I.                   Mga Gawain kasama ang sanggol/ Bilang/Petsa ng Linggo:Noong ika-26 ng Agosto, 2007, sinakay ko si Najee sa Pasig River Ferry kasama ang kanyang tita at lola. Pumunta kami sa Escolta at kumain sa isang matandang kainan doon. Sumakay ulit kami papuntang Guadalupe at mula roon ay nagpunta sa SM Megamall para mamili. Bago kami makasakay muli sa ferry ay hinarang ako ng guwardya at tinanong kung ano ang laman ng bitbit kong kahon. Mabilis naman akong nakaisip ng sagot upang makalusot at hindi isipin na ako’y nababaliw na dahil may dala-dala akong itlog. Noong ika-27 naman ng Agosto, ako’y tuwang tuwa sa aking anak kaya kinuhanan ko siya ng kinuhan ng litrato sa tulong ng pamangkin kong itinuring si Najee na Barbie doll. Nanood at nagbasa rin kami ni Najee. Noong ika- 1 ng Setyembre, maaga kaming umalis kasama ang lola ni Najee. Pumunta kami sa URC sa Malolos, Bulacan. Habang may inaasikaso ang lola ni Naj, ipinasyal ko muna siya sa Barasoain Church na malapit lamang.  II.                 Repleksyon at Natutunan:Una sa lahat, natutunan ko na mahirap palang mag-alaga ng anak dahil kailangan mo siyang dalhin palagi. Hindi maaaring iwanan at nakakangalay ng kaunti kapag bitbit palagi si Najee. Kinakabahan na rin ako tuwing mawawala siya sa paningin ko. Kahit na sa totoong buhay ay itlog lamang siya, nagiging mahalaga na rin sa akin si Najee. Natutunan ko na kailangan kong mag-ingat ng mas mabuti dahil hindi na ako nag-iisa ngayon. Kailangan kong mag-ingat tulad nung nangyari sa may guwardiya ng ferry dahil baka pag-isipan ako at si Najee ng masama sapagkat hindi siya normal na bata. Nung nasa SM naman kami ay panay ang iwas ko sa mga batang nagtatakbuhan dahil ayokong matamaan si Najee. Nakakakaba pala talaga kapag may anak ka na. Mas mahirap naman talaga kung kailangan pang pakainin, patulugin at alagaan kapag may tunay na kong anak. Masaya ako ngayong mga nakalipas na araw dahil natutuwa ako kapag linalaro ko at kinukuhanan ng litrato si Najee. Hindi ko na pinapansin masyado ang mga tao kapag nakatingin na sa amin. Napag-isip-isip ko rin na sa hinaharap ay gusto kong dalhin ang magiging anak ko sa mga makasaysayang lugar tulad ng Barasoain na pinuntahan naming ni Najee. Mas mapapahalagahan namin ang kasaysayan kung siya kami mismo ang makakapunta roon. Mas maaalala naming ang kahulugan ng mga bagay bagay.

You just can’t eat the butter without bread and the cookie without the glass of milk. You can’t wear the left shoe without putting on the right one as well. The pepper is always next to the salt. The sea is next to the sand. The lock has a key and that girl has her make-up. There are always things in life that go together. You can’t separate them. If you do, the other will become dull or pointless. You probably think that it just goes like this when it comes to material things. It’s hard to let go of one or the other. However, there are also things that are inseparable but are not earthly goods. Examples of these are ideas and action, joy and sorrow, values and faith. The former is easy to understand but the latter has a few questions at hand.  Faith is to believe in things that we cannot see but we can feel within our hearts. According to the Bible, faith without action is dead. On the other hand, our actions and decisions are determined by our values.  According to my reliable notes in Religion class, values are the good and beautiful things that we consider important in life. They are guiding stars with each step we take. Growing up, I’ve learned that values aren’t just love, peace, charity, friendship and the like.  