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

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.)

 

 

Mga Likas o Natural na Bagay ang Ginagamit na Anting-anting…HINDI BALA NA MAY LAMANG PULBURA

Mga Likas o Natural na Bagay ang Ginagamit na Anting-anting

…HINDI BALA NA MAY LAMANG PULBURA

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

 

Kawawa ang mga taong nagpapauto sa mga arbularyo o kung sino man na nagsasabing ang bala, lalo na ang “live” o ang may lamang pulbura ay isang anting-anting. Ang ganitong pang-uuto ay sinimulan ng mga taong nagnanakaw ng bala mula sa kung saan mang imbakan at binibenta sa mga taong tanga na naniwala naman. Sinabi ko na sa isang blog ko noon tungkol sa isyu ng tanim-bala, na kung ituring man na anting-anting ang bala, dapat ay yong walang lamang pulbura dahil ang ginagamit lang ay ang “metal” na nilalagyan ng pulbura na kung hindi yaring tanso ay tingga. Puwede ngang baguhin ang porma tulad halimbawa ng pagpepe o pag-flatten ng basyong bala upang maipormang pendant, o di kaya ay lagyan ng dalawang “kamay” upang magmukhang krus at magamit na palawit sa kuwentas….ganoon lang. Hindi kailangang bumili sa mga nagtitinda ng mga ninakaw na bala, sa halagang Php1,500.00 ang isang piraso! Ayaw ko na lang isulat kung bakit nagkakaubusan ng bala sa mga imbakan nito. Ang isang ordinaryong mamamayan ay hindi naman nakakabili ng paisa-isang bala.

 

Batay sa mga nasagap kong impormasyon galing mismo sa mga nagtatago ng balang may pulbura, “panlaban” daw ito sa mga taong may masamang balak sa kanila, kaya swak sana sa mga OFW na ayaw mabugbog o magahasa ng mga malupit o manyak na employer. Ang masama, pati mga matatanda ay napagpaniwala din ng mga unggoy na nangraraket! Sabihin ba naman ng mga hangal na ito na hahaba ang buhay ng taong may itinatagong bala, kaya ang mga uugud-ugod na gusto pa yatang mabuhay nang mahigit 100 taon, ay hindi rin magkandaugaga sa pagbili, sa halip na gamitin ang perang galing sa pension, na pambili ng gamot sa rayuma man lang!

 

Matagal nang ginagamit ang tanso o copper at tingga o lead, na panlaban sa masamang ispiritu, lalo na sa kapre, pero  hindi sa kapwa-tao. Bumibigat daw ang taong mayroon nito kaya hindi basta naitatakas ng kapre, kaya pati sanggol ay palaging may katabing bala na nakabalot sa pulang tela dahil ang kulay pula ay kalaban din ng masamang espiritu. At tungkol pa rin sa kulay pula…yong ayaw masaniban ng masamang espiritu, maliban sa balang nakabalot sa pulang tela ay nagsusuot din ng pulang bra o kamison at panty kung babae at ang lalaki naman ay palaging may pulang panyo. Sa ilalim ng unan nila ay mayroon ding pulang panyo. Sa panahon ng pagreregla ng babae, lalo silang ligtas!  Pinaniniwalaan na ito bago pa dumating ang mga Kastila.

 

Ang ginagamit na panlaban sa kapwa-taong may masamang balak ay dinasalang langis na umaapaw sa sinidlang maliit na bote kapag nasa harap mo ang taong may masamang balak. Hindi nakokontra ang isang masamang balak ng kapwa- tao sa pamamagitan ng balang nasa bulsa o pitaka, dahil kung totoo man, wala sanang inuuwing OFW na nasa kabaong o buntis dahil na-rape ng employer, o di kaya ay naka-wheel chair, o di kaya ay lalaking Pilipinong ni-rape o binugbog ng Arabo! At, lalong wala sanang namamatay sa pagkabaril o natutusok ng patalim, at nakitang nakahandusay na lamang sa isang tabi. Ang isang nakausap ko, tatlong bala nga daw ang palagi niyang dala, pero sa kasamaang palad pa rin, mahigit limang beses pa rin daw siyang naholdap sa Cubao! Kaya ngayon hinahanting na niya ang co-boarder niyang dating pulis na natanggal sa trabaho dahil sa katiwalian, upang pakainin ng mga balang ibinenta sa kanya! Dalawa daw sila sa boarding house nila ang binentahan ng mga bala ng ungas na dating pulis.

