Part III - No More Pretensions (In Filipino "Tagalog" dialect)

Hindi nakatulog agad si Damon nang gabing iyon.  Hindi maalis sa kanyang isip kung bakit ganun nalang kaprotective ang pakiramdam nya kay Steph.  Halos ayaw nyang umuwi at gugustuhin nya pang doon nalang matulog sa kanyang kotse masiguro lang nya na walang magtatangka ng masama sa dalaga.  Ngunit kinailangan nyang umuwi, mabuti nalang at nandyan si Miggs, ang always dependable nyang kaibigan.  Pinakiusapan nya ito na magpadala ora mismo ng bodyguard para magbantay discreetly sa labas ng boardinghouse ni Steph.  Wala kase syang tiwala sa tatlong tambay na nagiinuman sa harap, na napansin nyang masama ang tingin kay Steph pagdating nila kanina... Dinampot nya ang kanyang cellphone at sinagot ang tawag, “Miggs” sagot nito... 
“Nandun na si Tommy pare” sa kabilang linya.  
“Salamat pare, pasensya na ha”... 
“Basta ikaw pare, anytime”...si Miggs
Napahawak sa noo si Damon at napapikit... Atleast kampante na syang magtatrabaho ngayong gabi... Napakarami nyang dapat habuling deadline.

Si Damon ang syang designer ng mga kotseng ginagawa ng kanilang kumpanya... Lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat, si Damon ang syang nasa likod ng napakalaki at matatag na kumpanya ng kanilang pamilya ang Samuel &Sons, isang group of companies na pinamumunuan ng kanyang ama.  Isa sa mga kompanyang ito ay ang DSM limited editions, isang manufacturer ng kotse na personalized at ginagawa ayon sa specifications ng umorder...  Hindi basta-basta ang mga clients nila, marami sa mga ito ay classified ang identity, si Damon lang at ilan sa mga head ng kumpanya ang makakaalam.  Si Damon ang designer ng lahat ng kotseng ito, kaya’t sya ang madalas na kausap ng mga kliyente pasikreto man o hindi.  Ito ang dahilan kung bakit madalas ay my kameeting sya sa gabi, ang mga taong willing gumastos magkaroon lang ng kotseng walang kapareha.  Sa kasalukuyan tatlo ang kelangan nyang tapusin sa isang buwan.  Napakabigat ng responsibilidad na ito para kay Damon, sa edad na 18 ay sa kanya na nakasalalay ang reputasyon ng kumpanyang hindi makikilala kung walang kasing husay at metikyulosong designer na tulad nya.  Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, ginusto nya paring mag-aral at kumuha ng isang kurso na napakalayo sa kanyang ginagawa.  Gusto nya ng diversion, way of relaxation ito para sa kanya, ang makasalamuha ang mga kasing edad nya.  Ito rin ang nagbibigay sa kanya ng release from pressure na hinaharap nya gabi gabi sa bahay nya.  Hindi narin tumutol ang mga magulang nya dito dahil kung tutuusin sa edad nya ay dapat nga lamang na nag-aaral pa sya.

        Sa kabilang dako, hindi malaman ni Steph kung pano nya mapigilan ang sarili sa kakaisip sa mga pangyayari ngayong araw.  Gusto nang matulog ng kanyang mata ngunit sadyang ayaw humupa ng kanyang nararamdaman... tumigil kana Steph... matulog kana please... pinaglalaruan ka lang nya... wag kang magpapadala sa naramdaman mo... masasaktan ka lang, Mariing pagkumbinsi ni Steph sa kanyang sarili... Hindi maalis sa kanyang isipan ang magkahalong takot at saya na sa kabila ng kanyang itsura ay my isang tila anghel sa kagwapuhang lalaki na magpapakita at magpaparamdam sa kanya ng importasya.  Kahit ano pa ang pagsasalungat nya sa kanyang pakiramdam, hindi nya madedeny na kinikilig sya to the highest level... Bahala na, I’ll follow my heart this time, no more pretensions Steph, just let yourself feel and taste heaven while it lasts...

