by Marciano A. Paroy, Jr.
As Marlon Carbonel and I were waiting for Councilor Alma Sandra U. Mejia at the frontage of the SP wing of the city hall for our brief meeting regarding Miss Matagoan 2009, our attention was fully clutched by the on-going construction of the new city hall. We expressed how big it is, and that when it would soon house all the offices within the sphere of authority of the city government, there would be no more running around from one building to another.
To drive the fact home: it is big, and one can’t help but be proud that Tabuk would one day boast of a city hall which is one of the biggest – at least among the new cities, known as the League of 16 in their open letter to the Supreme Court (which emotionally calls for reconsideration).
Of course, big cities have far bigger city halls. Like the tall Makati City Hall, or Quezon City with an imposing 14-storey city hall which, aside from being the center of the city government, also houses other national government agencies.
When one looks at the artistic rendering of the Tabuk City Hall being constructed (which is plastered as the banner of the official website of Tabuk, courtesy of the website designer and administrator Nathaniel Dalanao), one gets the feeling of wanting to go in, and roam through the halls.
We just hope that when it shall have been finished, we no longer would see some employees who have this current annoying habit of standing by the back entry, giving cursory glances to people who come and go with their transactions. As a fellow government worker, I sometimes get the feeling that things are not fair. We get to work our ass off from 8 AM to 5 PM, while others have a lot of free time spent on staring into space – oh well, staring at the iron gates near the post office.
*****
Back to the scene began above.
While waiting for Madam Councilor Sandra, another Councilor joined us at our tambayan corner – Councilor Glen Wansi. I seized that moment to grill him with questions regarding his already anticipated filing for a position that is going to be vacated by someone who would be vying for that level directly above this someone’s present post (There, I hope I muddled you enough to be lost in your deduction).
But Hon. Wansi played the dodging game by refusing to be definite. He said, “Those rumors that you hear remain to be rumors. There are clamors from some quarters that I should consider what you are insinuating, but until we reach that final moment of having to submit what needs to be submitted… well, then things remain to be studied.”
“Well said, Konsehal,” I quipped, as though it were a beauty pageant.
Whatever Councilor Wansi may finally set his eyes on, this column wishes him well.
*****
It was then that Madam Councilor Sandra arrived – breathtaking in her mono-chromatic lilac blouse and skirt coordinates. Monday, first working day of the week – one should really start the week right by dressing-up appropriately. With a hint of power, if one needs to – at least for those with managerial, administrative and leadership functions (for those who are confined to the Monday uniform, a well-groomed face should complete the effect – not necessarily with full makeup. As a slogan in Laoag City screams “Napintas a buya, naragsak a rupa”).
Madam Sandra, Marlon and I then had our swift meeting to finalize our schedule in meeting the candidates for Miss Matagoan 2009 and their handlers, before she went into the SB Hall to preside over the meeting – she is the Matagoan Festival Director for this year.
Well, the Mayor has just returned from Canada, and she might be reporting the details of what has been decided upon (with Vice Mayor Rainier Sarol as acting mayor) while the Mayor was away.
We then parted ways with the stunning councilor. As we again looked at the construction site of the new city hall, we noted that it will be a two-storey building with a total floor area of 4,100 square meters. It is rectangular in shape with a length of 108 meters.
But that is not the figure that we would be interested in, this beauty pageant season.
Instead, we’re looking for 36-24-36 vital statistics.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Options for those who did not go to College, the Unemployed, and the Tambay sa Kanto
by Marciano A. Paroy, Jr.
A young man considering his options for the future may find himself beset with queries that revolve around the issue: what is the fastest way by which he could bridge the gap between being un-trained on one hand and, on the other hand, being fully prepared to tackle in-demand jobs that could equip him with expertise which he could use for gainful employment, not only in the locality of Tabuk, but anywhere else in the globe?
Normally, college would have been the preferred direction – but considering the current trends in the global economy which is described by, among others, the need for highly skilled workers. Obviously, the best alternative is to be trained as efficiently as possible. And to get that training fast.
The question is where?
In here comes the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – under Provincial Director Julie Banganan – with its wide array of training programs and packages that are designed to cater to the training needs of those who have the vision to gain additional competence in an area other than what they have been naturally blessed with.
TESDA’s work is made even easier by the commitment given by its partner agencies and organizations. By setting-up close ties with TESDA, a partner agency can send trainees to the Provincial Training Center, or other TESDA-administered schools, or come up with its own training activities and workshops – which the agency may schedule for various clients: women groups, entrepreneurs, the youth, farmers and other interested trainees.
Because of such partnership, the mandates of TESDA are realized and, as a result, a forward-looking batch of trainees are developed regularly – ready to face the global challenge, ready to be productive members of the society, ready to make a change in their lives and in the lives of others.
Because of such collaboration, the vision and mission of the partner agency find meaning, and the local leaders – from both the executive and the legislative arms of the LGU – live up to their commitment to bring about tangible change in the community.
This is what LGU-Tabuk does.
Inspired by the concept that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment of all the blessings of democracy by all people, Mayor Camilo T. Lammawin Jr. initiated a program that would address issues and concerns that would normally lead people to get out of bounds from the law.
Thus the Matagoan: A Unique Solution to a Unique Situation was born.
Matagoan, a Kalinga term which means “Zone of Life” rests on the premise that Tabuk should be a community that embraces diverse cultures – and provide its citizens with opportunities of improving their lives. It is envisioned that if people perceive the impact of the program, and participate in its activities, then the temptation to be led astray and become a community burden is minimized and eventually eradicated.
How does the LGU hope to attain this?
“A productive individual who maintains a steady source of livelihood or business would normally set his eyes on increasing the sustainability of his venture,” Mayor Camilo T. Lammawin Jr. stressed. “When this happens, we develop a class of citizens whose attention is focused on their gainful contribution not only to their family’s income but to the community as well.”
Indeed, sociology teaches us that a well-fed population whose members are scaling the heights of profitability is a community of people who are contented, happy and whole-heartedly willing to take part in other development projects – especially so that most of these people came from poverty-ridden subsistence early on in their lives.
These are the people that LGU-Tabuk is endeavoring to upgrade.
*****
If you know people in your neighborhood that you wish to take out from your daily sight as you pass by them in your street, send them over to TESDA, instead of frowning and giving them the judgment “Awan serserbi yo ketdi.”
A young man considering his options for the future may find himself beset with queries that revolve around the issue: what is the fastest way by which he could bridge the gap between being un-trained on one hand and, on the other hand, being fully prepared to tackle in-demand jobs that could equip him with expertise which he could use for gainful employment, not only in the locality of Tabuk, but anywhere else in the globe?
Normally, college would have been the preferred direction – but considering the current trends in the global economy which is described by, among others, the need for highly skilled workers. Obviously, the best alternative is to be trained as efficiently as possible. And to get that training fast.
The question is where?
In here comes the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – under Provincial Director Julie Banganan – with its wide array of training programs and packages that are designed to cater to the training needs of those who have the vision to gain additional competence in an area other than what they have been naturally blessed with.
TESDA’s work is made even easier by the commitment given by its partner agencies and organizations. By setting-up close ties with TESDA, a partner agency can send trainees to the Provincial Training Center, or other TESDA-administered schools, or come up with its own training activities and workshops – which the agency may schedule for various clients: women groups, entrepreneurs, the youth, farmers and other interested trainees.
Because of such partnership, the mandates of TESDA are realized and, as a result, a forward-looking batch of trainees are developed regularly – ready to face the global challenge, ready to be productive members of the society, ready to make a change in their lives and in the lives of others.
Because of such collaboration, the vision and mission of the partner agency find meaning, and the local leaders – from both the executive and the legislative arms of the LGU – live up to their commitment to bring about tangible change in the community.
This is what LGU-Tabuk does.
