Never Forgotten

A glimpse into the life of one of the greatest storytellers of our time...

Happy Hearts Day!

Be still, my heart.

1 A.D.

Hallelujah!

It is going to be exactly a year and one day in a couple of hours since my first entry for this blog. Honestly, I did not expect this online journal to last a year - but I sure hoped hard it would. Now that Adsum Domine has crossed the one year mark, I am all smiles and my heart is on cloud nine.

I have started and [eventually] ended several blogs in the past seven years for many reasons like lack of time, not so user-friendly hosting sites, difficult internet access and so on. In spite of the many challenges that the online world poses, I have convinced myself to look at them as little distractions to the real opportunities instead: opportunities to spread the Word, to touch lives, and to open new horizons.

2009 was an uphill climb but it was worth the struggle if only to see what's waiting at the top... and it was definitely a breathtaking view I'll never forget.

This year, it's time to take chances and defy gravity.

Find Me

Today closes a full circle of a year that has passed since I came back from a half a year stay with my relatives in the United States. What a year it has been.

Before I left the country in June 2008, I told myself and certain close friends that the trip is going to be the opportunity for 'soul searching' I've always wanted to have. Since the path after college overwhelmingly branched out to so many different directions, I promised myself that I'd take a back road for a while and figure out where I'm headed for in life. I suddenly realized a few days post-graduation that twenty long years didn't seem that long after all. In fact, it passed by a little too quickly than I thought it would.

Six months in a looking glass away from home also flew by much like a breeze passing through a field. I knew I came back the same person but with broader perspectives, stronger convictions, better values, and deeper faith in God. However, the questions I have when I left still remained unanswered even after arriving back in the Philippines. My period of 'soul searching' was finished but I still haven't found what I've been looking for. At the time, I possibly felt more at a loss than ever.

As I began to re-adjust to life at home, I slowly found my place under the sun without being aware of it. It was like being given a second chance in life - a clean slate to start all over again. Now I've come to understand that 'soul searching' doesn't mean you have to isolate yourself to a far away place in order to have an epiphany. It means looking within... for wherever you go, there YOU are. You are the one thing you cannot escape from.

I have come to the conclusion that, indeed, "Home is where the heart is".

I couldn't be more thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to rediscover who I am and who I can be. Life is truly about the journey - going through every experience we face each day with much gusto. The destination is a bonus, an affirmation of what it took the sojourner to get there.

For almost eight months now, I am blessed every single day to be working with kids with special needs at a therapy center in the metropolis [after a whirlwind of serious decision-making]. I am wonderfully blessed to be living my dream of being a catalyst for good change and a positive influence in society. Moreover, I couldn't have asked for a more supportive family and circle of friends.

I am eternally thankful because when God found me, He not only helped me find Him - He also helped me find me.

Penniless yet Priceless

Poverty has been in the world even before the time of Jesus Christ. There are plenty of stories in the Bible of beggars on the streets, lame and blind people asking for alms, and lepers dying isolated from the rest of society.

More than 2000 years later, many people from all over the world still continue to live in dire conditions. In the Philippines alone, the entire national population consists of what is called CLASS E or majority poor - of which, most even live below the poverty line: "Mahirap pa sa mahirap" (Poorer than poor). I often find myself thinking such conditions, sadly, do not merit the term living but mere existence instead.

There are several causes of poverty: macroeconomic issues, population explosion, agriculture problems, unemployment, poor governance, corruption, armed conflict, disability, limited access, and so on. Although the terms sound depressing, I know that there are many efforts to address such concerns not just on a local level but on a global scale. One such effort is an awareness campaign celebrated today:

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is celebrated every year on October 17 throughout the world. It was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1992, but the first commemoration of the event took place in Paris, France, in 1987 when 100,000 people gathered on the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at the Trocadéro to honour victims of poverty, hunger, violence and fear.

Bloggers Unite: The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Living in a third world country, I could not emphasize more the need for us to share our blessings with the less fortunate... and beyond the need, I give more importance to our want, our desire, to help others.

