A guy was using free internet in the airport from a computer in a designated area. He checked his Facebook account and replied to 3 messages from friends and relatives while waiting for his flight. There were 3 computers working in that area for use of passengers. Almost 5 minutes of using the computer a lady shouted at the top of her lungs.

“When are gonna finish? Stupid!”

The guy though the lady was fighting with someone on the phone so he didn’t look around instantly. But he realized some people are looking at him so he turned back and learned that the lady was screaming at him. When he faced the lady who was a 40 something Chinese, the lady shouted again.

“You stupid deaf. Be considerate to others”
“Why are you shouting?  I was here for barely 5 minutes. The guy shouted back.
“You are only checking Facebook, stupid!”
“So what if I’m checking my Facebook!”
“You are stupid deaf!”
 At that point the guy was totally pissed off and pointed his finger at the face of the lady.
“Hey you stupid, you don’t have the right to shout at me. You’re not even a Filipina and yet you’re acting like you own this airport!”
“Because you’re stupid deaf!”
“You could have politely told me that you have an emergency and need to check internet urgently”
“Because you’re deaf! Stupid”

A lot of people are witnessing the commotion and the guy was so mad at the behavior of the lady so he told everyone looking “This lady is crazy!”
“I’m not crazy, you are stupid. Be considerate to others and at least be a gentleman”
“Ok fuck off! You may use this computer and Go to hell!”
“Ok, fuck yourself off in the toilet!”

It happened very quickly, less than 1 minute. And the guy in the scene was ME!

I had checked in at NAIA Terminal 2 Airport for my flight back to Bangkok. I had a brief 1 week stay in Manila for training cum holiday. While killing time, I drank coffee and decided to check my Facebook for I had not checked it for almost 1 week and I believe some of my friends in Bangkok communicated with me via FB for some important messages or “bilin”, so I had to know if there are some more messages. I had a laptop and smartphone but I cannot access the wi fi so I decided to walk to the nearby computer kiosk which offers free internet. There were about 8 terminals but only 3 were working at that time. The leftmost computer was free so I decided to use it and the 2 others were used by a foreigner and another Filipino.

I opened my FB (actually had a hard time opening it because the connection was slow) and saw a handful of messages and comments from my friends and relatives. I was only able to reply to 3 messages when suddenly the lady was screaming at me only because I was checking my FB account!

And since when did checking FB in the airport become prohibited? And is checking FB make you an inconsiderate person and not a gentleman and only doing nonsense? I personally don’t think so.

As I mentioned, many of my friends or even relatives message me in FB just to communicate especially when overseas. Firstly, because it’s free. Second because it is direct and fast and you can do it on the computer or even on phone, literally almost anywhere. Doing so I believe doesn’t make a person less worthy.

I didn’t expect that I would be humiliated in the airport. Worse, she was a foreigner. I assumed she was a Hong Kong Chinese because there was a flight bound to Hong Kong almost the same as my flight time and her English is not bad.

Normally, I don’t fight in public and a woman (more so, an old lady!) at that. But her behavior and the way she is treating and saying cuss words to someone she barely know is unacceptable. And as a Filipino, I had to stand up and not let someone act like she is the boss and I’m her servant.

An educated person would just tell the person in front, excuse me can you let me use the computer. I have an urgency. You don’t tell someone he is stupid just because he is using Facebook. Besides, most of the computer terminals in the airports can only be used by 1 person at a short period of time because usually there are queue and to avoid it, they have to limit usage per person. Plus, I didn’t intend to use the computer for a long period because it is not convenient to do it while carrying some heavy hand carried luggage and the whole world seeing what you are doing because the computer was so exposed.

I was so mad my face down to my neck was hot and red. I went straight to the toilet after the incident and washed my face to cool off.  Then I took a seat and prayed to calm down. I prayed to God and said sorry to Him for my behaviour few minutes ago shouting back at someone  and telling her to go to hell. ” After praying, I felt better.

After the incident I had a reflection. I didn’t say sorry to that lady cos I believe I didn’t do anything wrong to deserve being shouted at. I also believe you should not tell someone he or she is stupid if he is just a random person. You don’t know his family background, education or his capacity in life.

