Typhoon Ondoy makes me proud as Filipino

From the Book of Job we read a very inspiring story of a God-fearing man named Job about suffering and disgrace. He was a father of a large family and had received abundant blessings during his life. He was a prosperous farmer with a lot of sheep, livestock and crops. According to beliefs, there was a direct relationship between leading a virtuous life and prosperity here on earth. The story really showed that God is pleased with Job. But Satan came into the picture and challenged Job's fidelity to God. Satan predicted that Job will abandon Him when put to the test. So, the devil strips Job with all his possessions starting with his children who perished in a disaster. Job gave his complete acceptance to God's will in both prosperity and tribulations. In fact, became even more faithful for drawing a wonderful spiritual treasure amidst misery. Of course, Satan was dismayed that he inflicted Job with loathsome sores from head to foot which is even worse than material loss. But, Job remained steadfast despite the words of his wife and friends who believed that God must have cursed him. Job had proved that his relationship with God was not dependent on whether he had a good time or bad time.
Human suffering is never palatable. Moreso now, that we are attached with the instant everything and comfortable living. We despise sufferings as much as possible we evade it. We hate those daily contradictions, distress, and hardships. We feared it to come. Too bad it really did come. Sometimes, we reacted badly and to the extent rebelling. Most would attribute it to the one up above, blind to his own faults or misgivings. For whatever it is, sufferings are part of our life as pilgrim here on earth. Just a reminder, our road is not all to Mt. Tabor but oftentimes to Mt. Calvary or Golgotha. For some people, with gifted or acquired faith, may have peacefully accepted these truths, would even welcome it in full submission no matter how hurtful it is. They see that it is God's caress like a scalpel in a surgeon's hand to take out what hurts or impedes us to good health.
Typhoon Ondoy is a natural calamity. Disastrous it may be, but the damage could have been lesser than what we have now had we been responsibly taking care of our environment. Well, I don't want to dwell in that issue. This, I presumed, a lesson learned to those who are in the authority. Wish they have the consciousness and the intiative to take the matter seriously.Amidst all these calamities, typhoon Ondoy makes me proud as a Filipino. In fact, it's more than the European and US recessions, that in just few hours it stripped off it's victims all it's resources, properties and some even life in just one blow. Am proud for those victims who know how to draw out goodness out of the tragedy that Ondoy brought. It's very Filipino to be cheerful and humorous during the difficult times. Magtulungan, "kapit-bisig" at magpatawa, yan ang Pilipino. The sanguine side of each us. These traits are associated with our deep faith and love of God. Each of us can be like Job. Not mindful if we are stripped of everything as long as we are still alive, have our family, friends and God is with us. The latter is what matters most.
Now, I just received a text brigade appealing to God to deviate the way of Typhoon Pepeng. Dear Lord, we beg you to spare us with this another calamity. Please do protect us your beloved Filipinos. We appeal to you like how Moses had appealed to you.
It's now time for us to pray for our country and for each one. To be strong, resourceful and helpful in order to cope well in this tragedy. Was told, that our Lady told Emma de Guzman, an OFW visionary, that the Philippines will receive abundant blessings in 2010-2015. We just have to live a simple life. We look forward on to that.
I'd like to share this prayer 'Acceptance of God's Will": In all things may the most holy, the most just, and most lovable will of God be done, praised, and exalted above all for ever. Your will be done, O Lord, your will be done. The Lord has given, the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Life is a Beach!

Not a month without a beach! That's my yearly goal. Last January, we went to Antique and pass by Boracay just to sleep, but didn't go swimming. Just heard mass the following day. Then, came February in Bugtong Bato, San Joaquin. Big waves spoiled our plan, but photo-ops made our day gay. We went to SEAFDEC Mariculture Station in March. Ouch, no swimming ground, but photo-ops again. April, back to Boracay for some business. Was wishing to see Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt during their rumored visit at Shangrila. Had a quick swimming, then went home in the afternoon. April at Guisi Point. Visited our old friends there, went boating to our favorite cave with waterfalls. May in Ave Maria-Alubihod, Guimaras, then in Anhawan Resort in Oton, Iloilo for our company outing. Another blow in Carles in the northern part of Iloilo. Of course, have to admit that there are really months that the sea is not lovable starting June towards December. I only watched movie "Penelope" in my friends home theater in June for having beached a lot in May. Dunno, where I went last July. I think I reserved it for August, where I went to at least four beaches. First, in San Juan, Batangas, but the beach was not that lovely than I expected. Batangas beaches are great except the San Juan Strait. Well, the beaches that I like in Batangas are the mostly in Nasugbo like Kawayan Cove and Tali Beach, then Anilao and near Lemery the RockPort/Dive and Trek. The last beach I visited was full of seaweeds. Since, I was not happy. I really made it a point to go to Guimaras as soon as I get back to Iloilo. Once again, Ave Maria-Alubihod Beach, Guimaras - where I poured in all my frustrations there. Guimaras is the most cheapskate adventure which is friendly to my pocket. Then, the following Sunday we went to Anhawan Resort. This time due to a family obligation. After that, we went to Sagay, Negros Occidental for an island hopping. Carbin Reef-Molocaboc Island. T'was really great an experience. Then, I decided to behave this September. Maybe just a dip in the pool or watch movie. October may be an island hopping in Concepcion. Well, it all depends with the weather. Oh well, how I wish life is always like this.

