Ripples in the Stream

Ripples in the Stream

By Apolinario B Villalobos

I have always been fascinated

by the stream –

mesmerized by the murmur

that the flowing water makes

as a pebble is thrown into it,

and as the current hits a rock

as if protesting the presence

that hinders

its smooth journey

along the crevice of the earth.

The gentle touch of a dragonfly,

the sudden appearance of a fish’s snout,

the splash of swimming children,

the soft touch of a falling leaf,

the sudden gust of wind,

the trickles of incessant rain –

cause the ripples that rupture

the earth’s gently flowing stream.

Now that I am old,

I realized

that God has reasons

for everything,

so He gave us intelligence

to understand them all

without any misgiving.

Indeed, just like a stream

that gets dented with ripples,

challenges and trials

make us cry in anguish;

and like a stream

that just keeps on flowing

there is nothing we can do

but go on living…

If the stream can keep on flowing,

so should we  –

let our lives flow

along the crevice of destiny.

Just like a stream

that joins the rest down its path

giving life along its way

towards the sea,

so must we …

help others with sincerity

as we meld with them

towards our destiny.

Earthquake Occurrences in the Philippines

Earthquake Occurences in the Philippines

By Apolinario Villalobos

The Philippines is within the Pacific seismic belt and “ring of fire”. This fact made the archipelago a literally explosive nation in Asia.

In 1937, Manila was rocked by a severe earthquake that destroyed many buildings in the commercial district. In August 2, 1968, another earthquake occurred violently that an apartment building collapsed, killing hundreds of people.

In June 3, 1868, a violent earthquake caused destruction to the Manila Cathedral and hundreds of buildings and homes. The Visayas and Mindanao islands were rocked by a series of destructive earthquakes in April 1, 1955, ranging from Intensity 3 to Intensity 8, and consequently, hundreds of lives were lost in areas around Lake Lanao.

The most destructive earthquake so far, that had the most disastrous aftermath, struck Mindanao in August 17, 1976 with an intensity that marked the gauge at 8. The earthquake caused a massive tidal wave that left 90,000 people homeless, 3,000 dead, and 3,000 missing. Millions of properties were destroyed.

To date, Manila is so much concerned about the biggest occurrence of an earthquake, “The Big One” which based on historical facts the “cycle” indicates that it can occur anytime. Regular earthquake drills are being conducted in public places such as malls and government buildings, as well as, schools and offices. Warnings have already been sounded off to those who are residing right above the fault line. The Phivolcs has also printed guidelines and a map that indicate the coverage and extent of the fault line.

Si Annalyn Sagenes at ang Huli niyang 150 pesos (kagawad siya ng Barangay Real Dos)

Si Annalyn Sagenes at ang Huli Niyang 150 pesos

(kagawad siya ng Barangay Real Dos)

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Isang hapong nakipag-umpukan ako sa kubong pahingahan sa subdivision namin na katabi ng Barangay Hall, nakipagpalitan ako ng mga kuwento. Isa sa mga kakuwentuhan namin ay si Annalyn Sajenes,  konsehal ng Barangay Real Dos. Marami kaming napag-usapan at ang hindi ko makalimutan ay ang kuwento niya tungkol sa huling 150 pesos  sa kanyang bulsa.

Maaga pa lang daw noon ay may lumapit na sa kanya upang humingi ng tulong na pampa-ospital, at kahit kapos siya pera noon, naisip niyang ibigay na lang ang 100 pesos upang magawan ng paraan ng humihingi na madagdagan. Naisip niyang pagkasyahin na lang ang natirang 50 pesos sa maghapon. Pagdating niya sa Barangay Hall ay nakita naman niya ang basurero ng barangay na inaapoy ng lagnat. Wala itong pambili ng gamot, kaya ang ginawa niya ay pikit-matang iniabot ang huling 50 pesos sa bulsa niya. Sa maghapong yon ay hindi niya ginamit ang kanyang motorsiklo dahil wala na siyang panggasolina. Inisip ko na lang na baka nangutang siya para may magastos kinabukasan.