I realized money can’t really buy breeding. The lady proved it once and for all. She looked dignified but her action reflected arrogance.  I just really hope she doesn’t have a Filipina helper (or any nationality at that) cos it will be such a pity for someone to have a boss like her. She treated someone like he/she is the lowest animal and don’t deserve respect.

It was the first time I pointed finger in someone’s face and honestly it felt good. I know it is not right to do it to someone but I believe she deserved it. Maybe it was also the first time that someone pointed finger in her face and after I did it, she was silent for a few seconds. Maybe she realized I am not someone who will just be shocked and moved away not trying to fight my rights.

I may not be able to see her again and I hope I really won’t. I also pray if she has a son or daughter, they will not experience the same thing that she just did to me from a total stranger while they are traveling.

I can’t help but think if her behaviour is one of the results of being too obsessed with money. I suddenly remembered Yue Yue, the 2 year old who died in a horrible accident and many people who witnessed seemed not to care.

Is society really decaying?

I haven’t explored how to do it using camera but I searched Mr. Google and was able to know the tricks when doing it via Photoshop.

I am sharing some of my shots converted into Miniature objects. Hope you enjoy it as I did.

Isn’t it nice to see real pictures look like scenery from a mini-world?

Social networking sites are very much alive again not because of the Piolo-KC’s continuing love-hate saga, or Manny Pacquiao’s supposed attendance in the baptismal of his lovechild as a Godfather or P.Noy’s latest lovelife. The buzz these days is about the proposal from the Provincial board of Batangas about erecting a sign ala-Hollywood in Taal Volcano showing B-A-T-A-N-G-A-S.

This proposal according to them would make everyone know that this popular natural attraction is in the territory of Batangas and not Tagaytay City. What the!

So what if the whole world will know that Taal Volcano is in Batangas? Will it bring millions of Pesos in the country’s coffers bec. bus loads of tourists will come upon finally knowing that Taal Volcano is located in Batangas and not Tagaytay City as they had thought all their lives? Is this matter a cause for a national or international concern like the Spratly Islands claim the reason why our beloved country decided to call South China Sea to be West Philippine Sea to claim sovereignty of the disputed area?

Gov. Vilma through the media said people should not over react because this is just a proposal.

So why are many people still reacting?

Personally, I am writing this blog post because as a Filipino (not necessarily a Batangueno or Caviteno) I feel our elected politicians should focus on projects that would benefit the critical masses not just selected or privileged few. They are spending tax payers money in deliberation sessions about a project which should not be thought of in the first place. Don’t they have better things to do or discuss? Letting the people know that Taal Volcano is part of Batangas province should be made through other initiatives not erecting a giant signage “sa isang nananahimik ngayong Bulkan”! They could spread this information through media, Dep Ed by emphasizing in textbooks and educational materials about the correct geographic location of the place, etc.

I read a news article in ABS-CBN website about this topic and I totally agree with the comments:

“Paano pag sumabog ang bulkan, e di sira na rin yan agad. Sayang ang pondo ng gobyerno, mas marami pa sanang mas kapakipakinabang na proyektong puedeng paggamitan,” Theresa Enriquez- De Asis said.

Johans Lucena said: “The Hollywood sign was put up to add character to an utterly boring hill….the taal volcano by itself has its own character, no need to put up a sign coz everyone knows right away that it is The Taal Volcano.

“Why doesn’t ms Santos use the money in improving the environment in that area instead of adding an eyesore that not only will cost so much money but will also ruin the look of the place.

The millions she’ll use for that sign can be used in planting more trees, plants, improving road works, etc. That would leave a better mark than something she merely copied from somewhere.”

The comments above is a very very big CHECK. Few months ago there were massive fish kills in various parts of the country due to water pollution and over crowding of fish pens. Taal lake is not spared of this dilemma. So why can’t these intelligent and dignified officials just spend their energy and resources in preventing said phenomena.

