Thursday, October 12, 2023

Q.C.S. Club

 The Discovered Secret

Sincerely, Tom Bentley.  
(If you have special needs, please write ) 

I was deeply elated to be given such an offer from the heart of, a person, I don't know. I received your letter, read its content, and was conquered by the profound message, of all things, the secrets. 

"Knowledge has a beginning but no end." 

Born in a town, spent life on a farm, and studied in a town and in the city, I discovered that knowledge is amazing. In High School, I checked the test papers in English and Literature. In College, I became a Literary Editor of a College paper. I befriended professors, classmates, schoolmates, newspapermen, and radio announcers. I also checked the essay test papers of my over 20 classmates on a Law subject. I was a member of the winning team of the College of Education Debate. That was the first for the College of Education; usually, it is the College of Law. Then I became an Editor-in-Chief and finally was elected as Student Council president. This paved the way to deploy my 6 graduating classmates including myself to teach at the Philippine Muslim College, Jolo, Sulu, Philippines.
 
Indeed, knowledge has a beginning but no end. 

I studied at five Colleges and one Seminary. Took 4 courses Taught at private and government schools. But the fire of hope and persistence keeps burning. During the Marshall Law of the Philippines, when the sun rises, my vision points to go west, young man!

 From the Manila International Airport to the Washington State Airport to the Chicago O'hare Airport. Yes, America, here I come to the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

I worked as a stockman at Florsheim shoe outlet store, then at Montgomery Ward, and took night classes at the Chicago College of Advanced Traffic and took Transportation and Traffic Management and Loss and Damage courses for three years. Upon graduation, I was employed in a Carloading company and finally was accepted at the Joseph Ryerson  Steel Company of the Transportation and Traffic Department as an auditor. The Department is the bread and butter of the company as bills of lading are to be audited.

I am retired and want another income as my wife passed away and my special needs are my mortgage bills and to give aid to those who are in need, the reason why your letter was God-send. It is not what we gather but what we scatter that is essential to ease the life of the needy.  And I believe in Second Notice. That Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That whosoever believeth in Him shall not die but have everlasting life.

Thank you, Tom Bentley

Sincerely, 

Greg Trabanca

Monday, October 02, 2023

The October Affair

 Of Four Decades

Ber's October Affair was good
The decor was remarkable
The music was in the Senior's mode
The attendance was admirable.

Lovely children: Riz, Buzz, and Ron
Sister Linda and wife Nilda came
They came happy like the rising sun
To celebrate a man's day of fame.

Sunday, September 10, 2023

A Tribute

 Unconquerable        

Out of Dipolog's Bamboo Garden
Came JESS to the City of Orchid
Then in the Skokie's Holiday Inn
Ber is the name that was awarded.

Thank God for whatever it may be
For his founding an association
The ZAMNAI of Zamboanga del Norte
This poem is a great appreciation.

It matters not whatever they say
Trials and concerns are always here
And there are two courts for us to play
And the venue could be anywhere.




Monday, August 21, 2023

GT's JOURNAL

 A Many Splendored Life

Elementary Days 

Enrolled in an Elementary School
Took writing, reading, and music
Pictures are posted on a wooden wall
Watched the baton: that's the music trick,

It's fun to be small, agile, and smart
In Boy Scouting, you are at the top
Pyramid building is where you start
To excel that no one can stop.

High School Years

Looming ahead is the high school years
You find yourself taking the P.M.T.
For discipline and to erase the fears
But lessons learned will forever stay.

Catholic school: freshman to junior 
Senior: Ateneo all-boys school
And last night high school at this juncture
Another step in life to endure.

College  Education

Med-Tech was poised to be in Manila
But circumstance altered the plan
Took drafting instead at Zamboanga
School of Arts and Trades was near at hand.

Then work for a Captain's persuasion
To maneuver the Pilot's tugboat
So foreign ships anchored by the ocean
Be given a berth at Zamboanga's port. 

