#Baclaran Church

[istariray23]

"On Sundays, let your soul be nourished by moments of peace, gratitude, and reflection.

May you find joy in simple pleasures, connect with loved ones, and recharge for the week ahead.

Embrace the beauty of today with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit renewed." 🌿💖

#SundayReflections #peaceandgratitude #istariray23laboy #istariray23travel

#istariray23moments

#istariray23photography

"A single candle can light up even the darkest of rooms, symbolizing hope, warmth, and inner peace.

Just as its flame dances gracefully, may your light shine brightly in the world, offering comfort and guidance to those around you.

Let the gentle glow of a candle remind you of the power within you to illuminate the path ahead with love and compassion." 🕯️💫 #LightOfHope #InnerPeace

Baclaran Church on a Sunday

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[kimikos-random-dead-acc]

Date locations (Philippines Edition)

A slightly crack and a little ooc headcanons of places where the Obey Me bros and undatables go on a date in the Philippines cuz why not. I couldn't think of anything for Barbatos, I'm sorry yall.

Lucifer

Pretty much any museum.

Specific locations would be National Museum of Fine Arts and National Museum of Natural History

Mammon

Divisoria or the Baclaran market

Also the Quiapo market too

Literally any cheap ass market

If he's got cash you guys are probs be at a casino like Resorts World Manila or Solaire

Levi

Ocean Park or Ocean Adventure cuz aquarium dates

Also dates in the Timezone arcade (the best one is at the Glorietta 4 mall)

Satan

National Bookstore or Fullybooked

And maybe The National Library of the Philippines

Cat cafes obvi

Asmo

Idk probably BGC (Bonifacio Global City) cuz I feel like he would enjoy having photoshoots with MC at all the unique backgrounds. Also the many malls too.

Maybe Okada too because of the fountain

Also a spa date in Willow Stream Spa or any other famous spas

Beel

Food trip dates at local kainans

Sometimes Vikings or Buffet 101

Belphie

Ikea

Department store bed sections

Diavolo

Rents out an entire amusement park like Enchanted Kingdom, Star City or Sky Ranch just for the two of you.

Solomon

Strolling around Rizal Park or Intramuros

Maybe a trip to Vigan City too

Look the idea of Solomon and MC riding in a kalesa is just soooo cute aaa

Simeon

Church date

Places like the Manila Cathedral or the Caleruega Chapel of Transfiguration

[larranie]

JOURNAL

LARRANIE GRACE G ABIA

BSCS101A

AUGUST 19,2024

What I did on august 19 in the subject of understanding I listened to sir lesson and after school my friend and I went out to eat at SM then we went home because it was too late to go to school have already started and students could be busy with classes homework or maybe getting ready for a big school event.

AUGUST 20,2024

what we did was we went to class properly and then sir did a quiz when there wasn't much and then my friend and i went out to by food. when sir finished and went home we first went to SM to eat with my friends and the went home when i got home i did an assignment and also for our new discussion.

AUGUST 21,2024

What i do on August 21 was sir give a quiz than also he was discussed the lesson the subject understanding the self was having insight into one own behavior attitudes strengths and weakness there are many ways to get to know oneself better and the other sub was have a quiz than after the quiz me and may classmate was go to SM to eat.

AUGUST 22,2024

In 22 in august was sir discussed also the lesson and sharing his lesson sir was not giving a quiz because tomorrow is a holiday we wouldn't have done so much today if only sir had not give a lesson for our next meeting and maybe he would give a quiz.

AUGUST 23,2024

What we did was p.e but we didn't do anything like that because we just introduced ourselves to our good teacher in p.e and then we were sent home early because there was nothing to do and then we ate first my friend in SM then we ate outside and when i got home i made an assignment to hand in the next day.

AUGUST 24, 2024

Today is Saturday without school but i still woke up early to help with the housework like washing our clothes especially the uniform and other work and i also did assignments i also do homework before the assignment and we also reviewed for our quiz the next day and i need to finish everything.

AUGUST 25, 2024

today was Sunday when my whole family went to church in Baclaran early in the morning i woke up because the traffic was long after we went to church we ate at McDonald's and went home because i had to do an assignment then to read what i learned in our lessons to review .

[trissaysmoi]

August 20th, Tuesday

Moi!

It's my birthday today!! It became my yearly tradition to go to Baclaran church so I went there with my mom, lit candles, and made a wish on the wishing well.

Also I specifically ask my mom if we can go to a seafood restaurant for our birthday dinner and so we're here atm writing this entry while waiting for our order lol.

My past year has been the toughest of my life so far but I hope it'll be easier from this day forward.

[dessy01]

Life unfiltered, moments unrehearsed

This picture was captured by me, in SM City Bacoor, Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Me and my sister will going to national bookstore to buy some of her needs in school and to have some sister bond. That's why i insisted to take her a photo for keeps.

This picture I also captured it, it was taken in Montalban Rizal, Monday, April 8, 2024, evening.

I take this picture of some of my Family, when we unexpectedly go to Montalban to visit the place of my tita there. So everyone agree to go there's since everyone is have a free day for 3days, that's why we agree to go there to unwind and have a bond there since one of my Tito is came from another country, and he said why we should visit my tita family their so that we could have some bonding. That's why I captured this picture as it's a rare bonding, and we do not know what will going to happened next, that's why we should enjoy our daily lives together with our love ones.

