Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
SANO ……….. A VANISHING BREED?
Yayes basares
There was much discussion, sometimes heated, at the Alumi Tambayan of olpseminarista@blogspot.com after a recent picture of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary refectory was published showing a dismal number of present seminarians of our beloved OLPS. (The site is linked to other web sites of different batches of former seminarians: olpsbatch86, batch 87, 83, 81 among others, where each member of the batch gets in touch with one another sharing their achievements, reflections and insights.) The refectory is one place in the seminary where at a given time you can find all the seminarians. It is our dining hall. In the seminary we live a community life, eat together, sleep together, pray, study, work and play together. If a picture paints a thousand words, that picture wails a bucket of tears. The deluge of comments both from the alumni and Sano was unprecedented but was not surprising.
The gist of the comments and feedbacks seems to point to two itchy questions: (1) Is priesthood not that attractive anymore?; and (2) Is Sano a vanishing breed?
What is so special about priesthood is not for me to answer. I am sure as the sun rises in the morning and sets in the afternoon the clergy would claim to be in a better position, by whatever mandate they clout themselves with, or imagine themselves with. To deny them this is to invite the lightning and thunder.
What is special with being a seminarian is easier for me to answer. A simple question demands a simple answer. FOR EVERY SEMINARIAN LIES A POTENTIAL SANO.
The feeling of loss shared by many sano (alumni or not) in the present predicament of OLPS, at least in terms of number of enrollment, at worst on the chances of the diocese of producing more priests, and at an even worst scenario of OLPS closure, as some would suggest, lies on the ever-burning flame of affection, sincere gratitude and deep respect in every SANO for the indelible effect seminary life and training left in all of us.
OLPS existence is defined by its purpose–-to produce priests for the diocese of Sorsogon. Young minds and young hearts answering that call live there in deep understanding and practice of the tenets and principles, the doctrines and teachings of the catholic faith. The irony exists perhaps that this happens at a time when these young minds and young hearts entering their puberty with all the psychological and physiological enigmas thereto attached are trying to embrace and accept a life demanding for sacrifices of earthly pleasures too hard to resist. Thus, it is no wonder that “mortality” in each class is high. While other batches can boast of higher numbers, our batch, batch 86, produced only one priest. Whether that is good or bad news for the diocese is our pleasure to discuss every reunion. The road is too long ridden with too many crossroads and too many doors offering too many pleasures too hard to resist. Whether or not those who made it are holier than us at the most or better than us at the very least remains the other pleasure we have for discussion during reunions.
With this in mind, it is safe to surmise that gathering all the names of former seminarians from the first day of OLPS existence and to date, SANO far outnumbers the clergy.
Every SANO failed to become a priest. YET SANO IS NOT A FAILURE. Our vocation simply took a different color, our response a different tenor. In whatever field you find a SANO, in each of them, you find the unmistakable trademark of OLPS : the discipline, the faith, the character.
ORA, STUDE ET LABORA was not a failure. It continues to guide us. More than the rituals practiced and doctrines professed, it can be glimpsed in the lives of SANO in their deep respect for the institution they once dreamed to belong to and the personalities representing the institution. It is mirrored over and above, behind and beneath the successes and wealths accumulated by most, and also in their families united by filial love and living simple lives. Sometimes I wonder if SANO better understood the essence of the vow of poverty than most clergy. It can be gauged on the work ethics displayed, making them reap their successes and triumphs. All of these have their roots in the values and the formation OLPS gave.
No, don’t close OLPS-–too many orphans it will have.
Us ….. SANO.
Yayes basares
There was much discussion, sometimes heated, at the Alumi Tambayan of olpseminarista@blogspot.com after a recent picture of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary refectory was published showing a dismal number of present seminarians of our beloved OLPS. (The site is linked to other web sites of different batches of former seminarians: olpsbatch86, batch 87, 83, 81 among others, where each member of the batch gets in touch with one another sharing their achievements, reflections and insights.) The refectory is one place in the seminary where at a given time you can find all the seminarians. It is our dining hall. In the seminary we live a community life, eat together, sleep together, pray, study, work and play together. If a picture paints a thousand words, that picture wails a bucket of tears. The deluge of comments both from the alumni and Sano was unprecedented but was not surprising.
