Human, volunteers, heroes

November 26, 2008 – a group of fourteen GE Volunteers led by Ann Bayan-Flora trooped to Pinagbuhatan, Pasig and lent a hand to Habitat for Humanity in building homes for families of the said community. We were welcomed by the site and safety engineers who gave us a brief orientation. My apologies, their names escape me at the moment.

The local government of Pasig City, headed by Hon. Mayor Robert Eusebio, signed a memorandum of agreement with Habitat for Humanity Philippines last October 2, 2007.The local government has recognized poverty reduction to be its primary concern, with housing being one of the basic services to be provided to depressed communities. Armed with the same mission of empowering the needy families to obtain a decent dwelling, Habitat for Humanity Philippines and the local government of Pasig has agreed to form an alliance to pursue this goal. Habitat for Humanity, with its exceptional building competency and concrete-interlocking block technology, will build two medium-rise buildings that will generate 120 family dwelling units. Meanwhile the Local Government Unit (LGU) will take charge of land filling, site development, road network and drainage system provisions, and recruiting other soft program partners who will ensure the holistic development and nurturing of the community. Habitat for Humanity Philippines will also provide capacity training for the home partners and will mobilize volunteer builds (http://habitatphilippines.multiply.com/).

This community service gave us volunteers a chance to meet other volunteers and no less than an international cast was also present that day. They’re from a group called Up with People and we learned they’ve been working at the site for a whole week! We introduced ourselves, traded questions and got so entertained that the site engineer might have been irked by our chatter. Shortly after, we made friends with Cindi from Singapore, Uli from Germany, Jacqueline from the US, Paulina and Umberto from Mexico and others from France and Ethiopia. Through travel and cultural immersion, our new friends attested how Up with People has allowed them to experience personal growth, leadership training, service learning and performing arts as they travel through three continents. For many of them, it's a global education that lasts a lifetime. For others, it's a life-transforming experience (http://www.upwithpeople.org/).

Habitat for Humanity is not a “giveaway” program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest their own labor – “sweat equity” – into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. This allows homeowners to work alongside neighbors and volunteers, increasing the pride of ownership and fostering the development of positive relationships within a community (http://www.habitat.org/).

One thing that should stick to mind as a motto while working on site is “Safety First.” And with hard hats, gloves and sunblock on, we hauled concrete blocks while others made new ones using concrete mixers and molders. Even though we only worked for about four hours (a far cry from the hours worked by our Up with People friends), we felt what little human strength we had leaving us as we near noon and the sun blazing on top of our heads. But the hardworking volunteers that we are, a short rest, laughter and a cup of taho is enough to bring our strength back.

Habitat is well known for the tangible, hands-on construction experience it offers tens of thousands of volunteers every year. The “muscle” volunteers provide means homes can be built at considerably lower costs. More importantly, the experience transforms lives, both for the volunteers who work alongside Habitat home partners and for partner families who see that there are “outsiders” who care enough to help them break the cycle of poverty.

To be able to break the cycle of poverty – now wouldn’t that make you feel like a superhero?

Mt. Batulao

Mt. Batulao's spectacular views, flora and fauna as captured thru the lens of my trusty point and shoot camera.

Kythe, kids and kidneys

November 6, 2008 – a dozen GE Volunteers, led by Ann Bayan-Flora and Christine Briones, spread some early yuletide cheers as they paid a visit to the foremost kidney transplant center in the Philippines, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in East Avenue, Quezon City. In coordination with Kythe Incorporated’s Diane Jimenez, the volunteers played hosts to the hospital’s outpatient kids (toddlers to pre-teens) and proved to be great entertainers for the kids while the latter wait for their medicine or check-ups.

In support of Kythe’s vision to improve the quality of life for pediatric patients by uplifting their spirits and strengthening hope in them and their families, GE Volunteers succeeded in doing just that. Armed with crayons, coloring books, storybooks, and audio books courtesy of GEMSPI’s Gap Inc. portfolio, the volunteers looked verily like an older brother, sister, father or mother spending fun times with the kids.

Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, the occasional bursts of laughter and the excitement they showed in the activities, one would not think that these children are sick much less terminal. Hands were never idle with crayons and coloring books around and arms were all up when questions were asked after a story-telling session. And not thinking about their condition actually helped when it was time to interact with the kids. While being conscious of the children’s facial expressions, bodily gestures and dietary requirements, the volunteers did not hold back with their welcoming smiles and playful attitude as they found themselves enjoying as much as the kids. Sleep-deprived they may be, volunteers took the kids inside them outside to play and left the hospital feeling better in every way.

Kythe (pronounced as ‘kayth’) is a Scottish word which means healing through simple sharing and togetherness. In the spirit of the word, the volunteers may not have healed the children of their affliction but by sharing and spending their time together with these kids, who knows what miracles may happen? On their website (http://www.kythe.org), Kythe has this slogan on their banner: “Because children should be flying kites, not fighting cancer.” We did not fly kites with them but with more people coming together and sharing, maybe one day we just might.

The Week in Review (October 20 - 25, 2008)

I took my leave for the whole week to get some much needed rest and to celebrate my hair thinning and turning silver. Sadly, I was discouraged to make travel plans by the crazy weather. So most of my time was devoted to sleep which in my line of work is a precious commodity.

I did go out of town twice, the first was a visit to my cousin and nephew in Calamba then to my good friends in Los Banos and the second was a trip to Tagaytay with my cousins, aunts and my big brother for some bulalo.

I loved my trip to Laguna as not only did I get to taste sugpo and isaw again and pigged out on the best crispy pata I had to date (thank you Kamayan sa Palaisdaan!), I was able to reconnect with two of my best friends, Pogs and Bing. It was a surprise visit for I wasn't able to inform them beforehand that I'll be coming to visit. In hindsight, i think this was a bad idea since three other friends could have postponed or rescheduled if they've known I was coming (or maybe it's just me wishful thinking). Nevertheless, we had a blast binging on native cuisine and even made an homage to the very funny and now famous Youtube duo Moymoy Palaboy.

We got to talking about the others who weren't there and realized the three of us who were present are the singles of the group. Our friends who are in relationships are with their significant others or husbands and kids. And we thanked the heavens for singlehood for without it we couldn't enjoy ourselves, go on trips when we want, climb mountains on a whim or to just be. Don't get me wrong, we are happy (and at times, jealous) for our "double" or n-tiple friends and we respect their choices. For me personally, let me just put it this way: the taming of my shrew is still not at hand ;-)

I had Pogs drop me off inside our campus in UPLB so I could walk around and help hasten my digestion. I took some photos of my alma mater - the buildings i used to go in everyday, the park and fields where we used to run and play, and the scenes that used to be so familiar but are now somehow different when I take a closer look. I could not help but feel nostalgic and miss those days. During birthday celebrations, there used to be twelve of us maximum but now, the Delta 12 has been reduced to one fourth of its size. At work, at least five of our team mates are leaving by the end of the year, four of which will no longer be with us to celebrate Christmas this year.

Certainly it's sad news but I must say it is not unexpected. It's how life is - a terminal of people arriving, staying, leaving, returning only to leave again. Most of them stay for only a while, some a little while longer. Others will touch you on the surface, a few will have courage enough to touch you on a deeper level. It's all a matter of appreciating and making the time they are with us as meaningful as possible.

This is why family is very important. And you don't have to be related by blood to say you're family. They are the most likely to stay with you for a little while longer. I am lucky I have my family to keep me grounded. Thank you to Toni and her family in Calamba for always having a spare pair of rubber slippers for me whenever I need to getaway. Thank you to my big bro Alex, my Auntie Malou, Auntie Tess and my cousins, Ada, Arah and Martin for simply being there when everybody else is not. Trips like the one we had to Cebu, Bohol and most recently, Tagaytay will hopefully be more frequent as I have realized, these are the times when I am most happy, at peace, almost whole.

This week, I celebrated my 25 years on Earth. I was sad, happy, nostalgic, hopeful, disappointed, content. Mostly just thankful.

