG GANYANG MAY PAG-IISIP ANG NAGBIBIGAY  NG DUMI SA ADMINISTRASYON NI DUTERTE. ANG DAPAT LANG IHAMBING NG PCSO SA MGA NAKARAAN AY ANG KINITA NITO UPANG MALAMAN KUNG RELEVANT PA ANG AHENSIYA O HINDI NA.

Ang PCSO ay kinukunan ng gobyerno ng mga contingency funds kaya hindi dapat ituring na excess o labis ang mga kinikita sakali mang humigit sa kinita ng nakaraang taon. Mas malaki ang kinikita, mas pabor sa pamahalaan at sambayanang Pilipino na maraming pangangailangan, KAYA HINDI DAPAT PAGNASAHAN maski sino mang opisyal ng goyerno. Dapat ay iniipon ang mga sinasabi nilang “excess” sa budget.

Ginagawang dahilan ng PCSO chairman ang kagustuhan ng mga kawani  ng “cultural show”…bakit hindi siya kumuha ng mga grupo ng kabataang taga- Payatas o mahihirap na eskwelahan upang mag-perform….o di kaya ay mga batang Badjao upang magsayaw sa saliw ng tambol nilang yari sa lata at kantang Tausug?....nakatulong pa ang ahensiya. Isa pa, hindi naman siya pulitiko upang “manligaw” sa mga empleyado upang magustuhan nila. Siya ay presidential appointee at ang dapat niyang gawin ay magtrabaho nang maayos dahil ang kanyang pagtagal sa puwesto ay “at the pleasure of the president”….at, hindi dahil ayaw siya ng mga empleyado…maliban na lang kung i-sabotahe siya na madalas gawin ng mga tarantadong empleyadong protektado ng civil service eligibility pero wala namang binatbat…mga inutil at magaling ang sumipsip.

Ang malinaw ay inabuso ng Chairman ng PCSO ang tiwala ng presidente na todo-todo nga ang pagtitipid…KAYA ANG DAPAT SA KANYA AY SIBAKIN DIN TULAD NG GINAWA SA IBA PA. WALA SIYANG KARAPATANG HUMAWAK NG AHENSIYA NA SIMULA’T SAPOL AY TADTAD NA NG INTRIGA DAHIL SA MGA KUWESTIYONABLENG MGA PROYEKTO.

HINDI PRIVATE CORPORATION ANG PCSO ….YAN ANG DAPAT TANDAAN NG MGA NAMUMUNO SA AHENSIYA, LALO NA ANG PAPALIT SA SANA AY MASIBAK NA SA PUWESTO.

Personal Views on Three Filipino Issues

…Education, School Activities, Christmas

By Apolinario Villalobos

I have nothing against the education, the requirements and activities, and the celebration of “traditions”, but it seems that the practices have gone overboard. Instead of helping, they have created more problems – FINANCIALLY to the impoverished.

EDUCATION is very necessary, no question about that. Unfortunately, the K-12 system has added misery to the parents who can hardly send their children to the former 4-year high school as the new system has stretched their financial agony by two more years. Due to the haphazard implementation of the system, many schools have been caught without the necessary facilities for effective implementation. Before, a high school graduate may already have the chance to work as a store attendant or a security guard so that he or she can earn and save for his or her college education. Today, the parents must spend for the education of their children beyond the Grade 10 up to 12 so that the “high school” education has been attained for a diploma needed for a job as sales lady, security guard, messenger, etc. Why the need for the extra 2 years, then, when the graduates shall land on the same kind of job? I have not yet mentioned here the corrupted printing of text books which have been converted into workbooks that are discarded every end of the school year as  this long-time issue may just ruin the day of viewers.

