Dad's second year in heaven

It still feels unreal that he is gone. Two years but the pain still lingers. Two years of his absence in our lives have made big impact and realizations- knowing genuine people who will be there for our family and for me is one.

Two years ago when our family decided to bring dad home after days of being in the ICU. It was a family decision after our doctors disclosed that his case was a very serious one and that an operation will not guarantee his survival.

It is still vivid in my memory when my sister Frelyn together with my wife Lyle and cousin April prayed over my dad inside his ICU room and told him that it was okay for him to rest, that we will be okay, and that we'll take care of each other.

It is so painful to see daddy be transported via ambulance with only an Ambu-bag as aeration. I still managed to drive for my mom and family despite their sob. When we went home, our relatives already prepared his bed. It was past three in the afternoon when dad left us.

My dad is the reason why I love being in public service. He supported me when I took my undergraduate course despite his and my dream of me being a medical doctor. He also supported me when I entered the media industry. He was proud of seeing his only son on TV.


Every year we commemorate this day by remembering his life and his life for others.

Earlier tonight we went to the cemetery together with the people he loved and who loved him back. He was a barangay captain for years in our community before becoming a municipal councilor. 

I can never equal his service nor him as a legislator, but I thank him for always inspiring and inculcating in me to love the people we serve unselfishly.

Mahal na mahal ka namin, daddy!

Homestay, Politics, and Food: Inside an American Home

Dinenr at Kalapawai Cafe and Deli in Kailua, Honolulu County. 

Never did I think that I will have the opportunity to live in an American Home and to know how welcoming Americans are until this fellowship program.

Well yes, the Office of Citizen Exchanges Program Officer Chris Remsen of the U.S. Department of State have already told the professional fellows affiliated with the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) during our meeting back in Washington DC that one of the unique characteristics of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) fellowship program is homestay, or the chance to live in an American home for a day or two; however I did not know that it is this meaningful.

With Michelle at Kailua beach.

Couple Michelle Stephenson and Joe Roswarski accommodated me in their home last week where I spent overnight there. I rode the bus bound to Kailua and met them at Starbucks there. Michelle approached me with a warm and sincere smile and Joe came after. We went to their house and met their awesome baby dog Odin. I dropped my bag, and decided to walk in Kailua beach.

On Tourism

Michelle accompanied me to Kailua where she toured me on some of the best spots in the area. It was a good walk having to see some of the best views which I have not yet seen in Waikiki Beach.

Kailua Beach has less tourists here as compared to Waikiki beach
 and it offers this beautiful scenic view. Photos taken by blogger.

WATCH: Live Facebook post at the Kailua Beach when Michelle toured me here.

On top of the hilly part of the beach.
Photo taken by Michelle.

On Politics

What I appreciate more about this homestay is that ACYPL chose or matched our homestay with our interests. Michelle is the Chief Revenue Officer of a political technologies company NGP VAN + EveryAction. While Joe is a medical doctor in the Military based here in Honolulu. Both are active in political discourse and it was actually our main conversation over dinner and even while driving me back to Lincoln Hall.

Our conversations gave me context on the political situation here in the America and in exchange discussed various political and socio-economic issues in the Philippines with them. I think we agree on one point that their incumbent president has almost the same traits as ours on some aspects. We agree that some careless statements lead to more misunderstandings and division among citizens and the country as whole.

One of the crazy statements made by the current US administration was made late July this year when Trump announced that the "United States government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military." Such statement "reversed a year-old policy reviled by social conservatives."

I think that it has impact to those who are already serving in the military and/or those who are already assigned in various bases, and worse would be those who wanted to sincerely serve this country but are barred just because of their sexual preference and orientation.


Watch New York Times report on this below:
 

On Anti-Intellectualism 

Dr. Joe is reviewing for his specialisation examination in medicine which is oncology, or on the study and treatment of cancer. I told him that I see my nerd friends who are actually in law school, med school, and grad school.

Selfie with Dr. Joe before leaving their home.

I clarified that nerd in a positive way because in our country there are two connotations of such word. Which led me in sharing about smart-shaming in the Philippines or the culture of anti-intellectualism. Which, according to him is also prevalent here in the US. (Here is a good read from GMA Network and from Rappler). Some people even use satire to shame others, which is very typical among circle of friends.

We both agree that to make build a stronger nation, people should invest in nurturing their skills and in learning more.

On American Food

Another common interest the couple and I have is our love for food, albeit both of them are good in cooking while I am not. They hosted me for dinner at Kalapawai Cafe and Deli, a restaurant by night and a deli by day.

Macaroni and cheese. 

I forgot the name of this barbecue steak. 

I was not able to sleep long that night since it was my first time there and because I also received a call from home. However, I really love the simplicity and comfort of my bedroom Joe and Michelle provided.

Inside my cozy bedroom. 