 

Kung anting-anting ang gusto dahil ang inaasam ay karagdagang “lakas”, ang dapat gamitin ay mga kristal, bato, o mga bahagi ng mga halaman. Balutin mo man ang katawan mo ng mga ito ay walang sisita sa airport o pantalan kaya walang mangingikil na taga-AVESECOM o OTS. Pwede ka lang sigurong pigilan sa pagsakay dahil baka isipin nilang sintu-sinto ka, kaya sa halip na i-detain ka o hingan ng pera, baka ihatid ka pa pauwi sa inyo dahil sa awa nila!

 

Totoo naman talagang may iba’t –ibang uri ng “lakas” na nanggagaling sa mga bato at kristal dahil sa taglay nilang mga mineral. Ang isang pruweba rito ay ang bato-balani (magnet), quartz, jade, lalo na ang hindi pa gaanong kilalang batong “tourmaline” na napatunayang humihigop ng dumi sa loob ng katawan. Ang mga bahagi naman ng mga halaman ay talagang gamot kaya nakakapagpalakas ng loob kung may dalang maski pinatuyong dahon, ugat o balat man lang. May mga dahon na maski tuyo ay pwedeng amuyin upang mawala ang pagkahilo o pananakit ng tiyan dahil sa kabag, at mga pinatuyong ugat o balat ng kahoy na kapag ikinunaw (dipped) sa kapeng iniinom ay nakakagamot din….yan ang mga anting-anting na dapat ay palaging nasa bulsa at bag!

 

Ang mga tao namang nauto kaya nakabili ng bala sa halagang Php1,500.00, magmuni-muni na, lalo na yong mga OFW na ang pamilya ay nagkandautang-utang, may maipanlagay lang sila sa recruiter at pambili ng tiket ng eroplano, at ang kabuuhang halaga ay katumbas ng mahigit sa isang taong pagpapa-alipin sa ibang bansa. Huwag magpakatanga dahil lang sa bala. Kaya nagkakaroon ng mga tiwaling kawani sa airport ay dahil sa mga taong matitigas ang ulo. Nakasilip tuloy ang mga kawatan sa airport ng dahilan upang sila ay kikilan. Kung mahuli naman, at marami naman ang umaming may dala nga ng bala, ay saka sila magngunguyngoy at magsisisi! Ang masakit pa ay nadadamay ang mga taong wala talagang kaalam-alam sa “anting-anting” na ito.

 

Dapat tandaang kung walang tanga, ay walang nagagantso o nalilinlang ng kapwa! Kung totoo mang may nagtatanim ng bala sa mga bagahe, ang tanong ay… SINO ANG MGA NAGSIMULA SA PAGBIGAY NG DAHILAN KAYA NAGING RAKET ITO? HINDI BA MISMONG MGA PASAHERONG TANGA NA AKALA AY LIGTAS SILA KUNG MAY BALANG DALA? DAHIL SA TAKBO NG ABNORMAL NILANG ISIPAN, NAGKAROON NG KIKILAN SA AIRPORT KAYA NADAMAY ANG MGA INOSENTENG PASAHERO. Patunay sa raketang ito ang report na sa kabila ng naka-log na kulang-kulang sa isang libong “nahulihan”, wala pang kalahati ang nakasuhan. Ano ang ang nangyari sa iba?…eh, di “napag-usapan”!!

 

At, ang pinakamahalagang paalala: malakas na pananampalataya sa Pinakamakapangyarihan ang pinakamagaling na anting-anting ng tao…wala nang iba! Huwag lang magdasal ng malakas habang nagpapa-inspection ng bagahe sa airport….hinay-hinay lang sa pagpapakita ng matiim na pananampalataya upang hindi mapagkamalang “jet-setter” na baliw!

