#para sa medal

[reianishkadoesstuff]

𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗸𝗼 𝗻𝗮 𝘀𝗶 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀. 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝘁.

—anang dalagang sunod-sunod ang ganap ngayong buwan

[ricisidro]

The Philippines had 12 Olympic medals since 1928! We had 4 medals in Tokyo 2020. Now we have 3 chances to win an Olympic medal after Carlos Yulo officially makes the final of 3 events of the men’s artistic gymnastics in Paris 2024 Olympics Games.

#ParaSaDiyos #ParaSaBayan #100TaongLaban

[akonaman]

I am soooo anxious and ang sakit ng dibdib ko the whole day kahit isang beses lang ako nagkape. Wala talagang magandang dulot tong 2am shift na to. And na pa proud ako sa sarili ko kase nagamit ko na yung 1 out of 12 Sick leave ko haha. Pakabayani kapa girl ng isang taon ah. Nanghihinayang ako na di ko pa nagagamit yung sick leave ko pero damn i deserve to rest. Minsan may times pa na kahit may sakit papasok talaga ko kase nasa bahay lang naman eh hindi naman ako bibigyan ng medal. Lol.

I am planning to take a LOA siguro ng whole December to use my 14 SLs and 9 VLs then resign para magamit ko lahat. Para kong nasa nalalapit na finale gosh ngayon ko lang uli na feel to HAHA.

May dalawang agent din ako na kakaresign lang immediate. And nag apir pa kami sa messenger kase girls same! HAHA prioritize your mental health. You are replaceable sa work. Pero sa family mo, no. My daughter deserves a happy mom.

Right after rendering I’ll make sure to sleep 8 hrs a day and not splurge myself with coffee. I’ll make myself a priority and mag heheal muna ako sa dulo ng Luzon. Gagayahin ko si Kisses ng pbb na bigla na lang mag cucut off ng ppl. Tipong you’re in a place where nobody knows you and nobody cares a lot about who you are. Ay artista? charot.

I just want a peaceful life with my Ally.

[nice2meetyouu]

Hindi raw ako assertive enough e. Pag sinabi ng pasyente na, "Ayaw ko kasing masanay sa gamot," rereplyan ko lang ng ok. 'Di ko masabi 'yung true thoughts na "Wala namang gold medal pag tiniis mo 'yung sakit" saka hindi naman nakakaadik 'yung pineprescribe. Para sa proteksyon ng lamang-loob pero sige mas magaling ka, 'di ba, ayaw mo masanay sa gamot, karapatan mo naman 'yan. Bahala ka. In summary, tamad talaga ako makipag-usap at magpaliwanag at dapat siguro pumili na lang ako ng ibang trabaho.

[jillianwarts]

cross fingers para sa gold medal ni caloy. aaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!

[haitilegends]

CELEBRATING KHLOË TIMMER'S HISTORIC GYMNASTICS VICTORY FOR HAITI 🇭🇹💐🎉🎊🙏🏾

Central American and Caribbean Championships of Artistic Gymnastics El Salvador

🎉 We are thrilled to announce that 14-year-old Khloe Timmer has made history! Huge congratulations to her for winning the first-ever Artistic Gymnastics medal for Haiti 🇭🇹. Her exceptional performance and hard work have earned her a silver medal, which she brings home with immense pride and joy.

This monumental achievement sets a benchmark for future Haitian gymnasts. Khloë, you have not only made us proud but have also become a symbol of enduring tenacity.

Special thanks to Maria Gonzalez from Leyva Gymnastics Academy, proud parents Mr. & Mrs. Timmer, and their family for their unwavering support and guidance.

Join us in celebrating this historic moment!

Sandra Gabriel Lmt

#HaitiLegends

_______

Haitian Kreyòl: SELEBRE VIKTWA ISTORIK KHLOË TIMMER NAN JIMNASTIK POU AYITI 🇭🇹💐🎉🎊🙏🏾

🎉 Nou kontan anonse ke Khloe Timmer, 14 ane, fè istwa! Gwo felisitasyon pou li pou li te genyen premye meday jimnastik atistik pou Ayiti 🇭🇹. Pèfòmans eksepsyonèl li ak travay difisil li fè li merite yon meday silvè, li pran lakay li avèk yon fyèt ak yon kè kontan.

Sa a se yon siksè monumental ki mete yon referans pou jimnast ayisyen nan lavni. Khloe, ou pa sèlman fè nou fyè, men ou vin yon simbòl de tenasite ki pa kase.

*Mèsi espesyal bay Maria Gonzalez nan Akademi Jimnastik Leyva, paran fyè yo, Mesye ak Madam Timmer, ak fanmi yo pou sipò ak gid ki pa janm kanpe.

Vini patisipe nan selebrasyon sa a istorik la!

__________

French: CÉLÉBRONS LA VICTOIRE HISTORIQUE DE KHLOË TIMMER EN GYMNASTIQUE POUR HAÏTI 🇭🇹💐🎉🎊🙏🏾

🎉 Nous sommes ravis d'annoncer que Khloë Timmer, âgée de 14 ans, a fait l'histoire ! Félicitations immenses à elle pour avoir remporté la toute première médaille de gymnastique artistique pour Haïti 🇭🇹.

Sa performance exceptionnelle et son travail acharné lui ont valu une médaille d'argent, qu'elle ramène avec une fierté et une joie immenses.

Cette réalisation monumentale établit une référence pour les futurs gymnastes haïtiens. Khloë, tu nous as non seulement rendus fiers, mais tu es aussi devenue le symbole d'une ténacité durable.

Un grand merci à Maria Gonzalez de l'Académie de gymnastique Leyva, aux fiers parents M. et Mme Timmer, ainsi qu'à leur famille pour leur soutien indéfectible et leurs conseils.

