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".

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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

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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.

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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.

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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