MEET THESE INCREDIBLE BABY COSPLAYERS IN ALBAY PHILIPPINES!

(THE CUTEST THING EVER!)

Warning: So adorable, you may want to squeeze their pictures.

Many cosplay-loving parents find ways to dress up with their independently-mobile children, but it gets even more interesting when they find a way to incorporate infants into this art!

Whether you have participated in cosplay or not, you can’t resist to have a glimpse of these adorable and endearing baby cosplayers especially in their social media accounts!

Known as the CHIBI SISTERS on the internet world, their real names are Kesha Damo, 5 years of age and Chelsy Damo, 4 years old.

[Chibi is actually a Japanese slang word meaning "short person" or "small person" - it originally derived from "Chicchanabito" or "Chicchana no Hito"; although is used at times for children. The word has gained currency among fans of manga and anime. It means someone or some animal that is smaller in stature compared to the majority. It can be translated as "little", but is not used the same way as chiisana tiny, small, little in Japanese) but rather cute.]

I tried to schedule a live interview and photoshoot with these cute baby cosplayers in Albay (fangirling) unfortunately as of now they are staying in Aklan, Philippines, they only used the location Albay because they are all Albayano’s.

However, I still manage to have an exclusive interview with Atch – the official photographer and admin of the facebook account of the chibi sisters.

These two cuties started cosplaying at the age of two through the influence of their parents – both gamer and anime enthusiast, and also of their cousin and friends who loves cosplaying as well. Kesha’s favorite anime character is Ken of Tokyo Ghoul and Chelsy’s favorite character is Mikasa of Attack on Titans. The sibling’s favorite cosplayers which inspired them the most are Jessica Nigri, Alodia, DrackCosplay, Chun WX and Liui Aquino. Not just that, they also had their favorite online games - Darius and Draven of Legaue of Legends.

Atch said that no one pushes Kesha and Chelsy to do  cosplay, they just want to wear costume of anime and video games for those people who are really happy seeing them wearing costume and sending them message and request for next characters.

In terms of their superb costumes, props, and photo production which most netizens are actually interested to know, it was made by team Dreams and Nightmares which are often posted on their fb page.

Even in their early age, these cuties have proven that cosplaying is for everyone! They’re the one who choose the character to be cosplayed and they’re very excited seeing new costumes and also enjoying watching anime and playing video games.

When it comes to the eyes, most of the viewers usually asks if the sisters are actually wearing real contact lenses Atch clarified that it was photo shopped because it is not advisable to use contact lenses at their young age.

As of now, these incredible baby cosplayers are not yet studying, to avoid conflicts their shoots and make ups was held during weekends.

Atch also shared with us for the very first time that they will cosplay 4 anime characters and 10 video game characters soon!

These baby cosplayers are the living proof that Cosplay should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of age and maturity. That people should not be discouraged to cosplay as their favorite character because cosplaying is an opportunity to bond with those who have similar interests, and a chance to be someone else for the day. It is an opportunity to represent one’s fandom, and get to know others with the same hobbies even in their childhood days!

The pictures posted on the fb page and Instagram account of the chibi sisters made every parents dream that someday this is how they will dress their children!

To see more of the Chibi Sisters photos please follow their official facebook page www.facebook.com/ChibiSistersPh/and the following:

Atch – www.facebook.com/Atch.dreams Charles – www.facebook.com/Charles.Banayo Gray Mark – www.facebook.com/Chinito.Gago Blainney – www.facebook.com/Blainney.Bolaños

[All photos taken by Atch - the official photographer of the chibi sisters]

Birthday Wish

(This article is a tribute for the victims and families of the Mamasapano clash/Fallen 44)

On January 29, I remembered walking home, stopping by an open door gazing at the blissful smile of a girl who was about to blow her birthday candles. She was surrounded by her family and friends around a bountiful table inside their house with colorful banners and gift boxes.

That’s what every child on his/her birthday should have. Maybe it’s not the material things around them, but the love and presence of a complete family – a father, a mother, brother or a sister cherishing the moment with the birthday celebrant, that’s how it supposed to be.

However, for a child whose father died on the Mamasapano clash, born on this day, this year would not be a celebration of his/her existence in the world but a reminder that this date, the 44 PNP Special Action Force (SAF) commandos including his/her father arrived in Manila to a heroes’ welcome. But instead of lively troops they were, they turned as corpses.

It all started during that fateful day, January 25, when Oplan Exodus, an operation to kill international terrorist named Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, was launched. The SAF call him Mike One — the main effort one.

Everybody was so tense, knowing that it could be another life over death battle, until such time that they received a text message from the operating troops stating "Mike One, bingo". A joyful and delighted moment, was felt by the policemen knowing that the mission was accomplished.

However, during the exiting of area, they were caught by the breaking of dawn and they had noticed that enemies from a distance were gathering and establishing positions. Ready to brutally end their lives with way more force than necessary. Bingo, not so Bingo!

From 8 am up to 4 pm the fighting never stopped. A brutally, heartlessly, demonic killing in a corn field. They were more than two kilometers away from the next group, facing an enemy of not less than 1000, and 10-15 meters away from them. From that horrific scenario, 44 men sacrificed their lives in the name of duty.

