The Lover

 The Anniversary

'' The most difficult thing - but essential one - is to love LIFE, to love it even while one suffers because LIFE is all. LIFE is GOD. "  ( Leo Tolstoy - War and Peace.)

In Memoriam- Birthday of "  beloved wife, nee Evangeline Rueles Caermare: March 03, 1940 - Born to eternal Life - Nov. 29, 2015.

Love has its beauty and splendor

Delicately woven with joy

Her absence no one can ignore

And even Time cannot destroy.

Yes, joy for all the luck of Life

That she is with me forever

And no tears nor sorrow can wipe

Away love's undying ember. 

Joy is deeply planted in my heart

So nourished by the memories

That was built from the very start

And was beyond our reveries.

And the fires of faith keep on  burning

That we shall meet again someday

Because our Love is always yearning

For a lovely Anniversary.

(N.B.) The marital vow was on May 29, 1973, at St. Mary's Chapel, Dipolog City, Philippines, solemnized by Bishop Felix S. Zafra, with Msgr. Salvador Mora. Indeed, it was An Affair to Remember

and beyond oblivion in the Journey of Life. Until then...

In the Morning

 Confidence

Out of the night that I know not

What will I be in the morning

This tells you what I got

Of the dream as a human being.

In the dark hour of circumstance

I have the urge to cry aloud

Then comes the whisper: you have the chance

Your dream is shattered  yet unvowed

When in the years that come and go

Looms the advent of another day

The sky above with its stars aglow

Then your strong will lead you the way.

It matters not what this life may bring

As dear Lord is there to lift you up

And don't worry, but pray and sing

In confidence, you'll sit on His lap.

 

The Musketeers

 The Cardinal Guard

I woke up and went to the CR

The best place to remember a friend,

The spark that lights like a wondrous star

In the wide blue sky without the rain.

I remembered the Cardinal Guard

Of Athos, Portos, and Aramis

Of D'Artagnan, who was in charge

All these valiant men, you'll never miss.

That's also a story of a friend

A member of the Knights of Rizal

Who is now in the other terrain

With the Creator on His portal.

Life, my friends, also has an option

It's up to you to select and choose!

What is vital for your opinion

Hang to it and never let it loose.

 

The Joy of Remembrance

 The Encounter

It began at a weekend dance

On Labason's Central School site,

When respite was given a chance

And dignity emerged with its right.

Gleefully, a rare encounter,

That inched deep in memory

And a great joy to remember

Making it a valuable story.

That lovely night can't be forgotten

Two hearts throbbed in the journey of life

Lessons were absorbed and taken

Always remembered without the strife.

Truly, life is full of mystery

Gently wrapped with a surprising gift

To be remembered in memory

When you make the change in your shift.

It's a mysterious, wonderful world

Like the whisper of the trees and the grass

The sun appears with its rays of gold

We must pray to thank God at last.

The Wondrous Thing

 The Day, the Night, and the Music

The journey beyond Labason
 A portrait in the sea of time
Glistening on the horizon
So vital in this lovely clime.

A memory to remember
Forever, this will really cling
Deeply in my heart's inner chamber
Because this is a wondrous thing.

A Reflection

 On Assisted Living 

I tried to get out of a place of hospitality. A nurse assisted with the guidance of a Labor and Delivery Doctor. Then I was transferred to a sweet, peaceful place called home. Then, the scenario became a welcoming atmosphere. A moment of reality as I became a Christian, to shield me from the brewing seasons of growing up, the fun and frolic, as I wrestled my way to the land of the living.

I read that "Learning has a beginning but has no end."  So true, it was! Friendship was a part of the existing norm of survival. This was labeled as common sense. There were five of them engulping me, but I sensed six called to be or not to be. This was the question that inspired me. The light of enlightenment glowed through the window. The curtain was raised to let the golden glow permeate . Amazing grace!

Our body is a perfect creation of the Great Creator. It is the thing that should be loved, and the things that we crave must serve us. On the contrary, we love those things to serve us. We love the world and forget the Holy One, Holy Mighty One, and Holy Immortal One. 

We must read the BIBLE. It is the Basic Information Before Leaving Earth. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are a Christian. Jesus Christ is a God-Man. He died, and He came back. He is with us as we are sons and daughters of God who is in heaven.

