December 2009
10 posts
2 tags
P250
Election is fast approaching. Local politicians are cramming to align with national counterparts. The same is true with the local folks. Tambays are quarreling over their bets and hurdling mud against each other’s candidates. From where I was recently, most of those running are want we label as “trapos”. Parents who can’t run for the same post are putting in their...
“It does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop.”
– Confucius
5 tags
Out of paradise
After a short stint in my parent’s hometown, flew out of paradise this morning and back to the chaos of urban living. Went there 4 days ago. The view from the airplane is fascinating. The wide blue sea punctuated by green islands, so many of it, big and small. As we landed on the tarmac, you can immediately feel this is a different environment. It’s like landing on your front door. As...
1 tag
Fireworks disaster et al
s we watched the early evening news, an area selling “paputok” was ablazed in General Santos City and in some other places. A stray bullet hit a GMA center in the Visayas, a house in the city and a young child was hit at her back. With all the damages on properties and lives, I do not really understand why our LGUs still issue permit to this type of business or we buy it like a...
2 tags
Chocolate and girls
Up to this day, I really do not understand the real connection between chocolate and girls. On one hand, many don’t want to be seen in public eating, moreso chocolate, because of its association with weight gain. On the other hand, in the private comfort of their room, the relationship seems sensual… even erotic. Maybe I imagine too much. On reflection, I realized, all my girlfriends...
Afternoon delight of different kind
Growing in the city means “street foods” my cousins from back home will totally abhor. What they normally throw away - chicken feet, heads and innards - are sold as street foods. But this afternoon, an older cousin is cooking “pastil”, a native delicacy. This one is like the “empanada” we grew up with, only the filling is sprouted beans. I was told this is the...
Holiday ... at the wrong place
We look forward to any holiday our country is known for. Our government has the preponderance for any excuse to declare a holiday. Don’t get me wrong. I am not complaining. I’m all to happy to abide. In this case, I am a law-abiding citizen. My cousins from back home told me that they have even more holidays than we do in the city. Often the regional and provincial government would...
Gift-giving
Because we got so much non-Moro friends and neighbors, this Christmas as in the past they will include us in their list. When we were young, our neighbors would give us gifts. Mom and Dad won’t buy us gift for them during this season, but they do get one when we celebrate our Hari-raya. Now it has become like an investment, as we say among friends. Mike, Vin and the rest of the gang would...
Christmas Day
We grew up in a community where Christmas is a fiesta. Neighbors and friends invite us to attend their “salo-salo”. Yes, they knew we are Moros and as Moros, we do not eat pork or pork products. So it is always a challenge for us when we arrive. Where we studied, the year ends with a big blast of Christmas party. My siblings and I have become accustomed to this practice as well. While...
In the beginning was an intention
Puunan duguh nyawa Moro Pyag-anak ha tyanggi Limagguh ha guwah hulah Magtutumtum na mayan… Came from the Moro blood and soul Born in Jolo Grew up out of his homeland Longing … Moro kiyabansagan Ha kawman piyag-aaddatan Mahunit sabalan Bang in martabbat siyusulan. Labelled a Moro Respected in the community Challenged to be patient His honor’s tested. Moro kunuh maisug Moro kunuh...
