Your feeling and thoughts of Christmas 2011 amidst the calamity of flooding brought by Typhoon “Sendong”

Jose Joel Malabanan – Manila, Philippines

“Christmas and New Year are the most awaited holidays of the year here in the Philippines. As early as September, you’ll hear Christmas carols on the radios and see our malls starting to lay-out their decorations. It is just so sad that the untimely CDO tragedy had to happen. How can we possibly have fun knowing our fellow Cagayenons are suffering? But hearing from the news that help from all directions kept coming, made me say to myself that Christmas really is approaching and that not even typhoon and flood can stop it. The celebration was not like the usual, but we dealt with it and went through it.”

Rupert Magbuo Jr. – Manila, Philippines

“We are proud to say that our Christmas is the longest and merriest celebration in the world and for us Filipinos, Christmas time is the happiest time of the year as we look forward to family reunions, parties, exchange gifts and the festive mood that fills the air. But what about for those who have lost family and home to typhoon Sendong just before Christmas? For the victims, it would always be a painful reminder during Christmastime. Though it is the best time we can share the real meaning of Christmas by extending help, in general, we still have not learned our lessons well despite the reoccurrence of major disasters. For me, God is sending a message, probably to give a new meaning to Christmas amidst the tragedy. Maybe, we are being asked to take time-out and stop with our daily grind and reflect on the lessons of life that God wants to teach us.”

Grace Gallego-Collopy – Chicago, Illinois  U.S.A.

“Every weekend in December leading to Christmas day, it is our tradition to visit ‘Chitown’ as the locals would call it and experience its holiday grandeur. People would also flock there from all over the world for the opportunity to dine at the base of the Great Tree in the famed Walnut Room. So we were all high spirited to go downtown when we found out the horrible tragedy in our homeland amidst the holiday season. “Sendong” aftermath pictures pierced our hearts in pieces. It definitely HUMBLED us. A sense of guilt and confusion set in as to whether we should celebrate as planned or not. In the end, what is senseless and uncontrollable brought me to REFLECT the true sprit of Christmas, which is GIVING. Not just giving and donating of material goods but of GIVING of yourself, your time, your love, and your worldly possessions.”

Auric Santos – San Francisco, California U.S.A.

“When Mother Nature strikes, it does not choose when, where and how. While this national disaster left hundreds dead, thousands homeless with the emotional distraught beyond measure, people were deeply saddened but Life Went On. People gave monetary donations then continued their celebrations as planned. Catastrophes should never dampen the JOYFUL holidays especially of Christmas. Otherwise with everyday disasters occurring, misery will then rule the world.”

by:  Tata “Tatsky” Gascon-delos Reyes

To send off cargos of relief goods to the battered and devastated “kababayans” in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro, UMAC Cargo Forwarders and Pinoy Times combined their teams of supportive staffs to sort out the humongous donations received at the UMAC warehouse in the North East. When PT announced that it was going to accept donations of non-perishable goods such as old clothing, shoes, blankets, towels ….etc., many of our followers heeded to the call and it started pouring as early as the next day after the announcement by Connie Kriaski on her Pinoy Times Club Facebook page.

On the eve of Christmas, December 24, Connie Kriaski, myself, and some other colleagues were at the warehouse to start organizing and sorting the mountain of black bags filled with used clothing and other items that were dropped off at the site in just about 5 days. We seem to have fun getting together in such short notice and instantly created camaraderie that seem unstoppable. But deep in our hearts, we knew that the fun and laughter were all but just a façade. The items were slowly scattered on the covered floor and as we began to sort them, a combination of joy and sadness ate our being. Joy that we are going to have these sent to them and it will relieve them at least of some hardships, as they slowly put their lives back together. But extreme sadness too, for it will never be the same again.

The lives and memories lost and swept away by the flash floods that fateful day of December, barely one week away from celebrating what could have been the happiest time of the year, are the saddest events that will forever haunt the people of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. No one ever imagined that the dimmest time of the day will be the darkest in the history books of both provinces.

It is indeed going to be a long recovery period for these people. But we will never cease.  Life goes on. We all move on. We will all unite and stand for them and help them carry their cross. No matter how far and wide the oceans are that separates the Philippines and Canada, Pinoy Times and UMAC Cargo Forwarders will continue to carry the torch to rebuild and stay strong.

Thank you UMAC from the bottom of PinoyTimes’ heart…Thank you.

By:  Kristal Mae Rubiano

This is truly a very special concert for the group of Columbian Squire and Roses of Squires’ headed by Chief Leaders Kurt Rubiano & Theresa Chicote who put the whole concert together along with the Knights of Columbus’ Youth Council’s Councilors and parents. The Columbian Squires Band 5550 and the members of the Roses of Squires had been practicing twice a week for at least 3 hours since October up until the day of the mini concert on December 11, 2011 at SAIT’s  Orpheus Theatre.

