May 2017

IT IS WRONG TO BLAME THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY

FOR ERRORS COMMITTED BY MAN

By Apolinario Villalobos

I had a very bad experience with a bank after it printed ALL information about my savings and time deposit, complete with account numbers and sent the UNSIGNED SYSTEM-GENERATED LETTER to my home address by a COURIER OF A NEVER-HEARD MESSENGERIAL SERVICE COMPANY. THE IDIOT COURIER INSERTED THE ENVELOP WITH THE NAME OF THE BANK PRINTED OUTSIDE, INTO A SPACE OF THE GATE. HAD I NOT PICKED IT UP IMMEDIATELY WHEN I CAME HOME, A CRIMINAL COULD HAVE TAKEN IT AND TAKEN NOTE OF THE INFO AND HACKED MY BANK ACCOUNT! WORST, I FOUND OUT THAT THE COURIER MADE IT APPEAR THAT I SIGNED HIS COPY OF DELIVERY RECEIPT!

It was only after I irritably explained to the bank officials their mistake of bringing out of their system the information about my confidential transactions with them that they realized the breach of bank secrecy that they committed. I told them that I could easily file a case in the court against them. And, to think that it is a prestigious bank that can afford expensive ads on print and broadcast media about their offerings. It left me wondering how a prestigious bank could hire INCOMPETENT IDIOTS to handle their information system with sloppiness. WORST, THE RESPONSIBLE GUYS, ALTHOUGH, APOLOGETIC, BLAMED THE “ SYSTEM-GENERATED LETTER”….THOSE PRINTED GOOD FOR NOTHING LETTERS THAT ARE NOT SIGNED AND SENT TO CLIENTS!

Relative to this, I felt I made a big mistake when I dealt with another bank about its insurance offering. Due to non-completion of details on certain forms, A SYSTEM-GENERATED TEXT WAS SENT TO ME. I had to go back to the bank to accomplish what were asked. A little later I received another text about their posting of my payment to the assigned policy number. I had to go back to the bank again to arrange about the delivery which the insurance representative has supposedly submitted to their concerned office. BUT, THE FOLLOWING DAY, I WAS SURPRISED TO RECEIVE SIMILAR TEXT THAT ADVICED ME ABOUT THE NON-COMPLETION OF DOCUMENTS (AGAIN!)! HOW CAN ONE BE NOT IRRITATED BY SUCH KIND OF IDIOTIC COMMUNICATION, AFTER HAVING BEEN ASSURED THAT EVERYTHING IS IN ORDER?

WHAT IS IRRITATING IS THE FAILURE OF THE GUYS OF THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO APOLOGIZE IF THEY COMMITTED AN ERROR BY SENDING AN UNNECESSARY SYSTEM-GENERATED TEXT THAT MADE ME TENSE AND RUINED MY DAY. THE GUY WHO HUMBLY APOLOGIZED HAS GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CLOSED TRANSACTION AS HE IS CONNECTED WITH THE BANK WITH WHICH THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS AFFILIATED. I MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE GUY FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY RESPONSIBLE FOR SENDING THE SECOND TEXT SHOULD SEND ANOTHER AS AN “ADVICE TO DISREGARD” THE ERRONEOUSLY SENT ONE AND APOLOGIZE, TO CLOSE THE CASE. THAT IS THE PROPER PROTOCOL THAT CUSTOMER-ORIENTED COMPANIES SHOULD OBSERVE IF THEY COMMITTED A MISTAKE. IT IS WRONG FOR THESE COMPANIES TO LEAVE THE CLIENTS WITH INSECURITIES FOR MISTAKES THAT THEY (COMPANIES) COMMITTED.

My point here is, the modern technology should never be blamed because the MACHINES OR COMPUTERS OR WHATEVERGODDAMNTHING BEING USED TO GENERATE LETTERS OR TEXTS ARE CONTROLLED BY A “BREATHING PERSON OR GROUP, VERY WELL ALIVE, AND SUPPOSED TO HAVE BRAINS”!...OTHERWISE, HE/SHE/THEY COULD JUST BE PLAIN AND SIMPLE INCOMPETENT IDIOT/S WHO IS/ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO HADLE SENSITIVE TRANSACTIONS SOME OF WHICH INVOLVE MILLIONS AND NOT JUST HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF PESOS!

THE DANGER HERE IS, EVEN IF A POLICY NUMBER IS ASSIGNED OR ISSUED, THE INSURANCE COMPANY WILL DEFINITELY MAKE IT HARD FOR THE CLIENT TO GET BACK THE MONEY THAT HE INVESTED DUE TO “non-completion of information in documents, etc”….THESE ARE THE FINE LINES IN INSURANCE CONTRACTS! ALSO, BY THE TIME MY POLICY GETS MATURED, I WOULD BE DEALING WITH ANOTHER SET OF PEOPLE WHO MAY ALSO BE IDIOTS, HENCE, NOT GIVE A DAMN IF THE DOCUMENTS THAT THE COMPANY ACCEPTED  FOR PROCESSING JUST TO HAVE A POLICY NUMBER ASSIGNED TO CLOSE THE DEAL WERE INCOMPLETE!

I WILL NAME NAMES IN MY NEXT BLOG IF THE GODDAMN INSURANCE OUTFIT WILL NOT MAKE AMENDS IN WRITING, COMPLETE WITH SIGNATURE, TO CONFIRM THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH MY DOCUMENTS.

Habang Hindi Pa Ulyanin, Pairalin ang Common Sense

Bilang Paghahanda sa Pagtanda

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kapag umabot na sa retired age na alam na ng lahat kung ano, dapat ang taong tumatanda ay palaging gumamit ng “common sense” habang hindi pa siya ulyanin at kaya pa niyang mag-isip ng maayos. Ang mga sumusunod ay mga suggestions na dapat gawin o pag-isipan bilang paghahanda (pero, take it…or leave it…walang pilitan):

Mga Presumptions and

Thought-Provoking Questions

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

BAKA GUSTO NG MGA LIFE ADVOCATES KUNO NA I-CONDEMN ANG PAGPATAY SA MGA MIYEMBRO NG MAUTE GROUP NA PUMASOK SA MARAWI CITY DAHIL SA KARAPATAN KUNO NILANG MABUHAY….O DI KAYA AY BAKA GUSTO NILANG IPA-IMBISTIGA SA UNCHR….O DI KAYA AY GUSTO NILANG IDAGDAG SA KASO NI DUTERTE NA ISINAMPA NILA SA INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE.

