friends www.jun-g.com is up and running… updates and new blog entries are posted there… thank you for visiting. Enjoy!

I am not an environmentalist by profession. But when I was asked to give a workshop entitled A Nature’s Talk, I took it as a challenge and a privilege to be part of the CFC Singles for Christ – Metro Manila Conference in Baguio City. For the longest time, I had been wanting to re-engage myself in the community where I was once a member. I was happy to be invited and without any hesitations I said yes.

The topic was given to me three weeks prior to the conference. Theoretically, I had enough time to prepare. Yet three days before the conference, I was informed that my two-hour slot for the workshop was extended to four hours. Of course, I panicked.

I only have a few days to go and I was in the middle of a very hectic schedule. We were preparing for a concert which will be held a day before the conference. I had backlog of readings for my philosophy subjects. There were also demands from my Jesuit apostolate. Nonetheless, I was able to design a four-hour workshop. I came up with my outline, video clips, powerpoint presentation, audios, etc. All these made me look forward to the actual workshop.

The difficulties I encountered during my preparation of the talk is nothing compared with the problems that came up during the actual workshop. Minutes before the appointed time, my team and I were still doing some final preparation. When we went to the venue, which is an open spaced covered court, the place was yet to be set. The participants started to arrive even when the organizers were still busy preparing the place. Thirty minutes later, and with one hundred forty six SFC participants, I cannot start my presentation because the technician forgot to bring the cord connecting the LCD projector to the laptop. When the cord was finally acquired, it was discovered that the LCD projector and the laptop were not compatible. Due to much delay, we had no choice but to start. I pitied the emcees because they were trying so hard to delay my talk while waiting for another laptop.

I had to start without my powerpoint presentation. It was a complete surrender to God. In Tagalog, bahala na! An hour into my talk, the technician signaled me that the LCD projector is working. I felt relieved, but only for a while. Our venue was too bright that the projected image was overexposed. Still, the workshop had to continue.

Near the end of my talk, and with one more five-minute video presentation to show, I was telling the participants, quite lightly, that our desire to see God’s presence in nature should be as ardent as our desire to have our technical problem fixed. Suddenly, the covered court was enveloped in fog and then the sky slightly darkened. Very timely, this play of nature provided the right contrast for our video presentation. And when the video ended, the fog dissipated as quickly as it appeared.

Actually, I was just stressing three points. What are we going to do with our nature moments? First, relish it. Capture it. Let it dwell in us. Second, nurture the experience. Don’t let it pass without any reflection done. Allow such moment to grow in us. Finally, share that captured moment. This is where our cameras can be of use. We can harness our story telling skills. This way we transmit to others the beauty of this experience.

It was a consolation to see everyone was enjoying the workshop. What moved me was the sharing of some of the participants after the workshop. It was nice to see that amidst the technical problems and venue constraints, learning is still possible.

As a workshop giver, I also learned that when the worst moment comes, I can find God in the very act of hoping. And since hope springs from God, I have full trust that God will gratify that very hope. This is my conviction. I was never worried when my presentation gadgets failed, I knew deep in my heart that better things were yet to come.

Nature’s talk was God’s talk. My experience of being enveloped in fog speaks of God’s presence– captured moment with God that I will relish, remember and share.

- Jun-G Bargayo, SJ -

This is the five-minute video presentation that I played when the fog engulfed us.

isa ito sa mga paborito kong kanta.

naniniwala ako sa tawag ng Diyos. hindi ito nakikita ng mga mata, pero nararamdaman ng pusong may ugnayan sa Kanya.

nang umuwi ako noong Pasko, maraming mga kaibigan ang nagtanong kung bakit ako pumasok sa semenaryo. isa lang ang sagot ko. ako ay tinawag. paano ako tinawag? di man kapanipaniwala, pero ang Diyos ay nagsasalita. Narinig ko Siya at di ko kayang hindi sumunod sa tinig Niya.

buong puso kong pinaniniwalaan ang tawag Niya sa akin. hindi ko man mabago ang mundo, ngunit alam kong ang pagsunod kong ito sa Kanya ang siyang magbabago sa buhay ko at maaring makapagdulot ng kabutihan sa aking sarili, sa aking pamilya, sa aking komunidad, sa lahat ng mga nakapalibot sa akin. alam kong hindi madali ang pagsunod sa Kanya, pero ang paniniwalang ito ang laging naghahatid ng kapayapaan sa aking puso, at lakas upang gawin ang mga bagay na akala’y hindi kayang gawin.

lahat ay nagsisimula sa simpleng paniniwala… kung sa mundo, “to see is to believe,” sa ating pananampalataya, maniwala ka’t iyong makikita.

