A PHONE CALL SAVED MY DAY

Lately I had been distressed thinking about all the calamities that befell our country.

Not having been completely over the havoc wrought by the recent typhoons, and still recovering from the gory Maguindanao massacre, for days now we had been closely monitoring the possible eruption of Mayon Volcano anytime. The alert level had been raised to no.4 since two days ago and according to Phivolcs might be raised to no.5 or the maximum level any time now which means forced evacuation for residents within the danger zone.

As I am writing this, a big fire is raging several houses and establishments in the boundary of Pasay and Makati. It is such a big fire that the local fire department of Pasay had to raise an alarm for the other fire stations of nearby towns and cities to respond and assist. And it had to happen two days away from Christmas.

As of the latest count, 1,400 families had lost their homes. It would have been tolerable enough for these people to probably have nothing on their dinner tables for Noche Buena, as it had been sort of a way of life for some of our less fortunate kababayans, but for them to spend Christmas in the streets is the height of torment.

Early this afternoon I was taking a nap as I had not been feeling well these past few days due to a bout of colds and a sore throat. The phone rang and I was hesitant to answer it at first as I was awakened from my slumber. It kept on ringing so I got up to look at the caller ID to see who was calling. It was not a familiar number. I thought of just letting it ring but instinct told me to lift the receiver. A gentle male voice was on the other end of the line. He was looking for me. When I acknowledged, he introduced himself as a priest from the Blessed Sacrament Congregation , the order of the priests at Sta. Cruz Church in Manila. How can I forget that congregation, I was all too familiar with them. He said he just called to thank me for all the help I had extended to their congregation these past years and wished me a Merry Christmas. I wished him the same and thanked him for the call.

The Blessed Sacrament Congregation has always been very close to my heart. I had extended some help to them in my own little way and because of this I gained a friend in the person of Fr. Nory Vasquez, then the parish priest of Sta. Cruz Church. Unfortunately Fr. Vasquez succumbed to cancer about 5 years ago . I would remember, every Christmas he never failed to send me handwritten Christmas cards with encouraging notes of advice that would guide me in my personal life. I miss him dearly, especially at Christmas time.

So I was ecstatic that this good priest from the same congregation would call up to say thank you and wish me a Merry Christmas. Little things do mean a lot.

Probably Fr. Nory way up in Heaven wanted me to answer that call. I am glad I did because it saved my day . Even if only for just a few minutes, I felt a sense of happiness within me, and made me forget all the misery that emanated as a result of the tragedies that happened and still on going.

I know that we can overcome these tragedies once again. One of the greatest traits of a Filipino is that of being resilient. We shall rise once again.

Yes with God's help, we can overcome them.

YES INDEED, CHRISTMAS WISHES DO COME TRUE

In my most recent article, (please refer to the one preceding this) I mentioned my Christmas wish of being able to make others happy this yuletide season, most especially the needy or should we say the less fortunate members of society. I prayed to Jesus to help me find these people or lead me to them.

I had been asking HIM if it's possible to please do so before Christmas such that it came to a point that I had to apologize for pressuring HIM or giving HIM a deadline. But I knew too well in my heart that he would grant my wish. And he did.

This morning I went to mass on the occasion of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception not knowing that this would be the day when my wish would be granted. During the mass, the lector mentioned that they were looking for kind souls who could grant the Christmas wishes of the old priests residing in the Home for Retired Priests. These priests were made to write their wishes on a slip of paper which were sent to our chapel (Sto Nino de Paz Chapel at Greenbelt). Anyone who wished to join this cause could pick out a small piece of paper inside a box containing the names of the priests and their respective wishes.

I picked out a slip and the beneficiary priest was requesting for medicine which he enumerated and some milk for adults. I signed in the log book signifying my intention to help. I then asked the office if they are willing to accept money too, and they said yes. I told them I will be back.

