Right Lane

Right Lane by Jojo Armenta


Maraming nagsasabi na kasalanan daw ng driver ng bus na Partas ang dahilan kung bakit namatay ang binatang aktor na si AJ Perez. Nagkaroon ng 30- day suspension ang Partas Bus Liner at kinasuhan ang driver ng bus na si Julie Brillantes ng reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property dahil sa mabilis daw ito magpatakbo, kaya naman pag over- take ng service vehicle ng ABS- CBN ay matindi itong bumangga sa Partas. 

Hindi naging madali para sa pamilya Perez at sa mga nagmamahal kay AJ ang nangyaring aksidente noong April 17, 2011. Napakasaklap na sa car accident pa nabawian ng buhay si AJ Perez. Sino nga ba talaga ang may kasalanan? Sino nga ba talaga ang dapat sisihin? Kung tutuusin pareho lang may kasalanan, ang bus driver at ang driver ng van na kung saan nakasakay si AJ dahil pareho silang matulin magpatakbo. 

Alam naman nating lahat na hari ng daan ang mga bus papuntang Norte kapag gabi dahil sa maunti lang ang mga sasakyang dumadaan sa highway. Mabibilis talaga ang mga byahe pag gabi lalo na pag madaling araw kaya hindi ka na magtataka kung bakit maraming pasahero ang mas pipiliing magbyahe ng mga ganung oras papuntang Norte. Balik tayo sa ating pinaguusapan, sino nga ba talaga ang dapat sisihin? 

Ayon sa imbestigasyon, nag overtake ang van na sinasakyan nina AJ ngunit nahagip ito ng Partas. Ang masaklap pa doon sa hulihang bahagi tinamaan ang van kung saan naman nakaupo si AJ kaya siya ang pinaka napuruhan. Kung iisipin natin, two lane lang ang daan. Isa papuntang Norte kung saan nasa lane na yun ang bus na Partas at ang South Lane kung nasaan ang van na sinasakyan nina AJ. Ayon sa Twitter ni Ogie Diaz, dalawang beses ng sinabihan ni Daddy Gerry, ang ang ama ni AJ, na dahan- dahan lang sa pagmamaneho kasi nga gabi na at delekado. Pero hindi nakinig ang driver ng van hanggang sa nakatulog na ang lahat ng nakasakay sa van. 

Kung isa kang magaling na driver alam mo na hindi dapat basta- basta ikaw mag overtake kung may sasakyan na sasalubong sayo. Pero kung napakabilis mong magpatakbo, hindi mo na maiisip kung may makakasalubong kang sasakyan. Sa madaling salita, napakabilis din ng takbo ng driver ng van ng ABS-CBN. Pero bakit driver lang ng bus ang nakasuhan ng reckless driving? Hindi ba unfair yun kasi ang driver ng bus nasa tamang lane siya, papuntang North kasi patungo doon ang byahe niya, e ang driver ng van? 

Masakit talaga para sa pamilya ni AJ ang nangyari pero masakit din para sa bus driver ang makasuhan sa salang hindi naman niya sinasadya na kung tutuusin nasa tama pa siyang linya noong mangyari ang aksidente. Alam natin na iba kapag namatayan ka, pero sana maisip ng mga hahatol sa kasong ito na pwede ring mamatay sa gutom ang pamilya ni Julie Brillantes dahil sa nawalan siya ng trabaho. Ngayon, nasa hustisya na natin ang desisyon kung dapat ba talagang parusa ang dapat ibigay sa mga nagkasala.  

  

Buhay Tondo

Buhay Tondo by Jojo Armenta

I captured this photo when I went to Vitas, Tondo for a community interaction. This is the situation of the urban poor in Tondo, behind those tall buildings and industrialized lands in Manila. I was culture shocked when I got there because it was my first time to visit and I saw the real situation of the poor people living there. I saw children jumping off the bridge down to the Pasig River. A river where you can't see anything but trashes and smells really bad. Hindi ko alam kung paano nila natatagalan ang amoy, grabe. But I also realized after  a while na bakit pa ako magtataka e sa araw- araw nilang pamumuhay dun, sanay na sila. They all seemed enjoying kasi daw summer. Akala mo nasa open to public swimming pool lang sila kung maligo sa napakadumi at napakabahong Pasig River.

Well, everybody knows that Tondo is one of the most dangerous places in Manila and one of the poorest actually. I was surprised seeing everything that I heard is true and happening. But before anything else, I would like to tell you the reason why I went there. I was with Karen, one of the Gabriela Youth members. She accompanied me through out my two- day community interaction in Tondo. Community Interaction meaning we will meet different families, ask how they live their life everyday thinking that their house will be taken away from them by the government, but what we did there was beyond my expectations. Karen showed me the tenement buildings where people from Smokey Mountain temporarily stayed in. We are talking about nomads here. They don't have any permanent house to live in because they can't afford to have one. They paid for it for a long time and now the National Housing Authority wants them to vacate their place because they want to demolish it for the sake of private businesses.

