TRIBUTE TO SEC. JESSE M. ROBREDO

Secretary Jesse Robredo - A Modern Filipino Hero

I know a little about this person; but his untimely death somehow compelled me to write an article about him and how significant his life was.  By now, there are a lot of tributes and specials on TV being made to remember him or to honor him.  A frequent remark is “sayang” or “WHAT A WASTE” to lose such a man. The question is who is JESSE MANALASTAS ROBREDO?

SEC. JESSE M. ROBREDO is primarily asked by Pres. Noynoy Aquino to head the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) aside from being a Liberal Party member, he was the youngest Mayor in the country at the age of 29 in Naga City for 18 years.  During Robredo’s time as Mayor he revitalized the City and made it one of the “Most Improved Cities in Asia” as cited by Asiaweek Magazine likewise awarded him the “RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARD” for his dedication and contribution to Naga City.  He was one of the high ranking officials who can roam around its constituents freely as he is described in the magazine.

I believe that more than just being a party member, he was not just qualified to lead DILG but will also appointed to set a clear example for the LGU and connected offices. Not an example we want but an example we need; clearly this is in lieu to the President’s Aim for Good Governance or “Matuwid na daan.” campaign.   I will not further indulge myself in sharing what most of media will do but simply honor his man for his sheer dedication to public service.

I know most people reading my blog would ask “WHY?”; Why would I write about someone I don’t know and is not related to superheroes or toys? Maybe because I was flattered to know there are still these few men that exist and are committed to public service. Quite frankly it made me think of what Christopher Nolan’s direction to his Batman Trilogy that beyond Bruce Wayne; Batman will be a symbol and make decision’s no one can.  But Sec. Robredo surpasses the Dark Knight in so many ways; aside from the fact the he is real and he is also a devoted family man.

After hearing, seeing and learning about this man’s simplicity and accomplishment I felt compelled to write a simple tribute in my own simple way.  I believe we lost a great man. A man of principles, a man of dignity, a man with ideals to make a country great and most of all a man who values family on top of his obligation to his country.

I believe Sec. Robredo’s death maybe untimely for his love ones and colleagues but is not meaningless as others may think.  His death opened the door and gateway to his life, his compassion, his simplicity and devotion to good governance.  We would never have known he takes the bus on his own to be with his family.  We would never have known he would miss political meetings because he had to go home and support his daughter on her exams the following day. We would never have known he is the principal mind behind the transparency and accountability guidelines being push by DILG.  His untimely death spawned to the knowledge of a hero who did not boast of his power, a hero who does not look at himself above others and a hero any of us can be.  I believe there is a Sec. Robredo in all of us.  A desire for change, a desire to do good, a desire to help, a desire to have a better Philippines.

Sec. Robredo is God’s way of reminding each and every Filipino that there is still hope, we can still be a better nation, we can all take part and financial gain will not be an issue.  His death is indeed a great loss and none wanted but a midst all the tragedy that had happened, it needed the death of a great man to remind us as a nation where we are at.  That there is hope and there is a better future, despite of what most of us think there are still men like JESSEE MANALASTAS ROBREDO that will give hope and direction to our country.

Our sincerest condolences to the family, we are one in prayer and wish you all the best despite this great loss. It was a privilege to know and learn so much about him that will greatly have impact on my work and family.  Thank you for sharing him to the Filipino Nation.

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Robredo

Photos downloaded from the internet. Copyright to their respective owners. 

Man from Manila - Episode 9 - Awakening

Previously…

Resgram was harked back to his past after feeling a strange but familiar aura from a boy who visited.  Harold was Kiko’s closest friend; he was like a big brother and for that he was worried on why he has not seen Kiko for a while. Upon entering the Laboratory; he checked on Kiko and the status of the procedure.

Episode 9 – Awakening

[You seem to be worried sir. You are not yourself and upon scanning; your vital signs you seem to be weakening.  Is there anything I can do sir?]

“I am impressed with you computer, your AI is most impressive.  You have proven to be more than just equipment to me.”

[May I ask sir, why this much interest in this boy? His mother? His welfare?]

“I have been here for quite a while computer; I have failed myself and everything I stand for.  I have lived my life in compromise, avoiding conflict and never stood up for what I believed in.  Nikka gave me a new start and make things better until she died; Kiko is all I have left.”

Resgram sat down in front of Kiko’s chamber and looked at him. “This boy will be my Legacy in this planet; he will be embodying everything I failed to do. Unlike the shadows where I hide, he will be exposed and embraced by this generation.”

