October
1, 2008
It was
still raining, but I swept in the yard and collected some trash. Later I was
daydreaming. How I wish I had my own house. I also wanted to go to Polot today,
but I decided not to do so. I hoped I could do it on Saturday.
I greeted
Jaqui Gullon, my classmate, a happy birthday at two-thirty. We conversed later.
I advised her not to enter a serious love affair because she’s too young.
At three
pm, I took a nap.
At five, I
was preparing our supper. After doing it, I watched tv at Aileen’s house, where
I could fully enjoy viewing several channels and programs.
Mj did not
text me the whole day. I wanted to know about the money she was asking from her
uncle for the roofing of our house. Maybe she had not contacted yet Tito Jay. I
was so anxious.
October
2, 2008
While
having a hot drink, I was sweeping in the yard. Later, after breakfast, Eking
and I listened to music.
At eight, I
bought pork in the market. I cooked sauteed vegetables later.
At ten, I
watched tv. I just ate lunch and continued watching until three. I tried to nap,
but I failed.
At
five-thirty, Auntie Vangie texted me. She said, “Helo, Poroy! My ngpa2hnap
skin yaya ng bby ng ka ofis mate ni Reggie…”
I
immediately committed to her. I would look for a nanny to be sent to Manila
tomorrow.
I made a
placard (Wanted: Yaya), when I got home and posted it outside.
October
3, 2008
After
sweeping, I waited for something to do. Good thing, Aileen came up with an
idea. She bought metal primer and paint, so that I could paint their window
grills. Thus, at past 9:30, I was painting it.
At one, I
stopped painting.
Before
2:30, I was already in school. However, there was no teacher. Some said “Nasa
Kabubudlan.” Thus, I left the school and went to Bulan Municipal Library.
I went back
to RGCC because Tina and Ate Che would be there. Tina brought suman from
Trece barangay fiesta.
Later, Ate
Che induced us to go to Pista sa Kabubudlan in Calomagon. I did not want to
join because I was in full uniform. But I still did. They said that we would go
home at 6 pm.
There, I
was fascinated with the place. It was a dump site slash ecopark.
At first, I
was so ashamed, but later I had to stand up and take a walk.
I had not
roamed all the area, but I already had an idea of what it looks like. It was an
experience for me. At least, I had been a part of 4th Pitsa sa
Kabubudlan.
I was home
at past 6:30.
I interviewed
the applicant before I supped. Then, I helped Ate Ningning in cooking pili
yema. But before that I texted Auntie Vangie about the applicant.
At nine, I
went to Aileen’s house and opened their desktop.
I waited
for Mj’s reply, but it did not arrive until ten. She replied, but I received it
the next day. She said “Aus lng. Dun p c Hnna snu. C Zj mdyo ok n, dn ngtatae.”
October
4, 2008
While
having coffee, I was sweeping in the buladan. Then, at 7, I started
painting Aileen’s window grills. It was my second day.
At past
eight, I was already in school for our remedial class in TS1.
At nine,
Epr texted me. I have learned his plan of working abroad after studying
technical course in welding. Later, Rona, Reggie’s workmate who’s looking for a
babysitter, texted me. She wanted to call on the applicant. I told her about
the second applicant, I interviewed a little bit at 8 am.
I was home
at 10:45. I helped in sun-drying palay for a few minutes. Then, I did paint
work.
At 12:25. Mj
texted me, telling me that Flor returned Hanna back to her. She asked me if I
would be there. I did not promise.
I had to
help in re-sacking palay twice because of bad weather conditions. I was so
devastated.
At
four-thirty, I was done painting. Later, I prepared our supper. I did it
happily.
At six,
Auntie Vangie texted me, asking if Rona had already contacted me. Later, I
texted the latter. I gave her the second applicant’s number and told her that I
rejected the first applicant due to two reasons.
Later,
Auntie Vangie proposed this: “Ano kaya, Poroy, gawin ntin business yan. Ok b
sau sideline yan? Pg nkahingi aq ng 1k s bwat isa sau ang 700 skn 300 pra s
load n tym q lng yun. He he! Ok b sau?”
I replied: “Mgandang
idea po yn, Auntie! Gce po try ntin.”
