Oo alam ko, it's been a while since I last blogged. Yung last entry ko nung Mayo pa, pero dedma na. I'm back and I will be back for good. Paano nga bang nawalan na ako ng ganang magsulat dito? Kasalanan ni Facebook. Madali na kasing magsulat sa Facebook. Merong 'Notes' Function ang Facebook. Konting edit, konting lagay ng picture, click, share. Tapos. Mas kumplikado ang mag blog at mas madaling sundan ang sulat ng iba sa paltform ng Facebook.
So bakit ba ako bumabalik. Dahil na heartbroken na naman ako. CHARING LANG! Well, sige, dahil nga dun, inaaliw ko ang sarili ko. Nagbasa basa ako ng mga kung anek anek. Sa rest days ko naubos ko mabasa ulit ang "The Great Gatsby" ni F.Scott Fitzgerald, nakasulat ako ng mahigit kumulang sampung haiku dahil sa mahaderang si Sylvia Plath, at nakapagtranslate ako ng isang tula ni Pablo Neruda sa Hiligaynon at Filipino. Taray much no? Hehehehehe
Well yun na nga, dahil sa kakaliwaliw ko kung saan saan, napadpad ako sa tumbler ni israelmekaniko. Funny sya. Witty, humorous. Parang ako. Lamang lang ako ng kaunting paligo at ilang wisik ng Bambini Cologne Summer Fresh Scent. And so, ayun, napanostalgia ako sa pagboblog. So bakit ako bumabalik? Bakit hindi na lang gumawa ng bagong blog sa tumblr? May nagbabasa pa ba ng blogspot? May nagbabasa ba sa akin to start with. And then it dawned upon me. Parang pagkalaki-laking Epiphany - yun na mismo ang rason.
When I started blogging, ang sabi ko lang sa self ko, magsusulat ako dahil yun ang gusto kong gawin. Magkwento. Hindi ko iniisip kung may nagbabasa ba sa akin o wala. Kung may nagcocomment ba? May nagfa-follow o nagshi-share ng mga pinagsusulat ko. And there lies the reason. Hindi naman ang aging platform ang rason kumbakit hindi na ako nagboblog. Followers. Yun ang pinakarason. Instead of just writing for the sake of writing, naghabol ako ng readership. And that spelled the death to my writing. Nawala na yung sheer joy of just putting words into paper. The sheer joy of putting my thoughts forward. Inalala ko na ang readership, ang acceptance, etc etc etc. At mali ako.
One time, nung nag Manila ako, napag-usapan namin ng isa kong tatay-tatayan na si Atty. JP Cunada ang tungkol sa Sheer Joy. The Sheer Joy of learning for the sake of learning. The sheer joy of writing for the sake of writing. The sheer joy of studying for the sake of studying. Ito ang kailangan ko ma-irecapture sa sarili ko. Ang Sheer Joy na itey.
And so, ito ako. Bumabalik at nagsusulat muli sa isang platform na hindi na siguro pinapansin ng mundo. Dedma! Magsusulat ako dahil gusto kong magsulat. Aaralin ko ulit ang platform na ito. Kung may magbabasa man, thank you. Kung wala, dedma. Babalik ako sa pagboblog dahil gusto ko irecapture ang sheer joy na yun. Na naiwala ko kakahanap ko ng audience. At gaya ng sabi ng magagaling kong mga mentors sa pagsusulat, kung magaling ang pagkakasulat, hahanap at hahanapin ito ng audience. For now, magsusulat lang ako for the sheer joy of it.
And as such, hello there, and welcome me back. Matagal tagal din na wala akong naikwento sa blog kong to, but don't fret. The Batchoy Boi is back, and yes, he is back for good, for the sheer joy of writing.
Sa mga nagbabasa nito, anjan pa ba kayo. Kung oo, heller! Kung wala, dedma. Sana ay nahanap nyo ang sheer joy ng kung ano mang ginagawa at gagawin nyo. And so, welcome back the Batchoy!
I remember a very good friend who no longer is. To make the long story short, the issue as it stands, is that I allegedly, unwittingly and maybe inadvertently outed her to a cousin of hers. I would like to maintain that I did no wrong though, because the said cousin was in fact 'in the know,' as to her sexual orientation and gender identity - or more so, her sexual preference. The last time I was in Manila, I had a talk with a Master Novelist. I was happy that this senior writer is open-minded. Funny and fun how we got to talk about LGBT issues and even Lady Gaga and the anti-Gaga's. He said that there will always be 'demons.' Year after year after year, Religious institutions have demonized an artist or two. There will always be an 'anti-Christ' and a Devil incarnate to their minds. He also thinks that given time, the issues we have will no longer be an issue. Sexuality and SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) included. I really admire him and I, more than ever, look up to him. It came to the inevitable question then - was he gay?
Not that it matters, but for the record, the question begged to be asked. As a rule, I really do not care whether someone is gay or not. I only care to know 'officially' if such a person is my type - meaning, I am entertaining thoughts of getting it on with him. This makes for the viability of whether or not I take my chances. Otherwise, it's a non-issue. While it would be great to count among the growing number of us in the LGBT Community a person of high intelligence, great literary achievement and brilliance, it really did not matter. Though there was an openness to our conversation, it stopped me dead in my tracks. Then it hit me. Why is asking someone's sexual preference an almost taboo thing? Why can't we just ask for the sake of asking and not be afraid that we might be unnecessarily putting the person on the spot, or that it would be too personal or unprofessional? I braved up and asked him anyway, and he said no, he was not gay, no he doesn't mind my asking, it was all in context, and no he was not offended. I believe no one should take offense. A question is a question is a question.
