Saturday, January 28, 2017

And then it is Winter...




You know. . . Time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.

But, here it is... The winter of my life and it catches me by surprise....How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.

But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting grey...they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me...but, I see the great change...Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant...but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.  Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though the  winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that
when it's over on this earth...it’s over.  A new adventure will begin!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done...things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!! 

Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is
your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!

"Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after.  Make it a fantastic one.

LIVE IT WELL!
ENJOY TODAY!
DO SOMETHING FUN!
BE HAPPY !
HAVE A GREAT DAY

And I Love each and everyone of you, some as my children, or grand & great grandchildren,  some as old friends or relatives, and one special one "just because I want to".

MY MAJOR PASSION IN LIFE



Perhaps, one of the fun things we people here on earth love indulge in is to follow a hobby.  A hobby helps make living and what accompanies living on this planet bearable. 

At one or the gatherings I attended some time ago, I fell into chatting with some guests while we were having cocktails waiting for dinnertime. Most often, the talk gravitated to the different hobbies one pursues and nurtures.  One gentleman loved expensive motor vehicles especially the ones from Europe. He said that he had to build another garage at the back of his property to accommodate additional cars had had just bought. Another said that with the rise in crime nowadays he thought of collecting firearms, an assortment actually of handguns and shotguns.  And admitted investing in these firearms for they do not come cheap. Among the ladies present the usual collection that they shared were collecting signature handbags or clothes.

When there was a lull in the conversation, quite a few who were close to me turned to me and asked point blank “And what is your hobby Tony…girls? Ha “the laughter was welcome for me since it relieved some tension because my answer was a dull “I actually have no significant hobby to talk of. You were during my bachelorhood I collected first edition Jazz records especially in the genre of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and the other big bands like Stan Kenton.”  And what happened, asked one.

I must confess as I got married and began to raise a family I had no more extra cash to pursue the buying of these Jazz records and so I just abandoned the idea.

There followed another lull.  Then another asked me whether I liked to listen to music via YouTube since it is available to anyone free of charge. And I said I did listen occasionally but not on a regular basis.

“So, you mean, Tony, you have no hobby, nada zilch, and nil?”

I smiled, took a gulp from my double scotch drink and said, “I hope you will not make fun of this my answer: 

I collect people.”

As if all around me who were earlier in animated conversation in their exchanges of hobbies and collections to a man  suddenly fell silent.  “People?”

As I begin my journey to the twilight years which I am happy to relish despite some health issues, I have come to the realization that collecting material things like guns, houses, cars, and the like though ennobling to a point, do not really last very long.  Like any material things on earth they either rot, become obsolete, become a burden on the pocketbook and sometimes the cause of enmities among friends and relations.
Yes, material things are just that. Material.  They were created by God to last only that long.

Collecting people, through acquaintances, friendship and business dealings is much more rewarding because people, (humans) do mellow as the years go by, and their friendships are enriched while they too age like good wine.

My wife and I can count a number (not too many) of friends we had met and do cherish over the decades and are still around to give us joy as we in turn give them joy.

And with the prayer and hope that God will still bless us with more years, we are sure that these cherished persons will be the reward we shall have earned while here on earth.