The gist of the comments and feedbacks seems to point to two itchy questions: (1) Is priesthood not that attractive anymore?; and (2) Is Sano a vanishing breed?
What is so special about priesthood is not for me to answer. I am sure as the sun rises in the morning and sets in the afternoon the clergy would claim to be in a better position, by whatever mandate they clout themselves with, or imagine themselves with. To deny them this is to invite the lightning and thunder.
What is special with being a seminarian is easier for me to answer. A simple question demands a simple answer. FOR EVERY SEMINARIAN LIES A POTENTIAL SANO.
The feeling of loss shared by many sano (alumni or not) in the present predicament of OLPS, at least in terms of number of enrollment, at worst on the chances of the diocese of producing more priests, and at an even worst scenario of OLPS closure, as some would suggest, lies on the ever-burning flame of affection, sincere gratitude and deep respect in every SANO for the indelible effect seminary life and training left in all of us.
OLPS existence is defined by its purpose–-to produce priests for the diocese of Sorsogon. Young minds and young hearts answering that call live there in deep understanding and practice of the tenets and principles, the doctrines and teachings of the catholic faith. The irony exists perhaps that this happens at a time when these young minds and young hearts entering their puberty with all the psychological and physiological enigmas thereto attached are trying to embrace and accept a life demanding for sacrifices of earthly pleasures too hard to resist. Thus, it is no wonder that “mortality” in each class is high. While other batches can boast of higher numbers, our batch, batch 86, produced only one priest. Whether that is good or bad news for the diocese is our pleasure to discuss every reunion. The road is too long ridden with too many crossroads and too many doors offering too many pleasures too hard to resist. Whether or not those who made it are holier than us at the most or better than us at the very least remains the other pleasure we have for discussion during reunions.
With this in mind, it is safe to surmise that gathering all the names of former seminarians from the first day of OLPS existence and to date, SANO far outnumbers the clergy.
Every SANO failed to become a priest. YET SANO IS NOT A FAILURE. Our vocation simply took a different color, our response a different tenor. In whatever field you find a SANO, in each of them, you find the unmistakable trademark of OLPS : the discipline, the faith, the character.
ORA, STUDE ET LABORA was not a failure. It continues to guide us. More than the rituals practiced and doctrines professed, it can be glimpsed in the lives of SANO in their deep respect for the institution they once dreamed to belong to and the personalities representing the institution. It is mirrored over and above, behind and beneath the successes and wealths accumulated by most, and also in their families united by filial love and living simple lives. Sometimes I wonder if SANO better understood the essence of the vow of poverty than most clergy. It can be gauged on the work ethics displayed, making them reap their successes and triumphs. All of these have their roots in the values and the formation OLPS gave.
No, don’t close OLPS-–too many orphans it will have.
Us ….. SANO.
Up for grabs!: the last shirt
i always forget to bring this with me during our get togethers but here it is, the last remaining shirt from last year's homecoming.the first one who gets it from me can have it. its XL and newly laundered kay in-alamag na sa baul :D
an qualified palan tabi an mga dili nakakuwa sin shirts last year. no reserve palan :p
text me if u want to get this tomorrow in my office in katipunan or if u want me to bring this on friday
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Our latest Flickr albums
i have uploaded almost all our pictures --at least the ones i have. view them by clicking on the pictures
2006-06-02 meet at yellowcab mall of asia
2006-06-10 Maelstrom 20th Anniversary Reunion
2006-06-15 Maelstrom Inc. Meeting
you can also upload pictures by logging in to our flickr account. far easier though to upload by using the uploading tool. you can also upload via email or your cellphone.
