Foreseen Journey

I wonder how travel will be like when this is all over...

We were set to travel in Spring of 2022. Now, the whole pandemic global situation is shaping a different future for travel. Is it going to be a lot easier? reasonable? exciting? The goal of our next family trip is to teach our children the technicalities of going on a trip. Having an 18 yr. old by that time, it is important for him to learn and experience travel at that age.  From booking a flight, policies, insurance, airport transfers, accommodation and arriving safely to their desired destination. Later on, they will venture on their own, especially that we have a family abroad.

That was the plan...

But now, we need to think of a travel scenario with the effects of the current global situation. With all that is happening, the fate of my kids are at stake. Education, recreational activities, social, it's affected. I might end up home- schooling them if this will not end soon. Time keeps going, my kids are growing and suddenly, everything went to a halt, a reality we need to battle and endure as parents.

Travel plays a significant role in preparing them to be independent. It is the one thing we need to inject to our boys in order for them to thrive further and never to limit themselves. Our purpose as parents is clear, we will go for it. But the question is, will the next journey be fitting with the aftermath of Covid- 19?

With that, I’m grateful for the chance we were given to take the kids to visit our family in America before all this began. I pray, by the time we're set to roll out our next trip, the fruit of this pandemic will be for a safer, cleaner and a more secure travel experience that will welcome all adventurers back both sea and air.

THE GREAT EQUALIZER

I am a stay at home mom for 16 years. There were times when my status was questioned in a world where women normally work. The only difference is, my role stays and responsibility adds up based on the current situation. Work is 24/7 to secure, balance, and to “maintain” a life that will be healthy for the well- being of my 3 boys and a cat.

The challenge now is, I’m put in a situation where I have limited access serving my purpose everyday.  One of the obstacles that me and my family has to face, is being in a community, exposed where a big number of Covid- 19 cases in QC are from. My strong partnership with my other half is the major player in this pandemic. We work together. We function as one and that is vital in situations where we need to think first than react to things.

When this is over, all boils down to the basic principles of life, mind set tells it all. Though I don’t earn anything, but the tasks I have been doing in my 16 years as a stay at home mom, the gift of readiness, is paying off.

All of us are struggling, the world is suffering.

Still, we are blessed that at least one of us can go buy food even if we are on Extreme Community Quarantine. We move on, we stay healthy, we have means of communication and we still have access on basic commodities.

In other countries, people are being cut- off entirely so they stay home. Some are subject to 7 years in jail if they don’t follow. Some are beaten up as punishment for not following quarantine protocols and these are facts.

Here in the Philippines, even if most Filipinos are stubborn, we still have accessibility. It’s tougher, but we can still move around without getting hurt, let’s be Grateful.

This government is preparing aid for millions in the informal sector. Put somebody from the opposition, it will be the same. It’s a sad reality for this country. Leaders have come and go but the problem in the informal sector has remained the same. In all efforts made, execution won’t be perfect, but something is done. No one can carry out all these overnight, let’s just cooperate. Bashing and politicizing the situation will only make things more complicated.

Do what is told, abide with the existing rules, because even the WHO, the UN and the so- called super powers of the world, are challenged by this unseen enemy.

Regardless who is in government, this is not the time to say who can do better, who is the right person to lead. In the end, this is all on us. The wealthy, the poor, the middle- class, the first world down to the poorest nation, the young, the old, tax payers, the street dwellers, the sick, the healthy, the unemployed, no one is spared.

Our actions are as contagious as this sickness we are fighting. Share for the greater good, not for some selfish reason.

Patience, understanding, perseverance and HUMILITY are needed now more than anything else. Use this time to reconnect with God, make faith stronger it will protect you both body and soul.

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This is happening for a valid reason. The world stopped, giving us a chance to redefine what life is all about.

Easy said than done right? But you see, life is what you make it. Our survival is based on how each one of us will accept and handle adversities such as a health crisis. Allow yourself to find the good in every situation.

You’re the artist of your own life. It is you who will foresee and project your future, it is your responsibility, not your chosen president, not the mayor you wanted, it’s you, just you and only you.

Outside Filipino, Panitikan

This post was created a few months ago. Please pardon for the late posting. I was hesitant at first, but this topic is very important to be seen on a wider perspective, so let me share my personal thoughts on it as a parent of 2 young boys.

Coming from a home where I have maintained English as the first language spoken, at the same time, live around the traditions and culture as Filipinos, I have to say, that yes, removing Filipino, Panitikan in the college curriculum is okay.

Who am I to say why it is okay? 

Read on...

The moment we came out in this world, regardless where you’re from, which country you grew up in, awareness of our roots begins from the very walls of our homes. Schools are institutions that give us the chance to broaden our idea of the said culture and background. They’re also the very same body that helps us practice and embrace these traditions outside our homes.

Taking the said subject out of the curriculum does not make us less of a Filipino, especially when it’s taken from a certain level of education where we should have embraced our nationality by heart and mind.

In my own opinion, this is just a step up, in preparation for the world that is globally competitive. Work begins with good communication skills and with English being the main language. As a matter of fact, a third language would be an asset.

