OBSERVING RAMADAN

Ramadan is the ninth month of Hijri or Lunar Calendar which is being use by Muslims. Lunar calendar is shorter by 11 – 12 days than Gregorian calendar that is why the Holy month of Ramadan is moving earlier every year. The start of Ramadan could be determined according to sighting of the moon and it could differ in location depending on ability to sight the moon in their locations.

Derived from Arabic word “Ar-Ramad” which means “dryness” or “heat”. Ramadan is the 4th of 5 pillars of Islam, it is the time in Islam when the Holy Book Qura’n was revealed and sent down from Heaven to become guidance for all mankind and reference for righteousness. In this time, the whole Islamic countries are observing Ramadan by fasting, reciting deepened prayers, and Pilgrim to their Holy Place in Makkah. Ramadan is the declaration of faith and purification of wealth by sharing their prosperity to the poor and orphans. For Muslims, Ramadan is the time of the year for spiritual reflection, fasting, forgiveness, repentance, prayers and sharing. It is training for the body and mind to be a good, righteous, complete and perfect Muslims. And doing these in a couple of weeks creates a sense of encouragement to live those deeds permissible at all times.

Ramadan is a month of fasting. Except children, adults who are mentally and physically handicapped, those who’s health is at risk and those who are in journey, all Muslims are fasting from the break of dawn till the sun set below the horizon. Basically, fasting means refrain from foods, drinks, and even from smoking. But deeper than that, it also includes abstaining in intimacy during the fasting hours and refrain from blameworthy of foul language, garrulous, and hurtful behavior during all hours. If there is a day or days in which the sun does not set soon enough or either you did not make to wake up at dawn or have missed the sahoor – in these times it seem God is testing you rigidly – not by inflicting hunger pains on you but rather by testing your patience. And if fasting makes dry-mouthed due to absence of water and abstain from foods throughout the day, here where the sixth sense have gain – the God consciousness - and this is the goal of fasting in the month of Ramadan.

If you are non-Muslim migrating or working in an Islamic country especially in Middle-East which are dominated by Muslims but still considered melting point of different culture and belief, it is very nice to observe extra respect most especially in the season of Holiness. Although we differ from our belief, non-Muslims can still join with the Muslim nations in the observance of the Holy month of Ramadan in many and different ways. Respect is the very least the non-Muslims can share to our Muslim brothers. Since this is the time of fasting, it is just proper to avoid anything that will insult their sacrifice. Therefore avoid having meeting with them that will include lunch and will extend after five o’clock pm. As show of respect, avoid also making company parties or social events since it is time of prayers, meditation, and worship.

We have to understand that Ramadan is the most special month for all Muslims around the world. This is the time of self purification by intensifying their prayer and time for humanism – greetings by saying “Eid Mubarak” or “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) to anyone who is crossing your way is a very nice expression of respect. It is also in this time the spirit of sharing is so lively by means of modest gift-giving therefore lifting up the values of kindness, generosity, charity and volunteerism. Basically it is family-day by visiting family, friends and neighbors and enjoying festive meals after the end of sunset.

During Ramadan, the daily routine is changing. The time is reversed where the night becomes day and vice versa. At sundown is their breakfast after the iftar and their suhoors as their Supper before the break of dawn. This makes sudden adjustment in the sleeping pattern and eating habits. The working hours are customarily reduced to give people more quality time with their family. During daylight, restaurants are not allowed to serve seated meals, regular service is from the start of sun down up to wee hours. Night market is very much alive and the family gatherings are just in. Often over the weekend there can be a pretty large gathering of family coming over to their relatives. For thirty days of this scenery, the celebration of Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid Al-Fitr which means day of celebration and gratitude.

On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, let us say our most sincere prayers, repent and ask forgiveness regardless of our religious faction. Through this, we can make and receive a month of blessings, peace, happiness, and benevolence. In the spirit of brotherhood, humanitarian, unity, and world peace, let our days be filled with joy and blessings by doing good things. We are all here living in one planet, breathing one air, dreaming one ambition, and sharing one vision. Observing Ramadan whether you’re Muslim or not, is an excellent deed that brings us great kindness, goodness and benefits.


