When I was in college, one of the good books I have read is entitled My Losing Season. It is about a basketball team meditating on how they weren't able to manage winning a peat in a basketball season. The author, Pat Conroy, tried to narrate in his memoir how as a starting pointguard, he was able to unveil some of life's secrets and pains. That in every losing season there is an opportunity for players to reflect what they have done wrong, strengthen the ties they have with each teammates and their coach and train harder so as not to disappoint themselves the next time.
My November 25 journal entry I chose to entitle "The Giving Season" and indeed it is. It is officially the start of Christmas carol trips, in just three more days we are about to remember the Thanksgiving Day of the Americans. In just a month we are about to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus and how His Father, our Father, gave His Son to us as the primordial act of giving.
Just today, ALicia Keys visited the typhoon victims to do the giving. To serve as inspiration so that the people can have something to hold on to. It is the same way with Manny Pacquiao winning his fight yesterday with Brandon Rios. It is the same way with artists mostly local artists sending the warmth of their loves to the typhoon victims as a way of giving back. How is it? Giving back, a project that I have always wanted to accomplish as I start working in a big company.
I want to giveback. It is a promise of everyone to their every self. It is rooted in the very nature of mankind to donate and offer. It is our way of sending gratitude to our maker.It has always been this way.
Yesterday, we were able to watch "The Hunger Games 2; Catching Fire" my friend Aizee was with his girlfriend Fericka who I have seen for the first time. We went to Alabang Town Center and enjoyed the window shopping and sight seeing there. Feeling the coolness and the ambience I had almost forgot that 1/10th of my people are suffering. There comes Hunger Games. A depiction of what futuristic world could be one day when we're gone. It is also a depiction of corruption, of betrayal of public trust, of deception, of malevolence and extreme poverty.
What was good about the movie? It never make you felt that the violence is around. It was overpowered by the outpouring of love and dedication manifested by the tributes. How sacrifice matters. How dignity is established by truth and how a person who uplifts the moral of the suffering can become an inspiration and icon to set things in a new world order. It is a search for humanity in each and every individual and did I not say, HOPE covered most of the plot.
HOPE. I believe it has been the core message of my blog all along. I always end my journal entries with sentences that looks up for a brighter tomorrow after reporting whatever happened in a particular day. It is also the same message that I found seven years ago as I waited in a tricycle near Brgy Palayan Liliw Laguna. I was waiting for my Empress. Then she came unexpectedly without warning. I was stunned and it lead into a lovely day. How lovely she is that day as she appeared in her magnificence riding in their van. I was looking at her in a close distance while the sky is beginning to shed her rain. It always rain in Laguna every November 25. November 25 2003, It also rained in Liliw and it was one of those days whose I cannot outgrow. I wouldn't want to. The day was a day of HOPE. Yet, more than that, it became a day of love.
LOVE. At the end of the movie, Catching Fire, one will notice how love encapsulated the entire underlying theme. Katniss, finally found love inseide her and probably was able to learn how to love others. Christmas is not just season of giving. More than giving and donating, It is a season of love. My former choral group used to sing "Seasons of Love" during caroling activities. I saw love yesterday as we celebrated the Christ The King Sunday, in the sacraments, the readings and the cooperation of people. I saw love yesterday in the hearts of FIlipinos sending their support to Manny. I saw love between Aizee and Fericka the same as with Dimitri and Zet. I saw love ten years ago and seven years ago. I saw love today in how our celebrities give back. I saw love during the wake of Tito Tony, in the eyes of the bereived. In the eyes of my uncle and aunths who visited us the last time I was home. I had my four day vacation and thanks heaven for that.
More of love I will be able to see in Batangas probably as Vien and I visits there next Sunday. Giving is not that significant without the heart beating for the receiver. Without love, giving is futile. It is a season of giving and we should not forget that it is first and foremost the season of love.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
With Fervor Beneath Faith
This is the evening of November 14, 2013, when all the wailing are reverberating and Christmas carols seem to be postponed. Too many concerts were canceled but too many concerts being put up for the benefits of the tragedounts. This is the date when we are suppose to celebrate the birth of a great woman, Carmelita Te Veridiano, my Filipino teacher, but we just cannot do that. This is the day ten years ago when we ate as a group in a chicken soup house in Liliw Lagubna when there was no electricity current at all because of the typhoon. That was ten years ago, when students can roam around the other town despite the presence of a storm.
Today, it is very much different. An archbishop is asking for a day of prayer, fasting and silence after a calamity. International concerts like that of Matchbox 20 and Foxes were cancelled so as not to insult the mourning populace only to find out local communities are organizing benefit concerts as a form of empathy to people who were ruined by the typhoon surge. This happened after a massive earthquake struck the country not even a month ago. These are evident signs of a new world order, of a day after tomorrow scene, of apocalyptic premonitions.
