Beauty

St Kilda Beach , Melbourne, Australia, photo by Primo

a view from the terrace of the house on top of the hill photo by orange tulip

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

I am not necessarily brilliant and famous but i have always believed(or at least that's how people who loved me made me believe) that i am gorgeous and talented. Moreover, it does not bother me if some have been insecure having me around. Early in life i have been taught that i was born to give joy to my parents, my kins and to the people around me who can appreciate the beauty of my existence. I have also relished the idea to let my light shine brightly so as to encourage others to shine on their own too. And i have been fearless in expressing myself, including my own fears since i discovered that doing - has always liberated me. I may sound odd to a few but i realised that in some ways i have made some smile or laugh. And in making them happy in my own simple ways, i have realised that it makes me happy too. In return, through their simple and quiet ways - a sweet or shy smile, a cheerful hello, reassuring kiss or a soulful hug, an encouraging word or lavish praise from family, friends, workmates, loved ones and even strangers- i have realised that these can make me happy too.

And in agreement with Nelson Mandela I reckon that this is the beauty of life- being born to make manifest the glory of God that is within me and you. And i am in the working progress, for such.

Garry's Day

a shore in Sorrento, Country Victoria(Australia), photo by James

a boat in Coron Islands, Palawan(Philippines), photo by orange tulip

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."
- Andre Gide

(French writer, humanist and moralist, 1947 nobel prize for literature, 1869-1951)

Today is Garry's day. I cannot greet him personally because he opted to go to New Zealand since July. He has survived winter Down Under and now he is enjoying the spring breezes and hopefully will get through the summer and the autumn coming up.

If there are some personal characteristics that i admire about him its his industry, quietness and patience. This came as a huge surprise to me. Knowing that he is the only child i would not be surprised if he behaved like a spoiled brat but as far as i knew him(we are not close though), he is not a brat at all. Probably i have to give credit to his mother, Aunt Linda for his upbringing. And i have endlessly enjoyed his tons of patience because despite of some bullying that i intentionally did while he was near, he would just smile and offer me coffee or ice cream or any food that comes handy with the main purpose of stopping me when he thinks i have been saying lots of nonsense and he has listened enough or he is extremely busy. Yet he never failed to smile albeit probably out of courtesy to my jokes(its his officemates in the quarantine services who have been gracious enough to listen to my stories and laugh at my jokes- and to them i am most thankful they never fail to be friendly to me). And i know that i have offended Garry or upset him when he suddenly keeps quiet sans the friendly smile in his face- and i get scared so i have to be quiet myself, gigggle nervously or simply leave. Anyway, he is a nice lad i should say, and that's on top of being intelligent and handsome( maybe he just needs to lose a few pounds though but nobody's perfect so he does not need to- if he is happy and comfortable with being chubby).

Going to New Zealand is a big leap for Garry, i guess and since he is very quiet about it i was quite surprised when i heard about it seeing how successful he has become in his chosen career as a veterinarian. He has been well-travelled, having been to various countries in the world for a month or couple of months per trip. However i believe that by leaving his current job, organisation and status, he did a good decision to get out of his comfort zone. This is a great opportunity to learn new lessons and discover things, culture and meet more people. Truly, Andre Gide, a French writer has been thinking of encouraging people to go on an adventure when he said these words: " Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." I am happy that he took the courage to lose sight of the shore. And i wish him the best!

Here's to a happy birthday and may all your wishes come true, Garry( finally i spelled it right, i always spell his name with a single r as in Gary and he would just quietly correct it doubling the rrs). Happy Birthday Brother Beer! Cheers!

Simplicity

...a chance to enjoy the sun, sand and the sea

... to breath the fresh air, watch the clear skies


...a hut to rest and relax on a warm summer

... a wildflower always in bloom to enchant everyday

...the refreshing sight of clear waters

"the rewards of a simple life" photos by orange tulip




To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter ... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring—these are some of the rewards of the simple life.

-John Burroughs

Truly, the universal elements are enough to make someone with simple joys wishing to live a simple life, happy. I have been thrilled by the sight of the stars at night most especially when i am in the countryside. I have been most thrilled( and continues to be thrilled) by the sight of the moon especially when it is full.

And i reckon that the moments which i have been truly happy were simply frolicking in the beach with my nephew and niece especially when they were toddlers, an experience that i never enjoyed while growing up with my siblings becase i am always left behind with my books to read. The most memourable mornings are the early morning walks to the orchard with my parents to find which tree bore the most fruits, when i was already a grown up- an experience i again missed as a child. The happiest nights are when the whole brood of brothers and sisters are together (which rarely happen) doing an evening saunter about the naughty things we did while growing up and how we got away with it/them and partaking the simplest meal that we can prepare together while talking and laughing over nostalgia- grilled fish.

Yet nothing compares to the joy of simply enjoying these universal elements by myself, alone in the farm or alone in the beach. These are the moments where i can thank the Creator of all things and giving me the gift of life to enjoy His creations, and feel the joy of being loved too much.

Mindanao, The Land Once Promised

" kris, the traditional Muslim armour, Iligan City" by orange tulip

" the exhilarating skies of North Cotabato countrysides", by orange tulip

"the ricefields in Zamboanga, ready for planting", by orange tulip

“What we want is peacetime so we can return to our home,” said the 40-year-old farmer who, with his family, had been staying at an evacuation center. “It’s difficult here; this is not our home. What about our food, our livelihood, our children’s education?”

- as reported by the Mindanao Bureau, Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Farmer’s Reaction Multiplied
This farmer, as reported by the Mindanao Bureau of the Philippine Daily Inquirer http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166596/Military-bracing-for-trouble-in-South captured the sentiments of the ordinary people of Mindanao(Philippines). It now makes sense to me why long before this MOA-AD issue, it was called “The Promised Land”. I was telling few friends that at least they tried to give semantics to such three words. A part of Mindanao “was promised” to the MILF by the GRP Peace Panel through the MOA-AD, sadly without any consultations with concerned persons.

Thanks to their proactivity, local officials of North Cotabato, Iligan City and Zamboanga (who claimed that they were not consulted by the government panel) were able to beat the signing of the “initialed” MOA-AD scheduled in Malaysia by filing a temporary restraining order at the Supreme Court. Thus the promise to give specific parts of Mindanao as mentioned in the supposedly “peace agreement” was temporarily unfulfilled pending to the Supreme Court Decision of the Philippines which activated the “tantrum- like” behaviour of MILF Commanders Bravo and Kato leading to a so-called "rampage" in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte resulting to many losses, pains and sufferings. According to the news reports, “ More than 60 civilians were killed in the attacks and more than 600,000 people have been displaced.” The trauma of those who experienced or witnessed the chaos will always be unquantifiable and probably would take time to heal.


These statistics have brought more chills. If someone has been to Mindanao, he/she would not be scared by the news as it sounds to be. The beauty of the island has always been eclipsed by the "troubles" that the island has underwent. Instead of the nature's bounty, magnificent seascapes and marvelous landscapes, Mindanao is pretty popular for news related to kidnapping, war and lately rampages. It is not really scary to travel and relish nature’s bounty in the island considering that these “rampages”, thank goodness are not everyday. Moreover, the “ military operations” are not on a 24- hour period seven days a week, and only specific areas are “critical. “ Yet when one has passed by or at least tried to make a visit to these evacuation areas (where displaced families including women and children live at least temporarily the length of time is with much uncertainty), then he or she can fully empathise with the sentiments, pains and sufferings of this farmer. Practically, “time stood still” for them and unless real peace where no more killing between opposite forces and at times hitting civilians in the crossfire happens. I keep on wondering and wish that their sufferings would end soon.

Like all others from different sectors who are deeply concerned, I have eagerly awaited for the final decision of the "court of last resort", the Supreme Court while crying for peace in Mindanao (http://reckonsofspring.blogspot.com/2008/08/cry-for-peace-in-mindanao.html) (http://reckonsofspring.blogspot.com/2008/08/continuing-cry-for-peace-in-mindanao.html). I am hopeful that peace will soon be tangible enough or at least felt by the residents of Mindanao.

The News Accounts on the Final Decision

Last week, the final decision made it in the headlines, editorials and opinion pages. Even though I wished and hoped a lot about it considering how the Supreme Court decided in the case of Romulo Neri invoking executive privilege, I was worried it might bring unpleasant surprise. Joining the others, I rejoiced in the decision no matter what. Accordingly,” The Supreme Court on Tuesday voted 8-7 to find the MOA-AD “contrary to law and the Constitution” with its provisions on the creation of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE). “ Arguably, this is a celebrated or unforgettable case I guess, in the history of the Philippine Supreme Court. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166603/Govt-negotiators-disregarded-Charter. Bits of the news are the following: In his opinion concurring with the Supreme Court majority decision rejecting the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD), Puno said: “During the whole process, the government peace negotiators conducted themselves free from the strictures of the Constitution.”

“[Under the agreement) the BJE is granted powers of governance which it can exercise without need of amendments to be made to the Constitution or existing law or without imposing any condition whatsoever,” Puno said.

He added: “No one can claim he has a blank check to violate the Constitution in advance and the privilege to cure the violation later through an amendment of its provisions.
“Respondents’ thesis of violate now, validate later makes a burlesque of the Constitution.”

Justice Antonio Carpio, in his own separate concurring opinion, said the executive branch took on the powers of Congress and the people when it committed the constitutional amendments to pave the way for the agreement’s implementation.
“[Any] peace agreement that calls for amendments to the Constitution—whatever the amendments may be, including the creation of the BJE—must be subject to the constitutional and legal processes of the Philippines,” Carpio said.

He said the constitutional power of the people to approve or disapprove such amendments “can never be disregarded.”

I have always enjoyed reading the Philippine Star and Daily Inquirer. I read both on a daily basis except when I do not have the access. I try to find time to compare news accounts, read and analyse opinions, with the editorials as finale over tea before going to bed(yes, I read the news at night, not during breakfast like most people do). Most interesting are these links: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166603/Govt-negotiators-disregarded-Charter, http://www.philstar.com/archives.php? aid=2008101597&type=2 and http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20081016142&type=2.

