The Makahiya Plant, Not the Legend!

Mom…! Mom…! Oh, good afternoon!

If there’s one thing I’m proud of, that is to tell all of you, “I am a Mama’s boy”. From May 10, 1984 until Grade 6, I sleep, eat, and go to church, with my mother at my side. I am such a Mama’s boy! She would always tell me children stories before we kiss goodnight and one of which is the legend of the Makahiya plant.

I grew up in a rural, small barrio where there are plenty of Makahiya plants. They usually grow along the sides of the path walk. And when I see them, I make it a point to strike my foot on them one by one and look at them fold their leaves with awe and astonishment. They never fail to amaze me. Until today, the Makahiya plant continues to amaze me, not so much because they never failed to fold their leaves when I disturb them but more because I consider them the epitome of humility – a human value that seems buried 6 feet below the ground.

When toastmaster Lillian Go slaps me on my left cheek, I should offer my right cheek. Maybe to even out the rosiness on my face? If toastmaster Jaclyn throws a stone on me, I should throw her back with a piece of pandesal with butter but… inside a glass jar. I am just kidding!

In 2008, I joined my first marathon run. Because I have such a high regard of myself, I joined the 21k category. Yes, you heard that right! I will run 21 kilometres to finish the race! I already run halfway when a traffic enforcer in his huge motorcycle went closer to my side. He said in his radio phone, “I am with the last runner of the race, over! I am with the last runner of the race, over”. I felt like an instant celebrity! But, when I checked my clock, it’s already eight o’clock. I felt my bones are on the verge of breaking and my breathing out of normalcy. So I took the courage of hitching a ride and make the enforcer my driver and told him that I be dropped at Worldview Pension Plaza. A week after, the news spread that I was carried in an ambulance back to the hotel. Never mind, the exaggeration of the story, the important lesson is that I have humbly acknowledged my limitation. I know my battle and know when to stop. Knowing and acknowledging our weakness is …humility.

We should constantly remind ourselves that we should be like a seedling. Day by day, we grow. Everyday is a learning process. We acknowledge that we do not know everything. We shouldn’t be self-glorifying and say I am a ripe fruit and I know everything. If you do, there’s no other way for you but to rot and decay! Now, you make your choice, a growing a seedling or a rotting fruit? I bet, you want to be glamorous. So am I! Humility makes us more teachable and glamorous too.

The leaders of this generation are the antithesis of what a good leader should be. A good leader in good times goes to the window and says, “I am so lucky to have my team. Without my people, we wouldn’t be successful”. And in bad times, he goes to the mirror and says, “what did I miss? Why did I not see this coming?” But the leaders of today do the opposite. In good times, they go to the mirror and say “What a great leader I am”. “These people are so lucky to have me as their leader”. “Without me, we wouldn’t be successful”. And in bad times, they go to the window and say, “Who messed up, Who should I fire?” Humility does not point fingers. It makes us more objective and more accountable!

PGMA and most of our leaders are far from the makahiya plant. When someone hits them, they retaliate! An eye for an eye! A tooth for a tooth! But when you hit the makahiya plants, they humble themselves. But that does not mean passivity! Or being an underdog! Why? Because the moment they fold their leaves, it is when you will see that they have thorns in them to protect them. Thus, it is in humbling themselves that they have shown their real strength!

Today, I think the greatest battle every man can have is to remain humble even when everyone tries to become great.

Can you traverse the road less travelled? Can you remain humble when everyone takes pride of what they have and who they become? Can you be like the Makahiya Plant?

I AM FOR…

In 1997 and 1998, I ran as representative in our student council. I lost but didn’t mind. In 1999, I ran as senator, and lost again. I was teary eyed! In 2000, supposedly my last batter to hit my 1st base of student governance, I ran as vice-president. I lost. I was what Miriam Santiago described as , “suicidical, ballistic, and fuming in the mouth! If this was boxing, the ring announcer would have introduced me this way, “On the red corner, weighing never mind, from Dumaguete City, with four losses and zero win, Jay Famoso.

They say high school life is one of the most exciting parts of our growing up. I’d say not quite! I was defeated 4 times. I asked? Where did my friends go? Am I not lovable? Am I not intelligent? Oh well, I settled for this reason. Maybe all my supporters were absent on Election Day!

My political career was a plain monochrome. Four losses and zero win. But wait until you listen to this.

Fresh from college, I was invited by a friend to attend a meeting. Out of nothing to do any way, I nodded to her request. I stepped inside a huge hall clueless of what will happen. So I just smiled to everyone meeting my gaze, waved my hand in the air, and uttered hi and hello’s. A woman, quite advanced in age, grabbed the microphone and announced the election for President. In her flawless English, she said, the floor is now open for nomination. Then a young lady stood up and said, “I nominate, paused for a while, shifted her gaze to my name tag, and continued Jay for president. I tried to recall if we have met before but to no avail. I just smiled back as a sign of gratitude. And the results are ready. And the president is …ME. Oh finally, I made it! But wait. This is not yet the end. It’s not the happily-ever-after kind of ending. Someone stood up, made a protest to the advisers, and questioned my membership. If I have the power to disappear in an instant, I would have disappeared. Until now, I am still looking for the person who protested my presidency.

On May 10, 2010, two events will unfold. One is already a public knowledge and the other is soon to be a public knowledge. After casting your votes, please send in the gifts to the birthday celebrant. Greetings are good but cash is better!

My first participation in a National Election was in 2004. If I will recall, the moving force that prod me to do it, is the excitement of doing things for the first time. I am now exercising my right of suffrage, the essential element of democracy. That’s the student in me speaking!

Next year, I am voting again. Let it be known that I am for a candidate who is not necessarily knowledgeable but is aware. Aware in the plight of the poor. Aware in the current state of our environment. Aware of the social plagues that continue to eat-up every fabric of the sanctity of life.

I am for a candidate who puts premium in the dignity of the public that he is serving. A man with conscience, grit, and integrity. A man who acknowledges that the tax of the people is a product of sweat and blood.

I am for a candidate who leads by example. Someone who believes that talk is cheap. We need actions not words!

Above all, I am for a candidate who fears his God. Truly then, I can say, public office is a public trust. Vox populi, vox dei. The voice of the people is the voice of God.

They say, power without abuse looses its charm! I say, power without responsibility looses its charm! Power in the right perspective! That’s Charm!

Rat in 2010 (Year of the Tiger)

The Year of the Rat which includes 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996 will see this rat zodiac in the Chinese astrology facing a hectic metal tiger year in 2010.

This horoscope Chinese forecast in 2010 for this Chinese rat zodiac sign indicates a good time for the rat to start a new business. Rats may be prone to accidents and to prevent bad luck for those with the horoscope rat in 2010 is to stay away from burial grounds. The Year of the Rat Chinese horoscope states that rat will likely be successful in an environment that requires traveling and your work progress will be even better should you be allowed to travel further. As for your wealth, people with the Chinese zodiac rat sign will see a stable income and there will be more money for you in your out-of-town work. How will the relations factor work out for the rat in 2010 metal tiger year? The Chinese astrology in Year of the Tiger for rat in 2010 will see the rat having excellent inter-people relations in this metal tiger year. Marriage bells could be heard in the near future. The rat may marry someone from overseas. For married rats in 2010, this Chinese horoscope rat animal can look forward to an unforgettable honeymoon vacation. The Chinese horoscope rat 2010 indicates an accident prone year for the rats. Rats have to be careful when handling sharp objects and extreme care have to be taken while driving on the road.

What will the 2010 tiger year brings for individual rats under the Chinese astrology? If you are a rat born in 1936, your diet must be taken care of carefully and try not to gamble in this Year of the Metal Tiger. The 1948 rats will see their finances to be stable but be very careful when handling sharp objects. Those rats born in 1960 will have a good relationship star in 2010 and you will be busy helping others in this tiger year in 2010. A 1972 rat year person will face many obstacles in this 2010 tiger year and the less risk taken, the better it is for this Chinese zodiac creature in 2010. If you have 1984 as your Year of the Rat, starting a partnership in business will spell trouble and relations with others may not be too good too. A 1996 rat person is advised to concentrate on its studies. What is the Year of the Rat personality traits in 2010? Rats are known to be charming and smart. Rats horoscope in 2010 indicate that they will be a bit gossipy and prone to being distracted. When it comes to money in 2010 tiger year, rats are good with them as they are known to be thrifty. Rats regard family ties and friendship to be very crucial in their life. The Chinese astrology rat predictions in 2010 will see them having many friends. What are the horoscope 2010 rat forecasts? Since tiger year 2010 will be very hectic for them, rat may feel a bit tired. Rats may not be comfortable with the fast-paced life in 2010. They are advised to seize this opportunity and take adventures in this metal tiger year in 2010. This rat zodiac Chinese astrology horoscope sign states that the rats should visit their dream destination and all these travel will work out well for them. Since the Year of the Tiger 2010 begins in February 2010, there will be interesting job offers in February 2010 and March 2010 for those with the rat zodiac sign. Happy times can be seen in June 2010 to August 2010, and also in December 2010. How will single rats perform in 2010 tiger year? What are the love outlook under the 2010 Chinese astrology predictions for rat? They will find love in September 2010 and October 2010.

What are the important things that the rat needs to know in 2010 tiger year? Gamet is the zodiac stone for the rats while the special flower for rats in 2010 is narcissus. Auspicious times for rats in 2010 tiger year to carry out major work or events is from 11.00pm to 1.00am while winter will be the best season for rats to achieve their goals. What are the lucky rat colors in 2010? The good rat horoscope colors in tiger year are black, purple and white. When using the Chinese astrology predictions to forecast how 2010 will pan out for yourself, getting the correct Chinese animal zodiac is very important. What about the Western zodiac rat predictions in 2010? What are the characteristics of rats in 2010? What are the Western astrology signs in 2001 for rats? Western astrology is the system of astrology that is famous in Western countries. The Aries rat is known to be bold who will take up a challenge anytime. However, one disadvantage fact is that these Aries rat born in 21 March to 20 April can be short-tempered and can easily loss their cool. The Taurean rat is known to be intimidating and love to chase after money. You will be a Taurus rat if you are born between 21 April to 20 May. The Gemini rat is considered to be articulate and is believed to take a very long time to make up its mind. A Gemini rat born from 21 May to 20 June can also get easily bored. The Cancerian rat is known for its individuality and the thing this Chinese zodiac animal valued most is its family and this Cancer rat born from 21 June to 22 July prefer to stand out once in a while. The Leonine rat can be very successful because this Chinese rat horoscope has extremely high ethical standards and can make decisions wisely and those born between 23 July to 22 August can be considered to be a Leo rat. The Virgo rat has an eye for detail and is good for doing research. If there is a need for detail investigation, this Virgo rat born from 23 August to 22 September ought to be able to do the job well. The Libran rat is considered to be doubly friendly and is known to love music and theaters. Libra rats born between 23 September to 22 October are very creative in all aspects. The Scorpio rat can be emotional at times and are very sensitive too and these Scorpio rats are born in 23 October to 21 November. The Sagittarian rat can easily sail through life and will pounce on any opportunity that comes its way. You will be a Sagittarius rat if you are born in the months of 22 November to 21 December. The Capricorn rat born between 22 December to 19 January has the abilities to be very enterprising and is known to be loyal. The Aquarian rat is known to be impulsive and outgoing. These Aquarius rats in the tiger year 2010 are said to be more selfless when compared to the other rats in the Western horoscope and are born between 20 January to 19 February. The Piscean rat is delicate and incisive and makes a good consultant. This Pisces rat born between 20 February to 20 March lacks individual confidence. Knowing your personal traits for those born in the Year of the Rat in tiger year will help you to prepare for the tiger year whereby you will be able to change negative energies to positive energies.

Sometimes, by just knowing your Chinese animal zodiac sign is not sufficient to produce the correct predictions for rat in 2010 tiger year. You still need to know your elements as portrayed in the Chinese astrology system and readings. You are a Metal Rat if your birth date falls in 31 January 1900 to 18 February 1901. You are a Water Rat if your are born between 10 February 1912 to 5 February 1913. A Wood Rat will have its birthday in 5 February 1924 to 24 January 1925 while if you are born between 24 January 1936 to 10 February 1937, you are definitely a Fire Rat. An Earth Rat will have its birth date on 10 February 1948 to 28 January 1949 while you will be a Metal Rat when your birthday falls between 28 January 1960 to 14 February 1961. A Water Rat is born in 15 February 1972 to 2 February 1973. Knowing the correct rat element is crucial to have an accurate feng shui 2010 predictions for the rat in 2010 tiger year. A Wood Rat is also born in 2 February 1984 to 19 February 1985 while you are said to be a Fire Rat if you are born in 19 February 1996 to 6 February 1997. The Earth Rat will also have its birthday inside 7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009 while the Metal Rat must be born between 2020 to 2021. By knowing the actual rat elements in the Chinese astrology, you can tell how the tiger year in 2010 will treat you and you can use these Chinese zodiac readings to get a healthier and wealthier 2010 tiger year for the Year of the Rat person.

The Piano Man

Music does not run in our blood. As far as I know. My parents are no good singers or instrumentalists. Although I have an aunt, my father’s sister, who is part of a church choir for many years until now, I consider her an outlier. I am still convinced that the verity of my first statement is beyond question.

When I was 8, I was belting (or so I thought) “Sayang na Sayang” by Manilyn Reyes which at that time reigned the airwaves. I don’t have yet my low tonal quality or what my voice mentor called baritone voice. Kids are no falsetto singers. I am not an exception. However, when I sing in the house, nobody listened to me. And nobody told me I sang well. Or even clapped their hands. Or even smiled when they passed by me. Or any gesture that can be considered ‘nice” in the face of a child, to show even a little appreciation. In other words, when I sing, it’s about me and my own world. So I grew up thinking, singing is not for me.

Until high school days when school programs and presentations were common events that my classmates always volunteer me to sing. Of course they were not successful. At the end of the day, their incessant pleadings do not convince my already made-up conviction that I am no singer. Although my classmates heard me sing million times in my unguarded moments anywhere, they cannot hear me on stage.

At the age of 23, when I was already working,I took what I consider the road less traveled. Finally, I was joining a singing contest, company-related that is. Things were different now. I cannot refuse to my boss or should I say in general viewpoint, we loose the power to refuse to our bosses. I represented my department in the first round of elimination. There were three who joined that week. I sang “Hanggang” by Wency Cornejo and placed 1st. Was I too direct? Hahaha! Then came the finals night, where all 6 winners in the elimination rounds will compete. I sang “You” by Basil Valdez and placed 4th. Meaning to say, I lost. I drank three bottles of Red Horse until the last drop after the contest.

The next year, I joined in the same contest and almost the same order of events took place. The little difference was that I sang “Say That You Love Me” by Martin in the elimination round and “Hanggang” in the finals night. After the contest, I did three bottoms up of Red Horse plus a lesson in hand not to sing “Hanggang” in a Singing Contest if in case I join again, which at this point is very vague.

The opportunity to sing just keeps coming to me that I sang in the Midyear Conference of Toastmasters held in Antipolo City. It was a singing contest with a twist. All contestants were given the songs (five songs for male and five songs for female) to practice. At the time of the contest, that’s when we will know what to sing. The songs were, “This is the Moment, Kailangan Kita, Say That You Love Me, She, and She’s Out of My Life” Among the songs, I prayed, “Lord, let it not be “she’s out of my life”. When I was on stage, I sang the line, “And I don’t know whether to laugh or cry”. Now you know God delays some prayers. The result will not surprise you. Journalism tells me not to write the obvious.

I thought in my solitary moments (which by the way is overflowing to the brim in my life) to try other outlets of music other than singing.

I have a colleague who owns a grand piano at home. It was a birthday gift to her by her dad. She used to play well as her father wanted her to be. One day she suddenly revealed her early plans for 2010 including piano lessons once again. And I said to her, “Count me in”. Hopefully, nothing comes into the way. Who knows, I am really meant to be a Piano Man.

Oh, speaking of the Piano Man. I was in a hotel last December 26, when I heard of a beautiful sound. It was just too splendid, magical, and beautiful not to notice it. There is something in the piano sound that revitalizes and soothes a human soul. I went out of my way to join him and stood proudly beside the piano. I asked him of he could play one request but he's generous enough. He played 3 masterpieces, “Hanggang”, “Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin”, and “King and Queen of Hearts” of course with me singing like its the greatest performance of my life. I didn’t even notice people dining were already smiling at me. Did I just fulfill a dream? Unexpectedly. Thanks to the Piano Man!

CHRISTMAS at the SEA

The digital clock of my phone ticked 11:59. One minute away from Christmas. I woke up feeling dizzy. I looked around and saw a scene like the portrait of the mother and child deeply asleep in their double-deck bed. I felt the biting cold so I wore my red and black coat, went outside, and looked far at the placid blue sea. It’s Christmas!

A day before, I woke up at 4:30am, to catch up the 5:15am air con bus going to Dumaguete. I wasn’t lucky enough though. When I arrived, all seats were taken. Some were already on their feet with their one hand on the railings. The trip will take around 6 hours granting no delay so I opted to take the next bus. I arrived at the port of Dumaguete around 12 noon.

The uncovered path walk going to the ticket booth of the fast craft is some distance away. I treaded the grueling, hot, cemented walk way sweating profusely that I felt its cascade. As I stood near the area, I had a glimpse of a clique of Koreans talking. From the tone and pace of their speaking, somehow, I knew something is not right. Then I saw the notice printed in short bond paper, “All trips are cancelled”. What a day I said! I waited. I wanted to know why. I took a seat nearby when a staff went out. From my distance I overheard him saying, “The waves are too unruly to sail safely”.

I would have resolved to stay until 11pm and take the boat going to Cebu when my Chemistry professor called my name. I knew she’s going to my destination too so I immediately broke the news to her. She was furious! When I saw the porter behind her carrying 2 squarely huge bags, I nodded to her emotion. Then we discussed how to go about the unfortunate events that happened.

We decided to travel by bus, take the roll on-roll off barge, to be able to cross the next island, Cebu. As we sail, the waves became fierce. The further we sail, the stronger they became. I lost my equilibrium. My professor who’s beside me became my stress ball. Thanks to her. She didn’t complain. My two hands were already robustly clasped to my seat with my butt almost hanging in an effort to balance the barge when it tilted to some angle. I admit, I am paranoid in life-threatening situations. I don’t think I am ready. But we made it. Thank God!

We went inside the bus again and started again my long journey to my destination. Along the way I could feel the warmth of the occasion. I could see busy people preoccupied in their preparation. There were already disco lights and sounds stationed outside people’s houses. There were explosions of firecrackers near and far. I saw people in long queue to order “lechon manok”. I heard beautiful Christmas Songs sang by the choir in churches which made me sing along until their voices fade in the air. It was quite a long trip, four hours to be more exact.

We arrived at the Cebu South Bus terminal, and immediately rode a cab to take us to Pier 3. Then the string of unfortunate events still hanged on us. There was no boat available. We tried our luck once more and proceeded to Pier 1. There I found some consolation. There was a trip going to my place of destination. It was my teacher who’s got the dilemma. Her boat was in Pier 7. She said she can manage so I just called another cab to take her to the boat. I kissed her goodbye and greeted her Merry Christmas.

With my three bags, I was alone, as I went inside the boat at 10:00 in the evening. I looked around trying to find a soul whom I know. There was none. I proceeded to my bed, laid down my bags. Then I closed my eyes and slept. At 25, ‘twas Christmas at the Sea.

My Environment and I

My environment, physical that is, is an extension of myself. Matter-of-factly, it forms an integral part of my whole being. In sociology, we have learned that the environment plays an unimpeachable role in the development of an individual. Thus we aptly say, we are a reflection of the environment where we grow up. We cannot desert ourselves from our environment. To put simply, it is inalienable.

Sadly, if we look around us our environment has drastically changed.

Our forests are wantonly depleted. Our supply of potable water has increasingly become limited. Our air has become a worldwide carrier of innumerable pollutants. Our land, year after year, seemingly becomes smaller in size. Temperature has gone extreme. If it’s daytime, it’s literally hot. If at dawn, the cold seems unbearable.

There adverse changes in the environment are quite alarming that they need immediate solutions. At the moment, I cannot just play being blind in the middle of all these unscrupulous destruction. Knowing for a fact that the growth and development of the future generation also depends on the quality of the environment that they live, I’d say, the time to save the environment is now.

The status quo reveals a lot of realities that must be acted urgently. It must turn a regular Filipino into a Filipino environmental advocate. And the key is to be aware! That way, we will realize that the way of the Earth is towards annihilation. Could it be that we will now build the modern Noah’s Ark. God forbid!

Few months ago, I empathized to families with family members who mercilessly passed away and the thousands of survivors who are still in pain on their road to recovery caused by the typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. Most were all caught unaware. No one was prepared. We thought it would not create a really massive destruction. We were all surprised when water seemed to rise unceasingly. The last thing we knew. Houses were swallowed by the hungry water. Lives were taken. Properties were destroyed.

The other side of the story however knocked all our heads to boldly face the offshoots of our being unconcerned. It made me realize how over the past years, we have unrelentingly altered the beautiful creation of God. It made me aware that our environment unknowingly turned to a wasteland because of our apathy and indifference. It made me think that indeed, not only humans are vulnerable, so does the environment. From the perspective of the insurance companies, these are acts of God, but the truth is, these are acts of man, traceable to his insatiable greed. Our environment should matter and that battle cry should be carried in everyone’s sleeve. Now, that our environment, from being stable to being vulnerable; everyone must be counted to help bring back the equilibrium of our sustainable ecosystem.

The environment at the moment is in dire state. It cries for help. It longs for a hand that cares. It needs you!

My Love Language

This is not just about romantic love. This is about expressing and receiving love in a general viewpoint. I mean relationship of all sorts. Romance. Work. Friendship. Family.

For the intense love of toastmasters, which I refer to as addiction in my previous articles, three constipated human psyche convened to share their common interest. Discussing things, over a cup of coffee. Table topics with sense and a little nonsense to be more accurate. The topic? Our common denominator! Oh well, we piled up a truckload of common sentiments but at least we have not gone sentimental over the issue.

Along the highway of a kilometric conversation, we met in a three-way-crossroad. Emmylou, Jabez, and myself share the love of books and the passion for reading. And off sprouted the dogged idea of putting up a book club in Bacolod. Eagerness filled us all. The moment can be described as magnanimously magnificent.

The first book, Don’t Throw Away Tomorrow, unfortunately is not available in bookstores. We acquiesced that this is beyond our scope so we let go of the first book. So it seemed a not-so-nice jump-off. We settled for the second suggestion, The Five Love Languages of Love for Singles by Gary Chapman. Though at this point, we have not yet met to discuss the book, I am now writing my thoughts.

According to the author, Dr. Gary Chapman, there are 5 love languages. These are Words of affirmation, Quality time, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. Worth noting though is that, one person may be bilingual, meaning to say, he speaks/shows two of the aforementioned languages.

I already have some inkling that my love language is words of affirmation. And yes it is after reading and confirmed after taking the profile test at the end. It really did not catch me by surprise. Ever since I knew that for me, “The tongue has the power of life and death”.

For an unknown reason, I take words so seriously. Written or Spoken. It will take me sometime to get over the hurts that are derived from the poignant words cast to me. Most of my friends say, don’t mind. But I don’t have the power not to. Unsurprisingly, it takes ten positive words to forget one negative word, according to a study.

I have a need for people to affirm to me. They say the greatest criticism is the lack of reaction. Moreover, they say, if you don’t have anything nice to say, shut up. But this is not what I mean. Words can be played skilfully like keys in the piano to make it sound better and suit our hungry ego. It’s not the words! It’s the manner of saying it! This is a daunting task, if I may appeal, as it takes a lot of introspection and a lot of practice too. I am not spared, I admit. More often than not, the dictates of our heart prevails over the mind. As such many relationships falter.

Thus, I have learned that being a social being in the midst of other social beings, being nice does not hurt.

As I leaf through the last page of this book, may I always be reminded that everything in this world is fleeting except for one – how well I have established relationships with people around me.