THE MEANING OF DEATH

This short article was my reflection paper in our Theology 211 class (1994) under Ms. Carlota Aquino, one of the best and most pleasant professors of Columban College in Olongapo City.

Death is the most unpleasant thing one can ever think of. To those whose lives are centered on material and worldly things, it means the end of enjoyment and happiness. To romantic couples who are very much in love, it is unbearable grief as it means parting with those who made their lives worth living. Still, to some, death means a horrible monster that transforms everything of value into nothingness.

Many fear death. I believe everyone does. But this should not be for, despite its morbid nature, death has a vital role in everyone’s life.

For me, death gives a deeper meaning to life. It has to stand by somewhere if only to remind us that we are but travelers in this world. Since well-meaning people are aware of the certainty of death, they make the most of their time on earth. They make the most of what they can make in life. Because they are aware that they will someday die, they do things that will enrich their very short stay in this world. Indeed, sometimes, it is only through the thought of death that we are able to really value, appreciate and live life to the fullest!

Death also means relief—like a breaking away from a long and agonizing fight with an illness which brings one so much suffering—physically, emotionally, mentally, and otherwise. It means liberation from all sorts of slavery our earthly life subjected us to. It also means peace—at last!

Death is life's equalizer. For everyone--rich and poor, powerful and powerless, mighty and weak--will heed its call. 

Most of all, death has a purpose. For what is Death doing there if it won't serve anything at all? It is a great transition--for it is through death that we are born to eternal life. It is a fulfillment of God's mysterious plan for us. For it is through death that we are finally united with The Creator.

HELLO, ATTORNEY!

(Below is a personal letter I sent to someone nice to me.) 

Hello, Attorney!

I remember Friday morning and the memory of our meeting often haunts me.

Siguro, dahil sa medical checkup mo... sa pagpapa-blood chem mo. Kasi, iyan din ang reason why despite Gapan-based na ako ay bumalik ako sa Olongapo. Nagpa-blood chem din ako rito kasi nahilo rin ako and my BP rose to 170/90. E, hindi naman ako high blood!

Since yung unang blood chem resulted sa high blood sugar, nagpunta ako sa Diabetologist. But before he prescribed medicine, he required three more blood chems for confirmation kung diabetic ba ako. Fortunately, hindi. So, hindi siya nag-prescribe ng kahit anong medicine.

I tried to analyze… bakit kaya? Since I had anxietty attack when I was in the province, I attributed the health problem to CHANGES; i.e., change in residence... change in the usual ways of doing things.  I am very much aware naman that change especially when sudden or abrupt and disagreeable can trigger anxiety.

Then I rationalized, "Ah, kaya pala may pre-retirement seminar. Anticipated or expected ang ganitong eksena. Kaya pala the last time I saw my psychiatrist, he asked me how I regard retirement".

So, balik muna ako sa Olongapo. Tuloy muna kung ano'ng naging familiar sa akin in the last 47 years that I had been away from home sweet home.

I have also realized that when one is in his twilight years, life gets more precious. Nothing but LIFE ITSELF becomes the only thing that matters.

Hindi na importante ang material wealth (buti na lang ever since ay strange sa akin ang bagay na 'yan).

Hindi na ang physical and outside beauty and glamour (okay lang din sa akin kasi wala naman ako nun).

Hindi na ang power and position (never ding nagkaroon ako).

Hindi na fame or popularity (lalo namang wala ako).

Kasi, mapasa-akin man ang mga iyon, if I have no life, paano ko mae-enjoy ang mga iyon?

And because life has become more precious now that I am a senior citizen, I am focusing on three major factors that will give me a good chance to live longer:

1. Foods and drinks that I take into my body

2. Activities that I do, and

3. The things that I think about (or my attitude towards people and circumstances).

Ang dami ko nang ini-snub na foods and drinks. I don't eat red meat anymore -- beef, pork (pero chicken, in moderation). I don't drink softdrinks and coffee. And I avoid as much as I can oily, sweet, and salty foods.  At kung anu-ano pang unhealthy and harmful substances. Nakuntento na lang ako sa sinigang, pinangat, bulanglang, paksiw, inihaw, steamed veggies o yun bang ipinatong lang sa nilutong kanin. Ang advice ko sa sarili ko: hindi baleng hindi masarap, basta't malusog! Look! No more gout… no more arthritis... no more rayuma. I mean, matagal nang hindi umaatake. Problema ko lang, itong patis na ito. Ayaw pumirma sa divorce paper.

But what's more amazing --- wala akong maintainance medicine.

Sa activities naman ---- brisk walking early in the morning, some light physical exercises, washing isang tambak na dishes (my stress reliever), and going to market. I also have an "ADOPTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PROGRAM" which I hope to successfully carry out.

