Nasaan Ka Irog ni Nicanor Abelardo

Nasaan ka Irog,
At dagling naparam ang iyong pag-ibig?
'Di baga sumpa mo, ako'y mamahalin?
Iyong itatangi, iyong itatangi
Magpa-hanggang libing,
Subalit nasaan ang gayong pagtingin?

Nasaan ka Irog
At natitiis mong ako'y mangulila,
at hanap-hanapin ikaw sa alaala
Nasaan ang sabi mong
Akoy' iyong Ligaya
Ngayo'y nalulumbay
ay di ka makita.
Irog ko'y tandaan
kung ako man ay iyong siniphayo
Mga sumpa't lambing
Pinaram mong buo
Ang lahat sa buhay ko
ay hindi maglalaho't
Masisilbing bakas
Nang nagdaan
'tang pagsuyo.

Tandaan mo irog,
Irog ko'y tandaan
Ang lahat sa Buhay ko
ay hindi maglalaho''t
Magsisilbing bakas
'Tang Pagsuyo,
Nasaan ka irog,
Nasaan ka irog?

Sitsiritsit

Sitsiritsit, alibangbang
Salaginto at salagubang.
Ang babae sa lansangan,
Kung gumiri’y parang tandang.
Santo Niño sa Pandakan  
Puto seko sa tindahan.
Kung ayaw mong magpautang,
Uubusin ka ng langgam.
Mama, mama, namamangka,
Pasakayin yaring bata
Pagdating sa Maynila,
Ipagpalit sa manyika.
Ale, ale, namamayong,  
Pasukubin yaring sanggol
Pagdating sa Malabon,
Ipagpalit sa bagoong.

Lubi-lubi

Lubi-lubi lubi, lubi lingkuranay
Ayaw gad pagsak-i, kay hibubo-ay.
Ayaw gad pagsak-i,
Lubi-lubi

Kon maruruyag ka kumaon hin silot
Didto la nga didto la
Kan Nanay nga didto la.
Kan Tatay nga didto la, pakigsabot.

Agidaw-gidaw an bukaw
Naglupad-lupad ha igbaw
Agidaw-gidaw an gitgit
Naglupad-lupad ha langit Agidaw-gidaw an bukaw
Naglupad-lupad ha igbaw
Agidaw-gidaw an gitgit
Linmupad ha langit

Enero, Pebrero, Marso, Abril, Mayo,
Hunyo, Hulyo, Agosto,
Setyembre, Oktubre,
Nobyembre, Desyembre,
Lubi-lubi.

Paruparong Bukid

Paruparong bukid na lilipad-lipad
Sa gitna ng daan papagapagaspas
Isang bara ang tapis
Isang dangkal ang manggas
Ang sayang de kola
Isang piyesa ang sayad

May payneta pa siya — uy!
May suklay pa man din — uy!
Nagwas de-ohetes ang palalabasin
Haharap sa altar at mananalamin
At saka lalakad nang pakendeng-kendeng.

Sa Kabukiran

Sa kabukiran walang kalungkutan
Lahat ng araw ay kaligayahan
Ang halaman kung aking masdan
Masiglang lahat ang kanilang kulay

Ang mga ibon nag-aawitan
Kawili-wili silang pakinggan
Kawili-wili silang pakinggan
O aking buhay na maligaya
Busog ang puso at maginhawa

Lawiswis Kawayan

Sabi ng binata halina O hirang
Magpasyal tayo sa lawiswis kawayan
Pugad ng pag-ibig at kaligayahan
Ang mga puso ay pilit magmahalan.

Ang dalaga naman ay bigla pang umayaw
Sasabihin pa kay Inang ng malaman
Binata'y nagtampo at ang wika ikaw pala'y ganyan
Akala ko'y tapat at ako'y minamahal.

Ang dalaga naman ay biglang umiyak
Luha ay tumulo sa dibdib pumatak
Binata'y naawa lumuhod kaagad
Nagmakaamo at humingi ng patawad.