This editorial pagehttp://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view/20081017-166830/Executive-bull,) posed three questions which made me reflect:

Does Malacañang actually expect the public to believe that, on the fundamental concession of a Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) government that had an “associative” relationship with the “central government,” government peace negotiators led by another retired general, Rodolfo Garcia, had proceeded without the President’s express say-so?

Does Malacañang actually expect the public to believe that, on the essential point of defining an expanded territory for what would have been the replacement of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), government peace negotiators proposed an arrangement the President herself did not approve of?

Does Malacañang actually expect the public to believe that, on the extraordinary breakthrough that would have allowed the BJE to set up foreign missions and conduct diplomacy unilaterally, government peace negotiators pulled a fast one on the President?"

As a member of the so-called public, I join the writer of this article in asking these questions not only because I am very interested, but primarily because beyond the intellectual and analytical point of view, my heart have felt and my eyes have seen the sufferings of humanity brought by this seemingly endless quest for peace.

Like what I have been expecting, Amando Doronilla, a famous political analyst in the country, whose analysis of various political scenario in the country have immensely helped me while doing political science down under, wrote his exemplary analysis over the matter a day after the most awaited and arguably heralded decision came out. It was very interestingly titled: “ A stinging rebuff to the administration “ http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20081017-166834/A-stinging-rebuff-to-the-administration . His analysis are itself stinging with excerpts as follows:

The Supreme Court declared unflinchingly on Monday as illegal and unconstitutional the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that sought the establishment of an expanded Bangsamoro homeland in Mindanao with an 8-7 vote, in one of its closest decisions during the Arroyo presidency. The tight vote did not mask the stinging rebuff administered by the Court to the administration despite the fact that most of its members have been appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Days before the promulgation of the decision, legal circles buzzed with speculations that the Court might vote to inhibit itself from making a decision on the substantive aspects of the case. And the fact that the Court trumped these apprehensions bolstered its prestige. It showed that in moments of grave national turmoil, as in the case of the renewed separatist war in Mindanao, the justices could transcend considerations of personal gratitude to the appointing power. The decision was a sterling display of independence. It declared the MOA-AD, initialed by the government’s peace panel and that of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, “contrary to the law and the Constitution.”

The decision resolved two substantive issues, one relating to the manner in which the MOA-AD was negotiated, and the other relating to its provisions. The issues were: (1) Did the government’s peace negotiators violate constitutional and statutory provisions on public consultations and the right to information when they negotiated and initialed the MOA-AD? (2) Do the contents of the MOA-AD violate the Constitution and our laws?

What Happens Now?
Jarius Bondoc, a celebrated and fearless journalist with much passion for truth no matter what or who is involved has been writing a lot about Mindanao in his opinion column Gotcha! for The Philippine Star. (I became his huge fan since his ZTE related expose and I have tirelessly followed his articles containing exposes and analysis and concern about various issues very important to the masses, the latest of which is the ZTE mining in Mindanao that would probably be an interesting subject for another post) His column, as a reaction to the Supreme Court Decision on the Philippine Star was aptly titled “What now for Mindanao? (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20081016140&type=2). Although I have attached his whole article I want to underscore his very important point to which I strongly agree. Among other issues, he argued: " It would be tougher now to renew peace talks with Moro separatists. The fault is not with the Supreme Court for junking Malacañang’s Memo of Agreement-Ancestral Domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The hitch is Malacañang itself. Nobody trusts it anymore to forge a settlement — not the judiciary or the legislature, not the local officials or the military, not the Christians or the Moros."

I believe no Mindanaoan would favour the idea that fighting should go on in the island. After all, every Mindanaoans and Filipinos for that matter has been longing and working for peace even if it has remained elusive all these years. I think even the Muslim secessionists and the government forces are already tired of continuous war and probably, they keep on fighting simply because they have to. Most importantly, the Christians and Muslims, soldiers and rebels either caught in crossfire or displaced, or doing their duty knows the feelings of pain and suffering. And regardless of religion, social and economic status, Mindanaoans would prefer to live harmoniously with each other given the chance.

And while rhetoric about the SC decision is interestingly going on across sectors, I wonder how the families of the 60 people reportedly were killed in the recent war keeps on going after such huge losses, and I wonder how the 600,000 displaced people are living their day- to- day situations in the various evacuation centers where they are housed. Do they have enough food to eat? Can they sleep well at night in their makeshift beds or probably in the grounds? Do they have at least a mat or a blanket to keep them warm in cold or rainy evenings and early mornings and do they have clothes to wear? It has been almost two months since they were displaced and as much as the local officials wanted to help their constituents do they have enough funds to do so? And how could the infants, toddlers, pregnant women, handicapped and senior citizens survive this man-made circumstances?

The DND Chief stated that they are ready to rumble http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166596/Military-bracing-for-trouble-in-South). This is both good news(although sends chills as well most probably to the civilians both Muslims and Christians) alike in Mindanao because the government forces are ready and willing to give their limb and lives to defend the civilians from possible further atrocities from the MILF and defend the nation as mandated by the constitution. But when would these fighting stop? I just pray that the MILF would hold on to their promise(http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25 ) and the Supreme Court Decision would serve as “ eye opener” to all concerned.