Inspired by the concept that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment of all the blessings of democracy by all people, Mayor Camilo T. Lammawin Jr. initiated a program that would address issues and concerns that would normally lead people to get out of bounds from the law.
Thus the Matagoan: A Unique Solution to a Unique Situation was born.
Matagoan, a Kalinga term which means “Zone of Life” rests on the premise that Tabuk should be a community that embraces diverse cultures – and provide its citizens with opportunities of improving their lives. It is envisioned that if people perceive the impact of the program, and participate in its activities, then the temptation to be led astray and become a community burden is minimized and eventually eradicated.
How does the LGU hope to attain this?
“A productive individual who maintains a steady source of livelihood or business would normally set his eyes on increasing the sustainability of his venture,” Mayor Camilo T. Lammawin Jr. stressed. “When this happens, we develop a class of citizens whose attention is focused on their gainful contribution not only to their family’s income but to the community as well.”
Indeed, sociology teaches us that a well-fed population whose members are scaling the heights of profitability is a community of people who are contented, happy and whole-heartedly willing to take part in other development projects – especially so that most of these people came from poverty-ridden subsistence early on in their lives.
These are the people that LGU-Tabuk is endeavoring to upgrade.
*****
If you know people in your neighborhood that you wish to take out from your daily sight as you pass by them in your street, send them over to TESDA, instead of frowning and giving them the judgment “Awan serserbi yo ketdi.”
The LGU-Tabuk and TESDA-Kalinga Partnership: Anya ti Nadanun na, so Far?
by Marciano A. Paroy, Jr.
I recently got involved in a DevCom task for Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA)-Kalinga, as requested by its Provincial Director Julie Banganan. The job: to collate the data that pertain to the partnership between TESDA-Kalinga and the local government unit of Tabuk – and come up with one info-material that highlights and boasts of the outputs of said partnership.
Normally, working alone is the more ideal option, as this would push us to attack a task the way we would want it done. The danger of having too many heads is that there is a tendency of being out-of-focus and unfortunately come up with a poorly done product (Don’t get me wrong. I am specifically talking about info-materials – not programs and projects in general, which, of course, necessitates participatory decision-making by as many sectors as possible).
That is why advertisements are, for the most part, created by a single designer – and just later on presented for approval or, hmmm, rejection.
The production of the TESDA promotional/info-material, however, entailed close working ties with the two agencies concerned: TESDA and LGU-Tabuk. I had no prior knowledge about the working attitude or the speed and vigor of the people I would be dealing with, so I was quite adamant about our ability to meet our target.
Surprise: the target was hit, bulls eye.
My salute to Judilyn “Judith” Langgaman of TESDA-Kalinga and Loyda Saboy, the Public Employment Services Officer of Tabuk. Collaborating with them gave me a peek into the working environment of their respective offices. Oh well, there were moments when impatience would ceep in but these were always doused off by the completion of a desired element. Taking the holistic view, hassles and minor irritants were treated as inconsequential details – they did not matter as long as we come up with the intended goal.
I realized that the two key person I mentioned above were always worried about our ability to deliver. There seemed to be this unspoken notion that it’s their necks on the line, not mine. Ms. Langgaman has TESDA PD Banganan to worry about, while Ms. Saboy has The Mayor.
I was, sort of, the outsider – from the academe at that, where working attitudes are somewhat different . For one, we (instructors) have this conscious self-evaluation and the constant desire to please.
In my book, Judith and Loyda are competent at what they do. Being in offices that directly deal with a specific set of clients – the jobless members of the society – they truly have wealthy reserve of patience and commitment.
I also would like to single out Gailin Soriano, also of PESO, and Nathaniel Dalanao of the City Information Office under Sir Olive Gacuya – for the photos they supplied us.
And so we wish “Goo Luck” to LGU-Tabuk as it vies for the TESDA Kabalikat Award.
*****
The Kabalikat Award goes to outstanding partners of TESDA in the public and the private sectors. They are singled out for their drive in implementing and promoting technical-vocational programs and services. Awardees are chosen on the basis of their con¬tribution in terms of investment and resources poured into technical-vocational programs, plus the employability of trained and certified workers.
*****
So… is LGU-Tabuk worthy of such distinction?
Yes.
As I pored over the materials littered with figures and cold hard facts, I noted that Tabuk should be one of the hands-down winners. No one from LGU-Tabuk brandishes much about the fact that, through the years, Mayor Lammawin and his team of planners have been allotting a considerable slice from Tabuk’s yearly budget – directed to technical/vocational concerns.
But really, the support given by LGU-Tabuk to TESDA programs is one thing that should be lauded about.
I just hope that the evaluators at the regional and national levels will recognize such fact.
I recently got involved in a DevCom task for Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA)-Kalinga, as requested by its Provincial Director Julie Banganan. The job: to collate the data that pertain to the partnership between TESDA-Kalinga and the local government unit of Tabuk – and come up with one info-material that highlights and boasts of the outputs of said partnership.
Normally, working alone is the more ideal option, as this would push us to attack a task the way we would want it done. The danger of having too many heads is that there is a tendency of being out-of-focus and unfortunately come up with a poorly done product (Don’t get me wrong. I am specifically talking about info-materials – not programs and projects in general, which, of course, necessitates participatory decision-making by as many sectors as possible).
That is why advertisements are, for the most part, created by a single designer – and just later on presented for approval or, hmmm, rejection.
The production of the TESDA promotional/info-material, however, entailed close working ties with the two agencies concerned: TESDA and LGU-Tabuk. I had no prior knowledge about the working attitude or the speed and vigor of the people I would be dealing with, so I was quite adamant about our ability to meet our target.
Surprise: the target was hit, bulls eye.
My salute to Judilyn “Judith” Langgaman of TESDA-Kalinga and Loyda Saboy, the Public Employment Services Officer of Tabuk. Collaborating with them gave me a peek into the working environment of their respective offices. Oh well, there were moments when impatience would ceep in but these were always doused off by the completion of a desired element. Taking the holistic view, hassles and minor irritants were treated as inconsequential details – they did not matter as long as we come up with the intended goal.
I realized that the two key person I mentioned above were always worried about our ability to deliver. There seemed to be this unspoken notion that it’s their necks on the line, not mine. Ms. Langgaman has TESDA PD Banganan to worry about, while Ms. Saboy has The Mayor.
I was, sort of, the outsider – from the academe at that, where working attitudes are somewhat different . For one, we (instructors) have this conscious self-evaluation and the constant desire to please.
In my book, Judith and Loyda are competent at what they do. Being in offices that directly deal with a specific set of clients – the jobless members of the society – they truly have wealthy reserve of patience and commitment.
I also would like to single out Gailin Soriano, also of PESO, and Nathaniel Dalanao of the City Information Office under Sir Olive Gacuya – for the photos they supplied us.
And so we wish “Goo Luck” to LGU-Tabuk as it vies for the TESDA Kabalikat Award.
*****
The Kabalikat Award goes to outstanding partners of TESDA in the public and the private sectors. They are singled out for their drive in implementing and promoting technical-vocational programs and services. Awardees are chosen on the basis of their con¬tribution in terms of investment and resources poured into technical-vocational programs, plus the employability of trained and certified workers.
*****
So… is LGU-Tabuk worthy of such distinction?
Yes.
As I pored over the materials littered with figures and cold hard facts, I noted that Tabuk should be one of the hands-down winners. No one from LGU-Tabuk brandishes much about the fact that, through the years, Mayor Lammawin and his team of planners have been allotting a considerable slice from Tabuk’s yearly budget – directed to technical/vocational concerns.
But really, the support given by LGU-Tabuk to TESDA programs is one thing that should be lauded about.
I just hope that the evaluators at the regional and national levels will recognize such fact.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
FRD’s launching of a KASC Project …and battle of the sexes in KASC
by Marciano A. Paroy, Jr.
