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Old School, New School, New Life

2009-06-10T22:20:00.008+08:00

My school girls are starting in their new school come June 15. It's in another city which is a two-hour drive from our current residence. It was not difficult for me to decide to transfer them. I even encouraged them to review for the entrance exams. And to think that one of them, Raia, is only in pre-school and the other, Trinity, is entering the third grade. I've long wanted to send them to this school but we were not prepared financially. But we have been blessed and plans are starting to materialize. I am excited to get them to study in this new school and am equally excited for the opportunity to expand our family business in this city.

Their former school was not bad at all. In fact, it was quite uneasy for me to tell the directress, who have become a friend, that we are transferring the girls. Since it was a small, close-knit school, the girls were able to develop their academic and creative potentials. Most memorable of which was their participation in the school's kiddie dance troupe.

My elder daughter was also given the chance to engage in different academic contests like the Science quizbee at the congressional (district 1) and provincial levels. She won first place in the former but was unsuccessful in the latter. She ended the schoolyear as 2nd honors for academic excellence with a difference of 0.02 from the first.

My younger daughter did not fare badly either. She may not have earned a seat in the honor roll (which I consider my fault because I have been concentrating on my elder girl) but she earned different citations as well. It was for her that joining the kiddie ballerinas have made the bigger difference. She dropped out from ballet class during the first months of training because she said her tummy aches during the bending exercises. She started to take interest again when she watched the ballerinas perform during their Christmas party. After that, she told me she wanted to attend the classes again. She was a revelation during the recitals. There she was, oozing with confidence on stage and showing grace and readiness in their performance. Well, of course, there were times when she missed some steps but no matter, she danced and we were entertained.

After realizing that she can actually dance and people loved it, she went on to volunteer to do an intermission number during their Nutrition Education summer class in Baguio City. My mom was surprised when she raised her hand when the teacher asked for volunteers but I know, she was as proud as I am that all the tuition fees for dance classes and the expenses for the costumes were not wasted.

Again, it was not a bad school. It's just that there are things that have to be prioritized now that the kids are growing and entering higher grade levels. I dream of sending them to the best university in the future (hopefully, it's still UP Diliman, by that time) and I believe that an investment in the present will earn rewards in the future.

Reflection for all Seasons

2009-04-18T16:10:00.007+08:00

Here is Lenten reflection sent to me by my best friend in high school.It's worth remembering even beyond the Holy week:

1. Sometimes God breaks our spirit to save our soul.

2. Sometimes, He breaks our hearts to make us whole.

3. Sometimes He sends us pain so we can be stronger.

4. Sometimes, He sends us failures so we can be humble.

5. Sometimes, He sends us illnesses so we can better care for ourselves.

Sometimes, He takes "EVERYTHING" away from us so we can learn the value of everything that we have.

Have a blessed, post Lenten life!

Love in the Time of Acute Gastroenteritis

2009-02-15T00:07:00.007+08:00

Fans of Nobel Prize Colombian author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez might lynch me for giving a new and personal twist to his novel "Love in the Time of Cholera" but I can not help it. It's February, the month of love and for eight days in a row, my two beloved daughters had a bout with acute gastroenteritis. One of them had to be taken to the hospital because she was near dehydration while the other is still recovering to this very minute. I wanted to title this as "Love in the Time of Amoebiasis" because lab test of the poo sample of my first daughter showed amoeba. However, official diagnosis says acute gastroenteritis, so there's my title.
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It all started last Saturday morning, February 7. The kids and I have just gone out of bed and the yaya was preparing our breakfast. I noticed my 5-year old daughter, frequenting the bathroom. When asked she said, she was having poo poo. I thought it was just natural. No one has eaten breakfast yet when I heard her throwing up. I rushed to her side and asked what's wrong. She said her tummy aches. I investigated and found out from her later that she finished off her bottled milk which was prepared the night before. So I concluded that it was spoiled milk that's done her.

So stupid of me to think that it may wash off after several visits to the bathroom. By noon, she can no longer stand up so we place a plastic container by her bedside. By then, I knew we had to bring her to the hospital which was an hour travel from where we live. I started calling my mama, who together with my papa, were on the way to the same hospital to visit my aunt who was in the ICU. They told me to wait a while because they planned to make a sidetrip to another aunt. A few minutes after I turned-off my celfone, mama sent an SMS message telling me to get my daughter ready because they changed plans and would instead proceed to my house and bring us to the hospital.

That is LOVE No. 1, the love of lolo's and lola's to their apo's.
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Love # 2

At the emergency room, the doctor and the nurses immediately attended to us. They asked us what happened and when they learned that my little girl was throwing up everything that's given to her, they recommended that we have her admitted to the hospital. Oral medication will be useless they said because she'll throw-up anyway. The medications will have to be injected to the dextrose and besides, she was already showing signs of dehydration. She was actually crying her eyes and heart out, asking my mama and me to give her some water but the doctor said, they'll just have to wet her lips with water.

To make the story short, she was confined on Saturday afternoon and was there until Wednesday morning. In between were the rounds of the pediatrician on deck and the different kinds of nurses: staff nurses, volunteer and student nurses.Some of the nurses pissed us, especially those who were just kids. It was obvious that they didn't know what to do and would only be of little help to our little girl.

There was also one staff nurse who took her temperature with a digital thermometer and declared that she was fever-free because the instrument registered 36 degrees centigrade. But, common sense would say that she has fever because, her whole body was,well, feverish. So I took my old fashioned-mercury dependent thermometer and it registered, 38.5! I rushed back to the nurses station and told him to go back because my thermometer says otherwise. He did not! So my husband went to the other nurses station and asked one of them to get our daughter's temperature. Fortunately, he used the mercury thermometer and it also registered 38.5.

Thankfully, there was only one stupid nurse in that station. Those he replaced him were more efficient and knowing. I particularly like the one who was on duty in the afternoon towards evening, he was the one who tested my daughter if she was allergic to particular medicines. I liked him because he knew how to pacify the kid by assuring her that it will not be painful and he swiftly did the test that it was over before my child noticed it. He was also the one who recognized where a smelly odor was coming from on our second day at the hospital. The student nurses told us it was just the adhesive that was taped to my daughter's hand to a board to prevent her from dislocating her needle (that was attached to the dextrose hose). So they just changed the tape but the smell remained. When the efficient nurse came, he told us it was the board and when he changed everything (board and adhesive), the smelly problem was solved. It is to him that I refer Love # 2, love of a nurse to their patient. I also refer to the love of all other Filipino professionals who have not yet left this country to seek greener pastures abroad.
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Love # 3

And now, the greatest love of them all comes from the man of the house.... my hubby and the kids' Tati. He was the one who slept at the hospital for the whole duration of the confinement even when I was already able to sleep and replace him as bantay. He was also the one who took care of our other daughter who caught the same amoeba and showed the same symptoms three days after her sister got sick with it. When the ate started to throw up and had loose bowel movement, I took her to the same hospital. When the pediatrician made his rounds, he also checked -up our new patient. Fortunately, he told us monitor if she can take in the medicine without throwing up. If that's the case, then she can just rest and be treated at home.

Some of you might say that it's natural, in fact expected for the father to stay and watch over his daughters. Well, I agree but you see, my husband is a very mobile person. He can not stay too long in a confined place. He is also a culinary genius, he is a very picky eater. So imagine him getting served with hospital food. In short, he will never, ever stay in a hospital much more if it will take him 5 days. I expected him to call my in-laws or swap places with me even just for a day but he did not. Obviously, he will do everything for his children even if it meant looking out of the window and counting the cars that come and go in the parking lot beside our own volkswagen.

Ah, but still, he wouldn't eat the hospital food so that became my role, to bring them home-cooked food everyday. This action has made me love him even more and I am sure, it will be one memory that the children will hold dear in their hearts forever too.
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Side story:

When we had my daughter admitted to the hospital, I made the mistake of writing down her brother's birthday instead of hers. They were born on the same month. That mistake cost me two hundred for a poorly constructed affidavit of discrepancy of birthdates. It has also compelled us to pay the hospital fees in full instead of availing my Philhealth benefits at once.

All's well that end well and I hoped that everyone had a healthy and happy Valentine's Day.

25 Random Things About Ami

2009-02-12T22:47:00.002+08:00

One reason why Facebook is addicting. I posted this last February 10

1. I actually wished I would get tagged with this 25 random things...

2. My wish was granted and I am forever grateful to a sister who once saved me by hiding my classcards from my parents, hehehe.