Search for Other Avenues
As the military are preparing, further avenues are sought by many people from various sectors. (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166596/Military-bracing-for-trouble-in-South) . Reports showed concerns for appeal as follows: Appeals for peace continued to be aired in the wake of the high court’s ruling on the MOA-AD.

In Cotabato City, Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling but expressed the hope that it would not be “the end of everything.”“Peace will still be attained in Mindanao,” Bagaforo said, adding that the government and the MILF only needed to explore other avenues to pursue peace.

Harumi Kitabayashi, deputy resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, told reporters his government was hopeful that the peace negotiations would resume soon. “My government is hoping that both sides will find a way to proceed with mutual understanding and cooperation,” Kitabayashi said during a visit to a Japan-funded project in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.She said donor-countries wanted peace in Mindanao before putting in “more resources for economic development.”“Unfortunately it cannot be realized at the moment, but we are waiting,” she said.

In a long-distance call from Switzerland, where he is attending the annual assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon said the government should promptly resume peace talks with the MILF. But this time, Biazon wants Indonesia to facilitate the peace talks.“I still maintain my position that the government should explore the possibility of the peace talks being resumed without foreign intervention. If, however, this is not possible, we should explore the proposition that another country be the broker of the peace process instead of Malaysia,” he said.Biazon, the chair of the Senate committee on national defense and security and a former AFP chief of staff, said Malaysia had “conflict of interest” in brokering the peace process because of the standing Philippine claim to the state of Sabah.

The same report stated the reactions of the very people responsible for seeking petition to stop the Peace Negotiating Panel to finalise the "agreement with MILF"since their constituents and their provincea are most affected. Their reactions to the Supreme Court decision are as follows: North Cotabato Vice Gov. Emmanuel Piñol, one of the petitioners against the MOA-AD, urged the government to “reassess and restudy” its position in relation to efforts to solve the so-called Mindanao conflict.“Now is the time to reassess the government’s position on whether to continue talking with the MILF, which does not recognize the Constitution,” Piñol told the Catholic-run Radio dxND in Kidapawan City.Zamboanga City Rep. Isabel Climaco also said the junking of the MOA-AD should make the government rethink its strategies.“The [high court’s] decision should become the government’s guide in talking with the MILF,” she said.Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat said the decision was “very providential” because it “saved the country from being dismembered.”

Cry Turns to Prayer for Peace
There is always a room for another chance, I believe and I hope both parties would finally sit down and talk to come up with a genuine solution for peace. Mindanao is beautiful- it has the promise of better life for its settlers due to its abundant natural resources- rich soil sunny skies and lovely landscapes and seascapes that could be relished by native settlers and visitors alike, once peace and order is no longer an issue. Lots of blood of both military and secessionist groups has been poured over the land many years and months back, or probably even before i was even born in its very soil- in the process of the search for peace. I hope that sometime in the near future, the lives of these men and women who fought gallantly with each other for the causes that they believed in would not go to waste.

Let us all give peace a chance, who knows, it might work this time?

And I hope that displaced residents just like the farmer who seem does to be quite unaffected by the very significant result of the Supreme Court ruling on MOA-AD mainly because he is focused to a much simpler yet seemingly unfulfilled wish- to be able to go home with his family. And may all others who are suffering or displaced due to once unfulfilled promise- of giving away parts of Mindanao would be able to go home to or with their families too, and go on with their lives.


And my cry for peace turns to a prayer for peace in Mindanao . I pray that it would become a promised land in its real meaning(as far as the peacemakers are concerned)- for it to be finally be peacefully and happily liveable, by Muslims, Christians, the indigenous peoples and migrants alike.

Rest

"Come to me and I will give you rest"

-Jesus Christ

(The Holy Bible)

After lunch, i was too shocked to find out that Kuya( that's how Filipinos address an elder brother) Mario passed away last Friday. He is not my brother by consanguinity nor affinity but because i am close to his beloved, he is almost like a brother to me. I haven't seen him for a while although the last time i noticed that he can hardly walk. Unwell myself, i felt very bad for being unable to possibly say my final goodbye to him, thus instead of expressing my reaction to the Supreme Court's declaration that the MOA AD is unsconstitutional, this personal blog. I am uploading flowers for him because i may not have the chance to bring him some. I met him as a driver( he is good because i always take the passenger seat in front if he drives and i have seen how careful he could be even in the big highways during our long travels) but i want to remember him as a good cook. Treating me like his own kid sister, he would bring me fruits harvested from his farm and at times when he feels like it, he whips up various dishes, a lot of which are quite strange to me. At first i am hesitant to try but when i started eating up everything he prepares, i enjoyed them pretty much i voluntary forget that i am on a diet. One very memourable thing he did was when he bought fresh seaweeds that he thought i would like- of course i did and i remembered how he whipped it out to taste very well i ended up finishing the whole plate of salad because he said its good for my health.

