Thursday, December 16, 2010

Lessons from the Christmas Pickpockets

Last night I lost my wallet while striding along the Guadalupe night market. I was bound to Cubao so I took the broader part of the side walks which is near the road. When I reached the MRT Station, I discovered my backpack's front pocket was unzipped. "Oh Lord", I mumbled. Then I felt my body froze for few seconds.

I lost my first Italian Leather wallet. Stingy as I am, I don't buy wallet for myself. I only had one because my grandfather, whose based in Nevada, left it here in our home around two years ago. I only used it this year when my mother, who kept his stuff, noticed that my previous one, which was gifted to me and I was using since college, has already worn out. She handed me the handsome slick brown leather wallet.

There I put every cards that would fit. Enclosed were my IDs: SSS, TIN, National Library, and my most valued YFC and altar server ID's which I have been keeping since high school. Of course my other important cards were there, stuff like bank cards, health card, reward cards and regretfully, my Time Zone card. Lol. I had three thousand cash in my wallet which I was about to use for my second batch of shopping for my inaanaks.

That night also, I was scouting for a good model to replace my Nokia 1100. I had a good budget in mind. Now, I might as well delay the purchase. My penny-pinching attitude was not moved by the incident. People would suggest me to compensate what was lost and that its time to indulge myself to a nice gadget. But hey, my new year's resolution last year was to avoid being impulsive since I have a big deal of expenses at home. This incident is actually teaching me to be more responsible on every aspect.

One lesson on being responsible is "Don't tolerate those pickpockets". If you're reading this, keep watch of your belongings when you're walking around the metro, riding the train or even just by staying in a public place. Learn from me so you won't learn it the hard way as I did.

There was an hour of denial stage. Thanks to a friend who saw me staring aimlessly on the way. He treated me a bite and accompanied me to the police station to report. After having my cards blocked, it dawned on me how lucky I am. First, I didn't have to resort to those kind of things so I can feed my family. The good Lord gave me a good job and He can actually give me more than the amount I lost exactly the day after. Second, I wasn't hurt. I can't imagine another trauma of a mugging experience. I can tell because I had a terrible one way back in college.

I am simply blessed. I hope the one who stole my wallet will be blessed too! Honestly, I pray that this will be the last Christmas he or she will be stealing for their food in Noche Buena.

Semper Gratias Ago

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Mediatrix

I don't know what's with the Blessed Virgin Mary but everytime I offer a mass for her, I find myself drawing closer to God. That even as I try to control my life away from Jesus, BVM inspires me to keep on track. I always remember December 8 as a date of redeeming myself. Even in the past years, I find myself at the gloomiest sorrow of remorse the day before the Immaculate Conception, only to be reminded that God loves me so.

You know what, Blessed Mother? Whatever it is inside my heart that makes your inspiring presence prevail, just let it be. I love God. And perhaps you are the biggest factor that taught me how to.

Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Campaign Against Child Abuse

One of the best and I suppose the most nostalgic campaigns I've joined on Facebook is the recent Campaign Against Child Abuse. It brings back all the childhood memories which was very effective (for those who have FB) to make it a personal endeavor on ending child abuse. Pictures from Walt Disney, Looney Toons, Marvel Heroes, Capcom, Japanese Anime, Manga, and other Tagalized Western Cartoons have dominated the site. It brings back all those theme songs we memorized, the names of the shows we almost forgot, the favorite characters from the most comic to the poignant ones, the superheroes we imitate in words and acts when we play with our neighbors and most of all the memories of being a child, when all you think about was to play, obey your parents and discreetly break the rules.

In a post from whatisthetrend.net written by Ed Pudol, it is mention that this campaign started in Greece and Cyprus last November 16 with the same goal. Now it has gone more than its original purpose and conquered other countries simply because the idea is a lot of fun. We do not only help in spreading the advocacy but we also help ourselves be reminded of the rights of every child.

We were all once a child. Every child deserves to have a normal and healthy environment. This campaign is a call for us to give the just treatment for the next generation of this world. Let's not deprive them of what they deserve for a good foundation in life.