Alex V. Villamayor
August 2010
(Ramadan 1431)


Acknowledgement to M. Abdulsalam’s article titled “A Day and a Night in Ramadan: The Fast of the Day” (www.islamreligion.com/articles/415/) and to Shell Middle East and North Africa Network’s presentation report titled “Ramadan” for some referenced terminologies and records used.

BEAUTY AND BRAIN

Life is cruel most of the times. “You are just as good as your last deed. If you commit one mistake, all your good deeds will be erased” – this is the clear reality that is so cruel. On the same way, many of us are just too good to criticize but not capable to do the action.

These apply to the fate of a fellow Filipino Maria Venus Raj in an international beauty contest she joined. It can recall that during the early activities for the competition, Venus did her very best and tried to set her best foot forward to make impressive notion. She put up a good fight making her the early favorite and the front-liner among all candidates. Having the outstanding looks, the poise, and the confidence, Venus has just earned the high respect and reputation among all contestants that made herself the candidate to beat. This positive fact was highly accepted, well received and warmly supported by many of us. Simply the support was overwhelming.

The 5’ 9” beauty with outstanding look, bodily curve, and distinct catwalk easily advanced to semi-finalist during the pre-pageant night. However, on the final night she did not able to bring home the title. And here the critics have started to cast their ridicules, comments, criticism, and the so-called solutions. The dismay of many people over Venus’ fate was really unfair and uncalled. Just because of her performance during the final question and answer, she instantly became a casualty of scrupulous people. Many were dismayed by Venus's answer when one of the judges asked “What is one big mistake that you’ve made in your life and what did you do to make it right?” She answered "You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence I can say that there's nothing major, major problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much!"

From the start of the competition, Venus has her way ahead to the throne and was favored to win until the killer question derailed her chance of taking the crown and stopped her rising. Upon first-hand reading her answer in newsprint, it has no spectacular impact, essence and did not weight substance. However, although her answer lacks substance but upon analyzing all other questions, I have realized that the question she picked up was the worst among the questions thrown in the sense that the four questions for other finalists were more relevant which are answerable with deeper response. While these kind of questions were made for such contest, Venus’ was question often asked in job interviews and if applied in a personality contest is a question meant for a 5th placer no matter who got the question. It is unfair, uncomfortable and awkward that anyone would flounder on response given that kind of question under time-pressure.

The answer of Venus have cost her the Miss Universe crown, but given the fact that she delivered the right answer based on judges’ presumption, still her answer is the least vital compare to the four answers which are resulted from more dabatable-in-nature questions. A lot of people have criticized Venus’ answer but personally, I actually do not see anything wrong with her answer. She just answered it with all truthfulness in her heart. If she really has no mistake made in the past, so be it? Venus is a smart woman who persisted to pursue her study under scholarship grant and diligence despite the indigence of her family. She joined in oratorical competitions during college and graduated Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts, major in Journalism with honors. It is not a matter of interpreter. Venus is smart, she clearly understood the question and she answered it direct to the point. So it is really very unfair to underestimate her aptitude.

Considering it’s really very difficult to give answer in a nerve-wrecking split-second question & answer under heavy pressure on stage and live telecast worldwide. Whatever the arguments over her answer, in the end she’s successful and still way more beautiful than the winner. We should stop ridiculing against her phrase “major, major” but instead let us be proud about her achievement. Be grateful for whatever is given to us. Despite the major pressures she had undergone, Venus did well in the pageant which impressively brought major achievement for our country that made us proud.

Alex V. Villamayor

August 2010

TALKING ABOUT YOUR WORK

(The following story was submitted for the 2010 1st Quarter issue of JAL Focus, a company newsletter).

In an article written by Vhris Argyris which was published in Harvard Business Review, he said that the “Twenty-first-century corporations will find it hard to survive, let alone flourish, unless they get better work form their employees. This does not necessarily mean harder work or more work. What it does necessarily mean is employees who’ve learned to take active responsibility for their own behaviour, develop and share first-rate information about their jobs, and make good use of genuine empowerment to shape lasting solutions to fundamental problems”.