Magtanim ay Di Biro

Magtanim ay di biro
Maghapong nakayuko
Di naman makatayo, di naman maka upo
Bisig ko'y namamanhid
Baywang ko'y nangangawit
Binto ko'y namimintig
Sa pagkababad sa tubig
Sa umaga pag gising
Lahat ay iisipin
Kung saan may patanim
May masarap na pagkain
Ay pagka sawimpalad
Nang inianak sa hirap
Ang bisig kong di iunat
Di kikita ng pilak.

Ang Dalagang Pilipina

Ang dalagang Pilipina
Parang tala sa umaga
Kung tanawin ay nakaliligaya
May ningning na tangi at dakilang ganda

Bulaklak na tanging marilag
Ang bango ay humahalimuyak
Sa mundo'y dakilang panghiyas
Pang-aliw sa pusong may hirapBatis ng ligaya at galak
Hantungan ng madlang pangarap
Ganyan ang dalagang Pilipina
Karapat-dapat sa isang tunay na pagsinta

(Maging sa ugali, maging kumilos, mayumi,
mahinhin, mabini ang lahat ng ayos
Malinis ang puso maging sa pag-irog
may tibay at tining ng loob.) 

O Maliwanag Na Buwan ni Levi Celerio

O maliwanag na buwan
Nakikiusap ako
Ang aking minamahal
Sana ay hanapin mo

Tadhana ma'y magbiro
Araw man ay magdaan
Ang pag-ibig ko sa kanya
Ay hindi maglalaho
Hanggang sa kamatayan

O, buwan sa liwanag mo
Kami'y nagsumpaan ng irog ko
"Giliw ko," ang sabi n'ya
"Ang puso ko'y iyong-iyo."

O, buwan pakiusap ko
Saan man naroon ang irog ko
Sya'y aking hinihintay
Sabihin mo.

Leron, Leron Sinta

Leron leron sinta, Buko ng papaya,
Dala-dalay buslo, Sisidlan ang bunga,
Pagdating sa dulo, Nabali ang sanga,
Kapos ka paralan, Humanap ng iba.

Halika na Neneng, tayo'y manampalok
Dalhin mo ang buslo, sisidlan ng hinog
Pagdating sa dulo'y uunda-undayog
Kumapit ka Neneng, baka ka mahulog.

Halika na Neneng at tayo'y magsimba
At iyong isuot ang baro mo't saya
Ang baro mo't sayang pagkaganda-ganda
Kay ganda ng kulay -- berde, puti, pula.

Ako'y ibigin mo, lalaking matapang
Ang baril ko'y pito, ang sundang ko'y siyam
Ang lalakarin ko'y parte ng dinulang
Isang pinggang pansit ang aking kalaban. 

Karinyosa

Kung ganda ang pag-uusapan
Ay higit na ang Pilipina
Sa lungkot man o sa ligaya
Karinyosa rin at masaya
Sa gitna man ng kahirapan
May sigla pa rin kung kumilos
Pilipina ay karinyosa sa pag-irog

Chorus
Ay hirang, sinta kitang tunay
Puso mo ay ginto
Pangarap ng bawat nagmamahal
Ay mutya, yaman ka sa buhay
Binata ay dukha
Pag di ka nakamtan

Repeat I

Repeat Chorus

Repeat I

Repeat Chorus except last word

Atin Cu Pung Singsing

Atin cu pung singsing,
Metung yang timpucan,
Amana que iti,
Qng indung ibatan;
Sancanqueng sininup,
Qng metung a caban,
Mewala ya iti,
Ecu camalayan.
Ing su cal ning lub cu,
Susucdul qng banua,
Picuruz cung gamat,
Babo ning lamesa;
Nino mang manaquit
Qng singsing cung mana,
Calulung puso cu,
Manginuya queca.

