FAREWELL TO A DEAR FRIEND (GOODBYE JOSIE)

This is probably the most difficult article I would ever have to write in my life. I dreaded the day when I would finally be saying goodbye to my best friend. This is a very grueling task as I am actually choking with emotion now and the tears blinding my eyes make it even more tedious to write, but I'm doing this for Josie.

Josie and I joined SMC almost at the same time. She was ahead of me by only two weeks. After a few months, Manny Senoran joined the company and the three of us became very close friends. Josie was with our Typing Pool (Ayala days), and with our Beer Section (Ortigas days). She was a very jolly person and sometimes even the most simple things would make us laugh. We also had many things in common which  drew us closer together. She migrated to the US and Manny went to work in Saudi Arabia. Despite the distance, our communication lines remained open,  and we regularly updated each other on our respective activities. Josie and I would communicate thru email every single day.

Sometime in January 2007, I was worried because all of a sudden she stopped replying to my email. Then I received an email from Lu, a friend of hers in San Francisco, that Josie was at the ICU of Kaiser Hospital. At that time I did not know Lu personally, but she said she knew me very well because Josie would always talk about me.She said Josie underwent tracheostomy and since that fateful day, she lost the ability to speak. She stayed at the hospital for a long time. When she was finally allowed to go home, she would again write to me and this went on everyday. The only time I would not receive an email from her was when she was back at the hospital. So every time there was no email, I would worry because it meant only one thing, she was at the ICU again. It would be Lu (upon Josie's request) who would update me. Each time I got an email from Lu, it would take a while before I would open it because I was afraid it might be something negative about Josie.
 
For the past couple of years, she was in pain most of the time. She would tell me that she was already tired of the suffering and pain, and wished it would end soon. She told me her arms were already black and blue as a result of the needles that the nurses inserted for various tests and procedures done on her.

It breaks my heart to hear these words from her. Plus the fact that she was miles away and I could not be by her side  to take care of her. How ironic that when some of our SMC Accounting friends were confined in the hospital, I got to visit and cheer them up, something I wasn't able to do with Josie because she was in Daly City. I tried to console her by telling her not to lose hope for God and Mama Mary would never abandon her. And she would listen to me. I remember the time she was scheduled for a visit with her doctor and she was so afraid because she knew they would be inserting tubes and needles again. I advised her to try something that I always do whenever I visit a doctor or a dentist, and that is to imagine that Jesus is holding one of my hands while Mama Mary is holding the other. Every time I do this, I only feel a minimal amount of pain because I know they are enduring a big part of it for me. The next day, she wrote to me and she was very happy to tell me that it worked because she did not feel any pain at all.

She would often tell me that it was only my email and articles from my blog that would cheer her up. I tried to be strong for her but deep inside I was breaking down. She would open up to me all her problems, fears and insecurities, which I cannot share with you because they were said in strictest confidence, and as a result of which, I will keep under lock and key for the rest of my life.

She would only be happy every time I tell her that we would be having an Accounting reunion. She would get excited and tell me how she wished she could attend. She would ask me to post pictures so she can see our colleagues. I would do that every time and she would be so happy to see familiar faces.

About two months ago, she stopped replying to my email because she was once again taken to the ICU of Kaiser Hospital. Lu said this was the weakest she had seen Josie so far, and I had a feeling the inevitable was near. I get regular updates from Lu. Last Nov. 29 she got an anointing. Two days ago the doctor asked her siblings to be with her at the hospital. I prayed that as much as I still wanted her to live, I leave it all up to God now. If HE thinks it is time that she should rest because 5 years is a long time of suffering, then HIS will be done. I also prayed that if ever she has to go, I hope it would be on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. My prayer was granted. Mama Mary took Josie under her care on the morning of Dec. 8. And even though I knew it was bound to happen, when I got the news from Lu, there was still that piercing pain in my heart. We could never really be prepared for a loved one's death. It's a good thing I got an overseas call from Manny. He was checking on me because he knew I was crying. That phone call helped ease the grief somehow. Thank you Manny.