Although I respect the decision of persons whether they chose to be out or still in the closet, what begs to be taken a look into is the reason why this is so? Who would want to consciously suffer and suffocate inside a deep, dark and dank closet of secrets? I believe this is because of the prevailing attitude of people towards the LGBT Community. It could spell trouble for some with their work, their religion, their career, their families and for some, it could even draw the line between life and death. Such is a serious matter. Some people refuse to come out because there is a hostile world out there, beyond their closets, and that is why, some people would chose to suffer in silence. I still believe that coming out is a personal choice. No one knows better when to do so, and no one can make the decision to do so except the person himself. He knows best his circumstance. On the other hand, I believe that most, if not all of these fears are basically imagined and magnified. With the proper positioning and the right support group, it can be done. The odds may be insurmountable and the stakes may be high, but it CAN be done! Nothing beats the feeling of being free to be the person that you are.
I wish it is as my novelist friend say it is - that given time, the issues we have will no longer be an issue. I dream of a world where
sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity is not an issue. Where
the simple thought of asking someone his or her gender preference is
not a matter of propriety but a matter of fact, and no one thinks about
'outing' someone as a bad thing to do because it really wouldn't matter
anymore. I dream of a world that would rejoice in someone finding love without qualifications as to sexuality or gender. I dream of a world that would nurture such loving relationships and would encourage people to embrace the light and not push them to the deep, dark, and dank corners in the name of anonymity and fear. I dream that no one be demonized because of his or her sexuality. I dream of a closet free world where everyone relishes the light and is free to be whatever he chooses to be, and to be able to make intelligent determinations for one's self. I dream of a world where sexuality is a non-issue. I will try my very best to give everything I have and everything I can to make such a dream a reality. I am OUT, I live, I love, proud and free. I am Bisexual!
I know, I know, I know! I forgot again, and I have no excuses! Maybe I just got lost in the thick of it all, or maybe I haven't been thinking of it as much as I used to. Nevertheless, a milestone is a milestone, so, late as it may seem, let me greet us!
HAPPY 3RD Year Anniversary to us Batchoy Denizens!
The Batchoyan turns three!!!
Three friggin' years! So much has happened! So many things have changed and yet, so many things remain the same. Some people have come and gone and we have taken all the good with the bad. When I back read sometimes, I sigh. How much of me have I revealed to you? Too much, and yet, it feels like none at all. Some entries make me smile as they used to, and some could even make me smile wider than it used to. It has been a wonderful journey so far and I thank all of you for journeying with me - ups, downs, sides and every which way.
I admit it gets harder and harder to churn out entries lately. Maybe it's going back to law school. Maybe it's the other things that occupy my mind. Or maybe, just maybe, its because it feels like there's no one there anymore. The batchoy turns cold without a word from you guys. Show me some lovin and hit that comment button. I know you are still out there because Feedjit says so, but you know, it gives me more reasons to fight the 'tamad' modes!
So now, since its our third year, instead of you giving me a gift, let me give you a gift. It comes in threes, so I need you to click on that comment button and tell me three things you'd like me to write about. I will choose three commentors and will write all three things you ask of me. You know what it's like. 3 wishes. Genie thinggie! Sounds like fun right? SO go! Make the Batchoy Boi happy! Fire away with the comments!
Happy Third everyone! You know what they say. Third time's the Charm!
The batchoy boi is ecstatic! Once again, a parcel came in August!
Oh yes, indeed! I will be at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Hotel, Manila on September 1, 2011!
Yes, dear denizens. The Board of Judges for this year's Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards have found my entry meritorious enough to win the First Prize in the Filipino Poetry for Children category!
Oh yes, and I will be getting one of those ginormous 'plate-like' medals too! It's kinda ironic how, months before, even years before this happy day, I have always dreamed and fantasized of how it would feel to receive that Palanca 'pinggan' but when the letter finally came and I now actually stand to get one for myself, I seem to not believe I actually won one! I would jokingly tell my friends that my lone certificate from the Palanca Awards 2008 for my 3rd Prize win in the Hiligaynon Short Story category is already lonely on my wall and could use some company. Now, here it is - with a pinggan at that!
Much as I could not describe the incredible feeling the first time I won the Palanca, same goes with this one. It's true what they say that each award brings a thrill of its own. Perhaps I will never ever get used to this feeling - this exhilaration! Now before I get away with myself, let me get to the point of this blogpost. When I shared the news on my Facebook account, my ever supportive friends flooded me with congratulations and well wishes. This added to the sweetness of the triumph, even more than the award itself. One recurring request is for a copy of the winning piece. The entry is a collection of 10 poems for children. I am sure that it will appear on the Palanca website shortly, and since they have publishing consent, I'm afraid there will be 'technicalities' if I jump the gun and publish them online. So, to satisfy my loyal reading public and hordes of fans (Chos lang!) I'd like to give you the title poem of the collection. I believe it has already appeared in its unedited form somewhere in this blog, so let me repost it. Here goes:
AKO ANG BIDA
Ako ang bida.
