A Great Vision from the Past

“A Great Vision from the Past”

“Viva La España!” If you are a person who is living during the Spanish regime in the Philippines, you might frequently hear this tag line being said by the Spaniards and also being forced to inculcate in the minds and hearts of every Filipino people. Despite of the demoralizing and abusive oppression by the Spanish, we could not deny the positive attributes that they left to us. For example, “the oldest universities, colleges, and vocational schools and the first modern public education system in Asia were all created during the Spanish colonial period, and by the time Spain was replaced by the United States as the colonial power, Filipinos were among the most educated subjects in all of Asia.” (www.wikepedia.com). During the 19th century Spain invested heavily in education and infrastructure. For this, I am having this imagination if how is it to live during the Spanish occupation. What could possibly I do to contribute in the development of the future lives of my fellow Filipino people? How could I possibly show my love to my country despite of the fact that I am a prisoner in my own homeland?

If I will be given the chance to live during the Spanish colonization here in the Philippines, I will still choose to be a Filipino and I will not and will never deny that. I am thinking if I can be a daughter of the same parents which I have today and I imagine that we belong to the upper Filipino class in which I was able to finish my study in Education course. Being a daughter of a well-known family clan during the Spanish era, I am also known to my fellow Filipino people. As an educated person, I will secretly (secretly because during the Spanish ruling schools are only formalized by the Spanish Friars and non-formal education are not allowed to be conducted) teach the poor and the oppressed on how to read and write. I will teach them their alphabets that they might use as their weapon in defending not only themselves but most especially their country. Besides of these, as the Spanish oppression is really morally destructive, I will also teach these people to have a broader perspective for themselves and also a greater love for their own country. I will teach them to pray just like the Spaniards taught us but unlike them, I will impart to them not to use religion in abusing and stepping others. As I belong to a wealthy family, I will use my means to somehow help them in attaining equality and love which they did not experience from the Spaniards. In the end, if the cost of these things is a firing squad in “Bagumbayan” just like the fate of Rizal, I will not hesitate to be shot for I’d rather die fighting for the freedom of my people rather than live in cruelty and hypocrisy.

Those things which I imagined may be simple but I believe that in my own simple and limited way, I can show my love to my own country and contribute to the development of the future lives of my fellow Filipino citizen. These visions may not materialized in the same time as I live today. However, as a future teacher I will still do such things to help these poor children attain a greater vision for themselves so that someday they will not be prisoners again in their own country.  I may be very idealistic in thinking but realistic in doing for a saying goes, “a man without a vision is just like a stone without an ambition” and I am not a stone. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

"Hating Kapatid"

“Hating Kapatid”

(A Reflection Paper on the PUNP’s Pamaskong Handog Event)

            I am a big fan of GMA Channel 7, one of the country’s leading station networks. This year, as part of their Christmas Station ID, they created different short films which literally show and describe the different Filipino ways in celebrating Christmas. These films also show the realities on how most of our poor fellowmen spent their Christmas despite of the scarcity in their daily lives. I remember

one of the short films entitled “Hating Kapatid” wherein two poor brothers share one pair of shoes and a uniform as they alternately go to school. As Christmas arrived they were not able to provide something for their Noche Buena until an old woman generously invited them to her house. This old lady also helped these two brothers in their everyday survival in going to school. This simple film reminded me of what we had done last December 20 when we had our Pamaskong Handog event initiated by the administration of Panpacific University North Philippines and the City Council of Urdaneta. That event made me realized the true meaning and essence of Christmas.

Christmas is all about sharing what you have in life…

            Christmas is all about Jesus, the Word made Flesh, who was

born to be our Savior and Redeemer. “God the Father gave his only son to redeem us from our sins” (John 3:16). By the mere act of God giving His only-begotten Son for us, I believe that we are also being challenged to share what we have to our fellowmen who are less fortunate in their lives. Thus, it is not a matter of your social standing whether you are a poor or rich, professional or not, educated or out of school, the point of Christmas is your heart that is willing to give and to share and I think that I accomplished something before this year ends. I learned how to share not only the things that I have but also my time and talents to my fellow Urdanetanians. I am very happy that in my own simple way of participating the “Pamaskong Handog” event I showed to myself that there is a goodness in me. I realized that I can make a difference among others who only think of themselves.

 Christmas is a time to give up yourself…

            Honestly, there are many times in my life in which I am being dominated by my pride and self-centered attitude. Many times that I only think of myself and not minding others. However, after the event, I realized that there are also times in my life in which I should raise the white flag and surrender myself to God, meaning, I should be humble enough to accept that I am nothing without God. I realized that giving up myself is doing the right thing most especially for my fellowmen who are indeed need of support. I realized that I should also start thinking and having a more concern feeling to others because the essence of Christmas is to have my heart back to the One who gave it all to me---God.

