Monday, December 31, 2018

Fruits Grains and New Year

New Year is about tradition passed on from generations to generations

Round fruits auger prosperity and good luck, grains bind the family

Feast for physical strength, turn on lights for a cheerful celebratory mood

Hope to believe that 2019 brings in good health, prosperity, positive relationship, opportunities and solidarity















Thursday, December 27, 2018

Images of 2018 Christmas Season

Without the mass, nothing to write about
Without food, no review
No film fest movie, nothing to lose
No climb, nothing to document
Without the season, no reason to feast
Nevertheless, my images for this season







Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Sharing in our humanity makes possible to share in His divinity. Promise of Christmas

Advent prepares us for Christmas.

9 days of Simbang Gabi make us better understand the significance.

Day by day, we deepen our faith with a prayer that this season transforms our hardened heart into a heart of flesh.

When the Messiah is born, there is a burst of joy.

Angels herald it in a grand scale: ”Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With angelic hosts proclaim. Christ is born in Bethlehem Hark! the herald angels sing" Glory to the newborn King!"

Here on earth, there is an outburst of colors in celebration. As there is no other joy of this magnitude, that Christ became man to embrace our humanity and our mess so we can accept him, turn around and find our true home transforming our hardened heart into a heart of flesh.

Indeed, there is reason for joy!

-Posted before the Christmas Eve mass of the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Church of the  Gesu 2018


"By sharing in our humanity, He makes it possible for us to share in His divinity"

Danger lurks. In the light of recent events, we experienced fear, anger, despair. We fear pain. We fear the dark (and the internet). At the night sky, it is dark. Even with the stars and the galaxies, there is darkness. Because the universe is finite, finite in size and in age, with a beginning and an end. The internet is a human place. And because it is human and limited and finite, it can be a dark and twisted place. Evil is active. How can we sleep in heavenly peace? Let us be on guard, taking turns to watch over.

Faith must be greater than fear. Love must be greater than hate. "A dark place is only as dark as we allow it . . . Any place on earth, any place from the time of the incarnation, can be a place of light insofar as we allow God to make it."

At the incarnation, the divine is taking on the human fate. With the birth of Christ, God is with us. God is love.

If we allow God to be with us, we can sleep in heavenly peace.

Captured key thoughts paraphrasing Fr. Jet Villarin's 24 Dec Christmas eve homily
https://www.rappler.com/nation/219613-ateneo-president-jett-villarin-christmas-eve-2018-homily

Monday, December 24, 2018

2018 Christmas Reflection

Advent prepares us for Christmas.
9 days of Simbang Gabi make us better understand the significance.
Day by day, we deepen our faith with a prayer that this season transforms our hardened heart into a heart of flesh.
When the Messiah is born, there is a burst of joy.
Angels herald it in a grand scale: Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With angelic hosts proclaim. Christ is born in Bethlehem Hark! the herald angels sing" Glory to the newborn King!"
Here on earth, there is an outburst of colors in celebration. As there is no other joy of this magnitude, that Christ became man to embrace our humanity and our mess so we can accept him, turn around and find our true home transforming our hardened heart into a heart of flesh.
Indeed, there is reason to be joyful!

















Sunday, December 23, 2018

On the 9th Day, Hark the Herald Angels Sing!

Start of the cycle of preparing for the coming on the 1st day of Simbang Gabi
Angels triumphantly heralding the birth of Christ on the 9th day

On the 1st Simbang Gabi homily for 2018, Fr. James Gascon stressed what it is to be a Christian as a "verb" rather than a noun, giving importance to the doing rather than the word.

Fr. Mario Francisco on the 9th Simbang Gabi novena highlighted the family coming home for Christmas. While there are problems in some families such as betrayal, infidelity among others (bullying included), the season of Christmas seeds hope bringing joy to every member particularly to the elders.

A family built on God and not on power and possession is foundational to joy. Mary visiting Elizabeth brought joy. The coming of Jesus allows us to present to each other, aware of our own selves building the family and eventually a community.

The Ateneo Chamber Singers interpreting Hark the Herald Angels Sing gloriously and harmoniously highlighted well to the grandness of joy particularly when the line “Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the new born king!” was repeatedly sang setting up the festive mood after the preparation of Advent and the deepening of the significance of Christmas.


Joy is infectious in Christmas manifested in the disposition of those prepared for the coming and understanding the significance of Christ’ birth. During the season, we give gift, prepare special meals, dress our best, treat and greet everyone else through postcards, email, letters, in social media and interpersonally cheerfully and courteously greet to draw out and give joy. Ultimately, the core joy in Christmas is in giving love on Christmas day.

