Greetings: "Enter the Dragon"

“New Year, Another journey and path to walk on ……”

In this article first and foremost, I would like to give thanks and greet all my relatives, cousins, and brother living and working abroad. To all my Blog followers, twitter friends and mates, Facebook groups (SimpleThoughts & Single Pilipina), batch mates, and friends in and out cyber world a bountiful and prosperous New Year to all of us.

In my previous articles in “My Points of View” and “My Memoirs”, I was overwhelmed about the outcome and comments of those viewers and readers who visited by blogs.

To all members of SimpleThoughts, a group I created, thank you for sharing “thoughts and quotes” for the day.

Thank you to all my friends and subscribers in my YouTube channel “Miechellejoy”.  Luckily YouTube panelists didn’t block all my created videos (crazy & funny videos, lol!).

It is only a short period of time since I joined Twitter, YouTube, Blogging, and Single Pilipina, yet the camaraderie and sharing of ideas are more important to me. Though we didn’t meet formally in person, this medium serves as a channel for us to communicate.

                           

Year 2011 calendar will soon be disposed and it will change to a new one. It is a year for every one who suffered failures, bitterness, heartaches and pains. Despite of those, we still manage to smile and stand up from our downfall.

Indeed, 2011 for me is not quite good. I am still thankful to the Lord because He guides me to the right path. I have my parents, brothers, trusted and close friends who are there to support me in my ups and downs.

There were circumstances that I was really upset and dejected. Still I never gave up. As this press time, I am still optimistic and waiting for the positive results of all my decisions and plans.

On the other hand, as I am refreshing the unforgettable moment in my life, it is really hard to forget. When someone made a scar and deeply wounded your whole being. I do believe the way to move forward is not going back which was already done in the past.

My only consolation to myself is I learned from my mistakes. People accept me for who and what I am right now. In spite of my impulsive decisions in life and stubbornness, God still remain by my side.

As my final statement, “Life is full of mystery and a roller-coaster in a rugged country road. It is full of excitement, suspense, actions, and romance. In this world we meet true and false people. They might influence us in good and bad terms. But still parents stick with us.”

Once again join me in celebrating and welcoming “2012 countdown”…..HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

MyMemoirs: Just a trial slide-show

MyMemoirs: Just a trial slide-show

Just a trial slide-show

Entering the Land of Headhunters

As am encoding this article, I am reminiscing our Development Communication (DevCom our major subject) way back college days.

Our Professor grouped us into two (The Aurora Province and Kalinga group). We were about  to tackle development in such remote areas and mingle with indigenous people.

We were seven in the group. I have a classmate (became my close friend)whose hometown is Tabuk, Kalinga. It would be easier for us to reach there with the help of my friend. We voted her as our leader, because she's familiar in that place. 

From Baguio to Tabuk took about 12hours. It's a long trip via land based riding passenger bus. In Philippine history Kalinga and Apayao is considered as one province. I am not elaborating how these two provinces gained independence. You might be confused regarding Kalinga Apayao. 

As we reached the hometown of one of my group mates, we rest for a day. Brainstorming how and what shall we do the following day. The day after, we packed our things going to Pinukpuk, Kalinga

http://wikimapia.org/3796305/Pinukpuk-Kalinga

It's full of hassle and at the same time I enjoyed our trip. It's a rocky long winding road. Drivers were so careful passing through that road because one mistake only your life will be in danger to  that steep ravine.

As we were traveling, we can see that this place needs improvement. No hospitals (unless you'll going to travel for how many hours to reach the main highway), less electrical post, few school buildings, and one church.

As we arrived in Pinukpuk, they welcomed us with open arms and wide smiles. We introduced ourselves as graduating students for handling this kind of assignment.

It took as five days exploring and interviewing people around. We also mingled with some of the indigenous people of Kalinga. 

We found out that Kalinga derived from Ibanag and Gaddang word means "highland/ headhunter". This indicates how people are wild and how they embrace cannibalism.

The elder whom we interviewed said, that it was long time ago since headhunting was stopped. For Igorots (people living in CAR Region such as in Kalinga) being a warrior, headhunting connotes bravery and heroic act. 

While all ears are listening, my eyes keep on moving and glancing to my group mates. Yes, at first we were scared. How would you be brave enough if you are entering a province of headhunters?