3. I had my midlife crisis at the age of 22... well I had my menstruation at the age of ten so probably I will leave this life at the age of 50.

4. But I don't want to die at the age of 50 so I better start exercising and dieting tomorrow. As of my last step on a weighing scale, I was 133 lbs at 4'10" and that was just last week. The doctor said the ideal weight is 100 lbs @ 5 feet so this is definitely one over achievement that I don't need.

5. I enjoy watching "Kakasa ka ba sa Gade 5" but I wish they would change the CHEATS (peak/copy/saved) to something more positive like "GROUP REPORT" or "TEAM WORK"

6. I used to hang out and spend bucks at ORACAFE in Cubao, drinking, learning about my past lives, drinking...

7. I also hang out in Likha DIwa (near Krus Na Ligas) for some drinks, food and runes-reading

8. I can open a bottle of San Miguel beer pale pilsen with a plastic lighter.

9. I used to smoke Marlboro reds but my body naturally rejected it when I got pregnant with my first daughter.

10. My most visited pages are gmail and facebook.

11. I don't view youtube except when The Eraserheads had their reunion concert (the first one).

12. All of my children have two first names, one came from me and the other from the hubby.

13. I do not remember the foods that I especially craved for when I was infanticipating.

14. I easily get pregnant and I easily give birth, so at the count of three, I had a tubal ligation.

15. I had the rare experience of visiting the wastewater treatment plants of AJINOMOTO, SELECTA, OISHI, that Mall in Cainta, a paper factory somewhere in Manila, a denims factory somewhere.

16. I am spending more time answering this random thoughts instead of catching up on work that I have not done since Monday.

17. My second daughter is right now in the hospital because of amoebiasis, we hope she gets discharged tomorrow. Oh, her father is with her in case you're wondering what I am doing answering these random thoughts while she's confined in the hospital.

18. Back in grade school and high school, I used to always win first place in declamation contests and tula but I would rather hone other talents for my children. So I enrolled them in dance and voice lessons because these are more useful during socials and parties.

19. Ah, let me talk about my husband, whom I will tag with this when I'm through. I courted him and he accepted and we're living ever after, not happily always of course. If married couples claim they do, then they're lying!

20. I read the newspapers from the back to the front but I read novels from chapter 1 to the nth chapter, no skipping and getting back.

21. If I miss some more random thoughts about me -self, you can always read my blogs.

22. I miss my friends. Especially those who perfectly understand what I mean even if I don't complete my statements. They're so darn quick-witted that they finish my sentences for me.

23. I once had an officemate who wanted me to explain the joke that I shared. Can you believe him? He never did become my friend.

24. I watched the Filipino version of Family Feud once (how I hate Richard Gomez as its host) and I can't answer a thing about "What activity can't you do alone?"

25. I hate math so if in case I skipped a number, that explains it.

I Support Gary Granada Against GMA 7 (Kapuso Network)

2009-02-04T18:47:00.005+08:00

I am not a musician. I am tone-deaf even but I know Gary Granada. I listen to his music. I love his songs. I buy his albums. I watched him sing at concerts for human rights day and yes, I watched his obra "Lean" twice. I am not exactly a fan, but I have great respects for the man!

When I heard about his case against GMA-7, I chose to support him even if I am more Kapuso than Kapamilya. Click here and listen well so you'll understand why. Like I said, I am no musician but by simply listening to his composition and to the jingle of 3Pid pack, I believed him more than ever and learned a lot about music too.

Here are some links that may help you know who Gary Granada is and why we should take his word seriously:

Gary Granada who?

A children's songbook for Peace by Queena Lee-Chua

Music composers mull case against GMA 7

Gary Granada versus GMA 7 Inquirer.net VDO

Passing the UPCAT 20 Years Ago

2009-01-30T11:02:00.008+08:00

I heard that results of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) has been released and I recalled my own UPCAT summer, 20 years ago. This post is actually part of my memoirs in celebration of UP's centennial but I have not finished it until now. Not worry though, I am confident (UP graduates always are...) that I will finish it, chapter by chapter. As we say back in in campus, when we're on an extended stay, "Ga-graduate din ako, maghintay lang kayo...!".

Chapter One
The year before UP: “Lusot na lusot sa UPCAT”

I graduated from UP Diliman, but not from the course that I was admitted to when I passed the UPCAT.

I managed to get into one of the toughest quota courses even in 1989. I entered U.P. as a freshman in the Bachelor of Science Major in Psychology program. That was in fact, my first choice of a course and Journalism was my second choice. Both were quota courses and UP veterans, who I asked for help when I was still applying, advised me against taking them that early. It was better they said that I pick something non-quota and then shift after one year. That will increase my chances of entering UP, they added.

Oh, but I can't bring myself to pick other courses. I wanted to get into anything MassCom because of my love affair with writing and the English language. It was also because of Jessica Soho, whom I frequently watch on TV reporting about the coup d’etats against Cory Aquino’s government then. I found her job really exciting and I imagined myself doing the same thing. Alas, my father said, “Wala namang pera pag journalist ka, e. Wag na lang ‘yan.” So I obeyed him by making it my second choice instead of my first.

I can no longer remember why I chose BS Psychology. Perhaps it was because I was fascinated with horoscopes, dream analysis and past lives even when I was younger. I must have had illusions of being a doctor too, I am not too sure now. But most of all, I think it was because of an unexplainable connection that happened when I browsed through the course list and saw AB/BS Psychology. I just felt “Ito ang gusto ko!”.

I also considered Theater Arts and Family Life and Child Development but being the promdi that we were, me and my parents didn’t know what kind of jobs these courses will lead me to. I myself didn’t think that I can earn much if I graduate with a diploma from those courses. I thought then, how does one make a living practicing theater arts? Does one need a college diploma to become an artista? The FLCD as a choice was again a gut feel. It just took my attention but like all other unknown courses, I can not imagine where it may lead me. Does one need a diploma to start a pamilya? At that time too, there were no boom in information like it today. There were no cable TV, no internet and my own family does not even have a telephone or computer. So we only have limited knowledge about other courses except Nursing, Commerce and Education and Engineering. In the province, these are often the courses that are known to lead to better lives because even back then, these were pang-export courses.

However, I didn’t feel it in me to become a nurse. Hell, of course I never imagined becoming a banker or an engineer. I sweat blood during Math exams! I considered becoming a teacher but, even then, teaching was only noble but not enRICHing. So even if these were popular courses back where I came from, it just didn’t fit. There was no adrenalin rush for me. So I threw all cautions to the winds when I filled-up my application for UPCAT. I told myself, if I don't qualify for Psychology or Journalism, then I don’t enter UP. If I fail the UPCAT, then I’m off to Baguio’s St. Louis University. If it’s still impossible, then I’m willing to study in the universities in Dagupan City and become a nurse like the rest of my batchmates.

I remembered our high school principal. He was himself not confident that I will pass the UPCAT. I remember when we asked him for his endorsement, he noticed that the photos we were submitting were colored (which were too expensive then). He said, “O, pati photos nyo colored pa. Pano pag di kayo pumasa, sayang lang ito.” Boy! That hurt!

After much self review (there were no MSA review centers then) and lots of visits to the church of Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan, I took the UPCAT at the College of Business Administration. I didn't finish last in our room but I was not too confident either. I remember questions with all four choices as possible answers. I remember that Math problem about the chicken's and cow's feet. I remember my seatmates asking for more scratch papers because they've consumed the first ones that were given while I only doodled on mine. We were told that the use of these scratch papers have bearing on the final grade.

There was nothing more to do when I went back home except to pray every night that I pass. We were told by our provincemates from UP (through a confraternity that held a free tutorial for us) that if we received a thick envelope, that meant we passed but if we received a thinner one, then we should prepare one year more and then work on to become a transferee. Finally, the thick white envelope came a few days after we graduated from highschool.

PLDT still had the monopoly of telecommunications then, so until the post delivered my mail from UP Admissions, I didn't know or believe that I successfully made it. A friend told me earlier that I passed but I didn't want to believe her right away. That friend is now a successful nurse in the UK.

It was the proudest and happiest day of my life.Passing the UPCAT tops my milestones and back then, it was my overwhelming achievement. To learn that I qualified for a quota course made it sound even better. “Matalino naman pala talaga ako." I told myself as I smugly read each document that was in the thick, white envelope.

There were actually two of us from our school who passed the UPCAT but I would learn later that she was not able to enter UP. She passed away due to leukemia that summer in between our high school graduation and college freshman year.