SCHOOLS COMPETE WITH EACH OTHER IN IMPLEMENTING REQUIREMENTS AND HOLDING OF ACTIVITIES. In first year high school, there is already a requirement for a “thesis” which many students do not even understand. To be able to complete a requirement, they practically “copy/paste” materials from the internet. Some schools right at the early opening of classes are already requiring students to join “educational tours” supposedly as part of a certain “module”. Those who cannot afford the expensive trip are required to submit a report that require them to go to the internet where they spend long hours of browsing and copy/pasting, printing and collating of materials that they stole from the different sites. Where is the connection of the educational trip to the supposedly research?

Here is a classic story of a young mother who sells pastil as a livelihood to help her husband who drives a tricycle with a “boundary” of Php150 a day….to send their 3 children to high school. Since October this year, she has incurred a total loaned amount of Php8,000.00 that she used for the “school requirements” and lately for the “family day” and “Christmas party”. I need not elaborate on the “school requirements”. But the “family day” and “Christmas party” are two activities that should be thought of…as regards their necessity. For practical reasons due to the financial difficulty of the time, are they really necessary when so many families can hardly afford to give their children decent school allowance? After the family day that is supposed to bond the family, the impertinent children are back to their cellfones while the poor mothers are back to their laundry, cooking and cleaning of the house. Unfortunately, as I am writing this, the poor mother and her husband have yet to pay, Php3,000 as balance of their loan…and the year is already ending!

CHRISTMASTIME IS GIVING, NOT ASKING FOR GIFTS….IT IS ALSO SUPPOSEDLY, THE “BIRTHDAY (?)” OF JESUS  CHRIST. Unfortunately, the parents should be faulted on why children have the wrong notion about the season. In this regard, children are sad if they have no new clothes, toys, no expensive food on the table. Also, instead of thinking about the impoverished as the recipients of material gifts intended for Jesus, they want to have them for their own gratification.

On the other hand, lest I be misunderstood, I like the unifying intention for the celebration of Christmas, but there is a need for its utmost understanding. Many Christians already know how the pagan-based celebration has started. For the sake of unity, there has to be a reason for getting together. Feasts have to be celebrated as man by nature loves festivities and rich food….the way pagans of long ago wanted them. THE PROBLEM IS, MANY OF THOSE WHO OBSERVE THE TRADITION TODAY ARE OBSERVING IT WITH ARROGANCE...THEY FLAUNT TO THE WORLD THEIR EXCESSSES IN LIFE…WITHOUT THROWING A CRUMB TO THOSE WITH THE LEAST IN LIFE.

Mga Dahilan Kung Bakit Ako Enjoy sa Pag-blog

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kung minsan ay hindi ko maunawaan kung paanong dumaloy ang mga kataga mula sa aking isipan patungo sa screen ng laptop ko. Basta masimulan ko kasi, tuluy-tuloy na hanggang sa huling tuldok. At, pagkatapos kong mag-upload ng sanaysay man o tula, nakakalimutan ko na sila kaya todo ang pag-ingat ko sa pag-save. Sa kabila niyan, ini-enjoy ko na lang ang pagsusulat dahil sa mga “kapalit” tulad ng mga sumusunod:

Nahihirapan din ako kung minsan lalo na kung walang internet dahil sa inutil na mga server kaya naiipunan ako ng mga incoming emails at pm sa facebook. Ang matindi pa ay nakiki-wifi lang ako kaya parati akong nagmamadali upang hindi nakakahiya sa naiistorbo kong maybahay....pero as I shared earlier, enjoy pa rin ako kahit kinakapalan ko na lang ang mukha ko….sanayan lang naman yan.

Paunawa lang….hindi ako mayaman, nagko-commute lang ako kaya madalas ay nagha-hiking ako kung walang masakyan, second hand na palyado pa ang laptop ko, palaging pamasahe lang ang laman ng bulsa, at sa tabi-tabi kumakain upang makatipid….yon nga lang naniniwala ako sa kasabihang, “God will provide”….at, higit sa lahat, malaking pasalamat ko dahil wala akong hikâ, migraine, rayuma o arthritis, pati UTI kaya hindi ako nagkakabalisawsaw, at hindi naging addict! Ang mga tulong na naipaparating ko sa mga taong naba-blog ko ay galing sa mga may magandang kalooban. Ang kailangan kong iabot ay extra na barya sa bulsa ko.

