GOOD VIBES

 By Jeffrey R. Ballares
(View)

                    Year 2013 is a year of change for me.

                    Yes, I believe that we need to change as time goes by. A change that will benefit not only ourselves, but the people around us as well.

                And to start the year right, one of my resolutions is that I resolve to be more positive in viewing life. By saying this, I've come right away with choosing an expression that will describe an encouraging attitude towards events that will happen in my entire life.

                     GOOD VIBES.

                 These are the words that first came into my mind. Very affirmative isn't it? It is something that conditions yourself to have a progressive jump start!  Whenever I hear these words, I feel so relaxed as if I am surrounded by cherubim blowing me with infectious happiness.

                And to strengthen my desire for a more optimistic lifestyle, I do the following things as much as possible:

1.)    Greet friends with encouraging text messages and anchoring the expression “good vibes”.

2.)    Download self-help e-books that touches positive subjects.

3.)    Use the power of visualization by sticking a “good vibes” banner in work station.

4.)    Avoid complaining with unpleasant situations.

5.)    Think of happy moments whenever mind is polluted with negative thoughts.

         I’m still struggling to perfect the bucket list, though I’m making significant progressions.  I hope that it will help me more in finding ways to enjoy life to the fullest. Life’s too short, so why waste in sensitivities?

         Good vibes always!!!!

Image credits:
http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0PDoYB7egNRtGUA1rKJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBlMTQ4cGxyBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1n?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dgood%2Bvibes%26ei%3Dutf-8%26y%3DSearch%26fr%3Dsfp-img%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D8&w=960&h=720&imgurl=2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ivLHRPjtHWE%2FT_b6qP861dI%2FAAAAAAAABUE%2FI8daI4w47KE%2Fs1600%2Fgood%2Bvibes.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fthomsinger.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fconference-attendee-experience.html&size=35.2+KB&name=participant+at+a+conference+where+i+spoke+came+to+me+at+the+end+of+...&p=good+vibes&oid=5dfa31ab7d0fb25c94f8ecafc65df7ac&fr2=&fr=sfp-img&tt=participant%2Bat%2Ba%2Bconference%2Bwhere%2Bi%2Bspoke%2Bcame%2Bto%2Bme%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bend%2Bof%2B...&b=0&ni=96&no=8&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=12a9l9uha&sigb=137u2m59h&sigi=12nqgpcc6&.crumb=Ev5e1Kt0/yL

GIVE THANKS

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

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Give thanks.

These are the words that first came into my mind as the day commenced.

Yes, today is the day where I will offer the deepest of deepest gratitude to Him for several reasons. The day where I will proudly proclaim my appreciation of all the best things that happened in the first three chapters of the Year 2012.

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CHAPTER ONE

"The chapter describes a smooth sailing in its expedition over the sea. New opportunities are like fishes waiting to be caught. Blue waters seem so endless as if one can extend his power beyond boundaries."

At the start of the year, I'm bound to scatter myself in different fields of life - in personal, career, and spiritual. This definition made me realized that I can work out more on my attitude and abilities. That there are so many room for improvements in which I have to grab.

CHAPTER TWO

"The chapter is but a realization connected with reconciliation. The twisted philosophical beliefs were broken and pride and prejudice are the main characters. End result...REUNITED!"

The best things in life are always around the corner. And one of the best things in life are the friendships you have built throughout the times. Sure there will be chances of misunderstandings, but there will come a time that you will appreciate its purpose.

CHAPTER THREE

"The chapter brought the biggest news so far! The pure carbon is now being groomed to be one of the best diamonds in the world!"

Before the month ends, a wonderful news with regard to career was brought on the table which banged my innermost being. It is true that it's the best feeling if you received a good news without you expecting on it. Beside these blessings, are the people who trusted my capabilities in which I really thank for..it is through them where I learned and grew. My promise to improve and deliver the best will always be my "protocol".

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Bigger challenges and opportunities are waiting in the next chapters, hoping that all of these will bring remarkable footprints in my sands of life!

Photo credits: http://www.desicomments.com/thank-you/thank-you-33/

Will It Ever Snow in the Philippines?

By Jeffrey R. Ballares (View)

Today as I woke up and visit my Facebook homepage, I was suddenly engrossed with the pictures posted by my friend who lives now in Japan for years. The pictures which caught my attention, are scenic views of the city blanketed by snowflakes taken outside her window.

And from that moment in time, I found myself jealous asking why our country has no winter season. And suddenly, a million dollar question popped into my mind...will it ever snow in the Philippines? My mind hanged for awhile.

I admit, I also want to experience snow...to touch it and feel it through my palms. You know that icy feeling while you're throwing snowballs to someone, or when you're toppling snowballs to make a snowman?

Ugh! I guess it's too much of a wishing! Just like the fable of the fox and the grapes (where the fox said that the grapes are sour when he wasn't able to get it), I just said to myself that snow surely has its own negativities. Sure enough, after browsing articles, forums, and facts on the net, I was able to put up below common comments of "snowpeople" and why Filipinos are fortunate of not having a winter season:

1.) Roads are covered with snow, slush and salt. Snow plowers are needed to shovel the area covered with snow so people can safely use the road. -----> Too much effort huh!

2.) There will be a need for a carwash, if you want your car to save from rust (as salt accelerates rust in any exposed metal) ---> ouch! That's an extra cost out from your pocket!

3.) Winter strikes crops. ----> knowing that Philippines depends widely in agriculture, our government will surely hate to snow right?