Joignez-vous à nous pour célébrer ce moment historique !

__________

Spanish: CELEBRANDO LA VICTORIA HISTÓRICA DE KHLOË TIMMER EN GIMNASIA PARA HAÏTI

🇭🇹💐🎉🎊🙏🏾

🎉 ¡Estamos encantados de anunciar que Khloe Timmer, de 14 años, ha hecho historia! Enormes felicitaciones para ella por ganar la primera medalla de gimnasia artística para Haití 🇭🇹. Su destacado rendimiento y arduo trabajo le han valido una medalla de plata, que lleva a casa con inmenso orgullo y alegría.

Este logro monumental establece un referente para futuros gimnastas haitianos. Khloe, no solo nos has llenado de orgullo, sino que también te has convertido en un símbolo de tenacidad duradera.

*Un agradecimiento especial a Maria Gonzalez de la Academia de Gimnasia Leyva, a los orgullosos padres, el Sr. y la Sra. Timmer, y a su familia por su apoyo inquebrantable y orientación.

¡Únanse a nosotros para celebrar este momento histórico!

#SGLmt

[hatdogcheesedog123]

ANG MAIKLI KONG STORYA BAWAT GRADENag-aral ako noong ako ay tatlong edad na gulang ako ay nag aral nun sa 5J at masaya ako dahil ako ay natuto magaral, magsulat, magbasa, magkulay, naalala ko rin na doon ako nag diwang ng ika apat kong kaarawan ang sisigla rin ng pagkakasabi nila ng Happy birthday! Kaya nakakatuwa, Noong nag kinder 2 nako mas natuto ako at mas dumami ang mga nalaman ko tulad ng pag add,mag bilang, mas umayos narin ng konti ung pag kukulay at pagbabasa ko kaso nga lang nahihiarapan ako mag sulat noong nag gr 1 nako mas natuto nako umayos narin ang pagsusulat ko tuwing nagsusulat kami. noong nag gr.2 nako ang gusto ko lang ay mag karoon ng medal kaya nung nalaman ko na meron akong medal tuwang tuwa ako nong nag gr.3 naman ako nahirapan ako sa math at science naming kaya nawalan ako ng medal noong gr.4 nako nag karon ulit ako ng medal at kumalat ang virus na covid 19 kaya ginawa ng paraan para makapag aral padin nagkaron ng online class marami ang nahirapan don dahil yung iba walang gadjets ung iba naman walang wifi o mahina ang mga data.Noong gr.5 meron uli ako at mas umayos rin ang pagoonline namin dahil nagkaroon na ng lms noong gr.6 naman bumalik na ng face to face at madami ang naging masaya at isa ako dun kaso nawalan ako ng medal dahil hindi ako naka focus sa pagaaral pero iniisip kona lang na kahit hindi man ako makakasali sa mga honors this gr.6 pwede pa naman bumawi next school year or sa mga quarters kaya gagalingan ko na at mas aayusin ko ang pagaaral ko sa gr.7.

[savenoname]

"MEMORIES I LIKE TO REMEMBER'

MATTHEW

Just gifted you Empire Chevaler Medal 30

Charisma increased by 5000

Just pitted you Gift: Kai x2 Charisma increase

by 4000

Just gifted you Gift. No. 10 Jersey 1 Charisma

increased by 2000

thats yours😘

yn

i'm yours😘

matthew

I'm in love in you

love u

sh#t kinikilig ako sobra tibok ng puso para sayo

HAHAHAHAHA😘😘

yn

ahh sweet

love u too😘

played four matches

night love

tulog ka na din may pasok ka

sweetdream 😘

night night😘

1weekoffline

miss u😭🥺

sorry na busy ako sa school

pupunta pala kami tagaytay baka hindi ako makaonline sorry🥺

love you😘

3hours later

awts miss u

love u😘

ingat ka palagi love

3days

minsan nga lang tayo maglaro😭

ikaw lang namn inintay ko mag onine

love you😘

nighttime

love lets play

miss you

g

talk tayo maya

okay love 🤗

played3matches

yn hindi na ko magmml

bakit love ?

umay na ko e

pano tayo?🥲

ano tapos na din

bye yn

its nice memories we make

sorry

offline

ganon lang to sakit mo namn matt

bye nice g

we played 48matches

The end

[niqswifey]

Just wanna yap about my dad.

So at the age of 27, kung kelan nawala na si Papa, atsaka pa lumitaw mga news na for sure, matagal nya narin gusto malaman but had no capabilities, source, or kakilala to help him and Tita Bhim about their late dad whose my Lolo.

I don’t know what to react kasi ang original family name pala namin is “Morante.” Lolo had to change his surname to ‘Bagacay’ dahil marami pala syang tinataguang girls back then na naging shawty nya from city to city, maybe he had kids with them 😆 I used to hate my surname nung bagets pa ako kasi nga parang ang bantot pakinggan and palagi ako nabubully because of it, rhyming it with ‘boracay’ ‘bangkay’ etc., and the most annoying part is everytime I go to stage to claim my award or medals during my academic years, namimispronounced lagi surname ko which is hindi nakaka-slay. But learned to embrace it as I get old. Bagacay’s are from Cebu pala, you’ll find bunch of them, and its also a kind of bamboo na nahahanap lang din particularly in Visayas.