From the ocean to Bukidnon's heartland
Nestled a College far from the highway
A meatless diet and discipline are grand
Work, study, and temptation held sway.

Adventist baptism in a river
Announcing salvation to the barrio
But realized this was hard to adhere
And what I learned changed the scenario.

Back home a parish priest came to visit
To offer a Seminary study
Pending on the Bishop to submit
The transcript to the Seminary.

Of the three, two pursued on the offer
With two days of stay at Dumaguete
Hope Bishop Surban may help and muster
Graces and mercy to let me be.

And the ship was docked at Manila's port
Two Jesuit priests welcome us on their Jeep
But my Seminary days were  so short
Those lessons learned were for me to keep.

Despite the good offer from the school
Of a Vatican scholarship
But there's a writing on the wall
And indeed this is a strong relief.

To Sweet Home via Cotabato
First class by M/V Filipinas
Compliments of just a passing through
In finite life's many arenas.

Back to the greenfield where air is fresh;
Rare, strong connection is everywhere
And life and beauty are in the flesh
 Yet Love matters: Home of lasting care.                     











Life's Lessons

 GT's JOURNAL    

"It takes half your life before you discover
life is a do-it-yourself project." - Napoleon Hill. 
(Author: Think and Grow Rich)

 The Taming of the Wildland

My dear friends, Life is never fun
During my days you have to rise
Early before the rising sun
Makes you healthy, active, and wise.

I have to pasture the carabao
A helping hand to plow the field
As in the farm you have to bow
To nature as you drive the sled.

Plowing the field is a happy time
The carabao is at your command
Pushing the plow within the slime
You are the king of the farmland.

The untouched field of grass and bushes 
Becomes a valued place for corn and rice
But fire will soon blaze them to ashes
Faith and care are the farmers' advice.

The brook and stream glide on their way
While hungry heron and kingfisher
Wait for the mudfish to go astray
But daily the mudfish grow wiser.


Saturday, July 08, 2023

GT's Journal

 Letter to a Relative (07/08/2023) Sat

Dear Nong Posing,

How is everybody today? Dugay nang panahon nga wala kita magkita ug tungod lage sa pagapas sa adlawng kalihokan sa pag trabaho aron naay mabutang pagkaon sa lamisa, pasilungan ug lugar nga higdaanan. Apan wala gihapon mawala sa panumduman kadtong mga kagahaon nga nanglabay kay naa man na silsil sa alimpatakan tungod sa katam-is ug dalisay nga panghuna-hunaon.

At this point, everything is seen and heard in a split second. You'll be amazed at the progress of steps that humanity has hurdled. The TV, the computer, the cellphone. The world is a beautiful place to live; that is why life is worth living - to savor its sweetness, to feel its marvel, to see its beauty. 

I still remember that time when you opened your desire to make Mom Mering a part of your life. On a carabao-drawn caromata (locals' two-whelled wagon) a load of food with Nong Sotero (Teroy) Salcedo as spokesperson, we plied the road to the Melicor place at Sim (La Libertad). Mr. Salcedo with his former seminary day background greeted Mr. Melicor, " With due respect Mr. Melicor permit me to introduce and let you know that our brother Sinforoso Rombines desires to marry your daughter Maria." There was a graveyard cemetery silence. Then, Mr. Melicor, with the audacity of a farm owner and a mestizo spoke, " Can he support my daughter? We all posed our direction homeward. We comforted ourselves with silence and smiles.  However, the sun always rises to greet the world with its mystery and glad tidings. Tomorrow is a new day!

The trip was a disaster. We all went home but hope still lingered on your mind, I presumed. Minutes turned to hours then to days then to months and into years. However, hope unceasingly flows in your prime healthy life. And one day you approached me, " Doy can you come with me to see the Melicors?" "Of course", I said. We went first to see Mr. and Mrs. Melicor, then Mr. and Mrs. Galicia. Things went smoothly like a young coconut meat when you slide it in your mouth on a hot summer day. Delicious and refreshing.