Gov. Vi, there is still time to scrap this useless project and do something better. The country has enough of the eyesore called giant Billboards. Pls. do not plant one in a naturally beautiful place.

I have been checking the Facebook page showing various altered pictures about spots wherein names were erected. It’s really funny and shows Philippine humor. See for yourself and enjoy!

Kala ng Batangas sila lang..Kaya din ng Cavite yan! (woahh this may likely to happen cos there are a lot of actor-politicians from both province).

Belat! Kami din.

Now this looks like a waiting shed donated by a politician

To commemorate Gov. Vi’s success as a Darna.

I’m sure many of us have heard or watched the news about a 2 year old baby girl in China who was a victim of a horrible hit-and-run accident last week (Thursday) and died today.

The toddler nicknamed Yueyue was innocently walking along a narrow market street in the Chinese Southern city of Foshan when a van hit her. CCTV camera showed the driver stopped for a few seconds only to hit her again and resume driving. The little girl was there in the cold street, blood-soaked, crying because of terrible pain. There were many passersby but no one seemed to notice her or just deliberately ignored her. After a few moments, another van striked her until finally a garbage collector saw her, pulled her to the side of the street because the baby is too weak and alerted the mother.

It is really heartbreaking to see through this incident, how  our society had gone very ill. It seems nowadays a lot of people do not have a heart for their fellow who needs help.

It is still unclear why the toddler was left unattended by the family which caused her walking freely on the road.

When this accident has gone viral through various websites and social networks, many people said the reason why no one tried to help is for fear of being wrongly accused similar to a case in China in year 2006 wherein the one who helped was accused of causing further injury and at the end made him to pay 10% of the total medical cost.

The case of Yueyue is very similar to the parable in the Bible about the Good Samaritan. A traveler was walking the roads of Jericho but unfortunately was beaten, robbed and left half dead. A priest passed by as well as a Levite. But both avoided the helpless man. Finally a Samaritan comes and helped the Jew. During that time Jews and Samaritans despised each other but in all ironies of life, the traveler found help in a most unlikely person which is the Samaritan.

As for Yueyue’s accident, most probably the drivers of the vans as well as all the passersby are well-educated (as it seems they know the possible repercussion if they try to help the victim and eventually wrongfully accused) and as well living a good life.
Meanwhile, the garbage collector may not even have formal education, possesses less material things but amongst all people only she have the pure heart and instinctively tried to save the helpless toddler.

All of us are passersby in this world… The roads are dark and dangerous…We will never know if we would be in the same situation…
Probably the world has really gone bad but I really hope there are still more people like the garbage collector.
Maybe Yueyue had been unfortunate in this world but surely she is in a better place now, up there in Heaven.

This story really made me heavy-hearted with the realities of our modern life.

I will pray for you Yueyue. May your soul rest in peace.

Seems life is really goin’ bananas these days…

Last November- Marge Simpson, the fictional cartoon character in what is dubbed as the world’s most dysfunctional family “The Simpsons” made history by being the first cartoon character to grace the cover of Playboy Magazine .

Now, there was a statement from Sesame Street the world’s favorite children’s show clarifying a rumor about 2 of their most popular characters, Ernie and Bert saying they are apparently not gay and are just the best of friends.

This statement is in response to a Facebook campaign launched by gay rights activist Lair Scott. The campaign was created to ask Ernie and Bert get married in the programme as a way of teaching viewers acceptance of gays and lesbians.

Quoting Lair Scott:

“We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful. Only that they allow Bert and Ernie to marry or even add a transgender character to the show,” reads an online petition signed by some 7,600 people.

Sesame Street said:

“Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves,” the public television program said in a statement.

“Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation.”

I also personally feel that even though same sex marriage is acceptable in some societies, promoting it in a children’s show the way Scott suggested it, is too complicated for children as young as 3 or 4 to comprehend.

I believe there are better venues or means to make people including the young generation accept this fact in our society and not through the said TV show.

There was another controversy in the Philippines just recently when an artist named Mideo Cruz showcased his “works of art” entitled “Kulo” depicting various works featuring Jesus Christ in what many people believe to be “blasphemous” and a “mockery of their faith”.

