11 April 2014

That same old empty feeling

Sometimes, there’s just that empty feeling that creeps into you, that same old empty feeling in your heart. You can’t seem to know where it comes from and when you feel it you just seem to miss someone or something you don’t even know. Because you miss the cities you have never been, the people you have never met, the books you have never read.

When everything is doing just fine, you feel it and that’s when you tend to be sad and down for no particular reason. It’s normal to be sad at times but making that sadness your home is the worst part. You tend to shut everything up thinking that you can do it alone because no one understands and no one wants to be by your side. And that’s the thing. You never let anyone near so how could they understand? You always think about what others might say. Why? You spend your life worrying about the things that could’ve happen and the things that had happen and the “What Ifs” are always there. You have to learn to love yourself because you’re your own hero and villain. Don’t ever think that crying is for the weak and speaking up will make you look like an attention seeker because these two will make you feel better. Don’t be disappointed or annoyed when people say “Ok lang yan.” or “Magiging ok din ang yan.” Because it’s true, Ok lang yan, you’ll get through it. Magiging ok din yan, because as time passes by you'll learn and you'll know how to fix the broken pieces. So, appreciate and be happy when someone says these to you.


When you feel that empty feeling, just breathe. You have it hard at times and that’s ok. There will be times when you’ll tend to breakdown but that’s alright, it just means that after all you’ve been through you can still feel and it means that there’s still hope in you. You’ll see the sun rise and set, you’ll get to walk under the rain, you’ll be able to see new movies and most of all you’ll be able live. Just remember to breathe.

12 December 2013

Mandela; Now Part of the Ages

By Ma. Issabela J. Villalino

South Africans have gathered in Johannesburg and Soweto to mourn their former leader, Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday, Dec 5, 2013, aged 95 due to lung infection.

It is very disappointing to know that we lacked attention in the loss of the world’s modern day Moses, a person who led his people from a dreadful and oppression suffering land to the Promised Land. Some of us have been more drawn by the death of Paul Walker, star of the “Fast & Furious” movie series. Of course, we have our own impart of things to mourn. Like the tragic circumstance in the Visayan region. But at the very slightest, why should one exclude the other? Why couldn’t we simply light our candles and pray and do the same just like the way we commemorate the dead crowd in the tragedy that happened in our country. The one doesn’t diminish the other, it adds to it. The one does not deprive the other, it deepens it.


Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in Mveso, Transkei, South Africa. Back in 1964, Mandela was one of eight men who are accused of conspiracy and sabotage in the so called Rivonia Trial, named after a community of Johannesburg where African National Congress leaders had concealed out in a farmhouse. The man who went into prison was hot headed and easily wounded. On Feb. 11, 1990 Nelson Mandela walked out of prison to a roaring applause, his right fist clenched raised in the air. “I walked out mature” said by N. Mandela. He then won the first democratic election on the year 1994, he served his country and people until the year 1999. But then Mandela did not obtain a second term as president. He knew that every step that he made would be a model to be followed. He possibly had been the President of South Africa for the rest of his life but he understood that democracy will do its work. He was a substantial man in any way. His inheritance in this world is that he extended human freedom.


Mainly, it’s time we show our ability to be part of the human community. If our lack of concern of Mandela’s death shows something, it is how remote, isolated and insensitive we are from that community. Yet that’s the reason why we are at the bottom. We are isolated, by the barriers we build around us. We see just beyond the known. That makes us narrow minded and we never let something new surpass us. Indeed, our apathy about Mandela’s death shows how little we know about the truth and the spirit of Christianity. How odd to say in a largely Christian country in main Asia and a country who practice and devotes in celebrating Christmas.








I, myself, if given the only chance to see, to be able to talk to Nelson Mandela, the greatest leader, model, man. It would be the most extraordinary and exquisite moment of my life. Countless have said to him that he is a saint but he just simply says, “I’m not a saint” and he wasn’t. He originally wanted to eliminate the Indians and communists from the freedom struggle. He was the founder of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the military wing of the African National Congress, and was considered South Africa’s No.1 terrorist in the 1950’s. He admired Gandhi, who was the reason for his own freedom struggle in South Africa in the 1890’s. And he explained that he regarded nonviolence as a tactic, not a principle. If it would be the best for his people, he would embrace it. If it was not, he would discard it. And he did. He was persistently, adamantly right about one dominating thing, and he never lost prospect.

