Voltes V Waterfall

Only a few days ago, we made a very good discovery. We actually saw and bathed in a beautiful waterfall whose cascades flow down several cataracts and eventually to the sea. Yep, Its how beautiful that site is. Apparently, we were the first "tourists" to the site and we selfishly named it "Voltes V Waterfall." The Gen-X readers would have an idea about my age on this one, ha ha! Well, it seemed appropriate, there were five visible falls and basins, the last one being a pool that formed by the sea. It was really a great, great moment. We (there were almost 10 of us including the boatmen who also saw the waterfall for the first time) acted like kids. Some went on impromptu yoga under the water, some jumped to the lowest basin, the others trekked through the highly inclined walls to see the headwater.

We also got another bonus when we visited a fishing community that never saw tourists in their midst. As usual, it was an absolute baby-making machine with laughing children dominating the scene. Really nice and happy community living in extreme hardship. We bought banig (sleeping mat made of leaves), a giant squid (not that giant, but a 4-kilo tinter minus the guts and the head/tentacles). Would have wanted to visit the spring source but night settled in. While some in our group drank rhum with the locals, we got another surprise just beside a house and saw one tree filled with fireflies!

Some other highlights of that trip - some of my companions snorkled near the waterfall and saw night-time corals that are active in the middle of the day. Did some birdwatching and saw a nesting site of rufous night heron on a rocky pinnacle along the coast. Bought 2 small tunas from local fishermen and had a great lunch on an islet with white sand and interesting rock formations (almost similar to the one in Apo Island in Negros Or.) . Some parts of the community actually looked like little Batanes as some of the houses and the churhc are made of rocks collected from their shore.

Unfortunately, I could not share yet the location of that site. I made a promise to the group not to announce yet where that place is (hint: its quite near a fast developing tourist destination). This is just to show you that a few minutes beyond what must be your best destination, there could be a better one.

The Boy Who Always Wanted to Die

At four years old, this boy started wondering why he was alive…. why he was born at all

He found life to be so boring and he wanted no more of it. So he wanted to kill himself.

Luckily, he was so young then. He didn’t have any idea how he could end his life.

So he put aside his wish and went on to live a normal life.

He realized that he could easily make his family happy and he also had many warm moments.

He still felt the occasional boredom and emptiness though. And each time he contemplated on ending his life.

But he gained many friends and he felt contented most of the time. And one day, he discovered Jesus Christ and he felt complete.

So he breezed through high school forgetting about the thought of ending his life.

He met a girl who broke his heart. The urge to die was re-awakened.

Again, his family, friends, and the church put back some sense into him.

Two more girls broke his heart.
Two more times death became almost certain.
Two more times his family, friends, the church and Jesus Christ came to the rescue.

He finally graduated from college, grateful that he was still alive and excited at the prospect of working and earning a living.

He got a good job, alright. But boredom and emptiness caught up with him again.

He again wanted to end his life.

Only the thought of not going to Heaven prevented him from doing so.

He met a girl who eventually became his wife.

Two years became a constant honeymoon period. He was very happy!

Then a child of theirs was born.
Then another, and another….

With three kids, a loving wife, parents, a supportive church, friends, and Jesus Christ. He could not ask for more.

Still, problems eventually arose. This man got so stressed out that he again thought of ending his life as a permanent solution to his problems.

But little by little, his burdens were eventually solved and became manageable.

His kids grew up to become fine and responsible adults.

His wife remains a lovely and a loving friend and companion.

His pals remained by his side.

The church always supported him.

Jesus Christ never left his side.

Now at 76 years old, this man remains a healthy, happy, and living person.

He thought of the many times he wanted to kill himself.

And he laughed at the silliness of the idea.

Carlos Sr., 1938-2006

Last week, my father finally stopped hurting and took a permanent rest. Us 4 children and mother were a bit relieved of his final journey. I just hope that God welcomed my father into His kingdom. I pray that every night.

Eight years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer of the adrenal gland. The doctors gave him not more than one month to live. He could not even lift a finger. Then a sort of a miracle happened. He got well and was able to live many more years.

But some of those years were filled with pain whenever he was brought to the hospital for various age-related ailments. We kept asking God to take away or lessen the pains and suffering father endured.

I did not have much time to visit him in his house. I was busy with my career and for my own family. They become weak excuses though, when everything is too late. I just try to permanently remember my last visit when I sat by his bedside and he gently stroked my arms for the longest time his weak arms allowed him.

Such is the playfulness of fate....

I was in Vietnam when he took his last breath.

I was able to come home for two days for his wake.

Then I was in China when he was laid to rest.

But I know Tatay would understand. He may not be the perfect father one could ask for. But he was the kindest person that formed our family.

I hope to see him in the kingdom of God when my time comes.

Tatay, I hope you get this - I love you......