Monday, September 23, 2013

Pasasalamat, Pagpapatawad at Pangako ni Bunso Para sa Pamilya

Mahal Kong Mga Kapamilya,

Gusto kong simulan ang sulat na ito sa isang pagbati!

Bago ko simulan ang nasabing liham, nais ko munang sabihin na gusto ko lamang iparating ang aking mga nararamdaman. Sana wag kayong malungkot, magalit o masaktan kung may masasabi man ako na di nyo magugustuhan. Gayunman, nagsasabi lang ako ng katotohanan na maaaring magpapangiti sa inyo, ikakatuwa ninyo dahil gusto kong iparating ang aking saloobin. Ngunit sa madaling salita, isa itong liham na kung saan lahat ng mga gusto kong sabihin na matagal ko nang gustong ipahayag sa inyo. 

Una kong gustong kausapin si Mama. Laging nagluluto, laging naglalaba, laging naglilinis at nangunguna pag general cleaning sa bahay. Siya din ang tagahanda ng baon ko, taga-budget ng pera at higit sa lahat, ang umuunawa sa akin pag may problema ako. Minsan, nagtatalo kami at nag-aaway na humantong din sa pagtulo ng aming mga luha ngunit nagkakaayos din kami. Gusto ko lamang sabihin sa inyo na maraming salamat dahil sa kabayanihan na ginagawa mo sa aming pagmamalasakit at pang-unawa. Natutunan ko sa iyo ang pagiging maaalalahanin kung saan nadala ko ang ganitong ugali sa aking mga kaibigan at ang pag-intindi sa nararamdaman ng iba lalo na sa mga mahihirap na sitwasyon. Higit sa lahat, naging masipag ako sa pag-aaral dahil iyan ang pangako ko sa inyo na makapagtapos at makahanap ng marangal na trabaho.

Sunod kong kakausapin si Papa. Nakakainis kahit minsan nakikita kitang umiinom ng alak kasama ang mga kumpare mo at minsan umuuwi ka na lang at matutulog dahil pagod sa trabaho o kaya galing sa inuman. Papa, kahit ako ang exact opposite mo dahil inaasahan kasi nila na marunong din ako sa mga gawain sa talyer at nakikisali sa inuman, hanga po ako sa inyo. Ang galing nyo po kasi magmaneho, magaling sa pag-welding at pagbubuhat ng mga mabibigat na bakal at kahoy. Kahit di ko man natutuhan iyon sa inyo, nakuha ko naman sa inyo ang pagkakaroon ng respeto sa kapwa, pagiging matiyaga at ang pagpapahalaga sa pag-aaral kaya siguro nasabi na matalino daw ako at para sa akin namana ko iyon sa iyo. Kaya ngayon, naging guro ako dahil gusto kong ibahagi ang aking kaalaman. Kaya Papa, ang galing mo at hanga ako sa inyong sipag at talino.

Sa aking mga ate, may mga panahon na di ko kayo nakakausap dahil abala na rin ako sa aking trabaho. Alam  ko na malayo ang agwat ng edad ko sa inyo, ilang taon kayo magkakasunod na ipinanganak at alam ko na ako ang nag-iisang lalake kaya minsan feeling ko di dapat ako kasali sa usapan dahil girls talk lang ito. Sorry din sa mga panahon na inaway ko kayo dahil may mga bagay na di tayo mapagkasunduan na nagiging dahilan kung bakit may sarili akong mundo. Sorry din kung di ako sumama sa inyo pag tayo ay kakain sa labas dahil madalas conflict ang ating mga schedule. Kaya minsan may mga pagkakataon na gusto ko kayo makasama kaya lang busy kayo na nagiging dahilan ay mas nakikibonding na lang ako sa mga kaibigan ko sa labas ng bahay o nasa tapat na lang ako ng computer. Kahit ganun pa man, may mga bagay na dapat akong ipagpasalamat sa inyo dahil kayo ang nagbibigay ng mga pangangailangan ko. Kayo ang nagregalo ng cellphone, bumili ng laptop ko para maipakita yun bunga ng aking unang sweldo sa trabaho, at sinuportahan nyo ang aking pag-aaral lalo na sa kolehiyo. Kaya ngayon natutuhan ko ang pagiging mapagbigay sa kapwa. Pag wala sina Mama at Papa, tayo ay nagkakaisa para matapos yun mga gawaing bahay. Kayo din naman ang umuunawa sa akin pag may problema ako kasama nina Mama at Papa. 

Sa aking mga tita at tito at mga lolo at lola, isama ko na rin kayo mga pinsan at pamangkin kayo din ang gumabay sa akin. Kahit paminsan-minsan lang tayo magkita, marami din akong napulot na aral sa inyo. Ilan sa mga aral na nakuha ko sa inyo ang pagiging mapagpasensya at pag may problema, tawanan lang ito at wag nang pansinin.  Nakakatuwa din isipin na natutuwa kayo sa akin dahil sinasabi nyo nun sanggol pa lamang ako, napaka-cute ko. Salamat dahil natutuwa din kayo sa tuwng tinatanong nyo ako tungkol sa mga trivia at nakakasagot ako at salamat din kasi nakikita nyo ang aking pagpapahalaga sa pag-aaral at ang pagsusumikap ko na makamit ang aking mga mithiin sa buhay.

Nais ko lamang sabihin sa inyo na bilang bunso sa pamilya, pasensya na kung minsan matigas ang ulo ko. Laging iniisip ko na lagi akong kawawa sa magkakapatid kaya minsan napapasama din ang mga ate ko. Nais ko lamang sabihin na kahit minsan, lahat tayo nagkakamali at lahat tayo ay tama. May panahon para magbigayan at may panahon para magkaunawaan. Minsan kasi parang ayaw natin magpatalo na nagiging dahilan ng mas maraming pagkakamali. Kaya minsan, may sarili akong mundo at nagtatampo. Nauunawaan ko kayo dahil mataas ang pagrespeto ko sa inyo at higit sa lahat, mahal na mahal ko kayo. 

Pasensya na rin kina Mama at Papa kasi minsan matigas ang ulo ko lalo na ngayong nasa legal na edad na ako. Lagi akong umuuwi ng gabi pagkagaling sa trabaho dahil maraming tinapos na gawain o ginagabi dahil traffic sa biyahe. Minsan natakas na lang po ako ng bahay nang walang paalam dahil di ko gusto ang ulam sa bahay.  Minsan nakikipagtalo ako lalo na sa usapan sa budget dala ng maraming gastos. Mama, Papa, kahit ganun po, di ko pa rin binabago ang ideya na ang pagtatrabaho ko ay para din sa ating pamilya at para din sa ikauunlad ng aking sarili. 

Isang bagay lang ang aking napagtanto. Sa pagbuklat ko ng aking photo album, nakita ko ang mga larawang kupas na nakita ko si Mama, kinakarga pa ako noong bata pa ako kasama pa sina Ate na maliliit pa sila. Sayang kakaunti lang ang pictures ko na kasama si Papa ngunit nakita ko ang mga larawan nya na nagtatrabaho sa Middle East lalo na yun may kasama siyang camel. Nakita ko mga litrato nina Ate noong nag-aaral pa sila ng high school at kolehiyo kasama ang kanilang mga kaibigan. Kahit ang mga pictures sa Facebook na sila magkakasama sila at sayang namiss ko ang moments na iyon. Inaalala ko rin ang mga litrato na magkakasama kaming nag-out of town at natuklasan ang ganda ng Pilipinas. Higit sa lahat, nakita din naman nila ang mga pictures ko mula noong sanggol pa lamang ako, hanggang sa ako'y nag-aral at nagkaroon ng marangal na trabaho. Iisa lamang ang aming mga reaksyon kahit di ko man ito makita o mapansin sa kanila: kami-kami pa rin ang magiging magkakampi sa lahat ng oras.