Christmas is a Period of Conversion… 

            Every moment is a given time by God to always do my best in improving or making myself better. Indeed, this Christmas season, I believe that God is touching my heart to change for the better. Life is short, and I should make every second of my life a meaningful one. In doing so, I believe that I should think and do what is right and good. Secondly, I realized that I should be humble enough to recognize and accept my pitfalls and shortcomings in life. By doing such thing, I believe that my greatness as a human person can be determined. As the Renaissance philosopher, Jean Jacques Rousseau, once said, “Man’s greatness can be merely identified by his acceptance that he is miserable.”

            In the end, I believe that the Pamaskong Handog program was a great avenue in which I did not only contribute to others but most especially it was also a time of great realizations for me. As such, these realizations nor learnings can never be found by simply reading my books but it is indeed a God-given grace unto me by Jesus Christ Himself. I realized how lucky I am because I have the things and support that make my life at ease in contrast to those people or youngsters like me who cannot even afford to afford their everyday needs. “Gloria in Excelsis Deo! (Glory to God in the Highest!)”

I am the Luckiest Guy on Earth

 “I am the Luckiest Guy on Earth”

I am the luckiest guy on earth because you accepted me of who I am.

Though I am not perfect, still you are always there with a big hand.

Many times I wanted to give up in this life full of torment

But you always comfort me with your words of encouragement.

    

Problems, conflicts and misunderstandings arise everyday.

Many times you tried to end this relationship which is in astray.

But still here we are, crossing the year of our love.

I am the luckiest guy on earth because of what we have.

I am the luckiest guy on earth because even though distance mediate

Still you are very honest and faithful to your one true date.

I am the luckiest guy on earth because you tell me unworthy words

That indeed makes me stronger and determined everytime I heard.

Though I am jobless and outsource for the moment, still you are there,

Still believing in me, still loving me, and still with care.

You don’t abandon me eventhough for others I’m nothing.

For you I’m so loved and that makes me feel something.

I am the luckiest guy on earth for I have a pretty lady by my side.

Though I disturb you many times, still your heart in me resides.

I am the luckiest guy on earth because I have you to boast.

Wonderful in many ways, a beautiful angel in the coast.

I am the luckiest guy on earth because you are there

Always ready to care and full of love to share.

With this kind of love I thank God for having me birth.

Indeed, I am the luckiest guy on earth.

"Thank You"

…Thank You…

By; Jun-Jun

Meeting you is such a blessing from God.

Honestly, I was really nervous but I felt glad.

All of my hesitations really went wrong

‘cause I found you amazing with personality so strong.

Meeting you is one of a kind experience

Never will I forget it ‘til the end of my existence.

Now as you go back home, I just want to say “Thank You.”

Thank you for meeting a wonderful person like you.

Thank you for the chance of expressing my thoughts and ideas.

Thank you for sharing me your time as it went so fast.

Thank you for our healthy religious discussions

In which we share God through our diff’nt faith expressions.

Thank you for accepting and respecting me.

Thank you for that kind of love you showed upon me.

You are indeed an example of incomparable kindness

That is definitely rooted from our Creator’s greatness.

As you go home, keep my prayers for your family and you.

I know that God will never abandon and will never forget you.

Your humble heart will always be an example for me

Not only today but until the end of eternity.

In the end, I just want you to know that we will all wait.

We will wait for your come back even it takes a long date.

Again, thank you for the love that you have brought

especially for the lessons that you have taught.

Date; September 28, 2011            Urdaneta City, Pangasinan

 

"A Strive for Excellence"

“A Strive for Excellence”

(A Reflection Paper on the Movie, 3 Idots)

          “One in a million”, if there is a phrase that will describe the movie “3 Idiots”, I think this is it. Despite of the fact that it is an Indian movie and it is made in the Hindi language, I still appreciate the concept, themes, and other factors that transcribed in the film. I was really inspired on how the directors and producers of such film presented the message which really touched the reality not only in India but also to some nations in which discrimination and ideal concepts prevail. Personally, while watching the said film I realized many things which are in accordance with myself not only as a student but most especially as an existing human being.

          First and foremost, I realized that success can not only be gained through books nor scholastic papers. In the movie, there is the character of “Chatur” a very bookish student himself in which he memorize and avail all the things given and presented in his books. In contrast to him is Ranju, a typical young boy who kept on contradicting the ideas of his professors and who kept on bullying his classmates especially

Chatur. The movie, through the character of Ranju, made me realize that life is not all about the things that you have read or acquired through scholastic papers. I was inspired by the statement of Ranju in which he said that, “Always strive for excellence and success will chase you.” I realized that life is all about the decisions that you make everyday even if what kind of person you are, or ideas be it is still on your decisions to continue life and to always strive for the best. Secondly, I realized that man is not limited on his own concepts and beliefs. As I exist day by day, I often observe myself being limited on my own ideals and creeds. Just like Ranju, I am also a very idealistic person. Sometimes, my idealistic character leads me in disagreement with my fellowmen. However, after watching the movie, I realized that life is not limited in my own scheme. There are many times in which I must also accept the realities of the world even if it is not in accordance with my own views. I need to because if will not I will never attained the true knowledge and wisdom of life. In attaining success and excellence, I believe that I should not be limited with my own self. Lastly, I realized that, being knowledgeable and smart does not make you an invincible person. Ranju is considered to be the genius in their school, the International College of Engineering. But despite of that fame and honor, Ranju remained to be a humble and down to earth person. He did not forget his friends and his own identity and that made him an ideal person. He did not make himself an outcast to his friends and I think that is the real application of knowledge. To be honest, there are many times in my life in which I tend to be “superman”. I always put myself in the pedestal over the others. As such, from the movie I learned to be always humble and down to earth. I knew that in myself, I am not the greatest and even if I am the one, I still do not have the right to boast nor to be so much proud of myself.

