Happy Fiesta

Fiesta, the time for heaps and heaps of delicious foods and overflowing drinks and liquors. Everybody during this time just want to be full, drunk, and be merry. It has been a long tradition for Filipinos to celebrate the feast of either their patron saints or the foundation of their hometowns or baranggays, and no matter how bad the economy crisis is, Filipinos still find ways just to have a decent or even flamboyant celebration of their fiestas and that includes borrowing money from others. As what the old folks here often say, "One day of enjoyment, one year of torment." This saying often makes me laugh but I find it true. I know a lot of families here in our place having a hard time finding solutions to pay their debts after fiestas. That's how life balances everything here in the Philippines.

Fiestas are also moments where in cholesterol and alcohol levels soar up to the maximum but most of the time, a hypertensive like me couldn't really help but to munch on those enticing greasy and carbohydrate-rich food. Yeah, I know it's bad for me but should I just look at them drooling and torturing myself? As my former teacher in anatomy and physiology subject in college once said: "It doesn't matter if you die early as long as you die happy, smiling in your coffin." Well, maybe she's right but the last part, I have a doubt about it because until now, I have never seen a smiling corpse.

I know that we Filipinos need some time even just once a year to be jovial just to forget for a short moment all the problems our unfortunate third world country is facing, but sometimes I wonder if fiestas could really be a good instrument for this purpose or just another problem-producing event both for our pocket and for our health? Just asking.

Anyway, happy annual fiesta to my beloved hometown Maasin! And advance happy new year too! Let us look forward for a brighter life next year. God bless us all.

The Ultra-Amazing Super Jim

For years I have kept this secret in the deepest recesses of my soul. No breathing thing on this planet have I ever confided it for the reason that I wanted to protect those people I love from the curse of this secret. But unless I bare myself to the world, I will be forever caged in this clandestine that is starting to swallow my being. And so I decided, that it is now the ripe time for me to reveal this secret to all. The secret that yours truly is.......

................... none other than the ultra-amazing SUPER JIM!!! (Kabooooommmm!!!)

Yes dear friends, I am a superhero. And not just your typical superhero because I don't just stop a train that has lost control, or save a baby from a burning apartment building, or help an old woman get back her snatched purse from the filthy scoundrel, but I also do special things that will complete your day.

-oOo-

Are you having problem with those "medusas"? I am referring to those women who sit beside you in public use jeepnies and let their long unkempt dry hair slap your face while the PUJ takes speed to the point that your face reddens like that of a tomato? Well, have no fear, or should I say don't get mad, because SUPER JIM is here!

If I am in a good mood, I'll just talk with that woman in a nice way and ask her, "Excuse me miss, your hair have been slapping this person's face for almost a time now. And your shampoo doesn't even smell good, not to mention those split ends that are pricking his/her face like barb wires. So could you please, for the salvation of the whole world and your poor soul, keep your hair away from his/her visage?"

Now if I'm in a bad mood, I'll say nothing 'cause I'll just tie those hair without her knowing it, to the hand rail of the jeepney. There, that will keep those hair in place and eventually, the owner too! Har har har...

-oOo-

You're queuing in a long line for the ATM machine when suddenly, an impertinent moron from out of nowhere enters the queue ahead of you. You and the rest of those poor people lining after you are infuriated with this arrogant move to the point that your blood boils like a lava. Cool yourself, SUPER JIM comes to the rescue!

If I'm in a good mood, I'll just approach that person, look at him/her directly in the eye and ask whether he/she have had a Values Education subject before. If he/she will answer "yes", then I'll just remind him/her of the phrase that even my preschool cousin knows by heart that our values education teachers kept on repeating when we were still kids and that is: "Fall in line and wait for your turn!" If he/she will say "no" then I'll be glad to offer him my free good etiquette tutorial service. If ever he/she will answer "I forgot", God forbid me but I will just hit him/her in the face then I'll just said "Oops, I forgot my right manners and proper conduct. Sorry..."

Now, If I'm in a bad mood, I'll just step hard on whichever foot of his/her, and then push him/her on the side as he/she whimpers from pain. Then I'll just stand still as if nothing happened. If he/she will fight back, then it's time to use my Karate skills. Hiyaaaa..... If not, I'll just ignore the moron.

-oOo-

You see, your superhero here can do more aside from those things mentioned above. All you've got to do is shout for my name, as in shout to the point that your throat vibrates and dehydrates, and I will be surely there to help you. Don't worry, my service is free of charge, but I would say no if you'll offer me a cup of coffee and a pizza as a gratitude for my goodness. He he he...

Wait... I hear someone screaming my name for help. I think I'll just leave you here for the meantime my avid followers. I've got some saving to do. And by the way, before I go, for the sake of protecting my private life against those paparazzi, please lets keep this as a secret, okay? Thank you ever dearest confidants.

Up up and away!!!!!!