This picture I take it, when we drop by in Baclaran Church. Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

I captured this photo when we drop by in Baclaran Church, before we will going back home. We drop by in Baclaran Church to attend mass, and also to thank God for the unforgettable bonding we have. And also we prayed for the guidance of our love ones.

@therealrodthings

[dirtychilledheartbreak]

story time. last Sat shift, after work, may bumble match ako na sinundo ako sa office. we had dinner at North Park. then we drove around Taguig, Makati, and Manila until antukin ako kaya nagpahatid na ko pabalik makati. Kung saan saan kami napadpad since hindi siya mahilig magkape or tumambay. Ganon lang kasimple tignan yung nangyare.

However, yung mga naging conversation namin ang complicated. Paano ba naman kasi while we were eating dinner. He asked me bakit ako atheist. Natanong nya kasi religion ko while we're looking for place to eat.

So me being the proud atheist that i am went on to share how i was catholic by papers, then explored born again christian, naging agnostic for a couple of years, and eventually atheist. I was explaining things in deets, typical me. But it never occurred to me that he might be a devout catholic or Christian. let's say proud lang ako sa atheism and how much freedom nakuha ko don, and nothing was compromised, not even my identity. kaya grabe sharing ko.

another reason i shared why i am an atheist is it's kinda like my passive revenge against 'religious' people. mejo emotive pa pageexplain ko how cultsy and stupid religious people are. na parang wala silang personal take sa bagay bagay, blind followers lang, and they don't question things or they're not critical thinkers. or pagod lang sila magisip for themselves kaya nagrely na lang sila sa leadership ng religion nila.

i took time sharing who i am, and how spiritual i perceived myself despite the lack of religion. and again, i also took time sharing my perception towards religious people, i know mejo offensive take ko, but that's just honestly how they are for me. altho i believe not all, but mostly(?)

ito na nga, nagRuveal na siya ng side nya. and he dropped the bomb. he's a religious catholic. he used the word 'religious'. like he even never miss going to Baclaran church every week. and he's also serving talaga the church, may tawag pa sa kanya wc i forgot. so imagine how i was like all guards up ready to explain my side, why i said what u said, but I've nothing left. binala ko na lahat ng bala ko kanina. all i did was bear with his religiosity. what saved me from total embarrassment was cool lang sya.

pero very red flag yung sagot nya sa question ko. I asked kasi how do you compromise your homosexuality and religiosity/ catholicism. he was like, it never bothered him. that's not big of a deal daw since catholic church supports all sexuality. i was like 'hello, sodom and gomora.' That made our differences come to the surface.

so even before pa kami magdrive around metro, clear na sakin where that date was going.

THANK YOU, NEXT!

[kmvillapandoblog]

August 04, 2024

09:48 pm

Baclaran Church

Lighting an extra candle tonight. 🙏🖤

[calliopesink]

Unlocking The City’s Navigation: A Southie’s Commuting Guide

Have you ever been afraid of commuting around Manila’s complicated structure? Whether you travel frequently or are a newcomer, it’s easy to get lost in the city, and it can be overwhelming. This will offer you the knowledge to get a good grasp of Manila’s intricate access points within and outside the city. This will teach you about mass navigation modes and terms that will guide you through key areas of the National Capital Region (NCR), especially within Manila City.

This article is intended for residents of South Luzon. The areas to be covered are Cavite, Laguna, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Pasay, and Parañaque.

This will equip you with knowledge of key terms, terminals, roads, and transportation routes that will serve as your compass, and bring you closer to your destination.

Lawton Avenue

Lawton is the most common and direct route to Manila. It's known for its proximity to Rizal Park, Manila City Hall, SM City Manila, the Post Office, and Quiapo Church. If you're in South Luzon, look for buses heading to Lawton, which will travel through Taft Avenue, and vans traveling to Lawton-MOA through Roxas Boulevard. This route will pass by Paranaque and Pasay via Coastal Road.

PITX

Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange – A transportation terminal located in Parañaque City. PITX serves as a major gateway for South Luzon, providing access to most of the NCR and even provinces of Luzon. In the terminal, you'll find jeeps, buses, and vans that will take you to LRT-1 and MRT-3, Lawton, and SM Fairview. This is an alternative for residents living in less urbanized areas who may not have direct access to transportation heading straight to Manila, particularly those in Laguna and the western parts of Cavite, such as Kawit to Cavite City. In your area, look for buses going directly to PITX, and in the terminal, inquire about the nearest gate for PUVs heading to your destination.

Cubao and SM Fairview

PUV going to Cubao and SM Fairview - While located in Quezon City, the route will pass by transport points in Manila such as Taft Avenue and Lawton, making it an alternative route going to Manila. They are accessible in NCR areas such as Paranaque and Pasay and are frequently used by PITX commuters as a broken travel route to Manila.

LRT

The Manila Light Rail Transit System consists of several lines, LRT-1 covers the “Greater Manila”, which is from Parañaque to Pasay, Manila City, Caloocan, up to Quezon City. LRT-2 Covers Eastern Manila, such as Pasig, Santa Mesa, up to Quezon City. MRT-3 covers the Southern and Eastern parts of the NCR.

Look for PUVs with signages “Baclaran/Pasay LRT” or “Savers MRT-LRT”. Buses or vans commonly travel to the EDSA station of LRT-1, as it serves as a gateway station between LRT-1 and MRT-3.