25

So I turned 25. I have lived a quarter of a century. And that calls for some big celebration - maybe go out and do something significant, something I have never done before like lose my virginity. But I've never been one for birthday celebrations (mine in particular) and I lost my virginity when i was nine.

My old friend Julianne greeted me that day and in her text message said, "Happy silver anniversary on this earth!" and it hit me - silver anniversary. As marriages go, this would be considered a milestone. Therefore I really should do something, preferably life-changing. I mean, I already have effing silver hair!

Life-changing: I met up with a girl, went biblical and I'll know in a few weeks if my life will change.

I'm just kidding of course. I wouldn't go that far. But I made sure I got laid and did so safely.

A quarter of a century - sounds like a quarter-life crisis looming on the horizon. Sorry to disappoint, but nothing like that as of the moment. Maybe when i turn thirty, I'd give it some serious thought as to how I want my life to turn out. I never thought I'd be saying this but I am relatively happy with where I am right now. Sure there's a long list of things I want to possess, skills and new knowledge I want to acquire, places I want to visit but turning 25 did not make me anxious nor did it create a feeling of great urgency to cross these out of that list. No, it's not a bucket list. It's too early for that, just some things to do, if you will.

It's funny but as I advance in years (some positive scripting for me), my goal is to take less responsibilities. I don't know if that's a good thing. My drive, that fire in me that fuels my desire to achieve something great has diminished. The dreams I had as a child no longer visit me.

Reading the words I wrote above now, I realize it's not a good thing. It's sad.

However, there is no cause for alarm. I'm going to recycle one of my favorite quotes (from the fantastic film The Shawshank Redemption):

"Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies."

I have hope that one day, something or someone will re-ignite my fire (Dan Hartman's Relight My Fire plays in the background). Until that day comes, I will productively slack off.

Happy birthday! Really.

Trust (July 1, 2005 - September 21, 2008)

Trust

"What happens when trust is lost?," Mohinder Suresh (Heroes) asks. A very thoughtful question. Previously, I found it easy to answer. You go on living because trust, like love, will find you again. But that was the romantic in me, who also died last September 21, 2008.

Through the past couple of years, it has been difficult to put trust in people. Come to think of it, this is the first really personal blog I've posted. I guess now, more than ever before, I feel alone. I've been let down by almost everybody I respected and considered dear yet somehow I got through all of it seemingly unscathed. I am aware that people are flawed. But to be let down, to be disappointed, to be played, to be underestimated, to be deemed insignificant, to be ignored and discarded over and over takes its toll. More so if those times that you would decide to put your trust in somebody are few and far between.


People always have their own agenda. Parents, as much as they can, get their children to follow a plan even if it is just for their peace of mind. Mentors are never selfless nor forthcoming enough to their students either because of pride or slightly more sinister reasons. Friends always have a secret or two they're not telling you about out of respect, or for fear of hurting you. The latter eventually happens usually later rather than sooner and by then, the pain would have been doubled and there might not be enough trust left to salvage the relationship.


It apears it is now too much to ask for a little honesty. I have come to accept that people are "multifaceted" individuals changing mask after mask as the need arises. Some people lie straight to my face, deny until they run out of breath and die. Others play the innocent, confide in me in the guise of someone looking for advice or an objective eye to get me on their side and then, would not have the decency to own up to their mistake when they're caught in the act. I guess everything is really just that -- an act.


I don't judge people. People will do what they have to do or what they want to do regardless of the repercussions. Especially those with the means to get away with it. All I ask is for you to tell me what you want to do but don't ask or expect me to support you in every decision. Ask me to keep it secret, I will. Just don't play me for a fool. I already am.

Release of the Sea Turtles

(Original posting September 14, 2008)


People use the expression "chance of a lifetime" quite carelessly these days and when they do get that chance, hesitate to take it. But not a GE Volunteer. Last September 13, 2008, ten volunteers from GEMSPI led by Ann Bayan-Flora, travelled to Morong, Bataan and took part in a truly rare event - the release of sea turtle (pawikan) hatchlings of the Olive Ridley variety.

