Wednesday 31 December 2014

Warming Hearts

Cesare Paverse, an Italian novelist once said that, we do not remember days, we only remember memories. Years may pass between events but what normally stays in mind are the joys or pain  a certain event has left our memory. Sadly or joyfully our approach to events of togetherness can be predicted from our take on that last event we were in. I guess, when it comes to accepting each other's personalities we don't mature so quickly. Either that we bore a grudge for wrong judgment on us by someone  or that we reached cloud nine because someone encouraged us and said meaningful words to us. If you were to ask me, I would never trade those times that warmed my heart. Those I will keep in my memory bank till God calls me home. There will be bad days all right but I tell you, nothing can compensate an injured pride. Years may pass but that injury will be hardly cured or not at all. If we can just retreat for a second and think before we utter a word that kills, that would be our best gift to ourselves.

If  Paverse were true, then why not create memories that lift the spirit, bring smile to the faces of people, and most importantly warm their hearts.

I am 47 years old , and I am happy to have had wonderful times with you. :)


Tuesday 2 December 2014

Multo

Ano nga ba ang multo? 
Kathang isip nga lang ba o totoo?
Guni-guni ba ito o isang salamin
Ng ating isipan na madilim.

Imahe nga lang ba ito ng kasinugalingan
O litanya ng ating kabuktutan?
Iwasan man ng pilit ay lumalapit 
Ang kapit sa atin ay buong higpit.

Ang lamig daw na dulot ay kakila-kilabot
Buong kalamnan ay sukat na mamaluktot. 
Tibay ng loob ay namaalam 
Lugmok na damdamin ang tanging naiwan.

Bakit ka nga nahihintakutan?
Bakit di mo harapin ang multo ng buong husay?
Hangal na pananaw ay ibasura 
Harapin ang bukas ng may pag-asa. 

Nyayon sana ay batid mo na 
Ikaw at ako ay multo pala 
Hangin at kawalan ang kasama
Kung tayo ay alipin sa diwa ng iba.

Kamulatan


Kabataan ikaw nga ba ang pag-asa
Ng bayang lugmok na sa problema?
Ginagawa ng mga nakatatanda tila
Wala ng saysay at di na naghihimala.

Kaalamang huwad namayagpag
Puso at kaluluwa di makapalag.
Materialismo at kapaguran sinalamin
At siyang naging pamantayan natin.



Ano pa’t mga kabataan
Sa ganitong kalagayan nasanay.
Kabuluhan ng buhay ay sinukat
Sa mga bagay na lumilipas din ng sukat.

Hindi masamang  umunlad
Kung sa paglago ay di tayo lalayo
Sa katotohanan na ang Diyos ang nagbibigay
At may kakayanang bumawi maging sa lahat ng bagay.

Dalangin ko na maimulat natin
Sa kabataan na sa hinaharap ay iiwan din natin
Pagkilala sa Diyos na lumikha at dakila
Buhay nila ay lulubos at magiging malaya.

Amihan


Amihan salamat at nariyan ka. 
Haplos mo ay kaginhawahan
Ihip mo ay isang musikang kariktan
Dala mo ay kahinahunan.




Ni minsan di nangalit 
Unos ma'y masumpungan  
Kaaliwan ay likas
Panahon man ay lumipas

Sa iyong pagdating ako'y nakaantabay.
Pagod ng buong katawan 
Sa hilahil at pagpapagal
Naiibsan magkaminsa'y lubusan.

Ang wika ng iba ikaw ay papanaw
Dahil sa iyon ang itinakda.
Dalangin ko sana ay huwag naman.
Ngunit ano pa nga ba ang aking magagawa?

Saturday 27 September 2014

Pasulong


Maramdaming awit sa di kalayuan ay narinig
Saliw na pumukaw sa alaalang mapanglaw
Sa puso at isipan pilit na inihimlay
Tuwirang kinalimutan at piniling mabuhay.
Ngunit bakit ang puso ko sa bilis ng  pagtibok
Hininga ko ay sukat na malagot.

Ang tadhana ay sadyang mapaglaro
Lungkot na dala ay napakarami pa
Mapayapang buhay na hinangad ng labis
Naramdaman ng sandali ay biglang aalis.
Kalooba'y inusig kung bakit nagpadala
Ang akala mong totoo ay kasinungalingan lang pala.