Then, I heard of your nuptial. But I'm already on the deep quest of my odyssey from a town boy in the Philippines to a city man in America. ( A joke- when a man is in love with a woman, their siblings are girls but when the woman is in love with a man their siblings are boys.) 

A Looking Back ( Nonoy Quimbo - an Electrical Engineer, the son of Ingwa Quimbo who married a nurse from Dipolog city is here in Chicago told me some of this news about Labason)

How is Labason now? Maybe my classmates, schoolmates, and friends are no longer around. Who are the town officials that I am familiar with? Doroy Gitalan passed away and also Rudy and his wife. But Inteng Lovino may still be around. His two-story house was sold and the Lovinos live on their land near the Labason River between the Guanteros on one side and the Salardas on the other side. Tani (boxer) Felisarta whose parents live near the Maquilans and the Salardas (Virgie) and now the Maquilans property is owned by Pio Galon's family; while Tani (boxer) is a Barrio or Purok Captain. Currently, the Mayor of Labason is a Quimbo; the Gutalac mayor is also a Quimbo. The grandparent's wife is pakha (small feet). They have 3 sons and a daughter. Tenciong was married to Clara Mabilog (nurse), Cemen (Felix), and Cesar (Ingwa) married to a Tan, daughter of Insek Jose Tan of Usokan Kilometro Tres who has sari-sari store among suki sa sardinas, asin, gas ug uban pang kinahanglanong panimalay. The current Mayor of Labason is the grandson of Cemen and also the Mayor of Gutalac.
         Labason has an amazing history as I still have the scenario of "those were the days" of my Life's Journey. It's a town of successful men and women in their own special ways. The pioneering families:  were the families of Landowners: Bantilan, Canda, Burguete, Ybarley, Bolando, Batoon, Batoctoy, Daguplo, Galon, Quines, Hernandez, Fortich, Erojo, Bolando, Gitalan,  Educators: Melicor, Carloto, Cadungog, Isagan,  Orendain, Casini'o, Demerre,  Merchants: (the Chinese) Quimbo, Kho, Chia, Tan, Lim. Yap, Roleda, -Leadership: Sanchez, Tokong, Canda , Concha Ramirez, Galon, Carloto. 
        Kipit area - Families of  Salarda, Patayon, Galope, Singsing, Barroca, Panolin, Basa, Lagod, Doong, The Lalibertad (Sim) section - Families of Salcedo, Antolin, Rombines,  Jamanron, Sumicad, Dinapo, Salmorin, Edrial, Zamora, Vista, Briones, Openia, Magdayao, Chavez, Pacatang, Tindero, Dubrico,  

Sir Posing,  you have 2 daughters and one is married to a Tumoy and owns a Hardware store. Being a teacher are you still a fast walker and an industrious person? Regards to your dear partner Mom Mering. I have contact with one of Crispin Antolin's daughters who is teaching at a government school in Kipit, while the eldest daughter Charito, a teacher, I guess is married to a Muslim police officer. Nonoy is a farmer and married.                                                                                                                                              

Saturday, June 24, 2023

King Solomon's Mines and President E. Marcos Gold Sr

 After the nightly one-hour virtual prayer, I indulged myself in the relaxing almost two hours and a half of a movie about King Solomon's Mines.

Dawned on my thinking of the Philippines' martial law president and strong man Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, Senor's gold. Was it real or just a figment of the political mind. And was the Yanashita's treasure also a part of it. But news and social media were all over reporting the many bank accounts deposited in several countries. The strong man had a will for the benefit of his family and the country. The Philippines is lucky and rich, to say the least.

Sto. Ninio de Oktubre

 Labagh Woods: June 24, 2023 

Hot Saturday potluck party of the members of the Sto Nin'o devotional group with 2 retired priests and one bishop; who were all Filipinos by birth. Two were naturalized American citizens of the state of Illinois and one may be a visitor from the Philippines. 

