JC “Toto” Tiaga-Mariano: Young Athlete with a Big Dream

JC  “Toto” Tiaga-Mariano: Young Athlete with A Big Dream

…and a staunch believer in Jesus

By Apolinario Villalobos

 

At seventeen, JC Mariano, one of the star athletes of Lyceum (General Trias) in Cavite has a big dream – to become an engineer in the field of Information Technology. During the NCAA Season 90 he garnered 3 bronze medals, and for the latest Season 91, he earned 1 silver and 2 bronze medals all in the track and field events. And, for such feat, he profusely thanks his coach, Marc Basuan. Aside from his running prowess, he also dribbles and shoots basketball ball with learned precision. He is a member of the team composed of the youth of Barangay Real Dos of Bacoor City.

 

The afternoon I found my way to the snacks counter of his mother, Arlyn Tiaga who hails from Aklan, “Toto” as JC is fondly called by his family, just arrived from a basketball practice. I was lucky as he came home early that afternoon, and got surprised by the unannounced visit. I found out that he makes it a point to go home early to lend a hand to his mother whose small business is their bread and butter. His mother confided that the snacks counter that she has been tending for more than ten years now is the only source of their financial support. Summer days bring a little more than enough money, as the most popular is “halo-halo” – fruit tidbits in milk and shaved ice, a cooling snack.

 

JC who is a full athletic scholar of Lyceum (General Trias) is in Grade 10. Unlike the other youth of his age, he has no vice and prefers to stay home when there is no practice in their school on the track or basketball at the court of the Perpetual Village 5. He is a “New Christian’ by heart and in action. He confided that Jesus has always been part of his life – his guiding Light. He is serious in his studies that not even the tempting pleasure of bumming around with his buddies could distract him. Without even saying it, his statements imply his big dream which is to lavish his mother with comfort soonest as he starts earning. Her mother from whom he and his brother learned the virtue of discipline has been raising them singlehandedly.

 

During our short talk, JC recalled that he had his first running experience when he was in Grade 6 at the Imus Pilot Elementary School. A teacher who noticed his promising athletic talent assisted him to undergo a tryout for an athletic scholarship when he was about to enter his second year high school at Lyceum (General Trias).  That tryout was impressive because a school representative visited him at home to advice that he passed it and that he was to report for enrollment and training right away. That hard-earned scholarship was the start of his interesting journey as a struggling young student with a big dream. On his third year, Marc Basuan who also has a son on athletic scholarship made him part of the school team for which he served as the official coach.

 

Before we parted, JC confided that, “all the recognition that I have received, I owe to my family and coach, and of course to Jesus…”, who is obviously guiding him while trudging along the road that leads to success. He added,” I will definitely share with others what I have learned from my mentors…that will be the time for passing on the blessing…”  The same thought was also expressed by his basketball coach, Ian Paredes-Atrero, who is likewise, a true “New Christian” by heart and action. As a young man, JC, plays hard and gives his best, but aims high for his future and beloved family….all in the name of Jesus!

 

 

The Day Hector and His Family Helped the Perpetual Village 5 HA President, Louie Eguia

The Day Hector Garcia and His Family Helped the

Perpetual Village 5 HA President, Louie Eguia

By Apolinario Villalobos

 

When the unpaved roads of the Perpetual Village 5 was finally completed, courtesy of the City government of Bacoor City, flaws were discovered such as the low-grade asphalt that was used to fill the gaps of sections, and which practically cracked and broken into pieces in time, and the dangerous wide-gapped corners that endanger maneuvering cars, especially, vans and garbage trucks. Two garbage trucks almost lost their balance while maneuvering the corner along Fellowship and Unity Streets.

 

The anticipated dangers due to the precarious corners were brought to the attention of the contractor when the project was near completion, but to no avail. Understandably, he was constrained by the allocated budget that was allowed only for the approved width, thickness, and length of the roads in the subdivision. Rather than wait for mishaps to occur, the President of the Perpetual Village 5, Louie Eguia, decided to make use of the meager fund of the association.

 

As expected, Hector Garcia and the available members of his family volunteered to help – his wife Angie, daughter Mara, son-in-law Jet, and even the latter’s household “stewardess”, Ting.  From eight in the morning up to almost noon, the small group toiled under the searing heat of the sun. Even Mara who was on day -off and the lean and young “stewardess” Ting, took turns in mixing cement, gravel, and sand. Jet, who just arrived home from an overnight job also shook off the fatigue from lack of sleep. With a wheelbarrow, Hector tediously, made several trips to the Multi-purpose Hall for the pre-mixed cement and gravel, while Louie, though, suffering from skin allergies from the prickly heat, untiringly did his part.

 

I have already blogged the Garcia couple due to their unselfish “habit”, worthy of emulation. The habit practically runs in the family which also contaminated their house help, Ting, whom I lovingly call “the stewardess”. They talk less, but work more, and this habit made them click with the equally man of few words, Louie, their homeowners’ association president.