Then, she
sent this “Naicp q lng ung idea kc uso ngaun d2 ang ngpphanap s kakilala s
province ayw n nla kc ng gling d2 n umalis lng s amo at li2pat lng. Cgurista n
cla e. Ano sa palagay u?”
Then, I
answered “Actually npg-uspan nmin o ngkbiruan kmi d2 knina lng. Ung mgtayo
ng agency. Iisa po pla ang idea ntin. He he.”
She said, “Aba
kung gnun e ngkakaisa pla tau dyn.”
After one
reply, I answer, “Ok.” We were done and we agreed upon a productive idea. I
hoped it would click.
After
supper, I researched in the desktop about impotency that I would use in my
novel, ‘Dumb Found.’
At past
eight, the first applicant and husband came in to pass the biodata. I
interviewed her. I pity her, but she was not qualified in the vacancy. I instead
will give her to another employer.
I stopped
researching at 8”30 pm. Then I watched ‘Malaala Mo Kaya,’ featuring a story of
a little boy, who at a very young age experienced mundane activities such as
rugby snorting, robbery, and pagbubugaw. The story opened my mind about
sensitive topics or truth. I never thought it’s rampant nowadays.
October
5, 2008
I swept in
the yards without even taking any hot drinks. I did it afterwards.
At seven, I
washed my clothes.
It rained at
past 7, so sun-drying was postponed.
At one pm, I
went to Polot. I swept the yards there. Two hours were spent sweeping off all
the dried leaves. Then, I took a rest while imagining that we are already
living there.
At five, I left
Polot. When I got home, it was 5:30. I was exhausted. It seemed that I had a
fever. Thus, I went upstairs and tried to sleep. At seven thirty, I went downstairs.
The good thing was I had no fever.
October 6,
2008
While drinking
coffee, I was sweeping in the buladan. Later, I was lifting or helping
them to put the sacks of palay on their heads and shoulders.
At ten, I
went to Liezel Gustuir’s house. I interviewed and oriented her. I told her to
be a good and trustworthy employee or babysitter.
A woman and
a gay applied as yaya. I told them that they would instead wait for
another vacancy because the employer had already hired one.
At past
six, Rona texted me that she had already hired Liezel and would send her money
for the fare tomorrow. I was waiting for my incentive as what Auntie Vangie and
I were planning, but she never said so.
I left school
early, despite my willingness to attend the last period class, so thar I could
talk to Liezel and Lorna. I did it immediately when I got home.
After
supper and dishwashing, I took notes. It was a sort of preparation for our
final exam.
October
7, 2008
After sweeping
in the buladan and yards and after helping Papay Benson in some tasks, I
started taking notes.
I greeted
Taiwan a happy birthday,
At eleven, I
was done writing.
After
lunch, I helped in sun-drying palay, while I was having a review in TS1.
I was so
disappointed that Papay Benson did not give me an allowance, that supposed to
be given every Monday. I understood the situation, but he must understand me,
as well.
However, I
still went to school. I just hoped the fishermen of Papay Benson would have a
bountiful catch tonight.
October
8, 2008
Sweeping
was the very first thing I did after waking up. As usual, it was in interval
with taking coffee. I was so glad doing it because the fishermen had a plenty catch
of lawlaw fish. It means I did not have to worry about the tuition.
I helped in
sun-drying though I was so tired. Yet, it was okay. I almost fainted due to the
terrible heat, but I tried to do all my best.
Before I
left for school, Papay Benson gave me the amount I needed to pay the remaining
balance, which I paid immediately when I reached RGCC.
At nine pm,
Ate Quennie asked me a favor. She wanted me to compose a Bikolano song that she
would teach to her two pupils, who would compete in a singing contest to be
held during Kasanggayahan Festival on October 16. After thirty minutes, I already
had a rough draft. It was entitled ‘Kinab-An.” However, it was subject to
revision. I was just too sleepy. I had to sleep early.
October 9,
2008
I knew we
would not sun-dry palay today because of bad clouds up there, but I still
did sweeping task in the buladan.
After this,
I washed my uniforms and some other white shirts while memorizing lessons.