3 languages, 4 or more, does not rip you off from your roots as a Filipino. The foundation during our primary and secondary days in school has made us love and appreciate who we are. Our history, our traditions to our beliefs are intact. 

As a parent of 2 boys, who will lead their own families too, I look at the bigger picture. I searched for the benefits instead.  It’s simplifying work load of students and putting their concentration on something that can be more useful now and in the future. 

In the end, our beloved institutions are still given the freedom, the choice whether to include Filipino, Panitikan in the school curriculum.

True Colors

Please be advised that this event I'm about to share happened in the past. I am in a better state now that's why I'm able to put it into context. I was hesitant to make this post or to put this entry online. But if I don't, then that makes me untruthful and worse, towards myself. We all go through adversities, what's life without it.

It was a tough 2 years for me. 

Staying positive is an important aspect I hang on to everyday to remain sane in my daily challenges. But with the bombardment of assumptions towards me as a person, as a mom, as a wife and just simply a girl who was able to make her first travel extraordinary,  the lighter side dimmed down. 

Change happened after our family vacation in the United States 3 years ago. There was a bit of a struggle going back to our daily grind after living there for almost half a year. While we were in America, I was warned by my husband of the changes that could happen, especially because I've experienced and seen what life is in a different perspective. 

The very reason why we made our long time plan to travel to the United States materialize was because our children were old enough to appreciate the experience. It was due time to see our family abroad and for the fact that it will take a long time before we can make such event happen again.

This travel unfolded easily for us, it felt right so we went on with it. The feeling was surreal because I was with my own family. The experience became extraordinary because it was a dream fulfilled with my children. It changed my perception in life. How to react on things, how to deal with people and how to be more sensitive of my surroundings. I became knowledgeable of things people most probably thought I'm not capable of. 

When we were finally home from our trip, I was so excited to tell stories about the things I learned and experienced to anybody who was ready to listen. But the reception was different, some got disappointed because we weren't able to meet their expectations. Others were not as enthusiastic just because "maybe",  they don't want to show they're excited for us. Some were truly thankful and happy for the gifts we got for them. 

As the days moved on, it turned into months and came a point when my other half had to leave for the United States again.  There were few who questioned our motives and most especially our capability to pursue the plan of moving to the United States. It came to a point when a certain individual even researched and tried to debunk our said goal.

We share these things because being part of the small group we trust, it is more likely expected that we will get support, that we will get encouragement, but that did not happen. Anyway, I survived this particular phase.  

In 2017, I functioned as a single mom for 6 months because my husband had to take care of things in the United States. I was at my best everyday to get by as a single parent. 

During this timeline, my role as a stay at home mom was also questioned. Why am I not working? Apparently for some, work, money and title are forms of empowerment. I greatly respect that, but no one can choose what I should do and tell me what I should contribute.  

For the past 15 years, I maintained a well- balanced home, I created a healthy environment for my family, and that's all on me and my husband. The sacrifices I  made are worth more than the money and power these people are suggesting. 

My purpose is to keep our family intact despite the distractions we are getting, despite the intruders that came into our family life. Support is the very foundation of every good deed. Once it crumbles down, it loses the whole essence and reason of doing the deed at all. 

Lessons and Realizations: 

Find your purpose and focus on it than on someone else's life. 

Plant memories beyond what money can buy and what will stick to those you love once you leave this world. 

The best thing about hard times and defining moments is you get to see the true colors of those around you. 

0o0

What happened for the past 2 years was a turning point for our family. A complete transition. We saw our plan of the future as something good, we were filled with so much hope. With the feedback we got, we thought, it is also something we should learn to let go.

Even with the absence of support, there were those who remained true. I commend the people who reached out and cheered us on.

I learned to play around it by standing firm. I remain quiet but I know when to treat a situation and demand respect in return. 

The Passing of Emo

2018 is indeed the saddest year for us... Not only we encountered something difficult with a friend, but it became truly heartbreaking because our Beagle Emo passed away last October 15, 2018.

The passing of our dog was one of the things I feared the most. It feels like we lost a special person in our lives. We mourn and we still are in the process, missing his presence a lot. Emo brought so much joy and love especially to our children. A Beagle is a great companion, a loyal dog and a sensitive one, it feels whether his masters are troubled or excited.

I can't go to details as to how he passed, what happened... Better if I celebrate the life he shared with us...

Emo Making My Day Brighter

EMO

When Emo Met Jazzy

We appreciate all the love and support that went our way with the passing of Emo... The outpour of comments on our social media pages that described their knowledge and experiences with Emo... Everybody knows Emo as a lovable Beagle. Emo is a one of a kind dog... Emo is emo, no other pet can be like Emo. My eldest son was the most affected with this event. It was our first time to see and hear him cry so hard... Emo was his from the very beginning. We got Emo for him... A day, a week without Emo beside our son makes him feel that something is missing.

It has been 2 months since Emo's passing and it has been a difficult stage for us because we also need to balance our son's emotions, and at the same time, move on with life without Emo... To be honest, this entry is making me emotional. I pause and stare out the window taking some time to breathe in this reality.

