The best thing that I can do

I start my daily routine at 5:00 AM when most of the people are still sound asleep. I would walk around five and a half kilometers to reach Umapad Dumpsite. Not even a typhoon could stop me from doing this daily regimen. After all, I have seven young mouths to feed. I'd rather get wet than hear the hungry sounding stomachs of my three girls and four boys. 

All of my children are schooling. I feel that education is the only escape I can provide them against this hell that we are right now. When I was their age, I did not mind my studies. I saw no sense in scrambling numbers trying to figure out products and quotients when at the end of the day I and my brothers would still go the plantation to harvest pineapples. 

I was born in Mindanao, specifically in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. As glamorous as it sounds, the place is actually of no single glitter. Most people live on a one-day-one-eat scheme. Kids spent their days not in school but in large pineapple and banana plantations doing hard labor to earn a few centavos. We do not have a functioning hospital in our community. It was like, when you suffer an illness, the best that you can have is to implore the heaven that you get healed. 

I lived in Manolo Fortich, the entirety of my teenage life. I think I have harvested more than a hundred thousand pieces of pineapples that now I can't even think of smelling one. Maybe it's true that when you have too much of something, you will start to dislike it. 

When I turned 23, I decided to seek better opportunities in Cebu. I packed up my stuff, which translates to two shirts, one puldoroy, and a dog tag that my grandfather gave me. He said that it was a gift from an American friend during the second world war. It was a treasure that he wanted me to keep and give to the next generation of our kin. It's the only treasure I have with me up to now. Well, at least, I am not that poor enough not to own even a single treasure. 

The first time I arrived in Cebu, I marveled at its modern look. It was so chic to a probinsyano like me. I've never seen such a vast crowd gathered in one place. It was all good until the harsh reality of life slapped me. I tried looking for work, but everywhere I go, they'd ask me for a high school diploma. I don't have one. The truth is when I was in Mindanao, I never cared for my education. After all, why would you need to know how to divide large numbers when you are only earning a few centavos for a hard day in the plantation? 

I started sipping my coffee and ate two pieces of pandesal. The shanty which the eight of us lived was still shrouded in darkness. We do not have electricity. We couldn't afford such a luxury. My children are fast asleep except for Lando, who must go to school early as he is a working student. 

After I was done eating, I rolled two empty sacks, got my kalakay, and started heading to the dumpsite. You would barely recognize me in my scavenger costume. My entire body is generously clothed. I walked unceremoniously but filled with hope that I might hit a pot of gold in the dumpsite. I mean it. I am tired of this life. I don't care about myself anymore; I can't bear it looking at the suffering faces of my children. 

Two trucks arrived, and the witch hunt for plastic and tin cans started. There were 8 of us who would typically come early in the dumpsite. When we are not scavenging, we are the best of friends. But when we start collecting sellable trash, it's a different story. 

The minutes of sorting trash became an hour, and the hours became a day. Filled with exhaustion, I walked towards the junk shop where I would sell my sacks of plastic and metal scraps. That day, I did not hit the pot of gold I was expecting, but I was fortunate enough to have 49 pesos in my pocket. Half a kilo of rice would be 23 pesos, two packs of noodles at 16 pesos. I still have 10 pesos that I saved to give as baon of my kids for the next day. 

Just a few blocks to the slum area where I lived, I've seen many people gathering. The smoke is still rising mightily to the sky. There was a fire, and it was a humungous and devastating one. I ran as fast as I could. 

"My kids! Help me! I need to find my kids." I shouted in despair as I struggle to navigate through the crowd that has gathered. 

There was nothing left. It was like a vast football field, but only that everywhere you look was filled with ashes and debris. I started crying. I was baffled, but then a familiar voice came to my ears. 

"Pa, naa sila tanan sa Gym. Tana adto ta." It was my son Lando who, after hearing the news from his friends, rushed to aid his younger brothers and sisters. 

It was the best feeling that I have had in my life. Knowing that my kids are safe filled my heart with joy. Maybe, I did not hit the pot of gold in the dumpsite, but still, I was blessed for my family is safe. It was at that moment that I realized that it is not money that can bring us genuine happiness. It is seeing the people we love safe and sound. Material things may provide us comfort, but you can never put a price tag on true happiness. 

I am Ondo, a scavenger, a fire victim, a widower. I don't know what's left of the thinning pages of my life, but as long as I live, I will forget all these to focus on the one best thing that I could do… being a father. 

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The three wise monkeys

(A persuasive speech)

Good morning everyone!

The proverbial principle of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” is wonderfully expressed in the image of the three wise monkeys which is a very profound pictorial maxim. I’m here today to talk about it and how right now, most of us are becoming the irony of the three wise monkeys.