The picnic table was laden with the bounties of God. They were varieties of cooking in the different provinces of the Philippines. In fact, I have yet to notice hotdogs or American food gracing the two long fits together picnic tables.                                                                                                                   

Practically, the majority were in the red Sto Nin'o de Oktubre uniform. The breeze offered a  refreshing
atmosphere to the happy-faced picnickers as they scooped the food onto their paper plates.

Fr. Leoncio Santiago, the spiritual director, blessed the food and later gave his hospital experience of his two surgical confinements. He reminded the group to take care of their health as we are mortals and the world we live in is polluted with the new discoveries of how we eat, drink, and exercise for longevity.

The leader of the group, Gloria Key spoke on her hospital confinement experiences. She was grateful to her friends and members of the daily 8 o'clock - 9 pm virtual prayer that started during the Covit-19 pandemic. 

The vibrant faces, the relaxing get-away, and the food reminded me of living with passion and purpose.




Monday, June 19, 2023

The Tennis Court

 The Memory of a Town Fiesta

I was dancing with Evangeline 
On that Labason tennis court
 When I whispered to her, "Are you fine"?
 "And the school days are they worth "?

A scenario of the high school days
When you were always fast ahead
All because of your studying ways
And you always have the books to read.

You were a friend of the school's Sister
 I was a friend of the parish priest
Then there was this Cursillo offer
To be a member and not a guest.

Things happened in Dipolog city
When I met my co-educator
I bought a motor Kawasaki
A Fishery school needs a teacher.

A public school is what I wanted
Teaching English plus a good salary
The good Lord now has my wish granted
The next move is someone to marry.

My guiding star is always by me
To illuminate my darkest hour
And all because of my love for Thee
My Lord your holy, mighty power.








Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

 The Man Who Loves Life, Country, and People

I belong to the Silent Generation. From my perspective, the epoch that's worth recalling is the Baby Boomers Generation when a star was born as there was that clamor for peace, amidst rebellion, and corruption. and proliferation of drugs.  

 Of war and peace. This is a part of his lexicon. His boyhood was beautiful and remarkable as he struggled to obtain peace. He enjoys life but the shadow of restlessness follows him as he so-to- to speak shines in his own world.  

His growing years were the typical experience of loving and enjoying the blossoming roses in his garden. Look at this: the transfer of schools - the Ateneo and later the San Beda where he bypassed the Graduation Program ( he did graduate, anyway) as a personal incident occurred. Yet over a score year, he was given distinct honor when he became the president from the votes of over sixty million. 

And as he embarked on his six years of leadership of the Republic of the Philippines, he didn't forget his promise to stop the flow of poisonous drugs, curtail corruption and slow down the big influence of the Oligarchs.

And he believes in the omnipotent power of God. That he was destined to lead his people. He changed the status quo. His platform was vis-a-vis the unfinished invaluable program of the previous administrations. He thought of the essence of Time. His first agenda was to give credence to the solid strength of the Armed Forces - the guardian of peace and order in the country. He increased their salary. He gave them the assurance that he will be with them as long as they performed their vowed duty of protecting the government against the evil intents of invaders local and international.

His executive department members were almost from the Armed Forces, as they are strict in discipline not the civilians. And memos, directives, and correspondence go to their respective tables not to him. This avoids suspicion and familiarity. With this, the executive power would be smooth sailing.

This came to pass. His six-year term left a remarkable "build, build, build" legacy. Mr. Tugade's trains and railroad were on the fast move and the infrastructure programs glide to schedule.

The Boracay Beach Resort was corrected of its defects, Manila Bay looks good during the day and paints a beautiful sunset.


Monday, May 22, 2023

Past and Present

 Looking Back...

The Phoenicians have done a great deal in civilization. They were the traders of antiquity and by crisscrossing the waters with their knowledge of trade and economics laid a trail of language in its wake.

Then we have the alphabet for the flow of communication with the participation of the Greeks, Romans, 
and Hebrews.                                                                                                                               

Then watch carefully the transformation of the states of domicile to the now time. Soviet Union. United Kingdom. United States. United Union. 