4.) Jacket is not enough. ------> so Filipinos will be obliged to buy additional wintercoats...hey, how about our marginalized brothers and sisters who are less fortunate to buy these garments?

5.) Work becomes idle. ----> and when work becomes idle, gossiping around fireplace took place!

Oh well, good thing I read the fable of the Fox and the Grapes!

Photo credits: http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KJkIcWoC5PViYAcieJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3cnMybzJvBHNsawNpbWc-?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dsnow%26n%3D30%26ei%3Dutf-8%26y%3DSearch%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D97&w=1232&h=1200&imgurl=www.redtag.ca%2Ftravel-articles%2Fcontent_images%2Ftestpicture%2FMiniskirts_in_snow_storm.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redtag.ca%2Ftravel-articles%2Farticles%2F138%2F1%2FRare-Snowstorm-dumps-on-Las-Vegas-and-California.html&size=1.7+KB&name=RARE+snowfall+has+blanketed+Las+Vegas%2C+cancelling+all+flights+in+and+...&p=snow&oid=f8bc158ffe674774f50fb7ce49c8c78f&fr2=&fr=yfp-t-701&tt=RARE%2Bsnowfall%2Bhas%2Bblanketed%2BLas%2BVegas%252C%2Bcancelling%2Ball%2Bflights%2Bin%2Band%2B...&b=91&ni=96&no=97&tab=organic&ts=&sigr=139gsj9sl&sigb=1390nj8kk&sigi=12lqhiop9&.crumb=rEqDkPykYgK

NEW YEAR AS WE DEFINE IT

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(View)

For some, new year is a season of new beginnings. They say that this is the perfect time to start with fresh ideas, to embark on new experiences and to embrace surprising opportunities.

We agree on this statement with profound understanding. All of us wants to begin the year with a new look, with a clearer picture compared to the previous year that had gone in our long-life existence. But aside from this, I believe that it's equally important for us to take a glimpse on what had happened in the past year and appreciate the memories filled with life lessons that molded us on what individual we are now. Let's carry the good deeds we've done and continue to share this to everyone. Let's eliminate the mistakes that we had and learn the lesson out of it. Through this, we will be able to catch all the good vibes in the coming year!

The new year may speak in different languages: Feliz ano nuevo in Spanish, Buon anno in Italian and Manigong Bagong Taon in our native tongue, but for some, new year means change. That's why we have this seasonal new year's resolution in which everyone has in store. They could even prepare a long list on what are the things they will change, improve and avoid in the coming year. This resembles our eagerness to make a difference out from our old self, as one famous line describes it: "Out with the old, in with the new!".

Tonight, as we bid farewell to year 2011, let's also remember the One who written our story for the past year. The One who continue to write unconditional stories for us. The One who will give us again another chapter that is full of hope and love. He is none other than...our God Almighty!

Let's welcome the Year 2012 with the definition of HIM! Happy New Year to all of us!

Photo credits: http://forum.xcitefun.net/happy-new-year-wallpapers-2012-new-greeting-cards-t69842.html

ANIMA CHRISTI AND EID’L ADHA

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Feature)

If someone will ask me what’s my most wonderful song of praise ever written under the Catholic Church, I will choose Anima Christi. Everytime I sing this song during the sacred mass, I just can’t help but to feel the holyness of the song. I am moved by every bit of its lines, appreciating the sanctity of its meaning.

And the lines that really catches my inner being are : “From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me. And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to thee.”. The lines reminds me that it’s HIM is the only saviour of all human beings and it’s us, His sons and daughters are His prime importance that He’s willing to sacrifice all the things after us. Let me also take this opportunity to share the below song of praise:

Soul of Christ

Sanctify me

Body of Christ save me

Water from the side of Christ

Wash me

Passion of Christ

Give me strength

Chorus:

Hear me Jesus

Hide me in thy wounds

That I may never leave thy side

From all the evil that surrounds me

Defend me

And when the call of death arrives

Bid me come to thee

That I may praise thee

With thy saints forever

On this day, the Feast of Sacrifice or Eid’l Adha is being celebrated by our Muslim brothers and sisters. The feast commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham in his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a sheep – to sacrifice instead.

To our Muslim brothers and sisters, we share our deepest regards with the Feast of Sacrifice. We believe that it’s not the religion that differentiates us, but it’s our Faith to our God that binds us all.

Happy Eid’l Adha!

Photo credits:

http://cakirosman.wordpress.com/2005/11/20/abraham-ishmael-sacrifice-and-about-kurban-bayrami/

PITCHER OF HAPPINESS

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

View

We are bound to create our own destiny as a person, from the time we are brought to existence until this moment we spend our life breathing. But amidst all the experiences that life brought to us, have we ever asked ourselves if we already spent a life worth meaningful in the eyes of God?

The answer may be indefinitely a yes or a no. But believing that we are doing our best to become worthy in His eyes..I believe it’s enough.

As I look at the pitcher remotely laid on top of the table, I noticed that it is already half full of water. The half of it I suppose, was already drank by some members of the family. It’s the water that has been consumed by someone, is the thing that makes the pitcher worthy.

Just like us, we are like pitchers that has been proven by time. We are pitchers that carries values, talents, and wisdom that are being shared with others in the form of blessings. And through this, we are able to create a life that is meaningful. As we continue living under His grace, the pitcher will never get emptied, for others will also be sharing their waters on us.

And the cycle goes on.

Photo credits: http://www.tradeshowpewter.com/Malays_Water_Pitcher.html

MAKULAY ANG QUIAPO

Ni Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Feature)

Isang salita ang maibabansag ko sa Quiapo.