Mizaru – the monkey who covers his eyes and sees no evil.

Today, we are at a very crucial period in the history of our country. We are in an oblivion marred by the lack of peace, the lack of rule of law, and utter disrespect to our constitution. Yes, most of us have just turned blind against the injustices that pervade our society today.

To see no evil is good but to act blind and ignore what is happening in our country right now is an utter disregard for the moral and ethical standards that our nation was built upon. What is happening right now is unbecoming of a society. We are in a state of regress instead of progress.

But why are we acting blindly as if everything is okay? Why are we being quiet? Are we really being responsible citizens when we do not support dissent? When we ignore the obvious disregard for the rule of law? When we think that killing is a justified means of eliminating the menace of our society?

Most of us have become ironically like the wise monkey who sees no evil. We see no evil because we are acting blind. We have embraced the idea that these crooked ways are fine because they are what we need to instill order in our society.

Niccolo Machiavelli in his book The Prince said that the end justifies the means. But is it really okay to stick with these unscrupulous methods in order to achieve a safer and sounder society? Is it fine that we are living a Machiavellian society?  

The answer is no! Let us stop this foolishness and act. We need to open our eyes and recognize that these things are wrong. Again, we need to act.

At this point, allow me to move on to the second monkey.

Kikazaru - The monkey who covers his ears and hears no evil.

Today, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of you will turn out to be monkeys - monkeys who hear no evil. We have come to a point where most of us have become deaf of the truth. We are not just acting blind but we have also turned deaf about the reality - about the truth.

We are at a point that fake news is more appealing to most than the real news that is based on facts.  Let us not become the monkey who hears no evil. Let us be open to the truth even if it is something bad. Let us try to listen to the credible source of facts instead of basing our truth on posts on social media.

Let us not be afraid to hear something evil especially if it is the truth. For it is in knowing the real state of things that we are able to better our actions and do what is right.

The last monkey among the three wise monkeys is Iwazaru. The monkey who covers his mouth and speaks no evil.

Today, the moment you voice your opinion on something that is against the current administration or about a pressing issue, you are oftentimes placed in hot waters. People would label you as someone who is anti-government as if what you are saying is pure evil.

But remember that the most dangerous threat to a democracy, to the truth, is when dissent is being labeled as evil. When public opinion is propelled by propaganda, by strategies to sow confusion and disparity, a democracy is on the brink of extinction.

I tell you. Let us not stop speaking of the evil. Let us continue to be vigilant, to speak the truth regardless if it is bad. Let us remember that dissent is an essential ingredient in a democracy. When nobody questions a decision, when nobody is there to say that something is wrong, even the evilest lie can become the most pious truth of all.

Today, I ask all of you. Let us not become the three wise monkeys. Instead, let us be wiser than them. As the youth of today, we play a pivotal role in nation-building. We are more than capable to make a change. We need to stop these absurdities that we are seeing and hearing and we need to have a voice. Remember that even small ripples, when collectively acting, could become the wave that can topple even the strongest wall.

As an ending thought, I would like to leave you this. The worst enemy of the truth is when everyone embraces a lie and accepts it. I pray that there will be no more monkeys among us. No more wise monkeys. Instead, let us be wiser. It’s high time that we make loud of our voice and fight for the truth.

Thank you.

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Why I choose to be happy and why you should

There are times that I feel half-empty deep inside. There are times when I’d ask myself, what am I doing with my life. I think it is a universal thing for us to question our existence, to have doubts about ourselves, and to be filled with whys and why not.

You don’t have to be succumbed by failures to break down and say I can’t do it any longer. Even when you are at the top, you sometimes wonder if it was worth all the struggles and how are you supposed to continue. The truth is that we are born to doubt because that is the very reason why we have evolved as a species. To question our very existence is enough to tell us that we exist. And perhaps the most profound struggle of our existence is the search for happiness.

Happiness is one of the very things that all of us crave for. Sane or not, we all have the desire to feel satisfaction, to feel contentment, to be filled with joy and happiness. We all want to be happy or to think that we are happy. So why is it that some people are all but hatred, anger, and sadness? Why is it that somehow it is difficult for others to smile? Will the world become a better place if there is no suffering and it’s all just merrymaking and fun?

I’m sorry to say but I’m not here to answer those questions. The reasons I have crafted this short snippet of thoughts is because I want to tell you why I choose to be happy and why you should. Let me start with my story.