Can't Speak English?

It was my first day in school. I just signed up as an ESL teacher in an international school in Phnom Penh to augment my income in the university in Battambang where I've been teaching for three years now.

 I was assigned to teach Level 10 ( Intermediate) class.

I asked one of the students for her opinion regarding the topic. She replied, "Can't speak English. Don't know English."

I encouraged her by saying with a smile, "Teacher Pablo believes in you. Don't worry. I will definitely understand you."

On my way home I can't help but compare my school with another school in Battambang. My school has a reputation for hiring only native speakers. In fact, I am the first Asian ESL teacher in that school.

 In spite of that I've heard several students say that they can't speak English.

COERR Language Skills Center in Battambang only hires locals. They don't have any foreign teachers. They don't even have Filipino teachers.

The big difference is that I've met a lot of students at COERR who are in level 7 and they are really conversant in English.

This proves that the need to hire native teachers of English  is a must is wrong.It is just a myth.

What schools need to do  is to hire competent teachers.

Let's take the case of the Philippines for example. I never had native English teacher since the first time I entered school. I learned English in a public school and with Filipino teachers.

In fact, the Philippines never hired foreign teachers. The only time that the Philippines had American English teachers was in 1901 when the U.S. government sent 500 trained teachers to the Philippines. That's just it. After that we were practically on our own.

The differrence? The American English teachers who went to the Philippines in 1901 and the teachers at COERR know pedagogy. They were and are trained teachers.

While most of the native American teachers here plumbers, electricians, gardeners or waiters whom I guess are having difficulty finding jobs in the U.S. probably because of lack of qualifications.

Those who are really trained and qualified American English teachers would rather go to China, Japan or Korea where they can earn 3,000 to 4,000usd.

American ESL teachers here in Cambodia earn 800usd to 1200usd. 

I am not giving up. This is the reason why I really enjoy my teaching job at UME (University of Management and Economics) in Battambang. I am sure that my students will sooner or later become school administrators. I hope that they will not look at the color of the skin when they hire ESL teachers. They can hire whites, blacks or Asians. It doesn't matter. What is important is that they should look at the qualifications. I am sure though that they will hire teachers based on competencies.

Two Davids

A Roller Coaster Ride

by: Jun Gravoso

David is a typical 30-something Christian guy who grew up in Sunday schools. He was raised in a Christian home. He is blessed with a stable teaching job. He’s married to a kind and understanding woman.  He now rarely attends worship services though. The reason? He feels that God is so far away. For him it seems that God is a distant God. The root cause of his feeling? He had an extra-marital affair which gave him a son.

No, this is not the story of the biblical David.

David is one of my colleagues in school.

“Let’s go to church”, I said.

“I really don’t know. I no longer have the desire to attend worship services,” David replied.

I just looked at him with compassion and understanding. I wanted to  tell him that I am a friend who will always understand.

“I miss those good old days when I was so active in the church. I remember that I always had my daily devotion with my wife.”

“Then the more that we should go to church now.”, I said.

“How can I go to  church? You know, I really feel guilty. How can I praise God when I failed Him?”

My friend’s story is the same as that of biblical David.

David grew up in the fear of the Lord. He was really favored by God.

But he committed one grave mistake.  

He had an affair with Bathsheba. This affair affected David so much. He felt that God departed from him. In Psalm 22:1 David lamented, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thouso far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” (KJV)

I can empathize with David.

I guess my co-teacher David can also feel with King David.

I bet my bottom dollar that so many of us can relate with King David’s feeling.

So many of us are pleading to God what King David is asking God in Psalm 22:11 “Be not far from me.” (KJV)

I guess so many of us had sleepless nights crying to God and we felt that God wasn’t listening to us. This is what David felt when he wrote, “O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.” (Psalm 22:2, KJV)

Duringthese times of crises it really is very important for us to go back to the Bible and see what Christ has done for us.