To navigate the city, most people would refer to nearby transportation points such as Taft Avenue, Espana, for example, and LRT stations for traveling to specific destinations. In Lawton, you'll find buses to Tagaytay and Dasmarinas, vans to Sucat (Las Pinas, Paranaque, Muntinlupa), and buses to Alabang (Muntinlupa). There are also PUVs heading straight for Paliparan and PITX available at the United Nations Avenue and below EDSA station. At the EDSA-Taft intersection, there are jeeps to Paranaque and Pasay, such as SM Bicutan, Nichols, Merville, etc.

Honorable mention routes are Baclaran-Heritage, and terminals along Taft, but it can be confusing for beginners as these are broken or indirect routes.

Getting familiar with key terms and travel points is a necessity for commuting around Manila. If you find yourself lost, ask for directions or search for the nearest LRT station, or these key terms mentioned.

Educating yourself with LRT stations will give you a good grasp of the city. These terms serve as a general navigation guide, but specific routes to access these may vary depending on your area. Asking someone knowledgeable or relying on personal commuting experience will still be the best way to learn.

Written by: Marco Agas

Pubmat by: Justiniano Ceruma

[propertylisting]

𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘

📍Airport Road, Baclaran, Paranaque

Near Baclaran Church, NAIA Terminal

📍Marcos Highway, Antipolo, Rizal

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸

[lastmanstandin]

Baclaran church #pasaycity #philippines #streetwalking #baclaranchurch

[icanthinkstr8]

AUG 18, 2023 BACLARAN CHURCH

Lirio,

I am just in time noh? Kaya pala pakiramdam ko, kailangan kong pumunta sayo. Not just because I only want to eat Siomai but I want to have a deep conversation with you. I want to ask how's your day and how's work personally. And hindi ka nga talaga okay.🥺

Ang sakit din makita na umiiyak ka b3h. Expect ko pag kita ko sayo eh happy ka.😞 Pero nag ssmile pa rin ako kahit deep inside malungkot din ako na makita kang malungkot. But for the meantime, hayaan mong ako muna maging malakas for you.

While you're praying, I am behind you and I am praying for you too. Pinag pray kita kay Lord, kay Mama Mary and sa mga Angels mo. 🤍🤍🤍

Kaya I know that you'll be fine b3h. You'll be okay. They're with you...

[guillermo-de-lara-ambrocio]

BACLARAN CHURCH LIVE TV MASS TODAY 3:45 PM JULY 05, 2023 - WEDNESDAY

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Baclaran Church declared ‘important cultural property’

via CBCP News, 27 June 2023: The Baclaran Church in the Philippines has been declared an "important cultural property" by the National Museum, recognizing its significance as a cultural and spiritual heritage, and granting it additional protection and sub

via CBCP News, 27 June 2023: The Baclaran Church in the Philippines has been declared an “important cultural property” by the National Museum, recognizing its significance as a cultural and spiritual heritage, and granting it additional protection and subsidies for preservation and conservation. The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) has declared Baclaran Church among the country’s most…

[dyenieb]

May 5, 2023

MY PETS

I always loved animals even when I was young. Naaalala ko pa noon, hindi ako fully aware na lilipat na pala kami ng Cavite. I was born and raised in Baguio and medyo bullied ako dun as a kid kaya super happy ko na maiiba ung environment ko. Nauna akong pumunta ng Cavite non kase summer vacation and wala ako nung naghahakot sila from Baguio. We had this dog named Brownie. He was my first dog. Iyak ako ng iyak non nung nalaman kong iniwan nila si Brownie sa may-ari ng inuupahan naming house kase mahirap ibyahe. 6-8hrs din kase ang travel time non from Baguio. Hindi pa uso non ang Facebook so wala na akong balita after niya maiwan sa Baguio. I just learned years ago na he died of old age. Nalungkot ako. Siguro alam nyang iniwan namin sya and he died na hindi kami ang kasama nya.

After that, nagkaron pa kami ng ibang dogs. Naaalala ko pa noon si Pards. Sya ung dog namin nung lumipat kami sa totoong house namin sa Cavite. Bigay sya ng ka-work ni Daddy. Wala pa kaming gate kase under renovation pa yung house namin. He was our guardian noon. Ng dahil sa kanya, kampante kaming nakakatulog sa gabi. Then one day, bigla syang nanghina. As a kid, I don’t know bakit kase 5 yrs old lang naman sya and hindi pa uso non ang vet or pet stores. Nung time na nakabitan na kami ng gate, Christmas morning un naaalala ko, paalis kami para dumalaw sa lola ko, lumabas si mommy para i-check sya, nakakalungkot nung binalita ni mommy samin na wala na sya. I never looked at Christmas mornings the same way.

We also had this dog named Buknoy. Ang funny noh? Hindi ko din alam san nakuha ng parents ko yung name na un. Like Pards, he was our guard dog. Sobrang laki ng dog na yun. Kaya lahat ng pumapasok samin, natatakot talaga. Pero sobrang care bear ni Buknoy. Madalas nakakalimutan nya na malaking aso sya, pag tumatalon sya samin para sumalubong, ma-out of balance ka talaga for sure. One night, nasa garahe ako non nakaupo. Bigla syang naging alert, lumapit sa tabi ko, ang nag-growl. Natakot ako kase akala ko kakagatin nya ako. Pero sa gate sya nakatingin. Pagtitig ko, may taong palakad lakad sa labas. I then finally understood na he was protecting me by letting that person know na hindi sya makakalapit sakin because of him. Ndi ko makalimutan ung day na un. Years passed and he died of old age. Nakita ko nlang yung collar nya na nasa garahe. Naiyak ako kase may ugali si Buknoy dati na tuwing umaga, nakakawala sya sa collar nya. And to deceive my mom, uupo sya sa collar nya para hindi mapansin ng mom ko na nakawala sya. Naughty.

