March 2017

My Great Friend, Jimmy…altruistic to the end

By Apolinario Villalobos

When we are at the lowest ebb of our life that include days we spend in bed due to an ailment, the natural thing to do is for us to exert an effort  to show our best. But there are some who make cover-ups, apprehensive that others will know their situation. By being honest, however, does not mean that help is being solicited. We can even gain respect and admiration, by showing others our endurance during such trying times. The respect and admiration, as the fruits of our effort are sweeter, than the casual reaction from others whose view of our real situation is obstructed by hypocrisy.

Jimmy was a friend who used to hold a high executive position in a trading company. Even before I started blogging, he was well-informed about my small projects in Tondo and Divisoria as he was a regular donor. We met at the Mary Johnson Hospital in Tondo many years back, where he visited a staff of his office, while I visited the daughter of a friend from Baseco compound who was confined due to dengue. His sincere friendship punctuated by his giving me his business card made me divulge to him my real identity, but implored him to keep it to himself. I explained that I do not reveal my identity to those whom I extend a little help that I could afford, so that I had been known to them by another name.

He failed to save much needed cash for his retirement because much of what he earned went to friends who sought his financial help.  To make the story short, when he resigned due to a prolonged ailment, he was left with an almost depleted savings. Every time I visited him, we would talk about his friends who became successful in their jobs. His statements were always ended with “ I am thankful that they made it…”. Truth is, he had been instrumental for their success. Some were his subordinates whom he pushed with deserved promotions and guaranteed referrals. Some were given financial assistance as a start-up for a small business.

The cancer in his bones resulted to his losing weight considerably which practically changed his physical appearance. Despite the transformation, he could still muster a smile, as if nothing had changed. He was financially handicap, but he did not cover it up.  When he became bedridden, the first to go was his car, followed by his studio-type condo, after which his nephew accommodated him in his home in Malabon. His wife with whom he had no child, left him for a Chinese boyfriend she met in a casino.

Jimmy gained much respect because of what he showed, aside from reaping admiration from neighbors and friends who visited him daily. The disease that physically emaciated him did not change his image that had been exuding an aura of contentment.  He passed away two months ago (January 2017). After his cremation, I was invited by his nephew and his wife for a dinner at their home after which an envelope was handed to me. It contained PHP3,730.00, balance of his savings and with it was his passbook. Outside the envelope was his simply handwritten note, “God be with you always in all you do”.

Companionship and Marriage

By Apolinario Villalobos

“Marriage” for the Roman Catholic Church is founded on the principle surrounding the opposite sexes and this should be respected. Those who do not agree should join other religious communities that have a different belief, But for me, the ceremony is not even a guarantee that the relationship of heterosexual couple pledging, “till death do us part” could really last that long. In this regard, legal separation and divorce have been conceived. I believe that love is the essence of the lifetime companionship that applies even to those with same sex. Marriage is man-made and sometimes, even performed for convenience. On the other hand, commitment resulting from companionship with mutual respect and understanding, is naturally developed and gets “ripe” in time between partners, hence, become deeply-imbedded in their emotion.

If the Philippine government will not legalize “same- sex marriage”, the LGBT community should not feel dejected as the members can just go on living together…nobody can stop them from doing so. Meanwhile, they have the choice to cover themselves with legal documents as regards their common properties and other expectations. It should be noted that even affluent heterosexual couples sign documents that stipulate conditions about their properties before their wedding ceremony. As regards their family that would include children later on, they can resort to adoption of blood relations, such as nephews or nieces, or even offspring of strangers, and this is where orphanages and state welfare agency, such as the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) come in.

Members of the LGBT community should open their mind to the hurting fact that not all nations understand their situation. This is the reason why same-sex couples resort to living in countries where their relationship is legally recognized. Fortunately, to date, many Filipinos recognize same-sex relationship that gave rise to many Christian Churches in the country, and which are extending utmost compassion and understanding to it.  

Ceremony that would bind the relationship may still be performed to formalize the commitments of the same- sex couple, but should not include or imply anything that got to do with that of the traditional Roman Catholic Church’s, though, the Universal Lord may still be invoked, as witness.

Finally, for couples, respect to each other is most vital for a lasting relationship….love is born out of respect. LUST manifests the absence of such.

Pride Closes the Mind

By Apolinario Villalobos

Some people think that accepting the mistake they made is humiliating. They also think that people who give them advice are intruding into their intellectual domain. Worse, these same people who are buoyed by money and intoxicated by success think that they are above the rest of humanity...and, they just cannot imagine themselves looking back or looking down to where they came from. Blame pride, arrogance, conceit.

Self-esteem should be maintained despite material gains. But it should not be tainted with

pride. Moving on is part of life and those who gain by dint of hard work should compose themselves as successes are gained along the way. Studies show that one reason why some successful people refuse to look back or cut off their relationship with former colleagues is their fear that the latter would ask for a share of what they gained. These people not only refuse to look back but they also close their mind.

