A(LS) RAY OF HOPE

Sitting on my bed, my second son Amiel entered my room and tried to have a random chat with me.  I was preparing my sermon for tomorrow morning at 4.  Yap, it is for the Simbang Madaling Araw (Dawn Service) of a church in Tondo.

First he asked for money intended for his snacks.  He told me that I owe him much.  I pretend to refuse the amount I owe him.  You see, as a gesture of love, Diko Amiel playfully punches me.

Then he went to a serious topic that he told me without reservation.  "Papa, I already stopped  watching _______ on the internet and I already stopped ___________ since I read in the Bible that it is a sin.  I took his words as if it is just a random talk.

I just nodded and then told him that he has to leave me because I need time alone to make my sermon.
He obliged.  But he immediately went back and warned me, "Papa, don't preach about what I just told you." But i kid him, "I have already blog about it and point him to my cellphone."

He pretended to box me while I was laughing.  What a priceless moment with a grown up son.  He finally left my room.

That brief moment gave me a feeling of joy, realization and pride.  I am happy that my children are growing to be true to me and to themselves.  It doesn't mean that they don't lie.  It's just that they are not good at it.  Once I asked them about something that they need to admit, they do it at once.

Being truthful is one of the lessons in life that I learned for long.  My children learned about it earlier and easier.

Another thing that I want to share in this post is the glimpse of hope that I am seeing after twice or thrice that Diko Amiel mentioned about Alternative Learning System (ALS).  He stopped two or three years ago when he was first year high school.  Perhaps he could not stand formal schooling.  I heavily punished him for that.  But later on, I resigned.  I just let everything in the hands of God although everyday, it pains me to see him, spending all day inside the house doing house chores.  But I read one pastor's message that "one does not force anybody."

Hindi talaga ako mapilit na tao at lalo pa nga na hindi matapos kong mapaalalahanan na hindi dapat pinipilit ang isang tao.  Kailangan lang siyang hayaan sa gusto niya.

I know that other people would not agree with me and argued that sending your child to school is something that should be enforced to a child.  I have done my part.  I tried everything I could. I still failed.

But there is A RAY OF HOPE that I see everytime I hear my son discuss about his intention to try ALS.  Mas maganda kung kusa niya na.  Mas masaya kung siya na ang may gusto.

One time he said, "Papa, kailan ba ako mag ALS."  I was dumbfounded to hear it from him but pretended that it is not a big deal to me.

I answered, "Busy ako ngayon gawa ng kapaskuhan kaya hindi ko pa maharap yan." O diba? Ako na ngayon ang walang time?  Hahahahaha!

Another time he asked me, "Papa, makakapag college ba ako kapag natapos ako sa ALS?  Halos, di ko kayanin kasi ngayon he is talking about college education.

I answered again with a casual tone, "Siyempre naman."

At itong realization na ito ang naging punto ng message sa madaling araw na yaon.  Na katulad ng mga tauhan sa unang pasko, ako rin ay nakatanaw ng pag-asa sa mga sinasabi ng anak ko.  Yes, he is far from it yet, but hearing his interest to schooling back to his senses  is a ray of hope to me.

Sometimes, people do not need an immediate answer.  They also don't have illusion that things will come easy and early.  But all that they need is a spark of hope for them to move on and to be happy that after all, things are worth trying and doing.

 It also made sense why accidentally, I was invited to undergo a training in Alternative Learning System three years ago.  Yes, I had a certificate as an instructior of Alternative Learning System from Department of Education.  I can accept students.  Little did I know that my first ever student would be my son.

Kaya ang kanta ko sa kapaskuhang ito ay sa halip na A RAY OF HOPE  e, ALS RAY OF HOPE.  Hehehe!

By the way, when I preached about my experience and my hope this Christmas that dawn service, I saw quite a few people wiping their tears, including my mother who accompanied me to the church. Perhaps, like me, they also heard a message of hope.

MERRY CHRISTMAS PA RIN SA INYONG LAHAT KAHIT LATE NA :-)

THE BLOGGER GOT A BALLER

To pair with with the wrist watch on my left arm, is the baller to my right.  While we are in a worship service, Alden, gave me a present, a cute baller.  For two days in a row, I am touched by loveones' thoughtfulness:

Just like a post that does not have to be long to be significant, a gift does not have to be expensive to be appreciated :-)

TOUCHED AND PROUD

Tuwing Simbang Gabi  ay speaker ako sa homechurch sa araw na ang naka-assigned na magpakain ay ang family namin, kasama pa ng ilang family.  Ok na rin kasi, it is the chance for me to go back to my homechurch.

