My Other Side

Perfect Attendance

2008-06-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

It happened not long after I was promoted to supervisory position. We have this malingerer employee who habitually leaves his post and asked other staff to take a look at his assigned duty. He was notorious for being shrewd and would not let an opportunity pass without taking advantage. My predecessors were apparently easy on him since he regularly join the group in their After Six extra-curricular activities. Early morning, he would take a break to have his breakfast at the canteen. Next, he’ll go out to ask for medicine at Medical. Not long after he returned, he’ll leave again to go to Benefits to have his request for trip ticket processed. One time, a representative from Airport Services came and asked for volunteers who will assist their regular staffs at the airport during the coming peak season, i.e. before Christmas and after New year. Overtime duty were privileges of those who have people skills in passengers handling. This requires direct contact with customers. If you don’t have these qualities, you’re not supposed to be there since you’ll be antagonizing customers rather than gaining their patronage and good will. When the list of those who will be given assignment was faxed to us confirming their participation in that special project, he was not among those included. Only those recommended were confirmed. He was fuming mad why he was not among them. Asking me why he was not included, I asked him in return, “Did you submit your name as one of those willing to volunteer for that special project?”, he said “None.”. Instead, he tried to make it appear I failed to do a job I was supposed to do. I simply said, “ I will endorse people I knew will be an asset to a team, not a liability. I can’t endorse people who’re pain in the ass. Recommendations and Endorsement carries with it a high degree of responsibility. I’m not willing to stake it in him.” Waiting for his official complain challenging my judgment call, until now it never came.

Fear of Flying

2008-06-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

A year ago our colleague retired after 28 years of dedicated service. Twice a year he received a perfect attendance award. He received a total of 53 certificates attesting to his commitment to duty, rain or shine five days a week. To him, the show must go on. The only time he was out of office was when he was on sick leave. No typhoon or any other calamity could deter him. Even on holidays when he was given an assignment he reports for duty without complain. Some resented him every time he received an award since it became obvious he was too dedicated and consistent while they were just hoping, envious and sour-graping. On the day of his retirement, his detractors says - his life was monotonous. Day in and day out he reported for duty on time until he retired. Some people can’t appreciate achievement if others did it but if they were the achievers of the same effort, they shouted to high heavens how excellent they were.

Hostages

2008-06-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, a major TV network Senior reporter, her two cameramen and a professor were being held hostages by a still unconfirmed group of muslim rebels. Reportedly, they went there without the knowledge of military and police authorities who has that province in their area of responsibility in Mindanao. Unlike their previous sorties in that war torn province, they kept their mission in secret ostensibly to make an exclusive interview of those rebels expecting to out-scoop their rival network. On the second day of their activity, the news was in the papers, broad sheet and tabloid alike, in tv and radio broadcasts except the reporters own network. Apparently, they want to deny their reporters captivity as much as they could to prevent the exposure of their folly. When this can’t be prevented anymore, they acknowledge the news report and pleaded with other media network not to exploit the situation so as not to jeopardized the safety of their crew. Different opinions were aired by different parties, some were saddened by this unfortunate event, others were joyful since the kidnapped team were staffs of a major power company most consumers hated. Taking an objective view and rendering my own unbiased opinion, I tried my best to remain in the middle. The issue here is not whether I liked or disliked the captive crews but rather the act of hostage-taking and the events that immediately preceded it. First, the reporters desire to bring the news to the people… the rebels grievance against the government, their ideology if any or simply to gain media mileage. Second, did they considered their personal safety, the opinions and support of their families and employers before embarking in their effort? Third, is the trip worth the effort after carefully weighing and considering the dangers they have to go through in getting it? On my first question, there’s no problem with that. They have done that before in pursuance of their desire to bring the NPA’s ideology, grievance against the government and access to media to attain their goal. On the second, a reporter of a major broadsheet revealed she was supposed to be in that team. It’s her personal desire to be included in that team. When she asked her boss’s permission, her boss says, “NO; It’s very risky. The effort is not worth it.”, still she tried hard to go with the team. She told her daughter she’s going. Her daughter refused, telling her just like what her boss said. She insisted, she’s going. When the daughter sensed, mom can’t be prevented from going… she decided to go with her mother. If anything wrong happened to mother, they would at least be together. If mother gonna get killed, she’ll die with her. Then mother Back Off. On my last question and the most disturbing one, I have dissected it in separate levels so objectivity can be served. On the professional side, getting the news and the truth to the people is a noble motive for any media practitioner worth his salt. On a strictly personal level, having achieved where others can only dreamed off is a monumental achievement. I don’t care if others can do it, attempt to do it, nobody does it… I’ll do it because it’s my personal desire and mission to achieve it. “It’s a personal satisfaction to go “where angels fear to thread.” On the economic side, the desire to outperform the competition, assures anyone his/her continues prestige and economic return that goes with it. A very high profile performer in any field of endeavor can command the highest price the market can offer. Having established a lofty reputation only emboldens and raises the level of hunger and thirst for a higher degree of achievement. I would humbly conclude after a logical analysis that what leads to this hostage taking was the result of pushing the envelope too far.

Pilot Error

2008-06-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

A flight attendant was grounded by her administrative manger. Questioned what happened and why she’s on the family way but haven’t changed her marital status yet, she simply said, “Pilot Error.”

Hobbies

2008-06-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from our work is a necessary endeavor to avoid the monotonous routine of our daily existence. All work and no play will make us dull and our activities too mechanical. Some enjoy outing and bonding with the families, friends and even officemates. Picnics and excursion on the beach and trekking mountains are popular outdoor activities. Others prefer going to the malls and spend their time window shopping or simply have their pastime in places not far from home. Families either bond together or in separate groups. Mother and daughters usually watch and see melodramatic movies while father and sons would opt for adventure, action and suspense. All might settle for comedy and light movies. In sports, mother and daughters would prefer ballet and figure/ice-skating while the men pick boxing and basketball. Generally, I’ve spent time with my family both in indoor and outdoor activities especially when we were still in the province and when we moved here in the city we still find time to bond together albeit not as frequent as before. Going to the malls on weekend once in a while is still a favorite activity and most of the weekends, we stayed at home watching tv and home video to be together since everybody is working on weekdays. Alone, I’m preoccupied with reading, chess games analysis and internet research covering subjects I want to deepen my knowledge. While still a student, I spent my vacant time at the school library doing research and once it become a habit it’s difficult to break. Previously, we read our news only through newspapers, listening to radio and tv broadcasts. Not anymore. We can access the different media network through internet. I learned to use the internet less than three years ago. Having learned to use this new medium, I’m like a child who can’t be separated from his toy – even in sleep. There were even times, when my children has to practically beg me to take a break from our PC/internet. They keep on reminding me, my eyesight will be affected by staying too long in front of the computer. Once I take my break from the PC, I listen to mellow music to refresh my mind and falling into sleep, having a well-needed rest, I’m ready for the next day’s activity.

Rules of Engagement

2008-06-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Sooner or later, our children will leave us to live a life of their own. Just like us when we left our parents to build our own home and families, we’ll have to accept the fact that they belong to us only when they’re still dependent on our parental support and under our care. Once our sons begin seriously courting girls and our daughters entertain suitors in preparation for marriage, it becomes our business to remind them so they won’t be committed to married life unprepared. First, they must be through with their studies so they’ll have something to show when they apply for employment. Second, they must be gainfully employed so they’ll have a regular source of income to support their upcoming families. Better yet, the job must be stable so they’re secure in their employment. For our daughters, it’s better if they’re employed as well so they can help their husbands support the family. What if the husband lost his job, his employer closes shop or suddenly dies they must be able to raise their children decently even as a single parent. Although I was able to raise my family as the sole bread winner, things are different now compared to our time when we were raising our family. My wife stopped working after three years of marriage to be a full time mother. Nowadays, it’s preferable if both parents are working to be able to give their children the best education. If there’s only one bread winner, the partner must have at least a small business to augment the family’s income. After courting and finding the prospective lifetime partner, becoming steady sweethearts for a period of time to test if indeed they’re compatible and ready for married life… engagement follows. It is here where I made a set of “Rules of Engagement”. It worked for us then, it would work for them now. Trusted by my would be parents-in-law to strictly follow the code of good morals and proper decorum, we see to it that every time we went out to church and unescorted dates I fetched home my future wife at the expected time she must be home. Sometimes, her youngest sister goes along with us probably as an observer, how we behave and to find out how trustworthy we can be. Second, each partner must give each other space to explore their opportunities both in post-graduate education and better employment opportunities; e.g., overseas job that yields substantial monetary rewards or job that encourage excellence leading to promotions. One must support the other and not an obstacle to the partner’s ambition. Avoid professional jealousy that will pit one against the other in terms in achievement and monetary return. Many engaged couple and would be husband and wife are guilty of pre-marital sex. This I emphasized to my children both boys and girls to avoid this sin. It’s something sacred that must be enjoyed only after they were legally-wedded, and blessed. They have all the time in the world to enjoy the heavenly gift bestowed by the Holy Father. Not one among them protested. I hope and wished to God no one goes astray. Please bless them Lord.

Fairy Tales

2008-06-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

A man entered the confession box and began his ritual. “ Bless me father for I have sinned.”, whispered the man. “Son, what are the sins you have committed?”, asked the prelate. “Father, I have this strong urge to kill anyone who believe in God and later on I regret doing this mortal sin. I’ve killed five people and I don’t know when I can put a stop to this. Can God forgive my beastly act ?”, the sinner asked. “Son, God forgives anyone who sins and asked for his forgiveness.”, the prelate replied. “Father, do you believe in God?”, asked the sinner. After a deep breathe, the prelate said, “Son, I’m too old to believe in fairy tales.”

Change

2008-06-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

Long before Sen. Obama anchored his campaign on this platform of CHANGE, many Filipino politicians have already rode on this theme to launch their election campaign. As far as I can remember, our longest serving president Ferdinand E. Marcos anchored his presidential bid on the promise of “This country will be great again.” Citing the mismanagement and mal-administration of then incumbent President Diosdado Macapagal, father of the present president GMA, he promised to be different and cure the ills of the government and turn the country to be the model of Asia that Filipinos can be truly proud of. When Marcos was elected president, our country was No. 2, second only to Japan economically. He promised to make the country No. 1 and promised anew to be in this position after his 2nd term expires four years later. When he was kicked out of office by People Power in 1986, after twenty years in power our country was still in second place… 2nd only to Bangladesh as the poorest country in the region. His apologist argued… so what if we’re still in 2nd place… there was a change, isn’t it? Hi Hi Hi…Right, you’re okay. You’re telling the truth. There was indeed a change. When widow Cory Aquino ran against Marcos in the 1986 snap elections, she promised to be different. There will be a change. “I will be like what Marcos is not.”, candidate Cory declared. And so it came to pass. She was installed as Marcos successor. During her term, media was restored. No censorship was imposed. Press Freedom was enjoyed freely. The 1973 Constitution was scrapped after declaring her government as Revolutionary hence came the birth of this 1987 Freedom Constitution. This was the change she promised and was delivered. Not much change happened when President Fidel V. Ramos took over. FVR continued President Cory’s program of government since he was a protégé of his predecessor. Candidate Erap promised to have his government pro-poor, something his predecessor has neglected. He also promised not to travel as much as FVR did when he was in office. More than this, he promised to dispense justice to all people equally. The poor, the rich will be given equal justice before the law. In his inaugural speech, he declared “No friends, No relatives, No companero will be given preferential treatment. Don’t dare to try me.” After two years and six months in office, there was a sudden change. A change in government leadership. He was kicked out of office by what every Filipino knew as People Power II. Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo found herself the new president. She promised “ To have food in every dining table.” Only two months ago, a family is considered lucky if there’s food in their household. Long queue lining up to buy cheap rice are common sight in the most depressed areas. Even the well offs join the miserables in lining up to buy our major staple. The significant change that happened in the past two months were the price of our prime commodity. Prices has doubled while workers salary remains. In this case, our take home pays were becoming mere “loose change”. Salary increase will be given but it’s just a drop in the bucket. President GMA’s allies want a change in the form of our government. They want to shift to parliamentary from republican form. They haven’t made any headway yet. This early, politicians with presidential ambitions are promising change from the present woes we are having. If only they can make good their promises, maybe our country will not be as worst as it is now. God bless us.

Tears Of the Son

2008-06-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Filipinos are basically close to its nuclear family even after they have their own family after marriage. It’s not unusual to find children helping their parents in the family finances especially if the parent’s family income is barely enough to keep the family’s bones and soul together. Even at a young age, children help father and mother in their respective tasks. Eldest son helps father in his work- farming, fishing, construction or any other endeavor. Basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing are the priorities. Education is considered a luxury for families not earning enough to meet the basic needs. Eldest son usually makes the greatest sacrifice so younger siblings can be sent to school and learn the basic of education, i.e., reading and writing. The poorest of the poor who were able to send their children to primary schools considered themselves lucky and blessed. Those who were able to graduate in the secondary proudly display their certificate of completion in that level. The luckier ones who were not able to enroll in higher education but were able to land a job were grateful for learning technical know how in vocational and technical courses. My daughter’s godfather is a typical example. After landing a job, he regularly turns over his salary to his mother to be able to supplement his father’s earning support their family. Father is a lineman in a telecom company and with ten other children to support, eldest son’s financial assistance is a great relief. In all family matters, he plays a major role in decision making. His parents can not decide once he is not around to deliver the final say. They were eleven children and from the 2nd down to the last he helped spent for their education. Even the married siblings ask him for support to buy the baby’s milk since they’re not earning enough either. The hard- headed siblings were not able to finish their studies just like their classmates who were bad influence. The youngest sibling, a girl who was just a college sophomore was luckier when she married an engineer several years his senior. She was the only one who married a professional. The rest married dropouts who were just like them. For all his sacrifices, to the extent of denying himself of higher education just to be able to send them to schools, clothe them they seemed to be ungrateful for not making the best of the opportunities given. Time spent, fatherly attention given to these younger siblings went to naught. Father and mother were thankful for having an eldest son like him but were unlucky to have the rest of their children grows up to be dependent on their parents and eldest brother. The eldest son remains unmarried to this day and have no family to look after him in his old age. Yes, he has less than a dozen nieces and nephews but they can’t compare to one’s own children who were properly raised. On the other hand, it’s better to remain a bachelor if he’ll have children just like his siblings. Even if he shed tears of blood, they won’t change. They don’t have visions and ambitions.