- Jun-G Bargayo, SJ -

Last July 10, I received a forwarded text message from Bro. Jovan. The message was sent by Roma of the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM), saying “…practice every 6:30PM at Studio A, JesCom from July 13-17. Please confirm…” I received an invitation to be part of the Fullness of Life Concert, a fund raiser project for the aged and infirm members of the Society of Jesus. I became excited.

First day at 7:10PM, from our Chinese Philosophy class, Bro. Harvey and I were rushing to catch the first practice at Studio A. During the practice, seated at my right was Fr. Nemy; seated at my left was Fr. Charlie; standing in front was Fr. Arnel who was teaching Fr. Vic his solo part of the Kyrie. I was starstruck seeing the Himig Heswita and friends in action again.

July 14, 15, 16, 17… 20, 21, 22, 23, days passed by so fast. Then, July 24 came. The Leong Hall of Ateneo de Manila University was flooding with tears. The concert was so moving that many, if not all, were in tears. It was one of the most beautiful scenes that I had witnessed. My eyes were like sponges that every song was a hand squeezing them and the water was flowing. Guilty as charged, I was crying too.

What touched me the most was the old Jesuit who was seated in front of me. I saw that he was enjoying every melody, every lyrics, I think everything. His eyes was sparkling with gratitude. I saw a childlike happiness. That old Jesuit, Fr. Jack Carroll, was having an experience of the fullness of life.

At the end of the concert, many friends came and were saying that they had moments of prayer and reflection. In fact, two of my friends even wanting to watch the concert again. They didn’t mind paying thousands of pesos just to experience it again– to experience that moment in a sacred space. Incredible!

The speech of Atty. Eric Englis, an Atenean from elementary to law school, was a testimony on how the Jesuits can be a great influence to one’s life. I felt honored being part of this least Society, being associated to those great Jesuits who were and are ahead of me. It is a pride that can only be expressed in humility. This is not something for me to brag about but a reason to be more responsible to the graces that are bestowed on me as a Jesuit. I am motivated to give more of whatever I can in where ever frontier mission that I am assigned or may be assigned to go. I am hopeful that in the little things that I strive to do may inspire others to become more generous and more loving. My desire is to be like those Jesuits who are beacons of light and life changing catalysts to others.

Fr. Arnel, our musical director, said, the concert was like a reunion of Jesuits and friends. Indeed, it was. The performers, the staffs, the sponsors and the audience were one in celebration. For me, it was not just a fund raiser activity, but a heart raiser. The hugs, smiles, kisses, hand shakes, pats on the back, words of thanks, all were so warm that melts hearts. Every one, in any how, was compelled to be more loving, compassionate and benevolent.

This sacred moment is embedded in my heart. At times that I will grow weak in my service to God, this can be a source of strength. At times that my vows are challenged, this can be my salvation. At times that the sickness of forgetfulness of my identity as a Jesuit consumes me, this can be my antidote to make me remember my purpose again. This moment is sacred, a gift of God’s consolation for me.

What else to say? One more thing, I thank God for revealing Himself, the fullness of life, to me, to us.

- Jun-G Bargayo, SJ -

]]> http://junjeesj.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/fullness-of-life-concert/feed/ 4 Jun-G http://junjeesj.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/mindanawon/ http://junjeesj.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/mindanawon/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:27:40 +0000 junjeesj http://junjeesj.wordpress.com/?p=181 ]]>

When given a chance to introduce myself to people, I would say, “I am Jun-G. I was born and raised in General Santos City.” Before Manny Pacquiao became famous, the usual reaction I get from people was in a form of a question, “Where is General Santos City?” My quick answer usually was “It’s in Mindanao, so I am a Mindanawon.” Then, the questioning stops.

It was automatic for me to say that I am a Mindanawon because Mindanao was my geographical origin. Yet, if I am asked to describe what identifies me as a Mindanawon, I would take a long pause and reflection before I could open my mouth and say something. But my summer exposure with the Institute of the Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) gave me an experience that made me rediscover my identity as a Mindanawon.

The Mindanawon is a term used not just for people who originated from Mindanao but also refers to those who made themselves one with the rest of those who are living and have lived in Mindanao. Being one means to understand, respect and embrace the diversity of the language and culture in the island.

