Pride yer pride chicken

 Me being Lhea is either ma-pride or walang pride at all. 

The tea here is, I haven't talked to a bestie for a couple of months now. Basically, it's him who's never saying a word to me, and I'm just here waiting for a move because I know what he's actually up to. Funny enough, his tactics is very much familiar: not messaging, but watching my IG stories; AKA orbiting. TBF, I don't do that kind of stuff. 😅 I've avoided looking at his IG stories or dropping any message at all. Christmas and New Year has passed and I've never heard anything from this person. Oh well, maybe I won't hear anything as well til my birthday since he probably won't remember it at all.

Quick throwback to where it all started, it was when I didn't attend his birthday. I got all the reasons not to be there, and I'm glad I didn't. I want to list all reasons here, but I just don't wanna be the odd one in the sea of his partner's friends. (and knowing that I won't be a welcome guest there). I had a rough day and generally bad week then. I failed my exam, my interview for promotion, and I wasn't in a celebratory mood. I was in London to attend his birthday, but I don't wanna be in an area where a person who literally finished his isolation is already out and partying. Na-ah. Another thing is, the celebration was just a mess, no final plans til just 2 hours before. I'd rather be at home sipping tea.

So yeah, it was just simple. And boy, that probably made him sulky and gave me cold shoulders. Oh well, such a shame that in the past three years, I was there doing all the plans, and now it seems that my absence suddenly made me a bad friend. I feel like sometimes I should stop looking after people, because that don't give back anything essential to me. It's easier to just worry about your own and give some space for yourself away from others.

I feel like I'm airing dirty laundry here, and the last time I did it, I was in deep shit. Oh well, who reads this anyways?

Back here

I have a lot of self issues that I need to address, but since I got a new laptop now, I have a chance to air my thoughts in here much often.

Too much dating (though not often) is burdensome to me already, that I don't want to meet people solely to distract myself although I act all these interested about what they say. I kinda took a toll on myself as well since it kinda added few more people for me to sort out.

Going back to the Philippines really helped me. I was back to my comfort place (despite the very bad internet), and reminded me who I really am before I came here, and realized how I changed (in a good way).

So yeah, happy to be back!!! :)

Professional Tambay

So yeah, I'm unemployed for a year now and as much as I want to enjoy this chill life, I can't since I have loads of exams to review on. Haha. Well anyway, I didn't tambay-ed for the entire time since I worked on my IELTS and CBT exam last year. Now, I'm just waiting for my Decision Letter from NMC. 😭

Honestly, I feel like the time passed by really quickly. I feel like it was just yesterday when I'm complaining that I don't have a job, then finally working here in Palawan, resigned to review for IELTS, passed my CBT, and now waiting for my precious DL. I feel proud in my self actually that I made it. Hopefully I'll still be lucky for the years to come. Everything that I achieved right now is also a product of my hardwork too, so I wanna pat my back for that :)) I'm quite excited that I'm working on my future now. I hope that this is God's plan for me. 😉

Even though I cherish my free time a lot, I miss working in the hospital too, and also my peers. I'm happy that I was blessed with a supportive colleagues with me then. I may have encountered problems, but it was just minor setbacks in my employed life. I learned a lot from it.

Few months or weeks to go, I might be in a workplace already (I really hope and pray so!) and probably enjoying everything around me. But yeah, that's the start of my never ending OFW life, but I'll make sure that I'll make the most out of it.

Go Lhea!!!!

Gratefulness

Sometimes, if not most of the time, things that you aren’t expecting is definitely the best one.

Earlier, a woman came to ER to personally thank the nurses who took care of her kid. Her son came to ER with ongoing episode of seizure and has hydrocephalus. I cannot remember the feelings that I had during that time but I remember inserting him an IV with Mam Janett giving Diazepam. I was also the one who admitted him to the ward. Aside from having a patient like him with a special case, I just treated it like a usual night at work. But with that mother coming to us thanking personally, and telling how we made a good job taking care of him and even inserting an IV at one try (he didn’t had any reinsertions at the ward), that made me totally feel great and made me smile up to my ears.

