Peace Process After the Slaughtering?

I don't understand this peace process that the administration is pushing for after the slaughtering of 44 Special Action Force men. It is so off synch to the times, irrelevant at this point, and insensitive to the feelings of the nation. Yes, the people of the Philippines know right away when injustice has been done. 
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We live in a humanized society and a dehumanizing act has just been done to the forces that is supposed to be the elite that is protecting the state, the SAF. So we expect civil faces to come to the negotiating table and then we will be forced to accede to their demands for "autonomy" or whatever liberal acts they want to be able to do in our country?

My dears, social change does not occur overnight. A people who have been used to living in the wilds with gunpowder and arms as their second or even first wives cannot be expected to follow the conditions on a piece of paper. 

That is what it is  - what this peace commission is doing. It is working on a piece of paper that is so easy to crumple that in a matter of hours, the major group that is supposed to be a major actor in the negotiations has just easily trashed. 

Before any negotiations for peace in order to set up a "state" for the Moro peoples are conducted, let us explore other ways by which we can integrate into our Philippine non-violent  life and let them learn how respect of the human rights of everyone is paramount in our society; respect of lives is honored; and how women ought to be treated with great gallantry and not as objects to follow men all the time and to be kept from view. 

Why do feel vehemently angry over this issue of peace negotiations? I was at the funeral venue of the SAF men and I could feel and see the seething anger of the families because their relatives did not die in a war where there should be rules for engagement but were simply butchered to death, their heads mangled so that some of the caskets did not contain heads but just a body with a uniform as one SAF member from the Cordilleras. 

No, Folks, the lives of Filipino men and women, and all other sexes deserve respect, whether in war and peace and we should not be nicey nicey to a group of people who time immemorial have made their trademark as anti-Christian.

Let us instead look over a cultural integration of the Mindanao tribes. Here are some aspects on which we can create festivals, exhibits, and tourism events:

Religion

costumes

jewellery

fish

banca displays

marriage, birthing, death burial customs

arts

women

history

tourist spots

music

weaponry

crafts

historical spots

Native drinks

sports

pagan festivals

horse racing competitions

scientific discoveries in Mindanao

food festivals

Before we think of such thing as a state, let us look at points of cultural convergences with our Mindanao brothers and sisters first. Let us have deep cultural exchanges that will showcase their lifestyles throughout all of the country so that we shall not perceive them only as a bunch of hotheads and bloodthirstry individuals out to gain a dominant position in our society. 

Being in a society needs their knowing also our own ways and manners of dealing with each other as a people. And if this is not happening now, it is only because some forces in society have been misusing their powers to cripple creativity and being nurturant in order to maintain their own position. 

Hallelujiah, we should stop this rigmarole. 

POST PAPA FRANCIS INSIGHTS 1

What makes Pope Francis refreshing in our midst is that his language is reeking with goodness. Everything he had said to us was for our own good, for the good of the poor, the streetchildren. It was not political; no he was nt campaigning for a political post -- that was why it was very refreshing and you could listen to him again and again.

In fact, I spent the whole Thursday and half of Friday listening to him. I only left the TV set last Sunday, when he was going to say mass at Luneta. No, I don't regret not having seen that because for me, what is important are his words, not the scenery.

Because I tried twice to get near him to get a good camera shot, I have first-hand knowledge of the kind of crowd-control that happened there, first at Roxas Boulevard and along Taft Avenue. I must say, we could still stand a grrueat chance of learning how to handle the crowd. I didn't like the push-overs, the "bahala-kayo-sa-buhay-ninyo" rule of watching for the Pope to pass by. No, there has got to be a more respectable way for the people to watch him, to revere his presence while passing by.

I am thinking of three-tiered wooden benches underneath the LRT where the women, the elderly, the pwds and pregnant/and/or mothers with children could sit down and watch, without having to hustle and jostle among the crowd. There we could sit down, and then when he passes by, we could even blow him a kiss. Not like those where we have to request again and again the girls to stop waving their hands because they are covering the camera lens, or tell the police guys to please squat down when he passes by so we could get a good view instead of their heads covering him as the Popemobile passes by.