Same Names

2008-06-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

A rape victim filed a complaint at the women’s desk of the police station after she was rescued. Told to narrate the circumstances of the alleged rape, she said she was abducted, stuffed in a tinted van, blindfolded her and brought to a safehouse. There, four men took turns in raping her. Asked if she knew her abductors, she said she can identify them if she saw them again. After they’re through raping her, they locked her in the room of the 2nd floor and went on drinking spree. Decided to make a escape, she improvised and made use of the blanket as a escape rope climbing out through the window where she was finally rescued. One thing she volunteered to the investigators, she learned who their names were. They have the same names. “And who were they?”, the investigator asked. “NEXT”.

Pinoy Idle

2008-06-05T22:17:00.001-07:00

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Once an original is appreciated, imitation follows. Sometimes, the imitation looks better than the original. Fashion, entertainment, sports, jobs, politics, technology. Of late, there were tv programs being aired locally were imitated or copied from its original concept in the USA. Pinoy Big Brother and Wheel of Fortune were popular programs patterned after the original hit tv shows from the mainland. Young pupils when asked what their ambitions in life were?… many answered.. “I want to join “Pinoy Big Brother” so I’ll be discovered as an entertainment talent.” Some wants to join the “Wheel of Fortune” to have a chance of winning a major prize given to winning participants. Lately, “Pinoy Idol”, patterned after the popular program American Idol was aired locally. Anything that was conceptualized in the U.S. can be expected to have legions of following locally. A colleague who is a holder of a US tourist visa filed for a two-month vacation leave. Before he left, he made it known to us he might go on extended leave if work to be done exceeds this requested leave. Allegedly, he was invited by a relative and several friends who were in the construction business to earn dollars by working while on vacation. Work to be done were repair of apartments that includes repainting, lighting fixtures, bath rooms, removal and replacement of carpets, door locks and other related works. Work is relatively easy compared to similar work done here. Safety goggles, proper work clothes, mechanized tools were provided by contractors. Seemingly, he was enjoying his vacation since he was earning in dollars, aside from the fact that he’s on paid vacation leave. A week before the two month vacation comes to a close, he called up advising us he’ll be back to work as scheduled. On the day he reported to work, he told us – the vacation leave was not worth the earnings he got. He was able to work only for a month and on the second month… work was stopped. He was told, tourists are restricted from working and people who employ them will be penalized if they got caught. However, he was allowed to stay and worked at home as cook and do other house hold chores as dish washer, gardener, house cleaner. Although he was compensated for everything he did, not getting the job and work he was promised when he left, he felt cheated. Not losing his sense of humor and still afford to join us making fun of what happened he was frustrated to be a model, an idol to American dreamers, instead he called himself.. PINOY IDLE.

Dressed To Hell

2008-06-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

Several years back our manager brought us in tow in a social function accorded to a retiring pilot when he commanded his last revenue flight on his 60th birthday. I was in command of the afternoon shift composed of seven people, eight myself included. To make our presence felt, I assigned two staffs to remain on post and the six of us went out to accompany our boss. Refreshments were served before the main course followed. Guests kept on arriving and flight deck crews (captain and first officers) with scheduled flights left after taking their meals. Crews who flew their last flight for the day went directly to this gathering and enjoyed the exquisite cuisine. Our group who were on duty seldom attend gatherings and social functions like this except during Christmas parties and company anniversaries came just like taking our meals at the company canteen. One just point his order, place them in his tray, pay the cashier and find a space where he can do his thing. In this social function, things were quite different. Pleasantries were exchanged between close and not so close friends, fellow employees from other divisions in our department, employees greeting big bosses who seldom knew us individually and personally. Greetings were perfunctory activity, not out of sincerity. Two or three of us who finished our meals earlier left to cover the two who were left behind and allow them to have a hearty meal just like us who enjoyed it earlier. The rest of us remained to await the arrival of the late comers. I happen to be separated from our group when a friend from other division engage me in a long animated conversation. When it was over I inched my way to the door to be able to get back to my post. Still a few faces away from the door, I meet this pilot and said, “ I want a glass of red wine.” Pointing the table where the drinks were, I told him… “Sir, it’s over there.” Then he pressed further, “Get me a glass, I’m Captain Barbell.” “No sir, please ask the waiter to get you one. I’m supervisor Gene Yu.”, I answered back. “Sorry, I thought you’re the waiter.”, he apologizes. Accepting his apology, I told him…”No problem, people do make mistakes. Pilots crashed planes when they make mistakes in the cockpit. Good thing sir, you make your mistake on ground.” After that exchange, I discreetly approached my boss and told him I’m leaving to return to my post to join the boys there. He gave me the green light to leave him and so I went. On another occasion, a weather briefing was scheduled at 10 PM and our boss can not attend. He left the office after attending the 5 PM briefing and delegated the next meeting to me. In this meeting, plans whether to evacuate the planes to outstations or tie them down, flights from out stations whether to hold them there or allow them to take off or simply to load additional fuel in case of diversion, what each department or division was supposed to do, so when the coming tropical storm makes a landfall or pass through our stations minimum collateral damage is done. When he’s already home, he took the trouble to make further instructions. The meeting will be attended by no less than the VP of Flight Operations, Managers under our department and other departments directly under the SVP, Senior Vice President of Operations Group. Sometimes, the SVP attend this meetings unannounced. Seeing me in rugged attire and casual clothing day in and day out, I was told to attend in formal attire. I must be either in long sleeve or at least with collar. “Copied your instructions loud and clear and rest assured it’s as if you...yourself is attending this meeting.” To make a long story short, I did attend the meeting. It lasted more or less one and a half hour. I took important notes with special emphasis to those that concerned our division. Snacks were served before meeting was adjourned. I cascaded my notes to the boys and when I reported for work the following day, I was summoned to his office. He asked me to appraised him what happened in yesterday’s meeting. I told him, it’s in my notes I placed at his table. “ Did you not find it or is there something wrong with it?, I asked him. “ I found it and there’s nothing wrong with it.”, he said. “ I thought I screwed up that’s why you wanted me here. ” Nothing wrong with that. I just want to know if you attended in proper attire… did you come in long sleeve or with collar?”. “ Both. “, I replied. “I came wearing my leather jacket, like those worn by motorcycle riders riding their big bikes.”, I added. All he could say was “S*it.”, almost falling from his chair.

FG, Fool Gentleman

2008-06-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

My present employer is my third since my first job. In this span of time, I’ve been under a dozen bosses with different personalities. Just like a professor rating his students, I would rate them on their overall qualities. The average type I’ll not discuss much but the extremes, i.e., the excellent and mediocre will be dissected like a scientist examining his specimen under a microscope. Mike was my first manager. He was happy go lucky and subordinates were treated like members of his family. This is understandable since his company was a small entity with less than 30 staffs in its payroll. I was happy with him and my colleagues such that when I requested to be released two months short of one year service I felt like an orphan. My next manager was Freddie. He was all right, fair and implemented orders from higher ups and sees to it everybody gets his fair share. Bert and Rudy were my next two division managers. They were product of the old school hence were relatively strict but reasonable. Alex became my first administrative manager since I was posted in the field under his command but functionally, I’m not under him since he doesn’t have the technical know how to do or understand how our work is being done. Under his command, we felt like we’re under a military commander since he emphasized the value of sprit de corps all the time. Either we all live or die together. One for all and all for one. I was under him for almost nine years and all those years I had no problem with him nor him with me. As to my colleagues, he was involve by virtue of the principle of “command responsibility” when one of our staff used our company service vehicle during the unholy hours of the evening and figured in a vehicular accident. The car undertook major repairs before it was put back to serviceable use again. Alex got off the hook, but the subordinate was grounded for a month. My next administrative manager was Jun; taking over from Alex when Mrs. Alex sequestered her husband following the discovery of a certain Mrs. Alex II. Observing our code of silence, no one got the balls to confirm Mrs. Alex Original’s suspicion. Jun was a high profile boss who came like a conquering hero. Like VP Gloria Macapagal Arroyo taking over from Pres. Erap. Before he took over, he was introduced to the whole community, the governor, the mayor, the head of offices, the provincial commander, all the honorable in the capital town were introduced like foreign dignitaries. They were made to understand – any request for accommodation can be accommodated by Mr. National Flag Carrier. Comparing previous bosses to this guy… they’re all second rate, trying hard. He was a superb dresser; his people skills were excellent. Like a politician. One incident between me and him strained and soured our subordinate-boss relationship. One time I was still working my backlog due to successive power interruptions. It was still an hour before quitting time when everybody were boarding our service car except me. We were invited to a town fiesta (festivities) when Jun came over and asked me to join the group. I told him, “Boss, I’ll just stay behind so I can receive all incoming messages so early tomorrow we don’t have any backlog. Confirmation of requested seats favor our overbooked passengers were among those expected messages. He said, “ Shut down the radio equipments and if anything happens I’ll just explain in your behalf tomorrow.” I replied, “ Boss, I’d rather do it right today than explain tomorrow because I screwed up today.” He stared at me, looked me from head to foot and without saying a word left with the entire staff. I was left alone, did all my pending job, closed my office (I have my own room with lock and key apart from the sales people’s office), went home and rest. The following day, I learned from my friends… Jun was mad at me for refusing his invitation and joining the group. There was a veiled threat - I better be careful or else…I just shrugged my shoulders and jokingly told my friends “ he be careful, not me. I’m doing nothing, so what should I be careful about?” Two or three days later, I learned… my friends were prevented from talking to me, drinking with me, any form of personal or even official inter-action will be sanctioned. I simply told my friends, “Just do what’s best for you. Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.” One time, while he was in the city attending a meeting-workshop, we were watching a big time boxing match on tv and were having rounds of beer. A former friend who was so intimidated by him reported the incident when be returned. My drinking buddy was reprimanded not to do that again. Otherwise, he will not be recommended for future training that were lined up so they’ll be considered for promotion. He wants me out of the loop. An outsider. Not satisfied with that, he attempted to embarrass me in front of a generous customer. A customer who purchased a plane ticket called up the canteen earlier and ordered “refreshment and snack for the airline staff.” When it was delivered I happen to be at the ticket office turning over an urgent message for him to act and reply immediately. My friends and the customer offered me to get mine but before they’re through with what they’re saying… Jun told me to get only one, not more and leave immediately. This guy is trying to put me in the defensive and I promised he’ll not succeed. I don’t get mad. I get even. I thank the customer and my friends but before leaving left a message, “It’s nice when offered a meal, but nicer when you’re footing the bill. There’s no such thing as free lunch. Sooner or later, you’ll pay for it.” Days passed, months and after a year… he was transferred to another posting. Ronnie took over from Jun. My new manager is straight and honest. Unlike Jun, Ronnie does not even drink or smoke. His routine is Home-Office-Home. Under his command, the company was able to save substantial amount from supplies alone. Even overtime was kept to a minimum. Once, Jun’s staff called up to inquire if there is really a retroactive rice allowance and when it is to be released. I told the guy.. it was given two months ago it’s now history. He can’t believe what he just learned. They were told, it’s not released simultaneously. I suggested, he better contact Jun (and Ronnie’s) director and inquire if indeed theirs is yet to be released. The guy filed a leave and verified from Jun’s immediate boss and found out Jun misappropriated the money. Upon learning this, I have mixed emotions about my former boss. For all his pomp and show, all of the elegance displayed he’s nothing but a clown in his desire for recognition and attention. He filed for a loan to cover the amount he misappropriated and before it was released, he was audited and found guilty of fiduciary matters. He was fired and lost his job. And before this happened, he left his wife and lived with Mrs. Jun II. This must be poetic justice. One misfortune after another, this manager was living in hypocrisy. He has feet of clay after all. What was once an icon of popularity, he succeeded in leading his life to obscurity. Who once was adored as a conquering hero is no more than a fool gentleman, an FG.