Auntie
Vangie texted me at 10:47 am, asking how Rona’s applicant was hiring. Then, she
queried if she has sent me mt talent fee. I said I had not received yet any
amount. She assured me that she would make a way. I hoped so because I needed
money.
I was
already in RGCC at 3 pm. I reviewed a bit, then I conversed and had laughing
moments with my friends. It was just a sort of cooling down.
My exams
were okay. I did my best. I did not cheat myself, unlike my classmates. I hated
those who were browsing their notes and ‘psst-ing’ me, asking for the
answers.
After
dinner, I went to Bulasu and left the copy of my composition to Ate Quennie’
mother-in-law’s sister.
The composition
goes like this:
KINAB-AN
I.
Kamahal na
san mga baraklon
An
gasolina, na mahalon
An
pamasahe, naghahatag-ason
Namangno,
wara na kita makaon
Pero, ayos
lang yuon!
May
kadaanisan man gihapon.
Koro:
Imudon ta
na lang an kinab-an
An paglutaw
san adlaw
Pati
pagliwanag san bulan
Batia an
palibot
May
insasabi baga an mga bayong
Mao man ang
mga balod
Batia,
batia sin mayad
Kadianis
palan mag-istar sa kinab-an.
II.
May giyera
kun diin-diin
An
pagkasararo, aw hain?!
Krisis na
sa ekonomiya
Pati pa sa
pulitika
Sige lang
an hiriran
Wara man
ngani dahilan
Mayad ngani
may kinab-an
Na ato
nadadalaganan.
(Ulitin ang
Koro)
October
10, 2008
For the
first time, I mean, after a long time, I could sleep until I wanted to. It was
8;30 when I got up since it rained, I had nothing to do. Instead, I reviewed
our lessons.
While
waiting for the time, Ma’am Gerona approached me. Asking where I’m living, if I
have a wife, and how many are my children. Later, we talked about practice
teaching, that she advised me to take up. She also said “Dapat nag-ED ka na
lang sadto, ha? Nagtutukdo ka na kunta niyan.”
I never
thought that’s she would utter that to me. Thus, I showed them my best. I was
the very first one to submit the test paper in the short period of time of
answering the test questions.
During my
vacant period, I was pondering. I wanted to stop schooling, but I also wanted
to try practice teaching, which is being offered in 2nd semester.
After my
three exams, Ate Che and I waited for others to finish theirs. While waiting, I
conversed with her.
At past
8:45, we were in Ate Salve’s house. We ate first and drank brandy-iced tea
punch. It was our final night of togetherness; thus, we talked and joked a lot.
It was
10:30 when I reached home. God thing was Ate Quennie slept over in the house of
Papay Benson. She still was watching tv. I had an easy entry. But, if ever she
was not there, I was determined to knock. I did not want to sleep in Ate
Ningning’s house.
October
11, 2008
I woke up
early so that they would not think that I was drunk last night. I immediately
swept the buladan. I knew we would sun-dry palay today.
All day, I
was sun-drying palay.
At past
six, I went to Liezel’s house because Rona texted me to get the P2,500 she sent
to the former. I talked to Liezel about her reason for postponing her trip
today to Manila. Her big sister was the one who explained it. She said they
were sure even if I would not take the money from them.
I could not
reply to Rona. I have no load.
October
12, 2008
I woke up
early because I thought we would sun-dry palay, but we could not pala.
Alas! I swept pa. But it was okay. At least, I could have a rest.
Instead, I
washed my clothes. Next, I cooked our viand, then Oi watched tv.
At five, I cooked
again.
October 13,
2008
At ten,
Kuya Bambi asked me if I wanted to go fishing on his boat. I committed easily,
hoping I could earn for my fare to Manila –back and forth.
I helped with
the preparation. At b3, we left for Biton, Magallanes. I was praying for a good
catch. I had also told Mj.
I missed
fishing. It had been along time since I last joined Delon and his men in
fishing. Though it was too long ago, I was still feeling the same way. It was
cold there—very cold.
After three
arias, we talked to have even one chest of lawlaw fish. I did not
fret. I knew it’s God’s will.
