Crossing the Coniferous Forest

Entangled inside the coniferous forest
Am I on the right track or have I digressed?
Will these little footsteps will deliver me
To you, my long lost darling?

Now I feel how you felt coldness
As the cool fog gave me a kiss
I just left your heart dying in winter
I did not bother when you shivered

Petite pine cones please pray for me
To hold her hand and have revelry
My love stand like these pine trees
Fed by earth, nurtured by the clouds

Selene has radiated her beauty
For now, branches serve as my sanctuary
Hoping that when tomorrow comes
Your face is the first thing that I will see

#ALDUB42ndWeeksary Recap May 5, 2016

Good afternoon AlDub Nation.

Eat Bulaga started the show showing Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza aka Yaya Dub doing a DubSmash of the song "Jetlag". The AlDub and their supporters also known as AlDub Nation are happily celebrating their 42nd weeksary. The couple are enjoying holding photos of each other. 

Eat Bulaga's KalyeSerye is full of love a while ago. The audiences especially the fans of the phenomenal loveteam in the country today were in the highest level of "kilig" as the couple celebrate their weeksary.

The KS began showing Yaya Dub busy observing the photos of beautiful scenes in Italy on her phone. Alden and Yaya are now practicing Italian words. It seems like the two are excited for their trip.

This weeksary, Yaya received a love lock coming from Alden. Then, the lad sent a singer who sang an Italian song for her.

To make Lola Nidora happy, AlDub prepared a picnic for her. Nidora fully entrusted her granddaughter to Alden in their movie shooting. The two grandmother and their granddaughter took photos.

At the last of the episode, Tinidora revealed that she is planning for despedida party for Alden and Yaya. Lola Nidora became anxious about it.

What will happen next? Let's find it out as we continue watch the first street series on Philippine TV.

My Message to Tondol Learning Center Family

Last March 21, I was invited to speak before the community of Tondol Learning Center. I used to study in the said school sixteen years ago. Now, I returned to my Alma Mater as the guest of honor and speaker for their Moving Up Ceremony 2016. Here is my speech to the participants of the special event:

               To the competent teacher of Tondol Learning Center, Ma’am Dioly Joy Cardano, to all concerned officials of Parent- Teacher Fellowship led by Mrs. Samcy Garibay, to the workers of God present here, Rev. Elias Caido and Pastor June Rey Cacho, to the public officials of our barangay, to the supportive chairman of kindergarten board, Mrs. Rebecca Abar, industrious parents and guardians, visitors, friends and to the stars of this occasion, the kind and intelligent pupils of Tondol Learning Center, a victorious morning to all.

                Before, I was only child who studied here and grew up. Now, I am here to give inspiration to the children and their parents around. I am very grateful to God and to all of you for the trust you have bestowed to me to be the guest speaker of this affair. I am given the task to tackle the theme “Little Voices are Sources of Hope Too.”

                Before that, all pupils stand. Children, have you given thanks to your parents/ family? Remember that you are here because of them. Even that you are unruly, they did not give up just to ensure that you can study in school. Because of their sacrifices like waking up early to prepare you for schooling and giving you allowance, all of you succeed. With that, go near them, kiss, hug and thank them.

                Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal said that “The youths are the hope of the Fatherland.” He is absolutely right because children like you will be our future leaders. Did you know that you are now the hope of the country at your young age? This is right because even you are small, you can now do anything good. By saying truths, obeying elders’ orders and doing the right thing, you are carrying hope. If you make your family smile, you bring hope in your home.

                To strengthen your characteristics as hope of the nation, the school became your training ground. The teachings under the tutelage of Teacher Dioly Joy are very useful in moving up to the next level of studies. So, say thank you to your teacher. 

                To all parents and guardians of these children, I salute you because of your unwavering support and dedication. Thank you because you still believe that education is very important to your children. I hope that you are going to continue this tradition up to the college studies of your children to make them maintain their status as hope of your family.

Children, who wants to become a teacher? Who are dreaming to become a police officer? Soldier? Doctor? Nurse? If you say, “Yes, I am,” your voice is recognized by God and it will come true. But, prayers should be accompanied with actions. Study well. Hopefully, you will study continuously so that you are not only hope of your family but also the hope of our country. As you have your job, the labor force is waiting for you to become builders of hope for country. 

