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aaannmariee · 4 years

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Hope for Humanity

"We are not perfect human beings, nor do we have to pretend to be, but it is necessary for us to be the best version ourselves we can be."

-Satsuki Sibuya

Once we fully understand that all people are imperfect by nature, we can stop pretending that we have it all together. I am imperfect and you are imperfect. We all have mistakes for we are just human, our past doesn't define us for it also defines the past. Stop minding other's business, instead focus on yours, on how will you bring out the best version in you. This is something we, human beings need to put in mind. Accepting who you really are will make a difference not just in you, but to the people around you as well. We humans are always hoping that the day would come where all the people around the world will unite, we will be together as one, will start living sustainably to save the environment.

We have probably asked what does humanity and hope means and what message do hope for humanity is implying;

Hope is mostly feminine name derived from the Middle English Hope, ultimately from the Old English word Hopian referring to a positive expectation or to the theological virtue of hope. While Humanity means that it is a human race, which includes all the humans on earth. But, it can also prefer to the kinds of feelings humans often have for each other. Hope for Humanity is combined together with the word "of"( expressing the relationship between a part and a whole) being on the center. Hope for humanity is a feeling of desire for something and confidence in the possibility of its fulfillment. A person is hoping that something good will really happen. It is having a positive mindset and looking to the brighter side. Sometimes it can feel like the news is just a never-ending stream of difficult-to-read tragedies. That is why it's important to take a moment to acknowledge all of the ordinary people with kindness in their hearts out there who are doing good in the world. As the never-wrong Mister Rodgers once said, "“My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”We hope you have a box of tissues nearby, because we've rounded up some of the "helpers" out there who have changed the world for the better in recent years. For those looking for a way to make a difference, you can borrow some ideas from these thoughtful individuals and below are some of Touching Random Acts of Kindness that will restore your faith in humanity;

Crafty Recycling

Massachusetts resident Judy O’Brien came across a viral video about crocheting with plastic bags and introduced the idea to her senior housing community. Now about a dozen women meet every week to crochet donated bags into water-resistant mats for homeless people. "I think [we’ll stop crocheting only] when they ban plastic bags," O’Brien told the Christian Science Monitor.

Airport Food Drive

Airline representatives at Orlando International Airport knew that federal employees were working without pay during January's partial government shutdown, so they organized a food and supplies drive to help TSA, Customs, and Federal Aviation Administration workers until their paychecks resumed.

Holiday Spirit

This Christmas, a burglar broke into the Salvation Army in Sanford, Maine, and stole some $1,700 in cash from a locked safe. But when the word got out in the local community, they raised the funds once again — and then some. Three businesses each gave $1,700 to the nonprofit to support its food pantry and other outreach efforts, the Portland Press Herald reported.

Reunited Pups

When California animal control authorities seized 78 bulldogs from a backyard breeder in 2017, more than 3,000 people offered to adopt the neglected animals. In December, about a dozen lucky owners and their rescued pets organized a reunion to celebrate how far they'd come. "One year ago the dogs had urine-soaked paws, no hair, and wounds everywhere," WAGS shelter manager Cortney Domey told the Orange County Register. "They had never been touched by people and were in crates. They were breeding stock. Look what a year of being loved does."

Florence Rescue Force

After Hurricane Florence caused devastating flooding in North Carolina this fall, kindhearted citizens like Amber Hersel jumped into action. The volunteer from the Civilian Crisis Response Team helped rescue 7-year-old Keiyana Cromartie and her family from their flooded home on September 14, 2018 in James City.

Back-to-School Cuts

Anthony Ledesma, Victor Erwin, and Aaron Flowers (from left) volunteered their talents at the sixth annual Kutz4Kids event last August in San Jose, California. Fifteen barbers gave out hundreds of free haircuts for students returning to school.

