...traise my Roots. (Part 2)

Yesterday i received a message from a "tukayo" (namesake). His name however is a little bit longer , rene salvador ramos san andres. i'm now fond of discovering simple things about anything and his name interest me. "rene" of course is french for "rain"; "salvador" is Spanish meaning "saviour" and "san andres" as one of the 12 disciples. "Ramos" although sounds Spanish have no direct meaning but related to "Ramesh" (Hindi, meaning "ruler of Ram") and "Remus and Romulus" (Roman, these persons founded and rule the Roman Empire). If i'll corelate his name, it could mean "a great provider of relief, life and a great ruler". I haven't met "tukayo" yet, but as how his message sounds to me, my corelation could be true. He's a great lover of music and his music became part of many holy rites. That is the utmost reverance of God, thru the sacrifice of the mass. A very great achievement for a common man who's only wish was to share what God had given him. His "Paghahandog" song was a revelation of the man himself, he's returning the favor to God by offering what was given upon him.
It's another chance of again tracing my roots. While I had at once the opportunity of knowing my Tata Pepe (http://infocount.blogspot.com/2008/05/traise-my-roots.html) , it's another chance for me to become part of another one. It's the truth that however I deny, it has be one. Otherwise, I am denying my own existence.
My "tukayo" could be the sibling of "kamag-anaks" (Ding and Ramon San Andres) we had traced and met long time ago. While meeting them already offered great happiness on our part, it will be personally more exciting for me. Just imagine, a namesake with the same interest, age level and perhaps same likings.
I still have to meet him personally. But right now, I have to think and be thankful of what had happened. What a small world!

hope..hope and hope!

this morning i've learned and have to admit something. I am getting old and starting to forget things. on the way to my work, i have to pass the main gate of the king abdulazis port and this was manned by the port police. they're scrutinizing and questioning every one doing business or working at the port. our company secured us a port pass that we have to show (plus our faces) to the guards for them to let us in. and of all things, i forgot my pass. so, i have to come back and get it from my room.
now things are showing up. silverlinings on top of my head (i'm thankful that at least some hair still remaining), and i'm getting easily tired nowadays. plus, the forgetfull ness. i can not deny it, i'm getting old.
even then, i'm very thankful that a i reached this age. some of my friends and classmates passed away even before reaching their peaks. at my age now (40+), i can not say that i'm still on my peak but i'm hoping i'm still. hoping is free anyway.
this could be the turning age of my lifetime. i think this is the time whein i have to decide which better way should be for me. my child is going to college and still have long years to work after she finished any course she may take. but my love and support for her will remain.
well, today i forgot something, something that could let me in to my work. still, i tried to get it and use it. the thing is, i'm still willing and hoping to go on. until when, that i forgot...

..strive to the finish!

It's summer in Europe and the yearly Tour of France is on-going. We’re able to see and watch the telecast of the action via the Italian RaiSports channel. The tour itself was very exciting especially during the last 500 meters before the finish line. You can see the eagerness and the power each cyclist is exerting just to win the lap. Equally exciting was the pleasant view of the scenery. The greens, roadside towns and suburbs, old ruins and new buildings, gorgeous mountains with its tall and green trees. The tour is the showcase of France itself.

When I was in high school, I have to pedal my way to St. Dominic in the earliest of each morning. Together with my classmate and friend (now a “kumpadre”) Ted, we will glide our way to the town with his old but reliable “diskanso”. I’m using my racer bike bought by my father for 200 pesos. He intentionally didn’t put any brake system for the purpose of me not going very fast. An idea which I many times don't agree with. To cut the story short, I finished my high school seldom riding the tricycle.


Whenever I’m coming home, I still see the same racer bike I used. It’s now hanging in one corner of our “bodega”. It was dismantled but was kept neatly tied and hanged. My father kept it. There were other bikes inside, but this is special. As if a trophy was there standing out with the rest.
Someday I will ride it again for sure. Not joining any race nor going to school. But only to feel my younger years of striving. To feel again how is it get going on places on top of my bike again. It took a lot of pedalling and bumps, scratches and faults, but its’ worth will always remain.

Remembering July....

