sa ganang akin.......ang laban ni luis ay laban ng isang calasageño

sa kasaysayan, marami na rin ang mga calasageñong sumubok na tumakbo sa halalan sa mas mataas na antas ng serbisyo publiko. lahat sila ay naghangad na maging bahagi ng mas malawak na paglilingkod sa mga taong nasasakupan ng bayan ng san ildefonso.

halalan 2016... kung saan ang ingay at  balitaktakan ay higit pa sa kahol ng isang aso at tilaok ng mga tandang. ingay na nilikha ng kani-kaniyang opinyon, mga saloobin, pagpapahayag ng kani-kanilang mga suporta sa kani-kaniyang mga kandidato, at ang ingay na ito ay hindi lamang naririnig sa loob ng isang balangay kundi ingay na naririnig na rin sa buong mundo dahil sa kapangyarihan ng "social media".

si luis sarrondo, isang taal na taga-calasag,  ay ang unang calasageño na  naglakas loob na sungkitin ang pangalawang pinakamataas na pwesto sa herarkiya ng pamahalaang bayan ng san ildefonso. tumatakbo bilang bise-alkalde...

ano nga ba ang nag-udyok sa kanya upang siya ay tumakbo sa mas mataas na posisyon sa pamahalaan? ano nga ba ang tunay na dahilan ng kanyang patuloy na pakikibaka sa isang mundong masalimuot at puno ng komplikasyon? ano na ba ang kaniyang nagawa? ano pa ang kaya niyang gawin? gaano kataimtim, gaano kasinsero, gaano kalalim, gaano ka-wagas ang kanyang kagustuhan na maglingkod at hindi ang paglingkuran? 

ilan lamang ito sa mga tanong na maaaring nasagot na at maaaring kailangan pang sagutin.ngunit isa lamang ang nanatiling totoo at tunay...si luis sarrondo ay anak ng calasag at siya ay isang calasageño.

ang pagtakbo ni luis sarrondo sa halalang ito ay isang minsanang pagkakataon na kailangang tugunan ng bawat isang calasageño. ito ay isang pagkakataon na ipamalas natin ang ating kapatiran at damayan sa bawat sinumang calasageño na nangangailangan.

at sa matatas na usapan kailangan ni luis ang bilang...bilang ng boto na tutulong sa kanya upang ipanalo ang kanyang laban.

marami ang mag-aatubili, marami ang mag-aalinlangan, dahil sa likod ng kanilang isipan ay may malaking tanong...ano ang kaya niyang ibigay at ibalik sa kanyang baranggay at sa bawat isang mamamayan nito?

ipaubaya natin kay ginoong luis sarrondo ang kanyang magiging pagtugon sa tanong na ito. kung sa awa ng diyos at sa ating pagkakaisa na siya ay papalarin sa kanyang laban, isa lang tiyak at magiging ganap....

hindi man tayo itangi at unahin sa kanyang listahan, nakatitiyak tayo na sa bawat pagtibok ng kanyang puso ay naroroon ang kaniyang hangarin na tumulong sa bawat isang calasageño na kakatok sa kanyang pintuan. dahil ang calasag ang kanyang tahanan at ang bawat mamamayan nito ay kanyang kapamilya. hindi man lahat sa kanyang pagkatao ay nagbuhat sa calasag, may kaseguruhan na bahagi ng kanyang pagkatao ay nagmula sa calasag na kanyang kinalakihan.

pagkakataon ito upang ipamalas ang ating pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan. 

isang napakalaking sampal sa ating mga mukha at habambuhay tayong susuriin ng kasaysayan at ng susunod na henerasyon kung sakaling ang isang calasageño na nagnais maglingkod sa bayan ay bigo na ipanalo ng kanyang mga kapatid sa sarili niyang tahanan.

sa darating na halalan hangarin natin na ang kulay lamang ng pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ang manaig at papag-alabin natin ang diwa ng pamilya.

itiman ang tapat ng kanyang pangalan at laging tandaan...

Luis Sarrondo

ay unang naging Calasageño bago pa maging isang pulitiko.

freda marga ( ai en [ love and grace ] )

i have the most brilliant and amazing christmas gift ever in my entire life this year, my daughter, my baby freda marga. 

how to pronounce FREDA

in a time where i have settled my heart, mind and soul to be a single human being forever she came right away and change the course of my future.

freda marga, a name i have given her to pay honour and tribute to my late father alfredo and my mother melita in an indirect way. freda a similar sound to alfredo and m the first letter initial of my mother's name....thus freda marga came into being.


i would also like to pay honour and submit my utmost respect to the mother of my child, my wife, hui min. for bravely bringing freda marga into this world from her conception, pregnancy for thirty-eight weeks and till her delivery. that in her young age she managed to do a normal delivery...as the midwife always utter during the delivery " with all your might"...with all her energy she pushed and pushed until  we heard our freda marga's first cry. the very reason i wanted a chinese name for my daughter to pay tribute to her mother. AI meaning love and EN meaning grace. Ai En, fruit of our love and a grace from God.

in hindsight, most of my contemporaries already have their children that grew taller than them, can hold hands while they walk on the streets, can already tell what their children want in life...pero ako ay magsisimula pa lamang sa buhay pamilya at gawi ng may isang pamilya. i do not know where it will lead to but all i know is i know how to start, and i humbly welcome wisdom from another mother, from another father, from friends whom have already crossed the paths before me.

at her 7th year i will be 40 then and my life then has just begun...

at her 18th i will be at my golden years... and i hope that when someone marry my daughter i will still be around and walking her to the aisle.

while others ask for a baby in their lives, i was given this wonderful blessing when i have asked for it and it came in a time where i am of age, very much of age for that matter and i am ready emotionally and intellectually.

sino ang magsasabing may takdang hangganan ang pagiging isang ama o maging isang magulang. ang diyos ang nakakaalam ng hiling ng ating mga puso at ibibigay niya ito sa panahon na tayo ay higit pa sa ating kahandaan.

a child, a baby, is and will always be a blessing and i want to blessed with more......

maaring ang aking pagiging magulang ay nahuli man sa aking edad at nahuli ng simula. ano mang oras at panahon ay ang sandali upang magsimula. dinadalangin ko na ako ay gabayan ng panginoon at bigyan niya ng ibayong lakas upang magampanan ang habambuhay na responsibilidad na ito.

freda marga, i hope that the love we will shower you from now on will be the same love that you will have for us when we need it together with your mother.

you were born in the time that social media is prevalent and much utilized. it is nice to utilize it and spread the good things that is happening to us, become an inspiration and making history everyday. but remember, we will not choose a gadget, a media platform over a quality and precious time with you.

you were given to us before christmas and you are the most amazing gift to us. in time that you will come to know about this and  decipher what this is all about, we do hope that this would put a smile in your face. just always be the best that you can be. mommy and daddy loves you. merry christmas.

isang pirasong tuyo at isang bandehadong kanin

sa buhay,  ang isa sa mga pamantayan ng masaganang buhay ay kung ano ang nakahaing ulam sa iyong hapag. minsan iisang ulam na ubod ng sarap, minsan nama'y iisa na nga ay wala pang tiyak na taguri o lasang pagkakakilanlan. minsan ay may pagpipilian, minsan naman ay wala, and at times there is really nothing on the table than a table salt and a potable water from the well (tubig-poso).

it is an everyday struggle for a living individual on what and where to eat and who to eat with.. sometimes. food is a basic necessity we all know it, but it differs from different people on how they give importance and how they value food on their tables. 

today is the international day celebration of labor day, dakilang araw ng mga manggagawa, at sa mga dayuhang mangagawa iisang hangarin lamang ang patuloy na pinaiiral.... ang mabigyan ng masarap na buhay ang ating pamilya at siguraduhing may ihahaing ulam sa kani-kaniyang mga hapag.


in the far-flung rural areas in the provinces you will come to realize how hard it is to literally live everyday and to exert efforts to put  food in each tables. it is an irony that those who till the land and produce our staple food do not have even food of their own, walang isasaing na bigas, walang ulam na isasabay sa kanin, nasisiyahan na sila sa isang basong kapeng tinimpla sa pinaglumaang baso ng peanut butter at kung sakaling may bigas man wala namang ulam. it is a festive season for them if they have rice and dried fish on their tables. isang pirasong tuyo na pilit pagkakasyahing iulam sa isang bandehadong kanin, nilalasap ang bawat subo nito.

in these trying times let us remind ourselves that each and every grain of rice, each and every slice of bread or meat, each and every ounces of water we take, each and every sweets we crave for...it is a product of labor and of sweat before it reaches our pallete.

appreciate it, savour it, respect it....while stocks lasts...

tatlong taon at tatlong dekada

there maybe some people whom have seen me from afar and those who have seen me in a near distance that will say i am an accomplished person...and will only see what is around me materially but they really do not know the whole of me.

maaaring kilala lang nila ako sa aking pangalan, sa aking tirahan, sa kung sino ang aking mga magulang at mga kamag -anakan...ngunit hindi nila ako nakikilala ng lubusan.

yes, i am an accomplished person in my own right and in my own little ways. i have had a share of failures and triumphs for the past 33 years, and in those years i have invested on things that will define me as person.

i have invested on material things but at the same time i have invested on things that is more relevant, more important and more essential. nagpundar ako ng pagmamahal; pagmamahal sa aking magulang, pagmamahal sa mga kaibigan at lalo at higit.. pagmamahal sa diyos.

i have invested on camaraderie. pakikipagkapwa, pakikipamuhay, pakikipamayan... sa mga taong aking nakakasalamuha sa araw-araw. i have always adhere to the value of camaraderie, no man is an island...walang sinuman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang....

sadyang napakayaman ng aking tatlong taon at tatlong dekada sa mundong ibabaw. i am healthy and wished that will always be. i  have the right frame of mind in any situation or instance that i maybe, i am happy and there is so much happiness in  me, that i am able  share my happiness to those who need it and it comes naturally. i am sincere, in the same way that people around me is in their sincerest.

i may have a different personality that others see and others feel, but that difference sets me apart to any person that you have known in your lifetime.

                                                                                                                                                                       i am not a saint, i am a sinner at times, but i am a sinner who ask for forgiveness and repents.

hindi magkamayaw ang mga salita na naglalaro sa aking isip upang buuin ang kaisipan ng pasasalamat sa lahat ng nakalala sa aking espesyal na araw na ito. sino ako upang pag ukulan ng sandali, ng minuto, ng segundo upang iparating sa akin na ako ay mahalaga at minamahal.

at mula sa awiting "your heart today" i would like to end with this message

and when i've done, all that i could

yet there are hearts, i cannot move

lord give me hope

that i may be your heart today

marami pong salamat.

Simbang Gabi Sa Gawing Singapore 2013

As we were getting ready for the mass, awaiting for the mass processional to start, I took notice of what is happening outside before the mass to take place.

Sa labas may mga humahangos , mabibilis ang kanilang mga hakbang, nagmamadali at baka hindi nila maumpisahan ang misa sa gabing iyon, may mga busy rin sa pagkuha ng litrato gamit ang kani-kanilang mga cellphones. They are either taking "selfies" and "checking in" statuses on their respective social network sites. There are those patiently waiting for their wives, husbands, friends whom they have arranged a meet up and attend the holy mass together. there are those friends and acquaintances which after a year or so have seen each other after a long time, some seeing their "inaanaks" after so many years and were so surprised that they godchildren have grown up so fast.

inside the church were also filipino scenes. families who prays together occupying the parallel of seats, saving a seat and "saved"seats were also evident, a very filipino mark indeed. kapansin-pansin din ang gayak ng bawat mananampalataya, gabi-gabing pagsisimba ay naka "pang-gataan" ang gayak. looking good in the eyes of GOD.

a filipino mass for one day is a tough feat what more a filipino mass for 9 days...its very tiring and laborious in all its aspects. luckily, we have those people who have selflessly devoted their time and effort to mount this holy event.

brother rizaldy zapiera, the man.....the guy....the frontrunner of this wonderful undertaking. who would not know "brother zap" a very active catholic and and his own ways serving the filipino community here in singapore. it takes a real heart, commitment, dedication to do all the things he have been doing for the past years.  it is interesting to note that he is surrounded by people who have the same passion as his, to lead a flock and to serve the flock. his wife and kids could be his most accessible and strongest support, beside him, around him, not even getting off his side and it is very obvious how they take care care of each other and love each other. the flock of service team that actively shared their time should not also be taken for granted.

five years ago i met brother bobby, the lectors and commentators coordinator, i asked him if i can join the organisation, and without a second thought he gave me the chance. i took a leave from service and after 3 years i get in touched with him again to ask if  i can rejoin the organisation and activate my service as a lector and commentator member and he said yes. thank you brother bobby for the opportunity and for believing in what i am capable of.

tita belen, whose motherly concern have given me to regain my confidence and have guided me all the way, meeting sister carol, sister mona and brother mark have also been a blessing being with the same organisation as mine.






Father Hans Magdurulang
from Wild Card to Ace Card

simbang gabi as always, have been the means of preparing the parishioners and catholics around the world to reflect before the coming of christ. we are fortunate that we have been gifted with a wonderful priest that would prepare all us filipinos here in singapore in this christmas season. ang kanyang mga homilya gabi-gabi ay kaabang-abang at hindi dapat palampasin. ginagawa nyang simple at kasiya-siya ang mga salita ng diyos,  i would like to call it "homily of humor"
in his modernistic and true to life approach on every homily makes it more appealing and catchy. tumatagos sa isip at puso ng bawat mananampalataya. mga aral na hindi lamang pumasok sa kanang tainga at lumabas sa kaliwang tainga ngunit naiiwan sa kaibuturan ng iyong pagkatao. all the good words may have all been said to father hans, ngunit hindi kayang ilarawan, ni sabihin sa pamamagitan ng mga salita ang pagbibigay nya ng galak sa puso ng bawat mananampalataya na nakatuklas at nakatunghay sa kanyang husay at galing. kudos father hans for your sincere efforts of faith, hope and love for all of us.


tunay ngang buhay na buhay ang diwa ng pasko sa singapore para sa mga filipino. kahit paano ay naibsan ang lungkot na nadarama. malayo sa magulang, malayo sa mga anak, sa mga kapatid at sa mga mahal sa buhay.

 LET US ALL GIVE THANKS FOR ALL THE BLESSING AROUND US, mga bagay man itong nakikita, nahahawakan o mga bagay man na nararamdaman. magpasalamat...

true enough simbang gabi  sa gawing singapore 2013 was mounted successfully, and we look forward next year for another memorable time, to showcase our filipino spirit, of friendship and of unique camaraderie.

never give up!

 as contributed by wilson kaizer dejaro aboboto.

Never give up! "Common words that we always hear in our daily lives..sometimes we ignore this with lacking of patience and by different circumstances. for Some it was just an ordinary words or " PALASAK" in tagalog language. for me it was a test of how long can you endure or hold on..

I want to share a story about Never giving Up, it  happens to me just recently as i came back from my Vacation.,

One fine Evening i just got out from work, dropped by to a bank to send Allowance to my wife. it was past 7:00pm,and the Bank hour here in KSA is started from 8:30am to 8:00pm. I came at about 7:35pm because i go back to our villa for my bank ID. narrowly missed to get inside before they close the door. The bank is temporarily closed for "Sala" a Muslims prayer time usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. the people who are inside by the start, remain for the duration of the prayer. and those who are outside stay and form a line while waiting for the door to be reopen. we form a line, in front of me is a Pakistani who also narrowly misses to get inside.as we wait, bunch of other people still coming, as far as i know there are only three major Remittance bank here, The ENJAZ BANK(western union), THE AL RAJHI BANK(RCBC/cebuana/m lhulhier etc.) and THE ARAB NATIONAL BANK tied up with our local banks in the Phillipines, (BDO,METROBANK,BPI,CHINABANK and the PNB), where i usually send my remittances.,minutes gone by, about 50 persons are waiting outside.I checked my watch, its 7:45 pm, still no sign of opening the door, i wait anxiously,asking to myself where it will be open or not.. "INIP" should i say, because there are no other Filipino near to have some conversation while waiting.


I checked the line and i saw only 1, but he is standing last of the line. At about 7:50 pm i decided to quit, thinking that no stablishment will resume their businesses 5 to 10 minutes before closing. as i walk away people stare at me but still they aren't moving. as i get near the roadside, i take a glance to see if they will follow, but to my surprise at 7:55 pm i saw the door blinds slowly rolling up, and the guard started to unlock the door. as i standing there, i'm thinking of what to do, imagine if those people waiting outside are all filipinos,  they will be laughing at me just like you or even me. i'll be humiliated. if i come back in the line it will not be on my previous stand which is 2nd behind the Pakistani guy, but i will end up in the last crazy isnt it? before this, there are enough people inside to facilitate their remittances so i'm thinking maybe half of waiting outside will be allowed to get in because of the limited time, by second thought, i decided to go back and as i expected, im at the last. i tried to cheat hoping i will be landed at the 20th or 30th, the safest number to get inside, i tried it "wala lang tomguts na", just because as soon as the door is open, people are cramming to get to the door. but the Saudi guard seen and yelled to me in english, "Go Back to your line! i laugh "napahiya sa sarili"and "at kung makakalusot lang". you maybe laughing at me, but the story doesn't end up there.


Surprisingly, we all manage to get inside,but still it was a long line with a rope, a defense against to those who wants to cheat all the way to the tellers window. tired and hungry.. i can't help but wait. imagining that if i did not get out or did not "GIVE UP" and stay at the line till the banking hour is over, i will be home by that time, having my dinner while being online.time is precious when you're working away from home..back at the bank, there are 2 teller booth at the lobby, and 4 other inside catering to a huge numbers of remitters specially on paydays.

since it was closing time, only 1 teller is open, others are just finishing their things.suddenly the Saudi guard yelled again but by this time in Arabic, we all look at him but we never understand what he is saying,, only one person understand the Pakistani because they speak the same languge, the rest of us are INDIANS, BANGLADESHI, NEPALESE and of course PINOYS. " the pakistani said in shallow arabic," yalla, phi thani juwa", means another window opened inside,others can't hurry up to get there because of the rope, so because i'm at the last of the line, eherrrrm, i end up again second on the tellers window behind another person but this time it was a filipino, we smiled and  as my turn is up, we saw other people coming from the the lobby,we learned that the window we first lined in is closed."Bingo!" and i saw the pakistani guy (gloomy face) which from the start is always first in the line, end up being last... Lesson?, if you give up once, never ever in the second or not at all..(Mateo 20:16) "Ang mauuna ay mahuhuli, at ang mahuhuli ay mauuna"..


Good day everyone! God bless..  :))

the "ing" generation

if you lived and grew up in a barrio it is always given that you almost know the names of your folkmates, whether you remember or just know their names and aliases.

ang mamuhay at makipamuhay sa isang baryo ay isang wagas na karanasan, it is through living with the barrio folks that you can truly grasp the essence of life. you will see and know first-hand what and how is the daily life in a baryo... saan ito nagssisimula at kung paano ito nagwawakas...

bata pa lamang ako ay nakagisnan ko na ang ibat-ibang anyo at pamamaraan kung paano maging kabahagi ng isang maliit na lipunan na iyong kinabibilangan. at a young age with a pitchy voice then, i was the youngest to become a member of the baranggay choir, it is through this that i get to mix with individuals with older age, with partners, with wives and husbands and individuals who chose to be single at the time. they have a lot of stories and different dramas to tell. at ang lahat ng mga ito ay bukas -mata at bukas-tenga kung natunghayan. when i become a member of the choir it ushered in a lot of opportunities to be active and participative in the different practices of the catholic faith. naging lector at commentator, katekista, kabataang baranggay at kung anu-ano pa.

sanga-sanga at magkakarugtong na karanasan ang naidulot sa akin ng pagiging isang aktibong katoliko.  umiikot sa baranggay sa bawat purok nito upang magkalat ng istasyon ng krus sa umaga.. darasalan at kokolektahin sa kinahapunan o kinabukasan (hudyat ng alay-kapwa, panahon ng kwaresma), nananapatan tuwing panahon ng flores de mayo at piyesta / pasasalamat sa mga bahay-bahay, na ang mga ibang kabaranggay ay buong pusong nag-aabot ng donasyong makayanan, mayroon namang dedma lang, meron din namang dinadaan sa tapang at galit-galitan. panghaharang ( with lubid and ribbons) sa tapat ng dating filpinas resort, pabingo sa baranggay at ang pinakagusto ng lahat at paborito ko rin, ang pasayaw sa baranggay at mga coronation nights ng mga natatanging dilag ng baranggay. kukuha ang organizers ng dalawampung sponsor ngunit sampu lang ang nakarating, problemado ang presidente ng samahan dahil baka hindi sumapat ang inaasahang papasok na pera sa mga gugulin sa pasayaw. di rin pala maaring hindi mabanggit ang pagkakalat ng sobre sa mga taong may sinasabi sa lipunan ( solicitations) na mas patok kung nataon sa panahon ng eleksyon.

at matapos ang lahat-lahat ng iyong pagpapagal ikaw ang tampulan ng tsismis kinabukasan, hindi raw maayos, ibinulsa ang kinita at higit sa lahat wala raw kwenta ang iyong naisipan.

all the things mentioned were part of history, tradition and culture of a baranggay and i always say to people of younger generations, all of you should experience how it is to be involved in the activities of your own small society. it teaches and enhances your social skills and little by little develop you to become a leader in a capacity that you can.

in my teenage life that i have been active in these activities, i get to meet and know people of older generations and older people of the baranggay, na sa kanilang sariling pamamaraan, paghihirap at pagtitis ay sinisigurong may maihahain sa kanilang hapag sa bawat araw at magbahagi sa iba kahit na nga para sa kanila ay kinakapos pa.

i call it the "ing and ang generation" of elders. their names and aliases always ends in those three letter suffixes and probably we have it from a to z. nana atang, nana bitang, nana erling, nana siling, nana sitang, nana itang, nana ayong, tata peping, tata seseng, nana binyang, tata onseng, tata marsing, nana hubeng, nana pinyang, tata bindong, tata berning, tata madeng, nana coring, nana huling, nana tansing, nana ileng, nana saning, nana aring, nana hiling, tata carding. these are just the few come across my mind and there  are a lot there who maybe be inside and outside the barrio.

maybe in those times this is a fad ( uso ) when giving names or aliases or whatever it is, it surely made  an impact in a rural society we once belong. their expertise and skills over the year is not to be put in questioned. nana sitang, kilala bilang isang mahusay na kusinera, ilang handaan na at okasyon ang kanyang nasaksihan, mga banyera at talyasing puno ng mga sinangkutsang ulam kasabay ng mga balisusong kanin na ibinalot sa dahon ng saging na "butuan". si nana siling, na ginugol na ang sarili sa pagdarasal ng mga bawat namayapang kaluluwa sa baranggay, marahil ilang libong beses na niyang inusal ang mga dasal para sa kapayapaan ng mga kaluluwa. "hesus ko alang-alang sa masaganang dugo na iyong ipinawis ng manalangin ka sa halamanan; kaawat patawarin ang kaluluwa ni siling...

si nana binyang na mahusay at nakilala sa kanyang binatog na mais, bitbit ang kanyang buslo ( basket ) at naglalakad habang nakapayong sa ilalim ng init ng araw upang iako ang kanyang binatog. kung espasol naman ang hanap dapat puntahan si nana erling, sa kanyang tyaga sa matagal na paghalo ng sangkap ay tiyak na hindi maiiwan ang kanyang espasol pagdating sa lasa. si tata sising na sa bawat gupit at suklay sa buhok ng kanyang parokyano ay tiyak na masisiyahan. nana neneng kikoy na sa kanyang sariling pamamaraan ay nakagagawa ng "apog" ( lime) mula sa mga talukap ng talaba, na kung sinu man ang nais gumawa ng minatamis na kundol ay tiyak na aamot ng kaunting apog kay nana  neneng kikoy.

si nana hubeng at nana iling, nagpamalas sa kahusayan sa pagtataguyod ng small-scale business. ang sari-sari store ni nana iling na may kasamang tindang ulam na sariwa at ang mga fishballs at inihaw ni nana hubeng, isama na ang paborito kong buchi-buchi na kulay orange at sa loob ay may matamis na palaman na mula sa green mongo beans. si tata bindong at tata berning at mading na mga mahusay na aluwage ng baranggay. at ang karamihan sa mga nabanggit na pangalan ay mga mahuhusay na magsasaka, pinagyayaman ang lupa at kinakalinga.

these are just few names that deifine a generation of skills and priceless talents, hindi natutunan sa paaralan ngunit natutunan sa sariling pamamaraan.

sadly, this generation is slowly withering away....unti-unti na silang nalalagas and soon they will be just part of rural history.

sa kanilang simpleng pangarap nagmula ang malalaking mga pangarap para sa pamilya ng kanilang mga supling at sa pamamagitan nito ay nag-iiba na ng kalakaran mula sa simpleng buhay ay nagiging komplikado at masalimuot.

in the future if my abilities would permit i want to pay tribute to them, isang gabi ng parangal para sa mga naging pundasyon ng ating baranggay, ang "Gawad Ulirang Nakatatanda".

but for now let me say thank you and kudos for a life well-lived and for the skills and talents shown and for bringing the barrio in a status to where it is now.

abundance, plenty and bounty

in a rural barrio where i grew up, iisa lang naman ang aking natunghayan na pamantayan sa isang payak na pamumuhay. ang isang payak na tahanan dapat ay may asin, patis, toyo at suka, asukal at kape, sibuyas at bawang sa kanyang kusina. hindi mo na kakailanganin pang umamot sa kapitbahay ng isang pirasong sibuyas upang iluto ang iyong tanghalian. but times are really changing and have changed. there are a lot of thing you need to have before you can say that you are having a bountiful life at naiiba na ang depinisyon ng isang "payak" ( simple and plain ) na pamumuhay.

ang kasaganaan ba ay makikita sa mga encylopedia, from letters a to z na nakahilera sa cabinet salas ng isang tahanan? ( hindi ginagalaw naka display lang )ang mayabong na pamumuhay ba ay mapupuna sa nausong "four seasons" display ( mga kabayong tumatakbo or japanese landscape design) ng isang tahanan o sa mga nakasabit na laminated diplomas sa dingding ng isang tahanan? ang kasaganaan ba ay makikita sa hawak mong mini ipad, sa samsung galaxy s3 na iyong gamit o sa lacoste shirt na iyong suot?

yes, bounty can be defined with materials things that you possess and bounty can be a state of mind. you have 3 units of television in your household, one in each room and one in the living area, you get hold of all the "in" latest gadgets in the market, a jetsetter.....Oo... ikaw ay masagana. and if you have a peace of mind, a happy heart and right thoughts and intellect all the days of your life, yes..it can be said that you are in a complete bounty.

a lot of times people tend to be ruined by too much material abundance, they think and act as if a well with freshwater will not be affected by drought and sometimes they do not realize,  kasaganaan din ang gagapi sa kanilang sariling buhay. dahil sa maling gamit nito it will be a sure way to eroding character and personality.

abundance cannot only be defined with material things available around that you wish to possess, its a state of mind and an abstract subject, di nahahawakan ngunit nararamdaman.

kung sa isang liblib na lugar ikaw ay may ilaw na hindi galing sa gasera o lampara ikaw ay masagana. kung sa isang lugar na ang gamit pa lang ay plantsang de uling at ikaw ay may GE flat iron ikaw ay masagana. kung sa isang malayong lugar na ikaw ay naghahanapbuhay at ikaw ay maraming kaibigan, ikaw may masagana. kung ikaw ay punong-puno ng problema, alalahanin at sakit sa ulo ngunit ikaw ay nagdarasal at nagpapasalamat, ikaw ay masagana. but if you are living beyond your means, you are not on your way to become bountiful and having plenty, you are on your way to unlimited wants but very little hardwork and industry.

as my social science teacher in primary schoolhave injected to us "mamuhay ka ng naaayon sa iyong kinikita" this is the only way to save yourself from this materialistic world.

abundance is a thing to achieve for and not to hope for. gone were the days of juan tamad na naghihintay na malaglag ang bayabas sa kanyang bibig. abundance is a result of hardwork, can be a synonym to industriousness.

saan nga ba tayo tunay na dapat maging masagana?

al-drin [ (n. pang. ja-jin) ]

let me recall the story...

nang isinilang si aldrin ay may kakabit na itong swerte, nang iluwal siya ng kanyang ina ay balot siya ng isang manipis na latag (layer ) ng supot na nababalot sa buo niyang katawan maliban pa sa kanyang inunan. ayon sa mga nakatatanda hindi pangkaraniwan ang ganitong pagkakataon at ito raw ay swerte (  good luck).

i still remember, this "supot" was dried and keep by her lola areng in her wallet, at madalas noong panahong iyon, hinihiram ito ng aking ama ( alfredo castro sln ) upang magsilbing pampaswerte sa kanyang " cockfighting" sessions. simula pa lamang ay parang magiging maganda na talaga ang guhit ng tadhana para ay jajin.

it is so much easy to write and tell a lot of things to a person whom you have witness from being a small child to young man, its a full circle experience as they say. ang mga susunod na talata na inyong mababasa ay mula sa isa pang tunay na nakasaksi sa pagiging bata pagiging binata ni aldrin, ang kanyang kuya boy ( wilson aboboto ).

Simula pagkabata ay nasaksihan ko na ang kanyang paglaki, kung paano siya hinubog ng kanyang mga magulang, Ate Neri at Kuya Ed, kasama na ang kayang Lola Areng na napaka "spoiled" sa kanila; na maging isang huwaran hindi lamang  sa kanyang mga kapatid na sina Aljon at Lenlen kundi na rin sa mga kabataan na nakakasalamuha niya. Sa aking pagkakakilala kay Jajin, isa siyang "tahimik" na tao, maamo ang dating, malapit at maaruga sa mga bata, "shy or timid" sa kanyong lengguwahe ika nga, mga traits ng mga anak ng kanyang Lolo Diego. Maikukumpara rin siya sa isang ilog na tahimik, ngunit malalim..  sa sobrang lalim, di mo makukuha ang tunay na saloobin, di mo alam ang kanyang mga plano sa buhay. Madalas  pagkagaling sa eskwela, bahay lang at tindahan ng kanyang lola ang tambayan, magpatugtog ng mga CDs at MP3,  malayo sa dalawa niyang kapatid na very outgoing.

...

Sa aspetong "musikal" impressed talaga ako, pati na rin ang tropa,.( lakas tama gang ) Hindi naman ako nagulat sa pagiging mahusay niyang pag gitara, it's in the blood kasabihan na nga, isa pa rin marahil ay ang impluwensiya ng lugar. Ang Calasag ay napakayaman pagdating sa usapang musika at banda ( Pagtalunan at de Ocampo Band at ang Alon Band nina Ito) , mga manganganta sa entablado tulad nina Ditse Nene at kanyang ina, kasama sina R-5, at ang mga gitarero, mula kina Tata Imo hang gang kina Boy, ang "infamous" na Calasag Choir na pinamumunuan ng kanyang ama na si Kuya Ed at Nanay na si Ate Neri, kasama pa ang kanyang mga tiyuhin na sina Kuyang Pitong at Mamang, pati na rin ang mga bagong sibol na hindi ko na mga kilala...sa kadahilanang matagal tagal na rin akong hindi naglalagi sa lugar. Sa paghawak  ni Jajin ng gitara, napaka "impressive" talaga, malayo sa mga nakasanayan namin na "uwido" lang ang nalalaman, iba ang kanyang hagod o kaskas. More on "lead" si Jajin, isa sa aspetong kulang sa panahon nang nag babanda kami noon.


Kung natatandaan nyo pa ang LT bands noong  late 90's (Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar ,Rivermaya, Siakol,True Faith, Yano, Grin Department at Introvoys influences) ito ang panahon nang lumabas si Jajin bilang "Guitarman" ay siya namang pag-umpisa ng aming pagtuon sa aming mga sari-sarili naming buhay, kanya-kanya muna sa madalit salita. Subalit nariyanyan pa rin, di man madalas nakakatugtog, tanging mga instrumento na lang namin ang magkakasama sa ngayon, c/o Kuya Ed's Garage. 

Isa sa pinaka memorable sa akin ay nang makasama namin siya ng tropa sa Music Warehouse sa Baliwag. Kung natatandan ko pa 2004 yon (with pics c/o Tito Lowie), na nalipat na sa basement ng Kristine Plaza mula sa ground floor ( ewan kung andun pa , wala na akong balita) It was uneasy at that time, dahil nga sa unang pagkakataon ay nakasama ko ang mag ama sa isang inuman, at iyon ang opisyal na kasama na namin si Aldrin di lang sa kantahan, pati na rin sa tagayan! 

Ang unang "gig" namin na nakasama siya officially ay noong ika-10 taong anibersaryo ng tropa back in December  2005 (YouTube  MTVoff ) He is on the lead, on progression pa siya noon pero plakado na., 

tatay & son

 and the last one is noong debut celebration ng kanyang kapatid na si Arlene back in November 2007 (with pics c/o  Aris). The following year nag work na ako sa ibayong dagat...I know may mga bago na siyang nakakasama sa mga "gigs" nila ngayon, patunay na malayo na ang kanyang nalalaman hindi lang sa pag hawak ng gitara, kundi na rin sa ibat ibang klase ng instrumento, pruweba na "talentado" / talented siya.

Kasama ang paggabay ng kanyang ama, at ngayon ay isa ka nang INHENYERO wala na akong masasabi sayo, the deepest of you coming out in the surface.. just in time na ikaw naman ang tutuon sa sarili mong buhay.. goodluck...so long.. magkakalayo man tayo, magkakasama pa rin as the Music Lives On...


the quest for victory does not end in just getting the title, the quest for victory has just begun.

ps: salamat kumpadreng wilson for the time and effort. lets join again in some other blog topics.

from pick a burger to minute burger

san ildefonso, bulacan has been my hometown for the past 29 years and in those years i still ask myself, why does it takes extra effort on my part to answer if an acquaintance ask where i came from.. and even before my existence, why there is no specific positive trait nor characteristic that really defines the town of san ildefonso. walang sariling pagkakakilanlan, na isang bigkas at banggit mo pa lamang ay may rehistro na agad sa sinumang iyong kausap.

i clearly remember those instances: a classmate in college, a friend at work, a chatmate on the net, a common "tao" in the long queue for a driver's license, their common question was, "taga saan ka?"..then i will reply, "san ildefonso" then with uncertainty they will ask, "saan yun?". with eagerness i would tell them the geographical description of the town, "malapit yun sa baliuag saka sa san rafael then after san rafael san ildefonso na, kung alam mo yung san miguel, bago san miguel san ildefonso muna..."..."ah meron palang ganun." it was the common reaction.

and if one would know the town, they will right away say, "di ba marami NPA dun..."

last january of 2012 i had the chance to go back home from overseas and seeing the changes in my hometown gives me a feeling of hope and resiliency. recollecting my elementary days at saint paul school and comparing the town to what it is now is a big difference. the changes are really evident in my own perspective, specially for me who has been away for years and i guess in my absence for long time made it more apparent.

the IN thing then was the "PICK A BURGER" its a small burger stand located in front of the church, it came at a time when the people in the town get to be introduced with the convenience and taste of a western burger pinoy style. and just recently a competitor came into being with a more established branding and promotional tactic with their buy one take one burger, the "MINUTE BURGER". there were attempts ( the magbitangs ) to put up a bigger investment with a bigger name in the fastfood industry (with a bee on its name) but they said it was not feasible to put up as such in an area where population's income is coming from agriculture and small- scale businesses.

sino nga ba naman ang uunahin pang mag "dyolibi" kesa ang ibili ng bigas at ulam ang kinikita sa isang araw na pinaghanapbuhayan din sa araw na iyon. ang mga magsasaka, mga mangingisda, mananahi at iba pa ay uunahain muna ang kape at asukal upang iuwi sa bahay at magsisilbing agahan at pampainit ng sikmura sa kinabukasan.

there were a lot of establishment that came even before the minute burger. dunkin donuts who withstands the competitor mister donut, a good commercial bank which is metrobank.. mercury drug, the biggest name in the drugstore chains in which is good for taga bulaks, they have choices other than the botica / farmacia gonzales..even senior citizens can enjoy their discounts. and there is also pandayan bookshop which also presented themselves as a selection other than "MALIWAT" school supplies. who could forget the MALIWAT school supplies, every school project and supplies were supplied by MALIWAT. goldilocks bakeshop is also in the midst, although it is not a  totally goldilocks store it is commendable that it is readily available if you want it, hindi na kailangang umakyat pa sa kabayanan at karatig bayan upang makatikim ng goldilocks product...pero masarap pa rin ang pandesal sa "PAN GRANDE" at "PANDESAL NI DOLFO" andyan din ang TOOTSIES BAKERY at saka EVELYN SALAO BAKERY.

the town had been in the national media several times not for so good things but for controversial things. who would forget the case of galvez versus vinculados, a "lola" being raped in one of its rural barrio that was featured via abs-cbn SOCO, and few other things that demean the name of the town in some way or another.

the political climate in the town is like a tropical depression... it was even under comelec watch list for some election periods because of vote buying and a close fist, tight fight between opposing parties, the color separation of PULA AT DILAW. the town was under the helm of the galvezes' for so many years, from the deceased honorato galvez, tried to be taken over by the wife, then taken over by the brother of honorato in the name of sazo galvez, then after the, stewardship was passed on to the daughter of sazo, paula carla galvez-tan, the present head of the town. at may ugong na balita, the mayoralty seat is planned to be taken back by the son of the late honorato galvez even fighting with the uncle, the returning sazo galvez... so if rumors are correct it will be a galvez versus galvez fight. the question to be answered is, is it a political dynasty?

but some would defend it, "its not a political dynasty, we just want the next seating official to be an ally so that we can continue what we had started" but the question again is, what thing has been started that need to be finished? are those good things or bad things left unfinished?is it the town's economic progress or the town's economic continuing fall to a quicksand ( kumunoy).

in all fairness to the present seating mayor a lot would say she is very able and she knows what her plans are despite her young age.

the province of bulacan is known to many as the "lupain ng mga bayani at magagandang dilag" and there is nothing that i know of that came specifically from san ildefonso, bulacan. but there is "CHICHAY" the actress and commedienne of the 60's or 70's who has roots from san ildefonso, bulacan, famous for her role as the lola of bondying starring jimmy santos.

little did i know that longganisa ( pork sausage ) has been a signature product of the town, another variety to the existing san ildefonso famous produce like the pastillas ( carabao milk candies ), sabutan and buntal bags and some other crafts.

baliuag has their buntal festival, san rafael has their angel festival, marilao has their luyang dilaw festival and surprisingly there is gulay festival for san ildefonso, i just hope that the organizers will be able to sustain it every year for it to become a signature festival of the town.

who would also forget the haunted house ( bahay na pula in anyatam ). famous location in the movie "kumander bawang" starring herbert bautista and some other horror flicks and in history and in some documentaries the house was said to be the site of traumatic experiences by the comfort  women during the war.

the town and its people are without a doubt are the most hardworking.

so who is to blame for its obviously slow pace to progress? is it its people, is it the leaders or  just a stride of fate that we need to embrace? in our hands and in the hands of its leaders lies the answer to all of these questions. a leader should be taking care of its people and give them what is due to them, a political leader should not think of its post as a business to gain profit everyday as they work but as a dedication and vocation to serve the people everyday.

to the parents of this town it is imperative to invest on education to your children and education is the way to go.

we were once asked by our politcal science professor, "in which time where rich and the poor becomes equal in all its aspect?" then i raised my hand and answered, " election time". she tapped the table with a bit force and uttered the words "very good".

indeed in the practice of suffrage and election we all become equal, walang mayaman, walang mahirap. so its in our hands thats gives us and will give us hope everytime. so let us not let this opportunity of equality be wasted.

from womb to tomb

i happen to have read the article of ambeth ocampo ( philippine historian and professor ) the other day in his column in the philippine daily inquirer and it gives me an idea to write on something and take off from this phrase.

technology plays an important role in our life, from simple to the most complicated technology available. it is around the corner and within our reach. from conception with the use of IVF for one (in vitro fertilization ) to the E-Lamay for our loved ones...technology is there....from womb to tomb..

but have you asked yourselves and have come to realize what is at stake, what is to be sacrifice in favor of these increasing demands for technologies.

imagine a new life being form in a petri dish, what happens to the long process of loving and intimate moments before two individuals can make a dear child. ang espasyo sa pagitan ng dalawang taong nagmamahalan ay napakahaba at puno ng mga emosyon at pakiramdam na tanging sila lamang ang nakakaranas bago humantong sa isang marubdob at matinding pagniniig na ang bunga ay isang sanggol na tatawagin nilang "anak", their own flesh and blood. but it seems the long process has been shortened nowadays, similar to an instants noodles readily available in sari-sari stores.

a child age 2 starts to discover technologies as well. the magic of the "ugoy ng duyan" is loosing its magic. ang bata ngayon kapag umiiyak at hindi mapatahan, aabutan ng iphone o ng ipad upang manahimik at pumirmi sa isang tabi habang ang kaniyang mga magulang ay abala rin sa mga iba pang bagay, uri at anyo ng teknolohiya, kani-kaniya ring pagdanas ng dulot na aliw ng teknolohiya. what happens to the pure caress (haplos) that only parents can administer to their own child, where is the mother and child conversations that build the innermost belief and ideas of a child's formative years. where are the real playmates that teaches a child to become sociable, paano na ang pagkatuto ng pakikibagay, all being replaced by virtual playmates and lifeless inanimate toys and gadgets.

here comes the teenage and adolescent years, in which i personally considered the peak demand for technology. the curiosity of each teenager, paralleled with abundant advertising and marketing strategies of different companies offering their own items, pushed by personal egoistic needs and desire to have that technology in their hands results to a more complex situation. added to this is the purchasing power of each individuals on this stage, they have their means and for sure they will make a way to have it in their hands. what happens to the process of meeting and making friends in social places, nagsisimula sa mga tinginan at nagpapatuloy sa isang mahabang pagkakaibigan, now making friends is just a click away in the comforts of your home. what happens to the genuine and sincerity of forming interpersonal relationships.

interpersonal relationships in communication is defined as communication between two persons, person to person to achieve a common understanding. but it seems this type of communication is slightly eroding. everyone seems to be glued in social media and other social networks, washing out the intensity and sincerity of talking and communication to people face to face, from a simple conversation to the most serious dialogues...its fading and withering away.

here comes the time of death. it starts with lighted images of christ below the casket with its different lights on the sides of the images, then came a small angel on top a casket moving its hands up and down, then came the widespread practice of cremation to the propagating E-lamay. death of a loved is the most disturbing and emotionally draining phase of every individual and what could be comforting than a personal visit to the grieving ones, listening and witnessing to their cries, and being with other mourners in the place somehow alleviates the sadness and lost of a special someone.

mayroon nga bang makakahalili sa mga maiinit na haplos sa iyong mga anak, sa mga usapang wagas at tapat sa mga kakilala at kaibigan, mayroon bang makakapantay sa mga tapik sa balikat na tanda ng pakikiramay, may makakapalit ba ang saya ng sulat na binubuksan na hatid ng isang kartero...

yes i admit, technology makes life faster but does it make life worthwhile and worth remembering to last a lifetime. yes i admit, i am guilty on some of the thoughts mentioned here. technology is inevitable and indispensable and they are here to stay. but as we embrace the technology around us let us not let go and forget of the VALUES and simple acts that make life worthwhile.

once in a while it is healthy to go back to where we started, to where we came...

if you feel like you are lost and flooded with so much things in life just pause for a while and without fear.............. GO BACK TO THE BASICS.

the filipino workforce in singapore's f and b industry

i once heard a myth about early filipino settlers in singapore that few of them migrated to australia while some returned home to philippines  because of a false belief that singapore would someday sink and will be completely submerged in water. in realization, some would think twice but others would think there is a possibility, with its land area of only about more than 700 square kilometers, surrounded by water and its soil that holds and supports building and infrastructure of huge weight and mass.

i do not have the exact figures of how many filipinos are presently in singapore in different field of endeavor but i am sure to say that across all industries there is and there are filipinos. the food and beverage industry in singapore employs a lot filipinos, from the most famous names in the food and beverage industry to the starting and budding food and beverage business.

during this month or season of the year marks a worthwhile and accomplished moments for many of the filipino food and beverage workers here in singapore, or maybe for all the overseas filipino workers all over the world. through this field and through this means they are able to send their brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, sons and daughters in school...and this is the season to harvest what has been sown.

mcdonalds may pilpino, kfc may pilipino, burger king may mga pilipino, gong cha tea house may pilipino, garret popcorns may pilipino, eunos mrt hawker stations may filipino, lau pa sat festival market may pilipino,  mar'che restaurant may pilipino, pizza hut may pilipino, sa pasta mania may pilipino etcetera etcetera...

it is interesting to note that with the abundant list of food and beverage business names in singapore it equals or even surpasses the many stories and experiences of a filipino f and b worker in singapore, ranging from the glorious and triumphant stories of success, from joyful to sorrowful descend from top to the ground. some stories would even parallel and equals to jesus christ's station of the cross, an extreme comparison of the filipino sufferings and struggles but it is true and even sometimes an unimaginable scenario.

in the battlefield itself ( workplace) is an everyday calvary and requires a lot of hardwork, industry and patience. you will be faced with crew and staff of different personalities that challenges not just your skills, your style of management but sometimes posing danger to your emotions. ang dibdib  mo'y parang tinarakan ng isang matalim na balaraw. co-workers of same level of position but acts like a head of operation just because they are locals and believed in their minds that this workplace is in their territory that gives them the right to treat you as a legal property of another and is forced to obey them, in other word slaves. they speak of teamwork but the work is just done by "one", working very hard night and day with eyes open and mouth closed just to be out in the list of nominees.... to the haunting and scary "list of nominees".

in every workplace the "dot in a bond paper" theory has always been evident and true. they see one black dot in the center of the bond paper but they tend to overlook the big white space that occupy the same bond paper. they will remember your one mistake but they will always forget the million good things you have done for the company, for the store, for the staff and for the customer.

in the forefront, while you are bridging and connecting the gap between the restaurant and patron customers, it still constitute a bulk of a filipino f and b worker's bad and sometimes pleasing and rewarding moment. a patron would buy a one dollar ice cream but complains, talk and treats a worker like they bought the whole of you and gives them the ultimate right to lambast you with their words, this is the moment that requires the grace from the one up above and a complete divine intervention, the will to control.... but it is not fair just to talk about negative thoughts, it is also remarkable to note some rewarding moments in the field we are in. a simple thank you back, a simple smile and a pleasant and smooth transaction between a worker  and a customer is totally satisfying, it is an instance where a person that you do not personally know sees your hardwork, removes your worries and pays the sleepless and tiring days you were in. nakatataba ng puso at nakasisiya ng kalooban.

even if the myth that i have mentioned is true or not, i am very sure that filipino food and beverage workers in singapore are here to stay...growing, learning and fighting.

every filipino in the food and beverage industry has their own story to tell, even you who are reading this now has your own story to share. i would like to take this opportunity to give a big hand and a loud KUDOS to every filipino food and beverage worker here in singapore, you and me, them , us... let us continue to elevate our status to even greater heights..let us continue to be known for our hardwork, good interpersonal communication skills and the gift of executing great common sense and specially the talent to be happy, fun and exciting...a distinct filipino trait.

Everyday is a gift so do not be tired of waking up everyday and starting a brand new day.

filipinos in singapore ( scenes of 2011 )

it has been three wonderful years since i first step into the terrains of singapore, and i could say that i have had a complete grasp of how filipinos in the lion city have evolved, thrived and flourished in a very competitive environment.


 the new ones who are eagerly wanting to find a job and at the same time overly excited to have a sight-seeing and meet friends or vice-versa, those old ones who are stable and enjoying the times of their life. old ones who are also for a long time a breadwinner in the family and a financial provider, those present who have just successfully landed a job trying to adjust to the new and challenging environment and at the same time having to budget for a few months to pay and settle agency fees.


filipinos in singapore as defined by wikepedia: the free  encyclopedia


Filipinos in Singapore consist of migrants from the Philippines and their descendants. as of 2007, an estimated 80,000 work as domestic helpers, with another 12,000 in the information technology industry.^[1] This marks a slight rise from 1995, when roughly 75,000 domestic helpers from the Philippines were estimated to be working in Singapore.^[2] In recent years they have seen professional diversification, with others working as nurses, bank clerks, sales assistants in department stores, or entertainers.^[3][4] However, of those, only 27,000 were registered to vote in Filipino elections.^[5]


clearly in the figures above, bulk of the filipinos in singapore are dominated by domestic helpers, the very reason that filipinos in singapore are stereotyped as such. who could forget the sensational case of flor contemplacion and delia maga in the pages of history of both singapore and the philippines, not to be missed is " Christine" a filipina maid who have inherited millions from her employer after a selfless and devoted service to her employers. three different individuals of completely opposite fates. it will be a long way to go before we can completely changed the existing scenario. professional diversification would be a tough feat. 


like all other filipino foreign workers in the world, they get to look for things to do and ease their moments of boredom and moments of stress. facebook and all other forms of social media has always been a good companion over the years, the filipino channel and gma pinoy tv is also an option to be considered. for high end filipinos in singapore, photography and devoted time for the gym are also choices to note. but the best thing to really enjoy and release stress is when you get to be a part of birthday parties, baby showers, weddings and anniversaries. it is when you see friends, have a taste of filipino foods, drink till you get drunk a bit and a videoke sessions that follows, just make sure all the windows and doors are closed so as not to be opening the door for a police warning.

representation of faith of filipinos in singapore are very evident, not only of roman catholic faiths but of christian faith and a seeding community for our brothers and sisters in iglesia ni cristo. during sundays, catholic churches would be populated by filipinos with their friends, families and acquaintances and even just by themselves. hearing  mass every sunday is a sure thing for them before a shopping or after a shopping. but sometimes its saddening that when filipinos are inside the church the solemnity and peacefulness are quite abrupt, we are yet to putting away repartees and colloquy while inside the house of god. kanya-kanyang bulungan, kanya- kanyang tsismisan hay...


in economics they have the the law of demand which states that: if the price of a commodity increase the demand decreases and if the price of a commodity decrease the demand increases..and filipinos in singapore adheres to this. if a warehouse sale is announced or advertised, sure enough it will spread viral through all forms of the social media overnight. crocs sale in expo has always been a sure hit, charles and keith footwear also makes noise whenever they have sale periods and just recently, converse shoes and apparel sale was well attended. and also not to be snob are the IT show at suntec. filipinos in singapore cannot dare to miss these things, they buy not because they need to but because it is on sale. ( photo courtesy of crisse apan )

if our indian friends have their mustafa center, chinese have their chinatown, filipinos have occupied lucky plaza and make it their own territory, a place usually associated with filipinos. in here, you can see a lot of exciting scenes ( mga eksenang malabasahan at mga eksenang makatotohanan ). picnic sessions along the sides of nearby malls with all their "baon", si "kuya" seated on the concrete benches savoring bottles of san miguel beer. it is also a great place to visit for satisfying your craving for filipino food and delicacies. and most importantly, all the remittance center are to be found at lucky plaza. bilyong dolyar na ang dumaan at nabilang sa lucky plaza patungo sa pilipinas hanggang makarating sa mga kamay ng ating mga minamahal sa pilipinas. saturdays and sundays are to be avoided  when going to lucky plaza but if you are keen to see exciting scenes be brave enough to go on weekends.


singapore is an open country not only to filipinos but also for all individuals who has the capacity and the ability to do so from all around the world. and with all the strict government policies it is a blessing to be included in its foreign workforce. not all filipinos in singapore lands a job that is matching to their academic credentials, many are considered to be displaced workers. nursing graduates who are in the retail industry, teachers who are in administrative and clerical works, doctoral degree holders who are in food and beverage industry. they go for jobs that comes first and who will pass the scrutiny of the ministry of manpower. there are also stories of failure in finding a job in singapore, some of them after months of trying and losing opted to go back to the philippines and accept the fact that singapore is not for them.


while that it is true that the salary package in singapore is very much afar a worker is earning in the philippines, dapat ring isaalang-alang na malaki man ang sahod ay malaki rin ang mga gastusin at gugulin na dapat ibawas sa kita habang nasa ibang bansa. house rental, food, transportation going to work, electricty and water, these are just basic things that cuts the bulk of a foreign worker's salary. but not all the relatives of a foreign worker in the philippines, specially in the barrio do not have a complete grasp of what does it really takes and what does it really cost to be a foreign worker. they are just seeing the image and the glamour of being in " abrod" or "de abrod". christmas season that are missed, special occasions in the family that you are not around, hindi mo nakikita ang paglaki ng iyong anak, that little by little you become a stranger in the midst of your children at minsan dumarating pa sa mga pagkakataon na uuwi ka na lamang after so many years being in abroad upang makipaglibing at ihatid sa hukay ang sinumang pinakamamahal. nakakalungkot na tagpo at nakakadurog na katotohanan.


short distance to philippines from singapore is an advantage and many filipinos in singapore benefits to this favorable position. three or four consecutive off days would be a great time to have quick travel to the philippines and visit your loved ones, but this does not apply to all filipinos in singapore, nakadepende pa rin sa budget at sa kita, sa halip na umuwi ipinapadala na lang pandagdag sa mga gastusin.


ilan sa mga filipinos in singapore ay unti-unting tuluyang niyayakap ang buhay singapore. nakikipagsabayan sa buhay na mabilis, marangya at maginhawa, ngunit nakalulungkot na kasabay ng pagyakap na ito ay ang pagtalikod sa mga magagandang gawi at asal ng isang pilipino. others act and feel superior over the others. in some cases, several filipinos would conceal their true identity as a filipino just to be a part of what they think is a superior race.


while some filipinos in singapore chooses to live and be here forever, many also chooses to be back in the philippines after years of working and saving for the future. and i want to say, after all the stories of triumph and failures that has happened and bound to happen we will sure be back to the place we call home. sa lugar kapiling ang ating mga minamahal na siyang dahilan ng lahat ng ating mga pagpapagal at pagpupunyagi. buhay man o patay babalik at babalik pa rin sa ating bayang kinamulatan, tayo pa rin sa dakong huli ang muling magtatagpo at tiyak na pagtatagpuin...


kudos to all the filipinos in singapore may it be the new, the old and the present..