Proud Volunteer

"...I felll in love with the eyes looking at me, and the smiles. I think charity work is the most seductive thing in the world, and I've never done it before. For the first time, in your life you're surrounded by people who tell you you're making a difference..."

-Olivia Weston,

Trash by Andy Mulligan

I was surprised to learn that I was a "Volunteer of the Year Awardee." But at that moment I read that text message, that private facebook chat, I thought that whatever the result will be on the election, win or lose, I am still a winner.

I was only exposed to outreach programs this third year in college. I did not expect that in my first year of service, I will already have recognition. And now, I got two. Thanks be to God.

This will also serve as my inspiration to serve other people. I'll continue my service because as I give a hand, I touch a heart, and I save a life. I AM A PROUD VOLNTEER.

Service. Commitment. Change is the Movement.

Galo's Journal

 "I'm not going there to die.

I'm going to find out if I'm really alive."

-Spike Spiegel

I bought this book because I wanted to find out if this is really scary. I like reading and I am the type of person who does not scare that easily (except for dogs!) so I finished the book a while ago.

I like to commend Mr. Bob Ong for publishing a good book again. I was entertained. Thumbs up. Without a synopsis at the back, one would really wonder what the story is about, most especially with this picture:

The presentation is magnificent. I believe now is the only time that I read a book that is like a journal. And like in reality, if someone found a journal and read it, he or she will continue to read it until the end (with all due respect). Just like in 'The Vampire Diaries' when Elena was studying the past of Stefan.

For those who know 'Granny' by Anthony Horowitz, this is more serious. If that is light and comedic, well, this is different. It presents more ideas that reflect the reality of life. And I also like how the author delivered the story. It is pretty much like how a teenager from our generation [even though the setting is in the 1990's] would really react. Hehehe... XD

Nothing is extraordinary in the beginning. One more thing, the names of the characters are presented as the journal entries go along the way. Something worth waiting for. The thrill will be in the middle until the end. If I relate myself in the characters, I am best portrayed by Gilbert's mom because we don't scare easily. Anyway, it has little effect on me because as I imagine each scenario, yes, it gives me goosebumps and they are creepy but only for a short period of time. I admit that I don't scare easily, but I am not so strong at all. But yes, I can be your last man standing. :P

If it scared other people, I believe it was effective Mr. Ong. And to end this entry, I would just like to share my favorite quote of them all: "...mga tao mismo ang pumapatay sa sarili nila sa uri ng pinili nilang pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay..."

You Fixed My Cup

“How many do you see...? Look at me. You’re focusing on the problem. If you focus on the problem, you can’t see the solution. Never focus on the problem. Look at me... Let’s see what no one else sees. See what everyone else chooses not to see... See the whole world anew each day...”

As an avid film viewer, I really love to watch movies. Whatever genre it may be, it’s fine, but of course, horror, suspense, thriller, or mystery is preferred.

One of my favourite movies is ‘Patch Adams’ starring Robin Williams. It is based on a true story that is really inspiring and touches comedy. It is inspirational simply because the main character never gave up in life. Though some of the turn of events in his life is tragic, he still stood up after falling.

Patch is the type of person who tries to please everyone. The saying “you cannot please everyone” is well-known, but this 1999 film and his story is different. Aspiring to be a doctor, he really wanted to make a deeper connection and relationship with his patients. Some people did not like him. He just ignored it and just continued and didn’t stop.

For people looking for some humour, this is suggested. At the same time, be inspired. It hits two birds with one stone.

P.S. If I just may add, the first time I watched this film was back in high school in Technical Arts subject. So, you may wonder, what’s the relevance? Well, our teacher bid farewell because he will teach in another school. This is his parting message.

How many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before?

So make an attempt to grow further... Why shouldn’t we try it again?

OUR ATTEMPT MAY FAIL, BUT NEVER FAIL TO MAKE AN ATTEMPT.

I hope that this movie would inspire you in achieving your goals in LIFE.

As long as you have the DETERMINATION and COURAGE, YOU can achieve what you want...

God Bless and Good Luck to your next JOURNEY...

I hope that you won’t forget ME as your TEACHER.

I will miss YOU.

-Sir Jonald Salinas (to Class 2010) last 2009

"Pick It Up and Keep it Hidden"

“If you come to the Philippines, do what Olivia did.
See everything, and fall in love.”

-Andy Mulligan
 

The first time I saw this book, I got amazed; I got attracted. Though I did not buy it right away, I am thankful that at the time I’ve waited to save money, the next time I came back, it was on sale. From the price of Php299, it went down to Php30.

I liked the book. Reading the synopsis, I got more interested. Even though I don’t read it, I still like the book. Why? Because I like stories like this... stories of poverty. I am saying that coming from an average family, and yet knows what it is like to be one.

Believe it or not, I have already experienced being a “basurero.” I want to use the Filipino word itself because I don’t want you to go astray from my point if I use the word “garbage collector.” It may mean the same thing, but the real essence will be felt if it remains that way.

I started being one in January 2008 and ended up that career four years later, in 2012. I still remember the month because that time, I was in second year of high school. Then unconsciously, I stopped being one. Maybe because I am already in college and there are lots of things to do, lots of requirements.

Let me tell you that I know the feeling of joy for doing the things that they do. I know my joy is far from the real joy that they experience because it is their real life and I have another one, but I am proud to say that it is fun being one. There is nothing to be ashamed of because what they are doing is decent. And I know that they also have dreams but in reality, it would really be hard for them. I'm not degrading them. Come to think of it. Notice that they are happier than those living a good life. They may have lots of problems, but they still have fun.

“Samantalang sila ang mga walang pera, pero buhay na buhay ang bayanihan.”

–Bob Ong, Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan

From a point of view of someone who has an average capability in getting desires and needs, in my opinion, no one will try to experience what these people are doing. For me, I did not regret being one. I lived my life from recycling all the things that I can recycle so I know how to relate to those people.

I am impressed, Andy Mulligan. You are not a Filipino and yet you, someone who is from another country, “has written a powerful story about unthinkable poverty- and the kind of hope and determination that can transcend it.” The story may be fictional, but the fact that the idea was formulated when you were in Manila gives an impression that you were touched. Afterwards, you did not hesitate to write a story inspired by it. I thank you for giving your attention to the Philippines and I hope that after publishing this book, you can also help by taking the next step. God bless. :))

“When I walk around the shanties, I see the babies,
and I am always asked to hold them.

And while we're smiling and laughing,
I am thinking, in the back of my mind:

 This tiny child – as soon as it can crawl,
it will be crawling through trash."

 -Father Juilliard