ESALA, FRAUD

2008-06-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

Four years ago, I resigned from our savings and loan association after being a member since a month after I joined our company. This association has the employees, both active and retired as it’s members. Purpose of this when it was organized by its founding members was to mutually help and assist its members in its financial needs so they will not be exploited and fell prey to loan sharks. Since becoming a member, we receive an annual dividend based on the number of shares we invested as share from the association’s retained earnings. Members were happy in this set up since our shares earned a commensurate dividend for the amount invested. In 1998, we were hit by an economic turmoil. Labor unrest keep us from having industrial peace and harmony. When peace was finally attained, albeit temporarily we tried to fall back on our employees savings and loan association, ESALA for our financial needs – household, tuition fees for our children, utilities and other basic needs. To our dismay, we were prevented from drawing our money since massive withdrawals were made earlier by big time depositors. If we were allowed to withdraw our money, this would amount to bank run triggering other depositors to withdraw their investment. To appease us, we were allowed to withdraw up to 20 % of our deposit on scheduled basis. Release will be made after every collection from members per payday. We survived on this set up until 3 years where we were still given our annual dividend every end of year. Last time we were given our dividend was in 2001. Two years in a row dividend was not declared, in 2002 and 2003. We began to wonder why this is happening since interests earned from loans extended to members were deducted in advance. From the investigation we made and information we gathered from disgruntled staffs of the association, we learned our money was invested by the officers not made known to the members. Scheme is not so hard to fathom. They invested our money and distributed among themselves (the officers) whatever earnings our money made. Several months before I resigned I tried to withdraw money for my son’s tuition fee. I was refused and instead, I was told to file a loan so I can have the money I wanted. I flared up and look for the manager thinking they’re trying to con me. How come they can’t release my withdrawal but they can release money if I filed for a loan. The obvious is now in the open. The association does not have enough cash really; collections every payday were not enough to cover the release of withdrawals, loans and members closing their accounts. Not satisfied with the explanations and they’re not so transparent to admit they have invested our money in investments they’re not supposed to engage I decided to resign and close my accounts. I was supposed to receive all my money nine months after I closed my membership. When I came back to get my money, I was given only 20% of my money and I was told to return six months later to get 10 %. After getting the 10% , it took me another six months to get another 10%. In December of 2005, they issued two claim stabs to be presented in March 2007 representing 30 % and the last 30% to be presented in June 2007. Many members are still enraged awaiting the total release of their money they’re entitled to withdraw. In an ordinary bank, you can deposit your money today and withdraw it next week, next month or any other day. And you can walk out of the bank with your money. Savings and Loan Associations are not the best institution where anybody can invest their hard earned money. Very few people can be trusted with our money. Either you invest your money in Treasury bills, time deposit or trust funds rather than ESALA where officers of the association can squander your money without you knowing it. One time, I happen to meet a former friend, still working for ESALA courting and sweet-talking me to return. I jokingly told him, I’ll return if they’ll give me a 100,000 loan just like what the banks are offering . Banks are offering as much as 1.5 million depending on your capacity to pay and it’s without collateral. He said ESALA can’t do that yet. I can only avail thirty thousand pesos after renewing my membership and periodic deductions/contributions had been made. In jest, I told him, “Pare, thanks for the offer, but I’ll just avail of the loan offered by this Indian national, we all knew as “BOMBAY”. Both of us have a hearty laugh. I know, he knew, I know.

Desperate Our Lives

2008-06-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

The last four months in our country’s landscape had been so turbulent such that waking up in the morning not hearing a bad news can be deemed abnormal. Early February ZTE star witness Jun Lozada surfaced on national tv alleging he was kidnapped by G-men who attempted to silence him but aborted the plan when media people becomes noisy on radio and on tv and his disappearance becomes too hot to handle. Senate investigation on his alleged kidnapping became the subject of a Senate investigation implicating high government officials from the police to the cabinet members and their understudies. One witness follows another and until now the inquiry has not been put to a close. In late March until April, the country was in a quandary where to get rice, our national staple. Supply disappeared in the market and when warehouses were raided, authorities found enough supply were being hoarded to make an appearance of less supply and high demand thus commanding a higher selling price. Cheap rice were repacked and sold at premium prices by merely packing the commodity in superior looking rice bags. First of May, labor leaders and workers trooped to the streets to demand wage hike to keep abreast with the rising cost of prime commodities. Different suggestions were made as to grant and implementations of the wage increase. Almost immediately, consumers were taken for a ride by politicians to demand the removal of charging of electrical pilferage known as systems loss – power not actually used by consumers but pilfered by illegal users then billed by the power company to its legitimate consumers. Middle of May i.e. May 16th, shortly before 9AM, 9 RCBC employees were massacred in Cabuyao, Laguna when bank robbers shot them in the head, point blank. A 10th victim, expired 2 days later. The victims of the St. Valentine’s Day massacre in Chicago in 1929 were happier. Bugs Moran boys were slaughtered by Al Capone’s gang, its mortal enemies. In the Cabuyao carnage, they were not the bank robbers enemies or rivals but ordinary bank employees tasked as keepers and handlers of money. Two days later, another massacre happened in Calamba, also in Laguna. Here, eight victims were killed. Less than a week after these two massacres, Tropical Storm Cosme devastated Northern Luzon leaving more than 40 people dead, destroyed thousands of houses and school buildings rendering the opening of classes is these areas in June doubtful. Prices of oil products were raised resulting to a fare hike nobody wants. Shortly before weekend, four buses of a provincial bus company were torched right at their terminal in the metropolis. Allegedly, extortion is the motive of the crime although not likely. Disgruntled bus drivers and conductors dismissed by management for various offenses were the likely culprits in this incident. In higher education, surveys shows at least 30 per cent dropout for the coming school year is anticipated. Reasons were the hike in tuition fees and parents not capable of raising the amount for their children’s school fees would rather allow their children to look for a job where they qualify to augment the family’s income. Many students are transferring from the private schools to the state colleges and universities to avail of the low tuition fees since the state funds these schools through the national budget. And when these students graduates, no jobs await them here so they leave their love ones to seek that proverbial greener pastures outside the country. New problems keep coming faster than we solve the present ones. It is said, the cost of dying is more than the cost of living. Otherwise, many of our suffering countrymen would have committed suicide or genocide long time ago. The real hopeless ones did. With each passing day, desperate people are rising in numbers. People wanting for a job, food, shelter, clothing, medicines for the sick, education for our children, the barest of necessities. Indeed, many people in our midst - young and old, learned and unlearned are desperate just to survive,

Gracey and Laura

2008-06-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

GRACEY and LAURA, OFW

Friends. Colleagues. Both IT professionals. Separated more than a year, reunited and lived in paradox after fulfilling their dreams. They planned, decided and moved to put to use their professional skills where it should be. With more than enough experience in a multinational IT company, they ventured to make their fortune away from their homeland. First to leave was Laura. Five months later, she convinced her friend to consider joining here there. Her recruiter was legal, taken care of her well-being, considerate and even look after the welfare of her dependents she left behind in the country. Gracey was thankful and happy for her friend not to be victimized and fell prey to an illegal recruiter. Meanwhile, Gracey’s own recruiter personally came here more than a month after Laura left. Her recruiter wants to personally talk to her parents and convince them to allow their daughter to go with him for an overseas posting. On top of the assurance for a permanent residency, her parents and siblings can join her there if they decided to do so. Constraint would be the weather since ours is not like theirs. In winter, the climate is biting cold and on summer, the climate is oven-hot. Unlike Saudi Arabia, where the culture strictly observe the muslim faith and the teachings of Allah, this country is similar to the liberal culture of United Arab Emirates where western culture and entertainment can be freely enjoyed in their cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Gracey told her recruiter she’ll consider the offer. Four months after her recruiter left, she submitted her credentials after consulting her parents, inquiring Laura – if the documents required to be submitted were similar to hers. After getting an assurance from her friend, they were the same papers and documents she submitted, Gracey decided to follow without second thought. Terms of the offer were “ No placement Fee to be collected” and it’s a “Direct Hire”. The only expenses Gracey incurred were for Passporting, Visa Fee and of course, medical and briefing fee, all similar to Laura’s. Less than two months later, the first of two confirmation packets of documents from the government agency of that country arrived. Gracey was assured that the offer was valid and the recruiter is legitimate and can enter into a contract. Additional documents were to be prepared aside from the ones submitted earlier. The second packet arrived more than a month later. Specific instructions to submit herself to physical/medical examination to that country’s authorized medical center/hospital and to attend a ”briefing” in our government agency task to brief and orient departing OFW’s on what to expect on that foreign country’s culture and peculiarities. A month later, the physical/medical examination was completed and after a week she appeared at that foreign country’s embassy to get her visa. Finding her papers were complete and in order, she easily got her visa. She was given a six-month period to leave and report to that foreign country. More than two months later, her recruiter-employer personally came to assure her parents -their daughter is in good hands and he came to fetch and escort Gracey to gain entry to their country without hassle. Her recruiter was truly sincere, caring and took good care of her. The recruiter’s family- his sister, parents, close family friends and office colleagues were at the arrival area of their country’s Port of Entry awaiting their arrival. Gracey was reassured her arrival begins on a happy note. Two months after her arrival, her friend Laura came and visited her and serves as a reunion or sort since they’ve last seen each other in the Philippines. Less than three months after leaving her native country, she complied with the first condition to gain a permanent residency status. Gracey exchanged “ I DO”s with her recruiter-employer-former fiancé and now husband, JEFF. Laura was her maid of honor, (she married her soldier husband a year earlier). While Laura came home almost a year and a half after she left the country, Gracey took a little longer.. two years and two months. Although they’re residing in separate cities, friends keep in touch with each other. When Gracey came home for a short vacation last January, I asked her what she did. She simply told me. “ God had been so kind to me. He gave me everything. I listened to my parents so he blessed me. And most of all, I asked God to give this one to my mother.”, “ And what is that?” I asked. “ I prayed to God and asked him to give my mother a handsome and loving son-in-law. And he did. He did not fail me. Thank you God for everything.” Gracey said.

I knew their story. Gracey is Melanie’s (my sister-in-law) niece”. She stayed with us while employed at the Call Center here in the city. Truly, Gracey and Laura are great OFW’s – Outstanding Filipina Wives. And green card holders too.

Country Boy, The Underrated

2008-06-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Summer 1967. Entrance examination for elementary school graduate hoping to be admitted in one of the public high school in Quezon City. Barely two months after arriving from the province, I was not given a chinaman’s chance to land a slot in the coming school year. As the new kid in town, a country boy (probinsiyano) venturing into the big city pitted against graduates of the city’s famous public primary schools, they considered me lucky to earn a slot in the last section of the evening classes. I was considered half-cook, greenhorn, can be easily beaten by the poorest in the class of the least rated elementary school. Playmates used to tease me – I knew nothing of anything the city has to offer. They asked me if in our province we have electricity, tv, radio, newspaper, movie house, car, traffic lights, pedestrian crossing, ice cream. I told them we have none but I knew what they were. They even said, what we have in the province are carabao’s, goats, pigs, chicken, camote (sweet potato) and nothing more. Also, the only prominent object we have in the province is moonlight which is hardly missed in the city, brooks and forests. I just took them in stride knowing most of what they’re saying are true. Taking offense for their unpalatable and insulting remarks, I decided and was determined to beat them in the coming entrance examinations. Even their parents told my parents not to expect too much from me so they won’t be disappointed. And so it came to pass. The examination came. We were segregated into two groups – those who were graduates of the city and those graduates from the provinces. The top 10% from the provinces will join the 90% that came from the city. When the result was published, there will be 22 sections in the day session and 11 sections in the 5-year curriculum evening classes. We were ranked according to our score. Initially, I was included in the first section of the day session. I was ranked first among the incoming high school freshmen and my nearest pursuer was at the fifth section, also in the day session. Their parents asked them what section they belong so with mine. They’re not happy to know I beat their sons saying I’m just lucky and it was just a fluke win. They even said, it’s not final as in the past and it will be revised and fine tuned in a week’s time. True enough, after it was reviewed.. I was relegated to the second section, a notch lower. When they learned it from their sons, they simply said, “ I told you so. You don’t belong there. Even landing at the second section was too high for you. Probably, even that… was a mistake.” These people were trying to downplay my accomplishment and tried hard to paint themselves as prophet announcing what is to come. From that moment, a grim determination was born in me “ to rise and top any contest where their children is a participant” It doesn’t matter if other contestant or adversary beat me as long as I beat all the children of my detractors and make them swallow their words. I took it personal now. They tried to prevent me from attending athletic event, cultural and industrial fair, field trips and extra curricular activities. They told my parents they are too ambitious and showy to allow me to join these activities when we’re behind in our monthly space (quarter’s) rent. They even went to the extent of telling my parents that I will be more productive if I just help the family earn money so we will not be behind in our payment. I’m not blind or naïve not to see all of these, why they are trying to prevent me from continuing my studies. The more they tried, the more I remained focus and steadfast in achieving my goal. In second year, I maintained my ranking and remained in the second section. I was promoted to the first section when I was in my junior year maintaining that when I was in my senior year, now graduating. A female classmate was the only one in our neighborhood who can rightfully claim she has beaten me and she’s telling the truth. Since first year, she was in the first section until we graduated. But she doesn’t matter to me. Her parents never put me down and she’s a decent young lady. After graduating from high school and our family was still dirt poor, I became a working student. I became a helper in a construction company in day time and attending evening classes taking up two-year technical course. I was able to graduate on schedule after two years and immediately landed a job. Actually, I got the job two weeks before graduation. In fact, I skip the graduation rites since I was assigned and posted in the province north of Manila during my first 3 months of employment. While employed here, I took the NCEE, National College Entrance Examination to be able to enroll in a baccalaureate degree course unlike the 2-year technical courses where it’s not needed. I took this exam and my high school batch mates in the neighborhood also tried their luck. When the result was released, I beat all of them. I’m not too happy that I consistently beaten them. I only wanted their parents to know their children is not in my league, that if their children are not so bright it’s because their parents have low IQ’s. I’m too polite to even raise my voice when they talk to me. But they took it too mean they can push me around. When they asked me what I did that I passed that exam. My answer was simple, “ I simply followed the instructions.” “And what was that?”, they asked. “ Write the correct answers, and I did exactly just that.” And I added, “ Sir, those who failed were those who did not follow instruction. They wrote the wrong ones. And some were hard headed. They did not write an answer, they leave the numbers blank. And I promised… NEXT TIME, I’LL BE DOING THE SAME. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS.

