Owepdabalyu

Dear Ma,

Kumusta na kayo diyan sa America? Malamig na daw ngayon diyan. Ang bilis ng panahon noh,parang kailan lang nung umalis kayo dahil wala akong pang tuition sa kolehiyo. Siya nga pala natanggap ko na yung pinadala niyo. Ang gaganda ng mga damit, yung para kay tatay ibibigay ko na lang sa kanya pag nagpunta siya rito sa bahay. Bihira na kasi siya umuwi simula nung tuluyan na silang magsama nung gerlpren niya. Yung pera na pinadala niyo,si lola ang naghahawak. Baka daw kasi ipang inom na naman ng mga barkada ni ate. Mag eenrol pa naman si jun jun sa susunod na sem. Ako nay, next year na lang siguro ko mag-aaral. Malapit na kasi manganak si jane. Magiging tatay na ko at lola na kayo. Saka ko na lang iisipin yung plano natin na maging nurse ako.Marami pa naman sigurong panahon. Sana dito na lang kayo. Namimiss na siguro kayo nina ate at jun jun. Hanggang dito na lang nay at baka umiyak pa kayo. Ingat po kayo diyan

love,

Andrew

Wake Me Up When September Ends

Yesterday September 30...It was payday and I want a new pair of shoes. On my way going to mall I was stock into traffic. Staring at the window of the bus, a young guy caught my attention. He was looking at the tall buildings of the city from the sidewalk. I knew that I saw him before. Then I remembered. He was a cashier in a nearby convenience store where we use to buy food when I was assigned on a jobsite before. He reminds me of my younger brother. A poor boy with small built similar to a high school student who’s bullied by anyone in the class. My brother works as a kitchen crew on a hotel. His job wasn’t that easy for what I see, he’s waking very early to go to work because his workplace is far away from home and comes home very late that we can’t even talk because when I come home, he’s either asleep, leaving or on at work. The worst is that his earnings merely suffice his transportation expense. He often had empty pockets. I wish I can find a better job for him.
In the mall, I checked my salary on the ATM. On the screen, I was reluctant of the amount deposited on my account. I think I wasn’t paid enough but then I still withdrawn cash, the mall will be closing soon. I’ve seen all the shoes from different boutiques for me to have a good comparison, and then I picked the best for me. On a shoe stall, a group of saleslady was talking about their earnings for the week. One Saleslady was so glad she had earned that much. Then I remembered the money I withdrawn. It was bigger than her salary. I was humiliated by her happiness. I keep on asking for something else while others treasure with a little.
I was ashamed of my attitude. I forgot simple things that I need to understand. I kept on looking for something new just to fulfill my happiness not realizing that the only thing I need is just a simple appreciation of the things that I already have. I’m lucky enough. My salary wasn’t that big but I can afford the things that I want. I have a job. I have a home. We’re not affected by the calamity caused by the storm. There are so many reasons to be thankful for. I don’t really need a new pair of shoes. I still have more than enough on my rack. Funny how buying a new pair of shoes awakened me somehow.

How to Save a Life?

If someone is falling down the unsteady road, would you try to save a life? Perhaps it will depend if he’s willing to be helped. But if you try to reach out in a way or another, his response shall answer if he needs your help. It’s a matter of choice—to help, be helped, get help. Somebody told me we should help each other for we are one. My delight is also yours, so as my failure. If I see you lose your way and do nothing, the fault will also be mine. For most of the time, I will be your shepherd. For as long as you are willing to be my sheep. I only give instructions to save a life but still it is a choice to get the chance to be saved. This is brotherhood. Life’s a game.

Gold to Dig

What’s the work for? To earn money for living? To buy things you want? To sustain a lifestyle you ever dreamed of? I didn’t get what’s the point of earning money. I feel that there’s a reason beyond the money from the hours spent at the workplace. Perhaps material things you bought are mere rewards for hardships but more than that is the appreciation of little things money just couldn’t provide. Like a good cheer from your boss, an applause from a crowd, the laughter during office hours, a greeting from an old friend you just met. How about a compliment from people who thought you were a loser. For wherever workplace, in cities, roads, office or shop, I know how earning means. Living for others and living for a living.

Taking Back Sunday 2

Here I am again over the desk busy working on stuffs that I should work on a beautiful Sunday where everyone rest. I guess this is my life. No Weekends, no Sundays and definitely no playtime. But I still do enjoy being busy right now. I guess this is how life goes on with me. I still thank Him that he provided such opportunities for me. An architect wouldn’t move without projects that’s why I’m lucky to be here. Sacrifices are to be made if you really want to succeed. It’hard but the price worth it. In life, sometimes you have to leave some to gain some. In the end you’ll find out what you’re really looking for and that’s what I’m glad to find out. At this point, I’m clueless about life. It’s a cycle of what’s going on and what will go on. Tomorrow is a new day. Just be thankful.

Alay Sa Nagkamalay Noong Dekada Nobenta

"Book Launch at Fully Booked - The Fort"

One of my influences in writing is Sir Jay. AKA Batjay. Ang batang kaning-lamig. We've met sometime at the Konyo Bookstore in Taguig. It's been an honor to meet such kind of person. A symbol of a Filipino in Blog history. A creative non-fiction writer that illustrate the strugles and success of most OFW in all corners of the world, from different walks of life. Rendering every word with essences you commonly disregard. Futile facts yet affecting the personality and culture of Filipinos. His unique use of slang words describes his sensitivity. Sarcastic and insulting for most but true and realistic. His style in writing did very well in communicating to the public that made his books taken by storm. As a matter of fact, my copy wasn't still in my hand. Borrowed by a friend cause out of stock in Powerbooks. This is to commemorate a good inspiration. Sir Batjay.

"Bwakanginangyan!!I hate this camera!

Dear Uncle Sam

Masaya bang tumira sa inyo? Balita ko maraming mga kamag-anak naming ang patay na patay makatapak sa lugar niyo. Ginawa ang lahat para lang makakuha ng VISA. Maraming akong kakilala na nagpunta sa inyo na yumaman. May mga properyunal, skilled workers at kung sinu-sino pa. Iniwan nila ang pamilya nila sa bahay para puntahan ka at para na rin sa pamilyang iniwan nila. Kahit na mahusay at bihasa pa sila, ikaw pa rin ang nilapitan. Di nagtatagal, isasama rin nila ang buong pamilya nila sa iyo. Masaya nga bang tumira sa iyo? Sino ka ba talaga sa palagay mo? Ikaw ba ang sagot sa problema ng pangangailangan ko? Matutulungan mo nga ba talaga ako? Parang ang simple lang ng tanong ko pero ang hirap intindihin. Siguro kapag sinulatan mo ako may linaw na ang gumugulo sa isipan ko.

Nagmamahal,
Anak ng OFW