MERRY CHRISTMAS NA LANG SA LAHAT NG MGA NAPASAYA AT NAPA-HIGH BLOOD NG BLOGS KO!

The Tough Career of Yolie and John Patrick Aggabao

…police officers and parents

By Apolinario Villalobos

Yolie and John Patrick met in the year 2000 when they were classmates at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and got married when they were in their third year, as 2^nd class cadets. It was not a whirlwind love affair or a so-called “love at first sight”, but rather, one which was carefully nurtured resulting to a tightly bound commitment.

While Yolie is assigned at the Directorate for Logistics of the PNP National Headquarters at Camp Crame, as Assistant Division Chief for Supply Management, John Patrick is in central Mindanao, particularly, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. He is the Officer In-Charge of the local PNP Force and his calm countenance contradicts the negative expectation on what it is to be assigned in Mindanao…which many Manila-based policemen dread. This is the reason why there was much grumbling from the ranks of Mindanao policemen when the national leadership of the PNP treated the region as a dumping ground for the scalawag policemen from Manila, and who need to be reformed as the move had an impression of being a threat. 

John Patrick starts the day at the Tacurong PNP HQ with the formation of his Force during which a review of the previous day’s rounds is made, aside from his tireless giving of reminders on courtesy and honesty. Reports from the different units are given way for every one’s information, and if it is a Thursday, those with Islamic faith are reminded about their spiritual obligation the following day, Friday. After the formation, those on off duty stretch their muscles for several minutes of calisthenics.

With the onset of the Christian Advent season, he sees to it that those assigned at areas where the Misa de Gallo is held, are already in their posts not later than 2:30AM. And, as the PNP Headquarters is open 24/7, he has “quartered” himself in his meagerly furnished office. In so short a time, he has gained the reputation as a “soft spoken and a gentleman in uniform”. Effortlessly, in his very affable manner, he is changing the image of the police from “not so good” to “very good”.

Behind the gentle countenance is a disciplinarian father…that is according to Yolie. His love to their children, Kirsten (13 years old, Grade 8), Elianai (10 years old, Grade 4), and Kaithlyn ( 4 years old and in Nursery) is hinged on discipline. When he was yet with them, prior to his assignment in Tacurong City, he saw to it that the attention they got from him was not tinged with coddling.

On the other hand, Yolie is having a tough time as she is left with their three children. But being a woman with resilient character, she is able to properly divide her time between her career and motherly responsibilities. She tries her best to spend the best quality time with their children, aside from showing her equally best diligence as a career woman so that her bosses will not hesitate to grant her requests for emergency leaves as the needs would arise. This “compromise” more than makes Yolie a contented mother, wife, and a satisfied “lady cop”.

Finally, she confided that she and her husband were aware of the complications, especially, during holidays, that they would encounter while raising a family….they, being both in the uniformed service of the government.

Tough and  ideal couple, indeed, ….P/Supt. Yolie and P/Supt. John Patrick Aggabao, worthy of emulation!

Si Duterte at ang Tatlo niyang “Masugid” na Kritiko Kuno

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kailangan ng bawa’t bansa ang “fiscalizer” at ang lider naman ay “critic”, pero dapat pakaisipin ng bumabatikos kung gaano “kadami” ang makikinabang sa gagawin niya kung ihahambing sa ginagawa ng lider para sa buong bansa. Hindi lahat ng ginagawa ng isang lider ay sinasang-ayunan ng LAHAT kaya may kasabihang “you cannot please everybody”. Subalit kung seguridad at kapakanan ng NAKARARAMI ang nakasalalay, bakit kailangan pang MAMBULABOG ANG MGA DETRACTORS?...MAY SUGGESTION BA SILANG NASUBUKAN NANG EPEKTIBO?

