Tribute to Fathers

I do not have my biological father now to greet a “Happy Father’s Day” but I am always grateful that this especial day is celebrate to remind me of a life well-spent. My father died five years ago, though I miss him sometimes, it seems that he is still with us. Also, God has provided me some people to serve as fathers.

Fathers are the people whom we seek for wisdom. My Papa was a silent person, he does not talk too much but when he talks I know that what he says is important. For the difficult decisions that I had to make, I always seek his advise. Even now that what I have is only a foster (or maybe adopted) father, I still go to him for advises.

Fathers are strong. Not only physically but emotionally. Sadly my father succumb to cancer (which we believe is a result of his depression) however we know that his strength was within. He did not want us to suffer from anything. He protects us from sickness and any other danger.

Fathers are compassionate, too. Oftentimes, the virtue of being compassionate is associated with moms but fathers have this virtue, too; they just don’t want to show sometimes because they want to project that they are strong. Deep in their hearts they are and they make ways that these compassion will be turned into an action that makes us happy.

Mothers may be enough to raise us but a family will never be complete with fathers. To my Papa, thank you for your legacy on my life, in our family and to the people whom you have touched. I miss you!

The Individual and the Society

Lately, we have been seeing advocacy-advertisements that encourage individuals to take part in the transformation of the country. Many have already joined, especially that these advocacy are led by popular personalities in media, arts and politics. Many of these are young people who have hopes for the country; young people who, in their age of strength and idealism, want to be agents of change.

The Philippine Constitution acknowledges the vital contribution of young people in nation-building; however, it is usually the non-government organizations that creates the places for the younger generation for self-expression of nationalism. Though many people have already lost their hope for change and became passive, some are still working to give the next generation a better coutry to live in.

Be the Change
The anecdote of ‘The Man Who Wanted to Change the World” is already overused but it never failed to let people realize that they can make the change they want in the society even as individuals. The story is attributed to Rabii Israel Salanter and it reads:

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was very difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn’t change my nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have an impact on my family.
My family and I could have made an impact on our town.
Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

Sometimes, because of our too much eagerness to effect change we see beyond what we can do. We advocate for something we could not even do ourselves. If only many people would realize that as individuals, we can be the change, the impact could make a better society.

The first time I saw the TV ad of “Ako Mismo”, I was already amazed at its concept. It greatly challenges individuals to do something that will effect change. It is a call for a commitment that the individuals would do. Ako Mismo is spearheaded by DDB Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of DDB Group in the Philippines. It is undertaken with the support of PLDT Smart Foundation.

The advocacy believes that each individual, especially the youth, could bring hope and effect change in the country.

Another advocacy that is very popular especially among TV viewers is the “Boto Mo Ipatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” (BMPM) of ABS-CBN. This started from the station’s Citizen Patrol where individuals could be the reporters for their own communities. This time, the advocacy encourages individuals to be patrolers and watchers in the next national election in 2010. The role of individuals is not only responsible voting but to watch over the leaders whom they have elected. Citizen patrolling does not end when the election ends, but it would only be the beginning.

When I was in college, I experienced becoming an election reporter. It was a tough job especially that I was under the biggest radio station in our province, but that experience opened my eyes to many areas of Philippine politics. The things that I had only seen on television or heard over the radio became real in front of me.

I have already joined BMPM through online registration; and as a first time voter, I commit to be responsible in choosing the people who would lead the country. The hope may not actually come from these politicians but raising every glimpse of hope that individuals have can have great impact in the community. Change is not only a responsibility of the government but also of individual citizens.

When Small Things Become Great
The things we commit to do to transform our nation may be small. Maybe we just committed to conserve water in any way we can in our own houses. Maybe we just have committed to teach our children good values or maybe pray for our nation once a week. The things we perceive as small ones can impact our community.

It is not a necessity that each individual do big things to effect change, small things can become great when they are done responsibly and with commitment for a greater cause.

Like the man who wanted to change the world, let us not wait until we are old to realize that the best way to effect change is to change ourselves to become better citizens.

Social Networking and Blogging

I was in high school when I was introduced to the Internet, cyberspace, world wide web or whatever we call it because I needed to search some stuffs for the IT quiz bee. I signed up my first email when I was in third year because I needed to email some relatives abroad.

I thought, that was all.

Then came college and Friendster. Most of my classmates have an account or accounts and they have always asked to add me. But I had none not until the last weeks of college that I finally signed up an account because I wanted to get connected to them even after graduation. I also started my first blog long before blogging became a culture in our class.

