SUN STAR BAGUIO

Sun Star Baguio had published my husband's first entry on his blog. "My First Born And His Fear Of Boats " made it to the papers HERE:

I was so excited as I searched for my mobile phone to call up Boogie who was on his way to work. I have to tell him about the Sun Star news. I found my phone under the sofa and it was off. Strange. I just charged it last night. I switched it on and "Enter PUK Code" flashed. Deng, I have no idea where I kept my SIM's data. Boog's might have kept it. So, I have to call and use the land phone that will us cost much.

Mama: Lukie!!!

Lukie: (came from the bedroom) Si (yes) Mama?

Mama: Did you switch off my phone?

Lukie: Si ma', non si re arriva(Yes, but it does not come back). I was trying to fix it for you Mama!

"Our first born" is in to fixing things for us lately. Now, I have to buy another Sim card as I don't know where to find my PUK code.

Two weeks ago, I switched off the computer and I forgot to take off the camera's memory card. (Danger!) We almost lost all our files and all the photos stored in the PC. Boogie was able to save most of it except the original copies of my blog entries. He had to do so many reinstalling and the only damage made by my mistake was we didn't have audio until yesterday.

Same week, Lukie and Dylan dropped the PlayStation when they were having a "tag of war" with the joy stick. Boogie took it to the repair shop.

As if things were meant to happen the same week, I pressed the Magic Mic's power too hard that the button was embedded and stuck inside. So we can't sing but its good Boogie was able to open and fix it. But, he has to do "the process" before we could use this mic.

Every time my husband gives our kisses and leaves for work, he tells us this, "I'll go guys, try not to break something please!"

Mama:(thinking) Yeah great, I'm SOOO really included! I envy the cavemen's life. How did they do it?

I-TUBDAY

Jane of Page 101, is an Engineer who writes from Taiwan. She is my sister Noeda's high school batch and her sister, Flynn, was also my classmate and a friend. Our Mamas were also buddies who chit-chat after the Sunday masses at Acop, Tublay, Benguet long time ago.

Now, we found each other again through the net as we talk about our children and upload their pictures at 'friendsters' like a calendar of - "here's my baby's day 1, day 2, day 3......"

Tublay Municipal Hall

Jane posted: 'Taga Baguio Ka Isu?' (Are You From Baguio?) in her blog. We both agreed that its more appropriate if the title would be - 'Ay Igorot Ka Isu'?( Are You An Igorot?). Ayy Jane, maybe we add 'Iddi'(before) to make it : 'Ay....Isu Iddi?'.

To continue our list 0f - "You Are From Tublay If":

1. Ammom nga ni Jane ket taga Acop...hehehe(ituloy mo tani rumwar manen pagka-cornyk).

FROM JANE:
2. nu haan mo ammo nga dati paradaan ti acop ket ijay ayan ti centermall tadta, dati nga burned area nga kunada
3. nu haan mo ammo nga ti sinmublat famous manginom ijay Acop kenni Elmer (RIP) ket ni Lorenzo
4. Nu haan mo ammo nga ti style tadta ti instant pinikpikan ket apan aggatang ti manok ijay poultry ni Gloens santom ipapulpog jay manok

Ambongdolan Cave

5. If you know Father Galasgas.

6. That the cutest altar boy is the younger Lee.

7. Hitch ride, stand by the toll gate.

8. You know the political clans.

9. (an extension of no. 8) - if you know that the pontino's, cosalan's and acop's (+ cosente's and velasco's) are politically inclined families.
10. if you know that dec. 8 is the town fiesta and binubudan is sold in the streets (yummy, i miss binubudang kamoteng kahoy ya)
11. if you know Fr. Val - a chubby cute priest who once served in Tublay (learned he's now married)
12. if you know that Mrs. Leyba once thought Physics in San Jose High School (and our schoolmates would tease us as favorites beacause we're from Acop)
13. if you remember that passing by Tomay's dung stores is one of the dreaded moments in a jeepney ride to Tublay (BTW, the chicken dung stalls transferred from Tomay to somewhere after Shilan, near the "mushroom" site.

MOUNT MARY (DANNY)

Post 23: Lolo Ramon's Story

"Hoy Igoy!" never failed to make my ears hot when I hear it from my classmates before at SLU Boy's High. Its true I am one but they say it like its a disease. The distinctive height, the way we dress or maybe, how we talked made this imaginary bold letters, "IGOROTAK" written on our forehead." my Dad expressed.

