Jeepney Adventure and Etiquette

(Note : I wrote the following blog the other week...)

Riding public vehicles like that of a jeepney can be fun at the same time a great moment for learning. Here's why.

I rode a jeepney last night. I was like relaxing, closing my eyes and trying just to savor the outside-the-office fever huh (had a meeting with other officers and VP). That moment was just one of those when you just have to gather your squandered self's energy and bring back its balance and sanity.

Well that's how it was in that jeepney ride when all of a sudden somebody with all her life's drama...just farted (hahahahha kala mo kung ano na) and another one (an adolescent) vomited (lasing hahay) spreading the "venom" of her scrambled intestines (whahhahahaa forgive me for such a gross description). What a night...

Well I have been thinking over and over again how i would deal with situations like this. I thought of writing some "etiquette" in riding jeepneys just to make people at least give due respect to themselves and others. Well those stuff above already happened but all those that may be reading this may find it helpful at least as they go out their way trying to make a difference (bwahahahhaha) at least during public vehicle rides.

Here goes:

1. Do not fart inside the jeepney (hahhahah). If you can't hold yourself then go release it (hahahahhahah). Better that way than fainting due to embarrassment

2. When you bare your hair and leave it unfastened (for the ladies) hold it with your hands please. I sat beside someone related to this situation and so when the jeepney maneuvered forward, i was like eating every tip of the hair of the lady beside me...gross ha

3. Guys kindly and please do not stretch and spread both of your legs sideways as if you have all the space you've got. I just had the feeling that you want it touched with the lady's leg beside you ...or mine (hahahhahah). Each one deserves his / her space.

4. During the ride, passengers from the farthest end or entrance of the jeepney would pass their money to the driver, right? Can you please extend your kindest self by stretching este opening your palms, receive the money and pass it forward to the driver? Thank you...some of your eyes may just be..."blank" when they come your way.

5. To the gentlemen (?) wearing sunglasses (even during rainy seasons) hehe you may think your eyes can't be seen behind them. You were so obvious scanning every inch of the woman in front of you from legs up and back again...(kulang na lang mag salivate with the legs)...hahay...I'm that observant ha...

6. I also see ladies looking at other ladies from head down clothes, watches, cellphones, jewelries anything and everything plus with a stare that pierces. I really don't know what they are thinking but that's just them. The etiquette reminder? Nothing...just want to let them know that they are seen in that angle and would be appreciated if they could do something about it...heheheh.

7. To the guys and ladies who feel like going into the dreamland, sleeping on a stranger's shoulder beside you is a no, no thing. All the more a big NO when you want to just want to disguise yourself sleeping beside an attractive lady or gentleman. Well my good old este aging father told me his story related to this with his past experiment hahahahha. He enjoyed and kind of like it ha...

8. And when a passenger tries to fit-in in a seemingly filled up jeepney, some if not all passengers just simply ignore by portraying a blank face or look trying to send the message that there is no more room for anyone. Nobody gives in. And so when the driver’s assistant “conductor” edged to his way to make a room for one more…voila meron pa pala… You know what?...generosity includes situation like this also. If you feel that where you are sitting is a little loose then, move immediately to allow another one to sit in. Make the first move when no one gives in.

9. Gentlemen...allowing the ladies to sit first has not yet expired. If you would say that's kindda old way of doing things...that gesture is still on and any gentleman doing that is worth the most of praise and honor.

Why did i write this? I thought it was because I was bothered by it but not only that. I thought that this piece may help us deal with some of our behaviors anywhere and everywhere. I still like jeepney rides. One can experience the adventures of differences and similarities of behaviors and characters of each one. I lyyykkk it veerrryyy much. I am learning how colorful different personalities are and can become yet, may produce great discomfort on others take for example during such "solemn" journey back home or to any of your chosen destinations...(hahaha para yatang airport and airplane and dating...now i am becoming more conscious with sudden shifts of the tone of my writing...).

And so calling all passengers of a jeepney with a plate number ...."proceed to ..." hahahah ...bye for now...

PS: Anyone may add more reminders herein so that we would be able to complete the package of the so called "public journey"...toinks!!!!!! very odd description...