Our values can either be good or bad. If our values are bad then that would mean that our decisions are affected negatively as well. Instead of choosing wisely, our actions are directed to evil. If faith and values are connected, what will happen to our faith if our own values are negative?Personally, I have my own set of values. With every step I take, these values tell me what I must do. I value life, friendship and family. The Catholic faith tells me that I should respect and love all of these. I value hard work and honesty. My faith tells me that I should do my best and God will do the rest. I value love and happiness. Faith tells me that loving God and others is the true way to happiness. I can’t always follow all the values I want to apply in my life but I’m trying my best to live out my faith. People cannot say that they have built a strong faith in God when all along their values are distorted. If you value money, fame and all the luxuries in the world, you cannot say that you are a faithful person. A true man of faith knows how to prioritize according to his good values in life. Our values shouldn’t contradict our faith because then you cannot call it faith. I call it belief.   The king has his queen while the bees have their own flowers. The spoon goes with a fork and the popcorn has butter. Our values go hand in hand with our faith. Values without faith are incomplete. Faith without values is blind. Never leave home without one.                                                                                                                                                                                              

“Salamin Salamin, sabihin sa akin kung sino ang pinakamaganda sa balat ng lupa.” Haaay, tuwing kaharap ng kabataan ngayon ang mga salamin, tila ito ang kanilang sinasabi. Kapag sumagot yan ,hala! Patay patay ka! “Vanity affair” Saan ba nanggaling ang pariralang iyan?! Kapag binuksan mo ang mga magazine, ano ba ang iyong makikita? Ano pa nga ba kundi ay isang damukal na mga advertisement ng anti-aging body scrub, anti toxin exfoliate, pearl cream, toner, cleanser, body peeler, milk lotion, pimple clearing speed gel, detox, skin whitening toner, skin rejuvenating lotion, hydroxyl masks, beauty color powder, moisturizer, concealer at iba pa. Pangalan pa lamang, nakakahilo na. Sakit na rin ba ito ng lipunan ngayon? Lalo na ng kabataan? Bumaba ako sa may cr nung isang linggo. Nakakita ako ng mag-aaral na nag-aahit ng kilay. Dati naman, nakita namin ni Nerissa na naglalagay pa ng blue nail polish ang ilang mag-aaral sa kanilang mga kuko doon rin sa cr na iyon. Bago makalabas ng silid ang estudyante ngayon, kailangan munang magsuklay, magpowder o para umikli, magpaganda. Kagandahan. Paano pa ba natin ito nasusukat sa panahon ngayon. Sa kilos ng ilan, tila sa mukha na lang talaga natin masusukat ang tunay na kagandahan. Oo naman, kailangan natin maging malinis sa sarili. Kailangan nating maging mabango at maayos tignan. Siyempre, kasama na rin dyan ang pag-aayos ng sarili para magmukhang kaakit-akit. Wala namang masama sa pag-aayos ng sarili ngunit kailangan natin malaman kung saan ang hangganan. Hindi naman bawat minuto ay kailangan nating magsuklay. Kung nasa simbahan ka o ano mang pampublikong lugar, hindi rin kanais-nais na magsuklay. Ang iba sa atin, sa hagdan nagpupulbos. Kamusta naman iyon? Ang mahalaga lang naman ay nasa tamang lugar at tamang panahon ang pag-aayos. Hindi na tama na maging sagabal ang pag-aayos upang magawa mo ang mas makabuluhang bagay. Hindi na tama na tuwing matatapos ang isang asignatura ay nagpupulbos ka nanaman. May ilang mga mag-aaral na naglalagay ng make-up kahit sa paaralan pa. Hindi rin tama iyan. Saksi ako dyan sa mga mag-aaral na naglalagay ng pasimpleng eye-liner at blush. Hellooo?? Gaano ka ba kapangit at kailangan moh pang mag make-up pati sa paaralan? Lahat naman tayo ay may mukhang katanggap tanggap at kaakit akit. Ang pinakamagandang make-up mo ay ang iyong matamis na ngiti. Kung may tiwala ka sa iyong sarili at may dala kang pagmamahal at kasiyahan sa iyong puso, kusang lalabas ang iyong tunay na kagandahan. Sa bawat yapak ng iyong paa, dala dala mo ang sinasabi nilang “self-confidence” na walang ibang produkto ang makakatalo. Bitawan mo na iyang salamin na iyan. Ano bang malay niyan? Hindi niyan masusukat ang iyong tunay na kagandahan. Magtiwala ka lang sa iyong sarili, sapat na iyon kaysa sa kung anu anong mga cream na tinatadtad mo sa iyong mukha. Huwag kang magpatalo sa stress at sa laban ng buhay. Ang solusyon lang dyan ay ang ngiting mula sa iyong puso.