 

Ang Walang Katapusang Kapalpakan ng Malakanyang…pinakahuli ang imbestigasyon sa “singit-bala”

Ang Walang Katapusang Kapalpakan ng Malakanyang

…pinakahuli ay imbestigasyon sa “singit-bala”

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Talagang ang mga kawatan sa airport terminals ay patuloy na makakalusot, lalo na sa nangyayari ngayong raket na “tanim-bala” dahil sa kalamyaan ng Pangulo. Ni wala ring narinig mula sa pamunuan ng NAIA na si Honrado, pero inaasahan ding pagtatakip ang gagawin niya upang palabasin na “malinis” ang operasyon sa kanyang balwarte. Ang pinakapalpak na desisyon naman ng Malakanyang ay ang kautusan nitong imbestigahan ng DOTC ang mga pangyayari sa airport!

Bakit hind ahensiyang tulad ng NBI ang mag-imbestiga upang walang magdududang may cover-up na gagawin? Ang OTS ay under ng DOTC. Samantala, bakit hindi tanggalin ang lahat ng mga OTS personnel sa airport at iba pang pinagdududahang personalidad na may kinalaman sa pag-inspeksiyon ng mga bagahe? At ang pinaka-importante, bakit hindi i-repeal o baguhin agad ang “batas” tungkol sa pagbitbit ng ammunition, dahil nakita namang maraming butas ito? …na ang halimbawa ay pagturing na kriminal sa pasaherong makitaan ng maski nag-iisang bala, kahit walang baril.

Walang mangyayari sa mga imbestigasyon hangga’t may sinasabing “batas” tungkol sa ammunition. Ang batas ay halatang hindi pinag-isipang mabuti, kaya tuloy nasilip ng mga kawatan sa airport, upang pagkitaan.

Ganyan naman talaga sa Pilipinas…lahat ng mga batas ay maraming butas! Kaya hindi nakapagtataka kung bakit hindi mawala-wala ang korapsyon sa bansa. Nakakahiya!

The Shabby Scenes from the Airport Terminals and the Derelict Intramuros and Liwasang Bonifacio

The Shabby Scenes from the Airport Terminals
and the Derelict Intramuros and Liwasang Bonifacio
By Apolinario Villalobos

The problem with the Department of Tourism is that, while it promotes touristic destinations in the countryside, it forgot Manila which is supposed to be the gateway. The agency is proud of the oceanic theme park at the back of the Luneta grandstand and also the “dancing fountain”. But those can be found anywhere as they have become ordinary fixtures of parks, with some provinces even having more picturesque and enticing dancing fountains. The tourism people seem blind to the shabby scenes from the airport terminals that surely catch the eyes of incoming tourists on their way to their hotels along Roxas Boulevard and Makati Business Center.

From the Terminal 1 and 2 for instance, what catch the eyes are big bill boards and ramshackle shanties of barangay Pildera. The patroness of air voyage looks forlorn with the neglected shrubs at the base of its pedestal. Trees that line the street are untrimmed. Pieces of garbage dot the ground with wilting grass due to neglect. From Terminal 3, the same monotonous view greets the visitors as they drive down Andrews Avenue toward Baclaran and Tramo. From terminal 4, the short distance to Airport Road of Baclaran is worst, especially, as one exits towards Roxas Boulevard, with both sides of the street lined with run-down beerhouses.

The clusters of modern edifices that are filling the reclaimed Manila bay are being developed by owners of the business establishments, themselves who are mostly foreigners. In this regard, the Department of Tourism has no right to claim the credit for the fast transition of the once grassy reclaimed land.

Intramuros at the northwest terminus of Roxas Boulevard is supposed to be the historical showcase of the city, together with Liwasang Bonifacio or Lawton Plaza. Unfortunately, both are awful disappointments. What makes Intramuros interesting a bit, are just the presence of Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and some of its streets lined with old houses that are not even refurbished to improve their antiquated facades. What worsen the disappointing landmark are the filthy skeletons of neglected government buildings and stinking nooks of the once formidable walls and their imposing bastions.

