scratch pad: the column

A few weeks ago the Department of Tourism released their new tourism campaign slogan; it’s more fun in the Philippines. Though it became a trending topic on most social networking sites, it gave the slogan no immunity to blathering skepticism. Not to mention, after a splitting image of Switzerland’s 1950’s tourism advertisement was found, negative feedbacks went rampaging. Some say it’s too simple. Others believe it lacks substance. I believe everyone should just shut their blabbering mouths if they have nothing good to say.  Ahaw slogan nalang guid, patulan pa. Bored na guid? If it’s too simple and lacks substance, they why not conjure something like:

Philippines: the copious terrain adorned with inimitable flora and fauna, relished with the pristine tranquility and harmonious blend of the urbanscape and countryside. Ergo, come and linger in our archipelago.

I see no problem with the new tourism slogan. I actually commend the Department of Tourism for adapting a tagline that is easier to remember; a tagline that even manong pedicab driver will be able to memorize by heart. A tagline that is direct to the point but remains open to different interpretations. Photos watermarked with it’s more fun in the Philippines have gone viral in the internet because of the very same reason why others hated it; it is too simple and it lacks a standard context. But it is because of these qualities that more and more Filipinos are lured into chipping in their own definitions of fun. And it is with the hope that these individual definitions when taken wholly will be able to represent all nooks and corners of the Filipino culture.

Tourism is a shared national responsibility. The Department of Tourism and the appointed ambassadors could only do as much. This year, the tourism slogan is giving us the chance to become our own versions of diplomats. We need not be graduates of degrees on foreign studies to promote tourism in the country. The tweets, the blog posts and even the occasional cyber memes on how more fun it is in the Philippines do help and it is a start. But there is more that we can do to turn foreign heads to the direction of the glistening pearl of the Orient.

1.  Travel more locally.

Several Filipinos have flown to different countries but haven’t even explored what wonders are stored in their backyards. Several Filipinos have seen the bird’s eye view of Paris atop the Eiffel tower but haven’t even climbed the man-made marvel of the Banawe Rice Terraces.  How can you even invite Big Joe that to a summer experience in Boracay if you have never gotten even a stream of sunlight from the white shores? You will sound more convincing if you have already walked the talked.

2. Have a date with Filipino culture.

Despite the world’s assimilation to a global culture, we still have our identities to preserve. Get to know and fall in love with the dimensions of Filipino culture. Realize that it is not only balot that makes Filipino cuisine exotic. Realize that OPM better reflects the stories of your fellow men rather than Taylor Swift does. Realize that fiestas could not get any more colorful and Christmases could not get any longer than ours. We must preserve what is true blue Pinoy. Because we would not want Big Joe hearing the Rondalla band playing nothing but Justin Bieber and K-Pop music.

3. Be a Filipino pride in your own way.

You do not need to reach that falsetto like Charice Pempengco or become a CNN hero like Kuya Efran did. Just by obeying simple traffic signs or paying your taxes on time can make you a Filipino pride. The Filipino himself is the tourism. Yes, we may have the tourist attractions. But other countries have that too and may even have better. When Hollywood celebrities dock into the country, they always say the same thing. They felt welcomed with Filipino hospitality and this, more than anything, is what makes them keep their promise of coming back.

Instead of wasting your precious saliva on badmouthing a yet-to-be tested program of the government such as the It’s more fun in the Philippines slogan, heel and save it for something more constructive. Wala pa gani, react na dayun? Indi pwede nga lantawun anay kung mag work out? Excited guid?

Wow! It’s more fun in the Philippines. Halika Biyahe tayo kasi Kay Ganda ng Pilipinas!

Photo credits: Janus Jan de Guzman

2012. It only takes four digits to bring a million hearts into ceaseless quivering. 2012. It only takes four figures to wrap a crowd of believers in jittering anxiety. 2012. It only takes four numbers to produce a mental slideshow of dismantling earth plates and towering tidal waves.  Many fear that the cries of an Armageddon are beckoning. 2012 is the year when the world will finally come to an end. 2012 is the year of the Apocalypse. But, says who exactly? Who said we will be reenacting the scenes from the year’s blockbuster film namesake? Who said the earth will explode after having been hit by a meteor on December 21, 2012? Who?

