LUST’S PLAYGROUND

An objective writer is the one who is open to every perspective, views and opinions. A good writer has to be ready to explore all sides of an issue including what is politically unpopular, morally and culturally unacceptable. For a writer to be effective is to learn how to see things unbiased without compromising one’s aptitude to what is right and sensible. Moreover, a writer must be trained to suspend his judgment until all sides have been weighted upon.

A writer’s artistic skills may be honed by studying the styles and forms of other writers. To fully experience the variation and diversity of this endeavor, one has to discover the many facets of life including those that are uninspiring, the macabre; the ambiguous; the profane. Any writer can go as far as to be notorious in this field however it is recommended to take responsibility of the readers’ sensibilities.

Recently, I came across the site www.pinoyliterotica.com as I was surfing the net. It is a sharing portal for, so-to-speak, “erotic literature” yet most of those written there are hardly of literary value. While one may find the site sleazy and ribald, it is noteworthy that many of the contributors are creative and some are highly-skilled writers even. Despite the graphic, even scandalous content, there are points one can learn from the artistic, albeit sexual, expression of the writers.

The following piece is from this site. I found it interesting and while it is in keeping with the genre of the site, it is finely attuned to the taste of those otherwise find the contents of the site unsavory. No wonder, it generated so many positive reaction and reviews from the members of the site. Entitled Lust’s Playground is written by someone under the pen-name Lil’ Miss’ Lust. I would have been proud myself to stamp my real name on such a fine work and not under a pseudonym. But at the end of the story I realize that there is value in anonymity that gives us courage to be ourselves. Using the Seven Deadly Sin as metaphorical characters, it is a satirical depiction of the human tragedy due to these sins. I find it not only finely written but with a strong lesson for all who may find ourselves (believe me, we all are) in such human condition. Here it is.

Lust’s Playground
Written by: Lil`Miss`Lust

Once upon a time, A Man and woman eloped and had seven children.
The first child was Pride. He was vain, judgmental and boastful. He wanted to be the best and failed to acknowledge other’s good work. Being the eldest, he would compete and not give way to his siblings.

The second was Greed, he wanted everything, money, power and status for himself. He never got along with everyone especially with Pride. He’s a competitive fellow and he hates to loose.
The third was Envy, She was such a resentful child, always wanting what other’s have and more. She’d keep her friends close and enemies closer, she’d whisper falsity amongs her friends to ruin others. Amongst her closest kin was Wrath.

Wrath was the seventh and youngest of the siblings, He was such an angry and rambunctious fellow, never thinking of consequences, he would throw tantrums and everywhere he went there was pain, disaster and destruction. He was much more active than his elder brothers Gluttony and Sloth, They were not much harm but they were not much helpful either. They just stayed at home eating and sleeping.

The fourth was Lust; she succumbs to her carnal fantasies and desires. Men and women wanted her. Reason enough for Pride, Greed and especially Envy to despise her. Growing up, Lust was made to be loathed and shamed by her own siblings that made her crawl and hide in the darkness of secrecy. For the land that they lived in was ruled and governed by super egoistic preachers and politicians who were overpowered by the towering might of Pride and Greed.

For years, the society have accepted the siblings, you will see plainly who befriends Pride, Greed, Envy, Sloth, Gluttony and Wrath but you would rarely see those who befriends Lust for the society has branded her a shame.

Lust however is as busy as her other siblings; she would crawl into the night and dance with every man and woman who seeks her and when morning comes, those who found her and have danced with her would only bury it in secrecy never to tell another soul for they will be shamed. Lust lived in this manner; secrecy, deception and lies became her companions until one day, an invitation came.

Lust eagerly opened the invitation, it was for a masquerade! Lust was filled in ecstasy, she searched for a suitable dress and mask for the occasion and soon found herself mingling with men and women in masks.

