I went to a hospital here in Saudi Arabia, during the treatment of my neuralgia. And, whenever or whom ever I talked to in the hospital, they called me “brother”. Almost every time I need something, I have to start calling them not by the names shown on their lapels, but a respectable “brother or sister”. The manner those words were given and called upon, there is respect in both genders. I remember my “brods and sis” in my fraternity, since we also called everyone as brothers and sisters. Intimate and jolly, my brods and sis in my fraternity becomes my extended family during college. And I wonder where they are now?
Whenever the words fraternity and sorority will be spoken, anybody stranger to the words will always think of young teenagers or students engaging in horrific activities; vandalism, hooliganism, drugs, sex and other outwardly outlawed activities. In the 60’s up to early 70’s, these campus organizations became the venue for socio-political discussions, mobilizing its members to become the more active and vigorous segments of student activism. It was during these times, that most of these solid organizations engaged themselves in extra-collegiate activities. However, many of those whose concentrations were on the academics, athletics and cultural excellence remained strictly on their orientation and goals.
Many times, the frantic and negative belief about fraternities was brought about by the open and heinous crimes committed by some members that many times equated with fraternities. Many people think that gangs and fraternities were the same, only cloaked differently.
Fraternities and gangs were organized in almost the same manner; it differs widely on the concepts, objectives, membership strata and location. Fraternities and sororities were founded and organized, following a framework, common needs and objectives and operating within the limited boundaries of many schools, universities and colleges. Most were named using Greek or Latin alphabets with the purpose of longevity and continuity, a character supposed to be inherited with the alphabet! History had indicated the many people; fraternity members themselves defend the sacred and noble purpose of joining a fraternity (or sorority for the ladies) and cast themselves away from the outlawed and barbaric kind. Mostly, it would be found that among the leaders of the society, there will be outstanding personalities who were at one time or even up to now, boast of being fraternity members themselves. Who could ever believe that even the judges, who judge these fraternity felonies, were themselves fraternity members? Doctors, philosophers, military men, attorneys-at-law, soldiers, musicians, artists, policemen, agriculturists, veterinary doctors, dentists and so many others, were members of fraternities. That depends however, on how their organizations or societies will be classified. Some companies even hired employees whom were their “brods and sis”. An affiliation cultured on common fraternal experiences. Of course, with whom you’ll share the benefits but with no other than a brother, literally.
Myself is a member of a fraternity, the Delta Phi Omicron Fraternity and Omicron Phi Delta for our sister ladies. I was in my third year in college when a very close friend of mine, ask me to join his fraternity. My father previously warned me against joining one, but curiosity overtook me. During the welcome rites alone, I was hit by a paddle. An experience, that divide my sense of reasoning whether to continue or not. How in the hell could a group of intellectual people whom I myself admire, could become hungry lions waiting to devour my flesh. And yet it happened. For the next 5 months, I have to do all of the research paper and templates of the masters. But I cheated them most of the time! Once I made the research for the more senior Masters, I kept myself a carbon copy of the paper. So that, in my senior year I don’t have to do it. I already have one. I pity myself for I have to do the laundry and cleaning of the rooms of some of the Masters. I have to be made a laughing stock even in the middle of the class, and the smiling professor allows it (lately, I found out that he was a member and a master himself). Now comes the final initiation time.
One Saturday morning, I, together with the other neophytes, numbering 13, become the “kalibre .45 batch”. Don’t ask me to tell what happened, but it was a whole day of body punches, I have to put down myself to earth looking for my lost pride. It was a terrible day and a day I will not forget. The next Monday, I can not walk to attend my classes, as my legs turned purple and swelling. Those sons of a ____! How can they do these to me? It was the hardest part and the rest will be reaping time.
I was made to become a more responsible person, dedicated to serve the needs of others, serve and do everything for the good of the organization. My fraternity was made of honorable men and women. Two of my “brods” topped the board examinations for agricultural engineers (just like me taking 15th place). Some became pioneer in tissue research; others became persons in public service. We never had been involved in any campus rumbles, but more on academic rumbles.
Lastly, my father warned me from joining a fraternity, but later on he joined one, The Knights of Columbus, a fraternal association of practical Catholic men. Later on, I joined him and we both became fourth degree members. Names of fraternities do not suggest its well being, but what the men, and women, making it believes and does. Like a cloth that serves a purpose, the kind of thread woven into it makes the difference.
