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.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
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
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
Monday, September 7, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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?
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?
Monday, August 3, 2009
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.
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.
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