The Fantastic Four Women In My Life

A day before the official “Mother’s Day” celebration I was so tempted and jealous seeing friends from Facebook expressing and sharing their words of love and gratitude in creative fashion to their own mothers. 

I was in the brink of expressing my celebratory remarks and way of honoring the four important women and mothers in my life – that if I finish would surely be shared in the social network I own - Twitter, Facebook & Instagram are waiting. 

Good graces – my control worked to my advantage. Before the jealousy overtook me, it deviated my focus to spending our day by going for a family bonding in the mall with my immediate family, together with my mother – who is under my care right now.

Of Lenten Season, Of Summer, and Of Ihaw-Ihaw Sa Tag-Araw

A powerful sneeze has just exploded before I started scribbling this. And I felt like my lungs could also explode any moment. It’s painful to sneeze esp. if it’s a forced one. The urge to release is so sudden. 

I don’t have any plan to write about anything right now – I mean it’s 2AM. Who the hell would wake up at this holy hour? I should suppose to be in my sound sleep. But I was awakened by that powerful sneeze and incessant coughing. It's so disturbing that I can't even go back to sleep again. 

So, what I did was - I went to the kitchen, boiled the lemon grass. After boiling, I pour out into a mug and mixed it with a powdered ginger given to us by my sister-in-law last Friday. 

My Boy Is Growing Up So Fast

Watching him discover every little new things is such a joy. 

We're the ecstatic parents when we first saw him walk on his feet. When he uttered few words like "Dada" "Mama" and the famed and funny "Tekko! Tekko" which in my guess sounds like "Thank you" are awesome to hear. 

I remember those days when he's just on his back lying in bed, flashing his innocent smile whenever he sees someone rushing towards him. How he's so excited when he knows that someone lifts him up and cuddle up with a tender hug.

Of Summer Days, Nostalgia, and Nipa Hut

A resemblance of our ancestral house - which even until now still standing
it is that same house where we rest and relax during vacation.

Earlier, I wired my sister in Pinas to ask for an update about the documents I am requesting from her. Luckily, the progress is nice - at least it's not immobile.

Part of our casual convy touched a topic I so long desired to experience again. She enthusiastically told me that  John Howard (my eldest nephew who recently just graduated) will be going for a solo trip back to our province in Sibuyan Island in Romblon on April 6 - this coming Saturday.

His Name Is JOHN HOWARD - And I Am Proud Of Him

Eto ang mga panahon na ginagaya mo si Lee Min Ho hahaha! (Joke)
Kaya naisipan mong mag long hair hahaha!

8:18PM - KSA

As of this writing, I'm pretty sure you're in your bed already, sleeping deeply, and perhaps communed with softly cushioned pillows on both sides of your bed. And probably right now, your snoring sound have passed through your window sills echoing right across your neighbor's house- LoLs!

Or maybe you're in a beautiful dream - walking towards the aisles ready to receive that one special paper that you've worked hard for 3 long years to achieve. 

About Tatay, Of Principles, and Of Family: In Your Footsteps I Will Follow

I love 'em both! - kunwari "date" nila yan hehehe!
chaperon kami - hahaha!

"I am blessed to be your son. I am gifted that you’re my tatay."

Every child needs and/or deserves a father in the same capacity of having a mother. Luckily, I grew up having both of ‘em. A privilege I'm forever thankful. 

But of course, the absence of one doesn't mean happiness will be that aloof. There are exceptional situations where absence of a father is inevitable. There are valid reasons to that and I respect those who are under this category.

About Family Bonding, Of Veggies & Fruits, Of Breads, and Of Malling: Unplanned Mall Visit

Family bonding is synonymous to having great time, enjoying sumptuous meals while having funny talks, and just having fun times with the members of the family. It owns a very significant part of my time. When it comes to family time, I make sure I have portion allotted to it no matter how busy I am with work and stuff. In short, I'm a family oriented guy. 

Isn't it nice to hear a guy who devote plenty quality time with his family? I say this because lots of my friends somehow lacks in this department. Lucky me? It's a choice actually. If you choose to do it, it won't be a problem with you even if you're the busiest person in the whole world. If you value the importance of being with your family, you will deliver no matter what. As I've said, it's a choice. And everyone has a choice. Right?

Liham Para Kay Ama

ME, Nanay Aure, Tatay Eliseo, Ate Jing sa Serendra, The Fort - Dec.22, 2011

Dear Tatay,

Para sa akin, siyempre ikaw ang pinaka da-best na tatay sa buong mundo.