            God bless us all.

There was a happy atmosphere in the occasion. The pupils prepared song and dance numbers that brought smiles to me and to the audiences. I remembered my days in Tondol Learning Center as a pupil. The learning there was pure fun. No pressures. Just enjoying things with my classmates. 

I pray that the children studying there will be successful in their endeavors. I am hoping that someday, I will meet them with smile on their faces showing how  triumphant they are in their chosen field.

Gigantic Billows

gigantic billows
rushing toward the seashore
breaking down
the sand castles;
disarranging the cots
stunned beachgoers
drifting swimmers
putting the lifeguard
into hysteria


gigantic billows
flooding the city
bungalows soaked
cars are drenched
cats and dogs
missing in action
lamps are useless
stomach churning
little lass crying

gigantic billows
return no more
an enemy with no candor
stabbed multitude
make the voices
of our loved ones
be heard once more
as you convert
yourself into pristine waters

#ALDUBTicketToITALY Recap May 4, 2016

Good day AlDub Nation! Let us have the recap of today's KalyeSerye episode.

Sad Lola Nidora holding the picture frame containing a picture of her and Yaya Dub in her younger days is seen in the beginning of the story. The drama was cut as Tinidora and Yaya arrived home after buying latter's clothes for her trip to Italy. Tinidora and their granddaughter worried about Nidora's behavior but the eldest among the De Explorers sisters reasoned that her mood is caused by her aging.

In the studio, Alden is seen packing his things for his trip in Italy where he and Yaya will shoot their movie. He and Yaya had a chance to talk while the two elders went inside the house. Yaya mentioned her concern on her grandma. She (Yaya) knows that her grandma feels sad because she needs to leave the old woman to pursue the movie.

As the story moved, Lola Nidora admitted to Tinidora that she feels skeptical about her grandchild's leaving. But, she should allow her because she believes that she is now grown up. She likened her grandchild to a bird that needs to spread her wings. Yaya heard her grandma and consoled her by singing their favorite song when Yaya was still in younger days: "Paper Roses". She sang the song after seeing the picture that Nidora was holding. On the other hand, Lola Nidora proved that she is still updated on the latest trend in music when she sang Justin Beiber's "Love Yourself".

What will be the development of AlDub's trip to Italy. Let us know what will happen in the next days to come by watching the longest running noontime TV show in the Philippines: Eat Bulaga.

Demands of the Sunflower Seed

Put me in a small pot
Bury me in a loamy soil
Sprinkle right amount of water
Expose me under the sun
Speak no curse cause I love lullabies
Be patient as I germinate.
Once my leaves discern the outside world
Protect me from garden beasts
Let me stretch my stems
Like an eagle spread its wings
Cultivate the earth that surrounds me
Soon you'll dig a gold bar.
When the right time comes
Happiness will flow abound
When my yellow petals bloom in the rooftop.

#ALDUBFinalScript Recap May 3, 2016

Hello AlDub Nation!

Let us do the KalyeSerye recap of the longest noontime show in the country, Eat Bulaga.

Yesterday, Lola Nidora handed the final script to Alden and Divina aka Yaya Dub. The eldest of the De Explorers sisters was still anxious in the episode a while ago. Lola Tinidora asked what bothers her. But her sister was not in her mood answering queries.

Meanwhile Alden and Divina were busy reading their script. Divina shared her worries to Tinidora regarding with the changes in the script. Yaya also worried about delivery of lines that she thought that she cannot give the right emotion especially in mentioning Alden’s name. So, Tinidora helped her in her problem by letting her to mention Alden's name considering different emotions and situations. Yaya nailed the activity happily that her "kilig" feeling became obvious throughout her delivery. 

Alden was also asked to do the same task, saying Divina's name in various emotions. As usual, love overflows in the studio after doing each one's task. 

Finally, Lola Nidora spoke out about the thing she worried about. She needs to release Divina for the movie. She and Alden have receive tickets going to Italy.

Geng Geng, the other ego of Lola Tinidora left the viewers the question, "Is AlDub going to shoot in Italy?"