Sa attitude naman, dati naman na akong pasensiyoso, hindi magagalitin, Through the years, I have gained a high degree of tolerance with regards to dealing with super obnoxious and irrational people. And despite the strings of traumas that adorn my very colorful life, I still believe I have to let go of the past and move on. Yes, let go... and let God.

Also, I am determined to TRULY forgive and forget those who oppressed and harassed me (especially my irrational office superiors) and those who maligned my name. And I have forgiven them. Yun nga lang, isinumpa ko muna sila bago pinatawad.

(Joke lang yung last line, Atty.)

Lastly, thanks for the pleasant memories! I remember you would either email or text me, "Gaudz, admin leave na..." due to the storm. Or, "Gaudz , may vacancy sa..." (Saan nga bang department yun?) Imagine, HR Manager entertaining me!

Anyway, I hope okay ang result ng blood chem mo. O baka naman pregnant ka uli? Ikaw kasi, nag-asawa ka ng a la Yorme Isko. Ka-guapo na, mabait pa! 

Thanks again, Atty! God bless!

Gaudz

25 Nov 2019 

CONGRATULATIONS, MARIA RESSA!

 

Maria Ressa

Congratulations, Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner!

VINCENT BUENO AND "HAIR"

Vincent Bueno

On January 14, 2010, I made an entry in this blog about Vincent Bueno's performance of "Hair" in Austria's Musical! Die Show (Musical! The Show). When the person who uploaded the video on youtube showing Vincent doing his number removed the video, I reverted said entry into draft. 

I loved that performance of Vincent and lately when I  searched for the video on youtube, I fortunately found it.

For the sake of those who have not seen it yet and for those who want to see it again, please click the link and watch Vincent Bueno performed “Hair”. 

Vincent's performance of Hair was his first television appearance in the Musical! Die Show, a reality talent competition in Vienna, Austria that started sometime in the last quarter of 2007 and wound up in January of 2008. Vincent Bueno was declared grand winner in the said contest. 

Vincent's performance was characterized by passionate singing, strong stage presence, powerful as well as beautiful voice, and very graceful body movements. The audience responded to his superb performance with cheers and wild applause and easily made him the favorite of the crowd as well as the judges. In fact, he was reportedly dubbed as the "darling of the jury". Undoubtedly, Hair was one of Vincent Bueno's great performances in the reality talent show.

ON RECOGNITION, AWARD, AND... ANIMOSITY

(NOTE:  This is a REPOST. Originally published on January 22, 2009.) 

One Sunday morning last May 2008, as I was about to go home after picking up some personal effects in my office, somebody approached me and asked me about the weather. He asked if “Cosme”, the typhoon, had left; if it would be fine weather that day. As I had not read the newspaper nor watched the newscast on TV that day, I told him I had no idea.

He then asked me if I saw his companion. I told him he went to the rest room. The guy took that opportunity to open up and started to release the bitterness that I perceived from his words and noticed on his face.

I realized that he was somewhat disgruntled and wasn’t really interested about the weather. And the reason why he was asking me if I saw his companion was because he didn’t want the latter to hear what he was going to tell me.

His negative sentiment focused on recognition and award.

He expected to be nominated Employee of the Month but found out that it wasn’t he who was nominated but somebody else. What was more disappointing to him was, the person who had shown and given him moral support and to whom he pinned his hope for being nominated was the one nominated. He felt betrayed. Could it be that the “moral support” was pure pretense?

My initial response to his gripes was silence. I tried to weigh things. I wanted to know with certainty if the guy was serious about what he was talking about. Trying my best to appease him, I just told him, “You are a good worker.” Also, I advised him not to always believe in awards for they may or may not be fairly or justly given.

As his companion had returned from the rest room, he put his right index finger on his pouting lips signaling he was ending our conversation. He then excused himself.

On a separate occasion, another office personnel—a lady administrative assistant—appeared to be working against her will as she was complaining about a task she was asked to do. It wasn’t her job but the one who was supposed to do it went on leave for a week or two. Releasing her negative feeling, she told her co-employees, “I should not be doing this as this is not my work. I have my own specific task to perform which I might neglect to do if I will do this. Besides, she (the employee on leave) was given award for this while I wasn’t given any award!”

It seems that although recognition and award motivate employees to improve their efficiency and productivity, they can also cause disillusionment to some and animosity among other employees. Why is this so?

I also remember an instance when the Administrative Officer requested me to proofread and edit a memorandum she prepared regarding the giving of awards. She stated in that memorandum that the purpose of the program was to boost employees’ morale. As I edited the memorandum, I made a comment that the primary purpose of giving awards should not be just to boost employees’ morale but, first and foremost, to recognize outstanding performance of employees. For to give awards just to boost employees’ morale may mean to demoralize those who will not be given awards and would be tantamount to saying those awarded have low morale and those not awarded have high morale and probably don't need any award at all. 