Lahat naman ng mga anak yan din ang sasabihin, pero I mean it.

Alam ko halos half of my life di na kita nakakasama ng madalas

Malayo kasi ako parati at matagal ding di umuwi sa atin

Marami akong gunita na gustong balikan.

L-R: nephew John, ME, nephew Allen, niece Jannea, Nanay Aure,
Tatay Eliseocousin Fe, nephew Nikko at nephew Jon
 sa Serendra, The Fort - Dec. 22, 2011

Isa na doon noong bata pa ako ay tinuruan mo akong sumakay sa likod ng kalabaw

Ganun na din ang pagsama ko sa’yo para mangahoy na kabayo ang sinakyan natin

Di ko talaga malilimutan noong minsan nagpunta tayo sa gubat para mangahoy

Pauwi na tayo noon ng biglang tumakbo nang mabilis ang kalabaw

Tangan-tangan ako kasama na ang “kangga” na may lamang mga kahoy

Pinilit mong habulin ang kalabaw pero ang bilis nito ay di mo kinaya

Di mo alam kung ano ang nangyari sa akin pero ng dumating ka

Laking pasalamat mo na ako ay ligtas at galos lang ang natamo

Kumapit kasi ako ng mahigpit sa ibabaw ng mga kahoy

Habang matuling kumukuripas pababa ng burol ang kalabaw

Tatay Eliseo, eldest child Ate Jing sa Serendra,
The Fort, Bonifacio Global City - Dec. 22, 2011

Naalala ko rin ng una mo akong dinala sa laot para mangisda

Imbes na kabahan ako ay tila walang akong takot

Kasi alam kung kapiling kita at superhero ang dating mo sa akin

Nagsasaka ka ng bukirin at sinikap mo akong turuan ng pag-aararo

Natuto naman ako pero sa isip ko di eto ang klase ng buhay na gusto ko

I honor you for the decent way of raising us

ME, Tatay, John, Nanay  sa Market Market - Dec. 22, 2011

At ikinararangal ko ikaw bilang isang simpleng magsasaka

Sa tindi ng pisikal na hirap ay nangako ako sa gitna ng palayan

Na mag-aaral akong mabuti para makaraos tayo

Ngayon, unti-unti  nang nabubuo ang mga pangarap

Pangarap na binitawan ko habang nasa gitna ng init ng palayan

ME, Tatay, John, Nanay sa Market Market - Dec. 22, 2011

Pero, anu't-ano man ang marating ko sa buhay

Babalik balikan ko pa rin ang mga alaala kung paano mo ako

Tinuruan upang makatindig sa sarili kong mga paa

Baon ko lagi ang mga pangaral mo

Magsumikap, huwag manlamang sa kapwa,

Lumaban kung nasa tama at magpakumbaba

L-R: Tatay, Nanay, Wife ko Wida, pinsan Fe, niece Jannea, Ate Jing,
nephew OR and niece Jia - bonding sa MOA sa harap ng higanteng
Ferris Wheel - Dec.22, 2011

 Simple lang ang sulat na eto tatay,

Pero habang sinusulat ko eto ay tumutulo ang luha ko

Luha ng pag-aalala, pagmamahal, paggugunita sa mga nakalipas

Luha ng unti-unting tagumpay.

Di ako mauubusan ng pasasalamat sa iyo

Di ko man o namin laging nasasabi sa’yo

Kung gaano ka naming kamahal

At kung gaano ka kahalaga sa aming lahat

Idinadaan ko nalang sa panulat para maiparating ko

Ang aking (aming) taos-pusong pasasalamat sa iyo

Ate Jing, Jannea, ME, Nanay, Tatay, Jia, OR, Fe, John Nikko, Jon
sa Serendra, The Fort - Dec. 22, 2011

Di ko na eto in-edit basta kung ano ang lumabas sa isip ko

At dinidikta ng puso ko sinulat ko na.

Maligayang Araw ng mga Tatay

Hangad ko(naming) na magkasama pa tayo ng matagal

Marami pang tawanan, halakhakan, at kulitan

Na magaganap sa atin.

At matutupad ang muli nating pagtitipon-tipon sa buwan ng Mayo sa taong 2013 

Kasama ko lahat ng mga kapatid ko at mga apo niyo.

Walang sawang magmamahal sa'yo

Ang iyong anak,

Jay

Para Sa Iyo, Mahal Kong Ina

"The heart of a MOTHER

is a deep abyss

at the bottom of which

you will always

find forgiveness."

-HONORE DE BALZAC-

Just awhile ago while browsing the net, I came across a screen pop-up in one of the sites I've visited and it's reminding of next week's Mother's Day celebration. 

Suddenly, my mind was like shelling out countless of various thoughts. Thoughts for my own mom. My dearest "inay". My nanay. The woman chosen by God to bear me for nine months. A lady carefully picked by our Creator to carry a boy who later will be HIS servant. And as a gesture of paying homage to the home maker, my poetic side will be put to testing water once again. Seldom when I compose poems in my own language. My poem collection are mostly done in English and my Tagalog entries can be counted using one hand only. And this entry will prove that I can be better if not the best of both worlds.

Wake Up To Happiness

Wow, the title is so challenging!

Challenging nga ba?

Para sa akin, ang happiness is a state of mind. A state where no one can provide you. Only you can decide upon it. Don't fool me with statements like: "Oh! you made me happy. Your presence is a happiness to me. When you came into my life I became happier. Such a crap! (sorry, sinubukan ko lang gumamit ng curse na ganyan--it's not me..hahaha).

You can't derive, get, or achieve happiness by borrowing it from other people. Your happiness should come from WITHIN YOU- it comes from your inner core and you just let it transcends out.

Like what I've said, happiness is a state of one's mind. The things, people, and events that trigger you to pour out the already happy state in you are just all additions that heighten that state in you.

When I woke up today morning, I opened my laptop and randomly browse a video that touches my heart even more to my soul. It feels good to see this kind of gesture by COCA COLA Philippines to come-up with this idea. It's grand yet it's inspirational. The families involve was put spot-on and startled in awe of the unexpected Christmas gift to them. Check this video and feel good.

Our mind is an amazing instrument. When we truly learn to make use of our mind's potential, it's like having a big power tool that is much faster, easier, and more efficient - THAT IS -we can set our mind to whatever we want to. I am convinced that happiness or unhappiness depends on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events.

So stay happy lang mga peeps, don't make a room for DAMN things but LOVE.

And so I say: "Wake up to happiness! Shake up the happiness! :))


Are you naturally a happy person?

Ako Si Jay

Ako si Jay.

Palayaw lang ang gamit ko rito. Pero ang tunay kong pangalan ay Joven Rada Rafol, galing kami sa lahing Espanyol dahil ang aking "el abuelo" (grand father) and "la abuela" (grand mother) ay parehong half-Spanish. "El abuelo es muy alto" (my grand father is very tall). "La abuela mi bonita" (my grand mother is so lovely).

Kaya paminsanang natatawag din ako sa pangalang "Jovencio" ng aking mga childhood cousins and friends. Jovencio kasi ang nakalagay sa baptismal ko dahil ang paring nagbinyag sa akin ay isang purong Espanyol-- si Padre Caminse. Pero sa NSO ay Joven lang. 

Ako ay mahilig mag-isip, magbasa, at magsulat.

Paano ko nga ba nahulma ang ganitong karakter sa aking sarili?

Bata pa lang ako ay mahilig nang sumulat ng kung anu-ano sa mga dahon ng saging, sa lupa, sa biyak na kawayan, sa balat ng niyog, sa lamesa, sa bintana at higit sa lahat sa aking "notebook".

Tandang tanda ko pa noong anim at kalahating taon pa lamang ako nang nagpupumilit na ako sa nanay ko na i-enrol na niya ako sa Grade 1. Pero hindi umobra ang pagpipilit kong yon kasi ang required age sa G1 ay pitong taon. Di pa kasi uso noon ang pre-school. Wala pang nursery, kinder 1 & 2 and preparatory level.

40 Days Vacation: Day 2

Sunday- November 20, 2011

We visited SM Megamall last Sunday basically for one purpose- attend a Sunday mass. It was a surprise to my fiancee when she learned that the priest to conduct the 12:30pm mass is Father Mario. The same priest who is viewed online via TFC.

After the mass, we headed to Goldilocks and bought a cake as our birthday present to my lovable niece- Jia Alexandria.

While waiting in line inside the store, I randomly took photos of the different varieties of cakes and here are those random photos.

The cake we bought for Jia

We went out of the mall and tripped to take some photos in front of the mall and here's the attraction in between the entrance alley.

 

And the influx of people that's going to and fro in this mall whose famed in the late 90's as one of the biggest, if not the biggest mall.

We headed to Carmona, Cavite- the place of my ate to join the simple celebration of my niece birthday. What we bought for her was a cake. Here's some photos:

My Ate's family: Nikko, Ate, Jia (the birthday girl), Kuya & John Howard

It was a simple celebration that truly worth treasuring since we're almost complete in the family. My nanay and tatay, my ate and her family. The only two people missing in the scene are our youngest who happens to be twins. Jorlan in KSA and Jordan in UAE.

A Musician's Dream

Yesterday was a day so blessed.

I was with my family in Festival Supermall in Alabang basically to fulfill a promise neither anyone of 'em had it known. A random act of kindness indeed.

I went with them to treat them for a shopping spree at my expense. Some of them were wond'rin but most were like in high heavens for their dreams were made realized.

And one of these excited people in my family is my nephew who had been dying to own a new guitar. A dream that he'd started working on saving some pennies just to buy 'em at the appropriate time. Only to find out that what he got as of the moment wasn't enough to pay for the entire amount the guitar had cost. So, the Santa in me ran for a rescue. Who won't it's yuletide season and what's more satisfying than having someone's ultimate desire be realized.

With that and to his surprise, I led him to "Lazer Music Store" in the upper ( I guess 3rd floor) part of the mall. And there, I had him choose which electric guitar does he want.

I can see the smiling aura in him as he started to check out the guitars hung for sale. And here's what he had gotten.


A Samick Electric Guitar

A smile of a fulfilled person

A realized random act of kindness

Ready to rock on!

I don't have photos for others since I forgot my camera in my fiancee's condo unit and these photos were taken after the shopping and mall strolling.

One down baby! 20 more to go and it's gettin' more and more exciting.

Thanks God for making me realized this plan.

My Tatay-- Disciplinarian Yet Liberal

     The thought of the word "tatay" puts me teary-eyed...at least a bit. I'm a guy whose not easily crying a river when emotion is overwhelmed with heart-rending scenes.

My dad, tatay, itay, my hero 
together with my mom, nanay, inay

     I can still picture-out how my "old man" looks like when he was like at his prime. He's like the Hercules, the Superman, the Conan but not a barbarian, the Thor, and the great provider in our family. His voice echoes unto our veins when he starts shouting-out our names especially when we're out of the house and playing in a nearby neighbour's house without his permission. He would always gets mad at us (my sister amd me-- we are the first two children in the family) if we escape to play without asking permission from either him or nanay. Well, it's a good sign of being good parents. They are always after the welfare of their children.

     He has this muscular physique, broad shoulders (this is where I got mine), good posture that girls would swoon for if he's still available. Of course, in the "pogi department" he's not to be discounted for since he has the looks too. He's a ladies man. His good charisma to women makes my nanay a bit jealous. Well, just a bit since my nanay is so confident that she's the only girl in the world of my tatay. And no matter how many girls would tempt my dear ama, he has this terrific self control. A control that manifest how he values his family.

     You can always see him flashing his brilliant and care-free smiles and hear his boisterious laughter whenever there are funny things being partied on. He doesn't have the elements of scarcasm but he's extremely frank. If he knew his in the right parameters of reasons and truth, no one can challenge him even a blazing sword or a gun. He would stand for the truth even if it would cost him to jail or death. I have been a witness to his heroism and embracing truth.

     He is a man of action. He speaks little but act more. He doesn't want to speak too much but when he do, be sure to be penetrated right unto the bones. He is a man of honor and he can keep highly confidential things (a trait I got from him). He said things of secret in nature should be kept locked in your heart as a sign of respect to the one who entrusted it to you. This is one vivid memory I can still remember from him when he's giving us words of wisdom.

     For someone who was born and grew up after martial law, it is very rare to see a dad who has this liberal views of things. It's typical in a remote community settings wherein children, most of the time, are not allowed to speak up to explain about a rift they are involved too. Many parents in our town or barrio would literally speak such litanies as this: "Tumahimik ka kung ayaw mong tamaan ka! or Hintayin mong matapos ako sa kausap ko at malilintikan ka!. But our tatay is so different, way at par from the rest of the dads in our sitio. In times like this, before casting his verdict to us when we had our petty quarrels with our "kalaro", he would at all times give us the freedom to express our side or explain the whole thing before his rod will slaps our behind (butt). He's not the type of a father who would just hit their children rightaway without even probing what's the real incident was.