Christmas Lost, Christmas Redeemed

When I was small, Christmas was one of my favorite occasions every year aside of course from my birthday. The presents, the blinking lights, the cold breeze, the food, the jingles, and yes, the festive mood, all of this gave me the feeling of innocent bliss. And since Christmas only comes once a year, the long wait always added a feeling of thrill in me.

As I grew up, the spell that used to mesmerize me about Christmas started to wane. I think it all started with the onset of financial problems in our family that limited us from having a celebration that was well, fit for Christmas. You know, the kind of celebration kids always thought about -- lots of foods and gifts. I think during that time, that was during my elementary years, my parents were having a hard time with money due to hospitalization after hospitalization of my younger siblings. Christmas during those years were quite sad and cold because not even a simple lantern hanged on our house's front window.

The other thing that made me lost my interest in Christmas was upon learning that Santa Claus doesn't really exist. For years I had been living in the fantasy that Santa makes a list of little boys and girls' names all over the world and that he's checking it twice as what a certain Christmas jingle says so that those who have been good for the rest of the year will receive a gift from him. I thought that the Santa (should I put an "s" on the last letter?) that I always see in department stores during yuletide season waiting for kids to ask him for a picture taking was real. I later found out that that Santa was just for commercial promotion and that he worked as a security guard on the other days. Frustrating it was for me to learn the truth that the old stout man with immaculate beard and mustache and wearing red suit while saying "ho ho ho!" on his sleight pulled by flying reindeers was just a creation of adults' creative mind. But those were childhood days, innocence was still pure and undefiled. Days were we could be easily convinced about fantastical things without evidences. Sometimes I'd rather wish I just stayed that way, believing easily in things that were really fiction, rather than be awaken to the harsh and cruel reality of this world.

Lately, I joined our college's community extension service program and my first exposure to the community we are supporting was when we had our gift giving activity and medical mission for the indigents in that area. They say that Christmas time is a time for sharing because God himself gave his only begotten Son to us, Jesus Christ, in order to save the whole humanity. Well, The Nativity was really a beautiful story but I didn't get the real essence of it not until we went to Brgy. Tanao, Batad for the said activities I mentioned. It was the first time I did some humanitarian act and yes, it was a wonderful experience. I just want to emphasize on the thing about "sharing". I learned that to share not what you abundantly have but the one you have little of was amazing. It made me feel that a part of me went to the thing I shared and that part of me lifted that receiver's spirit because of the genuine smile I beheld on his/her face. Now I know what Jesus felt when he gave himself to us and with that, a new "magic" suddenly enchanted me about Christmas. It is the magic of self-giving, of unselfishness, of genuine fraternal love. I lost my faith on Christmas when I was kid, now Christmas has redeemed itself to me.

Merry Christmas everyone and let us continue to spread peace, love, and joy to the whole world! God bless us all.

-oOo-

"God, bless this food..."

Chibugan Time

Simple Christmas With Family & Relatives

My Cousins

The Reverse Effect

Last December 20, I went to Brgy. Tanao, Batad together with my fellow UICN-CES volunteers for our medical mission and gift giving activities. I decided to go there despite of the gloomy weather and the almost 3-hours travel for the "grand humanitarian purpose" that I will be able to touch and change other people's lives for the better. You know, the "hero thing" (and I have found out that we could! That is, if we will just do it).














When we reached our place of destination, I was very excited to start as soon as possible our first activity that I was able to consume 4 cups of chicken vermicelli soup and 6 pieces of pan de leche which was served to us by the locals there. I didn't even mind my tiredness from the three hours of travel! The warmth and congeniality of the people of Brgy. Tanao and the beautiful landscape of the place which was hilly on the other side and the sea and an island on the other (the island is still a part of the barangay) was enough to erase my fatigue.














And so the activity started. On that afternoon, the locals of Brgy. Tanao, especially the indigents, coming from the different far flanged sitios arrived. I could see that some of the indigents could not afford to buy at least cheap decent clothes basing on the faded and tattered clothes they wore. Some even walked the muddy road in going to the barangay's plaza where our gift giving program was held barefooted. A realization dawned upon me during that time that I am indeed far more blessed compared to these people. And it also made me feel guilty why I always complained of some petty things like not having a load for my cellphone or not having been into the cinema and watch a blockbuster movie for almost three months. Why am I giving importance to these irrelevants things when a lot of people doesn't even have a scoop of rice to eat? I suddenly asked myself indignantly.


















During our gift giving, most of the recipients wore a big smile on their faces. Others even danced out of sheer joy upon receiving their packages. A few cried out of gratitude. The scene was very touching that it suddenly changed my perspectives in life.


















On the second day of our stay there, we had our medical mission. The situation was still the same as that of the first day, people flooded hoping that they could avail of the free medical check up and likewise medicines for their illnesses. Everybody was wishing to be called first for the free check up afraid that they might not be called until the doctors will leave in the afternoon. Such an overwhelming effect of poverty I must say. Very saddening.














My trip to Brgy. Tanao, Batad was life-changing on my part. I went there on the purpose, as what I have stated earlier, to touch other people's lives. But in my stay there, something I didn't expect happened to me. That is, the people there touched my life also in a grand scale. The Batad exprience taught me that life is meaningless unless you share it with others. I never knew that a reverse effect would take place while I was there! I was..... amazed.

-oOo-

P.S. Oh by the way, I really enjoyed our caroling moments there...














...and I miss the linugaw...


















... and of course the gang!















God Bless!

Batad, Here I Come!

I'm going to Brgy. Tanao, Batad, Iloilo tomorrow for our medical mission and gift giving activity for the indigenous people of the said place. This is a actually a yearly activity of the University of Iloilo College of Nursing - Community Extension Service Program.

I applied to become a volunteer of CES last semester, and luckily I was accepted, so that I may be able to help in my own simple way those people in depressed areas who are unfortunate enough to have at least a comfortable way of living. This is my way of expressing my deep gratitude to God for blessing me with more than enough. This is also my way of stirring a revolution to change this hatred-driven world which is the revolution of love. Very grand yet possible. I know, I could be a channel of God's love and care. We can.

I'll be packing my things a moment from now then I'll head for Iloilo City. Our departure for Batad will be at 4 o'clock tomorrow. Batad, here I come! And may God bless our trip and activities there. Amen.

P.S. An article related to this titled Destination Batad was posted by yours truly on my other blog, wildnurse.blogspot.com, so kindly check it out. Thanks and God bless! Mwah.

Less-Human Trying To Be More Human, At Least

Vacation time! Thank God! And thank God too 'cause Christmas is fast approaching. I am looking forward not for the gifts (ows?) but for the ample time that I will be able to spend with my family. I miss home even though I go here every weekend. It is my sanctuary from all the chaotic stirring of the city. There is no place like home. And what about the world outside it? It's nothing but a vast jungle roamed mostly by less-humans.

-oOo-

Yesterday afternoon, yours truly, together with my UICN Community Extension Service (CES) gang had our packaging activities of the goods to be distributed to the indigents of Batad, Iloilo for the gift giving activity of CES this Christmas season. We had fun and it really felt good to know that all our efforts, from solicitation of goods to segregation and transportation, will not be wasted because we know that these will benefit our unfortunate brothers and sisters in Batad espcially those living in the remote areas who cannot even afford to buy at least one kilo of rice everyday for their food.

Lately I learned that the best way to make ourselves really feel good is to think less of ourselves and more on how to alleviate the sufferings of others. And I learned too that this doesn't only make us feel good, it also makes us more human, at least.

From Rockstar to Nurse

Man, I couldn't believe I sang last December 5 in the duet competition for our College of Nursing Foundation Day. It was like, I don't know how to describe it. Ha ha ha... All I know is that I stupidly accepted the request of our council to do it. I can sing ummmm... fair but not that great so it was like a suicide when I accepted the "challenge". But on the other hand, I want to experience and explore new things that will enrich my life so I think the better time to start it is now -- the time of my life when I am still young, bold, and boosting with energy!

When I was kid, I dreamed of becoming a rock star or even just a not-so-famous recording artist when I grow up. I don't know what happened to that dream because I just woke up one day pursuing the path of the nursing profession. But even though I already plunged into the pool of medical field, the child within me who wants to become a rock star someday still "possesses" me from time to time and I know he won't rest until I give him what he wants. So I last December 5, I gave him what he wanted which was a 10 minutes of performing on stage and the claps he wanted to hear from the audience.

On the day of the competition I was really scared to the max! I feared that my strained voice would give up on the middle of the song and that I might get off key and wouldn't be able to blend with my singing partner Ceelina and mess the whole thing! It would be a nightmare that instead of claps I, or we, might get "boos" instead. The fear of rejection.

So I tried to shake off my fears on that final moment, built my confidence, and tried to perform without reservations. I tried not to mind the good performances of the other competing couples because I might compare myself to them and would only create a feeling of inferiority in me. Wow, after our performance ended, I couldn't believe that I made it through. Our performance was not that great but I must say, pardon me if I sound bias, that it was good. And yes, the audience clapped and I know that in that moment blood rushed to my face. Ha ha ha...

We won the second place and for me, it was more than enough. Not bad for a first timers like us, what do you think huh? Anyways, the experience was great and I learned that fear is the only thing that holds us back from the things that we wanted to do in life. Things that if not fulfilled, we may keep on asking ourselves later "What if?"

To the child within me: I hope that the ten minute limelight exposure on stage will pacify you. I hope too that you will understand that although entertaining people is a good thing, healing them is far more better. From rockstar to nurse.....


P.S. To Ceelina: Thank you! To Anne, Rena Joy, & Rio: Congratutalations!

Hey!

Nursing Day Celebration is over. Thank God! I had a lot of things to tell you, experiences I had during the celebration but my body and my mind are until now still exhausted. I need to have enough sleep. I need to regenerate my cells first. Got to go. Bye. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....