Sa sobrang pagod ng isip, ako'y napaupo
Pigilan mang gunitain ang alaalang masakit
Ito'y nagsusumiksik, ang diddib ko ay nanikip.
Sa aking inis, mga paa'y pinadyak-padyak
At sa sarili'y winika, "Lumakad ka ng pasulong!
Umusad ng dahan-dahan at huwag ng lilingon!"

Monday 15 September 2014

Be You

Happiness is a decision
No one should be in it
Than you who intended it.
Shape your future in your mold
Not of anyone's bidding or word.

Reach for your laurels
Hard work and faith shall fulfill.
Take to heart what you do
And never allow nor let others
Make the least out of you.




If it were to cause you pain
Rise up and take your leave
Hone your skills and be well.
With head held high, come back
Live your life and BE YOU!

Take a Leave



Shattered emotions are out of date
Choice was free to keep
Hanging on to yourself, you lose
Everything about you is weak.
Words of wisdom are watered
Moistened and dry after
Substance of the same kind
Forever shall falter.



Immersed in hopelessness
Suckled by a dry land
Thoughts are parched and brown.
Blossoms be gone
Blooming will take a while.
I asked thee to find
For me a private getaway
I must take a respite and hide away.

Shackles, let it be lost
Free spirit I  desire the  most.
Hastened steps but not rushed
Cheerful faces, regrets not be found.
Engulfed with thoughts of yonder
Brief but meaningfully true.
Sweetness and fondness be alive
Seizing the moment, living I shall start.



Tuesday 9 September 2014

Little by Little













Little by little, pain is easing
Little by little, anger is subsiding
Little by little, longings are inching away
Lest I get used to this, let me say,
" Thank you,  I am getting over you."

Thursday 21 August 2014

Higher Call


The sun scorches
It pierces the skin to the bone.
Pain excruciates
Bleeds to death untold.

The feet chained
Lips cry out to tell
But silence deters
So deafening, it kills.

How well can I live?
How soon can I end?
Tormented soul too deep
Heaviness too difficult to unload.

Flowers wilted and dried
Colors dark and dreary
Birds bid adieu
Nightmares stole the night.

Wait, I said to myself
I cannot let myself be
Overcame by misery and dread.
For mirth and peace, I must decide.


Step by step, I shall rise to keep
My love to myself and self-respect
Not letting anyone grab nor steal my joy.
I will stand tall for a higher call.




Tuesday 13 May 2014

Till We Meet Again

Verse 1

I still recall your little hands that open and close at will 

Your chatter that spells words unrecognized, 
But gives unspeakable joy to my heart. 
Your eyes that glare at every noise you hear 
Makes me laugh and even those that are near. 
Your toothless smile warms my heart 
It lightens up my world and makes me so proud. 


Verse 2 


Years have passed you started to be wise. 

You have strong views about things, 
But you are never disrespectful and unkind.
Even though your views are contrary with mine, 
You can send your message across that does not undermine. 
You love to crack jokes and sometimes make fun of me. 
But instead of getting mad at you, I end up laughing with you.














Verse 3 


I can still hear your clamor of pain 

But there wasn't any time you blamed 
The Lord Almighty for this situation you are in. 
Instead you said, “I will survive this and will be well.” 
But sickness made you go ahead anyway. 
I miss you then and I still am missing you. 
Who knows when, but Son, until we meet again. 