BAKA GUSTO RING SABIHIN NG ILANG GURANG NA OBISPO NA MAY KARAPATANG MABUHAY ANG MGA PINATAY NA MIYEMBRO NG MAUTE GROUP AT WALANG KARAPATAN ANG MGA SUNDALONG SILA AY PATAYIN DAHIL DIYOS LANG ANG MAY KARAPATANG GAWIN ITO.

KUNG ANG PARING NA-HOSTAGE NG MAUTE GROUP SA MARAWI AY NAGKATAONG BANGAG NA ADDICT ANG GUMAWA, HALIMBAWA, SA LOOB MISMO NG SIMBAHAN HABANG NAG-MIMISA ANG PARI, ANO KAYA ANG GAGAWIN NG SINASABI KONG ILANG OBISPO NA SAGAD-BUTO ANG GALIT KAY DUTERTE?....THESE OLD GUYS SHOULD REMEMBER THAT ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN UNDER THE SUN!...ANG NAKAKAHINDIK ISIPIN AY KUNG AAKALAIN NG ISANG BANGAG NA ADDICT, NA ISANG BABAENG NAKA-GOWN ANG NAKA-SOTANANG PARI AT KANYANG GAGAHASAIN….KUNG MANGYARI YAN, ANO KAYA ANG SASABIHIN NG ILANG MATANDANG OBISPO NA GALIT KAY DUTERTE?...MAGPAPASALAMAT KAYA SILA SA DIYOS DAHIL NAGING MARTYR ANG GINAHASANG PARI?

KUNG ANG ISANG INOSENTENG SANGGOL AY NAPAPAGKAMALANG TIYANAK NG ISANG BANGAG NA ADDICT KAYA PINAPATAY NIYA….O DI KAYA ANG ISANG LOLA AY INAAKALA NIYANG ISANG TIN-EDYER KAYA NIYA NAGAGAHASA, PARI PA KAYANG NAKA-MAHABANG SOTANA ANG HINDI NIYA PAGKAKAMALANG NAKA-GOWN NA BABAE…LALO PA KUNG WALANG BIGOTE O BALBAS?

Points to Ponder About the Martial Law for Mindanao

By Apolinario Villalalobos

Napoles is the Most Appropriate

State Witness in Pork Barrel Scam

By Apolinario Villalobos

If Duterte would like to dig up the roots of the pork barrel scam the investigation of which he would like to reopen, the most appropriate state witness is Napoles. Only she knows who were the government officials, lawmakers and the responsible agency staff who manipulated the “operation”, and likewise, benefited from the scam.

As a practice, government “commissioners” would come up with projects from which they could derive “fat commissions”. The project is complete with ways on how to circumvent restrictive laws and cohorts such as NGOs and sources of funding. The NGOs serve as “conduits” of funds from financiers which in the case of the pork barrel scam is Napoles. In other words, she was used by the government officials and knowledgeable agency staff, as they know when funds would be released for certain projects. These government people tell Napoles what to do to get hold of the fund. Meanwhile, in most cases, she may have already “advanced” the commission of the concerned government officials. The system literally makes Napoles, “buyer” of projects.

If Napoles shall surface as a prime state witness, the statements of government officials about their signature being forged shall definitely crumble. Although, it is true that concerned officials did not sign the documents personally, they may have given the authority to Napoles or her staff to forge their signature, as what Benhur Luy had been alleging, so that the processing of documents could be facilitated even without them (government officials) around. This is the technicality that “BRIGHT” lawyers of crook officials always use. Forging signatures in official documents is very prevalent….and everybody knows that!

Finally, if the scheme of making Napoles the principal witness in the reopening of the pork barrel scam cases would materialize, it will definitely make the world of erring government officials smaller day by day…. 

Ang Pag-abuso sa mga salitang “ Karapatang Pangtao” (Human Rights)

By Apolinario Villalobos

Maraming Pilipino ang nagmamagaling at nagmamarunong tungkol sa “human rights” ganoong sila mismo ay hindi nagrerespeto nito. Sila ang mga ipokritong human rights advocates….mga walang hiyang mapagkunwari. Akala nila ang tinatawag na “human rights” ay hanggang sa karapatang mabuhay lamang. Ang hindi nila alam dahil sa kanilang katangahan, pati ang pambabarat kapag bumili ng isang bagay mula sa isang mahirap na tindera ay may kaakibat nang “human rights”. Ang isang may kaya sa buhay ay hindi na dapat tumatawad kapag bumili sa mga nagtitinda sa bangketa halimbawa, o di kaya ay mga nagtitinda na ang ginagamit ay kariton na nag-iikot sa mga subdivision. NAPAKARAMI kong alam na ganyan ang ugali, mga nakatira pa sa mga mararangyang subdivision pero kung baratin ang nagtitinda na maghapong nagtutulak ng kariton ay ganoon na lang. Tinatakot pa ang iba na kung hindi sila pagbibigyan ay irereklamo sila (mga nagtitinda) sa barangay upang hindi na papasukin. MGA WALA SILANG KONSIYENSIYA DAHIL KAKARAMPOT NA KIKITAIN SANA NG MALILIIT NA NAGTITINDA AY TILA NINANAKAW PA NILA!

Maraming saklaw o concern ang “human rights” at ang simpleng paalala tungkol sa mga ito ay, “nagtatapos ang karapatan ng isang tao, kapag lumampas siya sa kanyang hangganan at tumapak sa karapatan ng iba”….sa Ingles, “one’s rights end where the rights of others begin”. Para sa akin, ang isang magnanakaw na naaktuhan sa loob ng bahay kaya napatay ng may-ari ng bahay ay walang karapatang mabuhay….o di kaya ang isang drug pusher na sumira sa buhay ng maraming kabataan at gumawa pa ng ibang krimen tulad ng panggagahasa ay walang karapatang mabuhay. At, ang mga yudiputang mga kriminal na ito, kapag nahuli ay may lakas pa ng loob na humingi ng tulong sa Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), na ang mga abogado ay sinusuwelduhan ng taong bayan…all for the sake of “due process” na bukam-bibig naman ng mga ipokritong mga human rights advocates!

