APPRECIATING BLESSINGS

Jeffrey R. Ballares

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The day is all set for the last day. It is where the final curtain will be brought down ending our secondary education. That is the very day that I was waiting for. At last, after the long wait, I just triumphed another chapter of my educational journey.

The great mood is really setting in everyone’s faces, seeing the positive vibes surrounding the place. In just a few minutes, the commencement exercise will be taken and I believe that every graduates are all excited about the happening.

I look up to the sky telling to myself that the sunset is already setting in. It was windy and our graduation dresses are swaying in the gentle touch of the winds. It’s as if we are all being blessed with the soft breeze of fortunes and luck in the coming of another chapter on our lives...the college life.

That was exciting, I thought. Another chapter. Another life. Change.

All of us were asked to fall in line outside the venue signaling that the event will be beginning soon. I was situated as the last person in the line together with my parents which are so proud at that very moment. I was very proud of them too, for they nourished me with the right kind of love and support. It’s because of them that’s why I strived to finish my studies. I held their hand and told if they are ready, and they both nodded at me with a generous smile.

But as we are walking to the venue where we will be sitting, I saw two children looking after the garbage bags at the side of the street. They are collecting junks in every trashbags thinking that it might be useful for them to earn money. I know, they could earn out of these junks...in a very little amount of money.

I’m saddened seeing the scenario. I looked at my parents and they also glances at me. I know that they also saw the two children. Inasmuch as I want to do anything with the two, I didn’t have the chance to do so since the line is now moving into the venue.

I just progressed with a heavy heart together with my parents escorting me.

At the end of the day I thought, maybe it’s just one instrument saying that we should be thankful with the blessings we are having right now. Enough for complaining and comparing. As the cliche goes, count your blessings and be contented.

It was an eye-opener really. And I wish that, someday we could help with the less fortunate like them in any way we can.

I MISS YOU

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

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There are certain things and places I really miss doing and visiting. Looking forward that I’ll be meeting them again.

READING BOOKS – I remember then when I was a student that I have a lot of time to read books which tackles everything under the sun. Mystery and suspense were my favorites. And it was R.L. Stines’ Goosebumps commenced my love for reading, well, it actually gave me the spinechills everytime I read his works (but that was the time when I was just a kid eh!). Then it was followed by Marilyn Kaye, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Gianna Maniego, Mitch Albom, and among others.

DRAWING/PAINTING – It was when I was in high school grade where I developed my art skills. Poster making contests, theme drawing contests, you name it! I always make it to a point to join all of these competitions. Good thing I usually came home not empty-handed =) . I’m not after with the prize or trophy anyway, as long as I'm enjoyed and satisfied with my works then I’d be happy. Recognition is just a bonus, passion is worth aiming for.

COMICS WRITING – My first manga/comics was when I’m in high school too. I remember that my critics were my classmates, and they usually acknowledged the strengths and the weaknesses of the stories I made. Oh boy, I almost spent a lot of notebooks just to put up comic series!

NOVEL WRITING – If there’s a Twilight Saga today, there was also a “Immortal Saga” yesterday. Yup, I started to write this stuff when I was in college but it’s not actually a saga, it’s like a sort of “The Twilight Zone” series. Concepts of the supernatural, futuristic events and fantasy were all in store.

TERESA STREET – away from the busy classroom works and activities, my favorite spot after the whole day classes is at Teresa St. in Sta. Mesa Manila which stretches few feets away from the PUP facade. All types of foodtrip is here that you surely don’t wanna miss! One cannot resist from the hot and spicy soups, freshly cooked quaill eggs, hotdogs, meatballs, “gulaman”, fishballs, squidballs...good luck for having a Hepatitis! Hahaha!

TIMEZONE – when my college buddies were available after classes, we usually hang-out to malls and try to relax by touching down our feet at Timezone! Dance Revo, Dance Mania, Time Crisis, Resident Evil, you name it! All of them were timezoners’ favorites!

