Pintuan:"Magsabata't palayain ang isipan..

Hindi sinadya ang pagkakakilala natin. O maaari nga, hindi ko rin masasabi. Basta ang alam ko, naging malaking tulong kayo sa unti-unti kong pag-ahon . Parang isang salamangka ang nangyaring pagtatagpo, kaybilis ng mga pangyayari.

Ang mga alaala ng tagpong iyon ang nagbibigay sa akin ng damdamin ng kasiyahan, pagsisisi, at pagkatakot. Minsa'y nagdalawang isip ako sa maaaring mangyari na naglaalaro sa isip ko at maaari akong magkamali kung itutuloy ko ang bawat naisin ko.

Subalit sa kabila ng kaliwa't kanang pag-aalinlangan, sa bawat desisyong nais kong gawin, sa bawat daang nais kong tahakin ay lagi kayong nakagabay sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit n'yo ito ginagawa para sa akin; wala akong maisip na dahilan kung bakit. Pero nang mga panahong iyon, sapat na sa akin ang malaman kong naririyan kayo kung kakailanganin, at gayon din naman kung kayo ay mangailangan ng tulong ko.

Namistulang mga bata tayo'ng nakulong sa loob ng isang kwarto at dooy samu't saring kwento ng buhay ang ating tinilakay. Bawat isay may kani-kaniyang hinagpis at pagkabigo. Mga kwento tungkol ke Nikki, ni Quile, ni Mamaw at ni Urot ay siyang laging nangingibabaw sa ating mga kwentuhan. Hanggang sa kabila ng mga hinagpis ay napagdesisyunan natin gumawa ng pintuan, ang pintuang imunungkahi natin sa ating Kura Paroko, at dooy nagsimula ang paglilimbag , ang pangarap na makabuo ng pintaung naging isa sa instrumento na magdadala ng salita ni Amang at sama-samang hinagpis ng ating iba pang kaalyado.

Sa pagbuo ng pintuan ay kaydami nating kinaharap, una naging problema ay kung ano desenyo, kung anong uri ng pintuan ang dapat at kailangan ng ating kaalyado. Maselan ang bawat isa at tila may mataas na panlasa sa kung anong i-uukit at sa pagdating sa desenyo ay ibat-ibang ideya ang pumapasok sa atin. Subalit napagkasundan ang kulang bughaw dahil para sa atin ito ang s’yang simbolo ni Ama at puti ay simbolo ng kapayapaan na sya'ng ating hinhangad at isa sa ating motibo ay ang maging instrumento upang maisulong ang pagkakakisa ng ating mga kaalyado.

Siyempre nilagyan din ito ng matibay at makintab na door nob at nilatagan din natin malinis na door mat upang kung sakaling may pumasok ay makita kaagad nila ang ating pinapangarap at naisin. Sa kabila ng pagbuo ay nalaman din natin na kailangan pala itong bantayan. Kailangan pala nating itutok ang ating ibang oras upang malaman natin kung ano pa ang nais at kagustuhan ng ating kaalyado. Hanggang sa ma-enkwentro natin ang nakakalumong mga puna, panlalait na siya naman lalong nagbigay sa atin upang dagdagan pa ang ating kaalaman sa pagpipinta at pag-ukit ng magandang pintuan. Tuloy ang ating layag at pagtuklas ng kakaibang mga desenyo, mga titik na maari nating maging kwaderno.

At ngayon ang ating pagkakaibigan ay dumako na sa isa pang kabanata ng ating buhay; sa isang bahagi ng kapatirang relasyon, natutuwa ako't walang anumang nagbago sa pakikitungo natin sa isa't isa. Nais kong magpasalamat sapagkat kayo'y nagsilbing inspirasyon ko sa bawat gawain at hangarin ko, na nagbigay ng lakas ng loob sa mga panahong ako'y nanghina, sa mga pagkakataong halos wala nang pundasyon akong maisip. Sa mga pagkakataon namistula akong html format na kulang sa debugging.

Salamat dahil kayo ang naging liwanag sa kawalan ng araw, buwan at bituin sa langit. Kayo ang naging tamis sa pait at asim ng buhay. Kayo ang naging ngiti sa mga labi at noong nakakunot dahil sa pagkairita o sama ng loob. Kayo ang nagbigay ng pandinig at paningin sa pusong nagbingi-bingihan at nagbulag-bulagan sa mga pangyayaring nagaganap sa paligid.

Ngunit higit sa lahat, salamat, dahil kayo ay naging kayo, dahil minahal n'yo ako bilang kaibigan, tulong tulong tayo sa pagtukalas ng mga bagay, mga pangyayari, mga karanasan na maari nating ibahagi at i-ukit sa ating binabatayang pintuan. Hindi man tayo mga eksperto ay may kakayahan naman tayong tumuklas......

Bukas muli tayong magsabata't, tuklasin ang wastong pagbanbantay sa pintuang ating pinagsumikapang maukit...

footnote: This amazing piece was authored by JUN REYES TORRANO, my former Sambayanan Online Webmaster way back 2001 (i forgot the exact date!). He just opened his Bagahe from Korea which he left closed for 4 years determined to keep the past behind. But lo and behold, once a webmaster is always a webmaster! He opened the box with his computer intact. Obsolete na! The good thing is, all of his articles are still there. Thanks to google daw.

The above article caught me offhand. I was so touched and blessed! I didn't realize by then how much impact I had on him. For this, I can only say, GO GO GO Jun, keep on writing to your heart's desire and make a difference in this beautiful world!

Jun, as I fondly call him, is now a writer with Ani 32 : The Global Pinoy - a project of Cultural Central of the Philippines literary division.

Nikki and Quile (should be Kiel) are my children, so young then, now 13 and 10 years olds respectively.

New Hyehwadong Chaplain

The Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community in Seoul has a new Chaplain in the person of Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP, who hails from Davao City!

During one of his homilies, he categorically emphasized that there should be no comparison between him and Fr. Glenn Jaron which is very obvious. Further adding, Fr. Glenn is tall, slim and charming whereas as you can see... so true so true padre...

He also appealed to the community to be health conscious and when hospitalization is needed to choose a cheaper hospital. (He could not guarantee a 10,000,000 won deposit!) It's very sad but true, there's a Filipino who had stroke but was able to get himself a taxi. The driver brought him to the nearest hospital, Seoul National University Hospital, one of the expensive hospitals in Korea. Without the 10M, he'll not undergo surgery but take medications only. We hope and pray that this OFW will recover very soon. He point out the list of clinics and hospitals that give free medical check-ups, medications and hospitalizations in the Sambayanan Newsletter.

Fr. Alvin has a track record of excellent service in the Philippines and abroad. Hence, he was chosen to replace Fr. Glenn. Goodluck and Godbless!

The Friends Society

Grace, Jojo and Flor/Raffy and Vilma with Cardinal Rosales
F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Friends Response: Integrated Efforts Needed for Development and Security

Where have we gone wrong my friends? Have we not found our integrated niche to make it BIG? Hmmm

Congratulations to husband and wife Raffy and Vilma Lagadia. You've gone a long long way ahead! Your success speak of determination, persistence and humility. A role model in pursuing the Korean Dream.

Not losing hopes are co-Friends Society members Grace, Jojo and Flor. Wake up now, expand your psychological wallets!

Itot?

I found this picture in my mailbox from bibaknets@yahoogroups. Scrutinizing it with fervent interest, I could not doubt that's my nephew Itot (Paolito Fikingas Mandia) sitting infront with eyeglasses. They were volunteers in one medical/dental mission. Itot is a freshman at Saint Louis University International Medical School, Baguio City.

Here's an excerpt from Nordis Weekly Magazine by Jane Malicdan:

"Semestral break started early for us at BCU-College of Nursing and I already had plans for the two-week vacation after being used to sleeping late and waking up early for school. But all these plans changed when Community Health Education, Services and Training in the Cordillera Region (Chestcore), a health NGO, invited me to join their Student Integration Program (SIP). The SIP participants included seven medical students and two nursing students (including myself), accompanied by three Chestcore staff. Twelve virtual strangers were to embark on a ten-hour journey, brought together by a single objective –service and integration with the indigenous people of Mabaca, Balbalan, Kalinga."

Emmanuel

Macky as a good shepherd in this pic. His real name is Emmanuel, the most beautiful name I've ever encoutered. I dreamt of naming my son Emmanuel, kasi it means GOD IS WITH US, kaya lang my cousin is also Emmanuel (Mataag). So I took the advise of a pastor-friend to name the baby Ezekiel.

I can always remember those weary days and nights of 2001 when all seems to crumble. Thanks for the power of internet I was able to cope up with loneliness and boredom. Those struggling times alone in the factory being confined with two roaring machines was not a joke!

'twas my birthday then when I had my initiation with chatting from a nearby internet shop at about past midnight when I had to go home from work. Since it's my birthday, I thought of spending it with something worthwhile rather than go straight home and watch TV alone. So there cordilove was born at that smelly, dark and noisy shop! I had fun learning the ins and outs of the internet. hehehe

There I first met Macky and others online. How many years have passed? Amazingly almost 8 years ha!

Only 1 Grace VI Teacher for 2 generations

My gosh! It's totally devastating to edit pics in vain. Hindi ko talaga mapalaki ang pic na ito and the others so important to me. This was taken last March pa when my daughter Nikki bagged the most honors during her graduation. With us are my cousin Irene Ganga Lamaton with her daughter Corin and our beloved Grade VI teacher Mrs. Petronila Changale Naulgan. Two generations na ma'am! I could still vividly remember the days in your class! Look at our daughters, like moms di ba?

My Nephews and Niece in SD

Weird feeling I'm having right now. Guitly feelings? Lonely? Bored? ... tell me.

I may not have seen them personally but there's this lurking bloodline that keeps the connection!

I love you all...

I hate to say goodbye

I was with mixed emotions but I had to be strong and composed with all my might this very night when we had our Christmas Party con Farewell Party at the Capital Hotel, Seoul. I hate saying goodbye!

Fr. Glenn Jaron, MSP, our Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community Chaplain is leaving this month after 15 years in serving the Filipino people (including other nationalities) in Korea.
Fr. Glenn is truly a priest with that BIG BIG HEART. His selfless service to the poor, the oppressed, the underprivilege, the sick, the dying and the dead, is all for the glory of God.

I firmly believe that wherever he may be assigned, he will continue his mission in spreading the Word. Saying thank you in any manner is not enough to fully express the composite feelings of every person whom whose life that he has touched. Padre, tunay ka, kudos!

That's my friend Flor Noveno, small but terrible, just like me (mas mataba nga lang ako hehehe).

Chonmasan 6th Anniversay

This was during the Chonmasan Filipino Catholic Community Anniversary this year. I was invited as one of the EMCEE's (with Dhok) by the chaplain, Fr. Dong Marcaida.

Labat Delmar Cruz was then delivering his inspirational speech to the delight of the OFWs. Nakaka-inspire ka talaga sir!

Nenette and I

We attended the 15th Anniversary of the El Shaddai Prayer Partners in Korea at the Dongsong High School Auditorium, Seoul. As usual, the enlivening power of the Lord has dawn on the participants that day! Really, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit... although I'm weak but I'm strong... confusing ba? (How much more to me?)

My Priest Confessor

"I was down and out and feeling so low", it may be just a tiny part of a song but it summarized the enormous problems I had when I first came back to Korea last August. And who was there to extend a helping hand? It's Fr. Dong Marcaida, whom I consider a friend too. So outspoken and outright in his most sincere way. Thank you Padre!

Pic was taken at Lotte World one Saturday afternoon.

At OWWA Senior Officer House

In preparation for the upcoming Search for King and Queen of Filipino Migrants in Korea 2007, cordilove with friend Edgar Balista (founder president of Visayas and Mindanao Organization) facilitated the use of Ma'am OWWA Senior Officer Beth Estrada's house after we were denied the use of the POLO center just infront of our boarding house! Ang bait talaga ni ma'am who came to our rescue. ...

Thanks a lot!

CBO official candidate Chris Longey and Baguio Boy-Pusan Sponsored candidate Charlie. Both are gorgeous! Vote for them at www.visminorg.blogspot.com

ESLPlus-Baguio City

Here I come again classroom! The perennial student as I am at ESLPlus Language Academy with the witty ma'am Debbie Achawon and some of my klasmyts.

I thought I was profficient in english- my gosh to my shame and gutsy feeling! After attending a series of Trainings here and with my on-going TESOL course, I could proudly say that indeed I've improved a lot!

In His Most Melodramatic Mood

Jojo at Wendys, Manila (unfortunately wendys was closed when i went back last August 29). Guess what he's doing here? Not just eating and drinking but somehow brainstorming the no-nonsense CP of mine.

It's really difficult to wait for something or someone for that matter you don't know you're waiting, huh!

Goodluck, mah fren!

Network 21 along Baywalk

1) That's Emerald Direct Nixon and Camela Guzman of Baguio City. Go go go Warriors of the North and explode the Amway Way!

2) Diamond Direct Olive and Ernie Fernandez, wonderful couple to emulate just like our very own upline DD Ali Ghanadan. So spiritually entreprenure!

3) Ooopppps, with my direct upline Beth, so humble and meek and who sometimes sleeps awake hehehe.

4) I finally had the chance to take pic with the Men in Philippine History, our national Hereos Benigno Aquino Jr. and Emilio Javier. How merciful are the merciless to have down them cowardly! Bless their souls, amen.

Election '07

Kids always fascinate me!!!

Kids of candidates in Baguio doing the igorot dance to the amazement of expectators at the Malcom Square otherwise known nowadays as People's Park. Five of these candidates made it to the City Council.

Of course me and my son Kiel with Diane, Angelo and - during election day in Barlig, Mountain Province at Tikkid also known as Boumans Trail in memory of Fr. Huberto Boumans, a long time parish priest of the Barlig Catholic Mission.

Well, uncle James Mataag may have lost his candidacy but still he's a winner in our hearts. In a very small town like ours, retired colonels have no place in politics. Pagbigyan daw ang mga jobless!

The Kids Invaded the Military Camp!

One rainy afternoon, we hiked up the mountain of Alemmong where this pitiful military camp is situated. I almost cried at the sight. Is this how we treat the soldiers who guard the majestic Barlig landscape and people? My only consolation is that our town is so peaceful and quite, literally speaking. Thanks God, the men in uniforn are safe and sound!

Kiel at 9 years old tried the soldier's guitar. Come on son, show them that you're like mom who at tender age can strum the guitar. No member of the family leaves Barlig without serving in Church by playing the guitar! So so true...

The Commandant (sorry sir, I forgot your name!) of the military camp with his 2 aide d campo atop Almmong overlooking Gawana, the poblacion.

Why we went up? Ask me why? (byline barrowed frm Bro. Bo) Because we have to contact Baguio and Manila regarding my visa! So remote is our town that we have to find some place to hang our cellphones to connect to the outside world, hehehe

Overlooking Samoki

At Teng-ab, Bontoc, Mountain Province. The road through sitio Samoki is bound for Barlig, crossing first the Chico River.

Teng-ab is where the Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe offices are located. The 5 buildings that housed these offices were built through the efforts of our dear Bishop Francisco Claver, SJ.

I happened to be there upon the invitation of my friend Tina who's nephew is a priest there. The panoramic view is so refreshing despite the very hot Bontoc weather!

A Friend Indeed

My financial consultant Tina Ipan and me in Mainit, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

How pity is the jeep that carries many peope enroute to the provincial capital, yet zigzagging the rough, long and winding road. It's not an unusual sight anyway because in our mountaineous places, everybody climbs the top of a jeep just so to reach Bontoc!

Those feathery smoke behind are not really clouds! They are the vapors of the hot springs below, yo!

My Family

Dad, Mom, Paulito, Nikki and Kiel.

They are the inspiration of my life as ever and ever. How could I live without them? God knows how I really missed them. They maybe far far away from me but the distance is not a bondage of a conquering heart.

Life is really a mystery. .. the pains, the joys, the sufferings, the love... endures forever!