2006-06-02 meet at yellowcab mall of asia
2006-06-10 Maelstrom 20th Anniversary Reunion
2006-06-15 Maelstrom Inc. Meeting
you can also upload pictures by logging in to our flickr account. far easier though to upload by using the uploading tool. you can also upload via email or your cellphone.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Maelstrom is a Flickr PRO!
salamat kay mervs we now have a flickr pro account! it means we can upload and store our pictures on flickr!!! we can upload around 2000 pictures a month (2 gigs kasi ang limit ng monthly uploads)to upload pictures:
1. go to http://www.flickr.com
2. login using our account
3. click the upload link or here
4. alternatively if you have broadband, you can download the uploader here
5. pls. dont forget to create a set and label it ok? para organized naman ang album ta
junie, we owe mervs 25$ palan
Friday, August 11, 2006
The Eagle Will Fly
(with apologies to ANTONIO P MELOTO of Gawad Kalinga)
YAYES
Tyrone recently bought a private plane. His excitement in flying shone through his eyes. His first Maelstrom passenger Rino quickly caught the excitement that over and above Bohol’s famous chocolate hills he sent us text messages saying that they looked like miniature "dodo". Nice birds' eye view you got there, bro.
Everybody knew Tyrone. During our seminary years, Tyrone’s passion for flying was already evident. Equipped with the energy of the young, he would always dash for something new, always raring for adventure.
Twenty years after, the passion remains. Only this time, coupled with the wisdom of years, it has ensured him his success.
During our reunion in Cebu last May, Tyrone explored with us the idea of flying to greater heights, and this time taking the whole Maelstrom class on his wings. Rather than expanding his business in his hometown where success was guaranteed he chose to go home to his class. The invitation to form a corporation was laid down on the table over bottle of beers.
“Everytime we hold reunions, for a day or two we live the good life. Thereafter what?”
The idea of forming the class as a corporation and venture into business immediately caught fire. The class oozes with talents and skills, and the members have gained their respective competencies in both the administrative and technical aspects of running a business. The need to assist financially other members of the class and OLPS is its driving force.
Last June 17, 2006 the first ever corporate meeting of Maelstrom Incorporated was held at OLPS. It was the biggest gathering of the class since high school, with 17 in attendance–-coming in all the way from Metro Manila, Cavite, Iloilo, Cebu, Australia (with BJ Reyes on the phone). Our only priest, Rev. Fr. Philip Aurelius Renovalles, fondly to us Fr. Peewee, even took a day off from his parochial duty to be with us. It was a day when everybody became serious, a rare occasion for in each others company there never was a moment we never laughed. We came with a mission-– to discuss, argue, plan and carve the destiny and future of our class as a corporate entity.
Our first business venture will be launched on 15 August, 2006. With the Midas hands of Tyrone, Erwin, Nono, Dave in business, together with the administrative skills of Junie, Jason, Dante, the financial support of most members and the commitment of the whole class, Maelstrom Incorporated looks forward to bright years ahead.
On August 15, 2006 – the eagle will fly!
YAYES
Tyrone recently bought a private plane. His excitement in flying shone through his eyes. His first Maelstrom passenger Rino quickly caught the excitement that over and above Bohol’s famous chocolate hills he sent us text messages saying that they looked like miniature "dodo". Nice birds' eye view you got there, bro.
Everybody knew Tyrone. During our seminary years, Tyrone’s passion for flying was already evident. Equipped with the energy of the young, he would always dash for something new, always raring for adventure.
Twenty years after, the passion remains. Only this time, coupled with the wisdom of years, it has ensured him his success.
During our reunion in Cebu last May, Tyrone explored with us the idea of flying to greater heights, and this time taking the whole Maelstrom class on his wings. Rather than expanding his business in his hometown where success was guaranteed he chose to go home to his class. The invitation to form a corporation was laid down on the table over bottle of beers.
“Everytime we hold reunions, for a day or two we live the good life. Thereafter what?”