His sudden death came as shock to all of us. Few friends remarked that at forty eight he is too young to die. I replied quoting my big brother's philosophy when we were kids. He has been a great risk taker in many ways giving much worry to mother. He said " if it is your time to die- wherever you are you have to go whether you are confined in the most expensive hospital's ICU with best doctors, or given the best care by loved ones in the comfort of your home- no human being can stop death nor postpone one's death no matter how rich or powerful he would be for it is the leveller of all humans." Thinking about the stillborn or the infant who died few days after being brought out from her mother's womb, or a child or someone in his "prime" days i guess my brother has a point. At forty eight, he probably has to go because it is destined to be or probably that is the will of Someone Up There who gave each of us humans- the gift of life. In one of the necrological services a homily impeccably described death as unprecedented or unexpected which comes " like a thief in the night". And i reckon life can be so fragile. When i saw Kuya Mario a month ago and noticed that he can hardly walk due to his swollen feet i never had an inkling that i would never see him again- alive. In essence one should enjoy life while it lasts- you'll never know when is your time to "go."

We have only noticed that he can hardly walk but those very close to him said that he has probably been suffering of an illness before and he secretly takes medicines. God in his infinite wisdom probably wanted to stop him from physical pains and sufferings so He took him in His arms to give him rest. Although i feel sad that i could not see him anymore in this earth, i rest in the thought that God knew the best for him- and that is to finally make him rest.

Farewell Kuya Mario, have a rest now.

Contentment

"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can only collect a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few"

- Anne Morrow Lindberg

A couple of friends and me visited a house of an elderly couple in a lovely island and these shells caught my attention. As a confessed beach babe, i have always relished to walk in the beach during early mornings after watching the sunrise and finding out if there are few shells that could take my fancy. Of course there are a lot of beautiful shells but taking them all would not be practical nor fun. When my first nephew was only three years old, i would take him to the beach on few mornings especially when i am about to leave them again. He would pick up anything that he fancies and with glee would give it to me like a surprise present with his eyes twinkling with joy. I never wanted to upset him so i have to take every shell that he handed me, and one time i have to pay for excess baggage because i could not bear leaving them behind considering the efforts and thoughtfulness displayed by the child in picking up those shells for me.

Even if i am alone in the beach(any beach for that matter) i still enjoy this " ritual" of walking and trying to find any shell that could delight me especially on my last day prior to going back to the city and i found it refreshing just like taking a dip on a warm summer. Back to the house that i visited where i took the pictures, i asked the couple where did they got them- and with a glimmer in his eyes the old man thoughfully said he picked it up for his wife when they were still sweethearts. So along the pictures comes that wonderful story from the beautiful couple who decided to grow old together and it thrills me to remember their shy smiles when i coaxed them to pose for a photo like they were still seventeen and so much in love with each other- well, in their advanced age they looked as if they are still very much in love! In this day and age where "going out" in a committment or relationship has become easy and acceptable, theirs is rarely special. And the shells that i have not really noticed to be beautiful while in the beach look special while they were placed in the pathway leading to their home.

On our way home, the thought of the shells made me smile continuously and i remembered the lovely quote on contentment. Yes, i can only collect a few shells on the beach, and they are more beautiful if they are few.

A River Runs Through It

...the splendor of the grass

... a river in the countryside

...glory in the flower

photography by orange tulip

Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass
Of glory in the flower we will grieve not
Rather find strength in what remains behind
In the primal sympathy which having been must ever be

In the soothing thoughts that spring out of human suffering
In the faith that looks through death
Thanks to the human heart by which we live
Thanks to its tenderness its joys, its fears
To me the meanest flower that blows can give thoughts that do often lie
too deep for tears

-William Wordsworth 1807 Ode, Intimations of Immortality from Reflections of Early Childhood

These are the lines of a poetry that seemed to reconnect the father and son(Norman Maclean) after the son came home from college after six years from of being away from their village in Montana. He just received an offer to teach English literature in a university in Chicago. I found that scene of father and son alternately reciting the lines of such poem very touching. This is also one of the most memourable part of the movie released in 1992 when Bradd Pitt, one of the actors(playing Paul, the younger Maclean) was deliciously handsome thus his smiles as Paul in the movie has thrilled me to the nines. For Bradd playing Paul, the most memourable part i believe was when he got an extremely huge trout and in jest told his big brother and father" Three years i'll be thinking like a fish" which sadly did not happen. What i really adore in the movie beyond the acting and the gorgeous looks of Bradd are the long shots of the river, the countryside, the landscapes and the lifestyle since it was in a 20th century setting. For health reasons, I have to stay home for the meantime so i have nothing to do except having a complete bedrest, eating vegetables and fruits and at last, on Sunday afternoon watching dvds. I opted to watch those with Bradd Pitt among the actors- "Meet Joe Black" released in 1998 and the other one " A River Runs Through It" released in 1992( now- if Bradd is 44, then he must be 28 around 16 years ago, long before being an ex-husband of Jennifer and a father to Angelina's kids thus his deliciously handsome looks) which was based from the book written by Norman Macleanhttp://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/500667.html the older of the two brothers who also became the narrator and started off the movie as an old man fishing in a river before doing a flashback of the " family story". I was wondering if it was a documentary but i was not surprised if it was a fiction that sounded a documentary- the way Robert Redford http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105265/makes movies out of novels.







Paul, who became a writer for the local newspaper( the role was very appealing to me because as a child i wanted to be a journalist and a broadcaster, not or but both -alright but for some reason or another i went to a different field although i never forgot my love and flair for writing) got hooked to gambling, which led to the sad part of the story -he was killed one night and was thrown in the alley. Their father, after being informed by Norman that almost his bones were broken- particularly asked which hand was most broken and the elder son answered "the right hand" which made the father walk away in silent grief(the mother left in silence minutes earlier to grieve on her own perhaps). That beautiful hand held in all glory the big fish captured through the art of fly-fishing in the Bigfoot River on their last fishing together. I was wondering what would be the surprising twist of the story after Paul " perfected the art of fly-fishing" and while he was holding his trophy fish for a picture, savouring that moment Norman his elder brother said " And i knew just clearly and as surely that life is not a work of art and that a moment could not last."

Fishing is fun! I also had the chance to go fishing a few times- albeit in a man-made river with trouts grown for the purpose-but the thought of how quick the trout would pick the bait and the surprise and the excitement of seeing a fish, how large would it be, or who among my companions would beat me to having the first one to "fish" were enough for someone to forget probably anything or anyone for the meantime. Besides, driving to the fishing area seeing beautiful landscapes and vegetation along the way especially during autumn doubles the fun. Most importantly, it served as a good bonding time to people that significantly matter to me. This is one of the rare moments that i truly enjoy doing with my friends and this activity, in addition to frolicking in the snow or the beach are the moments that i truly miss.

In the case of Norman and Paul Maclean, it is really wonderful since they grew together and bonded much as brothers, sometimes along with their father doing fly-fishing. It was a good movie i think, although friends who have watched it in big screen in the past told me that they found it dragging. Well, as long as the extremely lovely smile of Bradd is shown from time to time i have a reason to enjoy the film. It ended on a good note as their father did a remarkable preaching few years before his own death in their old Presbyterian church, as Norman puts it- with Paul in his thoughts:

"It is true we can help those closest to us
Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give
Or more often than not, the part we have to give and is not wanted
So it is those we live with and should know who elude us
But we can still love them

We can love completely without complete understanding"

And after watching the film, " A River Runs Through It" getting thrilled everytime Bradd Pitt smiles as Paul and enjoying the countryside landscapes, the beautiful sound of running waters and refreshing sight of the river- i have learned very important things: to find strength in what remains behind, to have faith that looks through death and to love completely-without complete understanding.

Wordless Blog

“Each one has to find his peace from within.

And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
(Indian Philosopher, internationally esteemed for his doctrine of nonviolent protest, 1869-1948)

Catherine's Day

this is Melbourne

a rare orchid- Vanda sanderiana, probaly as rare as Cath



tropical flowers-orange marigold to make Cath smile

another tropical flower " Bird of Paradise" for Cath's day

all photos were taken by orange tulip

Today is my dear sister, friend and soprano leader(Colours of Praise Gospel Choir) Catherine which we fondly call “ Cath”. She is a very beautiful person, inside and out. Her smiles, hugs or gentle pats on my shoulder have in many ways encouraged me to go on despite some difficulties that I hurdled emotionally and psychologically while taking Political Science in Melbourne University. It was a huge choir with lots of individual concerns being highly multiracial and multicultural, and she kept us-the sopranos together by her words and actions of encouragements. She faithfully does these stuff during Tuesday rehearsals and follows it up with email updates when one or few misses a rehearsal and gets worried when someone does not turn up successive weeks on rehearsals. She is very much concerned to us as " sopranos" and equally concerned to the entire music and creative arts ministry where she is s huge blessing not only to the ministry but to the entire church as well.

She has a gift of making everyone “ feel special” as she- with genuine care and love probably finds it effortlesss in saying “ hi” to us girls before or after each rehearsals and taps our shoulders , smile or hug each within her reach after every singing on Sunday mornings. I had great time singing with this choir because of the many encouragements from my leaders, Leah when I was starting then Cath with whom i became very close. She is capable of noticing that someone or me for one, is not on “my usual self “ and finds her way to speak without really intruding when someone is undergoing or when i was in difficult times. She is a good listener, cares a lot and willingly prays for my worries. There was a time when I refused to talk to anyone of my friends except her- and she has helped me a lot to “ keep holding up” despite the many confusing and difficult circumstances in my life- including my personal and family concerns( there was a most difficult time for me when my big brother has to undergo a neurosurgery and largely affected my academic performance as i was losing focus and after praying for me and my brother back home i had a good sleep as she reminded me to keep trusting God no matter what). With Cath, I never hesitated to “ open up” for she has always been very kind and willing to help in many ways.

