HEROES Among Us

This is an excerpt from the book I am drafting; of my journey to life.

Along that journey are people -- individuals -- who have touched my life one way or another; is (or was) responsible for the man I am now.

Needless to say, I admired them so much; hold them in high regard and respect. They are the heroes and heroines of my life.

HEROES HOMECOMING TOWARDS CHANGE | PEBA 2011

2011 THEME RALLIES ON HEROES HOMECOMING TOWARDS CHANGE

Note: The photo of a boy holding a flag
is an official entry of Analindenhann
from Copenhagen Denmark to the
2010 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards International Photo Contest

The First Quarter Storm

The first quarter of 2011 is perhaps the most turbulent days of the Overseas Filipino Workers as they witness the political revolution in the Middle East and North Africa where thousands of OFWs were caught in the middle of domestic conflicts in countries such as Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Libya.

Even with these appalling events, Filipinos remain determined to continue following their dreams through migration in order to survive domestic poverty. The world could be cruel and unforgiving but also highly rewarding... because in every struggle, heroes emerge.

Read full content here

► About the Author:
Kenji is Mr. Thoughtskoto in the blogging world. His story and his life is one of endurance: he was six when his dad left him; he is the eldest among four siblings; his mom died of cancer when he was 16; he self supported himself through college. He now works as a quality engineer in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and is a doting father to Hevyn and a loving hubby to Shiela (and adds: "a grandfather to Hevyn's pet duck".)
► Read Kenji's previous articles here.

click here to comment… for bloggers

Life’s Realization and Counsels

❝ Life is just like an old time rail journey … delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.❞ - Jenkin Lloyd Jones

Sometimes love is...

Sometimes when you found that one special person that means to you more than anything in this world, you will fight for him or her, you will rick all, you put him or her in front of everything, your future, your life, your career – all of it. When you found that one special someone that you really care the most – you’re not afraid to risk, or to be hurt, because you know you’re doing just the right thing to do. You love, and you try to express and show that love in any way you can.

Sometimes too, when you meet someone who shares you the desire to achieve, who inspires you to do your very best, and someone who will love you for who you are, or what you are and what you may become, you found that real love.

For love is not assuming, it is free of anything. It is giving. It is making other person happy. It is bringing out the best to people. It is inspiring, it doesn’t seek for glory or return, it is without condition, description, or qualification – who and what you are does not matter anymore. What matters is that you are happy, and most important the one you love is happy.

► Read Kenjie's previous articles here.

A brighter and renewed hope

Naging isang malaking story ang 2010 para sa akin at maging sa maraming Filipino sa kahit saan mang panig ng mundo. Ang daming nangyari -- some were good; others, too bad.

Downside: The broken promises of those who won in the 2010 s and the many blunders committed by some of the newly-elected officials disappointed us all. The hostage crisis in Manila that turned into a nightmare was a crucible to all Filipinos worldwide. The cutting of OFW and education budget, and the fatalities of OFW's in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and many others, were additional wounds to a bigger affliction.

Upside: PEBA soared to a higher ground, and along with the expansion, came sponsors to somehow cover up the expenses, but it is not yet enough. We have to spend a few thousands of our money, and devote most of our time just to make it happen. It happened. Not yet perfect, with so many things to improve, but somehow, good enough, all for the glory of OFW and Filipino bloggers.

And twenty ten finally ended. It will always be remembered.

In comes 2011 promising us a brighter future and a renewed hope that things will be better.

I hope it will be a year of moving forward. I hope it will be a year of quiet reflections on what really matters in life. We have been so busy chasing destiny when we should be slowing down and focussing our time and efforts in building a better family. BEcause for me, families are forever.

In 2011, let's all invest in three things: health, education and a piece of land -- some of the things in life that we importantly need.

A good and healthy life to keep us going. What good is acquisition of so much wealth if all the things we need is just a strong, energetic and healthy body?

May we also invest in education, of our goods or personal advancement? Competition is stiff. It eats people. May we further our knowledge, and gain more wisdom because these are the only things we will bring to our grave: the knowledge we learned and the wisdom we gained.

And lastly, may we materially possess a piece of land, or build a good house where we can live as a family. Sort of an investment. It will be for our posterity.

Happy New Year everyone, and God bless us all!

► Read Kenjie's previous articles here.

Heroes of my life

This is an excerpt from the book I am drafting; of my journey to life.

Along that journey are people -- individuals -- who have touched my life one way or another; is (or was) responsible for the man I am now.

Needless to say, I admired them so much; hold them in high regard and respect. They are the heroes and heroines of my life.