May mga paraan upang ipakita ng “opposition” sa mga mamamayan na sila ay aktibo, hindi lang sa animo ay personal nang pagbatikos sa isang lider. Kung wala rin lang “laman” o kabuluhan ang binibitiwan nilang mga salita….TUMAHIMIK NA LANG SILA DAHIL LALO LANG SILANG LUMULUBOG SA KUMUNOY NG KAPALPAKAN.

ANG TINUTUKOY KO AY ANG GINAGAWA NINA TRILLANES, HONTIVEROS AT DRILON KAY DUTERTE…AT IBA PANG NAKALIMUTAN KO ANG MGA PANGALAN DAHIL MGA WALA NAMAN SILANG BINATBAT DAHIL SA KABOBOHAN NILA!

Kung tungkol sa droga ang pag-uusapan, walang binatbat sina Trillanes, Hontiveros at Drilon kay Duterte na sa pagiging mayor pa lang ng Davao ay marami nang karanasan tungkol sa bagay na nabanggit. Ang tatlo, kahit sa Maynila nakatira ay malamang nakatuntong lang sa Tondo kung panahon ng kampanyahan para sa eleksiyon at may kasama pang sangkaterbang mga alalay at bodyguards.

Kung tungkol sa Martial Law sa Mindanao ang pag-uusapan, walang karapatang magsalita ang tatlong nabanggit na nagpapakatalino kuno…. dahil hindi sila taga-Mindanao kaya hindi nila nadadanasan ang mga nangyayari lalo na ang banta ng kaguluhan sa Marawi na ginawa ng Maute group. Kung magkagulo sa Mindanao, ang tatlo ay walang pakialam dahil sa Maynila sila nakatira.

Ang dapat sagutin ng tatlong nabanggit ay kung mayroon bang maaaring pumalit kay Duterte. Isa ba sa kanilang tatlo?...si Pnoy Aquino uli”….si Gloria Arroyo uli”?....si Lacson?....si Cayetano?...si Poe?...si Robredo?

ANG GUSTO KO AY SI SARAH DUTERTE!

Life and Writing

By Apolinario Villalobos

Life and writing are similar as regards their inception, midsection, and culmination.

There is pain felt when the womb pulsates as a new life therein tries to manifest itself. There is pain, too, in the head of the writer that throbs with effort as he struggles how to start a composition or poem with an appropriate opening sentence.

Relief is felt by the mother when the bundle of new life finally makes it out to enjoy its firs whiff of air. Relief is felt, too, by the writer as the first word comes out of his head to trigger the avalanche of more words that shall comprise a literary expression.

As the child grows to enjoy life, he or she is guided by the parents, institutions and established norms so that he or she becomes a virtuous member of the society. On the other hand, as the writer progresses, set norms and ethics, as well as, his own style guide him to ensure that the outcome of his effort becomes satisfactory and relevant.

In life, it is not easy to “call it quits”, especially, as one enjoys every minute of it. But the onset of death cannot be prevented as it may occur unexpectedly due to an accident. Normally, though, it should come with old age or disease. The writer, meanwhile, has to allow a ‘twist” to conclude what he is doing. Or, gracefully allow the avalanche of words to be exhausted naturally…to spell the end.

To sum it up… as with life, writing may also be difficult, BUT CAN STILL BE ENJOYED.

Ang “Self-Destruction” ng Mga Tao

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kahit hindi giyera ay nagkakamatayan sa mundo dahil ang mga tao ay…

Ang Tiwala sa Sarili

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kung may isang pinakamalakas na sandata ang isang tao, ito ay ang tiwala sa sarili. Hindi ito pumuputok tulad ng baril, hindi rin sumasabog tulad ng bomba. Hindi ito nakakasugat tulad ng patalim, at lalong hindi ito  sibat o palaso na nakakatusok sa katawan.