So then, I got an account in a social networking site and an online journal.

Then came Multiply, which I did not understand why I still have to have an account, but because many are using it and said that it is better than friendster, I signed up and uploaded some photos. And by the way, I also had an account at Ringo.com which is already closed for uploading my photos. I only have my photobucket now.

After multiply and adding friends into this account came facebook. I did not want to sign up because I already have friendster and multiply and I can have a lot of virtual friends through those sites. Before I forgot, I also have a christianster account. This time, I signed up with facebook because this is the easiest way for me to connect to my friends and colleagues in the US. And I think I am enjoying the features of it more than I did with friendster and multiply.

With blogging, I had my mindsay, account which I left and transferred to blogdrive, which I also left then finally to wordpress, which I am trying to have an update every now and then. I also have other blogs but I find it hard to maintain them. Well, I still write there once in a while.

So what’s the point of having all these accounts?

Most of the world have their lives over the cyberspace. The Internet has an answer to almost all queries even friendship and dating — that is why social networking exist. It is because the creator of those wanted people to get connected amid distance and time (except for the profit of course). If you have one or two or three accounts, you are powerful, because in the on-line world, the most powerful is the individual.

Online, you can have your own identity other than who you really are. Online, you do not have to see people to communicate. Online, you do not have to go to the office to work and the list continues… But what these social networking and blogging contributes to most people is self-expression, something that seems to be difficult to do off line. That’s why I do it.

Overcoming Acid Reflux (GERD)

Have you ever experienced throwing out your food after eating (not anorexic)? Have you ever felt acidic or hungry even if you just eaten? You may want to know if you have a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or simply acid reflux to know what things you should do.

I usually experienced vomiting just after eating or while brushing my tongue after eating when I am stressed. It seems that there is a lot of acid in my stomach and it is not accepting the my food intake. There even came a time when I didn’t even want to eat because I hate the feeling of just throwing the food out after.

However, what I did not know was the food I am eating also affects the condition and even make it worse. Here was my checklist:

coffee (addicted to it) and tea

orange juice and everything citrus (hmmm…)

vinegar and other sour condiments

spicy food (i love sisig!)

spaghetti and other tomato based

chocolates, doughnut, brownie (i love sweets)

potato chips, french fries, mash potatoes

I did not know that these foods are supposed to be avoided. I was not ready to give up coffee and sour foods. I tried to trim down my coffee in take, but still it did not worked. Until such time that I really want to get over GERD and live a little healthy.

Give up coffee. That was one of the most difficult. I love coffee and it has been a great part of my being especially for my being my writer. Its aroma sets my mood and it really keeps me awake during the night. But I knew, this is one of the first to give up.

Switch to apple juice. Though I want apples and apple juice, I never imagined to be the replacement of my best loved coffee. But according to doctors, this is one of the best treatment of GERD. So for two weeks, I tried to drink just apply juice and water and I know it is working.

An apple a day. We always hear the saying, “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” I think this is being made real in me now. I hate going to the doctors because they just ask what you feel then prescribed expensive medications. Well, the first time I discovered this ailment, I had to take ranitidine. It’s a good medicine though, but I just hate taking tablets every meal.

Avoid stressful activities. This is one of the most difficult to do. I am always caught in stressful activities with my many commitments. But then, giving up my job lessened it. I am not telling you that you gave up your job, too, but in every way, try to avoid stress.

Hydrate. One of the best therapy that we can have is to drink a lot of water. Through drinking lot of water, we can flush out toxins out of our body. For me not to forget to drink water, I always get a glass of water in front of me in my working area. I know I need it badly.

The last three weeks has been difficult for me. Of course I had some withdrawal syndromes from the food and drinks that I used to eat but I am feeling better now. I just needed to be serious that I want to get well.

Get more information on GERD and how to avoid it from the following websites:
http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/article.htm
http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods1.htm

The Government Offices

When I go to government offices, I always expect inefficiency and utter, “gobyerno kasi, asa pa ako.” When I come to click government websites, most of them are not updated or the page can not be loaded, “gobyerno kasi, asa pa ako.” But then, I know I should not always perceive “all” government offices as such. There are still some of them that deserve commendation.

PhilPost. I did not know that in the era where email is very prevalent and sending snail mail became less popular, the Philippine Post Office is still making way to be efficient. Last year, I already enjoyed my time staying in the building with their very accommodating tellers. Yesterday, I needed to go there again to mail some letters for out NYC. I was with a friend; the experience was the same and even more.