After that conversation, as we go home to rest, I and my group mates still discussing about headhunting. After that encounter, we visited near places and interact once again with the people living there.

Before our last day in Pinukpuk, the resident treat us a very decent meal. They cooked for us and really it's delicious. They prepared "Pinikpikan", another recipe aside from "TINOLA, ADOBO, etc. 

Pinikpikan, is prepared by beating a live chicken with stick prior to cooking.  The usual butchering of chicken is,  we're going to cut the neck and let the chicken bleed.

But in preparing "Pinikpikan" the beating bruises the chicken bringing blood to its surface which is said to improve flavor and palatability after cooking.

I am so amazed how they do that. And the taste is real good enough beyond satisfaction.

.

 Some photos attached from the page of Baguio City and Kalinga province.

Upon downloading these photos, I wasn't able to share our own photos during our DevComm days in Kalinga.

It was seven years ago since we stepped in the province of Kalinga. It was memorable interaction among the  Igorots residing there. 

Maybe the Town and "Barangay" we visited way back seven years, was now an improved and developed place to dwell for the next generation.

Miracle after road mishap

I was on board in this passenger bus going to Ilocos Sur when all the passengers and bus drivers experienced an ill-fated journey. From the engine, Aircon Outlet, and the  unfortunate fall of one of the bus driver from top of the bus  (while fixing the Aircon System).

Flashback come rushing to my mind as I saw the driver accidentally fell from the ground.

When I was in my High School days, one fortune teller said, I was going to lose my life in an accident particularly road mishap. She never gave me an idea when and what shall I do to prevent this mishap to occur.

The first experienced was on 1999, San Vicente Naval Base. I was too grateful I was qualified to take the examination.

This financial assistance was granted to all Philippine Navy's sons/daughters who are entering College.

Fortunately, with my parent's support and God guidance I passed the qualifying test

The Philippine Navy Chief,  two other officers and the wife offered a free ride going home and they will just drop by in Cordon.  My parents were hesitant to the offer. Their reason was, we still have to buy some fresh seafoods. Still they insist and wanted to buy too. That's why six of us, a board a white van going home ( four of them going back to Manila).

Noon time after lunch, we bid goodbye to the rest of the Philippine Navy officers and to my dearest Father.

The officer asked where was the easiest route to take.  We took the exit way going to Mallig Region. It was a creepy road because you will see few built houses, surrounded by mountains, and rough roads. As we hit the main highway, still far distance houses and few vehicles passing by. It was nearly 5:30pm we were on our way to Enrile, Cagayan.

The van is inclining, the officer put up some speed. We were following another vehicle ahead of us. He never honked. He overtook the vehicle in front of us. Unknowingly, as we were on our speed, there was an owner typed- jeepney inclining too.

At that point the officer divert our way and cut  to the other side. Unluckily, due to the speed  and immediate breaks the white van tumble down followed by us.

We were just rolling inside the van, the white van keep on tumbling down the road. We were shocked and our bones trembling to the incident. The position of the white van was in reverse. The wheels on top.

Fortunately, I, my mother, and the wife suffered slight scratches and tolerable bump on my head. While  the officers in front of us suffered slight bruised on their elbows and knees, and bump on their shoulders.

Thanks God we were alive!  The officers immediately relay the incident to their co-officers in San Vicente, Naval Base

When we successfully get out from the van, the officer talked to the driver of the owner typed-jeepney. Both of them settled the incident. (nothing happened to owner typed-jeepney)

We couldn't believe the distance where the accident happened and where the tumbled white van was.  Due to adrenaline rush and no other vehicles passing through that road to help us;  we helped each other to put the white van in a right  position it should be.

The officer said, luckily all the fresh seafoods inside the containers never dropped on us. The containers were sealed properly.

Secondly, no oil leaked.

Third, the head lights are still working. The one side-view mirror, though broken, still there's one  mirror left.

Fourth, the doors can still be close and open. Not the behind door where our stuffs were packed.

It was already dark as we drove away that accident prone road in Enrile, Cagayan.

As we entered the first town of Mallig Region, we sought help to those residence there. They were all alarmed what happened to us. One of the elders said, it was really an accident prone in that inclined road.

He said, "Sir, may kumukuha talaga doon, sana bumusina kayo." (Sir, there's really someone behind that road. You should honked your horn."