Makulay.

Oo, makulay ang Quiapo. Kung hindi mo naitatanong, matagal ko nang matalik na kaibigan ang lugar na ito. Ang lugar na ito...na ipinakilala pa sa akin ng pinsan kong matagal na ring naninirahan sa ibang bansa.

Mabalik ako, alam mo ba kung bakit Quiapo ang napagdiskitahan kong gawan ng kwento ngayong araw na ito?

Eh kasi, nagtatampo na raw siya sa akin. Matagal na raw kasi akong humahabi ng kung anu-anong kwento pero ni hindi ko man lang daw siya maisipang gawan ng isang katha ukol sa kanya.

Kaya heto, nakaumang na ang mga daliri ko sa pagtipa ng keyboard para ilarawan siya sa abot ng aking makakaya.

*****

PAGSASALARAWAN – UNA

Linggo, alas 9:00 ng umaga. LRT Carriedo Station.

Eeskapo ang aking mga paa mula sa loob ng tren. Dala-dala nito ang aking katawan patungo sa simbahan ng Poong Nazareno na nasa pusod ng Quiapo.

Lahat ng aking mga kasabayang tao ay nagsasalimbayan ng agos. Lingid sa kaalaman kung saan ang daan patungo. Tila mga langgam na may kanya-kanyang sandatahan patungo sa kani-kanilang kolonya.

PAGSASALARAWAN – IKALAWA

Nagsimula akong sumabay sa agos ng tao sa gitna ng kalyeng puno ng kung anu-ano. Sa aking paglalakad, iba’t-ibang senaryo ang pumupukaw sa aking diwa.

Nariyan ang manong na nagwawasiwas ng mumurahing damit pambata sa bawat taong dumaraan. Mababanaag ang sigla sa boses niya habang inilalako ang sando at shorts. Sa pagwagayway niya ng damit ay masisilayan mo ang pag-asa niyang makakarami siya ng benta sa araw na iyon.

Nagpatuloy pa ako sa pag-usad sa gitna ng mga nag-uunahang tao. Sa tabi ng kalye, naroon si manang na nagtitinda ng mga prutas na nakahilera sa kanyang munting kariton. Mayroon siyang dalandan, mangga, ubas at papaya. Napakalamig sa mga mata ng mga inilalako niyang prutas.

Hahakbang sana ako para magpatuloy sa paglalakad ng biglang sumambulat sa aking harapan ang mga batang kalyeng naghahabulan! Walang pakialam ang mga ito kahit pa walang suot na tsinelas ang mga paa. Sige-sige lang sa pagtakbo habang pumapangibabaw sa kanilang mga bibig ang walang humpay na halakhakan.

Sa isang sulok ng kalsada nakita ko naman ang isang paslit na nag-iihip ng mga bula. Ang mga bulang iyon ay inihele ng hangin at nagtungo sa aking direksiyon. May bumangga sa aking katawan at tuluyang pumutok, ang ilan naman ay pinutok ng aking mga daliri. May ilang bula rin na nakawala at pumainlalang sa kaitaasan. Ito ang panghalina ng batang paslit para bilhin ang kanyang inilalakong mga botelya na naglalaman ng likidong bumubula kapag hinipan.

Lakad pa.

Sa paglinga-linga ko sa magkabilang daan ay kapansin-pansin rin ang mga gusaling niluma na ng mga taon. Laman ng mga gusaling ito ang mga nagtitinda ng appliances, naglalakihang tela, makikinang na alahas at aksesorya, iba’t-ibang klaseng bag, mabebentang fast food chains at kung anu-ano pa.

At bago ako pumasok sa simbahan, nariyan bubungad ang mga naglalako ng simbolismo’t imahe ng Poong Nazareno. Mayroong panyo, kuwintas at mga santong yari sa kahoy. Naroon din sa gitna ng mainit na sikat ng araw ang mga namamalimos na kapuspalad.

PAGSASALARAWAN – IKATLO

Sabay-sabay na aawit ng papuri ang mga tao sa loob ng simbahan habang naglalakad patungo sa pedestal ang pari na nakasuot ng nakabibighaning abito. Sa likuran niya makikita ang walang katulad na altar ng Mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno. Naiilawan ito ng kulay pula, asul at dilaw upang lalong tumingkad ang kaanyuan sa harap ng mga deboto.

Matapos ang pagbabahagi ng salita ng Diyos at sermon ng pari ay sabay-sabay namang magsasalo ang mga tao sa katawan ni Kristo. Sa saliw ng musika ay isa-isang tumatanggap ng ostiya ang mga ito na susundan ng taimtim at taus-puso nilang panalangin.

Sa pagtatapos, hindi makukumpleto ang misa sa pagbabasbas ng agua bendita bilang bendisyon sa mga deboto. Kasabay ng bendisyon ang pag-awit ng mga tao sa himig ng “Nuestro Padre Hesus Nazareno...”. Matatapos ang misa sa isang masigabong palakpakan na kumakatawan sa pagpupugay sa Kanya.

Lahat ng senaryong ito...ay naglalarawan sa walang katulad na mukha ng Quiapo.

*****

O hayan, sana naman napagbigyan ko ang kahilingan ng aking matalik na kaibigan. Hanggang sa muli naming pagkikita!