" For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

The American English with a Filipino Accent: A Debate

 " Language is not the measure of intelligence, and accent is not the measure of truth: what matters is not how we sound but how we reasound, how we respond to the most urgent call of our time - the survival of our planet. "
This is about a debate, how Filipinos have always been under-estimated on the world stage, and yet time and time again, they have risen from the battlefield to the boardroom, from music stages, to hospitals abroad. Filipinos have been mocked, doubted, and dismissed, only to stand taller after the doors settle. The debate was just a mirror of that larger truth.
Back in that hall, Miguel's teammates - Anna and Joseph - watched with a new energy. They, too, had felt the sting of mockery. Joseph, whose father worked overseas as a seaman, had been teased by foreingers for the way Filipinos said certain English words. Anna, who dreamed of becoming a lawyer, had once been told
by a visiting professor who said so,  that Filipinos could never match Western debaters in logic.
But here, in this moment, watching Miguel turn redicule into strength shifts something inside them. They were no longer defending themselves as students. They were carrying the pride of their country.
      The opponent was so confident at first, but began to frown, and their smirks faded. One leaned back,  crossing his arms so suddenly aware that the Filipino team wasn't there to play the role of comic relief. They were there to win.And as Miguel closed his opening with the words- we are not here to imitate, we are here to reason, and our Filipino voice will be heard.
      The hall erupted in applause. That applause was not just for Miguel. It was for every Filipino who had ever been mocked for their English. It was for every overseas worker, correcting foreigners silently in their heads, every nurse in New York speaking clearly despite patients asking Where are you from really.
       It was for every Filipino child who had been laughed at for pronouncing the word comfortable so differently, for saying open the lights instead of turn on the lights.
       There was applause that carried the weight of a people who had long been told they were less but who had always been more. This was just the beginning. The real test was yet to come. As the debate moved into a fiery exchange of rebuttals where wit and logic collide, but in that first moment when laughter turned into silence something unforgettable happened - a shift, a recognition, a crack in the wall of prejudice, and from that crack a Filipino voice  began to rise.

The River of Life

 The Flow of Communications 

The Alphabet comes from the Greek words Alpha and Beta, which influenced the Roman Latin Alphabet. Because of this, the English Alphabet is known as the Latin Alphabet or Roman Alphabet. No one person or group of people created the English Alphabet.

Who invented the Alphabet - A to Z?
The Phoenicians' alphabetical order makes it easier to learn and share with others. But the Phoenicians and Egyptians used only consonants, as people began to write more and more, and more words were needed to be created to describe different things.

The Greeks accepted vowels: 
Vowels, consonants, and the letter "J"
      The most important traders were from the Phoenicians - known today as Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
They spread the alphabet to the towns and villages that surrounded the Mediterranean Sea.
       The Greek Alphabet looks a lot like ours, but our letters took their final form in Italy. First, the Etruscan people, and then the Romans, adapted Greek letters to fit their language. The Romans spread their language and its alphabet all over modern Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. The earliest example of the Latin alphabet in use is called the duenos inscription and comes from the sixth century BCE, 2,500 years ago. Even then, the Alphabet was still incomplete because Latin didn't have all the sounds that are common today. The most obvious is the letter J, even though the first letter of the first month of the Roman calendar was January.
     

 

The Amazing World

 08/21/25 Thursday - Heart Testing at Ultra Sound at the Swedish Covenant Hospital

 Swedish Covenant Hospital. Beautiful day... I noticed the floors were clean. It brings back the era of courage and resilience.
   

The journey beyond oblivion.

The ripples in the sea of Time.
A memory and a companion.
In every epoch in every clime.

A moment of undying ember
That rekindles a wondrous thing
The essence of life, to remember:
To pray to God, to live. and to sing.

The Birthland

    God Bless the Philippines

God bless our cherished Philippines
Land of treasures, mountains, and seas
Of sugar canes and  their central plains
Guide her, O God, and these our pleas.

Watch over our dear Philippines
Through the emergence of progress
That you have never before seen
Of unity, we have to address.

We love our country, our birthland
We love the freedom that we earned
The shore, the lake, the foamy strand
The love and beauty that we have learned.

In Retrospect

 The Boy Scout Oath

"On my honor, I'll do my best to do my duty to God and country. To help other people at all times. To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight, help me, God."

During my Elementary days, I was a cute, small kid who, during an exercise on the Boy Scouts pyramid building. was always at the top. proudly reciting the Boy Scout Oath and ending with a right-hand salute.
There was a Philippine Military Training (PMT). In College, there was the Reserve Training Course (ROTC). This is a two-year requirement, or you cannot graduate. At Zamboanga A E College, Zamboanga City, I  took the Air Force Reserve Training, and at the Andres Bonifacio College, Dipolog City, I took the Army ROTC. 

By the way, my learning journey has a colorful beginning and has no ending. At this point, I am still a disciple of learning. even with the advent of the computer, the smartphone, and the AI. (Artificial Intelligence.) Thanks to the Phoenicians, the ancient traders. No man is an island.