memories in the high seas...

Way back in 1993,our journey to and fro Iloilo City and our hometown in Polomolok, South Cotabato started. Moneywise and most accessible means was through the high seas. The trip took two-three days with stop over in either Cotabato City or in Zamboanga City. Of course, we liked it so much. It became our venue for reunion and getting new friends from Manila down to Mindanao. For instance, via MV Zamboanga, t'was a small passenger ship, that I practically came to know all the people aboard. But, got an embarrassing experience someone said hi and I just stared blankly, to realized we just had our pictures taken together. Sorry, I forgot.

Of, course, got here some adventures and gimmicks to tell. For example, have dared to get a side trip to Zamboanga City, joining a group whom I really didn't know to Pasonanca Park wishing to see the tree houses that has a poem "The Tree" by Joyce Kilmer on it. To my dismay, saw only one. Just realized, I was not listening well to our history teacher, that it was singular, no "s" at the end of the word "house". Duh!
Got also a playing "con" story with my close friend in college... outsmarted the inspection crew in the ship, switching tickets as to hide one of the passengers we knew who had no ticket on board. After which, we got an ice cream for our successful mischief. Whew! Never again.
Of course, we also experienced Christmas and New Year's celebration on board. We all just slept, listening to the crews enjoying themselves with their simple fireworks.

The trips were not good all the time. There were times, big waves would hit and flood the ship. One time the ship tilted, maybe it was overloaded or the loading was not even, meaning heavier on the other side. We just don't mind it, we laughed among ourselves that we walked like a drunken man. Unmindful, free-spirited, come-what may, we reached our destinations.

Taking the ferries, to and fro, has its comfort and discomfort, especially on peak season, when fare were high that the only accommodation you can afford with was the economy, the cheapest, esp. with Superferry. What we do, we look for friends billeted at the class A or Cabin accommodation. After the ticket inspection, we flocked there and spent the whole night playing cards. Of course, most of us won't sleep. Some stayed at the bar and disco till wee hours. Then, asleep the whole day through.

After years in college, I would still take the ferry going back home. Sometimes, with the intention of passing by Zamboanga, despite threats of whatever it was, to see the replica of our Lady of Pillar from Zaragosa. The last ferry trip that I had was when I took a land trip going home via Cagayan de Oro.

How, I missed these trips. I like the seas so much. Seeing the stillness of the sea, watching dolphins and other sea creatures, makes me want to be always in the middle of the sea. Except, amidst turbulence. Jack and Rose story is not welcome here, tsk!tsk!tsk! But, deep swimming in the middle of the sea is what I've been dreaming of, but not in that tragic scenario.

For sure, my friends and classmates in high school and college, have their stories to tell too. Varying and more colorful! T'was an experience of a lifetime.

sicuti fur...like a thief in the night

Sometimes, death is like that. Unexpected. Sudden. Unwanted, like a thief in the night.

But, some are also expected. Desired. Anticipated, like the setting of the sun.

Was kinda sadden over the passing away of somebody I know who was about to retire next month. Saw him last Friday, actually just his back. Then, was told this morning that he died in cardiac arrest.

Death is not an end, but a change mode of ones being from mortal to immortal. Life is a journey towards its destination either in fullness of life with God in heaven or eternal damnation in hell. No one can escape this reality. Each soul faces its own particular judgement as soon as it separates from the mortal body.

Man's finality should not be an either/or. God, the Creator, has wanted each man to be in full communion with Him in heaven. That's why, He sent His Son to redeem man despite everything, i.e. sinfulness. Love of God and living the life of grace faithfully is what He has wanted from all men.

The world is wonderful, so is life.
More wonderful, having God at the central.
Most wonderful, possessing Him in heaven.

Life is a choice, so is finality.