Photo credits: http://traveleronfoot.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/carriedo-street.jpg

FORGIVE & FORGET

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Poem)

Listening to nostalgic melody of the harmonica

Gives us a feeling of priceless euphoria

We thanked the times we said hellos

We shared gentle tapping of shoulders as great fellows

Remembered the morning that greeted us with a warm embrace

T’was when the day conspires; bestowing us another space

Additional grace...could this be a sign?

Hopes the entire day shall be in align

And when the sun sets in the West

We finished each others company with a remarkable jest

Smiles that’s drawing in our faces

Will take us surely in far away places

PALIMOS

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Feature)

Makulimlim ang araw na iyon. Tinatakpan ng makakapal at nangungutim na ulap ang disinsana’y maliwanag na araw. Sumasabay rin ang malamig na simoy ng hangin sa kalungkutan ng kapaligiran.

Sa tabi ng kalsada naroon ang isang batang paslit na tila kanina pa may hinihintay. Suot ang gusgusing damit na gula-gulanit, nanlilimahid na rin pati ang balat ng bata sa sobrang dungis. Hawak-hawak niya ang isang munting basahan na kinukulapulan na rin ng karumihan ng buong maghapong alikabok mula sa usok at dumi.

Broooooooommmmmmm! Broooooooooooooom!

Agad na tumalon mula sa gutter ng kalye ang batang lalaki at nagmadaling tumakbo. Nakita na niya ang pakay. Tila isang kidlat na bumulusok ang bata papunta sa gustong patunguhan.

Sa isang jeep.

Dinaklot ng kanan niyang kamay ang hawakan sa may entrada ng sasakyang pampasahero. Sisimulan na niya ng ritwal na makalibo rin niyang ginagawa sa bawat araw.

Ang ritwal na bumubuhay sa naghihingalo niyang araw.

Buong hiya siyang pumasok sa loob ng jeep at lumuhod sa harap ng mga pasahero. Muli na naman niyang kaharap ang maruming sahig ng sasakyan. Gamit ang bilog na basahan, inisa-isa niyang pinunasan ang kasuotang pampaa ng mga pasahero, mapa-sapatos man ito, sandalyas o tsinelas.

Unti-unti siyang umusad mula sa labasan ng sasakyan hanggang makapasok sa unahan nito. Napagtagumpayan niyang kahit papaano ay maalis ang dumi sa pambabang kasuotan ng mga niluhurang tao.

Kapagkuwa’y tumayo naman siya at itinihaya ng isang palad. Hindi man mamutawi sa kanyang labi ang salitang nais sabihin, alam na ng mga kaharap ang kanyang gustong ipahiwatig. Bakas na sa mukha niya ang pagod at gutom...kailangan na niya ng limos.

May ilang nag-abot ng kumakalansing na barya. May ilang hindi naman siya pinansin. Sa sampung pasahero, tatlong tao lamang ang nangahas magbigay ng abuloy.

Bababa na sana ang gusgusing paslit sa sasakyan ng biglang nag-alburuto ang kalangitan kasunod ng pagbagsak ng nag-uunahang ulang tikatik na gustong halikan ang uhaw na uhaw na lupa. Minabuti na lamang niyang umupo sa may entrada ng jeep at doon maghintay ng pagtila ng ulan bago siya bumaba.

Ngayon ay hawak niya ang mga nakalap na barya. Apat na piso. Pinagmasdan niya iyon kasunod ng pagngiti ng mga labi.

GO LOCKO WITH CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Movie Review)

It was then when my colleagues were starting to talk about this Thailand sleeper-hit movie Crazy Little Thing Called Love. At first, I was a bit curious as to what is the story plot, but soon interest settled in my burning curiosity when I read the positive reviews of the teen flick.

Yup, a so high school teen flick and hell yeah...a feel-good movie! It gave me the nostalgic feeling of falling in love the high school way (aaawww, that’s embarassing)!

The rom-com (romantic-comedy) movie stars one of the hottest stars in Thailand today BaiFern Pimchanok and Mario Maurer whose loveteam chemistry was well-acknowledged by moviegoers! The concept of the flick falls on a high school love story of a bug-faced teenage girl (BaiFern Pimchanok) whose secretly inlove with an older “crush-ng-bayan” stud (Mario Maurer). The movie is not just about romance as it also teaches everyone on how to reach your goals no matter how impediments try to intrude you.

A story of teenage love, dreams, friendship and transformation. The movie depicts vibrant hues of scenes that makes us laugh and be a total tearjerker! And lo, a mystifying twist will turn your mind in the end!

Some have watched it twice, thrice and even more than that! Well, I could not blame ‘em by doing so. It just started to swept away Asian countries by storm!

KAMSA HAMNIDA (Thank You)

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(View)

Being a true blood Filipino, appreciating everything associated in Korea is not a question of patriotism to me. I’m always proud and love being a Filipino, but once I heard a thing about Korea, one thing always comes to my mind that is...DEBT OF GRATITUDE.

It just started when I enter college.

I was taking a college scholarship examination in PUP Manila that time when I heard from the proctor that if I’ll gonna pass the exam, my sponsors will be Koreans. Actually, I wasn’t expecting that there were Korean sponsors in the university for I think only establishments from the government sectors are the sponsors of the school. Surprising indeed!

The moment of truth came, from batch of examinees only five successful persons were called. I was very thankful that I’m one of them! Few hours later, we’re in front of five Koreans who were all donned in black coat, delivering us the magical words that they will support us in our educational needs for the entire four-year course! Great!