At Guru Press where I serve as the Associate Editor, we have taken seriously the observance of Women’s Month this 2009. We featured articles that celebrate the multi-faceted ingenuity and indispensability of women in different fields.
We cap it all this week with the front page photo of Governor Floydelia R. Diasen visiting the Kalinga-Apayao State College to formally launch the latest money-making venture of the Institute of Entrepreneurial Arts, under Dean Edna Yumol: taro-based products, through the use of a machine that was donated by the Provincial Government – a feat that can be credited to the brainchild behind the project, Dr. Virginia Petang and her research partner Zorayda Gavino.
Taro, of course, is that root crop we seldom give attention to – galyang. Reading the rationale in the research work conducted by Ms. Petang and Ms. Gavino, taro (or gabi), as one of the most common root crops in the Philippines, is commonly planted in areas not really suitable for its culture since traditional staples and vegetables are given priority to occupy good production areas. Although gabi has the ability to grow in marginal and sub marginal areas, it normally grows well and produces high yield when cultivated in more suitable areas favored with the right soil and rainfall needed by the crop.
According to Ms. Gavino, “We have observed that galyang or “lucia” (in Kalinga) is locally abundant but underutilized because it is commonly used as an ingredient in cooking “Nilagang Baboy/Baka” and as feeder for pigs in the locality. It is from this realization that we have come up with the thought of putting galyang into good use – considering that it is rich in starch, calcium, phosphorous and potassium.”
KASC has actually sent Ms. Petang and Ms. Gavino – along with Research Director Jovita Saguibo (there, another woman) – to compete in the Regional Symposium for research and extension undertakings in the Cordillera in 2007, with their research on Taro Flour. They won second place. Coincidentally, they were bested by yet another lady researcher from KASC – Dr. Helen Bais, with her winning research work on basidiomycetes (kurat, kudit and laplapayag).
Perhaps inspired by their success in said regional symposium, the researchers decided to go full blast and focus their new-found energies into actual production of foodstuffs made from taro. There was one setback, though: the purchase for the machine needed for the venture.
Of course, when Dean Yumol, Ms. Petang and Ms. Gavino lobbied for the Governor’s support to the project by requesting assistance for the purchase of the machine, the Governor may have stamped her approval over the request not because the request was coming from her KASC family (where she last served as the Dean of the Institute of Health Sciences prior to her joining the world of politics), but because she may have seen the viability and profitability of the undertaking.
KASC – as a state-run institution – is not exempt from on-going measures called for by the government on various agencies to become creative in coming up with ideas that could increase the financial base of the agency concerned. President Eduardo Bagtang (himself an honorary woman as a lecturer on Gender and Development) has been non-sop, in fact, in his quest for tie-ups, collaborations and financial linkages with other institutions and organizations – aside from intensifying the existing production capabilities of the school – some he inherited from past administrations, some devised under his leadership. With this taro production, KASC has further broadened its potentials in thickening its financial resources.
*****
The Governor, aside from her last post in KASC as the Dean of the IHS, also served as the Director for Student Affairs and Services (DSAS). I was still a student then, and as one of the student leaders that time (as the Editor-in-Chief of the student publication – a post given me by both her and her Student Coordinator at that time, Dr. Edgar Naganag, another expert on Gender and Development), I found it rather hassle-free to approach her and have something approved. Whenever she viewed a proposal as really catering to the needs of the students, she would be expected to say “yes.”
I have always noted that it was during her turn as the DSAS that student organizations were asked to undergo accreditation by the administration, before they can be officially recognized. As a result of this call, out came many student organizations that are now enjoying recognized status.
*****
During her last days in KASC as the Dean of the IHS, the Governor shared the distinction as a lady dean along with Dean Yumol (Institute of Entrepreneurial Arts), Dean Joy Grace P. Doctor (Institute of Arts and Sciences), and Dean Elsie Coyoy (Institute of Teacher Education), thereby outnumbering the male deans then – Dean Joseph Aguilar (Institute of Agriculture and Forestry) and Dean Amado Imper (Institute of Mathematics, Engineering and Applied Technology).
IHS is now under Dean Christine Ammakiw, while Dean Aguilar has given way to Dean Aurea Calubaquib. Dean Coyoy, on the other hand, has transferred the reins to Dean Raymond Balbin.
So, the scales are still tipped in favor of the women as far as deanship is concerned in KASC. Move on to the Directorship level and you have the same picture: Ms. Rosalina Gunaban is Director for Administration and Finance, Dr. Adoracion Taguba is Director for Student Services and Admission (the renamed version of DSAS) Dr. Jovita Saguibo is Director for Research – while Dr. Maximo Garming is the sole male director, for Extension. Three is to one – that’s the ratio among the directors.
Well, we also have Mr. Tomas Carabbacan as the chief of Business Affairs. He, originally, was from the high school department – which is now under Principal Corazon Osdeg.
Then we have Vice President for Academic Affairs: Dr. Carmelita T. Ayang-ang. The total number of female key-players in KASC clearly gives the edge to women.
Throw them all in the conference room for a planning session – with President Bagtang at the helm – and it is easy to imagine how the female officials can out-maneuver the men. One can almost imagine the women applying all the tactics they could think of so that, at the end of the day, the men will eventually relent and be pressured into submission.
Fortunately, that is not the case. The men in KASC (well, it’s the academe) regard the women as their counterparts in all aspects. So… minds meet, and the best decisions are hammered out, regardless of the gender of the one pitching-in an idea.
Dijay lang ah ta napigpigsa ti boses dagiti babbai. Ah, women…
Monday, February 9, 2009
AMBOY KUB-AO
The day I met Amboy, I fell into a little argument with him on who was more glamorous between Elizabeth Taylor and Greta Grabo. That was at the Piner’s Beauty Salon at the Diocesan Building which I visited to look for a friend, Marlon Carbonel. That was in the early 1990’s. Since then, I’ve been running into Amboy in different occasions where gays would be gathered.
However, it was in the latter part of the 1990’s when I sort of became one of Amboy’s so-called “children” – a grouping of young individuals who have yet to know what we really wanted in life, a grouping that included Alvin Bacwaden, Kenny Gonayon and Edward Baguilod. We were at that stage where we were drifting, even as we were searching for something meaningful that we may eventually want to focus on. Amboy provided that vehicle for our mindless search. Given his infectious personality which centered on his ability to show that he cared, and that he understood what anyone may be going through, we became hooked, following him day after day (practically residing at his stall at the Bulanao market place). And so we became his disciples – calling him “Mother Amboy”, a distinction in the gay community which we only reserve for those whom we either respect or fear. In his case, I think it was more of the latter.
Intelligent yet silly. Gentle yet fierce. Free-spirited yet conservative. Amboy is a perfect subject on contradictory personality. He would harshly scold a person one minute, and the very next moment he would turn to you and gently say “My dear, iyawat mu man dayta shot glass. Thank you, my dear.”
He would stride into a room and cut through the calm, either though his cacophonous laughter or the orders that he barked: “Mary, mangiruar ka man dita.” (that was Mary Oman, whose place we used to frequent).
There is never a dull moment with Amboy. I may find myself discussing current affairs with him, then before I knew it, we would be running away – from whom, I hardly had the time to find out, though I remember we ran away one time from the tanods who interrupted our grouping at Mary’s, reprimanding us for drinking during a liquor-ban day.
Amboy is – was – one person whose commanding power was indisputable. He would look outside the window, make his weather assessment, and say “Pack your swimming clothes, get the pitcher and two glasses. Intayo idjay Pasunglao, it’s a sunny day!” No questions asked.
