THANK YOU LORD!

THANK YOU LORD

A Year-End Review

As I write this blog post, my first for 2016, I am in the midst of cleaning up our bedroom and our home office.  While in the throes of throwing away old garbage and letting go of some stuff, I can’t help but feel nostalgic and a little sentimental.

2015 has been a good year, I actually found it hard to let go.  So let me give you a run-through of the year that was.

Early 2015

The year started pretty hectic.  I was looking forward to the execution of the K-12 Transition Plans of the HEIs under my care.  I had to make sure that we are able to ride the wave and be able to negotiate through the waters of K-12 and be able to cross the vast unchartered ocean to land on the other side unscathed and victorious.

However, late 2014, I was elected as a director of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) and this led me to being appointed as the Chairperson of the Enterprise Development Training Institute (EDTI) of the MNCCI, the training arm of the Chamber and surprises of all surprises, the Chairperson of the Bicol Business Week, the annual flagship event of the MNCCI.

This development got me really busy.  I had to delegate K-12 transition execution to other persons in the HEIs concerned and fortunately, I made the right decision.  So from the start of the year until the middle of 2015 this occupied my days.

Mid 2015

June is always the busiest month for us in the education sector being the start of the school year.

On the homefront, I was moving my two kids from the old Ateneo campus on Bagumbayan to the new campus in Pacol.  Nico was going to start in the big school as a first grader and I moved Rocky to the new campus as a Nursery pupil to be with his Kuya.

Between buying school supplies and ensuring that my kids were well adjusted in the new school, I still had my work and MNCCI tasks.  Add to that my Rotary meetings, Red Cross meetings and social events that made my planner look like a coloring book instead of a serious organizing tool.

As the Bicol Business Week was drawing near and making me worried, Naga City got awarded as the Most Competitive Component City in the country.  This led to an innovative re-branding of the event as Bicol Business Month and thus a move to November from the original September date was necessary.  I begged off the chairmanship of the event.

My primary reason was that by November, members of the family who will run for public office have already filed their candidacy in October.  This means I will once again be part of the team that will ensure their success, God-willing.  I told Gilbert, the MNCCI president that I cannot possibly be able to make time for the BBM preparations and I did not want MNCCI to suffer the consequences of that.  I was glad that he understood and made the 1^st Bicol Business Month the success that it is today.

THE LIFE SHIFT

Now, as if my plate is not already overflowing, I was asked to run for Vice-Governor of the Province of Camarines Sur.  I initially said no.  We had four candidates running in our family.  I wanted to give my full support to their campaign and running as a candidate myself may seriously affect the campaign on my family members.

However, God has different plans.  And yes, I decided to run wholeheartedly because I truly felt the need for change.  With no preparations whatsoever, I agreed to be candidate for next year’s election and boy was I in for the greatest change in my life.

END OF 2015

Yes, my entire life changed when I said yes to run for a public office.  My entire personal schedule was obliterated to be replaced with a more grueling schedule of barangay visits and leaders’ meetings.  I am no longer garbed in my usual corporate attire but in blue polo shirts and jeans and I no longer have time to indulge in doing my make up in the morning.  I also do not have time anymore to check on my kid’s homework so whatever free time I have I spend with my kids.  Even my husband is complaining.

But, this is the life I chose.  At least for the time being while I try to persuade the electorate of my fitness to the position I am eyeing.  This is what should be done, marching on with the river at my back, just like what my Kuya Ted constantly reminds me.  I just have to let the people who love me understand this new normal that I have embarked on and I know with their love and understanding everything will be fine.

THANKFUL

2015 is actually a year of firsts for me.  First time to run for public office.  First time to reach a lot of places in the province which I’ve never been to before like Lupi and Cabusao.  First time to ride a helicopter.  First time to speak before multitudes of strangers who never met me.  It is tough but I am always thankful for the experience.

Not everyone is given this chance to serve, whether as a director of an organization, as a teacher, and now as a probable public servant and I will always be grateful for the opportunities given to me.  I am not always sure that I deserve the trust and confidence, but when given the opportunity I always make sure that I give it my all.

I am also thankful for all the people who made 2015 a year of success, from my UNEP Family, to my Partido College Family, to my CCDI Family and also even to TEAM CamSure Happy, to Team Arnie and to my Team Peachy Families, you all made my life so much easier letting me have time to things that matter most.  I have nothing but gratitude in my heart. 

Malayo pa ang lalakbayin natin mga kasama kaya't patuloy lang tayo sa ating gawain para sa bayan.

Not for me, but for us.

2016

As I face my 40^th year, as I am turning the big 4-0 by June, I pray for more patience and fortitude because I know that the race is long and I need the endurance to finish it.  Yes, I am afraid, but gladly, I can say that my Faith is always bigger than my Fears. 

So, I welcome 2016 with much positivity and love.  With prayers and the will of God, I know I will overcome.

Happy New Year!

MY UPCAT STORY

MY UPCAT STORY

I grew up with grand stories about U.P.  My father went to UP, Law ’60.  My grandfather went to U.P., Law ’35.  Two of my cousins went to U.P. also.  I grew up knowing in my heart of hearts that I am going to U.P. also.

I admit that my preparation to go to U.P. started when I was still in elementary.  I studied hard because I was told that grades from first year high school to third year high school forms part of the criteria for admission to the prestigious state university.

Studying high school in Miriam College was quite tough.  I was not an honors class student but I did my best to be able to have really good grades.  And in a school where everyone was making good grades it was a tad difficult.  But I was lucky. 

It was in the first month of my senior year that everyone in my class started to prepare for U.P.  My own preparations was to attend an UPCAT preparation class at the BRAINS review school in T. Morato.  I felt that my entire future depended on it so I had to make good at this chance.

Taking exams is not foreign to me.  I grew up practically taking every exam my Mom could get me to take.  Pisay. AUL Science Oriented.  And a host of other schools and scholarship exams.  So, I prepared as I always do.

When I got my UPCAT permit, I immediately did an ocular of the place where I will take the exam.  I think it was at the Malcolm Hall.  I planned the things that I would bring with me.  A pencil, an eraser, a fan, a jacket, two sandwiches, candies, and a water bottle.

I came early on that day in August.  I forgot the exact date but it was in the first weekend.  Our driver took me to U.P.  I did not want to contend with the stresses of commuting.

Then, after getting comfortable in the examination room, I calmed myself, said a prayer, submitted everything to the will of God and started the test. 

It was difficult, but not as I expected.  I think what made it really difficult was the time pressure.  But if there is one thing that I always do during exams that I still did even during the Bar, is to use the entire time allotted to the test.  If I ended early, I review my answers and did not submit the answer sheet until I was told to do so.

