I'll be back to blogging later! :) watch out for lots of photos to be uploaded! IM back to earth and have to start this site before the world ends... living life to the FULLEST! goodnite!

lagaw ta sa Lake sebu!

Let us explore the beauty South Cotabato. 

where cultivation of culture and rich tribal heritage can be found...

With its mystical lake and home of the best tilapias....

FUN.. GooD FOOD.. Great scenery.... 

This is  the Summer Capital of the South

LAKE SEBU!

LOVING THE KIDS ON STREET

in response to Civic Journalism Project of MSU-GSC team during the 1st Mindanao Online Journalism Seminar by Smart Communications.



While some of you are eating in an airconditioned fast food after a hard day, he peeps there on the glass that separates your world from his world. He had also thought of munching your burger while in his reality, a diet of spoiled buns with cheese or mixed leftovers of rice and bits of meat attached to bones. He would have wished to sip an ice cold coke but he had rust-savored tap water from faucet instead.
            Some children from a well-provided had enjoyed their new clothes for every occasion … for every other day. These kids proudly wear theirs in diurnal and on different weather; where it wore an indifferent color of a piece of metal or from the juices of garbage that had soaked there to ages.
            You may have several body sprays to sprit on your fragile body. Yet hers was an aroma from different scents of nature, sweat, and encounters on street. And while you are secured from any harm in your home; theirs was an endless exposure to any demons that would gnaw every fiber of dignity till their death.
To them, streets had been a huge kingdom where freedom can be found and served as a haven for broken souls.
            A student may do get excited for a semester’s end or a summer vacation. But these, little kids enjoy theirs in double. They got did their work and vacation in one at the entrances of malls or establishments, in markets and in churches. Their never-ending trip to the facets of life was considered as the best journey to the real world being untouched by some people around them. On the other hand, ours was only a glimpse of world from our car windows or from the distance where only our eyes can reach.
It is undeniable nowadays to see these kids in thoroughfares of Metro Dadiangas begging for food or dimes in the middle of the road and carrying heavy loads at local markets. Some of them were involved in prostitution and crimes (DSWD report.)
Why do these kids find the streets so attractive instead of the “comfort” of their home? Why do children leave the classroom for the streets or roam the shopping malls or markets instead?
To answer these queries, the Bagwis writers had a close encounter with some of these kids, who in by no means became a part of an urban landscape. And they too have their own stories to tell.

“The Mac-Mac Aban Story”
            In the middle of a sunny afternoon, we found a band of children in one of the busy streets downtown. Mac-Mac, together with his younger brothers earns their daily income in scavenging plastics and metals. They also wander the streets and churches to beg for food or dimes. Unemployment in Davao had made his parents decide to transfer here in GenSan, where his father finally worked in one of the canning factories. Unfortunately, while at his preschool, their mother left them and never returned. This made him quit his early education. Moreover, their father had often left their home and returned drunk after work.
            Like any other child, Mac-Mac had a dream of becoming a police. He had narrated the reason for this dream. It is when he was once punished by the authority for being mistakenly identified as a thief.
Highlights:
            Bagwis: Kung makaistorya mo si Gloria, unsa imong iingon?
Mac-Mac: “Ingnon nako siya te, na gusto ko magskwela.”
….“imbis na magtan-aw mi Tv, punit nalang mi ug plastic.”



Jomari Milan’s story
He is a timid boy of 11 years, who fills his pocket with coins from scavenging and begging. During a talk with him, we found out that his parents were separated since he was five. In seven children, he was the only one left under his grandmother; the rest were in his father’s custody.

On being reunited with his father after six years:
bagwis: kanus-a mo ulihi nagkita sa imung papa?
J:         katung biyernes lang.
bagwis: unsa man iyang gisulti sa inyuha?
J:         nangutana sya kung naa pa ba mi bugas.