When we are tormented because of sins we have to remind ourselves that Christ died for our sins. (Romans 5:8)

I strongly believe that when The Father sees us He is going to look at what Christ has done on the cross and not to our transgressions. The blood of Jesus will cover all of our sins.

This is what the Bible promises us.

That we will be white as snow.

We also have to remind ourselves that nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:38) We are eternally secure in God’s love.

There is one catch though.

We have to admit that we committed a sin and confess that sin to God.

We can hold on to his promise in 1 John 1:9. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ‘all’ unrighteousness.” (emphasis mine)

Do you feel that God is so far away?

The Bible says that we are secured in God’s love. (Romans 8:38)

Do you feel that God is so far away  because of life’s blunder?

Claim Romans 5:8.

But never, never forget 1 John 1:9. J

A Self-Confessed Jurassic

I don’t use mobile phones.

Not because I don’t have one. I have an obsolete unit. It is still functional though. I can still use it to call and send sms if I needed to. Though most of the time it is just lying somewhere in my topsy-turvy room. I seldom bring it with me.

I do have valid reasons why I always leave it at home. First, it really is very irritating when someone calls me when I am so busy or during my classes. I really am aghast when I am focused in doing something and suddenly my phone rings because of a not-so-very-important concern of a friend. I believe that if someone needs to tell me a very important message, he should come and see me. Second, nothing beats the face-to-face conversation. If I need to talk to someone, I prefer seeing him face-to-face to get what I want. I feel that conversation is really not clearer when it is done through the phone.

 Mind you, I haven’t brought my cellphone with me for ages and I am happier now because I am not scared that I may l lose or misplace it. How much is a cellphone now? I witnessed how a number of my friends cry rivers because they lose their precious and treasured mobile phones. With my present state of financial difficulties I will definitely be in despair if I lose thousands of my hard earned money. Not to mention that I am a card-bearing cheapskate.  Moreover, why should I buy an expensive and an up-to-date model of a mobile phone when I only need to call someone whom I cannot see probably because of geographical considerations? I can also call someone with a cheaper, second-hand mobile phone. Function is more important for me than aesthetics.

I also don’t give a damn importance to trimmings. If it can do what is supposed to do, then it is okay with me. Years ago, I had this Alcatel mobile phone which my friends call “safeguard” because of its shape. My friends always made fun of my cellphone whenever we were together. Once we were in McDonald’s and we left our table to go to the counter to order foods. We left our stuffs on the table thinking that it is safe inside McDonald’s. To our dismay, a hooligan probably passed by and got my friend’s Nokie 3310 (the latest craze at that time). To my delight and to my friends chagrin, the thug left my Alcatel. At that instance, my “safeguard” became an instant hit. 

 My friend learn his lesson and he learned it too late.

The next day when I saw him he was carrying an Alcatel.

Leavin' Cambodia

I am leaving Cambodia soon.

What made me decide to leave Cambodia? Some may say that I've grown tired of living here. I really do not know.

Or let us just say that I want to give myself a break. Let me tell you a story to illustrate my dire situation here.

There was a heavy rain last week. As a consequence of that, some areas in Battambang were flooded. On my way home from school, I had to do one thing that I dreaded the most. I walked through the flooded street while imagining all the harmful bacteria that pass through my pores.

There are other horrible stories I can tell you but I think one is enough. Besides, I love Cambodia so much that I don't want to paint an awful picture of her.

Anyway, there are happy memories which I will treasure for the rest of my life. I met a lot of wonderful people who are now now part of my being.

My students who gave me wonderful time in school. They are too many to mention. I remember my students in Banteay Meanchey who climbed mountains with me. My students in BBU who are all awesome. My students in Aii in Phnom Penh who are also equally gun to be with. My students here in Battambang who taught me that there are still teenagers who are respectful and peace-loving. Thank you very much.

The ordinary people who I met everyday here in Cambodia. The store owners, the motodop drivers, the beggars which is seems innumerable. All of you gave me new perspective in life.