I do not have a place to build them their monuments nor a ground to mark their honor, nor a trophy to bestow on them. I hope they know, through this KUDOS, that in my heart and all throughout my life, I carry a tremendous, a very deep feeling of gratitude for them all.

To all of you, THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR MAKING MY LIFE SO MUCH BETTER BECAUSE YOU ARE THERE. I hope your influence and your light of goodness will continually shine and magnify its radiance to make this world a better and brighter place. Please accept this compliment as a token of my gratitude for making a difference in my world. You played a very important role in shaping my future, and therefore, EACH OF YOU IS A SIGNIFICANT PIECE in my life's quilt.

(In no particular order).

Beatriz 'Betty' P. Dela Cruz Solis - My MOM. Her challenges and hardship, her sacrifices and perseverance in working to sustain us, her kids, to give us a better future is a story of heroism. I was a witness of the terrible pain she had to go through during the final days of her life. She died so young at the age of 39, in the line of duty, fulfilling a role so divine - Motherhood. I can only hope I reflect the kind of life she wanted me to live - simple, kind and yet strong and resolute in my desire to make a difference in this world. In a piece of land where she was laid, was an invisible mark that says: THE GREATEST MOTHER IN THE WHOLE WORLD. Wherever you are now, I know, one day, we will see each other again.

Craig Whiting – An American friend. During those times when I was so down and could not even support myself, he was there to lift me up. He willingly offered help, encouragement and selflessly lend a hand until I was able to finally stand on my own. He is an angel from God who supported me and my siblings. His family founded Believe International sending hundreds of poor Filipino kids to school (and now, PEBA is sponsoring scholars from this organization by adopting kids and sending them to school).

Ethel Cecille M. Baltazar - In my journal, I simply described her as 'Wonder Woman' because she constantly amazed me of her great enthusiasm in making things happen at its best. She has a great sense of service to others; always willing to contribute to the growth of good causes. She is there when no one is around to listen to and advice me; when I am disheartened and about to give up. She is there to encourage me to carry on, reminding me to trust God above all things. I feel overwhelmed and humbled to have someone of her caliber who believes in my abilities and capacities. For me, she is a GREAT mother, a GREAT sister, and a best friend, rolled into one.

Gordon B. Hinckley -The most influential person in my life next to my Mom. Ironically, I've never seen or talked to him personally, and probably, he knew me only by name when he signed my mission call. But his influence is so strong and so great that his words, his counsels, his teachings became my guiding light through all these years. I have a complete compilation of his conference talks, four of his recent books, and other excerpts from his teachings. I believe in him, and I got the strong desire to be better, to be a little kinder, and to serve others without expecting anything in return.

May to remember - The girl I first fell in love with, who captivated my heart, occupied my thoughts, haunted my dreams and desires for six long years. I made poems, love letters and journal entries for her which I later compiled under the title 'May to Remember'. Her story was already a closed book, for she is now married and has kids; and so do I. But the memory of that love for her will continue to linger on and the wonders she did to my life that moved, inspired and helped me are enough to make her one of the heroines of my life.

Nothing - My four years of stay in Manila, all of my pursuit for a better life, all my striving for excellence, all my desires to be more faithful, all my dreams and ambitions were inspired by her. Ironically, so strong was her influence that she took captive of my life that long years, without her knowing it. Eventually it ended up in a love suicide that led to the reinventing of myself. Thus, born a KENJI and the meaning associated with every letter of that name.

Jesus and Constancia L. Daniel - I lived with them during my entire college life when I had nowhere to go while venturing in Iligan to pursue my college education. They were instrumental in molding me during my formative teenage years. They taught me by precept and example the virtues of humility and hardwork - even the dignity of working with my hands. They filled the role my parents were not able to fulfill. Today, they are one of the most respected couples not only in the community they live in but in the church as well, with 'lolo' serving for nearly a decade now as patriarch.

Marlon and Armi D. Deiparine - I was so blessed to be 'adopted' as a son of a kind and responsible man, and his loving wife, Armi while I was in Iligan for my college education. For the rest of my college life, they supported me: financially, emotionally, socially and spiritually. They have the most profound influence in my faith and my resolve to live a better and happy life. Both of them played the role as mom and dad, guided me, advised me, and showed me an example during my crucial teenage life. They stand with me as my parents during my university graduation. They are one of the greatest living heroes of my life, and my posterity as well as those of my siblings will forever remember them.