NATIONAL BOOKSTORE CUBAO BRANCH – a book lover always finds time to read. Whenever I’m hungry of reading, all I gonna do is to visit the National Bookstore Cubao branch and go straight ahead at the 3^rd floor where book reading is allowed. I usually browse and read books from all walks of life, peeking at iconic pictures, appreciating leaves of knowledge from each book that I held. I can even spend the whole day reading books at that place.

These things...already missed.

Eureka

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Poem)

Whirling chaos of paranoia succumbed my inner soul

It’s like a goosh traversing in the midnight sea

Was it endless? Was it painless?

Yes, cannot escape its encrypted hellos

Switching the time the counterclockwise twice

For I will shift the mysteries of my intruder-self

Quickly tasting breathing air...hastily walk!

Come to me my mind and shall we come!

From the land of fortuitous events

A cradle of sorrow belies all lies

Fancy murmurs, awakening you frantically

Let me jump, and hop and defy the odds

Even the mighty thunders of gambling universe

Can howl in the midst of unconcious dusks

Forgive or forsake? Hands are for me to use

At the end of a corner, triumphant my call!

Fe-Lisa Navidad (Ang Kuwento ni John Lloyd Cruz Sequel)

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Anecdote)

“Hello Jeff.” these are the words that always comes from her mouth whenever we start a conversation. I don’t know, but whenever I hear these words, I can feel the comfort.

Her voice is soft. Gentle. Cheerful. Calm.

She’s my boss. And her name is Lisa Navidad.

***

Welcome to my condo unit

“Hello Jeff.” these are the very first words that she said when she warmfully welcomed me as her newest staff. That was a year and a half ago. And the scenery was still clear in my mind when she greeted me in her first sweet hello.

“Jeff, since you’re new in the group, what will be your expectations in your new work unit?”she asked me with a smile. Her eyes are connecting to make me feel the easiness while talking.

“Ahm, maybe Ma’am I’ll expect to have the pressure. New learnings and new companionships.” these are the first things that I answered as far as I can recall. Of course, at the back of my mind, there’s the feeling that a great expectation is ahead of me.

Conversation goes. Time flew.

After a short while, she offer her right hand for a handshake. “Welcome to the team.”

I grabbed her hand to show courtesy. My acceptance.

This is it. I’m now part of her team.

My Resignation

She’s anxious for what I will say that day. She must have sensed that I invited her for a serious talk. A resignation perhaps.

“Jeff ano ito? Mukhang kinakabahan ako sa sasabihin mo.”her eyes are worrying while we are walking straight to the boardroom.

I just smiled. “No Ms. Lisa, there’s nothing to worry about.”

We sitted inside the boardroom.

“Hello Jeff.”that was the first time I heard her voice in uneasy way.

“Hi Ma’am. I’m sorry if I snatched your precious time. I would just like to talk to you regarding my performance, and how would you help me to improve it?”

At that moment she let a big sigh of relief. “Akala ko Jeff iiwan mo na kami!”then she giggled right away.

Little did I know that she’ll be the first one to bid goodbye in the next coming months.

The Character who needs Keys to function and the Carriage Drivers

In one of her life-coaching, she introduced to me the character who needs plenty of keys to function.

In my own words of understanding, this character are those people who needs to have realizations before acting up. In other words, these are the people na kailangan pang susian yung iba’t-ibang parte ng katawan para makapagfunction ng mabuti.

She even related to me that there are people in the company that are like carriage drivers who already know on how to manage things in just one of a click. Surely because a carriage driver, once they hit the horse in its back , knows already on how to navigate the direction.

That was the first time I met with her characters...and made me think what I want to be between the two.

The Last Words

The topic for that day is all about career growth.

The offer was generous, and it answered my prayers without so much expectations. At the same time, I feel a little bit disappointed because it's hard to leave the unit for I believe I'm still half-cooked.

But she said to me that changes are good.

