Hagdan Tungo sa Pangarap

Hagdan Tungo sa Pangarap

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

 

Pangarap –

Pangarap na hinahabi

Hinahabi at sana ay mangyari

Mangyari at matupad na mga inaasam

Inaasam at tinatanaw nang may agam-agam

Agam-agam na nagbibigay din ng mga alalahanin

Alalahaning baka hindi mapagtagumpayang mga mithiin

Mga mithiin ito na nagbibigay ng lakas at sa atin ay nagtutulak

Nagtutulak sa ating likuran at lakas na sa harap pa rin ay humahatak!

Panapanahon ang Pagkakataon

PANAPANAHON ANG PAGKAKATAON

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

 

Nang maging presidente si Joseph Estrada, ang taong itinalaga niya sa PAGCOR na dating artistang komedyanteng mataba, ay may kabayangan na nagsabing,  “panahon namin ngayon”, dinugtungan pa ng, “weather weather lang yan”. Nakakainis mang pakinggan ay dapat tanggapin ang katotohanang yan. Hindi lahat ng panahon ay para sa isang tao kaya kung magkaroon siya ng magandang pagkakataon pagdating ng tamang panahon, dapat ay sunggaban na niya pero dapat ay maganda ang layunin niya.  Ang problema lang ay ang mga taong sadyang baluktot ang isip kaya umiiral palagi ang kasamaan sa kanilang ginagawa kapag nagkaroon sila ng magandang pagkakataon.

 

Sa isang bansa na mahina o korap ang namumuno kaya napapaikutan ng mga tauhang tiwali,  o di kaya ay ginagaya naman ng ibang opisyal, siguradong animo ay pista ang mangyayaring kurakutan, tulad ng nangyari sa Pilipinas sa ilalim ng mga nakalipas na administrasyon. Ang iiral na katanungan kasi ay, “sila lang ba?” Kaya ang mga ayaw patalo ay nakikikurakot na rin.

 

Subalit dahil ang mundo ay bilog at umiinog, dumarating ang panahon na ang nasa itaas ay napupunta sa ibaba. Walang bagay na permanente sa ibabaw ng mundo dahil lahat ay sumasailalim sa pagbabago: ang sanggol ay tumatanda; ang sariwa ay nalalanta; ang makinis na balat ay kumukulubot; ang liwanag ay nagiging dilim; ang mayamang dating gahaman sa salapi  ay nagsasawa sa pera kapag malapit nang mamatay; ang dating drug user lang ay nagiging pusher at kung susuwertihin ay nagiging drug lord at upang mapagtakpan ang mga katiwalian ay nagdo-donate ng malaki sa mga simbahan, nagpapatayo ng mga foundation para sa mga scholars; ang masarap na pagkain ay napapanis…ilan lang ang mga iyan na dumadaan sa iba’t ibang panahong may kaakibat na pagkakataong maging maganda, sariwa, etc.

 

Nakakabilib ang mga taong mahaba ang pisi ng pagtitiyaga at pagpapasensiya sa paghintay ng tamang panahon para sa pagkakataong papanig sa kanila. Ang isang halimbawa ay ang pamilya Marcos na kung ilang administrasyon ang pinalampas at tahimik lamang sa kanilang minimithing pagpapalibing sa padre de pamilya  nilang si Ferdinand na dating diktador sa Libingan ng mga “Bayani”. Nang dumating ang panahon ni presidente Duterte na kapanalig nila, saka sila lumapit dito at nagbakasakaling mabigyan ng pagkakataong hinihingi nila at hindi naman sila nabigo.

 

Sa huli, masasabi na namang ang pagkakaroon ng magandang pagkakataon ay, “weather weather lang”. Ang mga naghihimutok na kumukontra ay dapat na maging maunawain sa takbo ng buhay, na hindi lahat ng pagkakataon ay panig sa kanila. Hintayin nila ang panahon nila.

 

SAMANTALA, ANG DAPAT PAGTUUNAN NG PANSIN NGAYON AY ANG KASALUKUYAN DAHIL ITO ANG MAGDADALA SA ATIN SA KINABUKASAN. HINDI TAYO DAPAT NA MAGPAHILA SA NAKARAAN, PERO KUNG MAGANDA AY GAMITING INSPIRASYON, AT KUNG PANGIT AY KALIMUTAN NA LANG.