Sa pagtatapos ng liham na ito, ipapangako ko na ipapakita ko ang pagmamahal ko sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng isang sulat. Pangako ko na may mga panahon na nagkakamali tayo ngunit di na kailangang palakihin pa ang gulo gaya ng ginagawa ko dati. Maipapangako ko na kapag hindi na busy, may oras para makipagkuwentuhan at higit sa lahat, sasabihin ko sa kanila na kailangan naming magkaisa at mag-unawaan para maayos ang problema. Iiwasan ko na rin ang pagiging makasarili ko. Di na kailangang magpataasan at kailangan natin ay magpakumbaba. Ipakita natin ang pagmamahalan sa bawat isa sa atin. Wag kayo mag-alala, okay na okay ako at matibay sa mga problema sa buhay at alam ko na ang gagawing solusyon sa mga hamon ng buhay.  Dahil dyan, dahil sa marangal na pagpapalaki nyo sa akin, isa akong mabuting tao dahil sa inyo. Maraming salamat sa inyo! 

Lubos na gumagalang,
Bunso

_

Ang akdang ito ay lahok at pakikiisa sa taunang Saranggola Blog Awards.


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Friday, May 10, 2013

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4: Sixth Quarter Finals

The fans of Pilipinas Got Talent as well with the judges are excited to complete the top 12 semi-final slots. To add the thrill and excitement, the show will held its very first outdoor live shows were acts are needed to perform in a bigger venue because of the props and the number of members in a group. The six remaining acts to compete in an outdoor live show are Bughaw Folkloric Dance Troupe (cultural dance troupe composed of twenty-seven members), VMA Cultural Arts (dance crew composed of fourteen members), Balungao Robotic Dancers (dance crew with robotic costumes composed of ten to twenty members), Lateral Drift Productions Team (car drifting act where they are going to present car exhibition), GenSan Stunt Team (stunt motorcyclist duo to perform motorcycle stunts) and Rosenrei Synchro Sirens (synchronized swimmers to perform in huge aquarium).
Sixth quarter finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent: Bughaw Folkloric Dance Troupe, Rosenrei Synchro Sirens, Lateral Drift Productions Team, GenSan Stunt Team, Balungao Robotic Dancers and VMA Cultural Arts.
The first act of the night was the synchronized swimmers from Manila, the Rosenrei Synchro Sirens. They are exceptional in synchronized swimming individually especially they impressed the judges during auditions. They have that appropriate song choice in the auditions but in the quarter finals, I think they are good but they need to maintain their song choice.

The VMA Cultural Arts of Bacolod City leveled up their contemporary dance routine. They have the synchronized movements, the gracefulness and the masculinity which results into a very exemplary performance.

The Balungao Robotic Dancers of Pangasinan have the packaging and creativity in presenting their costumes, concepts and choreography. They are visually entertaining and they have the energy.

The Bughaw Folkloric Dance Group of Mendez, Cavite did an amazing cultural presentation for two minutes. They have the colorful costumes and props, live accompaniment of a rondalla, breathtaking choreography and they showed variety of Philippine folk dances from auditions to quarter finals. Overall, they did the best cultural performance in Pilipinas Got Talent.

The stunt motorcyclists GenSan Stunt Team improved a lot from auditions to the quarter finals. They have the synchronized and more death-defying motorcycle stunts which is very good to their performance.

The car drifters Lateral Drift Productions showed more intense car drifting exhibitions which are superb especially when they drift between the two persons passing by as well with the car.

In the end, Bughaw Folkloric Dance Group got the eleventh slot where they have the highest number of votes and Lateral Drift Productions won the unanimous judges vote which make them the last semi-finalist for season 4.

*** The review after the sixth quarter finals results night ***

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4: Fifth Quarter Finals

The fifth quarter finals of Pilipinas Got Talent showcased a showdown of singing and dancing acts, from power belter to kiddie singing prodigy, from puppet illusionists / dance crew to bromance dance duo as well with the kiddie gymnasts and a ring man.
The fifth quarter finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4: Cris Bernardo, Frankendall Fabroa, Roel Manlangit, Crewckattz, Philippine Gymnastics and Athletics Academy and RMMC Dance + Site Project.
Cris Bernardo, the winner of TFCkat Middle East did a great job for starting the show with her rendition of "Queen of the Night" by Whitney Houston. She impressed the judges during her auditions with Jessie J's "Mamma Knows Best" and she is consistent with her range of vocal prowess and she is a power belter.

Crewckattz from Isabela stepped up to the next level with their puppet tricks dance routine with their mash-up of songs. The concept is very good, the costumes and the props are great and their talent is extraordinary.

Frankendall Fabroa, the metal ring dancer of Tondo, Manila received a standing ovation from the judges. He did an amazing job in his contemporary dance routine as well with the balancing and his movements while the ring is turning and rolling. Overall, his talent is superb.

The Philippine Gymnastics and Athletics Academy from Muntinlupa City individually stand out with their gymnastics routine. They have the basic steps but they need to improve the group dynamics.

Roel Manlangit, the singing prodigy from Bukidnon received a standing ovation during his auditions with his mash-up of Whitney Houston hits "I Have Nothing" and "I Will Always Love You." He's got the raw talent and a powerful voice in his age. He did a good job in his quarter finals performance of Fantasia's "I Believe" but he need to improve the low tones but he did a great job in singing.

Closing the fifth quarter finals night is the contemporary dancing duo RMMC Dance + Site Project where they entertained the viewers with their character as basketball players as well with the movements which is so romantic. They are entertaining and funny.

In the end, Roel Manlangit got the highest votes from text and online which he got the ninth slot in the semi-finals while Frankendall Fabroa did an amazing job in his performance where he get a unanimous votes from the judges where he got the tenth spot.

Next week, we will witness the very first outdoor live shows in our sixth quarter finals. Watch out for the Balungao Robotic Dancers with their robotic costumes and choreography, the VMA Cultural Arts where they showcase dance and discipline, the GenSan Stunt Team with the motorcycle stunts, the Lateral Drift Productions with their fantastic car drifting exhibition, the Rosenrei Synchro Sirens with their amazing synchronized swimming under the water and the Bughaw Folkloric Dance Troupe with their lively and colorful cultural show. Watch the sixth quarter finals of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 on May 11 and 12, 2013 on ABS-CBN.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4: Fourth Quarter Finals

There are six slots who filled the twelve semi-finals slot and the fourth quarter finals night was exciting due to new and unique acts competed for the magic twelve.
The fourth quarter finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent: Tito Cris Castro, The Cancan Group of Regidor Elementary School, The Fluma Viron of Cuerdas, Russell Figueroa, Lumina and D'Intensity Breakers.
The first act of the night was The Cancan Group of Regidor Elementary School from Santa Cruz, Manila. It was a new act to show a classical court dance in television. They have the grace and the pleasant personality because of their contagious smiles, sophisticated movements in their choreography and the classical and visually-attractive costumes.

Tito Cris Castro of Sampaloc, Manila showed a fresh routine for magic where he used mask change which is very mysterious to know the tricks. The mask change routine was amazing as well with the quick changing of costumes in different colors. Overall, he did a very good job in his act.

Russell Figueroa, the winner of TFCkat Canada showed a heartfelt rendition of Regine Velasquez hit "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw." However, he need to choose a song which is appropriate to his voice which matches to R&B or soul. Overall, he is confident in performing and he's got the packaging.

Lumina, the aerial acrobatics trio from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental did an amazing job for their routine. It reminds me of Synergy, the grand finalist from season 3 where they are flying in the air as well with the acrobatics they showed in their act.

The all-girl violin ensemble from Bulacan, The Fluma Viron of Cuerdas did a great impression with their auditions. They performed "Sway" by The Pussycat Dolls which they played the violin with beautiful harmony and melody plus they danced in a graceful manner while playing. In the quarter finals, they performed "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction however, the problem is their song choice. Therefore, they are still my favorites.