According to Article XIII Section 9 and 10 of the 1987 Constitution, The State shall, by law, and for the common good, undertake, in cooperation with the public sector, a continuing program of urban land reform and housing which will make available at affordable cost decent housing and basic services to underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas. It shall also promote adequate employment opportunities to such citizens. In the implementation of such program the State shall respect the rights of small property owners.
Section 10. Urban or rural poor dwellers shall not be evicted nor their dwellings demolished, except in accordance with law and in a just and humane manner. Ibig sabihin, karapatan ng bawat tao na magkaroon ng disenteng tahanan. Disenteng tahanan ba yung walang kuryente, walang ilaw, tagpi- tagpi ang bahay para lang hindi sila mabasa ng ulan? At paano naman sila magkaka-kuryente e, ginto ang bayad? 

The National Housing Authority told them that they will be transferred to Gaya- Gaya Bulacan, where they could experience life worse. Most of the residents in Aroma building disagreed to be transferred because others were already settled in Manila. They already have a job and they think they have an easy access on everything when they're in Manila. There were a lot of complains and all of them were reacting why? I just realized the answer when Karen talked about the National Situation.

NHA wants to transfer the residents in Gaya- Gaya Bulacan because there are already funds for demolition. San Miguel Corporation already shelled out money to do the demolition as soon as possible to make the place as San Miguel City. It is for the benefit of the investors and of course, the company itself. FYI, San Miguel Corporation is owned by Danding Cojuanco, who is the uncle of our dear president Noynoy Aquino. Maraming tao at pamilya ang mawawalan ng kabuhayan at tirahan kung ililipat sila sa Gaya- Gaya kasi hanggang dun ba naman kailangan nilang magbayad e nagbayad na sila dati para sa tinitirhan nila ngayon. Kulang na kulang na nga ang sahod ng mga nagta- trabaho, mawawalan pa sila ng tahanan. These are all part of the government's responsibilities and of course, we expect them to do something about this. Let us all pray for our government, our president P-Noy and our beloved nation.

 Let me lead a prayer for you...
                   Father God, we humbly come to you at this moment to ask for your guidance as we do our duties and responsibilities as a citizen of this nation. Lord, give us knowledge and wisdom to protect our rights and help other people to commit themselves in building a nation that is according to your will. May you always give us strength and courage to stand for what is right and just. Please forgive all the government officials for all the wrongdoings that they did to others and most especially to you. Give them all the right wisdom in doing decisions for our beloved country. This we ask in your most precious name, Amen. 

Mongol

Bakit nga ba nahiligan kong magsulat? Bakit hindi na lang ako sumali sa mga Singing Contest sa TV para madali akong sumikat at yumaman? Maraming nagsasabi na may ibubuga naman daw ako at pwedeng- pwede sumikat katulad nina Regine Velasquez at Sarah Geronimo. Pag nakakarinig ako ng mga ganitong komento, napapangiti na lang ako. Noong bata ako, pinangarap ko din maging artista at syempre maging sikat. Nakakatawang isipin pero halos lahat naman ata ng bata lalo na kung namulat ang mga mata nito sa telebisyon, iisipin din niyang mag-artista dahil masarap sa pakiramdam ang maging sikat.

Habang lumalaki ang tao, unti- unti nating nadidiskubre ang mga kakayahan natin na hindi natin nakikita noong tayo ay mga bata pa. Babalik tayo sa una kong katanungan. Bakit nga ba pagsusulat ang nahiligan ko? Noong ako ay nasa elementarya, mahilig na akong bumili ng mga “cute” na notebook, stationery, diary, autograph notebook, basta kahit anong pwedeng sulatan. Pag nabili ko na, sinasayang ko lang, sinisira, ginuguhutan ng kung anu- ano. Ito naman talaga ang madalas gawin ng mga bata , ang manira. Papaano ba naman, e wala pa akong alam noon. 

Noong ako ay nag high school, nawala na sa akin ang kahiligan kong gumuhit ng kung anu-ano sa mga notebook na binibili ko. Nakatambak lang sa cabinet ko at hindi na rin ako nagsusulat. Nawala na ang Joanna na mahilig isulat ang kanyang mga nararamdaman sa papel, hanggang sa ako’y tumungtong na ng college. Ang aking kursong mass communication ang muling nagturo sa akin na hindi mo dapat gini-give up ang mga bagay na gusto mong gawin. Sa pamamagitan din ng kurso ko, nakita ko ang pangangailangan ng mundo at ng mga tao. Hindi lang pala pagkanta at pagsayaw ang talents ko.