The poor may be penniless but they are priceless. They are also created in the image and likeness of God just like us. When Jesus died on the cross to save mankind, that means no one is exempted.

While we have the physical and socio-economic concerns of the anawims of society in mind, I more strongly believe that we should also have their spiritual growth on the priority list. For even though we have helped them live this life, there is a much more important eternal life that we have to prepare them for.

I dislike to be the one to burst the bubble but I am aware that total eradication of poverty in this fallen world is an ideal. It is not going to happen. We can strive to alleviate the conditions of brothers and sisters in need but we can never truly make poverty history until the Lord comes back to bring with Him a new world.

Until then, onwards, Christian soldier.

Salamat, Tita Cory

Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino

January 25, 1933 - August 1, 2009

"Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope."

(Image from PCIJ.org)

Today is a national day of mourning for the passing away of a Philippine gem, former president Cory Aquino. Today she was laid to rest beside her one and only love, former senator and Filipino hero, Ninoy Aquino at the Manila Memorial Cemetery.

I am very humbled to be a part of this great moment in Philippine history.

My dad, who served in the Philippine Air Force during the Marcos regime and the Aquino administration, was part of the struggle during the Martial Law and the challenge to keep democracy attained after EDSA Revolution. He fought during the bloodiest coup d'etat in 1989 and experienced firsthand the battle for freedom. Years later, he remembers the important role former president Aquino played during the People Power.

"A day before December 1, 1989, at the height of the bloodiest coup d’etat. I brought the helicopter to Lucena because we had information na 'papasukin ang Sangley'. I was the only one able to bolt out of the base the day before, hence I was the only one called by the Chief of Staff to support them in Camp Aguinaldo at all costs. While supporting the friendly government troops, three F5 fighter planes from Basa Air Base supported the friendly forces in Sangley Point that cost the life of Major Danilo Atienza after disabling the tora-tora used by rebel soldiers. We were hit by enemy groundfire, luckily it hit the side of the armor plate, which was an inch away from the co-pilot.

Due to our wholehearted and unfailing support for President Corazon Aquino, our commander-in-chief, even with bullet holes from our main and tail rotor, we managed to fly the helicopter to give support to the government troops. We stayed overnight at Basa for it was the only safe place to stay then. On the wee hours of the following day, we supported again the friendly troops in Camp Aguinaldo firing the 2.75 rockets successively. That historic event ultimately contributed to the defeat and fall of the rebel forces, and there, frustrating again an attempt. For conspicuous gallantry acts of heroism and exemplary demonstration of utmost loyalty as combat pilot above and beyond the call of duty to preserve our democracy that led to the fall of the rebel soldiers, we were given the second highest award, the Distinguished Conduct Star."

Today, he and I went to Roxas Boulevard to await the funeral cortege of the late president Cory Aquino to pay our respects for all the sacrifices that she has made for us, for the the Filipino people.

Her story, for me, is that of a modern-day Esther. God had big plans for Cory that no one could even begin to imagine. When Cory's husband, Ninoy, was assassinated because of the ideals he stood for during a chaotic time in our history, the simple yet outstanding housewife became president of the Republic of the Philippines. I believe that it was destined to be so in God's plan. Ninoy and Cory's life is a beautiful story of unconditional love, enduring longsuffering, and brilliant heroism.

I wish to share so much more but words escape me that is why I decided to express myself with the pictures I took during today's emotional funeral for the late former president.

Hover on photos for captions. Click pictures for a larger resolution.

The entire time we waited for the funeral march, we were listening to the radio in order to know what was happening during the funeral mass at the Manila Cathedral. When Cory's youngest daughter, Kris, gave her speech - I tried to hold back my tears. So did my father. We were both sitting in the car quietly lost in our own thoughts.

The event today was a real awakening of history sleeping in the pages of millions of books. This is the authentic History 101. Memories of singing "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" during my second grade Social Sciences class came into mind with much greater relevance. So this is what it was like. I now understand the importance of history. His story, her story, our story. It is still alive and flowing in my veins.

After hours of waiting, I finally had the chance to see the former president's casket and pay respect to this great woman of prayer and democracy.