In what would be Josie's last email to me, she told me " Alam mo, marami akong kin-wento sa iyo." I was surprised and asked her how, because we haven't communicated for a while ever since she was taken back to ICU. She answered, " sa isip ko at sa puso ko nag kwe-kwento ako sa iyo".  Oh my God, I'm crying again.

Goodbye Josie. I will miss you. I will miss our friendship that spanned for 33 years. I will miss our everyday exchange of email. I thank GOD for having shared you with us, with me most especially. Thank you for the friendship. Thank you for loving me.Thank you for being the sister I never had. We'll see each other again, I just don't know when because everything happen's in GOD's time. When that time comes, I know you'll have a lot of stories to share with me because you will be able to speak once again.

Take a rest now my dearest friend. God has set you free from all the pain that held you captive for a long time.  

MY TWO CENTS WORTH ON FACEBOOK

I admit I am far from being techie, but I relish social networking. I find nothing wrong in joining social networking sites for as long as it is used for a good cause and within the bounds of decency.

Of all the social media accounts, I believe Facebook and Twitter have the most number of subscribers. I subscribe to Facebook since there is an option to accept or reject people who want to be friends with you, but not on Twitter where anyone is free to follow and make comments. Of course you can always block them should they cross the line.

Facebook is a great venue for finding long lost friends. I actually have rekindled bonds with friends I haven't seen or heard from in ages. It keeps us connected through status updates, photos and private messages. It also serves as a great tool in coordinating reunions (be it office or otherwise), conveying the sad news of someone's demise, or simply getting a message across. Prayer requests and fund raising for humanitarian reasons are almost always acted upon, thanks to prayer warriors and good samaritans.

Most of the time, I share inspirational quotes/messages with the hope that they serve as reminders for people to reinforce their faith in God.

Every now and then, I also share articles from my blog.

I  upload pictures too, but mostly on office related events for the benefit of colleagues residing abroad. It keeps them abreast of our group's activities here.

For most people, Facebook has become an arena where activities are chronicled such as: what they are doing at the moment, where and what they had for lunch or dinner, or even uploading pictures of newly acquired designer bags for whatever purpose it might be. Add to these the never ending invitation for all sorts of applications and games. It somehow provides an interesting and comic relief of sorts. If it makes them happy, why not?

What I find disturbing though is when people tend to misuse, much more abuse, these networking sites. Amidst all the circus of posts prevalent on Facebook, what I find really unappropriate and unethical for that matter, is when the status reflects unsavory comments about other people. We sometimes come across a criss cross of banters or inuendos being hurled against one who obviously is not in good terms with the other. Some even go to the extent of posting the end of a relationship, including the reason behind it. These things are better kept to oneself, and as a rule of thumb, dirty linen should never be washed in public. Furthermore, always be guided by the dictum that if you can't say anything nice about anyone, then refrain from saying anything at all. Besides, who would care anyway? It is the least of their (Facebook friends) concern. It would be wise to stay away from these networking sites when you are vulnerable or at odds with someone.

In addition, personal matters should be relayed thru a private message instead of on a friend's Wall, unless you want everyone to be privy to your conversations. 

Another point of concern is when friends post birthday greetings on one's Wall and the celebrator issues just a solitary status to acknowedge, e.g. "Thank you to everyone who greeted me on my birthday". I find it a bit impersonal and discomforting. It is more prudent to acknowledge the greetings individually even though you have to type "Thank You......." maybe 500 times or more. The rationale behind it is, if your friends took the effort to greet you, couldn't you at least return the favor by thanking them personally too, regardless of how tedious the task may be? After all, it happens only once a year. Always bear in mind that they have a choice whether to greet you or not, and the mere fact that they chose to do so, means you are precious to them. It therefore merits a sense of gratitude somehow, in a personal way. Of course most people might find it inconvenient, not to mention tiresome, but the trade off is worth it, believe me. I take my hat off to those who actually acknowledge every greeting, but sadly only a handful do so.

