...a way of expressing, from internal to external, new thoughts that can encourage the mind to explore... leading to new avenues of thoughts... maybe new paradigms, moving from mental doldrums into new paths of exploration.
TanimBala Si Nanay Gloria Ortinez ay naging biktima nitong nakaraang linggo, at di na mabilang na iba pa, Baka bukas makalawa, pinsan mo, kaibigan o ikaw na mismo ang maging biktima ng tanim-bala o laglag-bala sa NAIA. Segundo lang daw na malingat ka, ISANG BALA KA LANG, SIRA ANG KINABUKASAN, KUNG WALA KANG P80,000 IKAW AY NASA KULUNGAN, WASAK ANG PAMILYA, MAY RECORD KA SA NBI KAHIT ANG KATOTOHANAN WALA KANG KASALANAN.
Hindi natin hahayaang magpapatuloy itong KASAKIMAN na ito ng iilang tao, kapwa pa man din Pilipino! Sigaw ng mga OFW at mga kapamilya, kamag-anak ng mga OFW at ng sambayang Pilipino, WAKASAN NA ANG TANIM-BALA! Ngayon na! Ito ang aming rally sa social media at hinihikayat namin ang mga nakakabasa nito na ISHARE, KOPYAHIN O IDOWNLOAD AT GAWING PROFILE PICTURE HANGGANG SA MATAUHAN SILA at makita ang ating galit, ngitngit, takot at pangamba!
Once again, to show my support and in unity with the online call #NoToTanimBala #NoToLaglagBala of many OFW groups, I have changed my Facebook profile picture.
The call is addressed to the leadership of our government to act now and to act quick before the remaining reputation and respect for the Filipinos be fully eroded! The government has obviously failed to reform and address the alleged accusations that it is the Airport Security Officers who have been dropping bullets into the bags of unsuspecting passengers afterwards threatening to charge or arrest them for carrying illegal ammunition in exchange of a settlement.
The best that our government has done so far is to allay the fears of passengers by downplaying the number of cases involving a scam. Communications Secretary Coloma described the cases as just isolated and assured the public using the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) they have nothing to worry about. “We need to place these in the proper context,” he said. “Thousands use the airport everyday and only a few of them are found with bullets.”
In my disappointment to the government's inaction, the flak and the negative publicity our country is getting, I posted a hurriedly written but coming from my heart note in my Facebook profile picture.
Dear PNoy,
Walang undas-undas sa aming mga OFW ngayon! Sobra-sobrang kahihiyan na ang naidulot ng mga pangyayari sa ating bansa at yan ay nagpapakita ng uri ng iyong liderato sa ating bansa. Kami ang iyong boss, di ba? Di ako mahiyang magsabi nito sa iyo dahil binoto kita. Bilang isang OFW, ako ay nakikiisa sa milyon-milyong mga OFW saan mang dako ng mundo upang ipaabot sa iyong liderato na dapat ng wakasan ang drama at kalokohan ng Tanim Bala na ito.
The recent outrage in social media alleging that airport security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila have been putting bullets in luggage of passengers to accuse them of violating Section 28 of R.A. 10591, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act” must be STOPPED NOW!
It is now becoming an international embarrassment and a big disgrace to NAIA as an institution, and to the whole country! Nakapangalan pa naman sa iyong ama ang paliparan. Pakisabi na rin pala kay Coloma na hindi isolated cases and laglag bala. How can it be an isolated case when the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) reported that thousands of bullets were found in passengers' baggage at the NAIA this 2015? Tsaka di naman sa numero ang kahihiyan, di ba? Kaunti man o maraming insidente ng Laglag Bala, ang kapalit ay ang kahihiyang naidudulot nito sa bawa't mamayang Pilipino (kung meron pang naiwang hiya).
Wawasakin na ng #LaglagBala Syndicates ang pangarap ng mga OFW, di pa rin nangangamba ang ating pamahalaan? Mawawala na ang industriya ng Turismo sa ating bansa, di pa rin nangangamba? Pinagtatawanan na tayo ng mga ibang mga lahi dahil sa corruption sa ating mga institusyon at agensya ng pamahalaan, di pa rin nababahala ang ating pamahalaan?
President Noynoy, kung meron ka pang naiwang malasakit para sa mga mamayang Pilipino at sa kapakanan ng Pilipinas, panahon na upang mapatunayan mo ito! Your swift action may mean cutting off your ties with friends that you have appointed especially those at the corrupt institutions and agencies of the government, including the leadership at MIAA. We want to see an immediate closure of the issue which means many friends' heads will roll! We give you the honors to do a roll call now!