But that’s all in the past now, and the Guru pages may not even be enough to contain all the anecdotes that pertain to Amboy. We – his so-called children – have all moved on, and I don’t know whether younger ones have replaced us in his kwadra. I slowly lost contact with him these past years, and I only got to hear news about him now and then – particularly his nursing role for his mother.
Then, like a bolt out of the blue (which he can be likened to, whenever he assaults a gathering), he came to Dagupan last December. He stood by the frontage of Marlon Carbonel’s salon (R and J Beauty and Fashion Empire), told him to close the shop and follow him. Then as soon as they were seated at Violy’s Place, complete with beer bottles on the table, he told Marlon to ask me to join them. “Ma-miss ko man ni Mars,” he told Marlon.
So Marlon sent me a text message. And like a dutiful “anak,” I dropped what I was doing. I shut the computer down and rushed over to them. I realized that it has been years since the last time I spent time with him – with bottles between us. I did miss him too, and part of me wanted to go see him and sort of make a report of what I had become.
We talked. We exchanged stories, and reminisced the past. When I asked what made him occupied aside from being a home-body by then, he added new bits into my dormant Amboy archives in my head. As always, he gave us a cornucopia of stories about himself that always border on the fantastic and unbelievable. But that’s the Amboy trademark – he could make a lot of declarations, and you would not find it in your heart to express disbelief. Part of the Amboy mystique, I guess, is his ability to confound you. Plus his many claims that remain unverified all these years. And, despite all these, we loved him. He remained lodged deep into the recesses of your head – like a presence you may fail to acknowledge sometimes, but you know it’s there.
That afternoon at Violy’sPlace re-established his influence in me, but it would be the last time I would raise a glass with him, and the last time I would hear his gurgling laughter.
We would never know what great things Mother Amboy would have been capable of accomplishing – considering his intellect and strong personality. We cannot judge him, either, for the choices that he had made in his younger days. Coming from a very affluent family – peopled by highly educated siblings, offspring and grandchildren – he never once turned back from the path he chose to tread. As I have learned during my days with him, “if it makes you happy, go for it” has always been his mantra in life. But that did not diminish him to an individual who has no purpose in life at all – in fact, his greatest triumph is in making others happy, while being true to himself.
“No regrets,” I can almost hear him saying, with his signature whistle which he used to accentuate his statements.
Ditto. The days I spent with him were too colorful to be forgotten. He helped in broadening my view of various people coming from diverse backgrounds. He helped me become street-smart all the more, to be tough – inside out, without sporting the leather jackets that were part of his staple wardrobe.
Oh, the places we went to, the dangers we encountered, the adventures we risked our life with. To be young again, and re-trace the same days – what a party it would be with him! From now on, I would not be able to drain a bottle without hearing Amboy’s voice, saying “Here’s to life!” – like he never left at all.
There was one time Amboy, Bryan (also gone, may his soul rest in peace) and I went to Amdalao, Pasil for the town fiesta in 1996. On the day we had to go back to Tabuk, Amboy said we must stop for awhile in Cagaluan. So we did, then he took out all of our fare money and said we had to “drink” while waiting for another ride. And so we raised glasses and time passed us by. I later pointed out that there no longer seemed to be passenger jeepneys passing by. With that, he stood up, went to the road side, and after just a few minutes, he was yelling at us to hurry up.
We hitched a ride. In a big, worn and dilapidated truck. That’s the Amboy way. Most things in life are free.
You’ll be missed… terribly. Mother.
(In behalf of the Gays Union of Tabuk, we express our most sincere condolences to the Kub-ao family)
However, it was in the latter part of the 1990’s when I sort of became one of Amboy’s so-called “children” – a grouping of young individuals who have yet to know what we really wanted in life, a grouping that included Alvin Bacwaden, Kenny Gonayon and Edward Baguilod. We were at that stage where we were drifting, even as we were searching for something meaningful that we may eventually want to focus on. Amboy provided that vehicle for our mindless search. Given his infectious personality which centered on his ability to show that he cared, and that he understood what anyone may be going through, we became hooked, following him day after day (practically residing at his stall at the Bulanao market place). And so we became his disciples – calling him “Mother Amboy”, a distinction in the gay community which we only reserve for those whom we either respect or fear. In his case, I think it was more of the latter.
Intelligent yet silly. Gentle yet fierce. Free-spirited yet conservative. Amboy is a perfect subject on contradictory personality. He would harshly scold a person one minute, and the very next moment he would turn to you and gently say “My dear, iyawat mu man dayta shot glass. Thank you, my dear.”
He would stride into a room and cut through the calm, either though his cacophonous laughter or the orders that he barked: “Mary, mangiruar ka man dita.” (that was Mary Oman, whose place we used to frequent).
There is never a dull moment with Amboy. I may find myself discussing current affairs with him, then before I knew it, we would be running away – from whom, I hardly had the time to find out, though I remember we ran away one time from the tanods who interrupted our grouping at Mary’s, reprimanding us for drinking during a liquor-ban day.
Amboy is – was – one person whose commanding power was indisputable. He would look outside the window, make his weather assessment, and say “Pack your swimming clothes, get the pitcher and two glasses. Intayo idjay Pasunglao, it’s a sunny day!” No questions asked.
But that’s all in the past now, and the Guru pages may not even be enough to contain all the anecdotes that pertain to Amboy. We – his so-called children – have all moved on, and I don’t know whether younger ones have replaced us in his kwadra. I slowly lost contact with him these past years, and I only got to hear news about him now and then – particularly his nursing role for his mother.
Then, like a bolt out of the blue (which he can be likened to, whenever he assaults a gathering), he came to Dagupan last December. He stood by the frontage of Marlon Carbonel’s salon (R and J Beauty and Fashion Empire), told him to close the shop and follow him. Then as soon as they were seated at Violy’s Place, complete with beer bottles on the table, he told Marlon to ask me to join them. “Ma-miss ko man ni Mars,” he told Marlon.
So Marlon sent me a text message. And like a dutiful “anak,” I dropped what I was doing. I shut the computer down and rushed over to them. I realized that it has been years since the last time I spent time with him – with bottles between us. I did miss him too, and part of me wanted to go see him and sort of make a report of what I had become.
We talked. We exchanged stories, and reminisced the past. When I asked what made him occupied aside from being a home-body by then, he added new bits into my dormant Amboy archives in my head. As always, he gave us a cornucopia of stories about himself that always border on the fantastic and unbelievable. But that’s the Amboy trademark – he could make a lot of declarations, and you would not find it in your heart to express disbelief. Part of the Amboy mystique, I guess, is his ability to confound you. Plus his many claims that remain unverified all these years. And, despite all these, we loved him. He remained lodged deep into the recesses of your head – like a presence you may fail to acknowledge sometimes, but you know it’s there.
That afternoon at Violy’sPlace re-established his influence in me, but it would be the last time I would raise a glass with him, and the last time I would hear his gurgling laughter.
We would never know what great things Mother Amboy would have been capable of accomplishing – considering his intellect and strong personality. We cannot judge him, either, for the choices that he had made in his younger days. Coming from a very affluent family – peopled by highly educated siblings, offspring and grandchildren – he never once turned back from the path he chose to tread. As I have learned during my days with him, “if it makes you happy, go for it” has always been his mantra in life. But that did not diminish him to an individual who has no purpose in life at all – in fact, his greatest triumph is in making others happy, while being true to himself.
“No regrets,” I can almost hear him saying, with his signature whistle which he used to accentuate his statements.
Ditto. The days I spent with him were too colorful to be forgotten. He helped in broadening my view of various people coming from diverse backgrounds. He helped me become street-smart all the more, to be tough – inside out, without sporting the leather jackets that were part of his staple wardrobe.
Oh, the places we went to, the dangers we encountered, the adventures we risked our life with. To be young again, and re-trace the same days – what a party it would be with him! From now on, I would not be able to drain a bottle without hearing Amboy’s voice, saying “Here’s to life!” – like he never left at all.