I went home quite pleased with myself.  I believe that I was able to give it a good shot.  I might not have aced it but I knew I gave enough correct answers to pass the test.

Now, the wait.

I was not inclined to take any other college entrance exam tests.  But, our guidance counsellor encouraged us to take the test of other schools.  I took the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET), but I knew I did not do very well.  I also took the DLSU entrance exam, which I literally slept through.  In La Salle, I got admitted to their LiaCom Honors Class.  I also took the Mapua Institute of Technology entrance exam and got admitted to their Computer Engineering program.  I applied in UST but was not able to take the exam because I received the U.P. results even before the exam date.

U.P. might be the first to give their college entrance test, but they were also the last to give their results.  It came after the NCEE results where I got 99+.  Not a big deal really when there were 10 of us who were 99+ in class and the entire honors class in Miriam got a 99++.  I did not even know there was a 99++ score in the NCEEs.

When I got admitted in U.P. I really felt that my future is bright.  Success was just there for the taking.  Now, it would just be up to me to botch it.  The ball is now in my court.

Now, 23 years after that exam, life may not be as what I had expected, but nevertheless my U.P. education opened doors for me that otherwise would have been shut.  Yes, I am proud to be a U.P. Alumna and I will prepare my kids to be admitted too.  I am lucky I got into the premier university, but what is luck but preparation and opportunity meeting together.  This post may be late for those who already took the exam, but for those in their senior year in high school, I hope this sharing somehow inspires you to prepare and do well.  And don’t forget that everything is easy and possible with prayers and God’s guidance.

A Story of Faith (Or the Day I Passed the Bar Exams of 2001)

A Story of Faith

(Or the Day I Passed The Bar Exams of 2001)

Every year, at about this time, thousands of Bar examinees troop to the Supreme Court to find out if their hard work had paid off.  Some go home triumphant with a dance of joy, while most go home with bad news.

In a nutshell, that is the story of life.  You work hard.  Sometimes it pays off.  Sometimes it doesn’t.  But you plod on. 

Passers seems to have God on their side, and enjoy the high that they feel.  Everybody loves them.  You receive numerous congratulatory texts.  You are at the top of the world, even if you did not top the Bar.  It is exhilarating.

Flunkers feel like the pits.  Questions of self-doubt plague your mind for days.  If you are an achiever, you question your own intelligence.  And for some, they even question God.  They think, I gave it my all, binigay ko nang lahat, kulang pa ba?

Some may tell me?  What do you know?  You did not flunk the bar.  Believe me, I know.

One of the most agonizing things in life is waiting.  This cannot be more pronounced for the Bar Examinee who after hurdling the 4 Sundays of the Bar start to go on with their lives in limbo as they wait for the release of the Bar Exam Results like cult members waiting for the second coming.  And when the news of the release comes, it makes the inner frenzy all the more unbearable.

It was in the morning of March 19, 2002, a Tuesday, when I learned that the Bar Exams will be released on that day.  A couple of weeks before that, rumors were circulating that it will be released on this day or that, but it was all just that, rumours. 

This time, it seemed true.  The Bar Exams is usually released on a Supreme Court En Banc session day which falls on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  It seemed to  be the THE DAY.  It felt like it was THE DAY.  It was also the feast of St. Joseph, the patron of Fathers.  That I will not forget.

I was then working as a legal researcher at the Law Offices of Justice Serafin Cuevas at Makati City.  We were only five legal researchers working then on the plunder cases of former Pres. Joseph Estrada.  All five of us were waiting for the results of the Bar. 

Upon arriving at my place of work, the tension was palpable.  All five of us cannot work, so to appease our tension, our supervisor, Atty. Baguio, offered that he can give us advanced notice of the results as he has a friend in the Supreme Court who can look at the list even before it is released.  But, it did not diminish our anxiety. 

All five of us decided to stick together and wait for the results that Atty. Baguio will be sending us before the actual release at eight o’clock that night.  We left the office at around five o’clock, walked from Salcedo Village to Greenbelt where we caught the six o’clock mass.

I felt so fortunate to hear mass that evening.  It calmed my nerves.  It was also the feast of St. Joseph so the homily was quite meaningful.  I prayed and submitted all my hopes to God and I was at peace.  At the end of the mass, a tribute to all fathers present was made where they were asked to come in front for the priest's blessing.  A power point presentation was presented and as I was watching, like a sign from heaven, I saw a rainbow in one of the slides.

The rainbow is a very poignant symbol for me.  Since I was young, when I felt really low and depressed, I would see a rainbow and it reminded me always of God’s promise to Noah.  For me, it meant that He is always at my side and that whatever I was feeling will always pass with a promise that I have better things in store for me.  And it was always true.

That rainbow I saw in one of the slides was like a secret message to me from God, that yes, he will grant me the desires of my heart.  I felt so sure that I will pass the Bar that night.  I was so sure that my name will be on that list.

After hearing mass, all five of us were wondering why we haven’t received any news from Atty. Baguio yet.  It was already seven o’clock and we were hungry.  So we had dinner.  The boyfriend, now husband, of one of my colleagues now joined us.  Still no news.

The television set in the restaurant where we were having our dinner already announced that the results will be released in about thirty more minutes and so we decided to go to the Supreme Court area to wait some more.  We decided not to go to the Supreme Court itself because we were afraid to be there if we failed the exams.  We decided to proceed to the Remedios Church where we will pray some more and wait some more.

However, in the taxi, on the way to the Malate area, one by one, everyone’s cellphone was giving off message alert tones except mine.  Everyone was silent on that trip to Remedios. 

Earlier that day, I gave instructions to my four colleagues that if I fail the exams, I wanted them to just let me be.  No comforting back rubs.  No “it’s okay, just take it again” talks.  I told them to just leave me alone.

When we got off at the Church, Joselito, one of our colleagues hugged me. 

“Peach, you didn’t make it.” He told me sadly.  I answered, “Ah okay, sige.  Thank you.”

I immediately flagged down the same taxi that took us to Remedios after he made a u-turn.  “Manong balik tayo sa Makati.” I told the taxi driver.

“Bakit po Ma’am?” he asked curiously.

“Hindi ako sinwerte Manong.  Uuwi na lang ako.” So I gave him directions to the condo I was staying in at that time at J.P. Rizal Ave., at the back of the old RTC Building in Makati.

I took that trip back to the condo in silence, but my brain was running at 120 kph.  I couldn’t believe I did not pass the bar.  Personally, I really felt I did well.  Besides, I saw the rainbow. 