Exchange programs such as this, I believe, opens a gate of opportunities to a person not only to immerse in the culture and learn from various people and experiences while here, but also to share his perspectives on some political and social issues which could contextualise his understanding on various issues.

I am grateful to my homestay host and to ACYPL for this opportunity to learn and share ideas with Americans inside and out of their warm American home. Mahalo Joe, Michelle, and Odin!


CHECK OUT my next blog entry which is about our walk at the beach and dog park advocacy of some dog lovers in Kailua. 


NOTE: The opinion of the blogger does not reflect the opinion of the US Department of State, the ACYPL, and the Philippine government. 

Student Leaders to observe good governance at LGU Mangaldan for Nat'l Youth Week

Being an active student leader in elementary and high school, I always wanted to observe how governance works outside the realm of the school during those times. Albeit, in my four years in high school there were only two scenarios when I got to go inside the Sangguniang Bayan Hall and the Municipal Hall- when we solicited for financial assistance and when we were commended upon winning a national contest.

Together with the officers of the Supreme Student Government
of Mangaldan National high School with their
adviser Ma'am Jocelyn  Pascua during the Brigada Eskwela. 

That is why I brought with me this dream as a former student leader and now as a councilor: what if the current student leaders represented by their student government president with his or her adviser, go and visit the municipal hall and the Sangguniang Bayan and observe how their government works for its people. 

The Philippine Constitution clearly provides that the State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social-well-being. Furthermore, the State shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.  

Together with my co-officers when I was the president of the
SSG in MNHS and our advisers and principal. 

Moreover, Section 30 of Republic Act No. 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 states that every barangay, municipality, city, and province shall conduct an annual activity to be known as the Linggo ng Kabataan on the week where the 12th of August falls to coincide with the International Youth Day. 

After the flag raising ceremony last Monday, knowing that our mayor fully supports activities and programs of the youth sector, I asked Mayor Bona if we could conduct an activity in line with the International Youth Week and Linggo ng Kabataan (Youth Week) in cooperation with the Local Youth Development Coordinator Sir Noel De Guzman, and the mayor immediately approved the activity without any hesitation. 

With the officers of the Supreme Student Government of
Gueguesangen Integrated School with their adviser Ma'am Donna Clata
during the Brigada Eskwela.

This is why last Tuesday during the regular session, I passed Sangguniang Bayan Resolution Number 2017-105 which enjoins Honorable Mayor Bona Fe De Vera Parayno in inviting all Supreme Pupil Government and Supreme Student Government President in all public and private schools and their adviser in the municipality to attend the flag raising ceremony, municipal hall education tour, and the regular session on Monday, August 7. 

Together with SSG Officers of David National High School and their
principal Sir Jeremy Maningding during their Brigada Eskwela
closing program.

We opted to choose the Supreme Student Government as it is as defined by the Department of Education, the umbrella organization in schools- meaning that it is the highest governing student organization in school. However, we are hoping that in succeeding activities we could also invite other school organizations. 

The objective is clear, for the student leaders to have a clear picture on how good governance works at the Local Government Unit of Mangaldan by visiting every department offices, to be acquainted with worker in the government, be informed of their services, to have a courtesy call and interact with the mayor. The last activity will be the observance in the regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan. Students will be able to observe how Parliamentary Procedure is conducted. 

I am so excited for these young student leaders in our town to be exposed in such activity. I am also hoping that they could apply whatever learning that they could get out of the said activity on Monday.  We do not know if one of these young student leaders will be next department heads, councilor, vice mayor, mayor, or even the president of the Republic. 

Dad's in a better place now

He stayed the same way from the last time I saw him and from the last time we went to the mall together. He was strong and care-free.

One of the meeting de avanses my dad
attended during his last campaign in
2016. This was one his
remaining days alive,
being with our kabaleyans.

The scenario started inside the mall. My mom and I together with my dad were doing our grocery together. As usual, he goes on his own picking various items while I push the grocery cart together with my mom. When mom asked about his whereabouts, I told her that he was buying various tools for his cars. He was wearing his usual shirt and shorts with rubber shoes.

GOING HOME. The second scene when I was driving my mom going home using a motorcyle while my dad decided to drive the van with our groceries. We were stocked in traffic so we decided to go back to dad and ride the van.

STAYING FOR GOOD. The next scene was inside a house I've never seen before. It was like a rest house near the beach. Dad was there. We were convincing him to go home with us. He refused. He said that he has already made his promise to stay in the said house. I told him that he was unfair. I told him he should also take care of his grandchildren the way he took care of my sister's children. He smiled. 

For the first time this year, I dreamt about daddy. He talked to me in that dream.

I woke up sobbing. I never expected that dad will be in my dream, more than a year after his death. 

If there is a message out of this dream that would be his assurance that he is in a better place now. He remains to be in my heart and will always be.

My dad carrying my eldest daughter
 Lyrin during our last Christmas together
 in 2015.