At a public school, I freely had my elementary education. My high school was at a religious private school from my freshman year to junior year. And my Senior year was with Ateneo de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City. An all-boys Catholic school.. I graduated with honors as a Salutatorian due to a lack of residence. At that time, I was with Dr. Paquito Barrios, who paid for my school tuition. I was groomed to take up a Medical Tech (which was a Two-year course) as the doctor was planning to put up a private clinic.

Yet the wind of change carried me to the Zamboanga School of Arts and Trade to take up Drafting, but the class was temporarily closed due to the lack of student enrollees. Meanwhile, a kindhearted pilot, Capt. Cervero came to my succor and offered me a job to maneuver a pilot boat as foreign vessels can't dock without the guidance of the wharf Pilot.

Addendum:  At Ferrer High School, I was one of the top four students. Unknowingly to my classmates, the English and Literature teacher, Mrs. Inclan, assigned me to check the test papers.
However, beyond my expectations at the Zamboanga AE College, in the Law class of Atty. Romulo Plagata, I checked the test papers. This was in the Law class of Atty. Romulo Plagata. During this time, I was also a Literary Editor of the Campus college paper. 

I was taking a Bachelor of Science in Education degree majoring in History and minoring in English. There was an intramural debate between the College of Law and the College of Education. The topic: That electoral campaign must be limited to 3 months. The Educators were on the affirmative side with two High School Valedictorians and one Salutatorian. To ensure the win, a plan of attack was made with  the broadcast and media. They were seasoned guys of the profession. They were buddies. The result was triumphant. The Educators won. It was the first in the College Intramural history in debate. It was always the Lawyers, the College of Law.

In my last days of College, I was elected as president of the College Student Council. I was privileged to find a Graduation speaker. I knocked at the door of the mayor of Zamboanga City, Mr. Cesar Climaco. He was not available at that time, but luck emerged in the former seminarian and the Director of the Philippine Muslim College in Jolo, Sulu, Mr. Rodulfo Canivel, who was in Zamboanga City to recruit teachers to teach in High School and College, and also a band instructor. I told Mr. Canivel that they are available. They are my classmates and new graduates. Tell them to come with you and see me at the City Hotel. Thank you very much, sir, I politely answered.

In retrospect, my school days were colorful. I was at the crossroads of a decision on what really makes sense in being a Homo sapiens. At the end of the day, I realized I am a man of flesh, bones, and blood.

The Lover

 Lovepoem

Adrift in the shimmering cryptic yesterday
Glowing remarkably in the smithy of my heart
With abysmal ignorance generating delay
The power of unstoppable love's part.

Pressing the pulse of endless palpitation
Punctuated once in a great while by reflection
On the University of Experimentation and Realization

I love this life
Pregnant with strife
Teeming with wonders
Beauty, love, and lovers.

By: Greg Intas Trabanca. Published in October 8, 2002
The International Library of Poetry
1 Poetry Plaza, Owings Mills, MD 21117
www. poetry.com

 5751 N Jersey Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60659

To Whom It May Concern: 

This is to certify that Salvador Ortanez, Jr. a lessee has entered into an agreement with the Lessor, Gregory Trabanca for the apartment building at 6234 N. Washtenaw Ave. Chicago, 60659 

This is to certify further that he has to pay the two- month payments of Six Hundred Dollars ($600.00) from January and February 2025 to a total of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars (1,200.00).


Done this 25th day of February 2025.


Lessor -  Gregory Trabanca

Lessee - Salvador Ortanez, Jr.

The Recorder

 Dear Everyone,

With all due respect, I am inspired to be with you this day in this building that I am familiar with. We are all Recorders, Storytellers, Caregivers, Engineers, and Drivers.

Recorder - We always record anything we do: in our mind, in our notes - digital or hard copy. Obviously, we are all familiar with the keys of the typewriter, phone, computer

Storytellers: We all have stories to tell - true or false.

Caregivers: We are all - we care for those who need care - the sick, the lonely, the hopeless, the what-ever-will be-will be, the fateful, and the faithless.  

Nurses: the Florence Nightingale."The Lady with the Lamp"
(A Nightingale is a tiny bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song.)

Florence Nightingale: Born on May 12, 1820, in a Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Died on August 13, 1910 in Mayfair, London, England. She is British and known for her Pioneering Modern Nursing.

Awards: She received the Royal Red Cross Lady of Grace of the Order of John St. award in 1904 and the Order of Merit in 1907. In 1908, she laid the foundation of Professional Nursing at St. Thomas Hospital in London- the first Secular Nursing School in the world, now part of King's College, London. 

Reforms: These included empowering health care for all sections of British society, advocating better hunger relief in India, helping to abolish prostitution laws that were hard for women, and expanding the acceptable form of female participation in the workforce.

Engineers: We are all - in the modern world, engines are everywhere, handy and easy to use. Operating them is just a touch or a click of the fingers.