 

The Spirited Anna….with sightless left eye and dimming right one

The Spirited Anna…with sightless left eye

and dimming right one

by Apolinario Villalobos

 

I thought the woman whose name I learned was Anna,  and who was sitting on the pushcart was just too trusting by not counting the money that I gave her for the items that I chose from among her “buraot” items, until she told me that her right eye can barely see while her left eye was totally useless. Her sight had been defective since she was a girl. While growing up, she was desperate and a loner because of her deficiency until she met her husband who took good care of her.

 

Anna and her husband had been selling junk items for more than five years. They would spread their items on a piece of tarpaulin as early as six in the morning along the old railroad track now covered with pavement as early as six in the morning, just when the vegetable wholesalers are packing up. An hour later they would transfer to the corner of the Sto. Cristo St. where I found her. With their four children in tow, her husband would leave her to clean their other “buraot” items in the railroad track.

 

She smilingly told me that she and her husband have been setting aside money for their children from the meager daily earnings. Just like most of the hardworking scavengers of Divisoria, they live on the pushcart…or rather, beside their pushcart that are heaped with their junks at the end of the day. Their children are aged nine, seven, four and three years. Just before noon, she told me that they, already with lunch bought from a makeshift sidewalk eatery, would join her.

 

Our amiable conversation was cut short by a sudden and steady drizzle. I had to help Anna gather her items on their pushcart and cover them with two pieces of tarp that I brought with me, intended to be given to the vendors like her. We stayed on the covered sidewalk, and it was at this time that Anna got worried for her husband and children.  Not long afterward, a guy carrying two children, and two girls huffily came running and joined us.

 

As the pushcart was securely covered, I invited Anna and her family to the Jollibee outlet a few steps away. The eldest girl jumped and gleefully shouted when she heard the name. When we entered, other customers threw us inquisitive stares as the husband of Anna and the kids were dripping wet. It was their first time to enter the establishment and even taste its cheapest Yummy sandwich, but for such a happy occasion, I ordered the regular burger and spaghetti for each of them. While they were enjoying their sandwich, spaghetti, and Coke, they strike a picture of a happy family…of contentment, a far cry from many families that are virtually swimming in affluence, yet, not satisfied a bit. As a practice, I did not take their picture while enjoying their Jollibee meal, for I do not want the photo opportunity to come out as one done in exchange for something. So as not to instigate Anna and her husband to ask questions about me, I stopped asking more questions about their life….that way, I was happy not to be asked for my name, though, before we parted ways, I told them that the snacks were courtesy of a certain “Perla”. I was resolved, however, to see them again.

 

The “Other Side” of Divisoria

The “Other Side” of Divisoria (Manila, Philippines)

By Apolinario Villalobos

 

While Divisoria has always been known as the shoppers’ Mecca, especially, during Christmas, there is” another side” of it which I do not want to present as an image of poverty but that of perseverance, patience, and honest endeavor. This is the “other Divisoria” which many people just refuse to see as it might cause them to puke! The accompanying photos show how these honest Filipinos contentedly strive to live in sheer honesty.

 

The skeptics always say, “it is their fault for going to Manila and suffer deprivation”. These hypocrite skeptics have  TV, radio, and occasionally read newspapers, so they should know that the provinces from where these people who are eking out an honest living on the “other side” of Divisoria, are infested with NPAs, Abu Sayyaf, opportunistic landlords, and loan sharks. For the arrogant, the world is just for those who can afford to live decently. On the other hand, as these skeptics have not endured days of hunger, they may not understand how it is to make a difficult decision to live a hand-to-mouth life in Manila by scavenging in garbage dumps, rather than die of hunger and be in constant fear for dear life in the province.

 

It is true that the slums have been in existence for many decades now, but there would be no slums had the government ever since the time the nation has become independent, did not get infested with corrupt lawmakers and officials. The slums have been around since the time that deprivation and exploitation have been propagated by learned Filipinos who found their way in the halls of Congress and Senate, as well as, agencies, even at the helm of the government. Unfortunately, the seed of exploitation has grown into an uncontrollable proportion today, making corruption as wrongly and unfairly viewed to be always a part of the Filipino culture.

 

The striving people from the slums near Divisoria, and other districts of Manila, in this regard, may be viewed by the arrogant as akin to dogs and cats, because of their many children, oftentimes making them utter unsavory remark, such as, “they know they are poor, yet, they keep on having children”.

 

How I wish these skeptics can also openly, make biting remarks –

• to the corrupt politicians and government officials, such as, “they graduated from prestigious universities and colleges, yet, they do not know what is right or wrong”

 

• to the filthy rich, such as, “they have plenty of money, yet they can’t even throw a piece of bread to a beggar”

 

• to the stiff-necked Catholic priests, pastors, and other religious ministers such as, “they are supposed to be representatives of the Lord, but they can’t afford to take a look at the spiritually hungry”

 

Finally, compared to the disgusting hypocrites, loan sharks, corrupt government officials, arrogant “religious ministers” and conscienceless rich, who are supposed to be learned and intelligent, the people who honestly make a living such as those who belong to the “other side” of Divisoria, are worthy to be called creatures of God – true human beings…slum denizens who are viewed by aforementioned with utter repugnance.