Regarding my summer exposure, I was assigned to help in the ESSC’s water system projects in the municipalities of Upi and Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao Province. I met residents who were formerly from the Visayas and Luzon. A good number of them were Ilonggo. Some were Waray, Boholano, Cebuano and Ilocano. In Datu Blah Sinsuat, the population is predominantly Muslim tribe collectively called the Maguindanawon. In Upi on the other hand, there are substantial number of migrants called the dumagat living with the original settlers, the indigenous people, called the Teduray. In these two municipalities alone, I saw a marked diversity; a diversity found across the island. Mindanao is a melting pot of various people having a diverse cultural and religious beliefs, traditions and practices.

Unfortunately, the Mindanawons are commonly misunderstood. Their identity is clouded by the issues on land ownership, differing religious and cultural practices, ethno-centricities, marginalization, insurgencies, killings, bombings, kidnappings among others that are often highlighted by media. The biases to the Mindanawons are likened to paper wrappers that are getting thicker and thicker, concealing their true color. The real Mindanawon is deeply cloaked under non-Mindanawons’ prejudices.

Nonetheless, I saw the Mindanawon’s real identity in Barangay Matuber, Datu Blah Sinsuat. With pride, the residents consider themselves tri-people. They are the Dumagats, Tedurays and Maguindanawons who live together harmoniously. They communicate and dialogue with each other regarding their plans for development and solutions to their problems. They are proofs that Mindanawons can go beyond religion, culture and tradition. They are capable of understanding and respecting the richness of their respective culture and tradition. This is precisely the unifying identity that binds them together, seeking unity amidst their diversity.

The issues mostly highlighted by media are not really the real concerns in the island. Actually, the Mindanawons have more pressing concerns. They seek the help of the people in authority to somehow facilitate their capacity to provide for themselves their most basic needs like food, water and education. Barangays Renti, Ranao, Tubuan and many other barangays cry for clean water for drinking and cooking. The youth in Bendum, Bukidnon and many uptown villages clamor for educational opportunities. They are still combating the problem caused by greedy, wealthy and powerful who abuse their innocence.

The Mindanawons are also Filipinos who, like the rest of the country, continue to be resilient amidst the difficulty brought about by poverty. They are also hopeful. They are yearning for peace. Who says it is impossible? What I saw in Tubuan, Datu Blah Sinsuat where three disputing clans are slowly appeasing each other, and acting together in managing their newly constructed water supply system is a wonderful scene. The datu system in the area gradually integrates itself with the local government unit (barangay). This is an example for other areas to emulate. This is hope.

Finally, the Mindanawons are the stewards of Mindanao. In their hearts resides the yearning to protect the richness of their culture, language and tradition. In their hands lies the capability to restore the squandered wealth of their natural resources. In their minds dwells the wisdom to respect their dignity. My summer exposure in ESSC testifies that the Mindanawons are not fighting against each other; they are fighting with their life to protect their mother land.

- Jun-G Bargayo, SJ -

Confucius said, “At fifteen my mind was set on learning. At thirty my character had been formed. At forty I had no more perplexities. At fifty I knew the Mandate of Heaven (T’ienmin). At sixty I was at ease with whatever I heard… At seventy I could follow my heart’s desire without transgressing moral principles.” Analect 2:4

When I was in grade four, our homeroom teacher asked us to write on a sheet of paper our ambitions in life. I wrote: at the age of twenty-one, I am already a college graduate and have a stable job; at the age of twenty-three, I am already running my own business; at the age of twenty-five, I am already a millionaire; at the age of twenty-seven, I have already settled to married life. Now, I am already thirty years old. Did all these come true?

I would say that I graduated from college and had a wonderful job in a government institution at the age of twenty. After a year, I resigned to volunteer for a pastoral work caring for the youth. In this work, I was traveling here and abroad. I was twenty-three when I was assigned in Brunei Darussalam to head the Borneo-East Timor Mission Center of the organization that I was working with. My work was pastoral so I need to be discreet during my travels in these areas. Thus, at the immigration, my declaration was that I was a tourist and a business man. I celebrated my 25th birthday in four different countries. I was in Malaysia that time that my flight to Brunei was delayed for seven hours. The airline company gave us a pass to the executive lounge at the airport. It was luxurious. The accommodation was at best. The food was great, sumptuous and abundant. I availed a free massage service. I was enjoying the entertainment showcase. There was an unlimited access to the internet. When I got the Brunei, I had a late lunch birthday party prepared by my friends. Then, I had to rush for my flight back to the Philippines, transiting two hours in Singapore. I enjoyed another birthday party when I arrived home. At twenty-seven, I entered the Society of Jesus.

My ambitions was not literally realized. Yet, with my experiences, I could say I had them somehow realized. Whatever experiences that I have were fruits of my pursuit to achieving my goals, aims and objectives which were conceived when I was young. The analect 2:4 of Confucius was a list perhaps of his ambitions or experiences. What struck me was that Confucius’ sense of learning started at his early years and as time passed these learning was paying off. He just set his mind to learning and it benefited him with much profound maturity.

There is a saying in Filipino, “Namumunga ng santol ang puno ng santol.” It is so crucial what to dedicate your younger years to learn. The big time robbers started when they were young. The gold medalists in the Olympics started in their respective fields when they were very young. The greatest musicians started to hone their skills at a very very young age. This is the point of Confucius that if you want to enjoy life in “ren” begin learning “ren” when still young.

How is this related to me now? I am not young anymore. What Confucius was saying that the learning continues because the man continues to set goals for himself. Reflecting on it, I saw that my purpose continues; that it is a lifetime quest. I have settled to be a Jesuit, but I am still consistently challenged to grow in character, deepen my faith and strengthen the vows that I professed. This realization is making sense to what I am doing now. In the stage of formation that I am at, studying is even more important than doing my Jesuit apostolate. My present mission is to be formed and equipped for my future apostolate. All is preparation for any ministry that awaits for me.

At forty, I may already be a Jesuit priest. But, what is important for me are the lessons that I am/ will be learning through the process as I give myself to my present formation in the Society of Jesus. At fifty, I may have found my calling expressed in any Jesuit ministry. But, what is necessary for me are the relationships that I have built and have grown deeper. At sixty, I may be at the peak of my Jesuit life. But, what I value most are the love-fueled works directed towards the welfare of others who are poor and in need. At seventy, I may be retiring, dying or decaying. But, what I consider the greatest will be the memories captured by any works of goodness, love and sacrifice.

- Jun-G Bargayo, SJ -

Gustong gusto ko nang magsulat kagabi pa. Nakaharap na ako sa computer ngunit wala akong masulat. Siguro sa sobrang daming dinidikta ng aking utak, nawindang ako at di na makagalaw ang aking mga daliri para pumindot sa keyboards at bumuo ng mga salita, pangungusap at talata.

Ngayon, susubukan ko.

Kahapon lang ako dumating mula sa Mindanao kung saan ako pinadala para sa aking Summer apostolate. Maraming lugar sa Mindanao ang aking napuntahan. Nakarating ako sa Cagayan de Oro City, Malaybalay, Cotabato City, Maguindanao Province at Davao City. May iniwang alaala at mga bunga ng pagmumuni-muni sa aking puso at isip ang bawat lugar na aking napuntahan.

Sa Cagayan de Oro City, napagtanto ko ang kahalagahan ng suporta ng pamilya sa isang bokasyon. Inimbitahan kami na maghapunan sa bahay ni Neil (isa sa mga batchmates ko sa Kapisanan). Daming handa. Nanduon ang kanyang ina at panganay na kapatid. Naaliw ako sa mga kuwento ng ina ni Neil. Habang nakikinig ako sa kanya, sabi ko sa sarili, “Ang swerte naman ni Neil.” Swerte sya kasi supurtado siya ng kanyang mga magulang. Sigurado akong isa ito sa mga nagpapalakas ng kanyang bokasyon.

Sa Malaybalay, napagwari-wari ko na napakarami pa palang bagay ang dapat kong malaman. Para kasi kaming nag-aaral duon ng Sociology. Sa loob ng isang linggo, nakiking kami kay Pedro (ang paring direktor ng Environmental Science fo Social Change – ESSC) ng lectures tungkol sa Social Analysis, kung ano ano ang mga ginagawa ng ESSC, paano ito nakakatulong sa bansa, at ano ang kaugnayan nito sa aming buhay Heswita. Bago sa akin ang halos lahat ng kanyang mga sinabi. Natuwa naman ako kasi nakita ko sa sarili ang kagustuhang matuto. Sabi ko, “Kailangan ko pang matuto, kasi kung marami akong alam, maaring marami rin ang aking maibibigay sa kapwa, lalong lalo na sa mga mahihirap.”

Sa Cotabato City at Maguindanao Province ko nakita ang kabuluhan ng pagkakaisa. Iba’t ibang mukha ng Pilipino ang aking nakasalamuha sa loob ng dalawang linggo. Sa Renti, Upi, naroon ang mga Teduray (mga lumad). Sa Tubuan, Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS), naroon ang mga Maguindanaon. Sa Matuber, DBS, naman ay tri-people: Teduray, Maguindanaon at Dumagat (settlers). Maraming nagsasabi na mahirap pagsamahin ang tri-people. Pero, maari pala itong mangyari. Nasaksihan ko ito sa mga lugar na aking napuntahan, lalo na sa Matuber.

Mayaman sa kultura ang Pilipinas. Minsan nga lamang hindi nagkakatagpo ang mga prinsipyo at ang mga pinaglalaban ng bawat cutural group. Ito ang madalas na dahilan ng away at sa kasawiang palad patayan at digmaan. Naantig ako sa sinabi ni Pedro. Sabi nya, “ESSC, though it is a Christian institution, it is not there in places that are predominantly non-Christian to evangelize but to dialogue.” Totoo. Kailangan na kailangan ang dialogue. Kung may pag-uusap, may pagkakaunawaan… kung may pagkakaunawaan, may pagkakasundo… kung may pagkakasundo, may pagkakaisa… at kung may pagkakaisa, tiyak na may kapayapaan at kaunlaran.

Bonus at narating namin ang Davao City. Pahinga at laboy ang ginawa namin duon. Sa loob ng isang araw, nakapagbeach at nakapagtour kami. Isa lang ang klaro sa akin, cliche man, kailangan ng tao ang magpahinga paminsan minsan para hindi mapagod ng lubusan at sumuko sa paglilingkod sa kapwa.

Natapos ang aking Summer Apostolate na punong puno ang aking kalooban ng saya at pasasalamat. Marami na naman akong panghuhugutan ng lakas sa mga darating na araw, buwan at taon.

Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng mga taong aking nakatagpo. Salamat sa pagkakaibigan, sa
kuwentuhan at tawanan, sa pagtiwala, sa pagpatuloy at pagpakain sa amin. Salamat sa mga hindi malilimutang karanasan.

Maraming salamat sa bawat lugar na nag-iwan ng bakas ng pagmamahal sa sarili, sa kapwa, sa bansa, sa mundo at sa Kanya.

- Jun-G Bargayo, SJ -

My summer exposure is almost over. Many significant things happened. I want to write them all here but my thoughts are so many and are not yet organized. But, still i will try to name and articulate few of my thoughts.

a. NFF (New Found Friends). I gained friends here. I became friends to people whom i had biases with, the IP and the Muslims. I thought it would be very difficult to deal with them. When i met the people in Renti and Tubuan, i was wrong. The people there are very warm and friendly. I know that we are giving them favor through our water system projects, but their friendship with us is not based on that. I believe our relationship is not a benefactor-beneficiary relationship. Every time i talk to Chairman Bronson, i am touched by his sincerity as he shares to me his significant experiences. I felt honored hearing them and being trusted. One night, Treas and Kagawad Buligan of Renti were freely disclosing their pratices as Teduray. Our conversation was anything under sun. We were laughing, enjoying the night.

The people in Renti and Tubuan are my new found friends. Honestly, i am starting to miss them. I felt safe in those places that in everytime i could visit cotabato city, given the luxury of time and resources, i wouldn’t miss dropping by and catching up with my friends there.

b. MOF (Mission over Family). I wanted to go home and visit my family in Gensan. Even before the start of this summer apostolate, i asked permission to visit my family, but unfortunately, i received a no answer. Since then, I was thinking of any reason that may become my ticket to go home. And I found one. I composed a message of permission on my celphone, ready to be sent to my superior. But, this message remained in my phone’s outbox folder.

This is not torturing myself nor validating that priesthood is a sacrifice. Instead, this is an experience validating the reason why a priest is not allowed to raise his own family. I can’t imagine leaving my ill child and go on mission to the uplands or anywhere. Mission over family, not that i didn’t want to raise my own family, but i chose a life that i could serve any family any time at anywhere.

c. FIL (Falling in Love). I read a funny quotation inscribed on the side of a pump boat, “Street from the Heart.” Funny to find it profound. One thing that i am mastering as a Jesuit is a life of obedience. It is my desire to follow the will of God through my superiors. What he wants me to do. Where would he assign me for mission. When would he send.me. Indeed, a road of uncertainty. No career planning. No future making. No self-security seeking.

I found myself on a street from the heart of someone who is in love with me. It’s a grace to find this street. And now, i see myself on this street trekking towards its source. The scenes that i see, the people that i meet and the experiences that i have make me fall in love with that someone, the end of the street that i am following. What is more beautiful is that as i keep myself on track, my heart is filled with more love. It is making me yearn to reach the end of the street, the source of great love, my God.

Ako at si Philip, mga taga-tubuan, nanonood ng laban ni pacman

sa barangay ng tubuan, datu blah sinsuat, pagdating ng ala una ng hapon, lahat ay nasa isang ‘kiosk’ para hintayin ang laban ng pambansang kama-o. bata man o matanda, lalaki man o babae, lahat inaasam mapanood ang laban ni pacquiao.

ang tubuan ay isang ‘coastal’ barangay, matatagpuan sa moro sea. walang signal ng ‘celphone’ duon. walang kuryente. tubuan elementary school ang natatanging paaralan. mga muslim ang naninirahan doon. may mga higit kumulang na 89 ‘household’. makakarating ka lamang dito sa pamamagitan ng ‘pump boat’. mga 45 min ‘boat ride’ from tapian. para makarating sa tapian, sasakay ka ng motor. mga higit isang oras din yun mula sa cotabato city.

paano kami nagkaroon ng kuryente mapanoond lang ang laban ni pacman? gamit namin ang nag-iisang ‘14″ black and white tv’ sa barangay. nakasaksak ito sa isang baterya. talagang pinaghandaan ito, mapanood lamang ang pinakahihintay na laban.

kinakanta palang ni martin nievera ang lupang hinirang, ramdam ko na na ‘proud na proud’ ang mga kasama kong nanonood. sigawan ng panggagalaiti ang maririnig mo sa tuwing pansamantalang pinuputol ang laban dahil sa mga patalastas.

‘first round’. tutok na tutok ang lahat sa tv. sigawan sa tuwing tinatamaan ng kama-o ni manny si ricky. dawalang beses natumba si ricky.

’second round’. sigawan sa tuwa nang matumba si hatton at hindi na nakabangon.

tuwang tuwa ako sa aking nakita. hindi lang sa panalo ni pacquiao kundi sa pakikiisang tuwa ng mga taga-tubuan sa pagkapanalo ni pacquiao. isa ito sa mga pagkakataong makakita ng mga pinoy na pinagmamalaki ang pagiging pinoy. ito ang kailangan natin para mapag-isa ang pilipinas. pagkatapos ng labas, lahat pina-uusapan ang pagkapanalo ng bansa sa katauhan ni manny pacquiao. alam kong hindi lang ito sa tubuan nangyayari, buong bansa nagdidiriwang sa mga panahon na iyon.

salamat sa isang oras na panonood ng laban ng bansa. himinto ang kilos sa tubuan. sa buong pilipinas. di alintana ang bagyo. di alintana ang hidwaan sa isa’t isa. pacquio ‘moment’ isa itong tikim ng buhay sa paraiso. lahat masaya. lahat nagdidiwang. lahat nagkakaisang sinisigaw, MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS! MABUHAY!

sa bbq station... ediflor, philip, ako, gladys, william... si pyk ang kumuha ng picture...

Nakakapagod ang araw ko kahapon. Maraming kailangang tapusin. Maraming kailangang puntahan. Biyahe papunta at pabalik sa Upi, sakay kami ng motor, bilad na bilad sa init ng araw. Sunog na sunog na ang aking balat.

Dumating kami dito sa opisina isang oras nalang bago maghapunan.

Hapunan. Kasama namin ang mga ’staff’ ng ESSC. Kumain kami sa ‘bbq’han. ‘First time’ ko doon. Ang kinain ko: pastil (kanin na may maanghang na ‘beef rendang’ na nakabalot sa dahon ng saging, at ‘bbq’ na “native chicken’). Sarap! Pagkatapos bumili kami ng serbetes. Kinain namin ito sa opisina. Habang kumakain ng serbetes, nanonood kami ng tv. Pinapanood namin ang “May Bukas Pa.”

Hindi talaga maiiwasan na hindi mapag-uusapan ang aming ‘vocation story’. Syempre, nagkuwento naman kami.

Kuwentuhan. Tawanan. ‘Enjoy’ lang talaga.

Salamat kina Ediflor, Gladys, Pyk and William.

Natapos ang gabi na puno ako ng pasasalamat sa Kanya.

Biniyayaan na naman Niya ako ng mga bagong kaibigan, mga papuso ko’t kapamilya dito.