Blast from the Past

You know those very rare times that I'm work-free, albeit tired and sleepy, I try to put them to productive use. My cousins are in town for only a limited time and I want them to see the beauty that lies in the city I now call home.

I know Philippines and Cebu, in isolation, have many interesting historical, political, cultural and social fact that date back to many centuries before. It's a shame we only hear or learn 'a drop in the ocean' from our History teachers and books. To go beyond the four corners of our classroom is our individual challenge.

I wish we could still see men and women from our generation dress this way without fear of mockery. We have  a very beautiful traditional wear, the saya, for the ladies, and barong, for the gentlemen. I've  always  been so  proud of this part of our culture. Let no  man ever disgrace it.

During the olden times, the government has little, if none, traces of corruption in the bureaucracy. How the wicked evolution of this vicious cycle happened, I do not want to know. But there's ignorance in choosing not to know or pretending dumb.

I don't want to sound too philosophical, but believe me there's an overwhelming surge of pride and dignity when you enter a place filled with enriching stories and artifacts of the past. In my head, I ask the many whys and hows. While I wish that we should have also preserved our knowledge of the Spanish  language, I pause and remember how my forefathers have won the fight for freedom for every Filipino--  the use of Tagalog for communication. That in itself is a reason to continually use and honor a  language that stems from a humble beginning.

I rest  my piece and bid you good day.

Where Are You?

Working with these people has been a great and memorable experience. It was so much fun because we'd laugh almost every minute. Ken would throw out the corniest joke and we'd still think it's the funniest/wittiest. We belt out lines from songs and pretend we have the nicest voice. Christina A would have had a run for her money. Now, I don't get to see them like I used to because of our different area assignments and schedules, but the bond that we have created always puts a smile on my face.

*Photo taken: Nov 2011, CDUH

No Can Do

So sue me for crying out loud.

What makes some people think they could actually boss me around like they're paying me thousands of pesos? When you're feeling cold, which I couldn't tell, and you want the blanket up your legs, a please would do. When you want some ice chips on your lips because you feel they're a little dry, some more please wouldn't hurt. When you're sick and you feel completely helpless, please don't also drain your good manners down the drain. It pisses me the most when some people think they own me, like they've branded me as theirs. I was there to work and earn my keep. I have a sense of pride and dignity that no person can ever take away from me-- not even one who lies on his deathbed.

I continually remind myself, time and again, to keep my calm and carry on despite the different treatment people around me may give me. I have been trying to bend my rules, hoping that I could kill a person with kindness. I have been shrugging my shoulders pretending I didn't hear a single curse coming from a rude person's mouth. I have been trying to numb myself and instead think of how far ahead I am from that of a non-ambulatory person. But to  hold on for so very long is slowly creeping in on me. How much more am I willing to go through? How much longer?

This person I've had the bitter chance of knowing is rude beyond words. His parent is even ruder. Truly, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. 

**A watcher is there to assist an ill patient. You are not there to just sleep. A hospital isn't a hotel, for goodness' sake. Had I known you didn't want to be awaken, I could have just left the papers and pray you'll go through great lengths of inconvenience.

It takes a lot of humility and courage to summon yourself to admit to your mistakes, and worst to swallow your pride and say the words I'm sorry.

What best way to spend the Sunday with family on an island hopping. Sea, sand, sun, fun... :)