Yes, the people were disciplined only because everyone was carrying a camera. And what is that? A very sensitive gadget that could be broken once dropped on the ground. And so everyone was respectful of each other.

Another way is for us to have sectoral shots with the Pope next time around. We could ask for a photoshot, groupwise. But maybe this is a great security risk. So we have to be satisfied with standees? Haha! It's good enough but if you have a video in your camera, then it isn't.

Anyway, I would like to write down some of my other insights again. Right now, I am still gathering my thoughts, Folks. Our UP HI batch 65 will have a reunion and I am so excited about it already. January 28, Grand Night, at Oasis, 169 Aurora boulevard, San Juan. Batchmates, those who are hibernating, stop and come over! For further info please contact Grace Tuason -- 09175260125. See you there!

POPE FRANCIS SPEAKS

 "Leave behind the self-interest that hardens your heart, overcome the indifference that makes your heart insensitive towards others, conquer your deadly reasoning, and open yourself to dialogue and reconciliation."

"The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions," 

"When man thinks only of himself ... permits himself to be captivated by the idols of dominion and power ... Then the door opens to violence, indifference and conflict."

 "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" 

"We have to find a new balance; otherwise even the moral edifice of the church is likely to fall like a house of cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel," 

 "I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security," he stated. "I do not want a Church concerned with being at the center and then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures."

"The Big Bang, which today we hold to be the origin of the world, does not contradict the intervention of the divine creator but, rather, requires it." He also said that evolution "is not inconsistent with the notion of creation."

CARO MIO EXCELLENCIA LOLO KIKO Y PAPA FRANCIS

Buenas noches, Lolo Kiko. You soy muy alegria que su estan aqui para ver real retrato de las Filipinas pueblos. Perdon por mi Espanol pero yo quiero conversar en Espanol. Hay todos los ojos que leer mis cartas que donde yo soy.

Yo estaba alli en Roxas Boulevard esperanda para recibir bendicion desde su. Pero su PopeMobile estaba muy rapido. Yo pienso que su estan de pie delicado.

Yo quiero escribir porque aqui, hay los instituciones que Catolico permitir vestida de las mujeres que no hay moralidad contra Cristianismo Virgen Maria principio de modestia.Yo escrito pero no hay resulta. Entonces, la populacion es muy grande, sobra 100 milliones. Que horror!

Entonces, yo quiero, por favor, que usted hablan con principal escuelas de las mujeres y hombres que no permitir la moda que exhibir el muslo.

Tambien, yo quiero dar mi libro, Feminismo Cartilla en Espanol sobre igualidad. Yo quiero su mencion Virgen Maria, Mama Maria, entonces su da muy importancia de Mama Maria entre los Dios hombres.

A manana, yo lo doy. No puedo ir a Luneta para atender la misa porque yo tengo enfermo pero yo veo television todos los dias desde su llegar.

Hasta la vista, que en el mundo o cielo, no hay caso. Muchas gracias. Yo reso por su viaje sano y salvo.

Wilhelmina




 

ON WINNING OVER GUNS

Is it freedom of expression if we make fun of other people's icons of worship? If we pose ourselves as more superior than any other being in this world just because we know how to weave words, create a world of ideas, no matter how hurtful it could be?

The recent bombings in France point to a need to discuss the value of media practices all over the world. We need to because our lives are endangered by people who cannot argue, will not debate, and will bomb us out of existence if they  think that we have stepped beyond bounds. 

Along the same vein, we must accept the fact that we cannot win over guns and other arms. The pen, the mighty pen is puny in the face of bullets and bombs. We are simply human, that's all, not magical. We cannot explode and think that we can live again just like in the movies. Human beings are built not to last in the world of metals and powder. 

So what do we do in that case? Do we kowtow to authoritarian thinking? Do we curse no end and hope and pray that the other side will self-destruct? No, as we are in a better position to see things in their holistic perspective. 

I think that as media practitioners, as journalists, we need to nurture life and that means educate our readers, our viewers into seeing the world as a haven for their acquiring humane qualities that would allow them to live happily with themselves and their neighbors. It is Christian, so what? It is Buddhist, so what? Whatever religion or spiritual practice you may call it, it is still the most humane philosophy I can think of -- being nurturing of oneself and of others. 