Ang hirap kasi sa iba, kapag nahuling nag-shoplift halimbawa sa grocery, ang idadahilan ay mga anak na nagugutom….ang tanong ko diyan ay kung bakit nag-anak sila ng marami ganoong hindi naman pala niya kayang buhayin….nagpakalibog sila at pagkatapos ay walang pakialam kung ang anak nila ay lumalaking nanlilimahid. Marami akong na-check na ganyan ang istilo ng pamumuhay at na-shock ako nang malaman ko na may mga mag-asawang ang “hanapbuhay” ay panloloko sa kapwa o swindling at pagnanakaw. At, habang lumalaki ang mga anak ay ginagamit  rin nila sa masama nilang gawain.

Ang mga nang-iiskwat ay abusado rin pagdating sa “human rights”. Alam nilang hindi kanila ang lupang iniiskwatan, subalit hindi sila naghahanda para sa susunod na gagawin kapag pinaalis na sila, at sa halip ay nagsisigaw ng “mayaman lang ba ang may karapatang mabuhay?” kapag pinaalis na. May mga bahay sa squatter’s area na aircon at kumpleto sa iba pang mga gamit tulad ng flat tv, 2-door ref, mga sala set at kamang mamahalin. Ibig sabihin, kaya ng ilang iskwater na mag-ipon ng perang pambili ng kahit 50sqm. na lupa sa mga bahagi ng Bulacan, Cavite, at Laguna. Ang pinakamasama pa ay ang pagiging “professional squatter” ng ilan. Nang-iiskwat sila kahit saan pwedeng iskwatan, patatayuan ng maliit na barung-barong at pauupahan. Ang isang uri pa ng pagiging professional squatter ay pagtanggap halimbawa ng offer ng gobyerno na mailipat sila sa relocation site. Pagkalipas ng ilang taon ay babalik sa lunsod at mang-iiskwat uli, samantalang ang bahay sa relocation site ay pauupahan.

Hindi ako anti-poor. Galit ako sa mga taong umaabuso ng “human rights” at mga puitikong gumagamit sa kanila. Galit din ako sa mga mapagkunwaring human rights advocate kuno, regular pang nagsisimba kung saan mang sambahan nila pero ang simpleng karapatan ng kanilang kasambahay ay hindi marespeto dahil palagi nilang minumura….at kung mamili sa mga sidewalk vendors ay daig pa ang timawa kung tumawad!

Paalala lang sa mga taong mahilig pumapel….bago magsisigaw ng human rights ng mga iskwater, drug pusher, magnanakaw, at iba pang kriminal ay mag-isip muna ng ilang daang beses para hindi magmukhang tanga! Alam ng mga kapitbahay ninyo ang ugali ninyo kaya siguradong pinagtatawanan kayo kapag nakabasa ng mga mapagkunwaring comments ninyo sa facebook tungkol sa bagay na ito.

AT, HIGIT SA LAHAT, ALAM NG NASA ITAAS KUNG ANO ANG MGA KATARANTADUHANG GINAGAWA NINYO AT PILIT NINYONG PINAGTATAKPAN NG PALUHUD-LUHOD SA SIMBAHAN, PAKOMUNYON-KUMONYON, PADASAL-DASAL NG ROSARYO, AT PASIGAW-SIGAW NG HUMAN RIGHTS NG MGA KAWATAN AT DRUG PUSHER DAHIL PARA SA INYO AY TAO DIN SILA AT MAY KARAPATANG MABUHAY…ISANG ADBOKASIYA NG BULAG, BINGI AT KAPALMUKS!...IBIG SABIHIN, WALANG KONSIYENSIYA!

Martial Law for Mindanao is Long Overdue

By Apolinario Villalobos

The gruesome killings in Marawi, the encounter at Bagumbayan (Sultan Kudarat), between the MILF and the Philippine military, the pockets of bombings in southern Mindanao are all indications that the sitting president, Rodrigo Duterte is being challenged as to how far he can bend backward without straining his spine. He has been tolerant for some time and he did it more than enough. It is high time that he should flex his muscles.

When he took over the land’s highest position from a lenient president, he did not lose time in calling for cooperation. But because of his obvious plan to rid the country and the government in particular, of crooks, practically, everybody with selfish motives became apprehensive. Turncoats and opportunists who thought Duterte is no different from the past presidents are shocked by his steadfast and feisty moves, so now, they are having second thoughts if they would still support him or finance his detractors which some are already doing.

How can Martial be not applicable to a country like the Philippines, especially, Mindanao where unrest is already brewing? How can “due process” be applied to the case of a terrorist caught red-handed while about to detonate a bomb? How can “due process” be applied in the case of  drug-deranged and useless citizens who rape innocent young women, and even elders, fit to be their grandmother? How can “due process” be applied in the case of drug lords who have constructed drug laboratories right under the very nose of conniving law-enforcement agencies? How can “due process” be applied in Marawi City where gruesome killings are being committed by the Maute Group? The supposedly “due process” has just created animosity among the victims of criminals due to delayed application of justice.

HIHINTAYIN PA BA NA KUMALAT ANG TERORISMO SA VISAYAS AT LUZON…LALO NA SA MAYNILA?

Clearly, there is a concerted effort to oust Duterte from his post. And, those who have conceived this evil design could be the concerned parties whose selfish interests have been railroaded.  Again, Martial Law for Mindanao is long overdue. Why worry if you are not guilty?

And, obviously, the terrorism in Mindanao is no longer hinged on religion but politics and money!