        Tanghali na ng gisingin si Stepahanie nang kanyang telepono... “Hello?”... 
“Princess sweetheart, kanina pako alalang-alala sa iyo, bakit di mo sinasagot ang telepono mo?”  
“Ha?”, sagot ni Steph na tila nananaginip pa.. “Damon?” mahinahong sagot nya... 
“That’s the first time you mentioned my name, how I wish nasa harap kita ng makita ko kung paano binigkas ng mga labi mo ang pangalan ko... I missed you Princess... did you dream about me?..kagigising mo ba?”, malambing na tanong ni Damon... Tuluyan ng nagising si Steph... “Aga mo namang mangulit, tigilan mko pwede ba?”... 
“Tanghali napo, bumangon na po kayo at maligo, at susunduin po kayo ng driver ko dyan after an hour, dito na po kayo kumain, anung gusto nyong lunch seniorita?... 
“Ha, my klase ako no”... 
“Its Saturday, sweetheart at alam kong wala kang pasok pag weekend... spend the weekend with me please”... Napapikit si Steph... 
“Sige, sa isang kondisyon... wag mokong aalaskahin, iinisin at kukulitin at higit sa lahat wag mokong hahawakan.”...
 Matagal bago nakasagot si Damon... “Yong first three conditions, kaya kong gawin... but the last one I can’t promise... you’re my girlfriend remember, will you just trust me instead, I will not force you to do anything unless you tell me to, is that good enough?”... “Fine” binaba na ni Steph ang phone at tumuloy sa bathroom...

        Today she will set her heart free... No more pretensions this time... hindi na nya pipigilan ang sarili sa nararamdaman, if she gets hurt along the process, bahala na, at least di na nya kelangang mag effort na I ignore si Damon at ang nararamdaman nya para dito.  Nagbihis na si Steph, darkwash jeans, white baby shirt, at as usual nakaponytail na ang kulot nyang buhok, pinatungan ng kalo na kasing kulay ng favorite red low cut chuck taylor nya.  Sinipat nya ang kanyang sarili sa salamin... At least kahit rugged ang sout mo, hindi ka naman siguro mukhang tomboy, pagkumbunsi nya sa kanyang sarili... Napalundag sya sa gulat ng bumusena ang kanyang sundo. “Remember Steph, just follow your heart and no more pretensions alright”...

        Pumasok ang sasakyan sa napakalawak na hardin, isang mansyon ang kanyang nadungaw sa unahan ngunit nagulat sya ng lumampas dito ang sasakyan at tumuloy sa likod... “kuya, akala ko jan tayo tutuloy?” tanong nya sa driver habang nakatingin sa mansyon... 
“Hindi po dyan tumutuloy si sir, ma’am, magulang po nya ang nakatira dyan, nasa my bandang likod po yung bahay ni sir”... medyo may kalayuan din ang tinakbo ng sasakyan bago sila nakarating sa isang bahay na moderno ang design kung ikukumpara sa naunang bahay, mas maliit ito at tila napaka obsessive compulsive ng nakatira, naka landscape ang buong paligid at sa kanyang pag pasok ay napansin nyang ang mga piniling gamit ay tila may pinasadyang lagayan... 
“wow”, pabulong na puri ni Steph habang umiikot sa paligid ang kanyang mga mata.  Napatitig si Steph sa isang painting ng isang lalaki, mukha yun ni Damon, abstract nga lang, 
“ang gwapo talaga... kainis...”  
“Do you like what you see so far?”, tanong ni Damon.

To be continued...

Next: Part IV - The Proposal

Previous: Part II - Confusions

Missing My Kids...

Its almost been a week now since we left them with their grandparents in Gensan to have their vacation.  I'm not used to not having them around.  Our home is really quite empty without them, especially when my wife is still with her shift.  I can talk to them but still nothing is compared with their presence.  But to learn from them that they are enjoying and they are well taken care of, makes it worth the sacrifice. 

I wish time would move fast for me and would slow down for them.  I hope they would never miss us the way we misses them... and they would only feel it as soon as we are already with them.  I guess that's the irony of life... there will always be times when you must be far from your love ones... to show them how much they are loved.  Two more weeks, our dears... meanwhile, live without worries... my heart will always be with you...  until then... God bless you both.

God Saved Me Twice Today

First, I was talking with a company guard about this new alloy dipstick I bought for my motorcycle.  I removed it to show it to him, when we noticed that the dipstick was already loosen from its tip.  So instead of screwing it back... I decided to remove the dipstick completely.  Good thing we noticed that because a couple of humps or vibrations more would definitely separate the dipstick from its tip, then the least of my concern would be my engine be totally damaged... because it could cost me my life... if it happen when I'm already on the road.

BE CAREFUL in buying motorcycle accessories.  As illustrated, the dipstick is just screwed
from its tip which can easily loosen by the motorcycle vibration.

