Lenten
Reflections
by
Mate Brioso-Zinampan
Fr. Jerry Orbos,
in his homily last Maundy Thursday, said:
“Every
Holy Week, we remember Christ’s passion. But remembering
is not enough. It is suppose to make us better people. But even
being better people is not enough. It has to benefit more than
our family and friends. Our goodness has to benefit even strangers,
just as Christ’s love knew no boundaries!” . . .
This was a
text message I got from no less than my husband on a Good Friday.
Meaningful. Insightful. Inspiring.
This reminds
me of a couple I know. The wife is the typical wife who talks
a lot. She is the ever sociable one who never hesitates to invite
people to her house, be they for chitchats or for some refreshments.
Because she solves problems not necessarily her own, others mistake
her for a meddler. Someone who has the habit of interfering into
others’ affairs. Most people find it irritating. But since
I know she just means well, I call it ”reaching out”.
The husband,
on the other hand, is the silent type. You hardly hear him speak.
You hardly see him out of the house. I find him nice because
he seems to be quiet. Definitely, you would not hear from him
snide remarks.
On one occasion
I needed help, I tried to seek assistance from the husband. The
wife wasn’t around at that time because she was in the province.
To my disappointment, I didn’t get the result I somehow
expected. Either for lack of disposition or simply put, he just
didn’t care.
So I figured,
for one to be considered good, others have to experience it too!
It is not enough for your family and friends to speak highly
of you. They will definitely do that, even if we hardly lift
a finger to please them. That’s what family and friends
are for. Hmmm. . . . This is the real deal - if your neighbors,
people who live down the block, beggars, fish vendors, garbage
collectors and even strangers have been affected by your mere
presence and have nothing but nice words for you - that for me,
is Absolute Goodness! That is, indeed, the true measure of how
well you lived your life!
The trouble
with silence is - while it may be considered a virtue - it is
a deceptive virtue. You actually are clueless as to what goes
on in a person’s mind. When people choose to be silent in
fights, sure it irons out kinks but it does not actually solve
the real issue. Silence becomes. . . an escape. When you see
clearly behavioral problems in a person and you choose to close
your eyes and look the other way, keeping quiet and pretending
not to have seen them at all should never be an option. Silence
here becomes an act of . . . cowardice. You are afraid of how
the person would react to you. You fear of not being able to
handle it.
This is my
epiphany. Silence is not the “be all and end all” in
life. For the most part, it disconnects us from others. It impedes
change and prevents us from having real and effective relationships.
It leads to something even worse - APATHY!
When we suppress
our concern, care and the desire to motivate and inspire just
because we don’t want to take part or simply because we
just don’t care - then silence becomes very detrimental
and threatening - not only to ourselves but to the whole world,
in general.
In this remarkably
busy age of our lives, wouldn’t it be better if for just
one moment we pause and look around. Definitely, we will see
our teachers who need a hand in carrying heavy loads of books,
old people who need help in crossing the streets, noisy children
in the church who need to be hushed, hungry children around the
Jollibee and McDonalds area - a glass of juice or a burger can
put smiles on their faces, offering a ride to people you happen
to pass by or just a simple “hi” or “are you okay?”
can spell a big difference.
So, I guess,
there are three steps for one to make a big difference in this
world. First, reach out to family. Then extend help to your friends.
But don’t stop there. Never hesitate to help a stranger.
It won’t hurt us, after all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Priceless
Gifts
by
Gem
 As we face tougher
economic times, cutting costs can be a challenge. Gift-giving
can become a burden rather than a joy. However, you don't need
to give a gift that's expensive. Remember, with gift giving it
really is the thought that counts and doesn't always have to
be based on money. Often it's the presents that don't cost a
thing that mean the most to us.With just a little time and imagination,
you can give a gift with meaning. Show our loved ones how much
we care this Valentine's Day with something smarter than the
average gift. Here are 8 gift ideas that are priceless:
Gift
of Solitude
There are
times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Solitary
moments draws us to seek and commune with God, through prayer
and meditation. It creates the atmosphere for heartfelt reflection,
acceptance, forgiveness and the resolve to be true to ourselves.
