THIS IS MY ACCOUNT

One of the the most vivid thing for me is to go from one place to another.
Just enjoy to go out than to stay in four corner of the room. Now this thing makes me an account executive who go out. Prospecting, Bidding, networking. Thanks to this world I learn to walk from all walks of life. Sometimes its a little bit challenging walking in the field, rain or shine. But still its the thing I enjoy most as free like the bird in the wild. One thing to shout "I won't quit.. " But still desert came and and I dig deeper, because I believe that my God is God today, tomorrow,yesterday, and forever. Nothing much to say. :)

WHAT A DAY ?

Nothing to say just telling myself don't quit.

HOW TIMID BECOME TOUGH ?

I have a childhood friend whose name is Anna. We play, study and grow together. When we are young she's so shy and timid. She couldn't speak loud, when strangers came she hide like she saw a monster. She's like a "makahiya" plant whose leaves closes when someone touch it. Gone are those days. Now its only a shadow of what Anna became. Now when I look at her, she has tough and tight facade, what remain is her humble eyes. In our last conversation she told me. "Because of necessity and experience that I have I learned to be tough and eat my pride." "I knock everyone's heart asking for their help. " "Some help for a reason, some help and echoes to the whole world that they help me." "But there are strangers who are sensitive enough to my needs." "Without asking and knowing me personally they feel it and help me." They are the angels of my life who help me not only to stand but to fly without wings. Those people who criticize become a challenge for me not only to be good enough but to be the best in everything I do." "In all this course of life nobody will help you till you are ready to help yourself." "There are times that I want to die rather than to live." "But when I'm ready to stand again I said. "I am a daughter of God and with God's grace floodgates of heaven will open to proclaim that a beggar in this world is a princess and daughter of God." And true enough blessings outpouring ready to be pickup. :)

WHAT MAKES A DELICIOUS CAKE ?

Different talents, different character. But we have one body and that is Christ.

I met a wonderful friend of mine. We met at one of the five star hotel at the heart of the city. We dine in @ the cozy & fancy restaurant. Maybe its too exaggerated but well its for real. I ask for the menu since I'm full, I want light meal. But what caught my eye is the carrot cake.

Different cakes, different taste. But what's the common denominator of all the cakes? First they are all  sweet , delicious, yummy, and soft.

I almost heard the word, "it's just a piece of cake" An idiomatic expression which means easy. Well cake is easy to eat but not the process of baking it. From the ingredients it cost you an arm and a leg :) Well not too much, but could you imagine what make a delicious cake? Simply because of the mixture of ingredients, first the flour,sugar, butter, egg etc......

They are unnoticed ingredients the only dominant is the outer and finish product. But without these ingredients its a tasteless cake. try to eat flour alone or just taste the egg alone. Taste one by one, it's a waste of time because they are not sweet, they are not delicious either. What's the point? As human these delicious cakes teach us a lesson. That all the process of our life from hardship to success help us to become a blessings to others. That we should savor and taste a lot of hardships and when you succeeded you'll appreciate the real happiness and fruit of your labor. Like the mystery of cake, that the right temperature complete the process. Even cook its not so hard, but its a sweet, delicious softy cake. And hear you are fresh from the oven ready to serve. That's the life of a real servant. You serve because of thanksgiving that you succeed despite of all the trials. The fire mold you not to hardened your heart but to experience it first, then if you succeeded you can share the blessings of it to those who experienced it to the present. Like the unnoticed ingredients, real servant doesn't need to be known. What's important is you can use your time , talent and treasure for God's glory. Happy serving :)

WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF CANDLE IN OUR LIFE ?

When I was a child I love to watch parade and procession. For me before parade and procession is just the same. Both has music, drum & lyre and a bunch of people. Its so colorful, and the giveaways ; candies, chocolates wow, what a culture and tradition of Filipino. A couple of months I joined a procession for the celebration of our Lady of Lourdes. I'm hesitant to join but when an old lady gave me a candle for free I force myself to join them. A stranger old lady lighted my candle, and everyone share the light and pass it on. And the procession moved, the wind blows and the candle that I have was unlighted. So I have to light it again but I have no matches with me, I pause for awhile, thinking how to produce light, I look around its like I'm the only one who has unlighted candle. Beside me is a neighbor whose candle was lighted. So even a little bit shy because she's stranger to me I just humbly approached her "can I share the light with you ?" After my candle was lighted, her candle was unlighted also. That moment God spoke to me saying; "Look at those candle like you the light is the Spirit of God in us. Because of sin our candle was unlighted. We can't resolve it alone we need someone who will help us to lit it on. And when we are lighted we should pass the light, don't keep it on yourself. Every now and then temptation will tempt you to sin. You should humbly confess it not only to be clean, but to bless others. As I look at the candle, as it gives light, its life became shorter. What a lovely flame. From a little knot wrapped by the wax and voila the yellow, bluish, reddish flame appear. but when it die two colors appear, first the white smoke and second the black knots. but once you lit it again; The colorful flame started to dance and gives light to darkness.

