Run free, Chip-chip!

Akala ko ako ang nagtuturo sa kanya — pero si Chip-chip pala ang nagturo sa akin.

Tinuturuan ako ng isang tuta kung paano makinig.

Sa bawat uri ng tahol niya, alam ko na ang ibig sabihin:

Tahol ng gutom, tahol ng lambing, tahol ng sabik, tahol ng gising na 4am dahil gusto na niyang bumaba.

Hindi siya kailanman aakyat ng kwarto — hihintayin niya ako sa pintuan, tapat, matiisin, at palaging naroon.

Naalala ko pa, kumakain ako noon, tapos may marahang kagat sa paa — paalala na gusto rin niyang makisalo.

Habang nanonood ako ng Netflix, tatahimik siyang tatabi sa akin, tila ba naiintindihan ang kwento.

At pag nasa malayo ako, nagpapatawag siya ng video call.

Gustong-gusto niyang marinig ang boses namin.

Sapat na sa kanya iyon — ang maramdaman niyang nariyan kami.

Kapag nagyaya siyang maglaro, siguradong masusugatan ka sa tuwa.

Ang bilis niyang sumagpang, hindi para manakit, kundi para magpakulit.

At kapag tinawag mo siya — “Chipichip-chip!”

Tatakbo siya, magpapakarga, pipikit ang mata,

At tila magsusumbong — dahil na-miss ka niya.

Isang linggo lang ang nakaraan, pinatrim pa namin ang fur niya.

Ang tikas, ang ayos, ang mga mata —

Para bang may sinasabi, may pinaparamdam.

Isang matang kay hirap kalimutan.

Pero dumating ang araw na wala kami.

Tatlong araw sa Pangasinan.

At si Chip-chip… naghihintay. Kumakatok sa pinto araw-araw, akala niya nariyan kami.

Pag-uwi namin, hindi na siya ganoon kasigla.

Sumusuka. Mahina. Takot.

Dinala agad sa vet.

"Parvo," sabi.

“Imo-monitor hanggang Huwebes,” dagdag pa.

Pero ngayong araw, sa halip na paboritong boiled chicken at puppy treats,

ang dinala namin dahil sa ito’y paboroto nya, ito’y natumbasan ng luha dahil sa masamang balita, wala na si Chip-chip.

Hindi kinaya ng katawan niyang maliit, pero napuno ng pagmamahal.

Nag-collapse ang baga. Tumigil ang tahol. Tumigil ang mundo.

Noong unang linggo ng Marso, si Pichi — dahil sa katandaan.

Ngayon, sa huling linggo ng Marso, si Chip-chip.

Dalawang puso, dalawang alaga, dalawang pamilyang di matutumbasan.

Ang bigat sa dibdib,

Ang tahimik ng gabi.

Pero sa puso namin,

Si Chip-chip ay hindi pa rin tumitigil sa pagtahol —

Nagsasabi: “Salamat. Mahal ko kayo.”

Run free, Chip! run free…

Run Free, Chi!

Every wag of her tail, every playful sprint, and every quiet moment of comfort she gave will forever be treasured.

Run Free, Pichi! We love you!

Hindi ko na napigilan ang aking mga luha nang makasama namin si Pichi sa kanyang huling tatlumpung segundo. Oo, tatlumpung segundo ng pag-aagaw-hininga, at sa isang iglap, nagtapos na ang lahat. Iniwan na kami ni Pichi.

Mabilis bumalik ang mga alaala—mga sandaling puno ng saya, lambing, at di-mabilang na pagmamahal.

Lagi siyang sumisiksik sa gitna namin ni Sophia bago matulog, parang may sariling puwang sa aming puso. At paggising namin, nandoon siya sa ulunan namin, nagbabantay. Isang prinsesang may dignidad kapag umupo, ngunit may sariling mundo kapag naglalakad—parang isnabera, ngunit sa totoo’y isang mapagmahal na kasama.

Ayaw niya ng ibang aso, pero mahal niya kami ng buo. Mahilig siyang tumakas, tila hinahanap ang mga bagong tanawin at hangin na kayang yakapin ng kanyang malayang diwa. Tuwing bumibiyahe, palaging nakalabas ang ulo sa bintana ng sasakyan, tinatamasa ang hangin, buhay na buhay sa bawat paglalakbay.

Hindi siya nakikipag-agawan sa pagkain. Lagi lang siyang nakaabang sa hagdan, tahimik na naghihintay sa aming pag-uwi. At hindi siya matutulog hangga’t hindi kami nakauwi—isang tapat at walang kapantay na kasama.

Naalala ko kung paano niya pinapagalitan si Chip-chip kapag ito’y maingay. Gusto niya ng katahimikan, upang makapagpahinga kaming lahat ng maayos. Siya ang anino ni Quin Mara, laging nakasunod, laging nasa tabi niya, anuman ang mangyari.

Pichi, maraming salamat sa saya, sa pag-ibig, sa mga alaalang iniwan mo sa amin. Mabigat mang isipin, lagi kang nasa puso namin. Ingat ka sa iyong paglalakbay. Mahal na mahal ka namin.