I went home overjoyed, oblivious of the people staring at me for tears were streaming down my cheeks. I was too elated to be bothered by their stares.

Upon reaching home I immediately thanked Jesus and Mama Mary for once again giving me the opportunity to be able to help. I knew they were sending me a message as my Christmas wish came true on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. They couldn't have chosen a better date.

I will go back to the chapel and pick out probably four more names and grant their wishes. Aside from their wishes I could probably give a little amount also for their needs. I am sure it would make their Christmas happy. Or I might give their foundation an amount that could be distributed among all the priests so that even those whose names I did not pick out could benefit.

I am praying to Jesus to help me decide which is more advantageous for them. I am sure once again he will guide me, as he always does.

I cannot really express how happy I am for this opportunity. Yes indeed, Christmas wishes do come true.

MY CHRISTMAS WISH

As kids we were made to believe that there is a Santa Claus. My perception of Santa then was not just someone who brings toys to good children, but someone who makes your wishes come true.

This Christmas I want to be a Santa Claus and be able to bring cheer to people. But how do I do it?

One thing that really gives me a sense of fulfillment is when I am able to help others, most especially the underprivileged members of society. Although I have been given this opportunity countless times, still I am eager to do more.

Several months back, in my mind I was toying with the idea of making the lolos and lolas at Golden Acres happy this Christmas by giving them a duster or a t-shirt each. I am sure this would bring a smile to their faces . However when I was computing the cost to be entailed, it came up to quite a big amount since there are about 300 elders living there. I could not possibly shoulder the expenses all by myself so I was thinking of a fund raising project among my friends or anyone willing to share their blessings.

Unfortunately Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng wrought so much havoc to the country that I decided to for-go of my fund raising project since a lot of my friends were victims of these tragedies. I didn't have the heart to solicit donations when I know very well that they needed money themselves to repair their property, houses, etc.

In lieu of this, I am seriously thinking of alternatives now on how to do something worthwhile this Christmas that will truly be gratifying not just for myself but most especially to God. I could probably look for about 5 of the poorest families and give them food and grocery so that they could experience having a sumptuous Noche Buena which I suppose they rarely experience, if at all. I could also give toys for the kids since Christmas is really for children.

Another choice is to scout around for sick people and buy medicine that they badly need but cannot afford to, or I could opt to shoulder their doctors' fees.

The criterion however is that I do not know these people personally and neither do they know me. They do not even need to know who I am.

I have been praying to Jesus to lead me to these people or help me find the deserving families. Much as I want to, I hesitate to go to the slum areas where poor families abound because I cannot afford to give all of them gifts so I have to do it on a selective basis.

As of now due to my limited resources I can only help a few but hopefully someday God willing, I will be blessed enough to be able to help more people not just at Christmas time but whenever the need arises.

Wish me luck to make my Christmas wish come true and make our less fortunate brothers and sisters believe that yes indeed, there is a Santa Claus.

SO NEAR YET SO FAR

In my previous article, I wrote about my visit to the Cojuangco Building and how I befriended some people there. I wrote about my wonderful experience with Mr. Mel Mamaril, the loyal security aide of Tita Cory and how good a man he was. Well, let me tell you that I discovered something new about him in an article I read a week ago that made me admire him more as a person.

In that article it says that when Tita Cory was still alive, he together with Cris, the other security aide assigned to Tita Cory would get a monthly allowance from her. With her demise, the Aquino siblings offered to give them a lump sum retirement pay, since Noynoy to whom they were now assigned could not afford the allowance previously being given by his mom. They refused to take the retirement pay and instead agreed to accept and make do with whatever little allowance Noy could afford to give them just so they can continue taking care of him. Such a noble act from two grateful people, I do believe.

Yesterday we went to Manila Memorial Park to visit the graves of my mom, lola, aunts and uncles as is customary for us every All Saints Day. Since my brother and cousin were busy chatting, we missed the arrow directing car owners to the parking area, and such being the case was forced to drive all the way to the end of the memorial park where the only U-turn slot was situated.