Some would argue that "I hate fundamentalism and it should be deleted in this world." Now how do you fight an ideology? With another ideology that mocks the other who could have very low thresholds of patience over dialoguing and debating? No, we must find a middle way that will allow everyone to have peaceful lives. 

I sympathize with the families of those victims of the massacres in France. Now let us not forget also that the same dire incidents could happen again and again. So let us be more circumspect in our writings. Let us think and pray that all the minds in the world could think only of two words now -- peace and calm. 

A NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT TREASON

The word treason is not so much talked about in our country. Yet, when we look at some of the descriptions of treason, or treachery, we could find great use to unearth it and look at it as a crime against our people. 

Judas Iscariot in Christianity exemplifies the traitor who made Jesus suffer the most. Anyone called Hudas is much-hated in our country. 
 
During the period of Enlightenment in Europe, traitor was also used to describe those who betrayed the country. Blasphemy or being irreverent toward God, was considered synonymous to treason. Hence, treason had spiritual implications which drew harsh punishments like being hanged, decapitated or burnt at the stake. 

Given the political setting we have now, treason should not only be defined now as selling our country to foreign powers. But rather, I think that we should look at those acts that betray the people's trust as treason, like embezzling funds, and in the case of the National Bilibid Prison officers who allow drug lords to do their business inside, as being  anti-people. 


Treason should also be defined as when the government official manipulates programs and projects that will benefit his or her pockets. 
 
After all, we must have high standards for judging the achievements of the government. 

Maybe that is also what is lacking in our midst. Immediately, we get easily satisfied by annual reports that fall short of allowing our people to have a good quality of life that taps their talents and makes them live humanely in the country. 

In addition, Congress could create a task force -- with members coming from the Senate and the House of Representatives-- that will set up the standards for achievements of every government agency, or unit.


By having such standards, we are making sure that they are not committing treasonous acts on the people's coffers and resources.




In parting, let us remind PNoy to work by the standards of his parents. He must make sure that his legacy should match if not go beyond the achievements of his parents. Cory, although her administration was not completely flawless, yet the people remember her kindly for having helped restore democracy in our country. Ninoy's anti-dictatorship stance brought him to greatest difficulties, including being murdered. Now, what can PNoy  achieve in two years so that we will remember his regime favorably? Number one of course is appointing the right people for the right jobs. Number two, stopping the advertising of products of his sister in the streets because the name Aquino should be free from partisanship. Number three, have a people's assembly in Malacanang every month where the poor may congregate and talk to him. Fourth, raise the budgets of cultural agencies so that the people may showcase their artistic talents and skills without having to panhandle all the time.

So many more can be done to lift his image now. 

CREATING AN EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY COUNTRY

Our problems are highly repetitive. Corruption, poverty, rising prices, rape even of children now, and vagrancy in the streets of MetroManila among so many others. Our cities seem to be the perfect "third world" environment which we used to criticize since way back the 70's. 

What are the factors that should bind us to work for the common good? For one I think, is communication. We must have the same definitions for certain terms. For example, when we talk of poverty, what does it mean? To the government, the officials are satisfied that they are performing their jobs -- giving jobs, providing monthly allowances to families that have schooling children, etc. But they do not think of the quality of jobs, nor the quality of students that have benefitted from the allowances, the Tulong Pantawid Pamilya. There could be alleviation of poverty, temporarily, but what about the quality of life that results from it? There could be poverty of the mind too, not just physical poverty. Mental poverty occurs when people focus on the material side of things , when students desire gadgets rather than books that can expand their minds. It occurs when parents think of their children as objects that will help them overcome poverty. 

Job creation looks fine from the point of view of the government. But if the jobs created are those that would break up the families, then is that a healthy program of solving unemployment? Now I want to focus on this --

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas claims that as of end of 2009, Filipino emigrants number around 4 million, the temporary workers 3.8 million and undocumented or irregular migrants, 650,000. By the millions, the Filipino young workers and professionals have left the country, bringing with them their fresh knowledge, able bodies to withstand the pressures of their work, all in order to help their families in the country attain a good level of lifestyle, or survive the economic pressures. 

