Traversing Makiling 1999

Traversing Makiling in 1999

We traversed Mt. Makiling from Sto. Tomas to Los Baños in the company of able climbers TJ Farmer, Danny Balandra and Larry Hillboy Honoridez. It was a five-hour trek on the first day highlighted by a tall wall, which we scaled against strong typhoon winds overlooking a deep ravine right below.

Right across the wall is an open camp called Haring Bato at the edge of a cliff good for 3-4 tents exposed to non-stop blowing winds. Estimated altitude is 900 meters ASL. Visible below from the campsite is Gubatan where a group of East Wing climbers were stationed for the night.

With my technical buddy, TJ, our shelter was adequately sufficient for the condition-tents that can withstand the wind, reinforced with guy lines and pegs. While it may seem dangerous, it was a safe trek to cross over the wall which a tin poster declared a 40 degrees inclination.

There were about 4 to 5 sets of ropes securely placed in branches or roots of miniature trees by good Samaritans in the last 30 minutes of the wall climb. Watch out though for leeches and poison ivy, which were in abundance in the forest at the foot of the wall. You can both bleed and itch to death.

The full moon was intermittently visible, as fast-moving clouds would cover it. Danny and Larry tested their new stoves in that extreme windy and cloudy setting. Stoves passed but burned more fuel than expected due to the 18° C temperature and the strong gusty winds.

Next day trek was a 2-hour ascent to the traditional Peak 2 Campsite. The crawling and the bending will humble you.

Completing the traverse was the usual 2 1/2-hour descent to the UP Campus. Upon reaching the campsite, we were told that Barry Barcelo , Russel Aguinaldo, and Elmer Cabotage, senior members of PAL Mountaineering Club did a day trek via Los Baños just to stretch their muscles.

The weekend completion climbs both for me and TJ were well documented courtesy of Larry. The persistence of TJ paid off as we explored a new adventurous world. Thanks to the encouragement of Regie Pablo of MFPI who provided us with references to the traverse.

Each time I see the span of Mt. Makiling from the Skyway connecting Katipunan Loyola to Katipunan Blue Ridge, I just stare and say to myself, “we crossed that range stating from Batangas to Laguna simply out of passion for the outdoors and for the discovery.”

And we did that that stormy weekend simply because of the passion.

Keeping track:

1. Enter Sto. Tomas trek via the Barangay San Bartolome arch. It’s a P 10.00 tricycle ride.

2. The private resort of Almeda is your jump-off point.

3. You’ll pass through a station of the cross ending in a grotto. Another trail skips the grotto.

4. There’s a hut surrounded by giant gabe leaves (root crops). Area serves as the link between two ridges. Profile of Maculot visible. Your last chance for water through a water pipeline.

5. You will cross two ridges in a dried-up stream. After the forest cover, it’s cogon all the way. Sto. Tomas, MakBan Geothermal plant and Malipunyo are visible from this site. Climb, climb, climb.

6. Enter a forest cover, reach the viewing deck, ascend further and descend at the foot of the wall. Expect poison ivy, leeches, and snakes. Trail a bit moist. There are deck signage and ribbons along the trail.

7. Rock climb in an open space.

8. Reach Haring Bato.

9. Crawl towards Peak 2.

10. After 1 1/2 hours of trek going up to 1000 meters ASL, you’ll smell stench and hear voices. You’re nearing Peak 2.

11. It’s a safe descent down to UP Los Baños.

Chito 30-31 January 1999

Revisited 7 October 2024

Duma Siqui

 Siquijor via Dumaguete. This 4-day adventure is an exciting exploration for the Luzon-based associates, flying to the Visayas to discover the beauty and charm of Dumaguete, the quaint gateway to Negros Oriental.

With open minds leaving biases and urban living behind, embrace the unique attractions the region has to offer.

After a brief city tour in the university city known to have the best curators and protectors of Negros Oriental history and culture, ferry to the mystical island of Siquijor.

Spend two days or more immersed in nature—swimming in waterfalls, cliff-jumping into turquoise waters, and exploring untouched beaches.

Fill each day with laughter, bonding, and new discoveries as you move, eat and drink.

Conclude the journey with a nostalgic farewell in Dumaguete interacting with gentle and amiable residents, leaving an unforgettable memory and a renewed appreciation for the diverse wonders of the Philippines.

Come back but stay longer to deepen engagements with the people you encounter.