October
14, 2008
It was 7:30
when I got home. I cooked the fish I brought. I had breakfast, then I did
photography using Ate Ningning’s digicam. After going to a rice mill, I uploaded
the photos from digicam to computer.
At eleven,
I took a nap at Aileen’s house until one-thirty.
I helped in
re-sacking sun-dried palay at 3:30 pm. Whew! It was just after I took a
nap.
I slept early
tonight.
October
15, 2008
At past
seven when I got up. While having coffee, I was sweeping in the buladan.
Later I prepared our lunch. At ten, I was done cooking. I immediately used the
computer. I browsed some of the hidden files. It was 11:45 when I quit doing it
to eat lunch.
Ate Che
invited me to have a bonding time at Ate Salve’s house. I wanted to join, but I
learned that we were going to go fishing tonight. I told Tinax and Padi Glenn,
who texted me, as well.
At quarter
to 4 pm, we left ashore. I prayed for a bountiful catch.
It was my
second time fishing with Candoy, as the leader. And as usual, I only did light
tasks. I felt ashamed, but I thought it was okay with them.
I replied
to Epr’s text message. I told him that I was in lawod. He said “Ingat”
ang joked at me.
Mj texted
me, as well. When I told her where I was, she said “Panay ang fishing ah. Uwi
k p b?”
It irked
me. She’s so makulit. This was why I was fishing. I wanted to see them.
I just wanted to earn money. I did not reply.
She sent
this after 30 minutes: “Ingat k! Mag-jacket ka. Mlamig. Gudluck n God bless
u! Luv k nmin ng kids.” It inspired me; thus, I kept on asking God for
catch.
October
16, 2008
The six
fishermen of Bambi boat and I reached the shore at past 6 after keeping the
net. We all went home.
After
having hot milk, I went upstairs to sleep. At ten, I got up to eat. Then, I
slept again.
At
two-thirty, Epr and I were conversing via text. I had learned about his
hardships in Laoag City, and so was about my hardships. But we agreed that it
was normal, and we must take these problems.
At five, I
did a marketing task. I also cooked. Afterwards, I spent an hour in front of
the desktop. I encoded the captions I made for my business plan – shirt printing
like “My name is Dick Schlong.”
Epr had
learned about it. I told him that it was the edge of being here.
I slept
early at 8:30 pm.
October
17, 2008
At seven
am, when I got up, it rained. So, I would not be forsaken if I woke up late.
But I did sweeping while drinking coffee. Then, I started sun-drying palay
after a while. While doing so, Talay challenged me to play chess. We played. He
bit me. I bit him, as well, many times.
At four, I stayed
upstairs to take arrest. There, I missed my kids while I was looking at their
photos on my mobile phone. This morning I missed Zj because I saw Ogel’s son,
who resembles him, especially his kalbo head.
At past 5,
I used the desktop. I stopped at past 7 pm.
After
dinner, I text-conversed with Tina and Padi Glenn. It was a long conversation.
Before I
slept, I talked to God about the perplexity in my mind. I wanted to take LET,
but I was not sure if I’m already qualified. I also wanted to earn while
waiting for my examination.
October
18, 2008
I woke up
early and swept in the buladan. I was so eager to help, but when the bad
words of Papay Benson were spoken, it maddened and hurt me. Thus, I stayed upstairs,
despite the terrible heat. I let them do the sun-drying. I went downstairs at 1
pm to eat. They (Aileen and Ate Ningning) thought that my back was aching. The truth
was it was my heart.
Despite it,
I still helped. I also helped Aileen. My assistance in her cooking for Skye’s handa
has been crucial.
At five,
Skye and I biked through Bulasu. When we left home, I had Ate Quennie’s module.
She wanted me to read it, so that I could explain it to her.
I read it immediately
after I refreshed myself, but I had to stop due to toothache.
At quarter
to eight, I texted my friends. Daba invited me to join them in Sabang, but when
I asked her who were her companions, she did not reply.
Jay-R
invited me, as well, on his birthday on October 30. I committed, telling him
that I will go to Antipolo on the 24th, as if I was so sure.
October
19, 2008
I got up
late. I did not have to sweep in the buladan. They already did it. But I
still must sweep the clutter in the yards.
Then, I washed
the sugary sacks that we would use in palay. I finished it fast.