Mula sa puso kung saan ay nanggagaling ang lakas, dumadaloy ito patungko sa utak upang maging gabay ng tao kung ano ang nararapat niyang gawin sa pagharap sa mga unos ng buhay – mga pagsubok, upang hindi agad tumiklop ang kanyang mga tuhod kung panghinaan siya ng loob.

Pinatunayan ng kasaysayan na kung minsan, hindi kailangang may malaking katawan upang manaig sa katunggali, tulad ni David na isang maliit na tao, subalit dahil sa tiwala niya sa sariling nagbigay sa kanya ng tapang ay napatay niya si Goliath.

May mga tanyag ding lider na maliliit subalit ginagalang ng mga tauhan at kinatatakutan ng mga kalaban, tulad ni Alexander the Great, Hitler at Napoleon Bonaparte, iilan lang na mababanggit ko. Si Ferdinand Marcos ng Pilipinas ay hindi rin gaanong malaki, kaya itsinismis pang gumagamit daw noon ng “elevator shoes” upang mabawasan ang diperensiya ng taas nila ni Imelda. Lahat sila ay may malakas na tiwala sa sarili kaya nagtagumpay sa kanilang mithiin…subalit hindi nga lang para sa kabutihan ng nakararami dahil naging mga diktador, maliban lang kay Alexander the Great.

Si Mother Theresa, na ngayon ay isa nang santa, ay mula’t sapol may malaking tiwala sa sarili dahil alam niyang ginagabayan at inaalalayan siya ng Diyos. Siya ay may taas lang na lampas kaunti sa apat na talampakan na lalong pinababa ng kanyang pagkukuba dahil sa diperensiya niya sa likod. Sa kabila niyan, hindi siya natatakot na pumasok sa mga lugar ng iskwater.

Maraming nagtapos sa kolehiyo na valedictorian o may iba pang mataas na karangalan, subalit dahil sa kawalan ng tiwala sa sarili ay hindi nagtagumpay sa buhay. Natalo sila ng mga nagtapos kahit sa markang “pasang awa”, subalit may malakas na tiwala sa sarili, kaya malayo ang narating sa buhay.

Yong isang Pilipinang singer na galing sa General Santos, na bilib sa kanyang kahusayan sa pagkanta ay nagpilit na gumawa ng paraan upang makilala. Kaya basta may madaanang libreng videoke sa mall na pwedeng kantahan, banat lang siya ng banat sa pagkanta hanggang sa matiyempuhan ng isang blogger, kaya nai-post siya sa you tube habang bumibirit…naging viral tuloy sa internet. Ngayon, international singer na!

Sa may mga mukhang hindi pang-pelikula o TV, ang kunswelo ay pag-isip na marami ang may ganyang mukhang “pambihira”. Dapat isipin na kung walang pangit, wala ring maganda o guwapo dahil walang magagamit na batayan o  paghahambingan. Kaya, dapat ay may malakas na fighting spirit ang lahat ng tao, ano man ang hitsura ng mukha! At isipin lang palagi na walang ginawang pangit ang Diyos. Ang kapangitan ay tao rin ang nagdi-develop tulad ng pagiging korap kung nasa pamahalaan na at nasilaw sa pera, kaya tuloy pati mga bata ay gusto nang maging government official!...yan ang tiwala sa sarili na negative!

Totoong mahirap ding magpakita ng tiwala sa sarili na sa tingin ng iba ay pagiging “presentado” o “presentada”. Kaya ang kailangan talaga upang magawa ito ay magkaroon ng lakas ng loob at  kapal ng mukha….o mag-santabi muna ng hiya. Dapat nating alalahanin na malaking sagutin sa Diyos ang hindi paggamit ng anumang kagalingang ibinigay niya sa atin, lalo na kung ito ay para rin sa kapakinabangan ng iba. Sa madaling salita…bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang ating sarili, at huwag tayong madamot sa pakikibahagi ng anumang talento na meron tayo.