As we determine that over millions are overseas, let us also remember that 40 to 60% of them also have broken homes -- the wife or husband hitching up with another in order to overcome loneliness; the children taking to drugs in the absence of spiritual and emotional guidance, the relatives taking over the primary care of children, and many more. 

By 2030, what kind of leaders shall we have if at this time, the best of our workers and professionals are leaving or have left the country?

I have a proposal to Congress: require all banks and financial institutions to lend business capital to anyone -- from age 20 up with a requirement that they would know how to run the business. The interest should only be 6% per annum. The loans should be open to all kinds of businesses, single proprietorships, cooperatives, and including cultural companies. 

In this way, I think that many Filipinos would rather stay here than go off to another country where they would suffer physically, emotionally and mentally. It is best for everyone to be where their families are, rather in strange countries, where right now, peace and order cannot be safeguarded anymore, not even in places like Paris. 

Only banks can give that kind of support to our workers and professionals.  


One time, I went to a branch of DBP many years ago and asked about getting a loan as I know that there was a small business lending program available. The requirements were so onerous that I just completely turned my back on it. 

It is high time that the financial sector consider this proposal heavily because they have profitted already from the remittances of OFWs for so long. It is high time that they give back to us what would make our country an emotionally  healthy place to live in.

KUNG SIYA AY DARATING...

Sinulat ni Emma S. Orozco

Hawak-hawak ni Lerma ang sulat. hindi niya alam kung kaninogaling. Pero parang matigas anglaman. Parang greeting card.Itinabi niya sa mesa at nagpatuloy siya ng pagko-computer. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin sa barko. Nanunuot hanggang buto. Kung kaya't nagbalabal si Lerma. Matagal na niyang inaasam-asam na makapagbiyahe , at ngayon lang siya nagkapera atnagkapanahon. Sa katunayan pauwi na siya ngayon sa Maynila matapos ang isang linggong pakikipagtsikahan sa kanyang kapatid na si Dayan.
Pinakamatanda niyang kapatid si Dayan. Ang sumunod ay 
namatay sa aksidente. Siya ngayon ang bunso. Malapit siya 
kay Dayan dahil halos siya na ang nagpalaki sa kanya noong bata pa siya. Ang Nanay nila na maagang nabyuda ay abala sapagnenengosyo kung paanong maigagaod ang mga pangangai-
langan ng kanilang pamilya at kung paano silang 
mapapapag-aral. 

Kung kaya't si Dayan ang parang tumayong nanay nila 
hanggang sa makapagtapos silang lahat sa kolehiyo. Pero si Dayan, dahil sa pag-aasikaso sa kanila ay hindi nakatapos. Nag-asawa na lang siya at namuhay ng tahimik sa Bacolod. 
Mabait naman ang napangasawa niya, masipag at matulungin sanangangailangan.
Malungkot ba ang buhay ni Lerma? Hindi naman. Ang mga anak niya ay malalaki na. Namatay ang asawa niya sa kasisigaril-yo noong limang taon pa lamang silang kasal. Siya naman, nakatapos ng kolehiyo ay nagtrabaho na kaagad. Manunulat siyang mga libro ng bata ngayon at halos hindi siya makaugaga 
sa tambak ng projects na ginagawa niya. Nagpunta si Lerma sa upper deck para manood ng magagandang islang dinaraanan ng barko. Presko pa ang simoy ng hangin 
duon. Parang ayaw na niyang bumalik sa Maynila dahil doon. Napakamausok ng mga kalye sa Maynila. Parati siyang 
hinihika. Pero dahil ang mga projects niya ay nasa Maynila,wala siyang magagawa kundi ang bumalik dito. Naupo siya sa isang bangko at tinanaw ang mga isla nang 
may mapansin siyang isang matangkad na mama na tumitingin 
sa kanya, nakatayo sa may di kalayuan sa kanya. Pero nang 
tingnan niya ng diretso ay mabilis na binaling ang mga 
mata sa karagatan. Hindi niya pinansin ito at nagpatuloy 
siya sa panonood sa dagat. 

May mga isdang lulundag-lundag, lumilipad-lipad. Nakaka-
tuwang panoorin. Sana may mga ganuong tanawin din sa 
Maynila. Sana makakita rin siya noong sa ilog-Pasig. 