MAGBALIK (FAT) Wala ng pera ko sa bulsaNaubos sa pagbayad ng billsPaano na ako bibili ng Motorola o Nokia DI na alam ang gagawinUpang makabili ng selponGinawa ko naman ang lahatO bakt hindi pa rin siya sapat Hindi maglalaho ang pag-aaral sa ecoSana’y tumigil naAng pagdating ng suliranin Tulad ng bansa nating di tumitigil sa pag-utangProblema’y di matataposTulad ng taong hindi tumitigil sa paggastosYaman natin nauubos MAGTANIM (ANA) Ekonomiks ay di biroKwenta doon, kwenta ditoDi naman dumadamiNinanakaw naman kasi THREE BEARS (EULA) May tatlong malls sa loob ng isang bayanMegamall, Eastwood at GreenhillsAng Megamall, ay pang-masaSa Eastwood puro kainanSa Greenhills ang daming tiyanggeTingnan mo, tingnan moNagcocompete sila SAY A LITTLE PRAYER (YAN) If there is production, there is also consumptionRemember to conserve them tooTogether, try harder, to learn all its conceptsWhenever, whatever, there it will be a part of usAccept it and use it the laws and its principlesA science, a study, its how we will use it but surely it gives headache to me EVERYWHERE (YAN) Economics, its everywhereIt’s a science for computing needsBut also the expense and how we’ll spendPeople work so hard and do their best People never learn to beContented on what they ever haveThey are working hardTo suffice their needsMiscontentment, miscontentment SOMEDAY WE”LL KNOW (ANA) Back when we were in 1^st yearCant stop thinking, we don’t know whySo many questions ‘bout EconimicsThree years later you’re still in our minds It is so cool
to study EconomicsEthics, Science and even MathIntegrated in the subject matter SABIHIN MO NA (EULA) Gusto kong magpaliwanag sa’yoNgunit di kinakausapDi inaasahang naubos koAng pambili ng ulam Ang ganda kasi nung damit kaninaNgunit di ko naman sinasadyaDi na mauulit, InaSana’y maniwala kaPasensya ka na, kung nagastos koKelangan pa natin tuloy magwithdraw sa bangkoSabihin mo na kung papano mo mapapatawad GIRLFRIEND (NAK) Hey hey, you youIkaw si David Ricardo Lupa, lupaBungkalin na natinHey hey you youKahit di na kelangan Hey hey you youIkaw si Robert MalthusTao, tao Bat ang dami natinHey hey you youWala na tayong kanin Agham PanlipunanDapat pag-aralan ang mga kilos at pagsisikapNg mga tao sa lipunan Hey hey you youIkaw si Brother AdamMag-isa, mag-isaWala akong pakialamHey hey you youtayo na’t magspecializedahil kulang kulang ang, mga likas na yaman, para pagkasyahin sa ating mga pangangailangan EULA LAE (PRES) Ang eco ay napakasayaYamang tao at lakas paggawaAng eco ay napakaastigIsang agham panlipunan E-C-O-N-O-M-I-C-STitititigil, pabileAng mais sa palengke ay napakamahalKulang tuloy ang pera pambili ng salawalDi makasingit Ang daming taoNagsisiksisikanAng baho ditoAng EconomicsAy ay ay ayAng economicsAy ay ay ay…. 