 

Life in the Philippines and America

Life in the Philippines and America

By Apolinario Villalobos

 

America is touted as the land of prosperity and opportunity which is true, but only for the disciplined and those who are willing to work. I may not have been to the United States but I have eyes that read and brains that comprehend, aside from ears that listen to the stories told by friends who went there as tourists or are still there as immigrants. Take note, physicians diagnose patients and prescribe drugs for them, not because these medical practitioners have had suffered many diseases themselves, but their decisions are based on cases that they have previously handled, written references, and information from colleagues during conventions. I am in that situation. I am making this early clarification because I am aware of the skeptic viewers who may question my right to write about this topic.

 

Also, I expect denials from viewers who are in situations far from their expectation of immediate success upon setting foot on American soil. These are Filipinos who want prosperity but without a bit of willingness to do menial jobs even temporarily, for immediate sustenance. Some Filipino executives who left their lucrative jobs in the Philippines expect to land in positions similar to what they have left once they set foot in America, but they were wrong. I admire those who have bravely faced the reality and immediately reset their mind to conform to the new situation they are in. In time, by dints of their patience and perseverance, they have achieved what they longed for, although perhaps, not totally. There are still many who failed until now but keep on dreaming about success which just become as evasive because of their finicky attitude.

 

The following are some of the situations that I can share based on my personal observations in the Philippines and second-hand information from references and friends who have experienced life in America, though not necessarily arranged according to their positive and negative implications:

 

1. In the Philippines, prestigious companies base their hiring on preferred colleges and universities, so that the intelligence of a cum laude graduate from the province is no match to a below-average graduate from an elitist university in Manila; in America, you have to prove your worth during interviews and qualifying exams.
2. In the Philippines, those with “golden voice” but not so pleasant face do not win in singing contest; in  America, even foreign-blooded singers are given a chance and they succeed…an example is Jessica Sanchez.
3. In the Philippines, parents can discipline their stubborn children even to the point of using physical contact, such as mild spanking; in America, neighbors and even the children can report parents to the police, if spanking happens.
4. In the Philippines, coins that are less than one peso, especially, the twenty five centavos are  not appreciated, an attitude of many elders which is emulated by children; in America, all tokens of exchange, to the last nickel are considered valuable, as even “coupons” can be exchanged for food items.
5. In the Philippines, prominent personalities cannot work even on part-time basis as Receptionist, Waitress, Waiter, or Taxi Driver; in America even popular actresses and actors work as such when there is a lull in their assignments.
6. In the Philippines, packaged foods usually come in small sizes; in America they come in jumbo size.
7. In the Philippines, one can buy from sidewalk vendors in which haggling is possible; in America items are purchased as tag-priced.
8. In the Philippines, consumers of electricity, water, and tenants, are given a “wide allowance” for the extension of their obligations, as extensive as 3 months; in America, pleading is not possible.
9. In the Philippines, tenants can accumulate even six months arrear on rented apartment or room covered with guarantee from the Barangay; in America, a two-month arrear can result to eviction.
10. In the Philippines, if one is depressed he or she can barge into the home of a friend to seek solace or a shoulder to cry on; in America, visits are scheduled, understandably, as practically everyone is maximizing the use of time in productive undertakings.
11. In the Philippines, an employee makes do with a contractual job that eats up eight hours a day; in America, the industrious can squeeze in his or her time up to four jobs within 24 hours, as they come on hourly basis.
12. In the Philippines, only the rich can eat in high-end restaurants; in America, part-time jobbers rub shoulders with show business personalities in such restaurants.
13. In the Philippines, children shyly admit in school that their father is a taxi driver or a carpenter, or that their mother is a laundrywoman or a sidewalk vendor, or worse even pretend to be scions of businessmen; in America, children proudly declare in their class that they have a single mom or single dad…meaning, they are proud of their parents.
14. In the Philippines, many parents give in to the whims of their children who refuse to eat vegetables so they serve them hot dog every day; in America, greens, roots and fruits are part of the family’s daily diet.
15. In the Philippines, those who reach the age of 60 are considered senior citizens, by virtue of which they are given discounts and privileges one of which is a special lane, free birthday cake and movies in many cities, and additional allowance from the DSWD, but only very few of them are given the opportunity to work despite their obvious robust physique and good health; in America, senior citizens are encouraged to work despite the availability of social benefits upon reaching such age.
16. In the Philippines, traffic lights are good only when there are traffic enforcers around, and at daytime; in America, even without the traffic enforcers, the changing lights are respected, even in the dead of the night.
17. In the Philippines, elders are taken care of by responsible and grateful children; in America, most of them are relegated to the homes for the aged that charge hefty fees.
18. In the Philippines, politicians, even those in the lowest rung of the hierarchy, expect motorists to give way to them as they speed along narrow roads and highways; in America, all motorists have equal rights under normal conditions.
19. In the Philippines, pouting lips indicate direction when both hands are not available for such generous act; in America, pouting lips indicate beauty!
20. In the Philippines, families need not leave their home to enjoy the noise of firecrackers and sights of fireworks in the sky during New Year’s Eve; in America, a place is strictly designated for this, where celebrators congregate.
21. In the Philippines, Christmas starts in September and ends in January, so the contaminating joy is felt for a long time, and though paganistic characteristics of the celebration are observable, still the spiritual aspect can also be clearly discerned; in America, Christmas is observed faithfully in December, but many Filipinos over there say, that despite the highly- spirited mood in the air, a clearly defined difference can be “felt” making them long with aching heart for their home beyond the oceans.