CHAPTER 2
The first years…” Sucking all the marrow out of life doesn't mean choking on the bone.” - Robin Williams in the film “Dead Poets’ Society,1989.

I will post this portion as soon as I finish it. This covers my first two years in the campus when I suck all the marrow out life and even choked on bits of its bone...

Blogging Back

2009-01-22T14:40:00.008+08:00

How I missed blogging!

Since my last entry, which was in July, the later part of 2008 was a see saw of frustrations and triumphs, salary advances and bonuses, official and domestic challenges. Over-all, 2008 left me with good memories, lessons and resources and I have been praying hard that the same happen this year. If January is a gauge of better things to come for me and my family, then I am truly blessed.

I may sound a bit like an annual report, but what I'm saying is, I'm really glad I had the time to blog again. It would have been thrilling to share with my readers what those frustrations and triumphs were.

My financial see-saw was first on the list. Before the world experienced THE FINANCIAL CRISIS, I was already there. Okay, okay, not as bad as those who barely have food to eat everyday. But for someone who is employed and receives a monthly salary, looking forward to the next salary date a few days after receiving the basic, is the primary indicator of one's falling economic status. I was tempted to work part time as a call center agent in this city. I also considered multitasking as a lecturer in one of the universities, again, in this city.

Fortunately, my husband, who is as sensitive and intelligent as I am, received the real message. Life was getting difficult and we need more income. So he started to establish a rice business in my home province. Not that he was doing nothing before I sounded the signal. He was preoccupied with helping my cousin-politician in his electoral protest and we were on a wait- and- see mode before starting the business with the help also of my cousin-politician. All's well that ends well and even if rice selling suffers its own high's and low's, at least most of our important bills and fees are settled even before they are due. *satisfied sigh*

THE YEAR AHEAD

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year and I just read some forecast for those born under the year of the Rat. What is in store for us on the YEAR OF THE OX? They say it will still be good, especially for most of members of my family. These predictions are good in itself but let us remember that our fate lies in our hands. As I have proven last year, hard work, a positive outlook and a loving circle of family and true friends make a life worthwhile and easy.

Kung hei fat choi everyone.

Is there a Gentleman in the Bus?

2008-07-13T15:01:00.004+08:00

This The Mini Bus Chronicles #200802.

"Wala nang Gentleman ngayon." I often hear women passengers proclaim when they have to stand in a busful of passengers during rush hours. "E, ano naman?" I ask myself. "Meron pa ba naman kasing ladies ngayun?"

Gentlemen in buses (or other Philippine public utility vehicles) are guys who offer their seats to women. While it is true that this specie is as rare as the butanding, they are not yet extinct. Once in a while, they let their presence be felt. Problem is,the number of sightings is in direct proportion to the number of young women passengers, un-lady enough to go home alone @ 8:00 in the evening. It seems that if a passenger is in her teens or in her early adulthood, the gentleman easily stands up and let's the damsel sits. One should also be well-dressed and made-up to witness a knight in a shining armour rising above the commoners.

Now, if the passenger looks like one's mom, I'm sure, the gentleman will hide himself. Unless the mom look-alike asks him to give up his seat. Come to think of it, it must be their way of getting back at their moms.

Gentleman-ness may have something to do with age to. Younger boys (early teeners) are more prone to offer their seats to women regardless of physical attributes. It must also be due to their Boy Scout mentality or because at this age, mom is still an authority figure that overwhelms them.

Me as Both the Damsel and the Gentleman

My last days as a commuter in the metropolis defined how I commute now that I am back in the province. This simply means that I can shift from being a damsel to being a gentleman. I can accept offers of seats or I can offer my own to those in need. At the height of my feminist days, I actually decline and stare at men who offer their seats to me. Nowadays, I consider it a different kind of woman power to be offered a seat.

I remember when I was still working in Quezon City, I was one of the loyal provincianas who go home for the holidays. I either stand in serpentine lines in bus terminals or fight tooth and nail to get a ride in bus stops along EDSA. One Holy Week, I rode an ordinary Five Star Bus. When we reached Pampanga, a mother with 2 young children hopped into the SRO (standing room only) bus. No one stood and gave her a seat. I didn't want to stand either but she was beside me and I pitied her for trying to maintain her and her children's balance every time the bus slows down. A few minutes into the trip, no I told myself, "This is a job for Wonder Woman." I stood up and asked her to sit down in my place. She didn't thank me but I saw relief and gratefulness flood her face. It felt good and until now, I still feel proud of what I have done. Well, to be honest, I regretted it at some points in the trip. Who can blame me? I was standing from Pampanga to Tarlac for more than an hour ride, banging bodies with the rest of those who were standing in the aisle. Nevertheless, I still felt proud. I told my family this story and now, I am blogging-bragging about it.

Back here in the province, I have seen gentleman-ness in many forms. I remember the high school student who readily gave up his seat when I climbed the bus while carrying three grocery bags. I must have reminded him of his mom. I also remember a number of college boys, who sat in their seats with full concentration on their celfones trying to avoid looking at me, afraid to be in a situation of offering me their seats. These same boys stood up when college girls arrived a full thirty minutes after I did. I was actually pissed by their treatment not because I felt like a damsel in distress. I actually felt like a woman scorned. Good thing was I have a great sense of humor. As I joked to my officemates when I told them the story the following morning, "It must be a puson thing. The bigger it is the less chances a woman will be offered a seat." Unless of course, the puson is as big as the tummy and is larger than the boobs. Ah, pregnancy is bliss!

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Now that I have blogged about it, it doesn't really matter if there is or there is not a gentleman in the bus. I had my share of gentleman-ness anyway. The next best thing to do is not to beat the last trip or avoid rush hours. And the best thing? What else but to buy and drive my own car.

Baguio City's Earth Day 2008 Slideshow

2008-04-30T15:43:00.001+08:00

As promised, here are more photos taken by me and my sister, Lala during the Earth Day-Art Day Celebration in Baguio City.

Earth Day is Art Day in Baguio City

2008-04-27T22:33:00.010+08:00

For the first time, I celebrated Earth Day with my children last April 22. Where best could it be but in Baguio City, home of the environmentalists and artists, real and imagined. It's been quite sometime since I celebrated this event myself. My last and most memorable was when I was still with the groups who were trying to save Pasig River. I joined the fluvial parade and I remembered it mainly because of my dear friend who got mad at the "bangkero" and I quote, "Manong, kung gusto mong malunod, ikaw na lang." The banca "driver" was trying to overtake the one before us. It felt like riding one of those green Krus na Ligas-bound-demonically-chased tricycles. Can't blame my friend. Why would anyone think of overtaking in a fluvial parade? Buti nga di sya namura,eh.

Back to Baguio City. This was one planned vacation for me and the kids. My sister told us about it once she learned of the schedule of activities. What interested us was the chalk drawing activity that will be held in Session Road. I can not describe everything in words, so I'll try to do it in photos:

Me in orange shirt trying to appear like drawing.

My little boy, doing his share and making deadma the ABS CBN Northern Luzon reporters in the background.

My daughter, drawing our family under a rainbow. Looking around she realized it's got to be Save the Earth themed, so she drew this:

Here we are with the bishop of Baguio, Msgr. Cenzon.

We all had fun and learned about chalk art as well. The above sun art was made by one manong whom we watched with fascination. We saw him dropping whole colored chalks in between the sun's rays and then he crushed them with his foot and giving it a splattered paint look. Awesome!

There are many more artworks made by participants who worked alone or as a group. Watch out for my slideshow in this blog.

Happy Earth Day to everyone!

My New Header Photo

2008-03-05T17:38:00.008+08:00

My new header photo is a picture I took on top of a Community-Based Forest Management area in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.

What used to be denuded forests were now developed by beneficiaries. One of them is the farmer whom we've visited and these are the vegetables that he planted in his area:

rows of eggplant shrubs

taro or gabi

cassava or kamoteng kahoy

On our way home from the mountains, we passed by this nipa-hut store and I just couldn't let it go unphotographed. It is so seldom that we see this biodegradable structures in the lowlands.

This CBFM area proves how hardworking the Filipino people are. Given the enough opportunity and support, they can bring back life even to what is formerly considered useless.

The Mini Bus Chronicles # 200801

2008-03-05T00:28:00.005+08:00

"Ate, san po kayo bababa?" tanong ng tinabihan kong dalaga sa mini bus pauwi sa amin.

"Sa A___." sabi ko sa kanya. Obvious ba? Papunta dun ang bus na ito sabi ko naman sa isip ko.