Thursday, May 11, 2023

On Mother's Day

Mother's Magnificent Obsession 

Mother is the ever succor
The source of creation's new life
Ready she is for a favor
Give freedom if the time is ripe.

Mother breast-feed milk is the best
Free from material pollution
Passing grades by the Time's strict test
Blessed with love and devotion.
 
Mother's touch and soft lullaby
Lead young to sleep for a mission
Into the space of why and try
To fall and rise when odds are thrown.

Life is dull without a mother
For sane words and love songs to sing 
And she embraced no surrender
Whatever the journey may bring.

Every mother needs God's wisdom
Mercy and truth do not forsake
A vital rule in her queendom
That will keep her always awake.

Dead in trespasses made her alive
With Christ through the Father's great love
Strengthened the bars for her to survive 
Blessed her siblings by Him above.

(Creg Intas Alcala Caponong Trabanca)



Friday, May 05, 2023

Pearl of the Orient Sea

 Remembering WW 11

Pearl Harbor

The Silent Generation recalls the Pearl Harbor attack that signaled the advent of World War 11.
on Dec. 7, 1941, that glued the Phil-US relationship and eventually paved the formation of the
United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). The USAFFE is composed of 100,000 Filipinos and 20,000 Americans created on July 26, 1941.

The Battle of Bataan

After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, they invaded the island of Luzon, Philippines in Jan.
1942. Despite the insufficient supplies, American and Filipino troops were able to fight for 3 months.
However, they surrendered to the Japanese troops and were forced into the infamous Bataan Death March where some of the most horrific wire crimes were committed in the Philippines-Colonial possession of Spain from 1521 until 1898. May 7, 1942, is the Day of the Fall of Corregidor.

The Heart of Uncle Sam

The United States won the Spanish-American war and the Filipinos breathed the air of Independence to be eventually granted to their hopes and aspirations. Circa 1901, emerged the formation of the Philippine Scouts to defend and protect the Philippines and the United States in the Pacific. This allowed the Filipinos to enlist in the US Army. And in 1920, the Philippine Scouts became a part of the US Army. It is a point of pride for lots of Filipinos.

WW 11 and The Battle of Bataan

The US entered WW11 following Pearl Harbor. The USAFFE was tasked to push back against the Japanese and delay their action at the mouth of Manila Bay. The objective was to serve as a buffer
between the Japanese and American colonial possession of the Philippines. The USAFFE was able
to hold the Japanese successfully until December 1941. After the Pearl Harbor attack, the troops were
on half rations. They sacrificed in order for the forces heading into the Pacific to have supplies. Pipe-smoking Commanding General Douglas MacArthur understood and promised the Filipinos extra troops.
planes and supplies coming to them. On leaving with commanding general confidence, MacArthur said to the troops, "I shall return." 

And the pipe-smoking general did come back to fulfill his promise.




Saturday, April 29, 2023

The Saint

 St. Vincent Ferrer  (04/27/23)

This wonderful apostle, the "Angel of the Judgment," was born in Valencia, Spain in 1350 and at the age of 18 professed in the Order of St. Dominic. After a brilliant course of study, he became a master of Sacred Theology. For 3 years, he read only the Scriptures and knew the whole Bible by heart. He converted the Jews of Valencia and their Synagogue became a church.

Cried at the great schism  then afflicting the Church reduced him to the point of death, but our Lord Himself in glory bade him go forth to convert sinners  " for my Judgment is nigh." This miraculous apostolate lasted 21 years. He preached throughout Europe, in the towns and villages of Spain, Switzerland, France, Italy, England, Ireland, and Scotland. Everywhere tens of thousands of sinners were reformed. Jews, infidels, and heretics were converted.

Stupendous miracles enforced his words. Twice each day the "miracle bell" summoned the sick, the blind, and the lame to be cured. Sinners the most obdurate became Saints. Speaking only in native Spanish, he was understood in all tongues. Processions of ten thousand penitents followed him in perfect order. Convents, orphanages, and hospitals arose on his path. Amidst all his humility remained profound; his prayer constant. He always goes for preaching by prayer.

