Yet another simple and sweet early morning surprise from yet another sweet and creative office mate – an origami tulip and box (Thanks Ms. Faith!). 
Oh how sweet it is to be loved by them! 
A Simple But Sweet Token
Look what I found this morning on my office desk (he wasn’t able to thank me personally because I had to leave exactly at the end of my shift yesterday and he has an after-work tutorial to attend to, this was what I saw first thing today)
- a simple yet creative art work/token of gratitude from one of my office mates (Thank you, Mr. John!).
Ahhh yes, simple things never fail to make my day bright and make me smile the sweetest.
Thank You, Father God, for surrounding me with the sweetest office mates. You know how much I love having them around.
P.S.
Just in case you are wondering what that one peso meant, we have an “English only policy” inside the school premises. Anyone who violates it will have to pay a fine of P1 per Filipino word. 
* salamat – thank you
Teardrops On My Guitar – Not
Variation of a G Chord
“Music heals the soul.”
Yes, I know all too well how overrated this phrase may seem, but it never ceases to remind us what is the part that music plays in our lives. A BIG part it is, for me.
Just like art and writing, music can never be out of the scene. I believe art, music, writing, literature, poetry are all intertwined to create beautiful masterpieces depicting this – the aesthetics.
So, here comes my baby girl.
Flicka
She goes by the name of Flicka. I named her after the 2006 movie entitled Flicka which is about a beautiful horse and a girl and the special bond they had formed through a series of challenges that they both went through. It was a very beautiful movie, both melodramatic and inspiring.
My brother gave this guitar to me as a college graduation gift way back 2006, supposed to be. But I never was able to graduate on time. So Flicka (my guitar), became my best friend instead. She has been my best friend for 7 years now.
She does carry some ‘bruises’ all throughout those years but like me, she has lots to say about those ‘bruises’ too. That is, if she can only talk or write. But one thing’s for sure, good stories they are, for the most part.
“Fix Your Eyes On Him”
I was randomly searching bible verses over the internet to get me through the day when I came across a picture of a woman looking upwards and a bible verse from Hebrews 12:2 that says:
“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
I was simply not just motivated by the verse, itself, but the photo of the girl as well which made me create this art work.
I hope I have made even just the slightest improvement when it comes to rendering.
“Golden Patterns”
A beautiful, intricate pattern in one of Zamboanga City’s shawls made of fine gold threads. One of the exquisite designs ever made – definitely a work of art.
I Have Made A Friend – In Jail
Davao City Jail
No. I wasn’t arrested. Just in case you are wondering.
It was my first time to be in jail. I was nervous. I have always thought of prisons in a very negative manner – a correctional facility for the “bad guys” of society. I expected to see and experience the worst – prisoners taunting us, throwing things while we are looking around, screaming, dirty environment and prison cells.
That was before I entered the compound of the Davao City Jail. When I got inside, I was surprised. I saw colourful homes with curtained windows, flowers, plants, trees and a pavilion with a stage decorated for a program. I saw women sweeping the yard, washing laundry, creating and weaving handicrafts – it doesn’t look like a jail at all.
Yes, the jail wardens referred to the jail houses as “cottages” and the prisoners as “bakasyonistas” or “tourists.” Their quarters are indeed small cottages and if you weren’t informed beforehand, you might think that there is a small community inside. Except that the settlers are all women – a correctional facility for female prisoners.
Slowly, I became more comfortable as our guide, who happened to be one of the prisoners also, toured us around and explained what the “bakasyonistas” are doing, what the particular cottages are for and how the system in that community works. Our purpose for the visit is to learn about how they run the program on ALS or Alternative Learning System as part of the requirements in one of my classes in my graduate study at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.
The ALS aims to provide opportunities for these women to study and learn while inside the facility to help them earn for a living through the income generated from the handicrafts that they have created. As for the younger women, this will be an equivalent to a vocational course that would certify them of getting decent and promising careers outside when they have served their terms and are released from the facility.
Most of the “bakasyonistas” were detained due to drug-related offenses. Some accounts are based on a drug-busting operation and they just happen to be included because they were at the scene when the operation happened but were innocent of the crime. A classmate of mine and I were given the opportunity to interview one “bakasyonista.”
Her name is *Rosa. She is 25 years old, 2 years younger than me. She has two kids already and she’s been in the facility for about almost 2 years. She and her husband were separated even before she was arrested. When I saw her, I never felt any apprehension how to approach her. She seems harmless. She greeted us with a smiling face, a bit shy. She carries a very light expression about her while we were conversing. We asked her about how she finds the ALS program and found out that she is one of the staff in-charge with the art decorations of the stage. She said that she loves to do art works and she is also one of the women in that community who weaves ladies’ bags out of straw.
She said that it is a very good opportunity for them that they are studying through the ALS because it gives them hope. It gives them another chance to start something good for a new beginning when they leave the facility. I asked her what she plans to do after she has served her term, she said she plans on putting up her own handicraft store and she wanted to see her two kids as she missed them so much already. She said that she seldom sees the kids as they are studying and her mom and relatives are also too busy to pay her a visit. They get to visit her once or twice a year. I asked her when her term will end. She was silent at first, looked at her hands laid out in front of her and then, she cried.
She doesn’t know for how long she will stay inside the facility. In between sobs, she told us she misses her children so badly. Sometimes, even if the facility seems to be a good community and they are treated pretty well, it still feels lonely. She said that yes, they may be seeing homes, flowers, plants – a regular community, but at the back of her mind, the thought still remains that they are prisoners. That though they may be free to roam around the compound, they still can’t leave the facility and mingle with the rest of society, free to do anything they want.
At that time, while she is talking, I wanted to cry too. But I just held her hand and listened. By the end of her story, I told her with a smiling face, “Don’t lose hope. Have your faith in God. He will give you the strength to overcome all those feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. You will get out of this facility, you will be free and you will be able to see your children soon.”
I changed the topic as soon as I said that to prevent her from crying even more. I asked her what she did on Valentine’s Day. She told us that she was one of the “bakasyonistas” who conceptualized the theme for the stage decoration and yes, she had a date. After saying this, yes, the light, bubbly *Rosa was back again. I teased her. I asked who the guy is. She told us that the guy is one of the male detainees at the men’s correctional facility which is the compound next to theirs.
So I wondered how they got to know each other. She said that it was through a dance group, where she and the guy were members, while they were practicing for a dance presentation. After that, they have been sending love letters to each other through a window. She is blushing while saying all these and I can’t help but feel happy for her.
When our professor told us to wrap up the interview, I asked her if she can show me some of the handicrafts she made. She showed me a purple and blue shoulder bag. Being a fashionista, I liked it right after I saw it. I asked her how much is it. She told me it is worth Php350.00 which is equivalent to US $7. I gave her a 500-peso bill and told her to just keep the change.
I was expecting her to say “Thank you” and only that. But no, she hugged me tight, almost jumping from joy, smiled, and told me, almost crying, how grateful she is. She just could not thank me enough; she told me she will use the money to buy her youngest girl a new pair of school shoes. She then told me to wait because she has something more for me. I told her it is fine as we are also about to leave. But she still insisted, so I gave in. She returned a few minutes after with a coin purse and a belt made of the same color to the bag I bought. She is giving them to me, for free, so they would match my bag.
*Rosa’s Handwoven Bag, Belt and Coin Purse All Made of Straw
When she said that, it was I who wanted to cry right then and there. It is a good thing I was able to control my tears. I thanked her and just told her how nice of her to do that and for having a big heart. I told her that I will never ever forget her. I asked her how I can contact her. She gave me the number of the facility and her full name. Afterwards, I hugged her tightly again and she hugged me back just as tight, smiling with a light and happy heart. I, then, bid her farewell.
As I was inside the van with the rest of the class on our way to our dormitel, I began to replay what just happened. Those few minutes that I got to talk to her, see the community and hear their stories, I felt like I have learned a year-worth of experience.
As the facility is starting to get smaller and farther from our view, I can only utter a prayer. A prayer of hope for *Rosa, her children and her family. A prayer for her that she would continue to look into life on a positive perspective despite what she went through, going through and her sacrifices. That she would continue to hold on to her dreams despite all the feelings of loneliness, depression and hopelessness.
Yes, I have faith. I told her to have faith. God is good and loving enough to answer prayers when we repent and ask for His forgiveness. He has a purpose for every single thing that we experience. I told her to be patient. God makes all things beautiful in His time. Just trust and obey.
Lastly, I pray for her heart, that though it may have been broken, though it may have been tainted, it still would remain to be capable of loving and caring.
It was golden. That moment was golden.
“Thou Shall Not Wilt”
If your imagination is running high, you would agree with me if this looks like a flower to you – the inside of the top core cover of a coconut fruit attached to a stalk. A flower that will not wilt.
The Best Milestone
Victory Weekend 2013
This is how it feels to be spiritually renewed – my first.
I was never baptized. Even when I was young. Baptism a few months or a few years after babies were born is a common tradition in the Philippines especially among Catholic families.
I asked my Mom about it. Her reason as to why she didn’t let all five of us, her children, be baptized when we were young is because she wants us to choose our own religion when we grow older. A thought I never understood at that time, but I never cared much either.
My siblings and I, when we were young, would attend Sunday services at the Protestant church in our town which is the Bulan Evangelical Church. My great grandfather was one of the ministers of that church. Even until now, every time I get the chance to visit our town, I still attend services in our church with my grandmother, my siblings and my relatives.
But I have learned later on, that it was never about religion.
Christianity is never about that. Rather, it is about having a deep and personal relationship with God. “Not just a one-time experience but a lifetime walk with Him,” indeed.
I believe that for you to know God, you have to go through a series of unfortunate events that will completely turn you around and leave you seeking Him with all your heart.
That’s what happened to me. I knew God already. I know about religion. I know about the bible. But it was the personal relationship with Him that I never had.
It was a total change of heart and mind for me. A painstaking process of constant reaffirmation of faith. Indeed, temptations will be at its peak when you are starting to seek God.
But it is a test of faith. That is where you start to build the foundations for your faith to make it firmer and stronger. I have found it hard to believe, at first, when things started to happen miraculously.
Yes, I can never think of any word that could ever explain those moments of disbelief, those moments of amazing surprises. They were never coincidences, nor signs. I would like to think of them, rather, as parts of His greater plan.
Having faith and building trust on God, alone, would be equivalent to letting Him be in control of your life – your decisions, your choices, your past, your present and your future. We are merely actors of a movie under which He is the director and the supervisor.
What more can be happier than being at peace, being grateful and being joyful in and with His presence almost every day of your life? I assure you, it is the happiest.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Experiencing Victory
Liebster Award
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my fellow blogger, Herbirthmarks, for having the time to go through and appreciate my blog, and nominate me for the Liebster award. Thank you!
The award aims to promote up-and-coming, interesting blogs with less than 200 followers. Here are the guidelines:
- Post eleven facts about yourself
- Answer the questions posed by your nominator
- Pass the award on to eleven new recipients
- Post eleven new questions to your recipients
- Post a copy of the badge on your blog. Notify nominees and include links to the originating blog, as well as the new recipients.
11 Facts About Myself
1. I am a Christian.
2. I am a Filipino, by blood and by virtue.
3. I love the sun, sand, sea – beach lover.
4. I have been creating poems ever since I was in high school.
5. I dread recitations and public speaking, thus, I became a writer.
6. I am passionate about learning – I crave for it.
7. I support a lot of advocacy that promote a good cause.
8. I am an artist, but not yet a master of his craft.
9. I love the outdoors, nature is my best breather.
10. I dance and sing – they heal the soul.
11. I love and enjoy life – to the maximum.
My answers to the questions of Herbirthmark:
1. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?
I would like to be a cat. I have always been a cat-lover and felines are very sensual creatures. They love to be cuddled and I love cuddling them.
2. If you had one day of secret free time, how would you use it?
I would use it to have a personal, quiet time with God.
3. What are your go-to conversation starters?
Just the typical “Hi! How are you today?”
4. If you could have one wish that didn’t earn you money and didn’t magically fix something, what would it be?
To be able to slowly but successfully promote an advocacy.
5. What is your favorite travel destination and why?
Philippines. I have always loved my country.
6. What is your favorite childhood memory?
When my cousins and I would go to our grandfather’s farm to play.
7. Beer, wine or neither?
Wine. Both red and white.
8. What type of music do you listen to?
Christian music, gospel songs, acoustic and classical
9. What’s number one on your bucket list?
Bungee jumping/sky diving.
10. What three words do you think your closest friends would use to describe you?
Emotional. Purposeful. Joker.
11. If your house were on fire, and your family and pets safe, what three items would you attempt to save?
My eyeglasses, guitar and important documents.
Here are the blogs that I nominate for this award:
Books Education and Learned Things
Here are my questions for the nominees:
1. How do you envision the world 100 years from now?
2. What is your favorite expression when you are surprised?
3. Provide 5 things you love to do.
4. Where is your most memorable place?
5. If you will be given the opportunity to become a scientist, what would you invent? Why?
6. What color would best represent your favorite mood? Why?
7. What places in the Philippines would you love to visit or your favorite?
8. If you are to involve in a community affair, what would it be?
9. What are the 5 things you used to hate about school?
10. Where do you see yourself when you grow old?
11. What was the first instance that you could recall when you felt sad?
CONGRATULATIONS!
That Moment of Pure Bliss
Today, I woke up doing my same old routine – feed the kittens, fix my bed, read the Bible and pray.
What was unusual with this day though was this – while praying, I cried. It can’t be my PMS as I just had my girl thing a week ago. Nor is it because I was tired yesterday. Or because I was sad, lonely, angry or any of those “feeling down” moments and “emo” days.
I think it was that pure bliss of having my quiet time alone with God. That time when I talk to Him as if He is in front of me, thank Him for making things possible, for the beauty of life despite struggles, failures and pain. That moment of deeper understanding why things happen, why you meet certain people and feel certain emotions with them, why you have to make certain decisions and do certain things.
But why cry over them? I had no idea at first. I just remembered thinking I should go over my Preparing for Victory and One to One booklets once again to reread what my VG leader, Sheryl and I have discussed to uplift my spirits. It was only then that the thought started to sink in – I was caught up in a whirlwind of events for the past weeks and months, to make me appreciate a lot of things in preparation for an event I almost forgot – March 2 and 3 are my very special dates with my Creator.
But then again, why cry on a Monday? It was God’s way of reminding me that it is supposed to be my week of quiet time with Him in preparation for this coming weekend. I was meant to cry today, according to His plans.
Yes, God prepared me well, indeed.