Let's know the answer as we watch the next episode of one and only street series on Philippine TV.

Trimming Things on Tuesday

Hello memories hoarders.

How’s your day? Maybe some of you have fully loaded schedules or some are enjoying your vacation. How did you start it?

Because of the increase in temperature, I woke up four in the afternoon. I am not fond of using electric fan and I cannot afford air conditioner. So, lying in bed during that period is very hard for me. It makes me feel uncomfortable.

My parents also woke up early and we agreed to go out for exercise. I rode on our bike while both of them decided to walk. It’s been a long time since I pedalled our bike so I joined them. I need also to do this to make myself ready to try motorcycle driving. 

We crossed the concrete road in our barangay without minding darkness because the street lights are on. The quietness of the place was disturbed only by the dogs who barked at us while passing the houses they are guarding. I am afraid of dogs so I stopped biking and walked my bike as I left their territory. I do not want to augment my scars. On the other hand, my mother told me that I should mind those pets.

Our barangay plaza, which is lively every time our barangay mates play basketball during the late morning and afternoon, was filled with placidness during the dawn. When I reached the three- way intersection, I stopped for a while to wait my parents. After few minutes, they reached also the area. We continued our exercise up to the place we called “panayunan” or the place where our barangay mates make salt. 

I enjoyed biking on the widened road in the area. I got the opportunity to move there while the vehicles are still out in the area. The boundary of Tondol and Imbo served as my finish line. I sweated a lot. I need to do this to trim number on waist and to burn fats. Panting was easily turned to smile. A smile that keeps me to attain my aim to reduce fats and keep my body fit. 

At first, we thought we are going to the beach. But, we changed our minds and reached our home quarter to five. 

A while ago, I had my haircut courtesy of my uncle. My hairdo suits to the humid weather.

My problem that I need to solve is on how to control myself in eating. Well, my father bought a kilo of milkfish. My mother drenched some of it in vinegar. Sounds delicious! I really love eating milkfish so I am hoping that I can resist it. 

Sometimes, we need to trim things. Because doing this might give us betterment. 

Good day fellow memories hoarders!

A Letter to All Filipino Voters

To all Filipino voters,

I wrote this letter because there is a part of me telling that I should do this. My conscience was awakened after hearing the disturbing stories online that my instructor shared to us last Saturday in Open University System where I am enrolled. He said that there are many posts and comments about the upcoming May 2016 Election from different Facebook users that are stirring conflicts. As the politicians do mudslinging against each other, their supporters are also adding tensions in this rowdy period. I understood his sentiments because I also read obnoxious, full of obscenities comments from the supporters of different parties/ camps in Facebook since the election campaign began. Some comments boost candidate’s image but some degrade other candidates. So, he urged us to make step in making the election successful and peaceful. He mentioned that we have the moral responsibility to uphold in order for us not to get ensnared and tainted in the dirty game called “politics.”

I am writing to everyone not because I want to catapult the standing of one candidate. I am writing not to humiliate your choices. I am not writing to make myself pompous but I am writing because I want to perform my moral responsibility to abet everyone to maintain proper demeanor in discussing political issues whether online of offline. As a teacher, I should be apolitical and non- partisan. Expect that this write- up will not imply my candidates. This letter serves as my medium to show my concern and chauvinism for our country. Furthermore, this letter will show my side as a disciplinarian. Well, that’s the nature of teachers like me. We’re trying our best to promote morality inside and outside the vicinity of the school. 

Maybe some are raising their eyebrows on me because of this. 

“He doesn’t know well what he is saying.”

“He is young that he lacks experience and mentality on various problems of the country.” 

Many statements like these are running on their minds about my fierceness to write this letter. I admit that I am only twenty- two years old and a second time voter in this election. But, the age factor is not a hindrance to be a concern citizen of the country. The things that I am watching on TV and stories written on books are great sources for me to know the status of my native land. These facts are my bases to write this. 