Looking for a diplomatic way to understand the matter, I watch a telecast. I saw the tears, I heard the sobbing, and feel the pain and hatred from the eyes of the wives of these 44 brave men. But what strikes me the most, is the innocent children, terribly frightened of what they sees and hears – witnessing the inauguration of their own father.

This should not be a part of their childhood. They are supposed to experience joy, learn life lessons, experience pain but not of this magnitude. They should be happy living with their family celebrating their best day, but the inauguration seems to end all of these stuffs. The innocence of these young children are sucked away by these scornful events. They must experience the enjoyment with their birthday with a cake in the middle of the table with everyone around them singing, “Happy Birthday”.

A birthday celebration amidst this issue may seem improper, but for a child whose father died on Mamasapano, Maguindanao, it may just be enough. They have given the opportunity to make a wish on their birthday and it is said that in time, it will come true.

The certain pause before blowing the glimmering lights of the candles is the only thing that gives hopes and new chances in life. This is an instance for a child to make a wish, to expect for something good and to have faith that it will be given someday. After 30 minutes of staring the birthday party, the child blew the candle. Everybody thinks she wish for new toys, gadgets, and new dress but this time it’s not. The child give her sweetest smile to the audience but after a few minutes she cried and cuddled her mother.

“I wish not for chocolates, money, new toys or any material things, I wish justice for the fallen 44, I wish justice for my daddy.”

 (Note: Other characters are completely fictional)

IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE

My first radio broadcasting experience.

Believe. Persevere. Achieve.

I did my first radio live-stream broadcasting on January 27, 2016. It was nerve wracking, mind blowing and quite challenging.

Every time I listen to radio or watch television back then, I always dream of being the news reporter/anchor of that station and now it was a dream come true.

But just like with any other typical story, a week before the broadcast a lot of things happened. It was a roller coaster adventure. My heartbeat is faster than its normal rate and my hypothalamus is busy thinking where to find news and how to deliver it without eating words or my tongue being tied.

So, yeah, 2 days before the broadcast, I call it the “The day of Reality” I still don’t have a news that has newsworthy. I used the power of the modern technology or “google” to go to different sites in Bicol Region and find nothing at all. Then, I told myself, there’s still time tomorrow. Me - procrastinating again.

It was a cold, breezy Tuesday, a day before the day of reality. I go home early and wait for the airing of TV Patrol Bicol in our ‘not so clear’ television. My nose is bleeding because of the BICOL Naga dialect used by the reporters since I am from Sorsogon City. I have to take notes as fast as I can and try to record everything in my recorder. News gathering is not that easy as I think it is.

While listening to my record, I have to translate it word by word and ask my landlady of a certain deep Bicol term ‘cause I really don’t understand a thing. I have one news, but I am not satisfied with the facts that I gathered. I want something more, info that I will be confident to broadcast with a lot of people.

From a 30-minute brainstorming alone, I have decided to go to the nearest Barangay hall hoping to find news in blotter reports. It takes a lot of courage to talk to people whom we don’t really know, but I don’t have a choice it’s our job. I politely ask permission to have a copy of blotter reports but the officer in charge doesn’t want to give information because it is confidential. Then the strategy began, I asked questions which offered me a lot of information that will be useful in my news script. I asked him, he answered and I have news. I’ve learned that thing with my professor in news writing, thanks sir.

I took all the powers and energy in my entire body and mind before writing a radio script. It was quite hard since it is the first time, but it’s easy at the same time since it is shorter than the usual types of writing in journalism.

When I finished writing, the joy linger on my lips, I feel so satisfied. But it wasn’t the end of the story, I watched TV anchors in different big news networks, I tuned-in in different radio station just to have a little background on how they deliver news.

And the day of reality of being a student journalist that can go out of her comfort zone began. It was 8:00 in the morning the time of my 1st ever radio broadcasting. My hands and legs are shaking, while waiting for my turn there was more than 1000 butterflies in my tummy. “My turn, my turn.”

“Jazzelle Cayaban, nagbabalita.” It was a bit shaky at first but when you’re the one reporting and holding the big mic it feels good. And that’s the end of the story. Yes! I survived my first radio broadcasting without stuttering.

That day, the universe validated that my decision was right. I feel I was in a course that I can do for the rest of my life. Maybe I am on the right track.

I eventually delivered my first report and it was one for the books. I went home with so much joy, knowing that my childhood dreams come true. There was nothing sweeter than seeing your dreams come to life.

Today, I have been a news reporter for the first time. And I’m definitely not stopping here. There are still more goals to reach, dreams to curate, and moments to live in the outside world.

That was the first time and I’m looking forward for the next one. My mind, mouth and hand will never rest, until my good is better and my better is best.

Why do we fall In Love so easily when we're travelling?

#Boradays #ttravellinghugots

BORA DAYS

Oppps, sorry I can’t upload the video directly in Tumblr. For those who are interested just click the link below. :)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qOG4H2rcOA&feature=youtu.be 

This video is all about my travel memories on Boracay, Aklan, Philippines way back 2012.