As we drove along looking for that U-turn slot, we caught sight of the ABS-CBN vans covering the event and knew that we were approaching the tomb of Tita Cory and Ninoy. There was a multitude of spectators there when suddenly I caught glimpse of a barong clad tall guy with a hand held radio. It was Mang Mel, so I assumed Noynoy could not be far behind since Mang Mel was now assigned to him. Indeed I was right because I saw Noy talking with some people.

I wanted to go down and say hello to Mang Mel but we couldn't stop since there were a lot of cars following us and the police stationed along the way were motioning us to go on. I thought of how lucky I was to see him again but at the same time felt sad that I missed the rare chance to talk to him and probably Noy too. I'm sure it would have been easy with Mang Mel around.

So near yet so far, yes I do believe the two of them were.

Maybe next time our paths would cross once again. Who knows, maybe the third time around I would be lucky.

A DAY AT TITA CORY'S OFFICE

Last Friday afternoon I went to the Jose Cojuangco Building situated along the same street where I reside, hoping to buy some souvenir items for my best friend in the US. She loves Tita Cory and so do I.

The lobby guard directed me to the 4th floor where he said such items could be found. I entered the designated room wherein a young man showed me some items, but they were books about Ninoy and souvenir neckties. He said they had no items on Tita Cory for sale. I thanked him and was on my way out when he asked me if I would be interested in some fans. I said yes and he accompanied me to the 7th floor where he directed me to a room. I asked the guard stationed there where Tita Cory's office was and he said that I was at her waiting room. No wonder her paintings dominated the walls.

The young man soon reappeared with a lady who asked me what I wanted. I told her I was looking for souvenir items on Tita Cory. She said all they have are fans because the bags are no longer available. She went to Tita Cory's office and came out with a big box with a transparent cover inside of which were 3 fans made of wood hand painted by Tita Cory. I asked her if they also had miniature versions of her paintings and she went inside the room again. When she came out she showed me a box of hand painted greeting cards with various flower designs. She also gave me a complimentary book titled "Ninoy and Cory", the glossy pages of which contained mostly family pictures.

As I was admiring the items, I heard a male voice beside me asking what I wanted. I turned to look and since he was such a tall guy, my eye level was on his chest and not on his face. I noticed the familiar yellow ribbon pinned on his barong. I said I wanted that ribbon. When I looked up I saw a familiar face. He was Mel Mamaril, the loyal personal bodyguard of Tita Cory who was one of the speakers at the necrological rites. I could tell that he was such a good man by the way he spoke. I told him I was glad that he was still with the family. He said he now watches over and accompanies Noynoy on his various sojourns. We conversed for some time. I requested him never to leave the Aquino kids. I also told him he was lucky to have met Tita Cory.

When it was time for me to leave, he even escorted me from the 7th floor to the main lobby on the ground floor. He waited for me while I retrieved my ID from the lobby guard. He walked me to the exit. As we were walking, his cellphone rang and he took the call. When we reached the glass door I waved goodbye to him and thanked him. He put his phone down and told me to take good care of myself always. I was touched by his gesture.

Walking home carrying my precious souvenir items, I thanked God for giving me this wonderful experience. I thought of the man and how exceptionally good a person he was. Believe it or not, I can tell a person's character just by looking at him and by the way he talks and carries himself.

Now I know why God assigned him to Tita Cory. They are both kindhearted individuals.

Kindness begets kindness.

Wherever he is at this moment I pray that God will always take care of him, considering the danger of his job.

That surely was an exceptional Friday for me as God made it possible for our paths to cross.

POSTSCRIPT TO YESTERDAY'S LETTER TO MAMA MARY

Dearest Mama Mary,

It's me again. Happy Birthday once more.

This morning as I promised you, I went to Greenbelt chapel to attend the mass in honor of your birthday. We sang a birthday song for you.