Nang tumira ako sa barangay namin, inabot ko si Annalyn na tin-edyer pa lang noon. Nakitaan ko na siya ng mga katangiang angkop sa pamumuno. Itinuturing akong hindi iba ng kanyang pamilya at mga kamag-anak, kaya halos araw-araw akong namamasyal sa lugar nila pati sa “bukid” kung tawagin namin na nasa silangang bahagi ng subdivision. Nang tumigil sa pag-aaral si Annalyn, sinubukan niyang magbukas ng maliit na karinderya sa labas lang ng bahay nila. Maraming nakagusto sa mga ulam niyang lutong bahay, at style-Kabitenyo.

Kalaunan, hindi ko akalaing sasabak si Annalyn sa pulitika, kahit pa sabihing ang itinuturing niyang lolo na si Ka Pedro ay naging unang Chairman ng barangay namin. Laking gulat ko nang malaman kong sumali siya sa listahan ng mga tatakbo sa pagka-konsehal, ganoon pa man, tiwala akong makakalusot siya, na nangyari nga.

Sa unang termino pa lamang ng kanyang panunungkulan, nakitaan na siya ng sigasig sa pagpapatupad ng mga obligasyon. Ginagamit niya ang kanyang motorsiklo kahit sa mga lakad na opisyal, at ang pambili ng gasolina ay galing sa kanyang bulsa, hindi nari-reimburse. Maliban diyan, nakakadukot din siya sa bulsa niya ng pera para sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong tulad ng nabanggit ko. Ang barangay namin ang pinakamaliit sa buong lunsod ng Bacoor, kaya maliit din ang binabahaging buwis para dito, ibig sabihin, maliit din ang allowance ng mga taga-barangay. Kadalasan tuloy ay abunado silang lahat, mula sa Chairman na si BJ Aganus, hanggang sa mga kagawad.

Nasa ikalawang termino na si Annalyn bilang konsehala. Hindi pa rin nagbabago ang maganda niyang pagpapatupad ng tungkulin lalo na kapag nakatoka siya sa pagroronda sa buong barangay, feeding program, at sa pag-asikaso ng mga hindi nagkakaunawaang magka-barangay. Kung minsan ay inaabot siya ng hatinggabi sa pagpapatupad ng kanyang tungkulin, kaya hindi na rin siya nakakapagluto ng mga ulam na dati niyang ginagawa.

Umiiral ang magandang samahan at “sharing” sa pagitan ng mga opisyal ng barangay Real Dos. Sakripisyo nilang itinuturing ito, kaya hindi nakapagtataka ang ginawa ni Konsehala Annalyn nang ipamahagi niya ang natitirang 150 pesos noon, sukdulan mang magtiis siya sa maghapon na hindi makagamit ng motorsiklo dahil walang panggasolina. Binigyan niya ng buhay ang kasabihang: “kaning isusubo na lang, ay ibibigay pa sa kapwa-taong nagugutom”.

What Excesses can Breed

What Excesses can Breed

By Apolinario Villalobos

Anything that is beneficial but taken in excess can be lethal, and anything that is done with good intention, though, in excess can be vicious.

Drugs are supposed to prevent or cure diseases, but when taken in excess can result to unexpected death of a patient, that is why some of these cannot just be bought over the counter of pharmacies, as they need proper prescription from authorized medical practitioners. On the other hand, an overdose of food can cause obesity which can lead to diseases. Drinking water in excess may affect the proper functioning of the heart that is why one of the worst thing that can happen to anyone, is the unchecked water retention of the body.

Too much love can mean pampering that could result to the “spoiling” of the person being loved. It can also drive one to commit a crime of passion because of the fatal attraction that developed. And, worst, it can lead the weak of emotion to the verge of insanity. The same is true with kindness which can result to the abuse of the kind-hearted. Along this line, too much familiarity among friends could develop abuse, too, on the part of the ones with weak discipline, disposition, and who are naturally selfish.