“Sloth is what I used to call myself. I have always been too lazy to keep up with a journal or a diary. I’ve wasted a couple of notebooks since elementary thinking that each new one will actually be continued. How wrong I was. I never had the time or the determination to keep each moment alive. As I had long predicted, I shall always regret this simply because there are so many memories I wanted to keep alive.”  These words sprang at me when I opened my Vox account which is similar to Blogspot except for cooler features. Suddenly, it all came back. This was part of my very first blog. Keeping a cyber journal seemed to stitch my life back in place. It’s true that I’ve often tried to write entries in my diary as I grew up. I cannot deny as well that I’ve been throwing away notebooks out of disappointment. All I have to show now is my misery for having left a part of my life unrecorded. Nowadays, I enjoy surfing the internet a lot. You should have seen my face when I first learned about blogs. As I read the past entries in my personal yet cyber journal, a sense of delight and pride overwhelmed me. I had forgotten about the things I said and the stuff I did. I felt glad that I finally overcame that feeling of giving up. In a sense, I realized that this wasn’t only in my passion as a journal keeper. Giving up isn’t in my daily planner or in my to-do list.   When I was a kid, I gave up easily at the sight of defeat. Poke me in the back and I’ll attack you. If you’re stronger, I melt by my own will on the floor. When I entered high school, I was shocked. The expectations they asked of me rose sky-high. Having a family of achievers didn’t help reduce my anxiety. My mother is an instructor at my school though at a different department. Everywhere I went, people knew my name. They know very well about my mother and sister’s admirable reputation. I had to be perfect. There was no room for mistakes. Being in the pilot class, I felt as though I had to compete with my fellow classmates. Well, that was how I used to think. After all, I was just a freshman. I didn’t know any better. My classmates became my best friends. Every single one of them became precious to me. After 3 years of being together, I felt myself change. I didn’t have to work so hard to earn the best grades. I didn’t have to please anybody by changing my attitude. I didn’t need to feel depressed every time a teacher erroneously called me by my sister’s name. I just had to be myself. That was all. I was thrilled. When I reached my junior year, I knew my efforts paid off. I can’t recall the last time when someone addressed me with a name other than my own. I heard my mother say that she has never been this proud of me. My sister was so happy because I was able to do something she had never done in high school. I became the top of my batch. To my relief, I didn’t become a nerd along the way. I retained a social life as well maybe even a little love in between. This was something I learned from my sister. Read all the books you want but return to reality and enjoy life. Maintain balance or forget everything. High school wasn’t a breeze and the future isn’t only a drizzle. Inspiration, just like in writing, is a key tool in life. The thrill of performing with my club, the Dulaang Kumbento, made me look forward to the school year. The thrill of writing made me reminiscent often. Preserving memories in my online journal made me realize how much my life is truly worth. Actually, blogs saved my life.   I realized that I shouldn’t cry over spilled milk which in my case is my lost memories. I still have a full life ahead of me. I can only prove that I am really a sloth if I have this thought in my head and yet I didn’t even bother to record it. If I was able to find a way to combine my interests, my passion and my inspiration through blogs, I know that I can definitely do the same in my life. If I am able to overcome my fears and weaknesses in high school, what stops me from doing the same for the rest of my life?  Giving up won’t be an option. It is only a pitfall to snare those who are too indolent or apathetic to strive. After all it’s your attitude and not your aptitude that determines your altitude. You may say that again really fast a zillion times but keep that thought in your head forever like I will.   >> admission’s essay to ADMU                                                                                        

His Excellency, Most Reverend Francisco San Diego, Bishop of Pasig, Reverend Msgr. Dr. Gerardo O. Santos, College President, Mrs. Virginia Cacananta, Executive Vice President, Dr. Rosalinda Natividad, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Asuncion S. Cansana, High School Principal; Members of the President’s Council, Members of the High School Principal’s Council, honorable guest, faculty members, parents, fellow graduates, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.  This moment is indeed a very significant one for all of us. It is our final curtain call as high school students. Today, we witness the fulfillment of our dreams, the passion of the times and the revelation of the anticipated unknown. Our very lives were intertwined; each one leaving a mark so unforgettable that the journey could not be imagined if without. Together, we learned from the masters. The greatest teacher of them all, our experiences, incessantly taught us at our own pace, from baby steps to potent strides. What an excellent teacher, don’t you think? Well, they teach best when we are willing to be taught. As Aldous Huxley once said, “Experience is not what happens to you, it is what you do with what happens to you.” Each one present at this gathering has a fair share of the bitter and sweet taste of experience. The serene moments and the arduous days, the pangs of disappointment and cheers of success; all these and more brought our batch to considerable learning and closeness.  We may not be the greatest but this batch endured hardships, surmounted fears, achieved the unexpected and developed bonds that will last a lifetime. Literally and figuratively, rain or shine, we made the most out of each instance; the memorable third year promenade with its unexpected downpour, the uplifting Life in the Spirit Seminar at Nazarene Catholic School and retreats at St. Michael’s and Maryhill, the instructive outbound trips at Cavite and Mt. Banahaw, trekking at Mt. Makiling and caving at the Tunay na Biak na bato, even the year round activities which unleashed innate abilities within us. Some of the unforgettable were the United Nations Classroom Diorama, the Physics Olympics, The TLE food festival, the Language Game show, the quizbees, writing contests, the MathTalino, even the Awit Interpretasyon and choral recitations. We have proven to ourselves and to others that if we give our best and do away with mediocrity, we can do so much including the spiritual and corporal works of mercy that we have performed through this scholarly undertakings. It is in doing such that we truly find self-fulfillment. Remember the Jail Apostolate, we are able to visit those in prison and comfort them. How about the Pondo ng Pinoy? Through a simple 25 centavo coin which seems worthless to some, we were