Mrs. Thoughtskoto - Oh how much I had been caring and loving her. And the many sacred and secret prayers I keep in my heart that only I and the God of Heavens know. It is too hallow for the world to know how much I love her, and how deep is my respect for her. It is enough to know that in her presence, I feel the desire to achieve. In her presence, I always wanted to be my very best. There is only one thing I greatly wish for: to spend my life until eternity with her and my family, and for me to continually yearn for a chance to do everything good for her happiness and joy in accordance with God's Holy Will. The greatest moment of my life is when we knelt at the sacred altar of the temple and promised in the eyes of man and in the eyes of God to love each other, for all time, and all eternity. She is the greatest heroine of my life.

I have so many more heroes that is not listed here, some of them might be reading this piece now, some of them my associates in the organization I worked for. Some of them are friends for a lifetime, and even beyond. And some of them, simple people and strangers who inspire me to do good, be good, and be the best in everything that I do. Someday, when my book is complete, I will fill the pages with those names for the world to know that I am who I am because of them.

► Read Kenjie's previous articles here.

Can We Talk?

Proverbs writes, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Ang dami kong naririnig na mga compIain sa iba’t ibang tao, mapalalaki or babae man na di daw sila makacommunicate sa isa’t isa. Communication is only a conversation. Nakausap ko kamakailan lamang ang isang ama sa chat, dati kong kasamahan sa trabaho.

“Don’t follow me bro, lumaki ang mga anak ko na di alam ang mga ugali nila. Iniwan ko din ang asawa ko, wala naman kaming naiipon, kung saan-saan napupunta ang pera. At saka di na nag-aayos, di na maganda kagaya ng dati”

I asked him, nakausap mo na ang misis mo?

“Ayaw ko nang kausapin. Pagod na ako, 15 years na ako dito nagtratrabaho, wala pa ring nangyayari sa buhay namin.”

It is both sad and pathetic. Nasaan na ang mga matatamis na usapan at pangako nung ligawan? Di na ba pwedeng pag-usapan ang mga bagay na ito. Can this be resolved by talking about the problems, disappointments, and desires of a husband, a wife, and their kids?

There are a lot of things that can be resolve through communication, merely talking over things. Napakaimposible na magmahal ng isang taong hindi or ayaw nating kausapin, even the deaf and mute have their own way to communicate. It is impossible to love someone that we don’t spend time. Love is born out of those situations and sustain through that way. Communication and constant reassurance of unfailing love and devotion on both part, as well as working to fulfill those commitments will make a relationship successful.

Temper

There is no problem so big and deep that won’t be solved, and even if it becomes insurmountable, we just place our faith and trust to Him who knows and loves us all. Let the talking be done in a softer voice, in a quiet voice. It shows reverence to the one you talk to, it generates a feeling of love and peace; it invites the spirit of communication. There is nothing so pitiful than someone who will inflict harsh and mean words spoken in anger. There is no way that swear or slur words be spoken to a spouse or a child.

Kamakailan lamang habang naghihintay akong bumukas ang mga tindahan, nakatabi ko ang isang OFW, malakas, matipuno, malaking tao, ngunit nung tumunog ang kanyang mobile phone, katakot-takot na mga salita ang lumabas sa kanyang mga bibig to which I understand asawa niya ang kanyang kausap. Hindi ko matiis ang mga salitang narinig at ako ay lumayo. Nakakaawang nakakalungkot ang mga taong kagaya nila, na malakas at magaling sa maraming bagay, but lose their control over a little thing, minsan halos wala pang kwentang mga bagay. I’ve seen so many of them, and if they are like that in public, what are they at home?

There will always be differences at marriage – ours have some of them. Since the time I’ve been married, I’ve never shouted or said harsh words to my wife, I have never insulted or maligned her. I have never raised my voice to her out of anger or frustration.

Ang violent temper is not good for the body and for the heart, and more importantly in the mind. It creates only feelings of hatred, pain, and rebellion. People who have temper problems have one foot on the grave. They should look for counsel or ask help or advice. They should control their feelings, and discipline themselves, or else this will only cause enmity between the couple, and later marriage break-up. This will also create a feeling of rebellion towards kids.

Ang asawa na laging nagcocomplain, na nakikita lamang ang mga panget na karanasan sa buhay, who feel na hindi sila pinapahalagahan at minamahal need to examine their hearts and minds. If there is something wrong, smile about it, people commit a lot of mistakes, so we should forgive. If wives feel that they are not much appreciated, they must keep themselves attractive.

I asked a friend who raises his voice always if how does he feel or what’s going on when he is mad. He said his mind is like darkened, he feels furious and hot, and things are like mountains ready to be removed. Small problems become so BIG when we shout or talk with a loud voice. Let the talk be quiet and peaceful.

