Something was wrong with WordPress, I thought.
Thanks to Steven David who enlightened me with the SOPA stuff I have only come to know for the first time today.
And so this prominent symbol appears as I tried to get a quick browse of the SOPA trending thing on twitter 
Find out more about SOPA here.
For the record, 2011 is my least prolific blogging year ever.
For the past three years, though I did not blog too often here in the Chronicles of the Unsaid, I took time to update my two other blogs at i.ph and the other one at Multiply. Unfortunately, as my Friendster blog extincts this year, my blogging desire waned though there is always plenty of events and experiences to write about.
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It’s the last day of the year so with the obviously nostalgic mood, for the initial attempt I am publishing my yearender via my Android tab. I just hope that the WP app I downloaded two months ago work.
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My 2011 is a mix of great and not-so-wonderful experiences. Nevertheless it has been such a very blessed year that I have to be very thankful of.
Here are the quick highlights of my memorable 2011!
First Quarter Heartbreak – it actually started on Christmas Eve 2010 when someone so special had a motor accident while trying to fetch the girl I presumed to be his gf. The suspicion/jealousy lasted for three more months until it was finally confirmed on March 25, 2011 – which happened to be their first “monthsary”.
The leveling down of the four years and ten months friends-with-benefits status into just plain buddies thought me of very important lessons in being in a kind of relationship that will always be complicated. I had to move on, let go of my feelings and get back to the reality before I consume my sanity (hahaha I love this line!). There is no happy ending to the kind of love story I was unfortunately into but I was always hopeful. I am, still and will be hopeful in taking risks however with, prudence next time.
The First Quarter Heartbreak was among the lowest point in my life. I literally cried a river as if someone in the family passed away. I sought for the very inspiring words and most patient ears from my closest of friends. It’s a heartwarming thing to realize that I was really not alone. The experience taught me never to expect so much. It taught me how to savor and treasure better relationships while they last.
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Friendly Getaway
I do not travel a lot. Actually, I find it a bit punitive to stay seated for hours while trying to entertain myself of happy including naughty thoughts just to keep me up and unnauseated. But this year was different.
Apart from the privilege of having a sponsored pilgrimage to Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon last May 2011, I and my two other friends were lucky enough to be part of a wonderful family bonding. I find it less exhausting to travel with people close to you. I owe many thanks to the Carpios.
Ridiculous it may seem, I also went to Prieto-Diaz for the very first time this year. I didn’t actually have the chance to explore the town which made my trip boring but my experience with the people of Ulag (I hope my name recall is ok) was an awesome one. I had an overnight stay there for a hosting gig and a friendly recall of memories with college friends.
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First Times
I had plenty of simple memorable experiences this year that I consider my first time. I just cannot include all so I made a shortlist of the most significant ones:
* New linkages built
It was only this year, I fully realize how helpful social media is in improving people’s lives and building friendlier communities.
Initially, my attempt to create Wow Bagatao one year ago was only for a trivial purpose. I wanted to free my hard disks of large space consumed by the photos and videos taken at Bagatao and eventually show the world the granduer that is in the island. Aiming to gain greater number of audience, the FB page was an offspring of a Multiply sitecreated to serve as a medium for creating an online community for Behianos.
Luckily, with the posts and updates on the page (which is now maintained by four more admins), we have not only gained an increase in likers but more significantly served as an effective tool in promoting local tourism, documenting salient events and activities, and keeping Behianos and the islanders united amidst geographical boundaries.
Apart from the positive feedbacks we’re getting on the page reflected by the wallposts and comments made on the page, another concrete positive result of the page was the generous donations made for Saint Raphael Chapel and Behia Elementary School by an Israeli friend who traced her roots from the island.
Bagatao NHS, through it’s facebook page has also received cash donation from a Filipino-Japanese philanthropist in support of the programs and projects of the parent – teacher association.