Nonetheless, the magnitude of the storm is something which human science is still trying to explain and figure out. Most of the time it is bringing fear and tremble to my people, some are seeing this as a form of chastisement and others are stoic about this and believe that it is part of the natural order of things. I am calm knowing that Go dis in full control. The picture of a portion of humanity helping each others hands to lift the victims up from the horrors of yesterday makes you feel at ease about it. It is a lesson which we are learning over and over again. First, with Ondoy; second with the March 11 earthquake and Japan tsunami; with Haiti's earthshake; with habagat; with Pablo; with Boh-Cebu quake and now with the aftermath of Yolanda. Humanity has to stand as a race. Nothing should hold us down.
It is the same motto that comes to mind as I recollect the good old story that happened ten years ago. We were a whole batch gathered in Madre Ignacia hall for a career guidance spearheaded by the Rotary Club in Nagcarlan. They spoke about their careers. One of the speakers was Mr. Tubana, our own teacher. They inspired the entire batch of their stories amidst the rain that makes it hard for us to hear them. They answered most of our questions. I can remember how Mary Blanch ask them a question and bringing out her dilemma about what career path to choose. That was the birthday of Mrs. Veridiano. A rainy Friday. And still the group composed of Kevin, Jhoy, Jenna, Relmark, Daryl, Rene and me pursued a hang out after class. To eat somewhere in Liliw together. There was no electricity but still a happy moment for all of us. We are then aware that soon we will separate ways as we face our college lives. Nothing stopped us from bonding with each other. Not even the typhoon threat at that time. Not even the absence of electricity. Not even the consciousness that my Dad will hit me if I got home wet.
That's the spirit. The same spirit rooted in our being as members of the resilient Filipino offsprings. We are going to stand up no matter what. I want the world to know. I WANT my countrymen to remember that. I want us to prove it. I want the world to learn from us. I want to see happy and cheerful Filipinos composed after the tragic moment in our current history. I want us to SOAR!
Today, it is very much different. An archbishop is asking for a day of prayer, fasting and silence after a calamity. International concerts like that of Matchbox 20 and Foxes were cancelled so as not to insult the mourning populace only to find out local communities are organizing benefit concerts as a form of empathy to people who were ruined by the typhoon surge. This happened after a massive earthquake struck the country not even a month ago. These are evident signs of a new world order, of a day after tomorrow scene, of apocalyptic premonitions.
Nonetheless, the magnitude of the storm is something which human science is still trying to explain and figure out. Most of the time it is bringing fear and tremble to my people, some are seeing this as a form of chastisement and others are stoic about this and believe that it is part of the natural order of things. I am calm knowing that Go dis in full control. The picture of a portion of humanity helping each others hands to lift the victims up from the horrors of yesterday makes you feel at ease about it. It is a lesson which we are learning over and over again. First, with Ondoy; second with the March 11 earthquake and Japan tsunami; with Haiti's earthshake; with habagat; with Pablo; with Boh-Cebu quake and now with the aftermath of Yolanda. Humanity has to stand as a race. Nothing should hold us down.
It is the same motto that comes to mind as I recollect the good old story that happened ten years ago. We were a whole batch gathered in Madre Ignacia hall for a career guidance spearheaded by the Rotary Club in Nagcarlan. They spoke about their careers. One of the speakers was Mr. Tubana, our own teacher. They inspired the entire batch of their stories amidst the rain that makes it hard for us to hear them. They answered most of our questions. I can remember how Mary Blanch ask them a question and bringing out her dilemma about what career path to choose. That was the birthday of Mrs. Veridiano. A rainy Friday. And still the group composed of Kevin, Jhoy, Jenna, Relmark, Daryl, Rene and me pursued a hang out after class. To eat somewhere in Liliw together. There was no electricity but still a happy moment for all of us. We are then aware that soon we will separate ways as we face our college lives. Nothing stopped us from bonding with each other. Not even the typhoon threat at that time. Not even the absence of electricity. Not even the consciousness that my Dad will hit me if I got home wet.
That's the spirit. The same spirit rooted in our being as members of the resilient Filipino offsprings. We are going to stand up no matter what. I want the world to know. I WANT my countrymen to remember that. I want us to prove it. I want the world to learn from us. I want to see happy and cheerful Filipinos composed after the tragic moment in our current history. I want us to SOAR!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Two Ambassadress Spotlighted
Ten years after a wonderful experience of bonding with my highschool classmates for an annual retreat, I am writing this essay with all of them in mind; amidst the plight of my own people who were devastated by a massive earthquake in Bohol and Cebu; in the wake for storm alert which is suppose to hit the country tomorrow; and in the height of the senate hearing for the queen of all scams causing taint of integrity and questionable division in the bastion of senate.
Sometimes I want to wonder when will these all end in a country where all my former highschool friends are depending their dreams for a better life in the future. There was one person who asked me last week if I exercised my rights to vote last Barangay election [October 28, I answered no, because I was working that day for a double pay shift. I believed I contributed more for the country by working on that day than voting a Barangay captain and councilors whose impact for the country's growth is not even as large as the OFWs who give remittances almost every day.