“The Fatima Yusop Story”
            Fatima, a young girl of eight had a sunny soul despite of the sours of life. Without having the capability to read or write, she had suffered ignorance from older boys (preferably rugby boys) who used to steal her income from begging. In a childish conversation with her, we found out that Fatima had never experienced how it is to have a mother, or how tasty a lechon manok is. We also found out that she once sniffed a rugby wherein she felt special powers in her veins and called herself as “Babaeng Lawin!”, talked about being a superhero to escape hunger. She had admitted to have lost her interest in school brought by a cruel teacher which traumatized her.  The following are actual conversations by the team with Fatima:
Bagwis:kung tagaan taka ug daghan kaau nga kwarta, unsaon man nimo?
F:palit nako bugas.
bagwis:dili ka mageskwela?
F:dili
bagwis:ngano man?
F:(silent)
She also narrated to have caught by an NGO (Bantay Bata) and was able to escape with the help of personnel there.


When asked why she loved to stay on the street rather that to stay in Bantay Bata, Fatima answered:


F:ginapahugas mi plato. ganapalimpyu mi CR, bunalan mi kung dili mi maglimpyu.

Based on GenSan’s City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) the population of street children in 2009 had reached 6,775 compare to 2005 street children which is  230,443 which ranges from 0-17 years old. It is therefore presumed that the figure had doubled or still increasing for this year.
            Who are these kids? According to Rebecca V. Magante, Department head of CSWDO GenSan, the factors which triggers a child to walk into streets are brought by poverty, broken families,or lost of interest to studies. She classified two types of children on street; these are children at risk and Children in Conflict with the law. Children at risk are those who are sexually abused, child trafficking, physically abused and neglected. On the other hand, children in conflict with the law are those who committed theft, rugby sniffing, murder, rape, damaged to property, and violation of RA 9165 of against illegal drugs.
            In addition, the government had allotted 1.5 million for these kids under the welfare of CSWD for their programs of educating children and another 17 million (not sure) for their parents in livelihood program.
            But why do these kids are still on street?
            The CSWDO explain that street children who are picked up during their operations are being turned over into their respective barangay council if any. The possibility that made the kids go back to streets again are due to hunger and irresponsible parents. Based on the interviews earlier, the common reason why they go out to streets is because of negligence that their parents had brought them leaving them ignorant and hungry from love that they should feel aside from empty stomach.
            The government as well as their parents had lacked of responsibility to their children. Though it is good to have knowledge, but the knowledge fails to ‘serve’ humankind if it is not put into action. Parents must  indulged into our minds that in order for a child to grow into good way, a home could be likened to a greenhouse where children grow to their fullest potential under the care of wise and patient gardener. Parents should be like the gardener who nurturers each plant in the greenhouse to come to flower as the Creator has endowed it.
            How will the voices of Mac-Mac, Jomari and Fatima as few of the innocent souls in streets be heard? Will these kids become successful like  “Paa” Kofi Annan who was once “roaming the streets of Ghana” as a child had become the “President of the World” (the Secretary-General of the United Nations since  2002).
            WOULD YOU BE OF GREAT HELP

the Spider Girl

THE SPIDER GIRL

Written in October 2007, a month after I got an accident during the BSP Jamborette.

Location: Maasim, Sarangani Province 

Jojane Pearl H. Hiponia, IV- Milkyway

                Blindfolded and walking alone, that’s what most of us feel in a lifetime full of major risks and decisions. It might seem safer to remain stagnant but isn’t it more fulfilling if despite the fear of falling from a cliff and bruised knees, steps were taken?

                In the end, losing and mistakes won’t count. What matters most is the person we turned out to be. Not naïve but wise and beautifully molded by experiences.

                It was one of the greatest mornings. I woke up early and full of excitement as I prepared all my stuffs needed fro my stay at the BSP (Boy Scout of the Philippines) Camp. I was one of the Roverettes,lady scouts joined in the BSP whose our school had allowed to participate the Scout Jamboree and Kawan Holiday Cum, Eco Camp at Maasim,Sarangani Province.

                Me and my colleagues chatted and previewed how the campsite looked like as we ride on a dump truck heading to our destination.

                “Maybe we’ll get tanned while staying there.” Says my friend.