Communicating your work, whether it is at home, office, or anywhere else means interacting your work with your environment. In an office, interaction among each employee across the organization is an important tool in improving the individual productivity and organizational performance. It’s like a workshop where each role studies, develops and flourishes. Exposure to different type of employees enhances the progress of career path by selecting the possible best improvement in empowering your job. In here come the bright new ideas and proper solutions in improving the present job approach and managing the challenges along the way while moving forward the completion of your pan. All together, embarking in this team approach strategically positions the framework of your group’s direction in the correct path towards achieving the corporate glory. This is the mere importance of sharing your job knowledge to your peers, leader and group.

Interacting with other in the work place builds an instant connection, revolutionizes your relationship at work and transmits the messages to your colleague. It allows you in enhancing the horizons of your opportunity to excel by obtaining an array of different doors to choose, and inspiring other people to look at your contribution and performance making your boat in a smooth sailing. On the other hand, if you will work by yourself like an unspoken individual and will keep the useful information in the box like an insecure and incompetent employee who is fear of losing job, then you are generating a loop of miscommunication wider and bigger. The adage “Knowledge is Power” is common and natural idea of a novice employee that initially he believes during his early year. The paradigm says if employee shares that power, then the employee loses his advantage. It is true in one point but in a long run, you can take in the other way as sharing knowledge is a positive process where individuals mutually gain ideas, experience and information.

Keeping your knowledge, opinion and experience interrupts its potential to develop and improve. Virtually, you will not receive adequate feedback, support and suggestion from other which could be the right time in opening the room for improvement. It hampers and jeopardizes your goals as one team towards achieving company objectives. You become liability of the company by intentionally creating embedded information just to protect your career. Remember, you are part of the organization and team - you should be counted. On the first place, if you are really good employee and striving hard, you will not lose ideas and knowledge - and you will go places.

Communicating your work starts in yourself, it means understanding what your work all about is. Whether you’re a leader taking charge of a large group of workers or a staff is working along with you, learning your basic work, roles and goals is as important as putting the business in good hands. However, knowing your job well alone is not enough. Adding to your good orientation in work is your behaviour of communicating your work to other. You have to get along with your environment, gain what good it can offer to you and share what good your group can have by sharing your knowledge, assistance and resources, and pass the message and information to your colleague. As mentioned by Vhris Argyris, good business doesn’t really mean having the best output in terms of quantity and quality. What it really takes is matured employees who are responsible in their works, duties and self.

Alex V. Villamayor
May 2010

ALL THAT I KNOW

This poem was written for Pea Magno, a former colleague who became closed to me because of her word of wisdoms that she had always shared to me.

I never expected we will get to be closer.
Never thought I’ll tell some problems neither.
But you’re true to yourself to lend me your ear
to make me feel at ease and release my fear.


We’ve got to know ourselves in some way or another.
Perhaps not that much but at least we know our matter.
You may read me or you may not know me any better.
Indeed what matter most is we do not hurt each other.


Never stop to hear those who need you to be listened.
You’re advices are motivation that will help them enlighten.
I know for sometimes you are just taken for granted
when they took the left hand after the right was taken.


If I could have Genie so my wishes will be granted,
I’ll wish you the love you deserved and ever wanted.
If one day we’ll going to cross our ways leading to end,
will you going to sing my song from intro to ending?

Lapelto
Pasig City
October 5, 1998.  10:14 PM

THE FULL PLEDGE KIND

For Lerma, a very so kind colleague who later I heard she followed her calling as a nun.


What I see in her is a typical woman
who traditionally believes herself behind.
She is soft spoken, very simple and shy,
And moves carefully like everything is alright


In a place so quite she called it her home
that she always wanted to be her own.
She filled it up with her sentimental songs,
The silence in the air have blown the horn.


Like the morning calm in the last evening,
Brighten the old colors into all-day shining.
If you can do rejection that I’m often saying,
then the full pledge kind in you will happen.

Lapelto
Pasig City
October 11, 1998.  8:31 PM

I AM BUT A WOMAN

This poem is for my friend Hazel Ching, a former colleague.