At
ten-thirty, I was cooking.
At twelve,
I was exhausted from sun-drying and keeping palay safe from rain. I could
not eat lunch early due to tiredness.
At two, we
had re-sacked the palay before the rain fell. I had a chance to watch tv
afterwards.
At four, I
read Ate Quennie’s module, then at 4:30, I was in Bulasu. I discussed with her
what I understood. She was glad that she had learned from me.
At six, I
was summarizing the module, especially the Republic Acts for her to easily
understand. I stopped at eight. My thumb was aching, but it was okay. I was
glad to help Ate Quennie. Besides, it was one way of reviewing for LET.
October
20, 2008
I was
awakened by Tiya Mila’s noise. I got up immediately when I learned that Papay
Benson won in jueteng, hoping I would be given a balato. Alter, I
received a plastic bag of coins worth P100, it was a blessing. Thus, I was
inspired to work and prepare for the sun-drying of palay.
At
one-thirty, Mj and I were texting. Here are her text messages in chronological
order:
1. Ano b
pnagkkaabalhan u jan?
2. Aus
lng, 2log ang kds, mlakas n kumain ulit ang kds lalo n Zj. Kya lng lgi knakagat
ate nya.
3. Ano b
tlga plans u? Kaw, kung s tingin u n kelnan u, continue sku; u, ok lng nman,
pro sympre gs2 k rn nmin mkita ng kids.
4. Mis n
mis k n rn nmin. C Z jpg my hawk un phone sbi ‘Papa’ kunwari kausp k nya. Gnun dn
hnna, lgi k nya tnong skin. “Mis, mis ko n Papa ko,” sbi nya.
5. Oo
nga. Mgastos d2, db mgpa-file k ngaun Nov? My naipon k n b?
We could have
had a longer conversation if I had not run out of load. But it was okay. At least
I learned that they’re fine. I was so glad that my kids were thinking of me.
While
sun-drying palay, I was playing computer games.
At past 4,
we were done re-sacking the palay. I stayed and read upstairs.
At
five-forty, I biked through relanse. I went back home at 6:30 pm.
Though I slept
early, I became sleepless at 10pm when I was awakened by noise of the
television. Thus, I used the time to plan. I decided that I would continue schooling,
but I would go to Antipolo City on October 24. I would have just to go back on
October 27 because it was the resume of classes in RGCC.
October
21, 2008
I think it
was past one when I fell asleep. But I must get up early because the palay
were waiting to be sun-dried.
Tinax implied
through text message that it’s her birthday today, thus I greeted her.
At
eleven-thirty, Mj texted me. It was after we re-sacked the palay due to
rainfall. I told her that I was resting upstairs. Then, we had a conversation. Here
are her messages slash replies:
1.D p rn kmi kumain. Wla p ulam.
Dpat mligo k n kc naulanan k. Gs2 q n umuwi jan, kya lng mlabo p.
2. Ewn. Wla pramdam T2 Jay, sulatan
q sna ulit kya lng ng-iba dw ng name sya at ngbyad, hulihan dw kc ngaun ng TNT
dun. Ky Antie kya. M22lungan tau?
3. So, d k n uwi? Sna man lng mkita k
nmin kht sndali. Kelan b enrolment nu?
4. Uwi k? E, s 27 n pla pasok u.
5. Ei, uwi k b tlga? Seryoso? Pkita
k nmn s kds. Mis k n tlga nla.
6. Uwi ang trak? Yehey! Sure k ha?!
Ask q c hnna knina kung ano gus2 nya psalubong mo, apple at orange dw, kya lng
sbi u attend k seminar?
I took a rest
after lunch.
At three-thirty,
I was in front of the computer.
At past
four, I was upstairs again, I tried to nap. I also read.
Ate Celine
texted me. She told me the subjects she enrolled in. She wanted me to take the
same subjects, but I assured her that I would only enroll at two Prof. Eds.
October
22, 2008
Though I
knew we would not sun-dry palay, I still woke up early. I did sweeping and
later kitchen work. After breakfast, I did laundry, as preparation for leaving
Bulan.