In our life darkness came but it doesn't mean that you'll stay on that situation forever. As the darkness is gone you have your full life that pass the process. The hard wax that melted is ready to mold again and renew its form. It combined with other melted wax to form a new colorful candle. Candle taught us that we came from different families, different talents, different views, but we need each other to make this life a colorful and a light free world. We need each others strength to light us when we feel weak and down. To God be the glory ! :)

MESSAGE FROM AN INTELLIGENT AND WONDERFUL CHILD

Its just a snap but I caught the most dramatic scene of that graduation. I heard the clear, firm and beautiful voice of that child. "At my young age I already feel stress and anxiety but even though I will stand still and firm and will never quit till I achieve my dreams! She pause, emotionally cry, give the medal to her father. What a dramatic sight I don't know her personally but its a real drama that goes within my soul.

THE HEART OF A TREE

Early in the morning about five o'clock , I could feel the serenity. As I walk on the busy street with the traffic jam, on this early hour,the street was so silent. And the music that the early birds produce, oh! what a beautiful sound. This early birds celebrate the early morning joyfully. Saying "let's celebrate for another beautiful morning that God has made." The air is still fresh and cool hmmmmm what a beautiful morning. :)

As I walk beside the chancel, I saw vendors fixing their merchandise. They came from afar only to sell palm leaves in the city.As a curios fellow I ask "why at that time of Christ people chose palm leaves to become His carpet?" "Why not choose the red carpet for a king?" As I look at the coconut and palm tree, it has glossy and smooth trunks. Climbing alone will take risk. Its a tall tree if you have acrophobia, you might fall especially if the wind blew. To get the fresh, young shoot of the tree, you couldn't afford it by using only your bear hands. You have to use bolo to get it.

The young palm leaves is the center and heart of a palm tree. It symbolizes fresh, unstained soul. When the palm leaves turned to be fully grown, its leaves vow down. pointing the ground saying "from dust we came, we will return to it also." This leaves symbolizes humility. That as they grow they don't boast but vow down.

People from ancient times are committed and faithful follower of Christ. They didn't use any valuable possession, but they sacrifice their full strength. They give gift out of their own little way that came from within.

Jesus has harmony with nature. When He pray He went to the mountain. And before he was captured He prayed at the garden of Gethsemane where there are tress and small plants. Before he die soldiers put crown on His head made of woven thorn branches. And he died on the cross that made of wood and that wood is came from a tree.

As Christian we came from one tree, Jesus Christ is the trunk and we are the branches. Happy reflection. :)

THE BEST PLAY EVER PRODUCE

How God will enter into our hearts if our life is full of trash?



Crowds gather in to watch the series of play. They must avail it because its for free. The usual play in theaters ranges form five hundred pesos to thousand of pesos. What's the difference of this play to other play? First this play is a real life story. Second the venue is inside the church. Third everybody is welcome. Since the admission is free as early as the dawn people gather and find their best seat. As I watch the real drama, one old lady sit comfortably as she wait the play to start. For about thirty minutes of waiting her head sway like a restless drunken man. She started to sleep in a sitting position. Other side of me want to smile for the comic drama that I've watch. But as I hear the buzz of sounds I was disturb. Do I hear it right ? I'm inside the church but the buzz of crowds bring me to the market. It's like they're bidding for the best prize. as the play started, I want to get out but as I started to came out the crowd came out from nowhere. They are like ants in a busy hill. So I stop for a moment, waiting the crowds to clear the area. Wow so amazing! If only this crowds will unite into greatness this world will be as beautiful as paradise. Their sound alone has power. What if they used their action their power maybe triple as their sounds. That moment I wore white tops and skirt, standing beside the chancel opposite to the crowds. As I wait for them to clear the area one lady greeted me and said "hi' I just puzzle out because she is stranger to me. Its like saying "thank you for welcoming us." I have no response but to smile. I'm just standing there waiting for them to finish. The crowds looking at me there's is no way but to silently watch them, acting like a statue. But still another old man greeted me again "hello my dear". He humbly smile, the sound of his voice is so meek. Its like saying "Thank you that you open the gates for us." We'll I just smile again. That moment I hear the voice from heaven. " I put you there not on on your own will but these people will help you to discern the work I'm entrusted into your hands." After moments of dreaming awake, I wake up and the crowds happily watching the best play ever produce.