Stealing away for a few moments of solitude will restore our
energy as we give our bodies the rest it deserves, quiets the
noise in our lives and allows us to hear our true thoughts, feel
our most intimate feelings and develop our creative inclinations.
Be sensitive to those times and give the solitude to others
Gift
of Listening
It's
a good feeling when someone listens to you when you're talking
to them. It makes you feel like they care about you and what
you're saying. The same respect should be given to people that
are speaking to you.
Gift
of Laughter
Laughter
is one of life's simplest and greatest pleasures which can be
readily available. It can't harm anyone yet has a profound effect
on others. Share funny stories and have a good laugh, the laugh
that spreads contagiously and makes you cry. Your gift will say
"I love to laugh with you."
Gift
of a Compliment
When
you compliment someone- be it on their work, their appearance,
their character, or whatever- you make them feel appreciated,
you increase their sense of worth, and you give them renewed
energy to be the best possible version of themselves- and these
results apply even if the compliment comes from someone they
don't know. A simple and sincere compliment can make someone's
day.
Gift
of a Favour
Being
helpful, loving, and kind brings good thoughts and positive attitudes
for the giver and receiver. It's amazing how small, simple things
can make your day brighter, along with making other people feel
good. Pay it forward and share a smile with someone today. Go
out of your way and do somthing kind and do it with a pure heart.
Gift
of a Written Note
A simple
"Thanks for your help" note to let people know that
they are truly appreciated and that you are grateful for their
time and effort. It will be appreciated and remembered for a
lifetime and may even change a life. In today’s world of
email, text messages and cell phones, putting pen to paper on
a dainty little card seems to be a lost art. But I believe there’s
still a place for the handwritten thank you note in our bustling
global world.
Gift
of Affection
Hugs,
kisses, pats on the back and handshakes are magical application
of human touch. Be generous and demonstrate the love you have
to your family and friends. They are very rare jewels. Affection
and appreciation for one another can create a sense of self worth.
Gift
of a Cheerful Disposition
The
words of others can be tools of strength, motivation and inspiration.
They can lift us up and help us to realize that we are more than
what we thought we were. Some of the greatest gifts I have ever
received have been given to me through the words of strangers.
Those unexpected complements, words of encouragement, or even
gentle criticisms that we encounter in life, are often turning
points at which we can more fully recognize where we are on our
life's path, and where we want to be. Share kind words with those
you know, and those you don't know. It will likely brighten their
days, and possibly transform their lives. Your words could help
to lift someone above their own criticism, raise their self-confidence,
or serve as the catalyst that helps them make the choice to step
out in faith and shoot for their dreams!
Happy
Valentine's Day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Best Christmas Gift
by
Mate Brioso-Zinampan
A book! That’s
what I got this Christmas and one I consider the best gift by
far. Offhand, you would think it is a storybook like the fairy
tale books we have around because it is beautifully illustrated.
But as they say, looks indeed can be very deceiving because this
book happens to be more than that! It has a message so profound,
it would touch every mother’s heart. It speaks of love and
the bond between a mother and her growing child.
Allow me to
share with you that for several months now, I have been suffering
from separation anxiety. The emotions are so intense. I have
spent countless of sleepless nights thinking about how I would
go through life come June. That would be the time my eldest son
would leave home for college. Soon, he will embark on an important
step of his life. Navigate and conquer the world. Face life.
Set forth for new horizons - this time, on his own terms. Realize
his lifelong dreams. And most probably enjoy his newfound freedom.
As a mother,
I am propelled by one of my guiding principles - that is, to
give my children two things . . . wings and roots! Wings so they
can leave our nest and soar to great heights. Roots to keep them
grounded and keep them close to home.
No matter how
much I convince myself to let go and encourage them when the
right time comes (and for my eldest son, the time is now!), I
can’t help but feel crazy, depressed and anxious for what
lies ahead. i do get ambivalent emotions and they start to press
on my chest. I don’t know if all mothers whose sons or daughters
about to go off to college ever feel this way.
Not wanting
to be remiss, I started preparing for his major life passage.
I have already read Maria Shriver’s (wife of Governor Arnold
Swarzhenegger) One More Thing Before You Go and probably all
the books my hands could get on. Yes, they helped somehow. But
one book topped it all. One that really struck a chord in me.
Lucky me, I got it this Christmas!
The minute
I laid my eyes on the book’s Intro, they started to well
up. I don’t know what came over me but it captivated me,
pierced my heart right to the core and instantly I was hit by
this wave of utmost gratitude - first to Frank to Lianne, who
gave me this book and second to the author Peachy G. Concepcion
whose book simply took the words right out of my mouth.
Soon as I finished,
I read it to my son and believe me, we ended up both misty-eyed.
I, therefore,
thought of sharing the poem with all of you. It is with hope
that it would affect you as much as it did affect me. So please
read on:
Hold
On Tight (by Peachy G. Concepcion)
There’s
a young man standing before me, someone I hardly recognize. Where
did the little boy go? The one with the laughing brown eyes?
He’s
taller now than I am, his hands so much bigger than mine. When
did he get so big? When did I lose track of time? His voice is
deep and low, not childlike as before. . . I get misty-eyed thinking
he’s not my little boy anymore.
I remember
when he’d sit on my lap. I can still hear the first words
he ever said. How I loved all his hugs and kisses. Oh, the fun
we had with tickle fights in my bed!
I remember
teaching him his prayers . . . and helping him study for a test.
I remember him blowing kisses my way . . . and saying he’d
always love me best.
I’d
watch him sleep late at night. Looking like an angel in his bed.
Watching him I used to wonder, what dreams were going through
his head.
And the
years fly by so quickly. Amidst life and laughter and fun. Before
you really know it, in the blink of an eye they’re gone.
But it’s
hard to let him go. To give him wings and let him fly. For though
I see him all grown up, he’s still a little boy in my mind’s
eye.
So while
you can, HOLD ON! Hold on with all your might. These moments
will soon disappear. While they’re little, hold on tight!
Make each
moment count. Give them dreams to build upon. Precious time you
spend with them. Loving memories they’ll always look back
on.
For now
I hope and pray I did good with this precious gift God gave me.
I hope I’ve taught my son well and shown him the right way
to be.
Years from
now when I am gone, if he’s kind and honest, his convictions
strong; If he’s close to God and loves his family, if he’s
sort of man I pray he’ll be . . .Then I’ll know that
part of me will live on. I’ll still be there, though I am
gone; my heart fills with love and pride . . . for the man that
he’ll become.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thoughts
on Driving and Commuting
by
Ana Leilani Las-Corpuz
(This is the
unedited version of my first article which came out in Bikol
Reporter (Aug. 17-23, 2008) with the Title "Thoughts on
Driving and Commuting".It was shortened but still took almost
half of the page of the paper.)
I am still
debating whether to conclude that driving will always be better
than commuting but given our pathetic situation right now, with
fuel prices skyrocketing beyond our wildest dreams, one would
probably forego the former over the latter.
Still the advantages
of taking one's car will always outweigh those of riding a public
transport. There is always a feeling of satisfaction when one
is behind the wheel, exhilaration even, with the thought of being
in control to maneuver a vehicle to any destination one wishes
to set off. It is clearly an ideal tool for time management as
one decides when or what route to take.
But driving
these days has become a challenge, for many, an unpleasant occurrence
as one gets to compete with various elements found in the road.
The people/things one has to hurdle in the streets would include
any of the ollowing:
- Motorcycles
which have proliferated and simultaneously over take at either
side of the car compelling a driver's eyes to quickly spot unexpected
moves their drivers might make which could be against one's favor.