The same principle should likewise apply to those who check "Like" on posts made because it means they appreciate what you posted and a simple "Thanks" wouldn't hurt. Besides, isn't it a wonderful feeling to receive a thank you note personally addressed to you? It somehow makes you feel special even for just a moment. Never get tired of expressing your gratitude towards people because a simple "Thank You" goes a long way. 

At the end of the day however, all of these only boil down to one thing. As in everything else, it is  a matter of choice and you have the prerogative to post what you want, but wouldn't it be better if you try to be a little discreet and more considerate of people's feelings? It is of utmost importance to always value and show our respect for others.

After all, what you post is a reflection of your character.

SILENT ANGELS IN MY LIFE

There are people who make a difference in our lives and leave a permanent mark in our hearts.

They are those who go out of their way to please others without even realizing that they have made an impact on someone else's life. And what makes it truly amazing is that they don't even have to try hard enough. All they have to do is be themselves, after all being good is second nature to them. And for someone like me who values even the most simple act of kindness accorded to me, I am truly grateful to these people.

When I think of these kind hearted souls, the first person who comes to mind is my best friend, fashion designer Oskar Peralta, who always finds time for me in his busy schedule. He takes my calls even if he is in the middle of a meeting or attending to a client. I am reminded of something that I read which goes, "Respect the people who find time for you in their busy schedule, but love the people who never look at their schedule when you need them" That indeed is Oskar personified.

Another person whom I have the highest regard for is Dulce, the singer, who happens to be a casual friend. I have admired her for the longest time for having such a forceful voice and for belting out songs in a manner that only she can. But now I admire her even more not only for her voice, but more so because of her character.

And because she happens to be a Facebook friend as well, there never was a time when she did not reply to my messages, and in the shortest time possible for that matter. She always gives me a feeling of importance.

About a week ago, she posted a request for prayers on FB for Tony Espejo (a relative of  mine ) who happens to be the founder and artistic director of Gantimpala Theater Foundation, the theater group of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Tony had a heart attack and was in critical condition at the ICU of Manila Doctors' Hospital and needed to undergo a triple bypass operation.

A couple of days after however, she again posted that Tony passed on. I sent her a private message to ask where the wake is being held. She replied, "found out just now that the wake is at Don Bosco, Makati". So I thanked her for being her usual ever accomodating and unassuming self. I never had the slightest idea that she is in Japan at the moment. No wonder her reply was, "found out just now.........". I suppose she took the time to ask her theater/artist friends here where the wake is being held so she could provide me with details.

I find it so gracious of her to do that. She could just as easily tell me that she was out of the country and to just request the Gantimpala artists for the information I needed. But no, she had to find out for herself so she could provide me with the facts. And to think that my relationship with her is not the same as the one I have with Oskar who is very close to me. If it was Oskar who did that I wouldn't be surprised because it really is his nature, but I find it truly impressive of Dulce who is just an acquaintance to go through all the trouble for me. She truly is of a rare breed and had earned another star in my heart.

They are among the silent angels in my life who do acts of kindness without even being aware of it. It is something habitual in them.

There are a lot out there, and who knows, maybe you and I could be silent angels ourselves.

After all, an act may seem so insignificant for us, but could mean the world to someone.

A TEST OF FAITH

A lot of people, myself included, were disappointed at the outcome of the Pacquiao-Bradley bout. I can say that the decision was indeed unfair. That however is coming from someone who does not claim to be an expert in boxing. Maybe the judges saw it from another point of view, and we have no reason to dispute that.

Almost everyone has already said his/her piece so let's not dwell too much on that anymore.

I would like to explore it though, from a different perspective.

Earlier while I was taking lunch and waiting for the bout to begin, I don't know why all of a sudden, the following thought crossed my mind. We all know that Manny Pacquiao has been a reformed Christian for sometime now. He has openly professed his faith in God and has in fact been preaching his new found faith to others. But what if God decides to put him to a test and not grant him a victory over his opponent? Will his faith remain steadfast and will he still love God?