Then came Poopoo. First ever dog namin sya na indoor. Hindi ko matandaan saan sya galing. Pero he was so fluffy and isa sya sa reasons ko non para umuwi ng maaga from school. Lagi yun nakasunod kay mommy sa house. One day, hindi napansin ni mommy na nakasunod pala sknya. Sakto non may kinukuha si mommy sa upper cabinets and pagbaba nya ng stool, natapakan nya si Poopoo. I don’t know pero parang sa bandang neck nya natapakan so most probably natamaan ung spinal cord nya and it caused him to puke blood. Umuwi ako agad ng house non, that was the longest ride I ever had pauwi ng house. Pagdating ko ang hina hina na nya and puro blood talaga yung buong floor. Nagdasal ako non na sana mabuhay sya. And he did. But he wasn’t normal anymore. Nakatulala lang sya. Nakahiga. I always pray na sana bumalik yung dating playful na Poopoo namin. Everyday ko syang inaalagaan, tinatabihan ko sya sa damuhan para maarawan sya. Tinutulungan ko sya matuto ulit maglakad. Pero it was never the same. Nawala ung soul nya and he’s just this dog na parang robot. Eventually sumuko din ung katawan nya and nawala narin sya. It was one of the saddest days of my life.

Pumunta kami ni mommy non sa Baclaran. To pray. I was still sad dahil sa pagkawala ni Poopoo. On our way to Baclaran church, merong nagbebenta ng mga puppies sa gate. Merong isang puppy dun na kamukhang kamukha ni Poopoo. Darker lang ung fur. Sabi ko kay mommy bilhin namin kaso ayaw na ng mom ko. Siguro kase masakit pa yung pagkawala ni Poopoo and getting another dog won’t void his loss. Pagpasok namin ng church, dinasal ko talaga na sana payagan ako ni mommy na kunin ung dog. Ewan ko ba, I just felt some connection sknya. Or siguro dahil he resembles Poopoo.

Paglabas namin ng church, nandun pa yung dog. Nagmakaawa talaga ako kay mommy non. And luckily, pumayag naman sya. Thank God! Paglapit din kase namin, sumama agad sya kay mommy and natulog sa arms nya. Siguro wala narin nagawa si mommy kaya binayaran nlang nya. Naaalala ko pa non hindi kami pinasakay non sa bus kase bawal ang pets. So naka-jeep kami. Behave naman ung dog and natulog lang sa lap ni mommy. Tulo-laway pa nga e. Haha! And we named him Bochog.

Bochog was our longtime dog. Ewan san nanaman nakuha yung name nya. Siguro kase ang bochog nya nung puppy pa sya. Si Bochog ung second dog namin na naging indoor pet. Pinaka-close sya sakin noon, katabi ko sya matulog. Kahati ko sa unan. As in kahati ko sya sa kama. Para syang tao kung matulog! Humihilik pa nga un e. He was my bestfriend. Nakakatawa yung dog na un kase hilig non manghabol ng mga taong dumadaan sa harap ng bahay namin, pero pag binuksan mo naman yung gate, takot naman sya lumabas. Haha! Years passed and kinelangan kong umalis ng house. Simula non, ung bunsong kapatid ko na ang naging kasa-kasama nya. Every time na masama pakiramdam ng sister ko, binabantayan nya sa room. They were inseparable. Kapatid ko lang ang kinakatakutan nya actually. Andami naming memories with him, and kasama nyang lumaki ung sister ko. Then one day, nagkasakit sya. Maybe due to old age narin. Ilang beses syang dinala sa vet ng kapatid ko. Bumubuti naman yung lagay nya pero ndi na kagaya ng dati. Partially blind na sya, puti narin yung fur nya, and iba narin yung bark nya. Nalulungkot ako non pag naiisip ko na matanda na sya and any moment pwede na syang mawala samin. To be honest, I sometimes wish na matapos na yung paghihirap nya kase makikita mo na lumalaban nlang sya dahil siguro nakikita nya na ndi pa ready yung kapatid ko na mawala sya. One day, siguro pinakawalan nlang din sya ng kapatid ko. Nawala narin sya. I was looking at him thru our CCTV kase nasa Manila ako non for my internship. Naiyak ako non while on duty. He was with us for more than 16 years. Going home to our house will never be the same without him greeting you by the front door. Honestly until now pag umuuwi ako samin, nakakalimutan kong wala na sya, natatawag ko parin sya pagpasok ko ng house. I named our house phone number Bochog sa phone ko and I never changed it kahit nung nawala na sya. Hinahanap ko parin sya sa sala, sa ilalim ng dining table and sumisilip parin ako sa gate namin bago ako pumasok kase baka nasa garahe sya and bigla nya itulak ung gate pagbukas ko like what he always do nung nabubuhay pa sya. It still hurts to be honest. Naluluha parin ako every time naaalala ko sya.