 I wasn’t expecting anything but that gratefulness from her ignited me to work better. I was just doing my usual job, and for them, just my IV insertion to his kid is a big thing already since his IVs usually gets infiltrated or he easily gets hematoma after insertions. I just got lucky because his veins are good at that time.


The moment when the mother came in, our nurse supervisor (Mam Nic), my senior nurse (Mam Janett), and my co-nurses were all there and heard the good things that the mother said to me. I felt like I hit the jackpot even though I wasn’t promoted (if I got promoted, I will totally feel ambivalent. Seriously). Haha, good words are much better. Hihi

I guess, that was one of the beauty of working in a public hospital: having people with nothing appreciating every single deed you make. With this as a confirmation, I might be doing a good job and just continue what I’m doing. I hope this will always remind me to work well in the future.

Leggo Nurse Lei!!!!!

Boiling point

These past few months was all about working, and I didn't even have time to have fun. My fatigue from my 8-hour shift is what keeps me at home for the next 16 hours. Well, all I have to do is eat and sleep for the next few hours, and go to work again.

Physical fatigue wears off after a long sleep, and good home environment, of course. But this time, when mental fatigue and household issues combines its wrath, it's unleashing the beast in me that was hibernating for a very long time.  I didn't know that I had this in me.

I've lived alone for years in Manila, away from family. When dealing with problems, may it be household, or personal issues, I deal it through thinking and silence. But living independently and going back to living with your family again isn't as easy as I imagined. I've lived with lola for a long time, until I studied college. Unluckily, I still have to deal with another person whom we need to take care of the household chores. I didn't had issues with our former househelps since I've lived with them since I was a kid. Recently, Lola got a new househelp who's younger than me. I didn't mind it at all for the entire month until this week.

It may be as simple as it may seem but the fact that made me reaaally mad was when I found out that my favorite top was totally stained by a blanket that was soaked for days with the former. I'm a person who's not fond of buying new ones and taking care of my clothes by washing it well, even if it takes me forever to finish it. Another thing that made me explode was that it wasn't even cheap. After few days, I've calmed and took the fact that I can't use it again. And now, after folding my clothes for my flight next week, I found out that my another top was also stained. Oh geez, I had enough.

I sound childish, but heck, I deeply value all the things that I have. Mommy even called me when she heard that I was really mad about one shirt, and she promised to buy me another one but I refused. I don't think at anything would easily be replaced just like that. It's funny that I always develop strong attachment to a place (like my apartment), a dress (my 2 ruined tops), and even the tiniest things. She told me that I should get over it because it already happened ( and I answered that it wouldn't have happened if it was washed carefully), and there are things that doesn't go on the way we like. She then mentioned about frustrations, and that's when I started crying and argued my point. Oh yeah, I had a lot of frustrations like not being able to work where I like, being stucked again here in the province, and not being able to enjoy my youth because things seems to be incomplete. I faced those frustrations like a matured person and accepted the fact that I will never get to work where I want, that I'll be stucked here in the province, and that I won't be able to enjoy the things that I want because I'm stucked in a place where all you gonna think everyday is always work. (Fine, I'll exclude how it was working in a hospital everyday.) I moved on with those frustrations and lived my life, but it seems like the much little things can make me crash those solid walls. You won't imagine the fury when I totally get angry. These past few years, I rarely get angry and I hate being angry because it takes time for me to entirely calm myself and it stresses me out, to the point that I want to sleep for weeks.

I'm not supposed to post this here because it would definitely ruin my image as a cheerful person, but I don't care anymore. It's much better that you'd let people realize that each one of us has this kid of character too. These past few days, I thought that my character is getting worse, day by day. I guess it wasn't bad to be "bad" at times when you had enough already. I'm done being the one who understands, and makes rationalization why things go that way. You may think that it's refreshing for something to finally explode, but after that explosion, we definitely get stressed too.

Fine, I've talked so much and you'll realize that I will always be childish for being upset on such simple things. You may not be able to understand why I'm like this, but soon, you'll find out yourself.

감사합니다

Being a nurse working in a public hospital is no easy job. I had it the hard way when I first had my duty since I'm the only bedside nurse (apart from the charge nurse) who's in charge of 24 patients, which sometimes balloons up to forty and occupies even the hallways of the hospital. Even though it sounds tiring and anybody who wants to be a nurse will avoid working in a public hospital, I've learned a lot of things there and made me appreciate simple acts.


We happened to have a patient who had a seizure when we're doing our rounds. For us, it was like oh-yeah-toxic-shift-again scenario, and did the usual thing to help our patient. It was not a good graveyard shift for us and we're up all night to do our job. I was a bit surprised when our patient's daughter showed up at the station holding 2 cups of coffee. We may have our own coffees but the fact that the daughter showed her gratefulness thru those cups of coffee touched us. We just did what we're supposed to do,and she appreciated it. Right before they were discharged, they gave our charge nurse some food to show their appreciation. Too bad that it was my off day since they also want to thank me personally.


Being in a public hospital in my own province means a lot to me because I feel like Im giving back to the people who really needs help. Even though I still want to work in Manila, it's also good that I started my career here in the province, same with mommy who serves as my idol. I've seen a lot of scenarios where people cries because of their loved ones, and patients who goes out in the hospital fully recovered. Stress aside, I think I'm destined to be a nurse, and right now, I can't think any other career for me apart from nursing. I know that this is what I want to do til I get old. :)

Yo Momma!

I woke up super early today so to kill the time, I decided to watch We Got Married (well, especially the episodes where the CNBLUE boys appeared). While browsing the episode guide, I was quite curious in an episode where Seo Hyun (yes, SNSD) met Yong Hwa's omma (mother). To share what happened during their meeting, YH's mom was really accomodating, cute, funny, and appreciative. Looks like she approves SH as her daughter-in-law (WGM is just a virtual marriage show). And I just noticed that SK guys adore their moms so much.

Actually, that episode gave me the reason to blog today. Well, I won't fangirl on YongHwa this time but I want to explore my inner thoughts if ever I would be a soon to be daughter-in-law, and maybe a future mother-in-law.

In my current situation, I don't think that I'll be qualified to be a soon to be daughter-in-law because I don't even know how to cook. Well, I'm doing good in frying lately and then I also cooked adobo (which tastes very good). I think I would be more proud if I'd be able to cook my favorite sinigang and nanay's signature beef steak. (And my tummy says *growl* literally) Moving on, aside from the cooking skills that I lack, I think I'd definitely get a plus points when I get to talk to my future in-laws. Haha, you know me, I'm really good in conversations. :) I know that I'm not the kind of person who likes to give presents, so I have to make up for it. But if fortunately I have to budget, well I'll definitely buy something. It's just that I'm not good in choosing gifts. HAHAHA. Since elementary, I already had a "biyenan" (mother-in-law)! Hahaha. Well, she was my classmate-slash-crush's mom. She's very good to me, and until now, she still calls me to check me up. There were times during high school that they wished that I could be a future member of their family. Lol. It's funny that I get to share these things here but you know, I'm not really serious with the in-law thingy before. It's just that our families were very close before :D

Moving forward, even though I don't have any kids yet, I feel excited to be a future mother-in-law! HAHAHA. (Funniest thing you've ever heard from me) Well, I always wanted to have a son and it would be really perfect if I get to meet his future wife. I'm always the ecstatic person in every event, you know. Even to my friends' bf/gf, I get too excited to meet them. Well, the excitement would be much different when it comes to my son. Haha. As of now, I don't have any qualifications for my future daughter-in-law because as you all now, I myself doesn't even have my future in-laws. HAHAHAHA. Well, I'll just think about it few years from now. :)

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I just noticed that my blog can already be a family guide. Haha. From tales of an NBSB, to marriage, how to raise your kids, and how to be an in-law. HAHAHAHA. :)

Are you ready?

These past few days, my news feed is all about weddings (HS schoolmate and college batchmate) and being invited to a baby shower of my college barkada. Not that I'm not happy for them but a sudden thought bubble popped out of my head while washing my dishes: (if I were in their position) Am I ready for a married life?

I know this is a funny thing especially me talking about it. How come I already thought about marrying when I still don't have someone to marry with? Well, take out the husband-to-be in the equation.