Paalala lang: dapat makinig sa sasabihin ng iba na huwag nang maglakas-loob na kumanta halimbawa, kung bukod sa wala sa ayos ang boses, ito ay makakapagpatilapon lamang ng tutule at makakabasag ng eardrum ng ibang tao. At kung magpipilit pa, yan ay pananakit na ng kapwa, isang bagay na ayaw ng Diyos na gawin natin.

 Mga Adventure Ko sa Manila

Bilang Bagong Saltang Promdi (1976)

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nang una akong tumapak sa Manila ay nang dumating ako galing sa Davao kasama ang iba pang mga aplikante na magti-training sa PAL. Escort namin ang namayapa nang si Bud Aseoche. Kasama ko sa grupo sina Abet Yu, Boy Asistido, Rey Porras, at Fred Derequito. Hilong-hilo ako paglapag ng eroplano sa airport – culture shock! Dinala kami ni Mang Asyong (Ace Cabrera) sa boarding house sa Baclaran, malapit sa Airport Road na namumutiktik ng mga beer house….nasilaw at napanganga ako sa liwanag at patay-sinding mga ilaw.

Habang nagti-training kami, dahil tinipid ko ang training allowance, naglalakad ako hanggang sa Gate 1 ng Nichols kung nasaan ang training center. Pinilit ko ring hindi mamasyal tuwing weekend na walang pasok sa training center. Isang weekend, dahil sa tindi ng hatak ng adventure, sinubukan kong lumabas ng boarding house at sumakay sa DM Transit. Namangha ako dahil noon pa lang ako nakakita ng “konduktor” ng bus na babae. Animo karton sa pagkatigas ang uniporme dahil sa almirol. Panay lang ang tingin ko sa labas ng  bintana – window tripping. Nang lumapit ang konduktora, nagbayad ako at binigyan niya ako ng tiket. Ilang beses pa siyang lumapit…panay din ang bayad ko! Yon pala, ang paglapit niya ay para lang makita ang tiket ko kaya nakalahad ang kamay niya, subali’t dahil di ko alam, hindi ko pinapakita ang tiket, at bayad lang ako ng bayad, tanggap naman siya ng tanggap!...pero walang tiket!

Narinig ko sa kwento ng mga naunang boarders ang Avenida na maganda raw. Sinubukan ko ring puntahan. Sumakay ako sa jeep at bumaba sa tapat ng Sta. Cruz Chruch. Sa kalalakad ko, nakarating ako sa Ongpin St. na bahagi na pala ng Chinatown. Namangha uli ako. May nakahalata yatang manggagantso, nilapitan ako sabay pakita ng isang retrato – maganda ang babae, tsinita. Tanong niya kung type ko raw, sagot ko, “okey lang”. Iba pala ang gusto niyang mangyari…sex trip sa halagang sinabi niya.

Tumanggi ako sa alok niya pero sa kapipilit niya at curiosity ko na rin, sumama ako. Malayo ang nilakad namin hanggang makarating sa Trinidad St., na kahanay pa rin Avenida pero malayo na sa sentro. May pinasok kaming maliit na “apartment” at sabi ng bugaw, magpahinga daw muna ako sa kwarto, sabay turo ng pinto. Dahil napagod ako, tumuloy na ako at humiga sa kama, pero hindi ko binuksan ang ilaw. Maya-maya pa may pumasok, malakas ang amoy ng pabango, lumapit at minasa-masahe ako. Bandang huli, pumayag ako sa sandaling masahe sa maliit na halaga. Pilit niyang sinasabit ang pantalon ko sa isang bahagi ng dingding pero hindi ako pumayag at sa halip ay itinabi ko sa unan. Nang umabot sa puntong may nasalat ako sa bandang “ibaba” niya…patunay na hindi pala siya tunay na babae, nagalit ako at nasipa ko siya. Bumalandara siya sa dingding at sabay noon, may nabuksang butas na ang takip ay umiikot pala! Doon niya gustong isabit ang pantaloon ko na kung natuloy ay nadukot ang laman ng bulsa ng taong nasa kabilang kuwarto lang! Nataranta din ang “babae” at tumakbong palabas ng kwarto, ni hindi ko nakita ang mukha dahil madilim sa kwarto.