I had spent quite a number of summers, winters, autumn and spring with her as a choir member but i had exceptional memories of her. First-when she lovingly took the time to pray for my personal concerns one Tuesday night. Second-when I was(along with few soprano friends) invited to witness their union one Saturday afternoon in Anglican Church where she is at her “most beautiful day to behold” as a bride to Mark, a handsome and talented musician also with the Creative Arts Ministry. I was very thrilled to the nines while watching them march to the altar, exchange vows and when they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. The old pastor was perfectly right when upon the announcement of their engagement in the church he said” they will play great music together". Indeed, the Lord has been so good in making them for each other. They look very much happy with each other and along with my friends, we wished them well on their special day. This couple has been a joyful encouragement to us in the creative ministry. Third-when i had the chance to chill-out with the soprano girls while Cath’s then new husband was away. It was a night without any choir rehearsals at all and we watched the “ Australian Idol” finals in their apartment in the suburbs. It was quite a long ride for me in the train and another long walk before finally arriving to their place but it was well much worth it. After partaking the dinner which we ordered from an Asian restaurant, I got a taste of Cath’s cake lovingly baked for the girls. Sweet tooth as I am, I loved having a large portion, well probably the largest share when some girls wanted to have just a bite as some were on a “ diet”. We were rooting for someone else to be the “ Idol” but another emerged as a winner. Regardless, we had tremendous fun as it was a night different from many nights- it was a night of bonding and building stronger friendships and relationships with each other, appreciating and celebrating each individuality yet enjoying the company of each other despite our varied backgrounds. Probably the only thing common to us was- our hearts were happy singing for our Creator’s glory.

Happy birthday my dear Cath, thanks very much for being a very huge blessing to me in many special ways. Many happy returns for the day.

Rachel and Lizzie's Day

Melbourne Federation Square, one of my fave spots, photo by orange tulip

tropical flowers- orchids for the birthday girls , photo by orange tulip

spring blooms-pink and orange tulips for the birthday girls, photo by Primo

Today is the birthday of my friends, the lovely and cheerful twin sisters Rachel and Elizabeth. I have and they have treated me like their own sister and readily gave me their sweet and assuring smiles during choral rehearsals and actual singing with the Colours of Praise Gospel Choir which pretty much put my perspectives, values and beliefs in order while studying Down Under. I always have fond memories of Melbourne because of my very enjoyable stay and studies but most importantly, because of singing with this choir which in many ways have become my family while i was away from my own. Tuesday night rehearsals and Sundays singing and spending time with my choir friends have made my life in Melbourne more fun, memourable and most meaningful.

Rachel and Lizzie are identical twins but i had the privilege of knowing both a little closer thus was able to recognise their little differences in some ways, the way they dress, talk, smile and hug me differ but both exudes the unconditional love which is a mirror of the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. I was among the few who was honoured to be invited in their barbe party on my last year in the university and even if i missed going to their party due to sudden school works, i was not treated ill nor loved less. Thank you very much and God bless you both and your adourable family too. Until we meet again and hope that it would be soon!

Happy birthday dear Rachel and Lizzie! Many happy returns of the day! Keep on singing and blessing others- as you in many ways have blessed me and many others.

Wall Street and Uncertainty

Source: http://www.wallstreetfighter.com/

Source: http://andrewprokos.com/photos/new-york/landmarks/wall-street/

Source: http://andrewprokos.com/photos/new-york/landmarks/wall-street/

Source: http://www.bidanask.org/

Source: http://blog.diversityjobs.com

I was in awe over what has been happening the past three weeks in the United States and to the world. Lehman Brothers , an investment bank of more than a hundred years declaring bankruptcy, Wall Street stock prices tumbling down as a result, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc affected and bought by Bank of America, Washington Mutual Bank, one of the huge banks closing down and increasing economic turmoil making the political concerns , i.e. presidential campaign in particular to temporarily stay out of the limelight.

The US government presents a temporary and quick solution to the huge losses going on by proposing a bail-out package worth $700 billion, stocks temporarily picks up, US Congress disapproves the proposal making the stocks to further go down. American International Group or AIG declares losses too and needed help. Europe is alarmed and prepares for the possible effect of the US economy to them and I read that even the oil-rich Dubai has been affected by the crunch although few Asian economics claimed to be not severely affected. US Senate approves the repackaged bail-out plan, tosses it back to the US Congress and finally gets approval. Is this bailout, already signed by the American president yesterday and is now a law could really do the rescue plan as it was pictured to be?

These banks and financial institutions were really huge. I got some important information regarding these organisations. Lehman Brothers, an innovator in global finance, serves the financial needs of corporations, governments and municipalities, institutional clients, and high net worth individuals worldwide. Founded in 1850, Lehman Brothers maintains leadership positions in equity and fixed income sales, trading and research, investment banking, private investment management, asset management and private equity. The Firm is headquartered in New York, with regional headquarters in London and Tokyo, and operates in a network of offices around the world. (http://www.lehman.com/) As of 2007, the same website states that Lehman Brothers ranks #1 "Most Admired Securities Firm" by Fortune. Further, the website reported that it achieves record net revenues, net income and earnings per common share (diluted) for the fourth consecutive year based on record results in all three business segments. It acts as financial advisor on largest-ever M&A transaction in financial institutions sector: $98 billion acquisition of ABN AMRO by a consortium of the Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and Fortis.* Also, it is the #1 dealer on the London Stock Exchange by annual trading volume for the third year in a row. It creates the Lehman Brothers Center for Global Finance and Economic Development at Spelman College, the #1 ranked institution among historically black colleges and universities by U.S. News & World Report.Finally, it establishes the Council on Climate Change to bring together leaders from industry, policy and academia to facilitate constructive dialogue regarding climate change policy formulation and its impact on business. (Factbook index have also indicated that during the first half of 2008, its total assets amounted to $639.4b, book value per common share is $34.21 and Lehman Brothers employs twenty-six thousand one hundred eighty nine(26,189). http://www.lehman.com/who/factbook/index.htm).And the Barclays is not yet included! Since it has celebrated its 150th year in 2000, 2008 was its 158th year in business. Amazing, isn’t it? How could an organisation who has weathered long 158 years suddenly end up like that? Who would have thought that an organisation seemingly stable as this would experience severe losses?