My heart was thorn because after the play the place of praise and worship become a messy theater and a market place for some. Empty bottled water, plastics was all over the place. What's the lesson that they get? They only want entertainment but they don't get the lesson. Because if they get what's the real reason why they watch the series of play for free. They know how to value everything. Yes their is someone who will clean the area, the mess that they have done, but where is the respect ? This area is a sanctuary. but they treat it as a place for entertainment . Little acts can be as great if you know the value of everything. I silently cry when will these people grow. Our faith is not seasonal, that we only gather if their are special occasion because it entertain us? Grow my dear. How can we bring others to our faith if even in a little way we show no respect? What is putting this trash to its proper place? We love beauty but we don't nurture the real beauty. This season will end but what's the implication of it in our life? Christ has died for us, He paid for our sins not only by silver or gold, but He save us through His Holy Blood. Does it make sense?

Abba Father help us to to grow in your love, that we may value the Holy Blood that you paid for our sins.Help us Lord to become part of your Holy mission. this we pray in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.

IS IT A DREAM ?

Every moment is a test; new life means changing our old sinful life into life of Holiness even its hard for us, surely we can make it, if we submit ourselves to Him.



The colds that shiver my whole body laid me into restlessness. I was like child crying need help from my beloved parents. I slept in a restless manner, until my subconscious bring me to to the gatherings of beggars; people who are abandoned, no house , no clothes, no slippers. They have nothing but the air that they breath that made them alive. It is like a camping that one of the Good Samaritan organized. In this event the participant are the scholars who will engage to the beggars and its a compulsory. Due to necessity, scholars force to do the activities. One of the master of ceremony announce, " Now is the moment that every scholars will do their part." "Engage to the beggars." Look at your back someone is waiting for you your attention." "through your little acts of love...." I heard the announcement but I'm still inside the tent. When I arrived at the area; I saw a mother with her two sons. I saw foot long scattered all over the area and one has bitten. This mother and son silently smiling, but as I examined they are eating the foot long but when I arrive they stop. They are of the family but no scholar assigned so I volunteer myself, talk to them and engage with them in a friendly manner. As I get to know them better my heart was thorn. My tears want to flow but I have to control it, I have to be strong in front of them. They live in a street. they have no house. I saw they are barefooted, they have no slippers. We'll the mother has one clothes, as I look at her. Her dress look like its over a year on his body. They have no water to clean themselves. The tan skin became a black charcoal. The mother is holding one piece of rubber shoes that she pick up from somewhere. As I look at it their is cockroach crawling in it and beginning to spread also inside her body. I can't stand with this scene. I turned my back, hide myself and cried.

I was always complaining that I have a deformed shoes but still I have a pair of shoes. I'm complaining that I rent a house but still I have a house. How bless I am. Forgive me my God. Before I returned to the mother and son I saw clothes for her in red decor with little flowers. I get it and excitedly gave to her. "Here wear it, will suit you perfectly. I said "remove your old garments and wear it." It will not fit to you if you wore it that way. As I observe her she didn't want to throw her old garments. for her its the only possession that she had. As I gave the new dress for her..... still my heart was pounding. Till I wake up. "Huh! is it a dream?" And when I read my companion that day its about giving to the poor. Not only by gospel , but we must be sure to take into account and proclaim it not only by words but by actions. :)

THE CELEBRATION

"When three or more gathered in my name I am with them."



Its Sunday again, I have duty to our sub-parish. The usual time is 6:30 in the afternoon but this day is different its because the mass will start as early as 6:00 pm. Since the time was change the parishioners was not well informed. So when the priest arrived, he want to start already. This priest is always consistent as being early. For him time is so precious. He said " let's start". But still there is no mass attendees yet. But only mass servers. For a minute , one family arrived, there are five members. The priest repeat "let's start". I'm still laughing silently because he don't care if nobody will listen to him. It's like he talk and it echoes to other side of the wall. The mass started, it is composed of one altar server, two lectors, five choir members, the priest and the five mass attendees.

I giggle with myself, but as the mass started... I honor this priest because he is firm with his words and actions.Its my first time to experience the celebration that only servers and five mass attendees. During the mass the word echoes "When three or more gathered in my name I am there." When its my turn to read the readings, still I control myself to laugh with the scene. What I put in my mind is I will read just I read to a thousand of people. That they may hear God's message for them. The funny celebration I thought became a solemn celebration. God is good. This five mass attendees are so blessed because they are the special guest. The number of attendees doesn't hinder the perfect celebration. It is one of the most happiest, solemn and unforgettable celebration I'll treasure for the rest of my life. :)