The dance crew from Lipa City, D'Intensity Breakers stepped up to the new level in their routine. They used hula hoops plus the intense and energetic hiphop and breakdancing that they showed which amazed the judges and the audience.

In the end, D'Intensity Breakers got the highest number of votes where they got the seventh spot in the semi-finals while Tito Cris Castro won the eighth spot where he got the unanimous vote from the judges.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4: Third Quarter Finals

The third quarter finals night of Pilipinas Got Talent season 4 was held om April 20 to 21, 2013 where six acts competed for the fifth and sixth slots for the semi-finals.
The third set of quarter finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent (L-R): Florendo Macalma Jr., Symmetry, Randy de Silva, MP3 Band, Michael "Mifer" Fernando and Tahanang Walang Hagdan Wheelchair Dancesport and BMG Dancers.
The wheelchair dancesport group from Cainta, Rizal, Tahanang Walang Hagdang Wheelchair Dancesport and BMG Dancers did a great job from their auditions to the quarter finals. They have the clean and sophisticated dance routine with the use of wheelchairs as well with their ballroom dancers. They showed hope and inspiration because of their talent and it is proven that being handicapped had their own capacities and strengths to show their talent to the world.

Florendo "Randy" Macalma Jr. did his best job in entertaining the audience as the first act who showed dog tricks in the live shows of Pilipinas Got Talent. He had his passion in loving the dogs by training them and showing communication to his pets. He got the perfect song choice for his routine as well with the movements showed by his different dogs including the Poodle and Mini Pincher. 

The acoustic trio from Davao City, MP3 Band did a new twist for delivering an acoustic music. They have the singer, guitarist and beatboxer combined into one band. They are consistent since auditions up to the quarter finals. In the auditions, they have the mash-up of "Yugyugan Na" by P.O.T. plus instrumental renditions of the theme from "Mission Impossible" and the opening intro of "Hotel California" by Eagles where the judges impressed by their performance. In the quarter finals, they truly leveled up with their acoustic mash-up from instrumental accompaniments of "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson and the theme of "Pink Panther" plus their rendition of "Mahirap Talagang Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba" by APO Hiking Society. They have that cool performances which is something new for the mainstream in the music industry.

The five pairs of twins combined into dance crew, Symmetry from Davao City. They are not just your ordinary dance crew but they have the synchronized choreography and precision in their dance routine plus the energetic moves and the packaging. They received a standing ovation during the quarter finals because of the simple but extraordinary choreography in a mirror dance that they have. 

Randy de Silva, the singer from Olongapo City did a very good job in singing Michael Jackson songs as well with the packaging which reminds me of Michael Jackson. Exactly, because they are similar in terms of their looks. He is a familiar face in singing contests in TV especially he joined in Little Big Star where he competed with Charice and Sam Concepcion eight years ago. During his auditions, he sang "She's Out of my Life" where he didn't reach the high notes. However, he improved a lot in the quarter finals with his rendition of "The Way You Make Me Feel" where he proved that he can sing and dance plus he got the showmanship.

The last act of the night was the magician from Las Pinas City, Michael "Mifer" Fernando. He did a funny magic routine with his assistants where they are good actors in presenting a magical comedy routine. In fact, it is one of the memorable auditions in the fourth season and they have the humorous impact. In the quarter finals, Mifer showed his serious side through illusions and teleportation from the stage to the audience. In other words, Mifer is such a very good magician as well with his assistants.

In the results night, MP3 Band won the public vote and got the fifth semi-finals slot while Symmetry got the sixth spot in the semi-finals where they won the judges vote.

Next week, you will going to witness the fourth quarter finals night. Watch out for The Can-can Dance Group of Regidor Elementary School, The Fluma Viron of Cuerdas, Lumina, D' Intensity Breakers, Tito Cris Castro and Russell Figueroa as they battle it out for the seventh and eighth slot in the semi-finals.

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4: Second Quarter Finals

The second quarter finals of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 held on April 13 to 14, 2013 where it is an emotional night among the contestants especially during the results night. 
The second batch of semi-finalists (L-R): Zilent Overload, John Neil Roa, Eumee Lyn Capile, SI.CO.GU., Sundee Vinas and EYX Point. 
The first act was Sinag Color Guards or SI.CO.GU. from Pasig City. This flag twirling group did an amazing job during their auditions with their flawless flag twirling routine plus their colorful flags and costumes. They did a good job in the quarter finals and they remain consistent.

The young crooner from Cebu City, John Neil Roa came back after he auditioned in second season but failed to make it in the top 36. He serenaded the audience with his renditions of "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole and "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder during quarter finals. He's got the charming look that girls will surely fall in love with plus a classic voice for standards and ballads. He is a versatile performer and he truly never give up in reaching his dreams.

The sword balancer and belly dancer from Taal, Batangas, Sundee Vinas did a great job in her auditions because of her balancing of a sword plus a sexy appeal and moves of a belly dancer. During the quarter finals, her act is more dangerous because of balancing a sword using her body parts and sexier belly dancing which is proven that she leveled-up her performance.

The acrobatics trio from Caloocan City, EYX Point did a consistent and amazing acrobatic acts from auditions to semi-finals. They have the balancing and the coordination for their act.

Eumee Lyn Capile of Valenzuela City is not just your ordinary singer. She's got the packaging, the soulful and powerful voice, and the swag to perform. She performed "Dancing in the Moonlight" by Katy Perry in her auditions which showed her talent in singing upbeat songs. During the quarter finals, she delivered a blazing performance of "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys which brought her to the top 12.

The black light dance crew from Pasig City, Zilent Overload received a standing ovation from the judges and the crowd with their energetic dance routine matched with their groovy song choices. They truly light up the stage with their colorful props and the precision in their choreography. They are visually entertaining and captivating and they are one of the acts who did an amazing job with their black light dance routine.

In the end, Zilent Overload made it to the semi-finals where they got the highest number of text and online votes while Eumee Lyn Capile won the judges vote. 

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4: First Quarter Finals Night

Pilipinas Got Talent once again is back for its new season, plus there are changes in the show's competition format. For the first time, the top 36 will be the Quarter Finals round where the twelve acts for Semi-finals will be chosen for six weeks. Then, the top 12 semi-finalists will compete for the six slots for the Grand Finals to determine the season 4 champion of Pilipinas Got Talent. 

Definitely, the top 36 acts this season is not more on the singers, but there are fourteen dance acts, seven singers, three musical acts and twelve variety acts which include magic acts, animal tricks, stunts, gymnastics, acrobatics and flair tending. They are truly deserving in that round and they have that impressive auditions.

Let us have a review of the first quarter finals night which was held on April 6 to 7, 2013.
The first batch of semi finalists (L-R): Segutier Triplets, The Miss Tres, Security and Escort Battalion Combo of the Philippine Army, All In One Crew, Marvin Arquero and Chaeremon Basa.
The first act to open the night is the transgender singing trio from Bulacan, The Miss Tres. They have the looks of beautiful and glamorous girls but they have the surprising and masculine voice of a male singer. They sang "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Elvis Presley. The song choice truly fitted for them but I never forget their shocking auditions with their rendition of "Sex Bomb" by Tom Jones. They are confident and they know how to move in stage while singing. 

Chaeremon Basa from Bacolod City is the first flair tending act who make it to the top 36 after three seasons. He had that flawless and careful flair tending skills as well with the fact that it is synchronized to the music. He's got that blazing performance in the semi-finals where he added fire in the table plus the synchronized movements of bottles in a flair tending. In addition, he is enjoying in his performance which is contagious and he is consistent from his auditions.

The black light dance group from General Trias, Cavite All In One Crew light up the stage with their energetic choreography. They did a clean, sparkling and glowing dance routine since auditions up to quarter finals. However, there are few technical problems during quarter finals but they did a good job in performing.

The musical ensemble from Taguig City, The Security and Escort Battalion Combo of the Philippine Army did an energizing accompaniment of "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner during auditions. They have that lively music from the Big Band era especially the brass section as well with the lead singer knows how to perform in front of the crowd. In the semi-finals, they performed "The Cup of Life" by Ricky Martin and they still remain consistent in terms of musicality.

The martial arts trio from Iloilo, Segutier Triplets did a Pinoy martial arts routine in the form of arnis. They have the synchronized movements plus the exciting fight scenes and stunts for their age. I hope that they encourage more children and teenagers to engage in martial arts especially in arnis.

Marvin Arquero, also known as Papa P. (stands for Payong, a local word for umbrella) did an impressive auditions. The magician from Bulacan showed an amazing magical act using umbrellas to tent, imagine from smallest umbrella changes into regular size then the huge and colorful tents used in stands and stores. In the semi-finals, he showed other magical tricks aside from umbrellas. 

In the end, Chaeremon Basa got the highest number of votes from text and online while Miss Tres got a unanimous votes from the judges to make it to the top 12.

Monday, December 31, 2012

New Year's Resolution


An ideal New Year's Resolution to all the people. Live life to the fullest and more blessings to come this 2013. HAPPY NEW YEAR. (Photo credits: www.facebook.com)

2012 Yearender Bits

There are many opportunities happened to me this 2012. Beside of all the struggles and challenges I encountered, 2012 was an enlightening year for me because of the realizations that after the struggles, there will be a new hope and blessings to come. In addition, a lot of memorable experiences that I encountered this year which made my 2012 a wonderful year. Here are the memorable moments that I had this year:


I joined in Saranggola Blog Awards where I had two entries. The first one is "Ako si Jonathan, Laking Cavite" under the Sanaysay/Freestyle or Essay category which tells about facts in Cavite which I am truly proud of it. The second entry is "Engrandeng Gala sa Timog Katagalugan" under the Maikling Kuwento or Short Story category which tells about the story of a young boy who made his grand tour of the Laguna Loop within one day plus the first time experiences he encountered there. I didn't win the contest but I will improve and join again this 2013.


I established my two new travel blogs in Blogspot. The first one is my Tagalog travel blog which is "Talaarawan ni Mister Commuter" which is originally in Wordpress but I decided to transfer it to Blogspot (hopefully in 2013 all the posts there are transferred). The second one is "Travel and Paper Perspectives" which is my travel blog for foreign readers where I used English as medium of communication. These travel blogs have the purpose of promoting tourism in the Philippines through the online world.


The first quarter of the year was filled with travel where I passed most of the towns in the Laguna Loop. Last April 2012, I had my Visita Iglesia in the Laguna Loop where I visited the Baroque Spanish-era churches of Pila, Santa Cruz, Magdalena, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Majayjay, Luisiana, Cavinti, Pagsanjan, Paete, Kalayaan and Pakil.

In addition, I also had a chance to visit historical places in Manila, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. In February 2012, I visited Fort Santiago in Intramuros in order to took a glance of history in the Walled City to Luneta Park. I also had a tour in Taal, Batangas last April where I saw the largest Catholic Church in the Far East and visited the Spanish heritage houses in the town proper plus the religious pilgrimage to Our Lady of Caysasay Church. In May I took a roundtrip from Trece Martires City passing the towns of Maragondon where I visited the Bonifacio Trial House and in Kawit where I took a tour at the Aguinaldo Shrine. Then in June, I took a visit at Rizal Shrine and the tallest Rizal statue. (I will blog it for next year in my official travel blog)

I also had a chance to extend my gratitude of appreciation to my new friends in Twitter for retweeting my status and insights regarding reality shows plus the views from different parts of the world regarding my blog posts. This 2013 I'm looking forward for more posts and travels.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Couch Potato Review: X Factor Philippines Review

From almost thousands of hopefuls who auditioned from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and down to hundreds of aspiring singers who competed in the boot camp. Then, twenty of the best singing acts who stand out to become contenders in the Judges House up to the top twelve acts mentored by judges up to the final three. In the end, KZ Tandingan from Davao del Sur won the first season of The X Factor Philippines.
The top 12 acts of The X Factor Philippines Season 1.Left - The Groups mentored by Gary Valenciano: (Top to bottom) Daddy's Home, AKA JAM, Takeoff Upper Right - The Boys mentored by Martin Nievera: (L-R) Gabriel Maturan, Jeric Medina, Kedebon Colim Center - The Girls mentored by Charice: (L-R) Allen Sta. Maria, Jerrianne Templo, KZ Tandingan Lower Right - The Over 25's mentored by Pilita Corrales: (L-R) Joan Da, Mark Mabasa, Modesto Taran Source: Google Photos
The Top 3:
  • KZ Tandingan (Girls, Davao del Sur).  She received a standing ovation during the auditions with her performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Ready or Not." She is one of the most consistent contenders in the first season because of her distinct style and voice which is jazzy and soulful as well with the fact that she can create her own version of the song she took. She stand out with her performances of "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse as well with her cover versions of "Eternal Flame" by Bangles, "In The End" by Linkin Park, "Kisapmata" by Rivermaya and "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele and she truly owned these songs and received positive feedback from the judges. In the end, she declared as the winner of the first season of The X Factor Philippines. Her studio version of "Killing Me Softly" reached number 1 in ITunes beating PSY's "Oppa Gangnam Style"
  • Gabriel Maturan (Boys, Zamboanga). He is one of the coolest and versatile voices in the competition. Starting from auditions to the final 3, I considered him as the best male singer in the contest. He impressed the judges with his audition piece "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz up to the Bootcamp singing "On and On" by Stephen Bishop. He showed his tender side with Christian Bautista's "Everything You Do". Then, his best performances in the contest will be "One Day In Your Life" by Michael Jackson (Top 11), "Hinahanap-hanap Kita" by Rivermaya (Top 6) and "Moonlight Over Paris" by Paolo Santos (Top 5). However, during the top 10 week, he didn't gave his best performance with his rendition of The Script's "Breakeven." Therefore, he received a lot of positive feedback from the judges and he was never been in the bottom 2. His grand finals performance of Fantasia's "I Believe" was simply amazing, In addition, his version of Bruno Mars single "It Will Rain" (Top 12) was soothing to the ears and easy to remember that is why it is number one in the radio charts in the Philippines.
  • Daddy's Home (Groups, Marikina City). This group of fathers composed of Doc Eric "Doc E" Dacanay, Allan Mitchell Silonga, Jerome Icatar and Herbert "Ebet" Silonga are professionals, performers and responsible daddies. They did an impressing job during the auditions especially with their rendition of Gary Valenciano's "Sana Maulit Muli"and they performed again with the Boyz II Men hit "I'll Make Love To You." They have that R&B vibe and each of the members are truly talented and musically gifted with amazing voices. They can own the songs they took especially with their rendition of the songs "Till My Heartaches End" by Ella Mae Saison (Top 12), "All At Once" by Whitney Houston (Top 9), "Will You Still Love Me" by Chicago (Top 7), "Tell Me" by Joey Albert (Top 5), "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins (Top 5 - Survival Performance) and "Gaya ng Dati" by Gary Valenciano (Top 3). Avid fans of the show and netizens tagged them as "Boyz II Men of the Philippines" because of their style which is R&B and their soulful singing voice. Although they finished 3rd place, they have regular guestings in some TV and radio shows. I hope that the songs they sang in the live shows will have a studio version especially "Tell Me" and "Against All Odds."
Eliminated Acts 
Over 25's
  • Joan Da (San Pablo City, Laguna). At first, I expected that she will be eliminated in the bootcamp round or in the Judges Home because of her distinct style. Then in the top 12, she gave the viewers a surprise with her acoustic performance of Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning" and it was entertaining. She proved her versatility and musicality in the following weeks especially with her performances of "At Your Best (You Are Loved)" by Aaliyah (Top 9), "Nobela" by Join the Club (Top 8) and "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (Top 7) and she owned these songs because of that character in her voice and she is creative in making her own versions. However, she is one of the contestants who is always making in the Survival Performance and she is always saved by the judges with her renditions of "Chasing Pavements" by Adele (Top 12 along with Jerrianne Templo in bottom 2) and "Grenade" by Bruno Mars (Top 8 along with Takeoff in the bottom group). She finished in the 7th place after Allen Santa Maria was saved by the judges. I hope that Joan sang "Nobela" in their compilation album because it sounded original and it showcases her vocal quality and musical style.
  • Mark Mabasa (Manila). He is one of the strongest contenders in the Over 25 category because of his versatility (especially in singing rock and upbeat songs) and strong vocal prowess. He is a stand-out in the Bootcamp with his rendition of "It Girl" by Jason Derulo as well in the Judges Homes with "The Last Time" by Eric Benet. In the first week, he performed "Kiss From A Rose" by Seal and he received positive feedback from the judges. But in week 2, he was eliminated through deadlock by getting the lowest number of votes. His studio version of Jeremiah's "Nanghihinayang" was truly heartfelt and strong.
  • Modesto Taran (Cagayan de Oro). He did an emotional impact (especially with Charice) with his rendition of Frank Sinatra's "My Way". He had that timeless classical voice suited for singing standards. He received a standing ovation in Week 2 after his performance of "Habang May Buhay" by After Image. His rendition of Anthony Castelo classic hit "Balatkayo" in their compilation album was truly suited his voice.
Groups
  • AKA JAM (Manila / Cebu). This girl group was formed in the selection of top 20 during the Bootcamp stage. The members namely Alyssa Quijano, Katrina Velarde, Auriette Divina, Jhelsea Maine Flores, Ashley Campbell and Monique Lualhati originally auditioned as solo acts but failed to make it to the top 20. Most of the members are familiar faces in television especially in other talent search and singing contests as well with TV series. They have that best blending of voices although they have different musical genres, the packaging and the pretty looks and the song choices which all of them are considered as winners. They did great performances from Judges Homes ("Seasons of Love" from musical "Rent") as well with top 11 ("This is My Life" by Shirley Bassey) and top 10 ("Survivor" by Destiny's Child). Their best performance is their version of "Got to Be Real" by Cherryl Lynn in top 12 where the judges and the audience gave them standing ovation and positive reviews. But in top 10, they were eliminated via deadlock where they got the lowest number of votes against Daddy's Home. They got very good rendition of the song "Missing You" during the Sing-off that is why they are not deserving to go home. Therefore, they have regular guestings in TV shows and radio after X Factor.
  • Takeoff (Manila). This boyband is formerly known as "Voyz Avenue" who appeared regularly in TV5 shows before they auditioned in The X Factor Philippines. The members of this boyband are Neo Domingo, Gerald Yranon, Russell "Ice" Medina, JZ Zamora and Raffy Calicdan.  They have that energetic and entertaining auditions where they took Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" proven that they have the total packaging and the talent where they can sing and dance as well with the fact that they are versatile. They passed the bootcamp with their performance of "Do You Remember" by Jay Sean. However there are some performances in the live show which are quite predictable and sometimes they did not hit the notes which leads them to bottom 2 twice. They were eliminated in the top 8 through deadlock over Joan Da. Their version of "Dreaming of You" by Selena was truly a knock out and definitely one of the best performances in the season. In addition, their rendition of the song "Stay" by Carol Banawa is beautiful and it reached the number one in a radio station in Dagupan.
Boys
  • Jeric Medina (Paranaque). He did a good auditions with his performance of "Love of my Life" by South Border. His best performance during the live shows was in top 9 where he sang "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley along with his acoustic guitar and soothing voice. He proved also that he can sing rock and alternative especially he took the rock version of "Careless Whisper" by Wham. He's got the rockin looks and a soothing voice to sing ballads and soul. There are times that he did his best performance but there are times that he didn't reach the notes. 
  • Kedebon Colim (Cebu). He made a spectacular impact with his auditions where he took "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction and there is a magic in his voice although it is not sounded great. He is one of the most controversial contestants where netizens and avid fans of the shows thought that he didn't deserve to stay in the contest because he is the least talented but he is funny. 
Girls
  • Allen Sta. Maria (Nueva Ecija). When she auditioned, she is like a replica of another X Factor contestant which is Cher Lloyd because of the swagger and her radio-friendly voice. She proved that she is versatile where she sang dance hits, rock and even an OPM ballad. The most memorable performance that she did is her rendition of "Waterfalls" by TLC (Top 9) and for me her best performances are "Hanggang May Kailanman" by Carol Banawa (proven that she can sing ballads) and "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith (where she proved her swag and confidence in stage).
  • Jerrianne Templo (Mandaluyong). I remember her as one of the grand finalists of "Search for a Star" where Rachelle Ann Go emerged as a winner when she was 13 years old. Now, she auditioned in The X Factor Philippines with her powerful rendition of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." She made it to the top 12 but she was eliminated first. However, I love her revival of Jaya's "Kung Wala Na' and she sang it with feelings and she owned the song.
Notable Contestants
  • Paulo Castro. A man with a quirky but sophisticated fashion and a voice which is similar to the late Michael Jackson. He is one of the most consistent performers from auditions where he sang "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Smile" in Bootcamp. He proved his versatility with his rendition of "Kahit Kailan" by South Border but he was eliminated.
  • Cristine Ledesma. I am rooting for her to make it on the live shows with her stunning and sophisticated looks and her classy and sultry voice to sing classical standards. She received positive reviews with her auditions with her performance of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" but she was eliminated in the Judges Homes. I hope she joined again in the second season.
  • Sweet Bliss. The all girl singing trio composed of Noreen, Macy and Sor. They are also consistent in terms of their song choices and they have the blending, the vocal dynamics, the packaging and they got what it takes to be the next divas in OPM. They auditioned in Cebu with "End of Time" by Beyonce, "One Night Only" from the Dreamgirls and "Perfect" by Pink in Judges Homes. I am looking forward to see them in the second season.
  • 5th Avids. They have the perfect blending of voices for a girl group especially with their auditions where they sang "Shackles" by Mary Mary.
  • Jeffrey "Osang" Soliven. This guy is truly spectacular. He is a gay but he''s got a rockin voice!!! Wow! I hope that he made it to the final 20. He is very memorable with his performance of "Bombastic."
I'm looking forward this 2013 to have the second season of The X Factor Philippines.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Greetings


Now playing, here's Jessica Sanchez with her version of "The Christmas Song" Once again, Merry Christmas to all! Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays



This is a beautiful rendition of "The Christmas Song" by Shannon Magrane, American Idol season 11 finalist. Dedicated to the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley as well with the victims of Sandy Hook tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR! Happy Holidays.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Engrandeng Gala sa Puso ng Timog Katagalugan

"Ano kayang mangyayari bukas sa solo kong gala?"

Tumunog ang alarm clock ni Brett ng alas-singko ng umaga, hirap pang gumising gawa ng weekend pagod dahil sa trabaho. Pero ito ay naiibang araw para sa kanya kaya dali-dali siyang bumangon at nag-ayos ng sarili. Subalit kakaunti lamang ang kinain niya na almusal pero marami siyang baon sa kanyang shoulder bag: dalawang piraso ng chicheria at candy pero dala nya ang talaarawan, digital camera, mga baterya, mga towel, mga bolpen na may kulay pula at itim, mapa, pocket money at ang Bibliya. Nakaayos na ang lahat kay Brett kahit sa pananamit niya.

"Anak, may nakalimutan ka ba?" tanong ni Claire, ang ina ni Brett.

"Wala naman po. Lahat kumpleto na" ang sagot ni Brett.

"Naku, di ka pa nag-aalmusal kailangan mo munang kumain" nag-aalalang pinaalalahanan ni Claire ang binata.

"Ma, ako na po ang bahala. Busog pa po ako" ang sabi ng anak.

Maya-maya pa ay umalis na ng bahay itong si Brett patungo sa kanyang destinasyon. Kahit parang hindi nag-almusal itong si Brett pero alam niya ang direksyon na kanyang pupuntahan. Sumakay ng tricycle at bago sumakay ng jeep, hinanda ni Brett ang kanyang pera pambili ng almusal sa isang fast food chain para take out. Pagkatapos noon ay sumakay siya ng jeep mula sa Cavite patungong Calamba na sakop ng Laguna. Mabilis lang naman ang takbo ng biyahe at nakarating siya sa Calamba sa loob ng mahigit 45 minuto.

Mula sa Calamba ay nagdesisyon na si Brett na puntahan ang unang bayan.

Nagtanong siya kay Manong Driver, "Manong saan po papuntang Victoria"

Sumagot itong si Manong, "Sakay kayo papuntang Santa Cruz"

"Salamat po!"

*** *** ***

At sumakay na si Brett sa jeep patungong Santa Cruz. Natagalan pa ang biyahe niya bago makarating sa kanyang patutunguhan dahil traffic sa Los Banos at tumitigil ang jeep sa bandang Bay para kumuha ng mga pasahero. At napuntahan na niya ang unang bayan na kanyang bibisitahin. Tumigil siya sa junction kung saan makikita ang mga makukulay at naglalakihang mga pato at itik, ang maliit na bayan ng Victoria. Nakita niya ang mga naglalakihang mga istatwa ng itik gayundin ang mga pato sa isang duck farm na malapit sa tabi ng lawa.

Mula sa Victoria, sumakay siya ng jeep patungong Santa Cruz. At nasakyan niya ang jeep ay isang kakaibang driver. Kumbaga ito ang pakiramdam niya noong unang beses na makakita ng babaeng jeepney driver. Sa kasong ito, isang Amerikanong driver ng jeep na nagngangalang Carter ang bumungad sa kanya. Umupo siya sa tabi ng driver. Nagulat siya at sinabi ni Brett sa kanyang sarili "Wow! Isang foreigner na nagmamaneho ng jeep!" Ngumiti ang driver sa kanya at nagmamaneho siya ng jeep patungong Santa Cruz. At maraming tinanong si Brett.

"How long did you stay here in the Philippines?" tanong ni Brett.

"I am staying here for two years and I am living with my Filipina wife who lives here" sagot ni Carter.

Manghang-mangha na parang nabigla si Brett kahit siya ay nagtatanong pa rin. Kumbaga ito ang pakiramdam niya na ang isang dayuhan ay nagtatrabaho bilang isang jeepney driver na ginagawa ng mga ordinaryong tao.


Habang bumibiyahe, narating nila ang bayan ng Pila. Nakita nila sa bayan na ito ang mga lumang bahay na ginawa pa noong panahon ng Espanyol at ang plaza na may pagkakatulad noong panahong iyon. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang kuwentuhan ng dalawa noong panahong iyon. At ang ibang mga pasahero sa dyip, kahit kakaunti lamang sila ay mayroong nakikinig sa usapan nila. May natutuwa at meron naman na walang pakialam.

"These heritage houses are made since the Spanish period, as well with the plaza where the church and the town hall are near to each other which represent the unity of State and Church. I learned that in our History subject when I was in high school and college" binahagi ni Brett ang kanyang kaalaman kay Carter.

"Yup, that is why I love living here because the Philippines is such a beautiful country and it is rich in culture" ang sagot ni Carter.

"By the way, why did you chose to drive a jeepney aside from managing a business" muling nagtanong si Brett.

"This is a temporary job while waiting for an opportunity because I want to work hard for my family and to support my wife who is working in Manila as Sales Supervisor as well with my two kids" pinagmamalaking sagot ni Carter.

"Wow! Your such a hardworking person. Your such an inspiration to us because you can do that kind of job as a foreigner but I can't do that" paghangang sinagot ni Brett.

Natuloy pa ang kuwentuhan ng dalawa at napag-usapan kung ano ang buhay niya sa Pilipinas at kitang-kita naman na masaya itong si Carter sa kanyang ginagawa bilang driver. Pagdating ng Santa Cruz, tuluyan nang naghiwalay ang landas ng dalawa.

"Bye! See you next time. Keep up the good work" At nakipagkamayan itong si Brett sa Amerikanong jeepney driver.

"Thanks! Nice meeting you also!" ang sinabi ni Carter.

*** *** ***
Alas-diyes pa lang ng umaga, sulit na ang biniyahe ni Brett. Mula Santa Cruz, sumakay siya patungong Nagcarlan. Mahigit 30 minuto ang kanyang hinintay bago makarating sa Nagcarlan. Mahaba-haba ang biyahe hanggang narating niya ang Nagcarlan. Habang bumibiyahe patungong Nagcarlan, nakaidlip si Brett sa biyahe dahil napansin niya ang Manong na natutulog sa biyahe. Hindi pa naibibigay sa kanya ng Manong Driver ang sukli kaya hawak din niya ang wallet. Hindi niya namalayan na nawalan na siya ng pera. At paggising niya at bumaba siya sa bandang Pagsanjan dahil nawalan siya ng pera.

"Nakita nyo po ba ang pitaka ko? Hawak ko po siya habang hinihintay ko po yung sukli" nag-aalalang sinabi ni Brett. Ngunit di makasagot sa kanya ang mga pasahero at napansin niya na bumaba na ang matandang lalake na katabi niya sa jeep.

Salamat na lamang at mayroon pa siyang natitirang 800 sa secret pocket at ang mga mahahalagang dokumento ay di niya dala lahat.


Sa Nagcarlan niya nakita ang isa sa mga lumang simbahan sa Laguna, ang St. Bartholomew Church. Pumasok siya sa lumang simbahan at nakita niya ang isang matandang babae na naglilingkod sa simbahan.

"Ay papasok po ba kayo dito?" tanong ng matandang babae.

"Opo. Ano po bang meron sa simabahan?" tanong ni Brett.

"Isa ito sa pinakaluma at pinakamagandang simbahan sa Laguna. Lalo na kung aakyat ka sa kampanaryo ng simbahan. Makikita mo ang tanawin ng buong Nagcarlan gayundin ang Bundok Banahaw" sagot ng ale.

Nagsimula nang puntahan ni Brett ang nasabing kampanaryo. Sa una mukhang madali lang pero noong akyatin na niya ang pinakamataas na bahagi ng kampanaryo kung saan nandun ang kampana, medyo nahirapan siyang dumaan dahil ang hagdan ay gawa lamang sa kahoy at lumang-luma na ito. Natatakot siya baka biglang bumagsak siya. Ngunit, matagumpay niyang narating ang pinakamataas na bahagi ng kampanaryo at nakita nga niya ang bayan ng Nagcarlan mula sa kampanaryo.


Sunod niyang pinuntahan ang Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. Malapit lang ito sa simbahan at nakapasok siya sa nasabing lugar. Naroon ang isang tour guide mula sa isang ahensya ng gobyerno. Ikinuwento ng tour guide ang kasaysayan ng Underground Cemetery, pero natatakot si Brett na pumasok sa loob ng sementeryo. Nasa ilalim pa ito ng kapilya at madilim ang lugar. Siya lang ang mag-isang turista noong oras na iyon. Pumasok siya at nawala din ang kanyang takot. Pinagmamasdan niya ang nasabing sementeryo at kakaunti lang pala ang nakalibing dito. At may napansin siyang parang isang pader na parang pintuan. Pinaniniwalaan kasi na may lagusan patungo sa simbahan ang nasabing sementeryo.

*** *** ***

Sa Nagcarlan, nagtext kay Brett ang kanyang ina. "Anak, bili ka ng lanzones at rambutan kahit tig-isang kilo" At mukhang pumayag naman si Brett sa pabor ng kanyang nanay. Pumunta siya sa susunod na bayan ang Liliw kung saan makakabili siya ng mga lanzones at rambutan. Pero parang gusto niyang unahin ang bayan kung saan makakita siya ng talon o waterfalls. Sumakay siya ng jeep patungong Liliw at mula doon ay sumakay siya ng tricycle patungong Majayjay.

Pagbaba ng tricycle, bumaba siya at tiningnan ang simbahan ng Majayjay. Masyado itong malaki at mataas pero magandang simbahan. Isa ito sa mga pinakalumang simbahan na ipinatayo sa Pilipinas. Mula sa plaza, pinuntahan niya ang isang lugar na pinaniniwalaang produkto ng sapilitang paggawa, ang Tulay Pigue. Masyadong madamo ang lugar at madulas ang daanan dahil umulan noong panahong iyon. Naging tour guide ni Brett ang isang walong-taong gulang na bata.

"Tara po pupunta po tayo sa Tulay Pigue" ang pag-imbita ng bata. Tahimik niyang pinagmamasdan ang bata at marami siyang sugat sa mukha. Nakita rin niya ang kanyang ama na umiinom lamang ng alak kasama ang kanyang mga kaibigan. Nais sanang tanungin ni Brett pero sa loob-loob niya baka mapahamak pa siya. Dahil sa madulas ang daan patungo sa tulay at malapit na rin ito sa bangin, nagtanong si Brett "May ahas ba dito?" at sinagot niya "Kapag tag-init po" Idinagdag pa ng batang lalake "Kapag nakarating na po kayo sa tulay, makikita niyo na po yun taludtod at makakarating na po kayo sa ibang barangay at bayan." Sinubukan niya na dumaan sa nasabing tulay at sobrang liit ng daanan nito, kasya lamang ang iisang tao. Noong natapos na ang pagpunta sa tulay, binigyan ni Brett ng pera ang bata. (Pero sana nasa mabuting kamay ito at di kunin ng mga nakakatanda sa kanya na nang-aabuso lamang sa kanya). Nagpasalamat ang bata at alam niya na magagamit niya ito bilang baon.

Bumalik siya sa bayan at pinuntahan na ang sinasabing Taytay Falls. Sumakay si Brett ng tricycle at mahaba-haba ang biyahe at napansin na lang ang tricycle driver na nagkrus dahil dadaan kami sa bituka ng manok. Parang roller coaster ang biyahe sa Majayjay. Pataas-pababa. Maliit ang daaanan. Pakurba. Bangin na ang nakapaligid. Nagdasal din ako na sana ligtas ang biyahe namin. Dahil sa sobrang takot. Narating rin niya ang Taytay Falls pagkatapos ng mahaba-habang biyahe patungo sa paanan ng Banahaw at isang mahabang canopy walk sa liblib na kagubatan. Sulit din ang pagod pero di ako naligo. Nabighani siya sa simpleng kagandahan talon at ang malinaw at malinis na tubig nito na dumadaloy mula sa Banahaw.

*** *** ***

Alas-tres ng hapon, pumunta na siya sa bayan ng Liliw pagkagaling ng Majayjay. Marami nang tao doon at namili ako ng tig-isang kilo ng rambutan at lansones. Namili din si Brett ng isang pares ng tsinelas at isang bayong dahil marami na akong dalang mga produkto galing ng Laguna. Ito din ang unang beses na namalengke si Brett sa buong buhay niya. Nasanay siya kasi na lagi ang nanay niya ang namamalengke. At ang hamon pa dito ay dapat 300 piso lamang ang budget niya. Pagkatapos mamalengke ay pumunta siya sa simbahan ng St. John the Baptist Church kung saan siya nagdasal ng pasasalamat sa ligtas na biyahe. Nagtungo siya sa isang bantog na kainan sa Liliw. Mula doon, sumakay na siya muli ng jeep patungo sa kanyang huling bayan na kanyang pupuntahan ngayong araw.


Nakarating siya sa Magdalena. Pinuntahan niya ang sentro ng bayan sa Magdalena. Nakita niya ang simbahan ng St. Mary Magdalene Church at pinuntahan niya ang lugar kung saan makikita ang bolo at sumbrero ni Emilio Jacinto na may bahid ng kanyang dugo. Nalaman din niya na ito ang Little Hollywood of Laguna dahil dito ginanap ang ilan sa mga lokasyon ng mga lumang pelikulang Tagalog. Bumaba sa isang bantog na bakasyunan. Tiningnan niya kung may tao at nakita nga niya ang dalawang kabataan na doon papunta.

"Magandang hapon po! Saan po kayo papunta?" magalang na tanong ni Brett.

"Papunta kami sa isang museong bahay doon. Tara sama ka sa amin" ang sagot ni Caitlin, isa sa mga kabataang pupunta sa nasabing museo.

Sumama si Brett at doon niya nalaman na magkakaroon ng pagpupulong sa nasabing lugar. Si Caleb, isang youth leader mula sa Liliw ay nagkuwento ng maraming bagay tungkol sa kasaysayan ng Laguna. Nang napasok na nila ang bakasyunan, nakilala ni Brett ang isang ginang na naging saksi ng kasaysayan ng pag-unlad ng Laguna, si Mrs. Ledesma. Noong una ay natatakot si Brett sa pagkikita ng nasabing ginang.

"Magandang hapon po!" ang pagbati ni Brett na medyo kinakabahan.

"Magandang hapon rin sa iyo, iho. May maipaglilingkod ba ako?" ang magalang na tanong ng Mrs. Ledesma.

Tumahimik siya. "Tara, libutin natin ang buong bahay" ang pagyayaya ng nasabing ginang.

Nilibot nila ang buong tahanan. Maraming naikuwento ang nasabing ginang tungkol sa panungkulan ng mga nakaraang gobernador at natutuwa siya sa katotohanan na binisita ni Brett ang lalawigan para matuklasan ang kultura at mga magagandang tanawin dito. Sa bandang huli may naibigay na liham ang nasabing ginang at nagbigay si Brett ng isang woodcraft mula Paete bilang alaala na sila ay naging magkausap sa loob ng maiksing panahon.

"Alam mo iho, nagpapasalamat ako na pinuntahan mo ang aking tahanan. Ang bahay na ito ay naging saksi ng kasaysayan sa loob ng mahigit tatlong dekada. Naging saksi ito ng pag-unlad sa lalawigan. At napanatili namin ang likas na yaman sa bayan kahit may mga nag-alok sa amin gawin itong urban na bayan" ang pagbabagagi ni Mrs. Ledesma.

"Wala naman pong anuman. Alam nyo po, marami po akong natutunan at nadiskubre sa bayan na ito. Masarap balik-balikan dahil sa yaman ng kultura at mga magagandang tanawin. Dito rin po ako natutong magtangkilik ng mga produktong sariling-atin at marami po nito sa Laguna. Sa uulitin po makakabisita po ako diyan" ang sagot ni Brett sabay nakipagkamay siya sa nasabing ginang at sa dalawang mga youth leaders.

Sumakay na si Brett sa jeep na maraming baon na pasalubong at mga alaala na babaunin niya sa kanyang pamamasyal sa Laguna.

*** *** ***
Tapos na ang pamamasyal ni Brett at nagdesisyon na siyang umuwi. Habang pauwi patungo sa kanilang tahanan, marami siyang natutunan sa paggagala na iyon. Marami siyang nakilalang mga bagong kaibigan. Doon siya unang natutong namalengke sa kanyang sarili. Naging handa kahit nawalan siya ng pera at kalmado siyang hinarap ang sitwasyon.  Higit sa lahat, natuklasan niya ang kasaganahan ng kultura at likas na yaman sa puso ng Katimugang Tagalog, ang bayan ng Laguna.

Kinagabihan, pagkauwi niya sa kanilang tahanan, maraming dalang mga pasalubong si Brett para sa kanyang nanay at sa buong pamilya ganun din naman ang mga kuwento na laging maaalala ni Brett. Kaya sa susunod muli na paglalakbay!

Ito ang aking pangalawang lahok sa Saranggola Blog Awards 2012 sa kategoryang Maikling Kuwento.

Ang Saranggola Blog Awards





Saturday, October 13, 2012

Ako si Jonathan, Laking Cavite

Kapag narinig o nakita ng mga tao ang bayan ng Cavite, ilan sa mga bagay na pumapasok sa isipan nila ay mga Kabitenyo ay matatapang at palaban, tahanan ito ng mga lugar na dinarayo ng mga turista at isa sa mga pinakamauunlad na probinsya sa Pilipinas.

Tumira kami sa Cavite mula noong dekada '80, panahon ng EDSA Revolution. Kakaunti pa lamang ang mga tao noon sa lugar kung saan ako nakatira ngayon at di pa ako ipinapanganak. Tubong Bicol ang aking mga magulang at ako ay isinilang sa Cavite. Ito ang lugar ng aking pinagmulan at marami akong mga bagay na aking ipagmamalaki para sa bayan ng Cavite.

Ipinanganak ako sa Silang. Ito ang itinuturing na pinakamalaking bayan sa Cavite. Maraming mga sakahan at mga pabrika ang matatagpuan sa lugar na ito. Naging espesyal ang lugar na ito dahil dito ako unang nagkaroon ng kaaalaman at kamalayan sa mga bagay-bagay tungkol sa buhay. Lumaki ako sa isang maliit ngunit mataong barangay sa bayan na ito. Ang barangay na ito ang naging saksi ng aking tagumpay na nakapagtapos ako ng pag-aaral at nagkaroon ng magandang trabaho. Ang barangay na ito ay malapit sa mga malls, mga sikat na unibersidad at paaralan, at isang sakayan lang ng jeep mararating mo na ang mga mauunlad na bayan ng General Mariano Alvarez, Carmona, Dasmarinas, General Trias at Tagaytay sa Cavite gayundin naman ang mga bayan ng Santa Rosa at Binan sa Laguna. May sakayan na rin ng jeep patungong Alabang na bahagi ng Muntinlupa. Dito din sa bayan na ito ako nagsisimulang bumiyahe patungo sa lugar na aking pupuntahan. Noong nalibot ko ang probinsya, masasabi kong nangibabaw ang urbanisasyon dahil sa dami ng populasyon, mga gusali, mga sasakyan at kahit ang pag-uugali ng mga tao. Ngunit may ibang bahagi pa rin ng Cavite na masasabing rural dahil sa simpleng pamumuhay ng mga tao at ang malinis na kapaligiran na laging kasama ng kasaganahan sa likas na yaman.


Ang ipinagmamalaking lungsod sa aming lalawigan ay ang Tagaytay. Bata pa lamang ako, lagi naming pinupuntahan ng aming pamilya kahit ng aking mga kaibigan ang Tagaytay. Itinuturing itong "Second Summer Capital of the Philippines" dahil matatagpuan ito sa mataas na bahagi ng Cavite. Malamig sa lugar na ito kaya masarap magbakasyon lalo na tuwing tag-init at matatanaw dito ang Bulkang Taal, ang pinakamaliit na bulkan sa buong mundo na nasa gitna ng Lawa ng Taal. Dito matatagpuan ang Picnic Grove kung saan puwede kang tumambay sa mga cottages, sumakay sa kabayo at maranasan ang zipline. Narating ko na rin ang People's Park in the Sky (mas kilala sa tawag na Palace in the Sky) na matatagpuan sa pinakamataas na bahagi ng Tagaytay at sulit ang biyahe sa kabila ng maraming zigzag, dahil sa ganda ng pasyalan at mga parke sa lugar na ito. Nais ko ring puntahan ang Tagaytay Highlands kapag ako ay nagkapera na. Ang Tagaytay din ay tahanan din ng ilang seminaryo at kumbento tulad ng Pink Sisters Chapel at kung mahilig ka naman sa food trip, dito matatagpuan ang ilan sa mga restaurants tulad ng Mushroom Burger.


Maraming nagsasabi na ang Cavite ay ang lupain ng mga magigiting, kaya ang lalawigan ay nagkaroon ng lugar sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. Matatagpuan dito ang ilan sa mga lumang simbahan na matatagpuan sa Silang, Maragondon, Naic at Bacoor na ipinatayo pa noong panahon ng Espanyol. Naging kuta ng mga sundalong Pilipino ang Fort San Felipe na matatagpuan sa Cavite City. Dito matatagpuan ang ilan sa mga bahay na naging saksi ng kasaysayan tulad ng paglilitis kay Andres Bonifacio sa Maragondon at ang pagtatatag ng pamahalaang rebolusyonaryo sa Bacoor. Higit sa lahat, dito idineklara ang kalayaan ng ating bansa mula sa mga Espanyol noong Hunyo 12, 1898, sa tahanan ni Emilio Aguinaldo na matatagpuan sa Kawit. Bahagi din ng Cavite ang islang kilala sa tawag na "The Rock", ang Corregidor. Tatlong kilometro ang layo nito mula sa Bataan at sampung kilometro naman mula sa Cavite. Dito matatagpuan ang ilan sa mga labi ng mga gusali na nasira noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig at ang islang ito ay naging saksi ng kasaysayan.

Dito rin sa Cavite puwede ka mag-foodtrip. Pagkagaling ng Maynila at dumaan ka sa Bacoor, matitikman mo ang malamig at malinamnam na Digman Halo-halo. Kapag dumako ka sa kalagitnaan ng Cavite, namnamin mo ang mainit na kape ng Amadeo. Matitikman mo rin ang masarap na buko pie at panutsa ng Tagaytay. Marami ka ring makukuhang mga sariwang gulay at prutas mula sa mga taniman at sakahan ng Silang at Tagaytay.

Ang Cavite ay bayan din kung saan nagmula ang iba't-ibang mga bayani tulad mula kay Emilio Aguinaldo na naging unang pangulo ng Pilipinas at nakipaglaban sa rebolusyon hanggang kay Efren Penaflorida na nagwagi sa CNN Hero of the Year Award 2009 dahil sa iskuwelahan na nasa kariton para maibahagi ang kaalaman sa mga kabataang di nag-aaral. Tahanan din ito ng mga sikat na personalidad tulad nina Roxanne Guinoo, Kaye Abad, Xian Lim, Marian Rivera, Lani Mercado, Jolo Revilla at Bong Revilla.

Marami din akong nakilala sa Cavite mula sa mga kaklase, guro, kasamahan sa trabaho, at mga kaibigan na nagkaroon kami ng pagkakatulad na pagiging masipag, matulungin at magalang na likas na sa mga taga-Cavite. Kaya maraming nagsasabi na ang Cavite ay umuunlad dahil sa pagiging matiyaga, tapat at pagkakaroon ng bukas na kaisipan ng mga Kabitenyo.

Sa kasalukuyan dito pa rin ako nakatira sa Cavite. Mas maraming tao ngayon kaysa noong kabataan ko. Mas maunlad na at puwede nang isabay sa Maynila pagdating sa kaunlaran. Mas maraming mga bahay at mga gusali tulad ng pabrika, unibersidad at commercial establishments kaysa dati. Noon, maraming mga puno at malinis ang ilog ngunit hanggang ngayon, sagana pa rin sa likas na yaman ang aming bayan. Ang mga lugar na dinarayo ng mga turista nananatili pa rin sa natural na kagandahan nito.

Sa madaling salita, ang Cavite ay isang maunlad na lugar na naging sandigan ang kasaysayan, ang lupain ng mga masisipag at magigiting na tao, at isang lugar na dinadayo ng mga turista dahil sa likas na yaman at ang kasaganahan nito sa kultura, kasaysayan at tradisyon. Isa akong Kabitenyo. Pinagmamalaki ko ito ng buong  puso.

Ito ang isa sa mga kalahok sa Saranggola Blog Awards sa kategorya ng Blog / Freestyle o Sanaysay.

Ang Saranggola Blog Awards 2012






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