Indeed, Shakespeare was correct when he said, "Parting is such a sweet sorrow."

LMAO (Laughing My Ass Off)

Human relationships are very complicated. That is the very reason why psychology is not an exact science.



In my life I've been trying not to emotionally hurt others. However, I've unintentionally offended some recently. I apologized to them not because what I did was wrong. I've apologized to them because I've hurt their feelings.



I believe that all of us have to learn how to relate with others.



I am reminded of the lyrics of the song that says, "Baby... baby.. it's a wild world."



Yes, this is really a wild world.



Therefore, we also have to learn how to politely tell people to mind their "breaks". Sometimes it is needed to tell others to "stop".



I am reminded of the incident a month ago when I was told by a young lass to be careful of others. The young lass told me that I really should not easily trust people.



A person who I think is wiser reminded her that I am old enough to know what is right and what is wrong.



Part of my philosophy when it comes to relationship is that I should never, never tell others what to do unless they ask for my opinion. And even if they asked for my opinion I sometimes tell them that I can't decide for themselves. (My leaning is towards non-directive counseling.)



What I usually do is just to give others a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Basically, I just try to help them process their feelings.



But how about others who have the habit of telling you what to do?



Let me quote my previous blog:



"Another subtype of this first group is the "Smart Aleck". They will tell you what to do and they love to brag about their opinions. What the heck! Let them believe that they know everything. Let them be like clanging cymbals though I really can't relate with them. For I have learned that the only thing I know in this life is that I know nothing." (http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150174304179452)



So, you may think that you are wiser than me. That's okay. That is a valid feeling.



But do you think that it is wiser to give your pieces of advice only if you were asked?



Mmm...



Just wondering.

Just Unfriended Someone

I just preached in our vesper service today.



In my preaching, I mentioned that there are people who will sap our strength. There will always be discouragers. They will come to you pretending to be friends (in a sheep's clothes). They may even pretend that they are discouraging you because they care.



I encountered that kind of person just now.



What did I do? I unfriended him on facebook. That doesn't mean that he's now my enemy. No. :-)



I unfriended him because if I won't I feel that he will just weigh me down.



I am reminded of my past note entitled "Pain-In-The-Neck".



Well, to tell you more about it allow me to share to you our exchange ot messages. Let's name him "U.P." which means "unfriended person".



Here it is:



Me:

Sorry, Doug, if I offended your sensibilities. I posted those for my friends who can understand my fears, my decisions, and my feelings.



I am sorry again.



UNFRIENDED PERSON (U.P.):



no need to apologies (sic) - i just felt that humility in these matters my be better - but I will pray for your success my friend



Me:



If you think that I am boasting when I posted that note - THEN YOU ARE WRONG!



That has never been and will never be my intention. You've seen it differently though.



Please do not respond to this. As I deleted you from my friends' list.



U.P.:



how mature and christian of you



Me:



Yes, I am a Christian. And being a Christian doesn't mean that you will accept insults. I felt insulted



First, I was accused of being humbug or boastful. And now, I am being accused of being immature.



Thank you but I know myself.



I just want to let you know that I've already forgiven you for your accusations.



I have the right to choose my friends though. Thus, I will appreciate if you will no longer respond to this.



U.P.:

wow what a shame you cannot accept any form of criticism - friends are not supposed to just agree with every thing you do or say they are there to offer advice -i am sorry if you think i insulted you - a guilty conscience maybe - anyway it is between you and God not me - i wish you well in your Christian activities



Me:



If I want to give constructive criticism, I approach that person personally without others knowing it. I make it a point that it is just between the two of us. I don't let others hear my negative but constructive criticism simply because I care for that friend. My criticism might be correct or wrong. But I will definitely not talk about it in front of people since it is something negative. Probably, I will accept it if you've said privately, like if you will send it to me as a personal message. But you criticized me in front people by posting it publicly.



