November Experience

My last week of Sem break was spent in Pangasinan

I missed my family, and I was excited to impart what I have learned in ASLA. I was able to share some, but not everything yet. We spent every day in Pangasinan very well. Almost no idle time, just at night before everyone rests. we went to Manaoag, Dagupan and Baguio; I missed going there. And for the first time, I am going to miss an animal that I thought I never wanted, a dog. haha! specifically, my lola's dog. Hero is just a sweet dog, I forgot the breed, sorry. :)) He sniffs your feet or legs, and wants you to pat his head. What I love most about him is, he is malambing and he does not bite. I just noticed and realized now that his eyes were like telling me that he is scared of people that's why he is just that kind.
Time moves, and so must we. after that week, my tito brought me back at the dorm, and second sem starts...

Still, a lot has happened this month, not only for me, but for the whole world.
there is the earthquake that struck Visayas, the typhoon Yolanda that went through Tacloban and other neighboring islands, and the non stop relief operations held almost around the world.

wait, for me first...
I lost my phone, this month, I forgot when, but I completely remember where: in UP town center.. I went back to check on it, but I found nothing.. well, it's ok for me. I still have Kuya's phone, and my Sun number, so just text me through that number.. :)
I have also had philosophical and theological conversations with my course-batch mates :)) haha. This is what I call an application. I always feel wonderful whenever I share my insights philosophically and sometimes theologically according to the situation. I know these subjects are those that I will treasure the most with my Ateneo Education, that is why I am savoring and using every bit of it. :) lol parang pagkain lang :)))

An inspiring movie... Ip Man I and II. These were such good movies, so nationalistic. Mr. Ip would do just anything to protect his country and his people through what he does best: Wing Chun. :)) It almost made me want to learn the moves. haha. Watch these guys, you'll never regret spending time for it. :)

anyway...

now for the bigger matters. The country experienced great challenges and sorrows this month. Again, there were the typhoon and the earthquake, both struck at the middle part of the country. These were both saddening and alarming for everyone. Our church has emphasized again on the council given to us years ago about the 72-hour survival kit, and how we should prepare both temporally and spiritually. The Lord has a purpose in all things. Just a personal opinion, maybe, somehow we are little by little forgetting His ways, His standards, His commandments; maybe we are indulged in matters that does not please, which is why He needs to remind us once again of His power - that only through Him, we can be eternally happy, that the things of the world will only give temporal happiness and a sense of guilt with the wrong acts that we have done. I really don't know the reason, but the Lord does. Whatever His reason is, I know it is for our own good..
As we all saw, these tragedies also brought everyone together in an action that would help the victims, without considering any deeper constraints (like religion or cultural beliefs), only the transactions and transportations of the goods. I was able to see and talk to dedicated people during these times and was also inspired to give myself and do things that would help the relief operations. It was a heartwarming experience. Truly, giving service is not exhausting. I have always looked for opportunities to help others, and through this, I was able to grab one. I always want to help; if only my body's health would not deteriorate, I could have done more. After a week of helping, I got sick. No complaints, though; I am always thinking that the victims of the disasters were experiencing more than what I do. I am just glad that I was able to at least help in simple ways, especially when I was physically able to do so.

it was such a humbling experience. Now, I am thinking of how we could even celebrate Christmas, while thinking of other families who need help.. Well maybe, I'll figure it out this month. :)