Those blinded with pride may not only move on, but up – climbing the ladder of society to find a new environment where they can move with ease, thanks to their new glittering trappings and money. Among newfound friends, they open themselves up. But since money is not everything in life and relationship with newfound friends is not deeply rooted, happiness is short-lived. As these people grow old they may realize that late parties, golfing with rich buddies, weekend jaunts to first class resorts, dinners in 5-star hotels, etc. have become boring. They start to long for childhood friends, relatives in barrios and slums. But they are ashamed to make a turnaround and trace back their steps to where they came from. And, since, they cannot bring along their wealth with them when they bid the world goodbye, their death could be lonely.

(I based this blog on the story of a couple who lives in an affluent village in Makati City, Philippines. Between the two, I could surmise that the wife should be blamed for their situation now. The wife is arrogant and obviously has the hand in all their affairs. Both of them came from Davao City where they also earned their bachelor’s degree from a prestigious Catholic educational institution in that city. They met in Manila while she was working as a secretary in a pharmaceutical firm and he was with a travel agency. After getting married, the wife resigned from her job and went into direct selling of beauty products which prospered. The husband also resigned from his job and joined his wife but expanded their line of products. They were blessed with 2 children. It was while they were enjoying the fruit of their hard work that they almost forgot about their families and friends back in Davao city. When at first, they were helping their respective family, later on they stopped, thinking that their families are milking them of their hard-earned money. Actually, the idea came from the wife who also said that those in Davao should also work hard like them (this bit of information was given to me by the husband, confidentially). In time, communication was cut off. Their two children are both in the United States now with their own families. With advancing age, he is 81 and she is 79, they are now full of regrets. I was referred to them by a friend as they want their “success”  story written down into a book. But I suggested to them that for their story to have a happy ending, they should swallow their pride and go back to Davao to mend the broken relationship with their families which they did. But whether they did it with sincerity or not, I can never tell.)  

Kung Mawawala si Duterte...

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kung mawawala si Duterte

Sigurarong lulundag sa tuwa si Lenny

Baka magsayaw pa sila ni Trillanes ng “watusi”-

Puwet lang ang ikinikimbot, sa itaas nakaturo ang daliri.

Kung mawawala si Duterte

Droga ay iiral uli at magiging grabe

Dahil mawawala na ang tinik at balakid na tao

Na sana ay pag-asa ng Pilipinas, may matigas na kamao.

Kung si Duterte ay mawawala

Mga naka-sotana ay sisirko sa tuwa

Lalo na ang mga obispong sa pansin ay matakaw

Na hindi malaman kung ugali’y maka-Diyos o halimaw.

Kung si Duterte ay mawawala

Anong mangyayari sa kawawang bansa?

Magdasal!...nang hindi mangibabaw ang kasamaan

Na hinahasik ng mga drug lords at ganid sa pamahalaan!

Notes:

Watusi – popular dance during the ‘70s, the “shindig era”

Ikinikimbot – shake

Iiral – proliferate

Kamao – fist

Hinahasik – spread

Obispo – tagalong word for the Roman Catholic “bishop”, SOME with questionable character

Ganid - greedy

An Encounter with the Famous, World-Class and

Self-made Filipino Chef, BOY LOGRO

By Apolinario Villalobos

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

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

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

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

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

The Candid Honesty

of President Rodrigo Duterte

and His Desperate Detractors

By Apolinario Villalobos

The detractors of Duterte seem to be at the end of their wits on how to push the guy in the corner. Before they could think of any unbecoming act that they imagine or heard to have been done by him, the wise president is already in front of the microphone announcing to the world what he has been doing and what gifts he received in all candid honesty. Still, in desperation, his detractors use his candid honesty against him. Despite Duterte’s manifestation of honesty coupled with the Visayan witty humor, the detractors are saying that he is not serious in what he says. They forgot that Duterte is a Minadanoan with various ethic blood flowing in his vein, but brought up in a Visayan surrounding. As the detractors are blinded by hate, they failed to discern that Duterte uses humor only when he feels “at home” with his audience during which he also uses Davao-Visayan dialect.

Duterte was honest about his election campaign funds by admitting that he had a “surplus” which he divulged to be used to help the calamity victims. The story about his supposedly millions in a bank, died a natural death when he gave authority to the bank to reveal his records. He admitted to have had two wives, but today just lives only with one after having been separated legally from his first wife who remains close to him, being the mother of his grown up children. He breached the protocol by inviting the Japanese emperor to his home and showed his bedroom with all its simple furnishing highlighted by the mosquito net. He is vocal about his frugal meals, especially, ginisang monggo. He admitted to have killed rapists. Who among the government officials can be that honest, that put the people he deals with, at ease. In short, the guy is not a hypocrite, unlike SOME of the Roman Catholic “leaders” and MOST of the government officials who are corrupt and have unashamedly remained in their posts.

Trillanes and de Lima failed to pin him down with the extra-judicial killing issue which has dogged him since he was the mayor of Davao for three consecutive terms. The arrogance and intellectual pretentions of de Lima did not help her even when she was the Commissioner of Human Rights until she became Secretary of the DOJ. Trillanes on the other hand, relied on “second hand” information – all rumors. He literally pushed Matobato behind the bars when he made the latter testify against Duterte which boomeranged as his sworn testimonies of killings were used against him. And, now Trillanes is using another guy, who is likely to land in jail, too, when he duplicated the blunder of Matobato. Still, Trillanes is threatening to bring out four more “witnesses”….all desperate moves, as at this point in time, he could already feel his downfall when he steps out of the Senate in less than two years from now.

