Philippine Senatorial Elections 2013

Majority of the elected senators came from political families. New faces but names have been in the position for quite some time.

Filipinos invested their votes mostly on young candidates. I think it is fine that we should infuse young minds in politics. I just hope that these new breed of senators would make their own path towards success and keeping in mind that it is the nation that they are serving and not their family.

Not all my senatorial bet got into the magic 12. But still, since the majority has chosen their leaders, I will partly forcely entrust the next years of my life to the hands of these elected people.

To get successful results, everyone must do their share. And it starts in voting. Have you? So, where will we be in a few years or so? You, decide. Do your part.

Bidding goodbye. :)

I'm leaving you. I'm leaving you not because I can't see myself with you anymore but because I got tired of tolerating your things that I know I am not supposed to. I got fed up with all our differences that we weren't able to patch up. I, finally, was able to realize that my happiness isn't you anymore.

Years with you had been a twist of the best and the worst moments in my life. Even if I regret it now, I know nothing will change. I guess everything on earth will have their time wherein they'll reach their saturating point. A point wherein whatever we add to our life, we can't just accept it anymore. We just can't cause we are already saturated.

I would always look back and see you as part of my life. Lessons learned with and from you will not be forgotten. You were part of the foundation that I built in myself.

And yes, there is something else. Something had shown me better things and greater opportunities. I may not be able to compare you to this something new but I am willing to take the risk.

I'm leaving you and I want you to know, it is a hard decision that I made.

Goodbye, work. You had 5 years of my life.

Jobless??

Statistically, in the Philippines, 3 million people are jobless and 1 million people are expected to graduate this year and look for a job. However, if you’ll look around, a lot of companies are hiring. BPO is still on the rise of hiring staff (whether be agent post, support, IT, or managerial group).

Could it be that those 3 million people were not fitted for any of those offered jobs? I doubt. It would always be depending on one's choice and point of view.

It's either you grab whatever is available right now of feed yourself with pride. Munch on!

UNDER THE RAIN by Michael Blen

                        The rain is pouring heavily,  almost like a waterfall.  I’m wet all over,  and yet I’m standing here,  unmoving.  It’s like the time suddenly stopped,  and my drenched body froze in it’s tracks…

           

            This morning,  I woke up to see the sun gently imparting its first few rays. I got up unusually early. Then I remembered I cried my self to sleep last night. I saw my special friend with another guy, having lunch at the cafeteria yesterday. I know that the real man should never cry because of some girl who broke his heart. But I wept. Maybe I was hurt. Never mind. I rose up, washed my face and went down with my usual morning routine. When I was about to leave, My mom asked me if I cried last night. I said no, and hurriedly went outside.

            

       While I was riding a jeepney, I thought about what I am going to tell her, should I confront her, or should I wait until I have enough evidence? I stopped thinking about it when I finally arrived  at school.

           

         She was the first one I saw inside the room.  I waved at her to smile a bit. She waved back, and smiled. Ahhh, that smile. I was struck again by that fascinating grin, that same alluring smirk that made me fall for her in the first place. I was dumb founded.

                 

    Lunchtime. I was glad to see her alone. I swore I would punch the guy straight in the eye if I see him with her again. I quietly approached her. I wanted to surprise her, but she readily found me. I was about to asked her what she wanted to eat  when she abruptly told me if I could just drop by their house after classes she left me with a tap on the shoulder, and a problem in Physic. I asked myself again for the million time. Alas, Is this my Fate; a mere problem solver?

           

            While going through my afternoon classes,  I again thought what would I say to her in her place.  I baffled an assortment of thoughts that made my confused mind ache.  I was relieved when the final bell for the whole school day rung.  But I suddenly got nervous.  I looked at the dark gray clouds looming over the horizon.  It was about to rain.

                       

I slowly took the steps to their house,  my heart pounding furiously.  I didn’t know what to do.  My mind was clouded with anxiety.  Timidness suddenly struck me.  But I was determined.  I found the front door open so I barged in,  not knowing what to expect.

            There she is,  sitting comfortably on the lap of a guy who had lunch with her yesterday.  I was filled with resentment.  I went closer and punch him straight in the eye.  She tried to stop me but I already made my blow.  She pulled me outside,  telling the other guy to calm down.  She screamed at me,  swore at me,          

ask me such a thing.  I shot back at her,  told her that I love her,  and that I was jealous.  She bellowed,  telling me that she didn’t love me,  that she liked me only as a friend,  no more,  no less.  I was thunderstruck.

                       

Now I’m here,  standing still,  breathless.  I was stunned.  The rain is gushing heavily on my motionless frame,  the cold gust of wind slowly eating through my nonchalant form.  I don’t care.  I am heartbroken.

*Credit goes to my high school ally, Michael Anthony Blen, from Imus Institute.

Recovering from an awful relationship

Falling  apart is a branch of every relationship. We might not consider failure as a factor in a commitment but actually it’s like a thorns in every roses, a bee in every flower, and a storm in a summer. If there were no break-ups nor fights, maybe we all have a wonderful relationship. We won’t have sleepless nights, plump eyes, day nightmares. However, come to think of it, it makes us stronger. A rose is not a rose without thorns; flowers without bees? How could they reproduce? and a storm in a summer, isn’t it fun that through the heat of summer once in a while there would be refreshing rain to balance the whole thing? Through those sleepless nights, we could reflect about what happened and eventually realize that it’s their loss. Plump eyes symbolizes that we’re human and we cry!

There are a lot of factors for a bad relationship such as jealousy,  it’s human nature and  we all have insecurities, other is incompatibilities, comparison, third is seeking, when you begun to seek for something from your partner, the problem occurs by then, or it could be other loves much while other loves little. Good foundation in a relationship is giving and not asking something in return, when you don’t have this, you’re not into a healthy commitment.

Recovering from a bad relationship isn’t that easy specially when you shared a lot but once break-up occurs, be brave and face it. To recover, make yourself busy, study, go to party, mingle with other people, pamper yourself and

ask for Lord’s guidance. Face the reality that the relationship didn’t work out. Be optimistic that at least you have memories to reminisce. Be thankful at the same time for at least that person made you happy even for a while. Open your heart for opportunities. Always put in mind that there is someone who’s destined to be with you and both of you will grow with each other and discover forever. Once you find that love, give it its wings for loving is not holding into it too tight but releasing it and letting it be in the right place. Remember that life isn’t perfect. It’s a blend of joy and sorrow; it’s just a matter of how you deal with it. Be happy because it’s not merely an emotion, it’s also a choice. As the saying says, “it’s better to be loved and got hurt than never be love at all”


***written when i was in college, not so much a writer then***

Stand on Sabah vs The Sultanate of Sulu

Recently, another chaos regarding the country's property possession has been brought to Filipino's attention. With China on the front load, can Philippines administer another claim regarding Sabah?

How did it start? Through the articles i have read, i learned that Sabah was given to the Sultan of Sulu by the Sultan of Brunei as a prize for helping him from his enemies. It was leased from then on. However, Malaysia is claiming that money is not for rental but as a payment for buying Sabah (For transcript: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Borneo_dispute).


It would be a shoot for the moon for the Sultanate of Sulu to get the legal ownership of Sabah in a peaceful way without a help from the government. Usually, allegations/distress between countries are being settled in an International Court through United Nations (Like China-Philippines maritime territorial dispute which is currently brought up to an international arbitration tribunal in UN). We all know that Malaysia and Philippines are both members of the United Nations. Sultanate of Sulu will have several challenges in getting Sabah back. First, Sultan has been abolished in our constitution. Philippines does not legally recognize the system. Sultanate system is only protected and preserved for cultural heritage and education whatfor. Having said that, who would file a claim in the International Court of Justice? Since Sultan is not legally recognize internationally, they can not file a claim on their own. Second, in 1963 election, people of Sabah voted to be part of Malaysia. Changes won't be easy to instil on Sabahans mind. 

I guess this calls for war. Are we prepared enough?

In the event that Sabah would be part of the Philippines, it sure would contribute to the country's levitating economy. It has been broadcasted how rich Sabah is with oil and gas. It is also boasting a pristine culture and heritage that would be great for tourism.

Wherever this chaos may lead us, I hope that lives will be protected and peace will remain.



***for editing -raa116

Springfield: Hope and Peace

As i live my life on a broader perspective, I have been to several places. I can't say that I am well travelled but at least i go out from time to time. I've had several encounters with different culture, norms, heritage, and nature. I thought that being in the calmest  beach watching the most beautiful sunset would be the most peaceful place on earth, ever.

Not until i went to Springfield Breast Care Center. I am hearing a live music coming from a piano and violin as i enter the clinic. It was such a beautiful music.  One patient was singing to the melody of I wont last the day without you while having the session. Yes, you read it right, while having those Chemo medicine go in her veins and take over her physical strength.  I know Chemo patients are feeling pain but not a single weakness can be seen in their face. It is a place where you can feel hope from everyone. The most relaxing and peaceful place I have been.

Kudos to all the Cancer Patients. May your strength and faith keep up.

.b.l.a.n.k.

I've learned that one of the hardest things to do is to forgive.

It's been more than a year and yet i still hate myself for sticking into something I’m not supposed to stay with. All i can do is swallow my pride and say to myself that this too shall pass. I tried my best to believe and understand that we are all human and we are bound to make mistakes. But sometimes, most of the time, human vulnerability is being used as an excuse. I even initiated to be in good terms with all the people around. I guess, I thought it would be easier that way. But it wasn’t. Not a day that I ever forget about what happened, what you did. Two things happened, you proved me wrong thinking that you are a great, sincere, and decent person; second is that you proved everyone right about what they think about you.

Thoughts came running into me. I had a feeling of so much detestation that I wanted to let you know. But I didn’t. You didn’t hear anything from me. I don’t want to do anything to you; i don’t want to be in the same pedestal you’re on right now. Don't act innocent and so much hurt cause you dont know the hell you made me feel.


You’re sorry? Didn’t think so. Didn’t think you ever were.  

Sometimes, we just have to feel that short lived happiness because eventually long live pain will take place again.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN BIRTHDAY WISHES?

For 3 years in a row, every 16th of January, I am wishing for something. And it all came true! I strongly believe on birthday wishes! (i'm crossing fingers now) This coming 16th, i already know what i wanted. This has been the idea that i have since childhood but i wasn't able to do all my best for it. This year, i'm gonna do it. Yes, i will! :)

~ rowma ~

A year had gone fast..

It has been a year. On this very same day, December 24 (2011, around 4 AM), Nanay had a heart attack. And yes, it was almost Christmas. She had a battle with Arrhythmia for about 2 years. Though, it wasn't determined as arrhythmia until that December 24th incident. Arrhythmia is the irregular beating of the heart. It could be too fast, like palpitations, or too slow.

First attack was mid-June of 2010.  Back then, what happened was she fainted and after a good 50 seconds she woke up. She was rushed to the hospital because this is the first time it happened. We are not used to her getting sick. She has always been working, working everywhere. She spent 3 or 4 days in the hospital. It was the first time i saw her weak. Several apparatus were connected to her body. I remember the first night in the hospital, i never took my eyes from the electrocardiogram to make sure that the heart rate is stable or at least her heart was beating. In the hospital, several tests were done, again and again. We never got any specific or considerable result. Doctors would explain the cause of the incident but they weren't able to prove it through lab results. 2D echo were normal, heart not enlarged, blood test were all okay as well.

Due to this, i never thought that it was a serious case, thinking it was due to stress and lack of sleep. My thinking changed when it happened again. From time to time she will faint and will have hard time breathing. We went to another hospital to have her check and do another Lab Test. We had her TSH, T3, and T4 tested (Test concerning thyroid glands). Results were all normal. The doctor suggested a Holter Test but we weren't able to do this because the attack was very sporadic. (Holter Test is a 24-48 hour of

Continuously heart beat monitoring). She was taking Maintenance Medicine though (Cordarone, and the like).

It was almost normal to us that she will faint and will regain her consciousness after few minutes. It

got worse after a year. About June of 2011, she fainted again and that attack resulted to a mild stroke. She was confined in another hospital (this was the third hospital already). There she had her permanent cardio and neuro doctors that we were seeing for check-up. Several tests were done to her again; Xray, Blood test, CT Scan. To no avail, still we got normal range results. Up until this point, we weren't able to determine the exact illness. Her neurologist advised us that it could be epilepsy because it has somehow, have the same symptoms. He explained that what was happening was there will be blood clot in the brain. Due to this, it was blocking the oxygen that caused her to faint. After few second the blood will melt then she'll regain consciousness. Neurologist also requested for MRI, but the said test was not available in our place.  After 5 days, i can’t remember the exact number of days, she went home.

Due to this, there were several important family matters or gatherings that she missed; the wedding of ate Liz, travels, and Mimi's first ever school day. There had always been a fear in her that she won’t wake up from sleep. And it so happened.

December 24 of last year, she didn't wake up. In the hospital, we got 0 BP, a flat line. She was revived and was in state of coma for 24 days. Normal people will have a GCS (Glasglow Coma Scale) of 15 (able to walk, talk, do normal things). She was at down level 5. She was confined in ICU cause of her condition. The following days, her progress will be up and down. GCS will go up to 7 then will be at 5 again, she always has fever, her oxygenation will be reduced to 50% then up again, she had shallow breathing, and all the small things that you can think of. The biggest accomplishment we got was that she opened her eyes. Her eyes were opened but no contact. She could hear though. We communicate to her through her blinking. We would usually talk to her, and she'll blink twice if yes, once if no. Often times, a tear would fall. Nurses would say that it is normal for her eyes to get wet but we consider it that she's crying. The cardiologist did Tracheostomy (January 2) to reduce the chance of her getting infections from the anti-bodies. A lot of tests were done over and over at the same time. There were days that she showed a good sign of hope; increased sensorium, lower dopamine usage. However, there were even more days that she was non-responsive and her vitals are fluctuating.

We spent the holidays in the ICU. Christmas, New year, Three kings.. It ended January 16^th of 2012. Around 12:30 AM of January 16^th, we had another flat line. She suddenly stopped breathing like she was so tired already. Then I turned 24 years old on that same time.

We knew from Day 1 that we had the least hope that you can expect. Doctors were very honest about her condition. It was a choice of life and death. But we didn't give up because family does not give up on each other. We continued the medication and get all the hope that we can get. Whatever results, we will get out of that hospital with a thought on our mind that we did everything we can.

On the night of 24^th, I gave up everything I can give. I pleaded to the Lord to take away all that he can take. But he didn’t.

If I’m going to relive the moment on that disheartening incident, I would not change a thing. I am very thankful to those people who stayed by our family during those unfavourable times.

To the doctors of the hospital who had been very aggressive with the treatment, who patiently explained what was happening and was very honest from day1, the ICU nurses who was very thoughtful and warm,  who became a family during the trying times, who took good care of Nanay and taught me on how to use the apparatuses, THANK YOU.

I would like to say thank you to those people who went to the hospital. To all the family friends and neighbours, who even cried more than I did, to my Shepherdine friends, Officemates who travel all the way to the South to visit me, THANK YOU.

Thank you to Nanay’s friends who helped and support us financially. OLAANs and college friends, Thank you. I won’t be able to name all of you but I hope you know who you guys are. Maraming Salamat po. Walang pagsidlan ang aming taos pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng tulong at suporta nyo.

To my family, thanks for sticking around. And to you, for always being with me. Salamat.

I don’t know how I would be able to get through it without those people who’ve helped me and push me through. They provided moral support for me to be strong. Also, thank you for helping me pay way more than half a million bill. May God give it back to you a thousand folds.

Writing this wasn’t easy; it was like reliving that night. I just wanted to share to you people how short life is. It may be as short as a day spent with someone or as short as a dream that you won’t wake up anymore. Like what I said on the funeral, all we have to do is MAC; MOURN – cause we lost someone that meant the world to us, ACCEPT – cause we can’t do anything about it and that nothing is permanent, CELEBRATE – cause she doesn’t have to bear with the pain anymore and she is at peace. Nevertheless, life has to go on.

Roma Lenn Altez Almendras

12.24.2012

(Entry may be edited sometime soon when I get the strength and chance to write about it again.)

Freedom 0116

I wish to wake up one morning not thinking about anything. Free my brain from  non-sense thoughts, to wake up not feeling anything at all. - Chaos