When he “retired from his retirement” as he said it on 2004, He wanted people to see Nelson Mandela, and he was no longer the Nelson Mandela they wanted to see. Yes, we lost a great leader. But because of him, his works, we knew what life was really is about.

What really is Christmas? It is about one who was born to underprivileged and powerless folk. The mother needed to find a place to give birth to her child, and a stable was the only they can find. The child that will be born will overcome and change the world in the ways of his own will.

What is the true story of Mandela? The man would have worn his flashing smile with a halo above him. As said earlier, he never claimed himself to be a saint. He was a just a man who has flaws just like any other man. He willed to do what he things was right, did the best of his abilities to conquer the world. But a man he is from a powerless and oppressed race stood and fought. A man he is who was jailed, discriminated and despised chose to overcome the circumstances, in the ways he can.






It is not his birth that guided the world like a sole star to the heart of Africa but his death. There were the three
 kings in the form of the three presidents, current and ex all came from an outlying land, which is America. Also, the other leaders who served as the shepherds and the people who commemorated Nelson Mandela was the diverse sheep. From all around the world, the most powerful and influential people united to give honour and bow before to a simple and lowly man.


“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” 
 
Nelson Mandela

17 November 2013

"Kalamidad ka lang, Pilipino kami"

SUPER TYPHOON HAIYAN UPDATE NUMBER 007 (CORRECTED) 
Issued at: 6:00 AM PhT (22:00 GMT) Thursday 07 November 2013
Next Update: 12:00 NN PhT (04:00 GMT) Thursday 07 November 2013

(Ref: weather.com.ph)

Bagyong Yolanda (HAIYAN) enters PAR last November 7, 2013, and considered the most powerful among the super typhoons. The typhoon's track was seen to pass by the Visayas regions. The super typhoon made 5 landfalls last November 8, 2013. The 1st to be in Guiuan, Eastern Samar at around 4:40 am, it's 2nd landfall over Dulag and Tolosa in Leyte around past 7:00 am, 3rd over Daanbantayan, Cebu at around 9:40 am, it's 4th at Bantayan, Cebu at 10:40 am, and it's 5th landfall over Concepcion, Iloilo at Friday noon. Yolanda also passed through Boracay island of Aklan, Semirara of Antique, and San Jose of Mindoro before it made it's 6th landfall in Busuanga, Palawan around 8pm of Friday. The most affected province in Visayas was Northern Leyte especially the city of Tacloban.   

The national and local governments took actions to prepare the people who lives in the places where the typhoon will hit. But no one can stop the calamities that will come to our nation. No one wants to happen things like this to our nation. Official figures released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on 11/16/2013 put the latest death roll from Typhoon Yolanda at 3618 dead, 12501 injured, 1186 remain missing and total cost of damage due to the typhoon has risen to P10,339,290,061, according to the agency.

The aftermath of the super typhoon Yolanda was very devastating and heartbreaking. Seeing your fellow countrymen suffering and grieving makes you want to go straight to them and do whatever you can do to help. Very little time before eventually the people will grow desperate because of they're situation. 
DAVID SANTOS, REPORTER - SOLAR NEWS: Lahat ng daanan, nakakaharang na ‘yung mga puno, mga poste ng kuryente, walang nag-clearing, except for some towns. But Guiuan itself, total chaos. Walang sense of authority, walang gobyerno, sabi ng mga local officials dun sila rin biktima so di na rin nila matulungan mga ibang tao. Ang daming sugatan, patay, ang daming mga structure na gumuho, may mga lugar na hindi pa na-veverify na may patay rin.
On the streets, it's himself to himself. People searching everywhere to find food to feed their family, willing to do anything. Mobs breaking into homes and shops, looting anything they can find. Even the officials can't do anything to stop the people. Even a gasoline station was invaded by people who, because of desperation, dug deep to the ground to get gasoline to bring home for free. It was a very hard situation for the people in the affected areas. Wherever you look you'll see damaged houses, tree trunks and dead people. Some of the local residents was forced to fly away from their birthplace, from the place they lived for years, from the place they once called home. But still many are hoping for a better tomorrow.
Survivors walk on a road amidst heavy downpour after Typhoon Haiyan battered Tacloban city in central Philippines. One of the most powerful storms ever recorded has killed at least 10,000 people in the central Philippines province of Leyte, with coastal towns and the regional capital devastated by huge waves. Typhoon Haiyan destroyed about 70 to 80 percent of the area in its path as it tore through the province, according to local authorities.
Aid has been slow in reaching the millions affected by the typhoon, but on the good side, enormous international relief came to help the Filipino people. President Obama expressed his condolences to the victims of the typhoon. "Michelle and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extensive damage done by Super Typhoon Yolanda,” he said in a statement. “The United States is already providing significant humanitarian assistance, and we stand ready to further assist the government's relief and recovery efforts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the millions of people affected by this devastating storm."
After all the circumstances the Filipinos in the Visayas region has encountered, hope arises despite the tragedy. People all around the globe stands in solidarity for the Filipinos. At least 31 countries and 5 international organizations have extended their help to the Philippines. NGOs, Private organizations, Charities, Companies and simple individuals extends their helping hands to the people in need. It just shows how people can be united for a purpose. It's very heart warming that people helps with all their hearts and full efforts without asking anything in return to them. They serve as instruments from God to help our country.
The Empire State Building in New York City was draped in the Philippine Colors - white, yellow, blue, red - Friday evening to raise awareness of the devastation wrought about the Typhoon Yolanda.
















Filipinos as we all know are very strong and determined people. Even the strongest typhoon can never destroy the hope and faith of the Filipinos. At the hardest point of life, Filipinos can still laugh away the pain and hardship. The Filipino pride is always inside a Filipino. Filipinos are Filipinos and they will fight until the end.



"But this is not God's punishment. I have told them that God still loves us. Because God is a compassionate God. He will not abandon us." --- Bacaltos

10 July 2013

30 June 2013

The Filipino Youth as Exemplary Leaders

   
 Filipinos can be great leaders. Each one of us has a leaders deep inside ourselves. Both men and women do have the strength to stand for their people. Young or Old, all of us have the same freedom to be a leader.

     "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan" A famous quote from Dr. Jose Rizal. What does that mean? We, the Filipino youth are the next heroes. We are the ones who will build a strong bond of an honest and cultivating country. To be an exemplary leader, we must start within ourselves. We must be the sign of hope to our fellow youth. We must keep in mind that we are the foundation of our nation's future. We will look beyond the unknown to innovate new ideas that will improve our society. We'll always keep in mind and our hearts that failures will make us better, that we should never give up no matter what. We must motivate each other to do extraordinary things for our country. Dr. Jose Rizal is indeed a great model for being an exemplary leader, who stood among all the youth of his time, who deep in his heart know his potentials, who desired to believe in what is right. Just like him, the youth of today should stride on the same path he has crossed and be the leaders of change. These young leaders across the nation shall be molded into great exemplary leaders to bravely face all the trials our nation will be facing. We must look into our hearts and live out the flaming desire to serve our country with dignity as exemplary leaders.

     Yes, to be an exemplary leader is one of the hardest things to do,. But the determination and passion to uphold freedom at all costs, that's the reason why we remain steadfast. It is us who will continue our history. It is in our hands the greater responsibility of contriving changes in our nation. We, the Filipino youth shall have the love for our country and fellowmen. We should live out the goals of our great heroes and make new ones as we persist to value life. The voice of the youth must be heard across the nation. To be a great leader, we must also be a good follower. We need to work hard to make a difference. Words mean nothing without action. Even the little things we do can make the biggest difference we could ever imagine.