Ako ang pinakamaganda.
Bago lagi ang damit ko at sapatos.
Sa akin ay wala nang nakakaungos.
Ako ang bida.
Ako ang laging nangunguna.
Mga gamit ko ay mamahalin.
Wala nang tatalo sa akin.
Ako ang bida.
Kinaiinggitan ng iba,
Sikat at pinaguusapan,
Sa buong paaralan.
Liban na lang pag may miting ang PTA
O di kaya ay tuwing Family Day.
Dahil si Nanay, sa ibang bansa nagtatrabaho
Hayun, si Yaya, sinasapawan ang byuti ko.
Thank you so much to all my friends, family and supporters who believed, prayed, wished and hoped with me. This victory is as much yours as it is mine! I love you guys! Oh, and yes, see you in Manila and let he coffee flow! The Batchoy boils over!
The Batchoy Boi turns a year older! Happy Birthday to me!
The party’s over. I had it days before my actual birthday. The few remaining celebration for the day were also over and done with – coffee, dinner and then some. The deluge of text messages trickled about three hours before and those posted on my facebook wall have all been replied to. So I am left to myself. I wanted it this way – for me to be with myself for the remaining hours of my birthday. I wanted to celebrate the last trickles with the most important person in my life – my own self. So there I was at a bar. The band was still playing. I bought a bottle of shandy. I don’t drink really, and I just wanted to take it slow and easy and just be with myself. I stood by the counters sipping my drink. I saw you look at me. You were with your friends. There were six of you. Let’s just say, you were my type; Chubby flubby, fair, chinkiy eyes, cute lips and ahmmm… dimpled cheeks. Just perfect. Except for one thing – your girl's arms were wrapped all over your arms. Oh well. continue listening to the band. You continue staring. I tried catching your stares but you would casually look away when I try to. Your girl clings obliviously.
Inevitably, the band called out my name. They greeted me. How could they not. I’m a band boy. They called me over to jam a song or two. I feel you look at me as I approach the stage. I sang a couple of songs. I’m used to this. As I said, I’m a band boy. I know you were staring at me while I was performing. I could tell. I was looking your way. After my songs, I got back to my spot. You were scribbling something. Then, you handed it to the waiter. Two songs later, I was called back by my band friends. Somebody requested a song, and I was requested to sing it. I was in good moods, so I gladly obliged my friends. I am so sure it was from you. I saw you smiling as I was singing the two songs you requested. Luckily, I knew the songs. When I finished, I was surprised to see a fresh bottle of shandy and a plate of food on the counter. There was also a slice of cake. The waiter informed me it was for me. I said I didn’t order these. He said it’s on the house. I doubt it. This must have come from you. I saw you smile. Your girl still held your hand. I smiled deep inside. Well…Happy Birthday to me.
A few minutes later, your group left. Oh well… about half an hour later, I went to the comfort room. I went inside one of the cubicles. When I finished peeing, you were there inside the room too. No one else was inside. I smiled at you. You smiled back and said ‘Happy Birthday singer boy. Great performance.’ I said ‘thank you, did the food and drink and cake come from you?’ You just smiled. ‘Why are you alone on your birthday?’ you asked. I said I just want to be and asked ‘where’s your friends, I thought you left earlier?’ You looked into my eyes and gave me a warm smile and said ‘Isn’t it obvious why I came back? You looked lonely. No one should be lonely on his birthday night.’ I thought, goodness, I feel thrilled and this is a badly written screenplay of some cheap Pinoy romantic flick. Where the hell were the people who were supposed to come in and use the toilets? This is so contrived! But your chinito eyes, they stir a longing in me. I responded, ‘but your girlfriend…’ I wasn’t able to finish my question because somebody came in. We tried to act casually.
The guy went straight to one cubicle and as soon as the door latched, you grabbed me, hugged me tight and pushed me back into the nearest cubicle. Your eyes danced with mischief as your tongue probed mine. I got instantly stiff. We kissed and kissed and kissed and we heard the door to the cubicle unlock and the main door open and latch close. You grabbed me. We exited the comfort room. I was blinded by the rush and you led me to your parked car. I knew it was crazy but your hands alternated between the shift stick and my crotch. We ended up in a motel and when finally you were about to suck my stiff member, you paused, looked at me with a silly grin and said, ‘happy birthday band boy,’ and you took it all in.
It was wild, it was passionate and you sapped me dry. We did it all over the room - on the bed, in the toilet, in the showers, by the table, and I came all over too - in your mouth, in your palms, on your chest, inside you. Exhaustion got the better of us and we fell asleep. I could remember hearing the telephone ring. It must be the front desk informing us that our time is over. You picked it up. I was waiting for a nudge from you to get up and get dressed but when you put the phone down it was your warm hug enveloping me that I felt. I slipped into blessed exhausted sleep.
I woke up to the warmth in my crotch, and I saw you already mounted and impaled, pumping up and down. Time didn’t matter. There is the urgency of this lust, perhaps the last one, before we finally get dressed and go. When we came, I asked you what time it was. You said it doesn’t matter. You had us booked for the rest of the day. You smiled as you lay down beside me. I grabbed a smoke. Then you nibbled my ears and whispered ‘happy birthday’ I smiled and said, ‘not anymore. My birthday expired last night.’ You smiled and kissed me saying, ‘no, not you. Me. Happy Birthday to me. Today is my birthday.’ I smiled and allowed you to hug me. In a few minutes you fell asleep on my chest. I watched your cute face deep in slumber and I thought to myself. Darn, what’s your name again? I don’t think we ever asked each other that. Oh well, happy birthday. In an hour, I will wake you up by pumping into you! One good turn deserves another.