The idea of forming the class as a corporation and venture into business immediately caught fire. The class oozes with talents and skills, and the members have gained their respective competencies in both the administrative and technical aspects of running a business. The need to assist financially other members of the class and OLPS is its driving force.
Last June 17, 2006 the first ever corporate meeting of Maelstrom Incorporated was held at OLPS. It was the biggest gathering of the class since high school, with 17 in attendance–-coming in all the way from Metro Manila, Cavite, Iloilo, Cebu, Australia (with BJ Reyes on the phone). Our only priest, Rev. Fr. Philip Aurelius Renovalles, fondly to us Fr. Peewee, even took a day off from his parochial duty to be with us. It was a day when everybody became serious, a rare occasion for in each others company there never was a moment we never laughed. We came with a mission-– to discuss, argue, plan and carve the destiny and future of our class as a corporate entity.
Our first business venture will be launched on 15 August, 2006. With the Midas hands of Tyrone, Erwin, Nono, Dave in business, together with the administrative skills of Junie, Jason, Dante, the financial support of most members and the commitment of the whole class, Maelstrom Incorporated looks forward to bright years ahead.
On August 15, 2006 – the eagle will fly!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Monday, August 07, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
You're invited!
Kit invites all maelstrom to his youngest's b-day party on sunday 2:30 pm at his house in greenhills garden square condo.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Repackaging OLPS is ... Repackaging Priesthood!
by Yayes Basares
(this is Yayes' reflection on the the ongoing discussion of "revitalizing olps" over at the olps alumini blog)
What is lost?
The edifice remains, and even if it vanishes if not to be included in NOAH’s ark, it will remain in the heart of every SANO and clergy. You the clergy are its most strong proof, as OLPS existence is defined by its purpose to produce PRIESTS (only God was too selective?). SANO have nothing but memories that somehow in our distant past and during glorious years of our lives we were once there.
The life we lived inside, the character, the language, the manner mirrored the life, the character, the language of every clergy of the diocese. Seminarians merely trudge on the road traveled by Reverend Fathers of the diocese as they tried, albeit unsuccessfully for most, to merit heavens approval of at least nearness if not likeness to what is expected from each of them. People outside tend to look at seminarians as the future Reverend Fathers of their diocese ; future Fr. Butch (Fajardo), Fr. Louie Buenaobra, among others. The respect and admiration seminarians earned is an extension of the respect and admiration of their clergy – their leaders, their shepherds, their bridge to God.
What is lost?
It is regretful to note that the church is busy.
Daily news tell us that these days even the opinion of the church is asked on matters that are purely political in nature. (During the first year of Sorsogon cityhood, one priest was trying to act as mayor while the mayor was trying to act as God’s shepherd.) Church people are dragged in political controversies as some members are queried on giving sanctuary to its perceived enemies. A bishop leads a fight against gambling perhaps unaware that gambling is an inherent trait of every nationality in general and Filipinos in particular, and worst, disregards that economic crises are what drives these people to grab any opportunity for quick income, and much worst neglects to address this. Further, while it condemns gambling, which to the common TAO supplies them food, it rationalizes its acceptance of funds from PAGCOR as necessary to address temporal needs, leaving us hearing this in total awe of its logic and confused of who is talking of what.
The church cannot exist in a vacuum totally secluded in far flung monasteries devoting their time on bended knees and eyes cast on heavens. The church belongs to society and is accountable to it. Yet there is a clear delineating and demarcation line on roles to be played. It is at times when the church cross lines, under the guise of Salvation Theology or misconception of concern for the people, or whatever it is blinded to, that it gets totally distracted and becomes out of context.
If only you will look outside, there is a multitude of people desperately looking for their God, in whatever name they wish to call them. This is evidenced not only on the attendance prayer rallies of Eddie Villanueva and Mike Velarde generates, but on the faces of lost souls on the street (the rugby boys, the corrupt traffic enforcers, the street bully etc … ) You can see them in the news as stories of crimes and scandals are flashed. Heck you can even see them among the rich and the powerful, the educated and prominent, on their stories of failed financial scams.