Kasabay ni Bochog ung isang dog namin na si Bailey. Galing sya sa ex ko na iniwan kay mommy kase neglected dun sa house ng pamangkin nya. Knowing na dog lovers kami, samin nya binigay. First dog namin sya na may breed. He was a japanese spitz. Masasabi ko na sya yung pinaka gentle na naging dog namin. Sya lang yung dog namin na kahit anong laro gawin mo sknya na halos malamog na sya, never nag-growl or tumahol. Hahayaan lang nya panggigilan mo sya. Haha! Favorite nyang tumambay sa kubo namin kase mahangin dun and knowing na sobrang balbon nya, you know why he likes to stay there. Mahilig syang makipaglaro sa mga bata sa kalsada. Pag may dadaang mga bata sa gate namin non, tatahulan nya na parang nagmamakaawa makipaglaro. Madalas naman nilalaro sya nung mga bata. Iniisip ko non, para syang bata na gusto lang ng kalaro. Hindi namin alam kung anong age na sya nung dumating samin pero we decided na birthday nya is ung day na dumating sya samin. Malapit sya sa pangalawang kapatid ko. Un ang madalas nyang kalaro. Naaalala ko pa nung time na nagkasakit sya, kasabayan nya si Bochog non. Pina-vet namin silang dalawa. Mas malakas sya kay Bochog kaya nagulat kami bakit bigla syang nanghina. And eventually, nawala rin sya agad. Na-feel bad ako non kase baka naisip nya na nakalimutan na namin sya kase nakatutok kami non kay Bochog. Baka mas pinili nyang sya nlang ung mawala and inextend nya yung buhay ni Bochog kase nakikita nyang nasasaktan kami makitang nahihirapan si Bochog. Naiyak ako nung naisip ko un. Na baka inalay nya ung natitirang life nya para ibigay kay Bochog, para mas makasama pa namin sya ng matagal. Biglaan kase, malakas pa sya nung nagkasakit si Bochog then bigla nlang sya nagkasakit. Nauna pa syang mawala kay Bochog. Tumagal pa kase ng almost a year si Bochog nung after nya mawala. Hay, sana hindi nya iniisip na ganon ung tingin namin sknya. Ansakit lang isipin.

Akala nyo puro dogs lang noh? May cats din kami. First cat namin is super biglaan lang. Ndi namin pinlano. As in basta nlang kami nagkaron ng cat. One day, tahol ng tahol non si Bochog sa labas. Ewan namin bakit. Si Bailey naman tahimik lang, sabagay gentle naman kase si Bailey so normal na wala syang reaction. Lumapit si daddy sa tinatahulan ni Bochog. And biglang may nagmeow sknya. Pusa pala. Haha! Takot kaming magkakapatid sa pusa. Ang mindset kase namin non is kakalmutin kami agad. So si daddy ang kumuha dun sa cat. Nilabas nya ng gate namin. Maya maya, tumatahol nanaman si Bochog. Bumalik pala yung pusa. So sabi ko kay daddy, iakyat nlang sa terrace ko para sa bubong nlang dumaan. And para matahimik nlang din si Bochog. So okay na. Later on, pag-akyat ko sa kwarto ko, parang may nakahiga sa sofa sa terrace ko. Omg. Yung pusa! Hindi pala sya umalis! Siguro kase hindi sya makababa ng sofa. Nakatulog nlang sya dun. Paglapit ko, natakot pa akong lapitan actually. Then bigla syang naghikab, nag-stretch, at nagmeow. Dun ko na sya hinawakan. Mabait naman pala. Pinangalanan ko syang Muning. So ayun, may pusa na kami. Haha!

Napaka-brat ng pusa na si Muning. Nung unang days nya, tinatahulan talaga sya ni Bochog. Dedma lang sya. Kakain sya ng walang pake kay Bochog. Hihiga sya sa garahe kung san nya gusto. Malapit sya kay daddy kase si daddy lang ang nakakahawak sknya dahil may takot pa talaga kami non sa pusa. Kaso nung bumalik na si daddy sa Malaysia, no choice kami so kami na nagaalaga sknya. Eventually naging close din kami. Outdoor cat sya and minsan umaalis sya, babalik nlang pag nagutom or pag matutulog. Isang araw, napansin ko na parang anlaki ng tummy nya. Posible ba un kase baby pa sya e. Lately nlang namin nalaman na buntis nga sya. Haha! Naaalala ko pa nung manganganak na sya, meow sya ng meow sakin. Hinihila nya ko sa box nya, pag umaalis ako, sumusunod sya sakin and parang pinapabalik nya ko sa box. Nagresearch ako bakit ganon. Ganon pala yung pusa pag manganganak na, gusto nila nakabantay yung fur parent nila while giving birth. It gives them comfort and security daw. Kinakabahan ako non kase first time ko makakita ng cat na nanganganak. I was so happy nung nanganganak na sya! She had 5 kittens. 2 na kamukha nya, one na two-toned, and 2 na ginger cats. We named every single one of them. But one kitten made it’s way to my heart that instant. My sister named him Monkey.

