There is, however, another force that causes one to fall. Fall, in the sense that it’s often unintentional and uncontrollable. A type of falling where the injuries that you get from it, should your fall be disastrous, are not manifested physically, but is so severe that it sometimes causes deep wounds that take too long to heal, broken bones that don’t mend completely, and scars that don’t go away. This force has baffled the minds of great scientists, and cannot be measured or defined in linear quantities. A force that knows no bounds; a force that defies all logic and reason; a force called love.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Why fall?
Fall, in the dictionary, is defined as, to drop or come down freely under the influence of gravity. If you fall, it is not because you wanted to fall, but because something acted on you to fall. It is rather unintentional and uncontrollable. You can resist it for a time, but eventually you will fall. One can only jump as high as gravity allows. Gravity is the reason we fall. Without it, there would simply be no falling.
There is, however, another force that causes one to fall. Fall, in the sense that it’s often unintentional and uncontrollable. A type of falling where the injuries that you get from it, should your fall be disastrous, are not manifested physically, but is so severe that it sometimes causes deep wounds that take too long to heal, broken bones that don’t mend completely, and scars that don’t go away. This force has baffled the minds of great scientists, and cannot be measured or defined in linear quantities. A force that knows no bounds; a force that defies all logic and reason; a force called love.
There is, however, another force that causes one to fall. Fall, in the sense that it’s often unintentional and uncontrollable. A type of falling where the injuries that you get from it, should your fall be disastrous, are not manifested physically, but is so severe that it sometimes causes deep wounds that take too long to heal, broken bones that don’t mend completely, and scars that don’t go away. This force has baffled the minds of great scientists, and cannot be measured or defined in linear quantities. A force that knows no bounds; a force that defies all logic and reason; a force called love.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Coffee Break
You looked into my eyes as if trying to see through my mind.
You kept smiling a smile of real joy.
A smile that got me bewitched and attracted to you.
Everything was right when i met you.
The sky was unbelievably blue.
The air was cool and fresh.
Every color was amplified by the radiance of the sun.
...and your eyes....
I have never looked into someones eyes like that before.
Everything was strangely perfect when we started talking.
Everything fell into place at the right time.
Like puzzle pieces fit perfectly together to make a beautiful picture.
...and it all started one Sudnay morning on that coffee break.
Its like someone conspired to bring us together that day.
We were indifferent to each other at first.
We didn't even try to talk.
But its strange when you think about it....
....because look where we are now.
You kept smiling a smile of real joy.
A smile that got me bewitched and attracted to you.
Everything was right when i met you.
The sky was unbelievably blue.
The air was cool and fresh.
Every color was amplified by the radiance of the sun.
...and your eyes....
I have never looked into someones eyes like that before.
Everything was strangely perfect when we started talking.
Everything fell into place at the right time.
Like puzzle pieces fit perfectly together to make a beautiful picture.
...and it all started one Sudnay morning on that coffee break.
Its like someone conspired to bring us together that day.
We were indifferent to each other at first.
We didn't even try to talk.
But its strange when you think about it....
....because look where we are now.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Rain, Lightning, Triple Choco Boom, Ninoy
I was on my way out of our office building when I noticed that the rain was strong outside. Coupled with strong winds and lightnings, it was total chaos outside. I decided then to stay for a while and let the storm ease up a bit. I headed for the food park on the third floor, bought triple choco boom from Country Style, and took a window side seat to watch the fireworks outside; lightning bolt.
While i was munching away on the chocolate covered pastry, i couldn't help but hear the conversation of two men seated at the table opposite mine. The first guy was a bit stout, wore glasses, had short hair, and did most of the talking. The other man was slim, had long hair, did most of the nodding in agreement to the other guy. I heard them talk about movies. The stout guy told the other guy not to watch Babylon AD because it sucks. He did however recommend The Dark Knight, which he claimed had 94% consistent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I was glad to hear that....i am, after all, a Batman fan.
The conversation shifted to Ninoy. I heard the stout guy ask, "If Ninoy didn't die, would he still be respected or viewed the way people see him now? or would he be despised in the same way as our current leaders?" The thin guy didn't answer immediately, which prompted the stout guy to say, "i think he will be seen like our current leaders." According to him, Ninoy had no plans of dying. The reason why we hail him as a hero today was because he died and the media glorified his image. His plan was actually to get Marcos' blessing to be his successor to the presidency. Ninoy's plan was to become president. Ninoy had agreements with the ASEAN, Japan, and the MNLF. I didn't hear most of what those agreements were since i was also preoccupied in watching the lightning bolts as they hit lighting rod after lightning rod on top of buildings. I heard him say, "The Filipino is worth dying for. Yeah right! Ninoy had no plans of dying."
To some extent, i agree with him. The part where.."if ninoy didn't die..."...that part. If Ninoy didn't die and he became president, we would probably label him no better then the "trapos" that are now seated in the system and taking advantage of the taxes that you and i pay every month during payday. Now, whether or not he conspired with the ASEAN or MNLF cannot be proven as of yet. At least i haven't seen any documents that support such things. It may or may not be true. I guess we will never see what would've happened if Ninoy didn't die. All we can do now is accept the fact that he died, and his death triggered one of the most prominent events in Filipino history.
After the ninoy episode, i decided I heard enough and seen enough lightning for one night. I stood up and headed home.
While i was munching away on the chocolate covered pastry, i couldn't help but hear the conversation of two men seated at the table opposite mine. The first guy was a bit stout, wore glasses, had short hair, and did most of the talking. The other man was slim, had long hair, did most of the nodding in agreement to the other guy. I heard them talk about movies. The stout guy told the other guy not to watch Babylon AD because it sucks. He did however recommend The Dark Knight, which he claimed had 94% consistent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I was glad to hear that....i am, after all, a Batman fan.
The conversation shifted to Ninoy. I heard the stout guy ask, "If Ninoy didn't die, would he still be respected or viewed the way people see him now? or would he be despised in the same way as our current leaders?" The thin guy didn't answer immediately, which prompted the stout guy to say, "i think he will be seen like our current leaders." According to him, Ninoy had no plans of dying. The reason why we hail him as a hero today was because he died and the media glorified his image. His plan was actually to get Marcos' blessing to be his successor to the presidency. Ninoy's plan was to become president. Ninoy had agreements with the ASEAN, Japan, and the MNLF. I didn't hear most of what those agreements were since i was also preoccupied in watching the lightning bolts as they hit lighting rod after lightning rod on top of buildings. I heard him say, "The Filipino is worth dying for. Yeah right! Ninoy had no plans of dying."
To some extent, i agree with him. The part where.."if ninoy didn't die..."...that part. If Ninoy didn't die and he became president, we would probably label him no better then the "trapos" that are now seated in the system and taking advantage of the taxes that you and i pay every month during payday. Now, whether or not he conspired with the ASEAN or MNLF cannot be proven as of yet. At least i haven't seen any documents that support such things. It may or may not be true. I guess we will never see what would've happened if Ninoy didn't die. All we can do now is accept the fact that he died, and his death triggered one of the most prominent events in Filipino history.
After the ninoy episode, i decided I heard enough and seen enough lightning for one night. I stood up and headed home.
Dilemmas of a young Adventist: Finding the right Job
A young Adventist, after finishing a college degree, hunts for a job. He applies in different companies. In his first application he makes it to the final interview and is told that he is most suited for the job, but at the final interview he is asked if he can work on Saturdays. This comes as a shock to the young man, he pauses for a while to think, then politely answers that he is not able to. The interviewer tries to convince the young man that there is nothing bad in working during Saturdays, and assures him that God will understand. The young Adventist again politely answers with a firm NO. He is then informed that the company cannot hire him. He is dismissed and he leaves the company premises teary eyed. The same scenario replays itself seven times in his quest for a job. Second, third, fourth, fifth time, he gets frustrated and starts to question God. In the sixth instance he starts to entertain working on Sabbath, and in the seventh time he accepts the job even though he has to work on Saturdays. He completely turns his back on his religious principles and turns away from God. He then becomes successful and amasses a fortune and becomes an elite of this nation. He is never seen in the church ever again. The man dies of a heart attack at age 60.
This is a dilemma for most Adventist young people. You try to apply for a job and you get rejected just because you can’t work on Saturday. As Adventists, we should not see this as something negative, but as an experience to grow from. This is a test of faith that will determine how strong you really are. Do not expect that life will be easier after finishing school, it is not. Do not expect that you will get a job right after graduating from college. Reality bites, and temptations wait. The enemy has many tactics and this is one of them. You will be offered a job, with a salary way over your expectations, but the condition is you will have to work on Saturdays. I remember my first time in applying for a job. My initial interview went well, but at my second interview, I was asked if I could work on Saturday, and I said, “No.”. I was dismissed and I left the interview room in despair. I applied in another company and I was lucky enough to make it in the final interview, and was accepted for the job. During the contract signing, I realized that I was obliged to work on some Saturdays. I thought to myself, “I could probably negotiate my schedule.” – This would turn out differently. My entire seven months in the job was not very productive. My relationship with the Lord was at its lowest. Realizing my mistake, I earnestly prayed to the Lord for a way out, and He did not deny me my request. At the end of the seventh month, I was transferred to Manila, and was given a very desirable work schedule Monday to Friday; 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and I am proud to say I was also given a raise. Praise the Lord for that!
A lot have fallen, like the young Adventist and I, but I pray that you will not fall into this trap. Stand firm in the principles that we hold dear. Pray and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Do not lose hope for God has plans for you and me. But “in case” you fall, and I hope you don’t, ask Him for help. He helped my escape; I am very much sure He will help you too.
Keep in mind that earthly things are temporary and that our goal is not in this world. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36 (KJV)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
School Bus
Araw-araw hinihintay ka sa tapat ng bahay nyo.
Susunduin at ihahatid san ka man patungo.
Babatiin ka na may ngiti sa labi.
Sabuong byahe ikaw ang katabi.
Ako'y umaasa ay nananalangin,
Na sa iba'y huwag ka nang tumingin.
Nandito ako, maninilbihan sayo.
Sana ako nalang ang school bus mo.
Minsang susunduin ka, di kita nakita.
Matagak akong naghintay pero wala ka na.
Ano ang nangyari? sabihin mo sana.
Balita ko'y may sports car ka na.
Ako'y nasaktan at puso ko'y nasugatan.
Ano nga naman ang laban ko sa sports car mo.
Ngunit kung sakali man, and sports car mo'y masiraan.
Sasagipin kita kahit san ka man.
Susunduin at ihahatid san ka man patungo.
Babatiin ka na may ngiti sa labi.
Sabuong byahe ikaw ang katabi.
Ako'y umaasa ay nananalangin,
Na sa iba'y huwag ka nang tumingin.
Nandito ako, maninilbihan sayo.
Sana ako nalang ang school bus mo.
Minsang susunduin ka, di kita nakita.
Matagak akong naghintay pero wala ka na.
Ano ang nangyari? sabihin mo sana.
Balita ko'y may sports car ka na.
Ako'y nasaktan at puso ko'y nasugatan.
Ano nga naman ang laban ko sa sports car mo.
Ngunit kung sakali man, and sports car mo'y masiraan.
Sasagipin kita kahit san ka man.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Pagikot ng mundo
Minsan sana tumigil ang oras, kahit isang taon lang, na walang tatanda at walang prublema.
Pero, hindi nga naman natin mapapatigil ang oras. Ang magagawa lang natin ay harapin lahat ng prublema habang tayoy tumatanda.
Ang bilis lumipas ng panahon ano? Parang kahapon lang noong una tayong magkakilala.
Kung iisipin, ilang taon narin ang lumipas. Marami nang nangyari, at ang mga pagkakamali ay di na mailalagay sa tama.
Ngunit kahit ganun pa man, naging masaya din tayo minsan. Ang mga matatamis na alaala ang baon ko sa paglipas ng panahon.
Salamat at nakilala kita. Di kita malilimutan habang buhay. Maglaho man ako sa mundong ito.
Pero, hindi nga naman natin mapapatigil ang oras. Ang magagawa lang natin ay harapin lahat ng prublema habang tayoy tumatanda.
Ang bilis lumipas ng panahon ano? Parang kahapon lang noong una tayong magkakilala.
Kung iisipin, ilang taon narin ang lumipas. Marami nang nangyari, at ang mga pagkakamali ay di na mailalagay sa tama.
Ngunit kahit ganun pa man, naging masaya din tayo minsan. Ang mga matatamis na alaala ang baon ko sa paglipas ng panahon.
Salamat at nakilala kita. Di kita malilimutan habang buhay. Maglaho man ako sa mundong ito.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The number 32
The cool air greets me as i walk out of the elevator. I think to myself, "Ah! the 32nd floor." "Good morning sir!", the guard forces a smile from his face. "Good morning." He gives me my proxy card and I proceed to my desk. "Teet toot teet", keypad of the proxy sensor chimes as i enter my PIN. I swing the door open. The lights are still off its just 7:40 in the morning. The floor is illuminated by the faint daylight peircing through the thick blinds that cover the office windows. I quickly make my way to my desk, logon to the PC and check my mail, "hmm! no email yet." It wasn't surpising. I put down my old backpack on the space beside my PC. The tune on Ironman by Black Sabbath starts to play in my mind as i reach for my mobile phone to text my fiance that i arrived at the office safely. No reply from her. She is probably tired from talking to insurance customers all night. I think to myself, "Maybe she is already asleep. Sweet dreams sweetheart.", as though she would be able to hear me through mental telepathy.
My stomach struggles for something to grind. I dont eat breakfast on weekdays. I stand up as the lights turn on - 8:00 o'clock. I suddenly remember, "I have to buy that fiber supplement. maybe i wont feel hungry after drinking that." I make my way down to the lobby. I buy juice from mini stop and quickly make my way to Watsons to buy the fiber supplement - Php 28.50 in total...not bad.
I walk to the elevators slowly. I hear footsteps behind me, "Its a girl, i can tell by the quick steps and the distict sound of 3-inch stilettos in the floor." The stainless steel elevator doors quickly open, 3 people alight from it. I walk into the elevator and the girl on stilettos follow. "I thought it was a young girl" i thought to myself. It turns out it was a much older woman probably in the late 30's wearing a white, long sleeved, blouse and black pants. She pressed the button for the 38th floor at the same time as i press number 32. She looks at me for a while probably wondering who i was and what i do, and for which company. "Ting", the elevator doors open.
While i was mixing my juice at the pantry, i was thinking of this exact same thing i am writing right now. Finally my physical self has caught up to my imagination and i am now writing as my mind dictates, based on what is happening at this very instant. "kuha ka ng chocolates o." " Wow! thank you po." I smile as the phone rings, "Hello!". Another day of work. By the way, that was an HSBC agent offering me a credit card.
My stomach struggles for something to grind. I dont eat breakfast on weekdays. I stand up as the lights turn on - 8:00 o'clock. I suddenly remember, "I have to buy that fiber supplement. maybe i wont feel hungry after drinking that." I make my way down to the lobby. I buy juice from mini stop and quickly make my way to Watsons to buy the fiber supplement - Php 28.50 in total...not bad.
I walk to the elevators slowly. I hear footsteps behind me, "Its a girl, i can tell by the quick steps and the distict sound of 3-inch stilettos in the floor." The stainless steel elevator doors quickly open, 3 people alight from it. I walk into the elevator and the girl on stilettos follow. "I thought it was a young girl" i thought to myself. It turns out it was a much older woman probably in the late 30's wearing a white, long sleeved, blouse and black pants. She pressed the button for the 38th floor at the same time as i press number 32. She looks at me for a while probably wondering who i was and what i do, and for which company. "Ting", the elevator doors open.
While i was mixing my juice at the pantry, i was thinking of this exact same thing i am writing right now. Finally my physical self has caught up to my imagination and i am now writing as my mind dictates, based on what is happening at this very instant. "kuha ka ng chocolates o." " Wow! thank you po." I smile as the phone rings, "Hello!". Another day of work. By the way, that was an HSBC agent offering me a credit card.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Once burned, twice shy
All of us are afraid of getting hurt. It’s a natural reaction to get away from familiar situations that, in the past, caused us pain. We shun similar situations because we don’t want to get hurt anymore.
Loving someone is the best feeling in the world. It makes you feel like superman. Oftentimes than not, this love isn’t reciprocated. It is during these times that we get burned. You put your trust is someone only to get your heart broken in the end. It brings loneliness, despair, anger, and hate. You start questioning yourself, and you have this feeling of hopelessness. When the time comes to pick up the pieces and start over again, you become extra careful. You train yourself to see differences between the past and the present. You try to find that sign or something that may lead you back to getting hurt. We take lesser risks, we over analyze, we become overly cautious, and sometimes we just stay where we are – afraid to move because we might get hurt. Afraid to take risks, and letting opportunities pass.
I am afraid to get burned again. I already got burned many times. Yet against all logic and reason, I still hope. I still risk my heart even though I know it might not work. Why do I fear it too much, even though I already know what to do just in case I get burned again? Rejection is one of the things I am really afraid of. Maybe that’s why I haven’t made any move yet. Maybe that is why I am afraid to jump off this cliff, because there might be no one to catch me at the bottom. It’s going to hurt really bad if I hit the ground. I guess I just want to be sure before I take the plunge. Being sure isn’t bad. It just takes too much time, Time that should be spent on more worthwhile things…like living and getting burned.
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