Joining the fracas is another desperate political personality whose “victory” as Vice-President is highly questionable – Lenny/Lenie Robredo. As she proved to be a poor researcher, she relied  on rumors from “friends”, especially, on the latest issue about the “palit-ulo”, literally, “change of head”, which means, if the police fail to pick up their target drug personality in his home, they simply pick another member of the family to take his or her place which is ridiculous. And to magnify this credulity, she even shares the baseless information with the United Nations, as if she is dealing with a local fiscal!. Her act is very unethical, especially, being the second highest official of the land.

The world will definitely laugh at Robredo as her statements imply her defense of the criminal drug personalities who are killed extra-judicially. Due process proved useless in the past in dealing with the drug problem in the country, thereby, necessitating, an “iron hand”. In this regard, the Filipinos saw in Duterte their hope based on his cleansing of Davao City. Robredro and her cohorts on the other hand, want the incorrigible drug addicts, drug pushers, drug lords, rapists and robbers go scot-free because “they have the right to live….how about the life of their victims that they have taken away?

This woman from Naga has not done anything about the rape victims of the drug addicts… not even for the bread winners of families who have become victims of these trigger-happy and  mentally-deranged criminals. She also joined hands with the equally imprudent old Roman Catholic bishops whose advocacy is “to stop the killing”….Christians kuno who do not even bother to explain to their Roman Catholic flock why the criminals are getting killed and who their victims are. FROM ALL INDICATIONS, THESE OLD BISHOPS ARE ASHAMED TO SAY THAT THE EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLING VICTIMS THAT THEY ARE SUPPORTING ARE INCORREGIBLE DRUG ADDICTS, DRUG PUSHERS, DRUG LORDS, RAPISTS, ROBBERS….AND THEIR VICTIMS ARE INNOCENT YOUNG GIRLS AND BREAD WINNERS OF POOR FAMILIES!

THE AFOREMENTIONED GUYS AND GAL ARE SO DESPERATELY OBSESSED TO PUT DOWN DUTERTE…BUT AS THE SAYING GOES, “YOU CANNOT PUT A GOOD MAN DOWN”….ADD TO THAT THE SIMPLE WORD, “HONEST ”.

Si Rex at ang Kanyang Pamilya

ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nagkurus ang landas namin ni Rex (ayaw niyang ipabanggit ang apelyido niya) sa 7-11 store, tapat ng Robinson’s-Imus. Nagkakape ako noon habang hinihintay ko ang pagbukas ng mall kung saan naroon ang store ng computers na may magaling na technician na naging suki ko na, si Allen. Nang umagang yon, ang suot na pantalon at polo shirt ni Rex ay halatang hindi na-plantsa pero hindi naman gusot talaga, at ang sapatos na suot ay mumurahing rubberized na itim pero naka- medyas naman siya.

Napansin kong nakatingin siya sa kape ko kaya inalok ko siya, at nang tumanggi ay tumayo  pa rin ako upang ibili siya. Sa halip na inumin agad ang kape, medyo nahihiya pang nagtanong kung pwede daw akong magpasa sa kanya ng load dahil iti-text daw niya ang supervisor ng inaaplayan niyang grocery, bilang merchandiser. Papasahan ko na sana pero nalaman kong Globe ang gamit niya at ako naman ay Smart kaya hindi puwede. Binigyan ko na lang siya ng sampung pisong pang-load. Bago umalis upang magpa-load ay saka pa lang siya nagpakilala at iniwan din ang belt bag.

Nang makabalik pagkatapos magpa-load ay nag-text agad sa supervisor ng inaaplayan niya para i-confirm na darating siya.  Ipinagtapat niya na naglakad lang daw siya mula sa kubo nila sa isang bukid na malapit sa isang kilalang subdivision. Wala daw talaga siyang pera dahil ang kinita niya sa pagbenta ng ilang taling kangkong at talbos ng kamote sa palengke ng Imus, madaling araw pa lang ay ibinili niya ng dalawang kilong bigas at apat na pirasong tuyo para may makain ang dalawa niyang kapatid bago pumasok sa eskwela….siya ay hindi na nag-almusal para may matirang kanin at ulam sa nanay niyang maysakit. Ang natirang barya ay ibinigay niya sa kanyang nanay para maipon at maipambili ng gamot. Bago daw umalis ay naglaga na rin siya ng talbos ng kamote para pandagdag sa inihaw na tuyo – almusal ng kanyang nanay. Sa nabili niyang apat na tuyo, bale tig-isa sila at ang share niya ay kakainin niya sa tanghalian.

Ang pambayad sana sa pagpa-repair ng laptop ko ay ibinigay ko na lang sa kanya at sinabihan ko siyang kapag natanggap sa trabaho ay ipagpatuloy niya ang ginagawa niyang pag-alaga sa mga kapatid at maysakit na nanay. Sa patuloy na pagkuwento niya, maliit pa lang daw sila ay iniwan na sila ng tatay nila, kaya kung saan-saan daw sila tumira, pati sa bangketa ng Baclaran hanggang makarating sila sa Imus kung saan ay  nakakita sila ng matalahib na bukid. Nagpaalam daw sila sa may-ari ng lupa bago naglinis ng lalagyan nila ng tulugan – actually, tarpaulin na nagsilbing bubong. Mga karton na palagi nilang dala ang higaan nila.