Ang Sakit na “SCOOPOMITIS” ng Media

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

HINDI DAPAT IPINAGYAYABANG NG MGA OPISYAL NG MILITARY ANG MGA ACTUAL OPERATIONS NILA SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAG-IMBITA SA MGA TAGA-MEDIA NA MAG-COVER NG MGA ITO AT CLOSE RANGE O MALAPITAN, LALO NA ANG GINAGAWA NG MGA MAY HAWAK NG RADIO O COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES NILA. DAPAT ISIPIN NG MGA OPISYAL NA NAKA-HOOK O NAKA-CONNECT DIRECTLY ANG MGA TAGA-MEDIA SA MGA PUBLIC MONITORS TULAD NG TV AT RADIO KAYA MARIRINIG KUNG ANO MAN ANG SABIHIN NG MGA NAG-RARADYO SA HEADQUARTERS O COMMAND POST. IBIG SABIHIN MARIRINIG NG BUONG BAYAN PATI NG MGA KALABAN ANG MGA IMPORMASYON TULAD NG LOCATION NILA, KAKULANGAN NG MGA GAMIT NA KAILANGAN NILA, ETC.

DAPAT GAMITING LEKSIYON ANG NANGYARI SA “LUNETA SIEGE”, NOONG KAUUPO PA LANG NI PNOY AQUINO BILANG PRESIDENTE NG PILIPINAS. NA-HOSTAGE ANG ISANG BUS NG MGA CHINESE TOURISTS AT SA LUNETA PINARADA ANG SASAKYAN. SA KATANGAHAN AT KAYABANGAN NG MGA TAGA-MEDIA, KINUNAN NILA ANG MGA GINAGAWA NG MGA PULIS SA LABAS NG BUS, BINOBRODKAST DIN NG MGA REPORTER ANG MGA SENSITIBONG IMPORMASYON TULAD NG IBA PANG LOKASYON NG MGA PULIS NA ANG IBA AY NAKADIKIT NA SA BUS AT MGA PLANO NILA DAHIL PATI INTERVIEW NILA SA “COMMANDER” NG PULIS AY PINARINIG DIN AT IPINAKITA SA PUBLIKO. NAKALIMUTAN NILANG MAY TV MONITOR SA LOOB NG BUS KAYA NARIRINIG AT NAKIKITA NG HOSTAGE-TAKER ANG LAHAT NG MGA GINAGAWA NG MGA PULIS!

YAN ANG SAKIT NG MEDIA – “SCOOPOMITIS” (SARILI KONG TERM)….NAG-UUNAHAN SILA PAGKUHA NG MGA SCOOP KAHIT HINDI VERIFIED KAYA KUNG MINSAN, NAPAPAHIYA SILA. HINDI NILA NAIISIP NA NAKO-COMPROMISE NILA ANG OPERATIONS NG PULIS MAN O MILITARY. ANG INIISIP LANG NILA AY PANSARILING LAYUNIN NA MAKA-SCOOP.

HINDI MASAMA ANG MAG-COVER NG PANG-SCOOP NA MGA PANGYAYARI SUBALIT ANG MGA ANCHORS NA NASA ISTASYON AY DAPAT MAGING MAINGAT SA PAG-RELAY NG MGA IMPORMASYON SA PUBLIKO. MAY KAKAYAHAN SILANG PUMILI KUNG ANO ANG IBOBRODKAST UPANG HINDI MA-COMPROMISE ANG MGA SENSITIBONG POLICE OR MILITARY OPERATION. ANG MASAKLAP LANG DAHIL SA COMPETITION, NAGPAPAGALINGAN ANG LAHAT NG MGA MEDIA OUTLETS, BROADCAST MAN O PRINT, SA PAGBABALITA. DAHIL DIYAN WALA SILANG PAKIALAM KUNG MA-COMPROMISE ANG SEGURIDAD NG MGA PULIS AT MILITARY, LALO NA NG BUONG BANSA!

AT, ANG PINAKAMATINDI AY KAPAG NAGAMIT ANG ILANG TAGA-MEDIA NG MGA PULITIKO O MGA KRIMINAL….NAGING BAYARAN O NAKALISTA SA PAYROLL.

UNSOLICITED NA PAYO KO SA MGA TAGA-MEDIA: HUWAG GAWING SHOOTING NG PELIKULA ANG PAG-COVER NG MAG SENSITIVE OPERATIONS NG PULIS AT MILITARY AT MAGING INTELIHENTE SA MGA GINAGAWA LALO NA SA MGA ISINISIWALAT TUNGKOL SA MGA NANGYAYARI SA GOBYERNO DAHIL KAPAG ANG ISANG BAGAY AY NAIBALITA NA, MAHIRAP NA ITONG BAWIIN O ITUWID DAHIL HINDI LAHAT NG MGA UNANG NAKARINIG AY MAKAKARINIG ULI NG PALIWANAG UPANG MAKOREK ANG PAGKAKAMALI!

The Elisa P. Bernardo Elementary School

In New Passi, Tacurong City

By Apolinario Villalobos

It was a scorching afternoon when I was invited by Judith Bernardo to New Passi, a barangay at the foot of Magon Hill, after we met at a party, hosted by a cousin. I deemed it another adventure, so I accepted her invitation as I was curious about her project or donation for the school named after their mother, Elisa Panizales Bernardo. As I had still time to be spent in the area, I thought it would be a worthwhile trip.

From the city of Tacurong, we drove over the paved highway, turning left at the junction where the San Lorenzo Ruiz parish church was located, just across the Cordero mango grove. Both sides of the road were shaded by the thickly-foliaged African palms. Very noticeable was the fast development of Baras, where the Bird Sanctuary and the Jarell Resort are located, as well as, Upper Katungal. Practically, houses of indigenous materials stood proudly side by side with colorful concrete ones which were made more interesting by their contemporary architecture. I even noticed a lodging inn with an obviously western block design. Very noticeable, too were the number of small convenience stores (sari-sari stores) and small stalls filled with wet market commodities, that lined both sides of the tidy road. Their presence manifested the affluence of the residents.