There was one time Amboy, Bryan (also gone, may his soul rest in peace) and I went to Amdalao, Pasil for the town fiesta in 1996. On the day we had to go back to Tabuk, Amboy said we must stop for awhile in Cagaluan. So we did, then he took out all of our fare money and said we had to “drink” while waiting for another ride. And so we raised glasses and time passed us by. I later pointed out that there no longer seemed to be passenger jeepneys passing by. With that, he stood up, went to the road side, and after just a few minutes, he was yelling at us to hurry up.
We hitched a ride. In a big, worn and dilapidated truck. That’s the Amboy way. Most things in life are free.
You’ll be missed… terribly. Mother.
(In behalf of the Gays Union of Tabuk, we express our most sincere condolences to the Kub-ao family)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
OF CONSTRUCTION AND CORRUPTION
The Kalinga Apayao Religious Sector Association (KARSA) has been making waves since it began its latest foray into the realm of public accountability of government agencies – particularly the DPWH – by acting as the province’s arm of the Bantay Lansangan. The association cried out that the SONA road projects being implemented are without plans, and that the resulting constructions are defective and substandard.
Corruption, that’s the word for it – if we are to believe the KARSA allegations.
This brings us to this recent research work (De-institutionalizing Corruption in the Philippines) conducted by Dr. Eric Batalla of the De La Salle University which outlined that corruption in public road works first occurs during the prequalification, bidding, and awarding phase of contracts; which will then be followed by the second stage during project implementation.
In the first stage, corruption is based on “relationship management,” the object of which is that the contract goes to favored contractors. The awarding of contracts is often treated as a privilege, a favor, and payment of utang ng loob. Relationship management culminates in the bribe (cash or kind) in exchange for the actual award of contract or favorable consideration in the evaluation of bids.
This was boldly corroborated by columnist Neal Cruz (of the Philippine Daily Inquirer) who said in his As I See It column last October 29, 2008 that the DPWH is notorious for splitting up its road projects to accommodate favored construction contractors. Generally, it shuns the top and respected contractors because they cannot be bamboozled into greasing some dirty hands.
The second stage of corruption involves deviations from the specifications of the project contract. Often but not always, because of the unethical practices in the first stage, contractors deviate from the Program of Work approved by the DPWH. The Program of Work contains the specifications of the project including specific jobs to be undertaken, labor costs, rentals of equipment, unit cost of materials to be used (including hauling costs based on sources and destination), the contractors’ profit and the taxes to be paid. Different corrupt practices are utilized to increase the profit of the contractor at the expense of the quality of work.
Thus, we are left with projects that not only fail to meet standards, but whose awarding was dubious in the first place.
The real question here, however, is: do the SONA projects in Kalinga satisfactorily meet the pre-set standards, so far?
We do not know the yardstick being used by the KARSA. We only get to hear them saying that the projects merit a poor evaluation, as far as their inspection is concerned. On the other hand, we have yet to peruse an official report from the recent inspection conducted by the Office of the Congressman, the Kalinga Engineering District, DPWH-CAR and the Office of the DPWH Secretary.
Without doubt, the Congressman is well-meaning in his desire to pour in as many infrastructure projects as possible into the province. If his vision plays out, Kalinga roads may finally be reported as truly completed, under his leadership. The contractors, for their part, also assert that they operate according to approved specifications. This leaves us Bantay Lansangan – a World Bank-sanctioned inspector – and its eye in Kalinga – the KARSA, challenging the aforementioned offices. But as writer Jun Albano posted in the Tabuk City website: “the people of Kalinga, however, are waiting to know if the KARSA is just a lot of big talk.”
So as for the moment, whom then, shall we believe?
Corruption, that’s the word for it – if we are to believe the KARSA allegations.
This brings us to this recent research work (De-institutionalizing Corruption in the Philippines) conducted by Dr. Eric Batalla of the De La Salle University which outlined that corruption in public road works first occurs during the prequalification, bidding, and awarding phase of contracts; which will then be followed by the second stage during project implementation.
In the first stage, corruption is based on “relationship management,” the object of which is that the contract goes to favored contractors. The awarding of contracts is often treated as a privilege, a favor, and payment of utang ng loob. Relationship management culminates in the bribe (cash or kind) in exchange for the actual award of contract or favorable consideration in the evaluation of bids.
This was boldly corroborated by columnist Neal Cruz (of the Philippine Daily Inquirer) who said in his As I See It column last October 29, 2008 that the DPWH is notorious for splitting up its road projects to accommodate favored construction contractors. Generally, it shuns the top and respected contractors because they cannot be bamboozled into greasing some dirty hands.
The second stage of corruption involves deviations from the specifications of the project contract. Often but not always, because of the unethical practices in the first stage, contractors deviate from the Program of Work approved by the DPWH. The Program of Work contains the specifications of the project including specific jobs to be undertaken, labor costs, rentals of equipment, unit cost of materials to be used (including hauling costs based on sources and destination), the contractors’ profit and the taxes to be paid. Different corrupt practices are utilized to increase the profit of the contractor at the expense of the quality of work.
Thus, we are left with projects that not only fail to meet standards, but whose awarding was dubious in the first place.
The real question here, however, is: do the SONA projects in Kalinga satisfactorily meet the pre-set standards, so far?
We do not know the yardstick being used by the KARSA. We only get to hear them saying that the projects merit a poor evaluation, as far as their inspection is concerned. On the other hand, we have yet to peruse an official report from the recent inspection conducted by the Office of the Congressman, the Kalinga Engineering District, DPWH-CAR and the Office of the DPWH Secretary.
Without doubt, the Congressman is well-meaning in his desire to pour in as many infrastructure projects as possible into the province. If his vision plays out, Kalinga roads may finally be reported as truly completed, under his leadership. The contractors, for their part, also assert that they operate according to approved specifications. This leaves us Bantay Lansangan – a World Bank-sanctioned inspector – and its eye in Kalinga – the KARSA, challenging the aforementioned offices. But as writer Jun Albano posted in the Tabuk City website: “the people of Kalinga, however, are waiting to know if the KARSA is just a lot of big talk.”
So as for the moment, whom then, shall we believe?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
SOMETHING INSPIRING… FOR A CHANGE
Okay, we’re supposed to write something inspiring here.
2009 came in minus the usual thunderous welcome we traditionally prepare for the new year. Well, there was some noise alright, but compared to past new year celebrations, this one sort of fizzled – a mere headphone, instead of the familiar loud speakers.
And this is good. Perhaps, we’re learning.
*****
According to the SWS survey, 92% of Filipinos shall face 2009 with high hopes. Now, a negative attitude which one puts on as the calendar changes is not healthy at all. Why brood, why worry, why lose belief – when we can do so much? There is just one thing that worries me, though: who, the hell, comprise the negative-minded 8%?
*****
In the Chinese calendar, 2009 is the year of the ox – but the Chinese new year will still make its entry on January 26, thus all the preparations we insist on copying from the Chinese must be applied on that date.
The Chinese method of identifying every year with animals has greatly influenced most people, even those living in western-influenced countries. So much is its influence that people’s personality and character are often regarded in relation to their Chinese horoscope more than that of its western counterparts.
The Ox years near our time are 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and of course 2009 – meaning, Ox people can expect 2009 to be very good for them.
The basic traits of an Ox is being methodical and calm, hardworking, dependable and patient, and topped with an ambitious character. They are said to be great in organizing and they are so logical, that is why people go to them for advice.
Unfortunately, balancing these positive characteristics of the Ox are some negative traits associated with them. People born in this year are also said to be stubborn, narrow minded, and with low public relations skills.