Yet where are the priests? Do they have time for the dirty and ugly lost souls on the street? If these people suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night and realizes they need God it would still be them to carry themselves inside the church to find a priest.
You asked every house in your neighborhood who in the past six months had the time to come and visit bringing God’s word. The Mormons, the Adventist, will surely be in the list, if not topping the list. Where are the priests?
At the comforts of their homes watching people win millions on Laban or Bawi?
(this is Yayes' reflection on the the ongoing discussion of "revitalizing olps" over at the olps alumini blog)
What is lost?
The edifice remains, and even if it vanishes if not to be included in NOAH’s ark, it will remain in the heart of every SANO and clergy. You the clergy are its most strong proof, as OLPS existence is defined by its purpose to produce PRIESTS (only God was too selective?). SANO have nothing but memories that somehow in our distant past and during glorious years of our lives we were once there.
The life we lived inside, the character, the language, the manner mirrored the life, the character, the language of every clergy of the diocese. Seminarians merely trudge on the road traveled by Reverend Fathers of the diocese as they tried, albeit unsuccessfully for most, to merit heavens approval of at least nearness if not likeness to what is expected from each of them. People outside tend to look at seminarians as the future Reverend Fathers of their diocese ; future Fr. Butch (Fajardo), Fr. Louie Buenaobra, among others. The respect and admiration seminarians earned is an extension of the respect and admiration of their clergy – their leaders, their shepherds, their bridge to God.
What is lost?
It is regretful to note that the church is busy.
Daily news tell us that these days even the opinion of the church is asked on matters that are purely political in nature. (During the first year of Sorsogon cityhood, one priest was trying to act as mayor while the mayor was trying to act as God’s shepherd.) Church people are dragged in political controversies as some members are queried on giving sanctuary to its perceived enemies. A bishop leads a fight against gambling perhaps unaware that gambling is an inherent trait of every nationality in general and Filipinos in particular, and worst, disregards that economic crises are what drives these people to grab any opportunity for quick income, and much worst neglects to address this. Further, while it condemns gambling, which to the common TAO supplies them food, it rationalizes its acceptance of funds from PAGCOR as necessary to address temporal needs, leaving us hearing this in total awe of its logic and confused of who is talking of what.
The church cannot exist in a vacuum totally secluded in far flung monasteries devoting their time on bended knees and eyes cast on heavens. The church belongs to society and is accountable to it. Yet there is a clear delineating and demarcation line on roles to be played. It is at times when the church cross lines, under the guise of Salvation Theology or misconception of concern for the people, or whatever it is blinded to, that it gets totally distracted and becomes out of context.
If only you will look outside, there is a multitude of people desperately looking for their God, in whatever name they wish to call them. This is evidenced not only on the attendance prayer rallies of Eddie Villanueva and Mike Velarde generates, but on the faces of lost souls on the street (the rugby boys, the corrupt traffic enforcers, the street bully etc … ) You can see them in the news as stories of crimes and scandals are flashed. Heck you can even see them among the rich and the powerful, the educated and prominent, on their stories of failed financial scams.
Yet where are the priests? Do they have time for the dirty and ugly lost souls on the street? If these people suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night and realizes they need God it would still be them to carry themselves inside the church to find a priest.
You asked every house in your neighborhood who in the past six months had the time to come and visit bringing God’s word. The Mormons, the Adventist, will surely be in the list, if not topping the list. Where are the priests?
At the comforts of their homes watching people win millions on Laban or Bawi?
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Goodies!!!!!
mmmm, here comes the goodies, hehehehe. masiramum ada an laman sadi na cooler a, kitaa baya an ngirit ni rino nan franz!sa masunod ulit mga padi!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
More Pics from the June 17-18, 2006 Reunion
June 17, 2006
Gabby, Dave and Rene having a light moment in front of the Visitor's Room while waiting for the mass to start
It's the last thing we'd want ourselves dragged into, but why can't we resist "scandals?"