I grew in an impoverished family (And today, I’m still poor). My parents work hard just to meet the daily ends of life. We’ve been to times where we ate only once in a day. We’ve been to times where there was nothing but water to quench our thirst and relieve our hunger. We’ve been to times where we’d place buckets to catch the dripping rainwater coming from the holes in the dilapidated nipa roof of our small house. I could go all day to tell you about our poverty-stricken life but then that is again not the purpose of this piece.

It is with this impoverished background that I started to develop my old view on happiness. I’ve started to compare my life with others. I’ve set benchmarks to my happiness. I thought that in order for me to be happy I must have the luxuries of life. I thought I must be successful to be happy. I thought that I should be like this and like that to be happy. My definition of happiness has been attached to things to material stuff.

Ten years forward, I now think that for me to see happiness that way is one of the greatest blunders of my life. I realized that it was a mistake for me to equate happiness to being successful sans failures. That happiness is all about being rich with material things. That it is about merrymaking and fun.
I realized that happiness is about contentment. More importantly, it ain’t about having benchmarks but not having one. You don’t need to have a scale to be happy. What you need is the ability to appreciate what you have – to see the greatness in the things around you.

Whether we like or not, there is always someone who is in a better position than us. We could be at the apex of our career at some point but in a snap, it can go downward spiral. Uncertainty is the only thing certain in life. So to say that you can only be happy because of this or that is totally absurd. You can be happy if you choose to. You can be happy if you feel contentment. You can be happy if you remove resentment in your heart.

Don’t compare, don’t put benchmarks. Instead, learn to put value in the things around you. And more importantly, treasure the relationships you have. People may come and go in your life but the thought of having someone journeyed with you is worth a thousand smiles. And remember that the only thing stopping you from being happy is yourself.

Two things that truly define happiness: contentment and appreciation. If you learn to appreciate and if you settle the scores within yourself and stop comparing or putting benchmarks to your life, I see no reason for you not to be happy.

So here are the three reasons why I choose to be happy. (1) I choose to be happy because I can. (2) I choose to be happy because I have to. (3) I choose to be happy because if I’m not the world won’t stop and wait for me to draw a smile.

So why should you choose to be happy? Here are three reasons. (1) You should choose to be happy because you can. (2) You should choose to be happy because you have to. (3) You should choose to be happy because if you don’t the world won’t stop and wait for you to draw a smile.

Let us all fill our souls with contentment and appreciation and surely we will be happy. And again remember that happiness is not about having benchmarks but not having one.

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The sound of death

A cousin rushed to inform us that Romnick, our neighbor, is about to face the repercussion of his sins. 

We hid at home and listened to the audible footsteps of the cops who are going to “tokhang” our young neighbor. A few moments of deafening silence followed as cops walked towards their house. We did not dare to see how many cops were there as we have secured ourselves knowing that there is a possibility of fuss. From our home to Romnick’s abode, you will be passing five houses, our house, the houses of two of my aunts and another house owned by Romnick’s brother. Considering that our house has plywood walls, we know that we were also in imminent danger should the police and Romnick exchange fire. We were calm, but deep inside I know that all of the family members are worried.

It did not take that long before we heard four gunshots followed by the wailing of a woman. That woman was Romnick’s live-in partner. She begged for the life of her husband, but there was no stopping on the police operation. We thought it ended that fast, but then we heard another gunshot. In less than 5 minutes, Romnick is now reduced to a lifeless body. He is nothing but dead. 

Our hearts were beating fast, and our bodies were trembling. It was like we were inside those news reports of witnesses and their accounts of the drug-related killings of today. To others, it was just one of the EJKs to curb the rampant drug trade in our country. But to us, it was an EJK just five houses from where we live. It was an EJK that was scary enough for us to reconsider house renovation. It was an EJK that befall to a neighbor we thought was the most pious among his siblings.

Romnick’s brothers and family are famous in our place for the suspense and drama they have displayed through the years. There was one time when a brother in combat mode chased an elder brother with a bolo. There was one time when the youngest brother destroyed the Utility Pole and hit their mother causing the poor old lady to lose her left eye. There was one time when the daughter of the wife of one of Romnick’s brothers and the said brother got into a heated argument. The girl stated that she was molested by the new live-in partner of his mother while she was asleep. It was a frenzy of expletives coupled with a series of stone throwing. 

As you can see, Romnick’s family is famous enough because of their doing. When it comes to Romnick, it was actually different. We never saw him cause disturbance or menace in the neighborhood. We never saw or heard of him being in conflict with anyone in the area. He seems to be the pious one among the brothers. We thought he was the rose among the thorns. We were actually wrong. Romnick indeed was a drug pusher. In fact, one cousin of mine who has been battling drug addiction confirmed that he was able to buy drugs from Romnick. Indeed, some wolves are dressed in sheep’s skin. 

