closure

Ang mga sumusunod ay excerpt sa nobelang “Ligo na u, Lapit na me” ni Prof. Eros Atalia ng UST. Dahil ilang oras na lamang at magtatapos na ang taon, tamang-tama ang pagkakataong ito upang ikowt ang nasabing akda…

“Bakit pa kasi naimbento ang salitang closure. Pukang ama, ang dami namang nangyayarari sa mundo na walang closure. Halimbawa, hanggang ngayon, hindi malaman kung nasaan ang nawawalang Golden Buddha. Sino ba talaga ang pumatay kay John F. Keneddy? Hindi pa din nasasagot ang misteryo ng Bermuda Triangle, alien abduction, Area 51, Roswell, missing link, big foot, loch sea monster at iba pang pinoproblema ng Discovery Channel. Wala pa ring closure ang Big Bang at Creation Theory.

Kung ang tao nga mismo ayaw ng closure kaya nagpupumilit na may buhay pa sa kabilang buhay. Kaya nga sa fairy tale, lagi na lang sinssabing ‘and they live happily ever after’ kasi hindi maikuwento kung ano talaga ang naging ending…
Wala pa ring closure. Si John Rambo walang closure. Kahit pa nang bumalik siya sa bayan niya, hindi nangangahulugan na hindi na uli sya susumpungin ng pagiging war freak niya.

Siguro kaya naimbento ang salita’t konseptong closure ay para sa mga tinatamad malaman ang magiging wakas. Yung mga atat na atat na malamang ang ending. Yung mga naburyong na sa pagkainip sa dapat kahinatnan. Kesa nga naman maghintay sa pagkahaba-haba’t, pagkatagal-tagal ng ending, mabuti pang putulin na lang.”

Closure, bakit nga ba naimbento ang salitang ito?


Anyway, dahil ilang oras na lang at sasalubungin na nating ang taong 2011. Marapat lang siguro na i-close na natin ang mga issue na nagdaan. Teka, mali, mali ata ang term na close, ang ibig kong sabihin, ay simulan na nating ang panibagong chapter ng ating buhay. Wala namang may alam kung ang mga bagay na nagkaroon na ng closure eh may pagkakataon pang mabago o madagdagan ang “ending” sa susunod na episode.

the year that was...

It’s not yet new year, but I have already listed significant happenings for the past eleven months and 29 days.

Exit

The first ever automated-elections was witnessed in the country—there were glitches—nonetheless PH people were happy (except the losing candidates) with how the May elections turned out.

P-Noy, as he wished to be called, won the presidential elections. As early as his oath taking, controversies and challenges welcomed the 15th president. The legitimacy of Truth Commission and his appointees, jueteng issues, August 23 hostage-taking accident, untimely amnesties, RH bill, and his colorful love life welcomed the President.

Venus Raj’s “major major” win in Miss Universe.

TV 5’s boost in television competition. (a refreshing alternative to your tv viewing habit)

Entrance

I turned 19 last March. Ha-ha.

Was an EIC for our class-based newspaper, “Th(e)ink.”

The Flame and The Journalese were able to publish. Yay! After all these years…

I was part of the automated-elections. The new system enticed me to participate in the national affair.

We (my HS friends) had a reunion, sort of.

I met the least-likely and most unexpected person that altered my so called “steady-life.” It was a whirlwind. Nonetheless, boy, I was happy to meet you. Meeting you was such a pleasure.

I revived my sleeping blog. Zzzz (hopefully) no more!

There were unexpected twins and turns. Nonetheless, cheers to the year that was! (err, I mean, that is…for it’s only the 29th)

pablo neruda's if you forget me :)

I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me,
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

a sweet and easy escapade

Recycled work. HAHA! (It's been a while since a set foot on my hometown, so why not publish this article I made for our class. )
About 87 kilometers away from the thud, trash and traffic of Metro Manila, a home, known for its breath taking seven lakes and scrumptious buko pies, proudly greets its visitors with a warm smile. Welcome to San Pablo City, Laguna!
San Pablo is located at the southern tip of Laguna, north of which is Rizal province, and on its left is Batangas City, while Quezon province rests on the south.
The city, known to many as “The City of Seven Lakes” and “Home of Buko Pies” claims a rich history.
The metropolis started as a small barrio formerly known as “Sampaloc.” Because of the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, the area was Christianized in 1586. Furthermore, the locale turned in to a parish and was renamed as San Pablo de los Montes, in honor of Saint Paul, the first Hermit. In time, the “de los Montes” was dropped for convenience. In addition, the town became a municipal in 1647, when a public hall was built in the town proper. As the province prospered and proliferated, it was officially confirmed a city on March 30, 1940 thus, becoming one of the oldest cities in the country.