                “I, myself will decrease my weight and become too sexy as the camp ends!” I uttered dreamingly.

                So nearly in the afternoon, we reached the place already tired and thirsty. It feels so relaxing to see the ocean’s beauty as its soft breeze gently kissed our dehydrated skin.

                As the activities started, we always thrill of discovering new places and learning new one that will surely add our knowledge. There is no electricity in the campsite, so all our mobile phones were useless. We got into different places and admire the nature’s beauty while hiking and doing community service as part of the training.

                On our third day, we have to undergo a scout commando training to fulfill the whole scheduled activities. I, once dreamed of overcoming my fears and experiencing things which girls don’t usually do grabbed the challenge that I know will strengthen my being.

                We were queuing ourselves and crawled to the muddy ground passing through the mini-tunnels and obstacles they prepared. We even race to know one’s ability and laugh thunderously after discovering our new look—bodies tainted with mud (looks like we’re flood victims.)

THE FREE-FALLING MOMENT

Spider’s Web: this is the second obstacle that thrilled me a lot. It was a rope-made structure about more than twenty(20) feet high. It was hanging freely on a large branch of a tree and already wet. I, then known to be a risk-taker challenged to clim it with no safety belts or harness. Since the staffs assigned specifically the Army troops and BSP officials didn’t provide one.)

“Kaya mo na Jane! Lapit nalang!” (Go Jane! You can make it! Few steps more!).

Those were the loud cheers and howling of my colleagues as I was making my way down (finally) while clinging tightly on the rope.

“One…two…three…” I counted my steps carefully, and then paused for a rest. I am now 12 feet above the ground. “Alas! I’ll conquer it!”  But just in time when my feet actions its next step, I suddenly slipped, lost control and felt weakness in my hand. Then what followed was the worst nightmare of my life.

“Blag!” A loud crash filled the air as I fell on the sun-baked ground (almost rocky). A sudden blackout covered me for a few seconds. Then I opened my eyes and tried to move a little bit. The crowd came clashing and surrounded me. Some were shocked and terrified as if I’m dead. But one great presence during that time was a certain BSP official of Tampakan, an assigned officer, who didn’t help at all. Instead of helping me stand he immediately shows off his camera and aim to shoot me with several photos as I gasp for air of life. well in a moment, our school troop leader finally managed to guide me to stand slowly. I then felt an excruciating pain down to my spine, my lower body shakes and a little numb on my back. Its as if the blood’s gushing from one of my backbones and scattering to my ribs.

I feel so ashamed but cant hide the pain. I managed to remain calm after a few minutes while waiting for a vehicle that would take me to the clinic.

AT THE CLINIC

                The medics advised me to wait till morning because of the unavailability of the ambulance that would rush me to the hospital downtown. I bathed myself alone and cried a pain every time I bend to reach the container full of water to wash away the dirt on my body.

                The ambulance came the next day and I was taken to General Santos City for an X-ray. I was expecting that I will be admitted to a hospital but we immediately go back to the camp site where the event resumed until the last day. I took series of sunset shoots on which I entitled THE LAST SUNSET. (Photos can be viewed in this blog.)

                HOME AT LAST

                The four day camp was finally over and we got home. my parents immediately took me to an Orthopedic since the their was no proper diagnosis about the X-ray that we had in GenSan, lack of action by responsible authority of course!

                The doctor diagnosed me having a Lumbar Compression Fracture specifically in my L1. spine. This is a crucial state wherein a patient could have been paralyzed on the spot of accident. He then advised me not to harsh moves or stand often unless a brace or a surgery will be done. I was admitted to the hospital right away.

THE GLOOMY DAYS

                tears of defeat fell from my eyes as they moved me into the hospital room. How can I live normally? What about my future? I am really aware that we’re financially drained. Even I am the only daughter, my parents still have to work hard just to earn money for my medications. (hey! We’re not rich as others thought.)

                I always found myself alone…

                Always thinking about what life would be  now that im almost disabled.