I was saddened though when I saw that a great majority of the people there brought flowers and gave it to you while you were standing at the altar. There were even balloons for you, while I did not have a flower to offer you, much more a gift.

My sadness turned to gladness however when the priest said during his homily that we are all beautiful, for how can we not be if our mother is the most beautiful woman in the universe. He said it follows that if the mother is beautiful, her children will be beautiful as well.

It makes me happy to know that I am beautiful too. I know it is impossible for me to be physically beautiful as you, but I hope character wise I could be. I am really trying to be.

This morning your love and concern for me was very evident once more.

It was not raining yet when I went to the chapel. After the mass, it was raining so hard that I had to stay inside first because I couldn't go out yet. I was standing by one of the chapel's entrances waiting for the rain to stop when the security guard from the nearby Greenbelt 5 Mall saw me and got his big golf umbrella to ferry me from the chapel to the mall.

I knew it was through your intercession that made him do that because you would not want me to get sick. Here you are supposed to be enjoying your birthday, your roses and your balloons, but still showing your concern for me as any mom would.

Thank you very much for your love. I know I don't deserve it but you unselfishly give it to me.

I know you said you will always be there for me and will never leave me. For that I will always be grateful.

I love you so much even though sometimes it doesn't seem so.

Your daughter,

Tonette

LETTER TO MAMA MARY

My Dearest Mama Mary,

Tomorrow will be another red letter day for me as we will be celebrating your birthday once again. Happy Birthday dearest Mama!

Just like in previous years, I will start my day by attending mass in your honor and together with the rest of the parishioners will be singing a birthday song for you.

I know that will please you, but once again I am in a predicament because I can't really think of an appropriate gift for you. I know you are not expecting anything but I still want to give you something, I just don't know what.

As has always been the case, it always ends up the other way around with you giving me a gift instead.

I know I make you happy when I pray the rosary everyday the moment I wake up. I also know that you get hurt, and I have asked forgiveness several times, when I sometimes get inattentive while reciting the Hail Marys with the flimsy excuse that it's being repetitious makes me lose my concentration. Being the doting mother that you are to me, I know you could only smile and accept my faults. Also, I always wear your scapular because I believe in your promise that whoever dies wearing this will not suffer from eternal fire.

I try my best to be the perfect daughter that you want me to be, but I am sorry that sometimes I disappoint you.

I am very much aware how much you love me, that oftentimes you give in to my requests even though you know that it is not proper maybe, just so you could dry away my tears.

Despite all these, I know that you are proud of me whenever you see me being selfless and being compassionate to the less privileged, traits you have instilled in me.

As I always tell you every night, it is your hand that I want to hold when I take my last breath for I want you to be the one to guide me on my final journey and lead me to my Best Friend, Jesus.

Happy Birthday my dearest Mama. I love you so much.

Your loving daughter,

Tonette

THE OLD MAN IN THE PARK

I usually take my regular walking / jogging exercise in the park which is just a stone's throw away from where I live. I go there when the sun is ready to call it a day or just when it is about to go into oblivion.

In this park is a circular path for joggers, the middle of which is a playground for kids. It is a delight to see these cute little ones running around followed by their nannies and sometimes even being watched from the sides by barong clad security men. I also see well groomed dogs being walked around by their owners or uniformed maids.

The number of joggers increase after 5:00 p.m. when office workers join in before heading home.

One time while taking my usual walk around the circular path, listening and singing along to the tunes on my iPod, someone caught my attention.

He was an old man with shoulder length white hair, wearing faded but not tattered pants and shirt. On his feet were worn out slippers. His face was gentle although traces of hardship and fatigue were evident and obviously had seen better days. He was sitting in one of the benches holding two plastic bags. I suppose the small bag contained his food. I have no idea what was inside the big one. Every time I would pass by him I would take a look. After a while he put the big plastic bag on the bench and laid his head on it and after a time had fallen asleep. I was worried he might fall because the bench was quite narrow. After about an hour he woke up and just sat there.

