St. Dominic Academy Batch '78

Scholar's Report Card & Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:15:00 +0000

I’m happy to share with you current report cards and awards our scholars received lately. It’s really nice knowing each of them are working hard to fulfill their own dreams...

...and ours for them.

78 at 65th

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:42:00 +0000

These are some pictures from the recent SDA's 65th anniversary.

Claire's Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Please be informed that Clarita (Rivera) Bernardo’s mom passed away recently.

Let us pray for the eternal repose of her soul and for her family who is in deep sorrow and grief.

2011 Quick Review

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:45:00 +0000

The year went by so quickly I could only remember a few highlights. Really time flies so fast and before I know it, I will be considered a senior citizen. Now that’s a scary thought!

Last year, Patrick & Angelyn, our first two scholars, finished their Night High freshmen year with flying colors. As a personal gift to them, I brought them along on a 3-day Fort Ilocandia tour, hitting Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud.

After more than 25 years, once again I was able to witness and enjoy with some good ‘ol friends the famous kneeling-carabao during our local town fiesta.

Also had a couple of trips in Washington DC and New York but the most exciting one was seeing old friends and amazing natural wonders in Canada.

And then I succumbed to the Facebook temptation and open my account only because I needed another medium to promote Philippine tourism thru a new website I created, Trip Na Trip. I know I know it’s a lame excuse.

Finally, while it took awhile for us to find the ideal candidates, our next two scholars Marck and Diane were formally introduced before the year ended. So in all, we now have four good students benefiting from all your kindness and generosities.

It ain’t bad year after all so I am thankful of 2011...

...and hopeful of 2012.

Alumni Homecoming and Election of Officers

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:03:00 +0000

This coming December 30th is a very important event at St. Dominic Academy. Not only because it’s the yearly Alumni Homecoming, it’s also a chance for every member to vote for their next Alumni officers.

This is your rare chance to cast your vote so please plan to attend our homecoming.

Every batch is expected to participate, have fun, and enjoy the food and the programs. Please make your donations by buying your tickets now.

As always, same time, same place.

Diane & Marck, Two New Scholars

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:35:00 +0000

Two more scholars have been added recently to our roster. Like Patrick Vasallo and Angelyn Galia, our first two scholars, Diane Caluag and Marck Jherick Tribo were selected from a list of competitive candidates. Both of them met all the scholarship requirements, signed their contracts, and have started benefiting from your contributions/donations to our cause.

Please continue to support our effort to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged kids. Below are details of our SDA Batch ’78 bank account if you wish to make a donation:

Banco de Oro
SM City Bicutan Branch
Dona Soledad Ave corner West Service Road
Bicutan, Paranaque City 1700

Account Name: St. Dominic Academy Batch ’78 Alumni Association, Inc.
Peso Account No: 152-801-2794

OR personally deliver to Eva Fajardo/Paperbox Store/Rowena Castillo but make sure to specify your intentions and ask for a receipt of your donations.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding our scholarship project. In the next few days our latest financial report update will be delivered to your mailbox.

On behalf of the four scholars, I would like to thank you all once again for your continued support, financially or otherwise.

There are good reasons...

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:53:00 +0000

There are good reasons why I fly Philippine Airlines (PAL) all the time when I visit my homeland. Flying thru NAIA Terminal 2, PAL exclusive terminal, they may not have the cheapest fare but I don’t mind paying extra if it means convenience and a more welcoming experience after a long non-stop 12 or less hour trip from LA. Nothing fancy but navigating the terminal is so easy.

In other words, I can’t stand the old NAIA airport Terminal 1 so much so that I can’t blame some tourists to think it’s the worst airport in the world.

There are good reasons why I go to different places all the time and limit my stay in Manila during my vacation. I feel most proud sharing my travel experiences and promoting Philippine tourism to my US friends when they see beautiful islands, turquoise water, great landscapes, and refreshing sceneries thru all the pictures I took.

In other words, I am not happy and proud seeing Manila’s ugly side so much so much so that I can’t blame foreigners like Geoffrey James who had something to say about his experience recently.

There are also good reasons why I try to invest as much time, money, and effort to my homeland. And if it means, going back there for good when I retire from the workforce and try my best to help as much as I can to make the country, or my hometown, or a kid better, I’ll do it in a heartbeat just like apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas does now and what our scholarship project is all about.

I just wish more Filipinos especially those abroad do the same and never forget, no matter how twisted your tongue is, and no matter what color your hair or your contact lenses are, you will never hide your true identity...you’re still a Filipino so get real and at least try to be part of the solution to many problems our country is facing.

We should always be proud of where we came from. I know I am.

“Get an education, change your situation"

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:43:00 +0000

“Get an education, change your situation. Get your graduation, earn your occupation.”

That’s the line from Black Eyed Peas band member Pinoy talent Apl.de.ap’s latest song. He is currently in the Philippines urging all of us to help local kids go to school and stay in school. He launched his new advocacy just recently and in fact has convinced his fellow Black Eyed Peas member to support his effort.

Check out this website if you want to know more about this new campaign to promote education in the Philippines or just follow this url:

www.wecanbeanything.com

Just like Apl.de.ap, education always has a soft spot in me that is why our Night High Scholarship project is very important.

The latest news regarding our project is that Eva continues to evaluate more candidates. We are hoping to add two more students soon, in addition to current scholars Patrick & Angelyne. So far, one sweet girl named Dianne is about to sign the scholarship contract agreement while a boy still has yet to be found.

Thank you all for your help and continued support.

Canada Mini-Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 11:26:00 +0000

After attending a week-long job-related training in Maryland, I asked my wife and daughter to meet me in Washington DC. We spent a couple of nights there but not before a quick side trip to Pennsylvania. We flew in to New York after, and from there cross the border to Canada to visit Niagara Falls.

We also got a chance to visit Digna B and family in Canada. Incidentally, Felix M is also there visiting from the Philippines with his dad. So, a mini reunion of some sort happened.

The four of us, Digna, Felix, me, and Dom (on the phone talking to Digna). :-)

Digna is stil the same sweet person I always remember in high school. Hope someday we get to visit her again and stay in her place longer.

Thanks Digna and family for the hospitality and of course their support and donation to the night high scholarship project.

WOW Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:27:00 +0000

You may have already visited my new website dedicated to promoting tourism in the Philippines. If you haven't seen it, it has tons of pictures from all my trips to the Philippines. Some of them has related stories and videos to go with the still images from my own collections.

Please feel free to send your friends, relatives, co-workers, and even enemies the link to my new website. Link is http://trip-na-trip.weebly.com/ or just click here.

Baka dito ako yumaman sa kaka-click nyo sa mga ads sa website ko when you make plans for your next travel or perhaps meet your soul mate or not.hehehe.

I could use the money to build my dream library. :-)

I still like the old WOW Philippines tourism promotional tag. You know what happened when thy tried to change it and re-invent the wheel. Not well-thought of to say the least. Another blooper...

Senior Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Have you had senior moments already? Oh you know what I’m talking about. We are all going to get to that point soon, but I’m sure we’re all hoping it happens later, if not at all.

I just had two today. :-)

First, I kept trying to open a door I’ve been going in and out for years, bewildered when it wasn’t opening this time. Admittedly, I was distracted by my phone but opening that door should have been automatic, ingrained in my brain. I struggled so mightily pulling it out when I'm supposed to be pushing it in. The person behind that door opened it for me with confusing look on her face...and a big laugh.

Second, I went to work wearing my underwear backward. I can’t find the access when I need to relieve myself.

Hahahha

Help Wanted: Sexy Librarian

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:17:00 +0000

I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with a piece of land I’ve had back in my hometown. It’s been vacant since 1995.

Years back I thought of building a 5-door rental apartment. I had the floor plans all drawn out, back-filled the area with more dirt soil and put up fence around it. I actually started applying for a loan thru Pag-ibig to finance the construction but I found the whole application process too cumbersome.

I lost interest.

Meanwhile, my library project still remains a dream as I struggle to come up with enough resources to support the project let alone find the ideal location to build it.

I’m still dreaming.

Then a bulb started flickering one lazy boring Friday afternoon at work. My imagination didn’t stop scribbling and ended up with really rough sketches of a multi-purpose building with my retirement crib at the bottom floor and a decent-size library with living quarters on top.

For years I have this empty lot and yet didn’t think about it for my dream project. I said “Hmmm heck why not?

Sometimes we lose sights of what we already have and keep wishing for something else.

Location may not be ideal for a public library but sure good enough for my retirement crib, satisfying my longings for both. If people, especially kids, would want to take advantage of a library, be it anywhere, they will use it. Free.

If I build it, they will come.

It will be more like a privately-owned library I can enjoy for myself once I retire and can be opened to the general public as well. I will design the building so that there’s a separate public access to the library and a private entry to my retirement home.

What I would need however is someone to manage the library during the times I’m not hanging around in my crib and also to take care of me when I become too old, cranky, grumpy, and incontinent. My wife made it clear to me that she will not retire in the Philippines. I will.

So help is wanted. :-)

Sexy Librarian/Cook/Caregiver

Female, between 25-45 years old

Must be care giving and an awesome cook

Male OR anyone over 45 years old need not apply

Send your best picture for initial screening of application

See where my imagination takes me when I’m bored? Hehehe

Circle of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:37:00 +0000

Lately I've been asking myself many things. Mostly things about my life now that I am almost certain of where I would be 10, 15 years or more from now.

Retired in the same place where I started. Perhaps in the dust. Alone. Definitely!

I asked why is there a need for someone, for anyone, to get married, become a parent and deal with spouse, kids, family, not enough toilet-paper, never-ending bills, legal issues...when living alone is a lot easier, more convenient, less worries, less bills, less hyper-tensions...but more toilet-paper to use. :-)

I know family brings happiness to us most of the time but sometimes I wonder if they are all worth the troubles that came along with.

I also know it feels good having someone in your life you can count when needing a shoulder to cry on, or perhaps just to tell each other stories with, make passionate love and waking up in the morning sharing a good brewed coffee now and then. However, is it really necessary to sign a contract so to speak and have them around every minute of our 'effin' day and night?

Are we all afraid to grow old and die alone hence even at the very young age we're all thinking, dreaming, hoping, wishing, making it a mission, determined to get married and have a family of our own? What exactly does having one proves? Is there really a point in all these?

I could understand having someone in life, a spouse or a partner, if that's what you call it nowadays, by our side as we grow old and needy....but kids? We all know they won't be around for long because they will have their own life to live sooner or later, and deal with the same issues I mentioned above. Will the circle of life stops?

Don't get me wrong. I am happy with my life now. The question that I have is, will I NOT be happy if my wife and daughter does not exist in my life, by my side...at all? Could I be happier if they are not around?

I'm just asking. Am I being selfish?

"Carmageddon"

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:20:00 +0000

I will be attending a 3-day conference in San Diego starting tomorrow and good thing I will be back before “Carmageddon” occurs this July 16^th and 17^th. Every commuter in this part of Los Angeles is worried about this expected event so forget about driving to LAX airport on these 2 dreadful days.

When Hitler finds out that the 405 freeway, the busiest in the nation, will be closed this weekend to give way to a major road construction, to hopefully ease daily traffic congestion, he is not happy about it. Little did he know in Manila, this shit happens every day without advance notice?

Watch/read his rants below:

Follow his rant here:

I Really Don't Know...At All!

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:09:00 +0000

One of the most iconic artists of her generation, Joni Mitchell’s song proved to be simple yet so inspiring. You’ll appreciate it even more if you pay close attention to the lyrics.

Rows and flows of angel hair, and ice cream castles in the air, and feathered canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way. But now they only block the sun, they rain and snow on everyone. So many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now, from up and down, and still somehow it’s clouds’ illusions I recall, I really don't know clouds...at all.

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel, as every fairy tale comes real, I've looked at love that way. But now it's just another show, you leave them laughing when you go. And if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away.
I've looked at love from both sides now, from give and take, and still somehow it's love's illusions I recall, I really don't know love...at all.

Tears and fears and feeling proud, to say "I love you" right out loud, dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way. But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say I've changed. Something's lost but something's gained in living every day.
I've looked at life from both sides now, from win and lose, and still somehow it's life's illusions I recall, I really don't know life...at all.

Pulilan Got Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:44:00 +0000

While the search for two additional scholars is underway, our two current scholars Patrick and Angelyn are doing well in their studies and are now officially enrolled for school year 2011-2012. They are now back in school after an exciting summer.

As I have mentioned in my previous post, we’ve decided to add two more freshmen students to sponsor this year, another pair of boy & girl, keeping the balance of gender power. Pulilan has got many young kids deserving of the opportunity to go to school and whose talent has yet to be discovered.

Eva is currently leading the effort in search of the two most deserving students amongst the many first year enrollees the Night High program has this school year. Weather is just being bad lately that house-to-house interview process has been delayed.

Meanwhile, I hope you are as confident as I am that we have enough funds to sustain this scholarship project for years to come. We are still in dire needs of your continued support, financial or otherwise.

The kids need you. I need you.

Today I Declare Independence Day

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:43:00 +0000

June 12 has always been a confusing day for some of us. Most Filipinos recognize and celebrate this date to be the true Philippine Independence from the colonial Spain in 1898. But if history recalls, for awhile, we celebrated July 4th as the one, the date when United States finally recognized our independence in 1946.

This day was confusing for me big time.

As a little boy, my fondness for parades, balloons, and marching bands held every year at Rizal Park (aka Luneta) during Independence Day foolishly made me declared June 12 as my birthday, not truly knowing the real one.

Sa dami naming magkakapatid, hindi na matandaan ng ina ko kung kelan talaga ang birthday ko. Kaya nga ba Pro-RH Bill ako eh :-)

And guess what?

Only when I applied for passport to go work in Saudi Arabia that I learned thru official records that June 23 is the correct date, well, that’s according to our municipal records. Who knows if that’s really accurate?

And that’s not the only confusing part!

As I was frantically searching from our municipal legal records, I could never find my name in the June listing of all 1961 newborns. I remember going thru all the books and finally found my name in their October 1962 listings instead.

Apparently, I was born in 1962, and my parents waited four months or so to officially register my presence in this world.

Oh well, no matter what the historians say...and our municipal records say...and my passport says...still, today, June 12, I declare Independence Day...

...and also my birthday!

Pro-RH Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:38:00 +0000

The debate about RH Bill has been dominating the political scene even before I came back from my recent trips.

Say whatever you want but this bill will surely help alleviate the growing census numbers that has been dragging down our country down even more to its current economic level.

I would think by now people would have realized that poverty is another byproduct of overpopulation. The more kids you have, the more resources and necessities are needed to give those kids a good quality life.

RH Bill is about educating couples, especially the poor ones, to make informed decisions about responsible parenthood, giving them knowledge and options on how to plan their kids, allowing them free access to contraceptives if one chooses to.

That parenting is not about just making babies.

I am deeply concern every time I visit with the growing number of street kids roaming around the city. A constant reminder of how unlucky they are to have been brought to earth by uneducated and irresponsible parents. It pains me to witness these kids not knowing what their future holds much less what to put on that empty stomach every day.

I am Catholic but not proud of what the anti-RH bill church is doing.

Go forth and multiply my ass!

Bow the Carabao

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Sun, 22 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

After 23 years, I was again able to witness the amazing kneeling carabao of Pulilan.

I tell you folks, it’s a quite a spectacle for me to once again see, this time thru my lens, the crowd excitement and the carabao’s obligatory kneel before farmer’s patron saint San Isidro Labrador. I can’t believe the number of hardworking carabaos I saw. It could be a record-breaking number of carabao participants for this century-old tradition.

Susan, Eva, and I braved and snaked-thru the relentless crowd to get through right in front of the church where the kneeling happens. Susan’s sister managed to score admission tickets to the special viewing deck and stand toe-to-toe with local cinema legend Laurice Guillen.

Like in the past, rain started pouring near the end of the parade, a good sign according to local legend, and much-needed reprieve from a really intense afternoon heat for those loyal beasts and intense crowd.

I was hoping I could have good angle from the viewing deck but because of the over-crowding, I could only manage some decent shots. Some faces in the crowd are even look familiar.

Check them out:

2011 Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Tue, 17 May 2011 12:17:00 +0000

It was the longest and busiest vacation trip I’ve ever had.

Soon after the plane landed Manila, my family and I enjoyed the sun and the sand at El Nido, Palawan.

I spent my Holy Week alone in Marinduque but met along the way some new friends and morons...err...I mean morions.

The quick visit to hometown for the Dos de Mayo Fiesta was a disappointment attendance-wise. But that didn’t surprise me. It happened before and it will happen again. Unfortunately, it was only Wena, Al, the 2 scholars Patrick and Angelyne, and I were there to feast on Eva’s food. I guessed many were too busy to stop by, or worst, not really interested in seeing me or hearing what I have to say about our scholarship project. That’s fine by me. :-)

The decision was made to add 2 more scholars. Grants will be awarded in similar fashion like the year we first implemented it. Some may question the decision but as long as we all fulfill our end of the bargain when we made those pledges, we will be fine. If not, then we’ll find a way to get by.

My family and I flew to Singapore for a quick 3-day tour.

The Ilocos (Vigan, Laoag, Pagudpud) tour was exhausting but exciting and very fulfilling. I got to spend time with scholars Patrick and Angelyne and was able to get to know them better.

I let all the pictures do the talking...if and when I have time to upload them.

Folks, patience is a virtue.

Here are the pics from our Ilocos Tour...it didn't take long did it? I know you are all anxious to see them so here they are...

Please note that all expenses for this trip came from our own pockets and NOT a single cent was used from the scholarship funds.

Just want to make that clear...:-)

"Dos de Mayo" Fiesta Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:35:00 +0000

You are all invited to Eva’s place in Paltao for a fiesta gathering on Monday May 2, 2011. Sumptuous dinner will be served along with usual desserts and maybe cocktails.

During this gathering, updates of our Night High Scholarship Project will be presented as well as new ideas for next school year; one of which is the idea of extending our scholarship grants to two more freshmen students, in addition to our current scholars Patrick and Angelyn.

I hope you all can join us not only for the great fiesta food Eva will be serving but also be part of the decision-making process related to our project. All your empty tummies and inputs are very much welcome and needed.

Please be there. Happy Fiesta!!!

Maalaala Mo Kaya

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:36:00 +0000

Dear Ate Charo,

Itago nyo lang po ako sa pangalang Jett. Kasalukuyan akong naninirahan sa Amerika kasama ng aking butihing maybahay at nag-iisang anak na dalaga.

Marahil magtataka kayo kung bakit isa lang ang aking anak. Katulad na rin po ng lagi kong sagot sa lahat ng nagtatanong, kung pwede sana sa iba naman. Joke lang po! Talaga lang pong ako palabiro, masayahin, at may konting kapilyuhan. Ito na rin ay bunga ng aking mga karanasan na punong-puno ng drama, katatawanan, aksyon, at kutakot-takot na romansa.

Sa murang edad na syam , ako’y nanghahalik ng ka-eskwela at nagtataas ng kanilang mga palda.

Pang-anim ako sa walong magka-kapatid. Lima ang nakatatandang lalaki at dalawang nakababatang babae. Dyan pa lang, batid nyo na kung sino ang utus-utusan at batuk-batukan sa pamilya. Ako ang naging kaagapay ng aking ina sa pagluluto at pagtitinda ng puto bibingka at iba pang kakanin sa palengke upang makaraos sa pang araw-araw na pangangailangan. Pangkaraniwang empleyado lamang ng gobyerno ang aking ama kaya hindi sapat ang kanyang kinikita. Natuto akong maghanap-buhay sa murang edad; magmula sa pagtitinda ng “ice candy” hanggang sa maglako ng meryenda tuwing anihan kapalit ang kaban ng palay na kailangan sunungin ko patawid sa pinitak ng bukid.

Ako rin po ay isang hustler at kilabot sa “touching” at kara-krus na kinatatakutan ng mga tricycle driver dahil uubusin ko ang kanilang mga kinikita.

Ang aming kahirapan ang syang nagbuklod sa aming magkakapatid upang maging malapit sa isat-isa hanggang sa ngayon. Kapag may mga pagkakataon na kami’y nagkakatipon-tipon, laging bumabalik sa aming alaala ang mga nakakatawang karanasan katulad ng kumain sa butas na pinggang-lata kaya malaking problema pag may sabaw na ang ulam.

May mga babae akong nagustuhan nung ako’y nag-aaral pa sa high school pero minsan ko lang pong ipinahiwatig ang aking nararamdaman. Tawagin na lang po natin sya sa pangalan na Ana. Sya ang kauna-unahang babae na nagpatibok ng aking puso. Ang sabi ko sa kanya, ako’y “stick to one” at “Kapuso”.

Pero si Ana pala ay “Kapamilya” katulad mo Ate Charo.

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, dahil na rin sa taglay kong pangarap, kasipagan at kagalingang gumawa ng paraan, nag-akyat ako ng mga medalya sa aming tahanan. Gayunpaman, tandang-tanda ko pa ang aking mga luha ng muntik na akong hindi maka-akyat sa entablado ng araw ng aking pagtatapos sa High School dahil sa kawalan ng pambayad sa toga. Buti na lamang at sa huling sandali, may isa akong tyahin na nagmalasakit at tumulong upang pormal kong abutin ang aking diploma.

Sa pamamagitan ng “Study Now Pay Later Scholarship Program”, ako ang kauna-unahang nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo sa aming magkakapatid na nagdulot ng matinding kasiyahan sa aking ina ngunit mabigat naman na dalahin sa aking balikat dahil sa umaasa sila mai-aahon ko ang aming pamilya sa kahirapan at matubos ang lupa na tinatayuan ng aming bahay na pawid. Kapag umuulan kami’y walang masilungan dahil tumutulo kung saan-saan.

Ibinuhos ko ang aking sarili sa pag-aaral.

Ako’y handa muling umibig sa isang nag-ngangalang Sonya nung ako’y “graduating” ng college. Nagsimulang maging makulay ang aking daigdig Ate Charo, if you know what I mean! Wink wink! Nagkaroon lamang ng hadlang ang aming pag-iibigan ng ako’y mabigyan ng pagkakataon na maging OFW. Dahil na rin aking pangungulila kay Sonya, naluklok ako sa alak at sugal. Natuto akong gumamit ng bawal na gamot habang nasa kalagitnaan ng disyerto ng Saudi Arabia na muntik ng magpahamak sa aking kinabukasan. Ang karanasang iyon ang nagmulat sa aking kaisipan upang umiwas na sa masamang bisyo.

Bumalik ako sa Pilipinas pagkaraan ng dalawang taon upang magbakasyon at muling makita ng aking girlfriend. Sya’y nagsumamo na huwag na akong umalis muli at kami’y magpakasal na. Subalit ako’y umalis din ngunit iwan ang isang pangako na tatapusin ko lamang aking kontrata at ako’y babalik sa piling nya.

Ate Charo, kauna-unahang pagkakataon, hindi ko natupad ang aking pangako sa babaeng aking minamahal. Nanaig pa rin ang aking ambisyon at matinding responsibilidad sa aking magulang at mga kapatid na makaahon sa kahirapan bago ako mag-asawa.

Naging marupok din ang aking puso ng makilala ko si Fe, isang nurse, sa huling taon ko ng aking kontrata. Sa isang Valentine’s party ay sinungkit ko ang isang hugis-puso na nakabitin sa kisame at inalay kay Fe. Si Fe ang naging dahilan para tuluyang kong makalimot sa aking dating kasintahan na si Sonya. Natapos ang aking kontrata at ako’y muling bumalik sa Pilipinas na mabigat ang mga paa dahil iiwanan kong muli ang babaeng aking minamahal. Hindi ko akalain na sa muli naming pagkikita ni Fe, isang masakit na balita ang kanyang dala-dala.Umuwi sya ng Pilipinas upang magpaalam sa akin. Ang distansya ang naging lamat sa aming pag-iibigan.

Ang babaeng aking minamahal ay ikakasal na...pero sa iba!

Napakasakit Kuya Eddie! Ay mali, Ate Charo pala!

Kahit gusto kong pigilan si Fe sa kanyang pagpapakasal. Sinakal ko ang aking damdamin dahil na rin sa mataas kong pangarap na umunlad muna at huwag matulad sa aking mga kapatid na nag-asawa agad ng hindi natutupad ang kanilang mga pangarap. Hindi sapat ang aking kinita para magsimula ng sarili kong pamilya. Handa akong muli na isakripisyo ang aking puso at kaligayahan para sa aking magulang at mga kapatid. The politics of love, Ate Charo.

Pinilit kong limutin si Fe.

Hindi naging mahirap para sa akin na muling maglayag. Ilang buwan lamang ang nakalipas at ako’y nagpunta sa Tokyo upang magtrabaho. Ako’y muling napa-ibig ng isang babae. Si Monica ay isang “GRO” sa club na aking hang-out para maibsan ang aking kalungkutan. Bukod sa kanya, isang Haponesa ang aking naging “extra”. Cherry ang pangalan nya!

Sorry Ate Charo, talagang may kapilyuhan ako.

Pagkalipas ng dalawang taon sa piling ni Monica at Cherry, ako’y muling bumalik sa ating bayan at doon na lang namasukan. Sa pagsakay ko araw-araw sa “Love Bus” pagpasok sa opisina, nakilala ko si Rita at muli na naman napatibok ang aking pusod…err….puso pala. Kapwa kami nagpunta sa Amerika upang makipagsapalaran. Ang mga unang taon ko sa Amerika ay hindi naging isang madali. Kung ano-anong uri ng hanap-buhay ang aking pinasok. Ang pagiging TNT naming dalawa ang naging dahilan upang kami’y maging praktikal at isakripisyo ang aming mga puso. Gayunpaman, hindi kami nagsisi sa aming naging desisyon. Si Rita ay masaya at panatag ang kalooban sa kanyang pamilya, gayun din ako sa piling ng aking asawa at anak. Ang asawa ko ang naging dahilan para maging ligal ang katayuan ko sa Amerika at makahanap ng maayos na hanapbuhay.

Bawat taon, ako’y muling bumabalik sa aking pinagmulan upang alalahanin ang mga gunita ng aking pakikipagsapalaran kasama ang ngiting alaala ni Ana at ni Sonya at ni Fe, ni Monica, ni Rita, ni Cherry at marami pang iba na hindi ko na lang binanggit dahil lalo lamang hahaba ang aking kwento.

Alam nila kung sino-sino sila!

Napaka-swerte ko naman Ate Charo! Ang buhay ko ay nabigyan ng magandang pagkakataon upang umunlad, naging maayos at tama ang aking mga paghahanda, at may sapat na sipag at tyaga para marating ang aking kinaroroonan.

Sana ay kapulutan ito ng aral sa buhay. In life, all you need is an opportunity, good preparation, and hard work. But still, don’t forget to have fun.

Hanggang dito na lang Ate Charo at ako’y nagpapasalamat,
Jett

PS>> Ate Charo, maaring isipin mo ang aking kakisigan dahil na rin sa dami ng mga babae na nagdaan sa aking buhay. Isa lang ang hiling ko kung saka-sakaling mapili mong isadula ang aking kwento; si Piolo Pascual ang gusto kong gumanap sa aking katauhan dahil minsan ako’y nangarap na maging kamukha nya. Pwede na rin si Derek Ramsey. Hehehe.

One Down Four to Go

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:20:00 +0000

Yes classmates and friends, our two scholars Patrick and Angelyn had just finished their first year of high school. Yesterday was a great day, both receiving excellent grades in their report cards. In addition, Angelyn was also honored outstanding student and recipient of Christian Living and Values Education award. Unfortunately, I don’t have a pic to show you of her proud parents sharing the stage with Angelyn during the award ceremony yesterday.

Congrats to Patrick and Angelyn!

FYI~ Between now and the start of next school year, both of them will continue to receive their allowances as they enjoy their summer vacation, consider that our gift to them for their hard work and dedication to their education.

Thanks to all those who continue to support the scholarship project. Your fulfilled pledge monies and prayers helped a great deal towards Patrick and Angelyn's future.

For more info regarding our scholarship project and how you can help, please click HERE or HERE

DC, My New Favorite City

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 10:50:00 +0000

A little bit dizzying at first but you’ll get the hang of it as you navigate thru countless museums and iconic structures. I walk and walk and when I got tired, I took the subway to go around, a very convenient metro subway system. Did I mention I walked too?

The Smithsonian alone has I believe 19 museums. Arguably, the Washington Monument is the most visible and iconic one. Of course, you can’t go to DC without saying hi to Abe Lincoln and Thomas “TJ” Jefferson. I also stopped by the White House to high five Obama but he wasn’t home. But Abe was. And so was TJ.

New York State of Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Batch '78) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:52:00 +0000

I knew right away my east coast trip will be exciting. Two words. KIM. KARDASHIAN. Hahahaha.

While waiting in line to get my luggage checked-in at LAX, I turned my back to watch peeps walking by behind us and there she was. Strutting and swaying her hips more than any fashion model I’ve seen in ramps. Wearing her signature humongous sunglasses, there’s no denying she’s the famous Kardashian. Sexy alright! But too sexy for my taste. Like her body was carved into perfection that I lost the desire to look at it...just for a second! Hehehe.

Anyway, NY stay was great sans the opportunity for me to actually watch daughter performed at Carnegie Hall. Because of my work-related training schedule, I had to leave Sunday morning for Maryland. The Carnegie performance was scheduled Sunday night. I know, that was a bummer!

The tour I signed up with wife turned out to be great. We get to see most of the famous places, the Wall Street, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Ground Zero where twin towers used to be located before 9/11. I also flirted with Liberty, the statue. Daughter was all dancing and singing during the broadway show Mamma Mia. What a show that was!

New York is really the city that never sleeps. You’ll notice so much energy around you just by walking around Time Square. People are all ready to party! But "Don't even think of parking here", the sign says below!

BTW, here's a front view of the Statue of Liberty...

...and here's the rear view. hehehhe....

I’m still in New York state of mind.