Japan Men's Volleyball Paris Olympics

 Power. Fierce. Play

Japanese Mens Volleyball Team 2024 Paris Olympics

___________________________________________

Legs and shoes that propel them leap so high

Biceps strong to drive turbo speed

Eyes alert to quickly scan blind spots

Leads setting up for brilliant plays

Each one highly charged to deliver

Not letting their guards down

Each 6 working seamlessly as a team

Aggressive of red

Feel the fire in their belly

The libero on defense keeping the ball alive at any cost

Blockers providing a quick defense

The hitters synchronize to drive the attack

The game the Japanese men's volleyball team played to win over Argentina

The ecstatic feeling of a secured win and the high of victory

________________________________________

Japan faces USA next

Abangan Sat 3 Aug 10 a.m. (GMT+8)

Channel 298 HD Cignal TV

https://en.volleyballworld.com/.../nishida-unstoppable...

Cinemalaya Bente Short Films

Cinemalaya Bente Short A Short B

Watching a compilation of selected short films on Cinemalaya at a commercial theater exposes me to diverse stories focused on a single provocative theme.

Though not glossy and most visually textured, due to the limitations of technology and infrastructure, the filmmaker still successfully sends across messages clearly and convincingly told differently.

While watching them, two ideas flow through my mind: first, I'm immersed in the unfolding of the story with no expectations, and second, I'm subconsciously seeing the constraints of creating the film behind the scenes (one shot in an iPhone, another written and directed in a remote location single handedly, another a thesis in a film class and the rest in collaboration with other young friends).

There are two sets of shorts with 5 films each

•Short A themes are on death, mother, memories, space and the environment
•Common in Short B is the loss of hope

Thank you for the opportunity to talk back with the young and skilled film makers sharing Pinoy stories told in minutes.

Short Films A
• Cris Bringas of All This Wasted Space
• Breech Asher Haran of Pamalandong sa Danow, reflections in the marsh

Short Films B
• Ryan Capili of I Was Walking on the Street of Chinatown
• Sam Manacsa of Cross my Heart and Hope to Die
• Alexandra Brizuela of Mama

Short stories were told capable of provoking and making a statement.

https://cinemalaya.org/films/finalists/short-films-2024/

#CinemalayaBente  #Cinemalaya2024

A Wedding and a Birthday Party

Three weeks ago, I attended a millennial wedding, the 2nd one in two decades. I experienced how it was to witness a Catholic ceremony and a reception managed by an events’ group. So different from how generations X conduct theirs.

The ceremony before, during, and after is thoroughly documented. The reception is organized around a program, with food and beverages given as needed. A module was put up for the bride and groom before concluding with a same-day video editing demonstration.

A week ago, I attended a birthday party at a restaurant bar with a stage for live musical performances. This one, like the wedding, appeared to have an event organizer. Confirmation of an invitation was requested weeks ago.

At the gate, guests were asked to show their invitation and confirmation. Seating was allotted. The highlight was a mini concert by a well-known vocalist campaigning for no cover songs, just original live singing, accompanied by two singers and five musicians. Every now and again, the solo performer includes information about the celebrant, adding a personal and intimate touch.

Food and beverages were served during the performance. The entire party was thoroughly captured by a photographer and videographer. Android phones were in a tripod to cover activities on and off stage.

Following the concert, the stage was open for any guests to sing till early morning.

Reflecting on the current wedding and birthday festivities I attended, I can't help but be amazed at how much has changed since the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, our celebrations were basic, generally hosted in our homes or offices, with homemade décor and family-prepared food. Guests bring in bottles of hard liquor for consumption. Today's events combine creativity, technology, and professional touches to create experiences that are both personal and grand.

The satisfaction was undoubtedly different.

What struck me most was the attention to detail and the desire to make each celebration unique. From personalized vows and custom playlists to interactive photo booths and gourmet catering, every element was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the personalities and stories of those being celebrated. These modern celebrations honor our traditions while also embracing new ways of bringing people together.

The infrastructure set up was provided for the comfort and pleasure of the guests taking away the burden of preparation from the celebrants. The center remains to be the interaction and socialization of the guests; while dining, memories were recalled, anecdotes shared, and significance of the activity highlighted fully credited to the hosts.

As I watched the joy and connection among the guests, I realized that while the methods and styles of celebration have evolved, the heart of these events remains the same. It's still about coming together, sharing joy, and creating memories with loved ones.

