Memory of Iligan City

If memory serves well, the last time I visited this city was twenty-two years ago. And now I am back for the first time in decades. After my friend Moe and his friends’ basketball game that night, we had a late dinner at halang-halang’s–the only carenderia opened even at late night (or twenty-four-hour service perhaps)–where food is very affordable even for below average status–a fifty-cent meal. I told my friend that it took him to live in Iligan to conceive a good experience I will remember for life. Laughter.

Except for a kalesa ride in the mid 80’s, I don’t remember having a good memory of this city neither having bad ones. Hope I am right unless someone will jog my memory. That night just had a few–so far–but lasting enough. Aside from that, we were able to touch life feeding a hungry girl who was still awake, wandering for food. Again, I am so grateful for friends old and new and for every experience worth the retention. I will cherish them eternally.   

A Test of Faith

Every day is a test of faith to yield or ignore–when grace and mercy without a doubt follow–my part is only believe in the goodness of my Creator. Sometimes the answer is predictable, often than not it is surprising. When I tried to book the cheapest flight I could have had, to my disbelief, the agent offered me more than a thousand pesos cheaper with the same schedule and weight of luggage for me to check in. 

I witnessed the Lord’s favor through her which is for me my raven for the day’s very need. Thank you, young lady.  I am very grateful for the provision, strength, and traveling mercy in this seemingly endless journey. Now I am back to the mega city for a while. Hopefully, I will take off again soon.

   

TTG: Time To Go

Now that the storm has passed, I think it is time to make a start. In spite of everything, only a single step is what required of me. I waited long enough for this day to happen according to my patience. So let me begin my walk–again–but it isn’t the walk on the wild side–not that kind actually. My life has already sat in train two years ago with combats to overcome and problems to wrangle with. This small “me” is standing still gladly. This no longer young “me” is very grateful likewise to have reached this far without knowing what this world propounds or has in the pipeline. And where I am from, it is best understood as: “What the Master has willed for me”.

If I had to lay down every plan in my mind, it would take me a hundred books to write them and a thousand explanations to justify. But it is impossible to achieve everything at one time. I could not even decide over two complicated things. More often than not, I found myself on the horns of a dilemma–like this time. Sad to say, I can’t let you in on a little secret of mine this time. A prayer would do. Thanks. But I have to set foot on a place where my life and potential are maximized for the sake of others–slowly–one step at a time. I can’t stay where I am now. I must go. 

     

Only Stranded

Life is very waggish at times. I could have held my ESL books right now, but haven’t even run the ground yet–inside the classroom somewhere a thousand miles away. I feel that my situation this time has left me high and dry. So tempted to be of the opinion that it is going to be a waiting moment–when patience is needed like it has never been. Flight delays, unpredictable weather, unsent invitation letter, and another major dilemma are without a doubt in constant fracas disturbing my peace and lucidity. 

Let me call it stranded in a different way. For one reason, I can still live normally with get-up-and-go to mind–but not marooned. I have been traveling these past few days heading no direction–in a slow pace–waiting for God’s grace and mercy to make it there. I pray. This place is already distant from my family but I can feel home is pulling me back. So hoping not! Again my circumstance at the moment is only passing. Although I cannot predict how slow this leaving will take, I will try to go with the flow. Of course, I can’t linger that long, but sure enough I’m only stranded. Life goes on.

Promises

This is my tick-and-cross-a-promise month–an effort to evaluate whether or not I’ve fulfilled each word I have committed myself into the past months and till this time point. Now I got a little more things undone and my utmost desire is to make them happen before heading back to my place of work away from home–soon. I never promised somebody the moon, but they are only simple concerns that finite being like me can afford to do. Each promise is a simple gesture compelled by kindness and nothing else. 

    

I am not very sentimental or over spiritual, but I have the feeling that this delay has something to do with unfulfilled oaths. I do not want to go back on my word. “A promise made is a promise kept.” I heard. It is always a joy to live up to something and heartbreaking not being able to do them. My human instinct dictates, never promise when your intention is only to devoid its worth. 

   

Video

My best friend calls it a long lost song–a piece we sang once on Christmas Day seventeen years ago and never heard of since then. And so we did a duo of it again last week. I thought of it as a funny moment wouldn’t expect could win the hearts of a few familiar and unfamiliar viewers.  Not that much, but only a hundred comments, a few hundred likes, and a total of eight hundred eight (808) views which amateurs like us is so unexpected number to hit.

That experience left me perplexed. After my friend uploaded the video on Facebook, I shared it immediately on my timeline and expressed my surprised reaction. I wrote: “This is actually the most awkward post I have on Facebook. I don’t usually share or upload stuff like this. Forgive us for the poor performance. The jam we had was spur-of-the-moment idea–a bit of excitement caused by triggered adrenalin–not me as the usual netizen or a selfie freak. Thanks for viewing.”  What a video!

Sceneries

The first time I traveled through this route was so regretting because I got sick to death–dehydrated. I couldn’t take a photo of sceneries before me, not even one. As I tried to endure the agony, I also tried to gaze upon the beauty of the Creator’s irresistible wonders–for your eyes only.

I prayed that God will bring me back to the same direction. It happened. But it was another disappointment this time because the driver drove so fast that I could see eternity. Again, I struggled to seize the moment. These pictures could have been prettier since these sceneries are really awesome for real. Happily, they are better than nothing. So grateful still after all those obstacles!

Clicks!

It took me a million clicks to capture a few satisfying shots at least. From this long, zigzag road and with someone’s ability to drive seemed out of this world, I have learned to save my high expectation. Forget dizziness as well. For when traveling felt uncomfortable, there was grace without a doubt–a hopeful message behind each photo.

How could I not fall for God’s creation? The beauty of the north so to speak–where colors and sounds complement with nature left beholders amazed despite the taunting haunt of a depressing weather. Now let gratefulness alone consume my heart. Click, click, click! Done.

New Year, New Journal

Although I had so much to say from last year’s goings-on and motions, but had to constrain my thoughts in twenty-five words–it was for the sake of creative discipline.

My old journal has done, but another set of pages is about to start–simply to put into words what God has in stored this year–to unravel a particular message behind every journey. As always, each will be posted on Facebook and in this spot.

Welcome and Thanks

For those who have been following or visiting my blog for years, thank you so much. It means a lot. And oh, I am keeping it still with a different theme this year-Behind Every Journey-not a prolific talk-not my intention. Two paragraphs would do perhaps.

Of course, it's no longer "Journey in Twenty-five Words". Hang on. I will keep you posted... so soon. Meanwhile, a blissful and wonderful New year to one and all!