Cory Aquino loved the Filipinos dearly up to the very end even after leaving the seat of presidency. Now it's our turn to show her and her family how much we love her in return.


My Sony Cybershot camera ran out of battery after taking the photo below, hence I used my Nokia phone to take the rest of the pictures.

According to the news, Cory's funeral was very similar to the funeral of Ninoy. Once again, thousands of people gathered as one family... this time to mourn the loss of such a great Filipina. Being a part of this lamentation as one with the nation is something I can share with my future children and grandchildren (God-willing). I promise myself this day that I will do my best to strive for the ideals that the Aquino couple stood for, fought for, and died for.

"True people power is prayer power." Indeed.

Maraming, maraming salamat po, Tita Cory.

You will live on forever in our hearts.

Hanggang sa muli...

Paalam.

manKIND

Today, Bloggers Unite for Human Rights 2009.

We believe that all people are born with basic rights and freedoms - life, liberty, and justice.

For this event, I became particularly interested in Youth for Human Rights International. I browsed their site and learned a few things - important things.

I learned that 'in 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights', a copy of which can be downloaded from the YHRI website. In fact, there is a petition urging "all member countries to follow the wishes of the General Assembly and cause the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."

There are 30 of these rights namely:

1: We Are All Born Free & Equal
2: Don't Discriminate
3: The Right to Life
4: No Slavery
5: No Torture
6: You Have Rights No Matter Where You Go
7: We're All Equal Before the Law
8: Your Human Rights Are Protected by Law
9: No Unfair Detainment
10: The Right to Trial
11: We're Always Innocent Till Proven Guilty
12: The Right to Privacy
13: Freedom to Move
14: The Right to Seek a Safe Place to Live
15: Right to a Nationality
16: Marriage and Family
17: The Right to Your Own Things
18: Freedom of Thought
19: Freedom of Expression
20: The Right to Public Assembly
21: The Right to Democracy
22: Social Security
23: Workers' Rights
24: The Right to Play
25: Food and Shelter for All
26: The Right to Education
27: Copyright
28: A Fair and Free World
29: Responsibility
30: No One Can Take Away Your Human Rights

In a world where boundaries are often overlooked and overstepped, I think this is something worth knowing. I have studied the Philippine Government and Constitution when I was in my senior year in college and it has been truly helpful knowing where I stand as a citizen of my native land. However, living in a world where the the planet has become but a global village, I strongly believe that this Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be made known to every person.

In line with taking action for Human Rights, I pay my tribute to the late great Michael Jackson. His song, "Heal the World", is closest to my heart among his many dearly loved music hits. The video below of his performance on January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, California is for me his most stellar performance.

Too often, people are remembered for the good that they have done when they have passed away. While they are here, we often notice what's wrong more than what's right. We live with other people as if they'll live forever but the instant they are gone, we pay them tribute as if they never left. When will we ever learn to cherish people while they are still here?

It was really sad to see the Michael Jackson's life go downhill. He started as a very promising young boy full of talent and aspirations. Unfortunately, he ended becoming less and less the person God wants him to be. Nevetheless, the life of one of the most famous music icons of our time - harsh controversies, humanitarian efforts and all - was not without society's influence.

I quote: "I am what I am because of who we all are"...

"Ubuntu" is an idea present in African spirituality that says "I am because we are" - or we are all connected, we cannot be ourselves without community, health and faith are always lived out among others, an individual’s well being is caught up in the well being of others.

(Source: Wikipedia)

The way his journey ended reminded me of Vincent van Gogh's own struggles portrayed in Don McLean's song "Vincent". Sadly, while millions of people adored him, only a few was able to stand by his side when he asked, "Will you be there?"

Indeed, the King of Pop was gone too soon.

Image from Afrobella

Michael Joseph Jackson

August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

Thank you for the music.

We Had Him

by Maya Angelou

(read by Queen Latifah in Michael's memorial service)

Beloveds, now we know that we know nothing, now that our bright and shining star can slip away from our fingertips like a puff of summer wind.

Without notice, our dear love can escape our doting embrace. Sing our songs among the stars and walk our dances across the face of the moon.