THE SOLID ICE

Summer time came, as a tropical country , people used to it and used it as a time to have outing and business minded people gather to sell tropical foods. And one of the main ingredients is the ice. As one of the tropical citizen I used to love things with ice. Ice cream, ice candy;all things with ice. Its Already 10 o'clock in the evening but its still hot. I go to the convenient store. I directly went to freezer where ice cream was there. As I look at it its not only ice cream, but there is ice candy and solid ice. I was amazed of the white crystal form called ice. To top it up, its frozen water made into solid ice, amazing! It invite me to to buy one and mixed its with iced tea. As I mixed it, I want to melt it easily. So I break it into pieces, mix it with water, move from one place to another and voila the ice dissolve easily. As I drink the cold iced tea it refreshes my thirsty soul. This simple solid ice mixed with iced tea, speak to me. "Hey you look at me I'm a solid crystal form came from water and will return to water." "When I remain as liquid I have still value, but I'm flexible according to one's needs." "Oh you speak what kind of creature are you ?" "I'm a solid ice you see I have no mouth nor tongue but I can speak to you, I have no heart nor body like you but I can satisfy your needs." "So what then" "Your human much valuable than me, but do you use all your potential to be valuable?" I continue to drink the iced tea. Oh what a knock! The simple ice taught me to use my potentials it can't be. But I have to follow it, like the grinded ice I have to be part of it. If simple ice can do it , so do I. Refreshing day :)

BONDING MOMENTS

One starry night, as I walked going home from a far, I saw a father and son sitting at the cold floor of the street beside the smelly garbage. For some its a pitiful sight, but for this father and son what a lovely moments. The young boy about six-year old asked his father why he do this thing. Collecting with his bare hands the dirty trash from other people's waste. Father at heart he mentor his son saying "my child, if we didn't do it we will not eat." "At your your young age I trained you to become one of the successful men in the world." "See from this scrap we didn't only earn a living but we help this world a better place to be." "And if you keep on doing this thing you will love it, and believe me you will become one of the successful men in the world." " Look not everyone do it, but only the courageous dreamer. No one will get it from you." As the conversation end, I don't know what's the final quest but that moment I catch with my own eyes a lovely conversation from a poor father and son but with a wealthy vision. As I leave them this lesson instill in my heart. "In everything we do we can make a difference if we do it wholeheartedly."

ENCOUNTER WITH THE UNKNOWN

Adoration chapel is the place for a moments of reflection. The modern Mount Sinai, a Holy place wherein you have to remove your sandals not only for the sake of cleanliness,but to feel the Holiness of the place. The Holy Eucharist was exposed.No other image but the Holy Eucharist. It is the place where I go especially when I was lost. I've been from other religion in search for what's the truth. For about five years of attending from other religion I discovered other culture, the faith and commitment.On my search I gain knowledge and acquire how they praise God.One of my spiritual mentor told me,"position is just a title,but for God we are equal, even you have no title act as a leader not to be served,but to serve others." "Because to be a good leader you must be a servant first." Now his doing a mission to other country,but he leave an impact in my life. A stranger who went here in our country just to knock every door in the squatters area. Some people shout at him,but despite of his struggles he still continue with a smile on his face. As a Filipino walking under the heat of the sun is part of my life,but for him who came from a North Pole continent. Wow ! I was moved by his faith. I learn through his actions that if you serve others, think that you do it for God's sake. What a faith,when we talk just a look in his eyes,I understand what he mean. Verbally,sometimes if I don't listen well I couldn't understand his English....Despite of his strength when he pray I saw tears flowing from his eyes. His not my biological father but he became a father and mentor to me. Sometimes I argue with him telling to him that his wrong and I'm right. How fool I am,,,,,despite of differences,misunderstandings that we have,he treat me like a real daughter. He knows when I'm hungry even I said no.

The direction of wind move from east to west, from north to south. As the wind blows I was carried, its not my plan but being a stow away I have no permanent address. Then my destination lead me to Bulacan where I met and work with young but harsh gangster men. I need to be tough. One time instead of cutting the edge of the foil using the sharp cutter accidentally it cut my middle finger ,blood flows. And this tough gangster feel the pain but I don't, I cut my finger not just once but thrice. Physically its painful but I said "I thought your brave why only blood makes you a coward." Despite of their tough style they are afraid to die. That moment I talked to the kindest man on that group. I asked "do you read bible?" " What's bible?" He asked, instead of answering him back I asked him "Do you know Jesus?" "No" wow! a 23 year-old don't know Him, Its started my mission . I'm not a missionary but an encounter with this people taught me to became one. I took out my bible and share  it to him. I introduce Jesus to him. We pray together I hold his hand . He accept Jesus as his savior. That moment we feel the Holy Spirit. I just said "God baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" After that between our gap I feel something cold, that came out from nowhere. I thought I'm the only one who feel it. But to my amazement he react first "do you feel something cold?" I said "yes" Its an Infinite Spirit. God is a living God especially when you call His name. He is there present.That bible that we used, I leave it to him and I said share it also to others. Five months later I leave the place. I planted the seeds and I believe it will sprout and will bear fruits.