Liwasang Bonifacio’s conspicuous landmarks are the Post Office Building and the fountain behind the statue of Andres Bonifacio. But the grounds are always littered with refuse. The public toilet is perpetually closed and has become the abode of vagrants. The police precinct under the flyover lacks decency in appearance, though, fairly clean. The vacant lots have become dumping grounds for practically everything. The once glorified Metropolitan Theater because of its exquisite beauty is now an eyesore. Entrances and exits to the underpasses are lorded over by vagrants and rugby-sniffing street urchins. Ironically, the Manila City Hall, is just several meters away!

Several years ago, a foreign student blogged the dirty public toilets that stink due to the absence of water, with cracked and grimy tiles, lack of tissue paper, doors without lock, and lack of lighting fixtures. Instead of being thankful, the government reacted negatively, threatening the poor student with deportation unless he apologized publicly which he did, when all he wanted was just to call the attention of the negligent government agencies, particularly the Department of Tourism and concerned local government units.

And now, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is located in a busy section of Makati, and housed in a building – far from the people that it is supposed to assist. Its location can be accessed with much difficulty due to heavy traffic along the way. The agency should have made use of common sense in relocating itself within the “tourist belt” to serve its purpose with propriety. If the DOT is renting and how much, I dare not say more…

The Metropolitan Theater of Manila…a showcase of grave neglect

The Metropolitan Theater of Manila
…a showcase of grave neglect
By Apolinario Villalobos

The Metropolitan Theater of Manila has stood for decades as the symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Even during the Japanese occupation, it persisted in operating, and was even used as a front for the underground movement that raised funds for the prisoners of war. During the time of Ferdinand Marcos, it was rehabilitated, and once more, became the venue of classic stage plays and operas, along with the newly-built Cultural Center of the Philippines. Unfortunately, when he was deposed, administrations that took over, utterly neglected the important cultural edifice.

Today, the theater is in such a forlorn state – dilapidated, with tiles peeling off, gardens left to the mercy of grasses, the galleries and lounges thick with dust, and walls feasted on by termites.

Ironically, just behind the theater is the Universidad de Manila that can possibly use it as an auditorium for their social activities. A few steps from the university is the Manila City Hall. And, still a few steps away is a mini-park that used to be called Mehan Garden, now full of overnight staying vagrants. A little further away is the National Museum. Across the street, on the other side of Taft Avenue is the Intramuros, while the famous Post Office, another important landmark of Manila stands, with its imposing fountain.

How can the city government of Manila and the Department of Tourist neglect such cornucopia of historic and touristic landmarks with its own cultural centerpiece, the Metropolitan Theater? How can they miss the stinking and deteriorating Metropolitan Theater that has become a sore thumb at the heart of the city? How can the city officials look far and beyond what needs immediate rehabilitation? The city officials talk about the eternal traffic which has no remedy in sight, as a publicity stunt. They talk about sanitation when just around the City Hall, corners stink with urine and human waste. The cluster of landmarks that should serve as the centerpiece of the city’s touristic showcase, and which is just a few steps from the City Mayor’s office is left to the mercy of negligence.

As an unsolicited suggestion, why not turnover the Metropolitan Theater to the Universidad de Manila for their administration and make it self-liquidating? Part of the rehab program could be the re-opening its office spaces to generate revenue. Schools can be encouraged to make use of the theater for their stage plays and other scholastic activities at minimal cost. Even assistance from international NGOs that advocate culture-related projects can be sought.

Unless something is done for the Metropolitan Theater of Manila, the unthinkable negligence can add up to the mounting culpabilities of both the Manila city government and the Department of Tourism.

Ang Global Positiong System (GPS) sa Bus…bagong ningas-kugon na naman ng pamahalaan?