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Monday, January 16, 2017

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN OCTOGENARIAN



A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN OCTOGENARIAN
                Moving away from the Bay Area (we lived in Daly City for 27 years to be close to Chita’s place of work as accountant) in 2008 to Sacramento was a very good decision.  First off, we are both retired and cost of living in Daly City is high as in most Bay Area places for it is close to San Francisco a major tourist destination, once the number one in the world!
                After seven years living here we have come to enjoy many unforeseen and unexpected good things that many retired people look forward to.  So, today I have deiced to compile the good points which I term to be factors towards our “happiness and contentment”.
                Waking up to a sunny and slightly cool morning even though it is still summer (and California is always sunny which can be a problem if ran does not come soon) I look up at the ceiling of our bedroom and see some slits of sunlight that comes through blinds and then I say a prayer of thanks for another day in my life.  Getting up slowly, I remove my bipap machine (I suffer from sleep apnea and I have to use this mask that transports air through my nostrils down my throat passing the uvula) and again thank the good Lord I have no aches and pains on my legs and ankles and therefore I can walk a bit faster today.
                Chita has also risen by now and is busy preparing our breakfast which consists of bread and some jams or depending on our mood, fried rice, egg and bacon.  But this morning we opt for a lighter fare for at lunch we will enjoy a slightly heavy meal and dinner will definitely be very light.
                If it is Monday, Wednesday, or Friday my schedule of meals would be a light breakfast, moderate lunch and a sandwich for dinner (which is after my three hour session at the dialysis center). I must always watch my fluid intake for it is important I stick to about the equivalent of 3 plastic water bottles each day.
                As we drive out of our rented but gated apartment complex I am often glad to see no vehicles on the road for aside from the rush hour hardly any road traffic exists for we are in a small town atmosphere. Imagine a state capital, Sacramento, which is the capital of California appearing like a small town! That is what we all love rare to hear the roar of car engines and…noise is minimal or none at all.  Cruising at country speed (which is between 30-40 mph) we head for our parish St. Clare Catholic Church 15 minutes away. We do this on a daily basis and we love it.  By now we have made lots of friends with the Caucasians and especially the Filipinos and Indians.  We socialize often with the Filipinos during special occasions like baptisms, wedding anniversaries and birthdays (lots of this). We consider St. Clare our second home.
                Tony has a third home – the dialysis center where he goes MWF.  By now he has been on dialysis for 16 months, and he knows all of the technicians and nurses who are all very warm and friendly but professional in their behavior. 
                Two years ago Tony suffered from internal hemorrhage and had to be rushed to hospital. Luckily he got there in due time and after two days in ICU was back home but had to undergo rehab which included his indoor and walking exercises to bring back the strength of his limbs.  At the same time he began his dialysis which was a bit strict at first but later relaxed and now I am enjoying the procedure for has has put on weight and feels great as he himself states.
                When we feel like taking in gourmet meal which Chita is expert in finding out in Sacramento we go and make it a lunch with or without some friends.  A part of our enjoyment perhaps as one living in America is that unlike war torn places today in the world, we to not fear that while we are eating our place would be bombed by terrorists.  When we shop around we know that the shops will not just erupt into shootings (although we did have sporadic shootings in schools and stores but they came very rare).
                And when we go back to our parked cars after a meal or shopping we are confident that no one has rigged the car with a bomb which would explode once I turn the ignition on! 
                One good fortune I enjoy is the fact quite accidentally that happened when we moved in to Sacramento.  Fist to move were our two children, Bobby and Gina in their respect homes years before Chita retired.  Once we arrived a sister of hers also moved in to join what I call our “network”. And this has worked well whenever we need help from one or another. Chita is an excellent chef and she enjoys cooking favorite dishes of our children, she is able to share them with Bob and Gina who either come over to pick up their portions or just join us at mealtime.  The same goes for Lita who works and has little time to cook. Chita shares a portion for Lita to take home to her apartment where her husband Cris lives. And they live just five minutes away from us.
                It is heartwarming to always realize today that our five children are happily well situated with good paying jobs which they love and houses of their own and  doing well during their leisure when other Filipinos who have come to settle and work are there to share their leisure moments happily.
                Whenever we have a visiting “fireman or firemen” from Manila or just somewhere in California, we make sure they come and enjoy our company and of course our social moments.  We usually find one who can pick them up from the San Francisco or Sacramento airport to ferry them here with us.  Once with us the person is a relative usually stays in one of the houses like that of Bob or Gina where they always have an extra bedroom for guests.  And since our place is strategically placed driving wise to entertainment places our guests have a choice of Lake Tahoe, Reno, or three gambling places not far to drive to like Thunder Valley Casino, Cash Creek Casino, and Red Hawk Casino (all owned and managed by American Indian tribes).  The closets to our place is Thunder Valley about 20 minutes one way. We have tried their buffet features often as well as their quality Chinese restaurant where we go for excellent dim sum and congees!  Or those willing to really shop, we drive to Vacaville about one hour away where factory outlets galore sell very low prices but good quality products.
                In my twilight years with the surprising energy I still have I continue to write reflections and biographies (about friends as well as commissioned ones).  Once in a while I am invited to speak on subjects like HOW TO WRITE YOUR MEMOIR or as in the coming months about my country THE PHILIPINES. Most of my audience is old Sacramento Caucasians, many of whom have not even left California in their entire lives.
                Every year or so we manage to visit the Philippines and see our relatives there, as well as enjoy many goodies we cannot enjoy here in Sacramento such as Philippine fruits and delicacies which we do miss a lot.  Over the years we were able to join ocean cruises outside the U.S.
                At sundown, having had a relaxing and happy day, we drive home moderately, and park in our designated slot (strangers who park are towed and they are charged for it) which we have occupied for many years now as one rightful slot as apartment dwellers of Antelope Vista a gated community. Depending on how I feel, I take a jigger of brandy or two just before bedtime. That serves as my nightcap before I brush my teeth and perform my ablution before sleeping.  I gulp my set of pills and then hit the hay.
                If and when we like to watch a movie we go whenever there is a senior discount for tickets. Once inside we can decide to see more than one depending on our energy and eyesight for one ticket. When we do not feel like going to a theatre we watch good movies on TV through a channel service called NETFLIX which we watch in our huge bedroom TV monitor that show high definition images…until we fall asleep!
                ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Sunday, January 15, 2017