Lust enjoyed each and every moment listening to the songs and stories of them accepting and fulfilling their own carnal desires. This is her place. This is her sanctuary away from Pride’s judgment, away from Greed’s dominance, away from Envy’s poison and Wrath’s fire.

Amidst the crowd was a bard, he was different from all others that he had Lust by intrigue. He sang the sweetest songs of love, lust and romance. There was something about his songs that struck a string in Lust’s soul.

Lust pushed against the thick crowd that envelopes the bard but just before she reached out him, he ran away and left. Murmurs of pain and deception filled the air devouring the remains of the bard’s sweet words and song. The masquerade continues and Lust continued to dance with the men and women.

Soon, a gentleman came to the masquerade; he wore such elegant and stylish suit and an appropriate mask. He sang and spoke of love, pain, romance and lust so sweet that it seduced almost all the women in the ball. Soon enough, a thick number of people were enveloped around him listening to his songs and words.

Lust stood still from where she was standing, listening to the newcomer’s songs and words. It seems too familiar she said. The words lead to his soul, though there were twists and turns and the tune may have been rearranged but the soul and tone is the same… the same as the bard’s.

She smiled as she approached the newcomer eager to fill in her intrigue. No, she does not wish to dance with him. She wanted to look into his soul. She wanted to understand why he knows her too well or why she dreamt of those songs long before this masquerade. She pushed through the thickness of the crowd but alas…

When she came close enough to touch him, she tripped and accidentally took off his mask and again a loud murmur of pain, agony and deception filled the air erasing the songs and sweet melody. Enraged, the bard/the newcomer threatened to leave the masquerade forever that made Lust feel sadness.

All of the sudden, Lust was enlightened. She looked at the people around her only to find her siblings among these people. Pride has spread his judgment to shame, Greed dominated them, Envy poisoned them and Wrath has already lit up his fire.

The masquerade will soon be over. Lust’s playground has been infiltrated and dominated by her siblings. What happens next will be uncovered in due time…..

*I do not make the stereotypes. I just see them.*
its really ironic that people can only be truly who they are if they are under the cloak of anonymity.

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THE HOLIDAYS

It’s been a month after Christmas but I heard my next door neighbor humming to the tune of “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” as he passed by while ago. From across the street I could still hear occasional Christmas music. Some decorations are still at my aunt's living room when I visited the other day. As the national election is fast approaching, one political ad campaign on TV has been playing to the tune of “Silent Night”. Mind you, we’ll be hearing this ad all the way through Lent which is strictly observed in this predominantly Catholic country. Moreover, politicians’ posters bidding the electorate the season’s greetings are still hanging on power poles, trees and plastered on walls. Perhaps these posters are here to stay until the election is over in May.

Although the Philippines has been known to have the longest yuletide celebration, we seem can’t get enough of Christmas. Not that I am complaining. In fact I feel it as a welcome relief to be constantly reminded of the festivities, the joyful anticipation and the warm memories made during this season. Unfortunately, this annual holiday has become for us a panacea to the hardships of living we experience the rest of the year. We tend to break-away from the daily routine and we use the merry-making as an opportunity to get-away from the stresses of living just to be confronted by another set of stresses brought about by the demands of traditions.

As the season comes to its end on the Feast of Epiphany (traditionally called the Feast of the Three Kings), we go back to the regularity of life. Most are left exhausted after all the tedious preparations. Many have little money left and hurry themselves back to work to pay the bills accumulated during the celebrations. And some are left with a void inside them searching for some sense to it all.

It would have been nice to experience Christmas year round. However, it is impossible. Come to think of it, would it still be special if we celebrate it everyday? Just imagine seeing holiday trimmings and decorations; hearing carols, exchanging greeting and gifts everyday, all these would be ordinary. It may even become trivial.

Yet, it is possible to be in the yuletide spirits the whole year round. It is not necessary for us to have the glittering façade we create during the holiday season. Instead, we may opt to live its message of hope and bring joy to others especially in times of desolation.

