Pahina ng Tunay na Buhay: December 2012

Monday, December 31, 2012

Mundo ng Pag-ibig!

Mundo ko noo'y walang patutunguhan.
Walang direksyon pupuntahan.

Ngunit sa iyong pagdating,
Nagkaroon ng bagong dahilan,
dahilang mabuhay at ipaglaban ka.

Ngayo'y handa ng tumayo at mahalin ka
Ang bawat balakid
Na aking dadaana ay pilit lalagpasan
'Di lang para sa sarili ngunit para sa iyo din.

Ako'y lilipad
Upang ika'y maabot
Ako'y lalangoy sa karagatan
Upang ika'y marating.

Lahat ay aking gagawin
Dahil ikay aking mahal!

Kaibigang Tunay

Sa panahong ako'y nag-iisa,
Ika'y dumating upang ako'y damayan.
Sa panahong ako'y malungkot
Ika'y nan dyan para maglagay ng ngiti.

Nang ako'y walang wala,
Ika'y 'di lumisan.
Ika'y na natili,
Para ako'y tulungan.

Yan ang kaibigan tapat.
Kaibigang nasa tabi mo lang,
Kaibigang tunay na totoo't tapat!

Monday, December 24, 2012

The Little Match Girl

Most terribly cold it was; it snowed, and was nearly quite dark, and evening-- the last evening of the year. In this cold and darkness there went along the street a poor little girl, bareheaded, and with naked feet. When she left home she had slippers on, it is true; but what was the good of that? They were very large slippers, which her mother had hitherto worn; so large were they; and the poor little thing lost them as she scuffled away across the street, because of two carriages that rolled by dreadfully fast.

One slipper was nowhere to be found; the other had been laid hold of by an urchin, and off he ran with it; he thought it would do capitally for a cradle when he some day or other should have children himself. So the little maiden walked on with her tiny naked feet, that were quite red and blue from cold. She carried a quantity of matches in an old apron, and she held a bundle of them in her hand. Nobody had bought anything of her the whole livelong day; no one had given her a single farthing.

She crept along trembling with cold and hunger--a very picture of sorrow, the poor little thing!

The flakes of snow covered her long fair hair, which fell in beautiful curls around her neck; but of that, of course, she never once now thought. From all the windows the candles were gleaming, and it smelt so deliciously of roast goose, for you know it was New Year's Eve; yes, of that she thought.

In a corner formed by two houses, of which one advanced more than the other, she seated herself down and cowered together. Her little feet she had drawn close up to her, but she grew colder and colder, and to go home she did not venture, for she had not sold any matches and could not bring a farthing of money: from her father she would certainly get blows, and at home it was cold too, for above her she had only the roof, through which the wind whistled, even though the largest cracks were stopped up with straw and rags.

Her little hands were almost numbed with cold. Oh! a match might afford her a world of comfort, if she only dared take a single one out of the bundle, draw it against the wall, and warm her fingers by it. She drew one out. "Rischt!" how it blazed, how it burnt! It was a warm, bright flame, like a candle, as she held her hands over it: it was a wonderful light. It seemed really to the little maiden as though she were sitting before a large iron stove, with burnished brass feet and a brass ornament at top. The fire burned with such blessed influence; it warmed so delightfully. The little girl had already stretched out her feet to warm them too; but--the small flame went out, the stove vanished: she had only the remains of the burnt-out match in her hand.

She rubbed another against the wall: it burned brightly, and where the light fell on the wall, there the wall became transparent like a veil, so that she could see into the room. On the table was spread a snow-white tablecloth; upon it was a splendid porcelain service, and the roast goose was steaming famously with its stuffing of apple and dried plums. And what was still more capital to behold was, the goose hopped down from the dish, reeled about on the floor with knife and fork in its breast, till it came up to the poor little girl; when--the match went out and nothing but the thick, cold, damp wall was left behind. She lighted another match. Now there she was sitting under the most magnificent Christmas tree: it was still larger, and more decorated than the one which she had seen through the glass door in the rich merchant's house.

Thousands of lights were burning on the green branches, and gaily-colored pictures, such as she had seen in the shop-windows, looked down upon her. The little maiden stretched out her hands towards them when--the match went out. The lights of the Christmas tree rose higher and higher, she saw them now as stars in heaven; one fell down and formed a long trail of fire.

"Someone is just dead!" said the little girl; for her old grandmother, the only person who had loved her, and who was now no more, had told her, that when a star falls, a soul ascends to God.