Young Do-Gooder

Charles "Chucky" Williams lost his father to colon cancer when he was just 8 years-old. Since then, the Evansville, Indiana, resident has honored his memory through charitable acts, including filling a semi-trailer with thousands of toys for a local nonprofit back in 2016.

Donor Network

The decision made by Patricia Almonte (right) to donate the organs of her late 3-year-old daughter Veronica Garcia helped save three lives: Essence Walls (left), an 8-month-old baby, received her heart; a 2-year-old received her liver; and a 68-year-old woman received her kidneys.

A Christmas Visit

"Mr. and Mrs. Claus" spread a little holiday cheer at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver last year. The volunteers took pictures with the babies and families spending the holidays in the NICU, including preemie Kayden Reid Odey.

Earthquake Heroes

Frida the rescue dog and her trainer Israel Arauz Salinas went viral for their life-saving efforts during the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that shook Mexico City in 2017. The 9-year-old Labrador has detected the bodies of 52 people during her career, and the duo recently received their own statue for their service to the Mexican navy.

Superhero Surprise

Members of the Aurora Police Strategic Response Team came up with a clever way to surprise patients at Children's Hospital Colorado in 2017. Four officers dressed up in superhero costumes before rappelling down the side of the building, greeting children along the way.

Helping Hand

American Abbey D'Agostino and New Zealander Nikki Hamblin won a special Olympic commendation for their sportsmanship at the 2016 Rio Games. After Hamblin tripped in a 5,000-meter heat, and brought D'Agostino down with her, the American helped her competitor to her feet. Later on in the race, D'Agostino fell again as a result of her twisted leg, but Hamblin stayed by her side until the finish line.

Canine Heroes

A lucky dog got a ride from some unnamed helpers in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew two years ago. Photographer Sean Rayford caught these two men pushing a makeshift boat through the floodwaters in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Selfless Donor

College athlete Cameron Lyle registered as a bone marrow donor in high school and promptly forgot about it — until he received a call just a month before the final track and field championships of his career. The shot-put star gave up his medal chances and underwent the surgery, helping an unknown man suffering from leukemia.

Well-Deserved Makeovers

Every year, the Fred Jordan Mission of Los Angeles recruits volunteer hairstylists, manicurists, and estheticians to pamper homeless women and underprivileged children with makeovers, lunch, and personal care supplies. Amber Paul (right) applies makeup to Joann Simpson at an event in 2002.

Whale Rescuers

Long-finned pilot whales can weigh as much as 5,000 pounds, but that didn't stop 58 volunteers from saving 17 of them during a 2009 mass stranding at Hamelin Bay in Australia. The animals lovers raced against the clock, keeping the gentle giants comfortable until they could guide them back out to sea.

Long-Lost Wallet

While Good Samaritans will return wallets to their owners, these do-gooders really took it up a notch. Constructor workers in Downey, California, came across a likely stolen pocketbook from 1957 when remodeling an office in 2000 and turned it over to their bosses. Then law enforcement released the info to the media to track down the owner, Alma Scott Grieshaber. She had unfortunately passed away the year before, but internet genealogists then connected her with descendent John Grieshaber. When the family came to collect the wallet, her two great-grandchildren got to see a snapshot of their ancestor's life.

Education Enabler

College student Angy Rivera didn't qualify for federal aid or loans, so she started selling $5 "education bracelets" to fund her tuition at John Jay College back in 2012. When Good Samaritan Luis Hernandez heard her story, the retired MTA worker paid her entire $2,500 bill.

Epic Toy Drive

Wrapping your own Christmas presents can get tedious, but Denver volunteers prepare gifts for more than 3,500 people in need as part of an annual tradition. The prep culminates in the Father Woody Party, named after a Colorado priest who opened his church doors to the homeless during the bitter winter of 1982.

Free Hugs

Random residents of Krakow, Poland, embraced on "Free Hugs Day" in 2018. If you'd like to get in on the action, mark your calendars: International Free Hugs Month starts in July.

New Wheels

An abandoned chihuahua born without front legs got a new lease on life thanks to some kind-hearted humans. A San Francisco shelter first rescued the dog named Daffodil off the street. Olivia Kong, who works for the prosthetics company OrthoPets, then adopted her and set the pup up with special wheels.

Safe Haven

Denver Public Library hired community resource specialists like Kristi Schaefer (left) to help the city's homeless population stay warm and find the help they need. Here, Schaefer's assists Richard Ortega with charging his wheelchair at the Denver Central Library on January 26, 2017.

Organ Swap

Anthony DeGuilio's decision to give his kidney to a stranger back in 2008 led to not one but four donation surgeries in a single day. The young man went through with the surgery after seeing a 60 Minutes program on live organ donors. His kidney saved Barbara Asofsky (pictured), whose husband donated one in return to Alina Binder, whose father then gave a kidney to Andrew Novak, whose sister then gave a kidney to Luther Johnson. While not a match for their own loved ones, the chain of donations saved multiple lives.

Harvey Heros

Volunteer rescuers descended on Texas following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, including the lauded Cajun Navy with their flat-bottomed boats. Here, a group of Good Samaritans help an elderly woman from her flooded home in Corpus Christi.

Kindness Offensive

A British charity called The Kindness Offensive regularly performs good deeds on a giant scale, including food and toy drives. In 2013, the group created a free bookshop in a former pub with 100,000 volumes for the public to take and keep. Continued donations keep the store going today.

Those are just act of kindness of people showing how they really feel and how willing they are to help. It doesn't matter if the help you offered is either big or small, it is in the act of genuine heart and a heart that sees happenings in her surroundings.

See? Kindness is the only key for harmonious life we want for this earth. Kindness is the proof that there's still hope for humanity. Hope in humanity is a beautiful thing and can create peace inside and out. To have hope is to want an outcome that makes your life better in some way. It not only can help make a tough present situation more bearable but also can eventually improve our lives, for envisioning a better future motivates us to take steps to make it happen. We humans are living for we are hoping.

#@queenlupitajones #creativenonfiction

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aaannmariee · 4 years

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Baguio City: The happy place I want to visit, You should too!

When I was a child, I always hear the word Baguio from my parents and relatives. It is just funny to think that I used to think that Baguio was a typhoon, in tagalog 'bagyo'. I always hear from my mother and relatives using this dialect that I don't understand. Growing up, I always asked about Baguio and I found out that it was my mother's place. And my mom's dialect she always uses when talking to our relatives is called Ilocano. I came to think that I want to see the place where my mama grew up, and because of the good comments I have heard about Baguio, how beautiful it is, how refreshing and cool the air, and how simple their lives were. Baguio, also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Established in around 1846 by the early spanish colonizers of the pine-covered highlands of the Benguet Province. As time passes by, Baguio was discovered and became the eight ancient wonder in the world.

After this pandemic, our whole family plans to visit and travel around Luzon, my Mom’s place and especially the summer capital. Baguio, on the Philippines’ Luzon island, is a mountain town of universities and resorts. Also called the “City of Pines,” it is particularly popular in summer due to unusually cooler weather. At its center is Burnham Park, with gardens and a lake. Nearby, Baguio Cathedral, completed in 1936, has a rose-hued exterior. The main thoroughfare is Session Road, lined with shops, restaurants and entertainment options.

Burnham Park is the place where people visit more. You can ride a bike, take a boat ride, or just walk around the park and enjoy the breathtaking place. It always feels like it is your first time whenever you visit it again and again. I remember my Mom and Sister’s voice reminiscing experiences there by even writing this. Oh, how excited I am for those bike and boat rides!

After spending time seeing the place, you will definitely be hungry and get something to eat especially in its cold weather, right? right!

The restaurants there have delicious foods that you will never forget. One of the most popular dishes is the bulalo steak sage, that warms your stomach in cold weather, it is very delicious! Here is the list of the 8 must-try bites and sips that are distinctly Baguio; Baguio Longganisa, Dipasupil, Strawberry Shortcake, Vizco's. Ube Jam, Strawberry Jam & Peanut Brittle, Good Shepherd, Raisin Bread, Baguio Country Club, Hot Chocolate, Choco-Late de Batirol, and Message In A Bottle, Baguio Craft Brewery.

Let's try the desserts!

"Great snacks while waiting for the bus.", "I just love these belgian waffles!" you can really tell how delicious it is! Well, Belgian waffles are ranked no. 4 out of 6 famous bakeries in Baguio. The highly recommended dessert shop in Baguio is the "Pamana lechon tsokolateria cafe", a chocolate shop located in Igorot Stairs, upper Rd. Actually you can just walk and not ride anymore because the cafe is just near the park.

Woh! I was suddenly hungry again hehe. Okay, let's move on!

I am pretty sure that you always hear the word 'Igorot', I am one of those called Igorot when in fact I am part of one of the various tribes which is Ifugao nevertheless say since people have kept on generalizing . Sometimes, people make fun of using this word and even use it to tease people who are dark, ignorant or just for stupid reasons. But in reality they just don't have any idea how wealthy they are in terms of money and of course in culture. I think the world has no idea on how they look right now, I don't know with you but do I look like someone you imagine a Igorot would look? Check my account and my whole "angkan" or clan's account (email me if you disagree,winks). Not much of the people and Filipinos know but this tribe have contributed so much in the country's overall food supply, like you know where does much of the "gulay" (vegetable) comes from. Igorots have massively influenced the Philippine's Agriculture. Though, true enough not all of those who farm are greatly blessed as much as the overall farmers but here in the Philippines as we know, most of the looked down poorest are such.

The Igorot are any of various ethnic groups in the mountains of northern Luzon, Philippines, all of whom keep, or have kept until recently, their traditional religion and way of life. Some live in the tropical forests of the foothills, but most live in rugged grassland and pine forest zones higher up. They are clustered in the Cordillera region of Luzon. It is true that they are famous for rice-terrace farming but saying that some of them have been known to be cannibals in the past is an exaggeration which only downgrades them. While the rice terraces were important to the Ifugao economy, they also served a cultural function, requiring intensive cooperation among the people. By the early 21st century, however, the number of Ifugao in the area had greatly diminished as many migrated to more urban centres. Meanwhile, Ifugao is a province in the Philippines situated in the Cordillera Administrative Region., which I have mentioned earlier we are part of or where my Mom is originally from.

But it would be great to give some amazing facts about igorots:

1.) The first ever Filipino to ride an airplane is an igorot - In february 1912, during a manila carnival celebration, Governor Walter Hare invited 120 tribes men from the cordilleras. One of the tribe's men named Gagaban who is an igorot chief accepted the American pilot Lee Hammond's invitation to fly with him. Before Gagaban, no other native had ever flown as a passenger.

2.) The first ever igorot beauty queen that captured the heart of manila - At just age 13, Eveline Chainus Guirey was the most famous beauty who cost a massive sensation in Manila in 1902. She was the eldest of the ten children of the Guirey family. She was the youngest beauty ever in the history of Philippines Manila carnival.

3.) The Igorots were never slaves by the spaniards because they fought for their independence - Contrary to the history textbooks that are commonly used in schools in the country which are stating , "We can never know the history of the FIlipino people during the Spanish period because they were slaves to the Spaniards or at least forced to play the role of slaves." The Igorots were never actually slaves of the Spaniard nor did they play the role of slaves. On the contrary of these books, Spanish records make it clear that they fought for their independence with every means at their disposal for 3 centuries and that resistance to invasion was deliberate, self-conscious and was continuous.

Additional Trivia would be that originally slash-and-burn farmers, they have since begun to practice more sustainable forms of farming. The Isneg are also known as good fishers, and have a penchant for coffee. Kalinga. The Kalinga tribes are perhaps the most diplomatic of all the Igorot.

Strawberry picking completes Baguio tourist’s experience!

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-- This capital town of Benguet not only receives a spillover of the tourists who go to Baguio but also a visit here completes the experience of the visitors to the country’s summer capital, through its strawberry picking activity. Strawberries in Baguio are the best. Let us not forget strawberry picking!

What is your happy place? Where is that certain place you can consider as your epitome of tranquility? Well for me that would be family and that makes me want to make Baguio one of those I can call my wonderland. A place where I can also take not just a lot of instagramable pictures to post or put on my day stories but memories stored in my heart that I could share with my future children (forgive my futuristic approach,laughs). Memorabilias that I could gather with my family, Oh how wonderful it is to be able to witness and experience such culture and sights that have not just cultivated a lot of inspiration not just around the country but the entire world. Just imagine that historic park that couldn’t even be compared to the famous parks in other countries or how about that luscious strawberries that you can pick on your own. I don’t know about you but one thing this pandemic has made me realize is to live to the fullest, it would be great that we could go back and see the world or visit some of its God given majestic place nevertheless it would be greater to be able to see your own country’s tourist destination. I mean, we can not be just a tourist to other countries, right? Let us go ahead and visit to experience our very own. My very own, Baguio! Voila!

#@queenlupitajones #creativenonfiction

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aaannmariee · 4 years

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"Living Legacy"

“Sometimes you have to be kind to others, not because they’re nice, but because you are.

-Quotesgram

Be good to people even when they don’t deserve it. Yes, it is hard to show kindness to others especially when you don’t like that certain person. But, that person has a part in your life, which is to teach you a lesson in your journey. For even though you don’t like that person or the person doesn’t like you, that person might also be the reason why you became successful. Everything happens for a reason. Fight them with your kindness. Your words can be a bullet that can hurt or as the softest sound in the world. Even if they don’t like you, you should still show them that you care for them because maybe, they need it more than you. This person always believes that if you continually show kindness to others, they will be as well. That’s what she always tells me. She’s a role model not just to me but to the people around her as well.

4th of September 1964, was when Apolonia B. Pad-ay, the 5th child of Mr. and Mrs. Pad-ay was born. She grew up in Kudog, Ifugao upper Luzon. Her siblings were Roberto, who is the eldest, Peter, Henry, Celine, Mario and Rosario. She was able to finish elementary and high school in Kudog Elementary School and Ikat High School. At an early age, her father died. She, together with her siblings will always pick fresh vegetables and fruits from the farmland and walk for how many kilometers every weekend to help their mother sell. Their lives were harder than what we, her children, are experiencing today.

At the age of eighteen, her brother Roberto (who got in Bukidnon and Cdo first) sent her money to study here in Cagayan de Oro. She was enrolled in COC (Cagayan de Oro College). She shifted her course from criminology to accountancy, when she was still in her first year of criminology. She always loves to tell us her story, when, this one time, during her college days, she, together with her friends, were caught going home very late at night from watching a movie that was famous at that time. Remember, one of the oldest cinemas here in the city? Which is Gothic theater 1 and 2. It is the last of the stand alone theaters to be constructed in the city. It is also now being used by a religious organization. She also became a helper just to sustain herself during her college days for she didn't want to be a burden to her siblings and parents. When her kuya Roberto together with her old friend decided to marry and settle, she then felt that she was left alone. So, because of that feeling, she did things to get their attention. She joined sorority in schools and even dropped out classes. And her brother having to know about it, they decided to make her stop attending school.

Her brother Roberto decided to let her start her own career which is a business that she continually does right now. After doing business for 5 years, she finally decided to get married. She had her first born and they named it Geneve. She didn’t go well with her husband and he left. But still, life must go on. Then she finally found the one for her, the one compatible with her, the one who would help her. Out of that love, bore two children, one boy and one girl and they name it April and Christian. Even though my mother had three children, she still utilizes the principles she learned from her parents while raising us.