At past
nine, Ate Che confirmed that I could now take LET. She explained ‘Pede
magexam bsta igwa ki 18 units earned n Prof ED taz General subject. Bka ang old
course u my creditd p khit di k n mg-enroll.”
I told her
that I would still enroll.
Papay
Benson told me to join the fishing tonight because the group has only a few
members. I committed, hoping I could earn my pocket money.
At 4, we
left ashore.
In the
ocean, I had seen a temporary cook because the original cook was absent. I had a
problem when the rice was not well-cooked. Good thing, there was a part that
could be eaten. I just re-cooked the half part.
I was
praying to God. My prayer had been redundant, but I stated to Him my intention
of requesting of good catch.
At past 12
midnight, I got up and waited for the school of fish to hit our nets, while
praying.
October
23, 2008
At two am,
Sandoy announced that we must pull over nets. I knew we had no bountiful catch,
but I was asking God to give us, for the last time.
At four, we
were ashore. We have no catch except for a few fish we could take home for our
families.
At six, I
was home. Papay Benson asked me, “Hain na an bertud mo?” He believed
that the luck of Eking boat before in fishing was due to my presence. I just replied,
“Wara na.” But it hurts me. I could not afford to be called a jinx
because I’m not. It was God’s will.
Before
nine, I was awakened by the terrible heat upstairs, but it was okay. At least,
I had three hours of sleep.
Later, I
had to help Manoy Muybien in keeping the palay from being wet by rain.
That help continued until afternoon.
Aileen was
the one who told Papay Benson that I was going to Antipolo City tomorrow, but
he has no comment. I just hoped he could give me pocket money.
Since I
could feel that Papay Benson was already penniless, I texted Ate Che at past 5.
I borrowed P500. I have P300 only in my wallet. It was not enough to cover the
back fare, not to mention the expenses when I got together with my kids.
Good thing,
Ate Che replied at 5:30. I immediately went to their house. I brought my
certificates (Birth, seminar), TOR, SSS#, etc. as collateral or assurance that
I would be back. However, she did not accept those. I thanked her as I left.
Auntie
Vangie texted me at 8 pm. She asked about the yaya I hired for Rona—Reggie’s
officemate. After we made prejudice about the former, the former texted me. She
announced that the babysitter I recommended to her was already with her. She
did not directly talk about my reward.
October 24,
2008
I got up
early to prepare myself and my stuff.
Mama Leling
talked to me about the wrong timeliness of my trip, since I could not bring my
family anything, like rice and tinapa. I said, “Ayos lang, basta
madagos ako.” The truth was I need money, not the merchandise that will
burden me.
She also
related to me the person who came to the tailoring shop, looking for Mama
because she wanted to buy a lot from us. I did not speak out my willingness to
sell because Mama Leling’s comment was against my will.
At seven
am, we left Bulan. It was my fourth time hitch-hiking to Kuya jape’s truck.
Auntie
Vangie texted me. She had just read my text message about my trip to Antipolo
City today, which I sent last night. After a few exchanges of replies, we bade
goodbye. She wished for our safe trip.
Though I
was just sitting, I felt tired. My butt was aching from a very long trip. I just
enjoyed sight-seeing to relieve the pain. Plus, the traffic was so annoying.
It was
11:30 when I reached my in-laws’ house. My mag-iina was already
sleeping. I woke up Mj.
October
25, 2008
I missed my
kids so much, but I could only kiss them since they were sleeping. Hanna recognized
me when she opened her eyes. She kept on embracing and touching me. She missed
me too much, as well.
At eight-thirty,
Hanna and I went to Bautista. Flor operated the videoke. We sang along. I sang
up-to-saw. I stopped at 11:30.
Mama and I
conversed about many things after lunch. She was still in problem about Flor’s
indolence. She was planning as well to escape to Bautista.
I could say
that my short visit was worth it. Mama and I talked a lot including my dispute with
some of my uncles and her defense and effort to fight for me.
At three-thirty,
we left Bautista. We bought Bonakid and Nido first in gate 2 before we went to
Rancho.
I have had
a bonding moment with my kids. I looked and took care of them. I have seen them
fight over a piece of stuff or a toy. I have seen them laugh, smile, and cry. I
enjoyed the time, the moment. I also took pictures of them.
