Ni Rudy A. Arizala
17 Pebrero 2010
“Sa alikabok ka galing
Sa alikabok rin ang balik!”
Mga katagang sinambit
Habang ang iginuguhit
Ng Pari ay krus na uling
Sa noo na may kulimlim.
Magsisi sa kasalanan
At manalanging taimtim
Kapatawaran, hilingin
Ito ang ibig sabihin
Ng krus na iginuguhit
Sa araw ng alikabok.
By Rudy A. Arizala
The article: “Jessie Lichauco at 98: Feasting by the Pasig, dances with memories," by Ms. Sunshine de Leon which appeared on 07 February 2010, Philippine Daily Inquirer, made me recall to mind a distinguished lady who, accompanied by her two daughters, made a stop-over in New Delhi in 1958, on their way to London. I was then a young lawyer starting my diplomatic career at the Philippine Embassy as private secretary and confidential assistant to the Philippine Ambassador. I was designated to act as their tourist guide during their stay in the Indian capital.
Our 1958 visitors from Manila in New Delhi were no other than Mrs. Jessie Lichauco and her two teenaged daughters. I remember that the motherly and kind lady, more by way of endearment than in jest, fondly referred to me as the “boy lawyer” of the Philippine Embassy. Or, sometimes she calls me “hijo”.
Since that episode, I have not heard from them. But I never forget such motherly attention. It is, therefore, a pleasant surprise and gratifying for me to know that the distinguished lady I met with her two daughters many years ago, celebrated recently her 98th brithday; that she is still strong enjoying life and love of her children and grandchildren.
I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to extend to her my belated but sincere congratulations on her birthday. And of course, I wish her a very Happy Valentine which all grandparents like her deserved.
It appears with respect to Mr. Neal Cruz column / article on Wawa and
Laiban dams which was published in MIF Website, it took somebody not
from "Infantahins" but from another columnist to take up the
challenge and cudgels for Infantahins by publishing in his own
column in The Manila Bulletin newspaper of 4 February 2010, the
following comments under the title: "No rime nor reason":
"So many column inches have been written – like the proverbial water
under the bridge – on whether our next well should be the Wawa or
Laiban Dam.
THE SKINNY. A battle between Patron Saints: On one side is San Miguel
Corporation’s Manila Water, championing Laiban Dam; opposite is San
Lorenzo Ruiz Builders Corp. with 17 years lien on the Wawa river dam.
"SMC has deep pockets and is favored by MWSS; but Laiban requires
relocating population, building 70 kms. pipeline infrastructure
(including tunneling) and three pump stations.
Continue reading "Non-Infantahin challenges the wisdom of Laiban" »
By Rudy A. Arizala
16 January 2010
How many young children
Failed to bloom but wilted
Before they could emerge
Under Caribbean sun?
Faces sad, speechless.
How many mother's breasts
Dried before they could nurse
Emaciated babies?
Staring blankly their eyes.
How many are jobless
Surrounded by ruins
Despair and hopelessness?
Mouth silent as Sphinx.
People condemned to death
Even before their birth!
E n d
By Rudy Arizala
In observance of Epiphany - Manifestation - attached is a photo depicting the Adoration of the Magi (Three Wise Men or Three Kings) who, guided by a Star, found where the new-born king saw the first light of day. According to the Holy Book, (Math 2:10-12), they presented the child with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
By Rudy A. Arizala
03 January 2010
Last New Year's Eve at the stroke of 12:00 midnight, we greeted each other in jubilation: “Happy New Year!” Modern men celebrated it wth fireworks, drinking, eating and dancing. Why?
Since time immemorial, thinkers and philosophers have wondered how reckoning of time or the beginning of the year started. The ancient Persian calendar is believed to have started with “Norwuz”- the feast of Spring. The Hebrew year begins in Autumn, while the Gregorian (solar) year starts in mid-winter. The Christian (Roman) liturgical calendar like the Hebrew calendar begins in Autumn whith the Advent season; followed by the Nativity or Christmas which follow the solar calendar; and the Resurrection or Easter which observes the lunar calendar.