Talk Show

2008-06-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Each day before or after my work, I make it a habit to watch the day’s news either the early morning, early evening, or the late night news. Without these news, I felt so remote not knowing what happened in and out of the country and what should be done if something suddenly threatens the populace. While this routine makes my day, seeing rubbish talk shows hosted by morons raises my blood pressure. Once, I was watching a boxing match and my wife suddenly changed channel to check if her regular weekend talk show was already on going/running, I saw the face of this idiot host asking her guest stupid questions. I flared up and punch the television screen to release my incense feeling seeing this moron on national tv showing her stupidity. The guest was the subject of a blind item published in a daily tabloid and was asked how she feels about it since she is being alluded to in a scandalous gossip? When the guest denied she’s involved in that alleged scandal, that idiot host pushed her questioning if the guest is willing to subject herself to a lie detector test to confirm the truth or falsity of her answer. How come these moron talk show hosts are allowed to bully and put their guests on the defensive? To be the subject of an unpleasant news is bad enough, how much more to put their guests in embarrassment live on national tv? Are the network owners so desperate to allow this kind of show to be aired in their network? I pity and sympathize with their guests for being humiliated live on the air. If I were in their shoes, first thing I’ll declare is to warm my host/s, “ I appeared here for a sensible question and answer session. Don’t attempt to embarrass or humiliate me or my family. Don’t ask me stupid questions or else, I’ll be compelled to give stupid and sarcastic answers.” From here, the host/s can start asking me questions. I’ll answer in such a manner as if I’m in a witness stand being cross-examined by my accuser’s lawyer. I’ll answer only questions I have knowledge of. Answers such as “None that I know of.”, “ I have no personal knowledge.”, “That’s your opinion.”, “That’s what you think.”, “ I invoke my right to privacy.” and “ I invoke my right against self-incrimination.” If they’re disappointed with my answers, that’s their problem. That’s better than I’ll get mad at myself or mad at them. Of course, they’ll feel frustrated. So what? I’m just giving them a dose of their own medicine. Now, how do they feel if they feel like squeezing stone to get water. The only time I relish knowing what happened in a talk show happened several years back. A tandem of a gay and celebrated female talk show host has a bold star for a guest in that episode. This bold star was known as a hard hitting woman and answers questions without battling an eyelash. She was asked a controversial question and when it was her turn to talk, you can only imagine. There was no stopping her… She answered sarcastically and told the pair that if they want what her adversary feels, go and ask them. She emphasized she can only tell them her own feelings and as to her enemies, they can answer them. Then she asked the pair, if they were in her shoes, what would they probably feel? Would they feel good? Feel like walking in the clouds? Then that bold star conducted the show as if she was the host and the pair, her guests. The roles were reversed. Imagine…. A guest running the show as if it was her own, and the supposed host were reduced to mere guests. The following morning, this episode was in the papers. The network’s Vice President for entertainment got mad at her staff and reprimanded them not to have this bold star in their show again. They learned their lessons the hard way. It’s providential. Seek and ye shall find. Ask and it shall be given you. Amen.

The Great Escape

2008-06-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

Weekend. Last week of April 2008. Vacation leave approved a week ago was recalled. A favored client demanded that an important transaction be accommodated. Approved leave was cancelled and amended to under time. Must report for work 7:30 to 11:30 AM Friday and accomplish without fail this client's request. An order that can not be refused. Reporting to work earlier than usual and in proper attire, my son reported to work with grim determination to accomplish the assigned task. A week earlier, before filing his approved vacation leave, he planned to fly to Singapore for an appointment with his lady Pastor and another erstwhile officemate and best friend now working in that Lion City. Without plans or hint of revealing what he's going to do or where he's going that weekend, he asked me to bring his travel bag to my office along with his plane ticket for his 2:50 PM trip. Nobody in his office must see his luggage, much more his plane ticket. We agreed to have our rendezvous outside the terminal where I'll hand over his luggage, plane ticket and pocket money before proceeding with his check-in. I almost wreck his trip when I arrived some 10 to 15 minutes before the check-in counter was closed for last minutes check-in of confirmed seat holders. He has already changed his office attire to his casual (sports) wear for travel. I got entangled in a traffic jam and took me some 35 to 40 minutes what usually took 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Airport Terminal Building . When his boarding pass was released, he wave it at the other side of the glass wall for me to see and a thumbs up sign to indicate he will be on board that flight. Flight time was 3 and Â½ hours and 3 hours after landing at his destination, he called up at home and told us.. he's all right at his place of stay. His pastor meet him at the arrival area of Changi Airport and that evening he was at his best friend's apartment. The following day, he meet his pastor again for the day's activities- he was shown the city's environs and other places of interest. Discussed were plans not only of that week -end's activities but of the other long range plans and activities up ahead when he returns to that city, and the pastor's activities in Manila when she goes for vacation the following month. Late afternoon of Sunday, my son called up, he will be on board the first flight on Monday leaving Singapore at 2:30 AM and expected to arrive Manila at 4:00 AM. I was requested to meet him at the arrival area of Terminal 2 at NAIA and take his baggage at home. He will be reporting for duty at his office at 7:30 AM, already in his office uniform. He left and return, having been out of the country for 3 nights and 2 days without anybody at his office knowing he left. It was a great escape that almost didn't happen because of his office order to recall his approved vacation leave and partly to my arrival at the terminal beating check-in time by mere minutes before closing time. Thanks God it did happen.

Values

2008-05-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

People have different values in life. Some preferred money. Others, political positions and the power that goes with it. The rest, connections to men of influence. Many men who were born wealthy lost their money because they don't have the knowledge to make it work and grow. Business inherited from their parents went bankrupt after employees and trusted officers robbed the company that gives them permanent employment; their bread and butter. Those with political positions and were able to make use of their temporary power while in office gained money through legal and illegal means but lost their peace when they tried hard to cling on to power. Body guards were hired to assure them of their security and those of their immediate family. In exchange for peace, they lived in perpetual fear of their safety. They can't go out of their homes without body guards watching and protecting them. Having tasted wealth they haven't enjoyed before they became men of power, they ransacked the public coffers as if it's their very own. They send their children to expensive and exclusive schools, opened business they don't have any knowledge of, tour the world and saw its famous landmarks and wonders, went on abroad for junket and shopping sprees. When not on travel, they could be found in the casino's gambling tables frequented by the rich and famous. Many would envy, hoping if only "they were in their shoes" they can have the best cars, best houses, best wardrobes, best business and even the best whores. Those without money and without political positions and power were happy to be properly connected to men of money, power and influence. To these people, it's as if they have all of them. They have men to turn to, to use in time of need, strings to pull when the situation or occasion warrants. Getting a job, referral for their children, relatives and friends, admission of their children to selected schools for the elite and even asking assistance or preferential treatment in government offices and government owned and controlled corporations. Name it, they have it. And they don't need to fear. They can go wherever they want to go, wherever they please. In essence, they're more secure. They're not in the line of fire. They're people users. They're low profile. More honorable and for all seasons, people who choose education above money, power and influence, and connection. They command my highest respect. Educated people, even if they don't have much money, not holding positions with political power and influence nor properly connected to people who can enhance their careers are honorable men that decent and respectable youth can emulate and look up to. Disgusting and deplorable are people who are supposed to lead, build, model of future leaders of tomorrow but are shamelessly brazen in stealing people and government money for their own selfish ends. These people can't command my respect. Make no mistake about it. Education is learned not only inside the class rooms. They're learned from our parents, from our elders, from our teachers, from our neighbors, from our churches and even from our common sense. Some would argue, education is evidenced by earning a degree from a school recognized by the education governing body of a country such as Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education. Legally and technically, yes. Morally, NO. Probably, it's the reason why thieves, bandits and brigands can be found in high places. These people don't have moral values. They steal, smuggle, rob the people ¦as long as they're not caught and convicted “ they're clean". They're innocent. These are the kind of people that should be lined in the public square and shot point blank. It's frustrating to find decent people shy away from public service, refuse to run for public office while thieves throws their weight around posturing as if they're commissioned by God to lead this country to greatness like Moses and Joshua to the Israelites. Don't look to far, just look around. Not all convicts are those not educated in colleges and universities. Most thieves are attired in coat and tie, holding respectable positions in our government, in the corporate world and even among the rich and famous. The way we live, the way we raise our children, the values we live up to.. determines who we are and what we are. Do you agree?

Melanie

2008-05-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

Many years back while still courting my future wife, we often have her younger sister in tow. She was about eight years old then. She find me funny and enjoyed my company and would often asked her elder sister to allow her to be with us every time we go to church, outing on the beach, going to the movies and even if I'm just visiting her sister at home. She grew up getting whatever she wants from me and my wife and often asked small favors were requested which she usually got. It seems, she wouldn't take "NO" for an answer. When she was a young teenager she would bring my children in tow every time she comes to us during summer vacation. She love to play the role of a teacher, a mother, a baby-sitter rolled into one. My children find her strict and caring. And not without good reasons. Their mother, my mother-in-law was relatively strict and disciplinarian. When all of her siblings were already married, having their own family and growing children, she would still look after their well being. At present, she has 13 nephews and nieces from 4 siblings (our children included). When she returned from her first vacation from work in the Middle East , she has gifts and presents for everyone. If one of her siblings is having financial difficulty and in need of help, she would lend a hand. It happened to us once. When all of my children were simultaneously in college (the eldest is graduating and the youngest is a freshman), she gave us additional amount so everybody won't miss enrollment that school year. Every time she arrives from vacation and return to her work after her sojourn, she asked me to fetch and escort her from the Airport to either our or her brother's house in the city. When she married her fiance almost a decade ago, my wife acted as the mother since my parents-in-law were both deceased at that time. Prior to her marriage, she requested me to intercede in her behalf to explain to her sister (my wife) why she is marrying this guy. My wife is against having this guy as a brother-in-law. She says he won't turn out to be a good husband. As requested, I raised the issue to my wife and discussed the merits of the marriage. Apparently, she has a change of heart and eventually allowed her younger sister to marry her fiance. After the wedding and honeymoon, husband and wife took different flights to different destinations. The husband landed in Dubai , the wife in Jeddah. They would take simultaneous month-long vacation to play their role as husband and wife. In late 2002, my sister-in-law was due to give birth to her first born. She requested my wife to be present during this ordeal. She gave birth to a son. Less than a month later, the new-born died of pneumonia. She was broken hearted and soon returned to her work abroad. The couple took simultaneous vacation again in 2004 and in May of 2005, she became a mother for the second time. This time, it's a girl. Since then, she stopped working to do her motherly duties. Her husband remained a modern day hero, an OFW. It seems all the women in their family gave up their careers to be a full time mother. It runs in the family. First, my mother-in-law. Then my wife. Next, my wife's other younger sister. And now the youngest, Melanie. They're all dedicated mothers. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU.

FATHER AND SON CONFLICT

2008-05-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Young children used to follow and grew obedient to their parent's desire. Without complain. They could easily understand what father and mother means just by mere stare at them. That's what we were when we were growing up. Nowadays it's different. Children are hard-headed. And they're not completely to blame. Parents play an important role in their children's development during their formative years. What these children learned during these years, were retained the most and the hardest to correct if not corrected early. Many parents think, the more hard-headed their children as youngsters, the tougher guys they become. Wittingly or unwittingly, they're making monster out of their children. Tolerant of their children's antics, they're so proud to display their children to relatives, friends and co-employees thinking their children's tantrums and mannerism will bring them a fortune if discovered by talent coordinators looking for would-be child actors and actresses. Seeing children like them in public places as malls, fast-foods chains, trains and even churches, I felt like whacking them if they were my children. I'm not saying my children were the finest in the land. Far from it. What I'm saying is, how did their parents guided them in growing up? Some dogs are more behave than these children. Are they willing to accept that some dogs have higher IQs than their children or they (parents) themselves? If they answered "yes" then - NO Problem, No questions. I raise my hands. Complete surrender. No argument. But if they want to argue, then all I ask is to bring their children and I'll bring a trained dog and let them perform their acts and compare who'll come out more behave, more obedient and disciplined. Many in the audience would say, "the dog is intelligent, obedient and disciplined". And their children? Probably Idiots or Morons. When my children were growing up, my wife used to pinched them in their thighs when they misbehaved. Once, my daughter broke a flower vase, my wife slapped her hands with a slipper. When my sons quarreled over their toys, she got a hammer and let them break their toys. When there's a visitor at home, no one is to cross where the visitor and either I or my wife were seated. When it's unavoidable, they have to say "Makikiraan Po" (Please excuse me, may I pass), when it's meal time, they have to stop whatever they're doing and everybody must be at the table. All of them must be at home by 6:00 in the evening. At age 6, they attended their kindergarten class and at 7, their primary grades. Here, my youngest was the most daring. One day, I was at home waiting for them for lunch. They arrived from school simultaneously since those dismissed from their classes earlier will have to wait for their elder siblings to be dismissed. Their mother was now serving food at the table and his three elder siblings were already seated waiting for us to join them. Before I could rise from my chair reading a newspaper, he approached me and asked if I could help him solve his problem. "Father, I have a problem. Can you please help me solve this? I replied, "Yes, why not? What's that?" He took out from his bag a book, allegedly it was a book but from the look of it, it's not thicker than a komiks magazine. So, it must not be a book. I took it from him and examined what it really is. Wow, the book has many pages missing. The front page was already page 37 and almost the same number of pages were missing at the back. I interrogated him what happened and if he received it in that condition. My boy says, it's already in that condition when distributed. And the teacher is demanding it be replaced with a new one otherwise their grading sheet (or was it card) will not be released. I asked him if he is telling the truth. He said "yes" and added, "If im not telling the truth, I might as well die now, or don't send me to school anymore. I took his word with a grain of salt. I wrote a letter addressed to his teacher and told him to give it to her. There's no problem if I have to replace it. I can donate even several copies of that book. What I don't like and won't tolerate is for some teachers to demand a replacement for a torn book more untidy than a dried fish wrapper and was already in that condition when it was distributed. It's a matter of principle. That simply cannot be. To put the komiks err book in a presentable condition, we took it to a shoemaker and have it sewed and covered with a new folder looking like a new scrap book. After our lunch, (my wife and 3 other children took their lunch ahead of us), I told them to go back to school for their afternoon session. I told my 3 children not to intercede in their youngest sibling's behalf. I want him to express himself. Otherwise, if things doesn't turn right, either me or my wife will be summoned to appear before her at school. What happened as I learned later, was that the repaired book was accepted and no replacement was demanded and needed after all. But, the teacher wants to talk to my wife in the coming PTA meeting. The meeting did take place. My wife was told by the teacher that all she wanted was for the pupil to take care of the book distributed to them. Her desire was simply to scare them to be careful in handling the book. I just smiled and just like my wife, said "Explanation Accepted". My other son, the elder one was already a college graduate and working when we have that serious argumentation and debate. He raised issues I can hardly defend since it's about my philosophy against his. My stand is... To each his own since we have different personalities. He asked me if I know where I'm destined after my physical body died and what remains is my spirit. Well, I said.. "Where else, if not in heaven". He simply laughed and said, How do I know I'm getting there and what assurance do I have to say so. I felt my ego was pricked and my pride was deflated. I felt so flat and so low. He added, "you haven't even read the bible in its entirety and yet you're saying you're heaven bound". Of course, I won't take it sitting down. "I never did anything wrong to my fellow man, never took advantage of anybody, never enrich myself at the expense of another, and tried my best to obey the ten commandments". He retorted, "Not all those who tried have succeeded; and breaking anyone of the ten commandments breaks them all. He's grinning bordering on sarcasm and I can't allow this to continue. And he delivers the final kill. You've read your book THE ART OF WAR, as if it were your bible, your gospel. I've seen you reading that book before I was in college and now I'm three years graduate and working you're still reading that book. "Will lessons learned in that book bring you to heaven"? he asked. " You're full of fears, hatred, competition, survival and killer instinct such that you've forgotten what's love and salvation is all about". Instinctively, I counter attacked. "Stop it. You don't know how I grew, how I lived and survived that's why you're saying like that, "If you only knew, you won't be saying all these things. I have survived life's many battles, many wars that's why I'm still alive. Otherwise, I'm long gone. Momentarily, he keep silent. Then he continued his attack, albeit with less firepower.. "Why don't you go with me and listen to our pastor's teachings. After hearing him, you might have a new outlook and view life from a different perspective". I remained silent. My mind is engaged. I'm in deep thought planning my counter offensive similar to what the Israelis did to the Arabs in the 1973 YOM KIPPUR WAR. I carefully choose the artilleries, the regrouping of my disorganized forces before conducting my make or break assault. Just like in his younger years, he knew when to contain my anger when Iâ€™m becoming red-hot and ready to erupt. "You're losing your cool, you're losing your composure", he said and approaching me kissing me in the forehead. Then he continued, "I only wanted you to be closer to god. Unlike what I often heard from you "KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER". Then he patted me in the back and left.