Later, I
packed and prepared the stuff I would bring or take to Bulan.
At two pm,
Flor arrived. I expected for her and the money. She gave me P300. I knew she corrupted
P200, but I accepted it. It would only be an incremental amount for my fare to Bulan
tomorrow.
October
27, 2008
At nine, me
and my mag-iina went to Calove’s house to get the Sont digicam’s
battery, that Mj charged there. Ka Sonny and Tita Lo were not yet there, so
while waiting, we took photos of the kids. We left home minutes after their
arrival. Then, I spent the time bonding with my kids. I talked to them,
especially Hanna, who’s against my departure. She said, “Dito ka na yang
tuyok. Waya higaan dun.” I let her understand that I was going to school
again, and when she was the right age, I would take her with me to Bulan.
Hanna could
understand me. She now had a cognitive ability, though she’s bulol. She’s
sensitive, as well.
While
Zildjian is just starting to talk. He could not clearly pronounce ‘Papa’ and ‘Mama.’
He had own language. He could also understand commands and follow them. But he
rolls on the floor whenever his will is not given or followed.
All in all,
I was so glad to be with them even for a few days only. It was tantamount to a
5-month togetherness. I’m sure I will be more inspired to study.
Mj and
Nanay helped me pack. Nanay had so many padala for Nicole, Ilke, and
Tiya Ting such as slippers, dresses, biscuits, and candles. They also packed my
dinner.
At
two-thirty, I left Rancho. Mj and Zj came with me to the jeepney stop. I could
see Zildjian’s sadness, as well as Mj’s.
While
waiting for the bus to go, I read Mj’s epistle that she wrote at 1:30 pm. It
says:
Dearest
Bee,
Actually, I really don't know what to say.
It's just that "I miss you". Sobra! We've been together for so many
years, been separated so many times. Pero, eto na yata 'yung pinakamatagal,
tapos ngayon aalis ka ulit. Hay!! Kelan ulit kaya tayo magkikita?Kahit sandali
lang tayo nagkakasama-sama, sobrang happy kami ng kids. I really appreciate
your effort sa pagdalaw mo sa amin..
Being away from you is really hard,
especially taking care of two kids alone, na sobrang makukulit. Madalas ka pa
nila hinahanap. But, it's okay. It's for our own good naman, e. I know that
your doing your best to be a good father, even though you're away from them.
Living without you is really hard for me,
too. I feel so ALONE. I need you. I need you here by my side. You're the one
who's giving me strength and hope to survive and go on with our lives. SORRY
FOR EVERYTHING! I know I brought you so much pain and heartaches. Pero, tapos
na 'yun. I'm trying to be a good partner and a mother to our kids.
Take care of yourself. Wag kang
magpapagutom. Mag-aral ka ng mabuti. Wag mong isipin masyado ang kids. I'll
take care of them. Basta promise mo na magpapakabait ka dun, ha?! Wala ng
"MYLES". He he! Sikapin mo na matupad lahat ng mga pangarap natin.
GOODLUCK! Mahal na mahal kita. Take care and GOD bless you! Sobrang mami-miss
ka namin ng kids.
I LOVE YOU! Hanggang sa muli nating
pagkikita! Tsups!
-- HONEY--
It touched
my heart.
The bus
left Cubao Terminal at past 4 pm.
October
28, 2008
I reached
Sia’s residence at past 7 am. My pamangkins were asking for pasalubong.
I told them that the pasalubong I brought were for Mj’s niece, sister,
and aunt.
I did not
sleep. Instead, I went along with them.
At 9 pm, I
texted Ate Che, asking her for an apology because I could not pay her back,
since I could feel that Papay Benson has no money. I also told it to Mj and to
my two close classmates.
Before
8:30, I was enrolled in TS 2, Prof Ed 14, Prof Ed 10, and Prof Ed 5. I only down
paid P500. I paid the P500 to Ate Che.
Ma’am
Girado is my or our instructress in TS 2. I was so sleepy while she was giving
her lesson, thus I had not been active yet.
Staying in
the library bored me. But I stayed there for the whole one and a half hours of
vacant period. I was not yet inspired to read and study.