She drew another match against the wall: it was again light, and in the lustre there stood the old grandmother, so bright and radiant, so mild, and with such an expression of love.

"Grandmother!" cried the little one. "Oh, take me with you! You go away when the match burns out; you vanish like the warm stove, like the delicious roast goose, and like the magnificent Christmas tree!" And she rubbed the whole bundle of matches quickly against the wall, for she wanted to be quite sure of keeping her grandmother near her. And the matches gave such a brilliant light that it was brighter than at noon-day: never formerly had the grandmother been so beautiful and so tall. She took the little maiden, on her arm, and both flew in brightness and in joy so high, so very high, and then above was neither cold, nor hunger, nor anxiety--they were with God.

But in the corner, at the cold hour of dawn, sat the poor girl, with rosy cheeks and with a smiling mouth, leaning against the wall--frozen to death on the last evening of the old year. Stiff and stark sat the child there with her matches, of which one bundle had been burnt. "She wanted to warm herself," people said. No one had the slightest suspicion of what beautiful things she had seen; no one even dreamed of the splendor in which, with her grandmother she had entered on the joys of a new year.

Ollie & The First Christmas

By Paul Rhodes

My name is Ollie. I’m an ox. Yes, one of those big, lumbering beasts they put in a yoke that pulls a plow. Not really an exciting life, pulling a plow up and down a field all day, but somebody has to do it. God made me strong and big. In fact, He designed me for this work. My life consists of working hard, eating and sleeping. Boring you say? Yes, but you know, there is satisfaction in doing what God made you for and I do it well.

I live in a little town called Bethlehem. Normally it’s a quiet place, not much happening, but lately it has been crazy. People everywhere! You can hardly move for all of them. And the noise – it is deafening! More and more people are pouring in every day all because of someone named Caesar. I’ve heard people say that he’s taking a census. I think that’s where you count the people up or something and everyone has to go to the city or town they were born in. It’s hard to believe so many people were born in Bethlehem, but what do I know? I do know that Caesar’s soldiers are having a hard time controlling the crowds. Many have traveled a long way. They are tired and cranky and all looking for a place to stay. As usual those with all the money are getting the best places. There’s drinking and dancing and singing and then fights break out and the soldiers have to come and break them up. I’m glad I’m not a soldier! It’s much more peaceful plowing out in the fields.

One night we had finished plowing and I was dreading going back into the town. It was beginning to get cold and I could see my breath. People were camped out all over the town and fires for cooking were everywhere. I was beginning to get used to the noise, but I couldn’t wait to get back to my stable. At least there I had my own space. It’s dirty and smelly and crowded with other animals, not exactly a palace, but it’s my space. Well, at least I thought it was.

People! Oh no, people in my space! It’s not enough they are all over the town, but now people in my space. I was snorting mad and ready to start breaking up the place. Then I took a closer look. It was a man and a young woman. They looked tired and weary. I could see from the size of the young woman’s belly that she was going to have a baby. I started to feel sorry for them. What were they doing in a dirty, smelly place like this when she was about to give birth? Oh they had cleared the stable out as best they could, but it still wasn’t the place to have a baby. I heard her moan and could tell from the look on her face that the contractions had already started.

I saw a strange donkey and asked, “Where did you come from?” He said, “Nazareth, I came with my master Joseph and his wife Mary.” “Why are they here in my stall? They ought to be inside the inn,” I said. “They tried to get a room, but there’s nothing available,” replied the donkey. “The innkeeper said they could find a space in the stable.”

Oh yes, he would. I thought. Very free at giving them my space! He should have made room for them inside. Just then Mary let out a scream and I knew the labor pains had really started. Her knuckles were white as she gripped Joseph’s hand. I could tell from her face that she was frightened. This was her first experience of giving birth. I thought, “Okay, Joseph. Time to get help,” and realized at the same time that everybody was too busy to even care about a young girl having a baby. “You are on your own, Joseph! Sure hope you know what you are doing!”

He had cleared an area on the dirt floor and covered it with clean straw. He gently laid Mary down and whispered words of encouragement to her. The contractions became closer and closer and each time they came, Mary cried out in pain. Even though it was cold, beads of sweat were all over her face and her breathing was harder and faster. “Push, push,” said Joseph as each contraction came. I thought to myself again, “What a place to have a baby: a cold dirt floor, the smell of urine and animal dung, hardly any privacy and the noise of people who couldn’t care less just outside. Poor kid. What a way to start your life!”