"During flag ceremonies, usually the first seven boys in the line are full blooded Igorots. We were the easy prey for the bullies. If not because of my free schooling I would have joined my cousins and friends going to the public schools, the treatment might be different there. Most of the rich kids were mean and so with the other half breed Cordillerans who think they were the 'improved race'. But I would say, being a "native" made us knew each other. It bonded us and taught us to be tough."

"I was always fighting other's fight before. If an Igorot was bullied, they come to me and the feeling of being the defender made me rush to their rescue specially when I was in my junior and senior years. I find it funny when I think about it now - "the valor of being young or the gallantry of youth". Danny said as he grins. "Oh, it will change as you grow older."

"Alex came to me during a recess and he was crying. His classmate Anthony punched him and had done it so many times before for no reasons. I went to see this boy and asked, "Sino ti Anthony ditoy?" (Who is Anthony here?). Then a tall big built almost a man answered, "Siak, Apay ya pandak?" (Me, Why you shorty?). My he was big and I almost regretted Alex was my brother. "Apay nga dinanug mo ni ading ko?" (Why did you punch my brother?) I said. Then he asked me if I wanted two more of what he gave Alex. With so many students listening, I will not hide my tail. I told him to pick a place and time for us to fight. "Sport ta!"(let's fight) were our term for it. "Mount Mary's, 'nu bigat, nu' dismissal!"(tomorrow, at Mt. Mary's after class) Anthony answered and I left while we stared at each other like hawks."

"The duel was spread all over the campus. A cousin told my father and the next day I found him in the convent during my lunch break. He asked me about the fight and I told him everything. "It will be at 3 PM this afternoon." I said.

"Then Papa told me, "I bought you some chicken from the restaurant. Before you eat, I'll give you a massage first." and my father did."

"He asked if he could come and watch me take this boy and I told him he better not. He is a parent, a mayor even and it was just not right for him to be there which he also agreed to. "Well, I'll wait here till you get back from your fight then." he said.

"Before I left him, he made a fresh beaten egg mixed with milk and I drunk it all even if the taste made me want to throw up."

"3 PM, on my way to Mount Mary's, I saw my much older and goon like cousins, Pangkoy and Joseph. They told me that my father asked them to be around in case my opponent will also have his escorts. When we got there, almost all the students of Boy's High were already on their most comfortable side to watch the action unfold. There were also teachers and priests who were pretending not to be there."

"The fight ended and left Anthony with a bloody face. I defeated him and even me, was amazed how I did it. Alex told me that I was like a speeding crazy bull throwing punches every where."

"When blood was starting to show on Anthony's face, the teacher's and priests hurriedly left." Pangkoy added.

"It was true, my father waited. As I got in the Father's Convent, he was so elated upon seeing his son. He came to me putting his arms around my shoulder saying, "Ket kumusta?"(So how was it?). I told him how it went and he was so happy and proud. He can't take off the smile in his face and it was the loudest laugh I heard from him when I told him about the teachers leaving."

"When he left, I can't contain my tears anymore and I let it go. I kept saying to myself, "he is going to walk home because of me". Picturing him walking from Acop to Ambassador because he missed the last six o'clock trip(bus) for Ambassador and he will be home by nine in the evening made me sob more".

"That day I came to understand my father. He may have his strange ways in showing his affection but the warmth, the massage, the drink and his protection made me feel so secured. How it gave me the strength and the power to believe I can be a 'Superhero'. Hayyy, Papa did love me after all."

BLOGPATROL

Its almost a week now since my hard knocks in registering with BP(BlogPatrol). For those who are like me, whose computer knowledge is inadequate, BP is a free blog counter that provides transparency on your reader's activities. Statistics on how many readers you had in a day, mostly read topics, from what country are your visitors, what service provider are they using, blog referrers etc...

So far, the results are overwhelming and it inspires you to keep on writing. Though sometimes, it pressures you to maintain that stat. Good side would be, you'll make it a point to improve your site or give your best. Bad side is when you take off the fun and think of the numbers.

Anyways, back to my computer incompetence. The third time I logged-in on my first day with BP, I can't get through and this keeps on appearing "You have entered an invalid username or password."