Dumaan ung mga days and lumaki ung mga kittens. Isa isang nawala ung kittens ni Muning. I don’t know why pero everyday nalulungkot ako tuwing may isang nawawala. Siguro may nakakapulot sknla pag nakakalabas ng gate namin. Ang natira nlang non is si Monkey. Why Monkey? Ang hilig kase nyang umakyat kung saan saan. As in. Nung minsan pa nawala un si Monkey ng two days. Iyak na ko ng iyak non kase sya nlang natirang anak ni Muning then mawawala pa. E pag tinatawag ko naman yung name nya, kahit nasaang street pa sya, lumalabas sya. Sobrang gala kase ng pusang un. Ewan ko ba. Dasal ako ng dasal non na sana umuwi na sya. Nakatitig ako sa bintana ko kase dun sya madalas natutulog pag gabi kase bawal sya sa loob ng bahay. Kahit nasa school ako, text ako ng text kay daddy kung umuwi na ba si Monkey. Ndi pa daw. Nawawalan na ko ng pag-asa non, nakatingin lang ako sa bubong namin. Sinisilip ko sya baka nasa bubong lang ng kapitbahay. Kaso wala talaga. Pumasok na ko ng room ko nung may narinig akong familiar na tunog ng bell! Pagsilip ko si Monkey! Ang dungis dungis nya. Para syang natulog sa lutuan na uling. Pero i’m so happy kase nakauwi na sya.

Nagkaanak ulit si Muning ng bagong litter. Medyo week yung ikalawang litter nya kaya hindi kami umasa na mabubuhay sila. And un nga, isa isa silang nawala. Pero may isang natira. Pinangalanan namin syang Neggie or Negneg. Kakulay nya si Muning na gray tabby pero para syang bonsai fluffy version. Basta iba ung fluffiness ng fur nya kahit nung tumanda na sya. Anlambot lambot. Parang ung mga fur na coat. And sobrang gentle nyang pusa. Para syang si Bailey pero pusa version. Napakabait ng pusang un. Never ko syang nakitaan ng agressiveness. Mailap din sya and hindi kasing adventurous kagaya ni Muning at Monkey. Lagi lang sya nasa house namin, natutulog. Never ata un umalis ng house. Umalis man sya, nasa kubo lang.

I can still remember the days na makikita mong nasa kubo lang si Bailey, Muning, Monkey at Negneg, natutulog pag tanghali. Gigising para kumain. Sa umaga, magmemeow at tatahol. Magpe-prep ako ng food nila lima everyday. Ganon ung routine ko. Kung pwede ko lang dalawin yung days na un, I would.

Madalas ko pakainin sila Bailey, Muning, Monkey at Negneg sa kubo. And meron isang dog ung kapitbahay namin na laging nakaabang sa matitirant food ni Bailey. Bilang gentle dog nga si Bailey, hinahayaan nyang ipakain ung half ng food nya sa dog na un. Hanggang sa binigyan nlang namin sya ng separate food nya. Simula non kasama na sya sa routine ng mga pinapakain ko. Hindi ko alam anong name nya so pag eating time na, sumisigaw nlang ako ng normal na tawag sa dog, “Chuchu!” And lumalapit naman sya agad. Iniwan sya nung kapitbahay namin nung umalis na sila dun sa tinitirhan nila kaya umaasa lang si Chuchu sa food na binibigay namin at ng iba pa naming kapitbahay. Naging protector sya ng buong street namin. As in sobrang tapang nya. Lahat ng dumadaan sa street namin, hinahabol nya. Ilang beses na nga syang nareport e kaya tuwing nanghahabol sya, lumalabas ako para sawayin sya. Nakikinig naman sya. One day, may pumuntang mga nanghuhuli ng stray dogs and cats, and unfortunately, isa si Chuchu sa mga nahuli. Nagising nlang ako sa komusyon sa labas and too late na paglabas ko kase nakaalis na ung humuli. Ndi ko alam ung gagawin ko non. Ndi ko aso si Chuchu pero that day napatunayan ko na technically dog na namin sya. Nagtanong tanong ako kung san ko pwede tubusin or puntahan si Chuchu and sabi ng friend ko, may shelter malapit sa location nya kaya nagpasama ako. Umalis ako ng bahay namin non ng walang pasabi. Dasal ako ng dasal non na sana mahanap ko sya. Luckily, nandun nga si Chuchu sa shelter na un. Nakakaawa yung ichura nya pagkakita ko sknya sa cage. Para syang sad na sad na hinuli sya. Tinawagan ko agad si daddy para dalhin yung car at sunduin kami. Simula non nilagyan ko na sya ng collar para alam na merong may ari sknya. Kami.

To be continued…

[benefits1986]

Keep Walking & My OG Archetype

Faith is when you choose to keep walking no matter how long, tough, and seemingly endless the road less taken is. 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/17tw7L3cHFF9FcsFuiTcJA  Spotify does it again with recommended PL after searching just one song. That’s 13 hours of non-stop Holy Week reflection songs sa lahat ng kasalanan mo sa mundo at lalo sa sarili mo. LOL. My recent life song: Seasons which I also stumbled upon in this PL. 