In each window where mailers can go for assistance, the names and pictures of the tellers behind are posted — one way for us to know whom are we transacting with; and whenever there are complaints it would be easier for us to pin point their employees who did not do their jobs. The tellers were all smile while assisting us.

The mail boxes, which used to be cartons, are already galvanized. With that, it helps mailers sort their mails easier and drop them in the right boxes.

Moreover, it has also a website that is updated and where mailers can go for online assistance. You can also download postal forms and documents from there and fill them up before going to their offices.

PhilPost, you deserve a clap!

(Photos (except the Phil Post Building) courtesy of Mighty.)

Social Security System. Two months after I first applied my SSS Auto Debit Arrangement, it was finally approved and they will begin deducting this March. I have not paid my contribution since October and I am glad I can pay again.

I resigned by job last October but stayed in the same company as part-time employee. As such, my company ceased to pay my SSS, Pag-Ibig and Philhealth. I wanted to settle my SSS contribution first because I know what benefits it can give me in the long run. However, the process was really painstaking.

When we first went to SSS Cubao, they told us to submit the Auto-Debit Enrollment Form to our bank. Mighty went to our bank but the bank said that it should be submitted to the SSS office (ano ba talaga?). Mighty went back to SSS and told them what the bank told him. Finally, they have resolved the issue by telling him to submit a photocopy of valid ID, proof of income and statement of account. Why shouldn’t they told us the first time we went there?

The following week, carrying all the requirements, I went back to their office. The teller again told me to submit the form to my bank (huwaaaattt???). I told her that we already went there and told her the whole story. In fairness to me, I was really trying to be calm. I did not want to raise my voice though I was really annoyed. She told me she do not know what to do with the form because it was their first time to receive such. She even consulted her superiors about it. Other tellers meddled with us and told us that the form should really go to the bank. I did not believe them, I know she only do not know what she was doing. Did SSS make a form and policy like that and the teller was not informed? Impossible!

To appease me, she just received my form, gave me a receipt and told me to follow-up. She told me that she’ll figure out what to do with my application. Prayerfully, I waited for a confirmation. I was not able to follow-up yet until BPI called me up and verified if I really enrolled for an Auto-Debit contribution. That was the first indication that my enrollment already reached my bank and would soon deduct.

Last Friday, I finally received a letter from SSS:

They were not even sure how to address me (hahaha): Dear Sir/Madam.

DTI. This morning, I received a text message telling me that I won a certain raffle:

 ”Congratulations! Ur SIMcard # had won PhP780,000 thru elect/raffle promo draw’s last 03/05/2008 from PGMA Charity Foundation 4 more info & dtl’s pls. call me now. I’m Sec. ALEX  A RAYES DTI-PERMIT #1548 series of 2008.”  —09279418613

It was not my first time to received such kind of text. Previously, I just ignored the texts. This time, curious of what really the person is up to, though I know that such texts are hoax, I tried to reply while I was trying to reach DTI.

I replied to the text asking how can I claim the prize. He still urged me to call. Since no one was answering DTI’s phone, perhaps because it is Saturday, I tried to consult their site. There is a page where consumers can verify DTI permits especially when avoiding text scams. The site told me that the permit is INVALID.

The good thing is that it is now very easy to verify permits of sales promo in just one click or call. I hope many other offices of the government have such efficient services.

Next week, I am planning to get my community tax certificate from the City Hall and update my Pag-Ibig records. I hope they will be as accommodating as the people in the PhilPost. Good luck!

Halloween is Coming

I can’t remember attending any Halloween party. I also do not have any experience wearing any sexy halloween costumes or that pumpkin costume most children wear. I might look wacky in those dresses but I really want those pumpkins, they’re funny!

Halloween is the shortened version All-hallow-even. The celebration on the eve of All Saint’s Day started as a Pagan festival in Ireland and Great Britain. So since I am not planning to go to any party or festivities this coming long weekend (November 1-4), I think, I would just stay home with my coffee and do a lot of things.

Forget those sexy halloween costumes, I would be more comfortable with my pyjamas. I might just stay home with my books, watch movies and a supply of overflowing coffee. Then that’s the Halloween I am looking forward to.

*This is a paid post.

Coffee and Being a Student*

I can’t remember now when did I start taking coffee. I just remember during my childhood, I always sip from my grandfather’s mug; and I used to make my father’s coffee. My drinking of coffee in large amounts really started during my college years. The caffeine content of coffee became beneficial to me especially when I needed to stay really late at night to finish my rush projects. Coffee became my night life.