* Significant involvements
Of the activities I have been actively involved with, what seems to be most personally meaningful was my participation in some cultural programs. It was a humbling and inspiring experience to work with talented team. I enjoyed preparing the tigsiks and rawitdawits for the performers and segment hosts during the Bangui nin Kulturang Bikolnon on July 12.
It was my dream to be a part of a program where the masters of ceremonies do their turn in a uniquely cultural way. Last October 22 it finally came true during the Turaok 2011. With the help of the Bagatao ladies, we were able to write a script (in Bicol rawitdawit form) for the event’s emcees – our former students. The result was very good!
* Talking engagement leveled up.
2011 is among the most hectic year in my ‘career’ as a talking mammal [hahaha, lol]. I’ve hosted three beauty pageants, two gay pageants (held in two different municipalities), three talent searches, three wedding receptions, two graduations, two seminar workshop on campus journalism, one coronation rite in a barangay patronal fiesta, been part of three cultural shows, and talked on four recollections. [Not on the list are the fun events for kids.]
The most memorable one was during the 34th Annual General Membership Assembly of SORECO I on December 3. Thanks to Bossing Joel. It was great to be part of an event attended by thousands of member consumers from eight municipalities plus the big bosses.
It was in this event that I received TF for the 1st time and a script. I usually prepare cue cards for myself [and for others]. It feels good to have some people preparing it in your behalf.
* Japanese cuisine and chop sticks
I cannot exclude on this list the sumptous dinner with the Ito family. The host, Madam Rocha Rima – Ito and her hubby, Mr. Hiroaki, together with their kids favored us with an invitation to be part of their remembrance of the first death anniversary of Mam Rocha’s mom.
Surely, I can barely recall what were on the menu that evening but I cannot forget how the family welcomed us specially their eldest son who even enthusiastically taught us to use chop sticks and shared us a glimpse of their culture through his stories.
* Our JC had his longest stay with us
My cute three-year old (only) nephew finally had his longest visit here in Bicol. JC, my sissy Marilou’s son was born and is growing up in Taguig with his Dada and grannies. He visited us for the Christmas 2010 so we started our new year perfectly. He stayed with us until summer. I loved and missed our bonding moment with my pamangkin.
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Btw, due to WP’s incapacity to accommodate javascripts on its widgets, I opened an account at blogspot. I just hope that 2012 brings innovation to WP to allow blog interactive features like FB Like Box, Feedjit, etc. apart from its boring template.
Anyway, I am staying as a happy (hopefully more active) blogger here in WP this 2012 and the years to come.
I wish you guys a happier and lovelier new year!
He will have to learn, I know,
that all men are not just,
all men are not true.
But teach him also that
for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish Politician,
there is a dedicated leader…
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,
Steer him away from envy,
if you can,
teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.
Let him learn early that
the bullies are the easiest to lick…
Teach him, if you can,
the wonder of books…
But also give him quiet time
to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun,
and the flowers on a green hillside.
In the school teach him
it is far honourable to fail
than to cheat…
Teach him to have faith
in his own ideas,
even if everyone tells him
they are wrong…
Teach him to be gentle
with gentle people,
and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son
the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone is getting on the band wagon…
Teach him to listen to all men…
but teach him also to filter
all he hears on a screen of truth,
and take only the good
that comes through.
Teach him if you can,
how to laugh when he is sad…
Teach him there is no shame in tears,
Teach him to scoff at cynics
and to beware of too much sweetness…
Teach him to sell his brawn
and brain to the highest bidders
but never to put a price-tag
on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears
to a howling mob
and to stand and fight
if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently,
but do not cuddle him,
because only the test
of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage
to be impatient…
let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always
to have sublime faith in himself,
because then he will have
sublime faith in mankind.
This is a big order,
but see what you can do…
He is such a fine little fellow,
my son!
