Friends: Part 1

Schooling days are over. I'd been in school for 16 years exclusive of preparatory years. Before I finally step into the world of professionals as a civil engineer, allow me to recognize the people whom I called friends or in street term "katropa" during my stay in school. These people I will cherish and keep until life is over.

Let me start with my college "tropa". The person I would like to give recognition are those whom I had during the course of college life in Bicol University College of Engineering. I met these lovely persons six years ago, the start of our new student life in 2003. It was destiny that bought us together. From childhood ideas to maturity we shared the happiness of university life together. Crushes, relationships, foods, studies, and ehem "tong-its", cheering during Intramurals, and a lot of funny stuffs. Also we were with each other during the low times. These wonderful persons are: (named in no particular order)


Rossel T. Lopez (Otel) - Otel was my first friend when I entered college since we've been friends in highschool (although we're from different schools). This dance princess is from Ligao City and born October 3, 1986. Otel is loyal to her friends. This lady has captured the eyes of men and I believe you would agree with me. Being with Otel would always make you feel happy because of her words that are spoken unconsciously and frankly. FYI: from Bicol Regional Science High School and a member of She's Magnanimous - Ligao.

Jose Christopher Ramirez (Peng) - Peng was not a CE student like us. He studied computer science but we have included him and treated as part of our family since he's always with Otel. Even Peng has graduated, we still keep in touch with each other. Peng is such an accomodating person. FYI: birthdate - July 2, hometown - Ligao City.




Leah Llaguno (Lhie) - Lhie I think is like our big sister. Everytime we're on decision making, Lhie's opinion is the one we put grave on. During times of emergencies or simple things we need, she's the first one we run on to. Lhie has always been the first person to be happy when you are happy and at the same time the first one to cry. Surely no one could ever say she hasn't been a good friend. In fact the word good is not enough to complement her. FYI: hometown- Legazpi City, birthdate- October 29, 1986, Bicol University College of Education Lab. High School.

Jonard Apuya - Junard who originally is not part of us, but after that memorable day under a mango tree in CENG campus during our freshman year, he has become undeniably part of our clan. Nard who plays guitar is a funny person to be with. You would burst into laughter with him especially when he acts like gay. He is such a determined person and to add a very kind person. FYI: hometown - Legazpi City, birthdate - August 16, 1986, St. Raphael Academy.

Tatum Lucena (Tatz) - I believe many would say that their first impression with this woman is an intelligent, demure and naive. I would definitely agree because all of them are true. But naive as she is, she is very much willing to conquer the world and learn things she wishes to. FYI: hometown - Legazpi City, birthdate - March 13, 1987, Bicol University College of Education Lab. High School.

Richard Buenaagua (Tat) - Tat is an ME student. How Tat has become our family member is history (which I prefer not to tell). Change is inevitable, and although situations changed, we still had him as our "katropa". Tat can make your day glow with his smile that he always wore, and his "emo" messages can make you ponder. FYI: hometown - Daraga, Albay, brithdate - February 26, same as Lhie's and Tatz' high school.

Kristian B. Mallorca (Tian) - Born on April Fools' Day (April 1, 1986) and is very much suited on this day. Tian is Lhie's counterpart. Everybody runs on him in times of need. He is a friend we consider as a "one text away" friend. Tian loves to eat and sing, go to movies (alone?), likes the color red so much and has a weird style of tieing his shoelace. He is also very loyal to his friends. FYI: hometown - Daraga, Albay, Bicol University College of Industrial Technology High School.

Karen M. Evangelista (Kren) - Kren is a sports inclined person. She plays point guard in the basketball team and plays volleyball. In times of doubt on certain things, you can seek her advise and opinion. Her point of views are highly considerable. FYI: hometown- Daraga, Albay, birthdate - October 9, 1986, and is Tian's highschool and elementary classmate.

April Ballaran (Apz) - We have one thing that is common with us, and that is we are youth coordinators of our parishes. We both work for the youth ministry and that we share ideas. Apz is musically inclined and that she plays guitar on their church choir. She is such a nice and kind person. She values everything and is easy to be pleased. FYI: hometown - Legazpi City, birthdate - April 12, 1987, St. Agnes Academy.

Dave Klint Almilla (Deyb) - Lavs as I call him is simple looking person. Ironically, he is conscious of his skin tone. He's friendly even though he's a suplado looking guy and a bit of mataray. Deyb also is a funny person but is caring to his friends. FYI: hometown - Legazpi City, birthdate - November 22, 1986, St. Agnes Academy.


These are the wonderful persons that completed my college life. I would not deny that shortcomings and misunderstanding came on our way. But still we stand firm and has kept each others company. And now, even if we're far fro each other, the love and care and trust would remain the same. I miss you guys.