People started to gather, and the inaudible gossips of the chismosas and chismosos began to roll out. I went out of our house and looked towards the direction of Romnick’s house. There was a sizeable crowd, and one media outlet was able to send a TV reporter. Romnick’s wife was still crying. The police were already gone, and operatives have started to process the crime scene. It did not take that long before the onlookers began to dispel. A few hours later, it seems like everything has gone back to normal.

When it comes to what happened that night, all I can remember is the sound of death. Five gunshots that claimed the life of someone I know. Five shots that ushered fear among us who were there.Five shots that sealed the story of a drug pusher. Five gunshots that confirmed how staying away from drugs can extend one’s life. And five gunshots which showed to us that sometimes to rid the society of evil, extreme measures need to be executed.

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Snappy, the dog who saved my life

Once in a while, we are tested by life itself. If we triumph and succeed, we become better. But if we let the bitterness of the moment drag us down, we will be blinded by hatred… by feelings far worse than death.

“Jim, let me go with you. I wanna join your practice game.”

“Sure… we need a watery boy”

“Well, if you want someone as good as Kobe Bryant as your water boy, then I’m in.”

“Hahaha… You wish”

When people say ball is life, they usually are not that serious about it. But for our family, ball really is life. My father is a retired professional player who once represented the country in the Olympics. My mother is a courtside reporter during her younger days. Now, my father is a coach and my mother is a sports columnist. Their sons, Jim and I, are part of our respective school’s varsity team. Yes, we really love the game, but sometimes what you love can break your heart.

“Kevin, you hurry! Your brother was injured. He has been rushed to the hospital.”

These were the words of my father when he called to inform me about the demise that got my brother Jim. It has been three years since that awful afternoon. When I get to see the crutches that have become part of my brother’s daily living, I cannot stop but curse life for being too bad for him. I myself have stopped playing basketball despite my parents’ disapproval. I hate the game more than ever. I don’t want to let my brother see me inside the court because I don’t want to add more to his sufferings.

When I see my brother pretend that everything is okay, I feel so much disgust. I don’t know but I guess, more than him, it was me who blames the game for what he is right now.

“Kevin, your coach called that you can still catch up for the next season. He said that you are very much welcome to return to the team.”

“Mom, let’s not talk about this again. You know my decision…”

“Well… Just reconsider. By the way, check your room. I have a surprise there for you.”

I was excited when I heard this. I thought mom finally gave me the latest gaming console I was asking. Actually, when I stopped playing basketball, I became addicted to computer games. These games are better as there is no chance that I’ll get injured.

“Wow… a dog!” I exclaimed as I really have been asking my parents for a dog also, but they have been reluctant to give me one.

When I went to see my new pet, my excitement turned into disgust.

“What is this… why are they giving me a crippled dog? Is my brother not enough of a reminder to me of how miserable life can be?” I shouted in disgust.

At first, I did not mind about the crippled dog. The thing looks to me was a failure, a thing that is hopeless. I don’t want to offend my parents, so I just let the dog stay in my custody. The crippled dog would come close to me, trying to get my affection, but my heart and mind have been fixed. It is a useless dog. There even came timed when I would forget to feed the crippled dog for days. But then everything changed one afternoon.

I was at my desk writing a report for school when a golf ball on top of my desk fell and rolled on the floor. The crippled dog ran fast and bit the ball and bumped on my foot. I took the ball and threw it far and the crippled dog brought it back again. This was the start of my affection to the crippled dog. At that moment, I realized that the dog deserves not of condemnation or of pity. A crippled dog does not make it any lesser as a pet. The crippled dog changed me. I realized that if I dwell on the imperfections and forget about everything, it’s not the world that’s failing me, but me failing the world. We live in an imperfect world, and it is with these imperfections that we are able to appreciate more of its beauty.

Now, I and Snappy are close as ever. He is not just my dog, but also my savior. I have now returned to playing basketball and got way closer to my brother. I realized that the world does not end with every failure, with every lost opportunity. In fact, there is always a reason to be excited for tomorrow.

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Tamang Timpla ng Buhay: Pait at Tagumpay

Ang prinsipyo ng dualidad ay makikita sa lahat ng aspeto ng pisikal, metapisikal at pilosopikal na bahagi ng mga bagay at buhay sa mundo kabilang na ang tao. Nariyan ang konsepto ng mabuti at masama, umaga at gabi, langit at impyerno, liwanag at kadiliman, mainit at malamig, at marami pang iba. Likas na nahubog ang kamalayan ng tao sa pagkakaroon ng dalawang magkabila at magkasalungat na katangian o sukat. Dualismo ang tawag dito at mas nauna pa itong mahinuha ng tao kaysa sa pagkakaroon ng wika at kakayahang makipagusap.