"Alam nyo po ba kung saan yung eskwelahan ng B___?" Tanong uli nya

"A, oo." Kako. " Mauuna yung daanan kesa sa bayan." Dagdag ko pa.

"Pakituro na lang po sa amin kung saan 'yun. Di kasi namin alam."

"Ok." Sabi ko.

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Ayaw ko sanang maupo sa tabi ng dalagang nagtanong sa akin. Bukod kasi sa may kalakihan sya e malaki din ang bag na dala nya. Dun sya nakapwesto sa kaliwang bahagi ng minibus. Dun sa tatluhan ang pwedeng maupo. Mas ayaw ko namang pumasok pa sa gawing likuran ng bus kahit dun mas marami ang bakante. Kaya't sumiksik na lang ako sa kinuupuan nya. Kasama nya ang isa pang babaeng nakabusangot sa tabi ng bintana. Kung bumusangot sya dahil sumiksik ako o dahil di nila alam ang kanilang pupuntahan... wala akong pakialam. Basta ako ay naupo na lamang.

Lumambot naman ang puso ko nang magalang syang nagtanong ng direksyon. Marahil totoo nga ang sabi sa Celestine Prophecy, "Walang coincidence sa mundo. Lahat ng pangyayari ay may dahilan." Ang dahilan ng pagtabi ko sa kanila kahit ayaw ko ay ang maging instrumento para tahakin nila ang tamang landas... CHARING!!!

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Sa pagpapatuloy ng The Mini Bus Chronicles

Naalala ko tuloy nung unang pagkakataon kong bumyahe sa lugar na hindi ko alam puntahan. Taong 1993, natanggap ako bilang community organizer sa isang NGO na nagtatrabaho kapiling ng mga mangingisda sa Balayan, Batangas. Dahil ako ay taga-Pangasinan at ang pinakamalayo ko nang narating sa Timog ng Manila ay ang Bacoor, Cavite, hindi ko talaga alam kung paano makakarating sa Batangas.

Lakasan na lang kako ng loob. Tsaka kahiyaan na ito. May taga-UP ba naman kasing naliligaw? Isa pa, baka maging bahagi ito ng pagsubok ko bilang isang CO. Baka di ako ma-permanent pag di ko narating yung area.

E di ano pa nga at mula sa Dagupan ay nagbyahe na ako hanggang Pasay. Dun sa terminal ng BLTB. Hanapin nyo man yan ngayun ay di nyo na makikita. Matagal nang nagsara ang nasabing kumpanya ng bus. Hapon na ng makarating ako ng BLTB terminal, di ko matandaan pero last trip na nga ata yun papunta ng Balayan.

BTCo ang tawag dati sa bus na ito. Kung di ako nagkakamali, ang BLTB ay Balayan, Lemery, Tayabas Bus. Ordinary lang yung bus, kulay pula. Bukod sa Balayan, meron ding byaheng Lemery at Calatagan. Meron ding papuntang Quezon at Bicol. Ang haba ng pila pero tyagaan dahil wala namang ibang masasakyan. Lingon ako ng lingon at bakasakaling may makitang kakilala. Kaya lang, paano nga ako makakakita ng kakilala e taga norte ako. Buti sana kung asa Pantranco (isa ding namayapa nang bus terminal) o kaya ay sa Dagupan Bus Terminal. Di pa sikat noon ang Victory liner at lalong wala pa ang Five Star.

Bukod sa walang aircon noon, syempre wala ring celphone. Kaya walang paraan ng komunikasyon. Basta ang sabi lang sa akin ay sumakay ng byaheng Balayan at bumaba sa tapat ng simbahan sa bayan. Tapos dahil malapit lang daw ay pwede nang lakarin ang staff house, isang lakad na diretso,. isang likong pakanan, isang likong pakanan uli. Dahil Disyembre noon, pag nakakita raw ako ng mga Christmas light na korteng isda, yun na yun. Ibig sabihin ay narating ko na ang aking destinasyon. Pag di ko pa rin nakita, e magtanong na lang ako. Mababait naman daw ang mga Batagueno.

Simple lang ang direksyon pero mas simple ang ginawa ko. Pag baba ko ng bus, pumara na ako ng tricycle. Sabi ko, "Mama, ihatid nyo nga ako sa Palikpikan Extension, sa number ganyan-ganyan." Ilang sandali lang ay nanduon na nga ako sa tapat ng bahay na may Christmas lights na korteng isda.
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"O ayan, malapit na kayong bumaba." Sabi ko sa mga katabi ko.

"Ay opo, naaalala ko na nga ito." Sagot nung isa.

"Kanto ng B___; Dito na ba kayo?" Tanong ng konduktor.

"Pwede dun pa sa banda r'on. Pagkalampas ng bahay." Sagot uli nung dalaga.

Pag tapat sa lugar na bababaan nila, nilingon nya muli ako at nagpasalamat.

"Thank you po." Sabi nya.

"Ok." Sabi ko uli.

1st Blogniversary

2008-02-17T17:57:00.009+08:00

I almost forgot! It was my 1st year of blogging yesterday, February 16. No wonder I'm posting more frequently this month. I'm growing up.

So what are my milestones in my first year? Two of the more important ones are having a range of topics to blog about and of course, being accepted as a contributor to Pinoy Moms Network Parenting Blog. Well, I have also given birth to another blog but that is closely related to my quest to become part of PMN.

What I want for my next blogniversary?

I still need to hone my technical skills to place more widgets in my blog: placing maps, visitor tracker and ranking trackers. Anybody can please refer me some easy to use sites. I need to work on my photography subjects and skills. Lastly, friends are urging me to get a paid webhost... but if I do, then I should stop using the title Free Coupons, shouldn't I?

Blogging has given me a level of satisfaction and, of course, some self-criticisms everytime I re-read my entries. Grammar and writing styles need to be polished but at the moment, it is more important to know that friends (old and cyber new), acquaintances and (perhaps) even lurkers appreciate the ideas and stories that fuel my blog life.

To everyone, thanks and keep on visiting.

Define Love

2008-02-13T18:10:00.002+08:00

Remember when we were in elementary grades (grades 5-6) and we were swapping slam notebooks with our girl classmates? In that age of raging pubescent hormones, we were asked about our ambitions, motto, chums, favorite color, tv shows, songs, etc. But of course, one of the most interesting information in those pretty and scented notepads are the questions, “Define Love” and “Who is your crush/love?”

Hard as I tried, I no longer remember what my definition of love was then. I am not one to quote from the bible, books or songhits. I often write a definition of my own. So while everyone say “Love is patient and kind”, I’ll write something like “Love is a wonderful feeling for somebody special.” Many years and subjects of affections later, I have grown and learned to accept that we can not and must not define love. If we do, that wonderful feeling gets boxed in a statement of must’s and must not’s and that is totally contrary to everything that is love.

Now that I am a wife, I’ve felt and seen love so overwhelming that no amount of definition can define. I saw love in the eyes of my husband that day in SM North EDSA during one of our earlier dates. He (and probably me too) had that look that separated us from the rest of the crowd as if there were only the two of us there. I felt love during our most intimate nights together, the kinds of nights that bore us three kids. I felt love when he tried to be the romantic that he is not, buying me a bouquet of white roses. He originally planned to buy three roses only but because he pitied the salesgirl, he decided to buy the whole bunch.

I also learned that love is not defined by just the good and happy times that I share with my man. Ugly situations do happen like freaking out at each other and saying words or doing things one of us will later regret. That makes the difference between a love defined by a girl and by a woman. The strength of a woman’s love goes beyond pretty cards and stuff toys. It lies in the amount of sacrifice and careful thought that she gives to make herself, her marriage and her family whole. Perhaps it is called a matured love or perhaps, it is just that, the essence of love. Sacrificing oneself to make a whole.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and in remembrance of the days when I still define love, let me share a definition from Howard Clinebell, author of Well Being: A Personal Plan for Exploring and Enriching the Seven Dimensions of Life: Mind, Body, Spirit, Love, Work, Play, Earth.

“ Love is caring about and commitment to one’s own and the other’s continuing growth, empowerment and self-esteem…Your love is health giving to the degree that it involves ongoing commitment to and joy in helping each other develop your fullest self-esteem, dreams, and gifts at each stage on your journeys together, in spite of the conflicts and limitations in any close relationship.”

Happy Love Day To All!

In That Room: A Lovestruck Entry

2008-02-08T18:43:00.001+08:00

When I first read Noemi’s Lovestruck Writing Contest, memories of my first love struck moment came flooding back. I felt like Harry Potter falling into Dumbledore’s pensieve, landing into a room of a men’s dormitory in a state university.