Ready for 2010 Election?

In more or less six months, the electorate of our country, Philippines , will make another mark of history as we are to vote the person we think fitted to be leaders of our nation. The 2010 election has shown its signs long enough. The Commission on Election has closed the voters registration and for the first time, we will be experiencing computerized voting. The Poll Automation after long process of approval has now come to realization. Also the television is packed with ads by politicians into which they call as infomercials, and also in the newspapers. In the news everyday we are hearing politicians and celebrities announcing their intentions for a government seat and parties proclaiming their new members or their bearers. Included also in the list of election symptoms are the restless issues thrown to these personalities and also party list seeking approval of their participation in the race. During this time of left and right talk of politics and elections, it is also our time to think better of whom to entrust our countyr's future and of our future.

It has been announced and proven that the biggest population of voters goes to the youth and more of them are first time voters. On November 20 those who intend for a seat can submit their Certificate of Candidacies showing that they are ready to join the arena where on battles with the other and it is for the people to decide who will win. As these candidates ready, are we voters ready to chose? I believe many would answer no, and that includes myself.

I am 22 and this is my second time to vote. Before I became voter I have been a member of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting or the PPCRV in our locality. Our task is to do voters education, candidates forum, observe if standard rules of election are followed, help voters, and being a NAMFREL accredited organization we do quick count too (quick count applies only to municipal level).

As for my experience, I'd like to share some pointers on how to make a choice. First is educate yourself. Know and understand the needs of the community so you may have ideas on which things needs address and who are willing to address such. These candidates have their platform of government pointing out on to which areas they will give attentions. The common agenda of these candidates are: Education, Environment, Employment, Health, Housing, Disaster Management, Economy, Anti- Graft and Corruption, Uplifting Filipinos pride and the many like. Include also in educating yourself by familiarizing yourself with each and every candidate running for the position. Know their background, their achievements, their history as a leader, and of course their programs and beliefs. Attend forums as much as possible or watch televisions that covers or hosts forums or read in the. Also listen to the candidates' supporters and detractors. Understand what they say and find out who were saying the truth. Don't always go for the followers opinions, there are detractors that says the truth. In this way you would know who do you have the same belief. Belief is one important thing for it is in believing you develop trust and remember that the one you will entrust your community. Also, attend voters education or read articles about voters education especially if you are a first time voter. Materials are always available to educate you. I encourage you also to join organizations like PPRCV, Boto Mo Ipatrol Mo of a TV network, or any groups that advocates clean election.

Secondly, pray. Pray for wisdom and presence of mind of whom to mark on your ballot. Remember to keep your ballot sacred. Do not commit sin. One way of committing sin is by selling your vote. This means a voter has accepted any gifts like cash (vote buying) in exchange of a vote. Think of the reason of why they are buyin gyour vote. Do they really want to serve? Being a councilor, mayor or president is public service, and they don't need to birbe you to be of service. Put in mind that no one bribed God to send Jesus on earth to serve. Also pray that God give wisdom and enlighten our future leaders. Entrust them to God and that He may guide them in serving fairly.

Also, on the election day come prepared. Have on your mind the list of the persons you have chosen, or prepare a list. You don't have to worry with wrong spellings because the election committee will give the ballot with the candidates name on it and all you have to do is shade. If have any difficulty in voting, ask for assitance.

May 10, 2010 marks another day of history for the Republic of the Philippines. We are Filipinos, we have the right to suffrage, and that is to choose our leaders through our sacred ballot. Lastly I would like to emphasize that we are Filipinos, and we will vote for Filipinos. As Filipinos we are "Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan at Maka-Bansa". Vote wisely.

It ends tonight

It ends tonight. The long journey of my college years ended last night as the university president conferred us as "Graduates". As she was saying the statement and pronounced the word with great pride and honor, everybody were teary eyed savoring the moment and absorbing like medicine that at that very moment we finished our life as students.

Unlike others, it took me six long years to finish my degree. I may have failed during my early college years but it remained a lesson learned for me and for others as well. I feel like my world had become wider when I have to spend one more year in college. Of course it make me feel jealous that my friends will be graduating and I will be left to study. But the key to everything is acceptance. Its not hard to accept because my family did not make it hard for me.

Now I finished college at long last. Now I have to face more life's challenges like passing the licensure examination for civil engineers and find a good job. My college education I could say is my training ground. And the people I have are my allies.