Natawa si Lerma. Parang isang bangungot ang maisip na 
makakita siya ng isdang lumilipad sa Pasig. Ang mga sapang tumutuloy sa Pasig ay puno ng basura, mga styrofoam, mga 
papel, mga kinainan. Napakababaho. Lason na ang makakain ngmga isda pag nagpunta pa sila roon. Disinuwebe oras ang biyahe mula sa Bacolod. Umalis sila ng pantalan sa Banago ng alas 2 y medya. May mga VIP pa sigurona hinintay kaya natagalan. Sanay na si Lerma sa ganun. 
Siya ay nasa mega value air conditioned section ng barko. 
Isang bahagdan pa ay economy class na. Middle class siya 
kung baga dahil kaya niyang magbayad ng puwesto niya sa air-conditioned section. Pero balewala yun kay Lerma. E ano, kung hindi niya kayang magbayad ng first o business class na tiket? Maganda naman ang amenities sa section na ito. Kaya lang sa upper bed 
siya nadestino. Malapit-lapit mabunggo ang ulo niya sa 
kisame kung mauupo siya sa kama. Pero okay na rin. Basta 
may kumot at unan, tama na sa kanya. Nakakatawa, may kuwento pa ang pagkuha niya ng mga ito. 
Nang pumila siya para kunin ang unan at kumot niya, naubu-
san na yung steward at kukuha pa siya sa stockroom. Pagod 
si Lerma, at emotionally-draining ang pakikipagtagpo niya 
sa kanyang kapatid na si Dayan. Matagal silang nagkita at 
maraming pagbabahaginan ang nangyari sa kanila. Kaya't 
nais na niyang matulog kaagad sa barko. Ang ginawa niya, umakyat siya sa tourist section 
information center at nagtanong sa isang babae roon kung 
maaari na niyang makuha ang unan at kumot. Hiningan siya 
ng ID ng receptionist. "Bakit doon sa isang barko ninyo, 
hindi naman ako kinunan ng ID? Tiket lang ang tiningnan? 
Kung ayaw ninyong ibigay, hindi na bale. Hindi na ako 
mag-uunan," ang nawika ni Lerma.
Biglang kumambiyo ang babae at inutusan ang isang steward 
na ikuha na lang si Lerma kahit walang ID. Dumating ang 
manager ng barko, na napagkamalan ni Lermang kapitan. 

Dinagdag ni Lerma sa kanya: "Di ba kabilang kayo sa 
ISO 2000, na mga patakaran sa shipping sa buong daigdig at kailangan ay masunod ninyo ang mga standards na ito? 

Samakatuwid, kung anong nangyayari duon sa isang barko 
ninyo, gayon din ang dapat na mangyari dito." Napatingin 
lamang ang manager sa kanya at parang hindi siya 
maintindihan. Dagdag pa rin ni Lerma: "At kung kulang ang 
amenities ninyo tulad ng unan at kumot, dapat ay bigyan 
nyo kami ng diskuwento." Napangunot-noo ang manager. 
"Think about it," ang nasabi na lang ni Lerma sa kanya bilang pagtatapos.
Pagdating ni Lerma sa kanyang bunkbed, natanaw niya ang 
lalaking yun na naman, nasa may bandang binatana, at kunwa ay nanonood ng mga tao. Pero nahuli niyang nakamasid sa 
kanya. Umakyat si Lerma sa kanayng kama, ibinaba ang unan, nahiga at nagkumot. Nakatulog siya kaagad. Mabuti na lang ang tiket niya ay walang pagkain. Kung 
hindi ay pipila pa siya ng kahaba-haba. Tatayo sana siya 
ng mahigit sa kalahating oras para kumuha ng pagkain. 
Ibang-iba ang serbisyo sa ibang kumpanya ng barko.Sa 
dining salon, pauupuin ang lahat ng tao at pagkatapos ay 
pagsisilbihan ng mga stewards.
Tutal sa disinuwebe oras, puwede na siyang uminom na lang 
ng tubig at kumagat ng mga biskwit. Balewala, nawika niya 
sa sarili niya. Ngayon, karamihan ng hinahain ay mga 
pagkaing niluto sa mantika ng baboy, o kaya ay may halong 
karne na nagpapasakit kaagad ng leeg niya. High Blood. 
Hindi niya kayang magkasakit sa barko, ang nawika niya sa
sarili. Magaalas onse na ng gabi nang magising si Lerma. Kinuha 
niya sa maleta niya na nasa ulunan niya ang draft ng 
kanyang aklat na Sa Pusod ng Karagatan: Ang Dugong at Ang 
Mangingisda. Tungkol ito sa dugong isang nanganganib na species. Ginuguhit niya ang larawan ng bawat pahina nito. 
Naisip niyang tapusin ito sa dining salon. Mausok ang salon. Maraming mga lalaki ang nag-iinuman, 
naniigarilyo. Pero tolerable naman ang hangin. Siguro 
dahil sa simoy ng dagat-hangin na pumapasok sa may 
pintuan. 