That trying more competitive tasks and responsibilities will build more of your character.

She’s right.

At that moment, I had a chance to seriously look in her eyes and to finally ask her about her near departure.

“Ma’am Lisa, is it true that you’re already leaving us?”

Her face rose up, and thoughtfully smiled before saying the last words...”Yes Jeff.”

***

Aside from being an extraordinay boss, I met Ms. Lisa as a role mother. A hands-on when it comes to her two angels, Zoe and Pia. A mother who never rest until her daughters are sound asleep. Her immeasurable love for her children is truly unwavering.

Once in my life I also met Ms. Lisa as a loving wife through her sharings. This is the reason why Daddy Oscar always bring her bouquet of flowers for every special occassion. She truthfully understands commitment and the gift of family, which in turn gives her the blessing of having a loving husband and two wonderful children.

The opportunity of knowing her is just an honour for everybody. She may have left us physically but not mentally nor emotionally.

And surely she’ll be missed.

P.S.

Ma’am, you could have been a pediatrician if you were not on Pru. Perhaps a writer or a fashion designer. Thank you very much Ms. Lisa for taking a ride with our corporate life! We’ll just keep the change! Good luck to your new opportunity! =)

MGA DI-PANGKARANIWAN SA KARANIWAN

Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Feature)

Sinimulan ko ang umagang paglalakbay sa pamamagitan ng pagsakay sa FX noong araw na iyon. Malamang magpapambuno na naman ako sa oras para hindi ma-late sa pagpasok sa trabaho. Mabuti na lang at kahit paano, mahaba ang biyahe at mabubusog ang mga mata ko sa mga tanawin na sasalubong sa mga nanlalamlam ko pang mga mata.

Pag-upo na pag-upo ko sa loob ng sasakyan ay pumuwesto na kaagad ako sa tabi ng bintana ng FX. Pinakapaborito ko ang pwestong ito sapagkat napapawi ang antok ko kapag nakakakita ng mga di-pangkaraniwang bagay na nagbibigay-kulay sa pangkaraniwan kong umaga.

Umusad ang pampasaherong sasakyan at bumira ng pagbiyahe. Sumilip ako sa bintana at sinimulang pagmasdan ang mga bagay-bagay.

Nakita ko sa daan ang isang puting kuting na halos nasisipa na ng mga tao sa tabi ng kalye. Wala man lang pakialam ang mga tao kahit na madunggol nila ang kuting. Nagulat pa nga ako nang malamang paika-ika na ito sa paglalakad gamit ang apat niyang paa. Napakagat na lang ako sa labi at naawa sa kuting.

Huminto ang sasakyan at pumick-up ng isang babaeng pasahero, pamilyar na sa akin ang pasaherong sumakay na ito na halos palagi kong nakakasabay sa biyahe. Kahit hindi kami magkakilala ay nginitian niya ako at sinuklian ko rin naman ng isang matipid ring ngiti bilang paggalang.

Nagpatuloy sa pagbiyahe ang FX. Maya-maya ay huminto dala ng stop light. Kumatok sa babasaging bintana ang isang batang babae na nagtitinda ng sampaguita. Katulad ng mga bulaklak ng sampaguita ay nakatirintas rin ang mahabang buhok ng batang babae na nagmamakaawa na bilhin ang kanyang itinitinda. Isa, dalawa, tatlong katok, sa wakas ay nahabag ang driver at binili ang tatlong kuwintas ng sampaguita. Nagpasalamat ang batang babae at kapagkuwa’y isinabit ng driver ang mabangong bulaklak sa munting imahe ng Birheng Maria sa may tabi ng salamin. Nag-green light, dali-daling umeskapo ang batang babae sa gitna ng kalsada upang hindi mabangga ng mga tatakbong sasakyan.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas at nakarating na rin ako sa MRT station para simulan ang isa na namang biyahe. Parang gustong sumakit ng ulo ko sa nadatnang kahabaan ng pila. Nagsisiksikan at naggigitgitan ang mga tao makauna lang sa pagpunta sa tren. Karamihan ay papasok sa opisina at hindi maipinta ang mga mukha dahil nga naman hindi maganda sa pakiramdam ang masuwag, matulak, at mabangga kahit pa nakapila papunta sa destinasyon...ang sasakyang tren.