able to feed, give drink, clothe and shelter others. When we participated in simple class discussion, did we not instruct the ignorant? In the Life in the Spirit Seminar, did we not learn to forgive offenses? Everything started here in school. The seeds were sown and we are the rich soil. It is up to us to nurture what has been planted and continue the road of becoming true servants of God. The grasp upon us were loosened at times so that we may falter on our own and rise again. In each day that passed, we were taught to decide for ourselves and be held accountable for all the adverse or favorable outcomes these may bring. We hold more power in our hands than what we think and we can use this power to bring forth the betterment of all. We cannot please everybody and we have to accept the things we cannot change but we must remember that we can succeed in our endeavors if we just believe in the strength within us and in the one true power, the Lord Almighty. Pasig Catholic College has provided us countless opportunities to burst forth from our shells, to enhance our skills and offer experiences that elevate social responsibility, enrich spirituality and become morally upright. Let us not fail our beloved Alma Mater.                         So much has happened in just a few years. It is hard to believe that the curtain shall soon close. After four indelible years, today is finally the moment, our graduation day. On behalf of my fellow graduates, I thank each and every one of you for being at this year’s Commencement Exercises. We are all delighted. We are all grateful. We are all here because of you and with that, PCCians… We are!                                                                                                                                                                             

              What do Marcos, FVR and GMA have in common? Marcos was the innovator. Ramos was the general. On the other hand, Arroyo is the economist. These Philippine presidents are known to have very distinct administrative styles but there is still a common ground between them. Did you know that these three heads of state traveled the most to promote our own country? They were often abroad to meet with other world leaders but as they did, they also endorse the Philippines in an international level. If the president travels a lot, critics complain that he is wasting the people’s hard earned money. Still, we forget that through these excursions, the president is able to invite more tourists and investors. The three mentioned presidents knew that boosting our tourism could solve a number of major problems in the country.  For a country filled with convivial hosts but high poverty rates, what can tourism truly do? I remember fairly well a former ad by the country’s government stating, “Tourism means JOBS!” I cannot disagree with this slogan. First of all, from vendors to waiters, ushers for transport to farmers in distant regions even the taho vendors (magtataho) and physical therapists (masahistas) in Boracay earn an income through tourism. Directly or not, a lot benefit and a lot continue to live through tourism. The different industries and sectors like business, agriculture and education simply aren’t enough to provide jobs for everyone. Tourism can help fill the gap while giving life to all other industries in the Philippines. Additional jobs can be a starting point for firing this economy of ours. One of the continuous aches of the country is the brain and brawn drain which happens when our work force seeks greener pastures. The exodus of good laborers and skilled professionals leave the country crippled. Tourism can help Juan dela Cruz take hold of these workers. With the rise of new establishments and tourism related affairs, more jobs are created. As the inflow of tourists increases, a proliferation of higher paying jobs shall transpire as well. Instead of going abroad, our workers will choose to stay. That’s definitely good news, right? In the industry of tourism, not only do we usher in tourists but also development itself. Take a look at the Global City in Taguig. At first, it was a bare and unproductive area. Now, it is not only a promising business quarter but also a metropolitan tourist getaway. Establishments after establishments are built to cater to the large number of tourists and foreigners who mostly invested in the vicinity. New hotels, restaurants and even parks like the Manila Ocean Park near the Quirino Grandstand are designed, constructed and opened. Already famous must-see destinations continue to improve and expand to accommodate the wide range of target markets. We, Filipinos, invest in these places by building new infrastructures, adopting new technologies, renovating the old and simply beautifying the spot. All these developments take place as we import more visitors. With development comes innovation. New industries are born and become self-sufficient. Cebu, for example, controls its own capital. It is independent because of the number of tourists who serve as a market for their local goods. Our local industries are not as export dependent as before because they have a market in the area itself. With tourists itching to buy and try Philippine products and memorabilia, our small time producers have customers too. Our dear pearl market now thrives in the coastal tourist spots while the delicacies of the different provinces are bought by tourists who want to taste something new.  Economics tells us that we have very limited resources that continue to diminish by the second. With all these developments in line with tourism, our environment suffers. The degradation of our natural surroundings cannot be avoided if we want progress. This problem relating to tourism is being answered little by little by the government and private organizations. Boracay with its white sand beaches has been the talk of the town after several organizations pointed out its rapid destruction and pollution. The construction frenzy received a moratorium. The environmental problems must be faced first. Since people realize the value of their environment as their source of income and life, they learn to regulate resources. No tourist would want to swim in a polluted sea. No tourist would want to climb barren mountains. Filipinos learn to balance their endless needs with their limited resources. We learn to take care of our environment which is the only resource we have. With development, there is a price to pay but with proper care and handling, we can still save and conserve our resources. About 1.2 million tourists visited the country in 1992. In 2000, a whopping 2.2 million arrived. As more visitors come, the Philippines gains further. As we all know, a huge part of the economic sector relies on the country’s tourism. With so much culture and beauty, the Philippines still has more to offer. Tourism is the thriving panacea of the Philippines. Our presidents, including the economist, saw the possibility. It can solve a number of economic problems but we need to invest on this industry. We need to unlock all potentials. Our economy needs a boost and tourism will do the job. Tourism will fuel the country’s departure for economic take-off.      