Sorry for the jeje outfits and modelling (my fashion 5 years ago was not so good) other pictures are of low quality since I’m not really familiar with my Tita’s Nikon back then.

Unfortunately my laptop can’t install adobe premiere anymore. Huhu, so please don’t mind my video editing skills because I only used wondershare video editor (lol)

In all, I just want to share a glimpse of my BORA DAYS for those people who also thought of travelling!!!! Yayy!!!!  

Tigsik 101

GWAPO NA GWAPA 

Tigsikun ko an mga gwapo Magpaburulong daw kamo sa albularyo. Ta sa kadakulan magagayon sa palibot parehas ko, Nata daw ta sa kapwa lalake kamo nagkagusto?

Sa Ugoy ng Duyan

Artwork by Carlo Magno Vargas

"Time has a way of breaking up our memory into fragments of minuscule pieces. Pieces so fragile and delicate that they get caught up in the winds of time and strewn along the pathway of life, and eventually forgotten. Trying to capture and preserve them within the confines of our mind becomes exceedingly impossible as time goes by, and slowly they begin to vanish for good… buried forever in the past."

I was captivated, amazed and inspired by the artwork made by Carlo Magno Vargas. At first, I thought it was a photo taken by a certain photographer but what surprised me is that it was actually an oil canvass. Aside from its very artistic form, it also have a deeper meaning that most of us can really relate, and that’s what fascinated me the most. While looking at the photo it made me wish that my childhood and my memories of my parents will never fade. I remember those times where my ‘mama’ sing a song for me at our “duyan” just to make me fall asleep/ she always gave me a lullaby.

The picture made me reminisce a lot of things especially during my youth. The art work made me appreciate and identify the personality of the artist itself, even if I don’t know him personally, I salute him for making such masterpiece. It gave a lot of impact to me since most of the time I ignored my parents especially my mom, it was a slap on my face that I should always value my parents, I should always remember that they have played a vital role since when I was a fetus until know that I have grown up. In the picture it was an old man who is carrying a baby, I felt that I am the baby and my grandfather ‘papalo’ is the one carrying me, and it made me missed them more since by the time I’ve entered college, I had limited hours to spend time with them. My ‘LOLO’ have been my father for how many years since my real father wasn’t around. I remember those days when he cuddled me and even take me to school using his vintage bicycle but now due to his old age and illness he is not the same strong man I’ve met before. It made me regret the time I wasted roaming around the beauty of adolescence in the outside world.

The picture also made me realized that my parents are not going any younger thus, I should appreciate them every single day and make some time to bond and jam with them. The white hair of the old man in the photo made me think of my mom’s and lolo’s white hair too, the wrinkles and old aging face made me think of my parents aging face, the rough hands made me realized all the hard works and efforts just to give all the things I need in life. I’m afraid that my parents will get old but it’s inevitable.

Base from the picture, I do agree the idea that the most joyful time for every person without any doubt would be their childhood. Since people are different in many areas, they may have different opinions about the reasons; however, I believe that childhood is the happiest time because first children at that age just like in the artwork do not have any special responsibility, and second they are children and their mind and the way they think completely different from teenagers and adults. In other words, their minds are free. We often get reminded of our childhood days, and get nostalgic, we wish to express our feelings, but then we don’t get the right words to express them and this picture made it possible to voice out our thoughts.

The artwork clearly tells us that regardless of how old our parent’s maybe, even until their aging days, they still care and protect us in their own little ways. And regardless of what age we are right now, we can’t deny the fact that we children, need them most of the time. Despite of maturity, we are still that little baby of our parents who are always dependent and need a care from them. Like most children, I thought my parents were superheroes until I’ve seen this artwork.

The culture of Filipino families was also seen in the picture. Even in our new generation we still value our families above all things. The ‘duyan’ also signifies the simple lives of Filipino families which can still be seen until in the present time. ‘Sa Ugoy ng Duyan’, the title of the artwork is one of the Filipino Lullaby. A lullaby, or cradle song, is a soothing song or piece of music, usually played for or sung to children. The purposes of lullabies in some societies like in our country are used to pass down cultural knowledge or tradition, thus, this artwork wants to showcase Filipino culture and tradition.

The work of Art also shows how much parents treasure their children. Babies are considered as the most precious gift of God to parents. They mean the world to them. While analyzing the art I can see the LOVE, HAPPINESS AND CARE of a parent to his child and the FREEDOM, INNOCENCE, AND DEPENDENCE of a child to his parent especially during his infancy. The picture shows a strong relationship between a parent and a child. They are always in a mutual relationship because throughout their existence they contribute to each other happiness and fulfillment, they are the ones who made color and brightness in this world full of sorrows and torments.

Lastly, because of the magnificence of this picture it gave me some important lesson as a daughter and as a future parent.

“When I was a little baby my mom would carry me out all day and swing me at our ‘duyan’ just to make me smile and feel protected. She would always tell me this line… “Just close your eyes, fall asleep, I’m by your side.” Now that I have grown up, and she’s going older maybe I can’t cuddle her and swing her to our ‘duyan’ but I can still love her and sing lullaby just to make her important until to the last days of her life.”