Isa sa mga sinaunang kamalayan sa bansang Tsina ay ang Yin Yang. Ito ay isang pilosopiya na nagsasabing ang buhay ng tao ay binubuo ng dalawang aspeto, positibong elemento at negatibong elemento. Para daw maging maligaya at makabuluhan ang buhay ay dapat balanse at hindi lalamang ang isa sa dalawang elementong ito. Hindi naman daw masama ang magnasa ng purong ligaya, subalit nararapat na tanggapin natin na kailangan na minsan makatikim tayo ng pait para matuto at mas tumatag. Ayon nga sa isang makaluman turo, ang sakit na ating nararamdaman ay nagpapaalala sa atin na tayo ay buhay pa at nandito sa isang diperpektong realidad na kung tawagin ay kasalukuyan.

Sa buhay ng tao, marami ang masasabi nating pait. Kasama na rito ang mga problema, mga sakuna, mga kabiguan at higit sa lahat mga pangarap na nanatiling pangarap lamang. Tunay na masaklap ang realidad subalit hindi ito nangangahulugan na walang puwang ang ligaya sa ating buhay. Ang tagumpay ng tao, maging ito ay tagumpay sa pag-iisip, tagumpay sa pag-ibig, tagumpay ng mithiin o tagumpay na pisikal ay nariyan para balansehin ang timbangan ng buhay. Ngunit dapat alalahanin na dapat hinay-hinay lang sa pagtamasa ng saya na dala ng tagumpay. Minsan ay mapaglaro ang tadhana at kaya nitong gawing makulimlim ang umaga kahit na tirik na tirik ang araw.

Sa huli ay mahalagang isapuso natin na ang buhay na ito ay biyayang handog sa bawat isa sa atin. Linangin natin ang ating mga sarili at gawin makabuluhan ang paglalakbay sa mundo. Walang masama kung masubsob kaman sa kangkungan nang maraming beses at tunay na kasiya-siya kung naaabot mo ang alapaap ng tagumpay. Kapag nagsama na ang dalawa, mababalanse nga naman at magiging mas  kapanapanabik ang biyahe mo sa mundo. Kaya relaks lang dapat. May tamang timpla ang buhay. Ito ay may halong pait at kasamang tagumpay.  

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A Mother's Legacy

People say that age is just a number and that it is utterly irrelevant. While I see this as an indisputable truth, I cannot stop myself from thinking of something special to give to my Elaine. In three days time, she is turning 50. She's an independent woman who seems to have no need for people to look for her. She is special and I cannot fathom how I would have survived in this world without the things she has sacrificed for me.

I reached through my pocket before releasing an audible sigh. Will she love the gift I will be giving her? I was contemplating as I looked at the worn-out boots that I am wearing.

“How many years have you been working as a garbage collector?”

“It’s my twentieth year in this job. I am just happy that I will not die a garbage collector John.”

“Good for you! You are doing something noble man. I salute you for doing this.”

I drank the remaining beer and pondered on the remarks of my new partner. John is a young man and I really envy his dedication. Was I like him when I was young, I may have given my daughter and my mother a comfortable life. After the short stay in the pub, I decided to head home.

Along the alleys of this city, I get to feel the presence of Elaine. She is not a famous celebrity. She is not a renowned person. Few knew her. Few knew her story. It was this few people whom I can vouch will stand proud of the real Elaine de Grass.

It was one fateful night of December 1980. Elaine was on her way to the dorm when a group of four college students forced her to hop into their car. Unable to fight, Elaine submitted herself and was brought to the big blue house on the corner of 32^nd and 33^rd Avenue. She wanted to shout for help but her fear capsized her desire to flee. She was drugged up and was raped. The next morning she was found out lying naked near the central plaza. But rather than being cared as someone in distress and a victim, she was labeled a slut. Her parents died fighting for the justice that Elaine deserves. Sad to say, the money and connection of her captors overwhelmed the truth that lies behind that blue house.

Fifteen years forward, Elaine is a single mother. She struggled to work on three jobs to give her son a good life. In the morning, she would deliver harvests from farms in the southern plains to fresh shops in the city. After all these, she would proceed to her next stop. She’ll need to remain standing for 8 hours as a cashier in one of the stores she delivers vegetables. When the store closes, she will hurriedly go to reach the 5 pm log-in time to the restaurant where she works part time.