We have read or heard about some incidents regarding the giving of awards (especially in showbiz) that were tainted with deceit and complaints. And we have also read or heard about some supposed-to-be recipients of awards who refused to accept them because they believed the award-giving body was not credible.

But, I believe, even if the giving of awards is done in good faith, there would still be some feelings of displeasure on the part of some employees whose work performances were not given recognition. Since those who received awards will be recognized and identified as outstanding performers, the implication could be that those employees whose efforts were not recognized are low performers or inferior workers thereby demoralizing them and causing them to feel insulted. 

There are also instances when those in power and authority give recognition and award to anyone of their choice as though it is their sole prerogative. Sometimes they use it as a tool for their vindictiveness. They know so well how their malicious intentions will affect other employees, especially deserving ones, whom they intentionally deprived of recognition. Either ways, the giving of awards will defeat the very purpose for which such a program was initiated and is being carried out.

And what if those who were awarded no longer receive recognition the next awarding season? Will that mean they have ceased to be efficient workers? Shall we also attribute their inefficiency to the program?

Let us go back to those employees mentioned above. What has become of their motive for working? Do they work only for awards and not because they are paid for it?

I have often thought it would be much better if management would just do away with the giving of awards. Perhaps, there would be less or no disgruntled employees. Perhaps, there would be no false pride that makes some heads swell. Perhaps, more sensible programs will benefit from the cash amount that usually goes with it. And most of all, perhaps, some incidents of unfairness and injustice will never see the light of day.

MARCELITO POMOY'S INSPIRING LIFE STORY

(NOTE:  This is a REPOST. Originally published on August 7, 2011)

Marcelito Pomoy

(Screenshot from ANC Headstart interview by Karen Davila)

For the past several weeks now, I've been preoccupied with things about Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) Season 2 grand winner Marcelito Pomoy--that is, watching his video clips on youtube, reading news articles about him on the Net, and watching his guest appearances on TV. Apparently, I am greatly magnetized by this instant celebrity whom one blogger referred to as "darling of television".

Marcelito's life story--with all its loneliness, deprivations, and hardships is one for the movies. His eventual success via PGT Season 2 where he emerged as champion will surely inspire anyone who has come to know about the difficult life he has had and clearly see the hands of God lifting him from the sufferings he had gone through.

His is not just a Cinderella-like story but a poignant story of longing and love for his own family he never grew up with and one of forgiveness.

His story not only gives hope to those who are weighed down but also strengthens their faith in God and renews their belief that God sees all their sufferings and that sooner or later, He will liberate them from their woes.

To start with his lonely yet inspiring life story and basing on his TV interviews and information from various Internet sources, Marcelito Pomoy first saw the light of day in Mangagoy, Bislig City in Surigao del Sur. He is third in a brood of four.

When he was about two years old, his father, on false accusation, got imprisoned. His mother, together with his eldest sibling who was then about seven years old, left him and his two other siblings to somebody else's care to look for a job elsewhere.

When someone reported to the authority that nobody was attending to them, they were brought to his father in prison where they were fed on foods shared with them by other prisoners. When their father got sick, however, and could no longer take care of them, he was forced to have them adopted by a local policeman in the person of Ali Macawili.

Marcelito stayed with the Macawilis until he was eight years old. When he experienced maltreatment from Macawili's mother, he asked his foster parents who his real parents are. After disclosing to him the truth that his father was jailed that eventually led to his adoption by Macawili, Marcelito left home the following day to look for his father in prison but miserably failed to find the latter there.

Marcelito, in subsequent turn of events and despite his tender age, found himself engaged in various economic activities in order to survive. He worked as pin boy in a bowling alley, sold balut and ice cream, and performed other odd jobs.

When he was sixteen years old--eight years after he left his adoptive parents--and while selling balut, a suki (regular customer) recognized him and told him he knew what happened to his family and that he also knew of his father's whereabouts. The man brought the excited Marcelito to his father. His father cried when they met and upon telling him of the story behind his mother's leaving them, Marcelito harbored ill-feelings against his mother.

Marcelito stayed with his father who then has a new family but only briefly as he decided to leave him because he could not get along well with his stepmother.

Through an illegal recruiter, he later moved to Manila to seek employment. He worked in a furniture shop, washed empty Emperador Brandy bottles, worked in a poultry farm and in a piggery, and also worked in a construction outfit.

It was during his employment in a poultry farm when he started singing using his female voice. He would sing as he sprayed the chicken house.

When Marcelito turned 24, he went back to his father in Surigao. His father then informed him that his mother was in Manila. He didn't know that while he was working in Manila, his mother and siblings were also there.