[You have big plans for this boy]

“Have high hopes and dreams for this boy”

FIVE YEARS AFTER

Much has changed over the years; the backyard now has a vegetable garden and farm animals such as chickens and turkeys roaming around.  On the other side there are two pigs in a self made pen; other plant can also be found such as tomato, chili, okra, egg plants and many more.  This was Resgram’s recent project for since last year.  He was preparing for Kiko’s awakening in few weeks time.

Much has also changed in Kiko’s appearance over the years, he is now a young man.  There are now only five (5) tubes connected including the oxygen and the Alibata tattoo’s are finished and has adopted to his body; these markings on his body are not just tattoos but is the bio nano-tech installed to stabilize Resgram’s blood and Kiko.  These are special markings in a way that after he awakens and is removed from the chamber it will subside and are invisible; Resgram programmed it in such a way that the inks would adopt Kiko’s skin pigment.

Resgram was out in the nearby cliff, it was across the wide field where Kiko used to play, a big tree was holding the ground, looking down the cliff is the nearby river.  Water ran constantly due to the fact that water comes from the other side of the mountain and into the town across the valley.  Wind blowing in his face as he closed his eyes standing near the edge.  Vision like images visualized through dreaming was part of the chamber’s programming to teach basic things since he was not in school, the sense of playing and enjoying his childhood was simulated… suddenly he opened his eyes.  His comlinked beeped [We are ready sir for discharge] Resgram nodded looked down in the ground and almost smiled, turned around and looked at the sky. “Welcome back” softly spoken in the air and flew back to the house.

“Computer, are we ready?”

[100% sir, vitals are optimum]

“Ok, initiate release sequence.”

[Releasing]

The chamber, moved from vertical to horizontal, fluids are slowly drained from the cylinder. The cylinder top glass slides open then is concealed under the floor via opening panel. Tubes on the arms and legs are removed as it retracts down the floor; lastly the oxygen support is removed. You can see the excitement in Resgram’s eyes as everything unfolds.  The Alibata Tattoo slowly subsides as the ink matches color with Kiko’s skin tone.  Resgram covers Kiko’s body with a towel and prepared a robe when he wakes.  Resgram moved him from the lab into another room where he and his mom used to stay.  He was given clothes; everything was camouflage like before making everything looked normal. 

Resgram didn’t want Kiko startled with everything, he felt everything will be explained and revealed in due time. He had an alibi for everything, which he will initially explain to the boy.  He was shot and sadly her mother passed away and due to the shot he was in coma for 5 long years.  He will simply explain to the boy that all he needed to do was be patient and wait for him to wake up eventually which will be a miracle, and now this miracle is a reality in him waking-up.

Kiko after a few minutes starts to open his eyes, everything is blurred and everything is slowly getting clear, it was like waking up from a long deep sleep, a bit drowsy as he gets up?

What just happened? [Touching his head like he had a severe headache]

“A miracle happened, a miracle that brought you back.”

Nana! [Sudden outburst] My Nana was in trouble! Where is my Nana? [Worried, and then suddenly jumped out of the bed to run outside and falls]

“You are still weak, and needs a little more time to recuperate” [Helps Kiko stand-up and assists him to his bed to sit down]

How long was I in coma?

“Five years”

That long? How did I survive? You took care of me?

“I did. I did it for your Nana; I did because you mean a lot from me”

Thank you [Grabs Resgram and embraced him as tears flow down and he started to cry]

“There, there, calm down now, your Nana wouldn’t want to see you cry” [reluctantly gave in and embraced Kiko] “Do you know what your Nana would want you to do?”

What?

“Be the best person you can be and live your life happily and to the fullest.  The best thing you can be is a force for good, helping those in need”

[Looks at Resgram in the eye] Do you think I can do that?

“I know you can!”

Resgram then brought Kiko to his mother’s grave in front of their house, Kiko was crying while he was placing a rose on it. He promised that he will live up to her expectation and will do his best not to help others in need.  Resgram also showed the boy the new vegetable garden and the livestock’s he had, told him that he needs to eat nutritious meal to make him strong and healthy.  There is smile in Kiko’s face as he saw everything.  He couldn’t believe he has been a sleep for such a long time.