It is easy to love God when you are given so many blessings in life, but the real test is when setbacks happen. Would you blame HIM, ask why and turn your back on HIM?

When the decision was announced I was stunned, not only because I can't believe the result, but because it was exactly what I was pondering about earlier. Maybe God did put Manny to a test after all. Or could it be that God was probably sending a message that it is time to give way to others, or that Manny is needed more to spread HIS word than in the ring.

We have no way of knowing what goes on in Manny's mind, but if I were to base my opinion on his anwers to interviews, I surmise that he seems to have passed the test. 

If there was something positive that came out of this bout, it was that Manny came out of it unscathed, as opposed to Tim Bradley who had to be taken to the press conference on a wheel chair, and to the hospital soon after.

Manny gained the respect of a lot of people by accepting the judges' decision with grace and humility, exemplified by saying, " Let's give the credit to Bradley ". It also proved to the world that Filipinos know how to accept defeat.

I am sure Manny will be vindicated in their rematch. After all, resilience is one of his traits and like a phoenix, he will soon soar again, and much higher this time.

MEN OF THE HOUR

I am sure no one will disagree with me when I say that Senate President Enrile was the "star of the impeachment proceedings". The senators themselves admitted that no one amongst them could ever do justice to the position of presiding officer as efficiently as the good senator.

He exercised fairness not only to the prosecution and the defense, but to the respondent as well. So much so, that it hurt him when the Chief Justice staged a walkout.

He was the guest at ANC's "Headstart" this morning, and as I was watching him, I admired him even more. The host, Karen Davila asked him how he manages to stay fit, articulate, brilliant, etc., not to mention having a good memory at the age of 88. He said he memorizes poems and reads heavy books. Prior to the trial, he studied and read three books about impeachment. He also advised that no matter how intelligent you are, you should never stop reading. He also watches old/classic movies on television and plays golf whenever time permits.

He not only studied the case on hand and the evidence presented, but observed the senator judges as well. He took out from his wallet, a small piece of paper which contained a handwritten list of how he perceived the senators would vote, which he prepared months ago or about the middle of the trial. It was accurate as he had listed Senators Santiago, Arroyo and Marcos as voting for acquittal, which actually transpired.

He was not ashamed to admit that he met his father only when he was already 21 years old. He was used to being referred to as a bastard. He narrates that his father took him home to live with his family and that his siblings welcomed him and never treated him as a half brother. He harbored no ill feelings towards his father for had he (father) not taken him home when he (father) met him, he wouldn't be where he is now.

When asked if he would be running for President, he said he is too old for that. And even if it would be offered to him on a silver platter he would refuse, but nonetheless thank those who would extend the offer. Being very well versed not only in law and in accounting, but in military matters as well (having been Secretary of National Defense in pre-martial law years), he would have made a good President. But maybe he was meant to serve on a different capacity, and he did serve very well.

There was another man who stole the show on the day the verdict came out, no less than Senator Lapid. Everyone was looking forward to how he would defend his vote. He stepped on the rostrum with no prepared speech like the others. He said you are probably wondering what a mere high school graduate and someone who can't speak English would have to say. He admitted he couldn't quote any Republic Act because no one would believe him anyway, but would merely base his vote on his conscience and what he believes is right. I was deeply touched when he said in the vernacular, " Mr. Chief Justice naniwala ako sa inyo. Akala ko totoo ang sinasabi ninyo, yon pala hindi. Pasensya na po, pasensya na po, but I vote guilty ". Such a simple and straight to the point statement, coming from his heart.

For me, it weighed more than all the lenghty narratives of the other learned senators. He was Juan dela Cruz personified, a true representation of how the lowly man on the street understood the impeachment proceedings and would have voted given the chance.

Kudos to Senators Enrile and Lapid. These two gentlemen may have an obvious and glaring disparity in terms of intellectual capability, but in the end, they were one in their verdict and that's all that matters.