Witnessing this blend of old and new filled me with a sense of nostalgia and excitement for the future, wondering how we will continue to innovate and celebrate life's special moments in even more meaningful ways.

Both events ended with thanks with a twist. Thanking the guests for witnessing the moments with them, acknowledgement were also given to the sponsors and suppliers 

Best wishes to the couple. Happy birthday to the celebrants. These greetings have not changed.

Epileptic Seizure

 What one needs to do when in a company of someone having an epileptic seizure

During a celebration dinner at a grade school campus, I struck up an impromptu conversation with a young grade schoolteacher about their curriculum. I was drinking wine, and he was drinking water from a glass while seated. 

A few minutes later, he told me he was dizzy while grasping the edge of a round table. I suspected there was a moderate earthquake, but there was none. I thought he was joking, but it was clear he was not. Then it occurred to me: it could be a heart attack.

He sat firmly, stared into my eyes, held my arms, and asked for his glass of water. He said, "kalma lang!" 

After a few moments, he stood up and left, joining his colleagues on the other side of the hall, leaving his cell phone on the table.

"What could it be?" I asked, puzzled.

I strolled across the room to inform one of his female colleagues whether the newest member of the faculty had a medical condition and if there was a medic on the premises. She claimed she'd watch after him.

Several minutes later, I motioned for the schoolteacher at the other side of the hall, who was looking better, to come over. He then revealed to me his medical condition. 

He recently suffered an epileptic episode telling me remembering everything (important to note).  His first attack was during the pandemic. His last seizure occurred during a basketball game.

I asked him if he had seen a doctor, as I have no knowledge on seizures. He answered yes and is currently taking medication, but he has been asked to undergo an MRI.

He already has a PWD ID and has been working only for a year after graduation, but he still needs to earn funds for his medical procedure.

I was shocked learning this. With no medical background, I felt helpless in a condition like this. I don't even know his name.

Reaching home, I researched on the condition which generally stated that:

1. Person with the patient experiencing seizure must remain calm. Showing panic can aggravate the situation.

2. Time the seizure. Beyond 5 minutes is already an emergency situation needing hospitalization.

3. Movement and mouth should remain free and not controlled.

As I checked my reaction against the guides, I responded appropriately, and it was mainly because the schoolteacher prompted me before the seizure not to panic.

I was glad that the seizure of the schoolteacher I struck a short conversation with was just mild. But I pray that he gets support for a thorough medical examination from a neurologist.

Online Shopping for Clothes Ph

 The conventional shopping channel is via physical shops with online gaining popularity for convenience, pricing edge and searching ease.

Passive online shopping through Lazada and Shopee has lately been supplemented with live online where human sellers display, present and model their goods to streaming potential buyers interacting with them.

Behavior changed, new lingoes are introduced, and a new outlet of spending game changed shopping and commerce requiring logging in the internet.

“Flex. Profile. Comment. Code. Mine. Yours. Screenshot. SSD. Check out. Follow.” Words one must be familiar with to navigate and to complete a transaction in a live online selling.

Looking for a blazer, it led me to TikTok live online selling based in Baguio. To my amazement, the three shops specializing in pre-loved blazers for men I’ve been directed to owned by a sole entity have about hundreds of apparels for all user sizes, shapes, informal and formal occasions paraded starting 8 a.m. to midnight.

How can one select given sizes and preferences must be matched? Online selling has sharpened the system with a structured approach.

Prospective buyer must provide info on height (in feet), weight (in kilos), general build (S/ML/EL), shoulder size (in inches). The young professional, courteous at times playful seller then “flexes” several suits with his size as reference. They show how the sleeves extend to his hand, how much allowance it has at the tummy, and upper body.

This initial parade triggers a series of presentations on colors, design, fabric, buttons, back slits, inner lining and pricing. Price is a surprise as it just ranges from P350 to P700 for the branded and premium items.

The good sellers interact with the buyer suggesting even occasion suit can be used. Other than the usual debut, wedding, travel they mention other interesting occasions such as events hosting, court hearing and would you believe, thesis defense.

Attending to one buyer at a time, when one selects an item, he claims in the comment section “mine” plus the code given. Sellers from the shop I spotted disclose details of the suit from inner linings, buttons, slits, issues. With a good hi-reso camera and lighting with close up capability, texture, patterns and details are seen. The buyer is then asked to screenshot the suit selected with price and code as reference.