It was a holiday, 18 years ago. For lack of better and cheaper things to do (besides studying that is), me, my sisses and some brods decided to celebrate Gat Andres Bonifacio’s birthday. We bought some beer and pulutan and camped inside a dormitory room. Three of its four occupants were my brods and their beds were placed side by side. The fourth bed was located in the other side of the room. So the three beds became our papag, a table-chair-bed rolled into one. We sat there forming a circle and in the middle was our feast. I was seated cross-legged near the foot of the middle bed. I was facing one of the brods who had the wall against his back. To my left is a sis and if I face her, I get a clean view of the door opening if somebody enters. And someone did enter! There was no knocking. Only a clicking of keys and turning of the doorknob. When I heard the sound, I quickly looked up to see came in and lo and behold, it was the most handsome guy I ever saw!

He saw me too and I felt like I was having a heart attack. You know those stupid commercials or cartoons that show imaginary arrows hitting a couple’s hearts as their eyes locked together while everything around them blurs? Well, that’s how my lovestruck moment was. It was as stupid as the cartoons but it was so true. It was love at first sight. He was so handsome that I can’t take my eyes off him even as we broke our gazes from each other. As he moved towards his bed, a brod introduced us to him and he acknowledged us one by one. I turned around to look at him and he smiled at me. It was a beautiful smile coming from his lips so kissable it reminded me of freshly-washed, succulent, red grapes. I was wondering how tender and sweet it must be if those lips touched mine.

“O beer mo.” One of my brods offered me a bottle and its ice-coldness broke the spell. One thing one learns from having brods is that they always, always pull you down to earth when you’re reaching the stratosphere. I looked back and offered him a beer. He declined and smiled again. I must have been wearing a stupid smile in my face but I only found out when he left the room.

“Putang-ina ka Ami. Na in love ka ano?” One of the brods exclaimed. There was hooting and a whole lotta teasing. I don’t clearly remember now, but I think somebody threw something at me. I don’t recall if it was pillow or a bottle cap. I also think I pushed my other brod away because he was playfully slapping my back. I retorted, “Gago ka. Hindi a.” Another round of hooting and teasing. When the noise died down, everyone went on drinking beer and partaking the pulutan. I was joining in the fun but half of mind was occupied by the guy’s face. Then everyone became silent and there was something that suddenly formed in my mind. It came rushing out of my heart and zoomed up my throat and before I can swallow it back, I heard myself ask

“Me girlfriend na ba yun?!”

The room erupted with laughter. I got another volley of curses and pulutan instead of receiving a yes or a no. Everyone was laughing so hard that I also found it very funny. If it was because of the beer of because of love I never knew. I just laughed and laughed.

The answer to my question came the following day. At that time the guy didn’t have a girlfriend but there were a lot of girls visiting him in the dorm. Later I also found out from my brods that two girls fought in the dorm over him. No wonder they kept on bursting my bubbles. A fraternal batchmate didn’t really like him for me that he did everything in his power to get the guy to transfer to another room.

So there it is, my lovestruck story. In fairness, it was not totally an unrequited love for me. He liked me too but I guess not enough to become his girlfriend. We dated once or twice and we talked with each other a lot but it didn’t bloom into something more meaningful. We lost contact when I went on my academic fieldwork. The last time I saw him was in a restaurant inside the university. I was with my future husband then and even if it was a pleasant surprise to see him again, I was already into another lovestruck moment but this time, it was meant for a lifetime.

Wonder Woman and That 70's Show

2008-02-04T15:21:00.000+08:00

My daughter is a member of their school’s Kiddie Dance Troupe. They performed an intermission number for the streetdance during the parish’ celebration of the Feast of Sto. Nino last January 20. No, they did not perform an ati-atihan or a folk dance. Participants to the contests from each barangay did that. Their dance may seem out of place for the occassion, but it was entertaining and had most of the adults of my age nodding their heads and tapping their feet. It was a 70s dance medley to the tune of The Twist, theme songs from the movie Grease, and Peaches and Herb’s Shake Your Groove Thing.

I didn’t know what their costume would be but when I went to their school and check, voila!

I told her and the rest of the girls, “Ay! Ang gaganda nyo naman. You all look like your lolas in the 70s. They all wear those clothes. Puro mini-skirt!”. They giggled. I realized, maybe they can’t imagine lola wearing shorty short skirts like their costume. The school directress backed me up and said, “That’s true and they don’t even wear shorts like you do now. Panty lang.” That brought the house down. The room erupted with the girls' laughter.

Now this photo is a shot that I took of my daughter while waiting for their turn to dance.

Doesn’t she remind you of someone very popular in the 1970s? Who else, but Linda Carter… the WONDER WOMAN. Check it out...

Sarbey Para sa Taga-Peyups

2008-01-30T12:05:00.000+08:00

I am writing a blog as an entry to the "100 Kwentong Peyups", which is part of U.P.'s 100th year celebration. It's turning into an autobiographical sketch and it might take me a hundred years to finish it. Whose story wouldn't when one is lucky to have a new life at UP? So for now, I am posting her a survey that will give you a peep of my upcoming U.P. and Me.

(photo courtesy of the University of the Philippines group in Facebook)

1. Student number?
~ 89-----

2. College? (upon admission or upon graduation??-ami)
~ College of Social Sciences and Philosophy; College of Social Work and Community Development

3. Ano ang course mo? (upon admission or upon graduation??-ami)
~ BS Pschology; BS Community Development

4. Nag-shift ka ba o na-kickout?
~ nag-experiment, mwahahaha

5. Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT?
~ College of Business Ad, UP Diliman

6. Favorite GE subject/s?
~ History 1, Soc Sci 2, Humanities 2

7. Favorite PE?
~ running

8. Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot babe/guys sa
UP?
~ main library, narra dorm

9. Favorite prof(s)
~ Si Maris Diokno, Neng Magno,sobrang dami... yung iba naging favorite ko na lang nung maging boss ko sila

10. Pinaka-ayaw na GE subject.
~ Nat Sci 1 and 2, Math 17

11. Kumuha ka ba ng Wed or Sat classes?
~ oo pag 7:00 am classes na lang ang natitirang pagpipilian

12. Nakapag-field trip ka ba?
~ sa laguna, rizal dahil sa humanities 2; non-academic related field trips, madami din, hehehe

13. Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP?
~ oo naman, nung 1 year na lang ako at gagradweyt na

14. Ano ang Org/Frat/Soro mo?
~ UP P______

15. Saan ka tumatambay palagi?
~ sa tambayan namin

16. Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay?
~ dorms: Kalayaan Residence Hall, Sampaguita Residence Hall, (Narra Residence hall, hahaha)

17. Kung walang UPCAT at malaya kang
nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun?
~ Music, mwahahaha... journalism/ creative writing

18. Sino ang pinaka-una mong nakilala
sa UP?
~ si Joyce ng Gen San

19. First play na napanood mo sa UP?
~ Orosman at Zafira

20. Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP:
- JPIA

21. Name 5 of the coolest
orgs/frats/soro in UP.
~ Kami, syempre

22. May frat/soro bang nag-recruit syo?
~ ang kulit mo naman!

23. Saan ka madalas mag-lunch?
~ CASAA, Rodic's, aristocart sa waiting shed ng Sampa

24. Masaya ba sa UP?
~ wahta kwestion??!!! taga-UP ka ba?

25. Nakasama ka na ba sa rally?
~ yep, Anti-US Bases Treaty, mga SONA, Anti-STFAP

26. Ilang beses ka bumoto sa SC?
~ 3 times out of 5 elections lang ang naalala ko

27. Name at least 5 leftist groups in
UP?
~ di ka talaga taga-peyups kung di mo alam kung ano-ano ito!

28. Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude
nung freshman ka?
~ YES! Nung di ko pa alam ang strengths and weaknesses ko, hahaha

29. Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP?
~ you'll find out, check out this blog regularly

30. Kung di ka UP, anong school ka?
~ Sa SLU-Baguio tsaka Lyceum sa Dagupan

Pap Smear Test, STD and Cervical Cancer

2008-01-28T14:45:00.001+08:00

I’ve been a mom for almost seven years now but my children had their share of regular check-up more than I ever did. I only had two Pap Smear tests and I didn’t even know what the results were of the first one. As long as I am enduring the discomfort, I was contented to let whatever I was feeling to stay that way.