Its' July and in my hometown..its always wet.
I remember the days when storm and heavy rains kept coming on this month. It was circa 1976, 32 years had past. My father had asked all of our "manggagapas" to immediately bundle all of the cut paddies. There was continuous rainfall in the last two days, and the dam in the East was estimated to be full. The NPC had already made in the news that they're going to open a spillway to discharge some of the water. Hearing this, my father went on a house-to-house to inform all of our helpers.
It was 9 o' clock in the morning when we saw a white horizon rushing up from the SouthEast and coming very fast. It was coming so fast that in a matter of minutes, our field was covered with flood water. All of the palay bundles earlier collected by our helpers were all washed away by the water. On top of the gushing water, we saw animals, pieces of furnitures, snakes and rats, empty sacks, pigs and small carabaos, cows, water lilies and also bundles of palay paddies. We took everything we could salvage with care. But at the end of the day, what we gathered was less than what we've lost.
It seems that the scheduled opening of the spillway came earlier and when the dam personnel had to close the dam, the inevitable comes. A power failure won't let the spillway to be closed and so water comes out indescriminately into the river. The river was not able to absorb the water and went out over its bank. Water rushed directly into our place because it did not go along the curve of the river.
We can not do anything at all but have to collect whatever was left on the field. We're far lucky enough compared to those who lost their houses and properties, and love ones as well.

I will not forget the month of July. It has the most numbers of disasters and tragedies anywhere in the world. It was July when my dear mother passed away.
But it also has special days to cherish. A very dear friend Was born in thE moNth of July. She was very dear to me, that what ever tragedies this moNh gIvEs, her birthday somewhat relieves the pain.

With the not so good experience I've got, this month also have some good memories to keep. I kept a single thought in my mind. In my passage in life, time of sufferings will come. Be prepared for it wil not last. God will not let you stay in the dark but will give you the best afterwards.

BIG BROTHER....small brother!

Here comes the news; dit..didit..dit..dit..didit!

WASHINGTON D.C., U.S. — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer signed a memorandum of agreement with Philippine Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap on June 24 to promote agricultural trade and investment between the countries. The Philippines remain on schedule to commercialize genetically engineered eggplant in 2009, and genetically engineered papaya and rice soon thereafter, the USDA said.

"The Philippines and the United States share broad economic ties and a profound commitment to democracy," said Schafer. "We are further strengthening our agricultural and strategic partnership through increased cooperation that standardizes food safety regulations, rural development, biotechnology, and product distribution and marketing. We are very pleased to recognize the friendship that continues to grow between our two countries."

I seldom speak about the US and the RP's friendship. Coincidentally, it's the 4th of July today and it's the Independence Day for the Americans while the Philippines is celebrating the Fil-American Friendship Day. It's perhaps the Philippines way of telling that "Hey, I am your small brother. See, I am also celebrating in my own way, whatever occasions you have!"

Above mentioned aggreement will be another sign of how the US looks upon us Filipinos. While a number of countries were against the introduction or importation of genetic technology, our leaders welcome these development with open arms. While the Philippines has also been into genetics for a long time ago, this generation of genetic engineering is quite "unstable". In the 70's, rice production has been enhanced by the introduction of genetically modified, high yielding variety of rice crop. With upgraded and farmed-out production technologies, the Philippines became self -sufficient of the staple and even exported its excess to nearby countries. With shorter growing and maturity period, farmers was able to plant rice for at least twice in a year. However, more cropping means an increase in the demand for more fertilizer, pesticides and farm inputs. Smaller acreage with frequent cropping means a burden on the soil and changes in the diversity. To this date, this same areas that undergoes frequent cropping patterns now suffers. However farmers put more inputs to the soil, it can not produce what was being expected.
Todays' genetic engineering was far more advance than the usual "tissue culture system". What environmentalists were afraid of would be the unexpected effect of GMO's ingested as food by humans. "Mutation" is a possibility or any uncontrolled behaviour.
The US has the technology for GMO's which they unlikely to be tested for human consumption. They have GM yellow corn which were only either for ethanol production or for export.
With the agreement in between Big Brother US and Small Brown Brother Philippines, the Big Brother would like to test his GM to his Small Brown Brother. A guinea pig of sort. In anyway, they wish to see the results of their "might be" test away from their shores. Very nice...

..she's booted out!

The end of Madonna Decena's quest for a finals seat in the Britain's Got Talent is over. She was booted out of contention. While her story plus her singing talent gave her a ticket up to the semi-finals, it failed her this time. As Simon Cowell told that her story was good, the contest was not for stories alone. Besides the point of her not being a true blooded Brit, she however, made a good mark. Her character and talent will surely make her big in the future. She may lostin the contest but gained the admiration and respect not only of the judges, but of the whole world. What else can she say. But surely, she will perhaps make it in the other venues. As what was said, any door that close will surely open another. Take the challenge and make the best of it.