The Squires and Roses of Squires have been together for about a year and have been fundraising for special events where they would either want to partake in or host themselves. This mini concert of talent that came from kids ranging from 10 – 19 year olds was just for that; to get funding for future camping trips and instruments they would like to have. And what’s a winter special concert without special performers? Along with the talents of 10 year old Denzel Borja and his recorder and the cute Rica Delos Reyes and her voice to the musical talents from Kurt Rubiano, they were also blessed with a participation by beautiful voice coming from Laurice Bermillo.

Although some of these kids have been performing since they were as young as 3, this Winter Special had its own type of significance because it was all thought of, made by and performed by the kids! The venue was given to them with no cost. Thanks for the help from parent Apple Suing. It was decorated by the parents, and when it came to show time, Councilor Tata Delos Reyes and Squire Jordan Nario took on the role as back stage managers.  With the help from every member they were able to carry out the production of ‘A Winter Special 2011’. Truly a very special concert that the kids worked hard on, making memories they will never forget.

On behalf of all the members of the Knights of Columbus San Lorenzo Ruiz Council 14746, the Columbian Squires Band 5550, and Roses of Squires, we would like to say a special thank you to everyone who came out to support the kids with their mini concert and hoped you enjoyed just as much as we enjoyed performing for you guys!

….Another Successful and Thankful Year for the Publication.

By:  Tata “Tatsky” Gascon-delos Reyes

Another year went by and Pinoy Times’ Publisher Connie Kriaski never let the year ended without giving back to her loyal advertisers and readers.  Once again, the celebration was held at the same venue (Huntington Hills Community Center) last December 17, 2011.  This time around, although that morning’s  Philippine News flashed a very unfortunate event when yet another flooding hit the Philippine island this time centering on Cagayan De Oro and Iligan provinces, the crew and staff of Pinoy Times carried on.   Everything planned for the night needed to move forward.

Even if the laughter abound inside the hall, we all knew that deep inside, Christmas 2011 will be different. One week shy of Christmas Day, many from our home country are sad, in tears and in pain.  But as most other Nationalities describe us, “Pinoys” are resilient.  We may, just like a bamboo, battered by a strong storm, will crack and bend a little or more, but definitely, will stand back strong as ever and face the tribulations no matter what.

The program highlighted the On-The-Spot Parol (Christmas Lantern) Making Contest, where local and avid readers of both Pinoy Tmes and PinoyLiving Magazine, took home the 3 monetary prizes at stake. Congratulations to Alex Galangga (1^st), Alex Velasco (2^nd), and Luis Magnaye (3^rd).  Teresa Hamoroc (4^th) bagged home the Xmas basket and all brought their works of art made beautifully with pride and honor.

A new addition was the Photo Booth which was a collaborative effort by the 3 members of Klick14 Photography Club.  Thank you sincerely for new additions to the line of Pinoy Times volunteer photographers Zaldy Francisco, Mark Ancheta, and Jazle dela Cruz.  Half of the proceeds earned from that night were donated to the CDO Campaign to which Connie Kriaski announced. The lovely men, women, and children of the Pinoy Times Circle of friendship openly shared a bit more from their precious pockets to donate through the photo booth sessions that night.  It is also worth mentioning that a 50/50 draw was held as well, where 50 % of the proceeds was lovingly donated by Connie Kriaski to Pinoy Times’ chosen non-profit and charitable organization that would embark to relay the help back home – Sagip Kapamilya, an ABS-CBN Fundraiser and Disaster Relief body that looks out to our “kababayans” in times of helplessness brought about by any type of calamity.

The last highlight of the event of course was the big raffle draw for the Cruise Trip  Certificate donated by Alex Taylaran of South Pointe Toyota and the 32” LCD Television donated by Ms. Lottie Brar of MCL Ltd.  Big winners were Miss Alice Cabagan of GreatLife Financial and Rey Labay & Emily Opinaldo for the most awaited Cruise opportunity.  Congratulations once again to all of us!!! See you in December when we meet again to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birthday or the Paskong Pinoy Times 2012.

The year end  is always a time  to  look back  on  the year past  – as reflection, as learning, as an inspiration  in  facing  the  future.    Here, we  review the  biggest  news and achievements  in  the Philippine arts scene,  culled  from  direct  information, news  and  the  social  media,  focusing  on Filipinos around the world.

Dance

• Candice  Adea  and  Jean  Marc  Cordero,  principal  dancers  of  Ballet  Philippines,  garnered  Special Awards  in  the  Boston  International  Ballet Competition, winning  the  lead  roles  for  a Russian ballet performance and in addition for Candice, the Maris Liepa Prize for Outstanding Artistry.

• in  Edmonton,  choreographer/director  Jojo  Lucila  was  one  of  the  Cityʼs  Awardees  for  the Cultural Diversity in the Arts Award.

Film

• Nino, a film  portrait on the decline of a wealthy family  by director Loy Arcenas, was awarded the $30,000 top prize New Currents at the Busan Film Festival in South Korea.   This festival  is one of Asiaʼs most important showcases.

• Auraeus Solitoʼs Busong won the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) International Critics Prize at the Eurasia International Film Festival, Kazakhstan.  Busong is a native Palawanonʼs term for fate or instant karma. The film tackles the environmental degradation in Palawan and stars acclaimed actress Alessandra da Rosi.