The hatching of sea turtle eggs happens only every 20 to 25 years, the time it takes for the female to reach maturity and reproduce. About 50 hatchlings were released to the ocean that day and sadly, only a handful of them will survive to reach the mature age. The release is done in the morning because artificial lighting disorients and attracts baby turtles after emergence. Many hatchlings die and not make it to the sea because of this. The few who are lucky enough to grow into maturity face another threat. Marine turtes are reptiles. They have lungs and need to breathe air from the surface every few minutes of swimming underwater. Accidental catch by traps and nets may drown and kill them.

Aside from the Olive Ridley sea turtle variety, the sanctuary also houses two other varieties - the Loggerhead and the Hawksbill- all of which are endangered species. The community-based pawikan conservation project is by Bantay Pawikan, Inc. (www.communityturtles.netfirms.com/index.htm) assisted by Unlad Bataan PRMM Chapter, the Bataan Provincial Government, the PCP-PAWB-DENR and funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and GEF Small Grants Program.

A banner in the sanctuary offers some sound advice for people who wouldn't want to miss chances that come along rarely: Experience a chance of a lifetime. Adopt a sea turtle and in your hands, hold the future!

Hope rekindled (May 2001 - May 2005; August, 2008 ---)

Hope rekindled
(Original posting August 31, 2008)

Saturday mornings are usually dull and uneventful. It’s either we’re catching up on our sleep or nursing a hangover from the night before. But last August 30, 2008 was different. Together with two representatives from Child Hope Asia, Glyr Delusa and Aileen Esguerra, eight GE Volunteers headed by Ann Lorrein Bayan gathered 30 street children and toured them to Museo Pambata in Kalaw, Manila.



Designed by William E. Parsons in 1907 and erected in 1910, the building in Kalaw, Manila is a traditional example of American architecture. Previously a home to the Museum of Philippine Art, it is now the Children’s Museum of Manila. As the latter, it is an interactive, visual feast for children of all ages. It boasts of several “themed” rooms where children can explore, play and learn all at the same time. I came up with names for these themed sections for descriptive purposes (ok, so I forgot how the museum people labeled them).

The very first room we entered was the Anatomy Room. Our entrance to this room was unique to say the least. We got in by going through a giant lady’s mouth, crawled on her tongue and bumped our heads on her tonsils. We walked on thru her throat and came out to with a deeper understanding of how our body works. After this trip, a fellow volunteer was kind enough to educate me more on anatomy and how solvents can keep you full for a day.





Next up was the Pamilihang Bayan (market) where we got to see replicas of typical Filipino livelihood like rice, fish, fruit and vegetable stalls, handicrafts, a barbershop, a shoemaker’s shop, a bakery, a news stand, a sari-sari (variety) store, a pharmacy and even a carinderia (eatery). I guess the kids’ favorite was the fire station where they got to dress up in fireman costumes and climbed onto a fire truck.

The Sports Room followed and we got to see he lockers of Philippine sporting greats like Bea Lucero for gymnastics & taekwondo and Paeng Nepomuceno for bowling. Of course, basketball will always have its section and in it were David and Goliath, I mean, Johnny Abarrientos and Shaquille O’Neal. The hit in this room, however, was wall climbing where they got to climb up to the ceiling and fall to the cushions below.




A museum tour wouldn’t be complete without a Filipiniana section where displays of Spanish, Chinese and American influences are aplenty. This section had more to offer though, for it also displayed a Spanish galleon (trader’s ship), a tranvia and a walk-in church. The kids got to rest in this room and did so by listening to one fantastic storyteller (ok, so I forgot her name too… I was listening to the story!). A special display of child heroes can be seen in this section as homage to acts of heroism by children, proving that selflessness and compassion knows no age.

The last room we explored was the Rainforest where we got to climb tree houses and one kid got lucky enough to bathe in the mini waterfall (lol!). As you may have noticed, there’s a lot of climbing that went on in the tour and for me, it’s the best kind of tour for these kids. Most of them have not set foot in a school or stopped before being taught how to read. Museo Pambata gave them a chance to learn without feeling inadequate. Unlike the usual antiseptic museums, the kids got to interact, experience, touch and feel everything. Their smiles and their laughter was proof of how much they enjoyed the tour and was more than enough of a reward for us volunteers knowing how hard life in the streets can be for such young, fragile bodies.