After
knowing that our instructor was absent, I went home.
I was
taking the problem of painting my father’s tomb. I have no money for it. If
only Papay Benson gave me extra money for my fare.
October
29, 2008
I did
sweeping while drinking coffee. Later, I did laundry. Mang Nanding was hired by
Papay Benson to sun-dry palay, so I was free to do so, but I still must help. I
helped after cooking.
I was in RGCC
Library at 5 pm. I conversed with Sharon Gimena-Homo. She proposed a bonding in
December with her mag-ama, my family, and Cherry. I committed. I liked the
idea, but I did not know if I would have a budget for that, since she was
suggesting Tagaytay.
I enjoyed
the two subjects or periods tonight which were given or facilitated by Ma’am
Gerona and Ma’am Golloso, respectively.
At
seven-thirty, I walked home since there was no tricycle in the Ponod Tricycle Terminal.
I could not afford to pay P10 for a special trip. Besides, it was economical since
I was running out of money.
October
30, 2008
Since the
weather was not good, I planned of going to Polot, but later I decided to let
somebody, who was a resident of Polot or Liman carry the pasalubong for
Nicole and Ilek. I waited for a few hours in the Polot Tricycle Terminal. I saw
Ate Bullet, Mj’s cousin and asked her to hand-carry the package.
Then, I
went to Bulan Municipal Hall, so that I could fulfill Ate Quennie’s favor of
asking BIR forms. However, the hall was busy in scattering or giving to the
farmers the free palay seedings for propagation.
I was
occupied in sun-drying palay. It was so hard to keep and re-scatter the palay
due to bad weather. My back ached.
I learned
from my cousin, Klyn, that she was now teaching in a private elementary school
in Payatas. We both hoped that someday we would become regular teachers in public
schools.
I took a
nap at 12:30. Good thing, I was not hailed to help in sun-drying.
At two-twenty-five,
I was in school. Ate Salve encouraged us (me, Tina, and Florenel) to go to Ate
Che’s brother’s nuptial with his husband at Mario’s Cabana in Lahong. Since Ate
Che texted me last night about it, I committed to join. Thus, after our first
period class, we went there.
The wedding
was just starting when we reached the venue. We were all ashamed, but we waited
for the reception.
While
waiting, I looked around the place. It was a nice venue for gatherings like weddings,
seminars, etc. Cabanas were built side by side, but it could have been a better
place if the landscape is more artistically made.
Because of
that, I dreamt of having a place like that in Polot, where I could practice my
artistry. However, I must have capital for it.
Ate Che
could not entertain us because she was so busy taking pictures and other
things, but she ushered us. She gave us a wonderfully set table, where we had a
fine and enjoyable dinner.
We were
late for our second period class. Ma’am Enolva was our professor, who recognized
me by face, not by surname. She regarded me as ‘Mr. Cresana.’
I liked and
enjoyed her lecture. I think I’m going to love her subject.
At nine, I
was upstairs. I prayed to God, asking Him for financial blessings.
October
31, 2008
After
helping in doing household chores, I actualized Ate Quennie’s favor. It was
eight. I went first to a photocopy center. Then, I came over to Bulan Municipal
Hall’s Local Civil Registrar to get Charity’s Birth Certificate authenticated.
I accomplished it so quickly.
Mj texted me, asking if I had news to the
buyer of lot in Polot. Shea said, “Mahirap talaga makisama dito.” I did
not ask about her problem. It maddened and frustrated me.
I was free
in sun-drying palay, but I suffered still from backache. It was terrible. I
could feel that I was stooping whenever I took my first step.
I was double
minding if I should go to school or not. But, at past 4, I was already in school.
There were only a few students. Ate Che was there. Thus, I have had a companion.
We just conversed over several things. We have no professors.
At 6:30, we
left RGCC.
When I reached
home, I immediately changed my clothes and went to Bulasu. I turned over the
photocopied and authenticated documents to Ate Quennie. She gave me P100. But I
went home with another project. It was a summary of her Module 2 for Teacher
Induction Program (TIP), which was also the topic being tackled in prof Ed 14.
It was a dual purpose. After supper, I faced it. I stopped at 9 pm.