Interesting combinations, I must say. Rather contradictory, if one goes further. For how can one be patient and yet be stubborn at the same time? These are the things that make one conclude: “horoscopes are pure nonsense” – but most of us love horoscopes. Especially when we get to read positive traits that the horoscopes claim we possess. In a confirmatory stance, we say “Wen man nga agpayso, kasta-ak.” But when we get to the unpleasant descriptions, we simply say “That’s not true.” So we turn to the western signs for vindication. We hunt down for the shimmering descriptions embodied in Aquarius, Libra, Pisces, etc.
Ahh, life.
By the way, considering the low public relation skills of Ox-born people, they must shy away from employment in the media and communications industry – including posts in politics. Especially politics.
*****
Mimosa. It is a shade of yellow.
Pantone Company (the color authority) picks Mimosa as the Color of the Year for 2009. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, the color authority suggests that this warm yellow represents optimism, hope and reassurance.
Yellow is actually one bright color that is appealing to both genders – as opposed to pink and dainty shades of green. Thus the world of fashion may benefit from similar attention given to yellow by both genders.
*****
Every year for the last nine years, Beliefnet – an organization in the USA – has recognized 10 people whose outstanding humanitarian actions inspire and encourage people to live better lives. On the last day of voting, three champions stood out. The three finalists were Steven Curtis Chapman, the heroic Boy Scouts, and Prof. Randy Pausch.
Steven Curtis Chapman, a Christian music star (original singer of I Will Be Here), had long been a passionate advocate of adoption, inspiring thousands of families to provide homes for children from China. He underwent a tremendous tragedy this year when his adopted daughter Maria Sue was accidentally run over by his teenage son. Chapman held his family together through faith and faced the inevitable media attention with courage, serving as a model for suffering parents everywhere.
The heroic Boy Scouts of the Midwest withstood a killer tornado that struck their encampment in Iowa while they were at a leadership training. The young teens, who called on the skills they had learned in scouting, saved many of their fellow scouts, forming mini-triage centers and refusing to panic. Tragically, four of the boys died. These youngsters were recognized for their courage and steadfastness under the most challenging conditions.
But in the end, the editors selected Dr. Randy Pausch, the professor who, facing imminent death from pancreatic cancer, delivered a “last lecture” that inspired millions of people to live every day more consciously and achieve their dreams.
Pausch was selected because of his huge, far-reaching impact and because even after his death he continues to inspire legions of viewers. Pausch's lecture, delivered for a small audience at Carnegie Mellon University where he was a professor of computer science, became an internet phenomenon. He reached more people than he ever dreamed of. People uploaded his words of wisdom and inspiring tips for life and forwarded them to friends. By 2008, his inspiration had reached millions of people. His message was simple and powerful: "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
He showed the importance of living each day well, even if one is dying, and to never give up on your dreams.
I hope the 8% Filipinos surveyed by SWS who are pessimistic about 2009 can learn a lot from that simple message.
*****
As for my most amusing media incident for 2008, I would have to point out Muntadhar al-Zaidi, an Iraqi journalist with Egypt-based al-Baghdadia television network. He was the reporter who threw his shoes – flung one at a time – at outgoing US President George W. Bush when he visited Baghdad, Iraq last December.
When a reporter later questioned him about the incident, Bush said "So what if the guy threw his shoes at me? It's one way to gain attention.”
Here’s the stinger: Lebanese television channel NTV, known for its opposition to Washington, went as far as offering a job to the journalist al-Zaidi. In its evening news bulletin shortly after the incident, the TV network said that if al-Zaidi takes the job, he will be paid “from the moment the first shoe was thrown.”
Now, can you imagine Maki Pulido of GMA-7 throwing her stiletto heels at our very own president?
2009 came in minus the usual thunderous welcome we traditionally prepare for the new year. Well, there was some noise alright, but compared to past new year celebrations, this one sort of fizzled – a mere headphone, instead of the familiar loud speakers.
And this is good. Perhaps, we’re learning.
*****
According to the SWS survey, 92% of Filipinos shall face 2009 with high hopes. Now, a negative attitude which one puts on as the calendar changes is not healthy at all. Why brood, why worry, why lose belief – when we can do so much? There is just one thing that worries me, though: who, the hell, comprise the negative-minded 8%?
*****
In the Chinese calendar, 2009 is the year of the ox – but the Chinese new year will still make its entry on January 26, thus all the preparations we insist on copying from the Chinese must be applied on that date.
The Chinese method of identifying every year with animals has greatly influenced most people, even those living in western-influenced countries. So much is its influence that people’s personality and character are often regarded in relation to their Chinese horoscope more than that of its western counterparts.
The Ox years near our time are 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and of course 2009 – meaning, Ox people can expect 2009 to be very good for them.
The basic traits of an Ox is being methodical and calm, hardworking, dependable and patient, and topped with an ambitious character. They are said to be great in organizing and they are so logical, that is why people go to them for advice.
Unfortunately, balancing these positive characteristics of the Ox are some negative traits associated with them. People born in this year are also said to be stubborn, narrow minded, and with low public relations skills.
Interesting combinations, I must say. Rather contradictory, if one goes further. For how can one be patient and yet be stubborn at the same time? These are the things that make one conclude: “horoscopes are pure nonsense” – but most of us love horoscopes. Especially when we get to read positive traits that the horoscopes claim we possess. In a confirmatory stance, we say “Wen man nga agpayso, kasta-ak.” But when we get to the unpleasant descriptions, we simply say “That’s not true.” So we turn to the western signs for vindication. We hunt down for the shimmering descriptions embodied in Aquarius, Libra, Pisces, etc.
Ahh, life.
By the way, considering the low public relation skills of Ox-born people, they must shy away from employment in the media and communications industry – including posts in politics. Especially politics.
*****
Mimosa. It is a shade of yellow.
Pantone Company (the color authority) picks Mimosa as the Color of the Year for 2009. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, the color authority suggests that this warm yellow represents optimism, hope and reassurance.
Yellow is actually one bright color that is appealing to both genders – as opposed to pink and dainty shades of green. Thus the world of fashion may benefit from similar attention given to yellow by both genders.
*****
Every year for the last nine years, Beliefnet – an organization in the USA – has recognized 10 people whose outstanding humanitarian actions inspire and encourage people to live better lives. On the last day of voting, three champions stood out. The three finalists were Steven Curtis Chapman, the heroic Boy Scouts, and Prof. Randy Pausch.
Steven Curtis Chapman, a Christian music star (original singer of I Will Be Here), had long been a passionate advocate of adoption, inspiring thousands of families to provide homes for children from China. He underwent a tremendous tragedy this year when his adopted daughter Maria Sue was accidentally run over by his teenage son. Chapman held his family together through faith and faced the inevitable media attention with courage, serving as a model for suffering parents everywhere.
The heroic Boy Scouts of the Midwest withstood a killer tornado that struck their encampment in Iowa while they were at a leadership training. The young teens, who called on the skills they had learned in scouting, saved many of their fellow scouts, forming mini-triage centers and refusing to panic. Tragically, four of the boys died. These youngsters were recognized for their courage and steadfastness under the most challenging conditions.
But in the end, the editors selected Dr. Randy Pausch, the professor who, facing imminent death from pancreatic cancer, delivered a “last lecture” that inspired millions of people to live every day more consciously and achieve their dreams.
Pausch was selected because of his huge, far-reaching impact and because even after his death he continues to inspire legions of viewers. Pausch's lecture, delivered for a small audience at Carnegie Mellon University where he was a professor of computer science, became an internet phenomenon. He reached more people than he ever dreamed of. People uploaded his words of wisdom and inspiring tips for life and forwarded them to friends. By 2008, his inspiration had reached millions of people. His message was simple and powerful: "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
He showed the importance of living each day well, even if one is dying, and to never give up on your dreams.
I hope the 8% Filipinos surveyed by SWS who are pessimistic about 2009 can learn a lot from that simple message.