Ang Global Positioning
System (GPS) sa Bus
…bagong ningas-kugon na naman ng pamahalaan?
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kahit kaylan, puro ningas-kugon ang mga alituntuning pinapatupad ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno. Magaling lang sa umpisa dahil sa milya-milyang photo opportunities at promotion sa media, subalit tulad ng apoy na nagpaningas ng kugon ay sandali lamang ang itinatagal. Hindi pa nga nasasawata ang mga kolorum na mga bus sa kalye, gusto na namang magpatupad ng paglagay ng Global Positiong System (GPS) sa mga bus…upang masita raw ang mga nagpapaharurot na mga bus drivers. Ang mga legal ay pasok sa panukala, subalit paano ang mga kolorum na halos kasing-dami na rin ang tumatakbo sa mga kalsada? Bakit hindi rin atupagin ng LTFRB and panukala tungkol sa paglagay ng mekanismo sa bus na magkokontrol sa selenyador nito kung umaabot na ang bilis sa itinakda? Dahil ba maliit ang kita dito at mas malaki ang sa GPS? Kahit pa sabihin ng ahensiya na hindi sila ang magbebenta ng mga GPS, kundi mga “accredited” outlets lamang, ganoon pa rin ang kuwenta…kanya-kanya pa rin ang mga tauhan nito sa referral. Hindi ba ganito ang nangyari sa requirement sa drug test na gamit ay ihi ng driver?

Sana ang gawin ng mga ahensiyang Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), at Land Transportation Office (LTO) ay magtulungan ng tuluy-tuloy o consistently, sa paggawa ng mga alituntunin upang hindi mabigyan ng lisensiya ang mga barumbadong driver, kahit na ang nagmamaneho ng pribadong sasakyan. Dapat din silang magtulungan, consistently pa rin, sa paghuli ng mga kolorum na mga sasakyan. Napakaraming mga batas ang hindi naipatutupad tulad na lang ng “no smoking” sa mga sasakyan kaya dahil sa kaluwagan, mismong mga driver ng mga jeepney ay hindi nasasawata sa ganitong gawain. Ganoon din ang paggamit ng cellphone habang nagmamaneho. Pati na ang pagsakay at pagbaba ng mga pasahero sa hindi tamang lugar. Marami pang iba….mga napakagagandang mga batas na sa Pilipinas lang gawa, subalit hindi naipapatupad!

Ang nakakasulasok nang style kasi ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ay kikilos lang kung ganado ang mga tauhan nila. Dahil sa kanilang bulok na sistema, ang mga tiwaling driver ay nagbabakasali naman…na ang pinapakitang ugali ay isa pa ring masamang uri – ang palusot! Idagdag pa diyan ang talamak na lagayan na hindi pa rin nakokontrol ng mga CCTV na ang iba ay dispalinghado naman. Dahil diyan, wala na yatang pag-asa pa na gumanda o maging maayos ang paggamit ng kalsada sa Pilipinas, dahil kung pabaya ang nagpapatupad ng batas, magaling namang magpalusot ang lumalabag dito. Sa Pilipinas lang yan!!!!

A Philanthropist at Quinta Market of Quiapo….Baby “Bicol” Dionisio

A Philanthropist at Quinta Market of Quiapo
…Baby “Bicol” Dionisio
By Apolinario Villalobos

If I am around the Quiapo area and want to partake of my favorite eggplant torte, I would just go to my favorite carinderia (makeshift restaurant) at the Quinta market. The stall is beside the fish section. For more than nine years now, I did not know that the single mom, Baby “Bicol” Dionisio, who is tending the said eatery has been silently enduring trials that have befallen her, as under her care is a hydrocephalic granddaughter. Both sleep in the cramped area behind the counter, among their worldly possessions, and the worst time is during the flood season during which the overflowing murky water from the Pasig River which is a few meters away would flood the whole market for days, reaching up to her ankle, and during some seasons, up to her thigh. In addition to such nuisance is the several decades-old roof that drips rainwater.

I learned about her hydrocephalic granddaughter one morning when I dropped by for my favorite dish, before proceeding to the Hospicio de San Jose beside the Ayala Bridge, and which is just a few hundred meters away. During our animated conversation, she inadvertently mentioned about the child in her care. It came as a surprise. I did not know about her ward as every time I drop by, she was always cheerful. I did not know that in the crib is a handicapped child.

What touches me every time I drop by for my cheap breakfast is her very positive outlook despite her strangling financial needs for the health maintenance of the child. That morning, she told me that she has learned to leave her fate to the Lord, but added that she has never failed to exert much effort in earning for their daily survival by waking up as early as four in the morning to do her purchases and cooking, and since theirs is a public area, staying awake as late as ten in the evening. She also cheerfully mentioned that the child has learned to knock at her crib post to wake her up consistently every morning.