 

 

IT’S 21 DAYS FOR CHRISTMAS….LET US CHANGE OUR WAYS FOR THE BETTER…LOVE GOD AND THE REST OF HIS CREATIONS!!!!!

Ipaubaya sa Iba ang Hindi Kayang Gawin, at Huwag Kaiinggitan ang Tinamo nilang Tagumpay

Ipaubaya sa Iba ang Hindi Kayang Gawin,

at Huwag Kaiinggitan ang Tinamo nilang Tagumpay

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Marami sa atin ay kakambal na yata ang inggit. Ito ang mga taong ang gusto ay kilalanin sila na pinakamagaling kahit wala naman napatunayan o di kaya ay hanggang salita lang ang kayang gawin. Sila rin yong halos ay dapaan ang mundo, dahil lahat ay gustong gawin, at ayaw magbigay ng pagkakataon sa iba. At sila pa rin yong mga taong mahilig mangpuna o mag-criticize pero wala namang nakahandang suhestiyon.

Dahil sa utak na taglay, lahat ng taong normal ay may kakayahang gumawa ng iba’t ibang bagay subalit ang antas ng kagalingan at tagumpay ay hindi pareho, kaya nga sa bokabularyo ay merong mga katagang naghahambing. Inggit ang dahilan kung bakit ayaw tanggapin ng ibang mayroong mas magaling sa kanila. Ang tao ay may kakayahang magsikap upang makaakyat sa mga baytang ng buhay at marating ang tugatog ng tagumpay. Pero hindi lahat ng tao ay may kakayahang gumawa nito, katotohanan na dapat ay tanggapin. Hayaan na ang ibang makapagpatuloy dahil sa kakayahan ng kanilang talino at yaman. Huwag silang kaiinggitan, sa halip ay pagsikapang makagawa ng mga paraang angkop sa inabot na baytang ng pagsisikap. Halimbawang ang kaya lang na negosyo ay isang sari-sari store, at hindi big time na grocery, pagkitaan na lang na mabuti ang sari-sari store at pagpursigihin ang pag-ipon, sa halip na umutang upang maging grocery ang maliit na tindahan. Applicable ang “no guts, no glory” sa mga angkop na larangan, hindi sa lahat, kaya piliing mabuti kung saang larangan ka magaling at doon mo patunayan ang kasabihang yan, sa halip na isiping kung nagawa ng iba ay kaya mo ring gawin.

May mga tao namang hindi nakakaalam kung sa aling larangan sila magaling kaya kailangan nila ang payo ng iba bilang pag-alalay sa kanila. Kapag nagtagumpay sila sa ini-suggest na gawain, sila mismo ay nagugulat at nagsasabing hindi nila akalain na kaya pala nila. Kabaligtaran ang nabanggit, ng ugali ng ibang Pilipino na mahilig magsabi ng, “kaya ko rin yan”, kahit alam nilang hindi nila kayang gawin ang ginagawa ng taong kinaiinggitan. Sa isang banda,  ang ibang Pilipino ay mahilig ring magsabi ng “nakakainggit ka” na hindi maganda ang dating. Sa halip, ang sabihin dapat ay “nakabibilib ka, gagayahin kita”.

