An Eye Opener Apr 25, 2009 3:33 pm 2000 Views If you say you love the Philippines, prove it. And if you don't agree with me, say something anyway. When I was a young child, the Philippine peso was P2.00 to the US dollar(exchange rate). The president was Diosdado Macapagal. Life was simple. Life was easy. My father was a farmer. My mother kept a small sari-sari store where our neighbors bought sang-perang asin, sang-perang bagoong, sang-perang suka, sang-perang toyo at pahinginang isang butil na bawang.. Our backyard had kamatis, kalabasa, talong, ampalaya, upo, batao, and okra. Our silong had chicken. We had a pig, dog & cat. And of course, we lived on the farm. During rainy season, my father caught frogs at night which my mother made into betute (stuffed frog), or just plain fried. During the day, he caught hito and dalag from his rice paddies, which he would usually grill on coals–thus we have inihaw. During dry season, we relied on the chickens, vegetables, bangus, tuyo, and tinapa. Every now and then, there was pork and beef from the town market. Life was so peaceful , so quiet, no electricity, no TV. Just the radio for Tia Dely, Roman Rapido, Johnny de Leon, Tawag ng Tanghalan and Tang-tarang-tang. And who can forget Leila Benitez on Darigold Jamboree? On weekends, I played with my neighbours (who were all my cousins), these childhood games -tumbang-preso, taguan, piko, luksong lubid, patintero, at iba pa. I don't know about you, but I miss those days. These days, we face the TV, Internet, e-mail, newspaper, magazine,grocery, catalogs, or drive around. The peso is a staggering and incredible P47.00 to the US dollar rate. Most people can't have fun anymore. Life has become a battle. We live to work and work to live. Here are some gruesome experiences of working abroad because in our homeland life and economic situation has become so hard and difficult to earn a living to support your family needs. Life is not easy. I was in Saudi Arabia in 1999. It was lonely, difficult, & scary there. It didn't matter whether you were a man or a woman. You were a target for rape. The salary was cheap & vacations few and far between. If the boss didn't want you to go on holiday breaks, you can't do anything but comply. What can you do anyway? They kept your passport. Oh, and the employment agency charged you almost 4 months of your salary (which, if you had to borrow on a "20% interest per month arrangement"), this means your first year's pay was all gone before you even earned it due to usurious interest on loans you have to get in order to leave the country to seek employment overseas. The Philippines used to be one of the most important countries in Asia.. Before & during my college days, many students from neighboring Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and China went to the Philippines to get their diplomas.. Like Thailand, they went to study agriculture in UP Los Banos and earned their bachelors degree in the Philippines. and now we import rice from them. It's the opposite now. The Philippines used to be the exporter of many agricultural products, but now that is no longer the case. Everything is different. We import goods and products because we do not have much land (farms) which our hard-working farmers can cultivate and develop to raise agricultural products for export. The reason behind this is that those self-serving, affluent and mostly anti-Filipino members of the private sectors are focused on developing mega houses, tall buildings, supermarkets, malls and other infrastructures– grabbing and buying out farms from impoverished farmers/land owners at a bargain or a steal. What happened now? What is the Philippine government doing? Checking their own pocket, their own personal interest and pork barrels. Wow! Until 1972, men like President Macapagal & President Marcos were once the most admired presidents of the world. (Not anymore!) The Peso had kept its value of P 7.00 to the US dollar until I finished college... Today, the Philippines is famous as the " housemaid " capital of the world. It ranks very high as the "cheapest labor" capital of the world, too. We have maids in Hong Kong, laborers in Saudi Arabia, dancers in Japan , migrants and TNTs in Australia and the US, and all sorts of other "tricky" jobs in other parts of the globe. Quo Vadis, Pinoy? Is that a wonder or a worry? Are you proud to be a Filipino, or does it even matter anymore? When you see the Filipino flag and hear the Pambansang Awit, do you feel a sense of pride or a sense of defeat & uncertainty? If only things could change for the better....... Hang on for this is a job for Superman. Or whom do you call? Ghostbusters. Is that a joke or a what? Right or wrong? This is one of our problems. We say "I love the Philippines.. I am proud to be a Filipino." I want to help the maids in Hong Kong... I want to help the laborers in Saudi Arabia... I want to help the dancers in Japan.... I want to help the TNTs in America and Australia.... I want to save the people of the Philippines.. But I cannot do it alone. I need your help and everyone else's. Indifference is a crime on its own. Juan dela Cruz 20 Comments

Psalm 23 Apr 3, 2009 6:14 am 1812 Views I thought this was pretty special, just like YOU!!! What is most valuable, is not what we have in our lives, but WHO we have in our lives! The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship! I shall not want = That's Supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment! He restoreth my soul = That's Healing! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance! For His name sake = That's Purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing! I will fear no evil = That's Protection! For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope! Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration! My cup runneth over = That's Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security! Forever = That's Eternity! "Do not ask the Lord to Guide your Footsteps if you are not willing to move your Feet". ..To all of you, dear friends, May you find yourself walking in the Love of Jesus Christ, and Wishing You a Time of Peace and Happiness during this Season of Lent.. 13 Comments

:) Mar 29, 2009 4:24 pm 2109 Views When you're hurt, know that darkness is passing. smile, It may not solve all the problems, But it will soften life's not so gentle blows. I will smile again Though tears flow from these eyes I will smile again And trust tomorrow the sun shall rise Though darkness may enfold me Though heavy rain can't help but pour Though shattered, lost and broken Though heart could barely bear it all Though tired and weary and confused Though badly hurt and bruised I know that I will smile again And I will smile again! 34 Comments

NEVER Mar 21, 2009 4:36 pm 1896 Views I can let go, I can forgive, I can move on, but I will never stop loving you. Never Say" I love you " if you don't really care, never talk about feeling if they aren't really there. Never hold my hand if you're going to break my heart. Never say you're to, if you never plan to start. Never look into my eyes if all you do is lie. Never say hello, if you really mean goodbye. If you really mean forever, then say you will try. Never say forever ' cause forever makes me cry. 13 Comments

When you're GONE Mar 14, 2009 5:51 pm 1949 Views Just because you're leaving doesn't mean I'm letting go. Hold onto love that is what I do, now that I've found you. And from above everything's stinking, they're not around you. And in the night, I could be helpless, I could be lonely, sleeping without you. And in the day, everything's complex, There's nothing simple, when I'm not around you. Hold onto my hands, I feel I'm sinking, sinking without you. And to my mind, everything's stinking, stinking without you. But I'll miss you when you're gone, that is what I do. And it's going to carry on, that is what I do. 14 Comments

Somebody..! Feb 28, 2009 5:04 pm 2214 Views Somebody cares, When your heart is feeling blue, As you climb your lonely stair, Somebody cares! Somebody knows, When each dream falls through, Though you think it never shows, Somebody knows! Somebody hears, Every wish you make, As you fall asleep in tears, Somebody hears! Somebody knew, How I needed someone's love, Then I looked and there was you, Somebody knew. Somebody heard my prayers, Somebody cares. There's always that one special person that no matter what they do to you, you just can't let them go. 28 Comments

if Tomorrow Never Comes...! Feb 20, 2009 2:41 am 2412 Views I'm sorry... For all the mean things i might have said. I'm sorry... For all the things i did or didn't do. I'm sorry... If i ever ignore you. I'm sorry... If i ever thought i was bigger or better than you. I'm sorry... For everything wrong I've ever done. I'm writing this because what if tomorrow never comes? What if I never get a chance to say goodbye to you or give you a BIG hug... What if I never get to say I'm sorry or I miss you... 44 Comments

A Post Valentine Lament Feb 17, 2009 5:59 am Mood: lost, 2166 Views "Do not be sad for being without someone, who is happy being without you." it is not fair, is it? I hate it when my phone rings, and your name doesn't show. I hate it when I hear our song, It kills me long and slow. I hate the way you still smile at me, even though he's there besides you. I hate the nights I'm all alone, and all the times I cried. I hate the way you say my name, or just the way you look. I hate the way I know you, How I can read you like a book. I hate the way I don't hate you, because I still love you so. I hate the way you'll never see, and the way you'll never know. But now that you're gone Nothing else will matter, Each day I'm without you My heart won't cease to shatter. Now that you're gone All it does is rain, The heavens seems to weep, As if they feel my pain. Now that you're gone I just want to cry, Because I curse that night you left, When we had to say good-bye. Now that you're gone I only want one wish, For you to come back And give me just one kiss. Nothing's left, But the misery that took place! 16 Comments

Angie, May All Good Things Be Yours Feb 13, 2009 6:05 am 2575 Views To Angie and Ric, On this day, 14 feb' 09, I wish for you sweet happiness; Through the years, may your love grow, To warm you both from day to day, In your marriage's satisfying glow. On your joyful wedding day, You begin a brand new life. Friends and family give their gifts To joyful husband, blissful wife. But the greatest gift you'll ever get, A gift from heaven above, Is love forever, ending never, Everlasting love. You'll share life's joy and pleasure; You'll have plenty of that, it's true. But love is the real treasure For your new spouse and you. And if life hands you challenges, As it does to one and all, Your love will hold you steady And never let you fall. Your wedding day is full of joy; Tomorrow you cannot see. But one thing's sure for the two of you: The best is yet to be. 91 Comments

greatest pain in LIFE Feb 10, 2009 3:39 am 2103 Views Sometimes, things happen when you less expect! Whether its true or not, the principle behind this story is true. Soooo Creepy!! Here's how it goes.... Kakauwi ko lang from work. Pag uwi sobrang pagod. Binaba ko bag ko at nahiga sa sofa. Sarap ng pakiramdam ng mapahinga. Matagal akong nakahiga nang di ko namalayan na nakakatulog na pala ko. Biglang nagvibrate ang celfon ko. I checked kung sino. I opened my inbox--- "misan akala mo nasasayo na ang lahat pagnasayo na ang taong mahal mo. Pro lahat na nga ba? Gano ka kasigurado na iyo na sya Habang buhay? Kaya ngyn plng alagaan m n Habang nandyan pa!" Sender: BaBy koW It's a usual quote coming from my girlfriend. Dahil sa antok ko, di ko na nireplyan. Again my cell vibrated. 1 message received--- "nVr hold in2 smtnG too TyT.. Cz smWer N d MiddLe U MyT Lus heR. Dnt put UrseLf in2 smTng U knW U cnT Let Go.." Sender: BaBy koW Naku naman pagod na pagod ako so tinuloy ko na ang pagtulog ko. Hindi ko na maintindihan ang sense ng message niya dahil sa antok so pano pa ko magrereply? Again nagvibrate na naman pero di ko na pinansin pero ayan na naman. 2 messages received--- First message: "I jst wnt u to knw dt I love u & evn God takes me away from you It wont change.You own my heart Till d very last breath il take." Sender: BaBy koW Pinatay ko na ang cell ko ng hindi binabasa ang isa pang message. Kaya natulog na lang ako ulit. Paggising ko wala na kong battery so I charged my cell and I tried calling her with my landline. I tried 5x kakatawag pero wala talagang sumasagot. After 30 minutes my landline rang. Sister ni Emerald (baby kow), so I asked her "bakit walang tao sa bahay niyo?" Di siya sumagot.Umiiyak siya. So I asked: "bakit? Ano nangyari?" Biglang may naghello, ang dad nila ni Emerald pala, so I asked "Tito ano po nangyayari?" Sinabi niya sa akin ng walang pagaalinlangan--- "Umalis kami nanood kami ng sine. Nagpaiwan si Emerald dahilang sabi niya pupunta ka daw dito sa bahay. Hihintayin ka daw niya. Dahil sa sinabi niya iniwan namin siya....." Nagulat ako sa sinabi ni tito. Ngayon ko lang naalala na pupuntahan ko nga pala siya. Hindi ako nakapagsalita dahil bigla na akong kinabahan. Tinuloy ni tito ang pagsasalita--- "pagdating namin nakita na lang namin siya na patay na. Sinaksak siya ng mga nanloob sa bahay namin. Wala na siya." Nagblanko ang paningin ko pati na rin ang pagiisip ko. "Di ka kasi pumunta. Inuna mo ang kung ano-anong mga bagay. Di mo man lang siya naisip." Di ko alam kung sino ang nagsasalita konsensya ko ba to o ang daddy niya?! Di ko na alam ang nangyayari sakin. P*******a!!! nawala na sakin ang mahal ko!!!! Di ko alam kung sa anong dahilan pero binuksan ko ang cellphone ko na 5 oras na palang nakacharge. Ang message nya na hindi ko binasa nandun pa rin. Hindi ko alam kung bubuksan ko pa o hindi but still......binuksan ko na rin--- "B TULNGAN M KO PAPATAYiN NLA KO!!!" Sender: BaBy koW Di ako makapunta sa bahay nila dahil sa hiya. Di ko man lang madalaw siya dahil di ko matanggap sa sarili ko na makita ko siyang nakahiga na. Di ko maisip na wala na ang taong pinakamamahal ko. Di ko matanggap na ng dahil sa akin, kaya nagkaganon siya. Ano pang silbi ng mga sinabi ko sa kanya noon, Na hinding hindi ko siya iiwan...... Na hindi ko siya pababayaan.. Na hingding hindi siya magiisa... Ano na nangyari sa mga sinabi ko sa kanya?? Wala na siya.... Wala na ang taong bumuo ng buhay ko... Wala na.... ** Hold on the one you LOVE for U are so LUCKY to have them in your life right now... call them or text them, telling them saying how much you LOVE them... and show how much you value them. Life is short... and we should not waste it hurting people.. Because the greatest pain in LIFE is to be Hurt by SOMEONE U love.. ** 41 Comments

 lickquid

59 M