And they have become a staple in our reunions, huh!
Nice pose, Dave!
Let's take a closer look at Weewee. Looks like he's now in the second movement of the Moonlight Sonata here. Nakaturog daw kamo Franz?
June 18, 2006 Breakfast before breaking up for home.
Gabby, Dave and Rene having a light moment in front of the Visitor's Room while waiting for the mass to start
It's the last thing we'd want ourselves dragged into, but why can't we resist "scandals?"
And they have become a staple in our reunions, huh!
Nice pose, Dave!
Let's take a closer look at Weewee. Looks like he's now in the second movement of the Moonlight Sonata here. Nakaturog daw kamo Franz?
June 18, 2006 Breakfast before breaking up for home.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Get well soon Gabby!
mga padi, gabby is presently hospitalized coz he somehow caught the dengue virus. no word on the state of his condition yet but it seems its not scarely serious yet.
lets pray for his quick recovery. and do text him from time to time --just to lift his spirits up. hospital is a nasty, boring place to be ya know!
and mga padi be on the look out na for dengue rin lalo na sa mga anak natin at medyo mahirap ma-dengue ngayon
some tips on dengue prevention here and here
siya get well fast gabby!
FATHERHOOD
My dad, me and my son
YAYES
(I do not consider myself a writer, yet I am flattered by your comments and encouragement to continue writing. If priesthood is my first love, writing comes second and teaching ranks third……..oh great brown God I hope my wife does not see this! I have promised myself never to write a sad story. I want you to laugh when you read the words I write, perhaps listen to the child inside me as it tries to speak to that little child in you. Today I beg for an exemption.)
I am the son of my father. I am the father of my son.
In nomine padre …………….
My dad is ED BASARES the overachiever: an academician, an administrator, a broadcaster, a politician and a lawyer. He started as a classroom teacher even before I entered my first grade in school, and by the time I did he was already the school principal. He later moved on to become a College Dean, Director for Student Affairs and Vice President for Administration. He capped his scholarly record with two baccalaureate degrees, two masteral (including his Bachelor of Laws) and a doctorate in Education. In his short stint in government service he was a recipient of several Certificates of Merit. In the broadcast industry, he was rated number one radio commentator in the province and earned the monicker from his peers as the DEAN OF BROADCAST MEDIA in Sorsogon. When he entered politics in 1992 he was classified as a sure winner albeit they used a different parameter when counting the votes. He has continued to be present in every electoral process since then and has refused to acknowledge defeat. When I saw him in 1997 after years of absence I was shocked at how old he had become, yet he has refused to fade into retirement. Well, I still have to meet a politician who does not consider himself immortal. My father became a lawyer in 2002 . To date he is practicing his law profession.
Et fili……..
It was hard growing up under his shadow.
I was only in grade four when he required me to learn journalism as he imposed on me to read and re-write the news from the newspapers. Reading was a habit he instilled upon me that no book or magazine from his library was missed. Yet he left me alone to learn. No grade in the line of seven was acceptable to him as he monitored mine every grading period. Bad English for him was and is a mortal sin. I finished my elementary grades with honors and he was there.
I told him I would enter the seminary. He was not surprised. Two instances I remember well of how proud he was during my seminary years--
one when I was assigned to serve an acolyte to the Bishop one Sunday during our summer break, and two when he “gave” me to Fr. Ding Caindec after I became his official acolyte every time Fr Ding would say mass outside the seminary. He never wanted me to become a priest as I am his only son and eldest at that. Yet he acknowledged my identity and duties then as a seminarian as he allowed me to spend days in the parish especially during the Lenten season. Somehow he attributed my decision to leave the seminary when Fr Ding left for Rome on my second year. To a certain degree he was right for Fr. Ding was more like a second father to me.
When I was in second year college (outside the seminary), knowing I had long turned my back on the norms and values of a seminarian, and while he was station manager of DZMS, he secretly invited Fr Ding, then back from Rome, to say mass and compelled me to attend. I cried a lot at Fr Ding’s shoulder.