In the instant that Michael is gone, we know nothing. No clocks can tell time. No oceans can rush our tides with the abrupt absence of our treasure.

Though we are many, each of us is achingly alone, piercingly alone.

Only when we confess our confusion can we remember that he was a gift to us and we did have him.

He came to us from the creator, trailing creativity in abundance.

Despite the anguish, his life was sheathed in mother love, family love, and survived and did more than that.

He thrived with passion and compassion, humor and style. We had him whether we know who he was or did not know, he was ours and we were his.

We had him, beautiful, delighting our eyes.

His hat, aslant over his brow, and took a pose on his toes for all of us.

And we laughed and stomped our feet for him.

We were enchanted with his passion because he held nothing. He gave us all he had been given.

Today in Tokyo, beneath the Eiffel Tower, in Ghana's Black Star Square.

In Johannesburg and Pittsburgh, in Birmingham, Alabama, and Birmingham, England

We are missing Michael.

But we do know we had him, and we are the world.

Last Song Syndrome

Hale is one of my favorite Original Pinoy Music (OPM) bands. When they emerged into mainstream music with a new pop rock genre of 'melodrama' almost four years ago, I instantly became a fan. I watched their concert at De La Salle Lipa (my elementary and high school alma mater) with some friends back in December 29, 2005. It was a blast!

Since then, however, it's been years since I last listened to any of Hale's songs. I have no idea what 's going on with the band until recently.

A couple of weeks ago, I discovered Hale's single "Sandali na Lang" (which roughly translates to "a few moments more" or "in a little while") from their album Above, Over and Beyond and I simply love it. The music video is awesome, too! I really like the setting. It's at the beach. I have been watching it every time I go online and I have been singing/listening to the song all the time. Talk about 'last song syndrome' (LSS)' - a slang people here use to describe a state of having a song stuck in your head.

(I have no work today. Ironically, the weather isn't threatening and the sun is actually shining outside my window. Who knows, though, I may be speaking too soon.)

Mama, I love you

Para sa isang Dakilang INA 

© 2009 Julie Ann Caringal

INAkay mo ako 

noong ako'y sanggol pa lamang

bINAntayan bawat araw, bawat gabi

at bINAlot ng wagas na pag-ibig

INAlalayan mo ako sa aking paglaki

kung saan saksi ang buong mundo

INAruga mo ang bawat isang

magandang katangian sa puso kong ito

 
Ako'y iyong INAalo

sa panahon ng kalungkutan at pighati

at ako'y iyong pINApatawad

anuman ang pagkakamali

Kaya abot langit ang aking pasasalamat

sa Poong Maykapal

na ibinigay Niya sa akin

ang isang INAng walang katulad

Happy MOTHER's Day, Mama!

Balik Fernando 2009

Balik Fernando is an annual gathering of the Philippine Flying School Alumni.

This year's host class was Class 79 - my dad's class when he graduated from flying school. He and his classmates, the Pearl Jubillarians, celebrate 30 years of amazing brotherhood this 2009.

In this year's homecoming, the guest of honor and speaker was Gen Alexander B Yano AFP (Ret), former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff. Another special guest was LtGen Oscar H Rabena AFP, Commanding General, PAF. The Chairman of PAFFSAI, BGen Artemio G Orozco AFP, was also present.

Gilberto "Gilbert" Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr., the current Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines, graced Balik Fernando as well. He arrived during lunch while everyone was enjoying the great food near the hangar and runway.

Isaiah 41:10 (NASB) says, "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

There was a time when I flew over the Mindanao area; we encountered bad weather going to Cotabato. We were forced to land somewhere unfamiliar to us along the route. We were told by a resident in the area not to stay there any longer because the rebels were just hovering nearby so we left the place immediately. Surely God sent His angel in the person of that resident who led us back to safety.

In December 1, 1989, at the height of the bloodiest coup d’ etat, I brought the helicopter to Lucena because we had information na “papasukin ang Sangley”. I was the only one able to bolt out of the base the day before, hence I was the only one called by the Chief of Staff to support them in Camp Aguinaldo. While supporting the friendly government troops, we were hit by enemy groundfire, luckily it hit the side of the armor plate, which was an inch away from the co-pilot. Due to our wholehearted support that led to the fall of the rebel soldiers, we were awarded as the Distinguished Conduct Star, 2nd highest award, next to the Medal of Valor. It was my 58th combat mission...

- Excerpt from my dad's sharing during BCBP breakfasts

Growing up with a father [and a maternal grandfather] with significant involvement in the military is a unique privilege and experience. I just love being a part of their life story. That is why during our senior year in high school, I was beaming with joy to be awarded as Model Cadette of Flight Delta (which was composed of our section BB42) at the end of our year-long Civilian Army Training or CAT. Ahhhh, those were the days. :)

For fighting for what you believe in, Papa, I salute you. :)

Do you remember when...?

Tonight, I've taken a trip down memory lane. One that really gave me the goosebumps. I got that 'feeling'... like unexpectedly stumbling upon something you thought you've lost for good.

When I was in third grade, our class adviser encouraged me to join the inter-class singing competition. I was hesitant at first. I told our adviser I would think about it. At that age, I wasn't totally invincible to stage fright. I told Mama about the invitation and she said my aunt, Tita Ana, who sang in our home church choir, could help me if I wanted to join. She's a good singer. Hmmm..

When I finally made up my mind, I told our adviser I was willing to represent our class in the contest. The challenge? It was a duet. Our adviser told me I could choose my singing partner.

Okay... But who?

I can't exactly tell you how it all happened but Ivan Lemuel ended up being my partner-in-crime. I think I asked him if he wanted to sing with me. (Hahaha!) He's one of my childhood friends. We were classmates from elementary to high school; we practically grew up together. My sister and his sister were classmates, too. His family is a close friend of ours.

My aunt chose the song we were to sing in the competition. It was "Kahit Habang Buhay" by Smokey Mountain, one of my favorite OPM bands whose songs mostly revolved around social, environmental, and patriotic themes. (The band, however, was active only until 1995.) The song title roughly translates to "even if it's for life". The song is about two people who love each other but both thought that the other already loves someone else. They sing about waiting for each other even if it meant waiting for as long as they lived. (Thinking about it now, the song really wasn't appropriate for our age. It's a good thing mainstream music didn't get the best of us then.)

To prepare for the singing contest, Ivan (I don't know if he still wants to be called Lemy. :P) and I would go to each other's house to practice in the afternoons and weekends. The whole ordeal was more tiring than I originally thought. Moreover, I was still a lot boyish during third grade. Imagine the weird feeling I had in my tummy when I realized that 'I am a girl that was actually singing with a boy', even if he was a friend. And I have to wear a dress during the contest. And we have to hold hands as 'choreography' for some parts of the song. Ugh. Cooties. Thinking about it now really brings me good-natured laughter though. :)

To cut the long story short, let us proceed to the results. We won first place in the singing contest. :) Both our moms watched us perform - they were both very happy and proud. I was overjoyed, too. It was a promising start for my singing career. Just kidding. On a more serious note, I was glad I joined. I learned a lot from that experience. It was one of the first few steps I had towards conquering my fear of facing the public. That moment also proved that somehow, I can sing. :D

Kahit Habang Buhay

Smokey Mountain

Chedi Vergara:

Nakakalito ang mundo.

Kung sinong mahal mo, s'yang ayaw sa 'yo

H'wag sanang masayang itong

Damdamin kong laan sa 'yo.

James Coronel:

Pa'no naman ako?

Kay tagal ko nang umibig sa 'yo.

H'wag sanang masayang itong

Damdamin kong laan sa 'yo.

CHORUS

Duet:

Kahit habang buhay maghihintay ako sa 'yo.

Kahit pa maglaho ang mundo.

Kahit habang buhay maghihintay ako sa 'yo.

Asahan mong hindi magpapalit

Itong damdamin ko.

James Coronel:

Pa'no naman ako?

Kay tagal ko nang umibig sa 'yo.

Chedi Vergara:

H'wag sanang masayang itong

Damdamin kong laan sa 'yo.

CHORUS

Duet:

Kahit habang buhay maghihintay ako sa 'yo.

Kahit pa maglaho ang mundo.

Kahit habang buhay maghihintay ako sa 'yo.

Asahan mong hindi magpapalit

Itong damdamin ko.

James Coronel:

Pa'no naman ako? ooh...

Chedi Vergara:

Nakakalito ang mundo

Duet:

Kung sinong mahal mo, s'yang ayaw sa 'yo...

Kung sinong mahal mo, s'yang ayaw sa 'yo...

Kahit habang buhay maghihintay ako sa 'yo.

Kahit pa maglaho ang mundo.

Kahit habang buhay maghihintay ako sa 'yo.

Asahan mong hindi magpapalit

Hindi-hindi magpapalit

Hindi-hindi magpapalit

Itong damdamin ko.

In addition to this journey to the past, I recently reactivated my Facebook account and have been reconnecting with classmates and acquaintances from my former alma mater. I can't quite put words into the experience of seeing how much we've all grown up since elementary or high school.

I feel old - like the classic senescent adult...

Well, I'm getting there. :)

Unite for Hunger and Hope

Today, peoples of the world Unite for Hunger and Hope.

I was chatting with LJ last April 21st and the topic on poverty and hunger came up. He and I attended the same college and are both part of EARTH-UST, an environmental advocacy group. We had quite the discussion about how many people have the wrong attitude/mentality regarding this issue like:

If we don't finish our food, it's not a guarantee that the hungry will be fed by it.

Why don't you give your extra food to those on the streets instead of giving them money, which they can misuse on addictive gambling, criminal syndicates and illegal drugs?

If we give our leftovers to street children and they get an upset stomach or get sick because of it, we might get blamed for what happened.

Well, have you seen the video below? LJ shared to me this video (which his mom shared with him) that I now wish to share with you.

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Synopsis

'This film is about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition. This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society. The people who live on the refuse of men to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left this people.'

I live in a developing country and watching this video still moves my heart. Almost every day, I encounter a similar reality. If you think being surrounded by hunger and poverty situations is desensitizing, you're wrong. Each time is an opportunity to make a contribution in making lives better.

Each time, I ask myself this: "What would Jesus do?"

In Light of Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season. A time of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter, Lent is also a call to self-denial because this life was only lent to us. Our time here on earth is but a blink of an eye in eternity yet it matters greatly what we do with the time and life that is given to us. In the sermon this evening at church, everyone was reminded that we must die every single day and live every single day. And how is that? Philippians 1:21 answers us: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
May we reflect on and do wholeheartedly the more important things in life this Lent.

Lead me, Lord

It's been almost a year since I graduated from college and I have to say that it's been an interesting, although sometimes frustrating, experience no longer having a definite path laid out before me. For the longest time, it seemed that whenever I'd find myself at a crossroads, the next step for me is readily indicated in a huge billboard that I can't miss. After I finished elementary, it was time to move on to high school. Four years later, I was on my way to college. Now that I'm an certified alumna, what's next? Work and further studies. But in what field? Where? When? Gone are the directive billboards. They've been replaced by the signpost with so many arrows pointing to so many directions.

I talked to one of my close friends from the university last evening and our conversation was a mixture of sorts: a trip down memory lane (more than anything else), an evaluation of the present, and a glimpse of the future. When we said goodbye, though feeling happy that we talked, I felt an uncertainty in myself. Oftentimes, I get that feeling - the feeling of having stood still while the rest of the world has gone forward.

I was browsing my files and folders when I stumbled upon one of the videos I made for Social Teachings of the Church class in my senior year in college. My groupmates and I had to present a report; before we began, I played this video I made for our opening prayer. The song featured in it is "Lead Me, Lord" sung by one of my favorite Filipino artists, Gary Valenciano. (The pictures included aren't mine. Some of them are from friends while the others are from the internet.)

My spirit rejoices in finding this video and listening to the song after a long time. I would like to say I am not lost afterall but that, perhaps, I have merely lost my way. So I pray to God, "Lead me, Lord".