My Journey

The last time I saw him was in an ICU.  He was very ill yet he recognized each one of us gathered around his bed.  In his sickbed, he remained the very bubbly Atty Baban that I’ve known.  His loving wife and daughter had to remind him that it’s not good for him to talk for a long time.  It took a while before he was made to cut short the story he was telling us with the promise that we will set another visit schedule to see him and by then he can continue with his story…..I didn’t get to visit him anymore after that neither get to listen to the part two of his story. He has been called to join our Creator…

The friendship I found in Atty Demosthenes Baban is one that has a great impact in my character as a person.  I heard him speak with great love and pride about his family.  I saw there the essence of being a caring father and husband.  Plang-Plang, his personal assistant before, was treated like his own family.  To his colleagues at CMA, everybody was sprinkled with with generosity, from the daily supply of ilang-ilang flowers, green mangoes, bananas, redwine, ice cream, myrna’s cake, lechon, avon products, pearls, clothes.  He seemed to be drawing happiness from being this generous.  He was not only all out in giving away these small things, he was sharing his life by being of service to the students, to his friends and colleagues, and those in need.  Never did I hear him turn down someone.  He tries his best to do what he can to be of help.

I love listening to all his stories even if there are those I’ve heard for the nth time already. He was like breathing life in me because every time, I will end up with a realization how beautiful life is already is just listening and learning from someone like Atty Baban.  He inspired me to never give up the zest for life; that age should not be a hindrance in doing what you are passionate about.  He reminded me that there is no such thing as second best, just the BEST.  I really look up to his intelligence and eloquence. More than anything else, he moved me to be generous not for any other reason but simply because there is joy in sharing….

I still have have in my possession all the gifts he gave me on my birthdays.  If I’m not mistaken, we were able to celebrate our birthdays together once or twice at the CMA. I am March 30, he’s March 29.  Always, when I get hold of any of them, I can’t help but smile at as I recall the moments….

Atty Demosthenes Baban, a very good friend…a man with a big heart…a man with a beautiful story to tell….

Annie, a very good friend, is one of the reasons why I celebrate this life.  I always believe that in this lifetime, God gives us our angels with flesh and blood.  They are those who will make the journey less difficult when high waters come.  I am, indeed, blessed to have been given one.

As I write this, I am at the height of my emotion.  I long for her presence because it’s been a while since the last time we sat together and talked about LIFE.  She has touched my life in many ways…the big sister I wish I had (though she’s younger than me).  I looked up to her simplicity, charm, humor, and perspective about life.  She can do anything for a friend–defend your name, surprise you on your birthday, listen to your problems, comfort you in sorrow, be with you when you’re alone, crack jokes, etc. etc.

Annie is a great travel companion.  I will never forget how she "forced" me to go with them to Camiguin.  If not because of her, I could have not discovered that island.  It was crazily wonderful when we had that vacation.  On our way back to Zambo, I got sick; she took care of me.  Quite thoughtful of her that whenever she’s on travel, I will always have "something" from her when she comes back.   On weekends, when we are free, we watch a movie with popcorn and hotdog sandwich. Most of the time, when we are not working, we just meet somewhere and talk. Our topics would include the latest from Paulo Coelho, dream vacation, family, relationship with the significant other,and work.  And when we’re together, time moves fast….

My friendship with Annie is a treasure.  Even in old age, she’ll always be like how she is to me now.  We will still go on a vacation and she’ll still be a great travel companion… we will still watch movie together and eat popcorn and hotdog sandwich…we will talk talk about Paulo Coelho.

We may be far from each other physically right now but deep in my heart I know that she remains my good friend.  As for me, there’ll be only one Annie and no matter how many friends I’ll make, no one can come closer to how she is and the space that she has in here…

Not long time ago, a person crossed my path…
An unknown, yet something about him left an imprint in me.
It might be the "fragile" look or the sincerity in the eyes
He appeared "soft", my opposite, which may explain why…

I would always say I LIKE HIM
He’s fair, got a beautiful face, and intelligent.
Women at my age, I believe, has every right
To be vocal, to be expressive in the aspect of admiration.

The subject is now not anymore just an object
But a significant other in this part of the journey
I am not only able to see what’s on the surface
But even that which lies beneath and at the center of him

Surely, he got me, even turn my knees to jelly
Conversing with him has never been dull
Anyone who’ll let go someone like him
Has missed a precious gem in this lifetime….

        The world of mine takes on a height I’ve never known before…It used to be dark, dull, dusty, a den of faceless and hostile creatures…I moved cautiously, almost tiptoeing as I find my way towards the light.

        First, I found some greens in the shelter that houses me.  sure, this has infused some nutrients into my fading hope…Second, I woke up one morning to a voice echoing in the neighborhood, the same voice that lulls me to sleep at night.  I don’t mind anymore if its literally a noise.  The next thing I’ve crossed path with are pairs of kind eyes telling me I can trust the owners should I need a guide..I’m not alone anymore.

        My steps have quicken and a bit stable, like a child who finally learned how to walk without support. With this progress, comes a beautiful feeling of wonder…The dust is not totally cleaned yet but the dullness has been replaced by a rainbow of humble challenges.  There’s a light now, the brightness enough to allow me to see the beautiful faces that surround me..

        The most beautiful face has come closer like thunder and lightning shaking me out of my senses..My steps have become leaps, almost flying—what a wonderful world mine has become..:)