Tulad na lang ng kuwento tungkol sa isang nanay na mahilig maiinggit sa kanyang mga kaibigang magaling magluto, at ang expression ay, “nakakainngit ka”. Ang isang sinabihan ay napuno na kaya binara siya ng “gumaya ka!”. Puro salitang inggit kasi ang palaging lumalabas sa bibig ng nanay na ito sa halip na gayahin ang magandang ginagawa ng iba, kaya hanggang sa nakapag-asawa ang mga anak, ay hindi man lang natutong magluto ng adobo! Kung makita namang maayos ang hitsura ng mga kaibigan dahil marunong mag-manage ng oras, kaya may panahong maligo at maglinis ng katawan, siya namang tamad maglinis man lang ng bahay ay burara pa sa katawan, kaya sa tingin pa lang ay mabaho na!

May isa namang kakilala lang ang tahasang nagsabi sa aking, “kaya ko ring gumawa ng tula”. Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya dahil hindi naman ako nagbabanggit sa kanya ng ginagawa kong blogging. Siya ang nagpasimula ng usapin tungkol sa mga tula na nababanggit pala sa kanya ng mga kakilala naming nakakabasa ng mga isinulat kong ina-upload ko sa facebook. Inisip ko na lang na talagang magaling siya dahil taal siyang “Tagalog”, taga-Batangas kasi, samantalang ako ay hindi dahil taga-Mindanao. Upang hindi na humaba ang usapan, sinagot ko siya ng, “okey lang…trying hard lang naman ako”. Inimbita ko siyang magbigay ng isang tula upang ma-ipost sa mga sites ko….mag-iisang taon na ngayon, ni isang talata ng tula ay wala siyang naibigay sa akin. Mataas ang puwesto niya sa isang kumpanya, kaya feeling niya, dahil sa kanyang trabaho, walang ibang dapat lumamang sa kanya – sa lahat ng bagay, pati na sa paggawa ng tula. Kawawa naman ang tula, ginamit sa walang kapararakang naramdamang inggit!

Hindi magandang pairalin ang inggit dahil nakakahila ito pababa ng ibang taong nagsisikap na mabuhay nang maayos sa abot ng kanilang makakaya. Lalong maganda sana na yong mga nakakaangat na sa buhay, na may napansing nagsisikap na kaibigan o ibang tao kahit hindi kilala, dapat ay tumulong sa pamamagitan ng pagtulak sa mga ito upang mapadali ang kanilang  pag-angat o pagsulong. Ang pagsisikap ng mga taong ito ay hindi naman nakakasakit ng kapwa nila tao, at ang layunin lang nila ay upang magkaroon ng marangal na pamumuhay at upang maiwasan nilang umasa sa limos ng iba!

Kaya bilang pangwakas, sa halip na maiinggit, tanggapin ang mga kahinaan, o kung hindi kayang tanggapin ay doblehin ang pagsisikap sa abot ng makakaya…makipagtulungan sa magagaling na nakakatulong naman sa kapwa at bayan…at, higit sa lahat, tumulong sa pag-asenso ng iba, sa halip na manghila, upang hindi sila makadagdag sa bilang ng mga taong binibigyan ng limos!

The Filipino-Style of Democracy Today…inept and disastrous, enjoyed only by the few!

The Filipino-Style of Democracy Today

…inept and disastrous, enjoyed only by the few!

By Apolinario Villalobos

During the American regime, particularly under the Harrison administration, Filipinization of the government gained momentum. The effort of Harrison was criticized by the Americans who perceived the Filipinos as ill-prepared, hence, needed more “training” but the kind of a “hands off” not “hands on”, which means that they should not be given direct responsibilities, to give them time to better absorb the essence of democracy. Despite the criticisms, however, Harrison, allowed the Filipinos to have a taste of self-rule, though, with lesser control, until finally, they were left on their own.

The American Constitution was the basis of the country’s own. Except for the federal form of the American government, all other aspects of the democratic system were copied. Clearly now, while practically, the American democracy was embraced by the Filipinos, its essence was not absorbed suitably. The freedom granted by the Americans nurtured the much-abused Filipino-style of democracy which, in time, became deeply-rooted, making the resulting corruption, very difficult to eradicate.

Today, the result is devastating, as such kind of democracy, is replete with abuse, being founded on kinship, gratitude and friendship. The traditional practice which had been going on since the colonial days, was never eradicated, but just got worse during the time of Harrison. It was more prevalent, though, in the lower rungs of the political system, yet. Such practice was strongly observed by the Americans in general, that is why, the freedom given to the Filipinos was perceived by them to be “unripe” and untimely.