I am forming a fraternity; any body wants to join me?
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
WhEn iT rain...iT pouRs!
We came to our resting room dripping wet. We just finish covering our problematic barley materials at the open area. Ah yes, I’m still here in Saudi Arabia. There is rain in Saudi Arabia? Of course, there is. Some people said that the rain in some parts of the Kingdom had been too intense and precipitation is more than 3 inches. That is why, there was flooding in some areas. Why? Because they were not used to having rain most of the year and drainage canals were not part of their civil works. So, where will the water go?
I even heard that rain was included in their prayers. They wish to have rains, but were they prepared to have it? What if heavy downpour lasting for more than 15 minutes comes, were will the water go? In the last few years of my stay here, rain starts and ends the seasons. In 2003, hailstone came, and that was the first time in my life to see it. Ice, the size and like naphthalene balls (called “hail”) dribbling all around. Some said, it can even break the windshield of a running vehicle. It could be, yes. But that was the first and the last experience I had. In the coming years, only rain comes and no hailstone.
I had asked my people first to uncover the piles of barley so as to dry the canvas. We had not finished spreading the canvass when I observed dark clouds also spreading down west. And it was not just mere clouds, but rain already pouring in the area. A few droplets on my face and I asked them again to cover it.
My country, the Philippines, had been blessed with rain coming not once, twice but almost half of the year. In Manila, there will be drainage canals built for the purpose of conveying rain water to the sea, the Manila Bay. Billions of pesos had been allocated by both the national and local governments for this purpose. During summertime, some of the more responsible local leaders will decongest and clean the already built drainage canals. Others will build new ones or formulate ways and means to prepare for the rainy season. However, summertime is too short, for the others to cover their area of responsibility. Others are waiting for the release of the money for their project, submitted earlier. Hence, when the rain comes, there will always be flood.
Rain will be there and nothing can stop it. It is just like time, that whatever and however we do, it will come and pass. Anticipation and planning is nowhere to be found in our leaders. In the end, our Filipino people suffer.
When there is rain in Saudi Arabia, people are happy. We got wet when we cover our piles, but we know it will come. What do we have to do? Prepare for it.
And don’t blame on the rain.
I even heard that rain was included in their prayers. They wish to have rains, but were they prepared to have it? What if heavy downpour lasting for more than 15 minutes comes, were will the water go? In the last few years of my stay here, rain starts and ends the seasons. In 2003, hailstone came, and that was the first time in my life to see it. Ice, the size and like naphthalene balls (called “hail”) dribbling all around. Some said, it can even break the windshield of a running vehicle. It could be, yes. But that was the first and the last experience I had. In the coming years, only rain comes and no hailstone.
I had asked my people first to uncover the piles of barley so as to dry the canvas. We had not finished spreading the canvass when I observed dark clouds also spreading down west. And it was not just mere clouds, but rain already pouring in the area. A few droplets on my face and I asked them again to cover it.
My country, the Philippines, had been blessed with rain coming not once, twice but almost half of the year. In Manila, there will be drainage canals built for the purpose of conveying rain water to the sea, the Manila Bay. Billions of pesos had been allocated by both the national and local governments for this purpose. During summertime, some of the more responsible local leaders will decongest and clean the already built drainage canals. Others will build new ones or formulate ways and means to prepare for the rainy season. However, summertime is too short, for the others to cover their area of responsibility. Others are waiting for the release of the money for their project, submitted earlier. Hence, when the rain comes, there will always be flood.
Rain will be there and nothing can stop it. It is just like time, that whatever and however we do, it will come and pass. Anticipation and planning is nowhere to be found in our leaders. In the end, our Filipino people suffer.
When there is rain in Saudi Arabia, people are happy. We got wet when we cover our piles, but we know it will come. What do we have to do? Prepare for it.
And don’t blame on the rain.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Baguio, O Baguio...
Dear All,
Greetings! Let's do this for Baguio...
Everyone who has gone to SAGADA, PULAG, IFUGAO, and
other places in the Cordillera -- will notice that
BAGUIO has LOST its CHARM--it is crowded, it is
polluted, water is scarce, it is full of squatters
even in the watershed areas
and it is Hot The pine trees are so choked with smog.