THE CITY OF SEVEN LAKES

Despite the modernization of the times, the people were able to take care of their wildlife. The city displays beauty that emanates from their famous tourist spots- their seven lakes, hence the moniker “City of Seven Lakes.”
The seven attractions namely Sampaloc, Mohicap, Palakpakin, Calibato, Bunot, and the twin lakes Pandin and Yambo, are within the outskirts of the town. Each possesses distinct beauty and legends.
The largest among lakes is Sampaloc. According to legend, the area where a Sampaloc tree grows, was once a property of hardhearted couple. A man once asked for a fruit however the pair refused, little did they know that the beggar was really a fairy. Soon there were thunder, storm, and earthquake, and the spot was immediately filled with water. Sightseers will appreciate Sampaloc’s beauty and cool ambiance. It is also the most commercialized spot.
Mohicap and Palakpakin lakes both cultured tilapias and deliver them to the neighboring provinces. According to myth, Mohicap was about an industrious girl, named Monica. However, the girl died and soon a lagoon was formed. To honor the girl, the area was named Mohicap—Monica, and “mahikap,” a dialect meaning hard working. Palakpakin, like the legend of Sampaloc, was an area where a tree called “Palakpak” grows where eventually a lake was formed.
The deepest lake on the other hand is Calibato. It got its name from Spanish word “calle,” meaning street, and “bato” or stone. According to hearsays, Calibato was once a domain of a fairy that got angry when people made stoned pathways ruining her abode. She caused an earthquake and soon a pond was materialized.
Lake Bunot, 4.5km away from the town proper, offers a great setting for picnic and relaxation. Once, Spanish soldiers were asking the name of the unidentified lagoon, a man holding a bunot, or coco-husk thought that the foreigners were asking what he was holding.
Lastly, the twin lakes Pandin and Yambo according to folklore is where lovers named Pandin and Yambo were buried. Among the lakes, the matching destinations are the most pristine and house the most number of varied plants and fishes.
Myth telling is a unique trait of every culture, however no matter how lunatic or believable the legends are, according to experts, the seven lakes are craters of ancient volcanoes. Nevertheless, to miss visiting one of the lakes, or even worse, all the seven attractions is curtailed and a blunder. However, aside from the natural beauty the city is known for, one’s stopover is incomplete if he overlooks the sweet treats San Pablo offers.

Buko proud-ucts!

The title, “Home of Buko Pies” may be a borderline brand, for its neighbor, Los Baños, offers the same delicacy. In fact, it is actually where the pastry originally came from. However, San Pablo, as a major center of coconut (buko) products, is a more ideal location for venturing pies shop.
Aside from the said sweet treat, other coco-based products are proudly produced from ‘Pablo-- buko juice, macapuno preserves, lumber and coconut oil to name a few.
To commemorate the prosper of coconut production, San Pablenos celebrate Coco- festival weeklong every 15th of January. The affair starts with a parade, and ends with a bang—a mardi gras dance where “bukos” hit the mainstream. In between the celebration, the townsmen showcase their ingenuity by creating novel goods out of the raw material.
San Pablo City not only offers sweet satisfactions and scenic spots, there is more the city can offer depending on one’s spectacles, so sightseers are in for a surprise. However, one thing’s for sure, vacationers will not leave the city empty handed, one will surely win a thing or two.

Sources: http://www.sanpablocity.net/2008/06/23/legend-of-the-seven-lakes/ http://www.world66.com/asia/southeastasia/philippines/sanpablocity, and Google for the photos

chic and cheap catches (below P1,000)

Since Christmas is just around the corner, parties will be in all places. Yay! However, there must be no reason for girls to be unfashionable this time of the year. Got no bucks? Check these finds I found from all over. BTW, they did not break my bank.

Accessories make a flop outfit into a fab one. However, these add-ons must not cost you a fortune. This three-layer neckpiece only cost P200 from M.I.C.

Love at first sight. I immediately grab this messenger bag—P600 from Parisian bags—the moment I laid my eyes on them. This comes in three colors: white, black, and caramel.

Wearing dresses is the best excuse when you are feeling lazy to plan and think about your outfit. This electric blue floor-length dress (that comes with a woven belt) is a steal for P300. Since it’s cheap, you can buy all the available colors: red, black, and grey.

Chiller nights need chic cardigan. The gray batwing-cardingan costs only P300.

See? There's no excuse for you not to be fab in this time of the year. :)

Don't do Houdini, please.

Abracadabra! *Poof*

I stumbled upon Meg Magazine’s, August 2007 issue about people leaving without a word, sans a trace. It was titled, “Vanishing Acts.”
Why do people leave?

I was moved by the article, (too bad I can’t find the archive from meggurl.com. ) Anyway, nobody wanted to be left suspended in the air. Since nobody wanted the feeling of being left, ergo don’t leave someone dear to you. Hah! Don’t go? This sounded too pathetic. Better yet, if the urgency of going away is needed, at least say something, don’t leave without even saying why you’re leaving.

Anyhow, for objectivity’s sake, the feature article voiced out the sentiments of the party that left. Individuals that went the other way, according to the essay, were also hurt by the act of leaving. Yeah right, (this may sound sarcastic, but actually not). I understood them perfectly.

Both parties got hurt, however since nothing breaks even, the pain occurred more on the one who was left behind.

But why do we whine about this issue, knowing that nothing is permanent, and everything changes? Still despite the awareness, we forgot. People, most especially the female population, tend to cling too much.

Bottom line: girls, don’t hover. And for the magicians out there, don’t do Houdini, please.


*photo courtesy of google
*visit, www.meggurl.com

Random Contemplation on "Life," as Told by Flicks

Hachiko, a dog story
Sorry, but I don’t believe in serendipity—nothing happens by chance, everything is fated. Along the course of life, we meet someone unexpectedly but definitely not accidentally.
“Loyalty is the best policy.”

Mona Lisa’s Smile
Not everything is what they seem. Mona Lisa may be sporting a smile, but is she happy? IDK. Bottom line: don’t take anything at face value.
It’s okay to be subversive, don’t always conform to canons.

The Big Fish (A must-see movie)
Life is too short to box yourself—dream big and make them happen.
Life is “weird” and full of surprises!

A Walk to Remember
“It is better to have loved and lost, than never have loved at all,” ‘nuff said.

Murder Town
Never compromise your conviction, for your boss’ (other’s) sake.
There are devils lurking around, beware!
Murderers aren’t always shabby.

My Sister’s Keeper
Don’t question your mama’s “unconditional” love.
An individual has the freedom to take the path she/he wants to pursue.


I was actually thinking of any Filipino movie that left me something remarkable, but can’t think of any. Hmm…what does that mean? Hahahaha.
* photo courtesy of google photos*

the bell rings...

The Bell Rings

Many are called, but few are chosen…

Six years ago, he decided to enter the house, “to answer His calling,” he reasoned out. However, after two years of “discerning his vocation,” he went outside and called it quits.

Label entering a seminary the “most unpractical and unwise decision ever made,” but Glenn had many reasons to enter the seminary. “It was a self-made decision,” he said. When one really wanted something, he is ready to give up all the worldly pleasures and just go with what the heart desires.

It was summer of 2002, when he met Cha. The attraction grew stronger and turned into a romantic relationship. However, the voice of his calling seemed to be louder than the expression of their affection. The two broke up.

“Nag-break kami noong 2006, kasi nga magpapari na siya,” said Cha, “so kailangan kong lumayo sa kanya.” (We broke up in 2006, because he wanted priesthood. So I needed to be away from him).

Away from the busy city of Bulusang is the Seminary. The façade of the building was white. The structure was big enough to house a number of aspiring God- disciples.
“I only visit the seminary every holly week… there are a lot of trees inside, and the ambiance is very relaxing,” Bia, 19, Glenn’s cousin and a constant visitor, said.

The boy grew up exposed to church activities. When he was in his elementary days, he used to be an altar-server. Moreover, his kuya Mel was also a seminarian. His exposure to worship activities inspired him to enter the seminary.

With bags towed on both hands, Glenn bid good-bye to the people close to his heart. He entered the door of the heavens, a gateway that only opened once every month. “It (to enter the seminary) was a self-made decision,” he said, nobody imposed him what path to take.

“Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong!”

The sound of the bell awakened Glenn and his other brothers, it was time for breakfast…

“Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong!” – Now, time for the daily prayers, which was the center of the daily routines.

“Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong!” – Another bell was heard, which signified the start for the classroom studies.

Another ring would be heard again all over the seminary, it was time to call it a day.

Again and again, the bell would ring. Every day, buzzes would be heard all over the corners of the silent sanctuary. Each sound broke the sameness of the already repetitive existence of the seminarians. But Glenn did not mind.