Overly nationalistic Filipinos proudly declare that it is better to be ruled by a corrupt Filipino leader than by a foreigner. Lately, at the rate that the Filipino leaders are drowning the country in the muck of never-ending foreign-granted debts, the country’s economy has become foreign-fueled, therefore dictated by them, too, to insure the return of their “investment” complete with interest! In other words, the Filipino leaders have become puppets to these foreign lenders, making the country still foreign-ruled in a way! So, where is nationalism in such kind of a situation?

No doubt, the country has entered the new era of economic colonization. And, hypocrite Filipinos play blind and dumb to this reality, pretending that the country is still enjoying the benefits of a strong democracy. That could be true, but only for those who are in control of the government, their families, kin, and friends. The present president is undoubtedly tolerant of his critics, but democracy is not just about that. Is there democracy in the uncontrolled yearly increase in tuition fees, worsening unemployment, job contractualization, illegal mining and logging behind which are politicians and favored foreigners, yearly soaring of prices of basic commodities, and pocketing of people’s money by corrupt government officials?

A suggestion is changing the form of government, by decentralizing it. In other words, why not give federalism, a try? The essence of democracy is still the nucleus of this system, but grumblings from those with different culture will be eliminated, because with the decentralization, they can have the opportunity of ruling themselves, though on a controlled capacity. And, with the shrinking of covered areas, operation of the “federal states” can be controlled more efficiently, minimizing at least, the occurrence of corruption.

Along this line, the successful autonomous region of the Cordillera has shown that it can be done, followed by the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao which can be just enhanced for the sake of the Bangsamoro. A few more steps leading towards the creation of other regions throughout the country may result to the much-sought peace, albeit limited, due to the still prevailing pockets of insurgency and banditry. At the end, what the country will enjoy would indeed, be the true Filipino-style of democracy!

Fun and Fulfillment in Switching Jobs…just don’t be choosy

Fun and Fulfillment in Switching Jobs
…just don’t be choosy
By Apolinario Villalobos

This is about enjoying any kind of job that comes our way. I am sharing my actual experiences which may not apply to new snooty graduates, especially, those from exclusive schools and universities, who expect managerial position in their first job.

Contractualization is a big labor issue today as it smacks of exploitation. It practically douses the job applicant’s quest for job security. While all labor groups are moving heaven and earth to convince the government and employers to scrap it, those looking for jobs, in the meantime should not sulk, but instead, try to make do with any job that they may find, albeit, temporarily. They should console themselves with the thought that somehow, the stint could fill the space on their bio-data that asks for work experience.

I earned my first salary as a laborer in a home-based “factory” where I washed empty bottles to be filled with soy sauce and vinegar. When I was in first year college, I was a working student (today, student assistant), assigned to clean eight rooms and a playground. While in third year college, I was hired as a contract employee by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. I did the various jobs wholeheartedly – with fun. They became my strong foundation when I was hired by an airline company, as they prepared me physically, emotionally, and mentally.

I did not think twice when I was told that my assignment as a ticketing/freight clerk was in the far-flung Tablas island of Romblon. My colleagues in the batch of new hires were assigned either in Davao, Manila, Legazpi and Zamboanga. I did no stay in Tablas for long because I was relocated to Manila to edit our department’s black and white travel magazine. From that job, I moved on to do field sales. Much later, I was moved to another job, this time administrative management in nature, assisting the Vice President of the whole Philippines and Guam Region.

I accepted all assignments without complaint, not even scared despite my limited course which was Bachelor of Arts in English and History. I just enjoyed what I was doing and did my best in learning whatever was necessary to enhance my performance every time a new assignment was given. After leaving the company, I switched again to other jobs to keep me going. I developed operations and training manuals, packaged tours for travel agents, did editing and translation, composed poems posthaste for special occasions, wrote speeches, and accepted commitments as resource person in tourism seminars.

But the ultimate joy I feel is in doing a special kind of “field work” – in slums that some people fear to visit. Proudly, I can say that those I meet in these places which for some are God-forsaken, made me realize more, that indeed, life is like a book filled with diverse and colorful stories of struggle. I am not asking others to do the last mentioned that I am doing, though.
Each one of us has a different kind of advocacy in life which we can enjoy if we treat it as a continuing process and just have fun in what we do.

Life and its Trimmings

Life and its Trimmings
by Apolinario Villalobos

Life
Life is a blessing from God and manifested in many forms generally called “creations”, with man as one of them – intelligent and all. Some men are happy to be alive, while some blame God for such blessing.