Nakaipon ng mga kahoy ang dalawa niyang kapatid na namumulot ng junks kung walang pasok kaya unti-unti nilang nabuo ang kubo. Noon ay tumambay daw siya sa Imus market upang magkargador at magtawag ng pasahero sa termina ng jeep. Pinayagan silang magtanim ng gulay sa paligid at ang tubig na pandilig ay galing sa poso (deep well pump) ng may-ari ng lupa. Nang magkaroon ng pagkakataon ay nag-aral siya ng Refrigetation sa TESDA. Ang TESDA certificate ang ginamit niya bilang patunay ng tinamong educational attainment sa pag-apply ng trabaho bilang merchandiser. Kahit matanggap bilang merchandiser, magtitinda pa rin daw siya ng kangkong at talbos ng kamote sa madaling araw. Kung palarin, baka madadagdagan ang paninda niya ng kalabasa dahil ilang buwan na lang ay malalaki na ang bunga. Nag-usap na daw sila ng mga kapatid niya kung paano silang makatulong sa pag-ani ng mga talbos tuwing hapon na ibebenta naman niya sa madaling araw. Ang dalawa niyang kapatid ay sa isang public school na nasa tabi ng LTO-Imus, nag-aaral…naglalakad sila sa pagpasok at pag-uwi. Si Rex ay 23 years old, sinundan siya ng 9 na taong gulang na kapatid na lalaki at ang bunsong babae ay 7 years old naman…ang nanay naman nila ay 52 years old. Nangako akong papasyalan ko sila dahil alam ko naman ang binanggit niyang bukid.

Kung ang KARAMIHAN MAN LANG SANA ng mga kabataang Pilipino ay tulad nina Rex at mga kapatid niya, SANA AY WALANG GAANONG PROBLEMA ang ating bansa….

Ang Panahon ng Graduation

Sa Pilipinas…at pagkalipas nito

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ilang buwan na lamang ay magkakaroon na naman ng mga sunud-sunod na graduation – grade school at kolehiyo…ang 4-year high school ay inabot ng kamalasan dahil sa K-12 program. Sa panahong ito, parang sirang plaka na naman ang DECS at CHED sa pagpapaalala sa mga eskwelahan na iwasan ang magastos na graduation. Kasama sa paalala ang pagdaos na lang ng seremonyas sa kanilang sariling auditorium o gym, at kung maiiwasan ang pagpapasuot ng toga ay mas maganda.

Subalit, tulad ng inaasahan, walang nasusunod sa mga paalala, at upang hindi mapahiya ang dalawang ahensiya, sasabihin uli nila ng kung ilang libong beses na, na wala silang “police power” upang magparusa sa mga hindi susunod. Ganyan katindi ang palpak na sistema ng edukasyon sa Pilipinas! Ang nagpatindi pa sa kapalpakang ito ay ang ugali ng mga mayayabang na magulang na kahit walang pera ay pilit mangungutang upang  maibili ang mga anak ng bagong sapatos at damit. Pagkatapos ng seremonyas sa Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) o mamahaling hotel at halos walang katapusang kodakan, lalagapak sila sa katotohanang wala pala silang hapunan pag-uwi ng bahay!

Pagkatapos ng graduation, masuwerte ang mga dati nang may trabaho bilang crew ng mga fastfood chains dahil sigurado na silang may kikitain habang naghihintay ng mas magandang pagkakataon. Ang mga mapoporma naman na kinunsinte ng mga magulang sa pag-akalang mayaman sila, ay naghihintay ng managerial position dahil “management course” kuno ang tinapos nila at sa prestigious pang university kuno!...aba’y kung di ba naman mga gunggong… akala nila dahil may diploma ng “management course” na sila ay ganoon kadaling makakuha ng trabaho!

Yong ibang matatalino kuno dahil sa matataas na gradong nakuha, tamimi naman pala o mahiyain kaya halos magkanda-ihi pagharap sa mag-iinterbyu. Yong ibang sobrang bilib sa sarili kaya walang pakialam sa trapik na susuungin sa paghanap ng maaaplayang trabaho, gigising ng eksakto 7AM para sa interview na 8AM…marami akong kilalang ganyan ang ugali, kaya halos dalawang taon na ay wala pa ring trabaho…dahil hindi lang mayabang kundi tanga pa! Sa libu-libong applicants na dumadagsa sa mga job sites, hindi ulol ang mga interviewer upang hintayin ang mga tangang walang pakialam sa oras.

Yan ang masaklap na katotohan tuwing panahon ng graduation at pagkalipas nito….paulit-ulit dahil walang gustong matuto ng leksiyon, kaya hindi dapat isisi sa gobyerno lang ang paghihirap ng ibang Pilipino kundi pati na rin sa kanila dahil sa kanilang  kayabangan at katangahan.

Happy Women’s Month!

Dalawang Masikap na Single Moms, Masaya at Kuntento sa Buhay

…sina Hilda Ibayne at Tess Quintance

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Maraming single moms ang naninirahan sa Maynila kung saan ay maraming oportunidad kaya nakakaraos sila kahit papaano basta masipag lang, tulad nina Hilda Ibayne at Tess Quintance.