One final cry of pain and one big push and out came the baby. Joseph’s big, rough hands caught the newborn. It was a little boy! He cleaned the baby up as best he could, turned him upside down and gave him a whack on the bottom! Well, the baby let out a loud cry and I couldn’t help thinking that with lungs like that, he might turn out to be a preacher! He showed the little boy to Mary and her face lit up with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. They had strips of rags and together they started wrapping them around their baby boy’s tiny arms and legs, then around his body. It was getting colder by the minute, so Joseph put the baby in my feeding trough and covered him with straw. I nudged my way closer to the trough to get a better look at this baby. He looked beautiful laying there even though he was shivering a little from the cold. I stuck my big head in the trough and breathed my warm breath over him. Was that a smile on his face? Maybe it was or maybe it was just gas pains.

Joseph was busy helping Mary get cleaned up. I asked the donkey what he did for a living. “He’s a carpenter by trade, said the donkey. For a carpenter he didn’t do a bad job as a midwife! I watched him as he tenderly looked after Mary. The look in both their eyes showed how much they loved each other and the joy over the birth of their son was clearly seen. They began to sing and praise God for His goodness. Joseph picked up the baby, lifted him high above his head and said, “Jesus, you are named Jesus just like the angel said. Jesus, for you will save your people from their sins.”

“Give me the baby,” said Mary. “Jesus, Jesus,” she whispered, “My son, but also God’s Son. The angel said you will be great. You will be called the Son of the Highest. God will give you the throne of David. You will reign over the house of Jacob forever and your kingdom will never end.”

Wow, I thought, angels, Son of God, the throne of David. The journey really must have gotten to them! Maybe the pain was too much for her. They must be crazy! God’s Son, born in a filthy place like this! God wouldn’t allow that. Kings are born in palaces, not dirt pits. Oh well, maybe they’ll feel better in the morning after a good night’s sleep. The baby began to cry and Mary started to feed him. Whoever he was, he had a good appetite. I could hear him sucking and little grunts of pleasure came from around his lips. Over the shoulder, big burp and ready for sleep! Joseph put him back in the feeding trough. I looked at him and thought again, “What a rotten deal life has handed to you. Poverty and crazy parents as well! You need all the help you can get, baby,” so I nuzzled him and warmed him with my breath.

The town had grown quiet now. All I could hear was heavy breathing and snores from other animals and people. It’s time for me to settle down. I’ve got a heavy day ahead of me. I had to push the donkey and a couple of cows over so I could lay my large body down. I was just dozing off when I heard voices in the distance getting louder and louder as they came nearer. “What now?” I thought. “Can’t we even get a decent night’s sleep?” There was so much excitement in their voices and everyone was talking at the same time. It was impossible to understand what they were saying. Then, with their lanterns burning bright, a group of shepherds burst into the stable. “Where is he? Where is he?” they cried. Joseph and Mary woke up, rubbing their eyes. “Who are you looking for?” they asked. “The Savior, the Christ, the Messiah!” they replied.

Mary quickly took Jesus out of the feeding trough and the shepherds with their lanterns held high looked at him and shouted with joy, “It’s exactly like the angel said.” And they began shouting and singing praises to God.

Wow, more angel talk! One of the shepherds had a little lamb under his arm. I said, “Hey, lamb, tell me what this is all about.” I could hardly believe the story he told me. He said that the shepherds had just put the sheep in the fold for the night and were settling down to sleep. There was a light, brighter than they had ever seen before and an angel was right in front of them. All the sheep were bleating and the shepherds were flat on their faces trembling with fear. The angel spoke to them and told them not to be afraid. He was bringing great news, joyful news for all people. The shepherds listened in amazement as they were told that in the City of David a Savior had been born who was Christ the Lord!

Wow, maybe Mary and Joseph weren’t crazy after all! The angel said the sign would be that they would find the baby wrapped in rags and lying in a feeding trough. Then the whole sky lit up and lots of angels were singing, “Glory to God on high and on earth peace and good will to men.” Then they disappeared and all that was left were the stars shining in the night sky. After they had gotten over the shock, the shepherds decided to come to Bethlehem and see for themselves what the angel had old them, so here they were!

Well, you couldn’t keep those shepherds quiet. They were shouting and praising God. Everyone who came to the stable after being awakened by the shepherds was amazed as they told their story over and over again. Mary and Joseph said very little but their faces were beaming with joy. As I looked at them I thought about what a big, dumb ox I had been to think they were crazy. Their baby was the Son of God!
I’m not really sure to this day why God allowed His Son to be born in my stable and to sleep in my feeding trough. I don’t know why He revealed this great event to humble shepherds instead of to the priests and rulers. There is a lot I don’t understand, but this much I do know: I am the proudest ox that ever lived because God let me see His Son being born and let me warm Him with my breath. Maybe God was trying to tell us that if His Son came and shared my space, then there is no space too dirty or poor that He wouldn’t be willing to share. How about your space? Is there room for Him there?

written and submitted by Paul Rhodes

http://www.annien.com/Holidays/Christmas/ChristmasStories/Ollie.html

Goody Santa Claus

Katherine Lee Bates: Boston: D. Lothrop Co., 1889

Santa, must I tease in vain, Deer? Let me go and hold the reindeer, While you clamber down the chimneys. Don't look savage as a Turk! Why should you have all the glory of the joyous Christmas story, And poor little Goody Santa Claus have nothing but the work?
It would be so very cozy, you and I, all round and rosy, Looking like two loving snowballs in our fuzzy Arctic furs, Tucked in warm and snug together, whisking through the winter weather Where the tinkle of the sleigh-bells is the only sound that stirs.
You just sit here and grow chubby off the goodies in my cubby From December to December, till your white beard sweeps your knees; For you must allow, my Goodman, that you're but a lazy woodman And rely on me to foster all our fruitful Christmas trees.
While your Saintship waxes holy, year by year, and roly-poly, Blessed by all the lads and lassies in the limits of the land, While your toes at home you're toasting, then poor Goody must go posting Out to plant and prune and garner, where our fir-tree forests stand.
Oh! but when the toil is sorest how I love our fir-tree forest, Heart of light and heart of beauty in the Northland cold and dim, All with gifts and candles laden to delight a boy or maiden, And its dark-green branches ever murmuring the Christmas hymn!
Yet ask young Jack Frost, our neighbor, who but Goody has the labor, Feeding roots with milk and honey that the bonbons may be sweet! Who but Goody knows the reason why the playthings bloom in season And the ripened toys and trinkets rattle gaily to her feet!
From the time the dollies budded, wiry-boned and saw-dust blooded, With their waxen eyelids winking when the wind the tree-tops plied, Have I rested for a minute, until now your pack has in it All the bright, abundant harvest of the merry Christmastide?
Santa, wouldn't it be pleasant to surprise me with a present? And this ride behind the reindeer is the boon your Goody begs; Think how hard my extra work is, tending the Thanksgiving turkeys And our flocks of rainbow chickens — those that lay the Easter eggs.
Home to womankind is suited? Nonsense, Goodman! Let our fruited Orchards answer for the value of a woman out-of-doors. Why then bid me chase the thunder, while the roof you're safely under, All to fashion fire-crackers with the lighting in their cores?
See! I've fetched my snow-flake bonnet, with the sunrise ribbons on it; I've not worn it since we fled from Fairyland our wedding day; How we sped through iceberg porches with the Northern Lights for torches! You were young and slender, Santa, and we had this very sleigh.
Jump in quick then? That's my bonny. Hey down derry! Nonny nonny! While I tie your fur cap closer, I will kiss your ruddy chin. I'm so pleased I fall to singing, just as sleigh-bells take to ringing! Are the cloud-spun lap-robes ready? Tirra-lirra! Tuck me in.
Off across the starlight Norland, where no plant adorns the moorland Save the ruby-berried holly and the frolic mistletoe! Oh, but this is Christmas revel! Off across the frosted level Where the reindeers' hoofs strike sparkles from the crispy, crackling snow!
There's the Man i' the Moon before us, bound to lead the Christmas chorus With the music of the sky-waves rippling round his silver shell — Glimmering boat that leans and tarries with the weight of dreams she carries To the cots of happy children. Gentle sailor, steer her well!
Now we pass through dusky portals to the drowsy land of mortals; Snow-enfolded, silent cities stretch about us dim and far. Oh! how sound the world is sleeping, midnight watch no shepherd keeping, Though an angel-face shines gladly down from every golden star.
Here's a roof. I'll hold the reindeer. I suppose this weather-vane, Dear, Some one set here just on purpose for our teams to fasten to. There's its gilded cock, — the gaby! — wants to crow and tell the baby We are come. Be careful, Santa! Don't get smothered in the flue.
Back so soon? No chimney-swallow dives but where his mate can follow. Bend your cold ear, Sweetheart Santa, down to catch my whisper faint: Would it be so very shocking if your Goody filled a stocking Just for once? Oh, dear! Forgive me. Frowns do not become a Saint.
I will peep in at the skylights, where the moon sheds tender twilights Equally down silken chambers and down attics bare and bleak. Let me show with hailstone candies these two dreaming boys — the dandies In their frilled and fluted nighties, rosy cheek to rosy cheek!
What! No gift for this poor garret? Take a sunset sash and wear it O'er the rags, my pale-faced lassie, till thy father smiles again. He's a poet, but — oh, cruel! he has neither light nor fuel. Here's a fallen star to write by, and a music-box of rain.
So our sprightly reindeer clamber, with their fairy sleigh of amber, On from roof to roof , the woven shades of night about us drawn. On from roof to roof we twinkle, all the silver bells a-tinkle, Till blooms in yonder blessèd East the rose of Christmas dawn.
Now the pack is fairly rifled, and poor Santa's well-nigh stifled; Yet you would not let your Goody fill a single baby-sock; Yes, I know the task takes brain, Dear. I can only hold the reindeer, And so see me climb down chimney — it would give your nerves a shock.
Wait! There's yet a tiny fellow, smiling lips and curls so yellow You would think a truant sunbeam played in them all night. He spins Giant tops, a flies kites higher than the gold cathedral spire In his creams — the orphan bairnie, trustful little Tatterkins.
Santa, don't pass by the urchin! Shake the pack, and deeply search in All your pockets. There is always one toy more. I told you so. Up again? Why, what's the trouble? On your eyelash winks the bubble Mortals call a tear, I fancy. Holes in stocking, heel and toe?
Goodman, though your speech is crusty now and then there's nothing rusty In your heart. A child's least sorrow makes your wet eyes glisten, too; But I'll mend that sock so nearly it shall hold your gifts completely. Take the reins and let me show you what a woman's wit can do.
Puff! I'm up again, my Deary, flushed a bit and somewhat weary, With my wedding snow-flake bonnet worse for many a sooty knock; But be glad you let me wheedle, since, an icicle for needle, Threaded with the last pale moonbeam, I have darned the laddie's sock.
Then I tucked a paint-box in it ('twas no easy task to win it From the Artist of the Autumn Leaves) and frost-fruits white and sweet, With the toys your pocket misses — oh! and kisses upon kisses To cherish safe from evil paths the motherless small feet.
Chirrup! chirrup! There's a patter of soft footsteps and a clatter Of child voices. Speed it, reindeer, up the sparkling Arctic Hill! Merry Christmas, little people! Joy-bells ring in every steeple, And Goody's gladdest of the glad. I've had my own sweet will.