Maligayang Pasko!

Song references: I'll be home for Christmas by Bing Crosby. Give love on Christmas day by Michael Jackson. Hark the herald angels sing composed by Felix Mendelssohn

Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic hosts proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! the herald angels sing:
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Feet on the Ground Roaming Locally



Christmas in Manila. Advent and 9 Days of Simbang Gabi

Advent prepares us for Christmas. 
9 days of Simbang Gabi make us better understand the significance.

Day by day, we deepen our faith with a prayer that this season transforms our hardened heart into a heart of flesh.

8th Gabi 2014 with Fr. Raymund Benedict Hizon as presider and singing led by Hangad at the Gesu. We pray for various reasons, the fundamental and the genuine. We ask and yet eventually submit ourselves to His will. All prayers though with doubts are answered, the more specific, the better. Asking doesn’t make Him change how he looks at us but changes us on how we look at Him.

Prayers follow a format.

ACTS
Adoration Contrition. Thanksgiving. Say or Ask. 

Sharing a personal testimony experienced before Christmas 2013, prayer directed to Ina on the homesickness of a son and the comfort of a mother who suffered a stroke, demonstrated the power of prayer. Mary is an intercessor to our supplication. Let us approach the Lord. Prayer opens our eyes to giftedness. Be not afraid to ask.























Saturday, December 22, 2018

AI Holiday


Feet on the street roaming around locally for a feel of the holiday season carrying a cell phone in one hand

Spotted small charcoal, small roasted chestnuts, fruits and vegetables, rice stalks to ward off the bad spirits, round fruits to bring in good luck, lucky charms to influence prosperity as captured by an Artificial Intelligence program

Artificial Intelligence is a software in Android phone and camera that makes machines do cognitive functions normally associated with human minds such as thinking, learning, problem-solving and methodically assessing

All one does now is hold the machine which as of exposure to HBO, Discovery, Fox Hits showings has currently been taken over by a mechanical object

While one has still the advantage of appreciation, digestion and emotion, exploit, salivate, eat

AI does not understand the spirit of Christmas














Friday, December 21, 2018

Island Hopper. Mindoro

Mindoro is one of the island components of MIMAROPA representing the 1st 2 letters. Most known destinations are two a city and a tourist spot facing Batangas City, Calapan and Puerto Galera.

At the Southern tip of the island is San Jose, the center of commerce at the other side of the island, Occidental Mindoro. San Jose is accessible two ways by sea from Batangas, via Calapan at the east coast and Abra de Ilog at the west.

Ship, ferry, fast craft, oversized banca cross passengers, cargoes, freight trucks, private vehicles to the other side. Batangas pier serves as the gateway to the island not only to Luzon but to the Visayas and Mindanao.

Once on shore at the island, San Jose can be reached in 4.5 hours from either entry point slightly faster via Abra de Ilog. From Abra de Ilog, kilometer distance is 189 while from Calapan, 239 kms with winding road towards the last hours. Both routes show scenic views of farmlands mostly rice and on the inner side, mountains and rivers. At the center are two nationally known mountains, the high and mighty Mt. Halcon with an altitude of 2,583 MASL and the Mount Iglit-Baco National Park, a ASEAN heritage park.

Compared to travelling on a landlocked area, mobility in island hopping is extremely unique. Trips are not marked only by landmarks but by the changing transport. From a public bus, one takes a RORO to cross the island. At the island, one can choose a utility van or continue with the bus ride. At the town proper like any other town, there are tricycles and private vehicles.

An inter-island trip provides a diversity in experience. For someone who travels not only to move from point A to B but in deepening appreciation for a place and the self, Mindoro has more than enough stimulus.

The 12-hour travel to San Jose the 18 hour stay and another 11-hour return trip is simply scratching the surface. What is beneath the Mindoro and the Tablas strait? What is at the peak of Mt. Halcon? What made Mt. Iglit a candidate as a UNESCO Heritage site? ? More importantly, how does a resident whether an aborigine, original settlers, migrants, and overstaying transients think and feel?

Initial trips to the island answer logistical interests. The succeeding visits satisfy the deeper understanding of the spirit of the place.



-Written on X270 using Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Public Transpo to the Airport. New Features of Local Air Travel


Public Transpo to the Airport

Options travelling to the Pasay airports have been added other than using a private car, taking a taxi, riding the bus and the MRT.