bulong ~ sabi-sabiSa kabanatang ito, itinatala ko ang ilan sa mga bulong na napagtanto sa aking isipan. Ito ay mga linyang makabuluhan na talaga nga namang aking ikinagulat nang maisulat ko sa mga takdang- aralin, “reaction paper” atbp. Susme, may makabuluhan din pa lang naidudulot sa akin ang pag-aaral. *lalo na ang asignaturang Filipino ng “Diyosa ng kagandahan” raw*. Biruin mo, halos diretsong Filipino ang mga pinagsasabi ko!!!! wahahaha!! … Ipagpapapatuloy. *~*~* Kahit gaano ka man kalakas at makapangyarihan, kahit kailan ay hindi ka dapat magtiwala ng sobra sa sarili sapagkat kahit ang iba ay mahihina, hindi mo masusukat kung ano ang kaya nilang gawin upang makamit ang kapangyarihan o anu mang nais sa buhay. (tinig journal analysis)*~*~* Paminsan-minsan ay lumayo tayo sa modernong buhay at balikan ang simpleng pamumuhay upang ating mabigyang halaga ang mga karaniwan ngunit napakagandang bagay sa buhay. Sa mga munting biyaya ng Panginoon, ating matatagpuan ang kasiyahan. (“Batad” reaction paper)*~*~* Sa paghahangad natin ng mas kaaya-ayang kalagayan sa buhay, nababangga natin ang mga bagay na meron na tayo. Dahil rito, ito’y nawawala sa atin at sa halip na tayo’y umunlad, tayo’y lalong bumababa. Pahalagahan natin at pagyamanin ang anuman ibinigay sa atin o kaya naman ay nasa atin ngayon.(“Batad” reaction paper)*~*~* Ang wikang Filipino ay ang pandikit sa pilas-pilas nating mapa. Nakakita ka na ba ng isang “jigsaw puzzle”? Sa simula, ang mga piraso ay nakakalat at nakasabog lamang sa sahig. Matagal ito bago matapos buuin ngunit kapag nabuo ay isang napakagandang tanawin. Kung ang Pilipinas ay isang “jigsaw puzzle”, ang wikang Filipino ay sumisimbolo sa kamay na bumubuo nito. Kung wala ang wikang ito, watak- watak din ang Pilipino tulad ng mga piraso ng “jigsaw”. (Tore ng Babel sa Makabagong Panahon, essay para sa Buwan ng Wika)*~*~* Ang tao ay hindi ipinapanganak na masama. Maaaring may mga masalimuot na karanasan ang isang tao kaya siya naging masama o nahanto sa isang madilim na kalagayan. Kailangan natin silang unawain at tulungang bumangon upang makita nila ang pag-asang dala ng buhay. Ang Diyos ay may dahilan at plano para sa lahat. Maaaring hindi natin masagot agad ang ating mga katanungan. Darating ang panahon at maiintindihan rin natin ang lahat. (analysis ng “Vida” ni wilfredo Virtusio) 

“A creative economy is the fuel of magnificence ”. This is according to the American essayist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. When it comes to creativity, Filipinos have gone quite far with hopes to gain additional utility, earn more income and attract more visitors. Yes! Filipinos do love visitors, don’t they? They love it even more if their guests are foreigners. Filipinos are born tour guides and guest entertainers. This country surrounded by the seas, blessed with abundant resources, a rich culture and a spectacle of breathtaking views can rely so much on tourism as an industry.                                              I remember fairly well a former ad by the country’s government stating, “Tourism means JOBS!”. Frankly, I cannot disagree because it is true. From vendors in markets to waiters in restaurants, ushers for transport and accommodation to farmers in the distant regions even the “magtataho” and the “masahistas” in Boracay earn a living through tourism. Directly or not, a lot benefit and a lot continue to live through tourism. Tourism opens a lot of job opportunities. Jobs bring revenue and income which then becomes the fuel for firing our economy. Take the well-known Boracay and Puerto Galera resorts as examples. A lot of new establishments