 

(This blog will definitely, not hurt those who do not belong to the mentioned “classes” of loathsome Filipinos.)

 

The Indefatigable Esperanza (Inday) Hilado …friend, sister, mother, secretary, Sales Executive

The Indefatigable Esperanza (Inday) Hilado

…friend, sister, mother, secretary, Sales Executive

By Apolinario Villalobos

 

For most people who know her, she was “Inday”, although, her other nickname was “Pancing”. She was a centenarian, having reached the age of 100 years last July 22, 2015, for which she was honored with a certificate given by the Quezon City government.  She died peacefully just when 2015 was bidding 2016 goodbye, particularly on January 14, at exactly, 11:15 AM. The tragic information that I received came from Gel Lagman and Mona Caburian-Pecson, former colleagues in Philippine Airlines.

 

Inday came from the well-to-do clans of Fontanilla and Hilado of Negros Occidental in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Her parents were Paz Fontanillla and Ignacio Hilado, and she came third in a brood of seven, such as, Clarita, Florita, Hermenia, Gloria, Enrique and Godofredo. Inday chose to stay single her whole life.

 

According to Tessie, Inday’s niece, who at 74, looks more like a little more than 50, she immediately came home when informed about the demise of her aunt, as she knew that with her were only her trusted caretakers, Rudy Lopez and his wife,  Muding (Modesta). Rudy was her loyal driver since 1975, and got married in 1992 to Muding who in no time treated the former like her own mother. Since the first day of her arrival, Tessie practically did everything with the help of her assistants that she brought from America, as well as, Rudy and Muding.

 

My fondest memory of Inday was our working together as part of the International Sales-Philippines (ISP) Team of Philippine Airlines (PAL) based at the S&L Building along Roxas Boulevard, in Ermita, Manila. We were under Rene Ocampo and later, Archie Lacson, as the Regional Vice-President of the Philippines and Guam Region. However, due to our well-defined function as members of the Sales Team, we were directly under Dave Lim, Assistant Vice-President of the ISP. Inday was handling the special account of manning agencies for seafarers and despite her age, being the most senior in the team, she proved to be just very effective. She reported to the office before eight in the morning, prepared her itinerary for the day and persistently made follow ups on previously requested bookings for her clients. I also used to help her with her weekly and monthly sales reports by typing them for her. She even stayed late when there were social functions to fete our clients, particularly, the travel agents and manning agencies.

 

The job of Inday was very critical as PAL fares were comparably higher than those offered by the other airlines for the seafaring segment of the airline industry. But motherly insistence and affectionate cajoling of travel agents worked almost all the time. To show her gratitude to her clients, during Christmas she would give them her own personally-purchased gifts, aside from the standard “give-away” items from our office that included calendars. Being in-charge of the Region’s administration, I would give her extra calendars and “give-away” items.

 

We were close to each other, such that we sat side by side during most of our Monday Sales Meeting. It was this literal closeness that gave her the opportunity to offer me her share of snacks served during the meeting. She was also very conscious about her health, as she ate only small portions of food during mealtime at the canteen. One time, however, during a party, I admonished her for eating plenty of “lechon” (roasted pig).

 

A terpsichorean in her own right, she would sashay with graceful cha-cha and tango moves around the dance floor during our parties. She admitted to me though, that she was really fond of ballroom dancing, and even confided the information about the pre-war public dances that she attended at Luneta (Rizal Park) every December, when she was young. Her love for life could have given her the vigor that kept her going even at an age beyond seventy which was the last time I saw her when I left Philippine Airlines.

 

Inday may no longer be around, but she left a legacy founded on love, as well as, diligence and dedication to job. She was unquestionably unselfish and indefatigable in many ways. She also proved that goodwill indeed works, as her staying “single” did not deprive her of families because of her altruistic ways. She had her colleagues in PAL, and who gave her love in return for her motherly and sisterly affection….they, who have become her family until she left the company. Rudy Kong whom she served with utmost loyalty as secretary in PAL, took her in as part of his own company when she finally left the airline. She also had Rudy Lopez, her loyal driver, and his wife, Muding, who stood by her side till she drew her last breathe. She loved them all, and they all loved her… and, just as what the popular adage says… love begets love.

 

 

Beverly Padua: Nakakabilib dahil Nakakabenta sa Internet kahit Cellphone lang ang Gamit

Beverly Padua: Nakakabilib Dahil Nakakabenta sa Internet

Kahit Cellphone lang ang Gamit

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

 

Meet Beverly or Bevs na nakakapagbenta sa internet kahit walang laptop, i-Pad o desktop computer dahil ang gamit lang ay isang simpleng smart phone. Nakakagulat, dahil sa pagkakaalam ko, ang mga on-line sellers ay umaasa sa malalaking computer na kanilang tinututukan sa loob ng 24/7, hangga’t maaari. Nang una kong makita ang shop site niya ay bumilib na ako dahil  sa linis ng pagkagawa, hindi kalat o magulo kaya hindi nakakalito. Ginawa rin pala niya ito gamit lang ang simple niyang cellphone.