We dropped by the Barangay Hall of Baras where Judith delivered donated sets of aprons needed for a certain project. I learned that she has been engrossed in various projects in Baras and New Passi for several years now. When we reached New Passi, we went straight to the site at the back of the Principal’s office where a two-burner stove of concrete and bricks was being constructed. It was intended for the feeding program of the school for the children of poor farmers, and which was initiated by Judith’s elder sister, Nita. As a background, the feeding program was conceived by Nita when she learned about the heavy absences every Monday and Friday. She was told by the principal at the time, Charlie Braga, that many students are impoverished, so that most of them would go to school without taking breakfast at home. From then on, Nita regularly donated I sack of rice which volunteer mothers and teachers cooked into gruel.

On the other hand, the sight of teachers and mothers cooking gruel on makeshift stove on the ground made Judith decide to have a sturdy stove made for them. The design is such that combustible wastes except those made of rubber and plastic could be used as fuel. She personally looked around for able masons who could undertake the construction.

Adjacent to the school is a small parcel of rice field donated by the late Serafin Bernardo to the school so that it would be able to generate an income for projects. Since the time of Charlie Braga as principal, it was well-maintained.  Incidentally, Mr. Braga has been transferred to the neighboring school of Baras as a promotion. He was also responsible for the picturesque landscape of the school, the main avenue of which is lined with hardwood trees. Pockets of flower gardens are also distributed throughout the campus.

The other concern of both Judith and her sister, Nita is the lack of library. There had been plans for its construction but unexpected problems would always crop up. On our way back to the city, Judith confided her wish that someday the project would be realized, but realistic that I am, I told her that assistance from concerned sectors is necessary, First, a structure had to be built and second, books are needed to fill the shelves. The project would surely involve a considerable amount. I confided that I have the same wish….but with a hope that benevolent hands would “touch” the school someday.

The Hedonistic Celebration of Special Occasions

By Impoverished Filipinos

By Apolinario Villalobos

Many Filipinos borrow money to celebrate special occasions such as birthday, fiesta, and anniversaries…I mean here, Filipinos who cannot even afford three square meals a day. They hinge their desire on the wrong justification that the celebration is just once a year, anyway. What they forgot is that the obligation to pay the debt could stretch for not less than three months, especially, if the money is from a loan shark who slaps suckers with as much as 20% interest per month! These unthinking Filipinos are blinded by arrogance as they want to show others that they can afford to splurge money. They also forgot that the people who know them are already aware about their impoverish status in life, so that any effort to cover it up, is useless.

The hedonistic way of celebrating special occasions among Christians is an influence from pagan Romans who were converted into Christianity. The Roman Saturnalia was celebrated for days with fun – dancing, drinking, eating, and sexual activities with wild abandon. Not only was Saturnalia celebrated without let up but anything that can be used as an excuse. This hedonistic practice was brought to the Philippine archipelago by the Spanish friars who preceded the contingents of armed conquistadores who came on galleons. The friars used the celebrations that they masked with spirituality to entice the natives to come down from their mountain abodes with eventual motive of converting them.

Today, the influence is so deeply rooted that it has practically ruined the character of Filipinos in general. As mentioned earlier, many Filipinos would go to the extent of borrowing money from loan sharks in order to celebrate “debut” of daughters, fiestas, birthday, etc, for one day, and suffer from the consequence for months!

On the other hand, those who can afford to feed a barangay as a way of celebrating their birthday, for instance, may go ahead, as nothing could stop them, not even this blog that serves as just a simple reminder, and which they may even view as an idiocy!

Our Unsafe World

By Apolinario Villalobos

Our world is so unsafe today that even billionaires are not secure behind the thick and high walls of their home. Their palatial abode may not be burglarized due to tight security but they may have acquired diseases from excessive vices that can certainly shorten their life…vices that involve “creations” of man such as alcoholic drinks and synthetic foods.

The atmosphere is so poisoned that the rainwater is no longer safe to drink. The air is permeated with heavy carbon dioxide that even the so-called organic vegetables that are not raised with fertilizer are still not safe to eat. Chicken in poultries are fattened with growth-enhancing feeds and so are pigs and cattle.

Fruits are sprayed or swabbed with chemicals so that their shelf-life can be extended. Marine fishes are soaked in formalin to make them look fresh and so are vegetables such as okra, tomatoes, eggplants, slices of young jackfruit (langka), and many others. Fishes filleted and dried (daing), as well as, sardines are also soaked in formalin to make their scales shiny and enticing.

The government that is supposed to protect us can no longer be trusted with confidential information due to careless and corrupt “public servants”. The most important link between diverse humanities, the internet system is also prone to hacking which jeopardizes the security of users. Even the guy sitting next to you in a bus, could be a mugger.

The eroding cultures of peoples result to the overall weakening of human character and his virtual self-annihilation.

A Simple Commemoration…

By Apolinario Villalobos

When I visited the children of my elder sister who passed away followed by her husband, one of them remarked about the wedding anniversary of their parents on that day. Right then and there I decided to help them commemorate the occasion with a very simple celebration. I purchased a 3-kilo chicken to be cooked as adobo, two kilos each of mudfish and catfish to be broiled; turnip (singkamas), pineapple and radish for salad to be garnished with sweet onion and sprinkled with palm oil vinegar; and, sweet potato to be boiled as snacks in the afternoon to be downed with a cocktails of melon, avocado and papaya.

Being Sunday (21 May), the family of Joy, with husband, Junjun, and children, Marianne, Brianne and Zian Josh came for a visit from Polomolok (South Cotabato). Joy is the eldest daughter of my niece, Mary Anne who works in Canada in the company of her other daughter, Micah. Completing the family were Jonathan, and Nonoy and his wife, Bingbing.

On that Sunday morning, everybody had something to do. Junjun took charge of the broiling. Jongjong, the husband of my niece, Neneng, cooked the adobo, the no-frills way that he knows best as a retired soldier – only soy sauce and vinegar as flavors. The rest of the children, Nicole, Kate, Kris and Joy prepared the salad. My deaf and mute elder sister, Nida, took care of Joy’s youngest child, Zian Josh. The rest of the children, Chubs and Johnhon were on standby for errands.

