A glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness

Is there still hope for the Philippines? That is a question every Filipino has in their head. A question in which the answer is undefined up to now.

Recently, we have just experienced the catastrope brought about by the incessant rains of the typhoon Maring. On the side, there are issues on pork barrel, corruption, and proper allocation of the people's funds. While everyone was praying that the rain would cease and the floods will subside, I just cannot help but think: we experience the same scenario every year, there was Ondoy, Habagat, and Maring. And every year, it gets worse. But why are there floods and landslides every year? Or maybe since time immemorial, tracing it back up to the time where our memory serves us right.

We should not ignore the fact that part of the flooding and landslide is due to the negligence and abuse of people. We cut down trees and do not replace them, we devastate the mountains, we convert more farmlands to subdivisions, we throw trash insensibly. We are never responsible for our own actions. And when mother nature takes its course, its wrath is always destructible. So here we are, still left in this seemingly hopeless situation, the vicious cycle goes on and on.

On the other hand, everyone who's wishfully thinking can't help but hope that our politicians also be responsible for the funds entrusted into their hands. Those are people's money, and we the common folk, who work tirelessly, expect that the money being deducted from our salary will be put into good use. And an example of a proper allocation of that fund will be the facilities we can use in times of emergencies like this- rubber boats and other life-saving equipment which are not substandard, medicines, evacuation centers, and relief goods. Add up to that, since we do not wish to deal with all the hassle of the floods from time to time, maybe a better road and flood system would be deemed helpful and essential. People want a temporary solution to these perennial problems, and the government should not keep their heads cool on matters like this.

The pinpointing goes on and on. The issues of corruption and dishonesty prevails, just like as many cities and provinces continue experiencing the outpouring flood. When will the water level go down? Or will it subside and then appear again? Will the strong winds of corruption and dishonesty keep on bashing our country like that of a typhoon? Will it keep devastating lives, depriving the populace of what they rightfully deserve, a right to a good life? And when will it ever stop, or maybe be lessened, or will it ever be?

The gloominess when a typhoon wreaks havoc is a metaphor to the real situation of our country. Winds will do shake and break us, so as the issues in the government, that comes to and fro. The people experiencing flooding, struggle to be saved, and so are we, the Filpinos, from this depressing state of corruption and dishonesty. We want to have light after this bleak storm, and we just cannot wait for the sun to shine again, and be back to our normal lives. Filipinos want to be freed from that misery, as ideal as it may sound. And lest we all act, from the common folks, to the middle class, the noveau-rich, and those who are part of the government, the same question will still be hovering on our heads.

Is there still hope for the Philippines? Let's not just hope that there is hope. We should act to make things hopeful for us, to yield positive and good results. In our own ways we can. There is always a call to move, and to make bold and courageous actions. We should not wait, as the time is now. No more cursing, loathing, denial, and pointing of fingers - lest we do not want a total wipe-out ala Noah's flood before the Philippines can start a new.

invisible invincible

Life is somehow on the rocks recently. I wish I could say it's a breeze, but there's just so much to be stressed about. I'm not complaining really. This time I will be narrating the facts, because they happen for real. Still and all, I try my best to keep it cool.

I started the school year telling myself that everything will be fine. For the first few months, it is. As time progressed, well, things sort of changed. I still love my students, but they do get the hell out of me sometimes. They are little angel-devils. Don't be deceived if they are cute and oh so loving. They are mischievous, but yeah well yeah, you love them still. Talk about unconditional love, maybe I'm good at that.

With great power comes great responsibility, so as much as possible, I avoid committing myself to extra school work, lest I want myself exhausted, drained, and dead (just exaggerating). I don't volunteer myself and I shrug my shoulders off when there's a meeting or gathering. I guess instead of loving where I'm at, I'm starting to be more detached, numb, and sometimes...cynical. This is not good.

There's just so much expectations from work. Morning meetings, Character Formation, Excellent Teaching, Discipline, Diligence, Responsibility, Prudence, Modesty (I am never super modest, believe me!)....and all those other virtues you can ever think of. I am not perfect though, and their expectations sometimes do frustrate me. Oh I can never really attain perfection and I am not inline for beatification. I have flaws, and I love it. As time goes by, I learned to create my own identity, and what people say about me, will never define who I am.

A source of consolation is my friends at work. Yes I do have them. We share the same sentiments and rants. And they keep me going when the going gets tough. I laugh, whine, scream, with them. And if there's a reason why I still go to work, I guess it's because of them.


These days I barely meet my other friends though. Because of what happened recently (Read my previous blogs, hoho), I started to let go of them, slowly. Time can tell when I will see them again. They are all busy, though. And I know time is our greatest opponent. The same goes for my college friends. I'm not gonna let them go, because as for me, they are the most genuine of all. These are the people who love me and accept me for who I am, who are excited for my successes, and will comfort me during my downtrodden moments. If all else fail, they listen but never judge. It's just I seem to be more laid-back compared to them. They all get busy from work. I bother them to give me time, but then again, our time never matches perfectly. We can find time, maybe, but not know. In times like this, I know, I have myself to depend on. And God is also there.