Cave Dessert BAR

Sweets for the sweet.

It was actually my second time here at CAVE, I’m so addicted with their very affordable 80 pesos “Freakshakes”  especially flavors chocolate and cookies and cream (HEAVEN).

By the way, CAVE Desserts Bar is located at Sagpon, Legazpi, Albay.

I also tried their Choco pancake for only 30 pesos with matching tiny heart shapes on top of it! (Yayyy! Food is <3)

After eating a bunch of choco flavor desserts we decided to try another taste. Cheers for the Mango and Strawberry Freakshakes! It was really good!

I really love the food and the ambiance of the place. It takes away all my bitterness this February 14. I will surely go back and bring my crazy friends next time!

Happy Heart’s Day everyone! It was indeed a Happy Valentine’s because I ate a lot!

A2C2 -SUD

“...WALANG SAGOT SA TANONG KUNG BAKIT KA MAHALAGA.” - SILA

Students from different colleges in Albay gathered together in the 2016 Albay Action on Climate Change (A2C2) Concert at BU Commencement Ground with Filipino band SUD as the main performer. 

SUD is an alternative/soul band from Manila, Philippines with members Sud Ballecer -Vocals, Guitar Marc Reyes – Bass Jimbo Cuenco – Drums Samuel Valenia – Guitar, Vocals Carlo Maraingan – Percussion Kohl Aguilar – Keyboard Carlos Dela Fuente – Saxophone.  

The event was organized by Team Albay Youth Organizations, Bicol University - University Student Council, and Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda. The concert also featured local bands including Le Chatbox, Save the Youth, Mashup, Ozawas Disciples and Don Juan. 

 Admission includes toys and cash amounts to be given to the children on Adopt a Kid day in one of the events of Paskuhan in 2nd district of Albay. 

Moreover, this year’s event was recorded as the most numbered participants in the history of A2C2 concerts. 

To understand a culture, you must first accept their food. 

#foodstoeatinHK #asianfood #WontonSoup #noodles

“EXPLORE, DREAM & DISCOVER.”

Travel memories with my mom.

AYYY BAADAW, MARASAPA MAN!

               “An malain lain na surumaton san mga taga Sorsogon”

 Sa Pilipinas maski diin ka magkadto iba-iba an linggwahe na ingagamit, mapadpad ka lang sa sayo na kanto iba na an pag-iristorya, mag-agi ka lang sa luyo na dalan iba na an tuno. Mao man dine sa Sorsogon, iba-iba an surumatun pero pararehas man lang an gusto sabihon. An ako inggagamit niyan dire istorya san sentro san Sorsogon kundi sa durho harani sa Matnog, sa Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon an amu surumaton halo sa bikol nan bisaya parehas halos san sa Irosin, kaya kun sino man ang mga taga-irosin sigurado ako nagkakasarabutan kami niyan. Maski na saday-saday an amo bungto, daghanun pa gihapon an surumaton sa kada kanto, kada tulay, kada pagitan san salog o dagat nan siyempre san iba-iba na barangay. An Sorsogon dako-dako kung kaya daghanun man an surumaton, halimbawa sa Magdalena an oo mao, sa sentro san Sorsogon amo, an dire, laen, an saday minsan sadiyut. Pero an mas matinde kay maski kaabay lang niyo na baryo o barangay minsan iba pa gihapon. Halimbawa, sa amu bungto, hudam sa kaabay na baryo, inhudam, an kwarta minsan senti, minsan imbes na ituon na , sa iba intuon na. Makatitinawa talaga minsan, pero an mahalaga nagkakarasabutan.