The critical step is in entering the order using the yellow basket, choosing modes of payment from COD, credit/debit cards and GCash. Seller patiently guides the buyer on steps to do from choosing the price, putting it in the basket, writing the delivery address, and putting the data in the basket.

The shop partnered with J&T where costing is surprisingly about the cost of a special tricycle rate considering transport from Benguet to Metro Manila in 2 days. Tracking number is provided navigating through their profile chat.

While this system of shopping is quite new, one who is open to change can easily adopt. When the seller addresses all the buyers’ concerns without pressuring the buyer to claim mine and checkout, the buyer feels the power.

When one is stuck in the house, this mode of shopping is certainly a novelty, conveniently a 24-hour activity, with thousands of possibilities and fun.

As a social science observer, I wish to explore further how this approach picked up, the system developed, how the sellers developed their skills set to be good at online selling and how it gained traction generating income for the shop owners challenging the more established physical stores.

Disclaimer: This positive experience is simply based on a live online selling of one entity. Other accounts have different approaches.

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSYHmtcP5/

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSYHmrHqM/

NewGen Champs Concert

You attend concerts to hear the musicians perform their own songs that you enjoy live.

You attend band gigs and concerts to hear other musicians cover tunes you enjoy.

As a music lover, you enjoy these events, especially if they are well-produced, with excellent production qualities and the program builds up to a high.

ABS-CBN's new generation champions are noted for their voice quality, wide vocal range, costumes, extensive song inventory, passion for singing, and mastery of their art.

Attending with an open mind with some expectation drawn from the pattern aired on ASAP TV Show on ABS-CBN where keys to the performances are the choice of songs, a customized musical arrangement and assignment of singing lines per artists.

Deciding last minute to attend the #NewGenChamp show at the Music Museum 27 April 2024 with JM Yosures, Reiven Umali, Khimo, JM dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, Lyka Estrella, and Rea Gen Villareal, I still managed to source ticket for the declared sold-out concert in a 700 plus seater theater.

Host Vice Ganda and two judges Eric Santos and Katrina Velarde supported the talents in this live concert most of them performing in a live concert for the first time. Reiven launched his dancing con singing talent in this event. Lyka and Rea Gen's trio with Katrina singing "Lason mong Halik and Hawak Mo" showcased collab on harmony, birit, shifts and shared staging. Both seasoned singers Eric and Katrina admired the qualities of the champions they sang with.

The boys prepared a series of cover songs from a single artist; boyish with fine voice quality Reiven chose Michael Jackson songs, the exuberant and highly charged Khimo performed Bruno Mars hits, and the latest new gen recruit, soothing and kilig JM Dela Cerna, sang Michael Bolton's love songs whose high notes were noted and appreciated well by the audience with a standing ovation. The husky voiced and seasoned champion JM Yosures interpreted Parokya ni Edgar songs.

The ladies known for birits presented equally strong providing balance renditions; the regal and formal Marielle sung solo without JM Adelle's new songs, Lyka’s dramatic segment of Beyonce's songs was backed up with dancers and costume changes and Rea Gen belting Ben and Ben songs.

The vocalists opened and finished the event together, with the boys doing a separate set as did the girls.

Though not their own compositions, the NewGen champions present fresh renditions of familiar songs modified by great musicians to suit the singers' voice range and capabilities. With the champs' voices, the evening's music may be claimed as their own.

When they opened the show, they asked the audience to allow them “to entertain you.” Through the musical arrangements customized to bring out their unique and pleasing voices, and their songs individually, duets or solo, they proved they are worthy to be marked as “champions,” ambassadors of the language of pop music.

Music delivers because it binds us all, crossing frontiers and connecting hearts via its universal language of emotion and expression, especially when performed well.

NewGen singers honing their talent of singing and singing endlessly inspire us as they convey the message of the songs to us intimately in live concerts like this.

#KapamilyaNewGenChamps

Tips on Saving Planet Earth

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Inform. Inspire. Act.