Second, on my way home, I passed by a store and bought some stones for our house garden.  While riding my motorcycle, I noticed that I can hardly balanced it.  So I stopped and I saw sack of stones was hanging on one side of my bike... it was not properly tied up by the vendor.  Good thing it did not dropped on the road or I'll be picking up stones in the highway.

I believe there are moments where God saves us from unforeseen events in our lives... and I believe I was saved by God today not twice but countless.  Thank you Lord...

The agreed supreme walks before the pretended governor.

My New Timepiece

I had been eying this Puma watch I saw in Gensan since the last time we’ve been there.  But I always ask my wife’s opinion, since I also believe in her taste.  I want something comfortable to wear while riding my motorcycle and at the same time, endure the vibration of the ride.  So, I chose a digital over analogue.

My wife told me if I like it I can buy it, to replace my old watch.  I didn’t buy it back then since it wasn’t a priority and it cost much for me.  And I also want to make sure if it’s the best price in the market.  So done some asking from friends here and abroad... and it’s a good deal (considering the freight and discounts given).  But still it wasn’t a necessity and besides someone might already bought it.

But just recently, when I spent the Holy Week and my birthday in Gensan, my wife asked me if I still wanted to buy the watch.  I just told her it cost much.  She told me to buy it for my birthday and well the cost, it’ll just pass by.  So, I decided, that if it is still there I’ll buy it.  And it's really for me...  with the discount and more, how can I resist?  Thank you God.

My new watch with all the perks.

7 Last Words of Jesus

My family was invited by my in-laws for a fellowship in a Christian Methodist Church in Gensan.  I had been open to other Christian religions even before as a cadet in PMA... I was joining the CCF back then.  Their teachings and practice isn't that far from our beliefs and the people are very warm and treats you well, so I really don't feel aloft.  With my wife, being a Methodist herself, makes it a lot more easier for me to adjust.

The ceremony started at 1:00 PM and was estimated to end at 3:00 PM, as to conform with the death of our Lord, since it focused about the 7 last words of Jesus.  But due to uncontrollable situations, as each word was assigned to a speaker to express their thought on it, it lasted til 4:30 PM.  But it's okay, as one of the speaker told the congregation, this is just a little thing we do for our worship... nothing compared to what Christ did for us.  Below are the last words of Jesus in the cross and some thoughts I gathered.

Jesus died for our salvation from sin (taken @ the Our Lady of Manaoag Chapel)

1. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Lk. 23:34 - it is truly amazing that anyone being crucified and suffering a lot of pain can still think of others sake.  This shows the love of Jesus for His people...  that He never lose His hope for us...  that He is willing to offer everything, even His own life just to save us from God's wrath. 2. "This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise." Lk. 23:43 - This is the promise of Jesus to each everyone of us...  to those who admits their sins and weakness, opens their hearts and accepts Him as their savior and puts their faith in Him... a promise of salvation, of eternal life with God. 3. "Woman, behold thy son." Jn. 19: 26-7 - Jesus shows us His deep love for His mother whom He respected all His life. In spite of His suffering, Jesus was concerned about His mother's welfare as He was about to make the ultimate sacrifice to fulfill His divine destiny. He wants John to treat Mary as his own mother... to take care and love her.  Jesus wants us to love and take care of our parents, and when we do, we also show our love for Him. 4. "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Mk. 15:34 (Mt. 27:46) - This statement shows the relationship of a son to a father. Due to the unbearable pain, Jesus called to the Father, which God answered instantly.  He filled the earth with darkness that day... to show that His heart is also suffering with His Son... that if not only for Jesus love for us, He won't let this happen... but everything is according to His plan... and Thy will be done. 5. "I thirst." Jn. 19:28 - Again, Jesus might have showed his human side here... but yet, it can be deeper... I thirst would mean the physical need for water but it can also mean His need for all those who believed in Him, for their presence at the time He needed it most... For us, He thirst for our hearts to open so He could come in. 6. "It is finished." Jn 19: 30 - What Jesus was intended to do here on Earth, His mission, His sacrifice... God's ultimate plan for Him is complete.  He had saved us from all sins... All of us, even the children of our children... He had opened the doors for eternal salvation for us, all we need to do is to believe Him with all our heart and follow Him without any doubts. 7. "Into thine hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Lk. 23:46 - The final words of Jesus, submitting Himself to the Father.  Showing us, in spite of His divinity, His genuine faith to the Father... that He offered His spirit to God, with all confidence... with everything that He is. Jesus' last words showed both His humanity and divinity.  He suffered and ultimately gave His own life for our salvation.  He never lose hope... and so as our Father in heaven, He had given us His only Son... He could had not let that happen... He is God, but He also love us too much, that He is willing to make the greatest sacrifice... to give us a chance... a spark of hope... God bless.