“He [or she] that is slow to anger is better than the mighty” said the Proverbs. Remember that the voice of God is a still small voice. Let us talk in a manner that is polite, pleasing, and quiet. You will be amazed at what it can do to you and your family.

► Read Kenjie's previous articles here.

I Can't Think Well, I'm Hungry

At dahil Ramadan ngayon, at fiesta kada Eid, which means, a week or more holiday sa mga Pinoy dito sa Middle East, magpapakabusog tayo ayon sa tema ng TKJ this month.

Nagkaroon kami ng EB ng isang blogger dito sa Jeddah, si Ron Dacz ng My Kaleidoscope World, at napag-usapan namin ang matagal niyang pamamahinga sa blogging, at nagpromise na magspend ulit s'ya ng time para magblog. Inilibre niya kami na kumain sa isa sa mga favorite ko na restaurant dito sa Balad, ang Thai Restaurant.

Dahil sa sarap ng ulam at mga inorder niya, nakalimutan kung magpicture at naalala ko na lang nung kami ay tapos na. Hehe. Sorry.

Anyway, mas lalong masarap naman na mga pictures ang ipapakita ko ngayon sa inyo, kasi ito ang mga sari-saring pinagkakaabalahan ng may-bahay ko samantalang ako ay nasa trabaho.

Isa sa mga favorite ko na niluluto ni Mrs. Thoughtskoto ay ang Oven-friend na whole chicken. Marami kasi siyang nilalagay sa loob ng manok para sumarap ang lasa plus cruncky-liscious pa ang mga buto kaya't talagang sarap na sarap. Home-made kumbaga, segurado ka na malinis, at masustansiya.



Isa din sa mga gustong-gusto ko ay ang kanyang Chocolate cake, with pistaccio, peanuts and chocolate chips. Moist na moist pero di sobrang matamis. Naglalaway ako. hehe (she said, she can give out recipe's daw).

Nung nagsasawa na siya sa mga cakes, at lagi akong nagbubuy ng bread sa labas na bakeries, sinubukan niyang magbake ng home-made bread. Segurado daw ako sa quality at sa ingredients. Ito ang pinakamasarap sa mga bread na binibake niya, may cheese yan, at malambot na malinamnam.



Nung naglalagay naman ako ng palaman sa bread na niluluto niya, nag-aral naman siyang magbake ng Cinnamon. Nasarapan din ako sa cinnamon na yan, may mga raisen kasi na kasama yan, aside sa choco.



Ito naman ang baked macaroni. Isa sa mga pinakagusto ko na lutuin niya tuwing may occasion. Hindi ko alam anong mga ingredients niyan, itanong niyo na lang sa kanya.



At syempre, lagi niya ako pinababaunan ng fruits. It will take away the toxins daw sa katawan, plus it will add fiber sa katawan. Kumbinasyon ng apple, banana at pears at strawberry.



Pero walang tatalo sa sarap at linamnam nito. Ito ang hindi nawawala sa amin, nagbabaon pa kami ng ganyan mula sa Pinas tuwing babakasyon kami. Ang Anchovy salad, o kilala sa tawag na pritong dilis. Sarap kumain na nakakamay, or sinasaw sa suka, di ba?



Enjoy po kau sa holiday this month. Wag masyadong kumain ng sweets, at iwasan din ang sobrang alat. Happy holidays sa lahat! September na di ba, kaya holidays na!


► Read Kenjie's previous articles here.

For married OFWs

For married couples, communication is the key.

I don’t see any possible solution for an Overseas Filipino Worker and for his/her family back home to maintain a strong relationship of love and trust than to communicate in any possible means, constantly reassuring each other of the promises they made before the eyes of man, and the eyes of God, and that they will be together till death, and beyond.

Every OFW, regardless of background, class or status, needs three things in order to survive: a friend and/or community to belong to, a job/work where they can immerse themselves, and a nourishing love from the family at home.

A family back home can make a life of an OFW easier by subscribing to any networks' unlimited text and sending a lot of SMS to their loved one's roaming number. Kahit minsan, the text messages are wala dito, wala doon (haha, is this a plug-in for a telecommunication network?), by spending time chatting with him through any other means, by sending email pictures of links and by a constant assurance of faith, of love, and unwavering trust. [I'm confused with this sentence. What does it mean to say?]

Based on my experiences and the people I know, OFWs and their families back home who spend time communicating through mobile phones, through internet, and even the outdated snail mail, have stronger, healthier and happier relationships. I know there are some surveys to support this claim, and I’ll try to post an entry about that later.