I would see him almost everyday in the park. He has somewhat become a regular fixture there. Somehow I wanted to ask him if he had eaten or where he lives. I have this feeling that he might not have a home and probably just retreated to the park every time sleep catches up on him. Lots of questions had been going through my mind.

At times when I would not find him there, I would get this unusual feeling that something bad might have happened to him. I would be so happy the next day if I find him sitting once again in one of the benches there.

One time I bought a McDonald's meal and brought it with me to the park hoping to give it to him, but he did not show up on that particular day. I waited for a long time but no sight of him.

I wonder who this man is, where he came from and where he is this very moment. I do hope he is alright and has taken his meal.

Probably he could be somewhere there in the outskirts of town begging for his next meal or looking for a place to sleep, but wherever he is, I know I need not worry for God will surely provide and take care of him.

But why do I still feel burdensome?

THANK YOU TITA CORY

I believe in being transparent. With me, what you see is what you get.

Thus I am not ashamed to admit that during the EDSA revolution, I was not exactly a fan of President Aquino. Just like a lot of people at that time, I doubted her competence to serve as President of our country.

It was only after she stepped down from the presidency that I was able to uncover the real Tita Cory. It was only then that I realized how exceptional a woman she really was, something that I was blinded to before. It came at a late time but what is important is that I got to know the real Tita Cory. I saw the goodness in her heart. I became cognizant of her being righteous and spiritual.

I unfounded how great and loving a mother she was to her kids. I saw how she defied her feelings as a mother when her youngest daughter got caught in a series of scandals just so she could teach her a lesson. I also saw how she tearfully softened and forgave her daughter when the latter repented. I was aware of how she tirelessly campaigned for her son during his senatorial bid.

She also did her duties to her country even when she was no longer president and did not hesitate to point out any wrongdoings if need be.

When she got sick and was hospitalized, I was among those who stormed the gates of Heaven praying for her to get well. When news came out that she finally left us, I felt the pain inside of me even though I was aware that sooner or later she would eventually leave us.

This noon I went to Ayala Avenue to catch a glimpse of the cortege bearing her remains. It was the least I could do since I was not able to go to La Salle Greenhills and could probably not go to the Manila Cathedral either to pay my last respect to her. It was my way of paying homage to this great lady. I was monitoring on television where the cortege was. When I saw that it was on EDSA/Estrella already, I left the house and started walking to Ayala Avenue since I live nearby. I saw on television that the cortege was moving fast on EDSA so I thought I would be just in time when it reaches Ayala Avenue. However from the corner of EDSA/Ayala it took about one and a half hours more to reach the corner of Ayala/Paseo de Roxas where I was waiting, since the cortege was moving at a snail pace when it entered Ayala Avenue due to the multitude of people waiting. I stood at the corner of Ayala/Paseo unmindful of the heat of the scorching noontime sun. I developed rashes on my neck and arms due to the heat but I couldn't care less.

When the truck bearing her flag draped casket stopped in front of Ninoy's monument where I was positioned I felt a lump in my throat and tears started rolling down my cheeks. I felt I lost a mother.

She truly is a big blessing to our country.

I am so glad that what I was not able to do in 1983 when Ninoy's funeral cortege passed along Ayala Avenue, I was able to do for Tita Cory now.

Thank you Tita Cory for giving me the chance to know the real you.

THIS MADE MY DAY

I was watching the mass for President Aquino at La Salle Greenhills this morning when the message alert of my cell phone sounded. Obviously it came from someone I did not know because it was just a number that appeared. I noticed it was quite a long message. It was not one of those erroneously sent messages though because it began with " Good morning mam Tonette".

Curiously I started reading the message and I was surprised that it came from a taxi driver whose daughter was sideswiped by a car last Saturday and needed to have an operation on her head. I do not know this guy personally. This unfortunate information was just relayed to me by another driver who used to bring and pick me up from the office when I was still with SMC.