In a fatal place of sea girt
The hale gust tried get me hurt
Abandoned in a dark and cramped space
Alone myself is a picture of helpless
It was me against all in this universe
I was condemned without due process

In a world such as this we live
I’m just a woman in a cardinal belief
So I made myself free from this cage
And I stood up right on my chair
Lighted up my candle’s embedded wick
To evade the foes from hidden to seek


I have all done extremely well
I have surmounted the conceivable hurdle
I am no longer condign to have the fiasco
I am indeed undaunted to handle them all


Privations will always here to stay
As in predicaments may come any day
I maybe in gloom to contend my realm
Because I am a woman – yes a woman
I’m but a woman of transcendent human

Lapelto
Pasig City
September 29, 1998.  4:45 PM

AND I AM TELLING YOU THIS

This poem was written for Mel Catalini, a former colleague who had seen some of my very personal ups and downs and with ready piece of advices.

At times I’ve taken for granted to see the real friends,
Maybe I am helplessly seeing without starring them.
You’ve seen me bothered unreasonably, I’m paranoid
You are right, I’m speaking but no words had heard.

I cried myself out right before your unwavering sight.

Without doubt you had have seen me in lowest height.

I maybe in my awkward situation that I should hide,

Yet I merely smiled with no fear how much I’ve hurt.

I could not have been better now if not for those acts.

And I wouldn’t do those things if not with a confidant.

As a matter of fact I am now telling you this from my heart,

You are not just a colleague but a nice friend from the start.

One of the most trusted persons I have ever known

has showed the true meaning of trust and admiration.

And for this I have to give my full praise and thanks

to a confidant who is fair to critic my weaknesses.

If I have faults and deficiencies for now and next days,

Fill it up with your unfathomable dept of understanding.

Lapelto

Pasig City

October 6, 1998. 12:34 PM

ALAMANG

Ang artikulong ito ay isa sa mga una kong isinulat nuong dekada otsenta.  Makalipas ang mahigit dalawang dekada, nakakalungkot isipin na ganito pa rin ang situwasyon sa panahon natin ngayon.


Sinsin sa mga hampok na hipon, binuro ng ilang araw – sa matagal na pagkakaimbak ay naghatid ng ibayong baho… alamang


Mula sa makapal na lupon ng mga tao, nagkasama-sama sa iisang lugar. Nagkahalo-halo, kapwa marurumi. Nagkaipon-ipon ang ibat-ibang klase ng baho kaya sumingaw ang kanilang pagkakakilanlang amoy na nakatatak sa kanila. Sila ang tambakan ng mga dumi, kung wawariin ay wala ng mapupulot na magandang bagay pagkat sila’y mga itinuturing na mga kalat. Sa maburak na lugar doon sila nagtatampisaw. Sa mabahong lugar doon sila nagbababad. Tambak ng basura na nagbubundok sa taas. Kapiling nila ang mga langaw at lamok na nagbahay sa mga kanal na tinigilan na ng pagdaloy ng tubig. Mabaho ang estero – dumidikit sa balat nila ang amoy nito. Karaniwan at kadalasan na ang kapiling nila ay alamang – ang pagkaing “hindi tanggap” sa mga subdivisions. Alamang na kahalintulad nila, sa hitsura, sa amoy, at sa uri. Kapiling nila ang pagkaing naglalarawan sa kanila – mabaho at nababagay sa kanila.


Patuloy na lang silang nagiging walang halaga at napapabayaan sa lipunan. Nagiging makatawag pansin lang sa mata ng lipunan sa tuwing kakailanganin sila. Ginagamit sa panahon ng pangunguha ng bilang para sa panalo nila. Ang mga taong alamang ang naghahatid sa kanila sa pedestal. Sila ang nagluluklok sa kanila para maupo sa pamahalaan. Sa tuwina ay dinadayo sila sa panahon ng kampanya para paliwanagan at bilugin ang mga ulo dahil ang tulad nila ay madaling paniwalain dahil na rin sa kulang sila sa aral. Sa mga panahong ganoon ay kailangan sila ng mga namumulitika para siyang maghatid sa kanila sa kaharian.