Session Road is no longer leisurely cool walk -- it's
like being in Cubao (okey - exaggeration but i really
hate the billboards up there -- it's so cluttered, an
eyesore)
hopefully Sagada won't follow suit---but it's getting
to be commercial up there too. Maybe by signing up,
you will help RECLAIM BAGUIO's lost beauty and stop
the degradation of all the other places we all love in
the Northern region--so, how about signing this
petition?
PETITION for BAGUIO:
We believe that the City of Baguio
Is culturally, environmentally and aesthetically unique and different
from other cities in the Philippines.
We believe that Baguio is the nerve center of four
rich and diverse cultures: the Filipino culture in
general, the highland Cordilleran culture, the lowland
Ilocano culture, and the heritage culture brought
about by the Americans during the early 20th Century.
We believe that in the past two decades, the City of
Baguio has experienced a substantial degradation of
its unique culture, environment and art.
We believe that the approval of certain politicians
with no respect for the aesthetics and the environment
of Baguio to put up concrete
structures such as malls, overpasses and flyovers only
worsens Baguio City's lamentable decay as a "City of
Pines."
We believe that this overdevelopment (as they termed
it but actually not )and resulting
pollution have to stop.
We believe that due to its unique history and blend of
cultures, Baguio can be to the Philippines as
Barcelona is to Spain, Chiang Mai is to Thailand, and
San Francisco is to the United States: a main center
of arts, culture, philosophy, education, tourism,
sustainable development and environmental
awareness.
We believe, therefore, that the City of Baguio
deserves to be declared a
"Special Heritage Zone," so
that the degradation brought about by overdevelopment
can be minimized and
gradually controlled.
We believe
that Baguio City's heritage as a center of culture and
environmental awareness is a valuable asset not just
to the Philippines, but also to the world.
We now respectfully call on the residents of Baguio
and the Filipino people to sign this humble petition,
and for the local and national governments concerned
to implement and declare Special Heritage status on
this unique mountain City as soon as possible,
preferably before the Baguio Centennial in 2009, so no
further destruction on its limited cultural,
environmental and aesthetic resources may continue.
Please add your name to the list and send this message
to as many people as possible. Please do not! just
click "forward". Instead
highlight the text and copy
onto a new message box.
Thank you.
I received this e-mail from a former co-employee in Manila. I go over the names and found that most of the addresses of the people who had received and forwarded the message were mostly not from the place. I typed my name as the 152nd recipient and signatory to the petition and will pledge to support this cause. I remember when I was a child and my great grand parents told that they are going to the City of Pines (circa 1960’s). I was told that I’ll be part of the trip hence I have to prepare myself and look forward to it intensively, only to find out that they started very early the next day. I was left behind together with one of my great grand lola. I was “ Kasama sa gayak, di kasama sa tulak!”.Since then, it stuck on my mind, that one day I’ll step on this famous mountain city.
Already I’m in my senior year in college when I have my first step on the city. I even pretended to have kissed the ground just like what the late Pope John Paul (rest in peace) did. I was a delegate to the Rizal Youth Convention (circa 1983) really savor and enjoy every minute of my stay. Together with the other delegates, we roam and roam the most famous parts of the city due to the very limited time we have; Burnham Park, Mines View, PMA grounds, Chinese Temple, Presidential House and many more. The place was so cool, and the smell of the pines was refreshing. Just walking (and sometimes running downhill) around was even relaxing. In other words, the place was still terrific.
When I joined a company in Makati selling fertilizer, I was assigned at Region 1 in Luzon Island. Since then, Baguio City was just a stone throw away from Urdaneta, where I am staying. Me and my wife (Rose) also had some good times in Baguio, as she joined me during most of my trips. We will buy fresh vegetables and flowers on our way back and sell it in our place, especially during fiesta time. Baguio was a good place to go. If a person will be told that he is going there, surely, he will look forward to it. Coming back afterwards, he had too many tales to tell.
