Bohol Mirror

These lines aren’t just part of a song “My Way” originally sung by Frank Sinatra (1915 – 1998+); it packs a lot of message for all of us to ponder.

In three days, the year ends then comes another new year.

O’ how time flies. Another year will be added to our lives and we’re not getting younger. But an end always ushers in a new beginning.

This Year 2009, I feel I’ll finally discover the fountain of youth that Sir Galahad, guardian of the Holy Grail, failed to accomplish.

I have found the secret to end everyday cares. How to do it?

Well, you have to listen to what I say and live this faith everyday.

*****

First, you must understand the sham and drudgery of this fleeting world.

“All is in the pursuit of the wind”- King Solomon said (Ecclesiastes).

This means nothing satisfies man’s insatiable thirst for power, wealth, fame and skin-deep pleasures. At the end of the day, man always feels empty; even those perched in the highest totem-pole of grandeur find it “so cold” up there.

*****

To make it simple, this world is not meant for one as gentle as we (you and me).

If you are kind, some mistake it as weakness; if you are honest, many call you stupid.

So if you feel confused why the greedy and opportunists seemed always gaining the upper hand, switch it off. Don’t desire something that is not desirable.

What you see on surface is not what is inside.

What money can buy doesn’t always fill the heart’s content.

For instance, in the midst of the success you have made in life, how much time had you spent to be with your children? Think about it.

Life stories of the wealthy and powerful will tell you a huge vacuum filled their lives.

*****

“My child, I love you and I will never leave you till the end of days!”

Our Creator assures us that, or else he won’t have reason why he keeps this world still turning.

So this year 2009, I will totally surrender my fate to what I am destined for. If I become Pope of my own church, well and good; but if I just vanish in thin air like a feather dust, so be it. I will say to Lady Luck: “let it pour and give me your best shot.”

I won’t cry nor whimper. Total Surrender!

I’m throwing all cares to the wind.

Lesson for today: “We don’t know what the future holds, but for sure we know WHO holds the happy future for us!”

Stop beating a dead horse!

Wow, today’s gospel is intriguing. Who or what do I mean?

Please stop speculating and go on reading.

What does a “dead horse” really means?

That’s a good question. When we say “dead horse”, it is not literally about horses. It is a simple metaphor about anything that has lost value for further discussion.

Like for example the Fourth Impeachment try against Pres. Arroyo.

Voices may be at its loudest, harshest and vilifying but what good does it do? It’s finish. No more impeachment to talk about and Mrs. Arroyo is to stay in power till she wishes to.

Press Sec. Dureza says “beyond 2010” in a prayer in Malacanang and the President showed dislike (kunohay) for that portion of the prayer. Truth of the matter, Sec. Dureza was given a two- week paid vacation in the sunny islands of Mauritius for that prayer.

So, about Mrs. Arroyo’s ouster from Malacanang? Forget about it!

*****

What else? About hope here in our home land? This one is a “double-dead” horse.

Greed and lust for power have infected the deepest bone morrow of every politician, and their numbers are multiplying everyday. The government itself has become a breeding ground for these zombies that now rule the land.

Miracles are no longer happening. There are no options to choose.

Look at the long lines at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Everybody is rushing to get out of this country. Parents are sending their children to nursing schools and their only purpose is for foreign employment and eventual petition for them to join their working children in other countries.

Self-pity? It doesn’t help too. So, what I am saying now is we stop beating (or crying) over a dead horse. We are only wasting our energy.

Let us, therefore, rest from chasing moon beams, abandon temporal whims and talk awhile of other things.

*****

What about thinking of that Happy Place reserved for us somewhere?

I dream about it last night. Multi-colored lights were twinkling but it is not a KTV bar. That place is non-comparable to this temporary world that we’re living.

In there, the air is fresh, seawaters are blue and there are no confusing DENR rules. Every hour is happy hour.

No worries about recession, oil prices and global warming. And in that place you won’t find suckers prowling around.

Where is it? Is it in Dampas or in the Victoria Memorial Park? No, the price of a 6-foot deep lot there has gone up too.

I know the place! If you want to go there, see me and I will tell you where to find it.

Thoughts to Ponder: “We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.”

Which is the greater crime, being greedy or being cheap?