 

Panganay siya sa kanilang magkakapatid at ulila na sila sa ina. Ang tatay naman nila ay sakitin kaya silang magkakapatid na kumikita kahit papaano ang nag-aambagan upang makaraos ang pang-araw araw nilang pangangailangan. Kahit madalas silang kapusin sa budget ay dinadaan nila sa matinding pagtitipid ang lahat upang masambot ang kanilang pangangailangan lalo na ang mga gamot ng kanilang tatay.

 

Single mom din siya. Wala siyang hinanakit sa ama ng kanyang anak kahit na ito ay may iba nang pamilya. Kahit sa hinagap ay hindi niya naisip ang maghabol o magalit sa dating asawa, bagkus ay dinadaan na lamang niya sa pagsisikap ang lahat  upang mapalaki nang maayos ang nag-iisang anak na naging inspirasyon niya sa buhay. Sa kabila ng lahat ay hindi natinag ang kanyang malakas na pananalig sa Diyos, at sa halip ay tinutumbasan na lamang niya ng pagpapaubaya, dahil ayon sa kanya, darating din sa tamang panahon ang taong talagang nakalaan para makasama niya habang buhay.

 

Hindi siya nariringgan ng kahit kaunting hinagpis kahit may mga pangangailangan din siya para sa kanyang kalusugan bilang isang diabetic. Ilang beses na rin siyang sinumpong nang matindi dala ng kanyang sakit subalit lahat ay kayang nalampasan, kaya ang ginagawa na lamang niya ay pag-ibayuhin pa ang pag-iingat upang hindi siya atakehin uli.

 

Masidhi ang pananampalataya ni Bevs sa kapangyaarihan ng Diyos dahil ilang beses na rin daw niya itong napatunayan. Noong nakaraang taon kung kaylan patung-patong ang pangangailangan nila sa pera ay saka naman humina ang bentahan, subalit hindi siya nagpakita ng pagkainis, sa halip ay tinanggap na lang ang sa tingin niya ay isang pagsubok. Totoo ang kanyang naramdaman dahil nitong nakaraang mga araw ay nagsunud-sunod naman ang pagpasok ng mga order sa kanya.

 

Kahit ang dapat sana’y kailangan niyang i-Pad lamang upang lumaki kahit bahagya ang screen na kanyang tinututukan ay ipinagkikibit na lamang niya ng balikat. Hindi daw priority ito, kaya bibili na lamang siya kapag may ekstra siyang naipon dahil ang mahalaga ay ang pangangailangan ng kanyang anak, isa pang kapatid na nag-aaral, at amang nangangailangan ng mga gamot.

 

Hindi siya nawawalan ng lakas kahit halos magdamag kung tumutok siya sa cellphone sa paghintay ng papasok na order dahil kapag pinalampas ng kahit ilang minuto lang na hindi nasagot agad, ay lilipat na sa ibang online shopping site ang browser. At, ang sikreto daw niya sa pagkakaroon ng lakas ay ang tiwala sa Diyos na nasa likod lang niya.

 

Magandang halimbawa si Bevs sa mga nagsisikap kahit maraming kakulangan dahil kahit simpleng smart phone lang ang gamit ay kumikita, hindi tulad ng iba na nakikipag-text at tsismisan lang sa mga barkada, ang gusto ay mamahaling cellphone o i-Pad pa, at kung hindi mapagbigyan ay magtatampo sa mga magulang o di kaya ay lalayas, at kung asawa naman ay magdadabog na humahantong kung minsan sa pagpapabaya ng mga obligasyon bilang asawa at ina.

 

(For interested shoppers, please check Princessrobe O’shop and OBe Padua facebook pages.)

 

 

Herson Magtalas: High School Graduate pero Nakapagpatapos ng Dalawang Kapatid sa Two-Year Courses

Herson Magtalas: High School Graduate pero Nakapagpatapos

Ng Dalawang Kapatid sa Two-Year Courses

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

 

Nang araw na nakita at nakausap ko si Jaime Mayor, ang matapat na kutsero sa Luneta na iginawa ko ng tula, may lumapit sa akin, si Herson Magtalas. Siya pala ang Checker/Operations Coordinaor nina G. Mayor. Mabuti na lang at nakipag-usap siya sa akin dahil hindi ko nakausap nang matagal si G. Mayor sa dami ng mga turistang gustong sumakay sa kanyang karetela dahil Linggo noon. Pinatunayan ni Herson ang mga nabasa ko noon sa diyaryo tungkol sa pagkatao ni G. Mayor.