Baby’s daughter, the mother of the child, still has two children in her care and she is also doubling her effort to support them by doing odd jobs. She and her family live in a shanty by the Pasig River with her two other small children. Her husband drives a traysikad or pedaled tricycle. I was even more surprised when Baby pointed at an old man who was sleeping that morning on an old reclining chair in front of her stall. She said, the old man who is past his seventy years, and suffering from the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease is also under her care. As soon as she is free from attending to her customers, she checks the old man. She has no idea about her additional ward’s family. I had no courage to ask her how her caring for the old man started. I find it unethical. For me, what’s important is what is being done at the moment of need.

I did not mention to Baby about the Hospicio as I was not sure if the said institution could take care of semi-invalids such as her old ward. I am resolved, however, to at least try my best in helping her locate the family of the man for his own sake. Most often, victims of Alzheimer’s disease who could not find their way back home are painstakingly searched for by their families.

Baby’s friends in the market would sometimes extend their assistance, although, not regularly, to help lessen her financial burden. Despite her situation that could break the bearing of the weak in body and spirit, she would just smile while attending to her customers, with not a bit of complaint. Due to her very amiable personality, she exudes a warm aura that gives her face some kind of a radiance that veils her real age, making her look like fortyish despite her age of past sixty years. When I asked if it is okey to take her photo with her granddaughter beside the old man, she vehemently refused, but she did not hesitate to give me her real name. I only knew it after more than nine years, during which I would just call her “nene”.

As always, people like “nene” or Baby keeps me going…

The Charisma of Pope Francis and the Euphoria of the Filipinos

The Charisma of Pope Francis

And the Euphoria of the Filipinos

By Apolinario Villalobos

The electrifying impact of Pope Francis’ historic visit to the Philippines is such that it will never be forgotten, especially, with the attestation of the Vatican’s spokesperson that it is the biggest event among the papal visits to any country. The euphoric feeling of the Filipinos borders on justifiable fanaticism. The warm reception accorded the shepherd of the Catholic Church defied the onslaught of nature when he said the Mass in Tacloban which was punctuated with incessant rain and strong wind, and in Manila which was heavily drenched with the steady bone-drenching downpour.

The bad weather did not melt the devotion of the Filipinos as they waited even for the fleeting moment to have a glance of the pope along the routes of his entourage. Wheelchaired PWDs patiently waited under the shield of thin plastic sheets. Mothers risked the health and safety of their children. And, elderlies did not utter any complaint as they waited for the pope with their wobbling legs.

For once, the rich and the poor trekked side by side, to Luneta for the concluding Mass, under the rain. The selfie addicts heeded the call not to click their camera during the Mass. The six million pilgrims gave resonating replies as one solid flock, to whatever call was made by the moderator of the occasion. For the first time, perhaps, hosts were passed on by pilgrims from the hand of the priests during the Communion. Putting to action the call of the pope for compassion, some pilgrims gave their raincoat to mothers and children.

The concluding Mass became some sort of a commitment ceremony during which Archbishop Tagle, speaking for the Filipinos, made a promise to go with him to the wherever his mission will bring him. And, in response, the pope asked the Filipinos to carry on the light of faith and devotion wherever they may go.

The pope played his role as Christ’s spokesperson during his visit, with a resounding success. He was a picture of humility since the first day of his arrival. And, his request that ceremonies do away with pomposity, was followed to the last letter. No colorful streamers from government officials and politicians that scream greetings dotted his routes. Most, importantly, the Filipinos behaved appropriately.

Dusa ang Hindi Pagsagot Agad sa Tawag ni Inang Kalikasan

Dusa ang Hindi Pagsagot Agad

Sa Tawag ni Inang Kalikasan

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Talagang dusa ang aabutin ng isang tao kapag pinigilan niya nang matagal ang pagdumi at pag-ihi. Hindi lang ga-munggong pawis ang biglang lalabas sa katawan, kundi pati mga santong hindi niya natatawag ay kanyang maalalang tawagin. Mapapagkamalan pa siyang namatanda dahil bigla siyang maninigas sa pagpigil…ni hindi makaubo kahit bahagya. Pati mukha ay mawawalan ng ekspresyon at ang mga mata ay halos lumuwa, sa pagpigil pa rin. Mawawala din para sa kanya ang halaga ng pera dahil ibibigay niyang lahat na laman ng pitaka sa makapagtuturo ng pinakamalapit na kubeta! Alam ko…dahil lahat nang yan ay nadanasan ko. Kaya baka pwedeng tumigil na ang nagbabatikos sa MMDA sa plano nitong pagpagamit ng diapers sa kanilang traffic constables.