Before I slept earlier, I reposted a video in my facebook account condemning the beleaguered TV host Willie Revillame of the show Willing Willie on TV5. The said video features a child contestant, six year old jan-jan who was made to dance ala macho dancer gyrating suggestively.
When I woke up, the news has gone viral, with the DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman writing a letter to the TV5 management to refrain from using children this way saying it was clearly a violation of the R.A 7610
I laud the feisty Secretary for acting swiftly on the issue. The MTRCB has also recommended that a panel study the said incident. Meanwhile, TV5 and Willie Revillame have issued apologies and even guested the kid on their latest show with the kids parents saying that they did not feel that the boy was traumatized or abused in any way.
I can not help but express my thoughts on the issue, being a trained Child Rights advocate and paralegal intern at that, trained and immersed on Developmental Legal Issues from the Alternative Law Groups and having completed internship programs from the Children's Legal Bureau.
Here is my piece on the issue:
First and foremost, I have long decried the blatant disregard for good manners and a lack of tact and tasteless tirades of Revillame on National TV. Again and again, he has presented himself as bastos, walang modo and continually put to shame the contestants, the audience and even his own staff in his shows, even before when he was still in ABS CBN. I have stopped watching these shows too.
Secondly, I have long found it abhorrent and loathsome how these shows portray children in very inappropriate roles or portrayals. I have long been indignant and have long held the opinion that making children cry on National TV, for the sake of ratings, getting sympathy for cash or for fame/notoriety is clearly violative of the rights of children to be duly protected and thus constitute a clear violation on the laws pertaining to these protection of the child. I remember an episode where Willie repeatedly asked a child to 'say something' to his father who, allegedly has abandoned them. The child repeatedly said that everything was okay and he had nothing else to say to the absent father, but Revillame kept goading and prodding, which resulted to a tearful message of the child to his absent parent. In my mind, the relieving or the opening of such sensitive issues for a child who has long been trying to forget and get on with life is clearly a form of emotional and psychological abuse at that. In fact, the ridicule he gives are well seen,poking fun at their appearances, and to highlight, sexualities. To subject a child to ridicule because of his apparent effeminacy is clearly a form of abuse and exploitation.
Thirdly, the statement of the parents that no such abuse or trauma was brought about by the incident should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, they were the ones who stand to be benefited with what Jan-jan earned in exchange of his public humiliation, and they too are the ones who will be portrayed evil if found to be amiss and remiss in their rearing and protection of his rights. But of course they will protect themselves and deny such allegations. They too, should be made respondents and party to the exploitation of this kid. Remember that on these issues, the paramount concern should be on 'what is for the best interest of the child,' not what these parents would stand to benefit or lose. Remember too, that matters of these nature are a 'social crime,' hence, people have the obligation to see fit that the rights of the child be protected and to stand up when they see it being violated. Let us also remember that, sad as it may seem, in many cases and even those decided by the courts, it has been proven that sometimes, the parents themselves may not be the most qualified people to protect these rights, and in fact, are the number one violators and exploiters of their very own children.
Fourthly, Willie says that there was no exploitation and they merely wanted to provide entertainment. Further, when he asked the child at a later part why he cried, the kid said that he was merely afraid of basketball star Bonel Balingit, whom Willie called in to stand beside the child. The very act of calling Bonel is already clear abuse. Surely, the intent of such an act is to intimidate the kid. Furthermore, when they saw the child crying, they should have stopped making him do what he was doing and asked the child why he was crying. The belated asking prompts one to think that the child might have been 'coached' already, and his hesitance to say the reason at first must be because he knows that if he, in any way, displease the host, he might not be able to 'win' something in the program. I also agree with Sec. Soliman in an interview aired on Radyo Singko that the mere 'repeated' performance of the child constitutes an abuse or exploitation. To ask the child to do the dance five or six times in the name of entertainment is just too much. He was even placed on an elevated floor that rose up while he was doing his tearful dance.
Finally, I also agree that with this issue, not only Willie or TV5 should be put spot on, but it would also be high time to examine other instances of children being abused on National TV. I agree that little female children should not be asked to dance and gyrate in a suggestive manner seemingly following more mature female sexy stars, or dressed in such manner as well. I agree that when children are being put on the set, the female dancers should also modify their dance steps to make them child-appropriate. In fact, even the courts are modified as per rules when placing a child under the witness stand so as not to create trauma to these poor children whose minds and psychological make-up are fragile and must be protected. I am one with the indignation and condemnation. Let us protect our children and let us not find amusement to the detriment and at the expense of our young ones. Let us be vigilant in protecting those who are not able to protect themselves from the harshness of the world. If we find humor and entertainment in these things, then maybe we should reexamine our entertainment values. Shame on us!
This issue is an indication that we do have a problem in our society. This is bigger than Revillame, or the dancing Jan-jan incident. Let us then take closer looks and be vigilant in reporting analogous cases and please, stop clapping or cheering on children being embarrassed and put in exploitative positions such as these. Let us be discerning and let us remember that these are real, living children, with rights to be protected, and not dolls or toys that exist to provide us with entertainment, pique our curiosities or afford us a laugh or two.