Touched by the misfortune that befell the family, I extended some financial help. It was just a minimal amount but at least it would help in their expenses. I soon forgot all about it (as I usually do) until I received the text message this morning from the father. He said in behalf of his family, they would like to offer their gratitude for the help I gave them. He said it meant a lot to them and saved his daughter's life. I told him to keep on updating me about his daughter's condition.

I am glad Jesus once again gave me the chance to be of help to others. I am so thankful I was used as an instrument again to save the life of this little girl.

It was just a simple text but I was so touched by his message.

It truly made my day.

LOOKING AT SUFFERING AS A BLESSING

Do you sometimes wonder why it is the good and almost faultless people who undergo a lot of suffering?

We are too familiar with lots of cases like these. Sometimes we can't help but ask why? Why them? Do they deserve this? I have heard a lot of people question this, even taking it as some sort of a punishment. They ask why God allowed these things to happen when these people had remained true to their faith, and had been good Christians all their lives.

Please bear in mind that it is not for us to question God's will. Of course God is aware of everything we do, and He is definitely not a revengeful God either. He has his reasons which maybe too complicated for us to comprehend.

I can only surmise that perhaps it is because He knows too well that these are the people who can endure all the suffering without blaming Him. He also knows too well that whatever happens, they will never turn their backs on their faith. Can you imagine if this happened to people of lesser faith? I'm sure they would have turned their backs on God.

I sometimes look at pain as a blessing because it allows us to share in the suffering that Jesus went through. Sometimes when I watch movies about the life and passion of Jesus and I am reminded of the suffering He had to endure for us, I get depressed that I was not able to help Him. And to think that every time we ask for his help, he is always there for us. So unfair.

I have something to share with you. Next time you undergo pain, be it physical or emotional, offer your pain to Jesus and you will see that the pain will not be so much to bear because He is helping you carry your cross. (Something I regretfully wasn't able to do for Him.)

I have experienced this a lot of times and believe me, it works.

RAIN THERAPHY

The rains have stopped. Finally after days of rain and flood, I saw the sun timidly peeping out from the horizon this morning.

What is it about the rain that so entices me?

I love rainy days, except when it transforms into storms that destroy property or even lives.

I look at the rain as more of a blessing than a misfortune. For without it, there would be no nourishment for our plants and rice fields, and no replenishment of our water supply.

I love looking out from my window and seeing and hearing the rain falling on the ground. To me it's therapeutic. I also love the smell of a rain-drenched soil.

I wrote my first poem ( a tribute to my mom ) on a stormy afternoon. I was in high school then and classes were suspended due to a storm. For lack of anything to do, I started scribbling notes on my note pad without realizing that I was already writing a poem. That started my passion for writing. The sound of rain inspires me to write even more.

So when rains come, don't feel sad. Welcome it with open arms. After all, heavy rains are like challenges in life. We shouldn't ask for lighter rain, just a bigger and better umbrella.

By the way, do you know the saddest quote said by the funniest man ever born on this planet ( Charlie Chaplin)? " I always like walking in the rain, so no one can see me crying. "

I'll take note of that.

Next time I feel like crying, I'll wait for the rains to fall to hide away my tears.

TRIBUTE TO MY MOM

A PRICELESS TREASURE

When I feel so downhearted and trouble comes my way
You're there to guide and understand every word I say
When I'm in my darkest hour, you're a light that shines on me
And I offer God endless thanks, for having given you Mom to me
With you by my side, I know I can't do wrong
I'll fulfill your every dream and it wouldn't be for long
I'll always cherish your memory up to the time I grow old
For what you've been to me is a treasure that can't be sold.