• Matthew Libatique, Filipino cinematographer of “Black Swan” won the Best Cinematography prize in the Independent Spirit Awards in California.  He was also nominated in the Academy Awards for his work on the same film, and in the same category.

• the documentary program Storyline created by writer Patricia Evangelista and filmmaker Paolo Villaluna bagged two medals in the New York Festivals International TV and Film Awards

• 18 year old Paulo Reyes won the top prize for his film First Steps to Recovery in a global film competition by the Tony Blair Faith Foundation.  The judging panel included Hugh Jackman, Jet Li, Wendi Murdoch, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, among others.

• Bisperas (Trespassers) won the Best Asian-Middle Eastern Film Award at the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival.  Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, the film is about a family whose house is burglarized on Christmas Eve and amid the tension brought about by the burglary, the members of the family realize how treasured sentiments have been lost and relationships have evolved.

• Cannes 2009 best director Brillante Mendozaʼs independent film Lola got the Best Film award, and actors Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio tied for the Best Actress award, at the Tehran International Film Festival in Iran. This same film was also recognized at the 8th Asian Film Festival in Rome, won the Best Film at the Dubai International Filmfest, Grand Knight Award, the Miami International Filmfest and was also featured in the Tribeca International Film Fest in New York last April.

Arts and Culture Literature

• political prisoner Ericson Acosta was named a finalist in the prestigious 2011  Imprisoned Artist Prize  in  the  Freedom  to Create Award  Festival  in Cape Town,  South Africa.    The award  is given  to artists who are incarcerated because of their courage and creativity in pursuing their art, and  the role of  their work in highlighting  injustice.   He bested more than 2,000 nominees from  145 countries by a  jury  consisting of Hollywood actress Daryl Hannah, novelist Salman Rushdie and ballet icon Mikhail Baryshnikov.

• Jose Antonio Vargas, a  former  reporter  for The Washington Post who shared a Pulitzer Prize for  his coverage of  the Virginia Tech massacre,  revealed  in  The New York Times magazine that he is an illegal immigrant and has been hiding it for nearly 20 years.

Music

• rise to  fame of YouTube sensation Maria Aragon  for her cover of Lady Gagaʼs song, and Thia Meguia for her entry in American Idol

• Karla Maye Carreon was declared grand champion in the vocalist category  in the K-pop World Festival in South Korea.

Theater

• the passing away of National Artist Salvador Bernal

Visual Arts

• Mideo  Cruzʼs  controversial  installation  Poleteismo,  which  mixed  Catholic  icons  with  pop culture  and  sexual  imagery,  caused  a  public  uproar  and  debate  on  artistic  freedom  and resulted in the shutting down of the exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

• Rodel  Tapaya  was  awarded  the  Signature  Arts Grand  Prize  2011,  at  the  Singapore  Arts Museum.   The winning entry selected from  15 artworks shortlisted from 130 nominations from 24 countries was Baston ni Kabunian, Bilang Pero di Mabilang (Cane of Kabunian, numbered but cannot be counted), an acrylic on canvas.

• the  entries  of  photographers  Reynaldo  C.  Mondez  and  Romeo  B.  Doneza,  Solar  Energy Panels and World Wide respectively, won top prizes in an Asia-Pacific Economic Competition, besting 204 photos from 95 other photographers.

• George Tapan  won  the National  Geographic  Photo Contest  – Places Category.    The most prestigious  international  photo  contest,  20,000  photographs  from  130  countries  were submitted.   George  is  the  first  Filipino  to  ever  win,  and  on  his  first  submission  too.    The winning photo showcased the beaches of Palawan.

• winning  entry   in  the  International  International  Childrenʼs  Painting  Competition  on  the Environment was 13-year old Trisha Co Reyesʼ  work showing a young girl pulling back a large grey  curtain  covered  in  images of  dying  trees  in  a  polluted  landscape,  to  reveal  a  colorful forest  filled with  abundant  life.   She was  formally  presented  the award  in  Indonesia by  the United Nations Environment Programme.

• Ifugao native Gilbert Bergano Alberto won the Silver Award and the Prix du Public (Audience Choice Award) at the 10th International Sculpture Symposium in Geneva for his sculpture A sitting old Igorot Man playing a Gong.

* For feedback and upcoming events, send to ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com.

ni

Roger Encarnacion

“Bakit gusto mong manirahan sa Canada?” tanong ng Canadian Consul kay Hector habang ini-interview siya nito sa loob ng maaliwalas na upisina ng Canadian Embassy sa Makati. Nakatitig nang walang kurap ang mga mata ng Consul kay Hector na waring inaarok ang kaniyang kalooban. Isang saglit na napapatda si Hector. Hindi niya inaasahan ang tanong na iyon. Hindi niya pinaghandaan ang tanong na iyon. Sa utak niya, parang kidlat na gumuhit ang naghuhumiyaw na dahilan kung bakit siya naroroon, kung bakit gusto niyang makarating ng Canada: “Para kumita ng maraming pera, para umasenso, at para mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang aking pamilya. Hindi ba iyon ang layon ng bawat isang nagpupunyaging makarating ng Canada?” Pero hindi iyon ang mga katagang lumabas sa bibig ni Hector. Bagkus ay narinig niya ang sariling nagsasabi ng marikit na kasinungalingan: “Para ibahagi ang aking karanasan, talino, at kaalaman sa lipunan ng Canada tungo sa lalo pang ikauunlad nito.” Napangiti ang Consul at tumangu-tango na waring nasisiyahan sa sagot ni Hector.