Just recently, Sarah Asher Geronimo was named the NCCA goodwill ambassador for music and arts. There were certain objections for her installation. One prominent figure contesting her appointment is Olivier Ochanine, music director of PPO. Here's a quote of his facebook status about Asher...
"Here is a challenge for Sarah Geronimo.
Without searching the internet or any other sources, please answer the following:
1 - What piece(s) is Lucio San Pedro known for?
2 - What country is Gustav Mahler from?
3 - Give us the names of 2 successful Filipino pianists aside from Cecile Licad.
4 - Who wrote the Ring Cycle?
5 - Who wrote the 1812 Overture?
That's just a start. But I'll be very happy if our music ambassador can answer these correctly without searching the internet."
They were actually questiong the capacity of Asher to hold the post.
We also have Jessy Mendiola who was chosen by the Koeran government to be the an honorary ambassador for Korean tourism. “I am very honored and thankful that the KTO chose me as ambassador. The Koreans are very nice to me when I visited their country and they instantly became dear to my heart,” said Jessy.
It is really good that both of these celebrities are being chosen as ambassadors. But I just remember, everyone is called to be ambassadors. Ambassadors of Christ.
____________________________________________________________________
Personally, I have so much of experiences that enabled me to grow happy and wise. October 27, one of those which really stand as my favorite as I commemorate previous events in the past that happened on that date.
October 30 was Katriz' birthday and I went to Laguna so as to give her my supposed gift and to reunite with my family for the All Saints Day. I wasn't able to give her the gift because of my busy schedule
October 31 became a great day compensating the remorse of 30. We went to San Pablo to treat my Mom and we were with Lorraine who enjoyed the trip also as we ate in Jollibee and bought Aizee my graduation gift.
The concert of Libera happened on October 29 and it had a repeat in Cebu. Just a day ago, One Republic had their concert in Araneta and tomorrow is the scheduled concert of Matchbox 20 which is also the birthday of Charry Vane. There is a news that the cocnert will be cancelled due to the storm. Enrique Gil, the dance prodigy of Star Magic will have his first ever dance concert in Araneta exactly on JS' birthday. They are really making his name big.
But as I am writing all these, two songs occupy my mind in a sentimental way---Zedd and Hayley William's "Stay The Night" and Bruno Mars' "Gorilla"
and so I sing....
Sometimes I want to wonder when will these all end in a country where all my former highschool friends are depending their dreams for a better life in the future. There was one person who asked me last week if I exercised my rights to vote last Barangay election [October 28, I answered no, because I was working that day for a double pay shift. I believed I contributed more for the country by working on that day than voting a Barangay captain and councilors whose impact for the country's growth is not even as large as the OFWs who give remittances almost every day.
Just recently, Sarah Asher Geronimo was named the NCCA goodwill ambassador for music and arts. There were certain objections for her installation. One prominent figure contesting her appointment is Olivier Ochanine, music director of PPO. Here's a quote of his facebook status about Asher...
"Here is a challenge for Sarah Geronimo.
Without searching the internet or any other sources, please answer the following:
1 - What piece(s) is Lucio San Pedro known for?
2 - What country is Gustav Mahler from?
3 - Give us the names of 2 successful Filipino pianists aside from Cecile Licad.
4 - Who wrote the Ring Cycle?
5 - Who wrote the 1812 Overture?
That's just a start. But I'll be very happy if our music ambassador can answer these correctly without searching the internet."
They were actually questiong the capacity of Asher to hold the post.
We also have Jessy Mendiola who was chosen by the Koeran government to be the an honorary ambassador for Korean tourism. “I am very honored and thankful that the KTO chose me as ambassador. The Koreans are very nice to me when I visited their country and they instantly became dear to my heart,” said Jessy.
It is really good that both of these celebrities are being chosen as ambassadors. But I just remember, everyone is called to be ambassadors. Ambassadors of Christ.
____________________________________________________________________
Personally, I have so much of experiences that enabled me to grow happy and wise. October 27, one of those which really stand as my favorite as I commemorate previous events in the past that happened on that date.
October 30 was Katriz' birthday and I went to Laguna so as to give her my supposed gift and to reunite with my family for the All Saints Day. I wasn't able to give her the gift because of my busy schedule
October 31 became a great day compensating the remorse of 30. We went to San Pablo to treat my Mom and we were with Lorraine who enjoyed the trip also as we ate in Jollibee and bought Aizee my graduation gift.
The concert of Libera happened on October 29 and it had a repeat in Cebu. Just a day ago, One Republic had their concert in Araneta and tomorrow is the scheduled concert of Matchbox 20 which is also the birthday of Charry Vane. There is a news that the cocnert will be cancelled due to the storm. Enrique Gil, the dance prodigy of Star Magic will have his first ever dance concert in Araneta exactly on JS' birthday. They are really making his name big.
But as I am writing all these, two songs occupy my mind in a sentimental way---Zedd and Hayley William's "Stay The Night" and Bruno Mars' "Gorilla"
and so I sing....
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