Prior to today's speaking, nasabi na sa akin ng mother ko na ang food ay prepare ng iba pang families na kasama namin at ang nanay ko naman daw ang bahala sa akin.  That means, sa nanay ko ang honorarium. Well, honorarium is not an issue anymore especially if it is coming from my mother.

After I preached and ate the breakfast that morning, inaabutan ako ng nanay ko ng nakarolyong tig-iisang daang piso.  At first, I refused it kasi hindi naman kailangan na bigyan pa ako ng mother ko.  But she insisted and said that it came from the other family assigned, pamasahe ko raw.  Tinanggap ko na rin.

When we went home ( bahay ng parents ko), inabot sa akin ng nanay ko eto:

A box of pocket sized, deodorant and bottle of cologne

My mother has long been an Avon dealer.  It used to be her sideline.  But now that she is no longer working, this has now becomes her main job.  You see, four years ago, my mother had undergone breast operation due to cancer. She has stopped working since then.  Being an Avon dealer does not help much as well.

Right now, the only help I offer to her is to give my share to buy her medicine every month.  Jobless as she is, I don't expect her to give us anything anymore.  Growing up, I experienced her  giving her best and her all to us her children.  I even regret the fact the I can only give her a small amount solely for the medicine.

Seeing that the gift comes in box, I already knew that this cost her an extra bill.  But my mother is such a generous person.  Being the eldest in the family, she has already started helping my grandmother when she was just an elementary student.  I grew up with her siblings living with us. Until now, she is still the source of help to our needy relatives.  Yes, kahit na jobless na siya at may sakit.  If people would consider me generous, I am sure that I got it from my mom.

What is the point of this post? I just would like to say that I AM SO TOUCHED to receive this gift from her.  Aged, jobless, and surviving from cancer, anything little from her will mean so much to me.

I am happy to have another perfume to alternate with my two more.  What she gave may be ordinary to many people but to me, it is one of the special gifts that I received this Christmas.  After I had my shower today, I sprayed the TOUCH cologne on me and wear it PROUD! I LOVE YOU MOM!

TO THE ONE I LOVE

My Dearest Mahal,

     Tomorrow is your 36th birthday and our 7th wedding anniversary.  And I want to share in this post on how we first met each other.

     If my memory serves me right, it was summer of 1993 when we met in Tagaytay.  We were both attending an institute for us, budding church workers.  Little did we know that friendship will also start between the two of us.  Or was it more than friendship?  Whatever it is, I am sure that it has something to do with the future.  The memories of the two of us walking on the fields of Tagaytay is still vivid to me.  Even the times when you invited us to visit your place in Alfonso, Cavite.  I think our being partners in mission exposure to Mendez UMC contributed to our fondness of each other.  Back then, you were such a sweet fine lady. taming the snob attitude in me.  Sabi mo kasi mukha akong suplado the first time you saw me.  After the institute, we went on our separate ways as friends.  And friends we remained since then.  Why?  Because I was committed that time.  I am glad that I honored my commitment then because later on, it was to you whom I will commit.  And I am praying that it will for the last time this time.

     Our love story is unusual. It can be turned into a great romance story in movies.  Our marriage is not always a bed of roses.  We have felt how painful were thorns.  Tonight, on the eve of your birthday and our wedding anniversary, I am recommitting my commitment to honor our relationship.  I will never be a perfect husband and a lover to you.  Please forgive to the many times that I hurt you.  I just would like you to know that my intentions were true  of our friendship and of our relationship.

     Forgive me for being so friendly to other people.  God knows that I am wired that way.  Forgive me when I am so busy with my work.  You had been to the same ministry and you have an idea how it is somehow.  Forgive me for not being able to give all that you need and want.  I only wish that you want and need what I am able to give.

     Thank you for holding on to our relationship.  You are such a strong person to be able to do so.  Thank you for all the learning, sweetness and support.  I keep it in my heart and cherish it the most.  Thank you for the LOVE that you have shown.  Thank you for the HEART you let me to own.

