Best Man's Toast

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? Or What shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? … your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”

(Matthew 6:31-33)

I believe that almost everyone in this room right now knows the newly weds, in one way or the other. You have your own version of the character and personality of this couple and how they are related to you. Anyway, since I’m the “Best Man”, I’ll share to you my own version of who these 2 people are to me and my view of their love story.

We are three siblings in the family. I’m the middle child, the “better version’ of Kuya Jon. He is a totally different person when we were kids, though he retained some genetically implanted behavior that we learned to tolerate.

Honestly, my Kuya and I never really spent much quality time together when we were kids. He is usually outdoors playing basketball (as if!) with his barkada and spending overnight. I was left home with my sister Tin-tin playing Barbie. (Joke lang!)

I never knew much about his love life and I think he never even brought a girl at home. He is always with the barkada --- male bonding ever. But there was a time when he was in high school that he kept a picture of a girl from school in a cheerleader outfit. I never made my assumptions but that’s the closest I got of knowing the he is capable of loving another person. Kasi puro BOYS kasama niya.

Anyway, several years later, he met a YWAM missionary named, Desiree. This was a major event in his life --- COURTSHIP to the max --- kaso nga lang long distance. Unfortunately, Kuya was turned down because it wasn’t feasible for both parties. After that heartache, there was a long period of silence.

Kuya became busy with his studies in seminary and then finally found himself as a full time worker in a small church in San Pedro, Laguna --- The Lord Reigns Christian Church. I saw how Kuya fell in love with God’s work and ministry. He spent his time reading and developing new learning tools for his students. It was a tough job.

All of a sudden, a rumor was brewing and came to my attention, that his student named Billie had a crush on him. I can’t believe the news because I never expected that someone can actually fall for Kuya.

I was on the look-out for this “Billie” person. I thought, “lalake yun”. Until finally, there was a time I picked up the phone in Pacita and it was Billie, looking for Kuya. Major “nagtataray ako”. “Aba, tawag ng tawag ang Billie!” Lalo ako nairita. I was looking for her sa church pero I can’t seem to find her. So she was a mystery. Until finally, I heard the news that they are together already. I was so naiinis. Honestly, kasi I can’t accept the fact na ako na lang “single” sa family. Anyway, when Billie and I were introduced, I snobbed her and wanted her to win my respect. It took some time when finally I came to my senses that I’m wasting my time getting mad at her for reasons that I made up.

I was mad because I never knew how they came about and I was introduced to her when they are already a couple. I felt by-passed. I can’t blame them because I’m busy with my hospital duties. I never investigated on the details of their relationship. I just let them be. Though still, there are questions left unanswered.

Few months back, my question was answered unexpectedly. In one of Kuya’s message, he said he loved Billie because “she was in love with God” --- and that answered everything.

The passage that I read a while ago becomes a living testament to God’s promise. Kuya Jon and Billie were busy loving God & seeking God’s kingdom. They never worried about what they will wear, what to eat and probably who to marry. Who could have thought that Kuya Jon will end up in that small church in Laguna, accidentally meeting Billie. Both were treading different paths --- two separate but straight paths. But God chose to cross their paths at just the right time at the right place.

God was never slow in His promise. I can say that their meeting & their union has been set-up by their real BEST MAN, Jesus Christ, and I can’t find a better lady/woman/companion to fit Kuya Jon but Billie, a woman who is after God’s own heart, and I’m a witness to it.

Now, I ask everyone to join me as I give this toast to the couple. I’d like to read an excerpt from Mike Mason:

“Real love is always fated. It has been arranged before time. It is the most meticulously prepared of coincidences. And fate, of course, is simply a secular term for the will of God, and coincidence for His grace.”

To Kuya Jon and Billie, keep on loving God more & may the creator of TRUE ROMANCE bless you.