The Pastor

2008-05-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

While still in college, my eldest son was already attending lectures on Scriptures. This group of religious young people call their activities Christian Communities Program, CCP and the members were known as CCPians. As a father, knowing your son is in pursuit of the teachings of the Lord felt confident he is treading the right path to manhood and will be guided by spiritual teachings like the followers of Jesus Christ. Most young people would rather enjoy their lives while still young and take advantage of their being under the care and protection of their parents. Some even goes astray, joining classmates, gang mates in unhealthy and prohibited activities as fraternities and illegal drugs. It was reassuring to learn your elder son is serving as a good example to his younger sibling, also a young boy, two hears his junior. Not long after, his younger brother followed suit. Soon, they were attending lectures and lessons together and on some occasions they go to depressed communities giving whatever the group has collectively and voluntarily contributed and distribute them to residents of these underprivileged communities. Two Christmas seasons they visited the inmates of a leper colony in a town north of Manila and gave them token souvenirs and goods that made these patients/inmates feel they still belong to society and people wish them well to return to our fold. Charitable activities were regularly done by these youngsters to raise whatever amount for an honorable purpose. Until he graduated in college and his subsequent employment with his first job he kept coming back to his fellow CCPians and was in high gear during Christmas attending midnight mass, joining and singing in the choir group. Then he transferred to his second job and present employer in a bank in Mandaluyong City , Philippines . During his probationary period, he was asked by his seniors if he is willing to join their Christian congregation that regularly study the words of God and be a renewed Christian. He told them he is already a member of a Christian group since college, was and still attending this group. Anyway, since it's also a group that praises and worship Jesus Christ, why not. So, he attended this group called Christian Commission Fellowship or CCF. Soon after, I began hearing him lessons and lectures on the Bible and one time he asked me to join him in the lecture to be presided by their CCF resource speaker Brother Ray An Fuentes. Topic discussed was financial security based on the bible and the teachings of Christ. I was impressed by the intensity of this speaker. I thought he was just a has been showbiz personality desperately trying to make a comeback after not making it big in the United States and Canada. His speaking engagement was lined up.. here and abroad that will keep him busy for the next several months. This speaker was mobbed by the crowd after he was through with his speech. The head pastor of CCF, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi was impressed just like everybody else. Several days and nights after that speech I began to reconcile the financial security he discussed with the lessons I learned in my academic studies. There was not much difference except that financial security and investments taught in college emphasized the rewards here on earth while the financial security discussed by Brother Ray An Fuentes and espoused by Pastor Peter Tan-Chi were after lifeâ€¦ the one we expect to be when our physical/flesh body is gone. While still here on earth, trust the Lord that our prayers and longing will be answered. No problem is too big to remain unsolved. Accept, Believe, Trust the Lord. He is the Savior, he will not left you out in the cold as long as you accept he is your savior. I used to trust my own effort, capabilities and if things don't turn out right, I asked the Lord to get me out of this fix. Suddenly, I realized.. it's not to be. Above all else, we must put our trust and faith in Christ. After that encounter, I began attending bible lessons in Bible Foundation 1 at the prodding of my son. One class lead to another.. Bible Foundation 2, Holy Spirit, Baptism, Discovering Christian Growth and Galatians. I used to think I am assured of my place in heaven as long as I do good works and nothing more. Not so, and it's the sure path to perdition. I continued reading my bible alone, even if I can't attend the scheduled gathering at the place of worship. My son opened the door to me so I learned what being good Christian is all about. I must admit I haven't learned all of them yet but then it's a continuous process. As long as there is to be learned, I'll keep on trying. Pastors Glenn Obligacion, Jimmy Bernardo, Insong Nolan and of course, the most senior of them all, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi. Meanwhile, my son has kept me from drifting off my course. He brought home CDs and DVDs of the lectures and lessons discussed at the House of Worship if he was there and I wasn't. Alongside with the above-named pastors, my son began attending and engaging in animated conversation with this other pastor he reconciled with last year. Their lessons and discussions were smooth at first but some differences in beliefs and theories that can't be straightened out by scriptures and theology strained their relationship. Then last year, they began to reconsider their previous discussions. Newer and fresher approach were made and soon they have a meeting of the mind. Why not explore their ideas and beliefs. After all, this pastora's ideas and beliefs does not contradict the teachings of Pastors Obligacion, Bernardo, Nolan and Peter Tan-Chi. Late last year, this pastor has a new posting and assignment in Singapore, until now. The pastor was supposed to have a sojourn here next month but on-going activities prevented the trip and moved to a later date. The pastor instead asked/requested my son if he can take a week-end trip to the Lion City this week-end. He left the early afternoon flight last Friday, he is taking the early morning flight/return trip a little past midnight tomorrow, Monday. Expected to arrive at 4 AM, he can and will report for duty at his office tomorrow at 7:30 AM. What a busy end-end. Unable to attend his regular Sunday service here, my son must have doubled his prayers while in the Lion City . I'll be meeting my son early tomorrow at the NAIA, the former Manila International Airport . By the way, this pastor is a young woman. PASTOR Maria Divina Mantaring.

SIR NESTORIO, MY BOYHOOD IDOL AND MENTOR

2008-05-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

Tall. Ramrod straight. Adjutant's voice. Strict. Commanding presence. That's how I'll describe my Grade 4 teacher-adviser who has impregnated a lasting influence in my formative years and shape my character that last until my adult life. I don't really like him. Especially after that encounter I had with him a year earlier. One day, I figured in a fight with a bigger classmate. He was an acknowledged bully in the class. After dismissal, this bully got my hat and don it on his head. I asked him to give it back to me since it belongs to me and must go home with it on top of my head. The bully was grinning from ear to ear and said, he'll give it back to me on one condition. I must beat him in a fistfight. Our classmates were now heckling and were eager to see a bloody fight expecting that after the smoke has cleared, they'll see one of us badly beaten (probably me), crawling like a snake and asking for mama's help. But they were dead wrong. They've underestimated my resolve. With an eagle's eye, I'd been eyeing the round wooden posts, more or less 2.5-3 inches in diameter to be used in the fencing of our school garden stockpiled not far from us. They haven't thought it could be used other than its intended purpose. Our naughty classmates pushed me towards him so we could make initial contact and the bully will make a mince meat out of me. In the initial salvo, I was hit in the head, stumbled and landed on my buttocks at the seat of my pants right there where the posts were. I grabbed one, stand-up and pressed my attack. He was big, I was small. I swing my weapon and attacked his shin. Bingo.. I hit the mark right on target. I was about to whack him in the head but our classmates and older pupils prevented me from crippling my adversary by grabbing and holding my weapon. The bully dropped, crumbled like a sack of potatoes and remained on the ground holding his shin, howling like a castrated dog. Classmates who earlier were instigating the fight were preventing me now from whacking him, saving the bully from further punishment. Bigger and older pupils were able to grabbed my weapon and the girls were quick to report the incident to the head-teacher, our future teacher-adviser. We were brought to his office/class room for interrogation and the guilty to be meted with necessary punishment. The bully, the alleged victim of my uncontrollable fury and I, the alleged assailant and attacker were now standing face to face. The bully was interrogated first but does not, cannot answer the questions asked. Maybe because he was busy crying and realizing he started it all. My mind says "If he cannot answer, probably he never will.. so I'll do the talking. Not yet asked, not yet my turn I pressed my attack. I said, " Teacher, he cannot answer because he is guilty, he started this fight and now cries as if his mother just died". The bully simply looked at the floor as if looking for a lost dime and doesn't seem to care to answer. Feeling confident I'll be exonerated, I resumed my tirades. That's what happened to bullies, like Goliath slain by small boy David. Teacher Nestorio turned towards me, raised his hand and slapped me. I thought my face grew thicker and numbed. Then he said, "Until you're asked, keep silent. And he added, "Don't talk until you're talked to'. My natural instinct was to hold my face and cry. Now, both of us were crying. Actually, he was sobbing while mine was just rising to a crescendo. Then the teacher asked, "You want some more?, asking as if it wasn't enough. I can't say a word, just shaking my head left to right.. indicating "Enough', as if my jaw has just locked. A naughty boy from the Grade 6 class said, "Sir, whoever cried louder, be declared the winner". Everybody laughed and seconded the motion. Somebody added, "Gene Yu will be declared the winner because he's crying while his adversary is now just sobbing. "Right", another added. And Gene gets his hat back. Would you believe? this time I'm laughing while still crying because of their naughty remarks. I saw the teacher beaming in the corner of my eyes. The bully can't even raise his face. He's just stooping there. Then the teacher told us to shake our hands, don't repeat this unfortunate incident, gave the hat back to me and asked us if we're still angry with each other before everybody was finally dismissed.

After a few months, the school year ended. And on recognition day, I was first in the honor roll, an improvement from the previous years 3^rd. The deposed 1^st was now in fourth, the 4^th was now 3^rd, and the previous 2^nd place has managed to maintain his position. The following school year opened (we're now in grade 4), everybody is everybody's classmate again. Including the bully I whacked last year. Right on opening day, I actively participated in class recitation. Not much change happened. It's just like last year. We've managed to maintain our respective position. Everyday, before the class starts, we recited a prayer to guide us in our studies. After that, Sir Nestorio will deliver a sermon that tackles the virtues we have to learn as young pupils that must be turned into habits that will shape our character that we can pass on to our children when we're already adult. He emphasized that good manners, right conduct, virtues are best learned and practiced in youth since it will be automatically done in any situation. Observance of proper etiquette, protocol and proper decorum is demanded at all times. At that time, I just took it in stride since I'm pre-occupied with my being the top gun in academics. I have been disciplined at home by strict parents and I deemed it superfluous and overkill to be subjected to these long sermon as if we're convicts being reformed. Anyway, I just keep it to myself alone. What will I lose if I play along. Nothing. It won't cost me a penny. Before long, I didn't realize I'm already doing it on my own initiative. I was so focused in my preparations for our daily activities and I was so determined to stay on top. For me, academic competition mattered most. The restâ€¦ industrial and agricultural education where we're taught how to fix and repair woodwork, broken chairs and tables and planting vegetables were for pupils with less intellect. Gradually, I'm yearning to hear Sir Nestorio's homily every morning and I'm beginning to appreciate it. I grudgingly admitted to myself I must excel too in this subject, GMRC, Good Manners and Right Conduct if I want to maintain my ranking. My fear then, what if I beat them in academics and I'm beaten in GMRC, well I might be demoted to 2^nd, 3^rd and even last among the pupils with honor. The virtues he imparted to us then and still my basis for my relationship towards my family, neighbors, co-workers, relatives, friends and even enemies were learned from Sir Nestorio. Mere words and speeches, will not and cannot convince me if people who espoused it does not put it into practice. Sir was different. I was already in Grade 5 ( I was the 1^st placer in the class under him in Grade 4) when he did something that convince me and I can still vividly remember what is this and why he did it. His daughter, our junior is attending the Grade 4 class under her own father as teacher-adviser. She was first placer the year before from a different teacher. Now, her father will naturally make her 1^st placer in the current school year. So people thought. Before the ranking was done, a comprehensive exam in all subjects will be given to all pupils in the running for honors. His daughter was already in the running for 1^st place. The second placer was already beaten twice, in grade 2 and grade 3. In due time, the comprehensive exam will be given. The honor pupils in grade 5 and grade 6 were made the watcher in that event. Other teachers prepared and administered the exam with Sir Nestorio inhibiting. We checked their papers and when the result was out, her daughter came out on top. The second placer was soundly beaten. When recognition day comes, her daughter was awarded 2^nd place. The beaten adversary was now receiving the gold medal. At that time, I was confused. His daughter deserved to be the 1^st placer, why then give the award to her opponent.. She was beaten fair and square. When I asked him, why he reversed their placing, he simply said "Out of Delicadeza". We honestly believed, his daughter deserved the top ward, but then the father prevented it. Years later, I realized and learned what this is all about. "Sense of Propriety'. Sir Nestorio stands head and shoulder above most lawmakers and other public servants today. I then recalled and reviewed his past sermons and appreciate it even more. The virtues he espoused, advocated and passed on to us guided me in my adolescence, manhood and adult life. Among them aside from the above are honesty, sincerity, punctuality, courage, integrity, loyalty, respect to elders, golden rule or reciprocity, kindness, perseverance, tenacity, steadfastness, trustworthy, word of honor, teamwork, commitment. Many other virtue and lessons were imparted to us, but for me, they're the standout. If and when I have to time to return to my hometown, I'll pay respect to the grave of this great man. I felt blessed and honored to be under this disciplinarian. Thank you, Sir Nestorio.

EMPLOYMENT and WORKERS

2008-05-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

Every end of school year, thousands of graduates joined the labor force seeking employment. Very few were lucky to land a job, and still fewer got the job that they were prepared in college. Many joined the ranks of the unemployed. For those lucky few who were employed, they were not adequately paid, receiving salaries and wages lower than the mandated minimum. Anyone without experience, to be employed is already something to be proud of. Many graduates were not able to land a job until their age has overtaken the opportunities for employment. At a certain age, a jobseeker must be a graduate of the course and is prepared for the job and position he/she is trying to apply. On the job training while still a student is something but not an assurance to get employed. Some became an entrepreneur since getting employed has not given them a break. And yes, their parents and relatives have loaned and given them a capital to start a business. Many graduates and job-seekers find themselves working in foreign countries after years of hunting jobs in the local market. They paid placement fees to recruiters nobody is sure if it's legal and authorized to recruit and hire applicants and process their applications. They demand an initial down payment so processing of their applications can be done immediately and their departure given priority. Parents hoping their children can depart for their posting abroad immediately raise money by mortgaging their agricultural land, house and lot, even selling their cattle and farm implements so son or daughter can begin receiving salary to bail them out from monetary obligations. Younger siblings expect them to help defray their education since their parents find it hard to send them to school and earn their college education. Some employers abused our overseas workers. They didnâ€™t comply with the terms of the contract and give them salary way below the stipulated amount.. They were made to work long hours without getting overtime premium for extended labor. Domestic helpers were not properly given food. Some domestic helpers complain they were made to eat left over foods some dogs won't eat. Our government officials posted overseas were remiss in the performance of their duties. Not all of them of course. But, many are indifferent. They didn't seem to care the welfare and well being of our countrymen. Our workers should be treated as humans and not as mere commodities. I sympathize with our workers who have to left their families behind to earn bread abroad to support their dependents wanting to survive. Leaving our love ones is a sacrifice we can bear emotionally and physically only if at the end of the day, all our efforts were not in vain. Building a house for our family, proper education for our children, savings in anticipation of our old age when we're not productive in earning money for our daily needs will somehow ease the pain. Some who can't bear the thought of being separated from their love ones will make do with whatever is available here even if it means belt-tightening for the entire family. Children are willing to have a lesser allowance as long as both father and mother are around to guide them in their growing up. After all, they reason, money is just something that can make them happy but not all happiness can be bought with money. Children would say, we are willing to give up something or even everything we deeded as luxury as long as we have both mommy and daddy. The ambitious ones, children and parents alike, would prefer the temporary separation as long as everybody commit to sacrifice something for the sake of greater glory in the end. Father would like to buy a car when he permanently return, start a new business when he decides to stop working overseas, mother will start a business of her own.. the long awaited opening of a mini-mart or boutique when dear husband comes home. Children will pursue a degree in medicine, law, engineering all expensive courses, our meager earnings here can not afford. Relatives in need of help will be given dole outs if not something for them to start their own livelihood. Domestic workers take 2^nd or part time jobs to augment the meager salary not enough to support all the needs of the family. Some will do tutorial work after office hours and even on weekends, other will serve foods in-between meals in the neighborhood, the rest will deliver and supply fruits, meat and fish to selected eateries, others in parlors and wellness centers. Workers - the backbone of our economy must be given their due, recognition, just and commensurate compensation. On the occasion of the celebration of Labor Day, may our workers, here and abroad be given everything they deserve. We don't need to beg. It's something we rightfully deserve. Long live the workers.

A Tale Of Two Dreamers

2008-04-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

A TALE OF TWO DREAMERS

Two friends. One dream. Two destiny. This is the story of my friends Donnie and Frankie.While they're not the best of friends, they considered me one of their best if not the best. They'd been together in the same work place nine years before I joined them as a result of my moving up. Donnie joined our company a year earlier before I did. We haven't been together nor seen each other before. He was posted at the country's premier Airport, the former Manila International while I was posted in our outlying office, a third class domestic airport. Frankie joined the company last, fifteen years after I was hired.As a result of the company's downsizing, I was moved up from my posting in the province after our senior supervisors in the city prematurely retired becoming my eventual friends superior. In 1983, Donnie was able to get a tourist visa to visit the U.S. mainland together with his wife. After less than two months of vacation in the U..S. , Donnie returned and was back to work leaving his wife in the care of their relatives. True enough, she left the mainland before her valid six month stay expires. Yes, she returned after giving birth to their youngest son. Donnie's wife has been coming back to the mainland yearly, staying there a little less than six months. During her stay, she did different kind of jobs as beautician “manicure, pedicure, hair culture and on some occasion cooks food for Filipino immigrants and visitors during weekends and was paid substantially. The U.S.- born son was left in the care of his uncles, aunts and grandmother when his mother is in the Philippines when he was already attending classes there. Donnie make it his habit to be with his son once a year in the U.S. and during school break, his son came here. The son completed his primary and secondary education in the U.S. Donnie and his wife says education is free until high school so it's more expensive if they are to send their son home to study here. Ten years ago, Donnie made a difficult decision. Our company was in turmoil after the crippling strike staged by our union. Then unknowns to us, while Donnie was at the picket line, he has a plane ticket in his back-pack, ready to take the last plane out in the event the airline finally closed shop after declaring bankruptcy. Leaving a strict instruction to his wife "NOT TO COME HOME WITHOUT MY GREEN LIGHT", who was at the mainland at that time together with their U.S. - born son and two other younger children, Donnie executed his elaborate plan with swiss-watch like precision. After the company's president announced the closure of our company in two days, Donnie proceeded to the Airport and took that night's flight to San Francisco . No none knew he left. I only learned of his leaving when he was already in the mainland, he called me at the office while we were shutting down our equipments and turning them over to our manager. He requested me to take care of his locker and things and he'll be calling again. Two weeks later, the company re-opened but without our flight to/from San Francisco . Hearing the news from Reuters, Donnie called up to verify if indeed, the company is to resume operations. "Affirmative", I told him. He said, "I'm flying out to Manila, first available flight". In three weeks time, our flight to/from San Francisco resumed. He was on board the second flight.. Reporting to work immediately after arrival, we learned he considered not coming back and just to overstay and wait for an amnesty. He consulted an immigration lawyer and was told to better go back and wait for his son to turn 21. The son will file a petition to have his parents be with him in the United States and it's the legal one rather than be a TNT, waiting for an amnesty which may never come. When the son has graduated from high school, he instructed his son to come home to study and earned a college degree. At first, the son refused but later understood his parent's desire so he came home and took up a highly-skilled course, Aircraft Maintenance. When the son turned 21 in 2004, he has graduated in his technical course. Right after turning 21, the son filed a petition to have his parents migrate to the United States . He filed it at the U.S. Embassy in Manila . In a months time, papers from the embassy arrived telling my friend Donnie that a petition in his favor and his wife is in the works and was told to submit documents, photographs attesting their parent-son relationship. I was quite familiar with the progress of their petition. Seven months after submitting their documents, the couple got their immigrant visa (theirs was an IR category, Donnie says itss immediate relative) and took off for San Francisco two months later. Since becoming an immigrant in August 2005, my friend and his wife came home several times- Nov 2005, Aug 2006, Nov 2006 and Apr 2007. The eldest son, now married and living in their house in the nearby province was given a brand new Toyota Innova after only their second visit from the U.S. , and the house was renovated as well. I'm happy to have and see a friend, former subordinate became successful. Our friendship remained as strong as ever. Maybe, he's disappointed because I haven't made good my promise to pay him a visit in San Francisco . I just told him maybe someday . How can I do that? I don't have a U.S. visa and it's too expensive to apply for this. If you're denied, the money is not returned. Anyway, every time he returns he treat us just like the old times. Thats enough friend. It's okay to see you here during your visit.

This is my friend Frankie's tale. He's about my age. He joined our company in 1989 and six years later he got a tourist visa and it's single entry valid for six months. He traveled to the mainland immediately after getting it. Then he re-applied, this time together with his wife. They got five years visa validity and since then, the wife has been coming back to the mainland staying there for a little over five months and returns here. After two to three months stay here, she returns to the mainland. She worked there in a homecare as Frankie told us. Frankie and his four children has lived luxuriously since the wife has been sending him 200 to 300 dollars a month. He was able to pay his loans and has traveled to our local tourist destination as Boracay, Puerto Princesa and Dipolog. Many of our officemates was envious of Frankie's high profile living. Many times I refused his offer of expensive treats, foods every time I helped him in his written communications and office problems. I told him, my friendship is not for sale. Unlike some of the people who claimed to be his friends, they're so good at instigating him to make unnecessary expenses which Frankie apparently not notice. In year 2000, they renewed their visa including the children. The children got a better deal. They were given 10 years valid visa while the parents got 5. In late 2000, after getting their visa.. Frankie's wife and 2^nd child, the only daughter left for the mainland.. Mother didn't returned to the Philippines since then and said her employer has petitioned her and was told a working visa is in the works. His wife is paying an immigration lawyer 200 dollars a month to workout the papers, Frankie alleged. The wife became impatient waiting for her working visa to arrived and quarreled with her employer. The employer pulled out the petition and Frankie's wife transferred to another homecare, her daughter in tow, now a TNT. In late 2003, her daughter called him asking she be allowed to go home to study B.S. Nursing so she can return to the mainland and worked as a nurse. Immediately, not telling anyone of his plans to fetch his daughter from the United Stated, we were surprised to see his daughter here. Indeed, the daughter enrolled in B.S. Nursing in 2^nd semester of SY 2003- 04 and was supposed to graduate in March this year. But, as fate would have itâ€¦ it was not bound to happen. In July last year, Frankie secretly asked me to join him in his close-door meeting with our division manager. I asked him why? He simply said, I'll know it later. "Okay, No problem", I told him. When our manager arrived, I was summoned to join them in the Manager's Office. There I learned, disaster struck. One of his two sons he brought to the mainland ( Los Angeles ) in September 2006 and was supposed to return in February 2007 but decided to overstay was caught by agents of USCIS. The agents came, knocked at the door and asked his son if he is "NANDO". His son said "Yes", and the agents handcuffed him and was detained in a detention center along with some 200 others. His son was cowering in fear inside the prison as narrated to his father when he came out after the mother posted bail and was scheduled for a hearing. His son can't even shave his beard and moustache inside the prison. After the hearing, his son was supposed to leave on voluntary departure last April 03, 2008. Otherwise, the 5,000 US dollars posted bail will be forfeited. This time, it was already confiscated and his son is on the run. Since July last year, many water has already passed under the bridge. The other son is still in hiding in the mainland fearing he might be next to be caught. Frankie's wife working visa which was expected to be released last December 2007 has stalled and probably voided. Then Frankie and wife agreed to terminate their marriage so his wife can marry his patient in the US , of course for convenience. Do they really expect USCIS agents are so blind not to suspect this. Papers from their immigration lawyer came asking him to sign those papers so his wife can marry her patient. Apparently, those are divorce papers certifying his willingness to release his wife and marry again. Last time, Frankie and his son Nando has a conversation, the son was blaming his father for releasing their mother to be able to marry again. Apparently, the son is revolting against his father. And the daughter here, unable to enroll in her last semester in Nursing is now working as a saleslady in a popular mall in their city here south of Manila . In desperation, the daughter may end up marrying her suitor/boyfriend as Frankie himself intimated. The youngest of his children (son) figured in a motorcycle accident several months back. Thanks God, his wounds were not serious. Two of his three motorcycles were repossessed by the dealer when he failed to pay the amortization losing his down payment and several monthly amortization paid. Expensive appliances, furniture and other valuables were sold. Some supposed friends scrambled to buy some of his belongings since they were sold at garage sale, they said. I was offered some but I declined. I'm not one to take advantage of my friend's misfortune. If at all, I will help with my smallest deed. These friends are like fox watching the poultry house. Lately, Frankie move to a smaller house, just enough to have roof over their heads. Yesterday, he is considering resigning to get his separation pay and start a new life anew. I disagreed and strongly argued against. Some of our friends saw the wisdom of my argument. I feel great not feeling alone in my position. But, what shattered my good wishes for my friend was the continuous blaming games, admonition, making it appear they're wiser and smarter than Frankie. Do they really have to do that, just to feel good about themselves. I left them and spent my thoughts in solitude in the lonesome of my cubicle, not coming out after not hearing their loud voices. I felt disgusted and on the verge on nauseating. Even after I went home after leaving my office, I still pondered what happened to my friend especially he's considering staying at the office warehouse and leaving his remaining children to his sisters and their family.

I can only pray.. may GOD give him wisdom not to make desperate acts that may further shatter his already broken dreams.

I'm not so concerned with Donnie's fortune but Frankie's present dilemma made me rethink my position. Does getting an immigrant visa and an opportunity of living in the USA and an opportunity of becoming a US citizen really worth it? A departed friend, once said "Some people wanted to immigrate to improve their lives, economically, others for political reasons like the asylum seekers, some to avoid prosecution and persecution, others for status symbol, some not for anything else but for bragging? Is that so? I'd rather be good at blogging. Citing my own experience, my family, friends, officemates, and probably, even my enemies.