Once, however, when a person of high rank was to be present at his sermon he neglected prayer to study. The nobleman was not particularly by the discourse which had been thus carefully worked up, but coming again to hear the Saint, unknown to the latter, the second sermon made a deep impression on his soul.
When St. Vincent heard of the difference he remarked that in the first sermon, it was Vincent who had preached, but in the second, Jesus Christ. He fell ill at Vannes in Brittany and received the crown of everlasting glory in 1419.

Reflection: -"Whatever you do," said St. Vincent, "think not of yourself, but of God."  In this spirit, if we
listen, we shall hear the voice of God. (From the Lives of the Saints for Every Day of the Year by Fr. Alban Butler.)  - Compiled by Greg In Trabanca

Thursday, April 13, 2023

On April Day

 (04-11-23)    

On a Blessed Day

Beautiful sunny day in April
We were on the train to the city
Riders were on their best apparel
Fingers on their phones they looked pretty. 

Back to a garage to fix my car
A mechanic, a partner, and a  friend
They are men whose doors are ajar
They come on demand sunshine or rain.

They share the trait of their native land
From the hub of the Constitution;
The central plain rice basket famous brand-
Pearl of the Orient, a new nation.



Friday, March 03, 2023

The Meaning of Life

 Life's Enigma

Dreams taught some lessons that inspired me. 
They were essential and meaningful  
Whatever they are sure they will be 
Making this world nice and wonderful.

Ideas come and go in my life
They are good and bad and are the worst 
We need understanding not, a strife
And what was written must be enforced.

These days we need a notebook and pen
To write what we are going to do
As chores are in every now and then
Paving longevity with a glow.

There is sunlight in our gloomy days
Showering our moments with gladness
As rainfall in our land, seas, and bays
Giving the world joy and not sadness.

 
 



Saturday, February 25, 2023

The Essentials

Be Aware of These:

1. Credit Cards 
     Always pay in full on time.

2. Don't drink in bars
     Just drink at home. It's safe and out of danger 

3. Phones - don't be tempted to spend on  a new phone; only use it for family and for free

4. Spending on clothing. Money doesn't last forever. Use your clothes and repeat. Never buy
   new fashion. Stay with the everyday uses. Black pants when you frequent the CR

5. Never buy a new car. Buy used with not so much mileage, or by owner and demo.

6. Gym membership. Just walking, jogging, or exercising at home with cleaning, etc.

7. Cancel subscription, cable TV, etc... Just use the computer, cell phones on messenger
     It's free to call out-of-state and foreign calls.                                           

8. Never eat in a restaurant. Order to go. Cheaper to cook and healthy. Always have handy: garlic, onions, potatoes, carrots, olive oil, and canola oil. More vegetables: okra, bittermelon (ampalaya), spinach, broccoli, bockchoy, (pechay) cabbage, tomato,kangkong, camote leaves, tugabang, lemongrass, malunggay (moringa), papaya. eggplant, bean, mushroom, and more from the garden of longevity.

9.No Gambling. Drink socially on special occasions

10. No smoking/ vaping.

EAT TO LIVE. GO FOR MODERATION. GO FOR THE HEALTH OF THE BODY, MIND, AND SOUL. GOD OF LOVE OFFERS THESE FOR FREE- GRACE, MERCY, AND BLESSINGS.
By the way, the phone rings. I'll answer it - A moment, please. In life DEAR FRIENDS, the only thing we own-  the MOMENT.  

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Breaking the Unknown

Interior Suffering 

" Living in the unknown is a painful existence. Christmas breaks forth in the unknown for all to behold the ultimate truth." (Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx)

" One of human nature's greatest sufferings is the kind that is within the soul. It is called Interior Suffering and is difficult because although we can express it to a friend, we can never express it on the level of experience."

Physical pain can be measured by degrees and machines, but Interior Suffering is experienced only by the
soul and is known only to God."