Hindi talagang ambisyon ni Hector ang mangibang-bansa. Kuntento na siya sa pagiging isang supervisor sa isang engineering company sa Cavite. At kahit na talos niyang hindi maipagyayabang ang kaniyang suweldo, hindi naman sumasala sa oras ang kaniyang pamilya. Higit sa lahat, hindi pa niya naranasan ang magipit sa pera kahit kailan. Hindi nga lamang niya kayang bilhin nang biglaan ang mga bagay na gusto niyang bilhin. Katunayan nga ay sampung taon siyang nag-ipon bago niya nabili ang isang luma ngunit disenteng bahay sa labas ng Tagaytay. At ang kaniyang kotse ay segunda-mano lamang nang kaniyang mabili.

Pero kahit na hindi matatawag na mariwasa ang lagay ng buhay ni Hector at ng kaniyang pamilya, masaya na rin siya. Nakapaggugudtaym siya paminsan-minsan kasama ng kaniyang barkada. At ang kaniyang maybahay na isang titser naman ay panatag na rin ang loob sa takbo ng kanilang pamumuhay.

Kaya lamang ay lagi siyang nakakantiyawan ng tiyo Kanor niya. Na nang lumaon ay tumimo sa kaniyang isip at naging hamon sa kaniyang kakayahan at pagkatao.

“Tingnan mo ang bunso mong kapatid na si Rico,” sasabihin ng kaniyang tiyo Kanor, “ayun, nagpunta ng Canada. Pitong taon pa lamang doon ay nakabili na ng malaki at magarang bahay. At balita ko’y tuwing tatlong taon ay nagpapalit ng sasakyan at ngayon ang minamaneho ay mamahaling Chedeng.” Mapapabuntung-hininga na lamang si Hector at matatahimik kapag naririnig niya ang pagyayabang ng kaniyang tiyo Kanor tungkol sa pagtatagumpay ng kapatid niyang si Rico sa Canada.

Si Rico ay isang engineer, ambisyoso, malakas ang loob, at magaling ang bokadura. Dalawang taon pa lamang itong namamasukan sa Meralco ay agad nang nagbitiw para pumunta ng Canada. Suwerte naman at napasok siya sa isang malaking engineering consulting firm sa Calgary. Gayundin ang asawa niyang si Mona na natanggap naman bilang isang medical technologist sa Foothills Hospital. At nagpa-part time pa ito sa isang insurance company sa ganoon ding trabaho. Hindi kataka-takang umasenso nang gayon na lamang ang mag-asawa sa loob lamang ng pitong taon.

May kung anong iba’t ibang damdamin ang kumukutkot sa dibdib ni Hector kapag ikinukumpara siya ng kaniyang tiyo Kanor sa kaniyang kapatid na si Rico. Iyon kaya’y dahil sa nasasaling ang maramdamin niyang puso tuwing maririnig niya ang pangangantiyaw ng kaniyang tiyo Kanor? Pagka-inggit sa tinamong pagtatagumpay ni Rico? Pagkaawa sa sarili at sa kaniyang pamilya sa hindi nila pagkakaroon ng mariwasang pamumuhay?

Pareho silang tapos ng engineering ni Rico, pero magkasalungat ang paniwala nila sa buhay. Para kay Rico, ang tunay na batayan ng pagtatagumpay ay kung paano naiaagapay ng isang nilikha ang kaniyang sarili sa kinikilalang pamantayan ng daigdig sa punto ng pananagana at pagtatamasa na nasusukat lamang sa antas ng materyal na mga bagay na nakikita at nararanasan, hindi ng makalumang pilosopya ng buhay na nagbibigay halaga sa katiwasayan at kapanatagan ng loob at sa walang hanggang kaluwalhatian ng kaluluwa.

Kapag sumasagi sa alaala ni Hector ang pangangantiyaw ng tiyo Kanor niya, kaniyang nagugunita ang matalinghagang aral ng isang magandang kwentong nabasa niya mula sa panulat ni Leo Tolstoy na pinamagatang “Gaano Kalaking Lupa ang Kailangan ng Tao?”

Ang istorya ay umiikot sa isang magsasaka na ang tanging lunggati sa buhay ay mag-angkin ng maraming lupain gayong nag-aari na siya ng malaki-laki na rin namang sakahan.

Isang araw ay nabalitaan ng nasabing magsasaka na namimigay ang gubyerno ng lupa sa isang panig ng bansa na hindi pa nasasakupan ng mga tao. Ang layunin ay upang mapagyaman ang lupaing ito para maging kapaki-pakinabang sa gubyerno at sa mga mamamayan.