The highlight of the celebration was the visit to the grave by the children at the Shangri-La Memorial Park as a gesture of respect and love, complete with the lighting of a candle and a gift that consisted of a bouquet of orchid from the family garden. My sister loved to raise orchids and other rare plants when she was still alive.

What we had was a kind of celebration that I would like to implant in the mind of my sister’s children – no taint of unnecessary luxury, but simple honesty of affordability….none of ice cream, barbecue, fried chicken, sandwiches, cakes, or pancit, the usual simple fare. I would like to make them understand that a celebration does not necessarily mean sumptuous food.

IN MY MIND, WHAT COUNTS MOST IN COMMEMORATING THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE, IS THE MEMORY MADE ALIVE FOR AT LEAST A DAY AND PRAYERS THAT GO WITH IT…NOTHING ELSE.

The Versatile and Environment-friendly

BANTILLO STOVE

By Apolinario Villalobos

The versatile stove invented by Mr. Alex Bantillo Sr. of Tacurong City can be fed with rice husk, wood, or charcoal. The ingenious stove was conceptualized and designed when Mr. Bantillo opened a restaurant in Tacurong city with an operating cost that, as part of the plan, should not eat up a big portion of the earnings. Raw materials and manpower are out of the question as they are basics in such kind of trade. After a series of afterthoughts, he decided to ponder on the aspect of cooking fuel. Among the products of the city is the charcoal. On the other hand, the city is surrounded with rice fields and rice mills. Firewood is also abundant.

Based on the three locally-available and likewise, abundant traditional fuel, he thought of designing a stove that could be fed with any of them. His design is such that the emitted smoke is filtered, hence, the emission of carbon dioxide is minimized…making the contraption nature-friendly. As regards the rice husks, practically, big heaps are belched out by rice mills. Charcoal and firewood on the other hand are from planted trees and felled forest trees to give way to rural development. In principle, the stove shall also serve as an incinerator as it can also be fed with combustible household waste.

At a glance, the stove of Mr. Bantillo looks like an ordinary box as practically, no smoke is emitted. And, only the big cauldron of broth sitting on one of the burners could make one suspect that it is a stove. According to Mr. Bantillo, he has already received orders for units of his stove from his appreciative customers. He confided, though, that as much as possible, acceptance of orders is controlled as he might not be able to catch up with the demand.

The Bantillo stove is a prominent feature of the operation of the Alex Pata chain that covers the cities of Tacurong (two branches), Koronadal and Isulan. Those interested should better have a close scrutiny of the stove by visiting any of the Alex Pata outlets, for better appreciation and eventual filing of order.

May Isang Roger…

By Apolinario Villalobos

May isang Roger (hindi tunay na pangalan) akong nakilala sa barangay na aking dinaanan. Napansin ko kasi ang isang magandang resort na pang-international and kalibre. Nang magtanong ako ay binanggit ang pangalan niya kaya hinanap ko. Ang nakilala kong may-ari ay naka-short ng maong at t-shirt na kupasin at may mga butas, parehong halatang binili sa ukayan.

Ayon sa kanya, hindi siya degree-holder dahil kapos sa pera ang kanyang mga magulang. Magsasaka ang kanyang tatay at may maliit na tindahan naman ang kanyan nanay. Pagtatanim at pag-aani ng palay ang kanyang kinalakihang trabaho at isa pang kapatid na lalaki na si Zaldy (hindi tunay na pangalan). At kahit sa baryo ipinanganak at lumaki, hindi naging hadlang ang kanyang katayuan sa kanyang pinangarap na maginhawang buhay pagdating ng tamang panahon.

Wala siyang diplomang pinagmamalaki , pero proud siya dahil ang kanyang kapatid na babae ay naging degree holder at nagkaroon ng mataas na puwesto sa isang government agency, at tatawagin kong Myrna (hindi tunay na pangalan). Hindi rin siya naiimbitahan sa mga pagtitipon sa bayan dahil ang mga barkada niya ay tulad din niyang mga taga-baryo. Lahat silang magkakapatid ay nagsikap sa abot ng kanilang makakaya upang mapakinabangan ang kapirasong lupang kanilang nililinang. Ang buong pamilya nila ay nagsiksikan sa isang maliit na bahay na unti-unting dinugtungan upang magkaroon ng kaluwagan sila sa pagkilos sa loob lalo na sa pagtulog.

Hindi siya nasiraan ng loob nang pumanaw ang kanilang mga magulang, at sa halip ay pinag-ibayo pa niya ang kanyang pagsisikap bilang panganay sa mga lalaking magkapatid. Sinubukan niyang mag-buy and sell ng palay at nagtagumpay naman hanggang makapagpatayo ng gilingan (rice mill) at makabili ng trak ng panghakot ng mga palay. Lalo pa siyang nagtagumpay nang makapag-asawa ng isang masinop at magaling humawak ng pera. Sa pag-usad ng panahon nagkaroon sila ng mga anak na naigapang nilang mag-asawa upang lahat ay makatapos ng kolehiyo.

Dahil ang kanilang baryo ay nasa paanan ng burol kung saan ay natuklasan ang isang bukal, naisipan niyang magpatayo ng isang maliit na resort na sa kalaunan ay lumaki at lumawak ang nasasakupan. Nagkaroon ito ng mga overnight facilities at mga fish pond na ang inaaning tilapia, hito at dalag ay binebenta rin sa mga taong hindi naliligo sa resort. Sa kabila ng pagiging busy ay nagawa pa niyang tumakbo bilang Barangay Chairman at nanalo naman. Lalo pang naging tanyag ang kanyang resort dahil sa kanyang katayuan bilang opisyal. Sa kabila ng natamong tagumpay, hindi nakitaan ng kayabangan si Roger. Naka-tsinelas pa rin siya palagi, naka-maong na short pants at t-shirt na binili sa ukayan.

Bilang pasalamat sa natamong tagumpay, regular na nag-aambag si Roger sa isang parukya (parish) na nag-iipon ng pera na magagamit sa pagpapatapos ng simbahan.

The Crooks in Our Midst

By Apolinario Villalobos

The crooks in today’s world are known by several names – skimmers, hackers, scammers, pickpockets, pimps, fakers, drug lords, drug pushers, etc.