http://www.infostarbase.com/holidays/christmas/Goody_Santa_Claus.php

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Immature Love!

Love YOU!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Pangarap:Noon at Ngayon Part 1

Written by:Ariel Garcia

Marso, dalawang linggo bago magtapos sa sekondarya sina Mark. Sa mga panahong iyon ay napapaisip si Mark kung magpapatuloy sa pagkokolehiyo. Sa uri ng pamumuhay nila ay nag-aalangan na siyang ituloy ang pangarap nyang makapag-aral. Naisip nya na hihinto na lamang ito at tutulungan ang kanyang ama sa pangingisda.

Nagkaroon siya ng lakas ng loob para ipagtapat ang kanyang plano hinggil sa kanyang paghinto at pagtulung na lamang sakanyang mga magulang.Nang marinigito ng kanyang ama ay napaluha ito at nangatwirang:

"Anak,ako'y nagpapasalamat na ikaw ang aking anak ngunit 'di ako papayag sa ninanais mong yan.hindi nangangahulugan na mahirap tayo ay 'di ka na rin mag-aaral. Ito lagi mong tatandaan anak, HINDI MAHALAGA KUNG ANO KATAYUAN NATIN NGAYON ANG MAHALAGA AY MAKAMIT MO KUNG ANO PINAPANGARAP MOAT NAWA'Y KAMI'Y MATULUNGAN MO DIN."

Mga salitang nagpaluha sa binata at napayakap sa mga sinabi ng ama at nangako na 'di nya ititigil ang pag-aaral namag-aahon sa kanila.

Habang nasa paaralan si Mark ay nangutang ang kanyang ama ng pera para magamit nya sa pagpasok sa kolehiyo.At doble kayod sa pagtatrabaho upang makapag-ipon para sa anak. Habang dumadaan ang mga araw at papalapit ang pagtatapos nina Mark ay tuloy lang sa pagkayod ang mga ito.

Sa araw ng kanyang pagtatapos ay binigyan nya ng karangalan ang kanyang mga magulang. Siya ang nanguna sa buong klase nila at sa karangalan niyang nakuha ay ginawaran siya ng parangal at pinagkalooban na maging iskolar ng isang unibersidad sa Maynila.

Sa mga nangyari at biyayang pinagkaloob sa kanya ay parang nagbigaylalo ng liwanag sa kanyang mga pangarap. Ang kanyang mga magulang ay galak na galak sa mga pangyayari na natatamasa ng kanilang anak.
Habang panahon ng bakasyon ay tumutulong si Mark sa kanyang ama na pumalaot at manghuli ng isda. Siya narin muna ang nagbebenta nito sa bayan upang maging salapi ang mga ito.

Lingid sa kanyang kanyang kaalaman ay nag-iipon ang kanyang mga magulong para sa gagamitin nya sa Maynila. Lumipas lang ng ganun ang mga araw ng wala syang nalalaman.

Gabi bago siya umalis ay kinausap siya ng kanyang ama.
Ama:Mark,alam mo ba na kung siguro 'di ako mangingisda ngayon baka abogado na ko.(sabay ngiti)
Mark:Pano po?
Ama:Nang mamatay ang lolo mo, kumayod na ako ng sarili ko upang di maging pabigat sa lola mo. Kaya yun, nauwi sa isang mangingisda.
Mark(pinagmamasdan lang ang ama habang nagsasalita)
Ama:Pero masaya ako na naging mangingisda ako!
Mark: ahh? Bakit naman po??
Ama:Dahil sa inyo!
Mark:ahh??
Ama: Kung sigurong abogado ako ngayon baka di kita anak,baka di ko asawa mama mo.. Kagandang lahi pa naman natin(sabay tawa)
Mark(tahimik at nakuha nya ibig sabihin ng kanyang ama)

Ama:oh bukas na alis mo nyan, anoinaayos mo na ba mga gamit mo?
Mark(tahimik parin)
Ama: oh nasan ang kamay mo? (kinuha ang salaping na ipon at nilagay sa kamay nito)
Ama: Alam ko naman na 'di sapat 'to pero sana magamit mo ito sa Maynila! Mag-iingat ka doon ah.. Sulat ka lang sa aminha.. para 'di kami mag-alala...
Mark: Tay,Salamat po talaga sa mga ito.'Di ko po kayo bibiguin.Gagalingan ko po.
Ama: oh siya pasok muna ako ha. Sa kit kasi nga tyan ko e.( upang matago lang ang luhangtutulo mula sa mga mata)

ITUTULOY........

Sawi

Written by :Ariel Garcia

Nang ikaw ay makilala,
Mundo ko ay nag-iba.
Dating puti’t itim,
Ngayon ay nagniningning.
Akala ko ay ika’y panaginip lamang giliw,
Ako pala’y isang baliw.
Ngunit ngayon,ikaw ay tunay na ganap,
Ganap na pinipilit kong maagap.
Maagap ang nararamdaman
Upang hindi masaktan.
Mapigil ang luhang tutulo.
Luha na hindi nararapat sa’yo.

Love is Magic! (My first story)

Written by: Ariel Garcia

Hello! I’m Mark,46 years old, nagsimula lahat ng ito 20 years ago.
Ako non ay isang general manager sa isang clothing company sa Taguig sa loob ng isa’t kalahating taon. Pumapasok ako araw-araw sa trabaho sa pamamagitan ng pagcocommute sa tren. Pero isang araw habang nasa tren ako, may girl non sa harap ko na nakatayo at halatang hirap na sa pagtayo. Ako non ay naawa kaya siya ang pinaupo ko at ako na lang ang tatayo. Una, nahiya pa siya pero napilit ko din na siya na ang umupo at nagpasalamat sa akin. Habang nakatayo ako,napatitig ako sa kanya at napagmasdan ko na ang ganda pala ng mata nya at nagkataon napatingin sya sa akin at ngumiti. Dahil sa ngiti nyang iyon ay parang sumaya ako at ‘di ko mapaliwanag kung anong saya ang nadama ko non. Nong nasa istasyon na kami, nakasabay ko syang bumaba at nagpasalamat ulit sa akin at kami ay tumungo na sa kanya-kanyang patutunguhan.
Nang pagkababa ko sa bus naglakad pa ko patungo sa aming office at shocks, nasa kabilang side ng daan yung girl na nakasabay ko sa tren. At nang nasa harap na ako ng aming office tinignan ko ulit sya sa huling pagkakataon at nasupresa ako! Nagtatrabaho pala sya sa gusaling kaharap ng office namin at sa pagkakataong iyon e parang sumaya ulit ako tulad nung sayang nadama ko kanina sa tren.
Habang nagtatrabaho ako,sumsagi siya sa aking isipan at natatanong ko sa sarili ko kung kailan ko ulit sya makikita muli.Ngunit dumaan ang mga araw at ‘di ko na sya muling nakit. Ngunit ‘di ako nawalan ng pag-asa na makita syang ulit.
Nagkaroon kami ng 5 days seminar sa Baguio noon at sa ‘di inaasahang pagkakataon muli ko syang nakita. Bago mag-umpisa ang seminar non, nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon para kausapin sya at ‘di naman ako nabigo, kinausap nya din ako. At nakikilala pa pala nya ako, kaya napangiti ako sa mga oras na ‘yon. At nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon para tanungin sya kung ano pangalan nya at ‘di naman ako nabigo. Habang humahaba ang aming usapan lalo ko sya nakikilala at ang gaan ng pakiramdam namin sa isa’t isa. Magkatabi kami ng upuan ng mag-umpisa ang seminar.
Niyaya ko syang kumain pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng seminar at pinaunlakan naman nya ako. At ayun naging close kami sa isa’t isa at bago matapos ang seminar namin e niyaya ko syang mamasyal. Habang namamasyal kami binigyan ko sya ng isang rose at sinabi kong “thank you”. Napansin ko na parang nahiya sya non na binigyan ko sya ng bulaklak. Pero “di naman yun naging hadlang para maging masaya ang aming pamamasyal. At bago kami maghiwalay at umuwi nagpalitan, kami ng cell number upang ‘di kami mawalan ng contact sa isa’t isa.
Pag kabalik namin sa Manila, tinext ko siya agad at kinamusta kung nakauwi na ba syaat kung ano ang ginagawa nya. Nagreply naman sya na nakauwi na sya pero may bad news daw na sumalubong sa kanya. At ang bad news ay namatay ang kaniyang ama kaya nangangailangan sya ng masasandalan sa mga oras na yon dahil siya nalang at ang nanay nya ang natitira dito. Kaya bilang kaibigan, ‘di ako nag-atubiling samahan sya sa mga panahong nasa kalungkutan sya. At upang matulungan din sya sa mga problema nya e, nagdesisyon ako na magleave muna sa aking trabaho hanggang sa masolusyunan namin ang kanyang mga problema.
Nang matapos at mailibing ang kanyang ama,naging maayos naman ang lahat ngunit ‘di mo maaalis sa kanya ang kalungkutan dahil sa pagkawal ng kanyang mahal na ama. Ako naman bilang isang kaibigan ay gumawa ng paraan para mapalitan ng ngiti ang kanyang kalungkutan. Niyayaya ko syang lumabas pagwala sya masyadong ginagawa para mapasaya ko sya. Pumupunta kami sa mga malls,resto,parks at minsan nag -a-out-of-town kami kasama mga kaibigan namin.
At ‘di naman ako nabigo na pasiyahin sya ngunit habang tumatagal nahuhulog ako sa kanya kaso takot akong malaman niya at baka masira ang aming pagkakaibigan. At dumaan pa ang mga araw lalo lang akong nahuhulog sa kanya at dumating ang pagkakataon na habang nasa Tagaytay kami upang magbakasyon. Habang nasa Tagaytay kami nagplano ako upang magtapat sa kanya. Nagpunta kami sa isang botanical garden na kinausap ko para dun ako makapagtapat.
Habang nasa gitna kami ng garden at napapalibutan ng maraming bulaklak at mga paru-parong lumilipad sa aming paligid ako’y lumuhod sa kanyang harapan na sinabayan sa saliw ng “Go to Believe in Magic” na kanta, ako’y nagtapat sa kanya ng aking pagmamahal. Habang tinititigan ko sya sa mata ‘di nya napigilang mapaluha at ‘di makapaniwala sa mga nangyayari sa mga oras na ‘yon. Hinawakan nya ang aking mga kamay at dahang dahang tinayo mula sa aking pagkakaluhod at binulungan nya ako ng salitang “OO” at sa oras na ‘yon di ko din mapigilang umiyak at niyakap sya ng mahigpit habang may tumutugtog pa rin. Inalis nya ang kanyang pendant at pinakita ang nasa loob nito at ako’y nabigla sa aking nakita. Naroroon ang mga talulot(petals) ng rosas na ibinigay ko sa kanya sa Baguio at sinabi nya sa akin na mahal na mahal nya ako kaya niiyakap ko ulit sya.
Sa aming pag-uwi,saya at ngiti ang aming dala mula sa Tagaytay. At upang maging pormal ang lahat ng ito’y pumunta ako sakanila upang sabihin sa kanyang mahal na ina ang lahat ng nangayari at ‘di naman sya nagalit o laban sa akin. Bagkus suportadong suportado nya ang aming pagmamahalan.
Lumipas ang anim na taon at naging maayos ang aming pagsasama. Dumaan ang iba’t ibang pagsubok sa aming relasyon na lalong nagpatibay sa amin.
Agosto ng taong kasalukuyan noon, ako’y may isang European tour na kailangan puntahan at naisip kong isama silang dalwa ng kanyang ina. Habang nasa Europe kami eh nagbonding kaming tatlo ,kumain,namasyal at bumilibili ng mga gamit. Isang araw habang sa hotel kami at maaga akong nagising, kinausap ko ang kanyang ina tungkol sa pagpopropose ko sa kanyang anak. Tinulungan nya ako sa plano kong ito, bumili kami ng singsing na may nakaukit sa labas na “i love you” at sa loob na ” you and me forever”. Ika-16 ng Agosto, dapit-hapon(sunset) na non, niyaya kong pumunta sa Eiffel Tower si Jane para mamasyal pero di nya alam ako’y magpopropose sa kanya. At dumating na ang oras na aking pinakahinihintay at ako’ lumuhod sa kanya kahit na maraming taong naroon noon. At nasambit ko sa aking mga labi ang mga salitang “Jane,Will You Marry Me?”. Sa mga oras na yon nahihiya si Jane at di alam ang sasabihin dahil na rin siguro sa dami ng taong nagtitinginan sa amin. Pero ‘di nya ako binigo at ng dahil sa mga salitang “OO” na galing sa kanyang mga labi ako’y napasigaw sa saya at sumigaw ako ng paulit ulit ng mga salitang “I love you Jane!”
Nagtapos ang aking European tour na masaya at sobrang saya!!! Pagkauwing pagkauwi namin ako’y nagplano agad ng mga bagay na aming maaaring gawin bago kami ikasal. Dahil ako noo’y presidente na ng kumpanyang aking pinagtatrabahuhan kaya nakapag ipon ipon na ako. Kaya naisipan kong magkaroon kami ng Philippine tour. Pero ‘di nya alam na sa huling lugar ng aming destinasyon kami ay ikakasal na. Sumang-ayon naman ang lahat sa aking plano at sa isang beach sa Calatagan,Batangas naghihintay ang isang altar at ang aming mga kaibigan at ang aking magulang at kanyang ina. Sa ikatlong pagkakataon,napaiyak ko sya dahil sa galak at pagkabigla. Habang sya’y patungo sa altar sinabayan sya ng araw sa paglubog. At sa mga oras na yon, yun na ang pinakamaligayang oras sa talang buhay ko. Hindi ko maipaliwanag kung anong galak ang aking nadarama sa mga panahong iyon…..Siguro weird man, pero nagawang kong mapasayaw sa harap ng aming mga mahal sa buhay non.
Ngayon kami ay namumuhay na ng payapa sa Batangas at may tatlo ng anak, sina Gabe, Daniel at Angel Ann! At ako na ang may ari ng aming sariling kumpanya at nasa bahay na lang si Jane para alagaan ang aming mga anak.
Pero di parin namin nakakalimutang mamasyal lalo na sa mga lugar na parte na ng aming buhay!
(This is just my own imagination. I hope you love this story. It’s justmy 1st story.)

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