We love you, Chi!

PS: Ito ang huling kuha ko kay Pichi noong umuwi kami galing Pampanga. Pinilit niyang bumangon mula sa kanyang pagkakahiga kahit nahihirapan siya, dahil nakita na naman niya kami.

Safer Internet Day 2025

Rotary Club of QC MediaTech and Maralabs proudly stood with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in celebrating Safer Internet Day, championing the mission of digital safety for all.

As part of this initiative, I had the privilege of reading "Ang Ma-Husay Online" to children, drawing them into a world where online safety is as important as the stories they love. Their eyes followed every word, their curiosity sparking as we uncovered the hidden dangers of the internet.

Beyond storytelling, I revealed the tricks behind phishing—demonstrating how cybercriminals manipulate and deceive—and shared simple yet effective ways to stay protected online. The children eagerly engaged, asking insightful questions, proving just how ready they are to become digital defenders in their own right.

Each participant took home their own copy of "Ang Ma-Husay Online"—a guide designed not just to inform, but to empower young minds with the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. More than a book, it serves as their shield against cyber threats, ensuring that awareness translates into action.

Our Magical President, Soraya Rieta, led an engaging Q&A session, sparking discussions that deepened their understanding of online safety. Every question, every insight shared, moved us one step closer to a future where the internet is safer for all.

Together, through education and action, we are shaping a digitally responsible generation—one that knows how to protect, question, and navigate the online world with confidence.

Trave: Peti’s Travel Tale

"Work smart"—this is tonight’s lesson. The question is about protocol. Since there were people ahead of us, it seemed like they were merely giving instructions. But deep down, I could feel that things could be done much more efficiently if one worked smart.

If you start gathering everything you need before the last Friday, things will flow more smoothly. As they say, turn your vehicle into your own Puregold—as long as you have your supplies ready, your workload becomes lighter.

But before learning this lesson, we played the role of grill masters and humble workers on the sidelines. It was fun, and as time passed, I found myself growing more and more fond of the tasks.

On the side, I also tried troubleshooting a YouTube issue—it wouldn’t install and was no longer supported on the phone.

Travel: Grill, Serve, and Learn – A Night at L991

 

Grill, Serve, and Learn – A Night at L991

February 19, 2025 – While it was Matt’s birthday, my journey took me once again to L991. This time, the task shifted from dishwashing to ihaw-ihaw, serving beers, and cleaning tables—a hands-on reminder that no job is ever too small.

But the highlight of the night wasn’t just the work—it was the wisdom shared. Sir D. took a moment to talk about what truly matters:

• God – The foundation.
  
• Country – Our duty.
• Yourself – The balance.

And just when I thought the night was over, he left something valuable on the table—not just words, but lessons to carry forward:

• Humility – Stay grounded.
• Perseverance – Keep going.
• Patience – Trust the timing.

Tsaka yung,
FOMO – Why am I not here? I shouldn’t miss this.

It’s a shift in perspective—not just the fear of missing out, but the realization that some moments are too important to pass up. Being present is the real priority.

Travel - Lessons in Humility at L991

Lessons in Humility at L991

January 31, 2025 – My first encounter at L991 was a reminder that sometimes, even attire can spark conversation.

"Your barong is too early for January—you should wear that in May!" someone quipped. It was a fancy barong, and I wore it with pride, unaware that it would become a talking point.

But beyond fashion, the day had something more profound to offer—a lesson in humility. My first task? Not what one might expect. Cleaning. Washing dishes. Serving beers.

In a world where titles and roles can sometimes define how we move, this experience stripped it all away. There was no hierarchy—just work that needed to be done. Hands wet, sleeves rolled up, fully present in the moment.

That’s the beauty of travel. It places you in situations that remind you of the simple things: that service is not about position but purpose. And sometimes, the best way to lead is to start by serving.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Sa Piling ng Bukirin

Sa Piling ng Bukirin

Sa bukirin luntian, napakaganda,

Sariwang hangin, kay saya-saya.

Tunog ng baka, himig sa tenga,

Payapang mundo, puso’y ginugunita.

Kaibigan kasama, tawanan sagana,

Sa bawat sandali, saya’y nadarama.

Sa farm na ito, lahat ay sulit,

Damdaming payapa, walang kapalit.

Tshirt - Gabay at Biyaya sa Kapwa

In the spirit of service, I recently had the privilege of donating community uniforms to an NGO, reinforcing the essence of unity and shared purpose. More than just clothing, these uniforms symbolize belonging, teamwork, and a collective commitment to making a difference.

A uniform fosters identity—it represents the dedication of individuals working towards a cause greater than themselves. Through this small gesture, I hope to contribute to their mission, empowering them to continue their work with pride and confidence.

Service is not always about grand gestures; sometimes, the simplest contributions create a lasting impact. Seeing the smiles and gratitude from the recipients reminds me that giving is a privilege, and I am honored to be part of their journey.

To all who dedicate their time and effort to making the world a better place, let’s keep moving forward—one act of kindness at a time.