The Christmas spirit is alive indeed throughout the year in the hearts of those who give unconditionally and are working to make a change in the lives of others. As the last phrase from that traditional Filipino Christmas song says, “Tayo ay magmahalan. Ating sundin ang gintong aral. At magbuhat ngayon kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan.” (Let us love each other. Let us live the golden rule. And from now on we give to each other even if it isn’t Christmas.)

So if we wanted to feel the Christmas spirit throughout the year, let us not only "Give Love On Christmas Day" but everyday.

P.S.

Let us not forget our brothers and sisters, the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. May we do our share to help them. God bless everyone!

BOB AND THE MEMORIES OF HOT FM

I became DJ Flame when I started working at a small community-based radio station here in Pasay City. It was called 107.1 HOT FM. It was a franchise network of the Manila Broadcasting Company, the pioneer in Philippine broadcasting. My life there was very exciting, full of unprecedented experiences that I never planned possible for me. However, it wasn’t as glamorous or lucrative as many thought it was. Other than a share of influence as media personalities, at least in the community we were being heard, the challenges of keeping ourselves on-air was more than anybody could handle. Practically without enough financial resources, we have to sell timeslots and advertisements to earn. Since we were restricted by law to broadcast on a wider range than what was allowed us, our market was limited. Moreover, we are not competitive enough against radio networks which are technically superior and have sophisticated broadcasting facilities.

But whatever lack we had was compensated by people who are willing to help us in any way they can; people who came from all walks of life. I have never encountered so much diversity in people as when I was there.

The employment hopelessness in this country has driven a few among the population to work as volunteers for any task or sell commodities without regular pay; mostly do sales to earn on a commission basis. So, we had volunteers to work for us as sales agents called Account Executive. Aside from the chic title, the basic fact remains that they only earn if they sell ads.

Outstanding among them is Bob. Maybe because he was the most senior in age among the lot of agents, he was the most driven. But, it was certain that it was his being a family man that made him work hard more than anybody. As Marketing Manager, I appointed him to lead the younger and carefree agents who were there just for the experience and thrill of being part of a radio station.

Contrary to the notion that to be an effective sales agent one has to be very sociable and overwhelmingly aggressive, Bob was more quite-type but not timid. He was sociable enough yet his presence was unobtrusive. There was a mild authority in him enough to effectively carry-on as a leader. He was much respected by all. In the midst of intrigues (believe me there was a lot!) and politics within the organization, he was never embroiled in any of it; except maybe for one person I remembered who was jealous of his position but he didn’t took her seriously. His maturity triumphs over the pettiness and triviality in the station.

We could learn so much about a person from his resume and bio-data, granted how truthful the information stated there. Perusing over Bob’s record, I could tell he was a hard working person. He had worked as a courier/messenger, office clerk, utility man, factory worker, production supervisor, reflexologist/ masseur even as a cake maker/ baker. He had a vocational education in Communication Technology however, just like most vocational graduates in this country, job opportunity is nil or gets to be underemployed which is better than no job at all.

Bob belongs to an uncommon religion, as distinct from the major religious groups in this country such as Christianity, Islam, Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) or Jehovah’s Witnesses. He belongs to a group called Essenes which I recalled was a Jewish cult in the Holy Land during the time of Christ. However, I had this impression that it was just a local cult here founded by someone who may have adopted the name and form but had nothing to do with the ancient religion. But whatever notion I had about his religious affiliation was not important. Rather, it was our respect for each others’ person.

Aside from our professional relationship at work, I was personally drawn to Bob due to my interest in religion and spirituality. Later on, he told me he was impressed by my interest and that he seldom meets people of such interest. Despite the disparity in our faiths, I being a Roman Catholic, there was a mutual respect for each others belief. I never remember any incident of argument or dissenting point of view that may have created animosity between us. In fact, not a few times, I requested him to lead us in prayer before a meeting or say grace before meal. He was reluctant at first because, according to him, they have a different way of praying. Nonetheless, I assured him that it was alright to pray differently; that it was the spirit of prayer that counts. I found out that there was nothing too unusual in his way of praying, aside from the little awkward raising of one elbow with two or three fingers flexed as if in benediction (just like a priest), I saw nothing different. Even the words are the same except they don’t end with “in Jesus’ Name” or “through Christ our Lord.”