I have always been afraid to publish. Mostly because I have been afraid of the discriminating critics. There are times when I even stop myself from submitting to Folios and Anthologies. I don't know, maybe this is the writers version of stage-fright. And then, this year came.
I do not remember anymore how it started. I posted poems on my facebook notes and most of them took on the same vein. Erotica. I am originally a writer in Hiligaynon, and the poems I consider well crafted and those I love best are in the language, but from time to time, I also produce pieces in English and Filipino. The erotic poems are in English. Then, one of the poems I posted was featured in an online website by the Asia Writes Project. This gave me a deep feeling of satisfaction and affirmation as a writer.
As the facebook poem/notes continued to grow, I would often get comments. Why not publish a collection of poetry? As usual, my 'stage-fright' comes up. But this year, I might have overcome this. I decided, this is my year. Finally, I will pursue publication. I will live up to that title I use when I travel abroad. The one I place under 'Occupation' - author.
At this point, I have finished writing the 50 poems that will make up the compilation of the Erotic Poetry, and yes, I also have a working title for the book.
YES! Book! I am braving publishing my first ever Book! Under my own name, solo!
Whew! I feel overwhelmed and excited.
There is no turning back. I just pray that this will go well until the book is finally launched.
What comes next will be editing, reviewing, revising and rewriting the poems if needed. After which, I will meet with my photographer friend Babak Niaraki to brainstorm on the photos for the book. I intend the book to be a coffee table poetry book of sorts, with 50 poems and an accompanying photograph for each poem. Well, technically, since it is Erotica, it will be a bedside table book, then. After this, I am sending the manuscript to my Literary Mother, John Iremil E. Teodoro for further editing and critique. She will also have the honor of writing and Introduction to the Collection. After which, we will then be marketing the Folio to publishers. Whew!
For now, I will celebrate the collection's completion with unrestrained hibernation and a good nights sleep!
Oh by the way, the working title of the book is
"The Unfinished Phoenix Tattoo" and other poems of Longing, Love and Lust (Well, mostly, Lust)
Whew! I am ecstatic! Wish me luck Batchoy Denizens and pray that this pushes through, well up until launching!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Don't Dare Me!
Makulit ka lang din naman kuya no?
Masaya kang kausap. Masarap kakwentuhan.
Seryosohan. Bastusan. Lahat na!
Kumusta naman sa Roma, bebe?
Hulog ka ng langit at masaya dahil napadpad ka sa batchoyan
Seeking to ammend Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, Senate Bill 455 seeks to include all Digital MEdia Practitioners in the Protection afforded by the law.
“With the popularity of blogs and video-sharing websites such as YouTube, there are now a lot of people who regularly post sensitive political commentaries online, with content similar to those traditionally published in newspapers or broadcasted over the television. It is clear that practitioners of the digital media are exposed to the same dangers that print and broadcast media practitioners are exposed to, so they should likewise be given protection by the law,” she said.
Winner ka gid ya Chay! It's only a matter of time, that what I once proposed in this blog become a reality too. The revisiting of other National Laws to include the virtual community online, such as the revising of the Omnibus Elections Code, to include the reality and impact of the cyber community in our political exercise. Mabuhay ka Tiya'y!
I came across this plea for help in my face book account from my childhood church mates and I am doing what best I can to help them out. If you have anything at all to help them, kindly read through. God Bless all of you!
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to explain our unfortunate set of circumstances that have caused us to become delinquent on our hospital and medical bills. We have done everything in our power to make ends meet but unfortunately we have fallen short and would like you to consider seeking some financial assistance in your charitable institution. Our number one goal is to save our newborn triplets from a life-threatening health condition which is currently confined in an intensive care unit in one of the hospitals in Iloilo City . These babies are the greatest blessing that we have received from the almighty God above. We understand that we were given a premature bunch of angels since God knows that we are capable of nurturing them to have the life they deserve.
The main reason that caused us to seek some financial assistance is that our doctors recommended our triplets to stay in the hospital for several more months since they were born premature. They may have health problems because their organs did not have enough time to develop. They need special medical care in a neonatal intensive care unit and they will stay there until their organ systems can work on their own.
Soon after having insufficient funds and our income not being nearly enough, we had fallen further and further to our hospital and medical bills. Now, it’s to the point where we cannot afford to pay what is owed to the medical procedures, doctors, and anything that involves procedures at the hospital that is very expensive-especially that we don't have the proper health insurance. At this time we have exhausted all of our income and resources so we are turning to you for help.
Our situation has got better because we have learned about your charitable works and we feel that this action would benefit us both. We would appreciate if you can help us regarding our financial issues so we can keep our babies healthy and to make them experience to live in a wonderful life that was shared by God.
We truly hope that you will consider assisting us and we are very thankful learning that there are still good people who understand the real meaning of life.
This is the telephone number of Iloilo Doctor’s Hospital 337-7702, 337-8648, 337-8649. If you have any inquiries or confirmation about our triplets, you’re free to call the said hospital.
Attached herewith are the pictures a few days after they were born and the latest just a week ago. Two of them are already taken out from the incubators and only one of them is still on critical condition. Thank you for reading this letter.