There are jet-setting crooks who bring their dubious trade in other countries. In the Philippines there are foreigners who are ATM machine skimmers, and who successfully entered the country as tourists. Some of these are bomb-making experts who ply their trade in many countries for varying handsome fees….with some already in the Philippines sharing their knowledge with local terrorists in the name of religious advocacy. Filipino pickpockets travel to Hongkong and the casinos in the US to ply their trade.

In Manila, particularly, along the stretch of Recto Avenue, fakers of documents, openly solicit clients. Not far away is the Avenida where pimps approach moneyed-looking guys who are shown photos of supposedly “virgin” and pretty and still, supposedly “young students” who need money for their tuition fee. And, of course, among these crooks are the pickpockets, with some of them decent-looking.

Air-con buses that ply the provincial routes from Manila are not spared by fake evangelists who deliver lines from the Bible and then approach passengers to ask for “donation”. And, another group of bus-hoppers is composed of distraught-looking guys and women who show Xeroxed copy of death certificate of supposedly relatives whose remains could not be interred due to lack of funds. I encountered several crook women who showed photos of supposedly members of their family and who are in the hospital and who badly needs financial assistance.

Fly-by-night tour operators have their own kind of modus operandi to successfully swindle sucker tourists, both local and foreign. They advertise too-good-to-be-true cheap tour packages to popular tourist spots complete with several days stay in first class resorts or hotels….payment is online, as the transaction has been made in the same way. Soonest as payment is made, the swindled client is left hanging in the air, as not even the promised transfer service did not materialize.

Other crooks in our midst are those who can’t seem to have a peaceful mind until they have borrowed money from “friends”, and without any intention to pay. I consider them “leeches” as they suck blood from their trusting friends. Unfortunately, many of this kind are supposedly educated, professionals who know that what they are doing is wrong, yet, they persist on exploiting others.

There are many more crooks, as those I mentioned are just some of them. Every one could have been a victim in one way or another, and through small or big deal….as the world is full of them!

Resourceful Cooking

By Apolinario Villalobos

With the soaring prices of various food items that include vegetables, fish, meat and spices, one must be resourceful to be able to scrimp on these. Along with the effort, one must also use ingenuity in coming up with recipes that make use of cheap ingredients and quick cooking to save on fuel, such as gas, electricity, wood or charcoal. The following are some suggested and simple recipes with cheap ingredients:

Other cheap ideas are:

The Bird Festival of Tacurong City (May12-13, 2017)

By Apolinario Villalobos

The just concluded Bird Festival of Tacurong City, held on May 12 and 13 has been a resounding success with several travel bloggers and prominent personalities who are nature lovers in attendance. A contingent from ABS-CBN from Davao City also covered the duration of the affair which included activities such as forum on birdwatching and nature conservation at the Notre Dame of Tacurong College, photo exhibit at the bridge area of Fitmart, bazaar, and art exhibit highlighted by actual application of tattoo on willing visitors, by local tattoo artists at the parking ground of the sanctuary.

The Baras Bird Sanctuaty is located in the barangay of Baras which is a few-minute drive from the downtown area. Owned by Rey Malana and subsidized by the city government, it is situated along the eastern bank of Kapingkong River. Bamboo groves and madre de cacao trees or “kakawate”, many of which are more than 50 years old provide home to the indigenous and migratory birds from mainland China and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. But, dominant among the avian population is the locally known “tagak” or heron.

The sanctuary started as an ordinary “farm” of the Malana family with bamboo groves providing shade to the long stretch of the river bank. When Rey who took care of the property observed the steady arrival of birds which eventually enhanced the increasing population of the indigenous ones, he decided to protect them.  Foremost of his restrictive policies is the non-entry of vehicles beyond the entrance shaded with the branches of trees and bamboos creating an impression of a tunnel. This is necessary to prevent the disturbance of the bird, especially, the nesting ones.

Due to the popularity gained by the sanctuary, thanks to the discreet visit of bloggers who shared their experience among their followers, the local government under the stewardship of Mayor Lina Montilla, initially, provided support. Later, the local tourism office headed by Ms. Emilie Jamorabon, tried hard how to harness the popularity to boost their tourism effort. With the early festivals having shown encouraging results, Ms. Jamorabon sought support from friends for the rest of the festivities that followed. 

The avian festival has decidedly boosted the tourism program of the city which to date is already gaining ground due to the mushrooming of inland resorts located along the peripheries of the downtown area, most especially, in Baras and New Passi, home of the internationally-known Monte Vicenteaux Resort. According to Ms. Jamorabon, more plans are being conceived to encourage birdwatchers from other parts of the country to visit Baras. Among the plan is the putting up of viewing posts and accommodation facilities that would follow the concept of “nature tourism”.

The Baras Bird Sanctuary, is the first-ever community- protected avian haven in southern Mindanao. It provides a serene oasis in the midst of vast palm oil plantations that stretch from Montilla, Katungal, up to New Passi. From the air, the canopy of the palm trees looks like a stretch of dark jade panorama….no wonder the winged creatures found solace among the branches where they built their nests to mark their well-chosen home!

Ed Palomado and His ANGEL’S FOODS AND SPEECH COMPLEX

In Tacurong City

By Apolinario Villalobos

I knew him since high school days as a hardworking student who consistently exerted an effort to be part of various extra-curricular activities due to his oozing self-confidence. Volunteerism was innate in his character as he likewise, unselfishly did his best to contribute for the success of projects in which he was involved. He even tried the terpsichorean group when he joined our Choreographers’ Club under the tutelage of Mrs. Ching Romero and Mrs. Leonor Pagunsan. Among those whom I could recall who were members aside from me and Ed were, Homero Palatolon, the late Hernanie Baclaan, Domingo Cargo, Ruel Lucentales, Ed Collado, Ming Barnachea, Jaime de la Rosa, Baltazar Subando, the late Jaime Mariῆas, Leo Villalobos, Cirilo Baldonado, Pedrito Oani, Ramon Laforteza, Rommel Angel, and Eduardo Nanalis.