Downcast Dad

"Why so downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God" (Psalms)

Everyone was asked to share what has been disturbing our hearts lately or even for a long time. Some shared about health problems disturbing them, while others regarding relationships. My Dad captured all our attention when he added with a little hesitation about his unresolved bitterness with his mom. It was a surprise that he disclosed everything. I realized now where his short-temperedness towards his mom was coming from. His feelings of rejection and the absence of a motherly love caused his heart to be bitter & unforgiving. At a very young age, my Dad was separated from his mom and grew up with his relatives. His elder sister and younger brother were reared by their mother and was given all the perks a regular child should have. He worked his way to finish his studies. He even worked in a construction sales outlet carrying cement sacks & pipes. When he found a stable job, he moved away from his family in Bulacan and eventually stayed in Manila. He married my mom, had children and slowly climbed up the corporate ladder. His siblings still under the care of their mother. Years passed and the tide turned against his siblings. His brother went bankrupt and lost his job. His sister likewise is widowed and depends on the pension from their mother. My cousins suffered also to the point that they borrow money from us, especially from our dad. My dad gave without question and never expected anything in return. However, his heart still feels hurt and lonely whenever he thinks of his mom. He doesn't know how to love her and even where to start loving her. My grandmother never gave an explanation to him why such happened in the past. Now, my dad is asking for a resolution to that issue. He never can explain why tears fall whenever he sees his mom cry and why he burns in anger when he sees his mom hurt. I guess my dad is waiting for my grandmother to apologize for what she did. After all these were said, my dad burst into tears. I admire him for that. It was like an awakening for all of us that he going through that hearache for such a long time. I hope that soon they would resolve this issue.

Meredith

There is a new U.S. T.V.-series that my co-residents and some of our consultants are talking about --- Grey's Anatomy. It is a mock title from one of our textbooks during Med school, Gray's Anatomy. The show is about the life of a surgical intern (or first year resident, locally), including their personal and emotional issues. The whole series revolves around 5 interns, particularly the main actor, Meredith Grey, to which the series was aptly named after. I'm really impressed by the writers because of their accuracy regarding medical terminology and the “props” they used.
However, there is one character that I can relate to regarding his emotional struggle --- George O'Malley. He is one of the five interns who is portrayed as a dependable, intelligent, sometimes gullible guy. It's not that trait that I'm referring to, for the record. Anyway, he is in love with Meredith but doesn't have the courage to say so because of her strong personality and her involvement with their Neuro-surgeon. Meredith treats him as one of his close friends since he rents in her house along with another co-intern. He was even thought of as being gay because he lives with 2 female interns and share their bathroom. He has no girlfriend during the early part of the season which makes the suspicion more likely. However, he proved them wrong eventually. He seems to try to impress Meredith indirectly, but is fully aware that he can't compete with the consultant she is madly in-love with, who by the way is married to their OB-Gyn consultant. He is witness to her escapades, heartaches and struggles. Despite all these, he fully supports her and just like his other friends is willing to go the extra mile. George eventually had a girlfriend, an orthopedic surgeon, who really likes him. But still, he can't seem to get over Meredith and he would choose to prioritize her above her girlfriend. There was a time when Meredith was depressed and George was left comforting her, eventually transference occurred and they found themselves making love. While in bed, Meredith suddenly breaks out in tears for no reason. George was offended because he knew she was thinking of her lover. That incident severed their friendship. He had no choice but to pack his bags and leave Meredith’s house. The third season of this T.V. series will hopefully resolve this issue.
Being a George O’Malley is somewhat pathetic. You have so much talent and knowledge to give, but are afraid to share it because of the stereotype that people around have attributed to you. You are even capable of loving, maybe more passionate, but fear rejection and losing an important friend. What makes the situation complicated is that the person you are attracted to (Meredith) is in-love with another who is far better. Oh, the irony of love life. Why is it that for some reason we fall in love with another who is not interested in us? There are a lot of times that even if we have invested our time with that special someone, still we don’t get their approval, considering the fact that we have been there for them during times when she is at her lowest. Just so not to lose them out of our sight, we hide our true feelings and the “George” in us comes out, doing silly things to help please that person and conceal our emotions. However, some friends will push us to take the risk and confront the issue. They see a different outcome from what you realistically imagine. Sometimes you are tempted to really put the issue to a close. But the insecurity chokes you and finds yourself walking back. In the end, you are left on the sidelines watching your Meredith in the company of another. Then, there’s a nagging voice telling you, “If only…”
All of us have “Meredith’s” in our lives. We have played the role of George once, twice or maybe right now. It may sound a bit sad playing his role, but the good thing is, like any other T.V. series, there’s always another season to look forward to. I hope my next season will be to my favor.

Proper Timing

"1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."
(Eccesiastes 3)

A cliche passage to most of us, yet still holds meaning & power in certain issues of our lives.
In one of my duties in the hospital, a colleague of mine heard me complaining that our duty was "toxic" (in lay-man's term: busy) and getting worse by the minute. She told me that all things has an end to it. Our duty will eventually end after 24 hours and we can finally hit the bed to rest. There is wisdom to what she said and that was the inspiration I got when I reread this passage of scripture. However, its application does not end there, it also addressed personal issues in my life. It reminded me that its probably time for me to "mend". I have had so many heartbreaks in the past and I feel so scattered. I had a closure with a person in my recent past, but it dawned on me that I need to have a resolution within myself. A "time to gather" has to commence for a genuine healing to take place. We have a choice whether we remain in a certain "time" or move on with God's time.

Best Man

"Best Man?" Such a privilege, but it's a case-to-case basis. I had mixed emotions when my Kuya Jon told me that I will be his Best Man on his wedding this December. I felt being the odd-man in the family, now that I'm the only "single" sibling. Looking back, I thought my brother will be the last one to get married. I was conceited enough before to think so. He is very subtle with regards courtship. I never really had a training on such ritual. Funny thing though, I'm very good at pushing guys into courting another girl and giving advice. Unfortunately, I'm a total loser at it. I guess that explains why I'm the only bachelor in the family now. It's much of a choice really (as if) and probably a result of wrong choices I made early in life.
Being the Best Man means a lot more than performing certain duties during the ceremony. It comes with a responsibility of living out that title. I was expecting that my brother would choose some of his churchmate or co-worker, but alas, poor me, I had no choice or the other way around. I guess they chose me because I will host the reception, to cut their budget, and be a stand up comedian at the same time. But regardless of their reason, I'm very happy and honored to be able to play an important role in their lives. Next question is, will I find myself asking my brother to be the bestman in my wedding also?

The Passion that was Brokeback

Ennis del Mar is a guy who embodies the traditional. Very restrained in his emotions and unexpressive. This is partly because he was conditioned (traumatized) from his childhood that a lifestyle beyond the norm is scorned at and even punished. He once experienced a life of plenty until his parents died and left them only $24 on a coffee can. He was taken cared of by his brother & sister. Her sister married a rough neck and took off. He and his brother found job on some ranch and later on got married. Ennis was then left alone and jumps from one casual job to another & now found himself working on Brokeback Mountain for a summer job. He is living within his means and works double time to feed himself. Being independent most of his life, he learned how to be domesticated. He denies himself of simple pleasures to prioritize what is essential.
Jack Twist has a different struggle to contend with. He has his parents, but his father is very secretive, unsupportive and doesn’t share his thoughts. His dad never see him ride his favorite sport --- rodeo. I guess it was his way of getting attention from his dad. He is not as worried regarding financial matters and knows how to get extra income by doing rodeo. His personality is totally different from Ennis. He is outspoken, endearing & funny. Has a sense of initiative and brave enough to express his emotions. He has no negative stigma attached to a queer relationship.
Brokeback mountain served as a venue for these two unique individuals to discover a relationship that is beyond the norm. They never said “I love you” to each other. Their actuations was louder than the words itself. Love was a force that they can’t handle. It was like a raging flood hitting them right infront of their face. They tried to deny it but to no avail. Their unspoken emotions haunts them every single day of their lives even if they were miles apart. It was the guiding force that makes their existence more exciting & worth living.
Ennis has no clear plans, but is well aware that there is a possibility. He just doesn’t want Jack to give up the comfortable life he is in right now. Probably, Ennis is afraid that Jack might end up like him, broke & broken. Amidst all these, Jack remained optimistic and never gave up on that dream that they will one day live together and be “like this always”. He is just waiting for Ennis to give the go signal. Unfortunately, Ennis is not aware that Jack had already laid the plans and he just dismissed it as a wishful thinking. They thought that meeting up on the mountain every now & then is enough, until finally after almost 20 years on one of their trips, their feelings for each other welled-up. Jack was missing Ennis so much that twice or thrice a year of meeting is not just enough. Ennis is too much for him to handle. He wants their relationship to transcend what they had in Brokeback and move on with what they truly feel for each other. Ennis likewise admitted that he is going nowhere in his life because of Jack. A passionate moment of disclosure before he lost Jack in a tragic accident. It was a painful thought that Ennis was the last to know about this event. Now he was left with the shirt & jacket, stained with blood, that they wore when they were in Brokeback more two decades ago. It remained a testament of their unspoken, yet undying love for each other. Just like Ennis said, “Jack, I swear…”
This story of friendship struck me to the core. The first embrace when they met after four years was for me an explosion of pure love & passion. Two mature men, each had a life of their own, had another life living in their minds that was long overdue for fulfillment. As I see my previous relationships, no one has come close to what the movie portrayed. It may seem ideal but it is possible. This has raised the bar on how I or everyone should view friendships or relationships. Expressing your true feelings and taking the risk is what people lack. We deny each other the truth that the other must hear and finding ourselves hurt in the end. So many lessons learned, I hope we all come to realize it. This has made an impact on me and allowed me to be more careful on my emotions. The passion in friendship & love is what we need to give life into it.