Some are even so young, barely out of high school and probably
unaware that they ought to pass exams, both written and practical,
to acquire a license before they can hit the streets;
- Pedicabs that
have multiplied in hundred over the years which transport kids
to schools carrying them in numbers way above their capacity
and moving in a very slow pace along highways that can prove
to be perilous either to anyone following or everybody riding
it;
- Bicycles like
motorcycles which attempts to divide your attention as they sprang
from every direction particularly units unfit for roads such
as those without brakes that could smack right into your vehicle
whether in the front, rear or its sides;
- Tricycle drivers
who definitely need another round of driving seminars to make
them realize that it is not enough that they can bring people
from one point to another, but who should also understand that
traffic rules and regulations are meant to be followed for the
safety of everyone concerned. Without warning some would just
stop to pick up or unload passengers or make turns whether a
"U", a right or a left, not bothering to make the necessary
signals. When a jeepney stops to unload, be sure to find their
enterprising drivers crowding it to lure the most number of potential
passengers;
- Citizens who
have made our streets an extension of their homes entertaining
visitors, engaging in drinking sprees or simply standing and
making idle talk unmindful of the danger they pose to drivers;
- Vendors that
have taken to the streets to sell their wares, raw or otherwise
prompting pedestrians to walk in streets rather than in sidewalks
and consequently adding to the burdensome traffic;
- Kids who opted
to walk along shoulders in national highways (owing to our lack
of sidewalks) refusing to have their feet or shoes get muddy
or wet. This can be very unsafe as some would even play, innocently
pushing one another, oblivious to the danger awaiting them as
they inch closer to passing vehicles;
- Bus and jeepney
drivers who do not give a heck when they recklessly drive, claiming
the streets as their "territories" pursuing one another
in a desperate attempt to grab as many passengers as they could.
By mid-afternoon the hot weather will also produce hotheads among
many sleepy drivers;
- When you finally
find a place to park, out of nowhere will appear several bums
and street children who would troop to beg for your attention
offering their services to "guard" your car. My my!
You get the impression that your vehicle will be in deeper trouble
if you choose to ignore their self-imposed services. Remember
if you do not leave "token" for their time and effort,
you might consider parking somewhere else as they will dutifully
take note of your car, its plate number if I may add, and God
knows what might get lost or ruined in it the next time they
spotted it.
On the other
hand, commuting is a wise option these days given the restrictive
prices of gas. Leaving cars and taking the public transport may
be a sensible thing to do and there is something about commuting
that connects one to the real world. You acquire a sense of belongingness
to the mainstream crowd. It likewise brings forth a sense of
independence as you go your way without the hassle of deciding
where to leave your car the moment you reach your destination.
As a regular
commuter, I have observed some familiar and not so familiar things
which have made the experience memorable:
- If you opted
to ride a public transport, you will always come across drivers
who would not care less if passengers are scared for their lives
as they unnecessarily increase their speed and zoom past other
vehicles in their desire to get more passengers than their competitors.
Apart from this is their irritating habit of stopping in every
intersection waiting for potential clients who they expect to
turn up any minute;
- School children
boarding by the dozen and crowding the middle portion of overloaded
jeepneys, some of them will be standing while others will be
sitting in mini stools or in that piece of wood plank strategically
placed in between the "estribo" which driver's assistants
refer to as "extension". They ride and alight from
jeepneys in groups to and from school paying a meager P1.00 each
for a ride spanning a few kilometers. This is true however to
only a few kind drivers tolerating the practice who pity these
kids as they actually don't have any choice (rather than take
the long walk), at the same time maximizing the opportunity of
additional take for the day;
- The hardworking
blind man who brings his frozen treats for sale to adults and
kids alike in a town farther from the big city where he has regular
customers on market days. One can just be amaze on how he keeps
track of his income and fend off thieves who might be interested
in his money or his stuff. Why, he was even recognized by the
local network appearing in TV for his tenacity and exemplary
work and I am honored to have ridden the public transport with
him;
- By harvest
time, you not only get to ride with fellow commuters but get
to sit side by side with sacks and sacks of either palay, milled
rice or a wide array of farm produce such as vegetables, fruits,
coco lumber, chicken and charcoal even, for transport to retailers
in the urban areas;
- Teachers who
managed to bring their brood to their assignments, heedless of
the distance, going the extra mile of enrolling them in their
respective schools, in the hope that they could keep an eye on
them while at work or simply by being physically close to their
family members.
As a commuter,
I dream of the time when our drivers would be impeccably dressed
to the nines, sitting behind the wheel of equally handsome buses
(not necessarily airconditioned), halting only at designated
and hopefully few bus stops and worrying less about being stingy
with passengers that comes their way.
Passengers
meantime wait patiently in neat rows along numbered bus stops
(each number representing varied destination possibly available),
assistants no longer obligatory as prepaid cards are swiped in
machines next to the driver or the mere sound of dropped coins
will signal that correct fares are paid.
Wishful thinking,
but possible. In this country, perhaps in less than a quarter
of a century! |
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