I believe this is a free world and everyone has the right to express their beliefs, views and opinions but I also believe that we should do it in a way not offending to the majority of people in the society.

Just my two cents worth…

Excerpts of the Ernie and Bert story were taken from this article found in: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/08/13/11/sesame-street-says-bert-and-ernie-just-friends

I was amused by the article I read in Yahoo News about a Chinese man camouflaging himself against various backdrop which made people tag him as the Invisible Man.

This time, Liu Bolin, a 38 year old artist who traveled the whole world disguising himself in many different surroundings decided to hide himself  by putting paint around his body similar to that of a supermarket shelf.

I just wonder how the buyers would react if they are trying to grab something from the shelf but in fact they are grabbing a human being. Sounds a bit eerie.

His latest artwork is actually not just a publicity stunt but he is trying to make a statement in expressing his speechlessness in using Plasticizer in food additives. There were food scare in some parts of the world about plasticizer being used in food additives and supplements which raises concerns from various groups. Good cause isn’t it?

Here are some of the pictures of Invisible Man. Really amazing.

Article and photos were taken from: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/%E2%80%98invisible-man%E2%80%99-artist-hides-in-supermarket.html

The last time I was in Chiang Mai was February 2010. I took the trip as a lone backpacker and it was very memorable. I love Chiang Mai due to its laid back and charming atmosphere not unlike Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket which is very touristy. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s version of Baguio though I feel Baguio is a lot cooler especially if you stay in the city proper of Chiang Mai.

My friends and I just quickly decide to go to Chiang Mai at the last minute. We were chatting over YM last Saturday and in jest we told each other we’re gonna meet at the airport by 6:15 pm (cos there was a flight leaving Bangkok at that time to Chiang Mai). Suddenly, what was supposedly a joke became a real road trip! We decided to purchase a train ticket leaving Bangkok at 6:45 (we took the station near Don Muang Airport as 3 persons in our group stay near that area).

Me and 4 other friends rode an Air Conditioned sleeper train. It was the type of train that the sits are converted into beds at night.
It was a very long trip (total 16 hours from BKK to Chiang Mai) but it was not a boring trip at all because all of us just talk and crack jokes for hours and we are worried that some of the passengers might find us inconsiderate for talking loudly.
To our surprise, when we walk past other cabin it is even louder with all those Western people eating, drinking and talking endlessly.

We had dinner in the restaurant inside the train. The food is not too good but is also not expensive we only paid THB 555 for a 3 course meal for 5 person including drinks.

After dinner, when we went back to our cabin, the beds were already made up. Because we booked last minute, 4 of us had to sleep at the upper deck which means there is no window so the only thing we can do is sleep, sleep, sleep. We slept as early as 10:30pm.

We were supposed to arrive Chiang Mai around 7:30 am on Sunday (based on the schedule found in our tickets) but we arrived 4 hours after! I don’t know it’s because the train is slow or because we stopped longer than scheduled in some train stations. However, train is still a good and safe way to travel within Thailand. There are many foreigners who decide to take the train than bus as it is more spacious and many Europeans or Americans are used to taking trains in long trips anyway plus the scenery in the countryside is beautiful.

We rented a Songthaew for THB 1,100 which we can use the whole trip. Not a bad deal. We went first to Doi Suthep which is one of the highest point in Chiang Mai. There is a popular temple called Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which is located on top of the hill. The first time I visited this temple, it is undergoing restoration but now is a good time to visit because all the wooden skeletons used in the restoration are gone!

We had lunch in Huay Kaew Restaurant which is near Chiang Mai University and Chiang Mai Zoo. From the Restaurant’s dining area, you can see a waterfalls gently flowing down the stream. Such a good ambience and the food is good and not expensive.

After our late lunch, we went to another Temple though I forgot it’s name. The Buddha image in that temple is imposing.