COURAGE...I AM WITH YOU

As frightened as i was in my childhood years with horror movies, my interest was its exact opposite. I like watching them even when i was alone. The Sunday's big event on television made me a lone "ranger" in the face of an ohh so frightening movie. I was just simply reminded with this when Princess, one of the Human Resource's staff sent me this communication via chat which i saw after some minutes that i was out from me table...take a look :



And so with that message ...i replied "oh...yah nag talk nami...whehehehhehe".

I thought growing older would make me braver. I still watch this kind of movies and i would lift my legs (sinehan na ni ha) and shout in the movie house like i am alone watching and sometimes even if everyone has rested ...everyone would hear my only "golden" voice in the air....(as in super dooper ikahihiya mo ang beauty ko...mike would usually say..."tama na hon" ....ouuuuuuuchhh that was during our anniversary movie date ...hahahh grosssssss and went out hiding in behind the cinema curtain that made mike look for me the rest of the movie ...sukol paka? Ang anniversary movie date namo kay watch mi JEEPERS CREEPERS hahahahha!!!!!!!!!! Mabuang ko bayot!!!

Really, i was such a crazy and anxious soul myself imagining ghosts to be somewhere near me when i hear stories about them. Well the funniest experience i had was during an 8-day retreat under Fr. Balchand, SJ's direction at the Jesuit Retreat house in Malaybalay.

It was an amazing 8-day silent retreat with each of us assigned to our individual room (as in super dooper matunog na walang kasama and walang lusot dahil naka post na names namin sa doorrrrrrrrrr whaaaaaaahhh). I had no idea whatsoever with room histories but ghost stories were popular that time during retreat with students.

And so alone in my room, i had my regular rituals of prayer and Bible reading prior to sleeping. Then the "new" attached rituals such as - placed my rosary beads as bracelet, held my st. Benedict medal, opened psalm 91 from the Bible and placed it beside my pillow, lights on and the last...wore my bonnet to protect my head from cold...este... to cover my head down to my eyes so i could pull it up from time to time to peep and check if there are really ghosts...hahahhahahahaha nabuang na gyud sana gi video ni nga scene noh? hahahhahah (wait lang...can't stop laughing...).

As in ...recalling that incident or even sharing it during trainings, seminars or a simple talks soared laughter in the audience and from me din. But at least i was able to recover from that sort of insanity with ghosts...Thanks be to God... The rosary that I prayed everyday (even as much as doing the 15 mysteries) did heal me from that thing and i got the assurance from a dream...which i shared to Fr. Pen Abuan, SJ one morning during retreat with students.

Let me recall that "story of assurance" (heheh chikka to the max). I prayed 15 mysteries of the rosary the night before that and I've never been so relaxed at Jesuit Retreat House except for that night. And the grace-filled encounter happened in my sleep when ...(i thought i was already awake)a man came near my bed. He wore a glaring white shirt (plus blue jeans ahahahhaha) with a little longer hair like that of Antonio Banderas (ahahahha nangdamay pa) ...as in super dooper gwapo...but you know what he said "dang mata naka kay mag hear naka ug mass"... as in super dooper at peace ako beauty and he was like telling me before he went out of the room that he was just standing outside the whole night to guard me....(ay security guard siya hahahha)....

...unlikely Conclusion (hahhahah)

Akong angel si Antonio Banderas....hahahha joookkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeeee....i mean i was just assured by God that HE IS WITH ME...through my super doooper cute angel....whhhhaaaaaaaaahhh gwapo niya hahahhaha...and i had the feeling that the Blessed Mother requested him to manifest his presence that night for the ultimate "assurance" of God's presence.

"CHARLIE"

"Charlie". That's his name. He is not the regular service crew that you see at Dunkin Donuts that does the work according to job descriptions. He does more than that. He goes out of his way to really entertain people. I first got to know him in an initial interview last August (2010). He was a little formal with me ...of course with the first getting -to- know- each- other meeting. But when he got to join us in the first-batch of the three-day values formation series, he was all out with his participation in all activities and sharings. And he kept on throwing humor and jokes that led everyone to enjoy the entire process. I tell you...he can well compete with Poo, Pokwang and all other stand-up comedians we have in the Philippines.

Let me give you samples (though it would be more fun if you can relate with the context):

1. Someone shared of a childhood experience that started with "when i was a ked"...and so Charlie uttered, "ked? past tense of kid?"

2. in the culminating drama, he portrayed the role of a son that wanted to bring his sister to an audition that may bring some family fortune (or misfortune hahahahha) bitaw he just wanted to buy medicines for his sick mother and so he forced his sister to just audition for a singing contest. They were both crying profusely for desperation to get the medicines. And so with the sister's exasperation, she was asking her kuya "unsa man diay sakit ni mama?"...Charlie (with his impromptu style of delivery uttered "hmmmmmmmmm...sip-on"...

3. Charlie is so positive with life and so he mentioned in one of his visits in the office "...the future is so bright...and so let's begin the first step with the 'heel' (what he meant was high heels hahahhahahahha simply...crazzzzyy).

I tell you ...if you get to meet him ...you will go crazy laughing. With the seminar almost ending on the third day, i had an inkling that he wanted so much my attention and care "ngano wala man ko nimo duuli mam ...sana nag whisper ka encouraging words...can i come visit you at work"....of course i said my yes.

Charlie was just one of those that participated in the seminar that may be carrying some heavy loads but was able to choose to be joyful and happy... despite of.

WALK THE TALK

-thanks to Glenn Balhon (Sales Officer of Dunkin Donuts cdo)for modelling his foot ...i mean beautiful shoe in this photo hahhahahahhaha)

This morning, I felt that I have always said sorry to Mike (lately). I was worried with that because I feel that I have always hurt the one I love. I thought also that if I would not do that it would mean I allowed myself to clutter my heart with pride and not take the first move. It has always been that for me to save my face in front of anyone ...just to appear clean but this time when it is someone I love that I hurt...that I cannot contain and look at them straight in the eyes.

I have difficulty looking at Mike's eyes when I hurt him or to see him move out of the house with dropped shoulders appearing to be carrying some heavy loads. I am not giving up on us nor give up on myself. If I have to say sorry over and over again. I will do that.

I now know well and clear where I feel so weak and thought where else could I better pick myself but to where I fell too. I told Mike to help me in reminding me...:-) (hehe). I do need help. I may be strong in some areas but I need help too in others. I need help in picking me up.

It would be absurd to commit the same mistake over and over again. Mike has been reminding me that it is a decision not to get caught up with my anger or some heavy situations in my life. Everyday has been a tough day - work, small apostolate God's business to attend with and many more bits and pieces of God's work that appear in drizzles. I have been sending positive messages but this time the challenge of taking care of my own life, too ...to practice what I preach is prodding me.

I thought saying sorry even if I thought I was not at fault, also would make me lesser than myself. A certain other situation occurred that which I knew full well that the fault was not mine but then in my effort to extend made my first move to confront and said my piece of "sorry" (I did not make such a lengthy explanation...i just said "sorry"). I felt outright that it was not well accepted for I saw some assertions made by the person that it was really all my fault. I may be hurt after that but I re-focused on my intention and perhaps continue with the normal / regular way of relating with her. I may not be that successful but I know I made a big leap of humility and acceptance of myself and of the person. I just focused on the right thing to do rather that coming out clean in that incident. I just focused on sending my love through my "sorry":-).

In the end, it will not be between me and the person but with my BIG BOSS up there. I feel God is making the best out of me. And so, if I have to say sorry over and over again...I will do that ...until one day I will be able to perfect this test of character. I will just have to WALK THE TALK.

STARTING A NEW BUSINESS

By the title alone, one may think that I am highly entrepreneurial already. Big joke for somebody like me that knew only of getting / receiving my 15th - 30th salary and spent it through shopping (hindi naman ganon kalaki sweldo ko nuon). That WAS me (with emphasis on WAS hahahahhah).

After being employed in the Human Resource for 3 months (2009), I had an inkling that I could excel in this line of work or perhaps start a business related to this...particularly on giving trainings. I formulated everything from the course descriptions , programs and training modules...etc... I tried to market it though but did not really last that long. I lack the motivation (period).

Then another one came (t shirts and accessories)...really doing well... in fact we needed to raise more capital to respond to the increasing demands. I thought this one is an " accidental" business but since Fr. Frank told me that there is nothing like that of accident, I settled in faith believing that this is part of what God would want me to do.

But why the title STARTING A NEW BUSINESS. It is just that while i was writing an article on faith and generosity, I recalled sharings and witnessing of many individuals on generosity. Let me share some of them or perhaps repeat in this writing some stories from my previous blogs...

1. My friend that withdrew the entire amount in his savings to give to the family leaving only P20 bill in his wallet but got P500 the same day from his sister.
2. The priest who gave up P500 one morning and got a blessing of P5,000 in the afternoon.
3. Rolando Mesias, the founder of the Sowers Field Community of St. Augustine Cathedral was only armed with the desire to serve God way back in 1985. His generosity made him start this Catholic Christian Community that continues to thrive at the moment and brought forth its fruits of God's servants distributed throughout the world (kulba kaayo ba)...assigned by God in different tasks and functions.
4. Bo Sanchez , a preacher that once claimed he was poor and now filthy rich ...but gave most of his wealth to the poor (actually his goal is to give 90% of his income and live with the 10%)
5. Of course, I would regret this for the rest of my life if I would not include Michael's love and support (both financial and non monetary hehe). Ten years in the relationship (soon to get married charrrrrriiiiiiiiiing) and never gave up ...not ones...(I was the groggy one in the relationship hehe). His persistence and strength as a man was never outdone by anyone that attempted in the past to steal me (hahahhahah unsaon kaha ko ni tatoy makabasa siya ani hangin kaayo iya uyab). He likes to talk and waste time with me (which i like too...over a cup of coffee). He simply likes building that relationship with me worth emulating . Amen.:-)

Lastly, ( unnumbered) My generosity? hhhhmmmmm me naaa? hmmmmmmmmm...ah... hhhmmmmmmmmm...pwede next writing na lang hhahhahahhahahhaha) This item is actually for my Spiritual Director Fr. Frank Savadera, SJ that tirelessly journeyed with me since January of this year (2010). The regular weekly session that we had without stipend (hahahhahahahha). The full attention - mind and heart...for crying with me (bitaw teary eyed ...hindi naman talaga wailing hahahahha ...peace Fr. Frank... heheh)...his motivation, encouragement and prayers and even went as far as marketing the shirts ...through his homilies. I have seen how he was / is tied with so many appointments and tasks including the assignment as Asst. Dean of St. John Vianney Seminary...and wow...he still has time for me -- weekly talaga (except when he is too too busy hehe and me din hehehe) ... and he even adjusted his time when my only available time is Sunday lang...gusto ko nang maiyak ... cry na ako promise...

He invested such time with me that built me up and made me come out of myself. He just told me also during our last meeting that we end (my "graduation") this month from the 19th annotation retreat with a one- on- one Eucharistic Celebration (I should say I have not felt being taken cared of, by my God in this manner.Or perhaps i am more conscious of His Love this time..I feel so honored and privileged that's why i told Fr. Frank gusto ko lang suklian ng pagpapakabait).

The thing is ...this year is only his second year as an ordained priest and i am seeing how he has been doing so many things already for the Lord. One man...one generous man...that has blessed and touched lives like that of Christ. I am Fr. Frank's product in the 19th annotation retreat ...a product of one man's generosity (and I am trying by God's grace to do the same for others).

And so...GESTURES OF GENEROSITY... I mean ACTS OF GENEROSITY...that's the not really a NEW BUSINESS...A business that yields multiple percentage of interest or profit. It does not measure any amount or sees how huge the amount one gives (in the Bible Jesus was more pleased with the poor woman that gave her all than that of the rich man that extended only an extra of what he has). It simply sees the sincerity of the heart.

You may have met people like me... ehem ...sori...THEM pala ... those I enumerated above...they give cash or in kind (hahhaha) or their immeasurable presence, time, love, concern, etc. Lots of them around. Or perhaps you are one of them. I tell you.. YOU ARE DOING GOD'S BUSINESS.

And for those who have not started yet...you can be God's presence wherever you are. Let us start this NOT REALLY A NEW BUSINESS....GOD'S BUSINESS called...The GENEROSITY BUSINESS.

The interest and reward?...ETERNITY:-)hahahahhahah God would be pressured to pay us that highest yield we so deserve...Let's make it the ultimate motivation. So folks...see you in heaven ha:-)

White Cow, Old Tire, Stick and Life's Big Blows

This happened many years back with my cousin Ruel (thanks to Orvi for starting the white cow story hhahahhahah). My family was tending a small coffee farm attended by my Tiyoy Elias on our behalf. Yet there are some weekends that we had to visit it and them. One of those days, was when I was brought by my Tiyoy from home to the farm.