*****
As for my most amusing media incident for 2008, I would have to point out Muntadhar al-Zaidi, an Iraqi journalist with Egypt-based al-Baghdadia television network. He was the reporter who threw his shoes – flung one at a time – at outgoing US President George W. Bush when he visited Baghdad, Iraq last December.
When a reporter later questioned him about the incident, Bush said "So what if the guy threw his shoes at me? It's one way to gain attention.”
Here’s the stinger: Lebanese television channel NTV, known for its opposition to Washington, went as far as offering a job to the journalist al-Zaidi. In its evening news bulletin shortly after the incident, the TV network said that if al-Zaidi takes the job, he will be paid “from the moment the first shoe was thrown.”
Now, can you imagine Maki Pulido of GMA-7 throwing her stiletto heels at our very own president?
IS THERE HOPE FOR US PEOPLE OF TABUK?
It has not been a good year. By anyone’s standards, 2008 has been a year of suffering which threatened not only our belief in our capacity to do something meaningful – but which also threatened our belief in life itself.
We cried. We lost people that mean a lot to us.
For instance, the gays lost a friend. Well, some gays may not exactly consider Gillian to be a real friend – considering his character that exasperated us in the gay community – but he was a human person all the same. Capable of loving, thus with as much right as us to be loved in return. Knowing his penchant to make noisy entrances, I feel sad that he had to make a very un-grand departure by way of a bullet that failed to make an exit from his head.
We brooded. We were filled with regrets for things that we have not done – that could have turned out right.
This happens all the time. I know a lot of people who, by now, must be saying “Sayang, kasjay la kuman ti inaramid ko.” Late realizations for different people like a woman who should have accepted a suitor’s proposal, an employer who should have stuck to his original plans instead of taking another alternative, a bettor who should have placed her bets on 2-9 instead of 12-13.
Whatever course of action we may have chosen – when there had been other options – we look back at them now and we can only sigh as we squirm in our seats, filled with pangs of regrets, as the un-chosen option looks very much desirable now. Sayang, indeed.
We were disappointed. We have set our eyes on something which we strongly believe to be good for the many, yet we watched it pulled, like a plug, away from us.
The cityhood of Tabuk is now a matter for the highest court – the workings of which, we who had been unschooled on matters of law, can only grasp at a face-value level. Still, many of our aspirations were dampened and we can only look back and say “How disappointing.”
We were betrayed. We fought back. We lost. We stumbled. We fell. We rose up. Only to fall again. We shed tears. We cursed other people. We cursed life. We questioned God and His master plan. We turned back from our faith. We shuddered with fear. We became hardened with hatred. We were darkened by evil intentions. We wavered on our sanity. We wanted to take the easy way out, and end these miserable realities.
These are the sad facts of life. And they nay night have happened to most of the people around us – if not to us. But we must realize that life dose not always turn out to be one hell of a party where we laugh from sunrise to sunset. I have read at an old literature book in Tabuk National High School that “into each life, some days must be dark and dreary.” I have since embraced such principle.
And so interspersed in our happy days are those days that require our tear ducts to open up so we may shed those crystal-like secretions.
But take note: We looked for comfort. We found it.
I strongly believe that all of us can always find solace from all sort of pain. It is just a matter of knowing where to look for it. For those who have ready wellspring of family, friends and church fellows, this is not difficult. But even for those who consider themselves to be “alone in this world” – they can find this much-needed breathing space and relief if only they open up their world so that other people may peek in, come in and make changes.
And, as one thing I have learned in my younger days, “If there is no way out, look up.”
I hope we all had a blessed Christmas. Have a cheerful entry into the new year!
We cried. We lost people that mean a lot to us.
For instance, the gays lost a friend. Well, some gays may not exactly consider Gillian to be a real friend – considering his character that exasperated us in the gay community – but he was a human person all the same. Capable of loving, thus with as much right as us to be loved in return. Knowing his penchant to make noisy entrances, I feel sad that he had to make a very un-grand departure by way of a bullet that failed to make an exit from his head.
We brooded. We were filled with regrets for things that we have not done – that could have turned out right.
This happens all the time. I know a lot of people who, by now, must be saying “Sayang, kasjay la kuman ti inaramid ko.” Late realizations for different people like a woman who should have accepted a suitor’s proposal, an employer who should have stuck to his original plans instead of taking another alternative, a bettor who should have placed her bets on 2-9 instead of 12-13.
Whatever course of action we may have chosen – when there had been other options – we look back at them now and we can only sigh as we squirm in our seats, filled with pangs of regrets, as the un-chosen option looks very much desirable now. Sayang, indeed.
We were disappointed. We have set our eyes on something which we strongly believe to be good for the many, yet we watched it pulled, like a plug, away from us.
The cityhood of Tabuk is now a matter for the highest court – the workings of which, we who had been unschooled on matters of law, can only grasp at a face-value level. Still, many of our aspirations were dampened and we can only look back and say “How disappointing.”
We were betrayed. We fought back. We lost. We stumbled. We fell. We rose up. Only to fall again. We shed tears. We cursed other people. We cursed life. We questioned God and His master plan. We turned back from our faith. We shuddered with fear. We became hardened with hatred. We were darkened by evil intentions. We wavered on our sanity. We wanted to take the easy way out, and end these miserable realities.
These are the sad facts of life. And they nay night have happened to most of the people around us – if not to us. But we must realize that life dose not always turn out to be one hell of a party where we laugh from sunrise to sunset. I have read at an old literature book in Tabuk National High School that “into each life, some days must be dark and dreary.” I have since embraced such principle.
And so interspersed in our happy days are those days that require our tear ducts to open up so we may shed those crystal-like secretions.
But take note: We looked for comfort. We found it.
I strongly believe that all of us can always find solace from all sort of pain. It is just a matter of knowing where to look for it. For those who have ready wellspring of family, friends and church fellows, this is not difficult. But even for those who consider themselves to be “alone in this world” – they can find this much-needed breathing space and relief if only they open up their world so that other people may peek in, come in and make changes.
And, as one thing I have learned in my younger days, “If there is no way out, look up.”
I hope we all had a blessed Christmas. Have a cheerful entry into the new year!
IRRITANTS DURING KASC’S ACCREDITATION ACTIVITY
In every organization, one would always find a group of individuals who refuse to go with the flow of things – even if the direction of such flow is pointed towards the positive end. These people resist, and try to cause some rips in the overall picture so that the envisioned goal may not be attained. Sometimes they even achieve this by not doing anything at all.
Take the recently concluded accreditation activity in my school, the Kalinga-Apayao State College. It was quite easy to distinguish those who share the vision of the College President on the offering of programs that have earned recognition by an accrediting body – as opposed to those who stand by the sidelines and remain indifferent.
From the standpoint of a driven and energetic leader, these people and their negative energies are seen as obstructions. “Everyone knows better;” No one in his right mind could advocate the change being introduced.”
When the movement for that desired goal begins to grow, the forces PRO and CON become identifiable. Those who see a favored change as good and needed for the organization find it hard to believe the lengths to which opposition will go to squelch that goal. The resisting force, on the other hand, is seen as stubborn, hide-bound, cantankerous irritants.
And, indeed, they are.
But let us focus on the positive by dissecting Dr. Eduardo Bagtang’s foresight. By his determination to sustain the accreditation undertaking, he displays a man who climbs out of the present state of affairs to look beyond the horizon and bring back a visualization of that future to modify the tempo, quality and direction of the present situation.
It is just so sad to note that, despite such willpower, a few individuals detach themselves. They can be counted by the fingers though, and gauging by their weakness to influence others to think like they do – since most members in the organization have shifted their gaze towards that bright future that accreditation brings – they remain to be nuisance.
*****
One movie I strongly recommend: “The Nativity Story.”