 

Napahaba ang aming usapan hanggang nagtanong ako kung may pamilya na siya. Sinabi niyang binata pa siya sa gulang na 28 na taon. Hindi pa raw siya mag-aasawa hangga’t hindi nakatapos sa pag-aaral ang kanilang bunso. Sa sinabi niya, naging curious ako kaya tumuloy-tuloy ang tanong ko tungkol sa kanyang buhay. Napag-alaman ko na pagka-graduate niya sa high school, hindi na siya nagpatuloy sa pag-aaral, sa halip ay nagtrabaho siya upang makatulong sa kanyang mga magulang. Nang panahong yon ay kutsero na sa Luneta ang kanyang tatay at ang kanyang nanay ay nasa bahay lang. Apat silang magkapatid at siya ang panganay.

 

Lahat ng pagkakakitaan ay pinasok niya tulad ng pagtitinda ng barbecue sa bangketa, pagpapadyak ng traysikel. Sinuwerte siyang makapasok sa factory sa sahod na 150 pesos/araw. Sa pagawaang yon ng damit siya natutong manahi. Sa kahahanap niya ng kanyang kapalaran, napadayo siya sa Laguna, kung saan ay nagtrabaho naman siya bilang machine operator ng Asia Brewery na ang sahod ay 280 pesos/araw. Nang lumaon pa ay napasok naman siya sa isang restoran bilang kitchen helper na ang sahod ay 300 pesos/araw. Naging salesman din siya ng Shoemart (SM) sa sahod na 380 pesos/araw. Nang napasok siya bilang pahinante o helper ng delivery van ay saka pa lang siya nagkaroon ng minimum na sahod. Tumuloy- tuloy ang pagtanggap niya ng minimum na sahod hanggang sa paglipat siya sa isang printing shop bilang taga-limbag o printer ng mga nakasubo sa computer.

 

Ano pa nga ba at lahat ng kaya niyang pasukan ay sinusubukan ni Herson na ang hangad ay magkaroon ng maayos na sahod dahil sa ginagawa niyang pagtulong sa kanyang mga magulang upang matustusan ang pangangailangan ng kanyang nakakabatang tatlong kapatid. Nang makapasok siya sa Castillan Carriage and Tour Services bilang Checker/ Operations Coordinator ay pumirmi na siya dahil sa ahensiyang ito rin nagtagal ang kanyang tatay bilang “rig driver” o kutsero, at dahil na rin sa magandang sahod at kabaitan ng may-ari.

 

Unang napagtapos ni Herson ang nakababata sa kanya, si Herneἧa na ang linya ng trabaho ngayon ay Accounting. Sumunod naman si Heycilin na ngayon ay may magandang trabaho sa isang restaurant. Ang bunso nilang kapatid, si Homer, 16 na taong gulang ay nasa first year college at kumukuha ng Information Technology (IT). Sa pag-uusap nilang tatlong magkakapatid, napagkasunduan nilang four-year course na ipakuka kay Homer dahil kaya na nilang tustusan ito.

Sa pangunguna niya, napaayos na rin nila ang kanilang tinitirhan sa Caloocan na dati ay maliit kaya halos hindi sila magkasyang anim. Bilang panganay ay inuuna niya ang kapakanan ng kanyang mga kapatid bago ang sa kanya. Binalikat na niya ang ganitong tungkulin dahil nagkaka-edad na rin ang kanilang mga magulang. Subalit inamin niyang hanggang ngayon ay nagku-kutsero pa rin ang kanyang tatay upang hindi lang manghina dahil nasanay na sa pagbanat ng mga buto.

 

Ang paglalakbay ni Herson sa laot ng buhay ay pambihira dahil sa murang gulang ay napasabak na sa lahat ng mga pagsubok na angkop lamang sa mga nakakatanda. Sinabi niyang mula’t sapol ay wala na siyang inisip kundi ang kapakanan ng kanyang mga magulang at mga kapatid. Ni wala siyang pagsisisi o pagkalungkot kahit pa nilaktawan niya ang dapat sana ay panahon ng kanyang kabataan. Sa pag-uusap namin ay ilang beses niyang binanggit na ayaw niyang madanasan ng kanyang mga kapatid ang kanyang pinagdaanan kaya siya nagsikap. Mabuti na nga lang daw at ang bunso nila ay nakikipagtulungan naman kaya masikap sa kanyang pag-aaral. Ang ikinatutuwa pa niya, likas yata ang talino sa makabagong teknolohiya dahil kahit first year college pa lang ay nakakapagkumpuni na ng computer.

 

Larawan ng kasiyahan si Herson habang nag-uusap kami. Marami pa sana akong itatanong subalit dahil ayaw ko siyang masyadong maabala ay nagpaalam na ako subalit, nangakong mag-uusap pa kami tungkol sa operasyon ng kanilang opisina na ayon sa kanya ay marami na ring natulungan, at ang pinaiiral sa mga empleyado ay katapatan tulad ng ginawa ni Jaime Mayor na hindi nasilaw sa salaping naiwan ng turistang Pranses na naging pasahero niya.