Equipped with his eldest sister's cell phone number which his father provided him, Marcelito returned to Manila to look for his mother and siblings and this time successfully found them.

When Marcelito first met his mother, he could not describe his feeling. He said he was kind of angry as though asking why she left them. His mother, however, hugged him and asked for his forgiveness.

Shortly after finding his mother and siblings, Marcelito got sick. He was operated in appendicitis. It was his second-to-the-eldest sister who spent for his hospitalization.

When Marcelito got out of the hospital, he was brought to his eldest sister who made unsavory comment that hurt him. He was challenged by that kind of offensive comment so he decided to join reality TV talent search.

He first joined ABC 5 Talentadong Pinoy but didn't make it there. Not giving up, he tried ABS-CBN's PGT Season 2 where he garnered 19.56% of the total text votes making him the grand champion and winning a whopping P2 million. All the members of his family were present showing their support during the grand finals at the Araneta Coliseum where he impressively performed "The Prayer", a song popularized by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Marcelito was given a standing ovation by the audience and all three judges. When asked what his prayer was during that night, Marcelito said he prayed that his performance be successful so his family would be proud as that was the very first time in his life that he saw all the members of his long-lost family together and complete. Marcelito got emotional when he answered that question.

Couples of weeks after his win, somebody uploaded a video on youtube showing Marcelito being the object of affection, admiration, and pride of Bisliganons when he visited his hometown during its fiesta celebration. There, with high government officials of the province and the city present, Marcelito was accorded the hero's welcome that he deserved.

Marcelito's lonely and difficult life seems over. With his "beautiful voices" coupled with his unique style of singing and his legions of fans ready to support him, no doubt, this "darling of television" will be going far very successfully.

(Please click to play video uploaded by 050177eful and watch Marcelito Pomoy perform during the semi-finals at the PGT Season 2)

AN EMAIL FROM A READER

(I got an email from a reader, a United States Navy retired serviceman.  I am publishing it verbatim on this blog as well as my reply to same.)

Hello Goddy

May 25

Goddy, I just saw your blog entries for Olongapo and I have to say those pictures caused a flood of memories...... all quite pleasant.  I have to say that from my first visit to your beautiful country, as a sailor, and throughout my Naval career thereafter, I considered the Philippines to be my second home.  I was lucky to have spent considerable time there....... Since I spent so much time in the Aviation side of the Navy, Gordon Avenue was my favorite haunt.  The old places I used to visit for a beer (every time I got to spend time out in town) were VP Alley and the UA Club across the street. For sure, I spent alot of time up and down Magsaysay, enjoying the food, the people and the fabulous music.  Thanks for the few pix of Gordon. Those are rare, to say the least.  But they sure do bring back memories of my younger days and the great time I had meeting some really fine people.  Yes, I visited many other cities in the Philippines and especially enjoyed the time I was able to spend on Samar Is.  LOVED that place!  All I can say is that the people of the PI are forever friends with me....... You folks are the best!

I could go on and on..... obviously..... again, I just wanted to say thanks for posting those pix, especially those of Gordon Ave...... If you have any more, especially if they are of the old VP Alley or the UA Club locations, I would sure appreciate seeing them.  Of course, you may not even be able to locate those anymore.  But if you have any pix of that area, I would love to see them.  THANKS AGAIN and God Bless!

Mike Armstrong (USN Retired)

MY REPLY

Intersection of Magsaysay Drive and Gordon Avenue, Olongapo City

October 29, 2014

Hi, Mike!

Thank you for your email and for the kind words and pleasant things you said about my blog as well as our country—the Philippines—and its people!

I got your email about an hour just after you sent it and I’m sorry for not replying right away.  I was thinking it would make you a lot happier if I could grant your request; that is, posting more pictures of Gordon Avenue, your favorite haunt, particularly the area where VP Alley and UA Club were located.

I was quite familiar with both establishments that you mentioned not only because I used to pass by the area but also because I worked with the Military Police, Office of the Provost Marshal, U.S. Naval Base, Subic Bay and we had a list of all clubs, hotels and restaurants (about a thousand of them collectively—if I recall it correctly) as well as their addresses in Olongapo City and nearby Subic town.  But twenty-two years have passed since the U.S. Bases’ pullout and I can no longer remember their exact location.  I made an effort to ask an elderly person out there but he, too, could not recall even the buildings that housed them.

You probably were attached to Patrol Squadron 47 in Cubi Point when you were stationed here.  I remember VP stands for Patrol Squadron.  And VP Alley must be for VP personnel.  But that's just my guess.

Anyway, I am sending you on separate email recently-taken photographs of Gordon Avenue and other areas of Olongapo and the former U.S. Naval Base and look forward to sending you pictures of the area or the new business establishments where VP Alley and UA Club were located.

Thank you again for your email and God bless!

Goddy