As far as I can remember, namatay si Lolo while my dad and Tita Bhim were still young so ayun, typical Visayan life story na mahirap at maaga namulat sa realidad. Lola found a new lover, and built a new family with that my step-Lolo who’s family name is ‘Galias.’ I admire my Papa because he sent himself sa school tapos private pa. His alma mater was Our Lady of Pillar Catholic School in Bacolod. At least highschool man lang daw sana pero eventually hindi nangyari dahil mas pinili nya mag work, and kwento nya rin kaya sya napadpad dito sa Manila dahil sakanila Lola Marietta and Lolo Ben na may bahay sa Caloocan, dun sila pinapa-stay. He used to work at Marikina as paper box cutter tapos stay-in at every Sundays ang uwi nya sa Caloocan where he met my Mama (she used to babysit sa Marikina along with Tita Bik). Of course they fell in love, and then they had me and Janjan and built our family sa Bulacan where Tita Bhim and Tito Gilbert resides.

So going back sa mga revelations about sa Lolo ko, ang dami pala nila Papa and Tita Bhim na half siblings from him. I wonder why maraming friend si Papa na Bagacay ang surnames sa FB pero di naman kami familiar or napa kilala man lang nya nung bata pa kami. Thought he’s just adding random people with same family name as his. They have half siblings sa Cebu, Iloilo, Sorsogon, and Leyte. Actually, their kids who’s basically my half-cousins(?) were reaching out, and nakikipag communicate naman ako kahit na di ganun ang personality ko haha inisip ko nalang its for Papa 🥹

Also, 2 years ago, may client si Niko na Bagacay ang apelido na naka reside sa Sampaloc, Manila. Kinwento nya agad sakin and pinakita copies ng ID nun, and that guy resembles Papa so much. Parehas bald, pointed nose, thick brows, medium complexion, bunny teeth, and small ang face. May gut feeling rin ako na maybe he’s one of my Papa’s half siblings kasi same year (it was 2022), may nag reach out kay Ate Gail na tiga Manila na hinahanap rin daw mga kapatid. Sinabi ko rin naman yun kay Ate and shown her photos sent by Niko, pero di nako nagkaroon ng follow up since then kasi nabusy rin sya sa kasal nya last year. If its true na relative rin namin yung client ng partner ko, edi… 🫡 to my Lolo.

And earlier, Ate Gail messaged me and sent a photo of documents about our Lolo’s identity. Girl, my Lolo was half Arabian pala and half Filipino kaya pala Morante ang original nyang surname, ‘yung dad nya siguro ang Pinoy. Lolo’s parents are citizen sa UAE, and has furniture business doon. Napadpad ang Lolo ko here sa Pinas para mag business related to agriculture and that’s when he met my Lola Violeta rin siguro na tubong Ilongga talaga. Hindi sa pang aano ha, pero my Lola is mestiza with wavy hair, pointed rin ang nose, and petite so gets ko na bakit mukhang foreign talaga si Papa nung 20’s nya. Sa pictures ko nalang din nakita later on yung hair color ng dad ko and it was light brown, all my life kasi namulat na akong bald si Papa hahahaha! 😆

I understand narin why Papa enrolled himself sa Japanese school so he can learned how to speak Nihonggo kasi yung Lolo pala namin, marami rin palang alam na language yun dahil matalino, tapos nahanap rin copy ng mga diploma nya sa UAE. Sana all! He can speak Arabic, Tagalog (including Bisaya/Hiligaynon dialects), English, French, German, and Nihonggo. Nung naging fluent na si Papa sa Nihonggo, he went along with Tita Lily sa Japan and nag work rin sya dun for several years as a family/personal driver ng Ichigan family na naging amo nya. He’s hopeful siguro na mahanap rin yung bahay ng Lolo ko back then sa Japan, and makuha ang mga remains nya. 🥹

I’m so kilig ngayon kasi who would think I have foreign blood running in veins, but sad at the same time. Kilig kasi I’m not aware na 1/4 Arabian pala ako hehe I used to cry so bad pag may tumatawag sakin na “bumbay” “DVD DVD” kasi bata pa naman ako, and hindi pa sobrang marunong mag appreciate ng ibang foreign beauties aside Filipinos. Sad kasi hindi man lang naabutan nila Papa at Tita Bhim tong mga bagay na ‘to na matagal narin nilang inaasam tapos magkakaroon pa grand reunion ang Bagacay’s this coming December.

My heart is so full for Papa that I dreamt about him last night and ngayon nalang ulit kasi after his passing, napanaginipan ko sya tapos never na sya ulit bumisita sa dreams ko until last night. I remember him saying, “Pahalagahan nyo naman ako.”

Maybe I should visit him sa Sunday, I guess.

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

What it means to hear your anthem play 🇨🇦 at the Paralympics

Swimming Sensation @nicholas.bennett_ He wins 🥇 the Men's 200m Individual Medley S14** and his third medal of Paris 2024 to reach the top of the podium for the second time in Paris 🇫🇷

————

La vedette de la natation @nicholas.bennett_ Il remporte 🥇l'épreuve masculine individuelle de 200 m quatre nages S14** : sa troisième medaille aux Jeux de Paris 2024.

When he was three years old, Nicholas Bennett was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. There was concern at the time he would never talk, never walk. Today the 19-year-old is having the time of his life. He walks proudly as a world-champion Para swimmer.

His sister coach plays giant role in brother’s rise to the 🔝

**S14, SB14, SM14 swimmers have an intellectual impairment, which typically leads to the athletes having difficulties with regards to pattern recognition, sequencing, and memory, or having a slower reaction time, which impact on sport performance in general.