Nagmura ako habang nagsusuot ng pantalon, t-shirt, at sapatos. Ang brief at medyas ibinulsa ko na lang dahil hahabulin ko nga ang “kaguwang”.  Hinanap ko rin ang bugaw na tumakbo palang palabas .

Susundan ko sana subali’t  pagdating sa kanto nakita kong may apat na siyang kasama, kaya ako naman ang nagmadaling umalis at pumunta agad sa bus stop sa Avenida. Nang may dumaan, sakay agad ako nang hindi man lang nagtanong kung saan papunta ang bus. Nakahalata yata ang konduktor na bagong salta ako kaya siya na ang nagbanggit ng mga lugar na pwedeng babaan. Pinili ko ang Luneta kung saan nga ako bumaba. Habang naglalakad ako ay tinitingnan ako ng mga tao. Dahil sa naghalong niyerbiyos at pagod, bumili ako ng softdrink sa isang kiosk… tinitingnan pa rin ako ng mga tao. Naawa yata ang tinder kaya sinabihan akong, “sir, baligtad ho ang t-shirt nyo…”. Noon  ko pa lang naalala na hindi ko rin naisuot ang medyas at brief ko. Sa comfort room ng kiosk na yon ako naghubad ng pantaloon upang maisuot ang brief. Ang medyas ay nasa bulsa ko pa rin. Nagpasalamat ako sa pangyayari dahil narating ko ang Luneta for the first time kahit nanginginig pa rin ako sa magkahalong inis at nerbiyos pagdating ko sa boarding house.

Hindi pa rin ako nadala. Quiapo naman ang sunod kong pinuntahan. Madaling puntahan dahil sa landmark na malaking simbahang Katoliko. Habang naglalakad ako, may lumapit sa aking may dalang nakarolyo….pabulong na sinabing bold magazines daw. Buy one take one daw at nakabalot na. Mura kaya binili ko subali’t nang bubuksan ko para tingnan, sabi ng nagbenta ay sa bahay ko na lang daw buksan at baka mahuli kami ng pulis, bawal kasi. Sa boarding house, nang buksan ko, para akong pinagsakluban ng langit dahil ang nakabalot pala ay dalawang issue ng Liwayway. Akala ko ay Playboy man lang o Penthouse para maipagyabang sa mga kasama ko.

Dahil sa mga adventure na yon, nabawasan ang pinakaiingatan at tinitipid kong allowance. Pero okey lang. Inisip ko na lang na para akong nagbayad sa isang tour guide na balasubas.

By Apolinario Villalobos

In the jungle, tribal communities help each other in getting to their destinations through signs using broken twigs, heaped rocks, seeds left along the trail, etc. Other telltale guiding signs come in the form of sounds such as those made by currents of rivers, waterfalls, as well as, direction of wind, position of the sun, etc.

In the highly civilized world, a person gets his direction from road signs and street names, aside from landmarks. In the not-so-civilized communities, pouted lips pointing to desired direction are used aside from the universal “finger pointing” if there is a language barrier. For the fortunate stranger whose language is understood in a strange community, there could be verbal exchanges.

Unfortunately, all of the above become useless when the forests are suddenly denuded by unscrupulous illegal logging activities resulting to floods, creating new rivulets that dry up in time. On the other hand, in the civilized communities of lowlands, vandals deface street names and road signs using spray paints. Some even go to the extent of changing the direction of sign posts.

Directions are important as they lead us to where we want to be at the most convenient and safest way. And, that is how a nation should be led by one who gives correct directional signs not tainted with selfish motives… as bungled directions can lead a nation to a disaster.