In my past entries, I talked about my future plans for my kids and now, it's all about crossing to what we call, THE REALITY. Starting a family is not a joke. I think, when the couple already thought about marrying, they start to prepare themselves physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. You will not be just boyfriends or girlfriends that would splurge their salaries to things that will just make them happy for the mean time. When you think of building your future, aside from planning the wedding, you also plan for your future savings. I learned from Papa that Mama already managed his money since 1988, and they married in 1991. (My mom is an accountant, so she must be that good in taking care of finances) Another thing, it's much better if the both of you already had investments while you were still single, or young. It's a nice way to put your money in something that will soon be useful. (I learned this one again from my parents. I'm quite lucky that they put their money into good use)

Wait.. Stop.

I'm not trying to write an entry on how to start your family, but I'm just quite concerned if I would be getting married at the moment. Emotionally and mentally-wise, I'm not yet ready. Even though I act like a grown up woman in the exterior, I'm still a messy kid at home. If you would raid my apartment, you would ask if a Haiyan-like storm bulldozed my place. (Told ya) Next, I can't imagine myself taking care of my kid. Hello, I'm still having fun spazzing over CNBLUE, staying up late to watch all of their videos and stuff. I would be an irresponsible mom at this age. And lastly, I suck in managing finances. (KFly) My uncle shared how he work hard abroad to send money for his family here, and he feels like it's still not enough since my cousin will be in college this coming school year. He also shared how my mom told him the same things when he was still single then, and mama just had me. He said that my mom worked hard to feed me, thinking that milk was just my food then. She made him realize how hard it is to have your own family. I know it's not all about the happiness. There will be tough times, and you can't avoid that. You just have to be ready whenever it lurks on your way.

Well, maybe next time the thought of being pregnant would knock in my thoughts. HAHAHA.

Realizations in a rainy day

~Last night, I witnessed some facets of former friendships. It's quite hard to explain but this just only involves four persons, yet you will be able to see a lot of sides by just knowing the story of those two former inseparable buddies. This entry would definitely end up like a novel if I'd write their POVs here. Haha.

Realization 1: "Iba pala pag napagod ka ng magtanong ng 'Ano ba talaga?'"

Realization 2: So close yet so far

Realization 3: Avoidant personality disorder.

Like I've said before, I won't explain much (basta!) in sorts like this. I never imagined that time flies just like that. It feels just yesterday when you've seen them hanging out like BFFs but now seemed like he's just someone whom she/he only knows, by name.

Is it that hard to mutter a single word? Even a single syllable word like "Hi" or "Hello?" Does even saying that hurts your pride? Or just your silence is the only way for you to cover up your "weak side?" Is taking the initiative to eats you up as a person? Wow, ang arte mo po --I would easily say that, even to myself. But I understand that people has their own personal reasons for their actions.

Distance can be measured from millimeter to kilometer, even miles and light years. But I think, the real measure of distance isn't by the use of those metric systems, but it's the absence of connection, or communication. Yes, you might be sitting right to each other, but without connection or communication, that millimeter distance could turn to light year-like one.

I know communication is vital to every friendships, because it is the fuel that keeps up the flame of friendship between two people. But losing that "fuel" could make a big difference, even at a short time. For me, communication is important, but the real test of friendship isn't the one that is always updated with what's hot or what's not, but being the same old friend that kept his flame of friendship alive despite of the time (and challenges) that passed between the both of you (despite the absence of the fuel). 

Lastly, acceptance is important. There will be times that you'll feel like you can't mend what's broken already. Yes, you'll give up and walk away. But wait, take time to understand why things went that way, ask yourself on what you've done already and if no avail, give up, but learn how to accept why those things happen. There must be a reason, always.

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I understand that my entry is quite difficult to comprehend. Sorry, sabog lang ako from duty :D

 

Thoughts of a "future" mom

I've been thinking about my future kids most of the time these days. I don't know if I am that excited to be a parent at this age, or maybe because I'll be turning 21 this Thursday. The thought about it eats a big part of  my time (aside from surfing the net).

Since I am a frustrated athlete in my younger days, I want my kids to develop the talent that I failed to have. My father's side were all athletic people, and most of my cousins play basketball and volleyball for their respective schools and even reached Palarong Pambansa during their days. Well, it's such a pity that I grew up as a sickly person, and that my mother's side is not that supportive in terms of sports. Instead, they're more inclined to academics, and that resulted to my mama, mommy, and uncles to be non-athletic people yet excelled in their studies. (Mommy was a salutatorian and Mama was a 1st Honorable Mention.) I know that acads and sports can be worked together, but unfortunately, some things didn't worked out for me. *sigh* I was asked by my preschool teacher to take piano classes when I was in Nursery because I used to sing well before (singing well as a kid differs from singing well as an adult). She felt like music will be my forte. Too bad I was a lazy kid during weekends and vacation days that I'd rather watch TV all day, lock myself in my room , play dress up, act or speak in front of the mirror, and read tons of books silently. Well, I regret that I didn't took up those piano classes. TT

And because of what I mentioned above, I want my kids to be good both in sports, music, and acads. :) Some of my elder friends said that I sound like a soon-to-be stage mother, but I don't see myself as like that. I would be a very cool mom that will give my kids a lot of choices of  what they want to do, help them empower themselves and gather knowledge from those things I provide to them. Not everyone were given the chance to learn sports and music at a very young age. Those future kids of mine would be very lucky. (Well, before they'll be lucky, me and my future husband should really work hard to provide them all of that. Haha, my conversation with my BFF comes to mind :D)

For sports, I want them to learn how to play basketball, volleyball, and football. Those 3 sports were the popular ones and can be easily played everywhere. But I also want them to learn Judo or Taekwondo, for future self defense :)) I envy my other cousins who got to learn Taekwondo and Judo, too bad I was living in the island with my grandparents, and no one teaches about those sports.

In music, I want them to learn how to play the guitar, drums, violin and piano. Guitar is a very basic instrument, so it should be the first thing they need to practice and then the drums because they're both vital in a band. Haha, I'm also a frustrated drummer. :) Violin and piano, for me, are romantic kind of instruments. They kinda exude a different feeling when it is played. Violin reminds me of Hua Ze Lei. Hahahaha. My mom was a frustrated pianist. Even in her early thirties, she still studied piano. She was able to play only one song in her entire life, which is Unchained Melody. She wanted me to learn piano at an early age so that it won't be difficult for me when I grow but. But yeah, it looks like I took the same direction with my mom.

Honestly, even when I was only 9 years old then, I felt like I'm too old to learn how to play the piano, or learn Taekwondo, Judo, guitar, or even do gymnastics. I always think in advance, and I feel like I'm too old for some things, but it's not. A friend of mine studied guitar in HS, and I can hear him play his guitar from his bedroom (we're neighbors). At 21, my cousin just bought a guitar, and I was like  "She'll have a hard time learning since she's old to start learning about that instrument." I feel like it was just me who hinders myself to do what I want (I think this quote was already printed in Advo :P) In high school, I tried to join the Rondalla Club. I studied how to play banduria by myself, then I was accepted in my junior year. Learning how to play that instrument was an achievement already. I'm thankful with my HS alma mater because of the opportunities that they have for its students. Later on, from drum and lyre (dancing), we shifted to cheerdancing which also involved (a bit of) gymnastics. A 14-year old girl like me won't be that flexible compared to the younger kids who could bend their bodies like rubber. But since I'm in it already, no choice but to continue what I had started. I had the worst body ache I encountered in my entire life after our 1st practice! haha, I couldn't even get up on my bed. Gahd. Haha, for 2 years in the squad, I managed to do bending, a bit of split, and good jumps. I even had a flat tummy those days! Hahaha. I wanted my kids to experience various things that will be helpful for them.

Not that I feel burdened about the thought of having kids, but actually I'm really excited for my future. I'm excited to work and do well in my field so that my dream would be materialized. Haha, I may be too advanced in thinking about this kind of things, but it's much better that you already have a goal for yourself and your future family. In short, a good sense of direction.

Thanks, no thanks

There are times that we refuse to accept the concern of other people. Not that we have a towering pride to accept it, but we feel like we don't need any of their concern, because yeah, we can get past to it.

I'm a the exact example of that kind of person in my second sentence. Sometimes, I'll just let those words of concern pass from my ear going out to my other ear and don't let any single word of that sentence I heard remain in my head.

I've been avoiding a certain person since last month. I unfollowed him/her in Facebook so that I won't see its updates in my news feed. I felt fine in the past weeks that I didn't had any words or photos of him/her in my news feed. Until tonight that I received a tweet asking me what happened with my eye. Upon reading that tweet, I didn't replied because I don't need to explain why my eye is a bit irritated. Another thing is, I'm avoiding him/her, so why ruin my own plan?

But then again, the story I've read (for the second time) this afternoon entered my mind. Friends would ask the other friend what he/she is feeling, because, he/she is his/her friend anyway. 

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*-----* means I don't know how to end this post.

Cuyonon aco :)

This feature by Living Asia exposed how rich Palawan culture was, especially Cuyonon. It showcased its richness on music and dances, but it also mentioned about the fading language of Cuyonon. This is really a must-watch :)

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I am a full-blooded Cuyonon since my parents are both natives of Cuyo, and I also spent my childhood and teenage days there for before going to Manila for college. I've been a fluent speaker of Cuyonon (and even Agutaynen, another dialect in an island-municipality) for years already. Before I left Cuyo, I already observed that there are some kids who aren't speaking our native tongue. Some of them speaks Tagalog, and worse, combining Tagalog and Cuyonon, which really sounds awful. I'm not saying that speaking Tagalog is wrong or what, but what I'm saying is we must speak our dialect when we are talking to our fellow Cuyonon. In that way, we're preserving our language that is becoming extinct already. There are some places in Palawan where Cuyonon language was completely lost, and it was just in Cuyo that you'll find a large number of people speaking it fluently and naturally.

In relation to language, another way of conveying it is through music. I think every kid in our island knows more than one folk song. Some of them are King King, Petrona Pipay Dolores, Layang Pasyak, and the ever-popular Ploning. I grew up listening to those songs since Lola really loves them. I remember an instance (I was 5 then) when we had an everyday lecture about those folk songs. My love for those were nurtured come elementary because of some school activities, then later on in high school when I joined PSU-PCAT's Rondalla which usually performs in different cultural presentations.

I'm really happy when I learned that last October, a seminar workshop on Cuyono folk dances and musical instruments (tipano, guitar, banduria, bass, violin) was held. Though I was a bit envy because there was nothing like that during our time. I learned how to play banduria through self-study. Huhu, I really wanted to learn how to play the violin!  We're just quite lucky in our school since we're the only one which has a Rondalla band. Kudos to  the members of the Culture and Arts Guild for putting up an event like that. :)

In one part of the video, it featured on the different dances. The popular one was the Pinundo-Pundo. The two elders are so cute while performing it. :) It is usually done during the weddings. Haha, how I wish it was also done in real weddings until now. During my childhood days, there were groups of teenagers or not-so teenagers anymore who goes house to house and performs Sambali. Its steps were quite similar to Pinundo-Pundo, but the difference was that they sing a certain song while dancing. Another thing that you would easily recognize in them are their sash which indicates their names. But the usual one you'll see is Ploning. I think, some of their "names" in the sash are derived from the characters in some Cuyonon folk songs :)

Even though I'm away for 5 years already, I never ever forget anything about Cuyo. I'm really proud to be a Cuyonon (though some of my friends were teasing me for being proud of it). I want to help preserve our culture in my own little ways. :) I think this is a way of giving back to my hometown that nurtured me, and whose values made me to be the individual that I am now. :)

Estraviva!

On Gospel's Parenting Lessons

Not that I'm planning to raise a kid this early, but I'm such a fan of those things related to parenting.

I happened to click a link directing to Radyo Palawenos livestreaming, and then they're airing the Cuyunon mass straight from Puerto Princesa Cathedral. I'm really happy because it's been a while since I last heard a Cuyunon mass. It was Fr. Jess (who happened to be our neighbor in Cuyo) who was the celebrant/officiating priest. Sakto na naabutan ko pa yung second reading and then yung Gospel. It's about Joseph's dream of sending Mary and Jesus to Egypt because of King Herod's threat (oh yes, I'm too familiar on this one. Since I studied in a Baptist-run school in Kindergarten, ilang beses na namin tong inulit ulit :) ). Any, I remember that today's the feast of the Holy Family.