On a personal level, every small contribution counts such as:

1. Reduce use of plastic particularly on water

2. Bike or walk instead of driving.

3. Turn off electric power when not in use

4. Keep gas-based vehicles in condition particularly tire pressure

5. Eat locally and organically grown food. Reduce red meat in diet.

6. Mind laundry chores on water and detergent use.

7. Higher temperature setting on AC helps.

8. Efficient driving.

9. Recycle old goods.

10. Tap public transpo even if inconvenient.

Where we see some saving the earth manifesting in the Philippines:

Transpo

• Biking

• Bike lanes

• Jeep modernization

• Work from home

• Aircon refrigerants

• Shift from gas and diesel to other sources

• Electric cars

• Walkable cities

School/ Mall

• Garbage segregation drive

• Water conservation

• Energy conservation

• Recycled water

• Planting trees

• Temperature control

• Neutral rest rooms

• Reduce. Reuse. Recycle

Barangay

• Garbage collection

• Plastic bottle collection

• Recycling

• No noise after 10 p.m.

• Junk shop

• Backyard gardening

Commerce

• Recycling

• Green products

• Organic produce

• Paper/Green Bags

• Solar Energy

• LED Lights/ TV

• No drinking straws

• Raw material selection

• Chemical disposal

• Organic farming

• Environmental hazards disposal

• Food disposal

Policies

• Tree planting

• Oil spill control

• No videoke ordinance

• Septage management

• PWD enabling

• LGBT ordinance

• Tree cutting

• Ecosystem protection

• Harmful medical waste disposal

• Mangrove protection

• Nature parks

• Paperless transaction

• Carbon emission test

• Jeepney upgrade

Foundation

• Coastal clean up

• Tree planting

• Ecosystem diversity

• Leave no trace outdoors drive

• Urban gardening

• Cottage industry support

• Cooperative creation

Grand initiatives. Halving World GHGs Emission by 2030 from Information is Beautiful

• Increased solar energy

• Widespread wind energy

• Other renewable energy

• Better recycling of raw materials

• Less materials to make the same things

• Disassembling old products to make new ones

• Waste reduction in production of steel, plastics and other industrial materials

• Reduced use of refrigeration gases (CFCs HFCs)

• Low-carbon heating and cooling

• Low-carbon construction

• Retrofitting buildings with better insulation, energy efficient lighting

• Automation of temperature and lighting

• Electric vehicles

• Increased use of public transport

• Bikes, car-sharing and scooters

• More efficient shipping of goods with reduced air transport

• Low-emission trucks

• Halting reforestation, planting trees

• Sustainable agriculture techniques

• Plant-based diets

• Reduced food waste

Sone signs of deteriorating conditions:

Air pollution. Mega typhoons. Heavy flooding. Scarce fish haul. Polluted rivers. Poisoned soil. Plastics in the sea and in the food that we eat. Poverty. Discrimination. New diseases. Airborne diseases. Dying species. Less diversity. Dwindling forest cover. Unpredictable weather. Unmanaged human waste. Noise pollution. Decreasing water table. Flattened mountains. Landslides. Mendicancy . . .

Inform. Inspire. Act.

Planet Earth

 Our earth may no longer be habitable for future generations owing to overdevelopment, abuse, and inequality.

Scientists have identified the dangers of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions GHG, and carbon footprints.

Social activists have highlighted the appalling state of poverty, with residents having nothing to eat or drink.

We've witnessed inequalities, as well as a lack of access to quality education and career prospects.

Targets have been set with indicators to ensure that the present and future generations may enjoy life on this planet. Unfortunately, targets are off. Interventions are not sufficient.

Developments and harm we inflict on the world make it more challenging. If no new efforts or policies are implemented, the condition of degradation will accelerate, and doing nothing will make matters worse. More forceful interventions are necessary.

Where we are now in Greenhouse House Emissions GHG Transport. Land. Buildings. Industry. Energy. Justice and Equity.

If it is business as usual, the global temperature will rise further.

Through the UNDP and partner’s Movers Programme, I have been introduced to the five drivers of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals:

• Reducing poverty and increasing income

• Leading better health

• Driving sustainable growth

• Protecting the planet

• Preventing inequality

• Partnership

Given the current status of the world, the targets are overwhelming. This initiative focused on what everyone, particularly young, can do in small meaningful ways to help bring the objectives back on track within decades.

Starting with an awareness campaign, it encourages individuals to do all they can to prevent future deterioration.

Everyone may help on three levels, which are:

• Personal or individual

• Reaching out to the community as a whole

• Influencing system-level policy

Movers Programme Influencers gathered online week of 12 February 2024 to review modest and remarkable achievements from conducting over 100 workshops in 4 years, implementing community-based programs, influencing policy makers, involving in green related jobs, careers, and entrepreneurship to promote the 5 drivers of the SDGs.