After then, I had never been to the place. This e-mail now described to me how the Mountain City is decaying due to the overdevelopment. I pity those who have not seen the place when these shopping malls had not been constructed. Congestion was the problem, as there were too many students from the “kapatagan” (plains) went up there to study. Strangers from other places will go there and stay as long they wish. Instead of going down to the “kapatagan”, people go up there instead. Hence, problems will come up uncontrolled. Housing, drainage and sanitation, basic services, potable drinking water, transport and energy problems are now on the way. Baguio is now densely populated and the local government is now facing problems common in urban and newly-urbanized communities.
Baguio , O, Baguio. Your soothing cool, fresh and fragrant air has gone. But we will work towards you coming back again, somehow. Perhaps, we can start with Baguio City. Other sites also needs reconsideration of priorities whether to go and continue their urbanization or consider revitalize and preserve their historical and leisure values.
While we are pursuing this petition, some other groups were also on the run for the same purpose. In other areas of the Bicol Region, a group known as “Sarong Banggi” (literally, an evening) is also active in collecting names and signatures, for the preservation of the Cagsawa Shrine and the Bicol National Park. Even in Philippine Congress. Members themselves had filed organic proposals for the establishment of a separate ruling commission to do the task. However, the commission will have limited powers and concentration. Normally, the Cagsawa Shrine was under the management of the Philippine Department of Tourism, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources covers the Bicol National Park. The Bicolano members of Congress states that both departments were not keen on protecting both sites.
It would be very interesting to participate in any of these activities. In any part of the world, national parks or any historical sites has to be preserved. Those were the only connections existing in between the generations of the past, present and the future.
Greetings! Let's do this for Baguio...
Everyone who has gone to SAGADA, PULAG, IFUGAO, and
other places in the Cordillera -- will notice that
BAGUIO has LOST its CHARM--it is crowded, it is
polluted, water is scarce, it is full of squatters
even in the watershed areas
and it is Hot The pine trees are so choked with smog.
Session Road is no longer leisurely cool walk -- it's
like being in Cubao (okey - exaggeration but i really
hate the billboards up there -- it's so cluttered, an
eyesore)
hopefully Sagada won't follow suit---but it's getting
to be commercial up there too. Maybe by signing up,
you will help RECLAIM BAGUIO's lost beauty and stop
the degradation of all the other places we all love in
the Northern region--so, how about signing this
petition?
PETITION for BAGUIO:
We believe that the City of Baguio
Is culturally, environmentally and aesthetically unique and different
from other cities in the Philippines.
We believe that Baguio is the nerve center of four
rich and diverse cultures: the Filipino culture in
general, the highland Cordilleran culture, the lowland
Ilocano culture, and the heritage culture brought
about by the Americans during the early 20th Century.
We believe that in the past two decades, the City of
Baguio has experienced a substantial degradation of
its unique culture, environment and art.
We believe that the approval of certain politicians
with no respect for the aesthetics and the environment
of Baguio to put up concrete
structures such as malls, overpasses and flyovers only
worsens Baguio City's lamentable decay as a "City of
Pines."
We believe that this overdevelopment (as they termed
it but actually not )and resulting
pollution have to stop.
We believe that due to its unique history and blend of
cultures, Baguio can be to the Philippines as
Barcelona is to Spain, Chiang Mai is to Thailand, and
San Francisco is to the United States: a main center
of arts, culture, philosophy, education, tourism,
sustainable development and environmental
awareness.
We believe, therefore, that the City of Baguio
deserves to be declared a
"Special Heritage Zone," so
that the degradation brought about by overdevelopment
can be minimized and
gradually controlled.
We believe
that Baguio City's heritage as a center of culture and
environmental awareness is a valuable asset not just
to the Philippines, but also to the world.
We now respectfully call on the residents of Baguio
and the Filipino people to sign this humble petition,
and for the local and national governments concerned
to implement and declare Special Heritage status on
this unique mountain City as soon as possible,
preferably before the Baguio Centennial in 2009, so no
further destruction on its limited cultural,
environmental and aesthetic resources may continue.
Please add your name to the list and send this message
to as many people as possible. Please do not! just
click "forward". Instead
highlight the text and copy
onto a new message box.
Thank you.