Next stop is the Weekend Market. Actually, the Weekend Market in Chiang Mai is not a physical market like Chatuchak in Bangkok or the equally popular Night Bazaar also in Chiang Mai. During Weekends, few streets near the Thapae Gate becomes an instant market with a lot of people selling different stuffs in the street from souvenirs to jewelries, clothes, food and many other items. It’s just a pity that we haven’t spent long time shopping and window shopping because a heavy downpour came and lasted few hours.

We just laze around a local coffee shop while we enjoyed authentic Chiang Mai coffee over a slice of cheesecake and some Durian (yes we bought Durian at the foot of Doi Suthep and since we cannot bring it in the bus on the way to Bangkok we had to consume all of it before going to the bus station!) while playing Chinese checkers (I was able to buy a wooden Chinese Checker in the weekend market).

Finally, its about time to go to the Bus station. We went there before 7pm since we haven’t bought ticket for our trip back to Bangkok yet. We took a VIP air conditioned bus leaving Chiang Mai around 8PM and it only cost THB 605. We bought from Siam First Tour and their bus is new and service is good (snack and refreshment is served on board).

We arrived in Bangkok around 5:30 am yesterday. I have to rush back to my flat because I have to work. I was still able to sleep for 1 hour before having a quick shower and hurriedly go to the office.

It was tiring (all because of the long distance travel) but a worthwhile trip too. Surely, would love to do such kind of road trip again in the future.

Traveling from Thailand to Cambodia by land is a good option because road condition in Thailand is excellent and cost is a lot cheaper than flying. There is a van from Victory Monument in Bangkok that goes to Aranyaprathet which is the Thailand side of the border. Cost is around THB 230 per way. However, our friend Alek decided to bring his pick-up truck so we can just drive all the way to the border. It is definitely faster and cheaper. We left their home at 5:30 am and drove less than 3 hours. After securing our entry stamp we arrived in the Kingdom of Cambodia (Poipet Border).

From Poipet border, we travelled 2.5 hours to reach Siem Reap by taxi (which is actually an unmarked car, parked in their so-called Bus station). We paid USD 10 per person and the taxi dropped us off in our hotel. We stayed in Lin Ratanak Angkor Hotel, a 4-star hotel located only few minutes away from the Old Market. The lobby of the hotel is a bit dark and designed in a contemporary Khmer style decor. However, the staff were all very courteous, friendly and accommodating. We felt we are treated like Royalty considering we only paid around THB 800 per night (breakfast included). The receptionist suggested a good itinerary for us to maximize our stay in the city. We decided to hire their car for our tours because the price they quoted us is really cheap. The driver is also very friendly and professional.

During our first night, we had a dinner buffet with cultural dance in a local restaurant. Wide range of Khmer and International foods can be selected. Khmer dance is very similar to Thai including hand gestures and costumes evidently because they are neighboring countries so there are many aspects in their life that is influenced by the other culture.

We want to see the sunrise in Angkor Wat so the next day, we asked for a wake-up call at 4:30 am. We left the hotel before 5:30. Unfortunately on that day, the weather is gloomy and the skies very cloudy so we weren’t able to take a decent shot of the sunrise. The Angkor Wat is also undergoing restoration so big green drapes cover the temples and this sight is not so attractive to look at in camera. Anyway, this is  a UNESCO World Heritage site and naturally all efforts are being made to preserve this man-made wonder.

1 Day pass to Angkor is USD 20 per person. If you decide to visit for 3 Days, you can buy it for only USD 40 while the 7 days pass cost only USD 60. Since we have limited time, we just bought 1 day pass which I think is good enough as we are not a very hardcore temple fanatics.

Angkor Wat is the most popular and highly recognizable structure in the complex. The walls were designed intricately and you can find many artwork etched in it depicting various stories.  We then proceeded to Angkor Thom, which in Khmer literally means Great City. Angkor Thom is the last capital city of the Khmer Empire. We took many pictures and then proceeded to Bayon Temple. I like Bayon Temple because of the many ruins you can see in the complex plus the massive stone faces in many towers of the complex.

Next stop is Ta Prohm. This area was used as location for various movies including the hugely popular Lara Croft: Tomb Raider wherein the trees literally grow in the temple ruins some of which the roots of the giant trees literally enveloped the area.