Hindi naman ako nahirapang sumakay ng tren, karaniwan na sa akin ang maitulak habang nakikipag-unahang makapasok sa loob. Karaniwan na ang matanggalan ng sapatos kapag malas na naapakan ng kasabayan mo ring pasahero. Higit sa lahat, karaniwan na ang mga nagbabangayang pasahero matapos na makapasok sa tren sa kadahilanang grabe daw manuwag ang mga nasa likuran nila. Nandiyan pa ang mga nagmumurahan sa sobrang galit. Napapailing na lang nga ako sa mga senaryong ito.

Pagbaba ko sa tren ay tinahak ko naman ang daan papuntang opisina. Gustuhin ko mang sumakay uli ng sasakyan papunta sa opisina ay hindi na lang siguro. Panigurado kasi, mas lalo akong male-late dahil ma-traffic na ang mga kalye pag rush-hour. Iniisip ko na lang, sa paglalakad makaka-exercise pa ako sa umaga.

Humakbang ang aking mga paa tanda ng simula ng paang-paglalakbay. Sa paglalakad, hindi ko napigilang mapatingin sa isang pulubing nakasalampak sa tabi ng kalsada. Nanlilimahid na ang hitsura nito mula ulo hanggang paa. Nanggigitata sa grasa, putik at alikabok na kumakapit sa gula-gulanit niyang suot. Naisip ko, damit pa bang maituturing ang isang kasuotan kapag hindi na ito disenteng tignan sa mga mata ng tao? Inayos pa ng pulubi ang dala-dala niyang sako na sa tingin ko’y puro plastik at lumang lata ang laman dahil sa kalampag na naririnig ko mula sa loob nito.

Naglabas ako ng barya at iniabot sa nanlilimos niyang palad. Isang matamis na ngiti ang iginanti niya sa akin sa oras na masalop ng palad niya ang mga nagkikislapang baryang kumalansing ng magtama ang mga ito. Ngumiti rin ako para sa kanya.

Ilang sandali pa at nakarating na nga ako ng opisina. Kaharap uli ang computer upang simulan ang maghapong trabaho. Napagtanto ko na naman noong araw na iyon ang mga di-pangkaraniwang bagay na nagbibigay-kulay sa pangkaraniwan kong umaga.

KEYS OF LIFE

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

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I envy my computer keyboard. It seems like it’s almost perfect in all the way it does. Its functions, features and capabilities represents all possibilities in life.

Delete. It’s like you’re committing mistakes in each day and you can have the option to erase these imperfections.

Backspace. It’s when you have the chance to bring back the so-called yesterdays and rectify things the way you want it to be.

Tab. It entice yourself to take some shortcuts and jump to opportunities with no so much hassle.

Escape. You have the option to left situations you must not go into because you know it’s not for your own good.

Control. It means you have to keep in track and don’t haste in making decisions that could break you.

I wish I could be a keyboard. Almost perfect. Undoubtedly excellent!

JUST LIKE THE FAUCETS

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By Jeffrey R. Ballares

As the water gush from the faucet I started rubbing my both hands to clean the dirt away from it. I can see the grayish hue coloring the water as it rush down to the sink and then turned the faucet handle to let the water stop from flowing in. In just a jiffy, my hands were once again cleansed and refreshed!

How I wish we are all like faucets who are willing to clean someone’s dirt. If we see that a person is taking the wrong path of life and nowhere to go, our willingness to help that person to fix up his mess is immense just the same as the rushing water. We will act like faucets that is able to cleanse each other’s point of views, attitudes and personality.

Agree?