2011. The First Summer Music Festival, Baler.  Goes all the way back to Travel Factor days to be exact.  I got my first ink and had my soul sister who’s now in Cali do a freehand design for it. ORA ET LABORA in deep, dark, blue. Elements are the cross and fleur-de-lis. Nothing fancy but a reminder that I was no longer an agnostic which went on for quite some time.  There’s nothing wrong with being an agnostic, honestly. In fact, this era was a chance to deepen my faith which is not based on traditions and so-called formulations that would earn you a ticket to eternal salvation. Agnosticism is pretty much like being in between yes and no when it comes to believing in God. It’s much like a waiting room where you can choose to stay for as long as you like, too.  My favorite quote during this era was that of Victor Hugo.  “Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees.” Again, we separate the content from the creator.   I still remember my first graphic encounter with the faith in the light of agnosticism. At 18, I decided that I’d no longer hope for salvation because life had been tough. however, every time my transpo of choice passes Baclaran church, my typical mutter was something like: I’m not sure if you’re true or but a fallacy, but, just in case, please be with my mom. Skip me, though. I got this.  Mom was in a community ever since she was a kid. Even if she does not quote the Bible, I can say that beyond her RBF which is worse than mine, she lives by both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The rosary is her meditation, her prescription. She not a fan of too many saints, but she aimed to live a life like Mary, but the sungit and intimidating version. LOL.  When she got sick, I questioned why she had to go through it all even when I don’t have a steady relationship with God. Many times, I challenged the heavens to direct the shit to me and spare my faithful mom. This was the start of being unsure about the faith.  During a series of theology classes, the prof called me and asked me about what I think of the passion of Christ. I had my chance, my precious chance to air out a close to uncalled for opinion. Never mind that I need to get decent grades to keep my grant because at that moment, mom had another hospital visit. I took a deep breath, stood up and adjusted my collar. I said something like: Jesus should not be put on a pedestal. Jesus is really flawed and broken at most times. He is a counter-current who shook the status quo even when he knew he’s bound to be attacked and crucified. Jesus is an archetype. He lived a short life but something worth looking well into. Jesus makes us see how we can possibly live and make a difference to the oppressed, the weak, especially the women...”  Akala mo naman may pinaglalaban e recits lang naman ‘yun. Mhie, lagot ka kay Papa Jesus. Lagot grades mo kasi saktuhan lang pake mo at skill set. May itatawid ka pang Accounting saka Law na hassle sa attendance and exams. Ginusto mo yan. Pati ba naman Theo prof, ‘di mo pinalampas? Nagtanong lang naman siya ng basic question e.  The prof looked at me intently. I tried not to blink as I looked him straight in the eye. Fuck it. Bahala na. Blasphemy in the modern age na yata talaga ito. He took a deep breath and said something like: An archetype? Interesting. And I like how you said that Jesus must not be put on a pedestal because that makes Him more accessible to all. Faith, as he said, is very personal and that his class is a space where we can ask questions openly.  During the later part of the sem, I was asked about the resurrection and ascension. Again, it’s my chance to break free from the cloisters of A-line skirts, pointed high heels and pearl fuckin’ earrings, even for a nanosecond. Also, I hate uniforms!!! I said something like: The true test of faith is even when resurrection and ascension are shaken and possibly, debunked, you still choose to believe. It’s not about the traditions, the formula, the scriptures, the verses. All those are man-made, subject to errors which makes them highly debatable. Faith is what is left of you when the whole world is shaken or worse, in shambles. Could you stay unshaken even when the ground you’re standing on is sinking right before your eye? E ano naman if totoo na ‘yung bones ni Jesus nasa ark of the covenant? Syempre, tao siya e. No one has ever proven that there is an afterlife. Wala pang nakabalik sa earth after sakabilang-buhay. But, again, Jesus is an archetype. His life is a testament that you, I and the rest of the world can go big before going home. Cling to Jesus for life inspiration but not too much naman na literal na crucifixion and scourging at the pillar.  Sacrilege in an all girls’ school, grantee pa ‘yan a. LOL. The prof smiled at me as I caught my breath. Me to my myself: Mhie, ‘di po ito philo or logic class. Dami mo rin ad hominem. Char. Dun ka magpakawala ng angst mo sa law class mo. Hahahahaha. Prof: Seems like you’re going deeper in as far as your faith is concerned, Ms. De Ramos. Keep it up. Also, fan ka ng conspiracy theories. Hmm. 

These micro moments were the start of agnostic life pivot. I was not lambasted. I was not mocked. My unpopular opinion was given its chance. Plus, I got an A in this class, too. Prof wished me luck and told me that it was a good run with me. Damn. Hala. Bakit ganun? Syempre, bilang ANSWER QUESTIONS. QUESTION ANSWERS ang theme natin, I didn’t let it go and asked the prof why I got such a grade. (Need ko rin ‘to panghila ng GWA ko because I needed to be a decent student and student leader din ako noon.) Prof said that while I was rough and tough, it’s evident that I was hungry to know more. And that, in a “quiet” alta all girls’ school (noon), cutting comments like mine don’t come by often. OPAK. Thanks pohwzzz. (’Di ko na lang sinabi na kasi ‘di talaga ako pang-all girls’ school na may uniform. Pang-rally sa Ikot po talaga ako since birth. Rarasisbumba po tayo. ‘Di shala. ‘Di laking-aircon gen.)  That is the totem. The root of inception. That theo class played a huge part in my life with my current community which started in a yet another weird tone.  2011. I was invited to a retreat in Tags. Of course, I didn’t readily say yes but mom knew that I was going to shift to the community outside the gates of Catholicism. Umiyak nanay ko ng bongga which she rarely does talaga as a sungit shit. She told me that I can shift when she dies. Gago talaga. Laging may pasavogue ang ina ko. Kinang ina talaga ang theme niya, always. She told me to give Tags weekend one more try. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. 

I still remember that ‘di ako basta papatalo and said that almost in the same vicinity lang ‘yung gusto niya at ‘yung gusto ko. Then, sabi ko pa, hassle commute papasok ng village versus ‘yung choice ko na super walkable lang then makikita ko pa si Jericho Rosales. LOLOLLOLLOLL. Mom said, tumigil daw ako kasi napipikon na siya. Landi ko raw. 