We took them to Jollibee for lunch and after, we held a puppet-making contest. Two winners, the most creative of the lot, were picked and given special prizes. As we came nearer to our goodbyes, a few of the kids stood up and thanked us for the special day. Glyr and Aileen also said their thanks on behalf of Child Hope Asia, adding how little acts of kindness like the tour give the street kids hope and help keep their belief that people still care for them. It is saddening to know that after we said goodbye, it’s back to the streets for the children. But with people like Glyr and Aileen and organizations like Child Hope Asia, we also hope there will come a time they won’t have to.

My Saturday mornings are usually dull and uneventful. But with GE Volunteers, I’m hopeful hangovers from nights before will soon be a thing of the past.

She has to die (July 2007 - August 2007)

She has to die

Wash
my soiled memory in its muddy stream
with your tongue's tip lick me clean
and remove every single trace
of what has been
of what binds me
of what comes to pass
alas!


Stalk
hunt her down for within me she fights
and when you have her in your sights
do not heed her pleas and cries
you know
that she has to die
this is her second demise
and so kill her again


Weep
i've done that before, all in vain
more sobs just wet the pillows again
despite my tries
i have a dried up heart
and swollen eyes


so Burn
burn when you sink into my bed of ice
it melts when you hug me like a vice
there's no more sorrow
no more gravity
if i have your body
like a flow of lava washing over me

my soiled memory in its muddy stream
Wash.



***this is a song from a subtitled foreign film. only the title is my own.
thank the gods for Youtube!

Of love (March 2005 - June 2005)

Of love

(Original posting August 10, 2008)


have you ever loved
for the sheer sake of it?
have you ever taken
a bite of the apple
for the taste of the fruit?
its sweetness and its zest...
have you often lost your way?


yes, i've already loved
for the sheer sake of it
but the apple was hard
and i cracked atooth
those unripe passions
those indigestible loves
often made me feel sick


but a true love that lasts
leaves lovers exhausted
and their overripe kisses
rot on our tongues


but fleeting love affairs
know such futile fevers
and their kisses so green
chafe against our lips
for if you wish to love
for the sheer sake of it
the worm in the apple
can slip between our teeth
it eats away at our heart
our brain and all the rest
slowly bleeding us dry


but when we dare to love
for the sheer sake of it
this worm in the apple
that slips between our teeth
can make our heart fragrant
our brain too and leave us
its perfume inside us


but fleeting love affairs
see such futile efforts
their passing caresses
can wear out our bodies


but a true love that lasts
makes the lovers less fine
often the test of time
gets the better of us.


love me less
but love me a long time.



***this is a song from a subtitled foreign film. only the title is my own.
thank the gods for Youtube!

Unrequited (May 2005 - August 2005)

Unrequited

(Original posting August 8, 2008)

the mystery of your weary gaze
a mystery that keeps you in a haze
the secret of this daze
secrets are my true craze


this barrier between you and me
this barrier who holds the key
cross the border, leave your daze
stand on your land, see my gaze
you need to advance to cover the distance
between you and me


you'll have to be bold if you want to hold
onto me


a chill grips your land these days
what to do in this winter maze
you're caught up in an icy daze
everything's frozen, start a blaze


the mystery of your weary gaze
a mystery i try to appraise
the cheap mystery of your daze...


doesn't need your arms these days




***this is a song from a subtitled foreign film. only the title is my own.
thank the gods for Youtube!

The Prequel to Harry Potter (1997-2007)

(Original posting July 25, 2008)

Courtesy of MuggleNet:

But let me make it easier for you:

The Story:

The speeding motorcycle took the sharp corner so fast in the darkness that both policemen in the pursuing car shouted,"Whoa!" Sergeant Fisher slammed his large foot on the brake, thinking that the boy who was riding pillion was sure to be flung under his wheels; however, the motorbike made the turn without unseating either of its riders, and with a wink of its red tail lights, vanished up the narrow side street.