I'd like to thank the following persons who I believe have been a great part of my college years and would still be a part of me: My family - mama, papa, mike, and my tita Fides; my classmates - block A and B, and also those who became my classmates from different classes; my friends who have been my family - lhie, jonard, bam, otel, kren, tian, apz, tatz, tat, dave, peng; the faculty of CE dept. and those who became my professors from other department; acquaintances from the school; Oas Parish Youth Ministry, Third Vicariate Youth Movement Council, Diocesan Youth Commission; SL family (you know who you are); from the batman cave - Kuya Jun and the rest of the guys; Sardinas Gang (maiz, redz, dylan, aaron, rene, harl, jem); Nolin family; Romer; Ted Angelo; and to my friends - my bestfriend Rhyz, highschool classmates and friends, Ate Ahmpz, the priests, the seminarians, and to many others (to many to mention. sorry if i forgot); thank you very much and please pray for me.

It ends tonight. There are things that need to be ended and there are to be started. I ended my college life yesterday and today starts my life as individual needed to surpass everyday's challenges. The only thing I wish is have it in the way I planned like passing the board exam.

It ends tonight. I graduated last night.

Worried?

I wonder what world I would be facing after college. One month left and be leaving the portals of my university, Bicol University College of Engineering wherein we were trained to a lot more true to life experiences. College days will be over then. No more examinations, board works, projects, research papers, and the many more school requirements. No more allowance from your parents or from scholarships. But of course there's a lot more life can offfer us after college.

After college I'm planning to take the review in Manila where my friends reached their dreams of being a licensed civil engineer. I'll be putting enough courage and knowledge to myself to take the board examination on November, very much hopeful to get that license. Find a good job, maybe in the land where the Merlion stands, Singapore. Well that's what they want for me. Save money to finance my studies for master's degree, maybe in the environmental engineering field. See that's all I'm planning of.

But what is really life after graduation? I am not a student anymore. I have to face the situation same as with my office mates working to have themselves bread and butter on plate. I have to be independent now. Life will be a far more different from what I have now. I work but I still got my allowance.

I can never really say what life would be or either you can't say that to me. Its always like knowing when it would rain or shine. Neither it would rain or shine, we should always have the umbrella to protect us. God is always an umbrella for us to watch over and protect us. What we can do is prepare for the rain rather than just stand and wait till it comes.

My life as a student had prepared me much in a wider scope of my world. In the next few months, I will now belong to the thousands who are licensed or to the graduates, to the thousands employed or under jobs, or maybe to the thousand unemployed, or maybe a parent. Whatever life will bring me, I know I've been into fire to mold me into gold. And there will be more lessons to come.

I maybe worried of what life would be bring me soon. But I believe I have my umbrella to protect me whether it rains or it will shine. I'll be missing this point of my life, I swear I do.

Life

(I can't think of a better title. Feel free to suggest. Thanks)


They say life is short so its better do things in right way and enjoy every moment of your life. This is what they always say on how to celebrate life so that by the time that you will be leaving your earthen being, you have done everything that you wished to do and that will make the whole world remember you.

My life I can say is the life I have celebrated with twists and turns on the story. Every short stories behind it maybe happy or sad ending. But what matters most is the learning experience and renewal in every ending of every story. I was never afraid of leaving life on Earth. In fact what I am afraid most of is me having no value in this world. Its worst than dying I believe. Anyway, life can never be perfect but its on how you deal with it. Its been almost 22 years of me living, and I'm thankful of it. I may fail but I try to strive back on my track.

Going back to the life God gave me, I never fear of going back to Him. Because it is where I know I can find the peace I've been looking for. But maybe God still wants me to be the maker of peace here (Well I don't know if that what he wants me to). Almost all of my life I have been in the church, serving and doing the best that I can for the greater glory of God. But sometimes when I loss out of track I tend to forget His presence to me.

During rough roads of my journey I always wish that God will call me to return to his kingdom, but it never happened. I always say, "I'm ready to die anyway". But there's always certain moments that God would show me that I should not die. There were only two instances that I can point out. First was during the interment of my tita Wilma. During the burial mass, I saw my father in the corner of the church crying with his face towel wetted with tears. And second was on the early morning of February 17 of this year.

Let me share the story. When I saw my father crying that day it was the day that I thought I should not leave my loved ones because I don't want my father or any other to cry that hard for my loss. The Feb.17 incident happened at around 5 in the morning.I haven't slept that night. It was a sleepless night for me, but when I finally slept, I felt that my whole body is not moving even if I try to do actions. I wish to call my friend beside me sleeping but I can't open my mouth. I can't shout. I can't even breathe. What was on my mind is I was wearing a white dress and running and laughing as if I am very happy while running. When I felt that my whole body was numb I tried to do actions but I can't. I remember that I was dreaming and that I tried to think on what to do to remove numbness on me. I remembered my friend saying that during those times I should try to move my toes. Then I tried it, successfully I'm back. After that I've been very afraid that I might or I was dying at that moment. I am scared, really scared. And that was the time I realized I'm losing track and I have to come back.