 

 

 

Ang Nanay naming Matapang at Mahilig Mag-ampon

Ang Nanay naming Matapang at Mahilig Mag-ampon

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

 

Ang pangalan niya ay Angelica pero ang palayaw niya ay “Ica”. Bunso siya at nag-iisang babae sa kanilang magkakapatid. Mabait siya pero matapang dahil kahit maliit ay marunong humawak ng itak kaya sa palengke noong maliit pa ako, kung saan may puwesto kami ng tuyo pero nalugi kaya nauwi sila ng tatay namin sa paglatag sa lupa ng ukay-ukay, ay pinangingilagan siya.

 

Naalala ko noong nasa Grade 1 ako, nagkagulo sa isang inuman ng tuba malapit sa puwesto namin dahil sa isang lasing na nagwala. Daanan ang puwesto namin papunta sa inuman ng tuba, kaya halos naglaglagan ang mga tuyo dahil sa dagsa ng mga taong nagtakbuhan. Sa inis ng nanay namin, kinuha ang itak na nakatago sa ilalim ng bangko at sinugod ang nagwawalang lasing. Nang makita siya ay parang nahimasmasan dahil kilala pala siya nito. Lalong natakot ang lasing nang makita ang itak na hawak ng nanay namin. Ang may-ari naman ng puwesto ay hindi mahagilap dahil tumakbo daw at nagtago, kaya ang nanay namin ang nag-utos sa lasing na linisin ang mga kalat tulad ng nabasag na mga maliit na garapong kung tawagin ay “Bol” na ginagamit sa pag-inom ng tuba. Ang “Bol” ay tatak ng garapong galing sa America noon at ang dating laman ay minatamis yata. Antigo na ito ngayon at mahal kung bilhin sa antique shop.

 

Nang kumandidato ang nakakatanda niyang kapatid bilang Vice-Mayor, pati ang pamilya namin ay nadamay sa mga intriga. Sa inis niya ay nag-research kung sino ang nagpasimuno ng isang intriga at nang malaman niya ay sinugod sa bahay at hinamon ng away sa kalsada. Binantaan din niyang huwag nang dumaan sa tapat namin at huwag na huwag daw magpakita sa kanya. Nagkaroon ng problema ang intrigera dahil ang bahay namin ay nasa tapat lang ng plasa kaya kung may libreng sine, ay nagtatakip ito ng turban sa ulo at mukha upang hindi makilala ng nanay namin na mahilig ding manood ng libreng sine. Ayaw makialam ng nanay namin sa pulitika at ito ang itinanim niya sa aming isip dahil para sa kanya na naunawaan din namin, sisirain lang ng pulitika ang magandang samahan ng magkakamag-anak at magkakaibigan na ang isip ay nakatuon sa hangad na makaupo sa puwesto sa anumang paraan.

 

Isang gabi ay nakita ko sila ng tatay namin na nagbibilang ng mga lumang pilak na perang Kastila na matagal na nilang naipon. Kinabukasan pinalitan ng kumpare nila ang mga pilak na pera ng bago. Pambayad pala sa naipong utang na dahilan kung bakit wala nang nagdatingang bagong stock ng mga tuyo galing sa Iloilo. Nalaman ko ring marami pala silang pinautang ng paninda na hindi nabayaran kaya nalugi ang negosyo. Sa bagay na ito, hindi ko nakitaan ng tapang ang nanay namin upang maningil dahil sa awa sa mga umutang…mga kapos din daw kasi tulad naming. Hindi nagtagal, ibinenta nila ang puwesto namin.

 

Noong ukay-ukay na ang ibinenta ng magulang namin, sinubukan din nilang dumayo sa ibang bayan. Isang gabing dumating sila galing sa dinayong tiyangge, may kasama silang buntis. Sa kuwentong narinig ko isinama nila ang babaeng nakita nilang palakad-lakad sa palengke ng Tulunan, ang dinayong bayan nang araw na yon, dahil baka daw “ihulog” ng babae ang anak niya. Ang “ihulog” ay “ilaglag”sa Tagalog o sa Ingles ay i-“abort”. Pero dahil bata pa ako ang na-imagine ko ay ang gagawin ng babae na “ihuhulog” ang anak niya sa bangin! Inampon namin ang babae hanggang sa manganak. Nang umabot na ang anak niya sa gulang na apat na taon ay pinayagan siya ng nanay namin na bumalik sa Tulunan.