What I was thankful about was my apartment was just a ride away from the university. So even if I stay up late and wake up a little later than usual I can still make it to my 7:00 am class. I did not have any difficulty in finding student housing because I lived with some relatives. Even if not, student housing might not have really been a problem since there are numerous dormitories and boarding houses around the university.

So I lived just around my university. Now, where’s my coffee? It’s here and I am about to finish my third mug for today. I know I am addicted to it but there are more people out there who drink coffee like their water.

I don’t know if I have ever survived college without coffee. Energy drinks have lesser effects. I still have here my green big cup, as large as a regular Japanese bowl. That cup can be filled twice with black coffee during examination nights. Many times I have stayed awake 24 hours or more. Coffee was my best buddy!

Though my housing as a student was not that conducive for study especially during the day, coffee made it best. Imagine sipping and savoring the aroma of your hot black coffee in the middle of the night, isn’t that invigorating? I have finished many term papers, edited videos, read novels and other reading requirements with the company of a cup of coffee. Coffee runs through my blood.

A cup of coffee is a portion of my life.

*This is a paid post.

No Reservations and Cooking*

It was the first time (I think) that I watched a movie on its opening day. Well, it was a great relief from a stressful work of the day. I am talking about the movie No Reservations that starred charming Catherine Zeta-Jones and good actor Aaron Eckhart. I am no movie fanatic but definitely I know how to watch movie more than enjoying it.

Though it is rare to find your special someone in a restaurant’s kitchen, it’s not impossible. Movies, one way or the other and I want to believe it, reflects the events of reality. How romantic it could be, if it happened in real life, isn’t it? No one reserved the kitchen for the both of them but they met and a love started to sparked.

I am not getting married so soon, it could still be years from now; but I just imagined how the wedding of the couple in No Reservations could have been. It’s the visionary in me talking. They might have had the best wedding favors and flavors. They might have prepared their own menus and tasted the celebration dishes. The character of Zeta-Jones would have been very detailed in choosing her wedding favors from her gown, shoes, place of wedding to the visitors and dishes to be served. I imagine her giving the final instructions to the caterer while in her wedding gown and her make-up artist chasing her. However then, the movie did not reach that kind of plot.

Going back to the movie plot, I agree that the main characters might have been good cooks (if it happened in real life) but it wasn’t all the cooking that brought them together. It is also highlighted in the movie the professional conflict of the two in getting and retaining the position of being the restaurant’s chef. Moreover, Eckharts involvement in the life of Jones and her niece is also emphasized. He became instrumental in bringing closer relationship between the aunt and the child.

In my observation, the movie seemed to be cut short because of time limitation. Many of the characters’ personality were not explored. I can’t connect the metaphor of Jones’ colleague who gave birth and suddenly went out of the scene. Jones’ niece, on the other hand, should have been highlighted more. I believe she is a very good child actress if only given more importance in the plot. What I do not like most is its predictable ending.

More or less, the movie is good and I enjoyed it. I have related my own character with that of Jones’ character. I give it three out of five stars.

For the cooking part, I suppose food has been one of the measures of compatibility between partners. As the saying goes (correct me if I am wrong), the best way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach. For the boys, cook good food! Before planning for your wedding favors, you must already be sure that the one you are going to marry is the one you want to be with for the rest of your life (hmmmm cheesy).

*This is a paid post.

God’s mission, God’s song

1. What are the ways in which music can be used to inspire or transform communities?
2. Elaborate on ways in which music can be used to fight oppression?
3. What role do youth play musically in your churches and also in your communities? Is there a disparity? If so, what are the differences and how can the two be linked?
4. What is the role of music in mission?
5. Can music bridge divides between class, gender, age, religions, communities and countries?

Answering the questions above, it’s amazing to ponder on how music can be instrumental in bridging the gaps of many people because of its universality. It is indeed the language of youth and of the soul.

On top of this blog entry, I am just glad to share to you another article published in a website of a general agency of our church. I submitted the article two months ago and i never heard from [them] since. Curious to what happened to my article, I searched their site and finally found it posted with other articles on music and mission.

Click here and read on.

***
Today is my late father’s 48th birthday: Happy Birthday Papa. I miss you so much!

A reflection on the Aeta community exposure

It was a hot Sunday morning. I was with at least 10 Aeta children. We sat under the shade of a tree for some rest. Photo by Ate Chikai

A child asked me: Nanung lagyu mu? –

At long last! I’ve already finished writing and posting my experiences and reflections on the Aeta community we had last weekend at Sitio Ye Young, Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. I also have some pictures in the post. So check it here!

I hope that you’ll blessed!