Bob was inspiring in his dedication and commitment to a task. He was present whenever he is needed. He never contradicted me not because I was his superior but because he trusted me. Afterall, he was not obliged to follow since he wasn’t a regularly paid employee. He was a volunteer. There was a time he waited for hours outside the door of my one-room apartment as I was still asleep. Not wanting to disturb me, he just stayed there for ‘God-knows-how-long’ until I woke up and discovered him as I opened my door. Everytime he comes to my place, I was more than willing to entertain and make him stay for mealtimes knowing it was the least I can do to make up for his extraordinary efforts.

Despite his poverty, Bob was never demanding of anything. But of course, the good-natured owner of the station, Mr. Hilario Trestiza (nicknamed Ayong), never failed to extend any help to him voluntarily. Most of the time, it was hard for him to go to the station because he haven’t got enough for travel fare. Oftentimes, he has to borrow extra cash from neighbors just to do that. As our broadcasting operations slowly deteriorated, I felt some pangs of guilt whenever he was in the station just sitting there without substantial task to do. Yet just like me he stayed on, not leaving Ayong who has become a good friend to us.

When almost everyone has given up on our fight to keep HOT FM on air, Bob was with us hopeful and aspiring that the time will come that we will overcome our limitations and succeed in our endeavors. Although not wanting to give up yet, by the middle of 2004, I have sensed the bleakness in the future. So, I told him to move on and get a regular job to support his family. “Don’t wait on us”, I told him. It is unfair for his family to wait for some promise that may never happen. I said to him, “It was nice to dream but we have to wake up and face reality”. Besides, I added, I myself was scouting some other avenues for opportunities. He understood what I meant. From that moment, he slowly ceased to come to the station. He did visit us a few times after. Also, he did send us ‘text’ (SMS) messages to our mobile phones exchanging pleasantries. The last thing I knew about him was that he was working as a laborer in a construction site. Suddenly, I felt sympathy for him. His physical frailty (he was about 167 cm. and 55 kg.) may not endure the rigors of the job in a construction. Yet, I admired him for his courage. Indeed, any man will do anything for the survival of his family.

In the span of almost three years since we first went on-air; beginning with so many people, there was only the four of us who was left to carry-on: me; Onie, our lead broadcaster; Nemet, our technician and of course, Ayong. However, even from a distance, Bob was still with us in some sense. His constantly keeping in touch reassures us that he was still available for anything (except money of course) he could extend to the station. Despite of his offer, I never bothered him for anything since we couldn’t promise him anything yet.

Bob’s sticking it out with us inspite of the personal odds he faced was something beyond words. He has regarded us as his friends. He may have been desperate to have a job yet he stayed on with us until we closed shop. He could have left us much earlier since we, in management, had been truthful about the job they applied for; no compensation unless they sell to earn commission. In fact, the others had left for much lucrative endeavors. I remember the finest DJ who applied with us (we named him DJ Torch), very talented and very professional, did not last long that in just two weeks he quit. He told me upfront with these words, “I have bills to pay and I need to do something that will put food on the table.” That was the last time I heard from that guy.

As the new year 2005 ushered in, we received the news that Bob was in the hospital. I don’t remember the exact ailment that brought him there. However, I recalled the text message from his wife said he was over fatigued. He was about less than a week in the hospital when we learned about it. So, we each shared whatever amount we have and asked Onie, our lead broadcaster, to bring it to Bob’s family.