“The life inside the seminary is very monotonous…nabubuhay kami sa tunog ng bell (we live on the sound of the bell),” he said.
Despite the recurring living inside the institution, “life is a lot easier inside,” he said, “the classrooms, canteens, library and gymnasium are all right down after your bedrooms.”

Life inside the seminarian is just like any other ordinary home—there are rules to abide, rooms for adoration and recreation, and everyone treats each other like a family—only seminarians are confined inside for ten years.
Once a month, when the door of the seminarian opened, and seminarians were allowed to go out, and he would allot time attending and serving the mass as an altar attendant.

Back to the confinements in the seminary, every now and then, he would be in charge of managing some programs in the institution. “Actually, I was an assistant director in one of the concerts in the seminary.” He also conducted some of the seminars and recollections inside. He was excelling both in academics and extra-curricular.

He seemed to enjoy his stay inside the sacred sanctuary.
Until one day when Glenn was an incoming third year, he opted not to enter again the door of the heavens that opened only once a month.

JUNIOR YEAR

“It was a personal decision (on why he left the seminarian),” Glenn said. He can’t distinguished if he felt fed up and burnt down with the situation, or he sensed that maybe priesthood was not meant to be. He seemed like he did not want to disclose the issue on why he left the seminarian. “Na-feel ko lang na pwede din akong maglingkod sa labas.” (I just felt that it’s still possible to serve the Lord outside (the seminarian).
His family and relatives, of course were shocked of the news. But eventually accepted his decision.

Any seminary does not expect one to heed and fulfill His “calling.” Instead, the stay inside the sanctuary will let one fathom the voice and will of God. Seminaries do not oblige anyone to accomplish priesthood.

God has different plans for Glenn. The boy thought that his true “calling” was to become a messenger of the Lord, or so he believed. He went out of the sacred sanctuary and answered to what he thought was what God wanted him to become. He was to become a messenger of God, a courier in a different way—to be a high school teacher of Christian Living in Bulusang.

NEW LIFE

“I realized that you can still fulfill God’s plan even if you did not continue priesthood.”

“Madaldal kasi ako, (I’m very talkative) at the same time, I’m into production and writing scripts,” the ex-seminarian reasoned out on why he chose CA.
The new environment somehow shocked and surprised Glenn. Suddenly, the rings of the bell gave new meaning to his brand new calling. The horns of jeepneys, the buzzes of cell phones, the sounds of the marketplace, suddenly he felt like he was just born yesterday.

“Before, akala ko mahirap ang buhay sa loob dahil sa structured environment ng seminary,” said Glenn, “pero mas mahirap pala sa labas—mahirap bumiyahe, makisama, at masyadong liberal sa labas.” (I thought life inside the seminary would be difficult because of the structured environment. But life outside is harder—it’s hard to commute, to get along with people, and it’s too liberal outside).
Some of his subjects when he took Classical Philosophy, were credited in school, so he was administered as an irregular sophomore when he entered the college.

“Parang kandidato ‘yan, maraming kakilala,” his cousin, Bianca said, “kahit nung nasa seminary (pa) siya, kahit lower and higher batch kakilala siya. Ganun din sa school.” (He’s like running for candidacy for his popularity, even when he was inside the seminary, lower and higher batches know him. So is when he was in school).


“Glenn is out of the seminary.”

His decision of “self-eviction,” spread among his family and friends. The news reached Cha.

“It (departure) was through common friends that I knew of his decision,” Cha, his former girlfriend, said.

The old flame was rekindled, and the two became official on March 8, 2008. The two are still very much in love.

Now, 30 years old, Glenn is taking up for a higher degree in Communication Arts, he is currently enrolled in University.

Education is lifetime. “I feel like there are more things to learn.”
While juggling his schedule as a student, Glenn is spreading the light of education by teaching Christian Living. Teacher Glenn is the youngest of the family, his heart is really close to children.

“Riiing! Riiing! Riiing!,” the alarm clock woke Teacher Glenn up.

It was seven in the morning, the students were waiting for him. He taught Christian Living San Pascual Baylon in Bulacan for five days a week. Teaching is something he really wanted.

“Mahirap na enjoy, (Difficult yet enjoyable)” Teacher Glenn described his experience. “Masarap yung pakiramdam na nagiging parte ka ng buhay ng mga bata.” (The feeling that you are part of the lives of the students is pleasing).

Glenn may not be an official priest, but in the eyes of his students, and all the people around him, he is more than a cleric—he is a lover, a friend, and a brother.
* names of people and places were changed*