 

Isang beses naman, nang naghuhugas ako ng mga reject na tuyo upang matanggal ang namuong asin ay may nakita akong batang apat na taong gulang lang yata, umiiyak sa tabi ng public toilet. Nag-iisa lang siya at ayaw sumagot sa mga tanong ko kaya sinundo ko ang nanay ko. Isinama niya ang bata sa puwesto namin at inutusan ang kuya ko na maghanap ng pulis sa palengke upang sabihan na may batang “napulot” at nasa puwesto namin. Hanggang magsara na kami ng puwesto, ay wala pa ring kumuha sa bata kaya isinama na namin sa pag-uwi. Araw-araw siyang isinasama sa puwesto upang makita ng kung sino mang nakakakilala. Nang magdesisyon ang nanay naming ampunin na ang bata ay saka naman siya nakita ng tiyuhin. Sa pag-uwi nila ay sumama kami ng nanay ko at nagdala pa kami ng maraming tuyo upang pasalubong sa mga magulang. Nakatira pala sila sa bulubundukin ng Magon malapit na sa boundary ng South Cotabato, kaya napasabak kami ng “hiking” na inabot din ng ilang oras dahil napakadalang pa ang mga sasakyan noon. Nakabalik kami sa palengke bandang hapon na. Inihatid kami ng tatay ng bata dahil sa bigat ng pinabaon sa aming maraming bayabas at guyabano.

 

Nang umuwi naman ang nanay namin galing sa Bantayan Island (Cebu) mula sa pagdalo sa pista ng nagmimilagro daw na Sto. Niἧo, may kasama siyang isang batang babae na ulila at limang taong gulang. Naging kapamilya namin ang bata hanggang sa siya ay isinama uli sa Bantayan noong mag-sasampung taon gulang na. Hindi na siya naisama pag-uwi ng nanay namin dahil nang makita daw ang bata ng isang tiyahin ay binawi. Wala namang nagawa ang nanay namin kundi ang umuwing luhaan.

 

Hindi lang tao ang nakahiligang ampunin ng nanay namin dahil nang minsang umuwi siya ay may napulot siyang tuta na nangangalkal sa basurahan ng isang bakery na nadaanan niya. Hindi pa ako nag-aaral noon kaya naging kalaro ko ang tuta hanggang sa ito ay lumaki. Ang pinaka-puwesto ng aso tuwing gabi ay ang balkonahe namin. Isang umaga ay nakita namin siyang patay at kagat pa ang leeg ng isang asong patay din at ang bunganga ay umaapaw sa laway, palatandaang ito ay isang asong ulol. Nakaakyat pala sa balkonahe ang asong ulol at kung hindi napatay ng aso namin ay malamang na kami ang nabiktima pagbukas namin ng pinto nang umagang yon.

 

Kung buhay ang nanay namin ngayon, malamang ay naipagpatayo namin siya ng isang maliit na “halfway home” para sa mga gusto niyang ampunin kahit pansamantala, pati na rin siguro ng isang maliit ding “pet shelter”. Pero masaya na rin ako dahil alam kong inampon din siya doon sa “itaas”.

Volunteerism is in the Heart of my Neighbors, Angie and Hector Garcia

Volunteerism is in the Heart of my Neighbors,

Angie and Hector Garcia

By Apolinario Villalobos

 

Just like the rest of the pioneers in our subdivision, the couple, Angie and Hector Garcia went through the expected hardship of living in an unfamiliar new-found home, which in our case is Cavite, used to be known for notoriety – unsafe as many alleged. Add to that the difficulty of commuting to Manila because the only way was via the Aguinaldo highway that passes through buzzling public market of Zapote. The Coastal Road during the time was not yet even in the drawing board of the Department of Public Highways. That was during the early part of the 80’s.

 

A “short cut” to our subdivision from the Aguinaldo highway is traversed by a creek, deep and wide enough to be classified as a river. Several bamboo poles that were laid across the creek served as the early bridge, that was later “upgraded” to a safer one made of two electric poles floored with planks. During the early years the creek did not overflow, however, the constant reclamation of both banks constricted the flow of water that resulted to flash floods which did not spare our subdivision. These instances brought out the innate character of our neighbors that hinged on volunteerism.

 

As the home of Angie and Hector Garcia is situated right at the western entrance of the subdivision where the creek is situated, the homeowners’ association’s heavy duty rope was used to be left in their custody. They would bring it out when flood occurred so that those who would like to take the risk of crossing the bridge would have something to hold on to as they gingered their way through waist-deep flood. A heavy rain for three to four hours would put every homeowner on the alert as the heavy downpour usually triggered a flood. Angie and Hector would miss precious sleeping hours as they waited for the right moment to bring out the long heavy rope, one end of which would be tied to the post of the bridge while the other end would be entwined around the iron grill of their fence or gate. If the flood occurred at night till dawn, we would wake up in the morning with the rope already in place to serve as our “life line” to the other side of the overflowing creek.

 

The couple also took pains in cleaning the vacant area behind the subdivision’s Multi-purpose Hall and planted it to medicinal plants and mango tree which also provided shade. Vegetables were planted, too, aside from medicinal herbs for everybody’s taking in time of their need. The early morning as the sun rises would also see them sweeping the street in front of their house.