Part of my Baguio sojourn is meeting up with the wonderful and talented young writers from the Cordillera's; the Ubbog writers group. I was lucky enough to be invited to one of their meet ups, which was mainly the reason for my stay-over after the pride march. They are coming up with a call for entries to commemorate the 20th year of the Baguio earthquake.
You do not need to be a creative writer to submit. A powerful line or two would be enough to show solidarity and a collective remembering. Here is the call for submissions.
Gathering Stories & Weaving Memories: 20 Years After the July 16 Earthquake
Friday, June 18, 2010 at 10:39am
Existence throws us in the middle of paradoxes. Life is renewed at the same instance that death is confirmed, concretely as with the 1990 July 16 Luzon earthquake that hit Baguio hardest. We come together during its anniversary to observe solemnity for losses … but at the same time express jubilation for the triumph of the human spirit over adversities.
As years go by, the commemoration of this tragedy becomes more and more personal. The city now might show no sign of the destruction that crushed almost everything to the ground twenty years ago. But apart from physical restoration and reconstruction, the consciousness and the psyche, too, copes with this shattering experience. It is in these arenas invisible to the eye that imprints of destruction are almost always permanent. This day is most remembered by individuals who survived and lived to tell the story – those whose lives have been forever changed by what happened.
Piecing together written personal accounts of that historical day, we are aiming at collecting strength, celebrating survival, and creating/recreating solidarities. We share painful memories in the thought that things shared become more bearable. We remember losses, create meanings and make sense of human existence. We recount devastating experiences to discover what we have gained and how far we have moved on. We recall images of destruction to see the heroism and humanity manifest within us and the people around us. We revisit moments of ruin and weakness to keep our humility at the same time show how high and enduring our restored and reconstructed inner posts are.
Commemorating the 20th year of July 16 1990 earthquake in the form of an exhibit of stories may not leave a permanent marker in this city like a monument for the lives lost would. We hope that perhaps in this form, we add emphasis on remembering and healing, moving on and letting go.
Those who survive go on living. In this instance we veer away from paradoxes: stories of life reaffirmed and renewed likewise reaffirm and renew other lives.
contact us*email us your stories* *any language*300 words maximum* *deadline July 10*memoryweaving@yahoo.com*
And in support, here is my submission.
Tay-og Para sa mga magkahagugma nga ginlamon sang paglinog sa Baguio Ni Luis Batchoy
Indi na lang ta magdalagan, Pagwa diri sa atun nahamtangan. Dunganan ta na lang ang pagtay-og Agud mas madasig matapos ang linog.
Indi ta na gid lang ka pag buy-an, Mas hugot ta pa gid ka nga uyatan. Halukan agud mapunggan ang pagkawas, Sing kakugmat sa atun mga lawas.
Akun ka na lang nga dapi-ugan, Bag-o kita rus-agan sang balibung-an. Palig-unon agud mapanas ang hadlok nga nabatyagan, Sa atun pag hirup, nyan masalapuan ang kaluwasan.
Agud sa tion nga ila na makalkal kag ma ukay, Isugid sang atun nga mga bangkay, Ang sugilanon sang gugma nga wala'y sarang makatay-og Bisan pa sang pinakamakusog nga linog.
Yanig Para sa mga magsing-irog na nilamon ng paglindol sa Baguio Salin ng may-akda Ni Luis Batchoy
'Wag na lang tayong tumakbo Palabas sa kwartong ito. Ang pagyanig ay atin na lang sabayan Para matapos ng mas mabilisan.
Hinding hindi na lang kita pakakawalan Mas mahigpit pa kitang hahawakan. Hahalikan kita upang mapigilan, Ang pag apaw ng hindik sa ating mga katawan.
Ikaw ay akin na lang dadaganan, Bago tayo guhuan ng bubungan. Palalakasin upang mapawi ang takot na nararamdaman, Sa ating pagsinta, sakali'y matagpuan ang kaligtasan.
Upang sa oras na kanila nang mahalukay, Ikukwento ng ating malalamig na mga bangkay, Ang ating pag-ibig na 'di kayang yanigin, Pinakamalakas man na lindol, di kayang daigin.
I have been really thinking about my choice for president for a very long time. Politics is really not my favorite topic, and when asked, I usually reply with 'pinagiisipan ko pa.' Honestly, I was thinking that I will just let the elections pass and say nothing of my choice in my blog. After reading a lot, researching a lot, weighing things a lot and actually praying a lot, I have made my decision. I have chosen my color.
Admittedly, it was a difficult decision and I must say it pays to wait a while to see how people change styles and show their true colors when subjected to extreme pressures. It also afforded me the chance to listen to other people and see if their logic is sound. I also enjoyed exchanging views with my friends on this topic.
This is just my second time to vote for a president. Sadly, at this point, no one has readily won my heart the way Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago did (although I was not able to vote yet at that time she ran for President) or the late Sen. Raul Roco. I am tempted to simply say why I chose whom I chose but that won't be interesting would it?
My early favorite was Gordon, because of his sterling track record and admirable performance. Then I also liked Nicky Perlas, but this brilliant person whose answers are most impressive just does not have what it takes to be President, sadly, after the fact. Then there's the brilliant Gibo Teodoro who also impressed me with very practical solutions and very solid answers. As for Jamby Madrigal, I am sorry but she is just really really a wild card thing, second only to JC De los Reyes. As for the ex-president Joseph Estrada, well, please do not insult my intellect... pwede ba? Eddie Villanueva for president is another insult on my intelligence. The separation of church and state is a concept that is clear to me even before I entered law school. As for Villar, I have never voted for him ever. Not for Senator, and definitely not for President. With Noynoy Aquino, I too have my misgivings about him. It is as if we are left with a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea. Sadly, my choice is to choose the least evil, so to speak.