Bumili si Lerma ng fruit salad sa kart vendor-steward at 
naupo sa isang mesa upang magdrowing. Binuksan niya ang 
sketch pad niya at nagsimulang gumuhit. Maya-maya may 
naramdaman siyang parang nakatanaw sa likod niya. Hindi 
niya pinansin ito. Ah, nagkamali siya sa pagguhit at kailangan niya ng 
pambura. Nakiusap siya sa steward na bantayan ang fruit 
salad niya at babalik siya kaagad. Madali naman niyang 
nakuha ang pambura dahil nasa bulsa lang yun ng maleta. Pagbalik ni Lerma sa salon, nakaupo na sa tapat niya ang 
lalaking nakikita niyang nagmamasid sa kanya kung 
saan-saang parte ng barko. Hindi ito tumitingin sa kanya. 
Nakamasid ito sa isang lalaking naka-fatigue na pantalon 
at nilalaro ang isang bata. Maya-maya ay inilabas ng lalaking naka-fatigue ang kanyang kamera at animo'y kukunan ang 
bata habang nasa likod naman sina Lerma at ang lalaki. 
Hindi pinansin ni Lerma ang pagkuha ng retrato at sa halip ay nagpatuloy ng pagkain. "O, nonoy, nonoy, tan-aw dire." Tingin dito ang sabi ng 
mamang naka-fatigue na pantalon sa bata. Napatingin din 
tuloy si Lerma at siya namang pag-klik ng kamera. 
Nakatingin din ang lalaki sa kamera. Nagpatuloy kumain 
si Lerma. E ano kung nakunan siya, ang naitanong niya sa 
sarili. Matapos kumain, walang kaabug-abog na umalis na si Lerma. 
"Excuse me," ang sabi niya sa lalaki na hindi naman kumibo. Bakit kaya hidi nagsasalita ang lalaking yun, ang naitanongni Lerma sa sarili. Palapit na ang barko sa pantalan ng Maynila. Madilim 
ang dagat, hindi paris sa Negros, berde at asul hanggang samay kalagitnaan na. Talagang parang wala ng pag-asang 
gaganda pa ang kapaligiran ng Maynila. Maraming basurang 
lumulutang sa tubig, kung saan-saan nanggaling siguro, 
galing sa Kabite, sa Laguna, o sa Luneta.
Nag-alala si Lerma sa bigat ng kanyang maleta. Ang ginawa
niya nakiusap siya sa isang steward na tulungan siyang 
ibaba ito. "Noy gusto kong makalabas kaagad dahil mahirap 
kumuha ng sasakyan sa pantalan. Lalakad pa ako," ang 
nasabi niya sa steward. Natandaan ni Lerma a noong 1996, galing din siya sa 
Bacolod. Alas dose ng tanghali ng dumating siya at 
kinakailangan pa niyang maglakad ng malayo para makakuha 
ng jeep. Walang taxi sa lugar na yun noon. Sumulat siya 
sa Malacanang para sabihan ang Philippine Ports Authority 
tungkol sa problema ng mga biyahera dahil walang sasakyan 
pagbaba ng barko. Paano na lang kung maraming dala ang 
pasahero? "Ay Ma'am may taxi na. Makakakuha kayo pagbaba ninyo. 
Punta lang kayo sa information counter sa taas para 
makapag-reserba kayo," ang payo ng steward. Matapos m
agpasalamat, dali-daling nagpunta si Lerma sa itaas kung 
saan naroon ang tulay palabas ng barko. Kaya lang napakamahal pala ng taxi fare. P250 hanggang sa 
tahanan niya sa Cubao. Flat fare. Pero may bus, trenta 
pesos lang ang bayad. "Abangan nyo na lang Ma'am sa baba, 
number one bus ang sasakyan nyo, diretsong Cubao," ang 
sabi ng babae sa information counter sabay bigay sa kanya 
ng isang kapirasong papel kung saan nakasulat ang mga bus 
na magsusundo sa mga pasahero. Nakahinga ng maluwag si Lerma nang nakapuwesto na siya sa 
may exit point ng barko, katabi ang kanyang maleta. 
Nagsisiksikan din ang mga tao, mga Muslim na babae, 
nakasarong, nakikipaggitgitan para mauna ring bumaba. 
Mukhang mayayaman sila dahil puro ginto ang mga alahas. 
Biglang naisip ni Lerma, kailan kaya siya kikita ng malaki para makabili rin ng mga gintong alahas na yun? Maya-maya dumating ang guwardiya, naka-sunglasses at may 
dalang kamera. Nag-shoot siya ng eksena sa may pantalan 
at pagkatapos ay humarap sa mga pasahero. "Souvenir" ang 
sabi sa kanila. Natawa si Lerma. Talagang ang mga Pinoy 
masentimyento, ang naisip niya. Kung sabagay mayroon din 
siyang dalang kamera. Pero mga bundok, dagat at paglubog 
ng araw ang mga kinunan niya, hindi mga tao. Para bang 
ayaw niyang makipag-relate kahit na kanino sa ngayon. 