Good to know that I still know to set my priorities straight. I still join connect groups (an activity at the Feast), I am starting to attend Thursdays worship service again and I am back to writing. I miss the adrenaline rush of an ever busy life, but I guess God wants me to chill a bit. I just don't want to stay at home most of the time because I'm the time who wants to make the most out of my life. In fact, as early as now, I scheduled my summer trip already. And I am bringing my family to Bohol this time. Cheerssss! Something to look forward to, indeed.

And I still have this uncertainties as regards to work. Maybe next year is the perfect timing to say Goodbye to the school where I served for three-four years. Sad to say, even if I tried, I know it is not the place where I see myself retiring. As early as now, I have to decide where I am going- Scholastic, Science School, International School, or abroad. The decision is mine to make, and God, I just hope You will help me see where I can be my best self, and simply be happy. :) In my heart, I know, the moment I resign from work, it's gonna be liberating. So why am I restraining myself to be happy? Sometimes though, there are foolish mistakes you make. I have to learn to go out of my comfort zone.

Whatever happens in my life though,  I know it's for the best. I make my own decisions, but with guidance from my friends, family, the people who care, and God, I know I'll finally find my road to happiness. I may not be perfectly contented with what I have, but I am still thankful  for all the blessings that come my way. And at the end of the day, I will say, "thy will be done." In due time, all will be well. And I am willing to take even the steepest step, if that road will lead me to where my heart will be at home.

AMALAYER brouhaha and all that fusssssss

My attention and curiosity was caught yesterday morning when I happened to check my twitter account and found this hashtag #Amalayer trending. Unaware of what the issue is about, I had a big question mark on my head and I told myself "What the freaking stuff is this?" Puzzled and bewildered still, I tried to shrug of the idea. However, upon browsing the yahoo news, the answer seemingly seems to slap my face as it is also trending in that site. And so, question answered. I browsed and read through the news.

Apparently, the Amalayer thingy is about an english speaking girl passenger of LRT who happens to pronounced the I'm a liar as "Amalayer." Since I had no idea before, I thought it was "I'm a lawyer" mispronounced. Laughing at my guess, I continued reading and found out that the girl was ranting and shouting at the top of her lungs as the lady guard likewise shouted at her and grabbed her (this was her side of the story). Thus, everything started there and that actuation of the poor lady guard sparked the fire of hatred and loathing from this likewise poor girl. Oh well, talking about individual differences and bouts of temper. I'll just give my big SIGHHHHHHH.

After reading the article, I was not contented. I wanted to see the video and of course it was everywhere, literally. It's trending on social media, thus it is really easy to find. Just one click and I was then watching the viral video which spread like wild fire. I felt aghast and flabbergasted. I asked myself "What the hell is happening to the world?" When confronted and our attention was called for, do we really have to call for other's attention to by literally shouting? At the end of the day though, I am not in the right position to judge. In the first place, I was not there when such drama happened. But of course, as a citizen patrol who just happened to watch the video, you can't help but make preconceived judgments out of what you saw.

I felt sorry for both of them though. First, to the lady guard because she was definitely HUMILIATED. Being shouted at while everyone was watching is indeed, AWKWARD. I can just imagine her shrinking and wishing that she may evaporate right there during that moment. But of course, she can't. And with an english speaking girl screaming at you telling her that she is  "educated," what else will you feel? But it all happened already, and even with all the apologies, the lady guard already felt inferior.

Nonetheless, I also felt sorry for Ms. Amalayer. Because of the video, her face was bannered in all forms of social media, and maybe even in the newspapers and in TV. She was the talk of the town and the subjects of debate, maybe even crucified, laughed at, criticized, mocked at, and judged. She has to admit though that there was a lapse of her part too, even if she was shouted at and being grabbed by the guard. If she was "maltreated," as she said so, it does not give her the right to do the same. What's the use of the term amicable settlement if we would talk in an uncivil manner with each other? In addition, being educated does not also give her the privilege to belittle others just so she can earn respect and stand out. The real essence of being an educated person is knowing how to respect others and to be able to think before you act such that you will not hurt other's feelings. But maybe she was humiliated too, so lesson learned, be careful with what you say or do. Now that we are living in a highly technological era, we have to be wary of our actions, for we never know if there's a camera spying on us.

The damage has been done and the debates are still ongoing. Both parties aired and shared their side of the story. Once again, the netizens are alive and kicking, ranting and commenting on the issue. I just hope that we be mindful that we are not as saintly as we think we are. We may say our piece and stand about it, but at the end of the day, we do not have the right to condemn. The internet and social media provide the avenue for us to speak our minds, but I hope the bashing would not go overboard. After all, both parties are human and commit mistake. Let's move on and learn our lesson so when confronted with the same situation we will all strive to do what's right.