After listening to a lot of public forums, a lot of debates, a lot of 'conspiarcy theories', after researching a lot and weighing the pros and the cons, and of course, praying a lot, I have made a decision. It seems that I am yellow!
One of the process I had to go through was to weight the candidates against the negative issues hurled against them and the final straw that proverbially broke the Camel's back is as follows:
Villar: Listening to Prof. Winnie Monsod, who, to start with is someone I admire a lot really convinced me that there were insertions and Villar is guilty with the C5 controversy, but what really broke my heart is Nanay Curing's being used for sad and pathetic emotional campaign. The words of the sister rings loud and clear... "Bakit, nangagamit din naman sila ng nanay ah! Patay na nga eh, ginagamit pa!" I hear you sister... ginagamit nyo nga ang nanay nyo! SHAME!
Gibo: I really did not fall for the Villaroyo sympathy thing and the resignation from Lakas. I see it as a last ditch effort to shake away the shadow of the malignant cancer that is Gloria besetting his candidacy. Tactics, tactics, tactics. So if it is to be believed that Arroyo has left him supportless because she now roots for Villar, they would have removed that one obstacle that hinders his shooting up to the top. Tsk tsk tsk... Sayang, I really like you but I can not get past Gloria's annoinment of you. It's a classic... the 'mother-in-law' problem, right, hon? Chos!
Gordon: The last straw was the 'sue the SWS' thing! It proves the rumors for me that he is a big wimpy kid throwing tantrums when he does not get his way... well... the scary human rights violation in Subic also kinda put me on guard.
Perlas: I just hope you get appointed to a cabinet position. You, sir, are brilliant. Its just not enough. You have failed to capture my trust and confidence.
JC: Why the top spot all of a sudden sir?
Jamby: She is really really cute, like a Pokemon and that's it.
Bro. Eddie: I hold fast to my opinion that a refusal to see the simple truth that there must be a separation of Church and State is plain stupidity, and you being a religious leader is just a turn off. Stay with your flock, sir.
Erap: Oh phuleeze! As I have mentioned above... do not insult my intelligence!
SO that obviously leaves us with Noynoy. Actually, when I kinda latched on to the idea of voting for him, I told my friends that my very biased feeling is that I am choosing him because he is the least among the evils. I felt that should things not go very well, he is the one most easy to make accountable for. If worse comes to worst, he is the easiest to demand accountability from. He has not much to hide behind, unlike Villar with his money and Gibo with his military. Of course I had to grapple with issues against him the top three of which follows.
Hacienda Luisita - I believe he is not simply washing his hands when he said that he owns merely shares. I believe him. HE does not run the show entirely. Why put the blame entirely on him? The yellow ribbon with blood splatters is simply too melodramatic for me. Besides, there is a case already filed in the proper courts, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty is a sound and necessary facet in a democratic country and in a good justice system. There is no direct link that convinces me of his direct and clear accountability for the Hacienda Luisita issue.
No Legislative Track Record - Did Fidel Ramos have one prior to his presidency? Did Cory Aquino have one? I do not think so. Besides, I am sick and tired of all these political grandstanding and all these inane hearings 'in aid of legislation!' There are a thousand and one useless and inutile laws in the country. We do not need more laws and count bills passed into law. We need substantial implementation. This issue has failed to turn me off.
MAma Papa Legacy - Sister Villar mouthed it. Sino ba ang hindi gumagamit ng nanay? In the political arena, who is not guilty of using, in one way or another, pedigree and lineage? One thing has convinced me that Noynoy is NOT a mere 'legacy rider' - His stand on the RH Bill. Tita Cory has been a known woman of the faith, particularly the catholic faith, and surely would be one with the church's stand. It is refreshing for me to hear him damn the clergy and not care whether they support him or not because of his strong stand on the RH Bill issue. It shows that he is not entirely just a 'mama's bot' and is capable to be his own man!
So yes, I am YELLOW. Though I am not Marian Rivera who is a Psychology, I am Yellow simply because he has the Integrity and I believe in the promise that he represents.
As for my Vice President, I go for Mar. He has the credentials, the political will and the clout to boot. In fact, before he retreated to give way for Noynoy, he already had my nod. I respected him more and got impressed by this selfless act in fact.
As to my Senators, I again will not be able to complete all the slots. I ahev always believed that if I only have three senators, at least I have full trust and full faith in them, so I guess such will be the case this year.
Here are my choices.
- Miriam Defensor Santiago - kailangan pa bang imemorize to? - Liza Maza - She has my heart - Kata Inocencio - mukhang brilliant naman, masubukan - Sergio Osmena III - naiimpress pa ako sa kanya at feel ko kapakipakinabang sya
under consideration: - Satur Ocampo - Sonia Roco - Regalado Maambong - Jun Lozada
PARYLIST - Ang Ladlad - for very obvious reasons!
I would have completed my list with my choices for local positions in Iloilo City where I am registered but that would make this already long post even longer. For now, I am letting everyone at large know that I am happy to be Yellow. The more I say it the stronger I feel right about it.
I'm kinda Excitedness for a few things. I dunno why but with the way things have been of late, it is not a wonder why these little things cause excitement, or excitedness . Here are a few of them.
Brief Sojourn in Iloilo
I was tempted to say 'going home' to Iloilo, but really, home is where the heart is, and it is a happy circumstance that for the last six months, Manila has been home for me. My heart is where I am at, so Iloilo is not really home. Nevertheless, I'm going back there for the yearly obligation/panata. My bestfriend Bryan's family own a santo that is used during the Good Friday procession in Roxas City, and year after year, eversince I started helping, I have been in charge of decorating the paso for the procession. I can say that countless blessings have been heaped upon me by the good Lord for my sacrifices, including backbreaking work, super pawisan under the lenten sun, cuts, bruises and what nots from the wires and the flowers. Dahil mas mura sa Dangwa ang bulaklak, dito na rin ako mamimili. Goodluck naman sa akin because I will be bringing flowers for the Holy Week kaya nga I'm taking the ro-ro bus. Here's a picture of how I singlehandedly decorated last year's paso. Here are a few pictures of last year's paso. At oo nga pala... di ko alam pumuntang dangwa...help?
Last year it was egg mums, large white anthuriums, dyed in blue chrysanthemums, violet malaysian mums and violet dendrobium orchids that we used. This year, I wanted to use peonies, alstromerias and cymbidiums. Goodluck sa pagbubudget! At wish ko lang matunton ko kung san man yang Dangwa na yan... HELP!
Pretty Peonies... they are also sometimes called Paper Roses
Love the detail on the petals... so fierce
Mukhang mamahalin... sana makamura sa Dangwa at pasok sa budjei
And you guessed it right... pink ang color motiff for the paso this year. Excited much! Syempre pa, I will be there at least for moreor less one week. Tatambay ulit ako sa kapihan na tinatambayan ko, hahagilapin ang mga bandang jinajaman ko, kakain ng batchoy, seafood, and evrathing. The best thing I'm looking forward to is a dip in the beaches of Panay. I swear, I will go to Guimaras if skeds permit. There is a sliver of sand in my heart that longs for the lick of salty waters. Kung si mother john pa, kailangan maalatan ang buntot ng sirena. Since I'm his 'daughson' namana at nananalaytay din sa dugo ko ang pagkasirenang yun, I am basically a 'sirenette' kaya I need to dip my dorsal fins din every so often. After all, one month ang LOA ko from work kaya naman happiness.
WORK and Tengga sa Bahay
Speaking of workshempre pa, update nga pala. Nag file ako ng immediate resignation ko the last time I went in for work. Sabi naman ng Unit Manager ko, valid naman daw na immediate sya at mawi-waive ang 30 day notice rule dahil nga medical ang rason. Di ba nga meron akong butas sa aking tympanic membrane? Di ko lang mapa opera kasi di sya covered ng HMO dahil pre-existing daw.A great thing happened actually. Instead of accepting m resignation, they gave me a proposal. Papasok ako for at least one more week, then by March 5, pinag fa-file ako ng leave to use up my remaining VL's. Tapos right after, binigyan ako ng LOA for medical reasons for a month, hanggang April 14. Kinagat ko na.
1. makukuha ko na agad ang VL credits ko dahil gagamitin ko. 2. Mareregular pa ako. 3. At dahil naregular nga ako, by then, magagamit ko na ang card ko to cover my tympanoplasty,which I intend to do when I get back from Iloilo. 4. Pwede pa din akong mag stop ng work after the operation kung kinakailangan. 5. Susweldo pa ako for the next cut-off at by the next cut-off's baka makuha ko naman agad ang prime pay na pwedeng mag reflect na sa payroll.
Therefore, tengga ako sa bahay at naka leave lang. No work, no pay. Hehehehe. One more thing is this.Hindi rin ako maklabas labas at maka galagala dahil nga nagtitipid at dahil ampangit ng mga kagat kagat sa balat ko.
Nanganak kasi ang pusa sa kisame namin. Dahil dun, yung mga fleas nila dun sa taas nahuhulog sa amin sa baba. Sobrang kati at sobrang dami kong kagat. Pwede na maglaro ng connect the dots. Para akong nagka tigdas kaya dyahe makipagmeet up. Kahit mainit super jacket orlong sleeves ako. Bwiset! Sarap sunugin ng mga taenang pusang mga yan. I know that these are cat flea bites kasi nangyari na di sakin to before nung nasa LB ako when my ex had this cat din na me mga pulgas. I look so dirty now and I am so sure that I can say goodbye to landian at the beach for this summer. Whew!
CLASH
This one excites me na din. I have seen trailers of the movie. I remember nung bata ako, classic na pelikula to na lagi lagi at paulit ulit na napapanood sa Channel12. IBC. This is the stuff that childhood memories were made of. Dahil jan, I vowed na kahit magastos, this deserves to be watched in the movie houses. Anyone for a movie date?
Finally
Nagulantang ako nung nag check ako ng kalendaryo. Oh to the Em of the GEE!!! Pramis? Anumpetcha na! Shet! Ilang araw na lang, madadagdagan na naman ang edad ng Batchoy boi. Sana madaming gifts. Hehehehe... kayo jan... me paypal din ako pde din cash!
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