When I saw the review of the movie, I went out of my way to look for a copy, and true to the words of the critics, there is finally a movie version on the birth of Christ which is Biblically accurate, historically authentic, and visually stunning.
The Nativity Story, which was produced by the same company that produced the Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings, made its world premiere at the Vatican in 2006.
The film stars Academy Award nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider) as Mary, Oscar Isaac (Guerrilla) as Joseph and Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo (House of Sands and Fog) as Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. It is directed by Catherine Hardwicke (the teen drama "Thirteen") from a screenplay by Mike Rich (Finding Forrester, The Rookie, Radio), who claims to be a devout Christian.
The Nativity Story was filmed in Matera, Italy, also used as a location for The Passion of the Christ, because Nazareth and Jerusalem are now very modern, according to Rich.
*****
But then, most of us would want to laugh big this Christmas Season. Which is why don’t neglect to re-watch Home Alone, already considered a classic and ranks as number 1 favorite in the “comedy for Christmas” category – in almost all listings made around the world.
Take the recently concluded accreditation activity in my school, the Kalinga-Apayao State College. It was quite easy to distinguish those who share the vision of the College President on the offering of programs that have earned recognition by an accrediting body – as opposed to those who stand by the sidelines and remain indifferent.
From the standpoint of a driven and energetic leader, these people and their negative energies are seen as obstructions. “Everyone knows better;” No one in his right mind could advocate the change being introduced.”
When the movement for that desired goal begins to grow, the forces PRO and CON become identifiable. Those who see a favored change as good and needed for the organization find it hard to believe the lengths to which opposition will go to squelch that goal. The resisting force, on the other hand, is seen as stubborn, hide-bound, cantankerous irritants.
And, indeed, they are.
But let us focus on the positive by dissecting Dr. Eduardo Bagtang’s foresight. By his determination to sustain the accreditation undertaking, he displays a man who climbs out of the present state of affairs to look beyond the horizon and bring back a visualization of that future to modify the tempo, quality and direction of the present situation.
It is just so sad to note that, despite such willpower, a few individuals detach themselves. They can be counted by the fingers though, and gauging by their weakness to influence others to think like they do – since most members in the organization have shifted their gaze towards that bright future that accreditation brings – they remain to be nuisance.
*****
One movie I strongly recommend: “The Nativity Story.”
When I saw the review of the movie, I went out of my way to look for a copy, and true to the words of the critics, there is finally a movie version on the birth of Christ which is Biblically accurate, historically authentic, and visually stunning.
The Nativity Story, which was produced by the same company that produced the Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings, made its world premiere at the Vatican in 2006.
The film stars Academy Award nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider) as Mary, Oscar Isaac (Guerrilla) as Joseph and Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo (House of Sands and Fog) as Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. It is directed by Catherine Hardwicke (the teen drama "Thirteen") from a screenplay by Mike Rich (Finding Forrester, The Rookie, Radio), who claims to be a devout Christian.
The Nativity Story was filmed in Matera, Italy, also used as a location for The Passion of the Christ, because Nazareth and Jerusalem are now very modern, according to Rich.
*****
But then, most of us would want to laugh big this Christmas Season. Which is why don’t neglect to re-watch Home Alone, already considered a classic and ranks as number 1 favorite in the “comedy for Christmas” category – in almost all listings made around the world.
When Non-Tabuk Residents Stand by your Door and say “Christmas…”
The spirit of giving. We all have been imbued with this Christmas concept early on in our lives. And so during the Christmas season – but within our ability to give – we open up our wallets, purses, bank books, and shell out a little (sometimes a little too much) to those outstretched palms that greet us as we approach our doors to respond to that persistent and impatient knocking.
Now, there is nothing wrong with giving. The only problem is that the person whose outstretched palms eagerly await your generosity is not from Tabuk (or Kalinga) at all! I cannot figure out these people who went through all the trouble of taking a bus ride just so they could reach our locality and move from one door to the next.
We had one such visitor at GURU lately. After having received what I could only afford to give, the caroler (who sang the very same short carol I heard her sing at the nearby establishment) moved her attention to my companions in the office – meaning, nu mano ti adda ijay place nga napanan na, isu met la ti rumbeng nga agited.
What an efficient collection system that rivals that of our tax collectors! Worse, they have this nerve to mutter something negative under their breath when your generosity failed to meet their expectations. Of course, if only you could perfectly understand what he muttered, I’m sure you would say “Amin na nga yan!” and snatch your money back.
*****
I remember our dear friend Gillian (God bless his soul). A lady acquaintance entered his beauty shop one morning and gave him an envelope in which to place his monetary support to the lady’s daughter who was running as a candidate in her school’s fund-raising contest. Since Gillian had not yet groomed a single customer, he placed a P10.00 bill (the paper bill for P10.00 was still in circulation then) inside the envelope.
The lady acquaintance had not seen the actual amount which Gillian inserted because she was busy retouching her face by the shop’s mirror. But, once outside the shop, she peeked into the envelope and saw the amount. Haan na nga ma-aklon diay gatad. Believe this: she rushed back inside the parlor and returned the P10.00 bill to Gillian!
*****
Have you seen San Juan by night? It’s all lit up. The alignment of the road lights are a fest to the nocturnal eye, that one may even have this desire to have a relaxing walk under those bright lights. But what if, as you stroll under the lights, a hooded figure steps out from a bush and say, in a gruff voice, “Merry Christmas!” but with a gun or a knife pointed at you. When such occurrence takes place, simply hand him your wallet or bag or mobile phone and greet back “Merry Christmas, too!”
*****
SOMETHING GOOD, to ponder on…
The human potential to do something good has not been drained though. We are all capable of loving our fellow human beings, of treating them with utmost respect, and helping them out when they no longer have anyone to turn to.
Now, there is nothing wrong with giving. The only problem is that the person whose outstretched palms eagerly await your generosity is not from Tabuk (or Kalinga) at all! I cannot figure out these people who went through all the trouble of taking a bus ride just so they could reach our locality and move from one door to the next.
We had one such visitor at GURU lately. After having received what I could only afford to give, the caroler (who sang the very same short carol I heard her sing at the nearby establishment) moved her attention to my companions in the office – meaning, nu mano ti adda ijay place nga napanan na, isu met la ti rumbeng nga agited.
What an efficient collection system that rivals that of our tax collectors! Worse, they have this nerve to mutter something negative under their breath when your generosity failed to meet their expectations. Of course, if only you could perfectly understand what he muttered, I’m sure you would say “Amin na nga yan!” and snatch your money back.
*****
I remember our dear friend Gillian (God bless his soul). A lady acquaintance entered his beauty shop one morning and gave him an envelope in which to place his monetary support to the lady’s daughter who was running as a candidate in her school’s fund-raising contest. Since Gillian had not yet groomed a single customer, he placed a P10.00 bill (the paper bill for P10.00 was still in circulation then) inside the envelope.
The lady acquaintance had not seen the actual amount which Gillian inserted because she was busy retouching her face by the shop’s mirror. But, once outside the shop, she peeked into the envelope and saw the amount. Haan na nga ma-aklon diay gatad. Believe this: she rushed back inside the parlor and returned the P10.00 bill to Gillian!
*****
Have you seen San Juan by night? It’s all lit up. The alignment of the road lights are a fest to the nocturnal eye, that one may even have this desire to have a relaxing walk under those bright lights. But what if, as you stroll under the lights, a hooded figure steps out from a bush and say, in a gruff voice, “Merry Christmas!” but with a gun or a knife pointed at you. When such occurrence takes place, simply hand him your wallet or bag or mobile phone and greet back “Merry Christmas, too!”
*****
SOMETHING GOOD, to ponder on…
The human potential to do something good has not been drained though. We are all capable of loving our fellow human beings, of treating them with utmost respect, and helping them out when they no longer have anyone to turn to.
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