However, I am not one to wallow in misery.  Immediately, in that taxi ride, I planned my next move.  I decided immediately to resign from the law office the next day.  I will then ask my Dad to support me in reviewing for the Bar again.  In this particular episode, I supported myself through the review with my own savings.  This time, I will humble myself and ask help from my parents.  I also decided to review at the Ateneo at Rockwell.  I felt so bad that my UP Law Center Review did not prepare me enough, and in total rebellion towards my UP upbringing, I will allow myself to be educated in a sectarian school.  My "UP and others" attitude be damned!

I didn’t have the time to be depressed during that taxi ride.  I was filled with thoughts about the next step.  But it all turned 180 degrees when I got to my condo.  The darkness of that small studio flat brought to fore the fact that I, Remelisa G. Alfelor was now a flunker, an utter disgrace to my lawyer grandfather, Felix O. Alfelor, Sr. (UP ’35) and my lawyer father Felix R. Alfelor, Jr. (UP ’60).

I never failed an exam in my life.  Never!  This was the lowest feeling ever.  I screamed my lungs out in that dark studio flat, as I preferred to suffer in the dark.  My tears flowed like a river and wouldn’t stop.  It was the pits.  I was the scum of the earth.  The lowest mammal.  Not even.  The lowest lifeform God ever created.  I was not worthy.

As I was wallowing in my sorrow, my phone started to ring.  It was low batt so I had to charge it.  Everytime it rang, the phone died down on me.  Well, all for the best.  I thought it might just be some well-meaning friend trying to comfort me and I was not in the mood to be commiserated.  I just wanted to be alone. 

But then, I decided to put the phone back on again while it was charging and I got a call from my friend Joselito. 

“Peach, you have to come here at the Supreme Court.”  He said.  Now, my tears flowed anew.

“Why should I?  I failed didn’t I.  Should I go there and watch all of you jump for joy?  It would be like taking a stone and hitting my own head.” I told him in my tears.

“No, you come here.  You passed the bar!” he said.

“What?  I don’t understand?” I answered.  He gave the phone to our other colleague Maricar who was my closest in the group.  She is a best friend in kindergarten days and the world, small as it is, brought us together again in that law office as colleagues after years of being apart.  She is also a kababayan.

“Peach, come to the Supreme Court, you passed the bar!” she said clearly now in my ear through my mobile phone.

“I passed the bar?” I asked carefully.

“Yes, you did.  No. 43 on the list.”  She answered back.

I passed the bar?  I passed the bar! Wow! I thought.

“Yes, yes, I’ll come to the Supreme Court.  Thank you.”  I put the phone down.  I immediately fixed myself but didn’t have time to change my clothes.  Still in my court clothes, I went down the condominium building and asked the guard to get a taxi for me.  In a minute a taxi came and I took that triumphant taxi ride to the Supreme Court.

It was in that ride that my Dad called me up congratulating me.  He was in Sulo Hotel with my Uncle Atty. Teddy Rigoroso.  He too congratulated me.  I was so happy.

During that trip, I prayed my thanksgiving.  I knew in my heart that I passed the Bar but I didn’t have enough faith to believe it.  With just a news from a friend, I let my heart believe something that was not at all God’s message to me.  I apologized for not believing in Him and in his will for me.

When I arrived at the Supreme Court, there were still several people milling around.  I jumped and screamed in joy when I saw my name on the list.  Like a crazy person, I was there alone in my triumph telling everyone I passed!  I passed!

I decided to go home to Fairview that night where our family home is.  I wanted to 

 share my joy with my family.  And as I laid down to sleep, I tried to process why did God do this to me.  Why did he make me feel this roller coaster of emotions?  Why did he make me feel like a failure, only to be triumphant in the end?

Then it came to me.  I had never failed in my life.  Except of course for that Criminal Law I class under Fiscal Lirag that was due to a mistake in the cases I submitted for our case digest project.  He failed me in the class because I submitted the wrong cases, so it doesn’t really count.  Besides, he changed my grade after I submitted the right cases.  I had an intellectual confidence that was veering on arrogance.  If I did not go through the experience of failing, even temporarily, I would not be able to appreciate the value of passing the Bar, and maybe would go on through life with an arrogance that might destroy me.

That night, I appreciated the experience.  I had always valued hard work and perseverance but I did not understand what it truly means until that moment in my life.  I closed my eyes to sleep that night with a renewed confidence in my faith in God, that he is always faithful in his promises, and that he will always lead me to where I should be as long as I submit to his will, as long as I have faith.

The Bar Exams is the most difficult exams one can ever decide to take.  It is not for the faint hearted and the courage to take it is actually a triumph in itself.  If one fails, it is not the end of the world.  It might feel like it, but the sun shines again. 

As the rainbow always reminds us, there is always sunshine after the rain.

Choosing Schools

Happy New Year!

It has been years since I last posted in this blog and I finally found the time and the urge to write about something today, so bear with me because this will be lengthy.

At about this time of year, thousands of students who are about to graduate high school are choosing where to go for college.  Its hard to choose, especially for those who are fortunate enough to be admitted to all the schools applied to.  

Today, I will share my own experience and how my thought process helped me find the best school for ME.  

Yes, for ME, in uppercase letters, because sometimes, some students choose the school that they feel is best for their parents or their friends but not really for them.  At the onset, I'd like to say that if you are choosing your school to please others, you just might be starting off on the wrong premise.  Not that, there is anything wrong with that.  If that is what makes you happy, then fine, you have an easy choice to make, if your choice later on doesn't work out, you have someone else to blame.  But really, choosing the school that you like will save you a lot of frustration and heartache.

Peachy Circa 1991-1992

It was the last year of my high school.  As early as June, conversations with friends and classmates would often revolve around where you are going to study in college.  It was important because that year the UPCAT was conducted in August. (I think it still is).  I think there is no question whether one has to take the UPCAT or not.  The important question for me was what degree program to take.  And if you are a well-rounded person with all sorts of interests you will have a hard time choosing because UP has the widest array of degree programs to choose from.

The good thing was, I knew where my passions lie.  I love to write.  I read a lot and after totally letting go of my dream to be a Chemist or be in the sciences, the story of which deserves another post, I had always wanted to be a novelist.  So, I wanted to study creative writing.

The thing is, when I announced my choice to my Dad, he had all sorts of opinion about it.  He said there was really no money in it.  He told me to choose something more practical.  At that time, law was never on the radar.  It was not a dream.  My Dad's opinion hurt.  He said the choice was up to me, but I know somehow I had to make my family proud of my choice, but I did not want to give up my passion.

So, after poring over the list of degree programs offered in U.P. for several nights, I finally decided on taking up Mass Comm major in Journalism.  I announced my choice to my Dad and he was quite pleased.  He said, I could be the next Che Che Lazaro.  My cousin Kuya Bobby Ky said I could be like Maria Ressa. Lolz!

At the onset, I could say that U.P. was my first choice.  Maybe, I was conditioned for it because my Dad and my grandfather and some of my aunts and uncles including a cousin went to UP.  But, i needed a fall back in case my U.P. plan doesn't fall through.  So I applied at ADMU for International Studies which was all the rage at that time.  Then, I applied at La Salle for LiaCom.  I also applied at Mapua Institute of Technology in Computer Engineering and UST in Mass Comm, to accompany my bestfriend.  

I passed U.P. Mass Comm, DLSU Lia Com, an Honors Degree, and MIT Computer Engineering.  I was not able to take the UST Exam anymore because the schedule of the exam was April when my choice had already been made.  I am not afraid to admit I failed ADMU.  My brother jokingly told me that maybe it was because we only had one car.  He made that comment because in the ADMU application form they had all sorts of questions about financial capacity like how many cars does your family own, or how much your parents make in a year.

My choice was between DLSU and U.P.  I actually had a hard time choosing because LiaCom was a great degree for me.  I can major in communications in Liberal Arts and Business Management for the Commerce Degree.  I finish actually two degrees in just a little over 4 years.  I would make myself and my family happy.  

But, DLSU was an hour's commute from our house on a good day.  I live in Fairview, Quezon City.  I was also afraid of commuting to the Manila area.  I grew up practically in Katipunan Ave., having studied high school in Miriam College.  DLSU was also trimestral.  School breaks were short and that meant no long summer vacations in Iriga for me for several years.  The sacrifice I had to make to finish 2 degrees in five years.  There was a big adjustment to make.  Finally, the clincher was the tuition fee.  DLSU at that time charged around P7,000+ per trimester. (Yes, I know, that was ages ago.). That's P21,000+ per school year.  

U.P. on the other hand was just in the 15-30 minute range away from our house.  Yep, it was 2 rides away, but, at least I was not worried too much about holdap and the lines in the jeepneys were orderly.  I was familiar with my surroundings in U.P. Diliman and I felt safe walking around.  I also loved the idea of being able to have long breaks to see my family in the province.  And they have no classes on Wednesdays to give time to students to do research.  That was important to me because even at that time I felt that giving students space to learn on their own is more important than absorbing theories in classrooms.  

At that time also I wanted to learn about the world without the preconceived norms of a sectarian school.  I have nothing against sectarian schools.  In fact, I came from Miriam which is strongly Roman Catholic.  My son is studying in a catholic school.  But, at that time, I felt that my faith should be tested against the realities of the world.  I wanted to learn about the world without the filters of religion.  Yes, I was that deep even as a 16 year old college freshman.  I knew only U.P. can give me that kind of education.

So, I finally chose U.P. Diliman.  

My Tips To You

Having laid down a lengthy history of how I ended up in U.P. let me summarize to you just some pointers to help you choose your college.

1.  Find your Passion.  Choose your dream.

There are so many considerations in choosing a course, but you should always start with your dream.  What do you really want to do?  What do you want to become?

The thing is, at 16, students rarely know what to do with their life.  Sometimes they do, but they are not really sure.  It's okay.  Work with what you feel and think you want to do at this time.  Life is a journey.  You can always change goals when you become sure.

2.  Choose the school that will give you the best education in your chosen passion or dream.

Start researching about the school's achievement in the degree program or field you chose.  Who are their alumni? What are their success stories? Who are their faculty?

At the time I chose U.P., I knew that they had stellar alumni like Loren Legarda, Ogie Alcasid, and Che Che Lazaro taught in the Broadcasting Department.  

3.  Choose the school that would give you the best college experience.  

When I was still undergoing the process of choosing the school to study in, I observed the students and how they behaved.  I admit, at that time I was biased against ADMU.  Their students had cars, were trendy and wore signature clothes.  The students were in our colloquial terms at that time "cono kids".  I really felt I would find it difficult to fit in.  DLSU on the other hand felt more down to earth.  

Now, U.P. felt more liberating.  There was a wider array of groups of students that thrived.  There were cono kids and squatter kids and middle class kids.  It was not difficult to fit in.  You will always find a group that will accept your individuality, your quirks and idiosyncracies.  You will be allowed by your friends to think deeply and well, without anyone thinking that you are weird.  In fact, you might even feel that they are weird for accepting your weirdness.

Now, ask yourself, is the school that you choose allow you certain basic freedoms like having a cellphone?  Express yourself by allowing a wash day where you can wear whatever you want as long as it is within school regulations?  (Of course there should be regulations... Imagine if students can come to school wearing bikinis... Lolz!). Does the faculty allow students to express themselves in dialogues and in the classrooms?  What activities does the school have to encourage individual growth and independence?

4. Lastly... The Realities

After having outlined #s 1-3, the sad part is that nowadays there are realities that one has to contend with, starting with... can my family afford to send me to college?  If they do, can they afford to send me to the course I chose?

Now, don't despair because there is always a way.  Scholarships abound.  So much too choose, you only have to submit requirements.  Also, the better ones require good grades in high school so you should have prepared since your freshman year in high school knowing that your family might have difficulty in sending you to college.  There is always a way.  The important thing is your dedication to get an education.

Sometimes the reality is that you cannot afford to go somewhere else for your college education.  There are so many local colleges and universities who can offer quality education at half the price of a Manila education.  And most companies nowadays don't mind accepting job applicants from provincial schools.  Locally, of course you have UNEP :-), USI, ADNU, B.U., DWCL, AUL, CBSUA, CSSAC... So many to choose from, offering programs as good, if not better than NCR Schools.  The key is to be open to all possibilities.  Don't close the door for other eventualities.

5.  At the end of the day, Follow Your Heart.

Yup, at the end of the day, it is what you want that will prevail.  You always have a choice.  There are no NOs in life, only WAIT.  Take it from me.  I have seen so many success stories of students who walk to school so they can have money for snacks.  Beyond the neatly pressed uniforms are sacrifices that students make to be able to finish a college education.  I know of a gay friend in U.P. who was orphaned right before college and he was able finish school by winning gay beauty contests, going as far north as Ilocos and as far south as Leyte just to be able to use his winnings for school expenses.  Talking of tyaga!

Really... What you will be will only be determined by your own commitment to your success.

In Closing

So, in choosing a school, choose well so that you don't waste your youth.  Remember time is an unrenewable resource. Do not waste it.  It will save you a lot of money too.

I hope I was able to help all those having difficulty to choose.  Please don't hesitate to comment if you have any opinion regarding my post.

Thank you for spending time in reading this lengthy article.

Until the next post,

Peachy

Breastfeeding: How and Why I Made the Choice + Some Tips

March 27, 2011; Medical City

My decision to breastfeed was actually brought on by numerous literature and studies saying that "breast milk is still best for babies."  As early as my high school days, I already made the decision to breast feed when I have babies of my own.

The benefits are numerous.  At its most basic, it is the most natural sustenance a mother can give to her baby.  It contains antibiotics that protects baby from infection and the onslaught of various sickness.  Psychologically, it also strengthens the bond between mother and child and increases the baby's self-esteem.

So, when my first son, Nico was born, despite the fact that he was born through c-section, I did everything I could to ensure that Nico gets my milk although I know he had been fed formula milk already because he had to be incubated and my milk just was not flowing.

But, I did not give up.  The doctor said, I just had to pump my breast regularly even though there was no milk flowing.  I could not visit my son for breast feeding in the first three days because he had respiratory issues that the pedia said was normal.  Nico was a big baby -- but he was in an incubator.  I continued to regularly pump my breast.

When I was allowed to go home on the fifth day after Nico's birth, I continued my routine, and it was at home, in the middle of the night, when milk started to trickle to the milk bottle.  On our first visit, on Nico's 6th day, I was able to give Nico at least 2 ounces of breast milk.

I continued with my breast pump routine, until I was able to regularly provide milk for Nico which was also getting better everyday.  We were able to bring him home on the 10th day.

I fed Nico every three hours following the routine of a baby book I read.  And as advised by the nurses in the Nursery, I fed him 15 minutes per breast.

However, after his second month, I started to store the extra milk that I had in the freezer.  This enabled me to keep a regular feeding routine for Nico, measuring and regulating the amount of milk that he took.  It became easy for me to come to work from time to time.  But, it was only on the 6th month that I was able to go back to my regular work routine.  Until that time, I continued pumping milk regularly and storing it.

There was even a time when I had to attend a conference in Cebu and I continued with my routine, going to my hotel room in the middle of the day to pump milk and storing it in the mini-bar's freezer.  I bought a thermal bag just so I could hand carry the frozen breast milk.  I had to explain to the airport inspectors what it was so they could allow me to bring it.  I stored it in disposable ziplock bags that were made especially to store milk.

When Rocky came, I did not waver in my choice of breastfeeding him.  On Day 2 after his birth, I was already at the Nursery breast feeding him.  I did not have to go through the difficult time of regularly pumping nothing.  My milk flowed immediately after a few seconds of Rocky's latching.

To me, breastfeeding is a no-brainer choice.  I believe its for everyone who wants the best for her baby.  If there is anything I want to share to others who want to breastfeed their child it will be the following:

1.  Everything starts with a conscious decision to breastfeed your baby.  With that decision, one should start to research and read the literature.  I know it is natural for a mom to feed her baby, but the literature, the testimonies will make you become more open to the experience and make you realize that there are difficulties that can be overcome.

2.  It is not required but truly a wonderful bonus if your husband is supportive of your desire to breast feed.  During the first few attempts of pumping out milk and nothing was coming out, it was my husband who accompanied me in those frustrating moments.  It had to be him because it was only with him that I was comfortable showing my mammary glands.  I don't think I would have been comfortable even with my own mother.  He also was up with me in those late nights and early mornings when I had to pump milk and my baby was still in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  He continued to give me support even with Rocky, my second baby.

3.  Don't give up.  The first few attempts will frustrate you, specially if you are a first time mom.  Just don't give up.  Take moringa capsules to stimulate your milk glands if needed.  Drink a lot of milk and eat a lot of soupy food.  My favorite was "tinola" (local chicken soup).  Help yourself to produce the milk that you need.

4.  Breast feeding is practical.  I have to admit that the reason why I breastfed Rocky longer than Nico (Rocky breastfed until his 7th month, Nico only up to 4 months), was the high cost of infant formula.  At around Rocky's fifth month, Mon and I decided to mix feed Rocky in preparation to feeding him soft food for his 6th month.  Mon was in charge of buying the formula.  Once, I had to buy it because the milk was about to run out and he was still at work, I was so shocked that a can of powdered formula was P1,200 - P1,600.  This was just preposterous.  We did not spend much for formula because when Rocky turned 6 months, he preferred soft food.  So between baby food and my breast milk, there was little room for the formula milk.  Stage 2 baby formula though is a lot cheaper than newborn infant formula.  So, now we are feeding him soft baby foods with Stage 2 formula (Nan Two).

5.  Breastfeeding also is a major way to lose weight after giving birth.  I was 73 kilos the week I gave birth to Rocky.  Two weeks after that, when I went to my OB for my regular check up, I was only 63 kilos.  10 kilos lost in the first week alone which I attribute to breastfeeding.  Now, I am only 60 kilos.  Rocky is now on his 10th month.

6.  Finally, it truly helps if you have faith in God and you pray a lot.  I did pray a lot during the frustrating times when milk would not come.  I truly believed and trusted that this miracle of sustenance will be provided for me and my sons.  So, I never doubted that I will have milk for my boys.

So, to all of you who are still choosing between breast milk and formula for your baby, choose breast milk.  It is good for your baby and also good for you.

Gifts

It has been seven months since I last posted.  Time for an update.

The last time i posted, I was very pregnant.  Last March, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy we named Ramon Felix.  We call him Rocky -- yes, after the Sylvester Stallone character.  Fortunately, everything went on as planned and the birth did not have any hitches.  Thanks to my UNEP Family's prayers.  It truly helped a lot.  Plus, I had an altar of St. Therese and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in my hospital room.  My faith made me confident in what I was going to go through.

Now, Rocky is on his fourth month and doing very well.

I still breastfeed him and I still expect to do so until he's 6 months old.  My adventure into breastfeeding will be the subject of another post.

Since my baby's birth I have taken my scrapbooking more seriously.  I have started investing in classes, tools, papers and embellishments.  I enjoy the creative process.  I love the feeling of a finished layout.  See some of my works  here,

Going back to work after two months of leave when I was going to give birth was a blessing.  I was just veging out and needed the structure of work.  Now, I'm back to my hectic schedule.

Of course I am thankful for the simple celebration of my 35th birthday last June which coincided with our first day of Retreat at Caritas Mariae Retreat House, Naga City.  We had a mass and the celebration was very simple.

I am truly thankful for another year over and another year added to my age.  Fortunately -- my UNEP Family failed to put my age on the cake.  I would not have minded if it was there.  Age is just a number.

Connected to this birthday -- although a month has passed -- is a nice surprise. I have been wanting to buy a Kindle for months now, but have been postponing it as Amazon does not ship to the Philippines.  Last June, my cousin Nicole arrived from the States with a Kindle.  I saw how convenient it was and being a voracious bookworm, it was a very convenient gadget and provided access to books that were otherwise difficult to find here in the province.  So, when another cousin went to the States, I gave her my debit card with the intention of asking her to buy me a Kindle.

But my Aunt is more generous than my debit card -- she bought the Kindle and gave it to me as a gift for my birthday -- a month after.  That was a wonderful surprise.  She also bought me the Targus Leather Case that I can set it up with the Kindle standing up (see picture below).  I loooooove my Kindle.

Yup, I still have the protective film on the front -- so Pinoy!!!  It will stay until it falls off or until I get to buy a more appropriate protective film for the screen -- although honestly -- it doesn't need one, I just want to take care of my things.

So many gifts to thank for, Baby Rocky, a budding hero -- eldest son Nico (this needs a separate post), a supportive husband, a talent rediscovered, a meaningful birthday, a generous Aunt, all these and more -- and truly I am grateful.  Admittedly, life has not been very good lately, but I am glad for little things that make God's presence felt in my life. 

Thankful always,

Peachy :-)

Welcome 2011!

Ramon with Nico at Pines View Hotel

 

Another year over and another year has just begun, so the song says.

And... as much as things change the more they stay the same.  As we look forward and deal with a lot of things that has not changed through the years, we continue to hope that maybe this year is a better year than last year.

Personally, I have so many things to be thankful for and look forward to this year.  I am pregnant again.  And again, its a boy.  We have been hoping for a girl but I think a boy is a blessing just the same.  The practical in me is thankful that at least I don't have to buy a new set of everything for the newcomer if it would be a girl.  Since he's a boy, he can use Nico's things, hand me downs. I am very excited to see him, Mon even has a name for him already.  This time baby boy will share his first name.  He's arriving in April.

I am also looking forward to a better year in my career.  Why not?  I have already set my priorities and
UNEP has been reaping many awards left and right with the grace of God.  I also have a new job as Dean of the UNEP College of Law.  We will work on our blessings and ensure that we add to our blessings.

The greatest blessing though is that after last year, our family has gotten closer.  The adversities we experience together made us all better persons.  And, I am not talking only of my immediate family, but also the entire clan.  Somehow,we learned how to deal with each other and find our place in the sun but still with the same love and affection for each other and even better understanding of each other.

2011 is going to be a great year, I just know it in my heart.  Here's to a great new year to everyone!

Travelling Light

At around the second week of June, I got word that I am supposed to leave for the United States to attend the 1st International Grand Alumni Homecoming of UNEP/MMC Graduatates in Chicago at around the last week of July.

It has been around six years when I last had a MAJOR international travel.  That was to an International Law Conference in Berlin which included a trip to Weisbaden to visit a friend in which she was able to squeeze in a weekend motorcoach tour to Paris.  My 2007 trip to KL, Malaysia does not count because it was only for a few days to attend another conference, the Rotary Zone Institute and I did not need a visa for the trip.

My first concern whenever I decide to take such trips, whether local or international, is what to bring.  In 2004, when I went to Germany, I had a large "maleta" (luggage), that was as high as my waist, a carry-on luggage that was actually an overnight bag and of course, my larger than usual handbag.  It was crazy and difficult to travel especially at the last part of my Germany tour.  I had to take the ICE (or TGV - I don't remember now), from Berlin to Weisbaden alone.  I was struggling with my big maleta that a co-passenger joked that he hoped there were no dead bodies inside coz it was so heavy even for him (he helped me after seeing me struggle).

The thing is, I thought my luggage was already streamlined.  In 2004, I surfed the net for tips and ideas on how to travel light and yet, was still lugging around about 70 lbs of luggage.

Now, I am travelling solo again, international.  So, I started surfing the net again for new ideas. I had good reason to do so, because my packing list is now longer than when I started to adopt it in 2004 from the website onebag.com.  It is nice to know that the old classics are still up and running.  http://www.travelite.org/ is still up along with http://www.onebag.com/ and the Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info/). 

The advice I get from these websites are truly a great help specially for me because I travel a lot locally.  I maintain a toiltetry bag which I replenish every month and keep several no-wrinkle clothes.  Here are some of my advice to add to the plethora of knowledge on the matter:

1.  If you travel a lot, it is wise to maintain an overnight bag with the basics: a toiletry bag, a first-aid kit, a t-shirt, pants, slippers (flip-flops), underwear (1 bra, 3 panties).  I also include basic ladies accessories in my bag like a string of faux pearl necklace and earrings (people don't care if its real or not).  If I have no time to pack, I just take the bag and go.  If I need to wear something fancy or dressy and I was not able to pack something of that caliber, I just buy when I reach my destination.

2.  When I travel, I always check in my maleta (luggage or overnight bag) and have with me my carry-on.  My carry on always have one pair of underwear, a t-shirt and a boxer shorts.  This saved me when my connecting flight from Berlin to Amsterdam was late and I had to be booked by my airline in a hotel overnight to catch the next flight to Manila.  The airline only gave me (and the rest of the group who was delayed) a 7 Euro gift check for toiletries.  It was a fortunate that I brought an extra shirt so I would be fresh for next day's flight.  I forgot, we were also given a phone card that we can use to call home for five minutes only.  I used it to call my Dad that I was going to be delayed.

3.  Always follow the rules.  It is difficult to talk to people to beg them to make you an exception.  If they say you have to be at the airport 3 hours before departure, do so.  Its alright to wait, as long as you are waiting at the boarding gate and not in a taxi stuck in traffic somewhere and your plane will leave in 30 minutes.  This is universal.  Even in the Philippines, when the gate is closed, it remains closed.  There is so much hassle.  So, just follow the rules to make your trip stress free.  One time, I had to shell out more than the amount I paid for my ticket just to get on the next flight that I missed due to traffic. 

4.  Always bring basic medicine like paracetamol, immodium, etc...  You will never know when you will need it.  I alwasy do bring home remedy stuff. 

Thats my take on travelling light.  He who travels light, is a happy traveller.

1st UNEP International Alumni Homecoming in Chicago, Illinois, USA

The University of Northeastern Philippines will be having its 1st International Grand Alumnni Homecoming at the Sheraton Gateway Suites in Chicago O'Hare on July 30, 31 and August 1, 2010.

For Reservations, please call (847) 699-6300. You can also visit their personalized website at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/UNEPCN.

This event was organized under the initiative of the UNEP International College of Nursing Alumni Association.

Please contact the following for further details:
LUZ AND DANNY DELA ROSA (630) 863-7904; danluz1955@hotmail.com

EUNICE AND REMU DE LEON, JR. (630) 378-5301; rdeleon327@hotmail.com

SHIRLEY AND JOE MADAYAG (630) 985-7583; smadayag@comcast.net

MARILYN AND CARY DELAS LLAGAS (510) 352-4152; m_delasllagas@sbcglobal.net

YOLLY AND VIC MAGISTRADO (718) 881-3159; vicandyolly@aol.com

EDEN AND ED REGALA (818) 845-1381; edenregala06@aol.com



The Homecoming features the following events:

1. UNEP College of Nursing Pre-Class Reunion 2011

2. UNEP Fund Raising for the University Alumni Hall

3. UNEP College of Nursing Fund Raising for on-going scholarship grants

4. 16th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for Former Dean of College of Nursing Dr. Ofelia Cruz Pascual and Atty. Patrick Pascual

5. Friday Night Welcome Party

6. Saturday, Grand Dinner and Ball/ Lotter Ticket Drawings

First Prize: (2) Free Round Trip Tickets from US-Manila

Second Prize: (2) Free Round Trip Tickets from Hong Kong-Manila

Third Prize: (2) Free Round Trip Tickets from any city in the US

Five Consolation Prizes: $100.00 for each winning ticket


7. Cash Bonanza:

Sell 5 booklets of raffle tickets you will receive a $50.00 incentive.

Sell 10 booklets of raffle tickets you will receive a $100.00 incentive.


8. Recognition awards for Outstanding UNEP Alumni


9. Sunday, Thanksgiving Mass/Free Grand Outdoor Picnic


ALL GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES, MABINI MEMORIAL COLLEGES, MABINI MEMORIAL SCHOOL FROM KINDER, ELEMENTARY, HIGHSCHOOL, COLLEGE AND POST-GRADUATES ARE INVITED TO JOIN US.

Great News!

Today I received great news.

Last Saturday, I took the Ateneo Graduate School of Business Entrance Examination.

About a year and a half ago, I had been contemplating on taking up graduate studies, but could not decide what program to take (MAEd or MBA or Master of Laws), or where I would take it (UP, Ateneo or La Salle or even abroad).

This contemplation came about when CHED and PACU-COA started to crackdown on schools which allows non-masteral graduates to teach college courses. Although my Ll.B. is considered as a post-graduate degree for purposes of teaching college, still I felt that if I want to start cracking down on my non-masteral graduate faculty I have to walk the talk and take up post-graduate studies myself.

This brought me to Ateneo-Rockwell last Saturday. I was not all together prepared. I read some books, reviewed a little on my math using some GMAT and GRE Reviewers that I had with me for the last three years. So, although I was not really nervous, I felt that I needed more time to study if I wanted to pass the exams. As usual, what I lacked in preparation I submitted to the Lord and prayed for guidance and wisdom.

I started checking the website for the results since Monday. Luckily this morning, when I checked, it said "Congratulations!", and that I have been accepted for the program I applied for.

I immediately felt so thankful and so relieved that I passed the exams. I was already contemplating on my next move if I don't get in. But then, it seems I am destined to be an atenean after decades of trying avoid sectarian schools after my U.P. undergrad education.

Right now, I am looking forward to going back to school and sharpening both my theoretical and experiential learnings.

Wish me luck in this next chapter of my journey.

For those who are interested to take the journey with me this is the link to the Ateneo Graduate School of Business Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

BAR EXAM SEASON

The University of Northeastern Philippines - College of Law have just received a packet of documents from the Office of the Bar Confidant, Supreme Court of the Philippines. For me, this is the start of the Bar Exam Season.

I was the one who received it considering that I am now the Acting Dean of the UNEP-College of Law. Its former Dean for decades now, Dean Mariano Baranda has already retired upon reaching the obligatory age and decided to enjoy the rest of his fruitful years.

The packet includes the Requirements for the Bar Examinations for New Applicants and Guidelines for the 2010 Bar Examinations. It also includes statistical data on the passing percentages of ALL law schools in the Philippines.

The National Passing Percentage for the 2009 Bar Examinations was 24.58%. Out of 5,903 takers, only 1,451 passed. It is interesting to note that 68,78% or 998 of the passers were first takers, while only 453 passers or 31.22% were repeaters. This is despite the fact that out of the 5,903 takers, 3,005 or 50.91% were repeaters, almost half of the takers.

I think this is a warning to repeaters. Only 15% of the repeaters passed. I am not saying that they have to give up their dream of becoming lawyers, especially that I am a one-take passer. That would be too arrogant of me. What I am saying is that, repeaters should assess themselves before they embark on this strenuous journey of taking the bar again.

Questions on how I passed the bar hound me everytime I meet law students who are really interested to pass. I always tell them that the matter of passing is always different for each person. The key is to KNOW YOURSELF.

Recently, my husband's fraternity brother passed the bar on his third take. I asked him how did he do it this time. He said he really made time and prepared for it even more than he did the last time. He resigned from his job, asked his siblings to support him in this endeavor. He even lived in a dorm inside the campus of the law school where he took his refresher to get all his efforts focused on his bar review.

He arrived at his plan upon honestly assessing himself and accepting his weaknesses. In the previous exams, he was working while he reviewed. He also spent more time drinking and cavorting with his brods and airsoft friends than studying. You see, this guy is quite intelligent and felt he had been studying the law for more than five years and thought he can wing it. But, if you do not give time to preparing for the exams, it won't give you time also.

As we start another season of preparation and study for the Bar Exams 2010, I pray that all who endeavor to hurdle this exam do so without much pain and obstacles. Good luck to you all!

A New Day

Today is the first day of my birth month.

It has been hot in the dragon's lair -- too hot even for a dragon -- literally and figuratively. But what makes a person like me prevail is my faith in God, my faith in myself and my faith in my intentions.

Due to my recent endeavors I had set aside a lot of career concerns and right now, I have so many things in my mind, what if things, where to go from here things, moving on things -- generally what to do with my life things.

When I decided to move here in the province, I had so much hope. After seven years, I feel tired and just completely burned out. I really need a boost.

The only thing that drives me now is my little boy Nico, and my supportive husband Ramon. I only have to look at my little boy and like coffee, I am spurred to action. What action? Whatever needs to be done.

But, I do not work like this. I need a plan. I used to be so confident about my skills of having Plan Bs. Failure never really faves me. I have always seen it as a phase. "This too shall pass", ika nga sa movie na My Best Friend's Wedding.

But now it seems I am stuck in a rut.

I have to bounce back. Like Roo -- bounce, bounce, bounce.

Right now, my most major contemplation is going back to school. I am planning of taking my MBA in ADMU. I hope it works. I still need to pass the entrance exam etc... etc... But, it is something to look forward to and something that I really need for my career.

Been planning this for years now but I never really got around to doing it. Maybe this time, I can work on it and be successful.

I have also many things to work on, the BFHE Conference where I am the Conference Director and the preparation of our programs in the University which is up for accreditation. So, all is not lost. I hope things work out better for me.

What is important is to keep the faith and not lose hope. As our country embarks on a new chapter, we hope to become a better nation and become better people.

INQUIRER Politics

INQUIRER Politics

A New Advocacy

These past few days, I have been very busy working on an easy to understand module for voter's education aimed at voters 45 and up. I have been scouring the net for available material for this newfound advocacy. But, despite the tons of information I got, the best video I got was in English. The one in filipino is a segment in a t.v. program, but it's not comprehensive enough and might even confuse the voter. The one which I got from the COMELEC website includes portions for the BEI. The viewer/voter often asks me "Ma'am, kailangan pa pala kaming mag-pindot ng pin bago makaboto?" and "Ma'am saan po nakukuha ang pin?" after I show them the video.

So, I totally dropped the video. I show them the Quick Guide Video from YouTube instead and just explain what is happening in the video in Bicol dialect because the video is again in English.

Anyway, today, I came up with a one-page guide which I distributed in a voter's ed seminar I conducted in Goa, Cam. Sur. It's in Filipino but I will have it translated in Bicolano later. Some people advice to make it into a comics. We'll see. Please post your comments and suggestions.


PARAAN NG PAGBOTO

A. MGA IMPORTANTENG IMPORMASYONG DAPAT TANDAAN:

a. ANG BOTOHAN AY SA MAY 10, 2010, LUNES

b. ANG ORAS NG BOTOHAN AY 7:00AM HANGGANG 6:00PM

c. MAGHANDA SA MAHABANG PILA. ANG BAWAT MAKINA AY NAKAKATANGGAP NG HANGGANG 1,000 NA BOTANTE KAYA’T MAHALAGA NA PUMUNTA SA BOTOHAN NA NAKAKAIN NA NG ALMUSAL O PANANGHALIAN.

B. MGA DAPAT ALAMIN BAGO MAGBOTOHAN

a. SAANG POLLING CENTER KAYO BOBOTO?

b. ANO ANG PRESINTO NA IYONG KINABIBILANGAN?

c. SINO ANG INYONG IBOBOTO PARA MAKAGAWA NA KAYO NG LISTAHAN.

C. MGA DAPAT DALHIN BAGO MAGBOTO

a. ISANG I.D. NA MAGPAPATUNAY NA KAYO NGA ANG TAONG NASA LISTAHAN.

b. SAMPLE BALLOT OR LISTAHAN NG MGA KANDIDATONG INYONG IBOBOTO

D. ANG PROSESO NG PAGBOTO

a. PUMUNTA SA POLLING CENTER O PRESINTO NA INYONG KINABIBILANGAN

b. LAPITAN ANG BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS (BEI) PARA IPAKITA ANG INYONG I.D. AT SUMUNOD SA MGA INUUTOS NG BEI

c. TANGGAPIN ANG BALOTA NA IBIBIGAY NG BEI

d. BUMOTO

i. ITIMAN ANG BILOG NA HUGIS ITLOG KATABI NG PANGALAN NG KANDIDATONG INYONG IBOBOTO

ii. HUWAG SUMOBRA NG BOTO SA HINIHINGI NG POSISYON. KUNG SOBRA ITO, HINDI MABIBILANG ANG INYONG BOTO SA POSISYON NA SOBRA ANG BOTO NINYO.

iii. HUWAG SULATAN O MAGLAGAY NG ANO MANG MARKA SA BALOTA

iv. TANDAAN NA ANG BALOTA AY BACK-TO-BACK.

v. TANDAAN NA HINDI NA MAAARING HUMINGI NG PANIBAGONG BALOTA KUNG KAYO AY MAGKAMALI KAYA'T DAPAT SIGURADUHING MAAYOS ANG PAGBOTO SA BALOTA.

e. PAGKATAPOS BUMOTO, PUMUNTA SA COUNTING MACHINE AT ISALANG NG DAHAN-DAHAN ANG BALOTA

f. SIGURADUHIN NA UMAKYAT NG ISANG NUMERO ANG NUMERO NA MAKIKITA SA MAKINA

g. MAKAKAKITA NG MGA SALITANG “THANK YOU FOR VOTING” KUNG TAPOS NA ANG MAKINA SA PAGTANGGAP NG IYONG BALOTA.

h. BUMALIK SA BEI UPANG MAGPALAGAY NG INDELIBLE INK O TINTA SA DALIRI.

(ANG DOKUMENTONG ITO AY ISANG PROYEKTO NG UNIVERSITY OF NORTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES-COMMITTEE ON RESPONSIBLE VOTING)

Weekend Change

When I started this blog, I promised myself I won’t be using it in politics. Rather, I wanted it to be as far from this aspect of my life as I can. Maybe, I just wanted to prove to myself that I can live a life away from the mob so to speak, in my own little world. But what I am about to share now is so big, I really cannot help but blog about it.

As a lot of those who check out my blog know, my father is running for Governor of the Province of Camarines Sur, yes – against that wakeboardin’ dude – self-proclaimed John Lloyd Cruz look-alike (its really making me retch as I write this…) – L-Ray Villafuerte.

Admittedly, it is an uphill climb for my Dad, our family and our supporters. I had so many doubts when my Dad started exploring this path after the end of his three year term as Congressman started looming in the horizon. There were so many objections and oppositions from within and without, especially since his major supporter in this endeavour was someone the family does not trust.

I prayed and prayed because things are just so confusing. I wanted God to do his work and clear out the dust and show us the truth and what we are supposed to do.

As expected, with much faith, the answer came in the last three days of last week. The major supporter finally shed his chameleon clothes and showed his true self. Blood is thicker than water after all. People indeed can change their minds according to what is convenient to them. Principles can be compromised despite of all the people that will be affected.

Our family braced for the expected. It was my Dad’s birthday last Saturday and despite preparing for a thousand people, we were afraid that the people we were expecting to arrive might not come. But God is good – coz they did, amazingly despite coming from far away places. They pledged their support for my Dad. It was a good feeling seeing all these people come and tell my Dad “Sir, walang iwanan!”

Nakakataba ng puso and my heart is only so full of gratitude. At this point, if we lose, the fact that the people of Camarines Sur has seen how wily this political family is, and their supporters have also felt how little this family think of them, we have already served our purpose.

Now, we are still with the administration, as my Dad had been since 2001. He is supporting Gibo Teodoro and it will stay that way. Clear, clean, transparent. No more, no less. That is who my Dad is. That is how our family is.