It is not bad to be hard working, but abusing the body to the point of exhaustion could mean fatigue and if left unchecked could be fatal, too. Also, in a group that is expected to work as a team, those working hard, may be abused by the indolent members who may become overly dependent. That is why, for the sake of teamwork, it is important that roles are played fairly.

As to the expression of faith, those who manifest it with utmost sincerity according to what their religion says, is admirable. However, to be boisterous about it, and be proud about their belief that only they have the right to be saved, really stinks. It is revolting to see a faithful with outstretched hands and who walks on his or her knees from the door of the church to the altar, or pretend that he or she is overcome by the “spirit” while praying as shown by his or her fainting or uncontrolled shaking body…a scene that can be comical for others. All these overdose of faith is fanaticism.

Too much freedom in a nation can breed abuse on the part of inconsiderate and undisciplined constituents. And, too much discipline instilled in a person can make him too “sterile” and oblivious to the imperfect, albeit, normal actuations of others.

The world needs air and rain, but too much of them, results to typhoons and floods. The same is true with the cool and immaculate snow, as too much of it, results to snowstorm. The wildlife has its own way of “moderation”. And, it seems that lesser creatures are more intelligent than man in observing such discipline. I have seen film footages of different kinds of wild animals milling around drinking holes where the strong are shown chasing the weak with the obvious intention of enjoying the latter as dinner. After the overpowering animals have had their fill, they back off and leave the rest of the packs.

Greed and selfishness are innate in man’s character, but should be manifested in moderation to prevent exploitation of others that could result to their suffering. Unfortunately, it does not happen in politics where greedy officials are not satisfied with what they may have already stolen from the government coffer, and which could already ensure them of a comfortable retirement. They practically, want everything by all means….not only money but lifetime power!

The TPC Mark of Ed Vergado (PAL Senior International Ticket Representative)

The “TPC” Mark of Ed Vergado

(PAL Senior International Ticket Representative)

By Apolinario Villalobos

“TPC” stands for Total Passenger Care, a trademark of PAL during its Golden Days under Roman Cruz, Jr. As a “total care”, even inquiring callers and walk-ins were given utmost attention, because they are already considered customers, though with “prospect” status. Most often, though, because of the care given, they eventually, become a full-pledge customer.

The mark of PAL’s excellent service, was again shown by Ed Vergado, a senior International Ticket Representative of Philippine Airlines assigned at the NAIA Terminal 2 ticket office. I witnessed how he offered his cellphone to a passenger, Arturo Albulario, who was in a quandary while trying to contact a friend who was supposed to meet him upon his arrival from Los Angeles.  He was taking a connecting flight to Cebu that morning and the meeting with his friend was very crucial, as time was running out.

With a smile that put Mr. Albulario at ease, Ed even offered to dial the number of the former’s friend for him. In just a few minutes, the friend who was finally contacted rushed inside the ticket office. Both were profuse in showing their gratitude to Ed. The passenger tried to show his apprehension by leaving a substantial amount to refund the consumed load for the call made, but which Ed vehemently refused. I witnessed the incident as I was inside the ticket office killing time while waiting for the arrival of a friend from Davao.

Ed began his airline career in Virac station (Catanduanes Island) as a ticket clerk, moving on to Laoag station (Ilocos Sur) with the same position. Recurrent trainings afforded him knowledge in other responsibilities such as ramp handling, counter handling (check-in), cargo handling, reservations, and manual computation of load (passenger, baggage and cargo). His expertise in the line was such that every time new stations were opened, he was among those assigned which happened when Busuanga station in Palawan was made operational to boost the tourism-related effort of the province.