Ngunit matapos makuha ang kanilang bilang ay nalilimutan na sila. Katulad ng alamang na sumasarap lamang sa pagdating ng panahon. Sa panahon ng pagbubunga ng mangga, pinapasarap nila ang maasin na mangga na kung walang alamang ay hindi mo makakain dahil sa kaasiman ng mga manggang ito. Subalit sa panahong lumipas na ang panahon ng mga mangga ay nakakalimutan mo na ang alamang. Hindi mo na sila pag-uukulan ng pansin maliban na lang kung bigla mo na lang siyang kailanganin, Tulad din ng mga tao na binabalikan lang ng tingin sa kanila kung mayroon silang mahihita sa kanila.


Tama, wala ngang maniniwala kung sasabihin mong paborito mo ang alamang kahit na ito ay totoo. Dahil nakatatak sa ating isipan na ang alamang ay pagkaing mabuti kaysa sa wala. Sa pandinig pa lamang ay alam mo na kung ano ito – mabaho at maalat. Ang pagkaing kauri ng mga tao sa mga lugar ng mahihirap, sa tambakan ng mga taong ka-amoy ng alamang.

 Alex V. Villamayor
August 9, 1988

PALAWAN

The Last Wilderness, Palawan is consisting of 1,768 islands and islets – many still wild and undeveloped where jungles thick with are wildlife. Home to rare species of flora and fauna, it is a mini-archipelago of Virgin Islands where its dramatic landscape is amazingly diverse from beach’s coral reefs to mountain forest and stark cliffs of sheer limestone. From the bird’s eye panoramic view above, Palawan is a spectacular vista set against cloud-shrouded mountains and while the dazzling white sand beach is located in a sheltered cove among lush tropical gardens and rainforest.


Dubbed as Philippines’ “Last Frontier”, Palawan is the known-remaining place in the country where people and animals are living together without stinting and fairly sharing the wonder of Nature. Has the grace of timelessness, Palawan sits window back to the dawn of time. The past is living today, it is an invitation back to Nature where its forests are havens of the wildlife flowers, birds, animals and plants including the century-age trees. Simply is the place where all creations of God are perfectly bonding.

Stunning natural beauty, Palawan elegantly sits upon a sophisticated coral jewel set amid waters of emerald and topaz lapping empty sands beneath thousands of acres of blue skies. Unspeakably breathtaking undersea world of places, below is a kaleidoscope of colourful corals and marine life.

The dazzling mosaic of crystal-clear water and fine sugar-white sands perfectly paint the artist’s masterpiece. With the long coastline and pristine beaches, Palawan attracts the tourists to visit the paradise. Just to say one, Honda Bay, with seven islands to choose from, is the pride and one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country. Aside from the awesome natural landscape, awaiting are schools of different fish species and various types of corals.

The St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, known as St. Paul Underground River, winds its way through spectacular underground caves at 8.2kms – it is reputed as the world’s longest navigable underground river. Inside, caves studded with different amazing shapes of stalactite and stalagmite formations, all were naturally formed, will fill the tourists with awe. All in all, visiting Palawan is never complete without seeing Underground River.

Home to various species of exotic African and Palawan wildlife threatened with extinction, Calauit Island hubs the open wildlife sanctuary of tropical safari where animals are roaming freely. Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is a site of exotic animal propagation that saves the various endangered species of animals. From then it has evolved today as a repository of endemic and important Philippine wildlife and a free-ranging island habitat. Truly a place of all life, Palawan yet houses butterfly and crocodile farm.

Without walls, the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is the living testimony of peace and order in Palawan. Unlike most prisons in the world, the unique Iwahig Prison is literally no wall, not locked up, no bars involved, no chains and no weapons. Out of Bonds – it is something to see to believe. But for the record, Iwahig prison is a prison where the inmates (minimum security prisoners) can roam around freely, get involved in agricultural works and tend to farms and forestry, making hand-make crafts and surprisingly, their families can live and stay with them.

Palawan, in many places fulfils the greatest recipe for happiness. Once again, I have fallen in love with Nature; I have fallen in love with Palawan. If time comes I want to settle in calm, cool and peaceful place, and escape from disorder and worldly city, I want to recluse in Palawan.


Alex V. Villamayor
July 2010