Apolonia has been a living legacy of love, that kind of person who never gets tired of giving especially when she sees a need. A heart like hers is rare and exceptionally in times of the hardest.

Life is never assured of just ups but also downs. Many times God allowed her to have heart breaks nevertheless that molded her to be the person she is rightnow. The Mother her children look up to, the Wife her husband can lean on, the Sister her siblings care for, the Business Woman her suppliers and “suki” trusts and the Pastora/Church Elder her fellow believers learn from. Her journey may not be really justified here, she has far gone through more than the words accounted here. But who can? Greatest story and lessons are heard and learned by the heart.

#@queenlupitajones #creativenonfiction

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aaannmariee · 4 years

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“Ay, Pastilan!”

There was a time, it was christmas and I was in grade 10 that time as well. We normally go home to our province, which is located in Impasug-ong, Kibenton near Malay balay City. After we arrived, my cat was restless for he is not familiar with the place. It was his first time there. My father said that let the cat roam around so he will be familiar with the place and surroundings. So I let him roam around and get back inside because my mom called me to help her cook our dinner. After cooking, I immediately searched for my cat, I kept on calling his name and he didn’t answer for he normally responded when being called, he would meow back. But there’s no sign of his existence, even a small meow. One hour, two hours, and three hours have passed, still he didn’t show up. My mom called me to eat my dinner, devastated but needed some strength. That night, I have been crying a lot, I can not sleep well. I got up from bed and grabbed my flashlight. I kept on searching and was about to lose hope. I will just accept what will happen, if he will come back or not anymore. I already lost hope, why of all the time and place, you get to loose a beloved somewhere you are not familiar yourself with. I kept wondering what he might be doing or there maybe other cats, dogs or animals that may hurt him and may be abducted since he was cute and looked expensive (we always wanted to ask the vet what breed he was, never got the chance though until he grew up to be fine mingming).. Again, I cried until I fell asleep and when I woke up, I was startled by the noise of a cat outside in front of our door. “Pastilaaaaan! there you are, pastilan ah but I’m so happy you came backkkk! I almost gave up huhu, thought I would lose you forever”, I said to my cat.

Pastilan is a Filipino word that originally came from Cebu, a province of the Philippines located in Central Visayas Region. Mostly used by Cebuanos and with Bisaya or Visayan dialect and tone, often describing a situation or person. It’s literal translation in english is “Oh my gosh/ goodness!” Used as an expression to stress an emotion, there are four emotions stated below which are; 1.) Expression of great worry or grief. 2.) Expression of feigned surprise or concern, with a disdainful tone. 3.) Expression of pain and annoyance. Lastly, exclamation of how interesting something is. It has no exact word to translate in tagalog but most likely the same meaning as ‘Makulit’ and ‘Nakakagulat’, an expression word when you are annoyed and surprised. It is an exclamation of surprises. A simple reaction to qualify one’s surprise, a comment to express one’s reaction to something that you are not expecting. Often expressed in the matter of good or bad. The word ‘Pastilan’ is always connoted to be a bad expression or cursed word when in fact it actually is not. It is accused for being a cuss word. They or the Adults, our Uncles and Aunts misconcept the word and and might have fanatically used the word in expressing great disappointment ; “Pastilan ka!”, “Sus, pastilan!”.

Going through, there was a movie and entitled “Panaghoy sa Suba: The call of the river”. The story is set in Bohol, Central Visayas during World War II before, during, and immediately after, the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines.

Duroy (Cesar Montano) is a banca operator who falls in love with Iset (Juliana Palermo), the most bewitching girl in her village. Iset is an obedient child whose father and materialistic aunt hope that she will marry the American businessman who employs her and thereby achieve wealth and status. The resident American businessman, John Smith (played by Philip Anthony), is an abusive, rude and stingy landowner. He notices Iset's beauty but sees her as a potential mistress rather than a future wife. Islet loves Duroy but obeys her parents.