Wind blows again,now I encounter other religion saying "We are the only one who will be saved." A righteous people. Well their faith is organized, they are committed people. But my heart says "how about my family,so they will not be saved ?" After that I was in a limbo. Here's the turning point when I return my faith as a child humbly saying"Lord guide me to what is real." God answer"Love is the truth" That's why when I return I said "God help me to bring your lost sheep into your presence. Now the encounter to the unknown is spontaneous. Lately I met a woman who was drunk crying out loud to the Solemnity of Eucharistic Chapel. At first I ignore her but when she said "I couldn't breath"I sat beside her and I asked her if we can  talked outside.But she said "No God is here" "I forgot God" "I'm a sinner" I want to die" words that came out from her mouth. I know she's attention seeker but now its for real. Her hands hardened and she couldn't put it together. I help her but it doesn't work. She said she want to pray so I help her I said "follow me " we pray the "Our Father" after that I said "Now put your hands together and true enough his hands softened and she put her hands together a sign of prayerful hands. Oh my I said in Jesus name heal her and wow what a miracle. After that we help her way outside and I talked to her. I learned how problematic she is. And yes an ordinary person who is weak will collapsed to his faith. And will turn to became insane or commit suicide. After our conversation she hug and kiss me like a saint.

In our life we keep on encountering strangers, if we judge them we lost the opportunity of being a Christlike . Being a Christian we need to have personal encounter with Christ and walk on His footstep. And if you only chose to talk to common friend , to the normal and tidy , the encounter is just usual. But when you listen to the stories, pains and hurts of the unknown,untidy,and to the little one's you can feel God is with you. And this problematic creature will turn cries to smiles. And you yourself will be happy because you don't do anything but to listen with all your heart. To God be the Glory! Amen. :)

FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

Heavy rain pour down, should I walk till I get wet allover? I might get sick. I have no umbrella with me, but still God provides a shelter a nearby bakery, wow I feel hungry. For about thirty minutes I stand there like a guard watching, observing all the people around, waiting for the rain to stop. The truck of flour arrived and its still raining, the overseer told, "wait till the rain stop before you put it down." That moment the delivery men and the driver were restless.They are still young but no other choice but to do their job in order to earn a living. Their delivery truck was open and of course they are wet just protecting the flour not to became wet, they sacrifice theirself. The overseer of the bakery called them "come down take a break." He gave them "merienda" Wow! what a kind creature. I feel his sympathy to them. Yes to be successful you must have a successful relationship from all walks of life. After they eat, they gain strenght and enthusiastically do their job, not only because it's their function, but because they want to give an excellent service because the overseer treat them kindly. Its not the money itself, but building a relationship that matters.

Its almost an hour, and still the rain keeps pouring. What shall Ido? Command the rain? " Rain, stop!, please can you do me a favor? Wow! it works the heavy rain became a shower. My house still far I need to ride, but wait all the vehicles was full its Friday and its mid full trip. As I observed men just only held a part of jeep, standing. Is its just a culture, or a real sign of poverty? Thanks God for about two hours of praying an empty jeepney passed by, and I was amazed because the driver saw me. our distance is about ten meters away side ward. Thanks God even in small details God provides.

That night a friend of mine send me a text. "Do we still pursue our plan despite the rain?" With confidence I replied "yes". And true enough early morning when I wake up its a fine day! We have our jogging and picnic as planned its beside the river with no plates but banana leaves and ate with our bare hands. We don't bring water, so I looked at the place, and thanks God their is water safe to drink. That day, the words is clear "water is a fountain of life." One of our group told. "My cousin don't drink water because he saw how dirty the water is." He saw that it came from the dirty rivers it passes through the dirty tube. That's why he had kidney failure and died ". As a group everyone reacted one said " Not all water is dirty" Being the eldest, I said "scientifically our body is 75% composed of water, that's why we need it." first in order to live we need air, second water, and solid food is only tertiary." And I said with a joke "even how clean or safe your life style is, if its your time to die you will." I laugh telling its a joke but true.Lesson that day "we don't have to generalize its just a part, its an isolated case.It reminds me of the church leaders. Members look to the leaders and if they fall, members also fall and die. I have many acquaintance who of being a general thinker, thinks all is the same. They don't go to church blaming the leaders saying "I have no confidence to church leaders". Well God will understand I just pray on my own." Huh ! what a sigh . What can I do for them? Need to silently pray ? It works but still we need action to move mountains.