      Happy Birthday to you Mahal and Happy Wedding Anniversary  to us!  May God give you many more years to live and to love ... ME. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!  

                                                                                                                             Arnel

THE WORLD IS A PIMPLE

Do you remember the short story  entitled, The World Is An Apple by Alberto S. Florentino?  It is about a father who stole an apple just to give to his child as his Christmas gift.  I love this short story because I, myself, had experienced how an apple could mean a world  when I was a child.  This post is quite nostalgic for me since it is the month of December now.  In the past, I only had a taste of Apple during Christmas.

I even remember whenever  former First Lady Imelda Marcos comes to Tondo, Manila during Christmas time to distribute goods to us with an apple as one of the most awaited.  Yes, apple meant more than gold that time.  It meant everything to a poor Tondo boy like me.

photo taken from the Internet

But this post is not about an Apple.  But it is about a thing that meant a world to my son.

Amen Learn is 12 years old now.  He is at the puberty stage.  And one mark that he is already in his teens are his PIMPLES.

Photo taken from the Internet

Yes, No,Why, How (Pimples)!  He is now at the stage were he has one but repetitive question.  "Papa, are my pimples gone while brushing up his hair and showing his forehead."

My constant answer is, "Yes, it is."

But to a boy who is beginning to be conscious of his looks, a mere "yes" is not enough for an answer.  He never believed me.

Soon, he started asking me to buy facial cleanser, moisturizer, facial soap and other stuffs that are anti-pimples.  When he is not satisfied with the result of all the stuffs that he applies on his face,he would tell me, "let us go to a dermatologist and have this treated."  Perhaps he is not aware that skin problem treatment is one of the costliest to treat.  Oftentimes, I see him  facing the mirror, rubbing his face, picking his pimples and asking me his classic question.

I have to change my answer.  This time, with a tone of advice.  "The more conscious you are of your face, the more you are making people conscious of it too.  Try to focus on something else."  But again, he is not focused on my answer.

His problem affects  his social life too.  He is beginning to miss church activities and is avoiding people.  The best consolation I told him was, "I love you very much son whether you have pimples or not."

I heard before from a friend that we cannot just dismiss a concern of our children as petty things.  It could be for us, but not to them.  Thus, a broken heart or a broken toy to our children can mean a broken world.  Yes, as a father, there are times I almost lose my patience and burst out my anger just to silence my son.  But I know that it will never help.

How I wish that his concern right now is like my concern when I was a child.  That is, to have a taste of Apple on Christmas.  Because these days, Apples are not a world to children anymore.  Should I be glad that we can now afford to have an Apple a day?  How I wish too that Apple can  cure a pimple so that I can solve my son's problem easily.

YES, THE WORLD IS NO LONGER AN APPLE.  AND HOPING THAT IT WILL CEASE TO BE ABOUT A  PIMPLE TOO.

.

HEY DECEMBER!

December, here you are again.

It takes 11 months to see you

But when you're here I seldom feel you.

I am full of you yet cannot fully enjoy you

December, my own December

In any month of the year

When me and my love ones are together.

Making memories that last forever.

December is much anticipated

For those who will have it in bounty

But to those who live their lives empty

It is the scariest month ever to be.

December is the birthmonth of Jesus

But to ourselves the celebration is focus

What gifts for others and what gifts for me?

What will make us happy is always the query.

December, is there any sense in December?

When its very essence is a goner

December, my own December

Where Jesus is celebrated and love will never falter.

ONLY GOD CAN MAKE A TREE

It's the fourth day of our trip.  And the most important question then, was, should we go to the tree or not?  Actually, the night when we were in Siquijor, I already had this resolve not to visit the tree anymore because of the fear that we would missed our flight back to Manila if we insisted.  That means, no matter how much I desire to see the tree, we simply don't have the time.  It was just sad that my desire to visit it the first time I went to Dumaguete and the second time now, would still not be a disappointment.

The following day, we were already back to Dumaguete by 7 am.  We took a camera shot again of ourselves with the Siliman University as the background.  

Suddenly, a bus going to Canlaon City passed by.  And my resolved not to go to Canlaon city was overpowered  my long desire to see the Oldest Balete Tree in Asia.  We took the passing of the bus as a sign to us that we are definitely going to the said tree.