The young son she had was never appreciative of Elaine’s effort. He despised her mother for raising him alone. He has been rebellious for he felt that it was Elaine’s fault why he never saw or knew who his father was. He stopped schooling at the age of 14 and went to join a gang. It was typical for him and Elaine to just see each other in prison or police station. Elaine bails him out and he walks away. This is the life he has lived for 10 years until he finally settled with the woman who has changed him. This woman was really amazing but then fate is just a bitter thing. The day she gave birth to a girl, the woman died. Nevertheless, everything that has become of the rebellious boy is owed to this woman. It was this event that made the boy realized how much she has failed his own mother. He reopened his heart to the mother he has never considered to be one.

I can clearly recall how my tears were like never ending as Elaine tells me the truth behind my existence. Elaine, the ever naïve and selfless mother was mumbling as she narrates to me what happened that day. This encounter was exactly 10 years ago but I can still remember how the atmosphere of that day has struck a lightning into the very soul of mine. I was a failure as a son. I failed to treasure the very person who saw my existence as a gift more than a curse. It was that time when I realized that I owe Elaine more than what she has received from me.

Up to now, I still feel the intense sense of guilt and remorse when I see Elaine. I tried my best to make it up with her. Nevertheless, Deep in me lies this haunting of conscience that constantly reminds of how I deprived Elaine the chance to become a mother to a young boy. Being a parent, I know that I could never go beyond what Elaine has done to me. I just don’t know how I can show Elaine the gratitude that is in me. And now, she is turning 50. Alas! 50 years of existence in a world which tried her beyond what she could have taken. 50 years filled with sufferings she did not deserve. I know I have to find something that would make her smile, something that would make her happy. I cannot buy the years back but I can surely do things right now to make this woman know that she is special. 

I came to look at the odds and possibilities. I need to do it now. I have saved enough money for Elaine to start her bakeshop. Every since my younger years, I saw her as a very good baker. She has the flare to make bread delicious beyond taste and smell. I will throw her the best birthday surprise, a bakery of her own. Everything is set. I will be serving my last duty tomorrow as a garbage collector. The resignation which I handed a month ago will take effect and I will be able to get the separation pay which I could add up to finance the bakery.

The streets are filled with spirit of Christmas. The colorful displays of the stores and music somehow consoled my soul. I came to pass a jewelry store and saw something peculiar. There is this necklace which is somehow similar to what Elaine has when she was young. The necklace which I once stole and pawned during my younger years somehow reappeared in front of me. Was this coincidence or a work of fate, I do not know. I have decided to purchase this tomorrow and give it to her. She will surely look gorgeous with this necklace.

My last day at work came and everything went as planned. It was a day of joy and sadness. I am happy to start a new life and I am sad to bid farewell to people who have valued and treated me as a man of dignity. I went to the shop and bought the necklace. On the doorstep of our apartment, I felt something eerie and that feeling exemplified when I found out that nobody is inside. I found a note from my daughter telling that Elaine is hospitalized and that she is accompanying her. I hurriedly grab a cab and went to the hospital. The documents of the bakery and the necklace I wanted to give Elaine are still with me. I am still holding my gifts. I went inside the morgue to see her lifeless body. I was in a state of confusion. I took Elaine to my arms and cried. I once again failed Elaine. I just don’t know. I think it was always meant like this. Maybe, I am really a curse to her and I should have never existed in the first place. It was a long period of grieving and I was just lucky that my daughter was there. She was the one who supported me. If not, I could have not known what to do next.

Two months after Elaine was buried, I am still feeling the pain. I am entering Elaine’s room for the first time after her passing. I was surprised as to how organized it is. Elaine died of cancer. She did not tell any of us but she was aware that she was to die that month. It was devastating. Elaine has remained to her character until the end, an independent woman who tries to do things on her own. I pulled one of the drawers and saw a letter addressed to me. Tears were rolling in my cheeks when I reached under her bed and open a box containing the pair of boots she bought me as Christmas gift. I took the necklace from my pocket and smiled. “Elaine, you will always be the best.” I said to myself. I carefully place the boots back and push the gift box back to where it was.

I just learned that the necklace I was about to give to her is actually the real necklace she once owned. She was actually able to recover it from the pawnshop before and kept it hidden for years. Two days before she died, she sold the necklace to the jewelry store to buy me and my daughter gifts. They are all under her bed… The truth behind Elaine, they all are found under her bed. I just did not mind checking them for I already know enough about this woman… Elaine was the mother I missed to have. Elaine was the mother every child would wish for. Elaine is just extraordinary.

I left the room and went to open the bakery. Now that I have more reasons to be happy, I feel rejuvenated. Everything is set inside so I flipped the sign which reads “Welcome to Elaine’s Bakeshop!”