PAGLALAKBAY

Walong oras bago magbagong taon. "Makarating kaya ako sa oras ng maghihiwalay ang taon?" Sa Cubao walang masakyan puno lahat ng bus. Kung dati paroo"t parito ang sasakyan ngayon kaylangan pang pumunta sa terminal, pero wala na daw biyahe. Sige lakad tanong dito tanong doon. Ang ganda pala ng kabuuan ng Cubao akala ko himpilan lang ng mga sasakyan, may nakatago palang angking kagandahan. Sa paggagalugad ng masasakyan nakita ko ang "Chocolate Factory" "Puro tsokolate kaya ang lahat ng bagay dyan?" Nililibang ang sarili pero ang totoo naiinip na, isang taon na rin ng huli akong umuwi. Sa wakas nakarating ako sa Edsa at nakakita ng biyahe sa Pangasinan hindi pa puno pero may kamahalan ordinary bus pero presyong pang espesyal. Ang mahalaga makarating ako sa amin. Ang bilis napuno ang bus kulang na lang pati bubong pagkasyahin upang makarating lang sa paroroonan. Animo'y mabubuwal ang bus tumatagilid hindi na balanse ang iba'y nagsisigawan. Rosaryo naman ang siyang tanging hawak. Sa daan may mga nagpapaputok, may mga fireworks na nadaanan,. Sa bawat bahay may makukulay na ilaw ngunit meron ding tahanang madilim, tahimik. Ilang oras na lang makakarating na din ako sa lupang sinilangan.Pagyapak sa bayang sinilangan madarama ang pamilyar na yakap at simoy ng hangin na umukit sa aking katauhan.

Eksaktong alas dose nakarating ako ng aming tahanan. naabutan si Inay na naghahanda ng "media noche" Tahimik "Ay! may bisita pala tayo" sambit ng aking nakababatang kapatid. Buhat sa mahabang biyahe kumakalam na ang aking sikmura, tinanong kung may kanin, ipinaghanda ako ni Katel may adobo ngunit mas pinili ko ang kamatis, at tinapa. Nanabik akong kumain ng nakakamay payak ang ulam pero maganang kumain. "Ang payat mo" wika ni Katel. Si Bantay maamong lumapit, nagsasabing "saluhan kita sa iyong pagkain" Kung ako ang papipiliin mas nanaisin kung manatili sa aming munting tahanan kasama ang aking pamilya. Ito ang buhay na payak ngunit masaya. Komportableng buhay, ngunit sa isang banda may naghihintay na gawaing itinakda. Kinaumagahan kasama ang aking bunsong kapatid pumunta kami sa bukid nilibot ito. Nakakita ng mga bakang nanginginain ng damo, mga punong kahoy na namumunga. Sininghap ang sariwang hangin bagay na nakakapanabik. Maririnig ang awitin ng pang umagang ibon. Makikita ang makukulay na paru- parong lumilipad sa mga bulaklak na tumubong kusa. Nang napagod bumalik sa tahanan. "Inay puede ninyo ba akong gupitan?" ito ang pinanabikan kong oras na tulad ng ako'y musmos pinipilit gupitan ni Inay ngunit ngayo'y siya kung hinahanap-hanap. Dagling tumalima si Inay malabo na rin ang mata niya, kung dati di kaylangan ng salamin ngayon sa bawat sandali kaylangan niya ang tulong nito. Madarama ang banayad na pa-ibig at pagaaruga. Sa wari ko'y habang ginugupitan ako ni Inay ang kanyang mga kamay sabay na dumadalangin sa bawat haplos nito. Ang yayat niyang kamay na nag-aruga at pinanday ng hirap ng panahon. Kinahapunan namaalam na rin ako sabi niya "Dumito ka na, at tayo'y magtutuwang sa ating kabuhayan. Hinihintay ako na pigilan ni Inay ngunit hindi binigyan ako ng laya na gawin kung ano ang gusto ko. Kasama ng kanyang pagmamahal, payo at tiwala humayo ako at tinahak ang mundo ng walang katiyakan. Sa aking paglalakbay nakakita ng mga makukulay na bulaklak na di naman tinanim ngunit kusang tumubo, ang mga ito'y nasa gilid ng gulod. May mga ibon ding langay langay kulay puti nanginginain sa palayan. Napakagandang tanawin. May tinig na nagsasabing "Tingnan mo ang damo, ang ibon di gumagawa o humahabi man ngunit sila'y nabubuhay. Sila'y Iniingatan ikaw pa kayang nilikhang kawangis niya?" Tunay sa aking pagbabalik ang tiwala at pagasa ang siyang instrumento sa pagtahak upang makakilos ng akma sa mundong walang katiyakan.