From attending the programs online, the advocates from different Asian Pacific countries initially conducted workshops then launched activities withing their villages expanding to the nation and to the region.

Facilitators, resources persons, organizers and fellow movers challenge and inspire us to act.

 ------

Technical info and insights learned primarily from the UNDP Movers Programme as a volunteer mentor, Youth Empowerment Project in Asia/ Pacific and UNDP, a community of dedicated individuals playing a crucial role in shaping the future of our youth, through SDGs.

https://creativecommons.org/choose/www.youthcolab.org/movers

https://www.youthcolab.org/movers

One OK Rock Manila Concert

Taka and One OK Rock put on a high-tech hard rock concert with balanced sounds, lights, video, and an energetic band accompaniment of Tomoya, Toru, and Ryota.

The performance featured well-crafted lyrics, sensational vocals, swag moves, a high jump, and a 25-second stretched high note.

Taka, a young, seasoned vocalist, showcased his unique style and medium with messages on taking control of ones' life.

Song “We Are” dwells on the feeling of being underestimated and undervalued, but ultimately overcoming these obstacles by standing tall and believing. "Never tell yourself. You should be someone else. Stand up tall and say I'm not afraid.”

“Wasted Nights” is about living life fully at the present so as not to regret the past. "I don't want to wait. I don't want to waste a night."

"Stand Out Fit In" is conforming while standing out.

One OK Rock was discovered by chance on YouTube just this year (2023). This September from a viewer to an audience, witnessed his concert live. In his online posts, Taka showcased their band's talents, music and engaging performances. In a smaller scale, he did that in Manila.

He performed in Manila at the Araneta Coliseum this September 26, with an impressive following to a full 15k capacity venue.

Behind One OK Rock's great production values, grabbing messaging and musicality, cinematic visuals and effects, individual talents is their drive for perfection. Viewing their official videos, a sensitive fan feels it. They are "on the edge" all the time.

Tagged Luxury Disease Asia is their world tour staged in the U.S., Europe and major cities in Asia supporting the launch of their new releases.

As a norm in this decade’s concerts with a large fan base, immediately after the concert, video clips are flooded on X Twitter and TikTok.

Thank you Japan for giving us a small feel of OOR.

#ONEOKROCKinMNL2023

Movie The Reader

 The Reader dramatically narrates the interrupted relationship of a young Literature male student and a senior woman set in three periods: in 1958 when they first met, in 1966 eight years after and in their senior years in the mid-90s 29 years after the second passive encounter

Movie deals with illiteracy, sexual drive, the Holocaust, Nazi war crime, legal procedure, family, the past and secrecy

It is thought provoking, morally devastating, hurting

It all started by chance when Michael, a 15 year ago meets a pretty German bus conductor Hannah in her mid-30s discovering a common passion: Michael reading classic stories and poems, Hannah listening and sex

Two of the many books read were "The Odyssey" by Homer about a homecoming and "The Lady with Little Dog" by Anton Chekov, a classic short story

Michael selects the pieces and reads; Hanna simply listens and reacts

For reading to her, Michael is rewarded with sex

Hannah enjoys listening and learning, Michael as a literature students proficient in 3 languages loves selecting pieces and the reading

Michael's obsessions for Hanna starting with an affair to lust to love however came to a painful abrupt end for him

8 years later Michael as a law student sees her in court proceedings accused in a Nazi war crime resulting in the death of 300 Jews burned in a church

Michael was disturbed observing the legal procedure and was simply a passive observer not interacting with her

Secrets disclosed eventually unfolded when the two in due course connected in a non-traditional medium via recorded readings of literary works

Michael went through excruciating pain carrying the burden to himself:

• ·        As a young boy when the woman he fell in love with suddenly disappeared
• ·        Discovering her years later but with no contact and interaction
• ·        The woman he fell for is involved in a Nazi crime
• ·        An info he knew which can absolve accusations against her he withheld
• ·        A condition he learned later on which Hanna was ashamed to disclose
• ·        Secrets Michael kept to himself from his immediate family, his schoolmates, his wife and growing daughter
• ·        Never able to express how Hannah influenced him where he is now and mutually how Hannah learned skills because of him
• ·        The meet up that did not happen

The Reader shocks us with a powerful message that each one of us may have a dark past that we have to eventually deal with

How we deal with it may result in redemption, forgiveness, moving on or tragically deeper remorse and destruction

---

"I reread the Odyssey at that time, which I had first read in school and remembered as a story of a homecoming.