For the past years, it is evident that our country is still facing predicaments: poverty, unemployment, crime, maritime and territory issues, etc. Every election, many political aspirants have been promising platforms that are supposedly the panacea of solving the problems. However, some of the elected officials make their promises stay as promises. Politicians are still tackling the same old issues in each election. Can we blame them alone? No.  There are a few of public officials who are true to the people. So, we cannot 100% cringe about our status. The problem is we elect officials who lack passion, dedication and truthfulness in public service. So, we, voters play key roles on the conditions felt by everyone. Our votes during the poll may make our country better or make the status of our country worsen. 

Now that the election gets nearer, we should be wiser in practicing our right to choose our leaders. Based in our Constitution, we have the right to vote or suffrage. This power is very valuable. One vote can bring the nation into two ways: good or bad. In this historical period that we are going to make, we should do our responsibility for our country.

As a voter, you need to know to know all the candidates thoroughly. All our candidates are qualified because they met the qualifications stated in the Constitution and in Comelec rules. All you need to do is to select the most qualified of them all. How to do that? Have their profiles. Educational attainment is a plus factor. Intelligence ignites realistic and attainable platforms. Moreover, leaders should have the mental capability so that they can make good orders, laws, ordinances, etc. They should be smart enough in handling their positions because wrong decisions are detrimental to our lives. 

Track record is another factor. Good track record is a sign that the candidate has familiarity on his duty. Either the candidate has long or short track record, the outcomes of his/ her programs are more important than length of years. 

Most of all, we should choose our candidates because of their will in serving the masses. The candidates should have good and pure intention why they sacrifice for us. We should not select aspirants who know only their welfare. We should not elect people who are only visible during the election campaign. Intelligence and track record are futile if a candidate has no heart for anyone.

It is our obligation to support the candidates who fit for the different positions in the government. We should elect officials who can lead us in the next three to six years. Being meticulous is a must in this election. And, aside from being meticulous, we should do our best to maintain our dignity as voters. We should keep our right with sanctity. 

Many people especially in Facebook are now abusing their freedom of speech. There are hundreds of people who use social media sites arrogantly by saying blatant words to the supporters of their candidate’s rivals. Some comments are turning now to threats and bullying. We have the right to campaign and defend our choices but we should not come to the point that we make conflicts. For the past years, politics has ruined family and friendships and lives of innocent people. We should not go with the heat of political battles between the aspirants. Do not let politics destroy us. Chill. 

Another challenge that should be overcome by everyone is how we will involve ourselves in the governance. Our support to the officials should not last only during the campaign or after their proclamation. We think that our obligation ends after the election. Leaders need us. They cannot do their tasks on their own. We should cooperate and do our parts on how to claim change. We always want to have change. Change will happen if we initiate change among us. Let us change ourselves so we can change our lives. We always lament about our status but the question is “What have you done to make your status better?” We must remember this quote of John F. Kennedy:

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

Less than a week to go before indelible ink leaves mark on our nails. This year, you can make yourself better if you will be a responsible voter. Follow your conscience. Deal with other people with respect and dignity. Choose what is right. Vote because of your choice. Support whoever wins the election. Let us live as a nation. Let us make history.

Let us make the country progressive for the next years to come. 

P.S.

Maybe some will find flaws on me by searching my activities online. If ever that somebody will pinpoint tweets, posts and comments about candidates’ statements, it doesn’t mean that I have already given my support on him/ her. I did it because I want my friends and followers to be informed regarding with the candidates’ viewpoints. Again, I am still weighing things. I do not campaign for anyone. I wrote this letter because I want to help fellow voters in choosing candidates wisely.

Sonnet for the Tiny White Candle

I wrote this poem when we experienced power outage after the rage of Typhoon Lando in our province last year. I was inspired to do a poem about candle that is a confidant during the dark, lonely nights. Enjoy reading.

Tiny white candle lit in this lonely room

How long would you shine for me, a person

Drenched in despair? I was supposed the groom

of that belle having those lips of crimson.

My life is as frigid as the South Pole;

As arid as the Sahara Desert

Neither this pillow nor blanket can console

my heart which was sweet before like dessert.

Shine tiny candle, shine intensively

My best friend in this world of disloyalty

Is affection bestowed exclusively

to those involved in infidelity?

As you aflame on your short wick, candle

Wish for me that this life, I could handle.