 An diyalekto o an tataramun san mga taga Sorsogon tunay na ika-orgolyo nan mas kilala ine sa gahoy na Sorsoganon na surumatun, Pero an dire aram san iba, kadaghanan san mga taga Sorsogon, Bisakol an ingagamit. Nano yun na Bisakol? - An surumatun na Bisaya mao san Bikol ingagahoy na “Bisakol” , an surumaton na Bisakol sabi san mga gurang saamu kadalasan na iniistorya san mga tawo na nakapalibot o harani sa Bulkan Bulusan. Halos intero na sakop san Bisakol natatan-aw ini na bulkan. Kaya sa pagkakataon na ini, mas dianis na maging logo san Bisakol an Bulkan, Bulusan. Mao ini an masasabi san kadaghanan na ika-orgolyo san Sorsogon. Sayo na tan-awon na simple, malinig nan magayon, parehas man san Bisakol, simple, malinig nan magayon na surumaton. Kadaghanan san nababati na maraot na surumaton sa Bisakol hale sa iba na lugar, kadaghanan hale sa dayuhan parehas san Espanyol nan Ingles. An iba hale sa Tagalog nan sa purong Bikol. Kaya sa kabilugan, an Bisakol na gamit san mga taga-Sorsogon sayo na surumaton na ato ika-orgolyo. An Bisakol surumatun san nagkapera lang na bungto san Sorsogon kay an Masbate halos lamang an pagka-Bisaya, pero an surumaton san Masbate pwede man gahuyon na Bisakol. An surumaton na Sorsoganon sa Sorsogon City may pagka hawig man sa Bisakol pero mas lamang an Bikol sun. Sa parte Visayas an Waray, Capiznon nan diyo na parte san Hiligaynon pwede man gahuyon na Bisakol. Kaya sa sulod san Bicol Region an talagang tugma na Bisakol mao an surumaton san South san probinsiya san Sorsogon batog sa Gubat, Barcelona, Bulusan, Irosin, Sta. Magdalena, Matnog hanggang Bulan, pero sa sulod san probinsya san Sorsogon, an surumaton san Castilla mao sin sentro san Sorsogon magkaparehas, pero kakaiba man gihapon kaysa sa Bisakol. An iba na surumaton sa Sorsogon Province - Bicol san Legaspi (pure) na ingagamit sa sentro san Pilar, Bacon, Brgy. Lamboon san Irosin; tapos an Miraya na gamit na man san Donsol mao san nagkapira na baranggay san Pilar. Kaya minsan maski puro taga Sorsogon an nag-urupod mabuburong ka san mga ingagaramit na tataramun.  Sabi nga san mga gurang saamo, “Ayy na baya ine, marasapa! kay para taga luyo na salog iba na insasarabi, diko lugod nasabutan minsan”. Ine an mga halimbawa san malain-lain na amo mga iniistorya sa Sorsogon:  ini ,ambot, ikaw, uso, itom – diin?, makaiiras ka gud!, lood, soon, maaram, paas, poot - kuan, mao, piad, haen, laen. Minsan makatinawa ka kay para kararani lang san sentro san sorsogon an gubat, casiguran nan bacon an kanira surumatun iriba man gihapon. Magbalyo ka lang san pasakay nan san tinampo mabuburungan kana. Irog talaga sun daghanun an surumatun, iba-iba pero an mahalaga sayo man lang an gusto ipasabot sa kaniya iniistorya.

An bisakol nan Sorsoganon na surumatun san mga taga Sorsogon tunay n ikaorgolyo, Iba-iba man an amo tuno nan baraliktadun man namo an paggamit san kada letra san istorya, an mahalaga aram me kun pan-o ine gagamiton. Nagkakasarabutan nan nagkakasarayo mag-gamit san sadire me na Bikol. Parehas san kasabihan ta na “Kun bikolano ka magbikol ka. Padabaon an sadireng tataramon” Kun taga Sorsogon ka, Bikolano ka!, Bisakol, Sorsoganon, Miraya o pure Bikol man an imu ingagamit, an mahalaga Oragon ka! Kaya Hamos na, ayaw na pagduwa-duwa gamiton ta pirme an ato surumaton. Mao ine an orgolyo san mga taga- Sorsogon.

NATURE’S FAREWELL KISS. One can appreciate the beautiful and captivating sunset at the seawall of Brgy.4, Poblacion near the many coastal houses of Sta. Magdalena. It’s a good sign of a nature’s farewell kiss of goodnight for visitors that ends another once in a lifetime adventure at the hidden paradise. 

MY SUPER ‘OFW’ MOM

In an alternate universe, parents get to earn enough where they live and get to spend a third of their day with their kids.

But life in the Philippines is not the same for everyone, and while me and my mom were doing well in a modest old house in our province, she was daunted by the looming costs of my future education since she was my mother and standing father at the same time.

“Good afternoon passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 89B to Bahrain. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes time. Thank you.” Announcement coming from the airport.

Crying and walking slowly away from me, mom just gave her goodbye kiss and entered the airport at exactly 9 in the morning.

I was only 6 years old back then, when my single mother left me in the care of my grandmother at our province to work abroad.

Today, I am already 18 and my mother still works in Bahrain and support my needs single handedly. With broken family and parents away, I almost tempted to be a rebel. But when I thought of why she is there in the first place, I will be reminded with the fact that my mom did not go to other country to enjoy and have a grand vacation. Because of this, I pushed myself, even at young age, not to rely on anyone else other than myself.

Loneliness, sleepless nights and hiding tears at my pillow - that’s just few of the things I’ve experienced since she left. Merry Christmas change with just a natural day, New Year seems to be just an old year, Valentines turned into melted chocolates and withered flowers, Birthdays are just blown by blowing candles and medals became metals every recognition day.

For some Filipinos out there, it's hard to comprehend what it feels like to lose a parent to a job overseas. Still others like me understand that it hurts. They know that even though it may not be as bad as actually losing a parent, it doesn't mean that it hurts any less to know that the person you love won't be there with you on those days you need them most.

The Overseas Filipino Worker life is simply not always as glittery as it seems, and no one else knows that better than OFW’s children.

Reminiscing my childhood days, my mom was always there for me. She would always hug and kiss me just like a baby every morning. ”I will always stay with you baby” She was my best friend, she was my superhero and she was my knight in shining armor. She taught me how to catch spiders in our backyard. She bought me ice cream on those days I felt bad. And she told me off on those days I needed to be taught a lesson. She was my mentor and my walking diary. And it is obvious that she's just a phone call or text away, but for me, it's a lot different eating breakfast with her now that the person sitting next to me isn't actually my mom, rather a cellphone or a laptop.