Kiko asked Resgram if he could accompany him to the fields where he used to fly kite and play.  He wanted to see the river by the cliff; he wanted to go back to familiar places.  Upon arriving in the fields, Kiko closed his eyes and felt the breeze of the wind pass his face.  He could feel it from the fresh air that he is alive and well with a future worth looking forward.  Resgram felt that Kiko can manage on his own and wanted to enjoy his re-emergence in the world to he told Kiko he was going back to the house and feed the pigs and the chickens.

‘Wow, not much has changed.’  Kiko said while he walks near the cliff besides the old tree. ‘Good thing you’re here’ as he taps the tree ‘You’re the only thing that’s holding the ground.’ He then jumped on the cliff testing the soils stability because of the tree ‘Wow, your awesome!’ then all of the sudden, the ground eroded, him jumping on it made the soil collapsed along with the tree.  Kiko then plummet down with the tree following after him. Kiko screams in fear as he falls down the running river below and at the mercy of a big tree hitting him.  Resgram heard the scream from the house and rushed back to the field to see what the trouble was.

Kiko suddenly glowed, his Alibata tattoos emerged from his skin and as soon as he almost hit the water, he stops and floated and by reflex waives his arms and dodges the tree. As the tree hits his arms, the tattoo was glowing and the tree was swiped and broken in half, he had sliced the tree with his bare hands and the part that hit him was broken into pieces.  Kiko was both surprised and in shock on how fast everything has happened. His reflexes and presence of mind was subliminal.  In the same instance as he hit the tree his legs kicked the air above the water and catapulted him up like a big leap and landed in the ground with the help of his hands safely.

To be continued… 

Man from Manila - Episode 8 - Haunting Past

Previously…

Resgram initiated PROJECT GENESIS with Kiko, a combination of Bio-Organic Nano-Tech infused in the ink of Alibata Tattoos scribed in the body of the boy to regulate the two different DNA in his body.  The entire process will be a long 5 years before it will be finished.

While he was in Nikka’s grave, he saw a boy nearby looking for Kiko.  He was Harold Casaclang, and there was something mysterious about the boy.

Episode 8 – HAUNTING past

Resgram is puzzled over his recent conversation with Harold, he felt something strange yet familiar.  Even the name is familiar, he tries to recall how, when and why a certain aura is very familiar. Flash of images from the past appears in his mind.

[Flashback]

It was the early 1200, the Philippines was part of the exploration of untapped civilization for the Annunakis.  The vast archipelago makes it very ideal secluding artifacts for safekeeping.  Resgram was with Zannukah his exploration and scientific partner, their main mission in the Philippines is to adapt to locals and make them mine gold for them.

Zannukah and Resgram had their differences for a long time; Resgram disagrees in making people follow my misleading them as Gods. He believes that man can be used willingly as long as they are explained why they need it, choose worthy allies and give them the ability to help in the exploration and mining of gold. Zannukah on the other hand looks as the human as beings who would just follow orders, the less they know the better…

“All they need to do is follow orders. They are all puppets and we are their puppeteers.”

We are better than this… we are the greater species; we help them evolve on to what they are now. I believe we can help each other mutually.

“You are as naïve as these humans.  I can’t believe I have to put up with you. [moved closely to Resgram and whispered in his ears] You better get out of my way or else there will be trouble. [Turned around and walked away]

Zanukah on his exploration met Miguel, he was the tribe head sorcerer.  The tribe was located strategically near the sea with a wide landscape on the other side used for farming and a small town.  Miguel was on a cliff nearby meditating when Zanukah saw him from a far.

[Speaking in Visayan Language of the Philippines] You are not from here?

[Zannukah is puzzled as the native speaks in his natural tongue] “Comlink, interface and translate.”

You are not from here? I sense greatness in you my friend.

“I am very impress with you human, you posses power beyond your fellow beings.  I have seen similar traits but you are different in many ways.”

[Telephatic link] What do you seek my friend?

[Zannukah is surprised to hear voices directly in his head] “Promising indeed.”

I am this tribe’s head sorcerer, they call us Punong Babaylan.  I am the only male of my kind.

“Then I will be your mentor so you can be the best there ever will be.”

Tempting, but at what cost?

“Worship me for I am a god sent from the heavens to protect you in exchange for your loyalty and gold offerings.”

God? And what do I get from all of this as your humble servant?