On January 9, 2005, Bob passed away. He was only 34 years old. It was sudden. He left behind his wife and children who are too young to support themselves. As if it was some twist of fate that it happened on this day; the birthday of Ayong, the owner of our dearest HOT FM. It was as if he tells us that our friendship, no matter how brief, was enduring until death; and that he continues to be with us in our aspiration to make HOT FM a success someday. In fact, his wife told us that even in his dying moments he talked about HOT FM. Up to the last, he cared about us. It had been exactly five years ago, today, but Bob still lingers in our memories.

Indeed, the real beauty of the human relations is in the experience. People come and go in our life. Some affect us more than the others. No matter how briefly, some have this profound impact that makes us learn and grow in wisdom. Truly, to understand our humanity is to experience it among others. We may read all the books on Philosophy and the Social Sciences; or study psychology; or master the different art forms in Humanities yet nothing can suffice for the experience of being in touch with others.

How tragic that we often choose our association accordingly; categorized them and missed the opportunity to know certain people and the chance to learn from them. Just because of our personal preferences according to how educated, wealthy and socially acclaimed in their stature, we quickly dismiss those who don’t measure-up to our standards. Our common notion was that we have no use for them because we are much better of; or we simply find them uninteresting. Yet everyone has a worth more than anyone of us can ever conceive about. Our perception of people can be so benign that we fail to learn something from them if only we get into the depths of their existence.

A simple person like Bob may not have thought that he made an impact beyond those closest to him. If only he knew. Perhaps by now, wherever he is, he knows that he did. Just like Jack, the protagonist in the novel The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom, in heaven he realized that no matter how forlorn or insignificant our own lives may have been, each of us had an impact not only to those closest to us but in the people remotely associated with us. We often don’t realize that even strangers may play a significant role in our life and vice versa. Each has a worth because each has a purpose for being. Thus, nobody passed this life in oblivion.

We did not gave-up the battle to sustain our operation soon after Bob’s death. In fact, we offered our succeeding efforts in his memory. For honor, we wouldn’t want to let him down and prove that he had not died in vain. However, our dampened spirits and the shattering reality we faced made any effort futile. At that point in my contemplation, I asked myself, “Perhaps, Bob was telling us something other than “Keep on”? Maybe, he was telling us something I said to him long before, that was “to move on”? Soon enough, other opportunities came to each of us left by Bob.

After three years of broadcast activities, loud cheers and music, 107.1 HOT FM finally fell silent. Yet, the memories that we had will endure. We moved on without any regret for not keeping the fight for the radio’s survival. Our experiences in running the station are integral to the person we are at present. For if not for our most cherished HOT FM we would not have found friendship among us.

Bob, our fallen comrade in battle has not died in vain. His life was a testament to courage and determination; hard work and dignity in labor; loyalty and dedication. His uncomplicated relationship with others had proved that he was a man of good character. He may had lead a regular and humble existence yet his simple life made a statement that integrity and respect are the essential traits that any man should strive for more than anything in this world. Afterall, when we leave this realm we leave nothing but our name and the memories that endure in the hearts of those we left behind.

STAYING AWAKE FOR THE NEW YEAR

My earliest memory of the yuletide holidays are filled with awe and anticipation. I remember as a child during Christmas and new year eves, I was send to take my siesta (afternoon nap) so that I would not fall asleep to miss the festivities at midnight. These are perhaps the exclusive times when kids are allowed, if not required, to stay awake till after midnight.

Looking back, I collected my thoughts on why we have to stay awake particularly on new year’s eve. Aside from the noisy revelry and the bustling activity surrounding the event, which makes it impossible to sleep, the traditions and rituals of ushering the best of luck are the necessary points why we do stay up for the breaking of the years. It is a superstitious belief in our culture that whatever we do during the first hour (or day) of the new year will determine our fate throughout that year. Thus, having considerable cash on your wallet or purse will indicate that you will not run-out of money during the year. Eating 12 grapes or anything round and edible at midnight will assure prosperity. The use of loud and dangerous firecrackers and pyrotechnics are said to ward-off evil spirits. For kids, jumping as high as they can will make them grow much taller. I did that as a kid, yet my height only reached to about 5’1”, short even among the average male Filipino height. Much more unfortunate were the practices we did for good luck but did little to affect our life throughout the year. So much for superstition.