THE UNFOLDING OF HISTORY

Today history unfolded right before our eyes as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was convicted in the first ever impeachment trial in the Philippines.

My favorite " teleserye " had just ended.

I had religiously followed the proceedings since day one. As much as possible, I tried to avoid afternoon appointments from monday to thursday, unless extremely necessary, so as not to miss a day of the trial. Now with the proceedings over, I have nothing to look forward to anymore.

Like most teleseryes, it was exciting and kept me glued to the television from start to finish. Aside from being entertaining, it was very informative as well, as I got to be acquainted with legal terms and what goes on in a lawyer's mind. It was a battle of the best lawyers in the land with the Senate President outshining them all. I take my hat off to the distinguished senator who despite being an octagenarian remains to be brilliant, smart and witty. He also exercised fairness in dealing  with not only the protagonists, but with the respondent as well. But he knows his limits too and had exerted his authority everytime the occassion called for it.

The much awaited verdict favored the prosecution, much to the chagrin of the defense. Lady luck was not on the side of the respondent, but on the side of justice.

I am sure with the verdict lessons had been learned, and governent officials, especially those occupying the highest echelons of the three co-equal branches of government, namely; the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary would be extra cautious from now on in preparing their SALNs.

I will miss the impeachmen proceedings, but I am not looking forward to another one in the near future. I know too well that if and when that  happens, it could only mean one thing, another top ranking public official erred in his duties to the public.

I was for conviction all along, not because I hated the Chief Justice, but because I wanted to correct an injustice. So many powerful and influential government officials had been  amassing wealth by squandering the poor taxpayer's money. It's about time to put an end to this.

I am not rejoicing either, for it is wrong to rejoice over someone else's misery.

After all has been said and done, I sincerely wish the Chief Justice well. I hope he recuperates soon and have the strength to face and accept this unfortunate turn of event in his life and career.

I would also like to offer an unsolicited advice to him, if I may. While it maybe painful and humiliating to accept the verdict, look at it from a positive point of view. You can still go on with your life because your only penalty is removal from office, and being barred from occupying a position in any government institution, but you get to keep your bank deposits to sustain you and your family through the years. But think about the court interpreter who lost her job for failing to disclose a market stall and now can no longer work and provide for her family.

But most importantly, be thankful for one good thing that resulted from this impeachment trial. You and your family, after 30 years of anymosity with your wife's family, had finally reconciled and hopefully settle your differences. After all, family is so much more important than all the money in the world.

SMC HEAD OFFICE ACCOUNTING REUNION (APRIL 26, 2012)

Reunions regardless of essence are always met with great anticipation.

 Beholding familiar faces always brings back so many gratifying memories.

Last night, April 26, 2012, our SMC Head Office Accounting (also known as SMC Corporate Accounting) family held a reunion at Max's Restaurant-Shaw Blvd.

It was such a delight to see one another once  more. It is always nice to reminisce the good old days and be in the company of people whom we regard as our extended family.We consider the office as our home away from home, because we spend longer hours at work than in our homes. The evening was not enough to catch up on each other's lives/activities, especially for those who are already enjoying the fruits of their retirement.

Cognizant of the fact that time is an integral factor, as much as possible, we try our best to make our reunion an annual affair. We also make it a point to have a dinner or lunch get-together (even for a small group only) everytime a colleague based overseas comes home.We encourage everyone to take every opportunity to attend occasions like these and delight in each other's company, because for all we know, the next time around some of us may no longer be here.We all know that life is unpredictable so let us cherish one another while we are still accorded the time to do so.

However, amidst the festive occassion, let us not be oblivious of those who failed to make it due to illness or death. It is sad that a lot of our colleagues have already gone to the Great Beyond and we truly miss them. I am sure though, that they are probably having their own joyous reunion in Heaven (specially with Mely and Tita Chit having joined them now).