“I will give you power beyond comprehension; you will be my right hand of power. Even your leader will follow you first and worship you along my side.“

Miguel is amazed by what this being is telling him but is having a hard time believing it.  Suddenly he throws a wooden spear to Zannukah from nowhere telepathically; stones around him float and shoots like bullet.  Zannukah was amazed and impressed but with one swipe of the hand everything disintegrated.  He the unleashed an energy with about a mile radius which Resgram felt from their base. “Here we go again.” Resgram said to himself and left the hidden craft.  He went and see what Zannukah was doing and what caused him the outburst of energy.  On the other side of the island, the villagers from Miguel’s tribe also saw the flash of light from a far and the light earthquake that shook the ground.  Everyone was terrified and shocked from what they have just saw.

You got my attention.

“I see you want to test me human” [floats and unleashes energy of almost a mile radius] You dare challenge me? [floats towards Miguel] Defiance has a price… [held his hand up as if he is lifting him and choking him] … death.

Forgive me my lord, I will do as you say. Please release me and I will pledge my loyalty

[throws Miguel on the ground] “Very well. Go back to your tribe and tell them that a god has spoken to you and he will be coming to your land; that you will be blessed as long as you will be obedient and give gold as offering.”

Yes, my lord. [Miguel bowed and walked away in fear to return to his tribe]

As soon as the human was further away, Resgram appeared and confronted Zannukah.  Tension can be felt between the two as Resgram does not agree in what Zannukah is trying to do.  Both are at a fighting stance and pebbles of rock can be seen floating around the two, each of them emitting energy as if both are trying to show who is much stronger.

This is pointless Resgram! It’s either your with me or against me?

“You know too well my friend that I do not agree with this.”

Yes my friend, but mark my words if you get in my way this will be the last place you will ever explore.  You are weak and not worthy to be called an Annunaki, while I am destined for greatness.

“Be it as it may, but I will also do what I think is good for this people.”

I know you will.  It has always been this way.

Zannukah tapped Resgram in his shoulder and flew their way back to their ship.  There is regret in the eyes of Resgram.  He was not ready to take chance, he wasn’t sure if he would win a fight. A flash of light suddenly came from nowhere. [end flashback]

“Arrghhh… [bowed and held his head in pain] The past have always hunted be because I never took a chance, I never fought for what I believed was right.”  Resgram said to himself as he enters the house and went back to Kiko in the Laboratory.

To be continued…

Benefits of Collecting

Hobby: Collecting Precious Items

Are you fond of collecting things that can be memorable to you? It is better to collect items that will let you remember the history of certain places and events. Each time you see the things you would like to collect; it is like time travel that brings you back to the ancient days. There are crystals and other rock formations that can be found in the mountains. In the Philippines, there are various mountains and underground rivers that contain different types of rocks. However, these things cannot be collected because the government protects them. Sometimes attachment to other important things is real. If you really cannot collect stones or rocks, then do not hesitate to collect books, magazines and stuff that are available back in the 70’s and 80’s. 

Collection of Books

We know that some collectors become entrepreneurs just by selling books. There are old books that can be gathered and these pages are really thick. Others are more interested in the story about vengeance while some readers prefer to read stories about related to police investigation. Crimes, syndicates, horror stories and fantasies are the ones that are often considered by people today. You see, we don’t read just about anything. Collection of books is an interesting hobby but there are specific titles and types you need to look at. Books are easier to collect but other things such as watches, rocks and jewelries sometimes allow you to go out and canvass. For others who are practical, they can look for books that are sold at a lower price. Typically, these are second hand books that cost much cheaper than the usual ones. These can be bought from different stores that offer huge discounts. If you’ve read books at home, it will be a good idea to collect them instead of giving them away. Others usually sell it to earn a little. The decision is all yours.

Collection of Magazines

Do you like reading magazines on your spare time? Have you ever thought of collecting them? Before making a final decision, it is important to consider certain categories. These can be technology, science, health and fitness, lifestyle, show business and sports. Actually, there are other things to be added here but let us just name a few. Just like books, collectors can have a chance of buying magazines from owners who offer a book sale. Please don’t throw away magazines that seem to be uninteresting. Let’s face the fact that readers have different tastes. If magazines are about nature and fashion, you need to put them in the proper order and category. Some collectors usually remember the dates, featured personality and added articles. Even if there are topics that seem to be boring, these will still add to a wide range of your collection. To have a good collection of books, it is recommended that these still have introduction and pages are all complete. It is a good move to show the book’s authenticity.

The purpose of collecting items is to show your interests. There are things that have a real connection to the past and these will be your collection.

Jevelme Frago is a freelance writer for  howtoship.com, a website providing shipping tips such as  how to ship,  how to pack items, which packing supplies to use and many more. Get connected with her on  Twitter and  Facebook.