Monday 5 May 2014

A Commuter's Life



     Taking the Metro Rail Transit can be penitence all year round; let alone endure the natural scent of man after bathing in sweat. The long and winding line going up to the ticket counter plus another line for the train ride wear everyone out. If only super heroes were true, they could have carried commuters to their destinations and prevent them from melting out. Arriving late for work has become the usual excuse. Consequently, commuters need to prepare early, lest they receive a memo for tardiness.
Commuting has become a jealous and demanding task that it rips most people the time to bond longer with the family or simply a time for at least another hour of sleep. Early birds they say get the worms. Well yes in the “then” probably because in the “now,” you will not get good tidings but disgust and annoyance over the lack of trains traversing the metro and buses that are also jammed with people. The fresh and fragrant powder scent people wear in the morning gone in 30 minutes or so from standing under the heat of the sun or by standing inside the  bus. Sunblock, head gears, and fans became necessities.
Last April 26, 2014 would have been the day that express trains would start running.  Specified routes were identified and announcements were posted on every station. People lauded the plan because it meant shorter lines and less congested trains. But lo and behold it was cancelled. The lack of coordination between the Metro Heads and DOTC led to its cancellation. When asked who was responsible, imagine watching a table tennis event.
Trains are the fastest transport option in Metro Manila. Anyone takes the train with the objective of arriving early or on time for work. Taking the bus becomes a secondary choice since traffic congestion is commonplace and worst when it rains. Vehicles are just too many in our streets. With the advent of low down-payments on cars, yuppies are drawn to buying; consequently, more cars to ply-by our streets and of course-a thicker smog.
 In spite of how crowded the trains become, especially during peak hours, people still opt for it. 
Imagine squeezing yourself inside the train with all your might. True, there will be another train coming, but when time is of the essence, what could prevent you from taking the ride, right? I myself experienced standing inside the train without holding at any railing at all. So, whenever the train driver makes a sudden stop, my body jolts and a wave of bodies follow. Bent torsos and arms with matching, “Aray Ko!” and murmurs of disgust are a common occurrence. I also got pinned on my sides that getting out for my stop was like wrestling with a python snake. If only I could drive!
Many times I said to myself that I won’t take the train anymore because of the sores I get after; but thinking at the possibility of arriving earlier to my appointment, the sores I can ignore.  

Countries like the US, Japan, and Singapore have good train systems. Their trains are well patronized. Japan’s trains alone ride more than a million commuters a day. They have more trains! 
On a lighter side, I felt better after watching on TV at how the Japanese passengers are pushed willfully inside the train and at the commuters of India on top of the trains’ roofs during rush hours. At least, I was not pushed just to get in the train nor made to sit on the roof just to get to my destination.

If only there were more trains running with less politics involved.




Wednesday 23 April 2014

Cotabato City

Cotabato City a nice place to be. It is blessed with a lush countryside. If only it were a peaceful place, it could have been a good tourist destination.

If you ever dreamed of becoming a movie star, disembarking at Cotabato Airport is the place to be. Why? You  may ask. Porters await for you similar to the sight of fans waiting for the arrival of the stars. They stand by next to the only luggage conveyor they have there. The luggage cart you usually get yourself are already in the hands of the porters. It's hospitality with a price. 

The marshland of Cotabato City which is visible from the plane as it touches down, extends as far as General Santos City. It is believed to be rich with mineral deposits, more so with oil. If this were to be developed just imagine what growth it will give this place. That same eventuality is feared to be the reason why political groups fight for the government seat at the expense of the residents' safety.

Houses in the city itself are very near the national road, not following the distance requirement provided for by law,which is at least three (3) meters easement. Danger lurks at them anytime but the residents don't seem to care. 

Food is affordable. If you want to eat tasty egg noodles you can stop at " Mardoneys" the oldest Chinese-Muslim Restaurant which also sells local delicacies like duiran hopia and "tinagtag" a local crispy candy. If you are not watching for your diet, then don't leave the city without eating lechon, alimango, and sugpo. It's cheap! If eating all these would cost us 3k to 4k in Dampa in portions, your P1500 in this city will take you to forgetfulness. Fruits you say? Cotabato has plenty to offer. Care to have a motorbike loaded with durians?

If you need malongs, scarfs, fabrics from Indonesia and Malaysia, the Barter Trade is the place to be. Best time to shop, lunchtime, which is the also the locals' prayer time.  

Checkpoints are everywhere. Every kilometer stretch there it shall be. Cops are everywhere in the city. What better way to be protected, isn't it?

Sunday 20 April 2014

Stolen Glances

We were young when we first met
Stolen glances that sometimes locked
Then hesitantly we would look away.
Hushed moments were a plenty
Repressed emotions were disturbed
But we did not give in
For things were not just right
So we drifted..




Unspoken love went to the embers
I lived my life as you did yours
Worked hard to better our lives
And a score and four years had passed.
Families we have forged
Homes happily we built
Dreams we dared to reach
until we met again...

Stolen glances sometimes locked
Then hesitantly we would look away
You have not left at all...



Sunday 6 April 2014

Yao Remembered


When I lost Pakity, my first dog from a vehicular incident, I cried the whole day. My friends wondered why I needed to cry that much for a dog. When I cried for Kambang, the pig that I bathed and fed only to be sold to merchants, my lola found it so weird because I eat pork. It took me many years before I decided to care for pets again.