I received this e-mail from a former co-employee in Manila. I go over the names and found that most of the addresses of the people who had received and forwarded the message were mostly not from the place. I typed my name as the 152nd recipient and signatory to the petition and will pledge to support this cause. I remember when I was a child and my great grand parents told that they are going to the City of Pines (circa 1960’s). I was told that I’ll be part of the trip hence I have to prepare myself and look forward to it intensively, only to find out that they started very early the next day. I was left behind together with one of my great grand lola. I was “ Kasama sa gayak, di kasama sa tulak!”.Since then, it stuck on my mind, that one day I’ll step on this famous mountain city.
Already I’m in my senior year in college when I have my first step on the city. I even pretended to have kissed the ground just like what the late Pope John Paul (rest in peace) did. I was a delegate to the Rizal Youth Convention (circa 1983) really savor and enjoy every minute of my stay. Together with the other delegates, we roam and roam the most famous parts of the city due to the very limited time we have; Burnham Park, Mines View, PMA grounds, Chinese Temple, Presidential House and many more. The place was so cool, and the smell of the pines was refreshing. Just walking (and sometimes running downhill) around was even relaxing. In other words, the place was still terrific.
When I joined a company in Makati selling fertilizer, I was assigned at Region 1 in Luzon Island. Since then, Baguio City was just a stone throw away from Urdaneta, where I am staying. Me and my wife (Rose) also had some good times in Baguio, as she joined me during most of my trips. We will buy fresh vegetables and flowers on our way back and sell it in our place, especially during fiesta time. Baguio was a good place to go. If a person will be told that he is going there, surely, he will look forward to it. Coming back afterwards, he had too many tales to tell.
After then, I had never been to the place. This e-mail now described to me how the Mountain City is decaying due to the overdevelopment. I pity those who have not seen the place when these shopping malls had not been constructed. Congestion was the problem, as there were too many students from the “kapatagan” (plains) went up there to study. Strangers from other places will go there and stay as long they wish. Instead of going down to the “kapatagan”, people go up there instead. Hence, problems will come up uncontrolled. Housing, drainage and sanitation, basic services, potable drinking water, transport and energy problems are now on the way. Baguio is now densely populated and the local government is now facing problems common in urban and newly-urbanized communities.
Baguio , O, Baguio. Your soothing cool, fresh and fragrant air has gone. But we will work towards you coming back again, somehow. Perhaps, we can start with Baguio City. Other sites also needs reconsideration of priorities whether to go and continue their urbanization or consider revitalize and preserve their historical and leisure values.
While we are pursuing this petition, some other groups were also on the run for the same purpose. In other areas of the Bicol Region, a group known as “Sarong Banggi” (literally, an evening) is also active in collecting names and signatures, for the preservation of the Cagsawa Shrine and the Bicol National Park. Even in Philippine Congress. Members themselves had filed organic proposals for the establishment of a separate ruling commission to do the task. However, the commission will have limited powers and concentration. Normally, the Cagsawa Shrine was under the management of the Philippine Department of Tourism, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources covers the Bicol National Park. The Bicolano members of Congress states that both departments were not keen on protecting both sites.
It would be very interesting to participate in any of these activities. In any part of the world, national parks or any historical sites has to be preserved. Those were the only connections existing in between the generations of the past, present and the future.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
a sad dad's poem...
This is a poem dedicated to a little baby girl named, Stephanie. She is the daughter of one of my friend, Arthur who is working in Qatar. He has to go home as Stephanie is no longer responding to her medications for leukemia.
To my little child
Just today I’m going to pack may things and head home to be by your side,
Just today, I don’t know how to keep myself while thinking of the pain you’re suffering,
Just today, I move as if death is haunting me, And Oh yes, death is haunting me.
As I will see your little face, I will laugh when I feel like crying.
As I will be at your side, I will let you choose what you want to wear,
And smile and say how perfectly it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favourite ball games.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms. The mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly and screaming inside that little body and when I kiss you goodnight I will hold u a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day.............
To my little child
Just today I’m going to pack may things and head home to be by your side,
Just today, I don’t know how to keep myself while thinking of the pain you’re suffering,
Just today, I move as if death is haunting me, And Oh yes, death is haunting me.
As I will see your little face, I will laugh when I feel like crying.
As I will be at your side, I will let you choose what you want to wear,
And smile and say how perfectly it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favourite ball games.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms. The mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly and screaming inside that little body and when I kiss you goodnight I will hold u a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day.............
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