Isang Bala Ka Lang is no longer a threat from a good cop regarded as the champion of the poor and downtrodden. It is now the literal bullet, allegedly "planted/dropped", and remains even a bigger threat to one's dreams of having a good life. Photo Credit | www.mentalfloss.com
Isang Bala Ka Lang is a famous line and title of a 1983 Box Office Hit where "The King" of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe, Jr. and matinee idol Julie Vega teamed up as father and daughter.
Berting (played by FPJ) was a good cop who tries his best to keep the oath that he has made to his duty. He was convicted and jailed for twelve years for avenging the death of his wife. When he was released from prison, he swore to evade trouble and to lead a peaceful life with his daughter Angela (played by Julie Vega). But how long can a good person be blind and deaf to the reality that surrounds him? How long can one remain to be inaction if the supposedly "good people" and the law do nothing to avert criminal elements from continuously victimizing innocent people?
Eight years later in 1991, the sequel Isang Bala Ka Lang 2 was made. The story followed the events where Part 1 had left off.
How long can he remain to be inaction if the supposedly "good people" and the law do nothing to avert criminal elements from continuously victimizing innocent people? Photo Credits | Left Photo - Juice.ph; Right Photo - s.ecrater.com
Isang Bala Ka Lang! A story of a child's fear of bullets...
I grew up in a small town of Upi in the Tiruray Highlands south of Cotabato City. My father used to tell us that many Ilocano farmers migrated to the Upi Valley in the 1920s and coexisted peacefully with the Tirurays. In postwar period, they were joined by many Ilonggo homesteaders and many Maguindanaons. The coexistence only lasted for around half a century.
I was a young boy when a series of violence occurred in early to mid 1970s, regarded as intense sectarian conflict. There were clashes between outlaws, armed bands, and Muslim gangs. That was the time the legendary Feliciano Luces, alias "Toothpick" became notoriously "popular". It was in a barrio south of Upi where he established his stronghold.
The outbreak of a series of violence in Upi scared off many inhabitants. The violence cost lives and property damages, with scores of farms and houses burned and farmers killed, and many hundreds were made refugees. It is a common sight to see stalk mortar bombings, ambushes along deserted highways, robberies, killings of innocent civilians.
I will not forget the day in 1974 when my father came running back home and instructed everyone to pack up the most important things that we need to take. That was the first time I heard the word - "travel light". My mother was already in her teacher's uniform ready to go to school, My older brother and I had our OOTD - our school uniform of Khaki shorts, white shirt, and Bata shoes. In a wink of an eye, we were all ready. I could hear my grandmother utter several prayers. Then the action began! We had to get out of our house from the back gate leading to our farm. We were instructed to move very cautiously and carefully so as not to attract attention. We were to move fast to avoid stray bullets. We were evacuees, evacuating from a once safe place to another supposedly safe-place, moving at night to avoid being seen by rebels who occupied the town poblacion. After some few days of hiding in river banks, coffee and corn plantation, we became refugees in a primary school in a nearby barrio for some few days.
Victory came when the military was able to successfully force out the rebels to retreat from our hometown. I saw my father weeping, comparing our experience as worst than what he went through during the Japanese Occupation of World War II. Tears of joy freely flowed from his eyes when we got back to our house. Though fully ransacked, we were all thankful that it was not burned to the ground, as some other houses in the neighborhood. After checking the house, we went to look for food and went to check our two small grocery stores that were full of supplies and inventory a day before the rebel occupation. Both were totally wiped out.
God is faithful! He was able to deliver us from harm and was able to see us through.
The past is now nothing but a memory very much far from the present-day Upi.Upi may still be a long way to go as a premier rural eco-tourism and agricultural town enjoying the amenities of an urban center but what is good is that it is already on its way! The mountainous terrain with distributed valleys and plains, is an idyllic place and worthy of its title as the the summer capital of Maguindanao. Photo taken of the sunset along the Cotabato City - Upi Highway while we were travelling home to Upi on December 29, 2012.
Isang Bala Ka Lang! From fear to fascination...
I was a child of war! I grew up in a war-torn province. A province associated with images of violence and conflict. I learned to live in a society where kidnapping, robbery and assault were typical. Ambushes along the highway going to Cotabato City were very common. Residents stayed away from the streets after dusk. So when the town was placed under military control, the military became our friends. They became our role models. Many of the ladies in our place ended up marrying soldiers assigned in the area. It could be the reason why if ever asked about my childhood dream, I would right away give a straight response - to be a soldier, a military officer. Hahaha. It will be fast to find a wife when you're a soldier. My father wants me to be a lawyer. So to compromise, a military-lawyer, would how I would answer later.