Celebrating Another Year of My Life...

There's always a first time for everything.  I am celebrating my birthday here in Gensan.  Since we will be having a long weekend due to the Holy Week, our family decided to spend it here.  And being a Christian Catholic, our practice in fasting applies, no meat, we will be having sea foods then.  I hope that's alright.  But whatever will be served in the table tonight, it doesn't really matter... what matters for me, is I have my family to celebrate it with... and I have God whom I owe and offer my life.

I will be celebrating life while remembering Jesus as He offered His life to save us all.  It makes me appreciate how precious our lives are, for Jesus to sacrifice Himself for us... for His love for mankind.  For if not for Him, I won't be having this life today.


For tonight, we will be preparing tunaballs with sweet and sour sauce..hmmm...looks yummy.. my daughter is baking her masterpiece, pineapple and mandarin upside down...that's definitely gonna be make our mouths water. this afternoon, we will be going to the market to buy some fish and shrimps...i cant wait for tonight...

Savoring every moments...

For the preparations...

Simple sweet moments...

Thank you Lord for this life, thank you for my family and friends... and thank you for still believing in us despite the sins we commit.  To Yours be the glory and only Yours, my God.

Just simply thanking God for everything...

And She Turns Eight

How time flies, it's just like yesterday when I had my first glance of you. You were born at exactly 8:08 AM. Back then, I was just looking at you through the nursery window, eagerly waiting to hold you in my arms.  And I kept on doing that until now... I'll never get tired holding you near me, and I guess, I never will.

You overwhelm us with happiness my dear.. Your innocent laughter, your very honest reasons, your  kind and thoughtful heart, the way you care for your little brother, your charm and beauty..You  just make our hearts swell with joy and pride.

Happy birthday, anak.

Enjoying her gifts...

Our beautiful birthday girl...

Our little princess had grown so fast...You're eight now, still the princess and love of our lives.  That's what you are and you'll always be.  Please take your time growing up, no need to hurry. Enjoy your childhood .. Play out under the sun or under the rain.  Be happy.

You just don't know how I thank God, everyday, that He gave you to us.  Happy Birthday, our dearest Rael. We love you very much sweetie...  God bless.

Post Anniversary Celebration

Having a nurse as a wife do have certain disadvantages.  She was on duty last Friday, so we barely have time to enjoy each others company to celebrate our anniversary.  That's why we continued it yesterday with our family.  Since it was holiday "Araw ng Kagitingan" yesterday, we spent the whole day in a nearby resort.  The kids enjoyed playing in the pool... with me... hehe.  I commend Justin for being brave enough to be by himself in the water (considering that the water was in his neck level) and Rael for swimming a little bit farther now (4 strokes).

We do have different plan of spending our day, but we opt to celebrate it with our kids... and what could be more than that, that we enjoyed the day while at the same time, having good quality moments with what we treasure most in our lives.  God bless. 

Two seals at the back...

My beautiful family...

Having the time of his life...

What we treasure most...

How to Add NetworkedBlog Gadget to Blogger

I've got a hard time figuring out how to add my networkedblogs (in facebook) so that it can be seen in my blog.  So I'll make it easier for you.  The steps below assumes you already have a blog (in blogger) and a member of networkedblogs in facebook.  Just look for the red circle markings in the screen shots I've inserted in case you can't follow my instructions... you'll never be lost.  Hope this help. Goodluck.

1.  Go to the "Profile" of your networkedblogs.

2.  In your profile, go to the portion "blog i write", then click on your blog (based on the sample, it's "Trunk Locker").

3.  Then, from the list of options below "Rate It", choose "Widget".

4.  Click on "Install Widget". (Actually there is also an instruction on this page, so just read it.)

5.  Copy the HTML or code for widget as shown below. (the trick is just right click on the content and choose "Copy".)

6.  Go to your blog (in this case, in blogger), and choose "Design" from your menu list.

7. Click on "Add a Gadget".

8.  From the list of basic gadgets, click on "HTML/ JavaScript".

  

9.  Right click on the "Content" portion, then choose "Paste".

10.  Type your title for the gadget, then click "Save"... and that's it, you're done. 

Congratulations, you have a newly installed networkedblogs widget on your blogger account. You're welcome. God bless.