Noong minsang ako ay pupunta sa Taytay, Rizal, madaling araw pa lang ay umalis na ako sa bahay dahil malayo ang tinitirhan ko at upang makaiwas na rin sa trapik. Pagdating ko sa Crossing, Mandaluyong ay nakaramdam ako ng hilab ng tiyan. Dahil maaga pa, wala pang bukas food outlet na may maayos na CR tulad ng Jollibee. May nadaanan akong pamilyang nakatira sa bangketa, may maliit na kubol, mabuti at gising na ang mag-asawa. Nang sabihan ko sila ng problema ko, ibinuluntaryo agad ang arenola nila na hind pa naman daw nangalahati ng ihi. Ginising nila ang anak nila upang lumabas sa kubol at upang sa loob nito ako gumawa ng ritwal. Nang makaraos ako, binigyan ko sila ng pera at ipinamalengke pa sa nadaanan kong talipapa. Nakakabilib ang pagka-Kristiyano nila!

Minsan naman sa isang mall, inabot din ako dahil sirain talaga ang tiyan ko, maselan sa pagkain. Mabuti na lang maagap ang CR attendant sa pagbigay ng mga kailangan ko tulad ng tissue paper at tubig. Ang masaklap lang, kung kelan dumami ang pumasok sa CR, saka naman nagsimulang mag- “may I go out” ang mga pinigilan ko…at installment na nga ay may mga sound effect pa, kaya panay pagsabi ko ng “sorry”, kada may batch na lalabas. Nang lumabas ako sa cubicle, nagkaroon ako ng maraming kaibigan! Gusto daw nilang makita kung sino ang magalang na delivery man!

Noong umiinom pa ako ng alak, nagpilit akong umuwi kahit halos hindi na ako makagulapay sa kalasingan. Habang nag-aabang ng taxi, palakad-lakad ako sa paghanap ng maiihian. May nakita akong parang pader sa isang maliit na eskinitang madilim, kaya pumuwesto ako. Kung kaylan nagsisimula na ako ng ritwal ay saka nagbukas ang iniihian kong “pader”…gate palang bakal na ang pintura ay kakulay ng pader. Babae ang lumabas…sabay kaming tumakbo, siya pabalik sa loob, ako palayo!

Noong umiinom pa rin ako ng alak, nakatulog ako sa bahay ng kumpare ko dahil sa sobrang kalasingan. Sa isang kuwarto ako pinatulog. Nang madaling araw na, gumising ako upang umihi. Sa pagkapa ko sa dilim, may nabuksang pinto, at dahil akala ko CR, umihi na ako kahit halos pikit pa rin ang mga mata. Nang mag-umaga na, nalaman ko na ang inihian ko pala ay cabinet!

Nang minsan namang sumakay ako sa bus na galing sa Antipolo papuntang Divisoria, nagtaka ako kung bakit ang mga pasahero ay sa harapan banda nakaupo maliban sa nag-iisang babae na nasa pinakalikurang upuan. Ang bus ay dumaan sa isang gasolinahan kung saan bumaba ang mga pasahero, at huling bumaba ang babae na inabot pala ng pagdumi sa pantalon. Dumaan siya sa harap ko na taas noo pa rin, at pagbaba ay dumiretso sa CR ng gasolinahan. Naisip siguro niya na wala siyang pakialam sa ibang tao, hindi naman siya kilala, at ang importante ay nakaraos siya….pero napansin kong maganda siya.