          In the end, I realized that the true essence of being excellent cannot be seen in such awards and achievements that you attained. But the true meaning of excellence is on how you manage to be yourself not only for yourself per se but most especially for others despite of the many citations and medals that you have attained. Excellence is being earned, being worked hard and being applied. The movie created a big impact not only in my eyes but also to my consciousness as an idealistic student. As I end my essay, I want to impart a statement that was said to me by my friend who is actually a priest. He said, “Ang pagiging magaling ay hindi lamang nakikita sa mga librong iyong nabasa o naisulat ngunit ang pagiging magaling ay kung paano mo isinabuhay ang iyong sarili para sa iba at para sa Diyos.”

  

Preface

The Concept of Love

I believe in the concept of love. That undeniable release of emotion that requires and consumes every part of the human soul, a belief that has come through different experiences. The blessing of parents who love each other unconditionally, older friends finding love as they meet their soul mates and begin a life together, and my own brief opportunities of love that I have had the undeserving opportunity to experience.

            The idea of love permeates outwards so thoroughly that it can, without exception, take responsibility for every good human act ever performed. How many organizations have been started after the loss of a loved one, or lives changed in the attempt to help those we love? To love requires the full application of humankind's internal resources. The ability to state in one's head and believe that, “I know somebody loves me,” grants a feeling of peace and security unavailable by any other means. Life becomes more full and exponentially easier to live. The day begins with a smile and ends with a gratified sigh of relief.

            In all its complexities, loves is the basest, simplest, and inherently human emotion to experience, from the moment we leave the womb and feel our mothers warm embrace, to having a child of our own, we come to learn that love has so many shades and aspects.           

“Love is the conduit to the better side of human nature, a side that the entire world would benefit from if it would just come out of its deep dark hole” (Aquinas, 1867, p. 56). Luckily for us, there are those willing to share their love with others and each day that hole grows less dark. I do not presume to know even a fraction of the mystery that is love, but from my perspective, love is all beauty, all divine, and all powerful; a morphing, growing fire that will eventually consume the entire world in its flames.

DANILO

What is Love (Part XVI)

Love is a very definitive word…

Love means sacrifice, giving up your valuable life, time, money, etc, to make someone happy. The sacrificial attribute of love is demonstrated when a young man runs to rescue the woman he loves from being raped at gun-point and ends up being shot.
Love is one of the shortest words in the vocabulary of the English language, yet it's so potent, so vast, so much so that giving sufficient definition and description to it will require a lot of effort.

Love is a strong emotional attachment to someone. It is the strongest feeling and conviction that your soul is intertwined with that of the other person. Love is one soul living in two body. It is that magnet that draws you closer to someone and glues you to them.

Love listens to you with a patient endurance and speaks to you with a kind voice. It looks at you with compassionate eyes and touches you with a caring hand.
Love is that rare virtue that shows kindness and care to the one who is not deserving of it.

Love is the virtue that finds a good reason to forgive every wrong-doing. Love is that rare trait that appreciates the immortal truth that all human beings are not infallible and are therefore liable to err. It overlooks the frailties of the other person and helps them to surmount them.

Love is the fountain of strength. It is the force that will not stop you from being happy for your neighbor when they are happy. Conversely, love will make you sad when they sad. It gives you the sense to be with people in bad times and in good times.
Love is the bond that cannot be broken. Love is the deepest insight you have into people which makes you accept them the way they are without making effort to change them into a different people.

Love is the surest shield that guarantees security. It assures you that people will always be with you come rain or sunshine. It fills you with emptiness when they are away. It agitates your heart to long to be with them at all times. Love puts your mind at peace.
Love is being in the vehicle together as you journey into the future. It is the joy of working together. Love is the influence that helps us motivate and inspire each other as we strive to achieve our loftiest dreams.

Love means giving. A giver of love strips himself of comfort to ensure that the heart desire of the other person is met. Love gives clothing to the one who is naked; food to the one who is hungry; shelter to the homeless, comfort to the one who is sorrowful; it lifts the soul of the one who is depressed. Love shares, it gives and takes as well. It is the sunshine that smiles on the sad face of a frustrated soul.

Love is not ashamed of the condition of the other person. It has no problem embracing the man in tattered clothes. Love is not ashamed of removing worms from the wounds of a sick man. It has no problem wiping out tears from an ugly face.
Love is the source of life; it is the strongest power on earth. You find peace in loving and you should love at all times.