My Journal -- October 2008

 

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 4^th 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 2^nd 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 24^th, 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.