Our existence is bound by time and space. Our experiences are the product of the integration of whatever event that happens at a certain moment at a particular place. As I confine my philosophical gibber at those points, I believe much of what we do at the start of the year indicates our yearning for change. This explains why making new year’s resolutions a common practice. Whether it may be feasible or not, there is a tendency to make one specifically on this occasion since a psychological process is at work. The ‘timeliness’ of change is best equated at the start of the new calendar year. Thus, staying awake to welcome the new year shows that we are willing and ready for change. We stay awake to be more open to possibilities and be aware of opportunities which are impossible if we are ‘asleep’.

Change is an integral factor in our life that is inevitable. We are all subject to it. It is a continuous process. It is timeless. Change is now. Nothing happens when we sleep through the possibilities. Opportunities pass us by when we just lay there at rest. When we are asleep through time, our life is robbed of its meaning and a void is created within us.

Wakefulness, on the other hand, springs forth hope for the future. It prompts us to discover life as it unfolds with all its wonder and surprise. The mere anticipation of what lies ahead keeps one alert and ready to face whatever challenges that may come. In wakefulness we see life more than just existing. We experience meaning and purpose for living.

As we close the first decade of the 21st century, we usher in 2010 fully awake to what is to come. There may be no guarantees yet the unknown is less threatening if we are aware of the choices we have. Change may affect us good or bad, better or worst but it is to us to learn why things happen and whatever purpose it serves us. And when this year ends next year, we will be able to say that we have learned our lessons in life well. Indeed, we were able to learn simply because we were awake.

Have a wakeful existence in 2010 to experience a full life throughout the year. Happy New Year!

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

Unknown ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in his own image.
Several thousand years after the flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant.
Twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah;
thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt.
Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the Judges;
one thousand years from the anointing of David as king;
in the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel.
In the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome.
In the forty-second year of the reign of the Emperor Octavian Augustus;
In the sixth age of the world,
while the whole earth was at peace—
Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father,
desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming,
being conceived by the Holy Spirit,
and nine months having passed since his conception,
was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary.
Today, the twenty-fifth day of December,
is the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to the flesh.

LOOSING FACE YET FINDING PEACE

My cousin called me from her office ten months ago. She asked me if I could help her fellow attorney. I left awkward to learn that it was a marital problem. The assistance she needed was for me to surveillance her cheating husband. I think it was a pretty easy task; however, I didn’t want to do it even for a fee. I felt I was to intrude into somebody’s privacy. Not wanting to sound rude, I didn’t ask or suggest that she hire a private investigator for the job instead of me. In the next two hours, we talked about her predicament. It was evident that her husband has extramarital indiscretions. Yet, he had been truthful to her about that. So, what does she need me for such a task since it was known to her? Her answer was to help her finalize her decision to call it quits. If it was the case, what more proof will suffice to finally make a decision? I told her the usual encouragements to “give their selves a chance,” “don’t be drastic” and “try conceiving a baby”. I taunted her to look at things at a different perspective. But she was adamant. She wanted me to help her on this. Not my way but her way, of course. Reluctantly, I agreed not because I was eager but I wanted a way-out of it, fast. We exchange contact numbers to tell me when I shall begin my task. But twist of fate, a series of ailment afflicted me soon after our conversation. By the time she called me I was dealing with intestinal infection. Her timing couldn’t be so perfect when after a week she called again while I was down with the flu. Again, I had the perfect alibi. After recovering from the flu, I had an emergency dental procedure done. I had one molar extracted and a dental crown-fitted on the other. I was still in the midst of discomfort when she once again called me. Again, she wished me well. For almost six weeks I was in some pain or discomfort. Yet, I felt it was a blessing to be indisposed. After a few text and missed-calls, I came-up with reasons for me not to take the task she asked me. It was all I could manage to politely refuse her request. And she’s not dumb to know that soon enough she stopped connecting with me. I have not heard from her since. Pangs of guilt caught me for refusing to help her.