The New Year

 Deception of Numbers

"Don't be deceived by a change in numbers. It is just a motion.
But let the motion change your heart and mind to perceive the beauty of God's creation
to love and be loved. "  ( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. 


Wednesday, February 08, 2023

The Dollar Notebook

On Intention

The power of intention involves, staying on the active side of Infinite Possibilities.
George Bernard Shaw, who was still creating into his 90's, has been quoted as
saying, "You see things as they are and you say, Why? 
But I dream things that never were, and I say, Why not?

Saturday, February 04, 2023

Greg's Notes

 

From A Silent Generation...
Part I

Come to think of it, my dear friends
Philippines - it's Juan Dela Cruz
Uncle Sam, it's America
From Spain, it's Christianity's Cross
U.S. - Education, cinema

The Filipinos were fast learners
Of the living past and modern times
Myriads aspire to be top leaders
Of the country's sunnier climes.

Thanks to the Torch of Education
Making the learners fast and furious
Gearing to the route of rebellion
And the shortest way to be famous.

 A foreign-born idea emerged
A partnership: too good to be true
A writer and U.P. breed appeared
Wreaking havoc and the greatest woe.

Their ideas spread like wildfire
Penetrating the hinterlands
Sporting a brand-new attire
And they're welcome with open arms.

Their mission was admirable
To the school, the church, and family 
Their victims were the vulnerable
And they seemed to be very friendly.

The government was in grave turmoil
Corruptions were in every bureau
And dirt is all over the soil
Courage and strength: a way to go.

With faith, he rode his motorbike;
As a mayor to clean his city
From the evils, he doesn't like
He just wants them to go away. 

His unique plan was a success
Lesson learned as a prosecutor
To the top post, he must confess
Would be a sign from the Creator.

With less cash and followers, he ran
As a candidate for president
On corruption and drug as he can
The voters heard the message he sent.

Silent Generation   (Part II)

Duterte's life was a rollercoaster
Though an apple of his mother's eye
High school life was a  time of transfer
The fun, study, more of try and try. 

Finally, he finished his law course
But did not march on the graduation
And eventually was a good source
On his practice of law profession.

(Greg Intas Alcala Caponong Trabanca)





Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Education

 Up From Slavery.

Booker T Washington ( 1856 - 1915) was a national leader for the betterment of African Americans in the  post- Reconstruction.
He advocated for economic and industrial improvement of Blacks while accommodating Whites on voting rights and social equality. This approach, however, died with Washington, and its success before 1915 was largely due to Washington's adept method of tailoring his speaking and writing to suit the race of his audience. 
In his book, Up from Slavery, Washington traces his journey from slave to educator on his later
success as a man of action in his community and the nation.

Monday, January 09, 2023

The Modern Times and the Living Past

 Love

"Love is a many splendid-thing
It's an April rose that only grows 
in the early spring..." 

And because of God's love that "He gave 
His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth
in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Song

So goes the song and a writer writing
a "Song of Bernadette on the miracle of
the Lady of Lourdes. He was never converted
to Catholicism.

" Full many a flower of purest ray serene 
The dark unfathomed cave of ocean bare
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.
-(An Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard)

I should write prose and poetry just for the
sake of expression of the mind from the heart.
A Filipino writer said: America is in the heart.
yet out of the stomach, the mouth speaks.

The BC and AD generations, the Silent generation, 
the Baby Boomer, the Generation X, and the Millenials. 
There are always changes but only God. And Grace, Mercy,
and Blessings never change despite the many changes
on Earth.

Change

Grace is for us sinners even if we don't deserve it. Mercy is for
us sinners even if we deserve it, and Blessings are for both. The reason why
the spiritual, the priest, pastor, deacon, and all of us always say in our 
own special way - God bless you!. 
 
The Ponderable

Despite the Grace shown in our world, humanity has the option.
The world is in turmoil, in topsy-turvy. But because of God's profound love, 
He gave us immeasurable divine mercy through His humble creature made manifest
through the first non-Roman occupancy of the Holy See, the world is now in a deluge 
of the Divine Mercy.