Mas nakita at nahanap ko ang sarili ko. Binigyan ako ng karunungan ng Diyos para malaman ko na kapag sumunod ako sa kanya, magtatagumpay ako. Hindi ako nabigo dahil ngayon, alam ko na kung ano talaga ang gusto ko. Katulad ng isang mongol, sumusunod sa taong may hawak sakanya. Kung ano ang iniisip at gustong isulat ng may hawak ng mongol, susunod lamang ang lapis na ito. Ako ay ganoon din. Sumusunod lamang sa kung sino ang may hawak ng buhay ko. .. ang Diyos. Siya kasi ang awtor ng buhay ko kaya tiwala ako na hindi niya ako pababayaan.

           

        The CandyMag.com had their final challenge together with the Top 15 finalists for CandyMag.com Correspondents, last April 9, 2011 at Eastwood Mall Open Park. Out of 100 people who auditioned I was so blessed and grateful to become one of the finalists. When I received the text message and email from CandyMag, I really want to jump from my seat and shout "Thank you Lord!". Maybe some of you will think while reading this, I am so mababaw. But for me, it's a big blessing and opportunity to share my talents and skills to others. I wasn't really expecting but I was really hoping that I could get in, there's a difference with expecting and hoping, FYI. Haha Thank God because He chose me out of so many young people who applied.

       Let me share with you what happened last April 9, 2011. I really thought I was late but still when I got there, the finalists were still waiting. So I  thought, I was just on time. LOL We started at around 11 am because Eastwood mall opens by 11 am. The instructions were clearly given to us and that's where I met Mai and Mae. The final challenge was a team work. They gave out digital cameras per group to record all the challenges that has prepared for us.

        At first, it was kinda awkward because we've just introduced ourselves for 2 minutes, I guess. But that's what the final challenge wants us to do, know to adjust and learn how to socialize with others in able to do your tasks all the way till the end. The challenges taught us how to manage your time and use your resourcefulness and creativity in making ordinary things extraordinarily. I really enjoyed all the tasks that we had. Aside from the good experience that we had, I also gained new friends in the house.

Me, Mai and Mae

We are all winners. =)

ไม่เป็นไรครับ

ต้อนรับขับสู้ 

Welcome to Thailand! 

Oh yeah! My second trip overseas, was in Thailand and these are some of the tourist spots and things that you should consider when you visit there. 

1. Reclining Buddha

2. Crocodile Farm

3. Meet the Monks

4. Pray with Buddha

5. Wat Arun

6.  Royal Palace

7. Grand Palace

Note: You can't wear slippers and shorts inside. 

8. Experience Tuk- Tuk

9. Siam Shopping Mall ( Siam City is where Mario Maurer lives in. HAHA)

We're not able to see the floating market because it was rainy in Thailand when we went there. They said it's not advisable to go there when it is raining. 

ก. ขอบคุณครับ (Thank you) and ไทยหากอยากสนุกต้องไม่คุยเรื่องการเมืองตอนนี้การเมืองไทยอยู่ในช่วงหัวเลี้ยวหัวต่อ มีการต่อสู้กันในทุกรูปแบบ (Have a good time!)

Tatak VIGAN

Focus on what I am stepping on, not on my feet. Haha just kidding! Anyway. sorry but I can't help myself but to take a photo of my feet stepping on this old brick style of flooring.  It was the first time I went to Vigan for a trip. Please understand. =))

This picture was taken on my first trip in Vigan together with my family. It was just a quick stop on the famous so- called Heritage. It is so archaic. 

My second trip in Vigan was when we were required by our Philippine History subject to go their as a tourist and reflect on the different people and historical places that contributed on the wellness of our country. We went to Ilocos Norte, where Marcos family dominated the place. We saw Ferdinand Marcos' old office and I  was touched by his own prayer framed on the wall. Ferdinand Marcos was indeed a dictator but he contributed a lot to make the Philippines became well known on what it could offer to the other countries. 

One Lasalle Through Shared Leadership

         De La Salle Lipa, De La Salle Santiago- Zobel, De La Salle Canlubang, De La Salle Greenhills and De La Salle Araneta- University became united as they shared all the learnings and fun that they all had together during the 3- day Lasallian Leadership Training. This leadership training was actually the very first leadership training that I joined in and was one of the most unforgettable experiences that I had when I was in High School. I met different kind of people and shared our talents and ideas that's why we are all called leaders in our own way.