Closure

I turned a year older yesterday. Was it good news or bad news? Depends. My cellphone was slowly flooded by text messages greeting me, from the wee hours in the morning until late last night. I have to admit, I was kinda wishful thinking that I get a greeting from him. Fate was probably good to me, that around 2PM, I got an SMS from an unregistered number - "Hi chris. Happy birthday po. May God bless u always -- 'his name'". My face lighted up. The final closure. It doesn't really matter whether he was still thinking of me. I do, too. But now I realized that I should not resent what happened to us. I was directing my anger to him and what he did all this time, when in fact, I was really angry at myself for allowing such event to come to pass. It is true that our greatest enemy is ourselves. From day one, I had the choice to say no and spare myself of the pain and hurt that stemmed from the break-up. I forced myself to make it happen without seeing the repercusions. I have built a fantasy world to conform to what I thought was a trend. The pain was unbelievable at first. Thank God I came back to my senses early.

I'd like you to meet...

Sam is our very first niece. She is truly a bundle of joy when she was added to our family. However, the announcement of her arrival brought both happiness and disappointment. Trust was broken. Everyone felt betrayed, especially me. I was shattered to pieces. I felt that my ties with my sister was slowly melting away. We drifted apart, or rather I chose to shut her off my life.
Time eventually healed the hurt I was feeling. Sam's presence hastened the process. Early last year, I found myself laughing with my sister just like the way we were before. But the healing was not really complete. Sam's dad is out of the picture. He was truly the object of my resentment. From the time that we had a confrontation when they told us the news about Sam, our paths never crossed. We tried to avoid each other, because both of us reminds us of the hurt we caused each other. Every family member makes a conscious effort so that we won't bump into each other. There came a point that my sister disclosed to me that her husband doesn't want me to step in their home.
The healing process was long but there are signs of progress. We passed a lot of opportuities to finally meet and build bridges. Last Christmas, it was nothing special but at the back of my mind, if ever he drops by, I will try to make the first move. Unfortunately, he didn' came.
On New Year's eve, the whole family had lunch at my sister's house before heading back to Laguna to welcome the New Year --- for the sake of family tradition. My parents & brother went ahead and I was left to drive my sister & Sam. Little did I know that they intentionally left me because Sam's dad will be coming over to have dinner with them before we head off to Laguna. To make the long story short, he came but went upstairs to the master's bedroom. I was at the dirty kitchen finishing the barbeque. When dinner time came, Sam was bugging me to join her on the table and meet her dad. It was inevitable. With Sam dragging me to the dinner table, she called to her dad then we found ourselves shaking hands, "Papa, I'd like you to meet tito Tope..." The rest is history.

Vindicated

Five months? Ganun na ba katagal? I really don't believe it myself, but it is. I severed all types of connection with him, from his cellphone number, friendster account and even his friends. I never made attempts of getting in touch with him in anyway because there's no point in doing so. From that fateful day last June, I get text messages from him saying hello every now and then. The most recent was last month when he called me up. To my surprise, because his number is not registered on my phone anymore, it was him. He was asking how I am. I feel vindicated. I really don't know what his purpose is, but now I realized that he is not worth coming back to.
Honestly, there are times when I'm plagued with the thought of being with someone special again. Sometimes, my very young niece notices that I need "to find someone to love." Maybe she is right, but not now or anytime in the near future. Lovelife seems to repel me. All the people that I loved in the past, just didn't see me "right" for them. I guess my friend was right, when she said that my recent relationship was a whirlwind romance. I grabbed the opportunity of being loved, even when that person hasn't passed the screening procedure. Now, I'm left afraid and traumatized. Actually, I'm a bit curious as to who he will replace me with. I'm very much tempted to compare myself and the one he has now. What is it in me that makes me unpopular in the romance scene? Didn't I play by the rules? Did I overdo certain tasks? Am I unlovable? I always end up by myself and they with someone else. I really don't know where to put my heart. It seeks to love someone else and nurture a lasting relationship. I tried to look for it, but seems to hide from me. I tried to wait instead, it did came but only for a while. What's next? I'm just happy to know that I never cheated anyone and that I have loved to the fullest. Right now, I am content to know that I'm vindicated, as evidenced by the attempts made by my previous relationship to get in touch with me. I pity him. He just lost a great treasure.
I'm still hoping that that "someone" will come or probably right in front of my nose already. While waiting, my task right now is to be the "right"person and make efforts to improve myself. Thanks for the vindication.