While growing up, we got hooked up with a hobby. A hobby that cannot be easily learned elsewhere, by other boys our age. Bullet collecting has become a popular hobby. There were different kinds of bullets and many of us got fascinated by it. We got to learn about the rim, the extractor groove, the body, the shoulder, the neck and the mouth. Hahaha. They're not parts of the human body, they're parts of the cartridge or the casing. I also learned about shotguns, armalites, pistols, machine guns, rifles, launchers, etc. People became creative how to use the cartidges. They were made into necklaces, bracelets, ashtrays, decors, artworks, and even made-to-believe amulets. That hobby was kinda' weird but I grew up seeing a bullet, a cartridge, harmless without the trigger and a pointing gun.
From a "No Man's Land", Upi has now become a haven of an empowered tri-people and agro-industrial center in South Central Mindanao where the community now lives in a healthy and peaceful environment with an innovative and responsive local government. From a 4th Class Municipality, it is now classified as a 1st Class MunicipalityPhoto taken on December 23, 2014 on our way from Upi after a short visit to my mother and sister
A clenched-fist with a "Makibaka" cry is stronger than a bullet...
I went to Manila for my university studies and forgot all about my bullet-collection hobby. I begun to have a change of mindset - not to be afraid, not to be fascinated by bullets, as well. I begun to have a different perception of the military. I saw that the bullet can't change. People can! The voice of the people can! By the voice of the people, I don't mean a change through an electoral process. I saw elections as another fraud. My thinking redefined Abraham Lincoln's “the ballot is stronger than the bullet”. "Boycott" was such a nice-sounding and a better cry.
I finished my degree. Thanks to my scholarship grant sponsor. Got a job. I never fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a military man. I almost got close to that dream when an opportunity to become a US Navy came knocking one day. But I said to myself, I have a girlfriend whom I can't leave behind and who was willing to marry me even if I am not a soldier. :-) A thought crossed that day - can I see myself in a military uniform? And more words just popped out... patriotism, nationalism, allegiance.
So I got married and was blessed with a family. Had an opportunity to become an OFW earlier but I backed off. I was on my way to fulfill my father's dream for me, which has now become my dream. But then the same opportunity, offered from the same employer came knocking again. This time more loudly. This time I saw not just my dream. I saw the dreams and the future of my children and my family!
Isang Bala Ka Lang! Not just a movie line but a grave threat to the OFW dreams and a big disgrace for Daang Matuwid.
I became an OFW 12 years ago. The story of my journey is the same story shared by many OFWs like me. It's a story of dreams... a story of a bright future... a story of a better life!
Dreams may vary a bit when you drill down to specifics - paying off a family loan, to own a house, save for investments, help other siblings in the family, start up a business, provide good and best education for children, help in the medical treatment for sick family members, but all ultimately boils down to having a better and comfortable life.
Everyone knows that to work away from your family to find greener pastures abroad is a bitter pill to swallow. But the present economic and financial conditions and the limited opportunities available in our country leaves us no better option but to swallow that pill.
Many are lucky to pursue their dreams, but many more failed. Those who failed, as long as they are still alive and healthy, keep on trying again and again. The pursue for a good life for our families is a lifetime chase, no matter how hard it could be. It's not easy. We miss out a lot of special days, occasions, and celebrations but those are some of the exchanges for a greener grass.
To ease homesickness, the OFWs take on to social media and the internet to update their loved ones. Watching Filipino movies, teleseryes, kalyeserye, and the like could be among those homesickness-busters hat are very often resorted to. Among the Pinoy favorites lately are #AlDub, #OTWOL, and romantic movies of Pinoy young actors and actresses. Some oldies but goodies enjoy archived movies of Pinoy legends. FPJ movies are also popular among OFWs and Isang Bala Ka Lang Part 1 & 2 may have been watched over and over again by many of them. Till now, I haven't.
Very recently, Isang Bala Ka Langmade rounds in social media. It's not about Da King's box-office hit. I'm referring to the Laglag/Tanim Bala at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Where? At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport! Sometimes it's not good to immortalize dead men, more so, if it is associated to a notorious place. Well, NAIA 1 was consecutively tagged at the top of the world's worst airport and improved to 4th worst airport in 2014. Just this month it was reported to be out of the 10 worst airports in the world. The news was a good relief and people started to forget that NAIA was also once labeled as Asia’s largest public sauna when its air conditioning bogged down in April 2014. But it seemed that it was not contented with all the bad publicity. It still wanted to add another sash to its already disreputable image. Now the "Home of the Laglag Bala Extortion Syndicates!" is a new title. Such a big disgrace to NAIA as an institution, and to the whole Philippines in general!
99.9% of bullet-related airport arrests in the entire planet! Congrats Nionoy Aquino International Airport.
Laglag Bala or bullet planting is a shameful extortion racket by "some" NAIA airport security personnel. They allegedly extort money from passengers by planting ammunition in the passenger's baggage in exchange of a settlement. It is now popularly called with the hashtags #LaglagBala #TanimBala.