My most recent Pap Smear test was a different story. Yes, I did notice some abnormal discharges and pain after giving birth to my son a year ago. I assumed it was only because of having tubal ligation. I thought that my system has been naturally disrupted. Until I noticed that my vaginal discharge was getting thicker and more frequent. There was discoloration too and only because I am a cardholder of a health insurance company did I finally decide to have my annual check-up. Good thing, Pap smear was included in the services.

So on the day of the check-up, the OB Gyne asked me how I was feeling and I said, “I’m okay. No problem”. Then she asked me to lie down for the procedure and she immediately knew that there was something wrong. “You have a lot of discharge. I’ll have to I.E. you. I think there’s something wrong in your cervix.” I got nervous and even though I have experienced the IE several times before, it was still discomfiting to feel the OB’s finger probing inside me. What’s more, it hurt. When she was finished, she showed me her gloved hands, “May gasgas ang cervix mo. That’s why you easily bled during the IE.”

(Photo is from www.mydr.com.au)

Her findings was, I have bacterial infection but we had to wait for the Pap Smear results to know what bacteria has infected my cervix. My mind was turning too fast, where could I possibly get the infection? Was it contagious? I didn’t really know because it was my first time to have that illness. The OB didn’t elaborate on my health problem she just wrote down, cervicitis. She repeated the need to see the results of the test. Problem was it will take one week. So what I did was turn to Google and search cervicitis. Instead of finding peace of mind, I was scared even more. Did I contract STD? Will my cervicitis lead to cancer? We’re not rich, how can I raise funds for my operation if ever I have cancer? What will happen to my children if I die? It was mental torture…

To ease out my suffering, I talked to my colleagues who comforted me by telling me to just wait for the results. I also brought it up with my husband who assured me, in a joking manner, that it is not STD because if there is one last man standing who is monogamous, it would be him. Sure… sure.. So I just tried to focus on my work because I was about to give a training in research and documentation in Isabela Province three days after my check-up.

When I came back from the training, I immediately went back to hospital where I had the tests. I gathered the results from the laboratory and went straight to the OB Gyne’s clinic. She was not there because she was doing her rounds in another hospital. I felt frustration creeping inside me but the secretary was so accommodating and said she’ll just call her boss and read the results over the phone.

The findings: it was normal bacterial infection. Not STD bacteria. She said it was the kind that thrives in our outer vagina and if unchecked, it manages to get into the cervix. Now that was also a cause that’s written in one my google searches but perhaps I have the knack for dramatics, so I focused on the more controversial causes. My illness was not life-threatening, my own OB Gyne said. I will just have to use suppository medication for a week and come back for follow-up check up. I also later found out from the doctor who was in-charge of reading all my test results that my urinalysis showed that I had Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). She said that it could be the cause of my cervicitis or the other way around. No matter what, she prescribed antibiotics for one week and a repeat urinalysis afterwards.

All’s well that ends well. I now fully realize the importance of a regular reproductive or even general health check-up. Of course, it was good that what I had was not what I imagined it was but it will be much better if I didn’t have any illness at all.

Between Taking It Easy and Going For The Gold

2008-01-23T13:16:00.000+08:00

I already posted this blog in November last year but I submitted it to Pinoy Moms Network's The Parenting Blog. I had to remove it for a while and wait for it to get published there first. The good news is, it has been APPROVED and POSTED here making it my very first PMN The Parenting Blog article.

Below is the original version in it's original context. Happy reading:

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Ever since my eldest daughter entered school, it has been my dilemma to whether take it easy on her or to do my very best to help her get the gold. And by getting the gold, I meant figuratively and literally. Karerin eka nga.

There were three recent events that compelled me decide once and for all, what my stand is on this question. First was, when I received her report card for the first quarter and received news that she slipped to third honors. She was most outstanding prep pupil last year and that was equivalent to being first honors. Next was, when she joined the Nueva Ecija Private Pre-elementary and Elementary Schools Association (NEPPEESA)Quiz Bee (Science category) in the province's First District. Finally, when she was one of the candidates for Little Miss United Nations in her school last October 27.

SAYANG!

Sayang is one word that best described all three situations.

"Sayang, third honors ka na pala."

"Sayang, number six ka sa quizbee. Top five lang ang makakasali sa provincial level."

"Sayang, kulang ka sa praktis sa Ms. UN."

Two years ago, she entered Kindergarten not knowing how to hold a pencil. I was very strict during the first quarters. When I saw tears rolling down her cheeks when I get mad at her for not writing the ALPHABET correctly, I decided to take it easy. The results: she was one point away from graduating in Kindergarten with honors.

"Ay, sayang naman." Those in the know remarked. "Binayaran mo na lang sana." They even said.

Now, of course, knowing Trinity, she doesn't actually give a damn about all these things. Well, she does at first, but she's never one to cry over spilt milk. In fact, she hates milk. She'd rather have a Milo drink or Nestea Iced tea.

What I mean is, at her age and personality, there is not much pressure for her to get top awards. Good if she does, try again next time, if she doesn't. Now, here is when my different mommy personas collide. On one hand, I commend her for achieving these things that I have not achieved when I was her age. On the other hand, I and most everyone else, see her full of potentials. I think it wold be unfair to her if she doesn't get all the assistance that she needs to flourish even more.

Take the academic standing and the quiz bee for instance. Unlike the first two years of her schooling, I have not been able to monitor her studies this year. More because of work-related reasons rather than my quest to avoid pressuring her. Her studies (and contest)were between her and her teachers. My husband and I get into the picture only on weekends before exams. After all that's been said and done, it's SAYANG when she manages to reach only the lower levels of the academic ladder. At one point, some would say, it's just fine because she has been studying and making it her own. But for some, it would exactly be their point. If she can do good on her own, she could have scaled greater heights had there been more support. As my sister texted back when I told her, Trinity placed sixth in the Quiz Bee:

"Sayang naman.Kulang lang yan sa review."

Decisions, decisions

So now I take a stand, decisions have to be made.I am her mom, and it is my sworn and natural duty to assist her achieve her full potentials. And by the powers vested upon, she has no other recourse but to obey!

Nah, I won't go back to yelling and hitting her hands with pencils like I used to some time ago. I hated myself for that. And I wonder, is it a parent's thing to become physical when it comes to children not studying according to their standards? Anyways, whatever the reasons, it's bad just the same.

Five things in my mind to guide me guide her (and my other children) when it comes to giving one's best shot:

1. Be decisive. Would I want to let her take it easy and do things in her own sweet time or should I nudge more and instill in her the value of hard work to earn higher awards/ blessings? I believe that whatever my decision would be, I should stick to it to be more more consistent with how we (her and I) deal with her achievements or endeavors.

2. Regain my personal discipline. From grade 1 to second year high school, I have been a very studious and orderly pupil, I was bordering on obsessive-compulsive behavior. I learned to take it easy in junior high and let everything go in college. The results, I became a crammer and still am, professionally and domestically. In a way, the attitude has rubbed on my children. Sometimes, if I tell Trinity to review, she'll reply that there is enough time in the morning because the exam is in the afternoon. Talk about having a brilliant kid! And a joyfully exasperating one just the same.

3. Instilling the concept of time. As in "A Time for Every Season". At this age, I do not believe in asking, errr, commanding her to prioritize her studies. I would rather develop in her the understanding of doing things in their own time. I think it's best to allocate time for every activity: playtime, TV time, study time, until it becomes a habit.

4. Think of studying or practice as a game or an entertainment. That way, both of us enjoy what is often considered as something to be taken seriously. Play acting would be really fun.

5. Lastly, explaining to her, in children's terms, the cost and benefits of doing well in her studies and in whatever competitions that she may join. For example:

"Anak, mag-aral kang mabuti para ma-first honor ka uli. Kasi pag na first ka, may discount ka sa tution fee. Pag may discount sa tuition fee, madadagdagan pambili natin ng Jollibee."

To which she will most probably reply:

"E kung pandesal na lang bilhin natin. Wag nang Jollibee. Pwede na ba akong maging fourth honor?"

Travel in the Philippines

2008-01-18T14:12:00.000+08:00

I am a Lakbayan C+ traveler.

I found this in Noemi's blog. I had to retake the quiz because I got it all mixed up at first try, I got an A+ grade then, hahaha.

Try it! It's fun to look back at all the places one has visited in the Philippines.