THE ATENEO EDUCATION -A MODUS VIVENDI



 The Ateneo education – a modus vivendi  

     Coming from a Catholic girl’s school run by Dutch nuns from kindergarten to grade two I immediately noticed the difference between that and the Catholic boys school I had to move to. 
The first element I noticed strongly was the emphasis of the school run by the Jesuits on the study of Roman Catholicisim. 

     In fact, as I entered the main lobby of the Ateneo grade school building at the Walled City grounds that year of 1938, one could not avoid noticing the magnificent statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary prominently facing the lobby.  I learned soon enough that the school’s patron saint was the Blessed Mother.  Thus, our lives revolved around the life and role of the Blessed Mother  which included among other devotions, prayers that started and ended each class.  Then, there was the organization to which all of us were members of, called The Sodality of Our Lady.  There were more devotional prayers to be said from time to time

     The Ateneo Grade School edifice in Intramuros the Walled City at that pre war period was austere but not really quiet for during our recess periods, we had time to play and run around imagining ourselves to be cops and robbers.  In fact, the building was still under construction when I joined the school.  History tells us that the lot was originally the place where our National Hero Jose Rizal  studied during the Spanish period.   

     However, the building was burned down and for many years remained unbuilt until in 1938 authorities decided to rebuild it for the Grade School department.

     Among the prohibition imposed by the headmaster was that students must be confined within the grounds of the school and strictly forbidden to go outside the building premises especially to play by sliding on the slopes of the grounds that stemmed from the Walled City down to the grass below. 

     With the use of the rotting bark of  the palm trees that lined the walls, a boy can sit on it like it was a sled and using one end of the bark direct his slide downward which was a good 20 feet in length.  Yes, it was a thrill and many could not resist it and risk being punished – and they were punished with having to stay after class to write 100 hundred times “I shall not slide down the walls.”

     Soon, I got to learn about the life of our Jesuit religious teachers who were ordained priests of the Society of Jesus.  Some of our instructors however were lay teachers, some  who had graduated from the Ateneo and who had advocated the same philosophy of the priests.  In time, we young students were discussing how the Jesuit Order was founded by a certain Spanish officer named Ignatius de Loyola.  In Spanish his name was Inigo de Loyola (Ignatius in English). Inigo was a dedicated Spanish officer who learned more about the life of Jesus Christ when Loyola was in the hospital recovering from a leg injury that he got during the Battle of Pamplona in Spain. 

     According to history, it was during Ignatius’  convalescence that he underwent a deep spiritual conversion after having read THE LIFE OF CHRIST.


     So, after his recovery from his wounds, Ignatius left the military service and instead pledged to be a soldier of Jesus Christ.   It was then when Ignatius formed the Society of Jesus or in short the Jesuits.
When the war came to the Philippines in 1941 our newly rebuilt grade school edifices were bombed and so for three years after that no classes were held until 1946 when Ateneo reopened at the main campus in Padre Faura St.  The Grade school lot remained unbuilt.