I am very much sure though that I entered the right characters. This made me bug their BlogPatrol Support Group and they were very kind in helping me. We've been corresponding till I was able to log-in and that was after a lot of emails. It made me change my mind when I thought the world wide web are full of robots or programmed preset answers when you send your queries to such service providers. BlogPatrol actually ROCKS!

Here are some of their replies that made me say,

"With BP, Its like asking a friend to do you some favors":

Hi lovelyn,

We're happy to do the best we can to help! We've reset the password to "password" (all lowercase) for your username lovelyn (also all lowercase). Can you give it a try now?If this doesn't do it, then can you reply to these questions, which may help us to resolve this issue for you:

1. Have you always had problems logging into BlogPatrol?

2. Are you using the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser? Some users have reported problems logging into Internet Explorer.

3. Are cookies enabled in the browser that you're using?

Regards,

BlogPatrol Support support@blogpatrol.com http://www.blogpatrol.com http://thepatrolblog.blogspot.com

__________________________
Hi lovelyn,

Thanks very much for your kind words. We do the best we can... we are only a small team of "one". :-) __________________________

Hi lovelyn,

Thanks for letting us know that you're able to access your account again. =D

Yes, you're welcome to copy and paste our correspondence (and thanks a lot for asking beforehand too!). ...Just make sure not to give away your username and password! (For example, simply replace your actual username with the word USERNAME and your password with the word PASSWORD.)

We really appreciate your graciousness with helping to promote BlogPatrol.com. Let us know any time you have any additional questions or concerns.

Regards,

BlogPatrol Support

GROUND

I prefer walking around the house barefooted. Its one of the things you do when you want to really feel at home. With this, I never fail to touch our kitchen stove or the oven ending up electrocuted. I meant with the "ground" (Bzzztttt!!!), where your body jerks pulling out a shrieking sound that the voltage shock crack out from you. Lately, its a normal scenario that sends Boogie and Lukie to the kitchen.

By the way we don't have rats nor cockroaches in the house. The cartoon might be sending the wrong message hahaha...(keeps me wondering though - why I haven't seen one in my entire stay here).

Mama: Aaargghhh!!!!!

Boogie: What happened? (who came from the bedroom
and still asks when he knew why)

Mama: Ground!!!

Lukie: Don't worry Mama, you'll be OK. (with a sympathetic look)

Mama: Si Amore, grazie!

Boogie: 'Am'mom gamin nga adda ground, nasaka-saka ka pay laeng!' (You knew that there is a ground but you're still with your bare feet).


Later that day as I was giving Lukie his bath, I asked the husband to boil a pot of water for our son's pasta.

Boogie: 'Aaargghhh! Oh mennn!' (note: shouted from the kitchen louder than mine).

He then came to the bathroom smiling and said:

Boogie: 'Ayeh hon, 'grabe gayam' (its strong)! It was my ear that touched the oven as I was bending for the bin. Its like my ear was about to split.

Mama: 'Nakasaka-saka ka gayam' (You were bare footed that's why).

Then our laugh chorused.

Boogie: Nakarma ak ketdin(I had a bad karma).

Mama: Yeah, what goes around, comes around!

Our uncontrollable chuckles left our son staring at us with the look: My folks are nuts!

(note: while laughing, I saw my feet wearing Boogie's slippers)

DANIEL: Ramon's Son

Post 22: Lolo Ramon's Story

" 2 pesos was our monthly allowance when I was a 'sakristan'(altar boy). It was an amount for our food except for the rice which is provided by the convent. The second month I got hold of my 2 pesos, I asked my brothers Alex, Roger and Kay-kay(still in elementary that time) to come in Baguio. I bought each one of them a pair of jeans then took them to Burnham Park. We had a photo of them wearing their new pants and I think Mary has it now. Then I bought two kilos of pork (the head part because its cheaper) for them to take home for my Mama. That month, I was able to live on rice and rice coffee." narrates my Daddy Daniel.

"Every time I receive my allowance, I never failed to send 2 kilos of pork's head and sugar at home."

"Before going to school, we are to prepare the priest's breakfast, clean the Father's Convent, clean the Cathedral and assist in the early morning mass. We have our free time in the afternoon but most of the time, I spent it working as a 'shoe shine boy'. Whatever I earn, I keep it for home. Then before six, back again serving the needs of the priests."