The rest is history, Koreans done a wonderful part in our lives by supporting us not only in financial matters but also influencing us in improving our personality. They taught us on proper behavior, discipline, and love to family and neighbors. I admire their sensibility and passion at work, hoping that I can master their attitude at the right time. In return, whenever we have our annual meetings, we are showing them our achievements in school which they truly appreciate too. The twinkle in their eyes whenever they see our achievements in various competitions until the time they see us graduating with flying colors..it was priceless!

That’s why Koreans has special part in my life, I’m always thankful to them.

Sarang heyo Koreans! Kamsa hamnida!

TICK TOCK

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Poem)

T’was all fixated in my mind

Let the time fly, my eyes will be blind

“Tick...Tock...Tick..Tock”, hand of clock will say

I beg your pardon, and lemme stay this way

Looking back at times

Holding off the grimes

The choice of seeing your departure

Should I have to treat with all grandeur?

I was dominated by unreasonable silence

Hoping you’ll understand and foresee some patience

For once you’re the protagonist of my play

“Tick...Tock...Tick..Tock”, hand of clock will say

1.1.11

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(View)

What a year it has been!

Yesterday’s the last day of 2010 and today is the commencement of the new beginnings. A new chapter has been opened for us to write down our unfathomable destiny. There may be pivotal roles to look forward, life-changing events, never-ending opportunities and unpredictable discoveries to note. The good thing is, we are willing to embrace all of these with arms wide open.

Let’s entitle the first chapter as a feel-good chapter. Of course, who wants to begin the year with a rough start? We will write down all the positive vibes that will contribute to our wellness. This chapter will talk about all ourselves and who we are. It will tackle our new year’s resolutions, our plans, our visions. And we are hoping that these will be realised at the right place and at the right time.

As for the next chapters, let’s write down all the desires of our heart. Let’s be strong to face the struggles and unexpected impediments that will lurk our way. Most importantly, always put God on top and surely He’ll give us a picturesque view of the year 2011.

PHP200 + PHP100 = PHP75.00

Ni Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Pananaw)

Umaga.

Nagmamadali akong pumasok sa opisina dahil kapag nagbagal ako sa kilos ay maaaring ma-late ako. Pagtapat na pagtapat ko sa kahabaan ng kalsada ay pumara agad ako ng FX upang simulan ang mahaba ko na namang biyahe papasok sa trabaho.

Pagkapasok ko sa sasakyan ay agad akong bumunot ng pamasahe.

Isang daan ang nabunot ko mula sa loob ng aking bulsa.

“Manong bayad po.” sabi ko saka iniabot ang bayad.

Hindi ako kaagad nabigyan ng sukli ng drayber dahil naturalmente, malaki ang pamasaheng ibinayad ko ng umagang iyon.

Minabuti ko na lamang makinig ng music sa dala kong Ipod.

Lumipas pa ang ilang sandali, nakarating na ako sa istasyon ng tren na susunod kong sasakyan papasok sa trabaho. Habang binabaybay ko ang daan papunta sa istasyon ay may naalala ako bigla.

ANG SUKLI KO!!!!

Hindi ako nasuklian ng drayber ng FX...

At talagang nanghinayang ako sa sukli kong Php75.00!

Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako sa pagkadismaya. Inisip ko na lang na idinonasyon ko na lang ang sukling iyon sa simbahan.

Ilang sandali pa ang lumipas, nakarating na nga ako sa opisina.

Agad akong sinalubong ng isa kong ka-officemate pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko pa lang sa entrance.

“Jeff, ito na pala yung Php200.00 na inutang ko sayo noong isang araw. Salamat ha!” iniabot sa akin ng katrabaho ko ang pera.

“Uy! Oo nga no?” sa totoo lang, nawala na sa isip ko ang utang niyang iyon. “Salamat din!” ang nasabi ko na lang.

Tuloy-tuloy akong tumungo sa cubicle ko ng may ngiti sa labi. Naibulong ko sa sarili ko: “Kita mo nga naman, nawalan nga ako ng Php75.00, napalitan naman kaagad ng Php200.00. Thank you Lord!”

Hindi lang iyon. Tunay nga na may blessings si Lord.

Kinagabihan, Christmas party ng departamento namin. Isang Gift Certificate worth Php100.00 naman ang napanalunan ko.

Ang swerte nga naman!

Natapos ang araw ng may natutunan ako sa isang di magandang pangyayaring nasimulan ng aking umaga.

Natutunan ko na imbes na masira ang umaga ko dahil sa nangyari ay mas pinili kong isipin na napunta na lamang sa mabuting kamay ang aking nawalang sukli.

SUNSET

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(View)

It is the sunset my favorite part of the day.

It signs that the whole day is almost done, greeting the coming of darkness. But for me, sunset symbolizes different meanings in life.

As the sun rises and sets from East to West signifies that no matter how successful or mature we become, it’s important to remember and look back to where we came from.

The changing of color from sparkling white to warm orange as the sun descends underneath the skies encourages transformation and change which we all need to cope up with unending challenges in everyday life.

Moreover, the temporary disappearance of the sun in the sky also tell us to leave our worries behind for awhile and take some useful rest to regain energies we need in the next coming day.

Lastly, when the skies turned into extreme darkness gives us the feeling that there will be another day coming tomorrow...and that teaches us to have HOPE.