were formed and new jobs were created. Tourists who have journeyed, relaxed and been served well not only spend their cash in the country but also advertise their experiences through word of mouth to others. In order to further attract visitors, our tourist spots and potential tourist areas respond to the call. Filipinos usher in development. We invest in these places by building new infrastructures, adopting new technologies, renovating the old and simply beautifying the spot. These worthwhile investments bring more tourists than we could have imagined. However with development, there is a price to pay. The environment itself suffers. The white sand beaches of Bora aren’t as pearly white as before. Environmental degradation cannot be avoided if we want development. After all, we have very limited resources compared to the needs of the country and of the Filipinos. Since people realize the value of their area as their source of income and life, they learn to regulate resources. Exploitation is firmly reviled.                                    Tourism is the thriving panacea of the Philippines. It can solve a number of economic problems in the country. One of our continuous aches is the brain and brawn drain. The country desperately needs our workers yet they continue to leave due to lack of jobs. Through tourism, those workers who were planning to leave stayed because they can find a living here. New industries are born to cater the needs of visitors and people alike. Cebu, for example, controls its own capital.  Since tourists enjoy shopping and checking out what we have to offer, our local goods have found a market. Our local industries are not as export dependent as before because they have a market in the area itself. Our small time producers have customers too. Our dear pearl market thrives in the coastal tourist spots while the delicacies of the different provinces are bought by tourists who want to taste something new.         All hope is never lost even for a country stricken with poverty and debt.  Tourism unlocks our creativity and fuels our magnificence as Filipinos. Our country’s economy is budding as of today but with tourism and accurate economics on our side, for sure our country shall earn development. 

Author : Mike Portes-Borromeo Tingin ng mga bobong kapitbahay ko puta daw ako. Nagpapagamit, binabayaran. Sabi nila ako daw ang pinakamaganda at pinakasikat sa aming lugar noon. Ang bango-bango ko daw, sariwa at makinis. Di ko nga alam kung sumpa ito, dahil dito naletse ang kinabukasan ko. Tara makinig ka muna sa kwento ko, yosi muna tayo.Alam mo, maraming lumapit sa akin, nagkagusto, naakit. Ang hirap pag lahat sa iyo virgin eh. Tinanggap ko naman silang tao, bakit kayanila ako ginago? Masakit alalahanin, iniisip ko na lang na kase di silataga rito, siguro talagang ganoon. Tatlong malilibog na foreigners ang namyesta sa katawan ko, na-rape daw ako.Sa tatlong beses akong nagahasa, ang pinakahuli ang di ko makakalimutan. Parang maski di ko ginusto ang mga nangyari, hinahanap-hanap ko siya. Tinulungan nya kasi akong makalimutan yung mga sadistang Hapon at Coño. Kase, ibang-iba ang hagod niya. Umiikot ang mundo ko sa tuwing ginagamit niya ako. Ibang klase siya mag-sorry, lalo pa at kinupkop niya ako at ang mga naging anak ko.Parating ang dami naming regalo – may chocolates, yosi, ano ka! May datung pa! Nakakabaliw siya, alam kong ginagamit nya lang ako pero pagamit naman ako nang pagamit. Sa kanya namin natutunan mag-inggles, di lang magsulat ha! Magbasa pa! Hanggang ngayon, sa tuwing mabigat ang problema ko, siya ang tinatakbuhan ko. ‘Yun nga lang, lahat