Life really is tricky for us. Sometimes we think life is playing on us, but reality is that we are the one playing with life. Sometimes we play seriously, sometimes just enjoying it, sometimes we fake it. Its up to us on how we manage the cards we have.

I never changed my motto which is very simple, "Live, laugh and be merry for tomorrow you will die". This doesn't mean that we always have to play jokes on it. We have to live it properly with love and respect to each other. And be thankful to the life that we have here on Earth.

Its never too late to thank the God for your life. And its never too late to learn from the happy and sad stories of everyone's life.

Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag

If I will be asking you what is the greatest film you have seen maybe you would answer me "The Notebook" or "Titanic". Others might answer me "Saving Private Ryan" or "Apocalypto." Well, not to deny these are really great films. But going back to the 70's I would say that would be Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag.

The film stars Rafael Roco, popularly known as Bembol Roco as Julio Madiaga, and Hilda Koronel. as Ligaya Paraiso. Including Tommy Abuel, Lou Salvador, Spanky Manikan, and many others.

The story was based from Edgardo M. Reyes' novel serialized in Liwayway Magazine from 1966 to 1967. The movie shows injustice to the poor and uneducated people. Julio Madiaga is a poor fishermen who went to Manila to look for his love one, Ligaya. The search brought him to changes in his character. The originally poor boy naive boy from the province changed to an angry man quenching for justice. Julio experienced unfair labor practice in the construction site, and this resorted in becoming a prostitute. When Julio finally met Ligaya after the long search, he learned that Ligaya was a victim of an illegal recruiter who set her to white slavery. Ligaya became a slave of a Chinese businessman, and soon turned to be his husband. Knowing Ligaya's situation Julio persisted to escape with Ligaya. The escape turned the story to its bloody ending.

This film directed by one of the known greatest film directors, Lino Brocka, who was born (I would say proudly a product of Bicol Region) in Pilar, Sorsogon. Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag is considered to the greatest Philippine film ever made. Also the greatness of the film can be traced to the excellent cinematography of Mike de Leon.

Brocka and de Leon's excellence, including the casts brought the movie to won six major awards in the 1976 FAMAS Awards (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences): Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor (Bembol Roco), Best Cinematography (Mike de Leon), Best Director (Lino Brocka), and Best Supporting Actor. Manila in the Claws of Brightness (English name of the film) consistently placed in the world's top 100 film of all time. It is the only Filipino film included in the 1001 Movies You Should See Before You Die list.

After almost three decades Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag portraits the real situation that we experience in our daily lives. Practices of injustice, prostitution, illegal recruiting, unfair labor practice, and worst thing is discrimination. Marginalized people are being discriminated in their own home.

Going back to the story, it ended up Ligaya failed to meet Julio during their escape, Julio killing Ah Tek (Ligaya's Chinese husband), and Julio being attacked by by-standers in Misericordia. This eye opening film for us intended to show the bitterness of life for the marginalized. But the question is, to whom does this film intends to be delivered? It is for you and for me, for every body.

There are times that we see ourselves as Julio or Ligaya, or sometimes we forgot that we become Mrs. Cruz (illegal recruiter) and Mr. Balajadia (foreman in the construction site), or Ah Tek maybe. Julio and Ligaya have no chances of finishing studies because of financial constraints. Mrs. Cruz, Mr. Balajadia, and Ah Tek are well educated that they used their education to hoodwink others. Or sometimes we think that being marginalized will bring pity to us. Or we think that power is an edge. But thinking it again and again, whether we are Julio, Ligaya, Ah Tek, Mrs. Cruz, Mr.Balajadia, each of us has a role in our community, to practice what is right and just and to extend the joy of justice and fair.

Greed and injustice can never make you happy. We all might end up like Ligaya mar to death by her husband and Julio putting justice in his own hands. You and I has a role to perform. The movie is there to continue make us realize that life is always unfair but we have to do something for us to be happy just like Julio's patience in searching for Ligaya.

Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, greatest film of all times, and would still be great for its story never dies. I just finished the film Monday last week, but I took me a lot of time of putting words in this blog. For those who haven't watched the film, try it, and you'll love it too, just be patient with the color and the sound. Let us all practice justice in our land. We are Filipinos, we are brothers and sisters.

I'd like to thank the following sites for this review:

First of all, youtube for the videos.
Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maynila:_Sa_mga_Kuko_ng_Liwanag
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lino_Brocka
geocities: http://www.geocities.com/philmovies/films/maynilasakuko/maynilasakuko.html


Next in line: Bangkang Papel sa Dagat na Apoy (1984) starring former President Joseph Estrada. The story written by Edgardo M. Reyes who was also the director of this.


Justice is everybody's privilege.