                I can’t do things normally like I did before. The hang outs with friends…. Joining competitions in and out of school… playing my sport…or even my dream of entering the PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy) or the PMA (Philippine Military Academy). These are all VANISHED! It’ll be forever a dream. (and im quite sure others will laugh upon knowing this.)

THE AFTER LIFE

                Now I go to school with braces attached on my body. I’m still attending the class despite of my doctor’s advice to stay in bed for four months. I have to go on and receive my high school diploma in just a few months. It would be painful on my part if I stay on that bed and think of my classmates on our graduation day. I don’t wanna left behind… I want to go to college too… and repair my life.

                There are others who gave negative criticisms on my plight. Some blamed me saying, “Ang laki ng katawan mo, pero ang liit ng utak mo!” … others would utter “Buti nga sa’yo” and grin upon seeing me.

                Somehow there are persons who changed my gloomy sunsets with brighter mornings. They filled the empty space that I used to occupy alone… wiped my tears and changed it into smiles…and sheltered me with love and care. I appreciate those friends who stayed and never turned their back after seeing my condition. I can say that I regained enough strength in facing a more tough challenges (especially the below the belt insults of people and the plastic heads).

                With fingers crossed…. I know that time will heal this wound… that with GOD’s eternal love I will fulfill his plans for me.

And today, here I am sitting in front of the computer. I had just celebrated another year of my life as I shared the past that created my name as SPIDER GIRL.

Photoblog

Date a girl whose favorite sound is the click-click of the shutter as it closes and opens to capture a memory. Date a girl who sees the wonder in the simplest things. Date a girl who looks at the world and wonders how to put a little of herself in it.
You might find her in the park, lost behind her lens, the world a blur around her as she tries to capture a single moment in time. You might find her in an exhibit, a look of concentration on her face as she contemplates a photograph that called out to her as she was passing by. Or maybe you will find her in a bookstore, a book in her lap as she pores over photographs of weddings all the while wondering what hers would look like.
Take her out to photo walks and laugh as she tries to take a picture of you. When she gets tired of walking, buy her cupcakes but wait until she has taken pictures of them before proceeding to eat them. Listen as she tells you her ideas for a photo shoot on the ride home.
Take her to a restaurant and wait patiently as she surveys the menu carefully, appreciating the food photography. And again, wait until she has taken a photo of your food before digging in. Allow her introduce you to Ansel Adams while you both eat your lunch. Introduce her to your favorite musician as you wait for the bill to arrive. When you get home, change your Facebook profile picture into a photograph she took of you. She silently hoped for it.
Take stolen shots of her. Compile it and give it to her on her birthday. Tell her you love her over and over until your voice replaces the click of the shutter as her favorite sound. Kiss her after she lifts her head up from the camera. Give her camera-shaped necklaces. Go places with her. You will never be bored again.
Date a girl who takes photographs. She will never whine about a little dirt on her favorite pair of jeans as she kneels down to get a better angle of her subject. She will never be afraid to take adventures with you. She will take photographs of you not just with her camera but with her mind as well and keep it to herself to admire at night. But above all, she will teach you how to look at the world with a brand new perspective and she will do that unknowingly.
Marry a girl who takes photographs. Ditch those wedding photography books and give her the most beautiful wedding you could. She will teach your kids to find the beauty in everything just as she had taught you. Every day will be an adventure as she tries to create photograph-worthy memories with you. She may wake you up in the middle of the night because she is buzzing with ideas but she will make it up in the morning with a stack of hot pancakes beside a steaming cup of your favorite coffee blend.
Grow old with a girl who takes photographs. Sit with her on the front porch as you both pore over the bits and pieces of the moments you’ve had together. Stroke her hair as you both relive the photo walks that you took and the places you have been when you were both young. Smile as you both reenact your clever wedding vows.
Date a girl who takes photographs because she will always see that “something” in the most “nothing” of things. She will never let anyone take you away from her like she never lets anyone steal her photos and that is just one of the evidences that she loves you. ♥♥♥

reblogged from flutterhappy.com.