Kagyat na nagpaalam ang magsasaka sa kaniyang pamilya para harapin ang naghihintay niyang  magandang kapalaran sa malayong dako ng bansa. Ngunit may mga alituntunin na dapat sundin bago ipagkaloob ang lupa. Sinasabing mapapasakaninuman ang sakop ng lupa na kaniyang malalakaran mula sa pagbubukang-liwayway hanggang sa pagkawala ng huling silahis ng takip-silim. Subalit kung hindi niya mabubuo ang parisukat bago lumubog ang araw ay wala siyang matatanggap na lupa. At wala rin siyang maaasahang ikalawang pagkakataon sa gubyerno.

Nang gabing iyon ay namahinga nang maaga ang magsasaka. Ibig niyang ipunin ang kaniyang lakas para sa napipintong pagsubok sa kinabukasan.

Bago pa lamang pumuputok ang araw sa silangan ay nakapuwesto na ang magsasaka sa isang piling lugar. Tinusukan niya ng istaka ang lupang kaniyang kinatatayuan bilang palatandaan na doon siya magsisimula at doon din siya magtatapos.

Hinay-hinay lang sa simula ang lakad ng magsasaka dahil gusto niyang kunserbahin ang kaniyang lakas. Ang kaniyang plano ay lumakad nang pa-hilaga para makita niya sa kaniyang kanan ang pagtaas ng araw mula sa silangan.

Habang lumalaon ay paganda nang paganda ang lupang tinatahak ng magsasaka. At habang gumaganda ang lupang nakikita niya ay pabilis nang pabilis din ang kaniyang mga hakbang, marahil ay kasing-bilis ng pintig ng kaniyang pusong nagagahaman sa mayamang lupang kaniyang natatanaw. Matapos ang mahabang paglalakad, naisip ng magsasakang panahon na para siya lumiko pa-silangan. Pero nanghihinayang siya sa mayamang lupang naaabot ng kaniyang tingin. May oras pa marahil para sa kaunti pang hakbang, naisip niya, kaya nagpatuloy siya sa paglakad.

Ang araw ay halos nasa tuktok na ng langit. “Hanggang dito na lamang at liliko na ako; baka magahol ako sa panahon”, bulong ng magsasaka sa sarili. At lumihis siya pa-silangan matapos niyang malagyan ng istaka ang lugar na iyon.

Ang init ng araw ay patindi nang patindi. Ang suot na kamiseta ng magsasaka ay basa ng pawis at nakadikit na ito sa kaniyang katawan. Nagsisimula nang bumigat ang kaniyang mga paa. Pero ang paghahangad niyang makakamkam ng malaking lupa ang nagbibigay-lakas sa kaniyang katauhan.

Mahaba na ang kaniyang nalalakbay pa-silangan at hindi na niya matanaw ang kaniyang pinanggalingan. Oras na para siya lumiko pa-timog pero nanghihinayang siya sa napakayamang lupang naabot ng kaniyang tingin.

“Kaya ko pa,” pampalakas-loob niya sa sarili. “Ilang hakbang na lang, ilang hakbang na lang…”

Nang ipinasiya niyang lumiko pa-timog, ang kaniyang mga labi ay tuyung-tuyo na sa pagka-uhaw. Ang kaniyang baga ay sumisigaw sa matinding kirot dahil sa nalalanghap niyang mainit na hangin at ito’y unti-unting gumagapi sa katatagan ng kaniyang loob. Sa unang pagkakataon ay nakaramdam ng takot ang magsasaka. Takot na baka hindi niya marating ang dulo ng kaniyang nilalakbay dahil sa hirap na dinaranas ng kaniyang katawan. Ngunit paano ang kaniyang pangarap?

Pinunasan ng magsasaka ng manggas ng kaniyang kamiseta ang mukha niyang basa ng pawis at saka ipinukol ang paningin sa malayo. Naroroon ang matabang lupang pangarap niya at nanunuksong kumakaway sa kaniya.

“Pagkatapos ng araw na ito,” pampalubag-loob na paalaala niya sa sarili, “makapagpapahinga na ako hanggang gusto ko. Pero kailangang tapusin ko muna ang pagsasakripisyo kong ito sapagkat ito ang magbibigay sa akin ng walang katapusang kasaganaan.”

Ang araw ay unti-unti nang bumababa sa kanluran nang ipasiya ng magsasakang lumiko at tahakin ang landas para sa huling yugto ng kaniyang paglalakad. Makaraan pa ng maraming sandali ay natatanaw na niya mula sa kaniyang kinatatayuan ang pook na kaniyang pinagmulan. Ngunit ito ay maliit na banaag lamang, isang munting butil na hindi niya mawari. Upang marating niya ang lugar na iyon bago lumubog ang araw, kinakailangang bilisan niya ang kaniyang mga hakbang at kung magagawa niya ay kailangang tumakbo siya. Ngunit ang kaniyang mga paa ay nanghahapdi na at waring may nakakadenang mabigat na bato.