It is also important to note that despite who we become, or whatever we achieve after SMC, we cannot strike out the fact that once in our lives, we worked for the same institution and spent most of our fruitful years there.We should be grateful for the golden opportunity of having known and interacted with one another, even if only for a momentary span of time.

For how else could we gather beautiful memories? Memories of days gone by that would sustain us through the years.

In behalf of my fellow coordinators, Glacie and Bogs, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who unselfishly sacrificed their time to attend and make the reunion possible, despite the distance and their busy schedules. We would also like to thank those who extended financial support, and most especially to Messrs. N. Avendano, F. Constantino and B. Navarro for honoring us with their presence and their inspiring words of wisdom.We look forward to seeing all of you again, with God's grace, hopefully next year.

Until then, treasure the memories.

WHAT KIND OF FRIEND AM I?

I have always thought of myself as a sincere, concerned and loyal friend. At least that's how my friends describe me. And maybe, just maybe I might be inclined to agree with them. Why?

The truth is I do have a deep concern for my friends. I always want to know how they are doing. I also pray that they continue to be in the best of health. It pains me a lot when my friends get indisposed. I commiserate with them and can almost feel the pain they are going through. I also get affected when they open up their problems with me.

I am loyal too. The moment I become your friend I would remain as one regardless of who or what you turn out to be, good or bad.

I accept people in my life for what they are and not for what I want them to be.

Putting all these aside however, I am inclined to second-guess on what kind of friend I really am. Let me tell you why.

You see I have a friend whom I love very much. He accepts me for who I am even though sometimes I dissapoint him for not being able to do what is expected of me. He is very forgiving even though I 've hurt him countless times. His patience never runs out on me.

Everytime I need him he is there for me, but can I honestly say the same for myself?

Much as I want to answer in the affirmative, I have to be truthful and say no. I am far from being the kind of friend he is to me.

There was a time when he was being tortured, humiliated and stipped of his dignity, but I was not able to do anything to preclude the agony he was subjected to. Of course I could always use the flimsy excuse that I was not around yet when that happened. While it maybe true at that time, but what about now? A lot of people continue to hurt him, maybe myself included, but what am I doing to avert this? How can I shield him from all the pain?

I can feel that sense of guilt all over again. It makes me wonder what kind of friend I truly am.

Do I really deserve the love he has for me? Maybe not, but I know he does and will never stop loving me because his love for me is unconditional.

I always tell him that I love him even though sometimes it doesn't seem so. I know he believes me. He always does.

He is after all my best friend, and your friend too.

You call him Jesus, I call him Friend.





 

NO ONE IS INVINCIBLE

I have been religiously following the impeachment proceedings since day one.

For the past weeks it has become an anticipated early afternoon daily habit for me. I find it very informative and keeps me abreast on the progress of the case, not to mention getting myself familiar with trial proceedings.

I have the highest respect for Senate President Enrile. Truly no one can ever assume the role of presiding officer the way he does. The way he conducts himself is worth emulating. He treats both prosecution and defense fairly and shuns taking sides with either of them unlike some senator judges who are too obvious about their leanings. What I also find truly commendable about him is his expertise not only as far as legal matters are concerned (being one of the top lawyers in the country), but his being well versed on the Accounting aspect as well. He is such a cool person and knows exactly when to step in when arguments begin to heat up between the protagonists.

However, what spoils the broth so to speak, is the almost daily admonition and tongue lashing extended to the prosecution and some of the witnesses by an infamous lady senator. I commend the way the prosecution takes all the bad mouthing against them, until it came to a point when one of their members couldn't take it any longer and had to say his piece. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. I agree with what he said that if you want to be respected you have to show some respect yourself. After all respect is not given, it is earned.

No matter how intelligent a person is, that does not give him or her the right to berate people much less curse them, and on national television at that. Neither is it a reason to feel superior to others because we were all created equal and will always remain equal in the eyes of God.