After more than 7 hours of walking, taking pictures and being awed by the great Ancient Khmer civilization through the temples we’ve visited, it’s time for us to take our late lunch. We decided to dine in KFC, the only International Fast food chain in Siem Reap. The taste of chicken is not as good as in Bangkok or Manila but is ok cos the set meal price is cheaper.

Next, we went for a tour of Tonle Sap Lake. According to Wikipedia, it is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and covers a big part of the Cambodian map. Tonle Sap is unique because of the water mechanism happening in this body of water. During dry season, the lake shrinks to 2,700 sq. km. and 1 meter deep because the flow of water is drained in the mighty Mekong River. However during Monsoon season, the lake swells as big as 16,000 sq. km and depth up to 9 meters as the flow is reversed and the Mekong River pushes water into the lake.

There are about 800 families along the Tonle Sap community  according to our boatman/guide named Ki, but I think it could be more. This community is considered the poorest in Cambodia. They rely only on fish and seafoods caught in the lake but during rainy season it is very dangerous to fish and they say many fishermen had died in the past because if they are out there in the middle of the lake, they will not know if there is a heavy rain or thunderstorm coming in so some of them drown in the lake or boats capsized.

This not-so-typical tour of the lake opened my eyes as well as that of my friends on the reality of life in Cambodia, considered one of the poorest nations in the world. Because they are so poor, they don’t have access to clean facilities, their small boat houses is where their living, dining, kitchen bedroom and bathroom are all rolled into one. They don’t have toilet so they just put their wastes directly into the river connected to the lake. We even saw one guy after soaping and shampooing himself, rinsed himself by jumping into the river which is full of mud, wastes and water hyacinths.

They also don’t have access to clean drinking water. If they have money, they will buy water from the refilling station but if none (which is the fact in most cases) they will just get drinking water from Tonle Sap (without even boiling) so a lot of them especially kids have poor health and are malnourished.

While we traverse, many of the families try to beg for USD 1 to buy some food and drinks. Ki is honest enough to discourage us giving these people money because if some others will know, all of them will just flock asking for alms. On the way back he took us to the only primary school in the community where he used to study and now 2 of his siblings were studying. The floating school is small but 200 children are studying. There are 3 small classrooms so they have to do classes in different shifts to accommodate all the students. Many of the children have no families so the school also serve as their home. When we went there less than 20 children were there (because it was a Sunday and almost sunset). We also met the Vietnamese volunteer teacher who is really kind and selfless for doing such deed.

There are many Vietnamese who went there during the Khmer Rouge time to help and a lot of them decided not to return to Vietnam and just settle in Cambodia specifically Tonle Sap area so in school they have to teach in Khmer, Vietnamese and English. Since we didn’t have enough money as we never expected this scenario in our tour, my group and I were only able to buy over 50 bottles of water and some treat. It may be small but we know it could help the children in some ways. We were discouraged to donate money because of rampant corruption in the country and we also felt it’s best to give goods or school materials next time we go back.

Before reaching the jetty port, we realized that Ki’s left arm is missing. We didn’t noticed it earlier because he is wearing a long-sleeved shirt. He told us he lost his arm when he was 11 years old because of landmine. At 21 years old, he is about to finish secondary school. He wants to go to college and study English so he could become an English teacher someday. Because of his physical condition, he cannot do some work so being a teacher is ideal for him because he can perform his best while helping the poor children learn English (we noticed a lot of them speak good English and can catch up easily even those children and sellers on the street). He said he used to have a Filipino teacher and that he love watching Filipino series (surprisingly many Cambodians know Pangako Sa’Yo and Marimar of Marian Rivera translated in Khmer language).

His perspective in life is good as I did not see or hear him sulk or complain about his life a bit and he still have a positive disposition despite his physical handicap and social condition of his community.

After our Cambodia trip and we were back to the busy streets of Bangkok, I just find it so surreal that in one part of the world many people are hungry and impoverished while in many other places life is very convenient and good. This fact made me feel very blessed and fortunate and I am very thankful to God for being in a better position. And this should remind us to be more compassionate and giving to our less fortunate brothers.