Happy Anniversary, Twart...

Were 8 years now, seems like it was just a year ago... congratulations to both of us.  Each and every day I’m with you is remarkable.  Through the ups and downs, you’re always by my side, in support... and I’ll be unto you.  Though life might be hard at times and things might not be as we planned them to be... things will be better and I know God has something more... much more in stored for us... so no worries.

You and the kids never stop to amaze me.  As the years pass by, I’m loving you more and more.  I really can’t help myself, you and the kids are my life... my treasure... I will cherish all my life.

Sweet nothings... just loving you.

I can never find someone else more lovely, thoughtful, caring and very responsible as you are.  Every day I thank God for giving me both a wife and a friend... and I can never ask for more.  I love you so much... God bless.

Almost Done

The last time we visited Gensan, our place had no paint yet.  But now it’s almost done and almost ready for the housewarming.  Just a couple of small details left... but overall it’s complete.  All the rooms are fully painted and furnished already. Plants of different kinds are all over the place...  It feels good and so relaxing to come home to a place where everything is in order and knowing that your parents are eagerly waiting for your next visit. I can’t wait to be home again...

The front view...

...And the rear view.

Who Can Really See?

The Gospel this Sunday is taken from John 9:1-41.  The bible tells of the blind man miraculously healed by Jesus.  But instead of praising Jesus for the healing, the Pharisees doubted this and believed it was just a trick, but they were proven wrong for the man was born blind and his parents testified.  Since they couldn't find any evidence that the miracle Jesus did was fake, they went looking for something else, they questioned Him for healing on Sabbath Day.

Jesus healing the blind man
Courtesy of photobucket

In the priest's homily, he mentioned about the experience of his missionary friend in Japan.  It was about a Japanese child waiting in line for food ration.  The missionary, pitying the child, gave his coat and share of food.  The child thanked him for his kindness, walked to the front line and offered the food to the first person in line.  The missionary was stunned.  He asked the child why did he do that... the child answered him that there might be someone in front more in need.

The priest compared it with his experience in the Philippines.  They were giving relief goods and what he observed was people were all rushing to get ahead of another.  Others were even taking advantage to get more than one... And majority of us are Christian Catholics.

Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

Jesus came to earth to let people see the true meaning of being the children of God.  Yes, we do worship God but our action is very opposite to His teachings.  And there are those who see, but interpret and use God's word for their own benefit and selfish intentions... while some are so hypocrite that they pray and preach the gospel in public emphasizing how righteous they are and how sinful others are...

Sometimes those who we think to be followers are the real backsliders... I believe that the real blind are those who are claiming to be righteous yet their lifestyle shows otherwise. Although I'm not speaking in general, Japan is not a Christian country but their discipline and concern for others are so opposite what we see around us here in the Philippines.... 

For me, blindness constitutes not seeing God according to Jesus' teachings.  True Christianity can be shown more in deeds and action.  Let us not merely say we are Christians... but let us stand to what our religion is all about... Let us strive until one day we can finally say we are no longer blind... that we are true Christians. God bless.

April Fools’ Reception Day

This is one of the days I’ll never forget.  Not because of a prank but because of an experience I had... It was April 01, 1995, when I and my classmates left V. Luna for Baguio.  It’s our “Reception Day” and we will be welcomed by our upperclassmen in the Borromeo field... we will be the PMA class of 1999.  We marched towards the field and upon reaching it; we faced our upperclassmen... and I thought I was prepared for everything... I was wrong.

Everything happened very fast, our yearlings came rushing towards us, shouting our names.  We were segregated by squads, asked to perform several kinds of exercises and tasks one after another.  I temporary lost my sight that day... I really didn’t know why, but maybe it was because of the sudden rush of heat to my head... I just regained it when we  already had our haircut... what style?  It’s for you to find out. (LOL)

The last day of civilian life...

Then we were issued  our first set of GI goods, and then we proceeded to our designated quarters. That was just the beginning of the first day of my cadet life... On April Fools‘ Day... I guess that's the trick there, I  expected  it to be tough...but I was wrong,  I should have expected  the worst.  Lesson learned the hard way, but that's the beauty of it... it's something I can proudly say  I conquered.

Our Class Pendant

Congratulations to those who survived the reception... still a long way to go, so good luck.  A piece of advice, take a day at a time and before you knew it... it's already recognition day.  So just think of this day as one of your accomplishments you'll be proud of in your life.  God bless.