13 June 2013

Opinion| Pol Medina Jr.'s Pugad Baboy Controversy

Pol Medina Jr.’s Pugad Baboy controversy was the headline news on June 4, 2013. His comic strip pointed out that we, Christians, are ‘hypocrites’. And that we are against gays and lesbians. And the most talked about, the mention of an exclusive all girls school.

Pol Medina’s, Pugad Baboy volumes tackles about the realities in our society. His choice of words are very strong and competitive. I like how Pol Medina voice out what he feels through his comic strips. In that way, we can learn more and at the same time have fun.

But, on June 4, 2013, Pol Medina’s contribution on PDI made a great impact in my perspective. Pointing out that we, Christians, are ‘hypocrites’ is not a good idea. The term he used to describe us, Christians, makes our image as religious people unfavourable. Yes, other Christians are ‘hypocrites’ but accusing all Christians gives out the worst in it.

In the issue that we, Christians are against gays and lesbians. Not all agrees with gays and lesbians but some Christians do. We are not totally against bisexuals but in terms of how they act, it depends. We are all made by God equally and unique. We are who we are.

Mentioning an exclusive all girls school is not appropriate. Especially, he is tackling about a sensitive issue. I think, anyone will be insulted if someone mentioned them involved in a particular issue. This time, Pol Medina Jr. crossed the line. He took a big risk to express his thoughts and it turned out to be a failure.

Anyone can express their feelings and thoughts but with the right words to consider how others will think. Pol Medina Jr.’s way of expressing signifies our freedom as a free nation. Even though he’s involved in this issue, I still idolize him and I still want to see more of his works in the future.

21 May 2013

Last Days of Summer '13 ☀


In about two weeks or less summer will be over and we'll be back to the 'real' world. But we can still make the most out of the remaining time. In these days last minute vacations are pretty hectic but time is so precious why do nothing? With the days just remaining, why not think of something memorable that will make your last summer days be an amazing one?


Go to a nearby Resort or a Theme Park or somewhere relaxing but fun. Different activities will do! Swimming, Mountain Climbing, Sight-seeing, relaxing, etc.

Read a good book. After all, reading something would help your mind stimulate while your away from school. Books can take you somewhere you never thought you'd be. In that way, you can think that your in a paradise, swimming underwater with different species of fishes or drinking a fresh smoothie while lying under the sun with the sea lay before your eyes.





Spend a day with your BFF'S or your family. Do whatever you like to do together. Listen to music, watch movies, food travel or just talk about things all day long.






Do shopping! It can make you happy and at the same time it can use your extra time.

Do a DIY project. You can use your time for something you can be productive. You can help recycle things and turn it into something you like and up to date.

Attend lessons. It can enhance your skills and add more skills. Attending one will not waste your time.

Join organizations that's advocacy is for a good cause. Your time will be spent for a good cause at the same time you can meet new great people and be one of the good people.








Do what you are good at. Draw, Play badminton, Write a song, Play the violin or your clarinet. Doing what you really love does and will make you happy, right?

3 May 2013

Holy Mass

Nowadays, people seems to forget what the Holy Mass really means. They tend to forget how to act inside the house of God. People go to church not because they are willing to go but because they need something. For students, the common reason is because it is a requirement in their religion class, sometimes, because their parents is forcing them to go. For adults, because they need help for financial, love or they want a car. Yes, it's not bad to pray to God that you want a new car or a new partner in life but some people is just relying to God and seems to forget that they also have to make a move to get what they want.


The importance of the Holy Mass in the life of Christians is very big. The Holy Mass is a way of communicating to God, to pray sincerely for God's guidance. Holy Masses is for us to be enlightend by God's love. Jesus died for us, for us to be forgiven. In the Holy Mass it is for us to give thanks for all the things that Jesus have done for us. In the Holy Mass we receive the body and blood of Christ for us to be blessed. In the Holy Mass we learn good values that we can implement in our daily lives.


Without the Holy Mass people will be burdened from mental and spiritual needs. Christians have to attend masses. The Holy Spirit fills us with the love of God. The importance of the Holy Mass is truly a great part of us Christians.