I wrote this poem for my mom way back my high school days. It was her death anniversary last July 12, and her birthday is on July 16. My mom's name is Carmen, having been born on the feast day of our Lady of Mount Carmel, from whom she was named. This explains her devotion to the Scapular, which she passed on to me. To this day, I never leave the house without my scapular.

My mom died after a lingering illness. She was hospitalized for several months. Although her doctors told us that hers was a terminal case, I kept praying and hoping that she would get well.

I was very close to my mom, being an only daughter. She was my best friend, confidante, the sister I never had. That 12 th day of July was the saddest day of my life. It was on that fateful day that my mom was reunited with her Creator. The death of a loved one is something we cannot prepare ourselves for. Even though we know that sooner or later they are going to die, still when the inevitable comes, we still find ourselves unprepared for the tragedy.

For you out there, who are lucky to still have your parents around, take the time to show them you care. Value them and tell them you love them every chance you've got. Cherish your time with them, before it is too late. Time is running out.

SMALL THINGS END UP BIG

Maybe you and I can't do great things
We may not change the world in one day
But we still can change the world today
In our small way........

Those are lines from MJ's song "In Our Small Way".

I was reminded of those lines because about two weeks ago I sent a message to Noynoy Aquino telling him that I was praying for his mom. I told him that I am just a small voice compared to his big time friends, but this small voice cares for his mom a lot.

He answered and said that the smallest prayer is part of a powerful collective prayer. He also said the smallest voice is equally important as the loudest voice.

I agree.

Small things when put together end up being one great thing. So we should not hesitate to do whatever we think is right, no matter how small. It is the value of small things that matter a lot.

LIFE IS SHORT

Life is short, in fact too short.

We'll never really know when our time is up. So while we are here, while the people we care for and love are still around, treasure every moment with them.

Let them know how much they mean to you. Show them that you care and appreciate everything they do. For all you know, you may never get the chance to tell them.

They say you'll never know the value of someone until you lose him / her. Why wait until that time?

Tell them now. Tomorrow might be too late.

To all my friends, thank you for the friendship and the love. Thank you for accepting me for who I am, despite my shortcomings and my faults. Thank you for being part of my book of wonderful memories.

THE MJ PEOPLE DON'T KNOW

People can't seem to get over MJ's sudden demise.

They say only the good die young. I agree.

Maybe most people will remember MJ only as a great singer. They will remember only the white glove, the white socks, the great voice.

I will however remember him as someone with a big heart, a compassionate person who cares about the unfortunate members of society. I read an article this morning regarding his visit to the Philippines several years ago. He was billeted at the Manila Hotel. When he found out that the hotel staff will be celebrating the annual gift giving for orphans, he asked them how he could help or participate in the affair, much to the surprise of everyone. He donated loot bags filled with candies and toys for the children and distributed them himself. His security wanted him to get over with the distribution so that they could whisk him off to a not so crowded place, but he told his men that he was staying because it was Christmas time. He even sang "Give Love on Christmas Day" even without being asked to. Not even once did he complain about the heat either. He was just too happy being able to help people.

This is probably the MJ most people do not know.

But oh yes, there is one friend who knows him inside out. This friend is devastated now. He lost the only friend he ever had, the only friend who took him for what he is despite what he is not. His name is Ben.

LETTER TO JESUS

Dear Jesus,

This is the first time ever that I've written you a letter, but I just had to thank you now that everything's better.

I came to you a while back so troubled and distressed, I did not know what course to take, what action would be best.

I told you all my troubles and felt your presence near, and as I talked, the clouds broke up and seemed to disappear.

So thank you Jesus for listening and keeping me from harm, for wiping away my tears and holding me within your loving arms.

Your friend,
Tonette

GOODBYE MICHAEL

Good bye Michael.

The Legend has gone ahead, but not without leaving us his legacy of beautiful music.

Thank you for being an instrument in Healing the World. You had indeed made this world a better place for you and for me through your music.

We will miss you MJ.

Hi everyone. I'll be posting my articles soon.