We just bought something for a pasalubong in Dumaguete and then rushed to the bus station.  I think it was around 8:30 am when we left Dumaguete.  We rode on a non-aircon bus.  I am not aware if there is an airconditioned bus going there.  We were told that it will be a four hour trip.

While on our way to Canlaon City, I had this feeling that we practically covered the whole of Negros province in our trip.  Going to Dumaguete we passed by the cities and towns of Negros Occidental and going to Canlaon City via Negros Oriental towns and cities.  This fact gave me a feeling of happiness and fulfillment even if the trip was pretty tedious especially to first timers like us.   The  trip felt like an eternity.  But once we spotted these scenery, we   became preoccupied with the breathtaking view.

There was this point in our trip
were you would likened going
to Baguio because of the zigzag
road.  Just by seeing the mountain
ranges is enough to call your trip
a heavenly experience

Past 12 pm when we finally reached Canlaon City. I thought that the Balete Tree can be seen along the way but we were wrong.  At the bus station were motorcycle driver awaiting for tourists who would like to visit the Balete Tree.  We were asked by the  drivers of P200 each for the ride.  I realized how expensive this trip to that tree was.  But we would not braved the long trip to Canlaon City and the possibility of missing our flight back to Manila if we would just missed this sight.

It took us 25 minutes more or less to reach the hidden tree.  Sulit naman ang layo at presyo ng travel the moment we saw the balete tree.

Why am I so eager to see this tree?  Because it not just an ordinary tree.  It is 1,350+ years old.  It is the oldest in Asia.  Before the Philippines was discovered, this tree was already standing still and strong.  And perhaps this tree will still outlive most of us.  Naalala ko tuloy ang tula ni Joyce Kilmer na The Tree na may last line na, "Poems are made by fools like me but only God can make a tree.  And to give you an idea that Kilmer was really right that a tree can be a manifestation of God's majesty and power, look at the picture below.

That's how small  I am compared to
the giant tree

The two drivers encouraged us to climb higher but we were afraid that it would be difficult going down.  They said that there are tables and chairs waiting for us on top of the tree.  But we are pressed by time so we dismissed the idea of climbing higher.

The other side of the tree has a whole
were we looked like dwarfs inside

Around the tree are rice fields and Mt. Kanlaon

The little time we spent experiencing the tree was no matched to the long hours of trip.  But the feeling was surreal.  I was really in awe before the tree ... the magnificent tree.

Because of this experience we missed our other itinerary in Bacolod City.  But I had no regrets because all that we missed were just man made attractions but the tree that we saw "only God can do."

By the way, we did not miss our flight.

THE CITY OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE AND THE MYSTIC ISLAND

Di ba panalo ang title ng post na ito mga friends? Ang lakas lang maka-Indiana Jones. Hahahaha!

This post is about the third day of our Bacolod Trip and Beyond.  Early morning, we packed our things up and prepared to leave.

In front of our gracious host place

Past 7 am when we headed to the bus station.  Doon namin aabangan ang mga Ceres bus papuntang City of the Gentle People, Dumaguete.  Merong dalawang route  to Dumaguete.  We chose the faster one, via Mabinay.  The trip was generally smooth and the scenery were mostly plain.  What do you expect to see in the sugar capital of the Philippines kundi malawak na taniman ng tubo?  Hahahahahahaha!

Past 12 pm na nang makarating kami ng Dumaguete.  Since it's lunch time, binalak naming kumain sa Highway 10.  It is a famous burger house in Dumaguete.  But we found out that the store was transferred

to Robinson's Mall kaya hindi na lang kami nagtuloy doon.  Habang naghahanap kami ng makakainan, nagpicture taking muna kami sa Belfry ng Dumaguete.

Second time ko nang magpakuha rito,
As if may nabago malibang tumanda na
ako at ang belfry na ito

and the famous Rizal Boulevard

From Rizal Boulevard, one can see the islands of Siquijor and Cebu.  Upon learning that we can reach Siquijor in an hour, tumaas ang level ng interes namin na puntahan nga siya.

Ticket Window to Siquijor

I already forgot how much were our tickets

The last trip from Siquijor to Dumaguete is 3 pm.  Kaya, we have no choice kundi mag-overnight na lang sa Siquijor. At dahil we are in a rush and in hunger, eto ang pinaka descent na lunch namin that time.