#GreatnessMovesUs #LaGrandeurNousGuide #CanadianParalympicTeam #Paris2024 #Paralympics #ÉquipeParalympiqueCanadienne #TeamCanada #ÉquipeCanada #Paralympics #thegoldmedallist

Posted 5th September 2024

[littlelav107]

a long, winding letter to tres, written in taglish and desperation

aka, an aromantic's plea to someone swallowed in amatonormativity

dear tres.

maalala ko dati magkatalikod lang mga upuan natin sa fablab. that was when i thought of tagumpay (yes, the ship) seriously at mas naging chill tayo.

then came the pep-talks, as you called them. it was a shock talaga sa akin nung first time. feb 20-something ata yun? di ko na nga maalala kung paano napunta doon, pero in hindsight, feeling ko wala ka talaga ka-share ng emotions before that, and im glad na buhay ka pa rin ngayon in part because of those chats and talks.

pero as time passed, alam mo 'yung napansin ko? the themes of the talks were less about stuff like demotivation and pressure and became more about. about romance. i dont know when, pero at some point biglang ang source ng lahat ng problema ay dahil walang ka-lovelife. siguro nung late march, kasi dun ka nag-confess sa kaniya. siguro nung late march nga, kasi dun mo rin sinabi na un na lang natitira sa bucket list mo.

and like- it isn't wrong! wala naman maling gustuhin na may mahalin ka and someone loves you back! ginusto mo na may ka-relasyon ka, pisay days palang! maging fair naman tayo, recovering ka from a previous breakup at pwedeng spur of the moment thought lang yun. but it wasn't!

naging normalized na siya? confession pa lang, biglang may i-love-you na? sinasabing walang label pero may tawagang love na kaagad? i don't get it!

dati nung oktubre ikaw nagsabi kay you-know-who na wag ako madaliin. and you were right! so what happened since then? sabi ba nila sa iyo na dapat may girlfriend ka rin? inisip mo ba na since may jowa na sila, dapat mayroon ka rin? because that's not right!

and i'm telling you this kasi it might become a cycle. biglang sasabihin mo may bago kang mahal, tas infatuation lang pala, tas either may problema sa relationship o ayaw ng magulang, tas break na. tas biglang iyakan na, wala na biglang motivation, kailangan may ka-jowa ulit this school year, tas cycle repeats. may bagong mahal ulit.

akala ko talaga tapos na. i thought na after the most recent breakup ay wala na. after all, di pa nga tapos one month ng school year. come to find out meron pala, sa b30 pa! i really, really, don't understand it. and it hurts me kasi this feels like it should be logical to not jump from relationship to relationship! for all the logic and competition medals and high grades you have, i don't understand kung bakit biglang ganito!

please, tres. i know wala kang tumblr. fb people ang mga taga-pinas. pero i want to ask you: did amatonormativity do this to you? did you see lahat ng magkajowa noong valentines? did you believe all the shipping jokes? kasi bro, nasa hs pa lang tayo. b30 'yang ka-ano mo rn. she doesn't know what she's doing and i don't think you do either.

and i'm not doing this kasi may gusto ako sayo or anything, no, absolutely not. i'm doing this kasi i'm seeing the cycle of amatonormativity and infatuation in you. and i don't want you to keep exhausting yourself in that cycle anymore. please lang. para mabuhay ka. kasi di na tayo same section para maging reminder ako ng mga pep-talk. di na rin naman kita macoconvince kahit ano pang reminder of other kinds of bonds ang ibigay ko sa iyo.

and if my tagumpay shipping started this? then i'm sorry. i really am. it was a joke that went too far and i acknowledge that. but please. i don't know how to end this, but after finding out about the b30 thing, i just needed to get this out. siguro walang makakabasa o makakaintindi nito. pero on the off chance na may makabasa nito na nasa same situation: please.

don't fall trap to this cycle.

-no. 21 last year

[kayanntolentino]

Congratulations, Japan, for winning a silver medal in VNL 2024. 🥹 nanghihinayang ako para sa gold medal, pero sobrang thankful pa din ako na nakuha nyo yung silver medal 🥹🥹❤️❤️ from bronze last year to silver this year. 🫶🫶 #VNL2024

[sanhsbatch2006]

I share lang namo ang kining pamphlet atong 3rd year high school pa mi, school year 2004-2005. Recognition day ug oath taking ceremony kaniadtong Abril 2005.

🎉 Kini nga pamphlet kay usa sa mga memories nga nagpahinumdom niadtong teenagers pa mi, mga bata pa mi, nga ang among mga klasmeyt sauna ug among mga ginikanan sauna adtong panahona duyog sa pagcelebrar sa recognition day diin ang among mga ginikanan kay malipayon ug proud sa amoa kuyog sila sa stage sa ilang mga anak sa pagdawat sa mga awards. Proud sila sa ilang mga anak nga sa atbang sa mga tawo nakadawat ang ilang mga anak ug mga awards bisan pa kini usa ka ribbon nga papel ug panapton nga cord sa medal nga mapalit ra sa store sa school supplies, apan dako ug value sa amoa nga mga estudyante ug sa mga ginikanan kay isip usa kini nga simbolo nga gipasidunggan ang kahago sa pagtuon ug pagtungha sa eskwelahan sa part sa mga estudyante para makadawat niini, ug para sa mga ginikanan dakog value kay nakita nila nga ang ilang mga anak nakadawat sa maong recognition ug awards.

👏 Proud kaayo ang mga ginikanan nga ang ilang mga anak narecognize kung unsay ilang nakuha nga mga awards. Mga barkada sa ilang mga anak nga duyog pud sa pagcelebrar anang adlawa. After sa ceremony anaay salu-salo sa tanan. Nindot pamalandungon nga usa to sa mga parte sa nindot nga memories nga nahitabo sa among pagkaestudyante sa teenagers pa mi.

🌟 Ang kini nga nindot nga memories sa among pagkaestudyante kay matawag namo nga usa ka bahandi.

[dyaryobagwis]

4 golds sinikwat ng Pinoy boxers sa Spain

Headliner si Nesthy Petecio sa tagumpay na kampanya ng Philippine team sa 2024 Boxam Elite Tournament sa La Nucia, Spain noong nakaraang linggo.

Apat na gold ang iniuwi ng Pinoy boxers tampok ang panalo ni Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Petecio kay Hsiao Wen Huang ng Chinese Taipei sa final ng women’s featherweight division.

Top podium finishers din sa kani-kanilang division sina Aira Villegas, Rogen Ladon at Hergie Bacyadan. Parehong pamato ng Kazakhstan ang tinalo nina Villegas at Bacyadan.

Dinomina ni Villegas si Nazym Kyzaibay sa gold medal match ng women’s flyweight.

Tinalo ni Bacyadan, ipinagmamalaki ng Taloctoc, Tanudan, Kalinga, si Gulsaya Yerzhan sa women’s middleweight.

Hindi pinaporma ni Ladon, gold medalist noong 2018 Asian Games sa Indonesia, si Istvan Szaka ng Hungary sa final ng men’s flyweight class.

Biyaheng Italy at Thailand ang Pinoy boxers para sumabak sa Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. Si Eumir Marcial pa lang ang Filipino boxer na nag-qualify na sa 2024 Paris Games.

[yourshiningastr]

CHAPTER 1

"So we have another question for you, Miss Trinidad. I know a lot of students here are also curious about this since you are the star of this University. They are admiring you for excelling in everything you do. Can you tell us the secret to being successful? " Iniangat ko ang mikroponong hawak ko at saglit na pinagmasdan ang mga taong nanonood ngayon sa amin.

Huminga ako ng malalim, at sinulyapan ang kausap bago magsalita.

"The thing is we have different definitions of success. Some see the money as a success, or trophies, medals, certificates or even just the appreciation and recognition that they got from the people around them."

"And as for me, I see success as being happy, contented, and in peace." Lies . I am not happy, I am not at peace either.

"Siguro nga ay wala na akong mahihiling pa, napakaswerte ko dahil nabigyan ako ng mga totoong tao sa tabi ko. At kahit na maraming pagkakamali ay patuloy akong ginagabayan at binibiyayaan ng Diyos."

"Money, trophies and all the material and worldly things aren't exactly and shouldn't be the meaning of success. Kasi paano kung wala sila? Paano kung hindi na natin sila makuha? Tatanggalan na ba natin ang sarili natin ng pribilehiyo para sumaya?" I smiled and look at the crowd in front of me.

" You are breathing, you are here, the living evident that you are not giving up yet. And that... is exactly my definition of success. That's why I can tell that I am a successful person.Because I am here, I choose to live."

"Even if there are thousands of reasons to give up, I will still fight and live. Indeed, I am happy with the outcome of all that hard work at pagtitiis. I hope you find that kind of strength too, the will to live. Because that's the only success this world will accept." I looked down and quietly exhale.

"Wow! thank you Miss Trinidad for that wonderful talk."

"Again, everyone Miss Avalyn Rae Trinidad our University Youth Organization Ambassador. Let's give her a big round of applause." Pakiramdam ko ay dinig sa buong campus ang palakpakan at masiglang sigawan matapos sabihin yon ng host. Ngumiti naman ako, at bumaba na sa stage.

"Really? Material things are not the definition of success? Of course, masasabi lang yan ng mga taong mayroon naman talaga sila noon. Lucky bitch, tignan ko lang kung kagaya siya ng iba na pinagkaitan ng lahat, may masasabi pa kaya siya?" Rinig kong sabi ng babae na hindi ko kilala dahil hindi naman ako lumingon sa pwesto nila.

Sanay na ako sa mga ganitong usapan. Hindi na ito bago sa akin.

Tama din naman sila, lahat ng sinabi ko kaninang mga materyal na bagay na nag-contradict sa depinisyon ko ng success ay mayroon ako.

Pera, mga gantimpala, at lahat na ata ng materyal na bagay sa mundo ay kaya kong makuha sa isang pitik lang.

Siguro nga ay sobrang hipokrita ko, nagawa kong magsinungaling tungkol sa kalagayan at kasiyahan gayong wala naman talaga sa sinabi ko ang totoo. 

Pero masisisi niyo ba ako? yun din naman ang gusto nilang marinig.

Ginugusto nila ako at iniidolo kuno dahil kahit kailan ay hindi pa nila ako nakitang magkamali. Lahat sa akin ay kalkulado, para bang naka programa na ako na maging perpekto sa mata ng maraming tao.

It's nothing if its not pretentious. Lahat ay palabas lang.

Sa totoo lang ay nakakadrain, hindi naman ito ang klase ng buhay na gusto ko.

Bata palang ako ay itinatak na sa utak ko na dapat ay ako lagi ang number 1, na walang puwang sa pamilya ang tatanga tanga at mahihina. Sa murang edad ay tinuruan na ako kung papaano mamuhay ayon sa gusto at depinisyon nila.

From: Mrs.Trinidad

Hi Rae, your professor told me that you won as an ambassador of your organization. That's good, pero sana ay hindi mo napapabayaan ang pag aaral mo. By the way, I already sent money to your account. Spend it as you please.

Malakas akong napabuntong hininga at pinilit pigilan umikot ang mga mata.

They say I always excel, and that I am always good at everything. Whatever I do, I master it.

They thought I was just naturally good. They never saw how hard I worked for it. Para bang sa mga mata nila ay sanay na silang makitang natatamasa ko ang magagandang bagay sa mundo. Kahit kailan ay hindi ako nakarinig na proud sila sakin, na kahit ang simpleng kumusta ay hindi ko makuha. 

Mali sila.. Wala sakin ang lahat.

"Hey girl, tayo ang mag iinterview kay Mr. Prymme tomorrow ah. Don't forget." Tahimik lang akong kumakain mag isa sa cafeteria ng lumapit sakin si Yna.

"Interview? For what?" Nakakunot kong baling sakanya.

"Duh! Sinabi na ito satin ni President last week. Si Mr. Prymme ang magbibigay ng commencement for the graduation next month. Need natin siya interviewhin for the school paper." Napatango naman ako at inalala kung meron nga bang sinabi sakin ang President ng council ng ganoon.

Hindi pa ako tapos alalahanin ang lahat ng biglang inaya ni Yna ang ilang kumpol ng estudyante at pinaupo sa table ko.

One thing that I am not scared to do despite being the 'star' of this campus is eat alone.

I used to do this since I was a child kaya hindi na iyun bago sakin, mas gusto ko ang kumain mag isa. Tahimik, peaceful at hindi ko kailangan magbalat kayo dahil pagkain lang ang nasa harapan ko.

Though one year ago, I used to share a table with certain people. And for the first time, I don't have to fake it, it's fun... so much fun.

"You don't have to call them Yna, there's a lot of tables here in the cafeteria."

"What? But I don't want to eat alone. And isa pa yung mga inaya ko naman ay mga ka-level din natin. So don't worry." And that makes me more worried.

"Yna, you're literally not alone right now. I am here at this table as well." Nauna pa nga ako dito.

"God, you're so grumpy. Kakain lang naman with them, anong masama doon? You should be thankful at sinasamahan kita kumain lagi dito. Can't you see? Ang mga katulad dapat natin ay dapat sumasama sa mga ka-level natin. Hindi bagay satin ang mag isa. Bakit gusto mo ba matulad sa mga geeks na yan? Iwww." Walang habas pa nitong tinuro ang mga nananahimik na kumakain. 

Pinipigilan ko ang sarili kong umirap at magalit, dahil alam kong ang mga taong katulad ni Yna ay sarado ang isip, at hindi magandang makipag argue sa kanila, kaya naman tahimik ko nalang tinaggap ang kapalaran ko ngayong araw.

Ang kaninang dalawa sa table ay nagdagdagan ng tatlo, lima at hindi ko na mabilang na estudyante na sa totoo lang ay hindi ko naman din kilala. Pilit nalang akong ngumiti at nagkunwaring nakikinig sa mga pinaguusapan nila.

Pinagmasdan ko si Yna na tila mo masayang masaya at naiintindihan ang pinaguusapan ng mga kasama namin sa table. 

We have known each other since grade school but I have never seen her as my friend and I know she doesn't see me as one too. She's always clinging to me like a leech so people will recognize her as my friend when in fact she's just using me to gain friends— or should I say connections. 

Yna's family used to serve us when I was just a kid. Her mother used to be my nanny and has always been kind to me, and her father is my daddy's driver and I could say his personality is decent enough.

Sa totoo lang ay wala naman kaso kung maging magkaibigan kami ni Yna. She used to be very prim and shy.

I could say that she is okay, she is smart, at hindi maarte hindi katulad ng mga kaklase ko. Simple lang sya at mababaw ang kasiyahan. 

But everything changed when my Father gave them a share of the Trinidad'es Corporation.

It was out of kindness since they are already serving our family ever since.

Yna changed her behavior, the way she dresses, talks, and acts as if it has always been there.

A sleeping demon in her awoken, and in just a snap she's not the Yna I used to know.

I mentally sigh and roll my eyes as the people at my table exaggeratedly laugh as if they own the cafeteria. I can see that many students are now looking at us, I even caught a glance of them and I saw the annoyance in their eyes.

I know, they are already thinking that I am one of these people. Pero.. Hindi nga ba? 

They must be thinking that I made fun of other people and always acted entitled because that's what they always do. This is so frustrating.

Binilisan ko na ang pagkain ko at ng matapos ay tumayo na ako.

"Hey, Rae aalis ka na agad? Let's talk pa, they are so fun to talk to." Yna held my arm to stop me.

"Yes, Yna is right, Rae. Kanina ka pa dyan tahimik. Muntik ko na maisip na ayaw mo samin, but that's ridiculous right? I mean sino sino ba ang magkakampihan kundi tayo tayo lang?" Mayabang na sabi ni Jester, the son of the CEO of one of the famous telecommunication sectors. I know him since magkasosyo sa business ang Dad niya at ang ang Dad ko.

"Oh guys, hindi pa ba kayo sanay kay Rae? She's always been quite kaya. After she got troubled by her so called friends last year, lagi na siyang ganyan, parang wala sa sarili." Anya said, the daughter of a Governor.

I know her too since lagi niyang pina ngangalandakan na anak siya ng Governor at kailangan siyang galangin at respetuhin. 

"Kaya nga, ano bang nakita mo sa mga yun? Ang mga katulad natin ay hindi nababagay sumama sa mga hampas lupang kagaya nila. Buti nalang nakick out na yung mga yun. Nabawasan ng mga lowclass ang school natin."

They are talking as if I wasn't here. I am so sick of this kind of setup. I wanted to speak up and lash out but instead of doing that, I smiled at them..

"I still have readings to do, enjoy your lunch." Bago pa ako makatalikod ay narinig ko si Kyla-- isa sa mga alipores ni Anya na bumulong ng bitch. Nasulyapan ko naman si Yna na tinawanan lamang ito.

Great, what a great set of friends.

The truth is I am not scared to eat alone, why would I? When I already know what I can bring to the table? Hindi ako ang hahabol, sila mismo ang lalapit.

Pero kung mga katulad lang naman nila ang makikita at makakausap ko araw araw ay baka hindi nalang ako kumain at pipiliin ko nalang tumambay sa library.

Kaya kong pekein ang ngiti ko, ngunit hindi sa mga katulad nila.. because they do not deserve the ounce of my energy and even a little, forced and fake smile.  

Mabilis naman natapos ang interview namin with Mr. Prymme. Pasalamat nalang ako dahil mukhang kursonada ni Yna ang businessman kaya naman hinayaan ko lang na siya ang mag interview dito habang ako ay nasa labas ng opisina nito. 

Napag alaman kong isa itong famous Architect sa Spain at self made millioner. At ayon sa kwento ni Yna ay nag aral daw ito ng High School sa university na pinapasukan namin kaya naman siya ang napiling magbigay ng commencement at dahil na din sa achievement na meron ito. Though ang sabi niya ay dalawang taon lang nag aral yun dito at lumipat na agad sa Australia . 

Hindi matigil si Yna kakatili matapos namin lumabas sa kumpanya ni Mr. Prymme dahil sobrang gwapo daw nito.

Hindi ko nalang yun pinansin pa, dahil lahat naman ng lalaking mayayaman at mukhang binata pa ay gwapo sa paningin ni Yna.

Matapos namin maipasa sa head ng nag hahandle ng student paper ang nakuhang interview ni Yna ay naglakad na ako paalis. 

Kami ni Yna ang naatasan mag interview dahil member siya ng student's paper habang ako naman ay lagi nilang ginagamit para iharap sa mga ganitong klase ng situations.

Kaya kahit wala naman akong kinalaman talaga sa pinapagawa nila ay sinasama nila ako. Just incase daw na kilala ko o may connections ako sa mga iinterviewhin o sa mga kasosyo ng school. 

Friday ngayon at plano ko na magreview dahil finals na namin sa Lunes.

I am already a second-year college student, taking up a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship. And to make this even more cliche, it wasn't my dream course. 

Sinabi lang ng parents ko na yun ang itake ko na course because I am the only child, the heiress.

The only person na magsasalba ng business nila in the future. And since I can't say no, I took it and study it kahit labag sa loob ko. 

We have a big plantation in Nueva Ecija at kilala ang Trindad'es Corporation dito sa Manila.

Kami ang nangunguna pagdating sa mga poultry, at sakahan. Sa amin nanggagaling ang toneladang bagsakan ng gulay at prutas. Halos sa amin na din ang buong Talavera dahil sa mga ari arian ng pamilya namin. 

We owned numerous lands and properties there. At alam kong hindi lang ang lugar na yun ang planong sakupin ni Daddy. 

I actually want to study Psychology, because I want to understand myself.

My feelings, my behavior, my personality, and my thoughts. As to why I am like this and how I can cope with my flawed understanding of life.  

I know that healing starts in you, but how can I heal myself when I don't know where to start?

Hindi ko nga maintindihan kung bakit kailangan ko mag heal, kung ano ang kailangan ko i-heal? Funny because I am known to be a smart in our school and yet I'm too dumb to know how I will solved my miseries.

Kaya naman kahit hindi ako naka aligned sa course na gusto ko ay sumali pa din ako sa lahat ng organization na may kinalaman sa mental health. And now, I am the ambassador of our Youth  organization.

Nang makarating sa parking lot ng campus ay madali kong nahanap ang kotse ko dahil wala naman masyadong nakapark at Friday ngayon, konti lang ang mga estudyanteng pumapasok dahil ang excuse nila ay Sabado naman na bukas, parang ang siste ay kasama ang Friday sa weekend at review week ngayon kaya naman hindi na masyadong nagkaklase.

Wala sa sarili kong binuksan ang kotse kaya naman ng may marinig akong kalabog ay muntik na akong mapatalon. Napalingon ako sa gilid at nakita ko ang lalaki na hinihimas ang braso niya dahil natamaan ng pintuan ng kotse ko.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that." Nakapikit ito at mukhang nasaktan talaga, nakita kong namumula pa ang siko nito.

"Bakit ka ba kasi andiyan? Ang lawak ng parking pero andito ka sa tabi ng kotse ko?" Hindi makapaniwala itong umiling sa akin dahil parang ang lumalabas ay kasalanan pa nito.

"Miss, kabababa ko lang ng kotse at magtatanong sana ako sayo ng direksyon pero nagbukas ka agad ng pinto kaya ayan. Ito ang naging resulta. " Nakatingin ito sa kotse niya na katabi lang ng akin habang hinihimas ang braso at parang batang nagmamaktol.

Nakonsensya naman ako at naisip na hindi ko dapat ito sinigawan at tinanong muna kung okay lang ba ito.

"I'm sorry.. Uhm, do you want to go to the hospital to check your arm?" He shook his head at nag angat ng tingin sakin. Napataas naman ang kilay ko ng makitang natigilan ito.

"What?"

"U-uhm... o-oks lang ako hehehe, hindi naman ako masyadong nasaktan." He became weird, anong problema nito?

"You sure? Baka mag bruise ito." Hinawakan ko bahagya ang braso nito ngunit mabilis din niyang binawi at tumango sakin na parang wala sa sarili at namumula pa ang tenga.

"Y-yes, it's fine." Nakita ko ang pag iwas nito ng tingin sakin. I heaved a sigh.

Kung ayaw, wag pilitin.

"You said, you're going to ask for directions? "

"Oh, uhm.. Itatanong ko lang sana kung saan ang registrar?" Itinuro ko naman dito, at attentive lang itong nakikinig sakin.