With the onset of developments in the company, Ed was transferred to NAIA Terminal 2, to handle checking in of passengers for which he was well-prepared, thanks to his experience and trainings. Lately, he is now at the ticket office of the same terminal, but this time, preparing international tickets, as a Senior International Ticket Representative (Senior ITR), a supervisory position that he more than deserves.

The more than 30 years of service in PAL, made Ed a seasoned customer-oriented employee, and developed in him a sharp perception on how to make customers satisfied. He does not hesitate in sharing what he has gained with his new co-employees every time he has a chance, as what I had observed also that morning. As there was a lull in the influx of customers, Ed was entertaining questions and voluntarily sharing information about their responsibilities with the rest of the counter staff.

Philippine Airlines can encourage acts similar to what Ed did, by giving deserving employees due recognition through commendation. The emulation by other employees can create a chain reaction that can definitely add more life to the consistent excellent service of the company.

Sa darating na APEC Summit, pansamantalang gugutumin ng gobyerno and mga vendors…

Sa darating na APEC Summit, pansamantalang “gugutumin”

ng gobyerno ang mga vendors…

ni Apolinario Villalobos

Talagang tumitindi na ang pagka-hindi makatao ng gobyerno at pagka- mapagkunwari nito, maipakita lang sa buong mundo na talagang “maunlad” na ang Pilipinas dahil walang makikitang vendors sa mga bangketa at mga nagtutulak ng kariton ng mga hiniwang prutas, mani, at iba pang street foods pagdating ng mga kinatawan sa APEC.

Ang gusto ng sakim na administrasyon ni Pnoy Aquino, sila lang ang kakain sa loob ng panahong nagpapayabangan ang mga kinatawan sa nasabing kumperensiya, dahil pinagbawalang magtinda ang mga vendor. Gusto rin niyang ipakita ang Pilipinas, o Maynila na siyang showcase nito, sa mga darating na delegado, na malinis at maunlad tulad ng Singapore, na isang nakakahiyang pagkukunwari, dahil alam naman ng buong mundo ang tunay na kalagayan ng bansa. Ang kailangan lang naman ay magbukas ng internet at magbasa ng mga “tunay” na report, at tumingin sa mga nakakalunos na mga larawan ng  kahirapan, at nakakasukang naglulutangang basura sa mga estero at Pasig River.

Hibang na hibang ang administrasyon sa mga sinasabing “report” na umunlad na ang bansa at pangalawa pa sa buong Asya! Napakalinaw naman na kung unawaing mabuti ang kahulugan ng isang pag-unlad, dapat ito ay napapakinabangan ng mga mamamayan ng isang bansa, subalit walang ganitong nangyayari sa Pilipinas, dahil hanggang ngayon ay matindi pa rin ang kagutuman.

Iba ang “paglalagak” sa “pamumuhunan”. Ang paglalagak ay pag-iiwan ng mga kinitang tubo ng negosyo sa isang bansa upang lalo pang mapalago. Kabaligtaran dito ang  pamumuhunan lang ng negosyante dahil ang tubo o kita ay hindi niya iniiwan, sa halip ay inuuwi niya sa sariling bansa. Kung sa agrikultura, ang bansa ay parang isang tanimang inupahan lamang…. pagdating ng anihan, ang mga naani ay hinahakot ng kung sino man ang nagtanim, at kung may maiwan man sa may-ari ng pinagtamnang lupa, ito ay kakarampot lamang. At yan ang nakikitang huwad na “kaunlaran” ng taong may makitid na pananaw.

Ang gobyerno ay may responsibilidad na mangalaga ng kapakanan ng mga mamamayan…upang mapanatili ang kanilang kaligtasan sa lahat ng oras, at lalo na, upang hindi sila magugutom. Ngunit iba ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas – mayabang na sinungaling pa, hindi makatao at pinamumugaran ng mga korap na opisyal. Sa pamumuno ni Pnoy, halos wala na ngang  maipakitang nagawa ang gobyerno, sinusupil pa nito ang karapatan ng mga naaaping mabuhay ng marangal.