Nagpilit pa rin siyang makalakad kahit paika-ika. Nakita niya ang mga tao sa gilid ng daan. Nakangisi ang marami at ang iba’y nagtatawa sa kaniyang kahangalan. Naiisip niya, “Pagkatapos kong makuha ang lupa ko, ako naman ang magtatawa sa inyo.”

Ilang saglit na lamang at magtatago na ang araw sa lundo ng langit sa dulo ng malayong kapatagan. Ang magsasaka ay ilang hakbang na lamang ang layo sa unang istakang itinusok niya sa lupa ng umagang iyon.

Kasabay ng pagkapawi ng liwanag ng araw sa kapaligiran, paduhapang na naabot ng magsasaka ang istaka, pagpapatunay na nabuo niya ang parisukat ng lupang magiging pag-aari niya. Malawak at matabang lupa na kaniyang-kaniya lamang. Ah, kaytamis ng tagumpay!

Ngunit ang kaligayahang sumanib sa katauhan ng magsasaka ay sasang-iglap lamang. Nang bumagsak ang kaniyang pagal na katawan sa matigas na lupa ay pinanawan siya ng diwa at tuloy binawian ng buhay.

Napakaganda at napapanahon ang leksyon ng kuwentong ito sa pangkasalukuyang henerasyon, naiisip ni Hector. Sa kasamaang palad, ang nasabing leksyon din ang gumagambala sa kaniyang kunsiyensiya habang hawak niya ang katatanggap pa lamang niyang immigrant visa mula sa embahada ng Canada.

Tahimik na pumasok ng bahay si Hector at itinago niya sa isang drawer ang hawak na mga papeles. Naupo siya at tumanaw sa labas ng bintana, doon sa luntiang halamanan, doon sa mga bulaklak na nasisikatan ng malagintong sinag ng araw, doon sa kalawakan ng langit na may nakalutang na puting ulap. Marahang sumandal si Hector sa silyang kaniyang inuupuan. At isang matatag na pasiya ang nabuo sa kaniyang isip. Hindi niya ipagpapalit ang Pilipinas sa Canada.

Kinuha niya ang mga papeles sa drawer at pinunit ang mga iyon. Ngayon ay natitiyak niyang hindi na siya muling mababagabag sa mga kantiyaw ng kaniyang tiyo Kanor.

One interesting episode for 2012 will no doubt be the highlight for my wife Ludy and I. After 7 years of waiting and many ups and downs, I think the Philippine Government has run out of reasons for keeping our daughter Stephanie in the Philippines. Ludy is there right now taking care of the last few unreasonable demands they have made and soon our daughter, and us, can get on with an exciting chapter of our lives! Shame on the Philippine Government for messing with a child’s life! It is obvious that they do not share the citizen’s caring and loving attitude. It’s too bad that there are never any good choices at election time there.

Speaking of caring – even though Calgary is located on the other side of the world from the Philippines, many Filipinos share the hardship, suffering and despair of their family and friends back home. As disaster after disaster strikes the Philippines, there are enough concerned people here that care enough to do something beyond Praying. Two groups have interrupted their busy lives to put together events to give us all a chance to help those in need back home, and I hope you can give your support to one, or God Bless you, both of them!

On Sunday January 22, 2012, our very own Pinoy Times and Pinoy Radio, led by Connie and Tata, present an afternoon of entertainment, fun and prizes. This is the SAGIP CDO Benefit Show sponsored by Pinoy Times in cooperation with Pinoy Radio. Look for further details in this issue of Pinoy Times and join the many Calgary Filipinos who can make a difference in the lives of those suffering due to Typhoon Sendong. This is also a chance for us to check out the posh, new Genesis Centre in the N.E.

Just 2 weeks later, on February 4^th, 2012, we get the chance to travel to the S.W. and again while being entertained, we can share our love and help out. A well known Calgary entertainer, Beauty Queen and much more, Mariedelle, and her many friends have put together an event called “Hawak Kamay”. Plan your Saturday evening around this special event through a local charity – Harmony for Kids and Elderly – and help out those affected by Typhoon Sendong. How comforting it is to know that our young people care enough to make such an effort. Congratulations Mariedelle! Details are in this issue of Pinoy Times.

Just a short side note on these two special events and that is – even if you are unable to make it to the parties, I encourage you to contact either of the Organizers and purchase a ticket or two to show your support. Every little bit helps and may you be Blessed for your kindness!

In closing, may 2012 be a year that your dreams come true and that we all can continue to improve our lives while helping and supporting those around us. May you enjoy your life here in Canada in comfort and safety!

Happy New Year!

Steve

Simple joys

“More than 11 million Filipinos have left their families to find better opportunities abroad.”  This is the opening line of the famous video by Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project. A barely five-minute video, but it was able to tackle the plight of a lot of overseas Filipino workers. Though not shown, there is actually another story in the said Coke video – the story of the families left by these OFWs.