And so I and my cousin Ruel had all the time to play near the pineapple field bringing with us the old tire with the stick to maneuver its movements. Seeing some cows at a distance, we were frightened to move forward. So in the effort of pushing the cows away, we repeatedly threw some stones at them. Then the unexpected thing happened. Gigukod mi sa anak nga baka hahahhahahha...... waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh...we were running like lost and crazy cows too. And we ran all over the place leaving behind the tire and stick. Facing each other to pause was like facing or seeing the red eyes of frightened cows hahahhahaha.

We could not imagine that time the "big blow" such experience made to both of us. We went home loosing all the energies to play. I am not sure if Ruel remembers everything I relate here (i wish he would read this...he is far, far away outside of the country and I have no way of contacting him - phone or email at the moment hehe) but I am certain that he would lose his breath laughing at this story.

Well, let's take a look at life's BIG BLOWS in this article not the white cow, old tire and stick (hahahhahah chillax friends).

We may be presented with events in our lives that can be considered big blows. I see big blows to be those that are really breath-takingly (if there is such a word) so big that the effect overwhelms us. Events such as deaths, loosing job, break-ups, friendships wasted and many others (my latest was my plane ride last July 2010 - terrible air pocket... which I thought was my last). But, sometimes what we consider small ones may be really big to some. All I know is, we have our own way of perceiving how "big" a situation can be.


Coping can be another thing. When I lost mama in an accident. I was lost too. The coping was the most difficult part. I almost stopped my studies, spent time alone and I hardly opened up. I wanted to shut off my world and perhaps die. I had difficulty putting them into words. There were lots of friends that gave me advices (as what they usually did that time - 1994). But I needed more of silent presence. Those who made themselves available even without saying anything.
Anyways...these are some of those that I learned given situations of life's "BIG BLOWS" :

1. Not to make haste decisions when they occur (except with the white cow race hahahahha. I needed to run).
2. Maintain an open disposition. Listen from most trusted friends for advice. I found having spiritual director (thanks to Fr. Frank Savadera, SJ) to be the best so far heheh (well with my SD...most of the time was like making me explore of myself side by side with my journey of friendship with Jesus)
3. I decided to get up and live each single day doing the usual stuff like brushing my teeth (hahahhah), take a bath, iron clothes, eat the right kind of food, exercise, go to Church, regular work, go to school on weekends ...the point is just to continue living ...
4. Letting our feelings out through a real good cry (made me get a good sleep after) relieves intense feelings of sadness, shock...whatever......as in super dooper relieving (but too much of this makes one sick heheh...this is from my experience ...more notes on this later)
5. I took a doze of rest and pulled out from the place, took some short vacations to take a fresh look and perspectives.
6. I prayed and prayed... really hard and harder and with all my might and begging for God's grace (actually ang hirap to be honest). And in those situations when I did not really feel like praying, it was when I decided to really push harder. But when I got really drained and tired, I rested but did not really quit... (sometimes I hear myself complaining to God.. i find it a privilege when I face MY FRIEND...)
7. My Spiritual director , Fr. Frank, surprisingly said, "stay ...just stay and feel the pain". This is one of the options that I am challenged to do. He added that there was a time when even with someone he did not like to be with, he tried doing it (to stay with the person) and saw how it changed him and the other ( i would like to stress on this further in another article).

Feeling it. Really feeling it shakes me to death. In the past, running away was the easiest and safest. And I was like struck with the idea of running away through the years just to ... feel safe and secure. Oh I love so much my "comfort zones".

But with something very new posted by Fr. Frank, i felt the challenge of doing it. I just started. It still frightens me, shakes me, consumes a lot of my energies. But mind you... I was conscious of the strength that comes with the courage of staying ...of the grace brought by the decision to "stay".
There can be lots of unknowns when I focus on feelings but when Fr. Frank told me about staying and lingering and feeling them. I thought what can be better than knowing myself more through this. Though I lost mama a long time ago but learning new things each day led me not to panic at all. To stay still and feel .... in it I found new wisdom such as the realization that all will come to pass including struggles and sufferings (the truth is...i am still struggling on this yet I am not stopping)

Lastly, to "stay still" is not only to learn more of myself but to learn more with how my God works in my most painful "BIG BLOWS" . White cows do not have to trigger me though or leave my old tire and stick because of fright. With BIG BLOWS...I JUST HAVE TO STAY STILL ...TO JUST... BE STILL:-)


.