I was sympathetic to her plight yet I felt it was not right for me to meddle, even at a professional level. Besides, I know that even in her distraught, she wanted to save their marriage. For her to employ somebody to get further proof of her husband’s affair, the fact she already knew, was a delaying-tactic. She could very-well leave her husband instantly. Since they do not have kids makes their separation more bearable than if they do have one. Both have great careers going for them that it wouldn’t be hard to go on their separate ways. Still at their peak of productivity, the possibilities are bright for them individually. Each may even take a second chance at their personal life and enter new relationships. With all these weighted down, I am sure, what she wanted was her husband and make things work for them inspite her telling she wanted it over. If she did, she needs no further evidence. She could decide to leave him afterall he has been honest about his extramarital affair.

Amidst her calm demeanor, I could tell she was confused and just wanted some reassurance from others of her decision; that what she was to do is the right thing. But, is it what she truly wanted? Moreover, to talk about something so personal to a stranger may really indicate one’s state of anxiety. She was not hysterical but it was apparent that she was ambivalent about her wanting to pack-up and leave. These considerations were reasons enough for me not to take part in her odd scheme. Who knows, I might even get blamed if things go wrong. I can not afford to damage, even a part, of my person for any amount: at least not in this kind of task.

Recently, I learned from my cousin that the couple has adopted a baby girl and on their way to a new leash in family life. I didn’t regret not helping her in her proposed solution. It would have weighted much on my conscience if I had conspired with her plan. Supposing I did, it would have jeopardized them of the chance to live together and create a family. It would have robbed a child of an adoption that will give her love, care and a bright future.

At this point, I never regret putting her off and constantly making alibi to evade her. I don’t know what she thinks of me after all that. But, it doesn’t matter anymore. I know deep in my heart what I did was right. The complexity of the situation appeals to my sense of prudence not to be a cause of the couple’s break-up, which is likely if I participated. I bargained hard with my conscience to help or to abandon her in her plight. I chose the harsher option by not keeping my word and breaking the agreement to conspire with her at the cost of my integrity. Yet, it is a cheap price compared to the priceless value she earned by learning how to forgive, to manage hope in the midst of challenges, to have faith in the future and to find the fulfillment in love.

She risked loosing face by exposing her embarrassing predicament to me, a stranger reluctant to help her. Consequently, she found peace when she came into terms with herself and mend the broken pieces of her life to her alone is possible. As for me, I may have paid the price of loosing face in the process but, like her I am at peace with my conscience.

LIVE THE HEROIC INSPIRATION

LIVE THE HEROIC INSPIRATION

Efren Peñaflorida, Jr. was declared CNN Hero of the Year. Thanks to those, mostly fellow Filipinos, who voted for him online. In a way, this contest was not about whom among the nominees are better than the other or is a greater hero. Each of them is a hero in their own right.

Kuya Efren, as he is fondly called, coveted the title “Hero of the Year” with the prize amounting to $ 100,000 (approximately 4.6 million Philippine Pesos), 90% of which will fund his on-going advocacy to teach street children and 10% to benefit his church. Not a cent will go in his pocket. Of humble state and unassuming, Kuya Efren is a son of a tricycle driver and his mother a snack vendor. He gave-up his regular teaching job in a private school to be with street children teaching them to read, write, to do good grooming and values formation. The touching sight of him, on foot, going from town to town with his “kariton” (wooden push-cart) full of learning tools is truly moving. When asked by a journalist if he is going into politics, sure of himself, he said, “No.”

