It Has to be Now; My Review of the ATM Mentality Applied to Summer Heat-Beat Experience

As I have expected, summer of this year will be fond memorable. Not only because of the activities which we held to close the school year in the academe but also because of the simple joys that sociability has endorsed to us.

Outdoor activities such as window shopping in festival galleries and bathing in several resorts here in the province towered among the most fun filled memories that I would like to share in this summer chronicle.

The last week of April proved to be the culmination of the entire month brought by the ever sweet visit of friends from Manila who made it a treat to experience the province and my company. Actually, it is my family’s company now which they hold dear. This provincial trip is divided into two parts; Summer Festival Week Part and Summer Festival Week Part 2.

First to make a visit was Alex and his brother, Aaron. First day they spent with us was a Sunday. We made a visit first to my Dad’s grave and then we proceeded to Vien’s residence where they met for the first time Tito Ven and Tita Azon including Kuya Gil and Kim. Also present were Kristine, Vien’s friend from the office and Jazel, Kuya Gil’s friend.

Afternoon of that Sunday we just had lunch at home and immediately went to Real Resort to swim and bond. There Alex met Isaac and acquaint with each other. The bonding on water was made hotter not by the sun but by the sharing of wild wine. After bathing in the river we went back home only to watch the street parade as the closing of Ana Kalang Festival. We went back to Vien’s residence for the TV broadcast of the Presidential Town Hall Debate. We also had our dinner in that house. Before finally retiring home for that long Sunday, we watched the battle of the bands at the municipal gym. As I try to recall all that happened that Sunday which is Dan Carlo’s birthday, I can only say that it was an enormously vivacious Sunday.
Monday we went to Bunga Falls for another swimming bonding. We ate our lunch and then took advantage of the water until it was 4pm. At 5pm we were home and 6pm Alex and Ron went back to Manila bringing with them the happiness that Laguna augmented in their summer lives.

Summer Festival Week Part 2 started morning of April 28. Aizee and Ron travelled back home from Manila to celebrate Ron’s 29th birthday with his family. Aizee and I were really fortunate because we made use of the celebration to meet each other. It was like a ten year long separation because catching up almost meant like a lifetime. Aizee next to Dan Carlo is the most important male person in my life. His friendship I consider as brotherhood. We went home late that night and found out that he was a little bit sick.

Friday morning is like a lazy morning. Both Aizee and I cannot even get up from bed even in our most desire to be at the river as early as possible. We wanted it to be in Bunga Falls but the travel would take us to long including the preparations we would need and the vehicle we also have to pay. We were waiting for Ron to come but it took him until 3pm to be there and the rain also destructed our plans for the day. However, the birthday celebration continued when Ron decided to bring us in Cake Frost and ordered Pansit Meal. That same evening, Jay-r joined us in drinking and chatting. It was a night to remember. It was a memorable intimate boys’ night theme.

Since Ron stayed with us throughout the night, we had a better morning bonding on bed. It cannot be without laughter. We had our breakfast and then made plans to swim at Real Resort. We were the only persons to take a swim bonding there so we took advantage of the running water fully for ourselves alone. Coby was with us. It was a nice treat actually as Ron looked after Coby and stayed at the cottage. On the other end, Aizee and I really had fun with the water. After we went up to the land, rain fell down so we were really thankful that we were already home during the rain. We had our lunch and then moved to Liliw for the street dance.

In Liliw, we had our regular cable watching and high internet connectivity enabled us to have chats with other friends. Thus we were invited to be present in a catching up dinner in Maybel and Niño’s residence. So after our recreation time in Liliw we went straight home to fix ourselves and get ready for the event. It was nice that Aizee was introduced to the people who were all parts of my high school life.

That's just how we do it in April. Fun and Fin.

Home Once Again

For most people, the very basic concept of home is spatial. It has to be a place, period. But in a very holistic sense, that person needs to wake up, open up one’s mind and realize that home is philosophically more than just a place and one needs not be dogmatic of millenials understanding of what real home truly is.

In a more progressive yet view, Home is actually temporal rather than spatial. In is not bounded by space but by our human memories. It is a poignant reality at some point but something which we need to embrace after all. How do I say it’s poignant? Because it actually limits us to the past and the present and no matter how hard we try, we can only relive those things in our memories. The future holds a fresher start but not a coming back to the yesteryears.

I cannot say that I’ve been away from home a very long time. From time to time I had this opportunity to visit my Mom and my nephew in the province alongside my work as a voice coach and educator in Lourdes. However, home is when you feel like you are at your safest mode. When there are no works to do and you have a legit rest for a whole day, I think you have finally arrived home. Home is felt not just in the difference of places and faces but when there is convenience inside out. That’s what I am feeling at this point as I write on this blog. There are less stress on working for grades and lesson plans and examination papers and attending so many meetings. There is just me and my responsibilities as a son and an uncle.

Not that I miss being a bum so much. The only point I am driving at is that even a sage needs a break. Yes I am still the same person who loves pedagogy. I am the philosopher you want to hear discuss the issues on causality, cosmology, commitment, and all. I am the coach who still loves inspiring young and talk about championing others. It is still me. I am still so in love with my vocation. I am still doing vocation even on vacation. However, having a break from professional work is essential. Here is where we draw the line between profession and vocation.
Meanwhile, here are some of the things I’ve observed about me and the world as I got myself back to being homeboy this vacation season;
First, I noticed that I’ve been absent to the sphere of pop culture for a long while. With this, I am also trying to say that for the long time of being at home after working in call center companies, I have been too involved with social media and the mass media. As a lay audience, I was able to follow many TV shows during 2010-2012 and 2014. The year 2015 became a busy year that I didn’t even so much time to spend before the television. My weekends are spent in reviewing the past episodes of Game of Thrones I – V. By the way, Game of Thrones Season 6 is going to be aired soon this April 25 Philippine GT. I am not the best person to ask now about the latest trends in television. Somehow, it is a happy thought but since it is vacation time, I think I’m gonna be hooked with Descendants of the Sun.

I remember back in December 2015 to February 2016 that I used to be in a hurry every Friday afternoon to be home so I can catch an episode of On the Wings of Love. Later on, I also enjoyed watching You’re My Home because of the Jessy-JC tandem known today as team turtle. And who would not count as a mover and shaker of Pinoy Pop Culture, the team up which is AlDub; the TV screen couple Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza. They were all over the network shows and the social media feeds by the later part of 2015 and even until the early parts of 2016. Today, their stars are gradually fading just as they are one of the many phenomena which landed on pop media.

Second, more times are being given now for family life and friendship. I know that I need to catch up first with my nephew and next to my best friend. Some relationships with people have been neglected along the way but I am happy to know that my relationship with God hasn’t waned despite the tons of workload. I also need to appease several people who have had their special events from August of 2015 to March 2016. I am glad that even if I have to brave the traffic and all, I was able to be there during Ate Mylene’s wedding day and Tita Amor’s birthday party last January. However, there are so many things that I wasn’t able to do during Christmas holiday which I am hoping I can fulfill this time. Perhaps, the act already started since Holy Week. I can say that this year’s Semana Santa has been one of the most successful and most versatile.

Third, plan for travel? I don’t see traveling simply as a condiment to life. I see it as essential. Once, I was told by my mentor that “life is like a book. If you don’t travel, you’re stuck at page 1” and I have to say it is true. Traveling is learning. You see culture and ways of living as you travel to different places. You learn about history of the places you visit. You learn about topography, oceanography, and climatology as you reach further destinations. You have more time reflecting as you travel but more than reaching the itinerary, it is the journey itself that leads you to realizations and joyful experiences. I am aware that any plans to travel this year would not be possible but I am setting a goal to do it by summer next year. However, I do have plans to visit two old places where I was before and which are close to my heart. First, is Batangas City. I want to reunite with people in Pagkilatan where Monte Maria is being constructed. Second is in Church of Nazarene GMA Cavite. I want to reunite with the Church people who welcomed me during my first year outside the seminary. Particular of which, I want to have a heart to heart talk with Kristine from Batangas and Alexis from GMA Cavite. It will be part of my coaching session with them and as much as possible I want it to be personal this summer.

So far right now, I am savoring the laidback experience of summer. It is indeed summertime by the way. With the heat we are suffering for right now brought about by the El Niño weather disturbance, everybody just wants to be either in the pool or in the beach. Every morning, my TV routine starts with Naruto Shippuden tagalized series. If fortunately there’s a good movie then I will watch until 12pm. In the afternoon, sometimes I watch Wish I May which stars Bianca Umali who everybody knows is my crush. As a music lover, my most awaited show as of this writing is the Wish TV 107.5 Wish FM’s daily show which caters to all pop music savvy and youtube followers who are constantly hitting like buttons for every youtube broadcast that Wish 107.5 uploads in their web channel. Of course, as a hopeless romantic and all, the great relaxation during nighttime is Dolce Amore which stars the LizQuen loveteam which I completely support.

To the many hoorahs of 2016 which are to come, I can say that summer must be one of the biggest components. Being unproductive is sometimes the most productive thing we can ever do. To everyone, have a great vacation you will remember for a lifetime! XOXO

As Graders Bid Farewell

Last April 15 was the most awaited moment of our Grade 6 students as we held the 60th Commencement Exercises of Lourdes School.
I am really happy for and proud of our Grade 6 pupils.
Here are the photos from last Friday

Inspirations and Beyond

April comes along. With the excitement that I have for the sixth season of Game of Thrones, I also have certain things to be really grateful for this April.

Just before the fourth month of the year kicked off, I was able to reunite with some people from DZRB as we went there to support the STI students who will have their turns now to be the interns at the Bureau. It was a great experience. It was nice to lecture and share memories to the younger generations of student trainees.

April 2 became the climax of my entrance to the month as I became busy assisting my fellow ZPMI members for the most awaited launching of our album named Worthy. The concert was spearheaded by Michael Alba who directed the album. Such a joy in spite of the fatigue. There is so much story to tell about making music and singing praises.

A year ago, I was with Aizee that same date April 2. It was a Good Friday and we were left at Vien's residence to share that wonderful moment as friends talking about everything under the sun. I am expecting a very good April as we continue vacation time this summer.

Memories From Long Weekend Snaps

here we are right now, trying to grasp of the air left for our laid back bodies exhausted by the Holy Week. Yes we were busy every Holy Week. It is a prayerful week but it is also a week where we made family bond and friendship stronger.

I made it a point that Daniell Coby will experience his first Semana Santa this year. He was able to attend all the liturgical activities in Church for the Holy Week starting with the Last Supper Mass last Thursday, the Veneration of the Cross which happened last Friday including the end of the procession at the Church grounds. Lastly the Easter Vigil which happened last Saturday night. The only activity which he wasn't able to attend was the Salubong because he was dropped at bed sleeping.

Coby was also able to experience the swimming getaway which happens every Black Saturday here in the province. Just like me, he is a person who enjoys water a lot.

On the part two of our swimming party I did not let him join it because our initial venue of choice was Bunga Falls. However, we weren't able to get in there because of the high volume of tourists already enjoying the waters. We decided to move to another venue in Sabang which is RGO Resort. There, together with Jay-r and Joseph, we met Gilbert and his family. We had fun eating and drinking and swimming. This Holy Week is something to remember for the rest of the year and perhaps for the rest of history.

Jesus Love Supreme Over Everything

In this very Holy Week I write about the love of Jesus. I don't want to dwell in the sinfulness of man. I just want to praise the greatness of Jesus' love which enabled all of us to attain heaven. The eternal life promised is now possible because of Jesus. How marvelous!

In the Bible, the august Word of God, the record of this all encompassing love has been repeated over and over. In Genesis, the first book of the Bible, we read of the first man and woman who sinned and used the leaves as covers for their bodies. God eventually has to kill an animal so that He clothe them back to their dignity. That symbolic act of putting back their dignity is a precedent sign as to how Jesus will be killed so that the dignity of sinful humanity may be restored.

Still in Genesis we read about Abraham asked by God to offer Isaac, his only son, in a holocaust. Abraham became the picture of the Almighty Father who because of His great love for the world, offered His son for forgiveness of sins. This thesis of the Divine offering of God is summed up in John 3 verse 16. Many times in the Old Testament, one will be amazed by how the picture of Jesus Christ is shown as its most prominent figure. Everyone was waiting for the Savior. The Old Testament is a very long Advent Season of Christianity. More than that, it is a detailed account of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection.

However, the Love of Christ is experienced all the more by humanity when assumed our nature. Jesus incarnated. He took the form of our lowly being and became one with us, among us. Truly Emmanuel in all senses of the word. Jesus is God who became man but i also believe that Jesus is Love who became Grace. None of us deserve to be near him. None of us deserve to be treated by him. Yet he exploded compassion when he came here. He has made pity a normal act. He became Prince of Mercy to everyone. And in return what did humanity disbursed him? We wrecked havoc in his humility. He was tormented, he was mocked, spitted, and tried without system. He was disdained and accused. He was lashed in pillars and crowned with piercing stems. He walked in shame and contempt, dropped three times while carrying a heavy crossed. Stripped of his garments. Made a laughing stock by soldiers drinking soaks and lastly died beside two criminals.

Jesus deserves to be your redeemer. For at every time you feel like the world torments you and cast you out you can rely that He knows how it feels. He has been there. There is nothing in this life that Jesus wasn't able to penetrated let alone he doesn't know. Nothing in reality that Jesus is ignorant about. When you feel like everyone you loved turned their backs on you. You will know how Jesus felt like when all his friend ran away as he was arrested by the Roman soldiers. When you feel like you are unfairly tried by board members and authorities. You know that Jesus had been there and he was tried without evidences or right for counsel. When you feel like you are dying and afraid of it you know that Jesus begged the Father for his life too and he died. He died. There is nowhere that Jesus wasn't able to go. He went through death for you and he conquered so that you have nothing to fear. The love of Jesus reigns supreme over all the tragedies and miseries of life. You wouldn't have time to think of all catastrophes in life because His love trumps it every time.

He was love from the beginning. He is grace through it all. I like to point out how many times did Jesus became Grace to humanity in different ways;

1. Jesus is the Grace of Dignity. No one deserves him. And yet the first thing he did to start his ministry is to do a humble posture of baptism. He allowed John the Baptizer to baptize him even amid the reluctance of John to do so. John knew that no one is worthy to untie the strap of his sandals and yet Jesus was willing for it. He puts dignity to our lowly humanity. He respects us in spite of our sinful being. He chose his twelve inner circle councilors. These are people of terrible backgrounds. They were nobodies except for the Sons of Zebedee who are elite-recognized in their respective communities. They were not politicians nor are they Levites, just nobodies. Jesus was able to make a somebody out of a nobody.

2. Jesus is the Grace of Fulfillment. In the New Testament, Jesus comes as the perfection and fulfillment of all laws and prophecies. He actually did. He made the perfect law out of the many Mosaic laws constructed by the scribes throughout the years. He embodied all the prophecies of the Old Testament. He quenched the thirst of the woman at the well. He fed the 5,000 when he multiplied the bread and the fish. He completes every thing and he satisfies everyone. He is food for the hungry, sight for the blind, light for the weary and savior of the lost.

3. Jesus is the Grace of Victory. Jesus is the triumphant Lord of all. He is praised by the angels as the victor. He is champion of humanity. He conquered the force of nature. Many times Jesus controlled the events of nature in his lifetime. Once, he was sleeping at the boat, his disciples woke him up only to chide him that they are perishing from the storm that hit them in the middle of the lake. Jesus stood up and commanded the storm to shut up. The storm immediately cease and it earn the tremble of the disciples asking themselves who this man could be. Not only did Jesus conquered the force of nature. He conquered death. Even before he resurrected he was able to resuscitate three dead persons. First, the daughter of Jairus. Second the son of a widow he met while walking on the road. Lastly, he raised his best friend Lazarus. He can defy death and death submits to him.


The power of Jesus only became applicable to mankind because of the love of Christ. The love of Christ is always pre dominant to his power for without his love, no one can ever experience the power of Christ shown in redemption history. As we continue reflecting on the Holy Week message, we concentrate more particularly not on the process of redemption but on the love of Christ poured out for our heavenly and earthly welfare.

She Still Remains

As I spend the day with my family in a very critical yet memorable date, I can't help but reflect on how much of an impact Lara Faye has made into my life.

For 13 years now there has been no other woman who made drastic changes in the way I live my life than she. The first person I can think of when I hear the word "wife" is she. All the best romantic memories and dreams that I have belongs to her person. Though I have moved on and let go of many things about her and her connection to my life, it is very hard to just unlearn some habits that are actually embedded into one's soul. As a claim from scholar says "You only fall in love once, the rest are product of infatuation." Could it be that the only time I fell in love is when I did fell in love with Lara Faye? However, that will sound so tragic given the very limited romance that happened between us.

As an existential person, it is my duty to make more meaningful events in my life which means augmenting more meaningful persons who incorporate with my life. I wish a happy birthday for Lara Faye. It doesn't mean I want her back in my life. She is happy wherever she is now. I know that in my heart. She is meant to live without me. If I will be asked, do I still love her I'd answer yes. But this is a very different love now. The love that doesn't desire her to be my wife. She will always remain in my heart. Still the most special girl until the woman of my life arrives.

One day,all of us will understand why our paths crossed and why did it all have to be a frustrating story. Up to that point, all we can do is hope for the best for each other. I ma praying for her every night so as to whoever is the guy who makes her happy. I know that Ronel takes good care of her. Her family is also special to me. All the memories. My high school life is one color brighter because of her memory. I could not have survived my college life if not for my dreams to pursue her. In every step of the way during my college life, she is a part of it. I can never be grateful enough.

Now, she's a part no longer. I have decided to continue it without her. She remains in the heart but not in my life anymore. She needs to be free. She can never be free if she's still the object of all my goals.

To the woman who added the best colors in my life;
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!