This theme is not an easy one for all of us at the Pinoy EBA. The “Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation” is a bold and truthful admission of an OFW problem that has been for decades. Every OFW knew it. But we were mum because we are simply letting them live their lives, or don’t care at all, because it’s their choices anyway. Believe me, that was what I was thinking for the past few years. But I began to feel bad when a series of events happened. These are events that I will share today.

First, when a ‘Kabayan’ approach me and my wife (I petitioned my wife, Mrs. Thoughtskoto, a couple of months after we were married so she can join me here in Saudi) somewhere in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia and asked us “Saan kayo nakabili ng papel?” I have no idea what he was talking about. Really. I found out later from someone who was engaged in an illicit relationship that you can buy a document with fake (or legal?) DFA red ribbon and seal and a fake marriage certificate with you and a partner’s name on it. I hope that the embassies and consulates will look into this matter and should find ways and means to prevent documents like these to be faked. I don’t know. What can you suggest?

The second incident was when my family and I came home last December 2009. I met Ate Gia, a mother of three teenagers in her late 40s and currently working at the NAIA OFW Lounge. It broke my heart listening to her story. Her husband works in the US. He found an attractive Filipina lady there who also works as an OFW. A first, Ate Gia thoguht that her husband was probably busy at work because there was no call or SMS from him for a week. A month passed and the sustaining support for the kids on college were cut into half, and a year later, there were no calls, SMS, internet chatting, and even remittance. She was forced to find work to support the kids. She just found out 3 years after, her husband is already living in with someone else. It was a devastating experience. It broke my heart hearing it. Today, every time she sees at the NAIA airport the thousands of OFW who come and go, she wondered how many families have had the same experience like hers. I know the answer. I won’t tell her. She will break into tears again.

The third incident was when I was home last May for an interview. I came to know that our neighbor was also an OFW for more than 5 years. Mang Pedring and Aling Zenaida have two boys and a girl. Mang Pedring was a carpenter, and Aling Zenaida ventured as a domestic helper in Singapore to alleviate them from poverty. The first two years were wonderful. But Mang Pedring who was left to take care of the kids began drinking, gambling and womanizing. Aling Zenaida was so frustrated, that she too was engaged in an illicit relationship with a fellow OFW. Last May, I spoke to the two boys who are now 15 and 13 years of age. Their mother sent money for them, but their dad will hurt them if they won’t give him some money too. The kids are smokers and drinking alcohol too. I do not know how to make things right for them.

The stories above make way for the PEBA theme now. Unless we stop and do something about the disintegration of families, we are heading towards a gloomy future. If the basic unit of a society is broken, if every homes, and every young people are not being taken cared of, we are not going anywhere.

I don’t see any possible solution for an Overseas Filipino Worker and for his/her family back home to maintain a strong relationship of love and trust than to communicate in any possible means, constantly reassuring each other of the promises they made before the eyes of man, and the eyes of God, and that they will be together till death, and beyond.



My wife and I were taught when we were young of the “chastity before marriage and fidelity after marriage.” Our vows are not just to last till death, but for all time and all eternity. Knowing that, even if we are physically separated for now, we are doing every possible means to be together, even in prayer, in the voices of our heart, and the thoughts in our minds.

For true love is never waning and never failing, even a thousand miles apart.

► Read Kenjie's previous articles here.

Water 101

Well, from June to August, it’s probably raining somewhere in the Philippines habang tayo ay naliligo naman sa pawis sa sobrang init somewhere around the world.

Talking about rain, ligo, and pawis, I decided to make one entry a little bit informative since I’ve been working in water industry for the last 12 years. Gulat noh, parang ang tanda-tanda ko na. Matanda lang ah. 12 years of experience? Count my age since the time I started working at 21? Oh, di ba? Ayaw kasi maniwala ng boss ko eh. Well, is that not a compliment? Haha! Ibig sabihin nu'n, I look younger despite a dozen years of experience!

What's my secret? WATER.

Take note of this: In the Middle East and African region, water is more expensive than fuel. A liter of gasoline is only 60 cents, while a liter of drinking water in KSA is 2 Saudi Riyal.

Consider the following facts as one basis why water is very important to you (thus, we should drink it regularly):

Muscles that move our body? 75% water
Blood that transports nutrients? 85% water
Lungs that provide oxygen? 90% water
Our brain, the control of our body? 76% water
Our bones? 25% water
Every cells of our body need water. A man can survive a week by drinking water alone.

They say “You are not just what you eat; you are what you drink.”

I can honestly say that our health is dependent on the quality and quantity of water that we drink. So if you want a healthy lifestyle, really, drink or spend time, even money in drinking water.