Eatery near the entrance gate of the port
going to Siquijor

After an hour, we reached Siquijor.  Contrary to the impression of many people on Siquijor, we did not see and feel anything creepy at all.  It is just like any places that we've been too.

We intended to go back to Dumaguete the earliest time possible the next morning kaya we made reservation first for our trip back.  The next thing that we did was to look for a place to stay.  One tricycle driver guided us to their tourism office that is just right at the end of the port.  There we were informed of all the  places that we can visit in Siquijor.  We were told that in one day one can tour around the island.  But the tricycle driver was charging us P800 for the ride excluding the entrances on the tourists spots.  We decide not to go anymore since it was almost mid afternoon and our priority was to look for a place to stay and rest.

I think that the tourism authority should make the tour affordable.  Don't they know about the ill reputation of the island?  Dagdagan pa ba naman iyon ng pagmahal mahal na transportation fee at entrance fee sa mga tourist spots.

We have chosen a place called, "Diamond" something.  Nakalimutan ko na ang exact na pangalan.  For P50 the tricycle driver took us there.  But we asked him to stop first in St. Francis of Asisi Church  for  some picture taking.

So this is the antidote in case you are still afraid
to go to Siquijor, the church.

Another shot, another belfry

The High School across the church.

After a quick picture taking, we went to the place we intended to stay.  For 1k+, a couple can stay in this airconditioned room.  Another P200 for the use of television.  We did not avail of the TV anymore since we don't have enough time to  spare watching TV.  

Inside the room were we stayed overnight

The back of our room

We spent some more time for taking shots

Napagdiskitahan namin itong puno '
na gawing studio. Hehehehe

The sea across our room

The coastline

After the photoshoot, we prepared ourselves for a quick swim but ended up with another photoshoot.  Hahahahaha!

The sand is whiter on the other side of the beach but we were too lazy to go.  Kaya, tinuloy na lang namin ang swimming sa bathroom.  Hahahaha!

Then, we went to the reception and dining area for some chat with the personnel.  We found out that one can hire a motorcycle to explore the island for P350 a day.  But again, we didn't have much time to do it.  Besides, it is getting dark that time.  We were not that adventurous that time.  Hahahaha!

Our chat with the two ladies there went to the mystical reputation of the island.  But they refuted the idea.  We do not believe it too.  Sabi nga nila wala namang masyadong mayamang tao sa Siquijor para mangayuma ang mga tao.  May sense nga naman.

There is no Jollibee or any commercial fastfood in the island.  Lugi lang ang negosyo dahil the people cannot afford to eat in fastfood regularly.

Kaya, we have no option but to have our dinner prepared by them which a little bit pricey compared to ordinary fastfood.

I ordered a beefsteak.
it should be yummy for its price

My wife ordered a porkchop
She requestd for a calamansi but the lady
did not get it at first.  Only to find out that
calamansi in Siquijor is called "suha."
Hahahaha!  That is what the mystery in Siquijor.
The language!No more, no less

It was too dark in the place where we were kaya the only option was to get inside the room and spend time inside.

I just had a cup of coffee and spent a little time surfing.  Good thing, Globe has a strong signal where we were kaya nakapag surfing pa ako. Hehehehe!

Sayang at hindi namin nagawang maexplore ang isla.  Ganito ang nangyayari kapag wala sa plano ang lakad.  But we are happy nonetheless.  At least we have proven the impression on Siquijor wrong.  Who knows, we might come back to this island?

MAMBUKAL MOUNTAIN RESORT Part 2

After our tiring but rewarding experience with the Seven Falls, we started exploring the other attractions in Mambukal Resort.

A full day is enough to enjoy all the resorts has to offer but if one would like to linger longer, there are rooms available for rent.  The cheapest price is P600, airconditioned.  That's a good catch already!  If one prefers a room with refrigerator, additional P600 is needed.

The Resort also offers a Zip Line for P50 back and forth per person.  Sad that the Zip Line was being checked for safety so operations was on hold when we decided to have a try.

Zip Line

Wall Climbing

A very hot pool full of sulfur so it's not for swimming purposes

For the lack of time, we were not able to try the following adventures:

Boating Lagoon.  One can experience this for P30 for 30 minutes.
(Photo taken from the Internet)

Canopy Walk with its Hanging Bridge
(Photo taken from the Internet)

Clear and Cool Water Swimming Pool.
(Photo taken from the Internet)

But this one, we did not miss.

A dip in a hot pool

With a Hot Wife

And gained new Cool Friends from Bacolod

It was a climb and dip experience for us in Mambukal Mountain Resort.  Day 2 of our trip was equally enjoyable!

THE SEVEN FALLS OF MAMBUKAL

Day of 2 of our Negros Trip.  We went to Mambukal Resort.  Our friend, Eddie, made himself available to tour us to Mambukal.  We were told that Mambukal is right at the footstool of Mount Kanlaon.

It was almost lunch time when we got there.  There was an entrance fee of P50 per person plus P20 for the parking.  Again, I am thankful that Eddie knew the place and had a car to take us there.  

Since our stomach were already grumbling, we decided to take our lunch before we explore the resorts.

We feasted on Chicken Inasal and Boneless
Daing na Bangus for our lunch

Eggpie from Merci Bakeshop.
The best egg pie that I ever tasted so far.
One can really have the taste and aroma of
the egg.  

Right after lunch, we proceeded to my favorite sight, falls. And since we were told that there were Seven falls in Mambukal Resorts, my excitement was times Seven. Hahaha!

The First Falls

Our tour guide advised us not to linger in one place while climbing since there are falling debris anytime. Maski nga ang sinage na, "Beware of Falling Debris." e bumagsak na rin. Hahahahaha!

We paused for a break on the Second Falls.
The climbing was stiff and was exhausting.

Another knee-breaking climb but
a breathtaking sight

Our tour guide told us that we cannot go to the fourth and fifth falls because the landslide had made the way to the falls blocked.

The Sixth Falls.
There is a store around this falls.  It also where people are safe to swim
and are allowed to swim.  

From the Sixth Waterfalls, around 30 minutes more is needed to reach the Seventh Falls.  For a while, we thought twice if we will proceed.  We went on realizing that this could be our last chance to visit the place and if ever there is another chance, we might be too old to climb.  

Another climbing until we reach a plateau.

We sit and rested on this bench beside a closed
store.  I even left the empty bottle of energy drink on it

As we continue with our trek to the last falls, we encountered unlikely creatures.

The goat that gargles its own urine. Ewe!
What a nasty mouthwash. Hahahaha!

And the dog that does not bark at strangers.
Pati pala mga aso sa Negros, malalambing. Hahaha!

Pause for a shot in the middle of our way to the Seventh Falls

Around three or four streams we passed before we finally make it to the Seventh Falls.  We can say that we survived the Seventh Falls.

The Seventh Falls.
I was tempted to dip into the waters
as a reward for our effort but
we did not bring extra clothes with us
so we just content ourselves with picture taking

Tourist really need a tour guide in trekking the Seven Falls.   One can manage to reach the six falls but the seventh is too far to reach alone unless one is adventurous.

One of the official tour guides in Mambukal Resort.
He also served as our photographer.  And in gratitude
of his help, I had this shot with him

My wife felt exhausted and was not willing to go down from the falls by feet.  We found out that there were tricycle drivers who were waiting for tourists near the Sixth Falls.  Naisip namin tuloy na sana pala, nagtricycle na lang kami papunta ng Seventh Falls at pabalik, doon kami bababa at pupuntahan yung anim na falls.  

The drivers charged us P50 per person.  We paid for our tour guide too.

The travel downward was yet another challenge
and adventure.  The road was rough and rocky.
I was worried about tumbling down but the
drivers were too experience to pass a rocky road

The tricycle ride will bring tourist to the main entrance gate.  One has to walk to enter the resort again.

I paid our tour guide P300 and gave him the cinnamon bread that we bought from Merci bakeshop but I was not able to touch.

Our friend Eddie was surprised with the amount I gave.  According to him, P100 for a whole day tour is the normal pay for the tour guide.  Ang sabi ng asawa ko, kasi raw nakuwentuhan na naman ako ng buhay kaya naawa na naman ako.  The gullible me.  Hahahahaha!

Eddie said na kasi daw pastor ako kaya galante ako magbayad.  Hahahaha!  Ang sabi ko naman kay Eddie, "generous ka sa amin kaya generous din kami sa tourguide."