But it is not a story of a homecoming.

How could the Greeks who knew that one never enters the same river twice, believe in homecoming?

Odysseus does not return home to stay, but to set off again.

The Odyssey is the story of motion both purposeful and purposeless, successful and futile."

Bernhard Schlink, The Reader

---

•Quotes from The Reader https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/23684-der-vorleser

•Reviews https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-reader-2008

•Trailer https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0976051/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

•Trailer https://youtu.be/Qc3HDorGzBc

•Film Summary https://youtu.be/G3nN7PDsBd0

Shown on TapMovies in HD of CignalTV

Kindness in Taipei

 10 incidents experiencing kindness and willingness to help by the Taiwanese (and others)

1. Buying a uBike, MRT, bus ticket and registering the load at 7-11 Xinyi Anhe district, the system kept of rejecting the registration. It required a certain format of the Taiwanese sourced cell number

• Lady customer of 7-11 helped us interpret some instructions even with language constraints

• Googling for solution for hours at 7-11, we could not find one. Looked for the uBike kiosk, there was none near the Taipei 101 area

• The ticketing frontliner at the MRT underground station used his cellphone to answer our query, where is the uBike kiosk

• Not able to satisfy us, he called on his fellow frontliner to assist us

• Finding the uBike station but without a kiosk, we spotted a young violinist parking his bike

• With some language constraints understanding our concern, he diagnosed our difficulty

• He gave us the correct format of the cellphone, add a “0” before the number

• It worked

• Thank you, student

2. Following up our order of coffee and meals at a coffee shop in DadaoCheng to a lady barista who singlehandedly was processing all the orders and steps, a lady approached our table and assisted us

• She asked in English our requirements

• She followed up with the barista

• She delivered all orders and explained the story behind the food

• She also offered to teach us some Taiwanese expressions

• Then she served us complimentary desserts

• It turned out she was a fellow customer at “COFFEE” who speaks English and other languages

• Thank you, madam

3.Looking at a leather store at a DadaoCheng alley, an elderly man alone in the shop was busy sewing a leather item

• He stood up and showed the items explaining as best as he can his creations

• After spending some time with us, he showed us a collection of biblical quotations embossed in small tags

• He asked us to select, then he put in a leather tag as a gift

• He asked for a name then showed us the process of embossing names manually and using a laser printer

• He asked us to emboss our names on the leather tag

• It touched us that a man of his age would go out of his way to attend to us random walk ins

• As he was so disciplined with his craft, procedural and charming in dealing with younger people, he reminded us of our father

• That moment alone made our visit to Taipei complete

• Thank you, Taco, for the gifts and your gentle presence

4. Eating at Taiwan Mama at the Huashan Creative Park Zhongzheng District concept restaurant, the staff took our orders and served them

• Curious about the soy based raw bean curd, the attentive staff took time to explain us the process

• She went out of her way to find a link on how the bean curd in produced going through several steps

• Ending he explanation, I casually asked if she could prepare the dish

• Out of character, she flipped her hair and expressed something like “ako pa!” in Taiwanese drawing laughter and appreciation from us

• That cemented our cordial relationship with her

5. Needing Taiwanese Dollars, I entered a bank at DadaoCheng district, I asked for help from a greeter at the entrance

• Understanding my need to purchase local currency, he directed me to the 2/F

• Without waiting, a male bank front liner attended to me

• I asked for options which he provided: Taiwanese Dollars can be purchased using American Dollars but not Philippine Pesos

• He added that I can also withdraw using my Philippine debit card using the ATM

• Choosing ATM, he went out of his counter and accompanied me to the ATM machines at the 1/F

• Not successful at first due to a wrong entry, he patiently waited for me to complete the transaction

• The attention he gave to a walk-in client who surely was not a gold account was exceptional

6. Taking the MRT for the first time, I looked at the posters and guides for instruction

• I then proceeded to the ticket counter to purchase

• I was quoted 25 Taiwanese Dollars from Belmen to Taipei 101 stations using the green and the red lines and was issued a token

• Observing how the commuters enter the turnpike, most of them were tapping cards not token