I would like to answer this question of the day, amidst the sham and drudgery, or I mean “bribery” in exchange for fake honor and title.

I would say “both are heinous crimes”; - to oneself and to civilization.

Imagine surrendering your principles for a price but at a rate so cheap, even pimps wouldn’t agree.

I am underscoring such profanity among members of the House of Representatives, Committee on Justice, who threw out of the window the impeachment case against Mrs. Arroyo.

They say the case has no substance. These congressmen knew where to find the “sufficient substance”. It was in “the bag”, not in the case.

He..hee..he. They are indeed geniuses!

And they didn’t mind if they became cheap this time. Reports say that these congressmen received less than last year, despite having saved Mrs. Arroyo from impeachment the fourth time.

*****

This Faustian syndrome has spread widely; afflicting even colleagues in the media, who sell themselves to politicians, to be able to feast, dine and be merry with these temporary Lords.

Don’t they feel nausea or suffer diarrhea doing this?

Dogs who have insatiable greed and are so cheap, scouring even trash cans to fill its gluttony, are an exception and forgivable.

But members of the media? Oh no! The gods (or the dogs) must be crazy!

*****

Take for instance this pretentious guy who likes to talk about ills in society, graft and corruption ‘kuno’ in government; - but unfortunately cannot shrug off his own stigma of being a sucker and scheming opportunist himself.

The sight of him makes me shudder how dreadful Karma works.

And I freeze hearing this guy still talking big.

He is likened to an ostrich that thinks it can hide his whole self by burying its head in the sand. He thinks people don’t know who he really is.

And sad to say, even his supposed friends laughingly deride behind his back, keeping their giggles mute until he walks away.

People get amused seeing this guy point accusing fingers to others, not noticing three of his forefingers pointing back to him.

A pot calling a kettle black! Hee..hee.

Gorio renaming himself as George!

Food forThoughts. “A fool thinks he is smart; so don’t pretend to be smart lest you turn out a fool.”

No matter how cool we are, so slow to anger, there are times when our tolerance reaches its limits; human as we are.

For instance, if you are repeatedly challenged and have no more room to back off; the only option is to fight back.

Under the principle of self-preservation, even our penal code calls it self-defense.

Many ask me why I ignore the antics of Mr. Boy Guingguing, who continually pummels me with his insatiable obsession to destroy my name.

I told them I possess a potent “anti-dote” for him.

His unrelenting assault against me, instead bounces back to him, for I have adopted that Christian edict “love thy neighbor”.

Love like light, creates a protective shield against dark invaders.

Love teaches you to “let go” and “forgive”.

And I’m sincerely doing that for my teacher.

*****

Remember, when Boy Guingguing announced that he would go under the knife (kidney transplant)?

I showed him I care. I prevailed him against it.

I made researches and told him, at 59, transplant wasn’t the right choice.

At such age, the possibility of rejection of the new kidney is high.

Look now, listening to my advice indeed gave him a better deal.

And with that, he had fattened too his bankbook by keeping to himself (not returning) the thousands of pesos he had solicited for his supposed transplant.

On surface, he looks healthy now. Mitambok na sija!

See? I think he will live longer. Pero dapat mag-bait na sija.

And he must not relapse to his former envious, gluttonous, scheming self.

He must remain to be penitent, as he says he is. Or else …

*****

However, let us be on guard. He might be like Gollum in the movie “Lords of the Ring” who looks pitiful, but was a scheming tyrant (bentahoso diay dako)!

After Guingguing’s failed attempt to create a conflict between me and my publisher Atty. Aleckoy Lim, he has again come up with another caper; - he wants this paper STANDARD to be closed down, instigating Mayor Dan Lim about alleged lack of business permit.

He is claiming that the city mayor himself will issue a statement against this paper. Mr. Guingguing thinks Mayor Lim would allow himself “to be used” for somebody’s vested agenda. He thinks he is smarter than the mayor.

He..hee. He should think thrice. What a miscalculation!

Hell hath’ no fury, (beyond imagination), if you take Dan Lim for a ride!

Reminder: “Judas, the peddler, had the habit of kissing his Master.”

A good friend told me I was again the subject of a lengthy write-up of Mr. Boy Guingguing in his own paper last Sunday.

Pinangga jod ko sa akong Teacher!

But allegedly, it was full of venom, crafted to portray me as a saboteur of the newspaper where I work.

His devious scheme, however, was telegraphic and it was deciphered. He intended to wedge a conflict inside the STANDARD, with me pitted against my publisher Atty. Aleckoy Lim; aiming to kill two birds with one stone; - my ouster and perhaps paralyzing this newspaper that had given him nightmares for the past four years.

His miscalculations ricocheted, revealing instead his greedy and scheming nature. Kupas na jod ang pagka-bright ni Sir!

He should live till 2009. The STANDARD packs a lot of surprises for him!

*****

Regarding his write-up, I was not able to read it. I don’t even touch his newspaper having such morbid feeling whenever I see that word “post’ on its masthead.

I always chill gazing at Halloween-sounding names like “post-mortem”, “post-humous” and other creepy acronyms.

I told my informant-friend, “just let it go!”

Let’s instead pity him. Sagdi lang na si Boy Guingging!

A sick mind is of course inevitable, when it hibernates inside a rotting body.

*****

Yet, let me invoke my right to reply. To all and sundry, I will say my dear teacher Boy Guingguing will always have a soft spot in my heart.

He can do his worst, throw unto me his diapers and his drip pan; I can always forgive him. I will always bow in prayer for him; lit candles although All Souls Day has gone by.

Undergoing dialysis thrice a week is enough “purgatoric” sanction for his wanton abuse of media. He had it coming, the countdown of the Law on Retribution is excruciating; like iron eaten by its own rust.

However, I can’t help feeling sorry for my smart teacher not even able to realize what has become of him now! He is so pre-occupied fooling himself that he is still that slick-talking, swash-buckling, hard-eating newsman as ten years ago.

Life is weather-weather. Sunrise, Sundown. One can’t buy back yesterday!

When supposed friends deride, laugh at our back; when mistresses flee and transfer to the arms of other much-able Valentino, what more should shock you to get hold of reality?

Feasting with money accumulated by prostituting the media, insatiable greed; all of these have repercussions affecting the mind and body.

Heaven’s wrath has descended on him. Can’t he grasp the Apocalyptic meaning in all of these?

My teacher should buy a mirror and put it in-front of him.

The reflected image would “tell it all”.

Thoughts to Ponder: “Res ipsa loquitor” (the thing speaks for itself).

You may have heard the story of Faust in movies or read it in fiction novels. This guy ‘did exist’ and let us see what lessons we can glean from his life.

And again, let me make it clear; lest we be misconstrued again as referring to someone Living or Dead.

No Sir, that’s not my cup of tea. This is a story that is purely served as “food for thought” and is not meant to scoff at anyone.

*****

Faust or Faustus had been mistakenly traced to Johann Fust, but his real forebear is thought to have been Johann Faust, who was born in Württemberg, Germany in about 1480.

Johann Faust was a former insurance man but not contented and gifted with a glib tongue, he shifted to every conceivable money making schemes and was known as a shrewd racketeer in his time.

His reputation spread for he perfected the art of convincing people into investments which solely benefited him in the end. Laway ra eyang pohonan.

But the eventual misfortunes (karma) and the lingering illness that later befall him and up to the excruciating circumstances of his death, certified his notoriety.

From there, the story spread that the guy had a pact with the Devil and that he had sold his soul in exchange for money and power.

The first published narrative of Faust’s life was in Johann Spiess’s Historia von D. Johann Fausten (also known as the Spiess’sches Faustbuch, 1587) in Frankfurt.

It was, as a result of this biography, that Faust’s pact with the devil became a nauseating mythology.

In it, Faustus was portrayed as a smart guy afflicted with an insatiable greed and scheming antics. He feasted while forgetting that he signed a contract with the Devil and was enjoying only a borrowed and limited time.

Crafting a way out, Faust asked for extension of time (after the contract prescribed), but of course the Devil won’t allow it.

Another version of Faust’s life story said of him becoming a pretentious penitent, but his put-on repentance was likewise uncovered and in the end, he ran out of tricks to save himself from damnation.

Lesson for Today: “There is always no better deal with the Devil.”

It was on a sunny All Souls Day that my mother died. She peacefully went away, tightly clasping my hand with an assurance that she will always be with me, guide me till the end of my days.

Nanay told me not to weep, bade goodbye to me telling me we will be seeing each other with Tatay and the rest of our family in a Happy Place of eternal joy and happiness.