An 34 na Bandera na minarepresenta kan manga barangay kan banwang Magallanes kan parada kan Hunyo 12, 2011. An litrato hale sa sakuyang Mama Badang
An bangraw kan aldaw sa guiraray
Malanit na duminupo sa sakong kublit
Mentras na tangan an hinabol na pisi
Maogma kong hinehenanyog an kurahaw
Kan kampanaryo duman sa dakula na simbahan
Haloy nang pinagmaw-ot kan kadaklan
Urog na kan sakong manga magurang an aldaw na ini
An ogma na mate kan sakuyang daghan
dae tuo masiblag sa sadiri ko man sana
Uya na an kasimbagan sa haloy ta nang pangaturogan
Kasabay kan daliwawa, iyo man an pagsirang
kan balos sa satong manga kapagalan!
“Katalingkasan, uya na!” kurahaw kan ama
Mantang minasaray kan saiyang minasbad sa madugi na sarungan.
“Katalingkasan, uya na!” olay man nin sarong ina
Mantang kugos an hawak nin namomot-ang aki
Na sa iriwal kontra-Espanyol dipisil makamate nin kapangganahan!
Duman sa halangkaw na harong, sa mahiwas na balkon
Masarig na minasabat sa duros nin amihan an makolor na bandera
Mentras na an manga bituon asin aldaw sa minatan-aw minataong ranga
Urgulyong dakula, honrang totoo ta sa dalagan nin halawig na panahon
Igua na nin kasimbagan an satong manga pamibi,
pagsacrificio, asin haloy na pagpuka.
Alagad an hamis nin katalingkasan saen na napaduman?
An promesa nin kauswagan asin pagkaburugkos
Ta daw ta ngonian masakit pa niatong mamatean?
An daga na sinaribo nin labing gan-ot asin dugo
Ta daw ta sa guiraray uya – naging dalipay nin kaoripnan
dangan kapasloan?
“Katalingkasan!” sa guiraray nadangog ko kamong minaagrangay!
Mantang tan-aw an kalderong bitay, naghahalat sa dae…
con minsan sa kadikit na ugay!
“Katalingkasan!” kurahaw pa kan kadaklan
Maw-ot an pantay na diretso kan manga menus
asin may marhay na pagbuhay!
Katalingkasan sa pang-aabuso, inhustisya
asin kahorasaan nuarin na daw makakamtan?
Siisay daw sa saindo an may kusog ki boot
Na ngonian sa atubang ko iyo an manambitan?
Katalingkasan na hagad nin lambang saro mate ta daw ngonian?
Katalingkasan na sa sato balaog, siisay an angay na mangataman?
Uya ako mahenanyog, andam an saindong kasimbagan.
Proud to be Pinoy!
Today marks the start of the celebration of National Flag Day.
From May 28 to June 12, Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag at home, schools, government offices and other buildings in celebration of National Flag Day. Some of my friends in Facebook have already changed their profile pics, showing their pride for our flag and for our country!
Proudly Pinoy!
I am changing mine today with this photo, which shall serve as my account’s profile pic until June 13.
I am always proud to see how a hoisted Philippine flag flutters on air as it gleams with the sun.
I’ve had countless goosebumps whenever I attended ceremonies or programs that featured extraordinary tableaus. Though always controversial, the singing of Lupang Hinirang as the flag is raised before every fight of boxing champ Cong. Manny Pacquiao has always amazed me. I also loved how the La Divas sung the anthem.
I can recall very few instance how the national flag etched a personal impression on me.
* / The flag that embraced the coffin of my late grandfather was personally touching. For me it was also a symbol of his dedication to his profession. For many years he served Magallanes as police. The flag is kept by mother and was out only every Independence Day.
* / The Centennial Celebration of the Philippine Independence in 1998 has left me with great awe. I was just a second year high school student then… That very rare occasion has made every Filipino together. It even united [for the very first time] all media entities as that very significant event was covered; rivalries were set aside. The spectacular festivities were more than enough for every Filipino to be ineffably grateful and ecstatic.