• I asked the lady at the counter how to use the token

• She stepped out of the counter, went outside and showed me the token tap sensor

• She then reminded me to change from green to the red line at the Chang Kai Shek station

• While I thought this was more than service, she then asked to look for a token slot different from the sensor when I exit at Taipei 101 station

• Truly this was exceptional considering she was speaking in Taiwanese

7. While resting for the next round of shops to inspect at the Huashan Creative Park, I made an effort to reply to a climbing friend who detected I was in Taipei

• Sending a message via messenger, she asked the night before if we can meet up

• Replying 12 hours after, she asked where I was, when I was leaving and how many were we

• She immediately offered; I’ll host dinner at 7 at New Taipei City Banqiao district giving specific instructions on how to reach the place on a busy Friday night by MRT

• Coming from her plant, she reserved a table and ordered food

• Not familiar with the route, we were terribly late by 40 minutes

• Apologizing, she did not make us feel guilty, “you are my friend,” she said in fluent Pilipino

• On short notice, we were treated to a different filling evening hearing stories on how life is in Taiwan, how she deals and helps Filipino workers in her plant giving us a perspective on working in her country

• Thank you for a wonderful and different night

8.  At the Giant bike store in Sogo at the Zhongxiao district, the store officer provided us information critical in the selection and appreciation of bicycle and accessories

• He explained within limited time the differences between Giant, Momentum and Liv brands

• The taxes inputted for the three different brands

• Bikes and models appropriate for daily commuting, long ride and relaxing chill

• Features of pinpointed bikes and packing for out-of-town dispatch

• His personal experience as a biker educating us in our selection of bikes appropriate for our needs

• Thank you, Giant staff

 

9. On a rainy and cold Friday, we advanced the Xinbeitou hot spring visit by a day

• New to the place, my companion spotted a group of young Thailander ladies roaming around

• They offered to take our pictures and eventually led us to the initial phase of the walk

• Returning tourists, they were familiar with the area giving us suggestion on how to go about appreciating Xinbeitou on a wet morning

• After we established our bearings, they left us for their own planned activities

• While dining, we were seated behind a French lady on a solo trip

• She happened to be a pediatrician on a vacation leading to some exchanges on insights in English on France and Taiwan

• Two groups welcomed us with pleasantries that paved the way for nature to show us the splendor of the natural spring

• Thank you, tourists, from Thailand and France

10. Departing at the Taoyuan International Airport, I failed to process online an eTravel declaration card for RP Department of Health for returning travelers

• What I had was an exit from the Philippines eTravel and my original vaccination IDs

• The front liner of China Airlines processed my check in requirements manually but asked to fill in the form online

• She stepped out of her counter, asked for my cell phone, gave me data access, and guided me with the info to fill in

• She declared that she already checked me in but will release the documents upon completion of the process

• She gave me a space where I can conveniently input until the QR code issuance

• I was told not to fall in line when I flash the QR code to her to release the documents

• I felt so important to the desk officer

• While seated on the plane, I found out she placed me in a 3-seater row all for myself

• Thank you, China Airlines desk officer

On night of our arrival, in a company of family, we were invited to their friend for a special dinner at iconic Dian Shui Lou at the Nanjing District

• Without disclosing details, that dinner alone with the family already set the tone for a cherished out of country visit

• It set us up not only gastronomically to be open and accepting to the kind souls extending to guide us during the trip

Taiwan treated me with exceptional customer service orientationAll of them went beyond servicing going the extra mile consistently to address a visitor’s need

Whether required as a professional or a citizen assisting someone in need, the core of their excellent servicing orientation is their value inherent in their DNA

The values of kindness, giving help to someone in need, strong sense of patriotism

What do they say of kindness, it is the fiber of the human spirit

It is an understanding of the reality that we all go through struggles

Kindness when extended unexpectedly heals validating the joy of being human

Thank you to my companions and friends for making the experience memorable

Taiwan’s infrastructure, the citizen’s service orientation and a seasoned company of travelers simply flowing with, and our adventurous spirit all surfaced in this fantastic break

Returning back to Terminal One in Manila, riding in a regular taxi, the registered driver set his conditions: not a metered ride, add a little for the ride back home in his run down but maintained taxi

Welcome back to the Philippines

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Writer is a facilitator of a capability building module Collaboration for Value, a disciplined process of connecting with customers resulting in satisfying their needs