Essortment said:

Water helps remove the dangerous toxins that your body takes in from the air you breathe, the food you eat and the chemicals used in the various products you use on your skin and hair. Other things water does for your body is to cushion your joints. Water carries oxygen and nutrients into all your cells. Water also helps regulate your body temperature.

You need water to keep your metabolism working properly. In order for this to happen, there is a certain level of water in each of our bodies that we need to maintain. If we don’t keep that amount, our bodies will start to dehydrate. An easy way to think of it is to think of your car’s need for oil. If your oil level gets too low, your engine will start to run rough. If you totally deplete your oil supply in your car, your engine will stop running. Same with your body. Therefore it is easy to see why it is very important to drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
Some of the things that may happen to your body if you do not have enough water are that your blood pressure can fall to dangerously low levels. Blood clots may form. Your normal kidney function is impaired. You may get terrible constipation.

Some of the signals your body gives you of a low water level are constipation, terribly dry skin, and increased incidence of urinary tract infections and reoccurring headaches.

Kaya 'wag tatamad-tamad na uminom ng tubig. Ito ang pinakaimportanteng nutrient ng ating body. It is involved in most of our bodily functions and makes up 70-75% of our over-all body weight. Ako nga dahil tamad ako minsan kumuha ng baso, bumili ako ng isang cartoon ng mga maliliit na drinking bottled water, kaya kada kita ko, hablot, bukas, inom ng water.

Walang kinalaman sa tubig pero kailangang isingit: Sa first week ng July po ang Opening ng Nomination ng PEBA. Exciting!. Abangan lang po kasi baka pwedeng sumali ang mga local bloggers. More info at PEBA site.

► Read Kenjie's previous articles here.

Kabayan, where are we heading to?

Election, weather, mass exodus of Filipino professionals abroad, seemingly unstoppable price increase, and the moral decay in our society are just some of the factors that lead to my question above.

The automated election was supposedly peaceful, or was it really honest and credible? Did we elect the best and right leaders and lawmakers to govern and to enact laws for the betterment of our nation? Will it bring pride to our country, or ruin?

Weather.

If you’re an OFW or a balikbayan, you’ll regret coming home for vacation this summer season. From 29-31 degrees C, we are now experiencing 33 to 39 degrees C with higher humidity. The malls are hot, the MRT trains are even hotter, and the buses and the taxis are, well, oven hot. Parang pugon! There’s nowhere to hide. Unlike in the Middle East where homes are mostly air-conditioned, most of the houses in the Philippines are made of wood and yero. Are we ready to brace this temperature with this kindsof houses? It was not the same six years ago. Global warming is for real. Are our lawmakers addressing this concern?

OFWs keep coming.

I will be working as an OFW again soon, while processing for our immigration visa that will take years. My brother next to me is coming to one of the countries in the Middle East while my other brother works in AlKhobar. We are an OFW family. I asked the taxi driver who took us home from the airport how much is the volume of OFWs arriving everyday. He answered, "maybe 10,000, more or less. "

See the amount of money OFWs are bringing in to the country everyday? If each OFW is bringing more or less 100,000 to 200,000 pesos, that’s 2 billion pesos everyday! Ano bang batas ang nagawa na para sa mga OFWs? It’s sad that Susan Ople, the could-have-been OFW voice in the senate, didn’t win. She would have made a difference for us.

Price increases.

We bought a Canon camera worth 800SR in Saudi Arabia. When we arrived here, we saw the same brand and specs in a mall. The price? 15,000 pesos. We had our automatic washing machine that we bought for 1,800SR shipped from KSA to the Philippines. We checked the price here and it’s 32,000 pesos. What is wrong? The list goes on and on, and the only thing cheaper here is the food and the cellphone load!

Moral decay.

We are the only Christian nation in Asia and we are proud of that. Yet I think we are degrading in terms of family values and moral behavior. We are getting closer and closer to becoming like other developed nations, and yet we are getting farther and farther from our faith. What is wrong with us? You can see it in the government, in private companies, in schools, in our culture. You can read crimes everyday, here and there, and its sickening.

I was here in Metro Manila six months ago during the PEBA awarding. I thought we should improve our lives, but for the last six months since I first came here, I think I saw that lives are getting more difficult. Mukhang nakakadismaya ang entry ko na ito pero that’s what I am seeing here right now.

► Read Kenjie's previous column articles.

Kenjie's choices (for senators)

I took time to check the list of senatoriables running in the Philippine 2010 Elections. From there, I studied each of my prospective candidates.

Here are the 12 senatorial candidates I am voting for. I noticed that most of them are from family of politicians (the only candidates without political history are Martin Bautista, a very impressive balikbayan doctor, and Yasmin Lao, a pro-women and Muslim welfare advocate).

There are other senatoriables who are 'winnable', but I just don’t feel they can do much in the Senate. Some have been given the chance to sit at the Senate. Well, they did nothing but that -- sit!

1. Susan Ople (Site)

Personally met her and discussed with her platforms. Pro-OFW/ Pro-Labors.

Susan Ople is a former Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) undersecretary and an advocate of Overseas Filipino Workers' (OFW) rights. She is the youngest daughter of the late Labor secretary and Senator Blas Ople. She has 16 years of honest service in government, including a stint as Undersecretary of the Department of Labor. She holds a master's degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University where she was given the Josephine Vernon Award for Excellence in Communication.

2. Adel Tamano (site)

Adel is a Filipino lawyer and politician. He is the spokesperson of the United Opposition and happens to be the youngest senatorial candidate with Pro-advocation advocacy. In June 2005, he matriculated in Harvard Law School's Master of Laws graduate program. He is the first Filipino Muslim to graduate from Harvard Law School.

3.Miriam Defensor Santiago (Site)

Miriam Defensor Santiago became globally famous with her courageous and brilliant crusade against corruption in the Philippines. As a result, at 43, she was given the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service (known as Asia's Nobel Prize). Her award citations reads: "for bold and moral leadership in cleaning up a graft-ridden government agency."

4.Ana Hontiveros Baraquel (Site)

I met her at PEBA Awarding. I like her performance as party list representative, hence, I’ll vote for her.

Popularly known as Risa Hontiveros, she is a staunch but principled opposition leader, an excellent and competent lawmaker, an award-winning broadcast journalist, and a dedicated single-parent. After being a member of the House of Representatives as Akbayan representative since 2004, she is now running for Senator under the slate of the Liberal Party.

5.Franklin Drilon (Site)

He is also a blogger. Drilon was formerly President of the Philippine Senate and the third highest ranking official of the country. He is currently the Chairman of the influential Liberal Party and a vocal critic of the Macapagal-Arroyo Administration, particularly in the areas of government transparency and judicial reform.

6.Yasmin Busran Lao (Site)

A professor from MSU, my alma-mater, she can represent Muslim and women. Yasmin is a peace and civil society advocate who seeks gender justice for Muslim women by founding the only institutional Muslim women NGO in the country, the Al-Mujadillah Development Foundation (AMDF). The US government conferred to Yasmin the Ninoy Aquino Public Service Award for her work in uplifting the plight of the marginalized.

7.Pia Cayetano (Site)

She is the youngest woman elected in the history of the Philippine Senate. A lawyer, triathlete and mother of two, Pia is constantly proving there's no limit to what Filipino women can set out to do and achieve. Pia was voted to the Senate in 2004 with an overwhelming mandate despite entering the political arena as a total neophyte. She ran on a platform promoting health, environment, youth and women's empowerment in a bid to continue the legacy of her father, the late Senator Compañero Rene L. Cayetano.

8.Gilbert Remulla (Site)

Gilbert ran in the Congressional elections of May 2001 and won convincingly against his veteran rivals. Being one of the youngest members of Congress of the Philippines, the time he has spent in office has been marked by comments about his relative youth in comparison to majority of the members of Congress. His legislative portfolios are the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Act Increasing the Penalty for the Illegal Numbers Game.

9.Ramon Mitra (Site)

A son of a former Speaker of the House of the Representatives Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr, Mon-Mon served in the military in the Marine Corps. He considers his heroes the the loyal men and women of his father’s organization and the farmers and fishermen, and the people of Palawan.

10.Gwen Pimentel (Site)

Her CHILDREN platform is making a lot of sense. I like it. Nacionalista Party (NP) senatorial candidate Atty Gwen Pimentel platform is focusing on children and empowerment of local government. She was a Chief of Staff of her father, Senate Minority leader Nene Pimentel. A solicitor general, she is a graduate of the University of the Philippines, and have a master’s degree in Public Administration.

11.Teofisto Guingona III (Site)

Beginning in 2004, he has been elected to two terms in the House of Representatives for the Second District of Bukidnon. Guingona III maintains an official blog, NAKUPO - Empowering the Filipino Consumer! It initially focused on the privatization of the National Power Corporation, but has expanded its scope to a general advocacy of Filipino consumer rights. The blog also tackles issues such as food security and bringing down the cost of telecommunications services.

12.Martin Bautista (Site)

Dr. 'Balikbayan' Bautista is a 47-year old Filipino physician who, after studying, training and running a successful medical practice for almost 20 years in the U.S., has now returned to his country to serve even for only a one year-term. He was featured in the US national television as the outstanding Asian on top of his profession.