In mid September, two bullets were mysteriously found at the luggage of a balikbayan. The wheelchair-bound balikbayan said she paid P500 to the airport security personnel to allow her to depart the country.
On September 18, according to a report on GMA 7 news program “24 Oras”, a Filipino-American passenger, Rhed Austria de Guzman was also one of the victims of the alleged scam but agreed to pay P500 to get things done quickly and to avoid delay and trouble.
On September 23, Lane Michael White, 20, a first time tourist was travelling to Palawan with his father and stepmother when they were stopped at the X-ray scanner area of NAIA Terminal 4. He was detained for five days by airport police at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 for allegedly concealing a .22 caliber bullet from the pocket of his checked-in baggage.
Early this week, a 33 yer old Japanese tourist was charged with illegal possession of ammunition when two 9mm bullets were found hidden inside the breast pocket of a long-sleeved shirt in his luggage.
Tonight I read about the 68-year-old woman who going to Boracay who was arrested at NAIA after a bullet was found in her hand carry bag. As I'm writing this, a netizen, posted about his seaman friend who almost became a victim of Laglag Bala while on his way to NAIA. He alleged that a taxi driver planted a bullet in his friend's baggage. It could probably part of the ploy to divert the attention from NAIA and to establish that the the Laglag and Tanim is not from the NAIA Security Officers. Hmmm... just thinking out loud.
When will all of these end?
Let's take a look at the significance of smuggling one to a few pieces of bullets. What could be the reason of a tourist, a balikbayan, an OFW or any ordinary person in smuggling these bullets in or out of NAIA? What purpose will these bullets serve? It's simply absurd and preposterous! It's stupid and idiotic for anyone to smuggle a piece or two of those bullets. The accusation is a violation of Section 28 of R.A. 10591, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.” Let the courts of law decide that while we brace ourselves for the 2016 elections to choose a new set of elected officials to sit in Congress (not really called a group of baboons) to amend this Act.
There's simply no good reason for a person to smuggle a piece or two bullets. I've been cracking my head to find out why? Yet, there are still cases that happen more frequently though Palace says that the laglag bala cases reported were only isolated. How can it be isolated cases when Office of Transportation Security (OTS) reported that 3,325 bullets were found in passengers' baggage at the NAIA from January to August 2015?
The most recent incident that involved Gloria Ortinez, a 56-year-old OFW who works in Hongkong, caused a big outrage in social media, mostly coming from the ranks of the OFWs. She was reportedly arrested and prevented from leaving the country after the authorities at NAIA 2 claimed that they have found a bullet wrapped in red cloth inside her bag.
With the involvement of an OFW as a victim in the so-called NAIA Laglag Bala Syndicate, netizens were quick to react and found social media as a very effective platform to vent out their disappointments and anger on the issue and how it is being handled. It was a similar reaction or may even be to a higher degree of outcry as that of the #BalikbayanBox issue.
This may seem to be a petty issue for some but why are OFWs so emotional and intense about this? Because it has become a threat to their dreams! The syndicate(s) [most likely in plural form as the possibility a widespread operation all over the different NAIA Terminals], can, at anytime, put a hindrance to the fulfillment of the OFWs lifelong dream and ambition of a good life for their families. At anytime, these predators can get more innocent preys if no corrective and preventive actions are taken by NAIA management and our country's leaders.
There are hundreds of graphic posts on the #LaglagBala issue but here are some creative works shared in social media that made me smile, made me cry, made me laugh, made me sad, and even gave me hope to fight for my dreams!
Nananawagan kaming mga OFW ng HUSTISYA! Bakit kung may mga nahuhuling nagnanakaw o nagtatanim-bala dyan sa NAIA, sibak lang sa pwesto, tapos na, pero ang OFW na walang ginawang masama, nakukulong, pinagpipiyansa, kinakasuhan, wasak ang pangarap, sira ang kinabukasan ng pamilya? Asan ang hustisya. Tanggalin ang mga empleyado sa NAIA, balasahin, palitan ang mga namumuno! Ang daming problema hindi pa rin naaayos yan?Photo Credit | PEBA, Inc. Facebook Page
"Ito po ay beterana nang OFW. Alam niya na bawal magdala ng ammunition sa Hong Kong. Na-destroy na 'yung buhay ng tao. May potential na baka hindi pa siya maka-pasok ng Hong Kong not because of the employer but because naging security risk siya.” -Susan Ople, OFW Advocate sa Kaso ni Gloria Ortinez, biktima ng laglag-bala Photo Credit | PEBA, Inc. Facebook Page
Karaniwang gamit ng mga biktima ng laglag bala at laslas na maleta ay mga bag na gawa sa canvass o tela.
Kung kayo ay bibili ng maleta piliin ang hard shell at may secure lock- hindi de-zipper.
PEBA, Inc. Facebook Page even came up with tips to remember if one becomes a victim of this Laglag/Tanim Bala Scammers and Extortion syndicates, a post that has gone viral lately.
1. If a request is made to open your luggage, don't give your consent unless you are in the presence of a lawyer. If no lawyer is available, ask a relative/friend to immediately bring along a lawyer or anyone who can to act as witness in the opening of the luggage. Never open the bag yourself. Let them do the "honors!" 2. If your lawyer-witness is around, let the Airport Security Officers do the honors of handling the bullet in order to avoid touching the bullet. This will protect you from leaving fingerprints on the bullet. 3. If a bullet is found in your luggage, ask your lawyer to challenge the apprehending officer to a fingerprint test to verify and validate the handling of the bullet. 4. If no finger print is traced to you, sue the Airport Apprehending Officers for lawsuit, demand for damages for delay, mental anguish, and waste of time. Other additional demands can be be raised accordingly.
"Isang Bala Ka Lang!" can still be re-written to become a story of hope and fulfilled dreams...
The darkness of hopelessness only comes when there is no escape from the intolerable. That may be true at the stage we are in as a country at the moment. But as Filipinos, we carry a virtue handed down by our forefathers to always long for freedom and liberation. That intolerable place was where our dreams began, That's where thousands upon thousands of OFWs were at, at one point in time. And yes, that is where a lot more Filipinos are at, at the moment. The #LaglagBala Extortionists are at that intolerable state at the moment. But that is not where we are destined to be!
Note this exchange between Aragorn and Eowyn, two of the principle "forces of light" in the film version of J.R. Tolkien's The Two Towers:
Aragorn: What do you fear, my lady?
Eowyn: A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accepts them, and all chance of valor has gone beyond recall and desire.
Aragorn: I do not think that will be your fate.
That corner where the extortionists are pushed to surreptitiously drop or plant that bullet in the luggage of a passenger is the corner of hopelessness and desperation. That is not their fate! Have you ever wondered why we OFWs will take up arms using the social media every time we become threatened by the attacks of the current government's missiles? Because we don't want to be pushed to the corner of the intolerable. We don't want to be surrounded by clouds of darkness and hopelessness. That's why we cried when PhilHealth increased their premium payment. That's why we barraged the social media with #NoTo550 hashtags. That's why we went wild when the Bureau of Customs fired their stalk mortars to clear the field but were counter attacked by the dreaded virus from the #BalikbayanBoxes viral posts. Why did we do that? Because we know that is not our fate!
The investigations being conducted, the arrests and suspensions of the suspects will just remain a placebo, just a simulation, an ineffectual treatment of a disease which is intended to deceive the system as well as the Filipino people. It will be business as usual, a status quo of the intolerable state of governance. That is not the fate of NAIA even if it's currently the "Home of the Laglag Bala Extortion Syndicates!"
We deserve more than this because we don't want to once again be placed in that boxing corner! If OFWs were brave enough to swallow the bitter pill in exchange for a greener pasture, so as not to get stuck in the corner of the intolerable, a much more bitter pill is required to straighten out the rotten system at NAIA! We badly need a system that forces and obliges NAIA officials, our government and elected officials to do their jobs the right way so as not to be acclimatized and consider themselves comfortable and trapped in that intolerable situation.
The story of Isang Bala Ka Lang! is the story of the cop who did not tolerate to be cornered in a place of hopelessness. That's why he didn't allow himself to remain apathetic and non committal. He took that bitter pill. He hoped, he dreamed to see liberation because the supposedly "good people" and the law did nothing to avert criminal elements from continuously victimizing the innocent people.
The story of my hometown is a story of hope and dreams. From a place associated with images of violence and conflict, a society where kidnapping, robbery, ambush, and assault were typical to a haven of an empowered tri-people and agro-industrial center in South Central Mindanao where the community now lives in a healthy and peaceful environment with an innovative and responsive local government. The past is now nothing but a memory very much far from the present-day Upi.
Government isn't suppose to be bad! It's a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. The story of the Filipina-American citizen traveling to the US, who was allegedly found to have two bullets in her luggage paid P500 out of fear. She had the fear of the government officials who were supposed to protect her. That was not her fate if there was a strong leader at NAIA. Leadership has a big responsibility in the journey from hopelessness and shattered dreams to liberation. For my hometown, it took one from among the Lumads to carry on that mantle of leadership to where it is now.
We OFWs are in that stage of disrupted hope. We're caught in the middle of motivational disruptions and conflicts and we begin to entertain dream abandonment, fear-based hopelessness, alienated despair and hopeless rage. We often hear this sentiment of fellow OFW, "Tayo na naman ang pinuntirya ng gobyerno!", a clear indication of a looming conflict between our dreams and our government. That's not our fate.
Come 2016, we have the opportunity to have one from among us represent our sector in the Senate. Someone who can fight for the liberation of the OFWs. The developments on the senate bid of Susan "Toots" Ople is a good indication on the focus given to the OFWs. It is an affirmation of what the OFWs are fighting for and the different parties are embracing the cause for the protection of the migrant workers. It was reported that all the different political parties have invited her to be their guest candidate. She was first offered by Secretary Mar Roxas to run for Senate which she declined because of issues with our OFW sector. Mayor Duterte had endorsed her. Senator Miriam Santiago had endorsed her. Vice President Binay had adopter her to UNA without any conditions. Today, Senator Grace Poe also adopted her. This proves that the OFW is getting the long-overdue attention it deserves. It also points out that among the Senatorial Candidates, she is the only one with a solid program and platform for our sector. Why? Because for OFWs to be forever "orphans" in the Senate is not our fate.
A month ago she didn't even know she was going to run for the Senate. As of today Susan Ople is now endorsed by Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero, Mayor Duterte, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Vice President Binay, and the Villar family. It's a strong affirmation of her heart for the labor and OFW sectors. #ople2016
Our candidate is not running for on behalf of any of the Presidentiables but for the causes and general welfare of OFWs and their families and local workers who has been left treated as mere positive economic data in national governance because of their Trillion Peso remittances every year. In fact our OFWs are required to pay a deposit an amount to be spent by their government for their protection overseas.
MANILA - Senatorial candidate Susan "Toots" Ople on Wednesday admitted that she is having a hard time choosing who to support between Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago in the 2016 presidential election.
Rappler also reported that Migrant workers’ advocate Toots Ople is a guest candidate of both the Poe and Binay slates. She replaces Senator Ping Lacson who was earlier invited to join the lineup. You can watch the video here.
I may not be able to give step by step recommendations on how to eradiate the Laglag Bala problem at NAIA but the best starting point could be the transformation of the behavior and principles of the unscrupulous people (though widespread, not all who work at NAIA are involved.in this scam) can help much in creating NAIA a center of excellence. This may mean a total revamp of the leadership there and let the rule of law prevail! Next to be addressed is to focus in making the inspection and the screening process transparent and to screen their own ranks to ensure that only persons with high level of honesty and integrity are allowed at the inspection area. It will be best to upgrade the professionalism of the staff and improve the level of services and support.
The pursuit of a good life and happiness for our families continues to be our lifetime dream and endeavor. It doesn't come that easy to us as OFWs. Struggles and sacrifices will always be there but we will continue to search for breaks and opportunities. May God continue to bless us, giving us the grace and the ability to continue to hope and fulfill our dreams for our families. That is where our fate lies! Isang Bala Ka Lang can't put our dreams to oblivion!
During the 2nd Semester of my 3rd Year at UP Diliman, I took up Speech 1 under Professor Leticia H. Tison. That was 32 years ago but I vividly remember standing in front of my classmates at that speech classroom in Palma Hall, known during our time as AS, the heart of the campus, delivering a speech that was very close to my heart. It was, for me, one of the best orations that I have ever delivered.
"Gentlemen of the jury—
The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter whom he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has he may lose. It flies from him perhaps when he needs it most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is the dog.
Gentlemen of the jury, a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground when the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast into the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws and his eyes sad but open, in alert watchfulness, faithful and true, even unto death."
During that speech, I didn't have to emote and fake my feelings and gestures because the words that came out of my mouth were words that sprung directly from my heart.
I grew up in a family who love dogs. By fate, I married one who comes from a family of dog lovers rated to the highest degree. During our first year of marriage, she gifted me with a beautiful Japanese Spitz which became my companion in the shrimp farm that I managed. My pet dog didn't live long as she was run over in a vehicular accident in the farm. It was a difficult time for me and for the next 7 years, I opted not to be attached with dogs.
By 1996, we decided to adopt Rocky, a Terrier and Snowy, a Japanese Spitz, when their masters, a Singaporean missionary family, moved out of Bacolod City. Rocky and Snowy had puppies which Kevin and Gabrielle took care and didn't want to give out. So even with the limited subsistence we had during those times, we kept and sustained the puppies.
"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones." ~Luke 16:10
We always believed that the verse talked about talents, resources, responsibilities, friends, riches, etc. We held on to that promise with 4 strong (Me, my wife, Kevin and Gabrielle) Y-E-Ses and resounding Amens and Hallelujahs! But we never thought that it could also mean canine friends. Early in 1997, we welcomed to our family the quartet of Olive, a Maltese, Jessa and Justine, both Shih Tzus, and Puppy, a Terrier. The quartet was the "large ones" promised to us for our faithfulness with the little things. They were given to us by my sister-in-law who migrated to the US. The joy that the quartet brought to our home overcame the financial difficulties we were going through during those times. God was faithful to see us through - we had food on our table and the dogs had never gone hungry despite the rationed pelletized meals they had. The kids never missed their vaccines and so were the dogs. Everyone in the family got a chunk from our meager budget. There was one time that we were having 15 dogs in the house. A testimony of being blessed if we are faithful with the little things given to us! Yes, they had many puppies that we were able to sell and give out to friends.
Moving out with the pets to Cebu
In 2002, our family permanently moved from Bacolod City to Cebu City. Chloe was 2 years old at that time and she was with my wife who was already working in Cebu. So it was only Kevin, Gabrielle and myself plus the other "6 members of the family" who would be traveling by land and sea. We knew how difficult it was for us to do a successful relocation but we did! Our silver grey L200 DC pick-up prioritized us and the other 6 members of the family, bringing only limited personal effects for ourselves. At Cebu, we were faced with a big challenge of keeping all the 6 canine members of our family. It was a difficult decision for us to let go some of them but because we were to stay in a small apartment, Rocky was adopted by Papa to be with him in his farm in Bohol, Snowy became the companion of Mama, and Pappy was given to a good ole friend. We kept Olive, Jessa, and Justine with us.
We moved from place to place. From the first apartment, we moved to a bigger apartment but after a month, we were flooded in the place so we again moved to a condo unit. When we moved in to the condo, we were again faced with a big decision of whether to keep the trio with us or not. There wasn't a choice for us because pets were not allowed. After a thorough deliberation and voting, we decided to temporarily have Olive and Jessa adopted by a friend and my sister-in-law but sneaked in Justine with us. We would hide Justine in our unit and begged him not to bark so we will not get caught. After sometime, our landlady allowed us to keep Justine. Justine would just visit them for short honeymoons. During this period, Olive went home ahead to pet heaven when she succumbed to death while giving birth to Justine's progeny.
In 2004, I left for Saudi Arabia and after a few months, my family moved to a big apartment and Jessa and Justine were reunited. However, Jessa didn't live long as she also succumbed to her death during puppy-birth. Justin became a widower in 2005. He lost two wives and it happened one after the other. We observed him to have a deep loneliness at first and we would often joke that if only he can talk, he would probably say: "I am alone now and I know it's difficult but I wanna go back to the time when we were three."
When we finally moved to our own place in 2005, Justine became the center of attraction of everyone in the subdivision. There were only a few neighbors at that time and Justine became the bridge that started friendly conversation with our new neighbors. Our kids made friends in the neighborhood because of Justine. He was more popular than my kids. That grief and loneliness of being a widower returned back to normal. Although the most popular in the neighborhood, he didn't have any serious relationships with the "bitches" (Old English "bicche" used to call a female dog). He enjoyed playing with the other canines when neighbors would take them out for their daily walk. Small he may be, he would arrogantly bark and chase bigger dogs and sires whom he see as threat to his popularity with the bitches. However, there was one time when he fought with a big dog in Camella Village and the big dog not minding how small Justine was, bit him and dragged him causing the kids and the helpers to run to the rescues.
He was not only popular in the neighborhood, he was the apple of the family's eyes. He was always the center of attraction during family gatherings. He would often be mistaken as a rug when he lies flat on the floor. He would scratch our door to wake us up when its time for him to walk around. He would sit on the lap of the kids while they were studying or watching TV. He will always be at the doorstep waiting for us and welcoming us home. When Kevin arrived at home after spending several months in the US last time, Justine climbed up to him, wept, and placed his head in the armpit of Kevin and later on smelling it like an aroma. Justine would always stay near the feet of my wife when she was home working and making decisions. Though I don't often see him, he knows me very well and will always welcome me and become my shadow while I'm at home. He was a very gentle and kind dog and handsome, too. He wasn't bossy and demanding but he will always make a person feel so wanted.
As the years have gone by, his age started to take a toll on his once energetic and healthy body. A couple of years back his eyes began to cloud and he developed cataracts. He was going deaf and often had trouble jumping up on the bed. His skin became very dry and he had to have medicated baths. He was given gourmet dog food to keep him healthy and had his regular visits to the vet for his check up and grooming. During my last vist at home last May, he was already blind. My wife would tell me to give time to him as he was not going to live long anymore. I had a hard time talking to him because every time I see him, I was afraid to face the truth of losing him soon. I was always teary-eyed talking to him. He was a witness to everything! If only he can talk, he can tell you of our struggles and our victories, our failures and our successes, our conflicts at home and our unity and harmony. He can tell you of our dreams and plans. He has seen the family throughout its worst and best times. Before I flew back to the desert, I rubbed his head and I was sure that he can't hear me anymore. But I was able to lean over to him and whispered to him that I love him and that I thanked him for the many wonderful years he has been with us.
In October 4, my wife brought Justine to his vet after which she told us to brace ourselves up for something devastating that is going to happen to Justine. The vet said that Justine will not be with us for long now because of old age.
Yesterday, Sunday - October 25, 2015, we had to say goodbye to Justine. Letting him go was hard, but it was the best for him to fell asleep for the last time.
Justine will always be loved and missed by everyone in the family. He has left us all with tears and hearts full of memories which we will always cherish. We are so thankful that we've had him in our lifetime.
By the way Justine, I read once again yesterday the speech that I delivered 32 years ago, and this time, it was for you!
Rest in peace in doggy-heaven! You will be missed by all!
Justin lived with us for 18 years. older by 3 years than our youngest, Chloe.
If you own a dog, you've probably heard this rule: 1 year equals 7 years. Turns out, the math isn't that simple.
Size and breed also play a role. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger ones
Using a Dog Age Calculator, if Justine was a human, he would be 88 years old today.
Some memories we have with Justine.
Justin was always there to welcome us. This photo was taken in December 2011 upon my arrival from Jeddah.
Gabrielle giving a hug to Justine as he welcomes her home!
Gabrielle's goodbye post for Justine
Kevin's heartbreaking goodbye to Justine
Plans to have Justine cremated were already in place but because it was a Sunday, there was no crematory services.
He was finally laid to rest in our Brookfield garden beside Kevin's room
______________________________
*The above speech was by George Graham Vest (1830-1904) who served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri from 1879 to 1903. He was one of the leading orators and debaters of his time. The speech is from an earlier period in his life when he practiced law in a small Missouri town. It was given in court while representing a man who sued another for the killing of his dog. During the trial, Vest ignored the testimony, and when his turn came to present a summation to the jury, he made the above speech and won the case.
Denali - a tribute to man's best friend
Here's a touvhing film about the bond between Denali the dog and adventure photographer Ben Moon. A film by Ben Knight, Skip Armstrong and Ben Moon.
There's no easy way to say goodbye to a friend, especially when they've supported you through your darkest times.
“All the days ordained for me were written in Your book
before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16b, NIV)
“This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”(Psalm 118:24)
Facebook's Memories "On this Day" prompts us to look back at the memories we have for the day. I saw this status that I posted in 2009, exactly six years ago today, and I liked what I read.
"I'll live my life and forget my age... life gives me the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars. As Mark Twain said - "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." "
Lord, You know me better than myself... and as I grow older today and will someday be old, keep me from the fatal habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on the things that do not bless and build up others because the love of rehearsing somebody’s ignominy is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet, because a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people; and give, O Lord, the courage to tell them of your great faithfulness and your enduring love to me and my loved ones. Bless all of those who remembered my birthday and said a prayer for me. Bless as well all those who have forgotten to greet me as they may have been very busy just like me...And as I continue to walk in life's highways and byways, help me live and celebrate life to the fullest. Thank you for the rhema you gave me today that 'You will go before me and will be with me; You will never leave me nor forsake me... and surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life! Amen.
I couldn't help but enjoy reading my 2009 status and 2010 notes over and over again and here I am writing a quick post for my birthday this year.
My Birthday Prayer - Circa 2016
Thank you dear God for giving me another year
For holding each day within Your grace and will
To live my life well, and be grateful for my age
Because those years are stamps of Your blessed faithfulness!
I thank my family, whose love and care is beyond compare
For friends, and colleagues, even strangers I meet
Have added value and learning experiences the past years
For times of success giving happy memories,
And life's reminders during times of failures.
So many hours I've wasted, I have let go,
Many chances to be a blessing, I've failed to do
So many opportunities, that I've missed to take
Help me dear Lord to recognize and act
And be sensitive to your prodding
So I will not miss out!
I will continue to love, to work, to play, and have fun
And enjoy the beautiful sunsets before I do my run
To look at the stars, name them one by one
Like naming God's blessings that He's given to everyone!
I will continue to expect each day's surprises
With a receptive heart to hear, feel, and see
It may come as sorrow or as unspeakable joy
But will surely bring us higher to a better view!
Help me dear Lord to make this year the best
No matter how bad life may seem to be
There is always something beautiful and good to find.
Because in Your perfect time, the best is yet to come!
So I'll throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor.
I'll catch the trade winds in my sails.
I'll Explore.
I'll Dream.
I'll Discover.
Every new chapter is better than the one before! So let's get our glasses for a toast - "Cheers to life!"
Let's celebrate LIFE. It's our message to the world! Live it well by making sure that it's inspiring!