Si HILDA ay nakapuwesto sa isang sulok ng Avenida (Sta. Cruz) at ang pinagkikitaan ay paglilinis ng mga kuko sa kamay at paa, bilang manikurista. Suki niya ang mga “Avenida cruisers”, mga nagtitinda ng aliw (prostitute) na nasa mga puwesto na nila sa kahabaan ng Avenida 7AM pala.  Php50 ang singil niya sa pedicure o manicure at kung “set” o manicure at pedicure ang gagawin ay pwedeng tawaran. Kung walang nagpapalinis ng mga kuko, nagre-repair naman siya ng mga sandal at sapatos, at nagtitinda ng kendi at sigarilyo.

Nang kausapin ko siya isang umaga ay nagre-repair siya ng isang pares na sandal. Taong 2000 pa daw siya “sapatera” halos katitin-edyer pa lang niya at tatay niya ang nagtiyagang magturo sa kanya. Nang makipag-live siya sa isang sapatero din, pinaubaya sa kanila ng kanyang tatay ang puwesto. Subalit pagkatapos siyang maanakan ng tatlo ay iniwan na daw siya ng kinasama niya at umuwi na ito sa Cebu. Sa halip na mapanghinaan ng loob, nag-aral siyang maglinis nang kuko at bumili ng mga gamit. Kalaunan ay nagkaroon na siya ng mga suki. Upang madagdagan ang kinikita sa paglilinis ng mga kuko, nagre-repair pa rin siya ng mga sapatos at sandal, at nagtinda na rin ng sigarilyo at kendi.

Ang mga anak niyang nasa hustong gulang na upang mag-aral ay pumapasok. Ang panganay niya ay 11 na taong gulang, sinundan ng 9 na taong gulang, at ang bunso ay 6 na taong gulang naman. Sa awa daw ng Diyos ay nakakaraos silang mag-iina, yon nga lang, dahil sa K-12 program ng DECS ay nadagdagan ang kanyang pasanin. Ayon kay Hilda, pinipilit niyang umuwi sa barung-barong nila sa Baseco Compound (Tondo) bago kumagat ang dilim upang makapaghanda ng hapunan nila. Kuntento siya sa buhay at walang sinisisi sa kanyang kalagayan. Ang mahalaga sa kanya ngayon ay makatapos ang kanyang mga anak maski senior high school man lang.

Si TESS naman ay nakapuwesto sa Quiapo, labasan ng shrine o luklukan ng Black Nazarene. Nakausap ko siya nang bumili ako ng underwear na napag-alaman kong sarili pala nilang gawa, subalit nilagyan lang ng etekita ng isang kilalang brand. Dahil kaunti lang nakalatag ay nagtanong ako kung sapat ang kanyang kinikita niya na sinagot naman niya ng okey lang daw. Mga tira daw ang inilatag niya mula sa mga dinileber niya sa mga kostumer na may mga puwesto. Tulad ni Hilda, iniwan din si Tess ng kanyang kinakasamang pulis pagkatapos nilang magkaroon ng 7 anak. Taong 2013 nang iwanan silang mag-iina ng kanyang asawa upang makisama sa ibang babae.

Sa simula ay hindi niya alam ang gagawin nang iwanan sila ng pulis. Mabuti na lang daw ay may nagyaya sa kanyang pumasok sa isang patahian na malapit lang sa kanila. Todong pagtitipid ang ginawa nilang mag-iina kaya pati pag-aaral ng mga anak ay naapektuhan dahil mas binigyan niya ng halaga ang mga gastos para sa pagkain at upa sa tinitirhang kuwarto. Nang maging bihasa o esksperto na sa pagtabas at pagtahi ay naglakas-loob siyang umutang upang may maipambili ng makina. Tumulong sa kanya ang apat niyang nakakatandang mga anak sa pagtahi ng mga simpleng damit pambata at kalaunan pati mga underwear ay sinubukan na rin nilang gawin. Ang mga nakakabatang anak naman ay nagpatuloy sa pag-aral.  

Ang panganay niyang anak na tumutulong din sa pagtabas ay nagtitinda na rin ng mga alahas na pilak na sinasabay ang pagbenta tuwing mag-deliver siya ng mga ino-order na mga underwear. Nakakapag-deliver daw sila sa Baclaran, Pasig, Bulacan at Caloocan. Pabulong niyang sinabi na ngayong maysakit daw ang dati niyang asawa ay lumalapit ito sa kanya upang humingi ng pambili ng gamot, at binibigyan daw naman niya. Nang tanungin ko kung saan siya humugot ng lakas upang makaraos silang mag-iina, itinuro niya ang simbahan ng Quiapo. Nakatira silang mag-iina sa Taguig (Rizal).