Gusto lang niyang manahimik. Sa wakas, isa siya sa mga mauunang bababa, naisip niya. 
Isusulat ko ba sa management ng shipping company ang mga 
pangalan ng stewards na tumulong sa kanya, sina Chris at 
Richard? Ito ang mga pangalan nila na nakasulat sa may 
polo nila sa may bandang dibdib. Bakit hindi? At hinanap 
niya ng tingin si Richard na siyang nagbaba ng kanyang 
maleta. Paglingon niya nasa likod na naman niya ang 
lalaking yun. Biglang tumingin sa Lerma sa dagat. Ayaw 
niyang magpahalata na binabantayan siya ng lalaking yun. 

Binabantayan? Bakit naman siya babantayan?
Ilang linggo ang lumipas...
Tiningnan ni Lerma ang sulat sa ibabaw ng mesa. Binuksan 
niya. Natambad sa kanya ang retrato niya sa may exit 
point. Wala nang iba. At sa likod niya ay ang mamang yun. 
Tiningnan niya ang likod ng larawan. Walang sulat. 
Sinilip niya ang sobre. May isang kapirasong papel - 
isang salita lamang ang nakasulat. Nagmamahal. Pero walang nakapirmang pangalan. Nagulumihanan si Lerma. Nagtataka siya kung bakit walang 
pangalan. Napatingin siya sa malayo. Siguro, nawika niya 
sa sarili, may asawa na kaya hanggang ligaw-tingin na 
lamang. O kaya ay may nobya na. O baka naman naiilang sa 
akin? naitanong niya sa sarili. Tiningnan muli ni Lerma ang larawan niya. Medyo malabo ang kuha dahil instamatic camera ang gamit at napakalapit nito sa kanila. Kailangan kasi mga tatlong dipa ang layo bago 
mag-shoot kung gamit ay instamatic. Napangiti si Lerma. Siguro kilala ng shipping company ang 
taong ito. Bakit alam ng lalaking ito ang tirahan niya? 
Dahil sa tiket ng barko na binili niya? Napailing si 
Lerma. Susulat ba siya at tatanungin niya kung sino yun?
"Kung dumating kaya siya..." hindi na natapos ni Lerma ang sasabihin niya. May deadline siya na tapusin ang ginuguhit niyang kuwentong pambata para maimprenta at maibenta na.