It's a lot different that she's away in some far off land. I don't see or talk to her as often, and when I do it's through a screen. It's hard to greet her on her birthday through phone call or skype. And I know that it's hard for her too. I know that she spends restless nights in her apartment alone. I know that she felt bad every time she heard news about any of my accomplishments a week late. And I know that she regrets that she couldn't spend any time with her only daughter.

I must admit since she left, she earns a lot more than what she can earn here in our country. I can finally buy that phone that I've always wanted. I can finally get those shoes, or those clothes that I've always pined after. I can join every activities in school where a lot of money is required. I can travel wherever I want to go. In terms of our material life, my family is doing pretty well because of my mom’s decision to leave the country. In terms of the things that are more important however, never mind, but we're trying to get by as best as we can.

My mom’s decision to move to Bahrain so that she could support our family better was a noble one. But sometimes, when I see children with their parent's or a complete family spending the holidays together, I wonder if it was the right one.

Every two years she spend her one or two months’ vacation in the Philippines. I remembered her last vacation on my graduation day way back in high school we were so happy at the stage while she is putting a lot of medals at my neck. Since then, I learned a lot of things better than before, my mom’s sweet smile and happiness really means everything to me.

One sunny morning, I’ve realized a lot of things. Instead of thinking negatively about their absence – my parent’s absence, I want to use it as my inspiration by making my parent, talking about my mom sacrifices worth it. Her absence made me what I am right now and established my stronger version of who really I am. We may have a long distance relationship but it help me to be a lady that cultivated competence, passed struggles alone and practiced commitment even through the miles.

A child of an OFW is never easy, my mom wasn’t there when a guy first courted me on high school nor she was there when I survived the 1st break up, she did not even told me how to buy a napkin and teach me how to used it on my first menstruation. Do you know what it feels like to go through your first period, without your mom by your side? How it feels to literally have to teach yourself how to use a napkin? But it doesn’t matter anymore. I will always be proud of her and be thankful that she has given me everything, I will always appreciate those sacrifices for me and someday I want to return every sacrifices that she gave.

I’m a 3rd year college student right now, and my mom, she’s still there, nothing change only the fact that I wanted to finish my studies only for her. I just can’t wait for the next year holding my diploma with my mom. And by that time I want to say,

“Mom, you don’t need to go back there and suffered alone, this is your home, I am your home. Let me paid off the things you’ve sacrificed for me. I love you my super OFW mom forever.”

THE HIDDEN PARADISE: STA. MAGDALENA

“Where white sand beaches and nature's beauty abound”

It seems that glimpses of natural beauty will never be enough. Just when we thought that we have seen the best that nature has to offer, it surprises us with more wonders that will make us believe that there are countless opportunities to make our dreams of paradise come true.

With its endless marvels and mysteries, nature shelters, numerous wonders that are not yet discovered before the many eyes that hunger for beauty and the many adventurous spirits that seek for unknown destinations, let us find out the hidden beauty of Sta. Magdalena, the hidden paradise of Sorsogon.

HISTORICAL FACTS

The little coastal town off the tip of Luzon is a paradise in itself, boasting of long stretches of white sand beaches. The original name of Sta. Magdalena was “Busaingan”. The term implies “Water Breakers” or the place where sea water smash. When the Poblacion was transferred to the present site during the early part of the 20th century, the parishioners decided to have St. Mary Magdalene as their patroness and likewise changed the name of the town from Busaingan to Santa Magdalena, and the feast day had also been changed from October 4 to July 22.

GEOGRAPHY UNVEILED

           Welcome to Sta.Magdalena, the town which is located in the southernmost tip of Luzon. It is one of the many coastal towns of Sorsogon. Magdalena is known among Sorsoganons for its coves and beaches. To the rest of the Philippines and the world, it may not be known. Why? It is not even in the route markers. Despite of its anonymity, this town has a lot of sights to see and people to meet. To get this pristine destination, a traveler can ply the 126 km route from Legazpi City by riding a bus or van to reach Sorsogon City. From here, one can take a jeepney ride to get to Sta. Magdalena which is 68 km away from the city.

STA.MAGDALENA BEACHES REVEALED

The town is known for the white sand and uniqueness of its beaches. Olango Beach

Olango Beach is a cove. It’s like a little Boracay of the town. This beach is preferred by families who like to enjoy the sand, sea and marine life. The waves are extremely high which foreigners love, if you want to surf this beach really fits for you. Despite of the big waves, there is an area which is definitely ideal for children and deep waters for those who want to test their swimming skills. On both ends of the cove are reefs, where on low tides you can pick your own seaweed, and on high tide you can go snorkeling. Along the cove are privately owned properties. Regulars here are just the caretakers of beach houses, they are all very accommodating to allow you to lay down your beach towel in the shoreline and swim or sunbathe or either catch fish. In some areas of the cove, you can still find ‘margahera’ or black sand or magnetic sand. There are few beach front stores or groceries. It’s just you, the beach, the clear water, the sun and some curious locals. Sunrise are so beautiful in this cove, if you can wake up as early as 5 in the morning, you will be amazed with a beautiful sunrise and the chance to buy the first catch of the day. Full moon is amazing to watch in Olango but unfortunately, there are only limited facilities in that beach that will allow you to stay overnight.