I actually do not pity the prosecution or the witnesses for having to endure this kind of treatment from her. After all everybody sympathizes with them. But it is the lady who deserves commiseration for her behavior. It would probably have been alright if she shows a little bit of remorse after her sudden burst of anger dies down, but I guess that is something we will have to keep hoping for until hell freezes over. She rationalizes with her " If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" theory. I feel sad for her wondering how it feels to survive on a day to day existence knowing there are more people who despise you than like you, if at all. It must be a terrible feeling. But people with this kind of attitude couldn't really care less.

Their behavior is some sort of defense mechanism. They try to put up an unassailable front to make up for an imperfection, or use it as a cover up to make people believe that they are invincible when in fact they are not. Pathetic, aren't they?

One word of advice, if I may be allowed. Be humble even if you are victorious. Do not hide behind your imperfections. Just be yourself no matter how bad or imperfect you maybe and let people accept you for who you really are, and not for what you want them to believe you are.

CHANGES IN OUR LIVES

So many changes happen in our world and in our lives.

Do you sometimes wonder why in the middle of summer, all of a sudden a typhoon comes along? Or even during the rainy season we feel the scorching heat of the sun? Climate change so they say. Athough annoying at times, it doesn't really bother me because this is something we have to live with or something we have no control over.

All of us have gone thru a lot of changes in our lives. Changes from puberty to manhood for boys, and from bobby socks to stockings for girls, just to name a few. These are all part of growing up

Upon reaching adulthood, we often encounter career changes too.

Any positive change is always welcome but not when the change  has a negative effect.

The most disheartening is when people whom we used to regard as friends suddenly develop a change in attitude. Makes me wonder if they were really nice after all, or just making up a front at  a time when we thought they were. All of a sudden we find ourselves slowly drifting apart. Makes me wonder why. Much as we want to hang on, the feeling has got to be mutual. It takes two to tango, right? From friends, they simply revert to being mere acquaintances again. Back to square one.

Sad, but that is the reality of life.

PERCEPTION OF AN ATHEIST

The other night my curiosity was aroused while I was watching the "Bottomline" on a local channel because the resource person happened to be an atheist.

I was interested to hear his arguments because I've never spoken to an atheist before.

He struck me as a nice and very intelligent man. He was brought up a Catholic and studied in an exclusive Catholic school for boys.

He described himself as a free thinker and a humanist. When asked why he became an atheist, he said he was disillusioned with the things happening in the world. He says God does not exist and being a humanist, he believes that the highest being happens to be us humans so that we should treat and respect each other well. He also said that everybody is welcome to be a friend regardless of whether you believe in God or not. He also respects other people's opinions.

Before he became an atheist, he said he was full of anxiety as to whether what he was doing was good or bad. But since he became one, he is now more relaxed because he does not believe that hell exists either. When asked as to what he thinks would happen to him after he dies, he said that would simply mean the end of everything because there is no life after death.

It is very ironic that his name happens to be Emmanuel, and as we Christians know, it means God is with us. When told about this, he was amused and said he would simply delete the word "with" so it would mean God is us, once again standing by his belief that there is no higher authority than human beings.

As I was intently listening to him, I remembered what a priest told me about going to hell. He said that even murderers, thieves, rapists, etc., and even the most evil person for that matter, may still be spared from hell because there are only two criteria for a person to go to hell. One is that you don't believe God exists, and second is you have turned your back completely on God. If I were to base my judgment on this man based solely on these criteria, I am afraid that he might just go to hell.

But trying to decipher his answers, I am inclined to believe that one day he will change his perception about God.

When asked what could possibly convince him that there is a God, he said maybe if the clouds should open and I hear a voice talking to me. Also following the same line of thought, when asked if God would appear to him and convince him that He does exist, would he believe? His answer was yes.

So there is still hope. Maybe it just takes some more convincing.

I am optimistic that the day will come when he would realize that indeed there is a God, the same God who is constantly watching him and just waiting for his Prodigal Son to come home.

And maybe being named Emmanuel is not ironic after all. It will always serve to remind him that despite his loss of faith, God will never leave him.