You are truly special and a one of a kind companion Emo... you will always be in our hearts... Be one with the Universe again...

Emo: December 28, 2010- October 15, 2018

Closure

Being able to share part of the story that made our year extraordinary was a form of closure to me. I waited 2 months after the event in order to put things together and face the impact once I made these posts: 

2018 The Onlisystem
2 Sides of the Story

My intention and my choice why I created these entries was not to destroy but to bring awareness. To give some realization that things like these happen, it was my first time to experience where a friend got so deeply involved. 

As the unfortunate event was transpiring, I was in total denial. To a point that during the week my dad confronted our friend,  my husband and I welcomed him and his wife to our home, without the knowledge that something was already going on.  It all made sense when I found out what happened with the project and connected everything to the time when they were asking about my father.

Going back to bringing awareness, if I was to destroy somebody, I would have dropped names and even posted pictures and documents.  I will never gain anything from doing that, as a matter of fact, it will only taint my being because I wasn't raised to counter things and events like these. I was taught to remain silent, that there is always a Higher Being watching our every move, hearing our every intention, and taking note of what we do to others. 

My family always give people the opportunity to make things right. If something was said on our part, well, that was out of frustration and disappointment, and I think that's just normal for anyone.

I personally took this as a turning point, a learning curve. I know better now, I will be more careful when it comes to people, especially when friends are involve. 

As to that friend of ours, you weren't as bad until this happened. Thank you for the fun times you shared with our family. You are still welcome to come and fix what needs to be fixed. You will still get your last paycheck as long as you clear your billing statement.  Thank you for still being a friend to my husband who is one of the most affected in all of this. Don't expect things to remain the same. There is a reason why my husband is still with you, but once we reach our goal as a family, I pray, when that opportunity comes, my husband, can move forward from this and without you.

The impact of everything that happened has done so much damage in our personal lives. We can earn the money back, but when people and relationships are affected, it will take time. It will take a lot of humility and forgiveness to put closure to this sad event.

We are in the process of healing, we try our best to forget and move forward by not talking about it, we thrive to see the good in the mess we got into, and that is why this blog will serve as closure for all.

We will leave everything in the hands of God, accept what it was, and embrace what good it will be.

-Updated-

2 Sides of The Story

In relation to the post I made entitled 2018 The Onlisystem, in this entry, I'll be shedding light on how I personally feel about the unfortunate event that transpired. I will look on the idea in this whole fiasco, "if" there are still 2 sides that exist. 

In everything we do, it's always only for the good or for the bad. We give and we take. The only thing that will make the difference is when we give more, if we give less, or if we take less and we take more. Given both "choices", it greatly define our intentions on situations and most especially towards others.

I highlighted the word "choices" because it will be the measurement and my basis why in the story about The Onlisystem, there is only one side to consider. Everything I shared in that post are based on facts, we have photos and documents to back things up.

We chose to work with a friend for the build- out of my parents' house because "we trust" that he will deliver. He guaranteed everything verbally. Whatever what was agreed upon, it was verbally emphasized that we, as clients will get our money's worth in restoring our precious home. 

Everything flowed naturally. Like I said, it started out well, but right in the middle of it, we knew that we were already being taken advantage of. It's hard to explain on text, better to see the site or "our house" in person, but why go through that when it's done. The mistake was made.

We gave our friend a chance to attend to the concerns. We reached out to him several times, even through my husband, his close friend. My father had to come up with other things they can work on to give them opportunities to fix the problem and still earn. They ignored everything, and that my friends was a choice! Even given opportunities to fix the problem and damages, he, they let it pass like nothing happened. 

As clients, it's normal for us to ask and question because we are spending money. Can't that be enough to put value on somebody's dream to have his house fixed so it can serve his family? We entrusted our family life, our stories with him and yet...

Once we make a choice, it means whatever it is that is involve, has brushed our heads, giving us time to think and gauge how are we going to get through, and what are the next steps we need to take.  In this case, our friend whom we trusted, chose to leave things hanging. He chose not to face and fix the mess made, he chose to proceed like he didn't do any damage. Is it even worth to know the other side of the story? 

Given any situation, the next best thing anyone could have done was to face the problem. Exert effort and show that if that's not who you are, take the moment or opportunity to prove yourself. In running a business, everything will be thrown at you, what we had was just minor compared to those who spend time in court, and they can't even face the facts.

My family has fell victim to these types of people, you know, opportunists. For everytime things like these happen, we let it go, because the Universe will take care of them sooner or later.

I'll be honest, my family has learned to let it go already, it's me who is stuck with disbelief.

It saddens me and it breaks my heart to know that my parents has no choice but to swallow and deal with what was given to them. To live with this everyday, is shattering. This whole thing made me feel like I delivered the wrong person right at our very door steps, not a friend. 

 It is not easy for me to shrug it off because I considered the person who did all these things as family. We all considered him and his wife as family.

I am baffled by what just happened. Why it happened.