Taking the taxi, you need to negotiate with the driver 1st for his willingness to go South from North and secondly on the rate.

Using the car, you contend with the heavy traffic, the law enforces and parking.

Riding the bus combined with MRT is tedious. With your luggage, it is an effort moving from pick up point to the next and from entrance to the rear of the coach.

The P2P addresses the difficulties one faces in these different modes of transportation. The Point 2 Point coach is spacious, air-conditioned with enough safe space for luggage. Rates are fixed at P100, almost a third of the non-peak taxi fare, if you can spot one.

You must contend with fixed schedules (about an hour gap in between rides which at times though is not followed to the minute), multiple rides as the stations in the North are in Araneta Center, Ortigas. Given this, one must give enough lead time to meet your check in deadline.

What is convenient about the new mode of transportation is, it covers the fur airport terminals, NAIA 1 (original international airport beside the Nayong Pilipino NAIA 2 (formerly Centennial of PAL), NAIA 3 (fronting Resorts World) and NAIA 4 (small airport). You can take the P2P at the designated terminals at the airports back to the city terminals.

-Written on Thinkpad X270 using Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus

New Features of Local Air Travel

Those who have not traveled via commercial air for the past decades maybe disoriented to new ways of booking and flying.

Before, one needed to physically go to an airline ticketing office to see flight schedules, seat availability and to book a seat. Now one just does it online. But one must have a credit or debit card with a security code and an active email address. Booking is done real time with the current rate on a first come first served. There are still a few ticketing offices spread over the country but mostly only in the airports.

Rates fluctuate depending on the traffic, date and season. The closer to the flight date, the higher the rate.

Passenger patronage has increased so did new air travel destinations. Checks in lines at the airport are longer but operating hours are longer. There too are added ways to check in: using the internet or mobile phone for web check in or the check in kiosk at the airport. All check in processes are secured by a code where physically printed ticket is no longer necessary.

Boarding passes are bar coded and quickly scanned prior to boarding the plane. One has yet to present an ID for security reasons. Terminal fee is now incorporated in the cost reducing check in steps.

Security is more stringent. Scanners are installed to speed up the screening. At time sniffing dogs sniff at the luggage for contraband detection. Shoes, wallets, metallic objects, phones and belts are still to be separated from the body.

Flight changes are accommodated at a cost subject to seat availability and should be done hours before the booked schedule. Cost is adjusted based on the prevailing flight rate of the new schedule which is usually at a premium.

Flying distances are earned by the passenger to earn points for premium redemption. This is made possible through a unique identification enrollment. Services are likewise compartmentalized which can be customized at an added cost. One can opt not to check in a luggage, not have an in flight meal nor a premium seating.

Lastly, because service is done following a routine, do not expect for a personalized service treatment. This is trade off to a more efficient and safer air travel.

Happy and safe travel



Monday, December 10, 2018

Film The Bachelors. Struggling with Grief and Overcoming Getting Stuck

Caught on SkyCable HBO Hits HD  2017 Channel 169 this December a film The Bachelors about a father and son, a university professor and a conscientious student and an aspiring marathon athlete who lost the woman (wife and mother) of their life who was endearing to them.

Movie is fueled with sensitive and engaging characterization of realized real persons with relatable emotions on their grieving, coping, adjusting and transitioning.

Environment (the university and friendships), situations (pair ups) and evolved positive values of the father and son help them cope with their roller coaster condition.


There are Wes, Bill, Carine, Lacy and Wes' friends (characters) in Philippine setting I'ld like to interact with.

Father and son struggled and eventually overcoming the "got stuck" condition through the son Wes. They stimulate what a full and happy living is.

https://youtu.be/4-mznKj3lHc

https://deadline.com/2017/06/the-bachelors-jk-simmons-movie-josh-wiggins-odeya-rush-julie-delpy-1202115737/?fbclid=IwAR2xOwDE3GyuQ7-gGjIwzN9deTgE8U92sUmMxOJ7R9BcXDxNCPOVIwwRDcg  
https://youtu.be/TMJqsiYZ2Rk

Friday, November 30, 2018

Turn me loose

What could be more engaging musically than a videoke bar at the roof deck of a 2Go ship. Down to earth folks like you and me drowned in cans of Red Horse beer would belt out familiar songs like Green Green House of Home by Engelbert Humberdick, Skyline Pigeon by Elton John, My Way by Frank, King and Queen of Hearts among others to the crowd's wild appreciation.