Villa Veronica.

Villa Veronica is the most commercialized amongst the beaches in Magdalena. It is also the most advertised. It is accessible from the main road so if you are going to the town, you will not miss it. It has a pavilion and cottages for day trippers. What makes it different from other beaches is there are just so many coral stones.

Liang.

Liang is a very small cove near Villa Veronica. The rock formations are so beautiful mimicking small caves thus giving the name Liang. The water is clear and the sand is so pristine but just a meter walk to the sea, it’s very deep already. Usually locals just hang out and play cards or drink and enjoy the sense of exclusivity of the place. Plus the fact that this place has been known to be enchanted, it adds up to the adventure. As the global warming goes global, sometimes this tiny cove is usually filled with water, usually no more sandy shore on high tide. People who loves to hike will surely amazed with the rock formation beneath this beach.

Suki Beach

The newest discovered resort in the town. It’s the most developed beach since it’s a private property. The view will tell everything that you need.

 FALL FOR THE FALLS

UBO and PALUGTOK FALLS

Falls here is not yet exposed, if you like to explore things this town has really something to offer. With its fresh water that is so relaxing at the skin of the swimmer you will be amazed to go back here again and again. The water is so clean that you might be able to see yourself. Some people near the falls washed their clothes using the water from the falls, which shows the simple lives of the people living there. According to them the water falls is clearer than water in their faucet. Kids and adults would really love to dive and feel the strong beat of water from the falls.

THE CHURCH, PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT

Despite of being the smallest town, the generous people and the government shows their richness through their municipal covered court, beautiful mini museum, clean public markets, very big municipal hall, and with their old restored church.

I can’t write everything that I saw, the pages are too limited to describe the beauty of a paradise like this. So, if you want to experience what my eyes witnessed, come and visit the hidden paradise, where you can find what you’re looking for. With outstanding potential for development, beaches, spots and the place itself are new in eco-tourism but this has proved that Sorsogon is home to wonderful works of nature and that the province has really something remarkably splendid to offer to the whole world. It’s more fun in the Philippines! It’s more fun in Sta.Magdalena! This is where I grew up, this is where I go home, and this is where I belong!

Dagos po kamo sa Sta.Magdalena!

Reference: busaingan.wixsite.com/lgusantamagdalena

Photo Taken By Jazzelle Cayaban and Michael Fugnit

DATI

Sa bawat paglipas nang sandali,

Habang pinagmamasdan ko ang ‘yong mga ngiti.

Walang ibang tanong sa sarili,

Kung maibabalik ba ang dati?

 Dati na labis-labis ang ating saya

Dati, kung saan ang mundo nati’y di magkaiba

Maibabalik ba ang lahat ng ito,

Kung ngayo’y may iba na sa puso mo?

 Ngunit matatanggap ko naman ang desisyon mo,

Kaligayahan ko ang kasiyahan mo.

Makita kang masaya ang pangarap ko

Wala na sa akin kung masaktan man ako.

 Kaya ngayong gabing ito, habang linalahad ang damdamin

Kasabay nang pagluha ng mga bituin.

Itong katagang aking sasabihin,

Wag mo sanang limutin.

MAHAL KITA HANGGANG MABILANG MO ANG MGA BITUIN.

ILLEGITIMATE CHILD: Still a product of love

                    If you’re an illegitimate child your life is shattered as your identity, your heart is broken as your home. You always seek for something yet you fail to find what’s your looking for. A vagabond that travels from place to place never finding rest, a bird that flies from one distant land to another never ever finding its own nest to lay. Yes – I am a child out of wedlock, try as I may, it is one thing I can never change. People may judge me for being dramatic like this but I’ll tell you it’s not about dramas it’s about being real. Many illegitimate child may ask this question, “Whose child am I?” they often say “I have the rights to rebel in this world, I am just a mistake.” Guys! Wake up! You’re still a product of love. As Professor Ariel Guban once told me. “There has no such thing as illegitimate child, only illegitimate parents.” To be an illegitimate child is to be like a solitary star in the night sky – incomplete but this feeling shouldn’t be the reason to rebel against life.

                  We are incomplete when it comes with our own identity and with the judgmental eyes of the people around us. When I was a kid, I kept on finding my dads’ presence. My mom would just give her sweet smile and warm hug to me. It’s her routine every time I asked that silly question. Every activities in school where father is required to attend, I will just bow down my head and feel different among others. As time passed by, I’ve realized, maybe my dad is just somewhere in the planet Venus, Mercury or Mars and dream that one day he will come back and bring a lot of aliens with superpowers for me. Thanks dad, my imagination widen because of you. My mom works hard and never had the time to explain everything to me. When I was in grade 3 she left me and works to other country. So, who’s with me? Nothing. I felt so incomplete, I may be rich in materials things but I’m a penniless when it comes with the presence of the people I love the most. Even with my classmates or friends, they often bully me for being alone. “You’re a weak child, having no parents at all, maybe you’re too bad that’s why your parents leave you alone.” That exact words filled my heart with rage and longing for the people I should love the most. This anger and incompleteness poisons me but I couldn’t let it go for these people who wounded me even the day I was born. How can I ever forgive them? Too many child have been hurt already and if I don’t find my way now, this cycle of brokenness will only happen over and over again.