Remember the Smokey Mountain? Not that large rubbish dump in Manila, but that group of young singers in the 90s, one of them was Geneva Cruz, formed by famous Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab. Never did I hear again a Filipino singer or band singing about family, environment and young love in the most compelling way. One of their songs I cannot forget is Mama. While the storyteller in the Coke project is the OFW, in Mama, it is the daughter left in the Philippines by the mother.

—0—

Mama she wrote me a letter
Saying she’s gonna be fine
Please take good care of your sister
I’ll be home in three years time

As parents, we assume the role of the worrier. We never let our children worry about things. As much as possible, we do not even want our young children to ask us, “Are you okay Mommy? Are you okay Daddy?” Because even if we answer, “Yes, I’m okay,” we know how difficult it is to appear convincingly okay in their eyes. How much more when you are away from them? Since you are the one who is not home, it is just normal for your loved ones back home to ask if you are doing okay. To say that “I’ll be home in three years time” is actually a suppression of the feeling of loneliness but with the intention of not making your loved ones back home worry about you.

—0—

Mama it seems like forever
You’ve been gone since I was five
They say you were a good teacher
In the same school where I can’t survive

Mama’s a maid in London
I want to believe that she’s fine
She could be lonely in London
I want to know why she had to go
I need her, I want to be near her
I’ve got to be with her
And see to it that we’re together once more

While at the NAIA Airport departure area, I heard one Filipino guy in a group of probably contract workers in the Middle East talking about his children who were asking if how many months he will be gone. He said he just changed the topic because the truth is that he won’t be back till after three years. Your children say they miss you, but they actually mean they need you – that they might not make it without you by their side. They want to know what is so good about going abroad. But most of all, they want to understand why you have to leave them. For after all, your children also want to find reasons not to feel unhappy even if you miss their birthdays, even if you cannot spend several Christmases with them, even if you cannot attend their school activities, even if you cannot witness their accomplishments.

—0—

My English teacher she told me
She wants to be where you are
Mama she’s leaving her family
To earn all the money she wants

London, Vancouver, or Hong Kong
Governess, housekeeper, or nurse
What is to happen to all of us children?
With mothers who travel so far

Absent parenting among Filipino families is a pressing issue that should be addressed by the Philippine Government. I do not want to be called bagong bayani. It is a hoax. You call OFWs heroes because their dollar remittances represent the biggest percentage of the country’s GDP? The government actually means, “Thank you for making our so-called job less of a pain-in-the-ass.” Because it is such a heroic act to leave your family is even a bigger hoax. It is never heroic to work miles away from your family. While bigger income is the main attraction of working abroad, every parent knows that rearing a child is more than the material wealth that he or she can provide. Being physically there for your children can never be replaced by any amount of money. It is truly a sacrifice if one of the parents work abroad, but it is utterly not a noble idea for both parents to leave their children all for the sake of money that they can earn abroad. Such situations would be too painful for the children.

—0—

The idea that one day the Philippines is going to be a country where its own people would want to stay is something that is far from happening right now. While truly “It’s more fun in the Philippines”, Filipinos admittedly are not happy citizens. The brand of fun that we have in the Philippines is very memorable but it is actually short-lived. There is so much stress living a life in the Philippines mainly because your government does not take care of you and your family. Corruption is very rampant, making it difficult for every Filipino to achieve even the simple joys in life. Once you land in a foreign country like Canada, you cannot help but be amazed by the care and security it provides its people.

Filipinos are masayahin (jolly) by nature that is why if you ask every foreigner who has gone to the Philippines of their experience in the country, it is not the place but the people in it that gave them happy memories. That is why, I remain proud of who I am – that I am a Filipino. I do not see myself trusting the Philippine government again, but my heart always goes out for every Filipino, especially for those who have opted to stay and for those who want to leave but have never been given the opportunity to do so.

by: Nikko  Gueco (Food Inc)

“… the best way through a woman’s heart is through her stomach… “  a classic cooking saying revised for the boys.

How many men have used cooking as means of impressing a girl  and how many women are captured because a man can cook.

One of the myths of cooking is a chefs cooking often reflects what he/she feels inside. to all of you who have cooked.  haven’t you
notice a difference in the food, you cooked when you have cooked it when you were in a good mood compared to the time when you have cooked it when you weren’t feeling right. i’am one the believers that cooking is a passion. its an impression of your inner most desires translated into this wonderful work of art that not only appeals to sense of smell and taste but into the depths of emotions when your guests eyes brighten as the food touches their tongues. its a connection thats is built as the guests devours your creation. cooking is an expression of the love you have inside of you.

And here’ss another friend of mine who is a chef. who is always in loved. Who is always ready to love and who’s is full of love. Sharing with us her passion. her cooking her love. her fully loaded of love hamburger mountain recipe. chef rye timbol from project 8 who now resides in calgary.

Fully Loaded Hamburger Mountain

by Chef  Rye Timbol

Ingredients:
4 tbsp oil
4 clovesgarlicchopped
1  onion chopped
2tspanatto powder (atsuette)
1carrotcubed
1stalkcelerychopped
3 lbs lean ground pork
2 lbs lean ground beef
salt or fish sauce
pepper
1red bell peppercubed
1green bell peppercubed
1small bagsultana raisins
3 pcsplantains  (sagging na saba)  fried and sliced to 1 inch slices
8cpseggshardboiled

Procedure:
Saute garlic, onion and Mama Sita’s Atsuete in oil, then put carrots and celery. Then  add ground pork and ground beef saute 15 to 20mins or until meat changes it’s color. Salt and pepper to taste then put sultana raisins, bell pepper and 1/2 a cup of water,  simmer for another 10 mins. Then add hard boiled eggs and plantains on top for garnish.

There are some restrictions as to just who should and should not travel the skies when they are pregnant. Generally, women who are having a healthy, normal pregnancy are free to come and go as they please. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women don’t fly after their 36th week of pregnancy.

Airlines are sometimes unwilling to carry women who are past their 28th week of pregnancy because of the risk of premature labour. Ticket agents won’t ask if you’re pregnant when you book a seat, but you could be questioned about your due date at the gate. In fact, an airline can bar you from travel if they are worried about how pregnant you are. To avoid delays — and more importantly, to confirm it’s safe for you to fly — get written permission to fly from your doctor. The letter should state that you have been examined and are not likely to go into labour in the next 72 hours.
It is also highly important that you ensure you calculate how many weeks along you will be at the end of your holiday. Just because you were within the acceptable time frame on the way there, doesn’t mean you will be on the way back and they may refuse you re-entry into the country (until you have given birth) because of this. You should also check to see which airline you will be traveling back with. Some airlines have different regulations about pregnancy and while it may be 35 weeks is the limit for the airline on the way there, it could be 28 weeks on the way back.

Stiff and swollen feet, ankles, and legs are a problem for many passengers on long trips, and especially so for pregnant women. Elevate your feet whenever possible.
One of the most helpful things that you can do to keep your blood flowing is to move around. Go for a walk in the aisle every hour. Every half hour, flex your feet, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes. These are simple little stretches you can do right in your seat without bothering the person next to you. And if there is no one next to you, then put your feet up and enjoy the extra space.

Flying during pregnancy can slightly increase your risk of thrombosis (blood clots) and varicose veins. Wearing support stockings or socks (not tights, which increase your risk of developing thrush) when you fly will help keep your circulation flowing and relieve swollen veins. For maximum protection, put the stockings or socks on before you get out of bed in the morning and keep them on all day.
To kill time during a long trip, take your walkman or iPod with soothing music, chanting, prayers, or some nice baby development books. These will give you and your unborn baby immense happiness and peace.
Try to book a seat with comfort in mind:

A seat near the bathroom will facilitate more frequent bladder emptying.

An aisle seat will make it easier to get up for quick walks (and trips to the washroom)

Bulkhead seats have the most legroom.

First class seats will be most comfortable – if you can afford the expenditure.

Emergency row seats are also known for providing extra leg space. However, being seated by the door is not an option for pregnant women.

The ACOG recommends that pregnant women keep their seatbelt on during the entire flight since you never know when turbulence will strike and there is a risk of trauma when it does happen.

If you do find yourself experiencing regular, painful contractions while en route, then speak up. Notify the cabin crew immediately that you’re having contractions and could be going into labour. You will certainly not be the first women to have ever delivered a baby high above the ground. While the crew is likely trained for just such an emergency, or at least to help with childbirth, your flight will probably make an emergency landing at the closest airport to make sure you get the medical attention you need.

P.S

If you are concern whether or not it is safe to walk through the airport metal detectors. The answer is ABSOLUTELY! These machines are not x-ray machines and will cause absolutely no harm to you or your baby.

Can the Metal Detectors Harm my Baby?
Metal detectors emit a very low frequency electromagnetic field in order to detect metal items. These metal detectors emit the same kind of electromagnetic field as any of the electrical appliances found in everyday households and uses such low levels that it is not considered harmful in any way even for pregnant women. Both the walk through and hand held metal detectors are perfectly safe to use.

Can I be Exposed to the Radiation from the Luggage Scanning Machine?
The machine that scans hand held luggage for dangerous content uses x-ray technology to see inside the bags without opening them. However, in order to make the machine safe to use on a daily basis by the terminal staff the machine does not give off any radiation. In order to be exposed to significant levels of radiation you would need to actually put your hand through the flaps where the bag goes in. Just place your bag on the conveyor belt as normal and then wait for it at the other side, if it makes you feel uneasy there is no reason why you have to wait around the machine itself, but unless you put a limb inside the machine, you are perfectly safe.

Can the Cabin Pressure Harm my Baby?
Airplanes maintain a standard level of pressure within the cabin that is acceptable for healthy individuals to travel in. If you and your baby are healthy you will have no problems in this environment and flying during pregnancy will be safe. The cabin pressure is a bit lower than on land which means your body has to work a bit harder to get a decent supply of oxygen so if you suffer from anemia, a history of blood clots or other circulatory related diseases you should check with your doctor beforehand and consider avoiding plane travel. If travel is mandatory you may be prescribed with oxygen for your journey if flying during pregnancy.