Upon graduating from college , he worked for the newly-opened Metrobank in our town and also tried teaching, but finally, decided to open the first-ever speech clinic for the whole region of southern Mindanao that includes the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and cities of General Santos and Koronadal, as well as Tacurong which was yet, a town then. The clinic was based in the latter, with the structure seemed to float in the midst of newly-opened subdivisions and rice fields, far from downtown. Clearly, it was a financial risk on his part, but he went ahead because he wanted to help the young of the region improve their communications skill.

His hard-earned savings went to the initially, box-type structure that housed the speech clinic, the procurement of several units of desk-top computers and high-tech gadgets to ensure an effective tutorial program. The project was a dream- come- true for Ed, as he loved public speaking. He did not pursue masters in any field related to the trade that he chose, learning the ropes by self-study, instead.

Despite the distance from the downtown area, the speech clinic grew in popularity by word of mouth. Electric power was also intermittent during the time, so that the comfort of students was jeopardized. Nevertheless, both students and proprietor persisted. In time, the clinic trained local talents as well as those from neighboring areas, and who were sent by their respective school to compete in inter-school public speaking competitions….and almost always, they would come home victorious.

Ed confided that their family love food and cooking so that when he saw an opportunity to diversify, he chose catering and hosting of social activities. He expanded the speech clinic facilities to include a pictorial corner in the garden, a big banquet area and air-conditioned mini-auditorium fitted with high-tech gadgets. Locals and patrons from neighboring towns were delighted so that in no time, the ANGEL’S FOODS AND PALOMADO SPEECH COMPLEX became deluged with reservations. Families, as well as, students who graduated from the different schools in the city also held their reunions in the complex. Even government agencies that held seminars found the facilities amenable, as could be gleaned from their comments.

When I visited the complex lately, summer classes for kids were ongoing. From the auditorium I could hear youthful voices with American accent delivering elocution pieces. Ed, himself, opened the classes with initial amplified tutorials.

When finally, we had a serious chat in his office, he told me about his long list of reservations and his schedule of procurements for the things that he would need to satisfy the requirements of patrons whose reservations were made months ahead of their scheduled activities. The whole of May is filled with scheduled activities. He spoke in slowly-spoken words and low-tone because of a stroke that made him bed-ridden for several months. The unfortunate occurrence bloated his monthly personal expense by more than Php20,000 due to the drugs that  he needed for recuperation and maintenance of a feeble health. Instead of pitying him, I admired his persistence to walk slowly on his own, without even the help of a cane, while his left hand limply rested on his side.

But the most that I admire in his person is his big heart because of the extended family that he maintains, and consisting of relatives, the young ones of which, being sent to school as far as Davao city. To reciprocate his kindness, they help him in the operation of the food and speech clinic complex.

The Most Benevolent must have let him live longer because of his advocacy founded on unselfish compassion!

HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!

THE MOTHER’S LOVE

By Apolinario Villalobos

Nothing can be more tender than, the mother’s love for her child. Nor can there be more precious care that can be shown than her warm embrace as she smothers her child with kisses.

The mother can cry a river of tears for her child whose face is rumpled with pain. And, she can laugh louder than thunder when tickled by the sight of her child’s face wrapped in glorious joy.

A mother’s love glitters not with the sheen of gold or silver but profound affection that only her heart can emit as it pulsates with love for her child. That is the unequalled greatness of the mother!

But how many of us remember her birthday?...or kiss her when we come home from school?...or wipe the sweat from her face as she struggles with the laundry or, as she tries her best to prepare dinner?

Some ungrateful children are even embarrassed to bring home friends and introduce them to her. Worse is when these ingrates shout at her because she refuses to buy unnecessary gadgets due to a tight budget. But worst, is when these ingrates refuse to eat what she has prepared just because they are vegetables and not junk food such as hot dog, tocino or spaghetti.

A mother is contented with years-old simple “dusters” to save for her child’s beautiful dress, pair of pants, shirt, or toy. It’s she, who patiently helps her child who struggles with homework.

Alas!...thousands of words can be uttered in admiration of a mother, but they are not enough to fathom the depth of the mother’s love for her child. 

A Call from the Youth of the Land…

Let Harmony Breed World Peace!

By Ed Palomado

Let harmony breed peace the world over…yes!...give it a chance! That is our call, we, the youth of the land to you, our elders and parents with differing advocacies and views that have been splitting the world into segments of disparity. The world is a sphere and should have insured the smooth flow of relationship among men as there are no corners that serve as hindrances…that is why God made it as such.

We did not ask to be born into a world beset with chaos due to mere differences in the color of our skin and the diverse tongues that are supposed to bind the world together. Add to them cultures and traditions that have differing propensities.

We did not ask to be born into a world quivering on a foundation weakened by uncertainties as to what the future would bring. In the meantime, more innocent newborn are being brought forth as the hands of time tick with reminders about our hazy destiny. Where should we go from where we stand today?...yes!...where, beloved elders and parents?

Greed has pathetically overshadowed humane principles, having been fed by the unrelenting selfishness of many world leaders. And, pride has blinded the same arrogant leaders who do not give a damn while treading on the path leading toward aspired success that must be had at all cost. They failed to see the rights of others that they trampled to make their covetous desire come true. We, the youth are among the trampled, a misfortune that have cut short a life that could have made us savor what lies ahead of us.

Why must we, the youth, suffer for all of these?

Why can’t there be even a bit of tolerance for all the differences that ensued when God created humanity?

Why can’t tolerance be observed as a show of respect to what others believe in?

Why can’t there be just music instead of the cracking guns that spit forth death?

Why can’t there be love instead of hate?

And, why can’t we extend a hand of compassion, instead of one gripping a gun?

If we let tolerance prevail, there would be understanding…if we let love overcome our hate, there will be compassion….and, if we give harmony a chance, there will be a soothing and delightful tranquility, as everything would just fall into their proper places with synchrony that shall bring forth peace!

So, now I am asking again…why not give peace a chance to rule the world?

(An oratorical peace composed by Ed Palomado for a student in his speech clinic, and which I edited.)