It was in April of 2005 when a friend of my husband gave us a rottweiler puppy. At first I was kind of hesitant of having him because I feared that I might get so attached again and when death for whatever reason comes, I would be devastated again. But Yao was just adorable. My interest of his kind became intense that I researched about him. I knew then that he would become big and fierce. Well, indeed he grew up big. His head was as big as mine. I trained him and became his leader. He was a dreadful sight that people would have second thoughts of coming to our  house. I couldn't unleash him because he could pounce on anyone he did not know. Nevertheless I loved him and I felt loved by him too. I could already hear him bark loudly even if I was a hundred meters or so away from the house. His sense of hearing was so good that the sound of our car coming in would make him bark noisily too.

It was the first quarter of 2010 when he became sickly. He started having wounds that won't heal. Consequent to having wounds, he had fever. He would vomit after eating until he did not eat anymore. We had the Vet come many times to our house since Yao was huge and heavy to be carried. Even after the medications, Yao's condition did not improve, so the Vet told us to do euthanasia on him instead. I cried when I heard that, I said to the the Vet, I couldn't do that and said further that I would just let him die the natural way. Although the Vet informed me that it would be more pitiful to let Yao stay longer because his pain would be greater each time, I did not listen. I decided to take Yao to Binangonan. The travel was too much for him. He was nauseous and was very pale. Looking at how he was pierced my heart. 

My brother  took care of Yao on his last days. On the eve of Pinoy's inauguration as president, Yao died. Although anytime since we left him in Binangonan I knew we would, but hearing the news from my brother that he already died  still brought me to tears. My heart skipped  beats and I was having a hard time breathing. Silly perhaps to some people but even until we buried him I was still crying. It has been three and half years since he left us but I still miss him. This article is for his memory.

I thought I would not have another pet after Yao, but there came Stuart. 

My love for pets taught me valuable lessons in life like to never stop taking risks at  loving even if it meant hurting and to just keep on loving until pain does not hurt anymore..





Monday 3 February 2014

How will I?

How will I ever tell you?
How will  you ever find out?
That my love for you has grown.
But every time I want to make  it known
You 'd  look my way and say,"Leave me alone."

How will I ever show you;
How will you ever find out?
That my heart longs for you day and night. 
Even when you don't mind me at all. 
I wished that one day for me you'd fall.

How will I ever say to you?
How will you ever find out?
That it is you I want to be with.
Foolish I'd be if  I insist 
But let me be until I grow tired to persist. 

The heart cannot be told to stop loving.
Nor can it be coached to beat to whoever.
It beats only for you my dear one;
But how will I ever say to you?
How will you ever find out?

Si Warlord

Marahil alam niyo na ang balita
Limampo't pito katao ang pinatay 
Mga katawan ay iniwang luray-luray
Sa lansangan habang ang iba'y 
Inilibing sa isang mababaw na hukay

Si Warlord daw ang may pakana 
Dahil sa sobrang takot na mawala 
Posisyon at pamamayagpag 
Ang pamilya ay kinayang gumawa 
Ng sariling lupon ng mandirigma.

Isang komedya ang tumambad 
Mga baril ni Warlord walang katulad
Isang ordinaryong sundalo ng bansa 
Di batid uri ng mga armas ng pandigma
Sa lupain ni Warlord ay nakita.

Paano nangyari ito?
Bakit umabot sa ganito?
Kung noon pa ay napag-alaman na
Kapangyarihan ni Warlord na sobra-sobra
Nakitil at nasawata na sana.

Totoong napakahirap makita 
Kasakiman na nabaon ng gunita
Utang na loob na lumason 
Sa hangaring manatili pa 
Sa kapangyarihang kaaya-aya.

Ngipin para sa ngipin
Mata para sa mata
Kung ito lamang ay panuntunan pa 
Marahil ay naubos na 
Angkan ni Warlord namaalam na sana.

Ano pa kaya ang kaya nating gawin
Upang karahasang tulad nito ay matigil?
Katahimikan at kapayapaan na mithiin
Mananatili na nga lang bang adhikain
O si Lord na lang ang bahala sa atin?


Ilang taon na ba ang nakalipas? May nanagot na ba?