There is something about music that is attached to us. This attachment is perhaps that makes us cope with the adversities in our lives.

As music soothes, gives comfort, heals and even equalizes.


Offshore Gig

What is it like watching a gig in a grand arena? You are drawn to known singers along with hundreds. It takes an effort to commute and to park. The queue is long. During the show, you most likely end up watching the live concert on screen. But what energy you generate with the huge crowd.

At the Harbour Cafe on the shoreline of Odiongan Romblon, my attention was caught by the lead singers of an acoustic band Fool Page performing RNB Top 40 songs to a crowd of less than 20. Their musicality, voice quality and interpretation of cover songs make you look at the stage while dining to satisfy the curiosity poked in a remote island in Luzon. Who are the gifted performers with these wide range? A tenor pop singer in an island?

I was awed with the main leads' voice and the choice of songs. I liked best Zhelmark Maaba Gajisan's opening songs for the sets followed up by songs interpreted by an equally talented lady singer with a powerful voice Ilene Gajisan. Completing the trio is a versatile singer and guitarist Ian who swings from pop to reggae although their forte is RNB and pop like Attention by Charlie Puth, Rockabye by Clean Bandit, So Sick by Ne-Yo.

Truly a delight to hear. Their music is supported by a lean band and a well-balanced sound system. For the price of the drinks at P45.0 and the performance level in the semi-outdoors along the beach, it was a wow! It was penetrating music within intimate arms' reach. Short distance between them and us.

Thanks for the music Fool Page. When I come back to Romblon, you will be one of the attractions not to be missed. Hopefully not yet in a grand arena.

Z. Gajisan-Vice Choirmaster. Counter Tenor Yagting Kanugkog RSU Chorale. Lead Vocalist FoolPage

-Posted on board 2Go completed on a Ceres bus

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Ilocos Norte, Amianan (North) to Abagatan (South) in 10 hours 16 destinations covering 196 km

What can one do in 10 hours?
Starts at the Laoag Wednesday open market along downtown JP Rizal st. at 9:00 AM and ends at the Laoag International Airport at 7:00 PM

1. Go up Amianan (N) up to 77km to Pagudpud. Enter Hannah Resort. Stroll. Resist the gusty wind
2. Walk down the Bantay Abot Cave. Pass through the hole. Retreat

3. Pass by Patapat viaduct. Marvel at the engineering design. Look up to see the abandoned national road
4. Climb to the Grotto at the Paraiso ni Anton end of Pagudpud. Make a wish. Wash up


5. Eat lunch at the carinderia along the national highway. Refuel for the balance of day activity
6. Be on the lookout for imposing rotating blades gradually moving closer. Stroll along the shoreline to view the Danish funded and designed Bangui windmills. Count 102 (Pagudpud-32, Burgos-50 and Bangui-20 quoted by OJTs). Each windmill can generate about 1.6MW of power running at 24 hours
7. Move to the next town Burgos. Walk for a closer look at the Kapurpurawan limestone formation. Be guided by the OJT volunteers for technical info on the formation. Take a peek at the solar farm and the windmill central station on your way out
8. Climb up the Cape Bojeador lighthouse. Take a panoramic shot of the 360-degree view. Inspect the museum and the architecture








9. Travel down Abagatan (S). Assess the concrete modern mansions built by the balikbayan immigrants from Hawaii in Bacarra 
10. Spot the rock salt in clear plastic bags and the Ilocos black vinegar in PET bottles displayed in a string of market stalls along the road
11. Return back to Laoag to cross for Paoay's Malacañang of the North. Simulate residing in the palace sleeping in the 1st Family's bedrooms
12. Say a prayer, light a candle at the Paoay Church. Go back in time when the Spaniards ruled over the natives

13. See the Marcos' mausoleum in Batac. Remember Apo Lakay

14. Join the crowd for an empanada feast in Batac
15. Capture the night lights in San Nicolas. Count the car dealer showrooms along the road
16. Check in at the Laoag international airport for the next destination or plan for your return trip


Journeying as a day tourist without an immersion provides a sampler. Living, breathing shared space and air with the residents deepens the experience imbibing the spirit of the place.

From Wilkipedia-spirit (or soul) of place as “the unique, distinctive and cherished aspects of place.”

(Approximate cost-Php7K+. Transpo-P6.5K. Entrance Fees-P150.0 average P30.0. Food and others-P500.0)