WALK WITH A SMILE :)

At home I prepared myself, being an account executive I learned to dress like an executive. Last Saturday I attended a gatherings and a business attire is a must. I'm tired of it, wearing coat to look like an executive, its so hot especially here in our lovable country. "Sacrifice its a must" Huh! silent whisper from the right side of my head? How many rides did it takes ? Just only three rides by jeepney. Just imagine an executive attire riding a jeepney plus the free powder of dust and all the different perfumes from smoke belching, bystanders cigarette smokers,passed by the wet market, and traffic jam which means that our country is so rich in different kinds of vehicles. A silent laugh. And this place wow! its so fascinating! There is no jeepney on this place. Only private vehicles and a cab. Check my wallet" Oh no! never mind." "You have your feet trained to walk remember you graduated in a Citizen's Army Training" A consolation thought. An executive marching a hundred meters with hills knocking on the floor. "Sorry for the noise its my shoes" telling "hey! I'm tired." "Please bear with me my lovely shoes." "Don't worry I'll give you a treat I'll buy a cream for you." Inside the tent "be composed" "fix yourself" "Look at ease" "listen!". Wow! speakers are great. I was empowered by their talks. Its a prized for a little sacrificed. The gatherings finished my colleague introduce me to her business partner well shake hands from here and there. "Nice meeting you." I have another batch of meeting to attend to . "I have to go." Another sacrificed , before I leave the place, I observed that this place is designed copied from a foreign place. Yes its not for the usual Filipino. And as I looked around foreigners hang around the vicinities . "be happy without riding a plane your here at the foreign place." Where can you get that?"

Time to go.

Scene No. 1 : get a cellphone 'hey honey please pick me up"

Scene No. 2 :'"My car is out there I have to walk a little longer"

Scene No. 3 : "I love to walk it keeps me fit."

Funny thoughts but seriously as I walked I pray and said with a smile "I can conquer all things because I have a Big God!"

LIFE OF A SERVANT

Adventurous? Life is full of surprises. Even if you plan your life as what you want, there's a path that lead you to crossroads. This crossroads lead me to experience things I never wish nor planned in my life but here it is. Face the reality. I'm lost, I don't know what path to take. I'm tired, I want to quit. Out of nowhere there's a strong force guiding me to a place I'm not familiar with. During this times of turmoil, time of trying times. I ask myself "what keeps me on serving ?", "It is for my own?" As I examine it leads me to a deep purpose. Now I remember that once in my life I test His power and made a vow, a promise, a covenant between me and Him. Nobody knows, but how could I keep my promise? To proclaim His love. But how could I proclaim? Through the creation He made. Human, an imperfect human, doubts, fears engraved. A promise should not be broken especially if it made by the unseen Powerful Creator of All. Struggles, hindrances a test of fire make the black stone, glitter into gold.

WHO GIVE THE BEST ?

"KNOCK AND IT SHALL BE OPENED"

"ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN"

"SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND"





This Christmas a friend of mine invited me to have carol. I think first, because as I remember,I was only six year-old then and that is the first and the last carol that I have. But now in my adult life better than buying candies is a more complicated need. December 23 we started 9:30 P.M. at first we serenade one house till four songs, but nobody came out, we said "nice try its our practice" Second house "return tomorrow" Third house "please forgive" "you have forgiven" silent murmur.

We passed by small and big houses, most houses have dogs, but this gentleman in front of their home is a big dog barking at us but still we continue singing not paying attention to the barking dog. A handsome gentleman came out "great I thought you'll be afraid of my dog" And he gave us a fifty peso bill. Our motto that night "Its a game of number, we have to serenade all the houses that we see big or small." It was an exciting Christmas we carol even the woman who washed clothes in front of their house. Wow!, for her what a beautiful woman and a privilege to sing in front of her. She's like a queen that night. We also serenade a woman doing pedicure. All smile they love singing in front of them, we passed by party people, request songs but hey, we're not a professional singer. We just sing from our heart, our only asset is our fighting spirit saying "we can make it"

As we continue we passed by at the remote areas to that small nipa hut as we sing I remember Joseph and Mary when they're looking for a place at Betlehem, but nobody took them in, till they find a place for camel, but the manger was born in that humble but peaceful and carefree world. As we carol Mang Titoy silently sit, not expecting to give any penny we just enjoy what we're doing. Two of our colleague dance and we do the chorus, and at the end Mang Titoy gave us a one hundred peso bill, for us it was the highest amount that we received. "Its not how big the house is ,its how big the heart is."