     This is the most and highly admirable character my tatay has. He is a liberal man. He never dominates a certain situation instead he listens well and speaks up when his time is due. He listen more than he speaks. But mind you, when you ask him about his insights regarding an issue, his would be of genuine, unbiased, and fair judgment. He's always seeking what's truth in it. He can't be paid with millions just to lie for something he knew was true. Nor will he trade his principles for something that could alleviate his family's status financially. He always reasons out that "Kaya ko naman kumayod or buhayin ang pamilya ko sa paraang disente". And I can't trade this principle of him when finally I'll be having my own family.

     Tatay, you are more than a father to me, you're a hero, a great friend, a smiling companion, a mentor, a leader, a great provider, a beacon of principle and light, a stronghold, a fortress. Words may run out as well as adjectives to completely describes you, but here's few words to end this:

     "Tatay, you are the great disciplinarian in a very liberal way and I'm forever indebted to you for the great leadership, mentoring, and rearing us up as descent as you did."

     "Soon, I'll start my own family and I will carry those words of wisdom you've inculcated in us. I can't level up your feat as a father but I can carry your words as I start mine."

     Thanks for being our father, our great & humble father. I can't wait to see you in my wedding to thank you personally for raising me up and being a huge part of who I am today.

     "I love you from the bottom of my heart!"

     Your son,

     Jay

Obedience

      Today, I'll be profiling a person so close to my heart. Wonder who is it? Well, just direct your eyes down and you'll know who.....


     His obedience is awesome and his way of facing life's challenges is fantastic. His name is John Howard Rafol Gamitin, a young man, a passionate lover of martial arts, a guitar player and an ace freshman student in a state university. And he is my eldest nephew to wit;

In taekwondo battle form

His defensive style

Ready to hit someone's face



John Howard with cousins Wonna and Jonavene

      I've written about him because I was just strucked by the conversation we had awhile ago. He's really keeping up to my fair expectations. Nakakatuwa lang isipin na habang nagiging buo ang kamalayan niya sa mundong ginagalawan niya ay masasalamin din ang mga kanais nais na pagbabago na ipinamamalas niya. I felt so grateful that he's learning to appreciate the values we took years of inculcating inside his young mind. He has grown to be a young lad with lots of promising ideals and visions in his life. His sensitivity within the surrounding he interacts allow him to learn more of the much needed insights and values a young man must equip to fairly and reasonably tackles life's challenges and upsets.

with good friend and neighbor April

strking a shy-type pose....hehehe!

     I had been so hopeful that he may grow wise and more mature his age. And bingo! he is turning into one. I have never knew or seen someone close to me speak the way Howard speaks his mind. He may be young both in heart, mind and physical stature but how he talks about his set of experiences in life puts me in amazement. How he tackles every situation is far more than my expactations.

In a sleek and sassy form

during his graduation

      It is such a joy to realize how his personality evolved from someone who is naive and relatively shy to a young man whose strength and determination as well as idealism in pursuing his passions lie in the core of his immediate family. How he meticulously listen to every words of wisdom we share and how he took by heart advices he solicits from us.

with me and cousin Jay Ann

   
      Kaming lahat ng kapamilya mo ay lubos ang kagalakan na makita kang nagsusumikap sa iyong piniling landas na tatahakin. Kami ay lagi lamang nasa iyong likod at makikitawa sa bawat tagumpay na iyong makakamtan at manaka nakang tutulo ang aming mga luha kung may kabiguan ka mang pagdadanasan, bagamat ang aming laging habilin lamang sa iyo kung mangyari man ang gayon ay tanging mga salitang mamumutawi sa aming mga labi ay: sa bawat kabiguan ay isang hagdan tungo sa iyong minimithing pangarap, sa tuwing maiisip mong iwanan ang hamon mo sa buhay, isipin mo ang mahabang landas na iyo nang tinahak upang makapag-isip kang ituloy ito at umuwing may ngiting tagumpay.

     We are so proud of you--young and willful man! Whatever accolades you are reaping are all worth for you. I have just one thing I want you to inculcate in mind and always carry with you wherever your dreams may lead you. It goes like this: Dream your dreams, do your best, never doubt, never rest, until the dream is yours. And lastly, always dedicate your plans and success to our great God above all else. And highly value your family.

     Until my next blog. Pardon me, but I guess I'll be concentrating more on human interest stories. So, on this note, I'll be featuring ordinary yet equally exciting personalities from my circle of influences. Godbless and have a nice read.......