Sabi ko, tumigil din siya kasi faith life ko naman ‘to. Umiyak na naman so, ako na lang ulit nag-adjust. Sayang si Jericho Rosales pero nakita ko na siya up close and nakausap sa Baler with matching him holding my wrist to check out my fresh ink. HOHOHOHOHOHOHOH. Then I saw his fish (aka Jesus) ink and said that Christian pala siya. Wala akong pake kung siya si Jerico at crush ko siya. :D LOL.  So, ayun na nga. Dapat dibdibang English ito pero naubos ‘yung effort ko sa post ko kahapon. Nanghina ako, mhie. Ang tindi ng bwelo natin doon. LOL. I went to Tags and damn, another monthly cramps because my uterus is not vibin’ with my decision in life yata.  First night pa lang, gusto ko na umuwi because I am not feeling well and it’s not giving. HAHAHAHAHA. Oks naman sila but found them too nice, too chill. First time to see praise and worship sa Catholic as well. TBT, if it weren’t for the band and the dance team, umuwi na talaga ako. Tapos, again, sobrang shala ng mga tao. Nasanay naman na akong maging damong ligaw sa all girls’ school tbh, so sabi ko sana iba naman. ‘Yung mga vibe ko naman. Hassle mag-English pero nakakaintindi naman pala ng Tagalog kausap ko basta ‘wag lang masyadong malalim like parang, bro, pare... HAHAHAHAHAHA. Allergic talaga ako. Pero ‘di naman nila kasalanan ‘yun at ako din.  But, when I witnessed some sharings along with powerful praise and worship on steroids sesh, aba naman. Girl... ‘di ko kinaya e. I’ve been welcomed with both hands and feet in this community. 

Not perfect, always may pasavogue but one that accepts me along with my shit, all my flaking because tinatamad talaga ang spiral moments tayo noon hanggang ngayon, and most importantly, kahit ‘di ako sumama sa lahat ng Boracay and Fuego invites nila kasi nga sabi ko ‘di ko sila kayang sabayan, I found God’s love in this “hopeless-looking” place. EMS. ‘Di nila ako binatawan from then until now. I am also out as a bi turned pan which is another thing that I love a lot. Again, not all ha, but my people, my tribe, accept me and tell me kung saan ako masaya. This is also weird and not really proud of it, pero wine nights and whiskey nights na medyo marami na rin are usually focused on God’s love and light. Yes, mhie. Sa true. But, syempre mga half the time, about life and work shit and how to come through.  A side kwento. The latest catch up with the bigger group na all female this time after the lockdown was umaatikabo. Freezing eggs, having kids, how to get pregnant, being pawrents, being single pawrents, being DINKs, alpha male, catfishing, online dating, dating IRL, ghosting, migrating because why not, being single, how not to be single anymore, skin care, socmed scene local and foreign, worth it ba ang procedures. etc. Syempre, shoookt sila sa goal kong mag-menopause. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Sarap makinig sa group na ‘to and being one of the youngest in this group of pak na pak single and non-single ladies, super one for the books every usap.  So, how’s my faith life so far? I am not preachy especially I don’t look like I have a spiritual life which is totally how I like it. Jesus is still my OG archetype. I rarely go to church but I try my best to live by ORA ET LABORA pero ‘wag naman sagad na sagad ang LABORA lalo sa deadlines because for a time, sineryoso talaga natin ‘yung work as an extension of the self which ended in my first accident na total car wreck, but wait, pumasok pa ako sa office and ended my day at 4:30 am the next day. Ending? Spiral si accla. HAHAHAHAHA. Might share this some other time, too in time for Labor Day perhaps? Ems.  My faith is a forever WIP one but these days, my prayers are not about making life easy but inspired by Angelina Jolie’s QUOD ME NUTRIT, ME DESTRUIT -what nourishes me, destroys me. I also pray that whatever comes my way, may I allow both its darkest shadows and its lights come through. May I choose to be in the moment instead of pretending to be in the moment, too. Most importantly, may health be my top prio and my best gift from the heavens in this place on earth. Ems. ‘Yun lang talaga. Simple na siya. All that come after those, bonus na lang talaga.  PS: Some of my life songs are: Mighty To Save, One Way Jesus, Lord, I’m Ready Now, Lead Me To The Cross, Through It All, At The Cross/Might To Save and Broken Vessels, to name a few.  Exposing our gen pero seryoso, maganda mga songs na ‘to lalo ‘pag talagang shit na shit na feeling and pake mo sa kung ano mang pinagdadaanan at tinatawid mo.  Speaking of Hillsong. I remember nahatak ako sa Hillsong concert tapos ‘yung nakuha kong ticket is malapit sa stage as in puwede ka mag-stand. Salamat sa effort ng isang umaaligid noon nakapag-request ako pasabuy 10 tickets for me and my friends. HAHAHAHAHHA. Bait niya noh? Tapos ako, no. Hahahahaha. Na-anxiety ako kasi puro talaga triangle ‘yung mga focal points ng stage. Illuminati ba talaga sila? Tapos gusto ko na umalis pero sabi nung friend ko, overactive na naman imagination ko. Then, nagka-issue ang Hillsong so ‘yung mga PL ko mostly from the then days nila nung wala pa akong memory ng Illuminati concert and issues nilang malala. LOLOLOLOL. Fair enough naman right?  Unholy week is here. May yours be filled with realizations that go beyond your why. Try mo naman asking, why not, para maiba. Malay mo ‘di ba?