"It was a treat for us 'sakristans' when it is the month of the rosary. The priests were invited to the homes of the rich for the rosary and it was always a feast after the prayer. Free food that never in our lives we thought it actually exists. If there's Pamisa (requested mass) or blessing of the dead, those were the days you are blessed being with the priest."

"On Sundays, counting the collections from the mass were one of our tasks aside from our daily routine. The priests will be there watching us while we count the money and a visible stick was with him. Ready to be of use that sometimes lands on your head for no reason."

"Hard work and being a mere servant is nothing but an obligation I am willing and happy to do. What I can not understand was how these foreigner priests treated us. In the morning, they wake us up by pouring ashes on our faces while we're still asleep. Ashes from the 'pugon'(where to cook making use of wood) near our room."

"Their left overs such as meat and fishes would be for their dogs and cats. What's more insulting is they look at us while they feed it to their pets."

"My children have heard this a thousand times. I am not proud of it but its something I will never forget. During recess in Boy's High School (SLU), I envy those students who had the money to buy their snacks. I don't have that luxury so what I did was get a bread displayed on the counter. Since there are so many students flocking, the sellers would not notice those who paid or did not. I would sneak and eat my unpaid bread outside. I was caught onetime by a teacher and he told me, " I keep seeing you stealing food from the canteen and I can't let it pass any more. I am asking you to stop because it is wrong." I was thankful he did not report me. If he did, I would be expelled and I can't bare my family's disappointment specially my father." Danny remembers while tears are again ready to drop.

Daddy was treated unkindly by 'these priests' but he did not fail to let us, his children, believe that God exists. He was the one who taught me my first prayer and this prayer is what me and my sisters still pray till now. The prayer my son learned from me and hope he will also pass it to his children someday. Dad once told us, "These priests are humans too. My faith was from what they preach and not from what they do."

These are my Dad's recollection that had stayed in me. Something that quality time had done to bond us. The advantage of no computer, less time watching TV, long days of brown out because of typhoon . Stories that made us value simplicity, honesty and the importance of family. Above all, it had given us most of the reasons to always go back to the place we always call home - even just by merely remembering these stories.

On Generosity - Part II: FOR PA' MON

A tribute to the most generous man I know, who encourages generosity in his articles like his favorite song - "Me & Bobby McGee", being played over and over again:

He himself took these precious pictures, he calls "them" his treasures.

beng, ma and boogie




For Pa' Mon

Shrinking confidence almost stopped this entry.
On thoughts of not making sense, I may be.
But, I'd rather take those mockery
Than to keep my silence on your birthday.


I met your son and he proudly said his name.
Manong Norman told me, "You don't know his father? What a shame".
Then I started to read your articles at the Midland Courier,
Orbituary is no longer "the news", now, that's clear.


I mistook your silence when we were first introduced.
Oh, he doesn't like me, I supposed.
Soon I have learned from that silence-
Is a father's boundless and selfless patience.




I never knew Fred Mayo, Steve Hamada nor Pepot
Ilagan.
Their grandeur you let us remember, they may even be long gone.
The shaping of Baguio's journalism was their heroism outcry.
Them you always say, "fellow newsmen who joined the great newsroom in the sky".



boogie:shoe shine

I felt like a celebrity when Willy Cacdac once approached me.
"This is our 'apo'!" echoed the room as he hugged Lukie.
He told me, " Your Papa, we are like brothers".
Didn't I saw uncle Jo? Now I'm bothered.


Nino Joshua and her mother Datsu's struggle to Noni's story,
Julian Cheese's achievements to the jokes of March and Uncle Swanny,
Concerts for a cause by Conrad Marzan and our local folk singers
How could all this these fit in the heart's limited chambers?

I once received an e-mail asking who is Freddie De Guzman?
Him I know nothing but an inspirational man.
All of them samaritans who give hope for the sick and souls that are dying-
May they forever be blessed for their unselfish giving.

mama becca and boogs

How could I not include the books you shared us.
Tuesdays With Morrie to Gilead to all Of Richard Paul Evans
My once limited romance and John Grisham read,
Now invaded with the taste of Russel Baker and Charlie Shedd.

So much more there is to write about you,
But words are groping, its starting to show.
Again Pa, from great distance we send our love
Have a happy birthday, we miss your hug.

He once wrote us: "I realised I'm chasing stories not my own, forgetting I too have my life to tell..." We're glad he started to write them now HERE:. My children are very lucky. They'll have that "past" as they continue writing the pages of their story, our family's story...

Did I Get It Right This Time?

my turn

your turn

As early as three years old, its compulsory for our children here in Italy to attend 'Scoula Materna', three years preparatory before going to Grade I. This year is Lukie's last year before he goes to the "school of the big ones" as he calls it.

'Scoula Materna' was more on "play school". They give more emphasis on the children having "fun" with expressing themselves through art, reading books, toys, singing and games.

Anyway, before I get far out of the topic I had in mind - which is Lukie's FIRST DAYS of school. Note that its DAYS as Lukie had been having those momentous event for the fifth time today. I was trying to write those 5 years into 1 paragraph. I can't! I'll just make a count.

mama's famous gate, my very first

1.First day at daycare. Lukie was only 1 year and 10 months old back then. It was a big decision for me and Boogie to even think of leaving Lukie that young to other's care. We were left with no choice as coping up with the piling bills wont be that easy for a couple who is new in a country. The slot for 10 toddlers was completed but my employer helped to put Lukie as the first priority on the waiting list. We have to wait for at least 1 baby to "cry loud and be out" (Hahaha) before our son would be accepted. School started September and we had the call mid November (2003). So, we were requested to go to the school next Monday.

My little toddler was more excited on going out of the house as he still doesn't know that this day starts his life to be away from Mama. Boogie has to go to work so just mother and son went for the big day. The gate was already close but I was there on time as instructed. Oh well, I can just press the buzzer.

Of course good Mamas bring their cameras, so "pictures first" and capture the first among all the first days of school. Done! So, I buzzed and we went in. A lady came to meet us by the door with a puzzled face. 'Ayyy' WRONG! Day care was transfered to another building 500 meters away 3 years ago. Read more on this post HERE: http://myracounteurattempt.blogspot.com/2007/09/mamas-famous-gate.html

look at your lola's camera

2. Lukie's 2 years and 8 month old - One more year for day care before 'Scoula Materna' and I entered the right gate this time. Does it have to do with my husband pushing the stroller? Viviana and Enesta, Lukie's teachers welcomed us 3.

3. 'Scoula Materna' 3 years old - its the gate where we went on my son's first day at day-care, I got it right and Boogie is not around :-).

4. 2nd year for 'Scoula Materna': Gate was open, we had our pictures taken first by Boogs. The cleaning lady stopped us by the door saying we're 2 hours early and teachers are giving attention to the new first timer kids. " You come back at 10:30", she said. Note that the husband was with us.

5- Today - Kinder at 5 years old. I got it right this time with Dylan on his stroller watching his brother play with his friends. Lukie and his best friend Alessandro were taking each other's picture with my son's immaginary camera.
I could see how happy Lukie as he joins his classmates for the gate to open.
Everytime a friend of his comes, they hug and it was really sweet to see them. I've seen how they missed each other. I wonder what's up when he goes to Grade 1?

Mama's Famous Gate

mama's famous gate , 1 year 10 mos old

First day at daycare. Lukie was only 1 year and 10 months old back then. It was a big decision for me and Boogie to even think of leaving Lukie that young to other's care. We were left with no choice as coping up with the piling bills wont be that easy for a couple who is new in a country. The slot for 10 toddlers was completed but my employer helped to put Lukie as the first priority on the waiting list. We have to wait for at least 1 baby to "cry loud and be out" (Hahaha) before our son would be accepted. School started September and we had the call mid November (2003) and we were requested to go to the school next Monday.

My little toddler was more excited on going out of the house as he still doesn't know that this day starts his life to be away from Mama. Boogie has to go to work so just mother and son went for the big day. The gate was already close but I was there on time as instructed. Oh well, I can just press the buzzer.

Of course good Mamas bring their cameras, so "pictures first" and capture the first among all the first days of school. Done! Then I buzzed and we went in. A lady came to meet us by the door with a puzzled face. 'Ayyy' WRONG! Day care was transferred to another building 500 meters away 3 years ago.

During the first week, parents were to stay with their children in the classroom for three days. 4th and 5th day, all parents may leave but has to stay near the campus in case her/his child will throw uncontrollable tantrum. Same goes at the beginning of Scoula Materna.

The succeeding week, I have to go back to work after almost 2 years of not working. But, when I was about to go out Lukie was tightly clinging on to me and was crying. The teacher took him to their class room and I was left with Ernesta(another teacher ) who was consoling me. I was crying too and in the verge to call up work and tell them I'd quit on my first day with out even showing up.

Ernesta told me that its a very normal separation anxiety and assured me that Lukie will calm down in 10 minutes soon as Barbara will let him play with the puzzle my son was fond of the prior week. She asked me to go but I asked her if I could go see Lukie first. She told me I'll just prolong the anxiety and my son will sense there is REALLY danger in leaving him. So I left but I told them to call if Lukie won't stop crying.

On my way to work, the teacher phoned up with the speaker phone on and I could hear Lukie laughing and counting the puzzle pieces he was playing with. The more my tears came out.

To be honest, I wasn't crying because I can't let go of my son. It was guilt that is making me do so. He was still a baby and I should be the one taking care of him instead of other people. His important first 5 years of development which I have the biggest role to take part with is lessened by the hours I spent at work.

When I came back for him after 5 hours, he seem didn't miss me at all!

RAMON 1959-62

Post 21: Lolo Ramon's Story


"Carlos P. Garcia (1957-1961) and Diosdado Macapagal (1961-65) were the presidents during my second term as the town's representative, 1959 to 1962."

"Ramon P. Mitra Sr. who was the Congressman before was introduced by Bado and he became an instant friend. He was a regular guest at home who said, "Ramon, Meding's coffee is what makes us visit you!" and we often burst into laughter when he says it like he meant business. Bado, Ramon Mitra, me, Meding and other friends usually go to the mountains for a shooting contest. We used bottles or bottle caps nailed on a tree as our target. Meding, the only woman joining would always win. She would jokingly say, "My father taught me how to shoot to make the men behave!" and we all agreed with her on that."

"The former Ambassador Mines that was started by Amekano was opened again under Bado's financing on 1956. It was managed by his assistant (name concealed) who works for him in his bus company. Net from the said mines were corrupted by this assistant that made Bado close the mines on the early 60's."

"One of the advantages of being a mayor and knowing people gave me the opportunity to help people from my town get employments. The Department of Public Highways never failed me when I send them my recommendables. Many from Ambassador became 'kamaneros'(work as road maintainers) because of the department's generosity. Another is Bado's bus company - jobs were always available for my 'kaili-ans'("people from my town)".

"I never had the income to sustain my family specially their education. I would have all the power to use my position in making my self rich but I never considered that. Its just wasn't me. Many times our table would only have 'camote' and I could see that my children are not happy with it. It hurts me but I am a proud old man. I'd rather feed my family with what we worked for rather than feasting on a stolen meal."

"My children except the two youngest were all studying in Baguio. It would have not been possible if the Catholic Jesuits had not helped. In 1958, these priests had come to Ambassador to spread the religion. We offered our home as the place for the Sunday Masses. Meding loved cooking for these priests specially if they praise her brewed coffee. And for me, I would always be in debt to them for my children's education".

"Only Eddie attended high school at the Eastern Philippine Colleges. For Mary and Betty, in exchange for free board and lodging at the girl's dormitory in SLU, they are in charge of cleaning the whole dormitory. Only their tuition fee was what I have to pay."

"Juling married at the age of 16 to Arsenio and they're living with us in Ambassador."

"Danny had a full scholarship since he went to SLU Boy's High-1957-61. He became a 'sakristan'(altar boy) in return for his free schooling. He was to clean the Baguio Cathedral and to attend the needs of the priests."

"1958, Alex entered the the Saint Francis Seminary. Aside from he wanted to become a priest, the tuition fee would be free in Boy's High so, he joined. I was thankful that his cousin Felix Cabading, Meding's nephew was with him in the seminary . They later organized their little group of Igorot boys, 'The Pangit Squad'. Francis Boliyat, Joseph Patnaan, Willy Domingues along with others whom I forgot their names were among the members".

"I never asked or dreamed for it but during my second term, I was awarded The Most Outstanding Mayor Of The Philippines. A memento hanged on the wall that will always remind me of my flaws as a provider."

CHEESE

Before we go shopping to fill up our pantry, I usually make a list of the things we're going to buy. A list I usually forget at home and makes me scratch my head when we're already at the supermarket.

Since Lukie knows how to write and read at the age of 5, he sometimes do the scribbling while I tell him what we need.