EVER-AFTER NO MORE

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Poem)

I began chirping with sound melodies at sunrise

Drifting with dreams coming into life

Saw all cheering people but especially one

Granting smiles to everybody but rewarding a kiss just for one

Keeping the ties close as time flies by

Ever-after fairytales happening only just once

Tell me...where should I limit my boundaries

To create a longtitude between pain and happiness

Here comes the repetition of dark clouds

Hanging up in the skyline, shaking up my ground

Why did the destiny gave me the chances to prove

Ended up empty-handed, but nothing to lose

Nights are blistering with sheds of tears

Shattering moments are flashing in each scene

So why did it happened, this one I ask

A backfire of realisation just hit me bullseye

Another chapter had just begun

Thinking all past dues were just all for fun

I leap and reap the harvest of truth

The stronger I became, the bigger I gain

THREE LEARNINGS

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(View)

The day will be fullfilled as I finished writing this piece. For today is the day after my 23^rd birthday, taking my reward of 1-day vacation after being exhausted in yesterday’s celebration with family, friends and close relatives.

As I watch and feel the day pass by, I can't resist thinking of things that have gone in my 22 years of living. Once again, I recollected the rays of memories that flashed my entire life. There are rays worth-seeing but some are not.

And today, I realised at least three learnings.

LIVE LIFE AS IF IT WILL BE YOUR LAST

Have you ever dare try to ask yourself when will you be going to die? or somehow think of how will you be going to die?

The answer is difficult to decipher. No one could ever tell. That’s why it’s better to let the question kept hanging and convince yourself instead that today is your last day and you will do something worth-seeing in His eyes before He will take your borrowed life.

NEVER EXPECT

Here goes the cliche : “It’s better to give than to receive.”. Right, in any aspect of our lives we view that giving is something being valued. The deed will be more meaningful if we will never expect something in return.

They also say that life is tough and we have to bear for the results in any decisions that we have done whether we fail to recognize if it’s right or wrong. Some outcomes may be painful but the beautiful part here is we can have the chance to stand up and prove to ourselves that we can survive. Lesson learned? Never expect. Less expectations. Less disappointments.

PUT HIM ON TOP

Since the day I’ve heard this sermon of one of the priest in Quiapo Church, the thought has been engraved in my heart and mind conciously. His sermon was about prayers classifying that we have prayers where we ask for forgiveness, for wishes/wants/needs, and for thanksgiving.

Among the three kinds of prayers, I was moved on how the priest explained the power of prayer asking for thanks. He said that it is our RENEWED LIFE everyday that should be first to thanked for.

Since then every morning as I woke up, the first thing that I ask is the prayer of thanks. Being grateful that He has given me again another life to continue together with His plans. In that way I strongly believe, I will be able to put Him on top.

PUGOT

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Mystery)

Lumapag ang mga paa ng tatlong magkakabarkadang Tom (edad 28), Macky (edad 27) at Sean (edad 26) sa harapan ng isang lumang bahay-bakasyunan sa malamig na lungsod ng Baguio. Mahalumigmig pa ang paligid ng mga oras na iyon. Nanunuot pa ang ginaw maging sa loob ng katawan nila.

“Sa wakas! Andito na rin tayo, ang tagal rin ng biyahe natin ah!” bulalas ni Sean saka ibinaba sa lupa ang mga dala-dalang bagahe.

“Tara mga ‘tol, pasok na tayo sa loob! Gusto ko nang magpahinga muna eh. Kanina pa nangalay puwet ko sa kakaupo!” sinapo pa ni Macky ang bandang likuran niya senyales ng matagal na pangangalay.

“Tara! Nagugutom na rin ako eh. I-enjoy natin ang 5 days vacation natin dito!” dagdag naman ni Tom saka nagnuestra patungong tarangkahan ng bahay-bakasyunan.

Ngunit bago pa lamang kakatok ang tatlo sa malaking tarangkahan ay may isang matandang lalaking gusgusin na wala sa katinuan ang humarang sa kanila.

“Kahit anong mangyari! Huwag kayong matutulog! Huwag! Huwag!” bulyaw sa kanila ng matanda saka mabilis na tumalilis palayo sa kanila.

Nagkatinginan ang tatlo. Nagkibit-balikat na lamang sa nasaksihan.

Isang matandang babae ang sumalubong sa tatlong lalaking bakasyonista.

“Mabuti naman at nakarating kayo ng maaga. Halikayo mga iho at naghanda ako ng almusal sa kusina.” alok ni Aling Mona (edad 45).

“Ay salamat po, kanina pa nga po kami gutom na gutom eh.” mabilis namang sagot ni Tom habang hinihimas ang tiyan.

Sabay-sabay na pumasok ang lahat sa loob ng bahay na iyon.

Ang bahay na iyon.

6:00 ng gabi.

Pagkagaling sa maghapong pamamasyal ay nagkasundo na ring magsitulog ng magkakaibigan dala na rin ng hapong-hapo nilang katawan.

“Bukas na lang tayo magtagayan mga ‘tol ah. Logtu muna.” si Macky na nagtuloy-tuloy na sa kanyang kuwarto upang matulog.

“Ok no prob.”sagot ng dalawa na nagtungo na rin sakani-kanilang mga kwarto.

11:00 ng gabi.

Nakaramdam ng pagkaihi si Sean. Pupungas-pungas siyang bumangon at lumabas ng kanyang kwarto upang pumanaog at gumamit ng banyo. Habang naglalakad sa pasilyo ay napansin niyang nakabukas ang pinto ng kwarto ni Macky. Minabuti niyang tunguhin iyon at isarado ito.

Ganoon na lamang ang panlalaki ng dalawa niyang mata nang makita ang hitsura ng kaibigan habang nakahiga ito sa kama at natutulog!

Si Macky...walang ulo!