What is the right way to criticize a person? I believe that the best way for a person to criticize a person is to talk to him privately.



Doug, I can accept criticism but you said it in an offending manner.



Apologies accepted.



Yes, it is really a shame if I cannot accept criticism. But I assure you, I can. It's just you said it in a wrong way. A WRONG WAY!



And, Doug, may I give you an unsolicited advice?



You are here in Asia. And we Asians are really not that upfront. I hope that you will also consider Asian cultures when dealing with Thais. I am sure you've got a lot of Thai friends who will tell you about Asian cultures.



U.P.



"knowing yourself? is that ego? Surely it is how God sees you that matters and if you see yourself differently to how others see you then so what - few of us see ourselves as others see us - God bless



Me:



I know myself. I see myself as God sees me - no more, no less.



I am loved by God, not perfect but forgiven. I am also special to Him.



I don't see myself as the way other see me. I see myself as how God sees me.



You see, men are fallen. We are all sinners. I am a sinner. If I will see myself the way other see me - I will have a distorted view of myself.



I should see myself as God sees me - love, forgiven and empowered by His Holy Spirit.

Sermon Outline: How We Can Be Worthy of God's Calling (I Corinthians 4:13)

How Can We Live Worthy of His Calling

(Ephesians: 4: 1-13)

by: Jun Gravoso



Introduction

All Christians are called. We are called to be the light and salt of this world. It is a special calling.

That means we have to live worthy of His calling.

We can live worthy of His calling:



I. By having a good attitude (verse 2)

A. with humility (verse 2a)
B. with perseverance (verse 2b)

II. By being at peace with one another (verse 3)

A. by loving others (verse 2c)
B. through the spirit (verse 3)

III. By using our spiritual gifts (verses 11-13)

A. for ministry work (verses 11-12a)
B. for edification of the church (verse 12b)



Conclusion:

It is really hard to live a Christian life if we will rely on ourselves. But with God’s help we can live a life that will show to others that our God is a living God. A God that can change the lives of people.

We also have to examine ourselves. Are we living a life worthy of His calling? A life that will also bring others to the saving power of Christ?

A Doctor's Nightmare

I feel that I am a doctor's nightmare.



First, I am now limping for reason I cannot fathom. In fact, I was crawling when I went to the toilet the other night. I've seen three doctors and they all have different diagnoses. The first doctor said I had a gout. The second doctor said that it is simple case of wear and tear of muscles. The third doctor said that it is because of my weight. He said that I am overweight and my feet cannot support my weight.



Second, I am half-blind now probably because of cataract. My students often notice it when I read in front of the class.



Third, I am a diabetic.



My colleagues, perhaps, are wondering why it seems that I am not bothered by my health. And yes, it is true that I am not bothered by it.



Definitely not primarily because I've learned to accept my situation.



I am not bothered by my health simply because it reminds me that I am human. It reminds me that I should really depend on God.



I thank Him because this is an opportunity to exercise my faith.



As the song says, "I don't know what the future holds." I don't know if I will be crawling to go to university tomorrow.



I know, though, that God will not forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). I also know that if I ask anything according to His will He hears me; and that if He hears me I know that my request will be granted." (I John 5:14-15 Right now, I am asking that God allows me to go to my class regularly.



I am also not bothered by my health now because I always look at the future. My God promised me a glorious future in heaven. In fact, He reserved a place for me in heaven. (John 14:2)



What I am experiencing now is temporal pain. In heaven, there is no pain. There is no sufferings. In heaven, I will no longer need to drink my maintenance drug to regulate my blood sugar.



And I am anxiously awaiting for that day.



"I don't know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day.

I don't borrow from it's sunshine,

For it's skies may turn to gray.

I don't worry o'er the future,

For I know what Jesus said,

And today I'll walk beside Him,

For He knows what is ahead."

- from the hymn of "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"