* / I’ve seen the flag on half-mast for several times but there were only three particular events I’ve found it to be very poignant: the death of Pope John Paul II, the death of former President Corazon C. Aquino and the proclamation of the national day of mourning a few days after the ghastly Ampatuan Massacre on November 23, 2009. It pinched a pain from within; seeing the flag on half-mast exacerbate the grief.
* / Cong. Salvador H. Escudero, III, Congressman of the first district of Sorsogon, in his unannounced visit to our school ordered us to lower our slightly torn flag. He then replaced it with a new one. I’ve learned that the congressman always brings with him flags especially when he’s up to visit schools in his district.
* / Usually, I found myself glaring on schoolchildren who heed no respect to the flag while the national anthem is sung. But one particular occasion that really hacked me off was when my two students hoisted the flag in reverse. Often, the flag is displayed with the blue field on top to signify peace and independence. But my students raised the flag with the red field on top as if it was a war ensign as stated in the Republic Act No. 8491 or the The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. So I yelled [yes I did] at them to lower the flag at once and repeat the singing [of the national anthem].
It should be emphasized that the national flag is more than just sheets of fabric sewn together to impact a multi-color effect on the skies. As I always tell my Araling Panlipunan I (Social Studies I) students there is more to its vibrant colors and symbolic designs. Our national flag is intertwined by our valiant ancestors with their heroic deeds. Bloods and tears were shed to win our country’s independence and have the flag hoisted at Teatro Caviteno by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in June 12, 1898, for the very first time.
As an educator who teach Araling Panlipunan I (Social Studies for first year high school), I make sure that my students get the essence of attending every flag raising/lowering ceremony and having them sung the anthem heartily. Paying tribute to these national emblems are more than just an obligation of being a Filipino. The national flag has been the prize and the emblem of our ancestors’ yearning for sovereignty. It is therefore our continuous duty to preserve, protect and promote the legacies they have painstakingly toiled for us and for the Filipinos of the next generations.
Mabuhay ang ika-113 na Pagdiriwang ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas!
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Let me share this heartwarming anecdote posted on a website.
“I am Japanese and I live here in the Philippines for almost 10 years. When I first arrived here in the Philippines, I was robbed by two Filipinos, they robbed my wallet and all the things that I have, they beat me to death, and they left me with clothes only. I called for help that time, but no one help me. I called a taxi to bring me to the nearest hospital, but the taxi driver forced me to give him 2 thousand pesos, but I wasn’t able to give him the amount he wanted, then instead of bringing me to the hospital, he just left me in a very dark street. I was very disappointed to going here in the Philippines during that moment. But there is one beggar with a very dirty clothes and barefooted approached me and asked me what’s wrong. I thought he will just rob me so I run. But I was wrong in my judgment to him. I run but he followed me, and offered me some help. He brought me to the hospital and he went to the police station to seek assistance. Unfortunately, I was not able to ask his name. After 2 days of recovery. Me, my two Japanese friends, and a Filipino guide, went to the beggar and offer him a reward. But I was surprised. He refused to get the money, and said “sorry” to me. I asked him why? He just said, “Sorry for what my fellow Filipinos did to you. My only wish to you is to tell your country that not all Filipinos are like them. Philippines is a home for many poor people like me, but Philippines has a good heart.”
After telling that, he leave us. I insist to offer him but again refuse. Then, I went back to Japan. One month later, I went to the place to see him again to offer him a reward, this time, a descent job. But I was shocked when I got the news that the beggar was dead 17 days ago. Hit by a bus in the road.
- I will never forget the good deeds the beggar done to me. I’m proud of him. I realized that Filipinos have really good heart. Not all are bad. And until my last breathe, I will fulfill his wish. The reward that he wants, to tell my country that Filipinos have good heart. And I will not just tell this to my country, but in the whole world. “Mabuhay” ang mga Filipinos.”
Ugmahay, a contraction of Maogma an Buhay,
simply means “Life is Gay!” - the blogger’s maxim.