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Maligalig Ngunit Makabuluhang Pasko Sa Ating Lahat

2007-12-18T16:09:00.000+08:00

Today, the seventh day before Christmas, I went on a last minute shopping for clothes and gifts for the children's Christmas party this week. I was holding my bag tightly, afraid that thieves will attempt to open its top zipper and look what they (he, she or it) did:

Unfortunately for them, luck... or more appropriately, my guardian angel was on my side. My valuables were on the side that was not slashed: celphones, wallet and my purchased clothes. I was about to eat my lunch at McDonalds on the second floor of the mall in this city, when I noticed my sagada-woven pencil case popping out of the side of my bag. Before my mind can figure out what had happened I felt through inside my bag and yes, everything was still there. Haaayy!! McDO value meal didn't taste much better than today's lunch. Yummy!

So it was the thief who was malas and I was definitely swerte.. Today, I realized that even if I no longer have a 13th month pay to expect nor a bonus cash gift from the office, I still have my blessings. No matter how simple like unconsciously getting away with those demonic mandurukots slash slashers, I still always have my share of blessings. Mas magaling pa rin ang Diyos ko kesa sa diyos nila. (MY God is still much better than their gods.)

Friends, it's still Merry Christmas and I wish all of you a meaningful one:

A Visit to Remember

2007-12-01T14:54:00.000+08:00

The NGO that I work with had some foreign visitors who came here to learn and experience poverty early last month. Kakaiba di ba? We Filipinos are raring to get out of this God-forsaken slash going- to- the- dogs country with all its kahirapan and here is a group of long term supporters from the First World choosing to take a tour, not in the beautiful sites offered by Ace Durano's WOW Philipppines, but to that part of the Philippine cultural divide also known as the poor, deprived,oppressed and exploited. What a mouthful! Have you caught your breath yet?

So anyway, they were actually here to understand how our NGO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT. (Now, I'm talking the talk.) And we did it like any NGO would. The visit started with expectations setting, visit and integration with the partner communities (another NGO lingo)and it ended with an evaluation and reflection. But the good part was, and I haven't experienced this with my past NGO employers, the exposure to Philippine cultural and historical sites and activities. Oh but excuse me, I did have some cultural exposures in the past. They were oftentimes alternative, meaning, Bistro '70s concerts and gigs with all the smoke and drinks. This time, I got to chance to get inside a cockfight arena and dine in Zamboanga Restaurant in Malate. A cultural show where our traditional dances like the singkil, tinikling and carinosa were featured.

During the actual community visit, we, the staff and visitors, were divided into three groups. I joined the group that stayed in a sub-village (a purok) that is occupied by the risk-taking and hard-working migrants (mostly) from Negros thus their community is caled Pulong Visaya. The stay in the community consisted of two days and one night mingling with the residents at their homes and in their work.

Let's Talk About That

On the night of the visit, my colleague and the two foreign ladies were chatting about how the day went. We have just finished a dinner of ginisang ampalaya and pritong tilapia.

" I feel bad about driving Nana Mareng out of her bedroom," one of the visitors said. "That's her bedroom we're using, isn't it?"

We nodded.

"Why does she have to let us use it? We can stay here in the living room." She asked.

"Filipino hospitality." I replied. "We just do it. Even if it is my house you're visiting, I'll let you use the master's bedroom. If you call it such." I added.

"Would you really? If you visited me in Utah, I'll let you sleep in the living room." She remarked laughing.

" My house is just like this one. We have a narrow alley that serves as the living room and dining area. We also have two rooms like this, although one of our rooms is bigger because the whole family sleeps there. The other room is smaller, it's where the aunt/ baby sitter stays." I went on to describe our home.

"So you and your husband sleep with the children? How old did you say they were?" She asked again.

" 6, 4 and 1 year old. Yes, we sleep together in one bed." I smilingly answered her. I think I know where the question is leading to.

"If you don't mind me asking, how..." she trailed off.

I laughed and finished the question for her, "How did we do it? I had three kids, so we did."

"Hey, no one asked that." The other lady told her.

"That's why I'm asking." She replied.

"It's okay. My answer is, (I lowered my voice) the kids sleep tightly." We burst out laughing again.

"It's a matter of timing." My colleague said. Another round of laughter.

"I'm not really surprised by the question. I was actually expecting it." I said. "Do you know Cory Aquino?"

The lady who asked the question shook her head (Whoah! I thought. So here is somebody who doesn't know Cory and most probably Kris Aquino. What a relief!)

"Well, Cory is the first Filipina president. ( But no, she and her husband didn't sleep in one bed with all their kids, I thought again.) And her youngest daughter, Kri,s is a popular host of a game on TV, Deal or No Deal."

"Oh I know that TV show. So you have it here too?" The other lady interjected.

"Yes," I nodded. " And she asked that same question to one of her contestants in one of the episodes!"

"On national TV?!" The visitor exclaimed.

"Yes she did. The contestant said she wanted to renovate her present house because it was small and she and her husband sleep in one room with their three young sons. Kris found that unbelievable." I ended my story.

What I failed to tell our foreign friends was that there are smaller and poorer houses across the Philippines and it is in these houses where population booms often happen.

Let's Talk About That Again

The following morning, we went to the vegetable farms where some of the residents work as farm help. Although at these times, not many were hired because picking season is almost over. The visitors were amazed at how long Philippine stringed-beans can be. We told them that the longer these are, the more expensive they become and less opportunity for the pickers themselves to eat it.

So we "toured" through the trellises and took pictures and exchanged about how the stringed beans are grown and how much the pickers earn from it, etc, etc. After looking at the vegetables, we went back to hut of the caretaker and continued our "educational discussion", the huntahan (Storytelling).

Since everyone of us were women, the questions and stories gravitated towards THAT again. I say THAT not because I am prude but because no one said S*X but everyone said "'YUN" or THAT.

It started with a question on marrying age. One of the residents who were with us said she got married at 14. Not because she wanted to but because her father learned that one of her suitors is the son of a family who has their own land to till. So he forced her to marry the guy whom she didn't like then because she has her eyes set on someone else. She went on to tell her life story including how her father hurt her when she resisted and how she tried to commit suicide by downing kerosene and how she was saved by her mother by letting her drink something so she would vomit the kerosene. Her storytelling was full of gestures and vocal intonation that we were swayed by all the feelings that she had then. We laughed when she did, became-teary eyed when she did and laughed again when she did. ( I had that incredible task of translating the story to our guests and we had to let the story finish before translating it to them fully).

The pre-marriage was only the first part. The more exciting and reflective part was the story of how she ran away from her groom/ husband on their first night together: the honeymoon.

"I didn't know what happens on the first night. I was fourteen and we didn't have TV of books. No one told me what I was about to experience!" She exclaimed. All our eyes were set on her, amused by her story.

"So when he went on top of me and started undressing me, I fought back. Then ran away towards our neighbors. I was crying and I was very mad. I firmly believed then that he was not supposed to be doing that to me!" Her listeners, us, were now rolling with laughter.

We stopped laughing when she said, "My mother slapped me when she found out and she said she'll slap me if I ran away again. So there it is, my life story. Now, we already have two children and he's away while I take care of the children and our small farm. Life is difficult but I guess I have grown to love him too." She said smiling.

Transferring THAT knowledge to our children

After the sharing, one of the visitors asked her and the rest of the mothers who were with us if they are willing to teach their children about sex education at the right time. The visitors added that in the US, they freely talk about it with their children as part of their preparation.

The mother who shared her story said she will but not all details. She doesn't want her daughter running to neighbors like her. Another mom said, she may not because her kids will find out when they're ready anyway, but if asked about it, she'll also explain.

A reflective silence followed. Then everyone started thanking everyone else for sharing even their personal stories. And I thought, the conversation was so amazing. The only thing lacking was a cameraman and floor directors and we could have been participants to a round table discussion on S*@X Education in rural Philippines.

By the end of the visit, during the evaluation and reflection, the women who were in our group cited this conversation as something that they can not forget and was very grateful for. It was just like any other women-talk or kitchen chat where everyone learned from everyone else. That's how I felt too.

My Personal OctoberFest

2007-10-30T18:06:00.000+08:00

Finally, I can blog, and blog-o-rama I will do until I finish writing about all the exciting things I have done this month of October.

It was an Octoberfest for me which started with being assigned to accompany a volunteer dash photographer from Hongkong dash London in the areas where my NGO implement our own brand of participatory development work. From the concrete and iron-railed Ninoy Aquino International airport to the far flung communities of Isabela Province and then back to the palay-filled roads of Nueva Ecija, Louise, I and several of the NGO staff visited and mingled with local residents while taking photos everywhere and anywhere, everyone and anyone.