"We've got 'em now!" cried PC Anderson excitedly. "That's a dead end!"

Leaning hard on the steering wheel and crashing his gears, Fisher scraped half the paint off the flank of the car as he forced it up the alleyway in pursuit.

There in the headlights sat their quarry, stationary at last after a quarter of an hour's chase. The two riders were trapped between a towering brickwall and the police car, which was now crawling towards them like some growling luminous-eyes predator.

There was so little space between the car doors and the walls of the alley that Fisher and Anderson had difficulty extricating themselves from the vehicle. It injured their dignity to have to inch, crab-like, towards the miscreants. Fisher dragged his generous belly along the wall, tearing buttons off his shirt as he went, and finally snapping off the wing mirror with his backside.

"Get off the bike!" he bellowed at the smirking youths, who sat basking in the flashing blue light as though enjoying it.

They did as they were told, finally pulling free from the broken wing mirror, Fisher glared at them. They seemed to be in their late teens. The one who had been driving had long black hair, his insolent good looks reminded Fisher unpleasantly of his daughter's guitar-playing, layabout boyfriend. The second boy also had black hair, though his was short and stuck up in all directions; he wore glasses and a broad grin. Both were dressed in t-shirts emblazoned with a large golden bird; the emblem, no doubt, of some deafening, timeless rock band.

"No helmet!" Fisher yelled, pointing from one uncovered head to the other. "Exceeding the speed limit by-by a considerable amount!" (In fact, the speed registered had been greater than Fisher was prepared to accept that any motorcycle could travel.) "Failure to stop for the police!"

"We'd have loved to stop for a chat," said the boy in glasses,"only we were trying--"

"Don't get smart-you two are in a heap of trouble!" snarled Anderson. "Names!"

"Names?" repeated the long-haired driver."Er-Well, let's see. There's Wilberforce...Bathsheba...Elvendork..."

"And what's nice about that one is, you can use it for a boy OR a girl," said the boy in glasses.

"Oh, our names, did you mean?" asked the first, as Anderson spluttered with rage."You should've said! This here is James Potter, and I'm Sirius Black!"

"Things'll be seriously black for you in a minute, you cheeky little-"

But neither James nor Sirius was paying attention. They were suddenly as alert as gundogs, staring past Fisher and Anderson, over the roof of the police car, at the dark mouth of the alley. Then, with identical, fluid movements, they reached into their back pockets.

For the space of a heartbeat both policemen imagined guns gleaming at them, but a second later they saw that the motorcyclists had drawn nothing more than-

"Drumsticks?" jeered Anderson. "Right pair of jokers, aren't you? Right, we're arresting you on a charge of--"

But Anderson never got to name the charge. James and Sirius had shouted something incomprehensible, and the beams from the headlights had moved.

The policemen wheeled around, then staggered backwards. Three men were flying-actually flying- up the alley on broomsticks-and at the same moment,the police car was rearing up on its back wheels.

Fisher's knee bucked; as he sat down hard; Anderson tripped over Fisher's legs and fell on top of him, as flump-bang-crunch- they heard the mean on brooms slam into the suspended car and fall, apparently insensible, to the ground, while broken bits of broomstick clattered down around them.

The motorbike had roared into life again. His mouth hanging open, Fisher mustered the strength to look back at the two teenagers.

"Thanks very much!" called Sirius over the throb of the engine."We owe you one!"

"Yeah, nice meeting you!" said James. "And don't forget: Elvendork! It's unisex!"

There was an earth-shaking crash, and Fisher and Anderson threw their arms around each other in fright; their car had just fallen back to the ground. Now it was the motorcycle's turn to rear. Before the policemen's disbelieving eyes, it took off into thin air: James and Sirius zoomed away into the night sky, their tail light twinkling behind them like a vanishing ruby.

From the prequel I am not working on - but that was fun! J.K. Rowling.2008

This prequel was sold at a charity auction for nearly $50 000! Sweet for something a tad short :)