Good luck, Madonna. Mabuhay ka!

Britain got talent...

Its been more than a month now that I'm following up the fate of this Filipina, Madonna Decena in the "Britain Got Talent" program in the UK. The single mom captured the hearts of many during her rendition of Whitney Houstons' I will always love you. Although she's only an immigrant, she passed the audition and came to face to face with the three judges, Amanda Holden, Morgan Piers and the dreaded Simon Cowell (also the much hated judge in the American Idol). As Piers interviewed her, she can't help but sob once asked the reason of her being infront of them. Her reasons somewhat pierced Amandas' heart. As she sung, the crowd got astonished by her singing voice and ended-up applauding while rendering a standing ovation. Simon even playfully biting his pencil while listening. At the end, she got the favourable nods of the three judges.
Instantly, she became a celebrity.
Watching and listening to her Youtube rendition, anyone could feel the love she has for her daughters backhome and the talent she has. Anyone could let it run again and again and the same feeling of pride and love will be felt.
Madonnas' truimph in the BGT arouse curiousity and diverse feeling over the show. While fellow Pinoys are very proud of the achievement, purebred Brits resist the outcome. Mixed feelings on the blogs end-up very treacherous with an alarming and impolite polarity, no one could ever cover-up the passionate salutation bestowed on the young mother. Racist comments instead virtually diverted the factual endorsement of her talent, her "sobbing" entrance was at all criticized. Brits themselves discredit the judges whom had no control on the incoming contestants. It should had been the people behind the auditions that could have taken the heavy cudgels. BUt naught, they let her go and join.
So, this moment was her moment. Make or break, she's still the Madonna Decena that at one time stirred up the BGT. Hoping all the best for her on or after the BGT.
Goodluck, my Madonna.

Pulilan town fiesta..

It was the town fiesta in Pulilan yesterday and of course, there will be this traditional carabao parade. It's the beast of burden's turn. Water bufaloes within the town will be decorated and will be made to kneel in front of the Catholic Church. Saint Isidore was the patron saint of farmers and on this date, he's being honored. What a sight that a beast with horns will genuflect in front of the church typifies a devil kneeling to his master.

Many people from the barrios and nearby towns will also come and see the parade. Yesterday was raining in the Philippines due to a typhoon but even so, the parade will push thru. It's only once in a year and nobody will stop it.

Mark your calendar on the next years to come, pack your things and join the merry making.

The passing of a friend...

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; a young boy reprimanded while eating using a spoon instead of a table knife; and a teacher fired for calming down an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer analgesics, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student - but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, and criminals received better treatment, longer TV mileage than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.
He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not too many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone for good. Not even a marker was put on top of his grave, for nobody wants his memory.

Traise my roots...

I had exchanged e-mails with my Tata Pepe Vergara (http://www.lolopepe.smugmug.com) for the last two days. He had been in Australia for a very long time, and going over their website, www.vergara.com carefully gives the accounts of his long, tedious, back breaking and mentally exhausting quest for establishing his lineage. While he successfully created the long lists of his own, it comes to a point that many persons he identified in his work, form part of the very tangled web of relationships and affiliations formed in years, even centuries ago. The man unselfishly put all information he collected, heard and researched from the very old registry books available from the munisipyos, kombentos, and even during “lamayans” (wakes). He took the challenge of going from one place to another, sniffing every information, leads and directions he may take. Whether valid or not, weight anything or void, he still took every bits of information given. In all of those days of searching, he took the cudgels voluntarily, spending his own resources, even endangering his dear life and limbs, but with lots of courage and hope. His only consolation was to meet, talk and get even the smallest information. Meeting, talking and seeing long lost “namesakes” rejuvenates his tired and exhausted body. Especially, meeting the “oldest patriarchs or matriarchs” of the clan in areas he intentionally visits.

Results of his quest tucked on his belt can be found at the following websites,: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/1821/coronel/coronel.htm,, http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/1821/mag-isa/index3.htm

Working on ones’ own genealogy is a very tedious, nerve wracking, exhausting and many times, disappointing. But the eagerness, courage and hope shown by my Tata Pepe is exemplary, convincing and unique. His works does not end in this generation but will continue for as long as relationships are being made, new “kamag-anaks” were being found, new “namesakes” were being met, new “Tata Pepes” were born, so forth and so on.

I must be thankful for knowing and being related to a Tata Pepe..now I can

….traise my Roots.