ng bagay may kapalit. Nung kinasama ko siya, guminhawa buhay namin. Sosyal na sosyal kami. Ewan ko nga ba, akala ko napapamahal na ako sa kanya. Akala ko tuloy-tuloy na kaligayahan namin, yun pala unti-unti niya akong pinapatay. Putang Ina! Sa dami ng lason na sinaksak niya sa katawan ko, muntik na akong malaspag. Ang daming nagsabi na ang tanga tanga ko. Patalsikin ko na daw. Sa tulong ng mga anak ko, napalayas ko ang animal pero ang hirap magsimula. Masyado na kaming nasanay sa sarap ng buhay na naranasan namin sa kanya. Lubog na lubog pa kami sa utang, kulang ata pati kaluluwa namin para ibayad sa mga inutang namin.Sinikap naming lahat maging maganda ang buhay namin. Ayun, mga nasa Japan, Hong Kong, Saudi ang mga anak ko. Yung iba nag-US, Europe. ‘Yung iba ayaw umalis sa akin. Halos lahat, wala naman silbi, masaya daw sa piling ko, maski amoy usok ako.Sa dami ng mga anak ko na nagsisikap na tulungan ang kalagayan namin, siya din ang dami ng mga anak ko na namamantala sa kabuhayan at kayaman na itinatabi ko para sa punyetang kinabukasan naming lahat. Dumating ang panahon na di na kami halos makaahon sa hirap ng buhay. Napakahirap dahil nasanay na kami sa ginhawa at sarap.Ang di ko inaakala ay mismong mga anak ko, ang tuluyang sisira sa akin. Napakasakit tanggapin na malinlang. Akala ko ay makakakita ako ng magiging kasama sa buhay sa mga ahas na ipinakilala ng mga anak ko Hindi pala. Ang tanga ko talaga. Binugaw ako ng sarili kong mga anak kapalit ng kwarta at pansamantalang ginhawa na nais nilang matamasa.Wala na akong nagawa dahil sa sobrang pagmamahal ko sa aking mga anak. Wala akong ibang yaman kundi ganda ko. Pinagamit ko na lang ng pinagamit ang sarili ko, basta maginhawa lang ang mga anak ko.Usap-usapan ako ng mga kapitbahay ko. May nanghihinayang, namumuhi at naaawa. Puta na kase ang isang magandang tulad ko.Alam mo, gusto ko na sanang tumigil sa pagpuputa kaso ang laki talaga ng letseng utang ko eh. Palaki pa ng palaki. Kulang na kulang. Paano na lang ang mga anak ko naiwan sa aking punyetang puder? Baka di na ako balikan o bisitahin ng mga nag-abroad kong mga anak. Hindi na importante kung laspagin man ang ganda ko, madama ko lang ang pagmamahal ng mga anak ko. Malaman nila na gagawin ko ang lahat para sa kanila.Sa tuwing titingin ako sa salamin, alam ko maganda pa rin ako. Meron pa din ang bilib sa akin. Napapag usapan pa din. Sa tuwing nakikitako ang mukha ko sa salamin, nakikita ko ang mga anak ko. Tutulo na lang ang mga luha ko ng di ko namamalayan. Ang gagaling nga ng mga anak ko, namamayagpag kahit saan sila pumunta. Mahusay sa kahit anong gawin. Tama man o mali. Proud ako sa kanila. Kaso sila, kabaligtaran ang nararamdaman para sa akin.Sa dami ng mga anak ko, iilan lang ang may malasakit sa akin. May malasakit man, nahihilaw. Ni di nga ako kinikilalang ina. Halos lahatsila galit sa isa’t isa. Walang gusto magtulungan, naghihilahan pa. Angdami ko ng pasakit na tiniis pero walang sasakit pa nung sarili kong mga anak ang nagbugaw sa akin. Kinapital ang laspag na ganda ko. Masyado silang nasanay sa sarap ng buhay. Minsan sa pagtingin ko sa salamin, ni hindi ko na nga kilala sarili ko.Dadating na naman ang pasko, sana maalala naman ako ng mga anak ko. Isang buwan pa, magbabagong taon na. Natatakot ako sa taong darating. Ngayon pa lang usap usapan na ang susunod na pagbubugaw ng ilan sa mga anak ko. Sana may magtanggol naman sa akin, ipaglaban naman nila ako. Gusto kong isigaw: “INA NINYO AKO! MAHALIN NYO NAMAN AKO!”Sige, dumadrama na ako. Masisira na ang make up ko nito eh. Salamat ha, pinakinggan mo ako.
Ay sorry, di ko nasabi pangalan ko.
Pilipinas nga pala.