Dahil sa trabaho ko noong panay biyahe sa mga probinsiya, may napuntahan akong maliit na bayan ngunit may nag-iisang maliit na pension house naman. Ang problema lang ay ang kubeta na barado. Mabuti na lang at ang pension house ay halos nasa tabing dagat. Tuwing tawagin ako ni Inang Kalikasan, nagbibihis agad ako ng panligo upang kunwari ay mag-swimming kahit halos hatinggabi na. Ganoon din sa madaling araw kahit sagad hanggang buto ang ginaw. Dahil sa ginagawa ko, bilib sa akin ang staff ng pension house…mahilig daw akong mag-swimming, nature love daw ako!…kung alam lang nila….

Batay sa mga nadanasan ko, mahalagang magdala ng tissue paper, alcohol, ilang plastic bag, lalo na pang-LBM na gamot tulad ng diatabs o lomotil. Kung walang mapaglagyang bag, irolyo ang tissue paper at ilagay sa bulsa kasama ang maliliit na plastic bag, ang alcohol na dadalhin ay yong pinakamaliit na bote para kasya sa bulsa. Ang mga gamot naman ay kasya na sa coin purse. Sa pupuntahang lugar na pampubliko, alamin agad kung saan ang kubeta, kung ito ba ay malinis at hindi barado. Kung titigil naman sa hotel, i-check kung barado o hindi ang kubeta. Sa may planong magbiyahe, agahan ang paggising upang magkaroon ng sapat na panahong sumagot sa tawag ni Inang Kalikasan sa loob ng animo ay sagradong maliit na kuwartong may upuan na ginhawa ang dulot pagkatapos gumawa ng ritwal. Halimbawa, kung ang alis sa bahay ay alas-singko ng umaga, dapat ang gising ay alas-tres man lang, para magsawa sa kaka-cleansing bago lumabas ng bahay.

Kailangan ang sakripisyo para makaiwas sa “pagkabigla” kung nasa labas na ng bahay…huwag matigas ang ulo!

The Hellish Traffic of Manila

The Hellish Traffic of Manila
By Apolinario Villalobos

Traveling around metro Manila has become hellish with all the upgrading of roads and construction of flyovers. The main thoroughfares such as EDSA, Taft and the expressways going to the north and south have virtually become parking areas of vehicles that move even slower than a snail. The sidestreets are not spared as they became the alternate routes.

Those who have scheduled flights should leave home at least 5 hours before check in time, not departure time. Living near the airport cannot help much, because the issue here is the traffic, not the distance. Those with meetings should be within the vicinity of the venue much earlier than the decent allowable time, and just kill time over mugs of coffee in nearby cafes or while time away window shopping in malls.

Taking the LRT and MRT can help, and suggested is to be at the train terminal three hours before the intended time at your destination, because of the long queue. Rush hours for the metro trains are between 6 and 8 in the morning, and between 4 and 7 in the evening. Not included here, are the “unscheduled” stops midway along the length of the suspended track due to system failure, for which the MRT has become notorious.

Metro Manila should be avoided by those who are planning to have leisurely vacation. But if they are not running after time, prepared for the hustles, and willing to waste time in the midst of the traffic, they can just go ahead. They should just be ready to spend at least five hours sitting in the car or taxi, or stand in a bus throughout that length of time. The worst problem, yet, is when they unfortunately encounter an arrogant and taxi driver who insists on contracted rate rather than using the meter. Another option is to add at least three days to the intended length of vacation, such that, vacation intended for five days, for instance, should be stretched to eight days. The added three days should be treated as “traffic allowance”.

I have a friend who confided about his failure to be at the bedside of his father when he died of heart failure. He got jammed in the traffic of EDSA when he hastily drove his car to the St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City when called by his panicking wife. By the time he arrived at the hospital, his father has been dead for four hours. He lives in Baclaran, and his mistake was driving his car instead of having a combined commute on MRT and taxi or jeepney which somehow could have lessened the travel time.

A seagoing friend missed his flight out for Hongkong where he was to board his ship for Europe. Eventually, he bought another ticket for the ship’s next port of call after it left Hongkong as scheduled. He’s thankful that his agency considered traffic as his reason for missing the flight, otherwise, he could have lost his job.

The simultaneous ongoing road projects in Manila promise comfort in about five years from now. From today then, the ever-resourceful Filipino will have his patience tested to the limit.