THE YOUNG SOWER

Mainit ang sikat ng araw na nanunuot sa balat ng bawat tamaan nito. Ang lupa'y tigang, sa kabilang banda'y nandoon na ang batang manghahasik. Maaga pa lang nasa taniman na ang batang manghahasik at sumisigaw nang , "Gising mga kapwa manghahasik at tayo'y maghasik ng binhi." Nagising nga ang ibang manghahasik ngunit galit na galit sa Kanya. "Batang manghahasik, halika nga rito." "Nakikita mo ba ang punong iyan?" Nakita nga ng batang manghahasik ang itinuturo ng kapwa manghahasik ito'y isang matayog na puno ng igos,. "Opo ito'y isang matayog na puno ng igos." "Tama at sa tantiya mo baguhan pa lang kami sa mundo ng pagtatanim?" "Hindi po, dahil upang makapagpayabong ng gayong katayog na puno taon ang bubunuin." Kung ganoon batang manghahasik mauunawan mo ang aking sasabihin, matagal na kaming nagtatanim at naghahasik ng binhi ngunit walang napapala." Ngayon bilang nauna sa larangang ito, ngayon pa lang sinasabi ko sa iyo, tigilan mo na ang paghahasik, dahil tulad nami'y wala ka ring mapapala sa iyong ginagawa."; Nag isip ang batang manghahasik, "Tama ang aking kapwa manghahasik, bakit pa ako maghahasik, wala naman akong mapapala." Nanghina ang kalooban niya na ipagpatuloy ang nasimulan, kaya't namaalam na siya sa matandang manghahasik. "Tama po kayo, kung gayon maghahanap na lang po ako ng mas makabuluhang bagay kaysa sa paghahasik ng binhi." "Magaling kung ganon, dahil ang katulad mong isang bagito, hamak at walang halaga sa mundong ito ay walang karapatang umani ng bunga." Pinagtatawanan siya ng mga matatandang manghahasik. Sa daan palabas ng taniman, nakita niya ang isa pang manghahasik nakaupo sa pilapil. Nilapitan niya ito at umupo sa tabi nito. "Kaibigan, kumusta?" "Galing ako sa kabilang ibayo, kasama ng isang banyaga nais kong takasan ang mundo ng paghahasik." sagot ng manghahasik. "ngunit bigo pa rin ako, ayoko ng maghasik dahil bukod sa tigang ang lupa, kapag daka'y may baha at bagyo upang tangayin aking mga inihasik." "laging may kulang sa aking buhay ako'y pinanghihinaan na kaibigan upang magpatuloy." Ni isang salita'y walang masabi ang batang manghahasik ang tanging alam niya'y gutom ang kanyang kaibigan, kung kaya't inilabas ang baong tinapay at ibinahagi sa kapwa manghahasik. "Kaibigan kain tayo ito ang tinapay pagsaluhan natin." Napapangiti ang kaibigan sa pagkain ng tinapay. "Kaibigan napakasarap ng tinapay na ito "Tunay kaibigan dahil ang tinapay na ito ay buhat sa inaning bunga ng trigo na ang tanging puhunan ay dugo at pawis." sagot ng batang manghahasik. "Dahil sa tinapay na ito kaibigan ako'y nagkaroon ng lakas at pag- asa na magpatuloy sa pagtatanim." "Dahil may kilala ako na batang manghahasik, na nagpapatuloy sa kanyang nasimulan at nagtitiyaga hanggang magkaroon ng bunga ang kanyang inihasik upang maging kapakinabangan ng marami." "Salamat kaibigan, di ka nag iisa dahil magkasama tayo sa hamon ng buhay."

Nasisiyahan na naghiwalay ang magkaibigang manghahasik at sa paglalakad ng batang manghahasik kanyang naisasaloob "Di ko kaylangan magtanim ng binhi ng puno ng igos, maging matayog man ngunit walang bunga ." Mas nanaisin kong maghasik ng binhi ng trigo na sa kapanahunan at magbunga yumuyukod ito at nagsasabing "handa na ang aking bunga upang maging pagkain ng marami." Bilang nilikha tunay na ang halaga ng ating buhay ay hindi batay sa ating natamo ngunit ito'y nakasalig sa ating naibahagi.

DOWNPOUR

It was a clear morning, all of a sudden the rain fall, I'm not prepared I have no umbrella with me. If I will wait till the rain stop maybe I'll stay till afternoon. So I walk and said " Holy water from heaven". As I walk, I saw a man sitting and carrying with his arms, something like a cloth but as I looked closely its a tiny baby keep with his father's arms and hug it as tight as he could. I was touched by the father's gesture and a whisper from above said "It's like you no matter how hard the rain, the storm, or heat of the sun I will keep you with my loving arms because you are my baby."