My dad is a strict disciplinarian and hard on his children, hardest on me. Sometimes I suspect I was his favorite whipping bag. He is a distant father. It is easy for him to shower praises on his students against whom I pale in comparison, albeit he spends most of his nights wondering if he has made me wrong or what in heavens name a curse has fallen upon me.
While sometimes I envied some of his students it was easy for me to understand: ED BASARES is a father to his students, a teacher to his son. And I grew up looking for a father.
It was always a love-hate relationship between us as he perpetually tried to control me during the times I was uncontrollable and stubbornly refused to do so at times I needed it most. He is never satisfied with what I can do yet secretly confides to his friends his amazement with the little things I have managed to do.
These days everytime I go home, I spend all my time with my kids playing with them after school and I would see him secretly watching, perhaps wondering why. But by all means he is a doting lolo.
ED BASARES will always be ED BASARES. He has fought his battle and emerged victorious from it, all by himself as he grew up an orphan. He has carved his destiny and earned the respect of others with no one beside him and with nothing but pure guts and determination.
et mi fili
My son was born in 1995. I had always wanted a son. For five years he was my only child. To date he is about to enter his adolescence period. And I fear so much that he would commit the same mistakes I did. My only wish and prayer for my son is for him to live a different life from mine. So I refused to cast a shadow on him and gave him a different name. At bedtime and away from the ears of his mom he would tell me stories about his girl classmates and, oh God here it goes. Four occasions my son would never miss--my birthday, his birthday, his siblings birthday, and his mom’s birthday.
I know I will never verbally have the chance to tell my dad I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD OF HIM. It is my hope that just being a father to my own son would speak louder than words.
For the son comes from the father.
In some instances the rock speaks because it is silent, the sand moves because it is still.
The sad story shall continue on and on. Until like my dad, in his career path, it will arrive…..
………….at a time which is not a time,
………….at a place which is not a place.
My dad, me and my son
YAYES
(I do not consider myself a writer, yet I am flattered by your comments and encouragement to continue writing. If priesthood is my first love, writing comes second and teaching ranks third……..oh great brown God I hope my wife does not see this! I have promised myself never to write a sad story. I want you to laugh when you read the words I write, perhaps listen to the child inside me as it tries to speak to that little child in you. Today I beg for an exemption.)
I am the son of my father. I am the father of my son.
In nomine padre …………….
My dad is ED BASARES the overachiever: an academician, an administrator, a broadcaster, a politician and a lawyer. He started as a classroom teacher even before I entered my first grade in school, and by the time I did he was already the school principal. He later moved on to become a College Dean, Director for Student Affairs and Vice President for Administration. He capped his scholarly record with two baccalaureate degrees, two masteral (including his Bachelor of Laws) and a doctorate in Education. In his short stint in government service he was a recipient of several Certificates of Merit. In the broadcast industry, he was rated number one radio commentator in the province and earned the monicker from his peers as the DEAN OF BROADCAST MEDIA in Sorsogon. When he entered politics in 1992 he was classified as a sure winner albeit they used a different parameter when counting the votes. He has continued to be present in every electoral process since then and has refused to acknowledge defeat. When I saw him in 1997 after years of absence I was shocked at how old he had become, yet he has refused to fade into retirement. Well, I still have to meet a politician who does not consider himself immortal. My father became a lawyer in 2002 . To date he is practicing his law profession.
Et fili……..
It was hard growing up under his shadow.
I was only in grade four when he required me to learn journalism as he imposed on me to read and re-write the news from the newspapers. Reading was a habit he instilled upon me that no book or magazine from his library was missed. Yet he left me alone to learn. No grade in the line of seven was acceptable to him as he monitored mine every grading period. Bad English for him was and is a mortal sin. I finished my elementary grades with honors and he was there.