Month-sary

Time flies. It has been a month since the time I rose up from the rubble of my emotional disaster. I found myself breaking away from the habit I developed --- expecting a text message daily, going out with him, and spending the night together. I have gone back to the mainstream of life. Emotions are withering away like a melting ice. A gap that was left is almost completely repaired and filled in with essential matters. Now I am fully equipped to face a similar and much more difficult issue. It gave me tools to help others confronted with a similar situation. Ironically, the friend who helped me gain back my self-image and identity after my pathetic depression, is in the same predicament as I did before. It’s funny that I’m just returning the favor. I can’t help but see myself in her shoes during my emotional turmoil. Now, I’m giving her advice on the same thing that she told me to do to overcome such madness. In fairness, her situation is much more maturely dealt with and has a proper closure. An act of sacrifice, by letting go of the other, for him to finally give out his time and attention to whom it is rightfully due. Such a wonderful feeling that finally I saw my friend rise up and celebrate her own month-sary.

Closing a cycle by Paulo Coelho

One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through. Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters - whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished. Did you lose your job? Has a loving relationship come to an end? Did you leave your parents' house? Gone to live abroad? Has a long-lasting friendship ended all of a sudden? You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened. You can tell yourself you won't take another step until you find out why certain things that were so important and so solid in your life have turned into dust, just like that. But such an attitude will be awfully stressing for everyone involved: your parents, your husband or wife, your friends, your children, your sister, everyone will be finishing chapters, turning over new leaves, getting on with life, and they will all feel bad seeing you at a standstill. None of us can be in the present and the past at the same time, not even when we try to understand the things that happen to us. What has passed will not return: we cannot for ever be children, late adolescents, sons that feel guilt or rancor towards our parents, lovers who day and night relive an affair with someone who has gone away and has not the least intention of coming back. Things pass, and the best we can do is to let them really go away. That is why it is so important (however painful it may be!) to destroy souvenirs, move, give lots of things away to orphanages, sell or donate the books you have at home. Everything in this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible world, of what is going on in our hearts - and getting rid of certain memories also means making some room for other memories to take their place. Let things go. Release them. Detach yourself from them. Nobody plays this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood. Stop turning on your emotional television to watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you, nothing else. Nothing is more dangerous than not accepting love relationships that are broken off, work that is promised but there is no starting date, decisions that are always put off waiting for the "ideal moment." Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back. Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person - nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need. This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important. Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life. Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust. Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.

I don't love you anymore

Your eyes no longer stars in the dark
Your smile now fails to set off in me a spark
Did these palm lines ever mean anything?
These days my world is missing something

I close my eyes but the dream doesn’t return
This once meaningful sadness
Now a mere blank wall
I write these lines to bring that something back
I want so much to fall

But the feeling’s gone
Through the front door
Of this heart of mine
The feeling’s gone
Unlike before
I don’t love you anymore

The sun no longer a melting butter sky
Gray clouds no longer a girl about to cry
I write these lines to bring that something back
I want so much to fall

(Isha)

How do you heal a broken heart?