Every Nov. 2, the thought of Death always refreshes me, gives me the strength to carry on with the short journey of Life; for at the end, yonder waits our loved ones and we will be once more happily joined together.

*****

Yet, whenever love ones die, it is but human that tears fall from our eyes. It is best advised to drain them all. Crying heals, it soothes the pain, lightens the anguish of losing somebody close to us.

Everyday, we hear news of friends, relatives, old folks back at home finally reaching the end of their lives. “Si Tan Polano, Si Tan Polana namatay na.”

Everyday, people from all walks of life die under various circumstances, and the sum of it all are aptly said in the words of the wisest human being that ever lived.

King Solomon of Judea said: “The dust (body) will return to earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God that gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:6-7).

*****

In the midst of our grief and for all the tears we shed, what must be considered most is that we must weep for no one, but ‘for ourselves.’

The Dead are gone. They have rested and have escaped the toils of everyday duress. But most of us still Living, even shiver in the thought of dying. Some suffer sleepless nights, worrying where to place their money and material riches, enslaved by greed and forgetting all the while that all things are mere attachments and sooner or later mortals “must come to pass.”

Just as the Wise King said: “The knowledge of death bothers the Living, but when we are Dead, we would know nothing, nor savor reward and would soon be in the ranks of those dead, gone and forgotten.”

So let us rejoice and be happy and not weep upon the Death of our loved ones! For them, finally their toils and worries on Earth have ended.

Eternal Life has been rewarded to them, as the Lord has promised for all of us!

Thoughts to Ponder: “Without Faith in the Resurrection, we have no reason to live.”

I seldom openly express my admiration to a politician!
I am afraid they might send me money on my ATM account because of my “praise release.”
But if they do that, thanks anyway. Ayaw dugaya!

*****

Now I would say without reservation that I really would wish that we would have elected leaders from the Young Turks like Rep. Adam Relson Jala (3rd District-Bohol) who have fresh outlook in life and uncorrupted; - unlike traditional politicians.

I would cite in particular his wish that the Small Town Lottery (STL) would be operational in towns in lieu of the illegal swertres, locally known as masiao.

Other politicians would certainly not join such call, knowing that the Church is against it.
These trapos, of course, are not morally concerned on the alleged evils of gambling but rather on the rich-vote influence of the church.

Ang ilang concern lang mao nga dili nila ma-kontrahan ang simbahan kay daghan daw botante diha!

Hee. Hee. Pagka looy jod ning Pilipinas!

****

I would say that Congressman Jala is a different breed of politician. He looks at things in a wider perspective, away from himself but for the good of the community.

Mao na ang leader nga Visionary, dili myopic.

The point is that, gambling is anywhere around us. Look within your neighborhood. There is “tong-its, cheke-cha, mahjong, piat-piat, tukis, pa-away gamba” and all forms of gambling.

What has the Church done to stop these alleged Evils in the community?

Adam Jala is right and should not wither on his vision of putting up STL in towns.

Illegal suertres only enrich the financiers, the police and corrupt local officials.

With STL, part of the sales go to charitable cause, to the local government and even generate employment “legally” since it will utilize ushers that would collect STL bets.

*****

So if illegal masiao have been tolerated and even the police have simply closed their eyes on this, it is thereby imperative that we put in place a legal alternative to wipe out such illegal operations.

I don’t really believe that it is solely the Church that can determine which is right and which is wrong for us. Actually God even did not build a Church.

Makig-lalis ka nako? Sige debate ta sa Plaza Rizal!

Aside from heart-rending sermons at the pulpit, what have the Church done to combat these alleged Evils in society?
It is time that we wake up to the truth that Life itself is a gamble! God himself made it that way. He did not promise us a road to heaven full of roses!

One must work for it. No guts, no glory!

Jesus Christ himself made a gamble, losing at the Mount of Calvary when he was crucified. He, however, won the second round when he rose from the dead and fulfilled the promise of Resurrection!

*****

Did you get my point? STL should be installed here in Bohol.

Lottery gives a ray of hope and can change the life of those blessed by luck.

And do not argue with me. Luck is not man-made. It is Divine Providence.

Diba ug mapildi ka mang-gimo ka: “Jawaa ni, dimalas jod!”