Man
He is the premier creation of God with free will and intelligence. In his veins flows the blood of life where the DNA floats – story book of what he is and will be. His intelligence made him think that he can be another God. And, because of this pride and greed, he is committing a self-destruction that he deserves.

Misery
It is the result of man’s greed suffered by the weaker of his kind. The world is overflowing with it.

Civilization
It is the manifestation of man’s struggle to live decently by covering his body, tame the wild creatures and utilize the earth for his subsistence, produce tools for protection and domestic use, kill others for the expansion of his domain, and defy God that he cannot see.

Religion
Foremost, it is an invisible line that separates the peoples of the world. More potent than culture in setting differences, it is also the garden from where sprouts various devotions with hideous faces. Man’s desire for power and insatiable greed created it.

Progress
It is the fruit of man’s struggle for a better life. It is a beautifully-designed scheme for man’s self-annihilation, with all its modern synthetic drugs and food, bombs and guns, and most specially, craving for endless comfort with its deadly undertone.

Corruption
It is the essence of politics and government systems. It gives impetus to the ambitious people with a “noble aspiration to serve”. It also gives zest to those who are already in position and with power to “serve the people”.

Opportunity
It glitters with a promise of wealth for the strong with evil mind, but burdens the weak to the extent of death.

Politics
It is the breeding ground for corruption where intellectuals become expert in sowing miseries among helpless constituents.

Government
It is the extensive umbrella that gives shade of comfort and security to the corrupt who profess to protect the welfare of the people.

Law
It is the legal tool of the vicious and learned people in their practice of corruption and exploitation.

Education
It provides knowledge to man based on historic principles and guidance designed by well-intent intellectuals of the old. But, abused by modern-day hypocrite agencies and abusive institutions, that pledge their never-ending exploitation of the youth.

Poverty
It is the state of being deprived of the basic necessities of life, resulting from exploitation or choice.

Wealth
It refers to either the spiritual or material gain of man. When used in the right way, it makes the man benevolent, but if used otherwise, it makes him evil…the world has more of the latter.

Don’t Be Flattered by the Praise, nor be Discouraged by a Fault

Don’t Be Flattered by the Praise
Nor Be Discouraged by a Fault
By Apolinario Villalobos

Praise and fault should both be viewed as inspirations. One should not stop where praise is given nor be discouraged when a fault has been committed. It should be remembered that living is a continuous striving for the better. When praise is given, it means that one is being encouraged to aim for a higher level of accomplishment. When one commits a fault, it means that he should employ another means to attain his goal, and not for him to cease from striving.

Satisfaction is never a one hundred percent result based on impression. That is why in competitions there are judges. And, even though there is a so-called unanimous decision from the judges, there are still dissatisfied spectators in the audience. The elected government officials are not given a one hundred percent support by the constituents. Even Jesus did not please every Jew. And, God does not get one hundred percent devotion from His creatures as the world abounds with heretics – the ungrateful ones.

So, the next time you are praised, keep your feet on the ground, and just be nonchalant about it. On the other hand, if you commit a fault, admit it, and exert more effort and do your best the second time around.

Failed Expectation should not Breed Disappointment

Failed Expectation

Should not Breed Disappointment

By Apolinario Villalobos

We should not expect so much if we do not want to get disappointment when we thought we have “failed” in our endeavour. If ever, we should always be prepared with even a bit of consolation to cushion the impact of emotional and psychological ache that may ensue. And, from there, we should pick up the pieces and move on.

We should accept the fact that we may not live up to our expectations in all the things that we do because of limitations, some of which we may not be aware of. It takes a stumble or more along the way for us to know that we have such limitations or handicap. And, such realizations should be treated as lessons to be learned. They should not put us down.

There are some people who thought that earlier along the way of their struggle, they have “failed” because they use the accomplishment of others as their gauge. We should never do that, because each one of us has a distinct capability, much different from others. Most often, too, later on, when we have succeeded in what we are doing, we think that we are “late bloomers”, which is wrong again. As we live, we strive. The corridor of life that we tread is full of challenges. If we stumble in one, it should be perceived as a lesson for improvement.