Merrill Lynch is one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, with offices in 40 countries and territories and total client assets of approximately $1.6 trillion. As an investment bank, it is a leading global trader and underwriter of securities and derivatives across a broad range of asset classes and serves as a strategic advisor to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals worldwide. Merrill Lynch owns approximately half of BlackRock, one of the world's largest publicly traded investment management companies with $1.4 trillion in assets under management at June 30, 2008. ( http://www.ml.com/.) Again, this organisation, as mentioned by my friend pretty much familiar with world trade and economy, just like the Lehman Brothers is always discussed in her books as a successful case of a financial institution.

Washington Mutual and American International Group were also huge but ended up being rescued by the Fed. So how can we explain such too sudden turn of events? Which makes me go back to the question i posed earlier. Could the bailout ssolve everything? I am not an economist nor an expert in foreign ( alright, i just had a semester studying Issues in American Foreign Policies) nor banking and financial policies so i think it will be useful to look at the perspectives of those who i feel are " authority" to answer such question. Warren Buffet,the world's most successful stock market investor in his recent CNBC interviews criticised US Congress for not acting sooner on the rescue plan. He made an analogy about the US economy to that of the athlete who had a cardiac arrest and fell flat on the floor. He said " Paramedics have arrived, and are arguing who was at fault, however, the most important thing is applying the resuscitator. It does not help spending time worrying who is to blame for the patient having a heart attack. "

He then went on saying: "This( referring to the rescue plan) is not a panacea. This will not solve all our problems. " This indicates therefore that the credit crunch is far from over and there are no guarantees that the US economy will get better soon. However, Buffet said that passing the rescue plan is crucial for it unfreezes the credit markets, restoring confidence both in the markets and financial institutions.

The unprecedented circumstances surprised probably everyone and most importantly affected the economic situation probably throughout the world boils down to one word- uncertainty. Given the records of the financial institutions, who would have thought that they will incur such losses, and bankruptcy? The same goes to relationships. Sometimes a couple are uncoupled in some way to another. No matter how both parties seemingly have strong feelings for each other at some point, in some cases the other or another party does gives up and the former "happy union" ends. Some enter legal committments only to end up undergoing a way out probably a divorce or an annulment after seeing some reasons to do so. Some couples promise to "grow old together" but at some point the other one leaves earlier because of illness or death. I can go on and on but the point remains- arguably, nothing is permanent or certain in this world and that is my perspective no matter how positive i might try to become. I have seen empirical evidences or examples of relationships coming to an end and that includes my own. And they ended no matter how hard i tried to hold on- simply because they have to and finding solace in the thought " it was not meant to be".

Over a couple of weekends ago, i was talking to a doctor himself suffering from diabetes that he inherited from his mother and whose sister is my close friend. I was able to attend the funeral rites of their mother in January but i missed the funeral rites of their father in May( both of this year) so he was telling me how their father went. In conclusion he said " Everybody will leave this earth, the thing is- one does not know when and how." I nodded in agreement thinking that different religions(or faith groups to those who does not want to use the term religion) have different teachings about where someone would go " after this life". Yet somehow, all goes to one thing- no one will stay permanently on earth or to those who believes that this earth will be renewed and will become the new heaven, one should still undergo a phase, or this earth will undergo change.

I am a regular listener of a business radio and a classical music radio station, " The Master's Touch". Sometime last week, the radio host has eloquently expressed an important point. Given the uncertainty of the times, where organisations, financial institutions and relationships fail - or maybe fail us, one should put hope and trust somewhere else. Most importantly he stressed, one should put his trust to someone else. And who is that someone else? Someone of greater authority than any royalty or any political stature and could take control of everything- a Divine Providence and since that was a Christian station, to Christians, its trusting Jesus. The speaker then went on saying the reasons why we- should put our trust to Jesus and ending it with a lovely song " Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus". I was convinced and comforted.

Indeed, in these times of uncertainty and even during happier times, i reckon that it is not only advisable but essential for us to put our trust to the Divine Providence. For me, its trusting the " author and finisher of our faith".

I for one did not lost anything over this financial crisis although i feel sorry for those who have lost a lot due to this economic crunch. I have felt the pain and loss of failed relationships but i am fully convinced that we have someone to trust where we can pin our hopes on- Jesus. Eveything may not fall perfectly into place as we have planned but in the end, we will understand why things happen- not necessarily because it is His will but simply because they have to happen. Personally, i have stopped asking so many questions why all things( and this is not limited to personal and emotional issues) should happen that way and learned albeit difficult or seemingly unbearable to " live with it" and move on simply because i have to.

And the comfort of that song "Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus" stays on my heart as i think about the uncertainties of this world.