Nanginig ang buong katawan ni Sean sa nakita. Mabilis na gumapang sa likuran niya ang pangingilabot ng kanyang mga balahibo.

Sa kabila ng malamig na klima ay bigla na lamang siyang pinagpawisan sa kinatatayuan!

Isinara niya ang pinto at sinandalan ito. Hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala.

“Baka namamalikmata lang ako!”aniya sa isipan. Kasunod ay muli niyang binuksan ang pinto at silipin ang kaibigan.

Si Macky...may ulo na.

Gimbal ang lahat ng umagang iyon sa nadatnan!

Si Macky, nakahandusay sa pinakababang pasimano ng hagdanan! Bali ang leeg. Wala ng buhay. Umaagos ang dugo sa sahig mula sa ulong pinagmumulan nito.

“Malamang na naglakad siya habang nananaginip. At nahulog mula sa pinakataas ng hagdanan.” mangiyak-ngiyak ring sambit ni Aling Mona.

Hindi na rin napigilan nina Sean at Tom na maiyak mula sa kinatatayuan nila.

Maya-maya pa’y sinubukang i-dial ni Tom ang numero ng magulang ni Macky.

Walang signal.

Buong umaga nang humahanap ng signal sa buong kabahayan ang magkaibigan ngunit wala pa rin silang matagpuan. Sinubukan na rin nilang lumabas ng bakuran ngunit wala rin silang napala.

“’Tol paano natin mababalita sa mga magulang ni Macky yung nangyari sa kanya?” balisa si Sean sa kalagayan.

Napailing si Tom. “Mukhang walang dito eh. Tara subukan natin sa ibang lugar baka sakaling may masagap na signal dun.”

Lumabas ang dalawa sa bakuran at nagtungo sa ibang lugar para maghanap ng signal.

Pinagmamasdan lamang sila ni Aling Mona mula sa di kalayuan.

Tanghali.

Bigong bumalik sa kabahayan ang dalawang magkaibigan. Kahit na naglibot na sa buong bisinidad ang magkaibigan ay wala talagang makuhang signal. Liblib rin kasing lugar ng Baguio ang napuntahan nila.

“Mabuti pa, bumaba na lang tayo ng bayan. Kuhanin ko lang ang wallet ko sa taas.”ani Tom saka pumanhik sa taas. Sumunod rin sa kanya si Sean upang kunin ang kaniya ring wallet.

Ngunit pawang nagulumihanan ang dalawa nang mapagtantong wala ang mga wallet nila sa kanilang mga bag.

“Nawawala rin ang wallet mo?”ani Sean sa kaibigan. Namimilog ang mga mata sa pagtataka.

“Oo eh...ninakawan ba tayo dito?”tumingin sa buong paligid si Tom.

Pumanaog muli ang dalawa upang hanapin si Aling Mona ngunit hindi nila ito matagpuan.

“Nasaan kaya siya?”si Sean.

Nagkatinginan lang ang magkaibigan.

Kumagat na ng dilim nang dumating si Aling Mona.

“Aling Mona! Mabuti naman po at dumating na kayo. San po kayo nanggaling?”salubong ni Sean sa matanda.

“Sa punerarya ako nanggaling mga iho. Inembalsamo na kasi ang katawan ng kaibigan ninyo.”ani Aling Mona. “Kamusta kayo dito? Pasensiya na kayo at hindi ko nasabi kaagad, wala talagang signal dito sa lugar namin.”

“Iyon nga ho eh. Naghanap rin po kami kanina ng signal pero wala po talaga. Bababa na nga lang ho sana kami sa bayan pero mukhang nawawala po yung mga wallet namin.” balita ni Tom.

“Ano?! Nawawala ang mga wallet ninyo? Imposible..walang pwedeng makapasok na ibang tao dito sa pamamahay ko.”anang matanda.

“Ganun na nga po. Pero kailangan na kailangan na rin ho kasi naming maibalita sa parents ni Macky yung nangyari sa anak nila kaya kung pwede ho sana, manghihiram na lang po muna kami ng pamasahe sa inyo para makababa ho kami ng bayan kung saan may signal.”paliwanag naman ni Sean.

“O siya sige. Pahihiramin ko kayo. Pero pwede bang ipagpabukas niyo na muna iyan. Masyado nang gabi at delikado na ang daan. Alam niyo naman ang lungsod na ito, maraming kababalaghan lalo na kapag sumasapit ang dilim.” si Aling Mona.

Nagpasalamat at sumang-ayon naman ang dalawa sa matanda.

Matapos makapaghapunan ay nagtungo na ng kanyang kwarto si Sean para matulog.

Hinawi niya ang kobre kama at humiga sa katre.

Maya-maya ay may naramdaman siya.

“Teka, parang hindi ito ang unan ko ah. Bakit parang tumigas?”ani Sean na kinapa pa ang unan. Gayunpaman, hindi na lang niya inalintana iyon dahil antok na antok na rin siya sa mga oras na iyon.

Ilang sandali pa ay nakatulog na nga rin siya.

Kanina pa papaling-paling sa higaan si Tom. Hindi talaga siya makatulog. Balisa siya sa nangyari kay Macky.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas, hindi siya nakatiis at bigla na rin siyang bumangon at nagtungo sa kwarto ni Sean upang silipin ito kung gising pa.

Gulantang siya sa nadatnan!

Si Sean...walang ulo!!!

Halos panawan siya ng ulirat sa nakikita. Napahakbang siya ng patalikod habang nangingiwi sa hilakbot!

Kumurap siya ng ilang beses!

At sa isang saglit...

Si Sean...may ulo na.

Umaga.

“Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!” sigaw ni Tom nang makitang nakahandusay sa ibaba ng hagdanan si Sean.

Bumubulwak ang dugo mula sa ulunan nito. Bali ang leeg mula sa malakas na pagkakabagsak sa semento. Wala ng buhay!

Napahawak sa ulo niya si Tom. Mawawala na yata siya sa katinuan sa nasasaksihan.

Buong maghapong wala sa sarili si Tom. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang kanyang gagawin. Naguguluhan na siya sa mga nagyayari. Hanggang sa sumapit ang dilim ay mag-isa lang siyang nakatulala sa kanyang kwarto.

Linapitan siya ni Aling Mona na alalang-alala na rin sa naging kalagayan ng bakasyonista.

“Mabuti pa ay matulog ka na iho. Bukas na bukas, ipapahatid na kita pababa ng bayan para makauwi ka na sa inyo. Hindi ko na rin alam kung anong nagyayari dito.”anang matanda kay Tom na tulala pa rin habang nakaupo sa kama.

Inalalayan siya ni Aling Mona na humiga.

Noon lamang at parang may kung anong naramdaman si Tom.

“Bakit parang tumigas ang unan ko?”ang sabi niya sa isipan.

Hindi na lamang niya pinansin iyon.

“Matulog ka ng mahimbing iho.” malamyos na bulong ng matanda sa kanya.

Naglakad ito ng ilang hakbang palabas ng kwarto.

Muling nilingon ang nakahigang si Tom.

Si Tom...na walang ulo sa mga sandaling iyon!!!!

Napangiti lamang si Aling Mona sa nasasaksihan. Kapagkuwa’y lumabas na rin ng kwarto.

11:57 ng hating-gabi.

Nakaabang na si Aling Mona sa pinakaibaba ng hagdanan upang saksihan ang mga susunod na mangyayari sa loob lamang ng nalalabing minuto bago kumagat ang alas-dose.

Maya-maya nga ay narinig na niya ang sunod-sunod na yabag mula sa pasilyo ng ikalawang palapag ng bahay.

“Paparating na siya.”mahinang sambit ni Aling Mona.

Ilang sandali nga ay nakikita na niya ang naglalakad na si Tom habang nakapikit ang mga mata patungo sa hagdanan.

Nananaginip ito.

“Sige pa. Sige pa. Konting lakad pa.”nakangiti si Aling Mona habang pinagmamasdan ang binata.

Kagimbal-gimbal ang mga sumunod na pangyayari.

Tuloy-tuloy na naglakad si Tom hanggang sa mahulog ng tuluyan sa hagdanan!

Blag! Blagabag! Blag!

Sumirit ang dugo nito sa sahig. Bali ang leeg mula sa pagkakabagsak sa hagdanan!

Patay.

Habang nakaupo sa kanyang tumba tumba ay nakangiti lamang si Aling Mona. Hinihimas-himas niya ang isang unan.

Ang unan ng kanyang nag-iisang anak na lalaki.

Muling nagbalik ang nakaraan sa isipan ni Aling Mona. Oo, ang alaala ng anak niyang pumanaw ilang taon na rin ang nakararaan. Namatay ang anak niya nang mahulog ito sa hagdanan habang nananaginip. Sa sobrang lakas ng pagkakabagsak nito mula sa pinakataas ng hagdan ay napugot ang ulo nito dahilan upang makitlan agad ng buhay. Sa aksidenteng nangyari, hindi nila kinayang mag-asawa ang kinahinatnan ng anak na naging dahilan upang masiraan ng bait ang asawa niyang lalaki.

Ang kanyang asawa na simula ng masiraan ng ulo ay puro “Huwag kayong matutulog kahit anong mangyayari! Huwag! Huwag!” na lang ang palaging bukambibig.

Niyakap ni Aling Mona ang unan na hawak-hawak. Ulilang-ulila na siya sa yumaong anak.

WAKAS

OLD SKUL

Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Excerpt)

Umaga.

Habang nilalamukos ko ang aking mga mata mula sa mahimbing na pagkakatulog ay agad kong kinuha ang aking cellphone at sinilip kung may mga mensahe akong natanggap. Mangyari pa, higit sa sampung text messages ang bumulaga sa akin ng umagang iyon.

Pero isang text message ang pumukaw sa diwa ko ng oras na iyon. Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti dahil totoong nakakatuwa ang nilalaman nito.

Ito ang laman ng text:

“Kung kabilang ka

sa huling taon ng dekada

’80 at unang taon ng dekada ’90...

Kilala mo cna

Shaider, Bioman

at Masked Rider Black!

Kumakain ka ng Humpy Dumpy at Tomy,

naglalaro ka ng 10-20 at Langit at Lupa

alam mo ang universal

song na “Uwian na!”

Nagsayaw ka ng Macarena, Boombastic at Dr. Jones!

alam mo ang ibig sabihin

ng time first (mostly pronounced as taympers!)

Alam mo rin na importante

ang “Period. No erase!”

Nilalagyan mo ng Pritos Ring ang bawat daliri mo!

Meron ka ring pencil case

na may 2^nd floor

Kilala mo sina Remi, Cedie,

Princess Sarah at Blue Blink!

at naniniwala ka na nanganganak

ang mga kisses!

Natatawa ka? Matanda ka na! Hahaha!”

Nakarelate ka ba? Hahaha. =]