Somebody Up There Loves Me

2008-04-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

SOMEBODY UP THERE LOVES ME

Monday. June 15, 1998. Our company's management began serving termination papers as a result of its downsizing program as a consequence of the pilot's protracted strike staged ten days earlier. Criteria used for this drastic action was Last In, First Out. But, it was not strictly followed. Several rank and file employees who should have been sent out were retained allegedly because of favorable attendance, work attitude and competence. On the other hand, several senior employees who should have remained were sent out. If I were to rate myself, I'll be somewhere above the middle. I belong to the second generation of employees still active in the service. My seniors were hired ten to twelve (10-12) years earlier while the youngest in the group, the so-called 3^rd generation employees were thirteen to fifteen (13-15) years my junior. In this structure, I was now among those considered as next in line for promotion. My last movement was seven years earlier and once a bidding for promotion is opened, I'm 80-90 per cent sure of making it. Two years earlier our manager had been making overtures of promoting me since two or our supervisors had intimated their desire of availing an early retirement. I politely refused telling him I'm flattered with the offer but I would rather remain in my present position. Some would readily agree and even grab the offer but my refusal was honest and sincere. I have different things in mind. At that time, I have two daughters attending college in the big city and two were in high school in the province.. It is true that with the promotion I'll be given a proportionate salary increase that goes with it. But the increase is loose change compared to what I'm getting in my present position. Nine to ten months a year I'm on company travel, i.e. on OB (official business). The per diems and overtime pay I'm earning in addition to my basic pay is substantially higher than what the most senior supervisor is getting. One time, before my traveling position was awarded to me I actually earned more than what my branch manager got in that particular year (his basic pay onlyâ€¦ his representation allowance excluded). It's because I'm working almost two shifts a day (I have 38 hours overtime per week and 40 hours regular work/week). When the Statement of Earnings and withholding tax was released by payroll for the filing of our Income Tax Return to BIR, my withheld tax was seventy percent of the lowest earning made by my colleague in our branch. Obviously, my boss understood my position and persuaded the two supervisors to stay for at least a year since they are not 100 per cent sure of getting out. At the time of the ongoing pilot strike, our rank and file union was planning to stage our own strike in support of the pilotâ€™s action, our supervisors wanting to be released renewed their pleas. Of the six supervisors in the roll, a third joined the original two. Less than a month later, three supervisors were out and three remained. Meanwhile, the pilots attempting to return to work in compliance with the labor department secretary's order to "Return To Work" were locked out. They were refused entry for not complying with the order a week earlier and found themselves without plane to fly. Management has effectively and permanently clipped their wings to fly the national flag carrier's planes. The following month, our division manager was forced to retire when management demanded all manager's resignation. He was not re-appointed and thus joined the three supervisors who retired earlier.. Our division, now without a manager was left in the care of an officer in charge. The most senior of the three remaining supervisor was appointed OIC. Two months later, one of the remaining two supervisors was forcibly retired after coming back to work for only two months after he was discharged from the hospital. Less than a year later, this supervisor died after suffering from his last stroke. With only one supervisor left to supervise 30 staffs spread in three shifts (ours is a 24-hour operation), our division made a re-organization and re-structuring. My travel assignment and position was scrapped following the closure of our outlying stations. I have no one to relieve in the provinces since our staffs there were absorbed by other department. This time I was given an offer I can not refuse.. I was promoted supervisor along with another colleague. Five months later I was confirmed. Less than a month after my appointment, the company chairman and CEO announced the inevitable closure of our company if no fresh additional capital is invested due to successive losses in revenue in the last several years. Less than two weeks after his announcement, the roof fell. The latest announcement was declared. "Tonight, the national flag carrier is closing down and will cease to operate. The airline business is finished. The national flag carrier is dead", so the Chairman and CEO said. Everybody were served our termination papers. This time we took a united stand. Divided in opinions on several issues, we made a quorum on what should be done. We will not sign and accept these termination papers, not accept our separation pay and we will fight it out to the end. We have determined that it's a psychological warfare (psy-war) we can't allow ourselves to lose. It's mental torture to get our separation pay, now out of work seeing new hires took over our previous position although they may be paid half or less than half of our salaries). Everybody is watching everyone else. There was even an agreement among us "whoever signs his termination paper and accept his separation pay will have his fingers chopped off". Heated debates followed, insulting words exchanged. Finally but grudgingly we agreed. DO NOT SIGN, DO NOT ACCEPT. Just like any normal human being, I was already doubting my ability to withstand pressure. After faithfully serving the company for more than 23 years, I was being served with a termination paper without any justifiable reason. Alone, I reconsidered my position. I've concluded, as If they don't have any loyalty to me, why should I have any to them?. I summoned my three children (all staying with me in the city , the youngest still with my wife in the province and the only one in high school) that night and broke the news.. my impending decision to TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN. "I will take my separation pay, go home to the province and start a small business.", I declared. Then I rationalized. No one can cut/will cut anyone else fingers as we have agreed among ourselves in the office because what one is getting is not anyone else. They can do with whatever they want with their money so with me. My eldest (daughter) said "DON'T, HANG ON. FIGHT IT OUT TO THE END". She added, "I"ll work part time as a service crew, study at night and even temporarily stop in my college studies". My second child/daughter says "IT'S UP TO YOU, YOU KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR US.". I'lll work for my college Dean and she'll pay for my tuition fees. I'll attend my classes in the evenings," she added. My third child/son, just in his freshman year said "IT'S JUST TEMPORARY. GOD WILL NOT GIVE US ANY PROBLEM WE CAN NOT SOLVE". He added, I'll join Ate, at the food chain and be a working student too". Always the religious, the altar boy, I expected his opinion. Unknown to me, my children told my wife when she happen to called up wanting to talk to me. They told my wife my plans and the position they want me to take. My children were given instruction to tell me to wait for her call once I arrived from our rally at the Senate Building . We were making this rally to demand from our lawmakers to pass a law to have the state take over the national flag carrier. After arriving home, not long after the call came. We argued heatedly, on the verge of shouting out invectives defending the merits of our respective positions. Suddenly, she said.. "Our youngest here is joining his classmate in their teacher's piggery as helpers to be able to continue his studies and help the family". With her last words, I was struck with so much beating not knowing what hit me. I told my wife to hang up and I'll return call tomorrow after I've cleared my head of cobwebs. She hang up after telling me "DON'T TAKE THE MONEY. FIGHT, EVEN IF YOU'RE THE ONLY LAST MAN STANDING". Still confused on what to do after our red-hot discussion, I began to dissect my plans, how I arrived at this, and why I considered this my best option. It finally goes down to one of the seven deadly sins. Pride. My wounded feelings tells me exactly what I decided earlier.. Take my money. I deserved this. It's no dole out. It's not a gift. I worked hard to be entitled to this. All of my 23 years in the service. More than half of my lifetime. My best years. During this period, the union conducted a referendum among the members whether we agree to have a ten-year moratorium in our collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or to have the airline permanently closed forever.. President Erap was brokering the idea of reopening the airline for the sake of the national interest with certain conditions. The union must agree with the business owners desire to have a suspension in CBA negotiation for the next ten years. When the referendum was over, the YES votes have it. There will be a ten year moratorium from 1998 to 2008. Our company actually stopped operation for two weeks before we were recalled for the resumption of operation. In three days, everybody has showed up. Our OIC then distributed our recall papers. Not everyone is hard headed but then, we took a united stand, our second. No one signed a recall paper. We argued "how can that happen when we were not actually separated. Maybe these recall papers be better served to our colleagues who were terminated in June. No one in that group was recalled. We told our OIC, if they're joking don't do it to us. He can't force us so he referred to higher management and legal department what to do with us and the papers. He was instructed to let everyone sign both papers, the termination and recall. We didn't budge. We told him to put it in black and white. He did and everybody signed and dated the same papers the same day we signed it and with the remarks "RETURN TO WORK ACCEPTED". Days passed, then weeks and our operation was becoming normal again albeit many flights to many out stations were still not resumed. Suddenly I realized I have abandoned so many things I habitually do in the past. The last five months in my professional career had been so turbulent. I got lost in the maze of developments with blinding speed. Things were different when I woke up compared to what was happening when I fell asleep. Now, it's November 1998. Last time I saw my wife was in June, two days before the pilots went on strike. A colleague died in the hospital less than a week after he underwent a by-pass operation. I can still vividly remember. I donated my own blood before he went under the knife. One supervisor who was forcibly retired after coming back to work suffered his last stroke while on duty. I was the most senior around so I directed one of my colleague to call up an ambulance, two escorted him to the hospital. He wasn't able to return to his job since he was permanently incapacitated. Three supervisors and our division manager were gone. Thirteen staffs were terminated in the provinces and those retained were absorbed by another department. Many pilots were out of work. So with rank and file. In May we were more or less 14,000 strong. In late October we were around 4,000. So many casualties. Or as they in the military "collateral damage", aside from the actual casualties.

So many shattered dreams. I could have been one of them, with 5 dependents. Was it luck that I still belong to those who still remained? Am I too good and too smart to get out of this alive? Were my friends less capable and less talented why they're at the other side of the fence? We were no longer colleague but we remained friends. Some friends turned into enemies because we happen to have different opinions. Why allow this to affect me? After all, opinions are like assholes. Everybody has one. They have theirs, I have mine. I realized I haven't visited the house I used to visit before, especially when I'm asking a special favor. Thrice I passed government-administered examination because I asked for his help and blessings before I showed up at the venue of the exams. In the elementary, I was a consistent honor pupil and habitually prayed and asked for his guidance. Even early recovery from my illness and those of my family when I became a married man. In high school, in technical school and in college, I asked and prayed for his guidance. He never failed me. Even asking to be granted an excellent lifetime partner, it was granted. I married the best wife and mother. Our four children can attest to that. In solitude, I realized I had been negligent and ungrateful for his blessings. I was so used to fighting, competition and vengeance. I'm not really that smart, excellent or exceptional. Despite my human frailties, I still managed to succeed. Not because of my own effort. I acknowledge and accept that GOD gave me the strength and wisdom to succeed. That one and somebody up there loves me.

American Dreamer Dictionary

2008-04-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

In May 2007, my friend Donnie Valencia came home and paid a visit to our office. His former office, almost a home for more than 31 years. We exchanged stories and pleasantries along with Verna. I almost forgot about this dictionary he jokingly asked last time he was here. It was originally intended for him but he suggested friends might get amused and as one author once said "The best joke is to tell the truth". It might not be the whole truth, but it comes very near to it. So, here it is, Relax, Seat and Enjoy (Or Annoyed).

Donnie,

Getting a U.S. visa is big deal to many Filipinos including employees of the national flag carrier “retired and active.. Even idiots claim to have a lot of class simply by getting this visa. I don't know why. Many went to the mainland and came back more stupid than when they left. You taught me many things and this serves as an overview of what to be done if and when I decided to apply for a visa (kung hindi ako manghinayang na mag-tuition sa pag-kuha ng visa) and if I don't chicken out in my filing for application. Based on the briefing you gave me, I documented it in my listed word meanings (my own, not copied from Webster) so if anything wrong comes out.. they are entirely my own. Nobody to blame. Ako lang. You are not responsible either. I might be the one who got confused. Anyway, many things I wrote might have actually happened to you, your friends and other Filipinos. As for me, panaginip pa lang. Libre naman eh.

If you find any mistakes in them, please make the necessary corrections and when you showed up again during you vacation here, give me the corrected version and I'll make a revised edition.

Thank you very much.

My Best,

GENE YU

AMERICAN DREAMER DICTIONARY

Amboy “ Long before the Fil-Ams came, there was this Amboys. I happen to be one.

When mother was raising me as a child, I was basically breast-fed. Bottle-feeding was unknown then. When working wives became the fad, bottle-feeding becomes popular. When my mother's milk was drying up, I was made to suck this Rice soup (sabaw ng sinaing na kung tawagin ay AM). Being fed this way, I became an accidental Amboy.

AW- I thought this is the American fast food chain. Until somebody corrected me. Mali daw ako. These are health workers in the United States , either legally or illegally that includes- nurses, caregivers, physical therapist. My colleague Billy gave this acronym new meaning AW, Ass Wiper. According to him, no matter how much you'repaid, in whatever currency you're paid, how much bonus you get if you're doing any of the above, you're still an Ass Wiper. An ass is an ass. Whether here in the Philippines , in the United States , or anywhere else. Isn't it Billy?

Alvarado “ What I had in mind before Frankie tells me his amazing story, I thought this is the character actor in most tagalong movies (local cinema), I've seen in my youth. A Sammy Davis or Jay Leno look-alike, he was a topnotch villain I wanted killed. I'm wrong after all. Frankie, the master de-facto liaison officer everybody knows in the office, found this street in downtown L.A. (according to him, how would I know) frequented by TNTs on the lookout for fake SSS, California ID and Driver's license cards. Talaga itong si Frankie, pambihira ang galing. Even in the United States , he's on the look-out for fake papers and credentials. I fervently hope and pray¦ our friendship is not fake. Or else, Oh my God (OMG).

America “The best place in the world" for the Americans.

Barkada “Some people mistook barkada for friendship. Very shallow. Most people who were taken for a ride thinks anybody who regularly give them drinks, foods and entertains them is their friend. Maybe.. If he/she is your friend, even without any or all of the above, then they are your friends, not barkada. Good luck.

Citizen “a person born in the USA by American parents (natural born) or of foreigners who happen to gave birth in the United States . If the foreigner happens to be a Filipino, the child is a Fil-Am. Eman Valencia , Donnie and Verna's son belongs to this group.