     In 1946 as I enrolled in the Ateneo high school, I learned that students  had to take up Latin and pass it or they would not be able to earn their diploma.  I must admit learning Latin I was difficult but once you understood the structure you will realize its importance especially when one would pursue a career as a priest, in the medical or engineering profession or even a chemical degree because lots of terms used in these disciplines stem from either Latin or Greek, but mostly Latin.

     I also discovered that while the subjects were difficult since they were a combination of science, mathematics, the classics and philosophy,  they were carefully designed to form a pattern of learning known to the Jesuits as the course called Ratio Studiorum.  It was supposed to prepare a student to hone is skill in Speaking (Eloqentia) and Thinking (Sapientia), very important equipment to possess in pursuing one’s life goals. Added to these were the cultural subjects, the arts, the Humanities subjects and of course sports.

     But later there were more theology and Epistemology but I felt that we learned more from the Jesuit priests themselves and their particular lifestyle and not much from the textbooks we used. 

     To illustrate, one characteristic of Jesuit priests was that aside from being an ordained priest, each one of them have to major in a specific discipline like financial management, dramatics, or even meteorology. 

     A review of Philippine history, one can see how many Jesuit priests have pioneered in many skills from the time they landed in the Philippines.  For instance, the Rev.  Padre Faura, S.J.  was the  Spanish Jesuit who first built an observatory with a telescope to be used by the Filipinos.  The first Jesuit labor union organizer was Fr. Walter Hogan, S.J.. 

     The nation’s popular theatre amateur group before the war was that of the Ateneo College under the direction of Fr. Henry Lee Irwin, S.J. who was a master in the presentation of Shakespeare’s plays. Later on Fr. James B. Reuter was designated overall communications czar by Cardinal Sin that produced radio and TV Catholic programs for the different provinces in the country. Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ. is known for being the leading Constitutional law professor in the country and is sought after by law schools when they need expert advice on Constitutional Law.

     But among the features which made Ateneo more meaningful for me were the extracurricular activities such as the G.K.Chesterton club (for oratory) the drama club (theatre) the Sodality of Our Lady (devotion to the Blessed Mother) and the distinctive Spiritual Retreats we had to undergo through high school and college the way St. Ignatius himself had designed them.

     The Jesuits have long been respected in the world because of their distinctive quality of education, to a point when sometimes they are envied by the local diocesan clergy and therefore, for many years Jesuits had been expelled from many counties they were operating in bevause the citizens loved to relate with them, only to be allowed to return later by the same diocesan clergymen who drove them away.

     One cannot just look at Ateneo in isolation for it is also a controversial institution that has to deal with the community especially in the field of amateur sports.  Without fear of contradiction over the years Ateneo which had become a university had been a leading school in amateur basketball, soccer and other campus sports to mention a few.  But, as the Jesuit philosophy states, sports is good to a point.  Mens sana in corpore sano, A healthy mind in a healthy body.  Thus, it is stressed upon every Ateneo student that one goes to Ateneo to study and not to just play.  The rule is that if one is failing in two subjects, no matter who he may be, he cannot play in any game – even a championship one- unless those failing marks are removed before the game starts. 

     So, this policy came to a head when in one particular day during a basketball season the fight was close between Ateneo and another school.  The captain of the Ateneo basketball team had two failing marks in the grading period.  So, the Fr. Rector called his attention to the policy, and told him that he could not play in the coming crucial game with the other school’s team.  The captain did not expect that the school would not allow him to play in thatl close a fight of a game.  So the day came and the players came out of their dugouts to warm up before the basketball game.  All the fans of the captain were all waiting to give him a rousing applause as he would usually emerge from the dugout to join the other players members in the court amidst the usual applause from his fans. 

     The fans waited. And waited. And waited some more.  Soon, the game was about to start.  No captain had emerged. So, the game was started without the captain.  Where was the captain of the team? The poor athlete was all dressed up and sobbing into a towel as he sat on the bench all by himself in the locker room. 

     He knew the rules.  The school had to impose it strictly for all athletes/students. No exception. He learned it the hard way but later emerged as one of the valuable players of the school and when he died there was a monement installed in the sports memorabilia of his alma mater with his statue prominently visible.
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