Pero modaog ka, molitok ka: “Salamat sa Dios, kadaog ko tulo ka unit!”

Busa padayon Congressman Adam Jala! Your pure intentions will bail you out in the end and the pretentious and hypocrites will ultimately burn in Hell.

Thoughts to Ponder: “God gives us Faith, the Devil makes us doubt.”

The atmosphere at the Capitol nowadays is so creepy and workers appear puzzled. disheartened and confused. Those working silently and religiously doing their everyday tasks are less noticed and even neglected.

Their capacity and competence at work is even put to question under the scheming ideas of those wanting to promote their own selfish interest in the guise of “re-engineering”.

And amid this poltergeist invasion at Capitol, what worries workers most is the evident waning Sixth Sense of the genius Governor, who seemed to be oblivious of the concealed whims and caprices of those surrounding him in his royal court.

Mora man ug gilumay si Gov sama sa mga biktima sa bodol-bodol gang nga bisan nahibalo nga gi-ilad na, motoo lang gihapon.

*****

Demoralized, God-fearing Capitol workers, seeing the “scheming and opportunists” rewarded instead, have learned to strengthen their faith by reciting Psalm 26:

“1. Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip.

12. My foot stands in an even place; in the congregations I will bless the Lord.”

God Save Our Governor!

Please recite Psalm 26 to end the Plague at Capitol.

Believe in the power of prayers. It works, never doubt about it!

Thoughts to Ponder: “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.”

“O Lord our God arise, scatter his enemies and make them fall.
Confound their schemes and whims, frustrate their knavish tricks.

On Thee our hopes we fix. Oh, save our Governor and save us all!”

These lines are an adaptation from the national anthem of Great Britain, first printed in Gentleman’s Magazine in 1745, their author unknown. The composer of the melody to which they are sung is also unknown.

I pray Boholanos recite this incantation: “God Save Our Governor!”

Today, something mysterious is happening to our Governor. He seemed mesmerized, hallucinated, or is under the spell of scheming people now eating the very core of the Aumentado record in public service: “Mr. Clean”.

People who have sabotaged his flagship program of alleviating the living conditions of our people still remain in power, exercising influence far wider. Unfortunately, demoralization sits in among the God-fearing and dedicated provincial government employees.

*****

Reverberating in every corner at Capitol are lamentations that narrate a long litany of instances that now create doubt on the sincerity of every word that comes out from the Governor’s mouth.

“Surveys say the provincial government is free from the taint of graft and corruption.” This is always the proud claim of the Governor in almost all speeches he makes in-front of government employees.

Well, applause definitely follows, but look at the faces of those hearing those speeches. Most of them show a naughty grin between their ears.

“Sus Ginoo. Di man unta na siya buta ug bungol. Salig man gihapon siya anang mga tawo nga naghatag mansa sa iyang administrasyon. Naunsa naman tawon si Gov,” employees lament.

The only immediate answer I can give is that: “Our ways is not Governor’s way.”

Atong pamaage dili man pareho sa hunahuna sa Gobernador!

*****

But what is deplorable in the present situation is that the Governor appears now oblivious of his surroundings, mesmerized by the good halleluyas these scheming people always whisper to him.

Without his knowing, the pillars of his more than half of a lifetime achievement as “Mr. Clean Public Servant” is now being eaten underneath, not noticed on the surface, like what termites do to a house’ foundation.

Espoko mo nang kuarta alang sa mga pobre kawaton pa! Kon ginagmay daginoton pa man gani, unsa na kahag minilyon!

Naa sad mga hawod kaayo dihas Capitolyo nga mang-insulto sa mga tawong mangita kang Gov. Bisan disabled wa kaloy-a. Ang tibook kalibutan, thru Internet, kasukaon nga nga naminaw niining mga panghitabo!

These scheming creeps giving shame, public ridicule and undermining his administration are never punished but simply transferred to other nook; still inside Capitol.

Naunsa naman ni oy!

Morag tae sa iring nga gitabonan lang ug bonbon! Pero nimaho gihapon!

So, for now let us join these recitals of incantations: “God Save Our Governor.”

Ug dili madala sa pag-ampo, sagdi na lang. Ang langit na lay bahala!

Thoughts to Ponder: “The chain is no stronger than its weakest link.”