I saw the sun set in Tonle Sap but I did not fret, because I know the same sun will also rise above them the next day. This made me felt assured that there is always light after the darkest hours of these people.

So here are the 2nd Honor Roll (not necessarily in order of level of humor)

1. Cafe Nature Gift (Thailand)-

2. Oishi Slim Green Tea Commercial (Thailand)-

3. Pepsi Pinas (Sa akin ang Pinas FULL Version) (Philippines)-

4. Biolink VCO Hot Oil (Philippines)-

Every time I see his pictures I will suddenly realize I am still in denial that he is no longer with us. For He had always been there in all aspects of our lives.

I can still vividly remember that when we were young and it’s examination period, he would patiently spend time with each of us kids to review the lessons and have question and answer sessions just to make sure we will pass and have high marks in our tests which definitely molded us and made it our habit to study harder even until college.
He is a firm believer that education is the best inheritance a parent could give their children. I know it is a tough job to raise 5 children, more so give them quality education which he is able to do single-handedly since he is the sole bread winner in our family, my mom being a plain housewife ever since having children.

My dad is not the authoritarian type but we are also scared of him in many aspects especially during issuance of school report card. He would usually pick-up the cards in school and so when we know he is coming, we will be worried if our grades are good enough up to his satisfaction. Fortunately, in most cases we have high grades but he would always remind us not to be complacent.

He wanted me to become a doctor since he was a frustrated doctor by profession (believe he was studying medicine proper when he had to stop due to reasons I can’t exactly remember why). That’s why he really wanted one of his children to have fruition of this dream. He would always tell me to try Medicine in college because I am patient and he is confident I can finish long years of studying and reviewing and wanted me to try taking exams in PLM or UP.

I had this ambition too till 4th year high school but just before graduation I started realizing it could be hard and not practical firstly because it would also need a lot of resources to finish a medical course. During that time me and 3 other siblings were still studying so I thought it will be very difficult financially speaking.
Secondly, I had been studying since I was 4 years old so I also had a feeling of tiredness because of studying since young. Pursuing a course that would take longer years to finish could aggravate this feeling.
At the end, even if I did not become a Doctor I know I made my parents especially my Dad proud since I also had some achievements during college and be able to have a good career.

Papa (which is how we dearly call him) is generous and thoughtful. I remember my sister Princess as a young girl is used to seeing cake in the dining table during her birthdays. In one of her birthday, my dad failed to buy a cake on time. She started crying very loud and is not willing to stop unless she can have her birthday cake. Papa still tired coming home from work had to go out again and buy her a birthday cake even though the nearest bakeshop is very far from our home then.

My mom would always receive gifts from Papa during her birthdays. She would sometimes receive either a perfume, blouse, bouquet of flowers or even orchid plants (since my mom love to plant trees and flowers in our garden).

Papa’s generosity and thoughtfulness is not only for his immediate family. He makes it a point to greet and visit relatives during birthdays or special occasions. He would lovingly dedicate songs or greetings through a local radio station that he and mom would always listen to during weekends. Suppose it is my aunt’s birthday she would call the radio station to request my aunt’s favorite song then followed by a birthday message. Next, he would call my aunt to remind her to listen to the radio that instant. Upon hearing the song and dedication, naturally my aunt will be surprised by the gesture and will be very thankful.

He also loves his grand children so much. Every afternoon, he would take them out for a walk in our village from the time they were babies until the time they can walk. Our neighbors would always compliment him that he loves the children so much and very proud of them which he would confirm by saying his grand children are not only kind but also smart and all good looking so there is no reason not to be proud of them. I heard a story from my sister that even on his sick bed, he reminded them to buy my nephew’s favorite toy car as his surprise gift as soon as he goes out of that hospital.

I am sure many people misses these thoughts and gestures from my dad. There are countless memories to tell but it will be such a long post and words cannot describe exactly the feeling just reminiscing these events since we were young.

But I am certain he is in a happier state now with our Lord.

Happy Birthday Papa. We truly miss and love you.