I know of a guy, who during his school days – from elementary up to college, he was perceived as just an average achiever. He got contented with a BS Commerce course that he finished with not so satisfactory grades. Later when he sought for jobs, he would pass screenings with a breeze that transferring from one job to better ones was easy for him. In so short a time, he became a senior manager in a big multi-national company. When time came for him to have an assistant with engineering skill, a supervisor from their affiliate company was seconded to him. On the day of their meeting, he found out that the guy assigned to assist him was their valedictorian in high school!

Giving Life a Twist to Forget Depression

Giving Life A Twist

To Forget Depression

By Apolinario Villalobos

Depression resulting from monotony in life can kill, literally. It can also result from misfortune brought about by loss of loved one, job, finances. We sometimes come across items in tabloids and broadsheets about people who commit suicide because of depression. Highly developed countries consider it as a disease. Well-earning professions have sprouted because of it. For third-world countries, however, it is merely equated to sadness, a feeling which is hoped to pass in time.

In the Philippines, few people go to Psychiatrists or Psychologists, who as doctors of the mind, are conceived to treat only the lunatics, this is aside from the hefty amount involved for every minute of consultation, much more for actual treatment. Those, however, who understand the real situation and can afford the sky-high fee of these professionals, never hesitate to run to them at just even a slight detection of signs of the mental illness.

For the ordinary Filipino, on the other hand, to check the downtrend of emotion is a simple rest, a new environment, or a new activity – something that will divert the focus of the mind from a misfortune. It is like adding a new condiment or spice to a dish to give it a twist, making it more palatable.

I have a friend who I met after two decades of interlude, and found him to have doubled in size. When I asked why, he simply told me that his family has had two deaths in a row in a year. I did not understand what he meant, until he told me that rather than wallow in sorrow, he diverted his attention to food. That’s my first lesson in how to fight depression. I thought, it’s better than drowning his sorrow over bottles of beer.

Another friend who was receiving six digits compensation as Finance Consultant has been vocal about his restlessness. He seemed not happy despite the big pay. Twelve years after, we met in a mall and found his already youngish face to have looked younger, and he was vibrant, no longer sporting a sullen look. He treated me to mugs of coffee and over them, he told me about his job – manager of a small dive “resort” in a far province. So, that is the reason for his glowing and healthy tan skin, as well as, slim athletic physique. As close friends, I did not hesitate to ask if he’s happy with the pay, to which he smilingly replied with a smile and an honest confession of a figure less than thirty thousand pesos, though with free accommodation and food for him and his family, which is a far cry from his former more than two hundred thousand pesos per month take home pay as Consultant in a well-known consultancy firm in Ayala.

Still another friend who used to work as a Vice-President of an Advertising firm now maintains a small vegetable stall somewhere in Pasay City, but he is happy waking up at three in the morning for a trip to Divisoria with his son to buy vegetables in bulk, and to be retailed in his stall at Pasay at seven, after which they would enjoy their simple breakfast ordered at a nearby carinderia.

I have other friends who have changed their direction in life before reaching retirement age or even beyond. Some even say that they took a risk, with the rest admitting that they did it deliberately. The common result however, is the contentment and happiness that they are now enjoying.

In my case, when I left the airline to which I owe so much gratitude, after twenty years, friends asked why. I told them that I wanted to try another field, that of writing which has been my passion ever since. Perhaps, that reason, they may understand, but there is one important passion that I could not share with them at first, as they will surely not understand…my reaching out to others who are less fortunate. This advocacy knows no time or day, so I will not be able to do it if I have a full time job. For the latter, I invested my sincerity as I know with all honesty that I am wanting, too – inadequate in finances like them. So, what extras I have, I share with them.

Resigning from my job for which some friends envied me, is a big twist that I gave my life. But since I was feeling the onset of depression which I knew would eventually affect my job, I had to do it. It did me good, as I was able to do many things afterward despite the meagerness of what was left after the government ate up a big chunk from my separation pay.

I made use of what I learned from my twenty years of stint with the airline, where I was able to hone my writing and office administration. Immediately, I got consultancy jobs at my own time, designing operating manuals for companies and organizations. I was also, able to finish my first book and be with my friends at depressed areas for as long as I wanted – listening to their happy and sad stories, eating with them. I also learned to blog and share what I feel and think through the hi-tech and intricate social network.

At the end, I am happy. And, that is what I am trying to say now. The twist I gave my life made me realize that I have many God-given gifts in me that I must share with others. I must not fail Him in what He gave me as His investment so that I will become worthy of his noble intention when He gave me life. Simply said, it is my way of paying Him back, but through my fellow creatures.