I can’t believe what I just heard
Could it be true?
Are you the girl I thought I knew
The one who promised me her love
Where did it go?
Does anybody ever know

How do you heal a broken heart
That feels like it will never beat this much again
I just can’t let go
How do you heal a broken heart
That feels like it will never love this much again
Tonight, I’ll hold what could be right
Tomorrow I’ll pretend to let you go
And were you ever what you seemed
Or was I a fool who fell in love
With his own dream
And now you say you want to leave
Start a new life today
Those words I thought you’d never say

Tonight I’ll hold what could be right
Tomorrow I’ll pretend to
Wake and put it all behind me
And find that I have finally found
A new life
In my soul
And find that I know how to let you go

Independence day

The Philippines lost its identity when it was colonized by stronger nations. She was helpless and allowed the invaders to rule over her to the point of modifying her culture and way of life. It was not all tragic and ruthless, but it made her adapt and adjust to the coming changes ahead. The tyranny that wrought her breeds in a resilient and mature character. She played along with it, sometimes forgetting who she really was. She was promised a better life, but later on brought in devastation. Her heart was ready to embrace the new, however, their commitments were half-meant. On the day of June 12, more than a century ago, she woke up to her senses and finally found herself and true identity. She is not Spanish, American or Japanese, but a Filipino. Her day of Independence allowed her to rise up and show the world her strength.

Thank God, I did not have to endure centuries of bondage from the enemy, but had a taste of it for a little over 2 months. I willingly gave up my identity when I entered an out-of-the-norm relationship. My life conformed to suit its needs and demands. Initially, it was just performing certain tasks, but later on it involved emotions to the deepest level. I was becoming less of what I was before. I allowed my emotions to tie me down to my partner and got blinded by the affection he showed me. I was floating on air. Without warning, he chose to cut the ties. My face hit rock bottom, including my heart. The world we created is starting to disappear and I don’t know where to go. I tried to give it another try but he is walking farther away. I was broken. Sleepless nights followed that plagued me with thoughts of worthlessness almost stealing my sanity. Then on the day of Independence, a friend who was beside me all the time picked me up from the rubble and reminded me of who I am. A burst of light followed, then the chains that tied me down was broken and melted on the ground. I saw the real world around me and I realized what I was missing. A time spent with family, friends and other important matters were taken granted by me because of the bondage I got in. Now, I’m standing tall and ready to move ahead. It was my identity in Christ and the society I am in that made me rise up. Never again will I allow myself to be stepped on by anybody lesser than me. I will cherish this independence and will fight for it.

Happy Independence Day to all of us.

Back to School

When I graduated from singleness, my spiritual life went on a vacation that lasted for the duration of the summer holidays. It really wandered far & beyond what was expected, and even dared to cross the border. Soon it got lost and lived in a world created by my own fantasy. We were basking in the pleasure that it gives, until one was no longer satisfied leaving me devastated to the point of going insane. My head was spinning around in disbelief. My partner in that fantasy left me with a baggage that was too heavy to carry. I struggled to bring him back and continue what we’ve started, but he wants to try it with another one. He wants to create a world of his own without me. My heart was shattered trying to make sense of the promises he once told me. I was in oblivion, helpless and groping for air. I’m finding my way back but my vacation brought me so far that I couldn’t find my way home. I forgot who I was and losing my identity. Suddenly someone reminded me of who I am and what I am here for. Little did I realize that I need to go back to school already. I have had a vacation that went haywire and I will not allow it to happen again. Another school year of life to tackle, with a new identity and much higher learning.

Singled

It was a little over 2 months that I had been in a special kind of relationship. But it seems like it was longer than that. Every single day spent was really significant. I made sure that I maximize the moments with him because time is of the essence. Such kind of relationship either dies a natural death or cut short by unexpected or inevitable circumstances. Unfortunately, the latter happened to us and was brought about by unearthed issues, which was not there yet. A period of silence followed which led the other to let go. It was a painful sacrifice, probably for both of us, but such an event left me “singled”.

I remember the day when he took me in unconditionally. I impacted his life dramatically without me lifting a finger at him. My words just did the walking. His intentions were pure and his love was something that anybody would fight about. I feel so blessed that he ended my search at an unexpected time. The days that followed will always be remembered with a smile that I will carry through my lifetime. I guess the love that I experienced from him will never be surmounted by anybody, particularly in this kind of relationship. It just saddens me to hear the painful truth that he has an issue to deal with and that is regarding his discontentment. He had 7 relationships before me. All were short-lived. When I came, both of us were hoping to finally make it work and break the bondage he is in. We were wrong. His fear of being left alone in the future overcame him. The need to look for someone who will guarantee him security for his lifetime made his feelings of discontent come back. Now, I was left a victim. Shattered but remains whole. He was looking for someone stronger than him, who will give him more emotional support. He needs to be taken care of. Unfortunately, he felt I was not giving it to him. It really hurts to know that the other one is feeling that way, when all the while you were feeling most secure in his arms. I have never demanded or asked from him anything other than his presence. His mere touch soothes my soul. His embrace affirms me as a person. It hurts me to think that all this time he wasn’t feeling the same.

Being singled is much more painful than being single all through out. You need to learn to let go when the other one needs to go on without you. I will keep my promise to myself that he will be my first and last. The missing piece that once completed me will be looking for another to fit his. A large gap is left in my heart and will keep it like that to remind me that once there was somebody who filled that space.

(printed with permission)

Open Sea

Recently, they conquered the highest peak in the Philippines. They are likewise seasoned divers that are well trained and equipped. Every adventure they undertake is carefully planned, with all the necessary gadgets in place. They know the mountain and sea, and show utmost respect to it. In one of their trips, a simple boat ride to go over Boracay Island became what almost became their last ride on earth.

Lea, along with her mountaineer & diver friends, planned to take the cheapest route to Boracay. They set sail on a very small boat that can only carry around 5 people without any baggage. No life vest. Around 6 people rode the “bangca” with their backpacks from their recent mountain trek. They took the ride with little reservation; anyway, it’s only a few hours trip. Little did they know that what is about to take place will mean life & death decisions for each and every passenger.

Several minutes passed and they were off shore. The sea was relatively calm. It was a total adventure. They challenged the vessel & the sea. Suddenly, a wave hit the side of their boat. Few moments later, they were swimming in open sea and the boat they were in was capsized. Everyone was panic-stricken. A head count was done. They all swam back to the overturned vessel and realized the magnitude of the problem. They are now in the middle of nowhere. No visible shoreline. With the sun high up in the morning, there’s no telling north from south. Minutes became hours and still no help was seen. A glimpse of hope came when a large vessel passed by, but despite their shouts of help, they were left unnoticed. However, out of nowhere, a fisherman on his small bangca noticed them from the horizon. His curiosity led him to where they are and to his surprise, a group of helpless individuals were on an overturned boat. A quick decision as to who will go first was made. Self-sacrifice was the name of the game. No guarantees of return or help. Lea chose to stay behind with 3 others.

Their three other companions rode the Good Samaritan’s boat, which is the same size as their own. An attempt to pull their boat was made, put the rope snapped out. It was a futile task. They decided that he would get some help as soon as they reach shore. Little did they know that as they were on their way back they almost overturned. But fortunately, they were able to get help. While Lea and the rest of her companions stayed on the sea, flashbacks of memories of loved ones came to mind. They waited for more than 7 grueling hours without any assurance. Thank God she was able to tell us this life-changing tale.

I guess, my friend Lea is lucky she was able to survive it. Right now, I’m still in open sea. I have been here not only for 7 hours, but several weeks and probably counting. I know the rules and even say it by heart. Probably my self-confidence pushed me to go against it and hopefully get out of it alive. Problem is, I know which direction to take and the shoreline is very much visible, but I chose to stay afloat and row a little bit further. There are times that I change my course and row back to where I came from, but the current is too strong. Good thing the island I set-off is still on sight. I know that this boat ride of mine will not last long, because Someone remains stubborn of His love for me He won’t let go. I may be in the open sea of selfishness, but the boat I’m in is anchored in the shore of His love. I’m hopeful to live and tell the tale.

Graduation Day

Truly it’s a nice feeling & experience when you express love to another individual. It’s a lot more wonderful when that love is being paid back twice as much. Everyday is much different than yesterday. The world around you seems to have a brighter color. A burden has been lifted off your shoulder. It’s such a nice thing to be attached to someone, an attachment beyond friendship. There’s a sense of accountability and sort of ownership. You always want to be updated of the other’s whereabouts, and both of you send “sweet-nothing’s” every now & then. Pimples miraculously disappear. Suddenly, people notice a certain glow in your face. There’s an extra jolt of energy left despite a very tiresome day because you will be meeting that special person after work. You plan ahead but with your partner in mind. I guess I have graduated from singleness.
“Love moves in mysterious ways.” The least likely person seems to be the one really interested in you. We tend to look so far beyond, when in fact the one that is for us is sitting right under our nose. When that person steps out in the open, we are caught off guard and we are unprepared to give a reply. I was emotionally tired and in the brink of giving up. I was hoping for something to develop from another friendship, but when this situation came to me, I thought long and hard because an opportunity to love is right in front of me. It was a tough decision. When it was made final, a gush of love, so intense, it washed off the hurts and pains I have been carrying deep inside of me. Knowing that you already made a connection to another individual allows you to forgive the people in the past and move on with head held high because you have someone beside you to tread this new journey of life.

Ikaw Nga

Heto na naman
Nag-iisip, minsan nagtataka
Nasa ‘kin ang lahat bakit nangungulila, oh
At nang Makita ka
Ibang sigla aking nadarama
Pag-ibig nga ba ito ako’y nangangamba, oh

Nais kong ipadama sa iyo
Sana’y dinggin mo ang lihim ng pusong ito
Kahit na tayo’y magkaibang mundo, wohh…

Ikaw nga ang siyang hanap-hanap
Kay tagal na ako’y nangarap
Lumuluhod, nakikiusap
Ako ay mahalin mo, sinta
Ikaw nga ang siyang magbabago
Sa akin, sa aking buhay
Handang iwanan ang lahat
Upang makapiling ka, sinta, ohh…

Nang makilala ka
Ibang saya aking nadarama
Alam kong pag-ibig ito, anong ligaya

Nais kong ipagtapat sa iyo
Sana’y pagbigyan, dinggin ang puso kong ito
Kahit na tayo’y magkaibang mundo wohh…

Ikaw nga ang siyang hanap-hanap
Kay tagal na ako’y nangarap
Lumuluhod, nakikiusap
Ako ay mahalin mo, sinta
Ikaw nga ang siyang magbabago
Sa akin, sa aking buhay
Handang iwanan ang lahat
Para lang sa iyo, sinta
Upang makapiling ka, sinta

(by: Jay Durias)

Summit

A friend of mine recently conquered Mt. Apo. If I remember right, it took them three days before reaching the summit. During the trek, they made several camping stops to gather strength for the long climb ahead. They encountered rivers, stony paths and dark lush greens. It was an ordeal. What’s amazing is that despite the physical drain, they forged to move on. It was around 5 AM that I got a phone call from my friend telling me that they reached the top. The pictures she took showed a spectacular view. What’s interesting is that they forgot all the exhaustion and they were basking in victory they attained.

The mountain that I’m at seems to take a lifetime to climb. I have tread stony paths much like what my friend had. During the start of my climb, I was by myself and was traveling around in circles. As the days passed by, I realized that there are trail marks to guide me during the climb. I was ignoring them before and now they are making sense to me. Now, I can see the view below, but when I look up, the summit seems to be far away. The second stretch of my climb was a relative success. I was seeing progress. It was the time when I hibernated from the “gimik” scene and voluntarily cut ties with people who brought me there in the first place. The best thing about this stage is I have “buddies” who constantly showed the way.

I was getting the hang of things and decided to travel alone. I got lost and the altitude was decreasing. I think I’m close to sea level again. To my surprise, I saw my gimik buds whom I left at the foot of the mountain. They were camping and enjoying themselves. They chose to stay behind and dare not to move on. I was feeling tired and decided to join them. However, I encountered a lot of disappointments and heartaches. I was in the brink of quitting. I forgot the summit. I regained my strength and saw that I have a mountain to climb. Now, I’m half-way up again. I left some baggage and the trek is a little bit lighter now. The climb is also an emotional pruning process. There were a lot of facts to accept and to reconsider. I was looking for affirmation. I got a lot of it from people down below, but most of it were lies and have underlying agenda. But the surprise of all is that even people close to you don’t even consider you a potential partner. Ironically, people that were set-up with me will even take the risk to have a relationship with me and magnify qualities I have to make me look good to them. It does hurt when a friend whom you consider have the qualities you’re looking for in a mate indirectly rejects you and does not see a potential in you. I can’t blame them because what I show them is the unattractive side of me. How I wish someone will break the walls I created and see what’s really inside of me. I guess that person is too much perfect for me and seeks someone who is as flawless. The journey is getting tougher, but I need to move up.
I guess I have to redirect this love & passion I so long to share to that special someone to the patients I see everyday. I have been doing it ever since anyway. I guess their “thank you’s” are enough to last me for the day. Good thing the “indirect rejections” came in this early before I start to build emotional attachments again. History does repeat itself. Another baggage to leave behind.

Chris, look at the summit!