         Lasallian Students Leadership Training Camp is where I also met Mr. Impossible. Mr. Impossible belongs to one of the most prominent family in the Philippines. He is someone who I really looked up to. He's very charming and cute. He's a great dancer and popular as well. Anyway, get back to what this blog is all about, this Leadership Training helped me a lot to become a such an effective leader. Without the experiences that I had in this training, I won't be the same type of leader that I am today. 

INDESCRIBABLE

God did not let me down. I am writing this because I was inspired on the mysterious ways that God did in my life last March 23, 2011. It was the last day of my final exam in Filipino. I asked my professor in if I could take the exam even without EPC. FYI, EPC is a green card that will be signed by professors right after the exam. Unfortunately, my prof didn’t let me to take the exam. She’s really strict. I went to the Student Affairs Office to ask if I could get a temporary EPC but the secretary also didn’t let me because I need to settle my accounts in the business office. I did not pay my tuition fee before the finals week. I immediately called my mom and told her what happened ask her what I am going to do. I also called my dad because he brought the promissory note from my mom. I was so nervous because I am thinking about my exam. I was 30 minutes late. But I keep on telling myself “Why worry if you can pray”. So I kept on praying. I really want to cry but I want to remain calm so I sang the song Still by Hillsong United. About 8:45am, I already got the promissory note from my dad and immediately ran to the business office as fast as I could. At first, the head accountant questioned me about the promissory note and I begged her to let me get my EPC because my test started already. She asked the Head Treasurer of the Business Office and thank God, she let me to get my temporary permit. When I got to my room, all of my classmates were done answering. I apologized to my professor and took the exam for only 30 minutes. I am not saying I could perfect my exam but what I am saying is that, because I am calm and still, I answered the exam smoothly. Thank God I finished everything on time. God is really good ALL THE TIME. I was so blessed having both of my parents always on my side and of course, the big God that we always trust and depend on. I can’t really explain how great our God is. All I know is that He is mighty, merciful and indescribable.

Unrevealed Fate

“When we speak of love, it’s never too late”. This line is from the movie Letters to Juliet that really inspired me to become more faithful on my beliefs about destiny and my principle about love. I am NBSB, meaning No Boyfriend since Birth because I believe in first and last and I’m proud to impart that with other teenagers like me.

At present, my idea about love is quiet doubtful because of the liberated generation we have right now. I feel sad seeing this generation who do not know the importance and essence of relationships, commitment and marriage.

Do you know that there is already a person who’s meant for you even before you were born? Yes, it’s true and I read it from the book of Joshua Harris, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, a book that will tell you the different stories of different people who experienced relationships and commitments at the wrong time. There are people who look for love but the truth is, love is everywhere and all we have to do is to wait. As the 1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love is patient”, it tells us to be ready for the right time that God has prepared for us because when that time comes… it is PERFECT. Maybe you already formulate this question in your mind. How will you know that it is already the perfect time for us to fall in love? Honestly, it’s really hard to find the answer for that question because we have different perspective when it comes to love. Actually, when we fall in love we will never notice it at first. You will just found out that it is love when you are already happy being with someone and you are inspired to do things and excited every time you wake up in the morning.

Love cannot be measured. It does not depend on how long you’ve been together or how happy you are every time he or she is around. You can tell that you’re in love when every moment that you’ve spend together feels like always new. The love that you both have is like a burning flame that every time you see each other, you already knew that you are in love. When you are committed to someone, the feelings are not there, it should be love that exists. Feelings is just an affection towards somebody but love, it conquers everything no matter how hard the trials, problems and struggles in life that both of you can experience.

God will never reveal his destined person for you until his perfect time comes. He wants us to enjoy first the life that he has given us and see how lovely his creation was. So from now on, searching for “the ONE” is over because God wants to tell us that our other half is still a secret for now… but He or She is on his or her way, JUST WAIT.

I Give You Control

God loves me for who I am. Sometimes, I feel like I am betraying him for all the sins that I am committing. No wonder sometimes, I feel like God is teaching me lessons that I need to learn in able to grow spiritually. I really don’t want to make Him sad. I really don’t want to disappoint Him but sometimes, the Id inside me is telling me to choose the wider way. I want to turn back from my sins. I want to change completely. I want to serve God with all my heart and soul. Now, I realized completely. I am crying out loud and my heart wants to burst out into pieces because I want to ask for forgiveness. I will give everything to God. I will honor him and love Him with purity.

“Father, my Savior and my God, I want to ask for your forgiveness. Forgive me Father for being such a hard- headed child. I want to serve you whole- heartedly without doubts and by completely turning back in all the sins that I always commit in my past. Cleanse me oh God so I can worship you righteously. Cleanse my heart and soul. Help me to always do things according to your will. “