I am pretty sure it wasn’t the Mayans, or Jay Sean. Here we go again. Aren’t price hikes and a Php7.50 jeepney fare, enough that we need to squeeze in another doomsday prophecy? It is true that on December 21, 2012 the Mayan Calendar will end but there wasn’t a foot note, a side note or even a post-it note that said, the world will be destroyed as well. The Mayan Calendar will be resetting to date 00/00/00 because December 21, 2012 marks the end of their 5,125 year-cycle. It is an end of an era, it is the last date of their long-count calendar, but it isn’t the end of the world. Simply put, the Mayans just need to go out and purchase themselves new calendars. It is also true that the Mayans anticipated a great tribulation following the end of their long-count calendar but never did they mention worldwide destruction.

Modern-day non-Mayan people were the culprits of inoculating apocalyptic details for 2012. Such were some astronomers who said a 900-foot asteroid is going to hit earth anytime this year but later on added that the chances are 1:250,000. The Mayans do not even have a concise explanation of what the Great Tribulation meant. If only the Mayans had Facebook, it would have been much easier for us, especially after the Timeline feature has been added.  I do not believe that the world will come to an end on December 21, 2012 for I still envision myself quite clearly on that day; listening to little kids’ daigon while munching on slices of queso de bola. In addition to, somewhere in 2014 or 2015 I will still have my long-awaited Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Co in New York.

I believe that our chances of having the world hit by an asteroid, burned by a solar flare or taken over by alien life forms in 2012 are just the same as it had been and will be for any year. So instead of mulling in desperation of what horror awaits our world this 2012, let us shift our focus on the potentially amazing events that altogether gleam with promises and hope. 2012 will be the year of the Olympics with the first Winter Youth Olympics on January 13-22 and the Summer Olympics in London from July 27 to August 12. This year on June 5-6, we will also be experiencing a rare astronomical event called the Transit of Venus. The planet Venus will be seen from the earth as a small disk moving across the Sun’s surface. Although there was a previous transit last 2004, the next Transit of Venus will be in December 2117.

2012 will welcome another set of some 100 million angels, cute and cuddly in their newborn linens. Some 100 million angels that will provide us with some 100 million reasons why the world should not be ending anytime soon. 2012 will feature another mean movie list with flicks like The Hunger Games, The Avengers, the Ghost Rider 2 and possibly Ang Tanging Enteng ng Ina ng Panday ng Kapitbahay Mo. 2012 will also be the year when John Lloyd Cruz will finally ask my hand in marriage.

If you remain unconvinced that 2012 is not the end of the world, fine, I wouldn’t budge. You have the right to be skeptical. But life is too sweet and too beautiful that you remain unhopeful and negativistic. There is so much more to 2012 than the end of the world. At least if you think it will be your last year on earth, make it the best year and don’t go ruining it for everyone because some of us still have plans for 2013.

Live a dolce vita this 2012!

Happy New Year, dear readers.

Pasidungog. An Ilonggo term that translates to exaltation or acclaim. Exaltation and acclaim for the bountiful harvest of each and every form of livelihood. Exaltation and acclaim for the generous pouring of blessings through the intercession of a patron. Since 2003, the municipality of San Miguel, Iloilo celebrates the Pasidungog Festival as a means of promoting local culture and history. With the theme, “Paghili-usa, Paskwa ko sa Banwa”, Pasidungog 2011 became the cherry on top of the San Migueleños Christmas celebration.

The festival was launched with a foot parade, opening program and the ceremonial switching on of the Christmas Trees which illuminated the entire plaza. The next days were highlighted with events like Respect For the Aged Day, Christmas Caroling Contest, Dance Competitions, Christmas Parties of different organizations and the Farmer’s Congress. The beauty of San Miguel was also featured through the coronation of the Miss Pasidungog 2011. There were also rhythmic tribe presentations organized by the Leonora S. Salapantan National High School and Department of Education Elementary and Faculty, Agro-Industrial Exhibits and Food Festivals.

Pasidungog 2011 lasted from December 15-23, 2011. Other highlights of the event included contests like the Agro-Industrial Fair Booth Contest, Adopt Decorate and Light a Tree Contest and build and Light-Up a Christmas Tree Contest that not only brought the 24 barangays into a friendly competition but united the entire San Migueleño community. The culminating activity capped the festival with the awarding of contests winners, Top 10 Real Property Tax and Business Tax Payers and the Ten Outstanding San Migueleños. The municipality headed by Mayor Victor Saclauso invited Anilao Mayor Ma. Teresa Debuque as the guest speaker.

The Top 10 Outstanding San Migueleños were: Mr. Jessie M. Aligaga, Ms. Maria Reylan M. Garcia, Mr. Ramon S. Guelos, Jr., Dr. Myrna S. Castillo, Dr. Crispino A. Saclauso, Atty. Paulino L. Salmon, Jr., Hon. Judge Victorino O. Maniba, Jr., Dr. Wenceslao O. Sison, Jr., Mrs. Ma. Editha S. de la Cruz and Dr. Resurreccion B. Sadaba. They were recognized for their exemplary contribution while representing the municipality in their own field of expertise. They each delivered their acceptance speeches and inspirational messages to motivate their fellow San Migueleños to tread on the same path of excellence.  

After the awarding ceremony, the Fireworks display became the utmost finale of the festival as hundreds of San Migueleños gathered to witness the choreographed display of colorful lights in the night sky. The major sponsors of the event were Governor Arthur Defensor and the Iloilo Provincial Government, Department of Tourism Regional Office Vi, Pepsi Cola Products Philippines, Inc. and DN Steel, Inc.

Municipality of San Miguel Executive Officials

HON. VICTOR S. SACLAUSO         Municipal Mayor            

ENGR. HEIDI B. BEDUYAS              Municipal Planning & Dev’t. Coordinator             

MR. HILARIO S. CADUDU-AN      Municipal Assessor       

MRS. MARY JEAN T. SABANAL    Municipal Budget Officer            

MRS. ADA S. GUELOS                    Municipal Civil Registrar               

MRS. YVONNE D. CABARLES        Municipal Agriculturist 

MRS. MA. ELSIE S. SADSAD          OIC - Municipal Treasurer           

MRS. REMEDIOS A. SAJONIA      OIC - Municipal Accountant       

ENGR. ANTHONY S. SABARILLO Municipal Engineer       

MRS. MARIVIC T. SORONGON   MLGOO               

MRS. ERLA S. GUELOS                   Social Welfare Officer III              

DR. MARY JANE S. GIMENO         Rural Health Physician

Municipality of San Miguel Legislative Officials

HON. REY S. SALMO                                       Municipal Vice Mayor   

HON. BONIFACIO S. SALAPANTAN, JR.   Sangguniang Bayan member    

HON. ROCHIN SHERWIN S. SANCHEZ       Sangguniang Bayan member    

HON. MARIAN GRACE S. CASTILLO           Sangguniang Bayan Member    

HON. CHARLIE A. TOMO                                              Sangguniang Bayan member     

HON. GEORGE S. DELGADO                         Sangguniang Bayan member    

HON. DUNSTAN CLAUDIO S. SALE            Sangguniang Bayan member    

HON. ELSIE G. SORONGON                         Sangguniang Bayan member     

HON. DOROTHEA A. VILLARICO                Sangguniang Bayan member     

HON. MIGUEL JEROME S. TADIFA             Liga President   

HON. NONIE MARK S. CASTILLO                               SK Federation President

Website: http://www.sanmiguel-iloilo.gov.ph

Photo credit: LGU San Miguel, Iloilo

Circa December 2011

For my column this week, I would like to share the inspirational talk I gave to the people of San Miguel, Iloilo last December 23, 2011. I was chosen as one of their Ten Outstanding San Migueleños this year. It is a humbling experience and I thank you the local government of San Miguel headed by Mayor Saclauso for this distinction.

Dumduman ko guid sang Kinder pa lang ako, guin silingan guid ako ni Nanay nga ka-gwapa-gwapa guid kuno sa akon. Manog-taas pa guid ko kuno kay maligwis ang  bati-is ko. Hambal niya maka lab-ot guid ko mga 5′7 ukon 5′8. Siling ni Nanay pwede guid ko kuno ka-intra sa Miss Universe. Nagpati guid ako, siling ni Nanay mo. Mga pila man katu-ig nga abi ko pwerti guid ya ako ka gwapa.Damo man nga tuig nga kada New Year’s Eve sagid ako ka lumpat lumpat para lang makalab-ot sa 5′7’’ or 5’8’’.

Hamdom kag dumot ko guid sang una nga maging beauty queen. Ugaling, an-hon ta kay indi koya 5′7 or 5’8’’ kundi 5′1 lang ako. Anhon ta abi kay indi ko ya gwapa-gwapa guid, medyo gwapa lang. Lain ang akon nga handom.

Lain akon nga ambisyon sang una. Gusto ko maging Miss Universe pero bisan Fiesta Queen sang Brgy. San Jose daw wala guid na-dayon. May mga tini-on nga indi naga kabagay sa aton ang aton nga mga han-dom. May mga tini-on nga ang mga damgo-hanon naton maga-tinir nalang nga dam-go. Pero indi buot silingon nga wala na sing mayo nga bwas-damlag ang naga-kaangay sa aton. Kung indi ka man gwapa basi maalam ka-ya. Kung indi ka man ma-alam basi sagad ka-ya mag-negosyo. Kung indi ka man sagad mag negosyo basi sagad ka-ya mag-attender sang inyo talamnan, sagad ka man mag-padako baboy, magpatuka-manok kag magsagod-kanding.

Nag-sugod kami istar sa Barangay San Jose, San Miguel sang Mayo 2002. Gusto ni Tatay kag ni Nanay nga ma-ngabuhi kami sa isa kapu-loy-an nga matawhay, malayo sa kinagamo sa siyudad pero indi man ma-ulihi sa balita kag aktibidades sang siyudad. Manog high school na ako sadto. Sang amo to nga tini-on, paminsar ko man sa guihapon nga someday ma Miss Universe guid takon. Pero wala nag dugay kag na nakita ko nga in fairness, ambisyosa guid man ako gali. May mga classmate ako nga mas mataas ang ilong, mas maputi, mas flawless ang skin; in short indi ako ang pinaka gwapa. Abaw, naghi-nibi man ko pila ka gab-i kay Nanay. Drama effect. Abi ko gwapa gwapa naguid ako, asta lang guid ko ya sa medyo gwapa. Gin amat-amat ko boy-an ang ilusyon ko nga mangin Beauty Queen.

Nagtinghuwa ako nga pangitaon ang naga kaangay sa akon nga kamayuhan. May abilidad ako gali sa pag-sulat. Siling dayun sang isa ko ka mano-nodlo sagad man ako kuno mag-tuon, siling sang report card ko ma-alam man ako gali. Nag-bulag ako sa damgo ko nga ma-ngin Miss Universe, nga wala ko nakit-an ang akon kina-iya nga gin-tugyan sang Diyos. Law-ay na kung law-ay ah. Basta, gintingo-waan ko na lang nga makuha ko sang akon kaalaam kag matahom nga pagsulat ang mga kadalag-an sa kabuhi. Pulaw. Tuon. Sulat. Diri lang naga libot ang akon kabuhi sang high school tob-tob college. Nagakalipat na ko gani mang-husay buhok ko kag mang-hilam-os sang akon mala-porsilana nga guya.

Pero gin-dedikaran ko guid. Indi man pinaka straight and silky akon nga buhok sang high school, nag Valedictorian man ako ya. Wala man may na-ngaluyag sa akon nga damo, (may ara man pero hindi ko type), sang college kay medyo gwapa lang ko, nag Magna Cum Laude man ako ya, kag naka-luy-an pa mag top 9 sa board exam. Naga-pati guid ako nga parehas o sobra pa nga kasadya ang akon nabatyag subong sang akon mga achievements bisan wala ako nag-daog sa pagka Miss Universe.

Sa tanan nga mga Nanay kag Tatay diri, buligi niyo ang inyo mga bata sa pag-pangita sang matuod nila nga kina-iya. Wala guid nagkulang sa akon suporta si Nanay kag si Tatay. Ultimo nga indi nakalantaw si Nanay sang mga teleserye niya kay indi ko katuon kung magahod and TV. Adlaw kag gabi nga pagsugat kag dul-ong ni Tatay sa akon sa duty ko kapin pa sang naga pagpa-bata ako dira sa Aleosan District Hospital. Indi mga material kag malahalon nga butang ang kinahanglan namon para mag-mayohan kami sa uli-hi. Wala ako Ipad, Ipod, Iphone, Mp3, ukon PlayStation.  Nagka-laptop lang ako sang, 3rd year college na. Mas kinahanglan namon ang tiyempo ni Nanay kag ni Tatay. Ina bala nga kung may pala mang-kutanon, kung confused kag kagamo sang amon panumduman may pamangkutan kami. May malay-gay sa amon.

Sa tanan nga mga bata, parehos ko nga naga han-dom, indi kamo mag-kaba-laka kung medyo guwapa kalang parehos ko. Indi man mag-kaba-laka kung indi ka taga star-section. Lain-lain ang aton kina-iya, pangita-a ninyo kung ano nga talento kag abilidad ang maga-dala sa inyo sa kadalag-an.

Kung indi para sa imo ang imo nga gina damgo, tulugi na-lang ina o mayo pa mag-bugtaw ka sa ina nga damgo. Dam-go ka na lang liwat bwas. Mag-pamati guid permi kay Nanay kag kay Tatay kay wala guid sila sing ma-lain nga handom para sa aton. Abi ninyo lang na nga indi sila ka-hangop, nga indi sila maka-intindi. Naka-agi man na sila sa aton edad sang-una, amo na nga sila gani ang mas-maka-intindi.  Patiha lang sila bala, miskan ano pa kabudlay. Indi na kita mag reklamo kay sila man gani wala naga reklamo sang na-ngayo ikaw sang pang-pa Small Ville mo, nga kung tani ibakal pa to sang bag-o nga blouse ni Nanay ukon pang pakay-o ni Tatay sang naga tukal niya nga sapatos.  Kung ano man ina ang inyo gina dam-go, indi niyo guid pagpabay-an ang inyo edukasyon. Boring man si Miss Tapia, may matun-an ka guid na halin sa iya.

Abi ko guid ya maging Miss Universe ako. Tu-yo ko guid maging beauty queen. Libre ang mag-handom. Huod eh, libre guid man pero dapat ang aton mga handom naga ka-a-ngay man sa aton kina-iya. Indi ta na pagpa-antoson ang aton lawas. Daw mabulu-budlay guid na siguro kung mag-handom ang medyo gwapa lang pareho sa akon mag Miss Universe. Ang himoan naton pangi-taon ta ang aton ka-sagad kag aton usaron para sa kadalag-an. Sa ti-on nga aton tanan ini makita, amo na ini siguro pag-uswag guid sang may handom sa kabuhi bisan sin-o ka pa, bisan ano pa ang estado mo sa sosyodad, manggaranon o imol, guwapa guwapa o guwapa lang pareho sa akon.

Maayong Gab-e sa tanan.

Halin sa madason nga Fiesta Queen sang San Miguel,

Queen Maria Reylan the First – sa dam-go.

(Reactions to reylangarcia@gmail.com ; follow me on twitter @reylangarcia; read my previous articles at http://www.my-scratch-pad.tumblr.com and http://www.iloilonewstoday.com)

Circa December 2011

Hernan liked how the breeze of winter air glides across his cheeks. He didn’t care if his lips were nearly trembling and numb because he was more than excited. He knew that at any moment the first snow flake would fall. Hernan fixed his sweater and tightened his bonnet, soon when the ground is snow-laden, he wouldn’t have second thoughts but to rush outside and welcome the Yuletide.

“Hernan, abi siradhi na ang refrigerator. Daw sa manul ka. Kamahal nga daan sang kuryente sagid ka pa da tambay nga abri ang ref.”

Hernan woke up at the sound of his Nanay’s voice. He had been blankly staring at the incandescent glow of the open refrigerator for the past five minutes. It was getting colder but not cold enough for snow, not even cold enough to fog their glass window. Hernan had always dreamed of waking up to a White Christmas.

Do not pretend like you never tried what Hernan did. We all wished for a taste of Western Christmas. We all wondered what it would be like to wear ear muffs, mittens and scarves. We all dreamed of making snowmen and snow angels. Despite living in a tropical country, we could not help associating Christmas with chimneys, snow and mistletoes; Christmas symbols that have never grown on our backyards. But even how luring and potentially intimidating Western Christmas seems, I still choose Pinoy Christmas. I choose to celebrate Christmas, Pinoy style.

Simbang Gabi

While the pews of towering cathedrals of other countries remain loosely occupied, the smaller chapels of our country go into a standing room as early as 4:00 am. The Simbang Gabi bagan during the Spanish Regime when the friars saw that the people attending the customary evening novenas were already too tired from an entire day’s worth of work in the fields. As a compromise, the clergy moved the novenas in the early dawn. I have more reasons of attending Dawn Masses than completing the nine consecutive days for a wish. I attend Dawn Masses because I treasure waking up early for a reason. I treasure walking to church with familiar faces. I treasure witnessing the bukang liwayway.

Daigon

The rest of the world may have their own unique carols, but nothing rings so sweetly to my ears than the daigon. It is originally referred to a drama reliving the Nativity. Now, especially to Ilonggos, daigon means tanzan-tambourines and a group of adorable little children whom you will find impossible to refuse. I like seeing how a family stops whatever they are doing, walk to their front gate and listen to a jumble of misfit lyrics and off-key tunes.

Noche Buena

This literally translates to Good Night in Spanish. I like how a father works over time a few days before Christmas Eve just to make sure a plate of sweetened ham is on the table. I like how the concept of Noche Buena encourages families to prepare, that even for just one single day in a year, they will be able to eat more, yummier and tastier food. It’s that eve dinner where every member of the family ought to be present. It’s that eve dinner where a mini-reunion usually turns out.

Christmas Station IDs

Although it appears to be more than the battle of creative departments and songwriters for the leading television networks, I am already considering it a part of Pinoy Christmas. These station IDs are more like the overview and summary of what has transpired for the Filipino in the past year. Aside from trending on Twitter, station IDs has the tear-jerking potential that a few apathetic Filipinos need to see once in a while. Plus, you will also get an idea of who will be the next set of love teams the station plans to feature in the coming year.

Metro Manila Film Festival

Only in the Philippines can you see Kris Aquino screaming like hell and running away from a tiyanak on Christmas day. The cinemas look a lot like grocery stores on a panic-buying mode, with a crowd of avid moviegoers filed in the longest queues.

Pinoy Christmas may not be the most extravagant. But, it has to be one of the most vibrant. It is full of life and full of culture.

Yes, Hernan had always dreamed of a White Christmas. That is why he spends several minutes staring blankly on an open refrigerator. But, before closing the refrigerator, Hernan would always catch a glimpse of the Tupperware of fruit salad his mother prepared for Noche Buena. It is until then that he would smile and realize how he would not trade even the thought of Noche Buena for a handful of snow.  

A Pinoy Christmas everyone!

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Circa December 2011

What do you want for Christmas?

This may potentially be the easiest question to answer. A sheet of yellow pad may not be even enough to contain the long list of Christmas must-haves. I, personally, can consume a month′s worth of column space for my Christmas wish list. It would include the simplest cravings like a slice of mango float to the next to impossible fantasies like getting John Lloyd Cruz to fall in love with me. Some people even have Christmas wish lists that look a lot more like an annual catalogue of Apple products.

What can you give for Christmas?

This may potentially be the most difficult question to answer. A grocery receipt may even have too much space for listing what you can give for Christmas. In times when a meter of discounted Christmas wrapper costs more than a regular Jeepney fare, it is not surprising why a give-list runs shorter compared to a wish-list. I see fewer homes lined with colorful blinking lights. I hear the hushed rants of more employees without a Christmas bonus. I taste a blander fruit salad because even a can of condensed milk is getting costly.

The world asks for more gifts but the world also needs more Santas. More hands are cupping for alms but fewer hands are reaching out. Every Christmas, we often lose track of the real Christmas spirit. Every Christmas, we carelessly shift our focus on the anticipation of receiving gifts. I looked back at what had transpired this year and I begin to gradually lose the appetite for gifts. Not because I am turning Scrooge, but because I have received so much that I feel already embarrassed to ask for more. I realized that I have received so much because I dared to count what I had been blessed rather than what I still yearn for.  It is still a matter of perspective.

Santa Claus had been busy delivering presents to my side of the town all year round. If the gifts I have received this year were to be contained, I would be having a hard time closing the lid, for the blessings are overflowing. Besides, Christmas was intentionally celebrated not because we should be expecting gifts, but because we are expected to give gifts. