I was able to buy a Spiderman shirt for P90 at the SM Kids Section. And I'm wearing it right now. I feel good in it.

I was supposed to watch Milan today but then my mom dragged me to Gaisano to shop for additional house decors. Which is always strange for me because we never agree on anything when it comes to the house. Oh well. I tried to be the dutiful daughter still.

Kill me already! All these mushy songs on the radio. Ack. Reminds me of Tatit's story last week. Hahaha!

Tonight I may just play "Love Song for No One" on my CD. Just for kicks.

It IS a Friday, and I will be just reading "The Asgardian Wars" (an X-Men, Alpha Flight, New Mutants crossover). This is where Danielle Moonstar (my favoritest mutie, besides Doug Ramsey and Warlock) turns into a valkyrie.

WHAT I MISSED ABOUT DAVAO

NON-AIRCON TAXIS
With windows rolled down, it does mess up my hair. But then it never really mattered. I love the non-air taxis because flag down is 20 bucks and runs at P1 instead of the P2 in Manila. The drivers are courteous and give you your exact change, unlike in Manila where you are expected to round off the fare.

Manila taxi driver also engage the passenger in conversation that manipulates him into thinking that it is his responsibility to give the driver additional tip. Sometimes it works on me, sometimes it doesn’t. On the way to the airport yesterday I got into an argument with my driver. At it darn pissed me off that I was so glad to I was going home to Davao.

CHEAP GIMMICKS
In Manila, there are not many places where you can spend less than P100 for a gimmick. Plus the fact that it takes a major production to get there that you spend more for transportation. Plus the city stress just allows you to rationalize that spending P300 on food isn’t all that bad. Just to make myself feel better, I just think that I am spending money for the company and not what I am eating.

Davao, on the other hand, allows you to spend less than P100 inclusive of taxi. Food is cheap but delicious, entertainment is free in some places, and transportation is easy to come by.

RELAXED WORKING DAYS
I have gotten used to going home earlier than 6 here in Davao, no matter what time I get in. Plus, I don’t have to rush through throngs of people to get to a bus or MRT station so I can catch the 730 showing of a movie with my brother in Glorietta. Here, I am able to do everything I need to do for the day in four to five hours. After work, I usually take a trike to SM. Either I would just walk around, hang out in the used books store or watch a movie. Even with that I get home 8 to 9.

And I always get at least six hours sleep here in Davao! Today I slept for ten hours. Compared to the four to five I get in Manila. Ugh.

Now I am back here. There will now be the days I will be pining for the people in Manila. That’s life.

*****

MOVIE MANIA

COLD MOUNTAIN
It’s a good story. And lots of cameo performances which were nice surprises. The love of Ada and Inman was quite touching. Though I was more moved by Ruby’s relationship with here father, and Natalie Portman’s character’s desire for companionship. It had a gruesome and probably accurate picture of war. And I wanted to cry when the deserters were shot mercilessly by home guards. That was a more tragic death than being shot in a war.

It is a beautiful movie. But there was something about it that did not make me completely fall head over heels in love with it. I am in love with it. And I am in love with Jude Law (those eyes! They pierced my soul even if it was Ada it was looking at). I can’t point out what I was looking for.

Still it should be seen by those who love movies.

SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE
The fun part was I got to watch it with a group. Kang, TQ, Mayette and Crissy (best wishes!!!) were with me when we saw this movie. So it was great mooning over Keanu together. If Mayette pictures him buying fruits, I vividly remember him carrying a bouquet of flowers in his blue tee and jeans and looking all flustered and kilig to see Diane Keaton.

Jack Nicholson, I have always found sexy since Wolf with Michelle Pfieffer. And adored him in As Good as It Gets. Loved him as Joker. This time, he fits the Harry’s character of a 63-year old playboy bachelor. Diane Keaton, on the other hand, was so sexy in this movie. As in really really sexy. At 56, I don’t think I would have that kind of body (if I an still alive). I mean at 25, jeans don’t fall on me like that! Hahaha!

It’s a fun movie. A little too convenient of an ending for my taste, but otherwise I was laughing when there needed to be laughter, I was kilig (with Keanu!), I was silenced (with sad turn of evernts).

For those who just want to have fun, watch it.

DUPLEX
I was never really into slapstick. But I watched this movie so I would be able to spend time with my brother. It is only with him I can get to enjoy these movies (but I would have probably watched it here in Davao for lack of anything better to do).

It’s funny. But I wasn’t in the mood for it. So I didn’t laugh out loud but I snorted to myself.

CHASING LIBERTY
I lay claim to Matthew Goode! He is mine. The eyes, the voice, the lean body. Except he is a little too tall. But with love we have to make adjustments. I can live with his height. But Matthew Goode is mine!

Anyway, I watched it with my mom and she enjoyed it! I did, too. It is true that there was no chemistry with Matthew Goode and Mandy Moore. But I was never really into personalities in romantic comedies anyway. I was always after the story. No, they did not have chemistry, but it was an interesting premise. And it was fun watching the two of them traipsing along Europe (much to envy, traveling with Matthew Good, Mandy Moore is too lucky!). Yup, you wouldn’t see lovers but two good friends who bicker and make fun of each other all the time. That made it fun for me. I would have been happy going out of the cinema without them getting together.

And I loved that bungee jumping scene. Never knew you could do it that way.

Fun, fun, fun. Watch it. If my mom enjoyed it, it’s easy viewing.

EDSA anniversary ngayon. Dapat walang pasok pero kami meron.

waaah!

FILIPINAS HERITAGE LIBRARY

It used to be a restaurant located along Makati Ave across Nielsen's and Manila Peninsula. Yesterday I went there for a workshop on curriculum and student performance. The place was quite interesting, selling Filipiniana books at very affordable prices.

The selection of the books have started to expand, too. There are Judy Blume-ish books on adolescence, various children's stories, coffee table books, stuff. And in good quality printing, too. Not your typical My Precious Romances paperbacks in newsprint.

If I had time, I wouldn't mind lounging around the place. Unfortunately, I was not able to check out what the second floor looked like. It was only the book shop that I was able to see. But if you pass by Makati Ave, check out the place. Try buying a book so more libraries will prosper in this country.

THE WORKSHOP

Most of what happened in the afternoon were speeches on the current state of education. There was nothing new from what I heard. It was the same problem we faced when I was still teaching in Bukidnon.

But there was an interesting activity done by someone from CAHBRIBA alternative education.

We were made to think of adjectives we want to describe the 21st centuray Filipino. Then with the many adjectives we gave we were asked to trim it down to three. The group came up with well-rounded, smart and loves to learn. Though there were some contention on it.

After that we were asked to think of ways on how to go about that vision of the 21st Filipino. Though nothing concrete came out with that part, nothing doable other than ideals, I think that will be my guideline whenever I am thinking of projects or proposals for our program.

CHUCKS

Only three days old and it has trod on sand, puddle and mud. While I was looking at it, it felt like we were old friends. And one other time I was staring at it, I was wondering why Ronald McDonald left his shoes.

GOING BACK SOON

My stay in Manila has been extended many times. And my boss even told me I can stay the whole week this week. Maybe even join her to the Panagbega festival. And though I would love to, other than the fact I'm almost broke, I am tired.

I love Manila. It's a recent discovery. The energy that permeates the air can sometimes be electrifying, sometimes electrecuting. Now that I have laid-back Davao for my home-base, I miss the energy sometimes.

But this past week has been a meeting of old friends since we haven't seen each other for three months. Some three years. And I enjoyed every moment. There has not been a night that I am not booked. Even my dates with my brother has to be scheduled. Imagine!

But even if I love Manila, I have learned to enjoy the lackadaisical life of Davao. Where I can just be happy with a book, a remote control and a game of scrabble.

All the rest I got from Davao was all gone in a poof in Manila. But the people are all worth it. Still, I can't wait to have real relaxation soon.

my shoulder hurts.

MARAWI CITY, A LITTLE MORE INTIMATE

The city itself we toured for just 30 minutes. I was also amazed at the huge houses. Two stories that probably covered two lots, maybe. With an additional two lots for a yard. And they were really nice houses. Galing! And while we have been used to houses with Mary or Jesus on the outside, there were Arabic writings in one part of the wall.

The house we were staying in was located at MSU (Mindanao State University). Going inside somewhat reminded me of UP Los Banos. It was a university compound where touches of Muslim culture dominated here and there.

We took a few minutes rest while dinner was being prepared. The TV was sorely missed after three days without electricity. When dinner was ready, we ate outside the house. It was cold. As in BAGUIO COLD! I had to get my jacket to keep warm. So cool! It was the kind of weather that called for warm cocoa and somebody to hug. Hehehe!

After dinner, we went with the volunteers to buy a cell card in a store nearby. The store was located in the compound where the Qur’an memorization was. The girls said that the boys there were not allowed to go out except to say their prayers in the King Faishal Temple. But they were covered from head to foot. And apparently, a lot were good-looking and mestisuhin. After two years of not seeing the sun.

Being the naughty girls that we are, we tried looking through the grills if we can see any of the guys. But all we saw were slippers outside the temple. One of the volunteers saw a pair of feet that backed out when they saw her feet. They were more contained than the seminary!!! No wonder they want to get married to four wives. Hahah! Joking.

The next day, we toured MSU. It was there I was able to step on a golf course for the first time. We took a lot of pictures because we had to finish up the film. So we posed by the MSU sign, a big tree, a Karate champion who will be competing in next year’s SEA games…

After our MSU tour, we went to the malongan. Man! It was heaven. Name a design for a malong, they have it. There were ones that looked like abstract pieces of art. There were butterflies, clouds, sun, Winnie the Pooh, bears, plaid, stripes, lola-ish. Everything! I was most particularly in-love with the Hawaiian-esque, Roco-esque malong. I bought two of those designs, just in time for the coming summer. I’m still contemplating if I want to turn it into a dress or keep it as a malong.

Food in the ARMM general is spicy. They have chili, ginger and spices on all their foods. And they put a lot! But I have gotten used to the spices. I used to not like my foot hot, but now food tastes bland without it.

All in all, I love the ARMM. The culture and place is very interesting. There is much to know and learn about them. So cool! I love Marawi.

PUERTO GALERA

The weekend was quite relaxing as I spent it in Puerto with a very good friend. There were a lot of people for a non-peak season. Clouds hung low and the sun barely showed up. So much for the tan he was looking forward to have.

It was a pretty quiet trip. We spent most of it alternately sitting down by the shore catching up with our lives and devouring food from this restaurant I always go to but which name I always forget.

We did get to swim this morning for a bit. The water started out cold then we got used to it eventually. Nice. It was a nice dip. And it was a nice trip.

There is still more stories about Marawi. Pero ito muna.

RONALD MCDONALD FEET

I finally bought RED HI-CUT CHUCK TAYLORS!!! My dream shoes of ten years. As inspired by my Eraserheads frenzy in fourth year high school. I'm happy with my soles!!!

MY CONVERSE LOVE STORIES
I didn't want to ask from my mom seven hundred bucks for a pair of outrageously colored sneakers. It simply wasn't practical and we had a tight budget at home. But I really wanted a pair of Converse sneakers because Ely Buendia and Buddy Zabala were wearing it. Talk about fan!

So early college, I settled for a pair of locally made black One Star. I loved it! I wore it almost everyday of my sophomore year. It went well with all my jeans.

Then when my feet outgrew it, I had to buy another pair of sneakers. This time I bought All-Stars, but not Chucks. It was black and grey. And my feet looked like a boys. And I liked it that way.

They were enough to satisfy my desire for Converse. But I would secretly sneak a peak at Chucks whenever I'm at the mall. Or sometimes I'd stare at the black Chucks on the Eraserheads ultraelectromagneticpop album.

Finally, the desire has been sated. Yeah! I now have Chucks. Red ones. *dance of joy*

Another Converse love story begins.

MARAWI CITY, FIRST LOOK

From Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur, we traversed the whole of Narciso Ramos highway and even passed by Camp Abubakar which is already being handled by the military. According to Kuya James, the road to Marawi is composed of 225 curves. Which was the reason why there are only a small number of public utility vehicles and the fare was expensive.

The Islamic State of Marawi City is a very interesting place. Bustling with so much activity, it looked like Manila’s Binondo or Quiapo except it was dominated by Muslims. The market was full of people, the streets had traffic, children were coming out from their Arabic classes. I liked the energy of the place.

Kuya James also called Marawi, “the CITY OF STREAMERS.” He wasn’t kidding! There were streamers declaring weddings, welcoming home Mecca pilgrims, board passers, promotions, enthronements… Amazing!

It was interesting to be the cultural minority for once. Though there were other Muslim women who did not wear their tumbongs, (the cloth around their head), for some reason, I don’t think I can be mistaken to be Muslim there.

Mosques were all over the place. There was only one Church for the Christian minority. Marawi City was surrounded by a lake. No sign of pork anywhere, but there was ample supply of beef. Spices were abound in the marketplace.

Morpheus


?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

I got printed. Kababawang kuwento lang naman. :)

AN INTERFAITH EXPERIENCE

Maya (my boss) and I went to Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur and Sapad, Maguindanao to attend the graduation of our functional literacy program there. Bangsamoro Youth is our partner NGO who handles the program. They did a great job because the learners (mostly adults) didn’t want the program to end, or were asking for an extension of the program.

It just goes to show how much people really thirst for learning. These adults never knew how to read or write their names until the functional literacy program. The valedictory address of both the Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao areas thanked ADF for the chance to learn. More importantly, they were thankful for being given hope and self-worth.

During both graduations, I was grinning from ear to ear out of sheer joy and fulfillment. Successful projects like these make butt-aching eight hour trips worth it. Seeing people see the value of what was given to them gives me hope, too.

The leader of the Bangsamoro Youth mentioned in her speech how the literacy program bridged intercultural and interfaith races. How it is the true way to peace-building. I do so much agree.

I’m glad that my experience with our Muslim brothers have been quite good. There is much to learn from them.

(Marawi adventure next)

Argh! Wrote a long entry pero hindi na-publish. So here is the edited version.

INIKOT KO NA TALAGA ANG MINDANAO

My travel last Friday:
Davao-Digos-North Cotabato-Kidapawan-Cotabato City-Maguindanao-Lanao del Sur

Last Sunday:
Lanao del Sur-the whole of Narciso Ramos highway (the one in the news!) which was around 225 curves according to Kuya James-Marawi City

Last Monday:
Marawi City-Iligan City-the stretch of Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro-Bukidnon-Davao City

Trace it on the map! (Ako gagawin ko pa lang)

The stories next. :)

Just came from the Islamic City of Marawi.
It has been a very interesting and fulfilling and overwhelming week.
Well, I think I always say that whenever I come from the area.
But I'm in Cagayan de Oro right now and will be boarding the bus to Davao in a few minutes. So not much time to tell my story.

I love this weekend though.

But I am also excited to go to Manila. It feels more like a vacation than a job. Hehehe!

MONA LISA SMILE

It was nice. But more than being nice it hit me right on the spot. Being a former teacher myself, I could understand how much Kathryn Watson wanted her students to see the world in a different perspective. But unlike her students who were rich spoiled brats, mine were poor and struggline. Though I kept seeing flashes of my past whenever she has encounters with her students.

Nothing can ever beat the fulfillment of being a teacher and seeing your students do so well inspite of their difficulties. My biggest thrill right now is seeing Emman in the Ateneo Philo Department studying for his masters. Despite his troubles in the seminary and at home, he has gone further than any of his batchmates. And the best thing about it, we remain friends! He even wrote me a very nice testimonial on my friendster. Hehehe!

I miss being a teacher. Maybe that was why I was bawling during the ending.

BIYAHENG LANAO

The trip to Lanao del Sur is quite a major production. It took me eight hours and four rides to get there. Good thing Jerry and Yen were with me to make the trip tolerable.

When you travel from Cotabato to LDS, you are greeted with a wonderful view of a mountain that is still quite forested. I was so happy to see large trees clumped together on the hillside rather than the usual cogon, coconut and gmelina fare. Also, it was nice to discover that it also has sunflower-lined roads like Bukidnon.

If I didn’t need to piss badly it would have been a pleasurable ride, with barely any other vehicle on the road. Somewhere along the way, I saw some a body of water which I thought was a lake. Instead it was a marshland! Cool.

The only problem was I couldn’t camouflage myself as a native because I don’t know the Maranao language. Other than the fact, that I looked to much of a traveler, with my tubao and backpack, to be considered a local.

During my stay in Kapatagan itself, I was spared the ordeal of walking too much. I probably walked for an hour and half only even if I was made to expect something like three to four hours total. Luckily, the husband of our contact had a car so he brought us to the places where the car can reach.

It was also more fun this time, since we got to spend time with the Bangsamoro Youth volunteers. Though we never really talked, the vibe in the air was full of energy. Most of the volunteer facilitators were younger than I was. They were always joking around with each other, while I just observed them.

For the first time in my life, I took a real bath in a batis. With soap, shampoo and all. Though it was not the first time I took a bath with my clothes on. Still it was tough. I had no idea how to dress up without getting exposed to the whole world. Yen helped me out by holding my malong to serve as a makeshift closet.

But the thing I enjoyed most was going around the communities and listening to the scholars. Which shall be discussed in another entry. :)

THIS COMING FRIDAY IS…

FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!

I love Friday the 13th!!! Except I will be on the rode the whole day of Friday. Phooey. I would have preferred visiting my coven. Hmph.

LOOK AND LEARN

Once again, I am amazed by God’s goodness during my trip to Malita and Lanao del Sur. Little things that made life easier for me.

The weather was kind. When I left Davao for both Malita and Lanao del Sur, it was raining hard the night before. I was worried it may still be raining in the area and would make my cough and cold worse. But when I got to the area, the sun was shining. The roads weren’t too dusty because of the previous rain, neither was it too muddy because the rain stopped.

While we were walking, even if it was terribly hot, when I felt like giving up a nice breeze would blow and refresh me. Or a cloud cover would come to shield us from the sun long enough for us to gain enough will power to continue walking.

But it was mostly the people that really showed me how great God was.

The Church workers who trek those communities almost every month, going from one mountain to another, just to make sure the IP communities have water systems and education to make their lives better. These Church workers who are not getting as much as I am but are doing much more in making a difference in these people’s lives, they are real heroes of the Church. If not for their help, priests and nuns would not be able to their own work.

The people we serve. It is amazing how even in their poverty, the children can still smile genuinely and enjoy their afternoon games. How the elders share what little resources they have to a guest like me – from their coffee to their meals. Each time I see children coming from the other sitio just to go to school, I am touched.

While many of us city folks take school for granted, these children walk an hour without taking any meal to study. When they get home, they still help around the house then do their homework using only candlelight.

Life and people are amazing. Making God more magnificent for making such wonderful creatures.

BIYAHENG ENERO, PART 4

THINK OF GARLIC AND CHEESE.

My technique for the past few days of walking has been thinking of happy thoughts to get me going. There are kids waiting for me. God has blesses me with this job to see things other people haven’t. Similar stuff like that to prod me on. Unfortunately it didn’t work on the last day. All I could think about was going home. Not that I wasn’t enjoying anymore but I really wanted to take a bath where I didn’t have to wear anything, or worry about falling into a pit of shit.

Every time I felt my step getting heavier, I thought of garlic and cheese pizza. And our toilet. And electricity. It helped me a bit. I wasn’t smiling while walking like before. But at least it kept me going.

And it got me where I wanted to go.

Yes!

And so the rest of the day, I travelled from Matamis to Malita to Digos to Davao. But this time, I was on a bus. It was only my butt and my knee that was hurting.

As my celebration for surviving, I called up Jerry and Tatit to share with me Shakey’s Special thin crust pizza (they may not be satisfied with garlic and cheese alone). I just paid a bigger share since it was my craving.

And a manicure. The pedicure and foot spa came the next day. And movies. I needed to watch a movie. So I watched Intolerable Cruelty. Ugh, George Clooney. But well… it’s still a movie (even if it was terrible).

You are blessed with FAERY wings. Beauty,
laughter, life, magic...that's what you are all
about. You are refreshingly innocent and happy
with your life of purity and play. Life's a
game and it's a good one. In your eyes there's
no way to lose! You can be very mischeivous and
have been known to cause trouble, but it's all
in the name of fun and not meant to really harm
anyone. You like to play tricks on people who
aren't quite as bright or clever as you - which
is almost everyone. Nature is the setting you
prefer to be in - Always. Barefoot and wild you
can't be tamed. You're probably a restless
spirit who loves to travel, and quite a
dreamer. Your creativity is astounding and your
art (of whatever media - from writing to
painting to drama) is like something from
another world - ethereal and often very
fantasy-oriented. You can either be a social
butterfly or a loner with their head in the
clouds - but rarely inbetween. You stubbornly
refuse to accept responsibility or to give in
to the wishes of others - unless you feel like
it. You have a strong passion for music and
can't imagine life without it. You'll grow up
someday, but you'll always be a child at heart.
You are adventurous and love to take risks, and
feel a deep connection with the weather,
plants, and animals. You prefer sunshine to
thunder or snow, the warmth of summer to
autumn's chill, and quiet forests to suburban
backyards. Magic through and through, you are
far more powerful than you seem, and are
capable of being extremely passionate. Though
you can be childish, naive, stubborn, and
self-absorbed, one thing is certain - life with
you will never be boring!


*~*~*Claim Your Wings - Pics and Long Answers*~*~*
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I like! I am. :) Love, love, love fairies! Still believe in them. Pixie I am. :)

My Biyaheng Enero entries are not over but since I did not go to the office, I do not have the file to put in my blog. Yup, that's the secret, I write my long entries on my computer then copy it to the blog so as not to take much internet time.

Anyways, over the weekened I went to Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur. It's a Muslim community where we have functional literacy for the adults. I was quite surprised to know that these people could hardly communicate because all they know is Maranao and Arabic. They hardly understand Tagalog, which has become the bartering language in their poblacion.

I learned a lot from my visit there. But I still have to jot it down as it is all in my mind.

Thing is, though, we have a lot of misconceptions about our Muslim brothers. And we have some things right, too. But in the end, I realized how deprived they are thus resulting their hostility towards us. My three days in Lanao just made see how really messed up this country is. Which makes me feel how much work many of us have to do.

So to those people who loves this country, let's get starting this election.

By the way, in one of the communities, Roco won by a landslide. Explanation later. There is hope yet.

SINGIT ULI

A. I drink coffee like it’s hot chocolate. Instead of taking little sips, I gulp it down. Funny lang. But then, it is mocha frothe and it tastes more like choco than coffee.

B. Watched “Sky of Love.” A movie starring my other favorite F4 member Ken (the other one I like is Vic). Didn’t expect anything much because I have no idea what the plot was. Close-ups of Ken are enough to make my 45 bucks worth it. Surprisingly, it was quite nice and had a lot of insight. It didn’t feel anything like controlled romance, but a simple slice of life story. It was like listening to a philo orals on Phenomenology of Love while having simple, no pizzaz, straight to the point visuals to prove the points. Not a lot of things were happening except a conversation between time-crossed friends. They were conversing over short wave radio except Ken was in 2002 and his girl friend was in 1981 (no romance between the two of them, goody!). I actually want a transcript of this movie.

Some lines (I would not be able to remember the exact words):

Ken: “In your time, you are trying to find where love is. In our time, we try to find out if it exists.”
Girl: (after realizing she can’t be with the man she loves) “Love does not have to be found in someone. It can be a passion. The fall of the rain on your face, the blowing of the wind… etc.”
“Love lasts forever even if it is just a moment.”

There were many other similar lines like that that were beautiful and poetic.

BIYAHENG ENERO, PART 3

TAGAKAULO 101

After observing the class in Kasayan, Kuya Julie and I decided to go around the community. The kids we were meeting on the road were still making mano. I found it quite fascinating. Everytime they took my hand, I would squeeze theirs as a way to acknowledge my gratitude for their respect.

While walking, there was this horse whose forehead was against a coconut tree. It was like he was in despair, like what we would do, laying our heads on our arms while against the wall. It was so funny. I made up lines for the horse, “oh, kay hirap ng buhay kabayo… ano na ang gagawin ko sa buhay kong bigo?” Naks! That horse has a flair for drama. Hihihihi!

Kuya Julie went to a spot where his radio can catch the signal of his wife in Matamis. I stayed behind watching the children play. Some of the girls from class went up to me to have a chat. Being quite curious of the phenomenon, I asked them how they found out the movements of Otso-Otso. Some of them were able to see it on television in the center. Once they got back to their community, they would teach the other kids the steps.

Cool. Just one kid to know a new fad, it can spread like wildfire!

Anyways… I asked them to teach me some Tagakaulu greetings and words. And here are what I picked up.

Madyaw na maselem – good morning
Madyaw na alasdose – good noon
Madyaw na ambong – good afternoon
Madyaw na gabii – good evening
Madyaw na alaw – good day
Kuda – horse
Meow – cat (uh, stating the obvious!)
Babasal – kalabasa
Batad – corn
Ido – dog
Matamis – delicious
Amo (a-moh) – monkey

I was so fascinated learning the language, I go “Madyaw na gabii, kuda” to every horse that I meet.

ELVERO

We were to go to Langkwas in the morning and come back to Kasayan in the afternoon. Even with my muscles aching all over, I was quite ready for the walk. My favorite hobbit, Elvero, was going to come with us.

I call him Kumander because he always has a bandana around his forehead. When the male students of Kasayan started coming in one by one, I noticed that the boys were wearing bandanas over their foreheads. It was only in the flag ceremony in the afternoon that I realized that it was part of their school uniform for the day (though they were in casual clothes).

Elvero was fourteen years old but he was just the size of a nine-year old with the strength of a 25-year old man going to the gym regularly. Minus the jazzy pa-porma gym attire. He was very much a Kumander, as he was always chest out and chin up. His had a shy smile that made his eyes twinkle.

SIGNAL!!!

When we reached the top of the mountain, there was signal already. We were already on the Saranggani/Dajangas side of the mountain. Kasayan was on the Davao del Sur side. I texted some of my friends telling them I was on top of the mountain with a spectacular view of General Santos and Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato.

Mt. Matutum was somewhat Mayon-ish because it was pointed, but there was another conical protrusion on one of its sides. It was beautiful. We stayed a bit longer to admire it. And of course to take some pictures!

I thought the Langkwas teacher was lucky to have signal in his area. But then I realized there wasn’t any electricity to charge his phone if he had one. Oh well.

LANGKWAS

I didn’t get to spend much time with the kids since we had to leave after lunch. But it was nice seeing them quite as eager as the kids in Kisayan. They were more shy though, maybe because they belonged to a younger age bracket.

The highlight of my day was actually sleeping in the open. Kuya Julie and Sir Larry asked me if I wanted to sleep inside the hut but I preferred to take a nap in the benches outside the hut. Shaded from the heat of the sun and the wind blowing gently… perfect Juan Tamad nap time for me.

The nap took just 20 minutes but I felt refreshed. I haven’t had that kind of nap in many, many years. And so we were ready for our walk back to Kasayan.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

When we got to Kasayan, the class was almost over. I sat by the door of the Teacher’s cottage. After class, the kids were to clean up their surroundings. So I got my camera and took pictures of them. Instead of getting candid shots, the kids started running to me for their picture to be taken.

It was great hanging out with them. I was practicing my Tagakaulo and they were so fascinated. They laughed when I said, Madyan na ambong sa kuda.

They laughed. I laughed. Twas fun.

SINGIT LANG

Jack Nicholson, I find him a hot man. I can't wait for Something's Gotta Give. And woo-hoo! for Diane Keaton who won a Golden Globe. She was in fact sexy in her turtle necks.

BIYAHENG ENERO, PART 2

MAY SALOMPAS KA BA DIYAN?

As expected, I woke up the next morning with aching thighs and legs. Whenever I would go down the stairs, I could feel my muscles cry, “arouch!” But much as I just want to hang around in Kisalama, we had to move on to Kasayan.

MALAPIT NA

Fortunately, it was just an hour walk. So they say. And it was just about that amount of time. Except… the road inclined about 50 to 60 degrees up! Waaah! Right after the third stretch of inclines I had to stop and take a breather. I wanted to just lie down but there wasn’t any place to do that. So that served as my motivation to go on walking.

At some point, Kuya Julie told me “malapit na.” Being used to walking with Lumads, I have come to know that malapit na may range from 30 minutes to several hours. So when I heard those magic words, I did not believe it. But after five minutes, I could see a flag! And children rushing to me and Kuya Julie to bless (mano).

MANUOD KA LANG

When Sir Tiny asked me whether I wanted to teach the class, I told him I would just observe. So after lunch I joined the class and sat at the back to see how the class went.

It was great seeing the kids raising their hands often, even if they did give the wrong answers sometimes. Their very effort to participate moves me, makes me proud that our foundation is sponsoring something like this.

The teacher also taught the students well, though he was a bit strict. But after my Pangantucan experience, it helps for the students to know who is boss from beginning to end.

BULAD, IF YOU PLEASE

They were quite disappointed to hear that I was allergic to chicken. Sir Tiny already had a chicken ready to be slaughtered as an offering to me. He was worrying about what I would eat. I told him veggies and bulad (dried fish) would be perfect. And whenever meal time came, those were really what we ate. And how yummy the food was. I love bulad!!! Even if they were eating adobong chicken, I did not feel jealous at all. And the ginataang kalabasa! Yummmmmm!

Those were three healthy days for me. Having vegetables and fish for meals and root crops and corn for merienda. Just the kind of food we need for the walking and walking and walking we have to make.

PLOKAN

Finally, I know what it looks like. I have heard the term many times with my JVP friends but have not had a close encounter with it. Matamis has allowed me that opportunity.

It’s a small cubicle with kawayan for walls, and timber for flooring. There is a hole in the middle that leads to a six feet deep, four feet wide pit where you crap or piss, whatever nature calls you to do. Inside the pit are giant flies that go bzzzzzzzzzzzzzing, bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzing.

But at least it smells better than a portalet, mind you.

With the many times I had to eat tubers and root crops, I had to use the thing on quite a regular basis. I kept praying that the wood was strong enough to keep my weight. Thank God, it did.

Hmm… if it rained really hard, would the crap overflow? Euw.

BIYAHENG ENERO, PART I

RIVER CROSSINGS

On the way to Malita, I was having traveling jitters. Something I have not experienced for quite a while already. At the back of my mind, I wasn’t entirely sure if my body can already handle the physical requirements of a monitoring visit to the IP communities we are handling. But then… it was then or never.

The first day of my arrival, we still stayed in the Mission House where the priest and the community organizers stay before they hie off to the mountains. It was quite a habal-habal ride. Kuya Julie, my companion for the trip, insisted that I wear my jacket so as not to turn into human barbeque after the ride. The noontime sun is never kind to travelers.

And so we went off to Matamis, an hour-long motorcycle ride. We crossed three small streams, two bridges and four rivers. So cool! I never even had to go down the motorcycle though I got the underside of my pants a bit wet.

SUPER KIDS

When we got to the Matamis Mission House, the staff insisted that I take a siesta, which I gladly followed. Though I have just been traveling the whole day, I was feeling quite sleepy. So I laid out my banig and snoozed.

I woke up the the sounds of the “chichu” or chainsaw. The workers were cutting down the tree in front of the new convent being constructed. After they were able to bring the tree down, the chopped it into small pieces for it not to get in the way of the road. The men ordered the kids (as in seven-ish childredn) playing basketball to put them aside.

The nice thing about it, the kids seemed to had fun doing the chore. The interesting thing about it, they really could carry tbe trunk chunks! Well, I have seen kids from Sagada carry rocks uphill (!), but I still remain to be surprised at how capable the body is of carrying heavy weight. Especially children. There was this one group of kids who were quite determined to clear the road of the tree. After most everyone did their share of the chore, this group tried to move a 3-ft long trunk. Since it was too heavy, they tried to pull it and pull it. But the thing gave it a hard time. By then, I would have given up. But they pushed and shoved and did everything they could to get it off the road. I was so proud of those kids! They did all those without reward. After everything, they went back to their basketball game like nothing happened.

THE WALKING BEGINS

My bag usually weighs between 5-8 kilos every trip. I don’t know why my load is always heavy even if I pack just what is necessary. I was kind of ready to lug around my bag to God knows where. But the Kuya Julie was smart enough to know that no matter how much resolve my will has, my body will eventually give way to a weight like that in 30 minutes or so. So there were three children (!) from the communities that brought our bags for us. I left half of my stuff in the Mission house that I may not be able to use.

So Gandalf (Kuya Julie), Eowyn (hahaha! I wish) and three hobbits (the kids) left at 7 AM to walk through streams, cogons, coconut and corn fields for our quest. Oh, I was ready. I bought a pair of rain boots for P75. It was almost as thing as a raincoat. But it served me well, though I can feel the rocks through the sole.

Anyways, I have been warned that the hike usually takes the Tagakaulus three hours. So I braced myself for a four to five hour journey. The kids carrying our bag were so quick, it was difficult to keep pace. But I was actually able to. I am so proud of myself. Finally, my thunder thighs (giant big patas I have) found their purpose!

The walk took four hours. But we made a 30-minute detour to another community. So, that reduces the actual trip to 3 and ½ hours.

There was this part where you can see a riverbend. It was a spectacular. And inviting. It would have been wonderful to have had a chance to take a dip. And just swim the whole day. But of course, priorities! Got my pants wet from crossing the river. Not even my knee-high boots were able to keep the water out. Because the river were up to the thighs.

So we rested for ten minutes or so to dry our feet. And took pictures of course. Except it was Gandalf’s camera and not mine. :(

KISALAMA

We were greeted by children making mano (oooh. So coño!). That was actually part of the school discipline, for the kids to mano (does anyone know the direct translation, other than bless?) their teachers and church workers who come for a visit. So there were 15 to 20 kids rushing to us saying either “good morning” or the tagakaulu translation “madyan na maselum.”

Mam Edwina, the para-teacher, already had balanghoy (cassava) and salabat (ginger drink) prepared for us. The salabat was so delicious. It was only boiled ginger with sugar, but it sure soothed my insides and loosened up my sinuses. After another 30 minutes, we had lunch.

At 230, after my siesta, I took over the class with no idea what to do. I would have preferred to just observe because I have no idea where the kids are with their lessons. And I would have wanted to see how the teachers are handling their classes. But since I was caught off guard, I said yes to taking over the class.

Most of what I did were make the children sing their action songs. And it was so cute! They weren’t shy at all and actually enjoyed their action songs. I super don’t like action songs. But I tried to join along. They even had their own song version of otso-otso. At least it was in the context of starting the day with a smile. Eventurally moving on to math.

After the song and dance numbers, we did some subtractions. I was fascinated by their enthusiasm. Even if they didn’t know how, they raised their hands and tried to answer the questions. These kids were really eager to learn. You have to be amazed by that resolve.

WHERE THE STARS KISS THE MOUNTAIN

There was no electricity. Which was fine with me. I liked it that way. Gandalf invited me for a six o’clock prayer. Afterwards, they chatted with one of the parents in Tagakaulu dialect. So I just waited for the stars to come out one by one. The quarter moon was bright, so everything was blue instead of pitch black.

One by one, little flickers of light started appearing in the sky. And the cornfields. Fireflies. They were all over the place! I wanted to count, but there were too many. Nice. Nice. Nice.

One bright planet, most likely Venus, shone hard. It was so huge! If the stars were like pencil dots, it was the size of an eraser stub. While waiting for dinner, I just kept looking at the stars.

And what a wonderful thing to see! The planet set (like the sun sets). You could see it slowly going down, approaching the top of the mountain we were in , eventually kissing it then left (just like Georgie-Porgie). I looked until the last rays of light was gone.

How many people in the world has seen a planet set! Other than scientists of course. I feel so blessed to have seen that wonderful thing.

It didn’t end there. After dinner, we went out the “porch” for more conversations. Well Gandalf and Mam Edwina talked while I waited for the moon to go down. Just like the planet, the quarter moon was slowly setting. There was a point where the mountain seemed to have cradled the moon. Like a mother rocking her baby to sleep. Then the moon was also gone. But there its glow lingered on. It was like Jesus would come out from the halo of light… or an alien if you prefer.

Beautiful. Simply beautiful.