Efren puts to shame all those in this country who build a pedestal of heroism for themselves. They exploit the ignorance of the destitute to believe that they are (self-proclaimed) saviors of this impoverished country. For in fact, they just seek the privileged life of importance that feeds their ego. It is doubly tragic that even those who rose from humble beginnings to achieved fame and fortune has been consumed in the bonfires of the vanities. Instead of generating heroic inspiration from their personal success, it resulted only to commercial avarice and selfish ambitions. Instead of being paragons of appropriateness and morality, the taste of success has corrupted them to lead a life of notoriety. Tragically, just because they have achieved international popularity as a Filipino, they become instant heroes. This impulse to honor those who managed to get into the global stage to bolster national pride is a lame strategy of the politicians to cover up their failures and a propaganda tool for their electoral benefits. On the other hand, they are the creation of the media networks and conglomerates to boost their advertising agenda and further their commercial interests.

But the rise of the pseudo-heroes can be attributed to our myopic view of heroism. Efren was relatively unknown, except for some publicity he got from foreign and later in local media, within the twelve years since he took the heroic initiative of his. Until, this CNN Hero of the Year Award, very few in our country gave the slightest interest in his work. We waited until a foreign entity to catch our attention to the heroism of our ‘kababayan’ (countryman). Unless, one gets recognized abroad we don’t care specially, if one doesn’t have a name and a prominent social status to boast of.

Oftentimes, we are lost in the moments of glory when supposed heroes are bestowed upon with honor. But, it is not the act of honorary bestowal, the public acclaim or official proclamations that makes a hero. In some instances, these acts may even defy the very nature of the heroic deeds. Moreover, we beam when material rewards are given with the recognition. Yet, true heroes never aspire for all of these unless it furthers their noble cause. The real heroes shine not in the moments of honorary glory but in the labors, challenges and difficulties of every single moment of heroism. They inspire not when they show confidence and appreciation for the honors accorded to them but when they demonstrate dedication, perseverance and humility in fulfilling their vocation.

As we were momentarily taken into the reverie of heroic glorification, we relish the trappings of honor, the praises and ovations. However, these are but icing on the cake. After all that is said and done, we need to be awaken from the dream and get on with the reality that much is still to be done. One hero has showed us that change is possible and it beckons us to live our own heroic ideals. It does not require us to be extra ordinary. We can work with what we have. As we are, we can do something to make this world a brighter and more humane place to live in.

Kuya Efren, makes us proud to be Filipinos again. I have almost forgotten how proud I was to be a Filipino. I have seen nothing but simulated images of heroism in this country for the last two decades or so. Propaganda has marred the history of this country, if it wasn’t so, we wouldn’t be still in this hapless state. Yet, the likes of Efren give us hope. He reaffirmed, even in poverty, we are selfless people. The shameful and blatant oppression of our people by some egotistical brutes among us may seem more prominent because they have their names printed in official documents, publications and their calloused faces plastered on television and cinema. However, we don’t have to look far for those who help and take the initiative to work for altruistic motives. Some have their missions in secluded and forgotten areas where help is needed most. Neglected by the government, these areas are served by those who may have left their comfort zone, promising careers in the cities and away from their families to be of service to those in need. Most of them are practically unknown because they are not wealthy philanthropist or influential personalities. But, eventually, fate will one day reward them for every heroic deed. Their names shall be forever etched in the hearts of those affected by their heroism.

Our response to these heroic moments of glory should go beyond inspiration. This inspiration will not be beneficial if it remains to be so. Likewise, great ideas will remain just an idea unless they are realized. Thus, heroic inspiration has to be worked on and live. Indeed, the challenges are great. But I fervently pray that we who were inspired will have strength to be able to take the initiative and live the heroic inspirations our heroes had sparked within us.

“MABUHAY KUYA EFREN AT ANG LAHAT NG MGA PILIPINONG NAGSISILBI NG TAPAT AT WALANG KAPALIT! KAYO ANG TUNAY NA BAYANI!” (Long-live Kuya Efren and all Filipinos who genuinely serve without expecting any reward! You are true heroes!)