Mama: (opening the fridge) Ok, we need milk, eggs, cheese...

Lukie: (writing c-h-e) Wait Ma, how do you write cheese?

Mama: C-H-E-E-Z-E.

Lukie: No, its not! Its "s".

Mama: Honey, its with a "z". I am your mom, you're asking me and I know what I'm telling you.

Lukie: (Getting angry now) No, its "s".

Mama: Wait here, I'll go get the dictionary...Honey, when there are words you do not know what it means or you want to check on the spelling, you use this dictionary (while teaching him how to locate the words alphabetically)... Then 'huhahh', we both found the CHEESE!

How embarrassing! To redeem my motherhood I told him that I'm sorry I made a mistake and we both concentrated on how to use the dictionary.

On Generosity - Part I

Novice Blogger posted about
"Generosity" on his "The Broken
Bow" and I thought of writing about it too - randomly. Part of not having something to write about and getting away from obsessive writing on parenting, let me punch in my blah-blah-blahs.

Generosity in the blog-sphere:

This is what really prompted me to do this entry. There is this blog site I always visit. Since I'm impressed with most of his "finds" and posts, I express what I feel with what I have just read. I leave my "comments" no matter how absurd it is. Its my way of saying, "thank you for taking my time to read your blog".

How funny when you think you're being generous with "comments" when others think you are a stalker hahaha. Once, I commented first time somewhere and said, " ... btw, I'm a fan not a stalker". I guess, the more he got scared :-).

Personally, I find those people who leave their marks every where (I mean commenting) having a healthy well rounded personality. It takes pride and prejudices to encourage hatred.

Having that generosity to appreciate, to express your thoughts or to even disagree or correct what you have just read or seen are some ways on building bridges instead of walls the "blogger's way".


Well yeah, why don't we comment anonymously and not link our site? How about if I consider sincerity by saying "so that's you, come and get to know me too".
I don't know if its just me but I've observed that those who leave comments signed anonymously are always cynical with the topic posted.

How ironic when we talk of the government to do the right thing or peace or heal the world when we don't know how to make an effort to reach out.

Being generous with words to a complete stranger may be absurd but we never know, it might be the start of breaking those walls of indifference or simply -where the good starts...

DANIEL'S FATHER

Post 20: Lolo Ramon's Story

"Papa was loved by every one but as a young boy, I never understood him." sighed Daniel.

"When there's a typhoon, he would be out helping others save their roof while my mother would be in charge in securing our home from not being blown. It was easy for him to give money to a stranger who would ask for a sick child, no food to eat or in need of an amount to bail out a husband. But then, my mother would go and sell blankets to Buguias, Benguet just to put food on our table", recounts my Daddy Danny.

"How very willing my father to sell his animals when one of his 'barangay' is in need of donation for books, teacher's salary or for opening a road. While we his children, work hard for other people just to finish high school."

"Mayor Ramon!" or "Apo Ramon" was what I always hear when I am with my Papa. There was this time I went with him to Baguio City and I wasn't wearing shoes because he could not buy me one. He saw a friend coming and he told me, "Dyay ka, agka in ak-akal!(You stay here and don't you leave)" and he told me to wait for him. I knew he doesn't want his friend to see me bare footed. I may be young but I was hurt."

"No school specially summer break would mean 'manpastol ni baka, kalding tan kalnero'(take the cows, goats and sheeps to where grasses are abundant). Then the rest of the day we will be working in the coffee plantation. Last work would be gathering back all the animals before it gets dark."

"We have so many people staying with us but still we,his children, work our bones more than them. If we don't do our task, Papa would punish us and his belt will land on our butt. It wasn't fair because he only whips me and my siblings."

"He was a very strict and a disciplinarian man. My brother Alex once got a penny from his pocket and enjoyed a candy from that money. Papa whipped him many times that made my mother say, " pateyin mo et adi ta anak mo!"(why don't you kill your son instead). That stopped my father and left my mama consoling my brother ."

"During night time, I could feel his being a father and not the mayor. He would tell us stories about anything, about his childhood, work or anything he thinks that would entertain us. Then he would ask each and every one of his children to sing solo. Alex would always be in tears but still manages to finish his song. Then we massage him till he goes to sleep, 2 children each night and I'm always paired with my cry baby brother. Who else- Alex (Mandro-Tuki)".