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Ang Wika

Walang hihigit pa sa salitang kaloob sa isang bansa.
Wika ay natatanging yaman na maipagmamayabang.
Walo, sampu o ilang libu man ang kawikaan,
Sila’y diwa ng yaring bayan.
Wika ay mahalaga, ito’y kalaluluwa ng ating bansa.

Isang libung pulo man ay kaya nitong pag-isahin.
Lahat ng pagsubok kapag nagkakaintindihan ay kayang hamakin.
Iisa ang ating tinig kapag sariling wika ating ginamit.
Ano man ang ating minimithi ay tiyak na makakamit.

Ang wika ay sandata ng yaring bayan.
Kahit ano mang lipi’y nagagabayan.
Kahit milyon ay madadala sa tamang daan.
Kapangyarihan ng wika ay ganyan.

At kung pag-unlad ang pag-uusapan.
Ang wika ang siyang tunay na gabay ng bayan.
Tiyak na may pag-unlad ang mamamayan
Kapag wika na ang nagbibigay daan.

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Another November

Here comes another November

trying to take away one more year.

Its coming is becoming haunting

Building in me an ounce of despair.

Relinquished, I fall to its danger.

Another time for me to ponder,

To think, to wink and to breath

To feel life and enjoy the breeze.

Here comes another November.

Its coming is something I fear.

Telling me that sand is filling,

That I might be left with nothing.

I still do not know if I owned it,

Or was I just a passerby of regrets.

I do not know how far I can go,

Or what to look forward to.

Succumbed by a gloomy mist,

I wish to find the final phase;

To find the point for me to rest,

For my soul to become at ease.

Here comes another November

Announcing to me the nearing end.

Teaching me nothing but to mend;

Not to forget but to remember.

Remember the joy of each moment,

Accept each one as an endowment.

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Life is a Big Ha!

Disgust across thy broadest heavens
‘Tis never ending flow of heavy fears
Anger within thy hearts has broaden
A resonance of madness and tears

Ha! Life is surely a maze of mess
A dazzling wagon in a lonely street
There are those who quench with success
Others bathe in the bitterness of defeats

What’s the use of fighting for survival?
When in the end, all must rest in peace.
We are just part of the world’s disposal.
Bear no more, in rest we’re at ease.

Life is Big Ha! Eternally filled with disgust
With lust and the trivial things unmasked
Life is Big Ha! It’s a never-ending holocaust
One is bounded to move along this track

But live not in fear of the mundane end
Oust yourself from thy comfort zone
Stand, get stumbled and learn to bend
Take its dooms, enjoy each storm.

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Live Like a Butterfly

Fly high! Fly High!

Span your wings up to the sky

Reach the heavens, touch the moon

Look down to earth, see its doom

Be Colorful! Be Colorful!

Live a life of rainbows

Forget all your sorrows

Paint thy earth’s meadows

Paint it good and Let it Glow!

Live Well! Live Well!

Make the most of each day

Don’t worry and be happy

Accept defeats, but thirst for Victory!

Yes Transform! Yes Transform!

Change, but always for the good

Afraid not be to take new roads

Make thy dreams so broad

Sleep in Peace! Sleep in Peace!

Beauty can be permanent

But in peace one must rest

For life is nothing but a journey

It ends just a smile away

Live Like a Butterfly

Dream Big, Fly High!

Be Colorful, Live Well!

Learn to transform

Get out from your norms

Yes Live! Live like a Buttery

Be Happy and learn to smile

You got to conquer a thousand miles

For in the end, you can beautifully die.

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The Amazing Restaurant Called Life

You can visit it once, but you can never be back!

There was this restaurant named Life. With their glittering plates, sparkling glasses and exquisite service to offer, a lot of people have gone through this small restaurant. Everybody come to this establishment not knowing what will be served to them. And much to the dismay of most costumers, only a few were offered with a good menu. One time a customer visiting this bistro was served with a dish of wealth, a glass of fame and a big bowl of luxury while at the same time someone on the table was a client that isn’t happy to what was served to him. Who would be if the main course is a dish of problems placed in a rusty plate, a small plastic cup with misfortune for the drink, and a salad of thorns for the dessert?

A lot of stories were written about this restaurant, events inside are happening in ways you can’t ever imagine. One time a person was served with victory as an appetizer but the main course was failures. This man was not able to finish his entire meal. He took one of the knives and stabbed his own chest while eating the main course. Funny things are happening in here too. Once, a young lady that was so ambitious was served with the opportunity of eating gold beside this dirty old man if she agrees to marry this man whom she have known just for a day. What was funny was that on the day of their marriage the old man died and the young lady was left with a big chunk of gold. Having eaten too much and thinking that she still have a lot. She kept on sharing this to opportunistic people together with her on the same table. But before she realizes it, she was left with nothing but a small bite of dust. Having no food to eat, she died poor and hungry.