We asked for a string to put on the behind door so that it can be closed slightly. So that all our stuff behind will not be dropping down as we hit the road.

We were thankful and bid goodbye again to the residence there (I forgot the town already).

I was behind looking on our stuff and hoping it won't drop as I was checking the condition of the string attached to it.

We were so tired and starving and yet our hometown is still a long way to go. One of the officer suggested if we can dropped by to his cousin's hometown. We took another road going there to have some cup of coffee and light meal.

As we arrived there, the relatives of this officer flabbergasted in our sudden visit. After one hour of  chatting we hit the road again.

It was early dawn, we finally arrived in our hometown. My brothers and grandmother woke up to open the gate. They, too as well, couldn't believe that we survived in that accident.

The three officers and wife settled to sleep overnight at home after some cup of coffee and short conversation.

The following day, my father took an emergency leave to what happened to us.

As this press time, I'm still alive. Thanks God for giving us another chance to live.

MyMemoirs: Ill-fated journey to Ilocos Sur

MyMemoirs: Ill-fated journey to Ilocos Sur: I have this feeling of deja vu as we travel from Manila to Ilocos Region. October 30 @7:00pm- At the Florida bus terminal. I was the fir...

Ill-fated journey to Ilocos Sur

I have this feeling of deja vu as we travel from Manila to Ilocos Region.

October 30
@7:00pm- At the Florida bus terminal. I was the first who arrived in our meeting place.

@9:00pm- My friend with her Fiance, and Fiance's parents finally arrived. I told them the bus will leave soon.
I ask my friend if we can take the 9:30 trip. She asked me, if there are still available seats. I replied with a "Yes".

Obviously, there are still seats available. I asked the driver and conductor if we can take the available slots. They keep on saying "Aguray bassit" (wait for awhile).

I was so irritated, we were there, waiting but they never entertained us properly.

Nearly 9:30pm- A passenger newly arrived and asked for available slot. The driver suddenly said, "Wen, adda pay" (Yes, there are). Then the driver assisted the passenger where she would be seated.

I looked back to my friend. I immediately go up and check if there are still slots for us. I was so hot-tempered with the actuation of the driver and the conductor. Right there and then, I burst out my anger. 

I told them "Kuya kanina pa kami dito nghihintay. Di mo kami pinapancin? Sabi mo "Aguray". Tagal namin naghintay." 

"Tapos dumating lang 'yung bagong pasahero, in-entertain mo, at sinabing my available pa?" 

(Kuya, we've been waiting here for so long, you never pay attention? You said wait. You keep us wait too long. Then a newly arrived passenger without reservation you entertained and gave her one available seat?)

The driver suddenly replied,  "Mano kayo, Pagbabaan yo?" (How many are you? Where you're going to)

I and my friend in unison answered, "Five"

My friend said,  "Sta Maria"

I looked at the facial expression of the driver. He grimaced.

I stared at my friend with a raised eye-brow. She just winced.

Right there and then, the conductor assisted us with the slots remaining.

I asked my friend if she saw the expression of the driver. We shared opinions about his actuation.

What we concluded was, the bus is bound to Laoag City, Ilocos Norte whereas, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur.

All of their passengers bound to Ilocos Norte. So the fare is higher than ours. Why would he react that way?  

If he will not permit us, he will miss five times Php485. Compare to the one passenger bound to Ilocos Norte.  Much higher than the one passenger only.

It was settled already. So we comfortably sit and lay our back at the backrest.

Problems encountered this time

@10:00pm- the bus stopped waiting for something and someone. (One of the passenger with a child with her reacted. She said, "We took so long in the terminal, why this matter suddenly came out?")

@11:00pm- while at the expressway, distance after the toll-gate, the bus stopped again. I and my friend came down from a passenger bus. What we heard was, engine problem. 

MMDA and tollgate officers assisted the bus to park properly on the road. It took us more than thirty-minutes waiting as they check the engine behind.

@12midnight- we're passing along the town of Pampang when a problem rose again. Condensed water leaking from the aircon outlet.

It didn't stop the dripping there . Suddenly, cold water poured over the center aisle. The passengers near the  center outlet were affected.  Shoes and socks were wet. Their clothes were slightly wet.

Around 1am- we finally arrived at the bus stop over. The other bus driver climb at the top of the bus to fix the aircon and the hose connecting into it.
The conductor and the other driver check the hose below the compartment. They noticed it was twisted, that's why the condensed water didn't flow freely onto the ground.

The passengers wondering why problems rose this time. The conductor answered, it was newly bought and arrived that day. The passenger bus didn't undergo road test. We were the first passengers of this new bus!

I, my friend and the other passenger were in the mid of our conversation when the other driver tried to descend after fixing the aircon leak. The three of us, looked upon him as he tried to position himself going down.

Unfortunately, he fell down. First, his back was hurt, followed by his buttocks and arms. The three of us were immobilized. The other driver and conductor fixing the hose in the compartment.

Come to think of it, we were just few distance away from him. If the guy between I and my friend, whom we were talking with, helped the driver, no accident occurred. Maybe, it was bound to happened. 

Immediately the guy  assisted the injured driver to stand-up. After the incident all of us panic already. 

The other driver without enough sleep will take over. The injured driver's arms starting to swell. He could hardly move his upper body. 

We stop over near the hospital in Villasis, Pangasinan to give immediate medication and treatment to the injured driver.

Ocober 31 at seven in the morning, we finally arrived in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur safe and intact.

We do believe in this belief. Everything which is new like cars, trucks and other vehicles without road tests and blessings, a mishap or misfortunes occurred. 

Shocking Revelation

You will know the value of a person if he’s  gone. Finding a true friend is hard to  find. Yes, we have lot of friends to be considered, but if we’re down, only few were there to give a helping hand.

I’m remembering the past when I and late Ana shared happy moments, embarrassing situations and problems.

We have a deep relationship more than as friends. She was a second mother to me when I am still studying in Baguio.

I was their bed spacer in a boarding house for than two years. 

When we were introduced with each other, I didn't feel any animosity. I started liking her and divulged all my whereabouts in and out the university.

During Sundays, we attended mass, strolled at the mall, dropped by at the supermarket, and  counted the stairs going up to Lourdes Grotto.  Two years  attending nine mornings before Christmas. I missed all of these events in my life with Ate Ana.

It was 2004, Ate Ana felt there something bothering her. She told me the uneasiness and pain she felt every morning she wakes  up.

She held my hand and put it on her upper chest. Her heartbeat is normal, but when I tried to touch the upper portion of her breast, there was a lump on it.

I asked, “Ate, masakit po ba?”  (Ate, does it hurt?)

She answered, “Mommy, pag hinahawakan ko di masakit. Pero pag madaling araw kumikirot” (When I touch the lump, it doesn’t hurt. Only early dawn, it aches)

I missed her, calling me “Mommy”.  It’s her endearment to me.

Months passed by, we both noticed that the lump was bigger than the usual size. I advised her to tell the truth and seek help to her  “ Amo”, who used to be a medical practitioner.

Weeks later, Ate Ana was diagnosed and the cyst was malignant. She was then confined in Baguio General Hospital for the operation to prevent the multiplication of cancer cells.

I  with Ate Joyce,  a medical practitioner too and my roommate, visited Ate Ana in the hospital.

Despite the pain, she still managed to smile and greet us, as we arrived.

We were so glad, the operation was successful. On the contrary, she lost her one breast.

When Ate Ana finally got home, her “Amo” decided to give her a leave and rest to heal the wounds.

As far as I remembered,  almost four months to go before I graduate when she went home to Pangasinan.

I was eager to invite  and tell her to get well soon, so that she will be around during my final stage in college.

I want to savor my remaining days in Baguio with Ate Ana before I go home and do my jubhunting in Manila.

Though I was happy with my parents, brothers and friends in my graduation day, It was incomplete without the presence of Ate Ana.

It was on May 2005, when I left Baguio without a final looked to my beloved Ate Ana.

Months and years passed by without  any text from  Ate  Joyce to inform me regarding the condition of Ate Ana. That was the time when I got my first job.

In 2006, I was hired for my second job position. I was riding in a bus late at night going home. Due to boredom, I sent message to Ate Joyce how was she and Ate Ana. Ate Joyce was then a Doctor in Ilocos Sur practicing her profession. 

Can you guess where and how’s Ate Ana?

The last operation was successful. But after year, the cancer cells began to grow. Complication weaken   Ate Ana’s health. There’s no way for her to survive.

I was totally speechless and shocked on Ate Joyce’s  revelation. I could hardly spoke to her.  I was silently weeping in the bus, reminiscing the moments with Ate Ana and Ate Joyce.

Even Ate Joyce was shocked. She as well missed Ate Ana.

I wrote this article a tribute to all breast cancer victims who failed in their battle against life-threatening illness. As my final respect to Ate Ana, this is for you in this All Soul’s Day.

I keep you in my heart. December is fast approaching, hope you gonna visit me again in my dreams.

I knew you were in good hand with the Almighty God. 

I love you Ate Ana.

It takes time to heal

Love what makes the world go round. People have their own way of showing off what love is.

We love our parents, siblings, and friends. In other relationship like opposite sex, the degree of expressing one's love is far from being a friend only.

It takes two to tango as the saying goes. Both partners must exert effort for them to have a successful relationship. I don't want to sound philosophical here or sour graping with my past relationship.

I tend to forget everything about him that was three years ago. Now I had moved on and prioritized my goals and interest.  I don't want to dwell to those bitter memories.The wounds  in my heart were already healed.

After we broke-up, I spent more time at work, read inspirational books and jammed with my friends' houses.

At last I gained freedom. I never encountered suitors after that. Though my friends gave some textmates, it didn't work out.

One of my colleagues, teased me of being choosy. She said if I will continue that kind of  attitude, I will turn to be an old maiden.

I'm not that choosy type. It's really hard to force yourself to enter into a new relationship unprepared.

Time passed by like a wind, unknowingly I reached this age still single.

Due to persuasion of my friends, I joined dating websites. Friends online come and go. Some were ill-mannered others were nice.

So I keep on selecting and deleting unwanted friends. One day, I met this guy in one of dating sites. Getting to know each other like that. Maybe what I felt toward him is just an infatuation.

I like his voice and sense of humor, especially his wit. He's  full of wisdom and I learned small things from him.

I realized LIKE is different from LOVE.

I asked myself, "Am I starting to fall into his charm?"

I knew from the very start, catching his attention wasn't easy. Because lots of women is aiming to win his heart.

I really don't know what happened. I received a message saying he found his true love.

I was teary-eyed that time. My bruised ego was affected. I was really hurt.

He unfriend me and I got his point.  He didn't want me to mess things up and intrude to his new relationship.

For whatever reasons, I just respected him.

At present upon writing this article, I'm still searching for my lifetime partner.

Life must go on for me. Maybe someday, I gonna meet the guy of my dream. My knight in a shining armor.

A man who respects and accepts me for who and what I am.

A man who will defend and fight for me. And lastly, a kind, caring,responsible and loving man who loves me unconditionally and the people around me.                                                                                                    

These pictures copied from tagged.com. Captions are originally created.

Blooming roses, connotes new life

Two hearts beat as one for better or worst situation

Someone who will be there for me

Sealed kiss for eternity

One-on-One with the General

Way back in our Investigative Journalism class, our professor gave us a challenge on what topic  we shall tackle that catches attention to the public.

We were grouped into three. I, together with only six members brainstormed on that rainy and cold day in Baguio.

When the bell rang, we decided to investigate mafia and other drug cases in the province of Tarlac.

I knew this will be very confidential and sensitive case to handle.

We were given different tasks and responsibilities. One of my group mates has friends in Underworld. He has connections, so it would be easy for us to interview and gather information regarding our topic.

First day on our assignment was an introduction of ourselves. Our intention why we want to know the details behind illegal transactions.

I was so nervous and my hands are trembling that time. When we entered the dark room for interrogation, I knew there's no turning back.

My heart palpitated rapidly as I tapped my tape recorder and jotted down notes. While Mr. D, my group mate, asked about Underworld whereabouts.

Aside from mafia, we collaborated with the Police officers about prohibited drugs in the Philippines.

One more thing, we visited precincts and interviewed inmates who have cases in drug trafficking, drug addictions and the like.

The inmates obliged  and cooperated  with us. They humbly respond in every question. 

Nowadays, drug trafficking, drug dependents, and pushers are increasing. Victims were scattered everywhere unnoticed.

As Mr. D. told me seven years back, as long as those members are still active and their Generals have connections with the higher officials in the society;  producing dangerous drugs are difficult to eradicate.