Louise was here to basically merge her "development studies knowledge and her passion for photography". She has just graduated from a university in London and plans to pursue a career in photojournalism. Meanwhile, me and my colleagues, dream of becoming world class photographers so when Louise wrote us to volunteer here to professionally take photos, we did not have second thoughts. In fact, we seized the opportunity to task her into giving us a free training on how to take very, very good photos. That's the beauty and the skill of development workers, we do not let good opportunities pass by. In fact, we can also create good opportunities for ourselves. :P Below are some of my shots:

The "hands-on photography" fieldwork cum training went on for two weeks but I took a break on the weekend in between to attend to my motherly tasks. I brought all of my kids to the pediatrician for their overdue vaccine and asthma-maintenance medication check-up. My youngest, Enzo was given measles vaccine shots while the girls we prescribed to continue sniffing seretide inhalers because it's palay-drying season and all the roads around us are filled with them. Enzo's next vaccine schedule is for chicken pox and would you believe, the shot now costs P2,000??!! I am thinking of just exposing him to the real thing just to get immunized. As my brother- in law- used to say, a bottle of Tempra drops, orange flavored only cost only around P200. When I had my first baby, it was only P1,000 then my second cost P1500. Good thing I already got myself ligated!

So after the official business came my personal October fest, Raia celebrated her 4th birthday and we had a simple party at her school. It was my first time to give a party in school (Trinity's birthday is on April) and I was so invigorated by all the kids appreciating everything, from the Disney Princess Happy Birthday Banner to my (catered) imitation of Jollibee spaghetti and chickenjoy. I can't forget how 13 children said "WOW!!!!" altogether, when they opened their packed snacks. They were so excited and happy.

Two days later, we were having the real Jollibee, it was Enzo's first birthday. It was my second time to throw a bumblebee party and this time, I already know how to encourage the kids and their moms to participate. It was fun seeing my near-adolescent nieces who, three years ago, were falling in line to receive their toys but now, they run away from the service crew who wants them to join the games. Time does fly so fast. They'll be debutantes in no time.

Finally, the United Nations' Day Celebration in my kids' school was held last Saturday, October 27. It was an 8-hour event that started with an early make-up session and ended with me pinning a Best in National Costume sash on my eldest daughter. Very tiring but very fun-filled. I reserved another blog for this, complete with my musings and what ifs...

It's fun to work but it's more fun to be a working mom!

Is Today's Curriculum Too Hard On Our Kids?

2007-09-14T16:53:00.000+08:00

I've heard it once, I've heard it twice. I've heard it from someone else and I've heard it from myself. Pre-school and elementary students' lessons nowadays are too advanced.

If we based it on the lessons we had, less than 30 years ago... of course today's curriculum is far too advanced. I didn't solve word problems in pre-school math and I learned to write cursive only by the end of my first grade. Last week, I was teaching my first grade daughter about Roman Numerals. 1-3 were easy but 14, 40, 19 and 90, and others, were way too confusing for her. My problem is, I can't seem to explain Arabic-Roman numeral conversion without having to explain the process of adding and subtracting double digits. Then I realized, they were not yet taught how to add and subtract double Arabic digits yet. So why do teachers expect them to write 298 in Roman Numeral? On top of Math, she had to memorize 2 English poems and 1 tula for a graded recitation. Talk about child stress!

My daughter is doing well in her other subjects, she actually topped her pre-school class last graduation. But I still think that her grade school lessons are too fast-paced, if not difficult. Some people, like the owner of the learning center where she studies thinks so too but then she said, "It's already the standard. If we don't follow it, we'll get left behind." Quite true.

According to reports, the Philippines is left behind, perhaps, too far behind, by its Asian neighbors in Math and Science. I heard someone justify the advanced lessons as a response to this situation. But I think there should more to it than just teaching difficult math problems or English lessons. Methodologies should also be developed so that no matter how advanced, like asking grade 1 students to solve algebra-like problems, understanding it won't be too hard on the kid.

Maybe I'm just venting out my math-o-phobia. Or maybe I'm just not aware that there are drills or activities to make studying Math a piece of cake. Or maybe it's me who's pressured because I want to her keep her academic standing. Maybe I'm pressured because I'm beginning to think she now needs a tutor because I haven't help her much in studying due to various reasons.

Wherever this pressure is coming from, I hope I get over it. For crying out loud, she's only in grade 1!

Prequel To The Mini Bus Chronicles

2007-09-06T10:00:00.000+08:00

I created The Mini Bus Chronicles because I am a commuter.I travel the same route every weekday. I have a million thoughts about bus and jeepney rides but I can't start writing them down yet. I remembered my old entry which I think passes as a prequel to the chronicles so I am reposting it here.

I've been commuting from Mondays to Fridays for years now. I was recently promoted so I bet I'll be traveling this exact route for the next 5-10 years more. Despite the dust and the slooooowwww trip, I enjoy the ride. I love to look at the scenery: golf course-like greenery during planting season courtesy of fertilizers and pesticides :-( and golden fields and roads during harvest time. Inner roads in our province transform into mega long drying facilities during harvest season making us the recordholder for the longest drying pavement. :P

I also enjoy watching the passengers as they ride and alight from the buses. Most of them are students in their all white uniforms. You got it, Nurse wannabes, it's their ticket to fortune. Others are in trendy clothes bought from the malls on sale day. I notice Bizaare and Lee as the most common brands. The students are so "japorms". They , both boys and girls, have celfones, cool/pretty bags,accessories and shoes and stylized hair. I can't help but think of their nanay and tatay or moms and dads who provide even for their daily dose of shampoos and colognes. Not to mention the allowances and tuition fees. If only each and everyone of them passes the board or at least get a decent job when they graduate, their "porma" won't be wasted.

Then there are the buses, their drivers and their konduktors. There are two types of buses, the slow one and the express. But sometimes, there are buses that are only slow while traversing the areas where there are potential passengers. Then they sped away like the demons are chasing them in sites along the ricefields. These are the types who gets all sorts of cuss words from old ladies and others whose "Para!!!!" fall on deaf ears. When you get to ride this express buses, be sure to scream at the top of your lungs way ahead of where you want to stop. If not, be ready to get down from the bus miles away from your "tabi" or "kanto".

The infrastructure and design of the buses are as varied as their owners (drivers and konduktor). Some are so dilapidated you'll wonder if they reach their destinations on time. Miracle of miracles, most do. I myself do not often experience riding in a bus that breaks down along the way. Of course, when that happened, I was one of those who freaked out. How can you not when you are running late for work, class or an appointment? You'll want to lobby to your congressman to file a house bill arresting all drivers who go to work without checking their tires, motors or gas.

There are also junk buses, repainted buses, buses whose roofs leak during rainy days and buses that smells of gas. I do not recall ever riding a brand new bus but in fairness, there are the big ones almost like the Genesis or ordinary Victory liners. These are often contacted for excursions to Baguio, etc.

On the artsy side, our buses, like the jeepneys, are murals, carriers of Filipino pop culture. They never fail to show the creativity and resourcefulness of the Pinoy. Who else will think of cutting out pictures of Ferraris and Porsches, paste them on the glass windows to function as sunlight breaker. Or use old giveaway calendars from Hope and Winston as sunscreen. And there is that bus that has small rectangular mirrors everywhere I can't help but wonder if the owner understands the vanity in each of us, if he or she is vain himself or herself or baka naman trip nya lang talaga ang mga salamin. My favorite are the home-like buses, these are the types that has real checkered window curtains and hanging stuff toys. These are the clean ones that often smell like newly-dusted and air freshened homes.

There are no aircon buses. No big deal. Who needs them anyway. It is only when one is already in the city would he or she wish for aircon because this is where the traffic begins and where the smoke gets in your eyes and lungs.

Another reason for me to enjoy the trip are the stories, comments and gossips that I listen to when commuting. Most of the times, of course, I do not know who they are talking about. But with the accent and raw, in- your- face comments of my kababayans, there is so much to laugh and blog about. Like that bus I once rode whose bus driver and konduktor kept on calling for passengers when there are no more available seats, a passenger blurted:

"Bakit ka ba tawag pa ng tawag e puno na. San mo pa isasakay yan, me trailer ka ba?" Imagine a bus with a trailerful of passengers.

There was also one time when two ladies in front of me talked about the mistress of the other's husband. After a lengthy pangagalaiti, the woman whose husband has a mistress, finally said, "Di ko na lang papatulan. Di ko naman sya ka-level. Napakawalang hiya nyang babae sya." Said with feelings, a matching facial expression with chin up.

Travel is fun even in the road often traveled. One just has to have a great sense of sight, sense of hearing and sense of humor.