 

The leadership qualities of the couple, made their neighbors trust them. Hector had a stint as the president of the Homeowners’ Association, while Angie kept in her custody whatever meager earnings of the association from renting out the Multi-purpose Hall and monthly dues, aside from the collected Mass offerings, until clear-cut procedures were finally established during which she turned over the responsibility to the Homeowners’ Association’s Treasurer.

 

Angie is a cancer survivor having had a mastectomy, but despite her situation, she patiently endured the rigorous travel to Naujan, Mindoro with Hector to regularly check their “farm” which they planted to fruit-bearing trees. When I asked them one time why they take pains in maintaining such far-off farm instead of purchasing another either in Silang or Alfonso, both in Cavite, they confided that they have already “fallen in love” with their investment. Their love for the farm truly shows in their robust physique despite their age of sixtyish. I just imagine that perhaps, if they stop commuting to and from Naujan, Mindoro, weed their farm, and take care of the growing saplings,  their health would deteriorate as usually happens to people who cannot stand being idle.

 

The couple has three daughters, all successful in their chosen fields of endeavor. And, one of them is serving the Homeowners’ Association as Treasurer.

 

Ang Pinaniniwalaan ay Dapat Gawin

Ang Pinaniniwalaan ay Dapat Gawin

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Marami ang may gustong maging “in” sa lahat ng bagay, kasama na diyan ang tungkol sa mga bagay na ispirituwal. Yong iba ay dumadalo sa mga weekend preaching ng mga sikat na evangelists, dahil alam nila na may mga dumadalo ding celebrities. At lalung-lalo kung may slot ito sa TV, kaya sikat, magandang pag-usapan sa mga party. Para bang sinabi nila na dahil okey sa mga celebrities ang preacher at may TV slot, okey ito sigurado. Ito yong mga excited sa pagkuwento na ang preacher ay magaling dahil mga de-kotse pa nga ang dumadalo, mga sikat na tao, mga artista.

Ang mga sini-share ng mga preachers na ito ay ganoon lang din naman, mula pa noong magsimula ang Kristiyanismo hanggang ngayong may mga pari at mga pastor na, na ang iba ay nasobrahan yata ng “paniniwala” kaya naging makasalanan na rin. Lahat ay tungkol sa pagmamahal sa Diyos at kapwa. Bakit kailangan pang makarinig ng salita ng ibang tao upang gawin ito, ganoong marami na tayong nakikita sa ating paligid na dapat ay gamitan nito? Ilang libong taon na mula nang sabihin ito ni Hesus, nababasa sa Bibliya, naririnig sa mga simbahan….hindi pa rin ba natin naiintindihan?

Marami sa mga ganitong mga spiritual kuno ay ni wala ngang concern sa mga miyembro ng kanilang pamilya, lalo na mga anak. Marami diyan na hindi na natakot sa pagsabi na pagod na sila sa pagiging tatay at nanay nila, ganoong may mga anak pa silang maliliit. Nirereklamo ang masamang ugali ng anak…kaya yong isang nag-open sa akin ay binara ko ng, “bakit hindi mo tinuruan ng magandang ugali ang mga bata noong maliit pa lang sila?”.  Dinagdagan ko pa ng pasaring na alangan namang kapitbahay pa ang magtuturo sa mga anak niya. Mayroon diyang nag-aalaga ng mga hayop at halaman, hindi naman inaasikaso na mabuti, dahil ang gusto lang pala ay ayaw patalo sa mga kapitbahay na may mga ganito ring alaga. Ang inggit ay isang napakasamang ugali, hindi man ituro ni Hesus….common sense lang ang kailangan.

Nakakapanindig-balahibo ang ugali ng iba na ang pakay lang pala sa pag-attend ng mga religious activities, tulad ng Misa at weekend preaching sa mga kilalang venues ay upang magdispley ng bagong damit, ang iba backless at plunging neckline pa, pati mukha ay may makapal na make-up! Ang iba, ginagawang dahilan ang pagdalo sa ganitong mga pagtitipon, para sa susunod pa nilang “family bonding” kuno….isang biyahe na nga lang naman. Pero masama pa rin ang dating ng dahilan, dahil sa halip na magkaroon ng sincerity sa pakay ng pagdalo sa religious na pagtitipon, ang isip ay nakatuon na sa kung saang restaurant kakain pagkatapos. Para ring “paggunita” sa pasko na nakalimutan nang ito ay tungkol sa questionable na birthday ito ni Hesus….dahil ang sa isip nila tuwing pasko ay mesang puno ng pagkain, gifts, kumukutitap na bumbilya, Christmas tree, etc.

Simple lang naman ang dapat paniwalaan ng tao pagdating sa spirituality….na may Diyos, mahalin Siya, mahalin ang kapwa-tao at ibang nilalang na may buhay, respetuhin ang kalikasan at mundong tinitirhan natin…at ipakita ito sa mga kilos, hindi lang sa salita upang masabi lang ng iba na may alam ang isang tao…at nang hindi isiping nagkukunwari lang pala siya.