Consular Officer “ is an authorized person at the U.S. embassy who evaluates and assess the application for a visa and can either issue or deny it. Unfortunately, some people act, talk and discourage prospective applicants by saying "You will be denied.. you don't have money, you don't have any relative in U.S. , you don't have valuable property, you look live a prospective TNT, etc.. In short, they are saying.. "Hindi ka puwedeng mabigyan ng visa" "Di ka katulad ko. Ako lang (or Kami lang and puwedeng mabigyan ng visa, di ka puwede" This shit is all-knowing, too presumptuous. The consular officer himself will not tell you why you are being denied.

Fil-Am

One group of those amerasians who traces their roots in the Philippines . Fil-ams are of different class “Bic-Am, Vis-Am , Il -am, Tag-Am (Bicol-American, Visayan-American, Ilocano-American and Tagalog-American,. Many Fil-Ams who were nobody in the U.S. mainland suddenly find themselves a hot item or most-sought-after commodity here in the Philippines . Some of them turned to basketball, showbiz becomes instant celebrities and found themselves in the limelight. Many women including matronas fantasizes that these Fil-Ams might court, marry and bring them to the U.S. of A.

Friend “Anyone you can trust, depend, rely and turn your back to without getting stabbed in the back. He/She will not turn you in. Instead, they're whom you can turn to. If I have a friend who will turn me in or betray me, Mag-aalaga na lang ako ng aso. No dog has betrayed his master. A dog is not man's best friend for nothing.

Green Card “ A credit card or ATM card look-alike that is shown to friends or former workmates/officemates by immigrants who is a holder of this card that signifies their stay in the United States is legal. No immigration officer will run after them as far as their stay is concerned. To a natural-born American citizen, this card has no value; but to an immigrant, it's a big deal. Although its value is nominal compared to than of full citizenship, its value in the Philippines becomes greater than it actually is. As my former officemate Donnie Valencia says, its value here is purely "PAMPAYABANG". He added, "Magyayabang ka rin lang, Hustuhin mo na". I believe in what he says. Di tulad ng iba diyan, magyayabang din lang puro kuwento, wala naming kuwenta.. Yon pala nakikisabit lang. Free Loaders.

Invitation “ It is an offer by a friend, relative or acquaintance to come to the U.S. and stay with him at his house and says "Feel at Homeâ€. There you can sleep, eat, drive his car and consider it your own. Some guests take it seriously. When they go home, nagbi-bitbit pa ng gamit ng host and sometimes nag-uumit pa.

Plenty of jobs in the U.S. “Some immigrants and even TNTs will keep on telling people to come to the U.S. once they get their visas. I can surely help you once you arrived there. Once their friends get their visas and were able to come to the U.S. , they'll tell them "You came too late. Huli ka na. Last week lang na-fill up ang bakanteng puwesto. Sayang. Dapat inagahan mo. Next time na lang baka ma-taymingan mo. Sayang talaga. Buwisit ka, sabi mo marami.. ngayon napunan na lahat.... sabay-sabay bang napunuan ang maraming pinagsasabi mo? O nambobola ka lang.. PWE.

Legal “Also called a legal permanent resident. He has the necessary and valid papers to show when confronted by immigration authorities. Sometimes, called L na L, or legal na legal. He can legally stay and roam around the United States and can expect to become a U.S. citizen after a certain period of time. Donnie Valencia and Alfonso Lin belongs to this group.

Naturalized American "A foreigner who earns an American citizenship by undergoing a process called naturalization. When one is a naturalized American, he is not natural-born. I used to think, a naturalized American is one born by natural or ordinary means, normal delivery. Not caesarian. Hindi pala. Now, I know.

Pakisama “fellowship. Getting along with people. Some people give this new meaning. Like, "Punta ka pala sa amerika,.. PAKISAMA mo naman ako. Wala akong matutuluyan don eh. May U.S. visa naman ako.

Petition “something done by a petitioner whereby he files with the appropriate U.S. government agency or office informing that office he wants to have his parents, siblings, spouse or sweetheart to stay with him, join him or bring them to the United States to be reunited. In the Philippines , a petition is something submitted to a government agency or office demanding or requesting the removal, dismissal or replacement of a government official they don't like.

Petitionee “ is a person designated by a petitioner he wants to be with in the United States . He can be a parent, sibling, spouse or sweetheart. In some instances, a petitionee is a prospective worker.

Petitioner “is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States who files a petition to an appropriate government office or agency informing that office he wants he parents, sibling, spouse or sweetheart to join him in the United States. A prospective employer can also be a petitioner. Sometimes, a petitioner is a paid citizen who do it for monetary consideration and/or other conditions.

Port of Entry “is a place in a foreign country usually an airport, seaport, or border where foreigners are admitted or rejected by immigration authorities. Travelers usually develop a sudden uncomfortable feeling that made them feel like urinating, bowel movement, perspiration, high blood pressure, heart palpitation. Some even collapse. A few are excellent liars and bluffers and were able to make it. Some say they will visit a relative but actually they don't have any.. sabit lang. Others say they are coming for a short visit. Short visit? Mga buwisit na ito ah.. Ayaw ng umuwi.. short visit lang? Iniiwan nga ang trabaho dito at pamilya... short visit pa? Sinungaling na mga ito ah. Baka Long Buwisit. Hi Hi Hi. Sometimes, it's also an "airport of denial", "airport of crying", or a "port of sadness". A 2 A ako ah. Hu Hu Hu.

Recto “A busy street in downtown Manila where credentials are easily procured for a measly sum of money. What takes an ordinary student four years to earn a college degree, anybody can get it in an hour or two. You can choose any course you want, the year you supposedly graduated, honors earned or received. To an untrained eye, he/she won't recognize the fake from the original. Sometimes, the fake looks more genuine and the original looks inferior.

Relative “are of two kinds. Affinity or Consanguinity. Relative by affinity are those we have account of marriage. For example: mother-in-law, father-in-law, all kinds of in-laws. Outlaws not included.. Mga wanted ito, may patong sa ulo. Relatives by consanguinity are those we have account of blood relationships. For example: Uncle, aunts, cousins, grand-parents. Somebody who made me a topic of their discussion once said, "Gene Yu has no chance of visiting America because he has no relatives there". True, I have no relatives there. I don't deny. But then, he is wrong. Why? Not all those who have relatives in U.S. were able to go there. I made an extensive research and found out at least one person who came to America without any relative. For your info, he is Christopher Columbus. He has no relative at all. Pinsan, Tiyohin, tiyahin, biyenan. Talagang wala. Peks man. Cross my heart. Believe me. Maniwala ka, walang kamag-anak ang kumag na ito ng pumunta ng Amerika. In fact, siya ang kuna-unahang dayuhan na nakarating ng Amerika aside from A.V. Kilala mo ba ito? Try to find out kung hindi pa. Only idiots will tell me only those with relatives can go to America . Tell that to the marines.

TNT “acronym for Tago Ng Tago. A tourist who has overstayed in the United States . He abused the generosity of the U.S. government for allowing him to stay for a definite period of time. Nasarapan yata. Ayaw ng umuwi. Like a mouse who plays when the cat is away, he roams like a lion and act like somebody when no immigration officer is around. Comes an immigration officer, he will hide even in the dirties sewer (imburnal) to get away from immigration authorities. Sometimes, he is called "Illegal or Panaguan. Many ex-employees of the national flag carrier belongs to this category.

Tourist “holders of tourist visa who were admitted and gained entry in the United States. Some of these tourists worked there as caregiver, PT and similar work, a violation in the issuance of the tourist visa. When they don't return to their home country and remained in the US after the validity of their legal stay, then they become a TNT. Years back, my Japanese look-alike friend called them TOURISAN, a corruption of the tagalong word- Tulisan. Some of these tourists eh nakituloy na, may mga nawala pang gamit sa tinuluyan ng nagsi-uwi. Totoo nga. Tourisan.

U.S.Visa “a document issued by the U.S. government through the U.S. embassy to selected applicants granting them permission to enter the U.S. mainland or any of its trust territories. Some people think having a US. Visa include the right todemand accommodation by acquaintances (kakilala), friends (kaibigan) once they are admitted at the port of entry. Wrong. The visa is used only for passage to gain entry, a limited stay for a specified period of time. It does not include the right or privilege to forced admission to any acquaintance or friend residing there. Otherwise, you become an "unwanted guest" or "gate crasher". Some would- be host suddenly leave town or change telephone numbers to avoid these tourisans or buwisitors.

Working Visa “one of the visa issued by the U.S. government where holders can legally work in the United States .

Migration That Never Was

2008-04-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

More than two decades ago, I seriously considered joining the exodus of our countrymen never seen before who left our homeland to seek the proverbial greener pastures. Many find themselves doing odd jobs in the middle east, getting paid handsome salaries higher than what some junior executives are getting locally. Some were hired as seamen on board oil tankers, container ships and the lucky ones on board cruise ships in the Carribean and European tours. Several friends who were in a hurry to leave to join the hunt for the new-found fortune were leaving faster than expected. When their families were receiving the expected remittances, a new lifestyle was noticed. Mothers who can seldom afford to buy new clothes for their children even on Christmas holidays can be seen on shopping sprees every time they received their husband's allotment. Picnics and excursion were common place even to those who haven't been to beach before. Some who were living in run down apartments were moving to their new houses in the newly-opened subdivisions. School children who were attending classes in the public schools were transferred and attending their classes in the private schools the following school year. Seeing all these things were becoming disturbing. Attracted by the thought of getting paid much better than what my friends were receiving, I began to make an elaborate plan not to be left behind. The craving for more money is now sky high. After five years of marriage and four young children to took after, I decided it's now the time to make my own bold move. All my professional requirements were on hand and only my resolve to apply for an overseas job, contract signing and resignation from my present job separates me from the first pay envelope Iâ€™ll be receiving from my foreign employer. Like all previous serious decisions I made before, my well-laid plan were drawn, plotted and careful analysis were repeatedly done to make sure Iâ€™m not missing anything to draw a correct conclusion. I made this in absolute secrecy so no distraction can influence me in whatever decision I arrived. Ergo. The decision is right. There is no turning back. Time to present my thesis to my wife. I've done it before, I can do it again. I can get her approval.. whether she likes it or not. She will say " Yes, darling! Yes, honey! I'm supporting your plans 100 per cent. No buts. No ifs. Or so I thought. After dinner, one enchanted evening.. I began my preliminaries. Would you like to have a house and lot so we will be living in our own house instead of this rented run down apartment? Of course, who would not want to live in her own house. she replied. Better yet, it must have matching furniture to enhance the ambience of our new home, she added. Would you believe we can have both the house and matching furniture, send our children to a private school including educational fund for their college education? I asked like a salesman expecting to close the deal. Wow, that would be great sweetheart!, I never expected we could have that too soon, she said.. her eyes suddenly widened. I could hardly suppressed my smile. I told myself, It's time to deliver my coup de' grace. But before I could deliver my line, she finally asked. And where are you getting the money? Shocked but never out of my wits, I counter attacked. I don't have the money right now, but if you cooperate we will have it. I argued my case presenting my blue print emphasizing the advantages if I work overseas instead of staying in my present job. She remained quiet while carefully analyzing all my entries and when she was finally done, she said with a strong conviction pushing my thesis. Your study is incomplete. All you have here are the tangibles that can be quantified and given values in monetary amount and you did not show the intangibles. My face turned red down to the neck since it's the first time my work was returned and of all people, my wife did it. Err..what I'm planning to do is for the good of the family and it will improve our financial condition substantially, I strongly argued. But what you'll not be doing once you leave is also for the good of the family, the children particularly, she said on the verge on crying. And remember, I married you for what you are, not for what you want to be, nor what you can provide. I'm not a material girl. She's now crying and I couldn't say a word to exacerbate the situation. I let her to cry until silence fell. Then, I proposed that we talk it out without our emotional outburst. Bargaining and Negotiation followed. Conditions were explicit not leaving any room for doubts. Remain in my job to be able to continue discharging my parental function to guide our children (ages 5, 4, 2 and 1 years old) in their formative years, finish my baccalaureate degree (I was a graduate of a 2-year technical course and work for the national flag carrier and she was a degree holder working for the local government when we got married), I remained the sole bread winner and she to be a full time wife so we can give quality parenting time to our children. I can still consider going abroad once I finish my baccalaureate degree. Three years later I earned my degree. We were given substantial salary increase by my employer and my plan of going abroad was further put on hold. Overtime was open and I was able to buy our housing lot. Five years after graduation I was promoted to a higher position but my job requires me to travel to our satellite stations 9 to 10 months a year. My traveling allowances including my salaries were at par with what I'll be getting had I went abroad to be an OFW, the so-called modern day heroes. Three years later after I was promoted, our company went on a series of strikes that almost made our company declared bankruptcy and close shop. Our company actually closed shop or shall I say temporarily stopped operations and when it re-opened I find my self promoted anew to my present position. Many scrambled to get their separation thinking our company will finally closed shop. To those who gambled where I belong, we keep our planes and the company flying high. After more than twenty years since I originally planned to migrate and find my fortune overseas, I was able to keep my family's skin and soul together. All my children are now degree holders but one. They have all worked including the youngest who is two subjects short of graduation. Attending a training my employer gave to our dependents, he has a paying manager/business owner for a classmate. When the training was over, he gave my son a ring. He was asked, I want to hire you to work for me. Are you willing to accept? Sir, I am willing but I'm still an undergraduate, two subjects short of graduation., my son replied. No problem. Many graduates applied for the position I'm offering you. I don't want to hire them. I want to hire you. You're hired. Show up on Monday. So, of my four children the youngest didn't apply for a job. His classmate applied to be his employer.

Looking back, I could have made much money compared to what I actually got. What I lost was my dream and chance of migrating and making it big. What I gained was the outcome of how my children grew and what they achieved with me around. I appreciate the efforts of our countrymen who have to leave our homeland to find their places under the sun and give better and brighter future for their children. Mine was migration that never was.