I told him I would enter the seminary. He was not surprised. Two instances I remember well of how proud he was during my seminary years--
one when I was assigned to serve an acolyte to the Bishop one Sunday during our summer break, and two when he “gave” me to Fr. Ding Caindec after I became his official acolyte every time Fr Ding would say mass outside the seminary. He never wanted me to become a priest as I am his only son and eldest at that. Yet he acknowledged my identity and duties then as a seminarian as he allowed me to spend days in the parish especially during the Lenten season. Somehow he attributed my decision to leave the seminary when Fr Ding left for Rome on my second year. To a certain degree he was right for Fr. Ding was more like a second father to me.
When I was in second year college (outside the seminary), knowing I had long turned my back on the norms and values of a seminarian, and while he was station manager of DZMS, he secretly invited Fr Ding, then back from Rome, to say mass and compelled me to attend. I cried a lot at Fr Ding’s shoulder.
My dad is a strict disciplinarian and hard on his children, hardest on me. Sometimes I suspect I was his favorite whipping bag. He is a distant father. It is easy for him to shower praises on his students against whom I pale in comparison, albeit he spends most of his nights wondering if he has made me wrong or what in heavens name a curse has fallen upon me.
While sometimes I envied some of his students it was easy for me to understand: ED BASARES is a father to his students, a teacher to his son. And I grew up looking for a father.
It was always a love-hate relationship between us as he perpetually tried to control me during the times I was uncontrollable and stubbornly refused to do so at times I needed it most. He is never satisfied with what I can do yet secretly confides to his friends his amazement with the little things I have managed to do.
These days everytime I go home, I spend all my time with my kids playing with them after school and I would see him secretly watching, perhaps wondering why. But by all means he is a doting lolo.
ED BASARES will always be ED BASARES. He has fought his battle and emerged victorious from it, all by himself as he grew up an orphan. He has carved his destiny and earned the respect of others with no one beside him and with nothing but pure guts and determination.
et mi fili
My son was born in 1995. I had always wanted a son. For five years he was my only child. To date he is about to enter his adolescence period. And I fear so much that he would commit the same mistakes I did. My only wish and prayer for my son is for him to live a different life from mine. So I refused to cast a shadow on him and gave him a different name. At bedtime and away from the ears of his mom he would tell me stories about his girl classmates and, oh God here it goes. Four occasions my son would never miss--my birthday, his birthday, his siblings birthday, and his mom’s birthday.
I know I will never verbally have the chance to tell my dad I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD OF HIM. It is my hope that just being a father to my own son would speak louder than words.
For the son comes from the father.
In some instances the rock speaks because it is silent, the sand moves because it is still.
The sad story shall continue on and on. Until like my dad, in his career path, it will arrive…..
………….at a time which is not a time,
………….at a place which is not a place.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
June 17-18, 2006 Reunion Pictures
Was this the first meeting between Val and Dave after 20 years or so?Val couldn't help giving Dave a big hug upon the latter's arrival at our "home away from home." Dave chose to sleep in his home at San Roque on the night the Manila Contingent arrived since he was tasked with fetching Tyrone at the Legazpi Airport early the next morning. A last-minute change of plan, however, saw Tivo picking up Tyrone on his way from Naga to Sorsogon.
Garanghawan in the morning of June 17, 2006, just before breakfast. Franz who arrived days before the reunion and stayed with relatives in Casiguran came by his lonesome.[Funny that Jason and Franz, who arrived within an hour of each other, seemed to have forgotten that one was only a text away and they could have given each other a helping hand in the hauling of the half-sack of rice, the 5 kilos of Alimusan and the crabs that Jason brought from Casiguran. Pero, masiramon an alimusan, Padi Jason. Magdara ka uli next reunion.]
Rene, who lives in a nearby subdivision, showed up at almost the same time.
I have no idea what came upon Rino and Gabby. What were the scarves for? (he he he)
UCPB Bank Account
Mga Padi,
Reminder lang. Please deposit your share capital contributions to the the bank account above before July 15, 2006.
Junie
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
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