Sina Hilda at Tess ay mga halimbawa ng tunay na pagsisikap ng tao…nagtitiyaga at hindi umasa kahit kanino, at ang bukod-tanging hiningi sa Diyos ay madagdagan pa ang lakas ng kalooban at katawan…hindi pera. Wala rin silang kinimkim na galit sa dati nilang asawa. Kabaligtaran sila ng ibang babae na kahit nakahiga na sa salapi ay hindi pa rin kuntento sa buhay, kaya upang lumago pa ang kanilang yaman ay nagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan o nanloloko ng kapwa. May isa ngang babae na bukod sa nang-agaw ng asawa ay nagkanlong (protect) pa ng mga drug lord kaya sagana siya sa sustento hanggang sa maikulong. Yong iba pa ay hindi alam ang gagawin sa sobra-sobrang pera kaya kung anu-ano ang mga pinaggagawa sa katawan upang mabago ang ginawa ng Diyos, kinarma naman kaya ang iba ay tumabingi ang ilong, nagkaroon ng nana (pus) ang suso at puwet dahil sa inilagay na silicone, o nagkaroon pa ng kanser!

The Bankerohan Public Market of Davao City

By Apolinario Villalobos

Literally, “bankerohan” has a connotation as a place where boatmen converge as “bankero” means “boatman”. Appropriately, the public market is located by the bank of the main river that traverses the city. As in any Philippine community and historically, the river or a coastal village are considered as the center of trading. Unfortunately, lately, Bankerohan, the bustling riverside trading community of Davao City, gets inundated during the worst onslaught of heavy rains without let up for days.

Unlike other cities, Bankerohan has maintained its typical Oriental bazaar atmosphere to which the city dwellers have melded well. Spread throughout its periphery, various products from neighboring towns are sold side by side with local delicacies, prominent among which is the “puto maya”. The delicacy is actually two kinds of sticky rice, the white and the “tapul” which has a delectably purple color partner. The two varieties of rice are steamed separately. “Puto maya’s” is best eaten with “sikwate” (hot chocolate with thick consistency) prepared and cooked in “hornio”. While it slowly cooks to the right consistency, a half-submerged “baterol” (wooden stirrer) is rolled between the palms to keep the preparation from going into a rolling boil. A serving of “puto maya” costs Php10, while a cup of “sikwate” can be had for Php15.

If the durian is in season, a whole ripe fruit can be purchased from any of the stalls and eaten on the spot, for Php30 while marang would cost as low as Php20. Other local fruits that fill the fruit stalls are big-sized guava, golden pomelo, rambutan, papaya, several varieties of papaya. Durian preserves such as candies, jams and jellies also fill the shelves of the fruit stalls. Vegetables and marine products are strictly controlled to maintain their prices, as well as, those of rice and corn grits.

As dusk falls, makeshift stalls for used clothing begin to dot the area near the Mercury Drug Store. Practically, all kinds of clothing merchandise are priced between Php10-20. Hectic trading activity reaches its climax as midnight approaches. But, the traders do not fold up their stalls until 6AM hoping for the coming of last-minute buyers.

In the evening, the market resonates with warbles from wannabe singers who try their best to garner a “10” verdict from videokes that are the come-ons of carinderias. Everybody enjoys for as long as the no-smoking policy is observed. Aside from the videoke machines, the carinderias also pride in their cheap foods displayed in trays. Prices range between Php15 to Php35, with the vegetable dishes being the cheapest and those of beef and pork the more expensive. Grilled fish, especially tuna belly, head, and its innards are also available which go well with the beer or tuba (coco wine).

From Bankerohan, the cheap hotels along Claveria are a few meters away. Public transportations can be taken at several designated jeepney stops distributed around the market, so that strangers need not worry. And, most especially, there is nothing to fear while commuting from this busy section of the city to any part, even the suburbs, as taxi drivers of Davao City are the most trustworthy in the whole Philippines!

ON ECCENTRICITY

By Apolinario Villalobos

The dictionary defines eccentric as unusual or abnormal behavior or character which for me is wrong. Just because a person keeps to himself and rather read than attend parties is being eccentric, or sprinkling pasta with fish sauce is eccentric, etc. The problem with the scientists kuno, who study the mind and personality is that they rely on questionable “standards”. On the other hand, the dictionary publishers pick these information up, just like the way they pick up street words and expressions from all over the world to expand their publication for more money. That is why even the simple symbol of the heart has become a synonym of the word “love”. Although, supposedly intelligent guys are using groups as basis to qualify and justify their findings, I would like to think still, that they have gone beyond what should be a fair judgment, especially on aspects that involve human behavior. An example on this is the case of “special people “ who were viewed during the Medieval Period as lunatics, and epilepsy as a “devil’s disease”. Scientists kuno still go on with this malpractice of unfairly identifying people based on their discerned characters.

I am bringing this out because several times I have been dubbed as eccentric, because:

In this regard, I would like to call those who do not understand my ways as “ignorants”….they who do not even know or refuse to understand that unpolished rice is nutritious than the polished white rice; that the chemically-washed “refined” sugar in all its whiteness glory is one of the causes of cancer; having meat in diet 7 days a week without even a single sprig of green vegetable can result to colon cancer; uncontrolled partying could be a sign of insecurity masked with ear to ear grin; burnt rice can alleviate stomach acidity; vinegar reduces acidity in green mango, add flavor to the bland taste of jicama, and the soy sauce can enhance the potassium in banana; etc.

It is unfair for a person who deviates from the ways of others, to earn an eccentric reference. The word’s connotation as being “abnormal” is already unfair. The accusers on the other hand, are the abnormals, because they are not supposed to be judgmental. By being judgmental, they unknowingly try to reflect on others their (accusers) own kind of bad personality and that is not being kind…a normal person is supposed to be kind to his fellow man.

For me, the following are just some of the eccentrics:

My question now is, have the few mentioned above ever been called eccentric by the supposedly bright journalists as such, for their obviously abnormal behavior?....my answer is a big NO!

Faded Photographs

By Apolinario Villalobos

(Photos from the family library of Ed Collado)

A picture can paint a thousand words, so goes the line of the son, “If”. And, faded photographs can bring memories that for the present are testimonies of how successful people struggled in the past. Faces exude aura of innocence…with their eyes that eagerly stared at the camera, unwary of what the future held for them.

Ed Collado’s mother was among the pioneer teachers of Tacurong Pilot Elementary School while his father was the District Supervisor who painstakingly visited schools in the barrios connected to the town of Tacurong by foot trails winding through rice, corn, and sugar cane fields. Other teachers I could recall during their time were, Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, Mr. and Mrs. Gatumbato, Mrs. Domider, Mrs. Paradero, Mrs. Sucaldito, Mrs. Ramos, Mrs. Lechonsito, Mrs. Del Campo, Mr. Barber, Ms. Davala, Ms. Paclibar, Ms. Ines, Ms. Paragas, Mrs. Lucentales, Mr. Palencia, while the Principal was Mr. Ben Nicolo. According to Ed, her mother took the pains in keeping photos taken during her time in Tacurong Pilot School.

Children of prominent families went to the school in slippers and shoes with socks, while the rest were barefooted. Free snacks consisted of gruel made from yellow corn grits. Those who failed to bring cups or bowls ate their share using pad paper folded origami style in the shape of a cap.  If there were extra bags brought by the Peace Corp Volunteers, the grits were distributed among the pupils to be brought home. Aside from yellow corn, those that were regularly donated to the school was bulgur wheat, oat meal, and powdered milk.

When I was in Grade Four, Ikea Seki comet appeared which became visible at dawn for almost a week. I could vividly recall the event as the appearance happened during our Boy Scout camping on the track and field of the school. During the time, we almost lost a good friend, Baltazar Subando when he fell from the “monkey bridge” built for the contest among the troops. Among the schoolmates I could recall were, Febe and Lilieth Ancheta, Betty Cu, Rodina Ballena, Ninfa Loot, Gloria Sangke, Catalino Ines, Nonito Bacus, Jaime Bides, Angel Collado, Apolonio de la Peἧa, Cornelio Alegre, Jaime Mariἧas, Elsie Dajay, Homero Palatolon, Hernanie Baclaan, Domingo Cargo, Eleanor Fajardo, the late Chrito Lacanaria, Rey Mijares, Julius Lechonsito, Jimmy Uy, Dani Pendatun, the late Reynaldo Mosqueda…(more names to be added as recalled).

In High School, we became Notre Damians who wore khaki pants with green stripe on the side.  On very special occasions, the Dominican Sisters of the Girls’ Department allowed joint activities with the Boys’ Department during which the musical talents of the students from both departments were exhibited. Ed Collado, Ted Lapuz, and Virgilio Guillermo provided music to the dancing girls, such as Rodina Ballena, Ninfa Loot, and others.

Debating Club was among the most popular organizations in the Boys’ campus aside from the Choreographers’ Club. The members of the Debating Club such Jovino Morte, Cirilo Baldonado, Andres Jordan Jr., Rommel Angel, Nonie Amar, Antonio Hojilla, Eduardo Palomado, Rodolfo Gallega, Virgilio Guillermo, Ed Collado, Felizardo Lazado, Leo Villalobos, Jose Lim III, a certain Cabico, were coached by Mr. Gabertan. The Choreographers’ Club on the other hand had Mrs. Ching Romero and former Ms. Leonor Palabricas as advisers, with the members such as, Dominador Barnachea, Homero Palatolon, Cirilo Baldonado, Ruel Lucentales, Domingo Cargo, Hernanie Baclaan, Eddie Travilla, a certain Nanales, and Ed Collado. The Choreographers’ Club had one successful fund-raising show, the “Rainbow of Rhythmn”.

Today, those caught in the historic frame of time are successful in their chosen fields. Some are entrepreneurs, overseas professionals, military officers, engineers, nurses, and educators.

Mga Panahon ng Buhay

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Hindi lamang kalikasan ang may mga panahon na tulad ng panahon ng tagtuyot o tag-init at panahon ng tag-ulan o tag-baha. Ang buhay man ay may mga panahon na dumadating sa iba’t ibang yugto nito.

Ang mga yugto ng iba’t ibang panahon sa buhay ng tao ay nagbibigay ng kulay o nagsisilbing pagsubok sa kanya habang pinipilit niyang maabot ang kanyang layunin o mapaglabanan ang sakit na dulot ng kabiguan o kawalan ng minamahal sa buhay. Dahil dito, hindi lahat ng panahon ay masaya…. mayroon ding makabagbag-damdamin o nakakapanlumo.

Ang panahon ng kabataan ang pinakamaselang yugto ng buhay ng tao dahil sa panahong ito hinuhubog ang kanyang pagkatao. Malaki ang papel na ginagampanan ng magulang at kapaligiran sa paghubog ng kanya. Kasama na rin dito ang mga guro at paaralan. Dito dapat natututuhan ng kabataan ang mga magagandang kaugalian lalo na ang paggalang sa matatanda. Para sa kanyang ispiritwal na aspeto, malaking bagay ang nagagawa ng pagiging maka-Diyos ng magulang o paaralan.

Mula sa pagiging bata, ang tao ay tutuntong sa yugto ng adolensiya o pagiging tin-edyer kung saan ay may mga pagkakataon na siya ay malilito kung kanino papanig – sa barkada ba na palagi niyang natatakbuhan at nakakaugnayan o magulang na maski nagbigay ng buhay sa kanya ay sa wari niya, hindi niya “mapagkatiwalaan” tungkol sa ilang bagay. Kung matibay ang pundasyon niya bilang bata, hindi siya basta na lang matitinag mula sa mga nakalakhan nang gawi na naaayon sa kabutihan. Subali’t kung naging pabaya ang magulang at mga guro o paaralan na nakalimot nang magturo ng mga magagandang asal, hindi malayong siya ay mahila ng kanyang mga barkada tungo sa daang baluktot.

Ang panahon ng pagiging nasa tamang gulang ay yugto kung saan ay gagawa ng maselang desisyon ang tao kung siya ba ay papasan na ng responsibilidad na maghahanda sa kanya bilang magulang na may sariling tahanan para sa darating na mga supling. Mabigat sa kalooban para sa iba ang basta na lang iwanan ang tahanan kung saan siya ay iniluwal at lumaki sa kalinga ng mga magulang at mga nakakatandang kapatid. Subali’t dahil sa sinusundang pag-inog ng buhay, hindi maaaring siya ay mag-atubili kung siya ay handa na rin lang.  Sa panahong ito maaalala ng isang tao ang hirap na dinanas ng kanyang mga magulang upang siya ay mapalaki ng maayos at hindi salat sa mga pangangailangan.

Ang panahon ng katandaan ay siyang naghahanda sa tao upang magpaalam sa mundo. Ang mga naniniwala sa Diyos na nagpapaalalang hindi madadala sa kabilang buhay ang yaman, pinamimigay nila ito. Ang iba namang hindi maatim na iwanan ang kanilang yaman ay nahihirapang magpaalam sa mundo dahil nadadaig sila ng panghihinayang sa kanilang pinaghirapan.

Ang mga panahong nabanggit ay nakukulayan ng saya o lungkot, depende sa pananaw ng tao. Kung ang tao ay hindi naghahangad ng luho, o masaya na sa kaunting kaginhawahan, lahat ng yugto sa buhay niya ay nakukulayan ng kasiyahan. Subali’t kung kabaligtaran naman ng nabanggit ang kanyang pananaw dahil gusto niyang mas nakakaangat sa iba, ano mang dami ng yaman niya ay hindi makakapagbigay sa kanya ng kasiyahan hanggang sa kanyang kamatayan.

The Prayer

By Apolinario Villalobos

First of all, it must be known that there are many forms of prayers or ways by which a prayer can be expressed, such as, silently, loudly, and by sign language. But generally, the prayer can be classified into just three, such as, memorized, read, and extemporaneously expressed straight from the heart.

The Roman Catholic Church has hundreds of prepared or printed prayers with specific intentions, such as, those for the dead, for Christening, for the wedding, for the sick, for job hunting, for wooing a woman, for damning an enemy, etc. One will just have to go to Quiapo to see piles of printed prayer books sold like candies outside the cathedral. These prayers become more effective according to the vendors if candles are being burned while specific prayers are mumbled, till the candle completely melts. Some “faithful” even hire a “praying professional”- a person who prays for a fee. Each candle is distinguished for a particular intention by their color.

The voodooistic practices are being done right under the very nose of the Catholic priests, and while the amplified Mass is going on inside the massive historic structure where the Black Nazarene is enshrined.  If these are wrong, why can’t the Church authorities put a stop to them? Why can’t announcements be made during the Mass so that even those outside the church will hear them? Why can’t this simple act of correcting a wrong right within their community is not being done, while Catholic bishops are against and very vocal about the killing of drug personalities who are criminals?

Many Roman Catholic prayers are outright funny, especially, those which have not been “updated”, having been written during the heyday of fanaticism, particularly during the later part of the Spanish colonization. The prayers are full of outright ignorance as regards to what prayers are supposed to be about. For this, one just has to check the “marathon prayer” or “chant” used during the “pabasa” of the Lenten season. These supposedly solemn prayers are “updated” using hip-hop tunes, to purportedly encourage the youth to participate. Also, for other interesting discoveries, one may check the prayer being chanted by sleepy “faithful” Roman Catholics during the “pasiyam” of the dead brethren in which the “tower of David” is mentioned. Every night it is done for the duration of the nine-day wake. I would like to make it clear that I have nothing against these prayers of the Roman Catholic Church…I am just sharing what I know about them.

For me, the best prayers are those that are extemporaneously said by New Christians as they are obviously coming from their heart….not read from “prayer books”….that is my personal opinion and nobody should question that.