Drivers: We are all. Even the child can drive toys. Reading this could drive you to heights of inspiration 

King Solomon said, As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

Humans are unconquerable as they are the masters of their fate and the captains of their souls. -William Ernest Henley (Invictus.)

By: Greg Intas Alcala Caponong Gonzaga Trabanca
gtrabanca@ gmail.com    

Speech

"In an increasingly conflict world, all we need is certainty." It is a fictional quote on a fictional show, but in many ways it is real.

My fellow Zanortehanon, good evening  I'm so happy and honored to be with you on this memorable moment as your keynote speaker and inducting officer of the newly elected DYC officials. My message tonight will be short and clear, so sit back and relax.

The intellectual and spiritual life of humans on earth is not a circle, round and complete, but a parabola that opens upward and runs into infinity. As you navigate along that endless path, you will come to realize that every task and achievement is coupled with a challenge and responsibility.

Tonight marks DYC's new beginning of a new challenge and responsibility as you embrace your 39th year of dedication to humanity For decades, you remained steadfast, a soothing figure through times of conflict and uncertainty. Your continued emphasis on patience, friendship, a strong community focus, and considering the needs of others are as important today as they were when your group was founded all those years ago.

Certainly, as you move along and continue to do your good work, you will face challenges, and will not be easy. But whatever those challenges may be, stand firm and remain united, for there are no challenges beyond your strength and beyond your capability. Each challenge can be handled with relative ease if you seek God's blessings and are not deterred by the setbacks that often fall in our life

Our life is a series of unfolding, and our struggle to be the best in every stage of life is a common element of the human condition. But moving through life fully in concert with others, requires friendships, commitment, and much energy. It demands self-love, unconditional acceptance, patience, and the ability to take risks. This assortment of characters is just the beginning. More is required, much more if you want a real experience of belonging to those around you. However, the real freedom to be who you are can only be found among a circle of friends who committed themselves to you, just as you committed yourselves to them.

You learn what you appreciate about people by listening to what concerns you. You are certain to learn more when you acknowledge that which displeases you in the experience that fascinates your attention. Think positively and learn to calm your mind. A calm mind creates many good ideas and relaxes a troubled heart. To me, these approaches are times and I commend them to everyone.

Within the window of space and time, there is no more satisfying feeling than doing and finishing a task set up by yourselves, work with patience and care so that your fellow citizens and others may enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all and your family a healthy and joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year! 

Thank you and God bless everyone.
By: Beressimo "Nonoy" Refugio (Ber) Founder of ZAMNAI ( Zamboanga del Norte Association in Illinois). an only Association left in Illinois that even continues to increase in memberships.  

The Dollar Notebook

 The Month  of May 1973

This is the month of remembering

A scenario with life and love
A moment of passion burning
A letter we send through a dove.

The tidal wave of Zamboanga sea
Awaken us in our deep dream
Together the instinct is to flee
We swiftly sink down as a team.

And like seaweeds, our bodies
Float to the four edges of the earth
A roll of passionate eddies
And all the while someone has to search.

Then on the lovely frothy shore
We are holding a lovely red rose
Seems to be waiting forever more
Therefore it is, and how it goes.

The Last Days of November

 The Budding Trees are Happy (Nov. 24,2024- Sunday PM)

Inspiring Sunday Afternoon
The world is alive and picking

The long loss of being alone. 

It's worthwhile to do the asking.

I look outside the Eastern window
I see the lawn, the grass, the bush 
Awake, fresh, and out of sorrow
So this is life and how it goes.

A priest said that life is worth living
"Think and Grow Rich" was written by
A man that life is more to thinking
It's vital and this is no lie.

Living a life is a miracle
"The Song of Bernadette" is a promise
When he safely reached his cherished goal
He did it without a compromise.

My Note 1

 The Word ( John 1)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,  and the Word was God.

My Notes

 The Discovery

This journey leads me to the path of
Contemplation: Man's highest expression
On secular and spiritual life proof
Of his humble, sincere,  intention

With God, there's peace and happiness
I found Him, and I saw my true self
The richness of Life's awareness
Which is truly His wonderful gift.

The Power of Public Speaking

 The Secret of How to Speak

1. Keep it simple

2. Get organized

3. Keep it short

4.  Take charge. Smile. Eye contact (Left- Center- Right)

5.  Don't read, Talk. ( On How You Feel)

6. Be Real. (Share Your Experience) 

7. Be a Wide Reader.

8. Be a Good Listener. (Listen to the Child, the Young, the Senior.)

9. Be on Good Terms with Others.

10. Be Borderless.

11. Take Good Care of Your Health. That is your only Gem and Diamond.

12. You are Your Only Best Friend. (Listen to Him. Be True, Be sincere. He is your
      Best Physician. Love God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen)