Beauty Lesson from the Old Acacia Trees

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Everytime I passed by our dormitory and of our neighborhood, I am always captivated by the towering acacia trees. There were several of them and most are very old. I don’t exactly know how old they are, but the ferns and fungi growing on their stout trunk and limbs are shouting antiquity. During the day, they are a picture of humble grandeur, as their mighty branches stir the cool breeze or their fresh green leaves provide shade to passing people. During the night, they are a picture of relaxed serenity, with their gentle hum and slow sway, and with the corn moon casting its soft glow behind them. Everytime I see them, I just could not help but look up and be mesmerized by them. They inspire me with their simple and quiet beauty. Though unnoticed and unappreciated, they continue to hold their limbs up high.

Little Bridge

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Some nights ago, a Facebook friend shared a forty-second video on her account. Though it did not receive that much likes or comments, I still find it worth sharing. The video is about how a big brother helped his little sister cross a small gap (though it appears really wide for their age) on a pavement. Seeing his little sister’s difficulty, the brother laid and stretched himself out over the gap, acting like a bridge for her. It is truly a funny and cute moment, watching these two adorable kids helping out each other. At the same time, it is heart-warming and thought-provoking, teaching us a thing or two about true brotherhood.

Heroes, et al.

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Over the recent years, I have been downloading and watching my favorite childhood animated TV series. I already had a complete copy of X-Men: The Animated Series (aired in the early 90’s), Full Metal Alchemist, Mushishi, Hunter X Hunter, Fushigi Yugi, and One Piece (which is my most favorite anime). And just this minute, I found out that Power Rangers celebrated their 20^th anniversary. A Youtube video of several Red Rangers (presumably from different versions of the action show) going around key places in the US is a huge hit in many social media.

Passing

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Since the jeepney going around the campus does not pass by our building, I have to walk some good distance, maybe a five- to ten-minute walk on broken and crowded sidewalks. It must have been the cold late morning, or the greenness around me that I felt kind of overjoyed with my walk. Never mind that I slept late again last night, or I still have several papers to make, or that there are impending exams by March. Nah, I just did not mind them, I was really into my walk.

A Broken Zipper

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I was being busy this afternoon putting pillows in their new cases. I had been sleeping late these last few days and I had this theory it must be because of my bare pillow. So I bought a new pillow and some decent pillow cases. So I took time putting these pillows inside the case, while in my ears, my earphones were busy playing “Starting Over Again” over and over again. Winamp just kept repeating the song for me. LOL. Well, I guess I fell in love with the song, and with the movie of the same title from which it was taken from. Everyone was crazy over that film these days.

The Ferris Wheel Ride

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It’s Feb Fair here in the University of the Philippines – Los Baños and the campus’ Freedom Park had been converted into a party festival. Stalls selling food and refreshments, booths offering various gimmicks, and amusement rides can be seen anywhere. Since our dormitory is only right in front of the park, I and my dorm-mates wasted no time in joining the party. So from one fun fair booth to another, we hopped. And despite its dilapidated appearance, we also rode the Ferris wheel.

Seasons Change

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It was already half past noon. I was walking back to my dormitory from an inexpensive food store when a light shower poured down. Instinctively, I opened my umbrella and continued my walk. The dorm was still a good distance away so I took time walking slowly, leisurely and pensively.

Yolanda and the Filipinos

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Haiyan. Yolanda. Whichever the name is, that typhoon has been a great gauge of strength, resiliency, and unity of the Filipino nation.

It was the 7^th of November, 2013 when Yolanda entered the Philippine shores, initially devastating the sleepy town of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It was night time and the damage it had brought remained unseen, until the dawn of the next day. By November 8, Yolanda crossed the entire islands of Leyte and Samar, with winds up to 315 km/h (195 mph). Along with the furious winds was the gigantic storm surge, waves reaching as high as 5-6 m (15-19 ft). Waters covered the whole City of Tacloban and those who were unfortunate to reach high grounds were drowned and killed. Buildings and churches toppled. Boats and ships were thrown on land. Trees were uprooted and lives were wasted. By November 10, Yolanda exited the country, leaving ruined cities and provinces, broken lives, and a shocked nation.

The Wall

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For the last few months, I have been recycling my articles in my blogs, republishing old works or scanning through my tattered notebooks looking for some relevant pieces. It’s just that my mind could not think of anything worth writing for and publishing. I just could not find the inspiration to write, not to mention the pressure I have from my present situations, deadlines to beat from my other engagements, and the temptation from Candy Crash, Urban Rivals, and various other online games.

Why Does the Sun Go On Shining?

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Three years ago, I wrote this short reflection....

It has been raining or cloudy for the last few days and the sunlight showers on almost every object brought certain cheer to the atmosphere. It was early yesterday morning and the thought of beauty gave me much energy to prepare for that day’s work. But it would be silly standing at the front door and absorbing everything I see, so I hurried up and rushed to school.

Lessons From My Students

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It has been a number of years now since I started teaching at the local university. It has been very hard at the beginning since I was hired the same year I graduated. My first students were my “friends” and “fellows”, and it was really kind of awkward being addressed as “Sir” and shifting relationships from their “big brother” to their “teacher”. I soon got the hang of it and finally enjoyed my job.

My Father and I

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Two years ago, I wrote this short memorial about my father.... 

Today is my father’s third death anniversary. Three years have already passed but it seems like yesterday. Not that I have not moved on with my life without him, or that I am still haunted with his memories. I simply missed him.

For the Last Time

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Heart-broken and devastated, I wrote this piece three years ago.....

When we love, we give others the power to break us. Even though they don’t want to…

I met her months ago, when the leaves of late September danced to the afternoon breeze. She was so shy to me back then, would hardly smile nor converse. She is beautiful. But her liveliness, her honesty, and her timid gentleness were what attracted me. And the days went by so quickly. I thought the angels wrote the best story for us. Instead, they played tricks.

Dust

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Three years ago, I wrote this piece few days after visiting my father’s grave at a local cemetery...

The day before yesterday, that was Sunday, November 2, my family visited my father’s grave at a local cemetery. It was All Saint’s Day, and all around the cemetery, there seemed to be a feast. Flowers everywhere. Candles dangling in children’s hands. Dusts in the air. People atop the tombs, chatting or eating, if not playing some card games. Well, my family is different and we simply stayed beside my father’s grave for many quiet minutes, though from time to time, the silence was momentarily broken by my nephew’s cry or people’s loud shouting from other graves. Nonetheless, it was peaceful.