                      As you grow up, you will feel something is really missing. My dad wasn’t there when a guy first courted me in high school nor he was there when I survived the first break up. I find him mean for stealing my mothers’ future but that’s another story. I grew up being protected by my Mom, cousins, aunts, uncles who conspired on fabricating a safer, albeit fragile, world for me. My father is a married man, and that is the whole point that renders this story illegal, or that which renders my existence, illegitimate. I had the time to be with him at once with his another family and I can say I am him in so many ways, I got his eyes, the shape of his face, the color of his skin, the way he laughs, the way he speaks up when he want things done right, the way he captures my mothers’ heart. I hate the fact that I’m a carbon copy of his face because it’s undeniable. I really want those fantasy movies which always ends up with a happily ever after, I wish that thing would happen in reality. From social gatherings to department stores, or in public I wasn’t allowed to call him ‘Papa.’ I had to treat him as a stranger. Fair enough, it wasn’t easy for a child to engage in such a roleplaying game. I’ve seen it in the movies, but then again, I never thought a tragedy of this kind can surface beyond the silver screen.

                    Different experiences in life can cause individual to react differently and possibly result rebellion, and being a child out of wedlock has a great impact with it. When I opened and widen my eyes in my younger years I pity myself for being a bastard and for being alone. To rebel is a normal stage of a teenager maybe because of their strict parents or maybe they want freedom and to be independent. But us Illegitimate child, we rebel because we want a parent! We don’t need freedom and to be independent because we already have it since the day that we were born. I do a lot of stuffs, drinking alcohol, party rock, not going to school at all, and worst not going home at all. Why? Because I am free, illegitimate child have freedom because no one cares. From my high school days I’ve experienced all of this. And when something bad happens, I keep blaming my dad, even my own mom. How could they possibly make a child and leaving that innocent human being like a biodegradable trash? I felt it that way before, but as I understand things I know that’s the foolish thoughts and acts I’ve ever made. I even question God for giving me this unfortunate life, that’s how pathetic I am that time. Others will say I’m stupid for doing that whole thing but they don’t feel the turmoil that keeps me awake even at night.

                               Despite of being incomplete, the world slapped me and realized that it is not a valid reason to rebel against life. One sunny day I woke up very late in the morning and extrapolate a lot of things. Yes – there has hundreds of reasons to rebel but there has still thousands of reasons not to rebel. Why? The first thing I knew is that were still lucky to have a mom, a brave and intelligent mom that guides and supports us single-handedly. Don’t you feel a little bit guilt if you do stupid things that can hurt your one and only parent? I am sure that of all people, you love your mom the most. Second, we have a life and we’re not the only one who has problems in this world. Whatever it is always look for the positive sides. Be thankful that our mother give us the chance to live a life and not even try to abort us when we were on her womb knowing that our father has another woman or legal family. Third, put on your head that being illegitimate is not your sin, maybe your parents does, but you’re out of it. The only thing that makes it sinful if you believe in the thought that it is your fault. Lastly, being complete is not the presence of both parents living with you nor any superficial things that this world can buy, not the perfect physical and intellectual beauty but the only one who made us whole despite of every brokenness, the one who completed us the lord our maker who made us completely perfect, who made us whole inside and out. And that’s the only thing Illegitimate child should put in mind, that’s the only way to accept and endure the feeling of being incomplete.

                      Almost 16 years I live my life finding his love and presence out of nowhere, the father figure, the middle name, the complete weekends with a complete parents, the dance with my father thing. Maybe I can’t have it all. Maybe it will just be a dream but I’m contented with what I am know. I am an illegitimate child and I am never ashamed of being one, that’s one thing being illegitimate have taught me. Having raised by my mother single-handedly does not make me less. Acceptance is the only cure for such cruel things in life. It can make an illegal thoughts be legal. To rebel in this kind of situation shows how weak you are, no matter how hard to be an illegitimate child is, I can say we have always our choice to make this illegal thing be the best thing in our life. Still, I’d choose this path over a lifetime without missing parts. Nothing feels complete until you own it, I guess. Months ago, I happened to see him again somewhere in Bicol, He walked and talked slower this time, he is paralyzed and still recovering from heart attack. He praised how beautiful and intelligent girl I have become without him. He even told me that he is very proud of me not being a rebel after what he have done with us. Before we parted ways, he said, “Always remember you’re a product of love.” And that is one thing I can never change. To be an illegitimate child is to be like a solitary star in the night sky – incomplete but this feeling shouldn’t be the reason to rebel against life. Indeed, it gives me a mark and a new name that tells how lucky and precious child I am.

(July 18 , 2014)