So that’s my choice for the top 12 Senators for this year’s election. Have you not made your selection yet?

Photo credit: Rey Asis


Editor's note:

When I first saw Rey Asis' photograph on his site, I immediately requested him if we can make use of it in our journal. He readily acquiesced. Thank you, Rey.

This photo was taken during the OAV exercise in Hongkong.

Feel free to visit Rey's site and be amazed at his wonderful photographs.

What About You?

A blogger said, greatness comes in surprising places.

For the last ten years, I have been fortunate to meet and mingle with a number of people -- some big and famous, others, truly great; mostly, incredibly talented, and a few, simply popular. A few years back, I wrote a piece for my 25th birthday (and that was admittedly a long time ago, hehe) about the 25 influential persons I called “heroes and heroines of my life”.

Pondering about the more than 13 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), I believed that most are endowed with talents and skills to excel even in the most menial tasks they do and in the most hostile environment they are in. I know that from the people I am working with, and from the OFWs I know and mingle with. Most OFWs are head and shoulders above others, and are considered as company's assets, though, sadly, that do not always translate to higher salaries. And each individual, OFW or not, is inherently special, unique, and in possession of abilities and capacities to be admired.

Some are endowed with pretty or handsome faces while others are blessed with sexy and hunky bodies, though this may be nothing compared to having an excellent health.

Some are great thinkers; great ideas, thoughts, and wisdom flowing freely from their beautiful minds. Some are mathematicians, scientists, economists, and the best teachers laying the foundation and molding the minds of children of the countries they are serving.

Some are blessed with tremendous wealth, high salaries, success in businesses, and elevated to higher positions. Some are gifted with creative hands: sculptors, cartoonists, architects, artists, and painters. Some are masters of music and excel in playing the guitar, drums, piano, and other musical instruments. Some possesses angelic and soothing voices, are singing sensations, and divas on their own.

Some are natural leaders; born to lead and influence others,while others serve as doctors, engineers, and the best technicians in their field.

Some are poets, and others are writers of the best-selling books in the world. Some are programmers, graphics artists, and photographers.

Very many others take the world by storm because they are the best in a particular field.

I believe that each and every OFW is brought to their individual host nation with some special purpose. Well, anyone can refute that, but that’s what I believe in. Only He who knows what His plans for us, and for me, we are here for a reason. I believe too, that we are here to make dreams -- ours' and others'-- come true, and to contribute something unique for the world to be a better place. I believe that each of us is endowed with gifts and talents to realize that. I truly believe that we have the best within ourselves, and that in our own little way, we can make a difference. We don’t need to be famous to be the best. We know that deep within us, there lie goodness and a longing to be the best, to matter, and to be remembered.

In the words of Anthony Robbins, “I decided many years ago that the most important way I could spend my life would be to invest it in something that would outlast it. I decided that somehow I must contribute in some way that would live on long after I was gone.”

There is greatness in each and every one of us. The problem is we define greatness to be almost synonymous with fame. We can be the best; we can be great to ourselves, and to our loved ones. That greatness will be worthy for emulation and will touch others to unleash the greatness within them too.

Some are great fathers, great mothers, great brothers, great sisters, outstanding teachers, the best nurses, great engineers, and even great bloggers. PEBA is not choosing the top 10 GREAT bloggers, but the top 10 Best and Inspiring bloggers. I firmly believe that that inspiration is the seed to greatness. You can be inspiring, you can be the best, but you need to work it out to become great. Greatness for me means you not only sit and relax because you’re the best, but also wanting to develop the best out of people. Those who stand up and roll their sleeves, leaving their comfort zones and making a difference in people's lives – without expecting anything in return -- are truly what we call great.

There are very many people who know what to do, but only a few do what they know they should do. Life is great, but it is greatness to give something positive to those who think that life is a mess.

We have read several people with disabilities and frailties, and yet despite of being handicapped, they overcome self-pity and wallowing. Instead they work on to become some of the greatest in this world. Remember that we as living souls have twins within us; our bodies may have limitations but our spirits are divine in potential.

Some master their fields and make this world a better place. Some simply rose to greatness because they decided to share their very best.

What about you? Become your own person. Don’t bury your talents. Nurture it. Let it flourish. Share it.

Kenji is Mr. Thoughtskoto in the blogging world. His story and his life is one of endurance: he was six when his dad left him; he is the eldest among four siblings; his mom died of cancer when he was 16; he self supported himself through college. He now works as a quality engineer in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and is a doting father to Hevyn and a loving hubby to Shiela (and adds: "a grandfather to Hevyn's pet duck".)