The fact is that every costumer in this restaurant is served with a unique menu. Some are budget meals, others are so expensive, a few are priceless and most are cheap. But everyone is given the chance to change the food they are eating. That is if they are ready to work for it and to fight for it that was served to another costumer. Some consumer even share their food and are generously giving to people who are less privilege and are eating the cheap ones. Another interesting fact, these menus are flexible also. You may be served with a bottle of Joy or another bottle but of sadness the choice is yours. Then again, what is mostly unacceptable is the fact that others are given the good menu without striving for them while some needs to struggle just to eat better food.

As you can see, this restaurant can offer everybody an assortment. The gourmet may be delightful and appealing or it may be the worst and full of bitterness. But it is up to you, if you are willing to eat bad food for the rest of your meal. We can’t avoid the fact that some are given better food while others are given awful menus. Remember one thing, what ever is given to you, be thankful to the chef.

By the way, this article was written by someone who is still eating inside this bistro and everything he has told you is completely true. He was even served not the best menu, just a fine one. Nevertheless, he is satisfied and pleased.

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What is Love?

In this article, I don’t want to be like other authors who ask you things but will then answer them later. I want to share my own perspective on a very interesting thing. I want to extrapolate on the highly discussed concept of love. I will not give you the meaning of love not because it’s undefined. As a matter of fact I dreamed of its real meaning last night, but I forgot to write it down. This is just my personal justification.

In the history the world, love has played a vital role. It has been a principal cause of war. It was able to conquer death. It even made people give-up all they have. Others received hope from love and some were able to exchange their lives just for it. These things aren’t common to every emotion. Love is so unique that it defies the boundary between what is good and what is bad.

I have read definitions of love. Some are completely agreeable; others are sort of fuzzy. If it’s an emotion that comes from the heart, then it must be a product of something. Well science tells us that everything is composed of atoms. Then love maybe is made-up of atoms too, but I hardly think someone is capable of deciphering its chemical structure. Maybe it’s composed of cells because they say that it is alive. But then again, no one can draw the anatomy of love.

Love is an intimate feeling, a thing which can drive anyone crazy, a song that can calm and serenade a ferocious soul.  It’s like an oxymoron, perhaps even a paradox. I experienced love, and I strongly believe everyone has. This feeling is so powerful. It can’t move mountain, as opposed to an old adage, because only earthquakes can. But how will we be able to say that love exists if we can’t completely define it.

A lot of books, including the Bible, Koran, and other holy scriptures talked of love. Literary geniuses from around the world have written things about it to the point that I am sure of the fact that every language has its own word for love. Artists have drawn, sculpted, and built their own interpretation of love. The funny thing is that none of them was able to define it in a logical and concrete manner.

Existing in a sphere called earth, we all are able to encounter and feel love in different degrees. On the context of the acute ones, we tend to hide them in our pockets. The obtuse and reflex ones are extremely shown that sometimes we have to exhort someone to give us an immediate response. But on cases where it is the right one, we are serene, compassionate, devoted and straightforward. Well, if only there is a protractor designed to measure how large angles of love are, I would have purchased one.

On my own discrete opinion, love is not a thing that comes in no expense because it will cause you a lot of resources. I am not trying to refer to the roses, the chocolates and the sparkling rocks on rings engraved with the phrases “I Love You”, “You’re the Only One” or “Sweetheart” but of the things that are less luxurious, albeit more important, like time, laughs, hugs and kisses. All of these and other amazing benefits make love a priceless possession.

I beg to disagree that love is a feeling of absolute happiness. It’s a combination of positive and the negative emotions. We love because we are ready to get hurt. We love because we are willing to sacrifice. Above all, we love because we believe in our hearts. There is no perfect love, only right love. And the moment you have it, you are willing to give everything away just for that one right thing. The truth is that love turns everyone possessing it a selfless individual.

Love exists in different forms: it may shape like a pyramid, a cross or a piece of crumpled paper. This is not because love isn’t well-structured, but because love is a flexible thing. It can be that you love the way she lie, or you love her the way she is or you love her cause you want to go on a bad romance. You can go speechless and breathless with love. Even to the extent that you just need somebody to love in order to live. You want love for a reason, and the reason is love.

So much with these lyrical thoughts, I am completely puzzled right now. It’s too complicated when you want to end an article about something that is unfathomable. Perhaps, I might end up loosening the screws of my brain. But before that happens, I want to tell you that at the very moment of writing this article I am beguiled by ultimate emotion called love.

Let’s spread our love by praising God, respecting our parents, and doing righteous things for the betterment of the world! Happy Valentines Day folks!

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