Fast-forward to sermon (Gospel din yun diba?), Fr. Jess shared a story about a young thief caught by a policeman. So, the policeman asked the little kid why he committed that crime and where are his parents. And the kid replied that he had nothing to eat, and that his father is a drunkard and his mother's doing nothing at home. The policeman asked about his the kid's and parent's name, and then he answered that his mom is "bruha", his father is "demonyo", he is "demonyito", and they're living in "impyerno." Pissed with the little boy's answer, he accompanied the kid on his way home and then found out the reason why the kid answered his questions that way. Kahit di pa sila nakakalapit sa bahay, naririnig na nila yung away ng mag-asawa and yung pag-banggit ng mga ganung pangalan.

So, the priest asserted that parents should be the model of every kid because in the end, they will mirror how their parents raised them up. Not 100% accurate, but many of us still believe in the saying "Kung ano ang puno, sya rin ang bunga." (And I remember Lola saying "Alangan na mamunga ng mangga yung barantiong (also known as wintermelon) !!") Some kids nowadays forgets about the precious lessons shared to them by their parents. They want to do things "their way" rather than seeking advice from them. I think they're just too excited to grow up, but forgets how to act like a matured one. Being a grown-up kid won't assure you any maturity. Physical maturity maybe? It doesn't mean that even you're old enough to decide for yourself, then you don't need advice from your parents. I think it's your parent's obligation or purpose in life to guide you all the way, and you, as their child, you also have to follow them because, yeah, they're right and they know what's good or not. And this one was related by Fr. Jess to Joseph who followed God's order through his dreams without any complaints or second thoughts. And because of this, Jesus grew up as a good son, and still followed Him to die for our sins.

At the middle of the Gospel, the priest shared about the three important lessons by St. Paul. Those are "mababa leba" or humility, "mapatinawaden" or forgiving, and "mapinasinsayen" or understanding. He said that those are also or should be the main lessons that parents should teach to their kids. I think those are just basic things that are automatic already in every people, but when you think about it, most of us already forget to incorporate those things in our daily lives. He said that these things are learned at home, not in somewhere else. And as a family, it is a must to pray together because prayer is like a strong bond that holds them together.

He also had another story about a little kid who eats with his maternal grandfather. Due to old age, his grandfather started to lose his eyesight already, and always breaks his plate whenever he's eating. And because of that, he was being scolded by the lil kid's mother. So one day, the kiddo's mom saw his son making a plate made on wood, and when she asked him why he made it, he answered that when she gets old, she will use that wooden plate so that she won't break it when she accidentally drops it. I find it really touching since the kid is fully aware on different things about him. Although his mom served as a not-so bad example of a child scolding his parent on his mistakes as an elderly, but then the kid chose to think about the good things he will do if her mother reached in her old age already. Since I grew up with my grandparents, I really know how it was like living with elder people. Yes, they commit mistakes but you can't blame them because it happens when you're old already, and during those times, they need you to be there for them, not as someone who will scold them like a little kid. For me, it is a great achievement to serve your parents (on my part, it's my grandparents) because you owe a lot to them. You will not be here in this world without them. I'm lucky enough to live with my grandparents because I was able to experience the way they raised my mom, although I was quite spoiled by my lolo, being the only grandchild left in Cuyo.

According to St. Paul, those people who take care, love,and respect their parents will receive four graces from God. Those are 1)akabayad sa kasalanan (Your sins will be easily forgiven); 2) masasabat nga lagi ang pangadi (Youre prayers will be easily answered); 3) manggad sa lugta ig manggad sa langit (richness in heaven and Earth); and 4) papalabegen ang kabui (Long life).

Despite of those God's graces I mentioned, serving or following your parents doesn't need something in return. For everything that they have done for us, they didn't asked us to pay them back. But as a good children, they also deserve something from us. Being a good son/daughter who fears God is, I think, enough for them already. Because whatever may happen to us, they will embrace us wholeheartedly. :)