"Thank you, uhm.. If it's not too much to ask, can I... ask your name?" Naweweirduhan man ay ibinigay ko pa din. He looks harmless.. and cute? I suppose.

"I am Avalyn Rae Trinidad, and you are?"

"Benedict. Andrey Benedict Garcia. Nice meeting you, Rae." 

[1939-wizard-of-oz]

Vends un Calot de l’ US Air Force ayant appartenu au Colonel Thor M.Smith.

Biblio (voir photos) :

Né en 1906 dans le Nevada ( Reno)

Marié en 1930 à Mary Clay Benton

Il fut journaliste dans l’entre deux guerres (voir biblio)

En May 1942 commissionned as Captain in the US Army.

Le 5 Nov.1942 promu Major et sert comme officier intelligence service auprès de la 8th Air Force en Angleterre

Nov.1st 1943 promu Lieutenant Colonel

Janv1944 a Mai 1945 (Victory Day) chef et représentant au SHAEF Advance Command Post , auprès du Général en chef des troupes alliées Dwight Einsenhower .

Une photo sur internet le montre le 05 Juin 1944 auprès du Général en chef D.Eisenhower , le jour du débarquement : il faisait partie du staff rapproché de celui ci .

(voir photo 11 et commentaires en anglais ci dessous trouvé sur Internet par une recherche sur son nom : ils étaient 3 frères engagés pour la 2eme Guerre Mondiale dans l’US Army Air Force )

Promu Colonel le 15 Mai 1945 .

Juillet 1945 sert au Quartier Général de l’US Army Air Force and théâtre du Pacifique et de la Chine.

Servira ensuite dans la Réserve de l’US Air Force .

Il décède en 1980 à Santa Barbara (État de Californie)

Pièce historique et émouvante , d’un proche du Général en chef des armées alliées en Angleterre puis en France ayant servi au SHAEF de l’US Army .

Il accompagnera le Général Eisenhower en France et pour sa visite aux camps de concentration libérés en Allemagne.

Il faisait partie des proches et de son état-major.

A ses côtés le 05 Juin 1944 (1 jour avant le D Day) voir photo prise le 05 Juin (voir photo )au matin par une recherche sur Internet alors qu’ils étaient sortis dehors devant le QG du SHAEF avec le staff de Eisenhower pendant les préparatifs du Jour le plus long : on y voit Thor Smith à côté d’Eisenhower côté américain .

L’autre côté est composé d’anglais du SHAEF.

Il semblerait que Thor porte des bottes de para US .

Ce calot de l’US Air Force porte son grade de Colonel (aigle américain) . Il est de taille US 7 1/2., galonné en noir et argent pour son grade d’officier.

Fabricant : Flight Ace (As Volant)

San Antonio (état du Texas/Texas state)

Photo 12 : General Dwight Eisenhower in the center, and Thor Smith is on the right in a photo take June 5, 1944, one day before D-Day. Courtesy of Scott McMurren.

By SCOTT MCMURREN

ALASKATRAVELGRAM.COM

Each year, I turn the volume down in my life just a bit as we approach June 6, D-Day.

This year, it will have been 75 years since the largest seaborne invasion in history took place. Thousands died—and countless others were indelibly changed by the experience.

Here’s a brief story of how my family was affected on this day: The A. M. Smith family of Reno, Nevada, and a tale of three sons on one fateful day.

Alfred “Long Tom” Smith and his wife, Ivan, had four children: three boys and a girl.

« Long Tom » was a miner in Nevada and eventually became state engineer. On D-Day, the couple’s three sons were already commissioned officers in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Their eldest son, Dale Smith, graduated the U.S. Military Academy in the class of 1934. He was fascinated with airplanes. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps and by 1943, he was a bomb group leader with the 384th Bomb Group (8th AF).

Most of his combat missions were over Germany, but in early June, he led bombing missions over France in support of Operation Overlord.

[Read Maj. Gen. Dale Smith’s biography here]

As commander of the 384th, Dale was a decorated flyer, with 31 combat missions (Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross with three clusters, and the Croix de Guerre with palm).

Dale went on to serve in leadership positions in Okinawa, as head of the 64th Air Divison and later as a strategic adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired as a major general in 1964, 20 years after D-Day.

The second son, Thor Smith, was my grandfather. He was a newspaperman in the William Randolph Hearst organization. At the bidding of his brother, he applied for and was granted a commission in the Army Air Corps.

Thor rose quickly through the ranks until he was a press officer for Gen. Eisenhower at SHAEF headquarters in England at the time of the invasion. Thor accompanied Eisenhower to Paris and later to Germany during the liberation of the concentration camps.

After leaving the military with the rank of colonel, Thor returned to the Hearst organization. He was assistant to the publisher at the San Francisco Call-Bulletin.

Gen. “Ike” Eisenhower was Thor’s hero. In fact, my mother tells the story of when Ike was invited over to their house for dinner. She and my grandmother worked all day on dinner. When the doorbell rang, she went to answer…then fainted. They put her to bed and she missed dinner.

While his two brothers were on the scene for the invasion, Drew Smith graduated with the rest of his class at U.S. Military Academy at West Point on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Ike’s son, David, was his classmate.

Drew was anxious to fly and soon was checked out to fly the B-29s in Guam. Tragically, as he took off on June 11, 1946, his plane developed engine trouble. The B-29, fully-loaded wtih fuel, crashed into the ocean, killing all aboard.

As D-Day was a pivotal day in Western Civilization, it also affected families like ours at a very basic level. Mine is just one story—and I am proud to share it.

Scott McMurren is author and publisher at AlaskaTravelGram.com

Do you have a story about D-Day and your family? Share it in the comment section below.