Ibô (Reiven Bulado), Duroy's brother, is also smitten with Iset. As Duroy adores his family and does not want to get in his brother's way, he stops courting Iset. Duroy is devoted to his family, his mother (Daria Ramirez), Ibô and his sister, Bikay (multi-awarded former child star Rebecca Lusterio). Heartbroken after her husband leaves for an American woman and ill, Duroy's mother dies when they run out of money to purchase her medicine. John Smith sees Ibo talking with Iset at the warehouse and shoots him on the spot. Duroy vows revenge.

When the Japanese invasion begins, many men of the village flee into the mountains to become guerillas. The women and children stay, along with an American priest. John Smith is drafted into the American army and leaves. The Japanese commander who arrives notices Iset but does not attack her as many Japanese military personnel did elsewhere in the Philippines during the war. With the Japanese now in power, Iset's aunt wants her to marry the officer.

Several years pass before Duroy and his men launch an attack against the Japanese garrison. The Japanese responded by killing the priest and taking hostages. In 1945, a group of Filipino and American troops arrived to help the Boholano guerrilla force defeat the Japanese troops. Duroy kills the Japanese commander after a long man-against-man battle.

John Smith (mockingly dubbed "White Balls" by Duroy and his friends) returns after the war expecting life to continue as it was before the Japanese invasion. Duroy attacks him but after beating Smith and thoroughly humiliating him tells Smith that he isn't worth killing him. Iset refuses John Smith's clumsy offer to renew their relationship and chooses Duroy.

A movie that reminiscent the Region’s dialect, culture and lifestyle. It was released in 2004, Cesar Montano a.k.a ‘Buboy’ decided to produce a movie in the Cebuano language and acted as the main character. Many netizens commented about the movie and one of his famous phrases that bisaya and non-bisaya people would totally not forget and would understand during the scenes were “Pastilan” goes from ‘darn’ to ‘oh boy’ and “Uy kalami!” becomes “How sweet” instead of “how tasty!”. Because of Cesar Montano together with his movie, the word “Pastilan” became more famous and it spread not just in Visayas, but in Mindanao as well. Having said that, we get to have a glimpse of how the word really is known and used way back, even to the Ancestors. Well, 16 years passed by nevertheless we often still hear this kind of expression.

There are a lot of expressions to be used and ‘Pastilan’ is one of them. True enough, when you are shocked or even pissed, you often tend to say the word. It is a reminder also that whenever some people will hear you saying this, they will think that you are disrespectful, foul-mouthed and even foul mannered. The word PASTILAN, as time passes by, people are now used to using this expression, like, if I/you are gonna say it out loud today, most of the people will misunderstand you.

As time passes by, the word ‘Pastilan’ is being passed to generations (bisaya people or even other places, inside the Philippines) as a curse/cuss word. We heard and still hear our forebears say this word (especially to us, bisaya people) and they will scold you for saying it where in fact, we just heard it from them. It became a common belief or idea among the people that the word pastilan is inadequate or not proper to use. For it is just an expression, you cannot expect to not say it unless you never heard it from your elders or to the environment around you. We are living in the 21st century, a modern generation, for technology is rising up so fast. Why not use this opportunity to discover new words, or words you have just recently heard, their differences and meaning.

But as my mom and ate always remind me and I come to believe that you should always have to be careful on what words you use. You can not take the fact that we are truthfully surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, judging us not just by our appearance but as to what words come out our mouth, judging our Parents or the person taught us our manners. As others would say, “Giunsa man ka ug padako (how are we brought)” that we get to act the way we do. Despite the history and true meaning of such expressions not just this, prevention is always better or being more careful, minding the things or words, instead of bad mouthing rather able that word would be more encouraging. I don’t really have anything against anyone or to the people using the word as a cuss, they have their own side of the story.

#@queenlupitajones #CreativeNon-Fiction

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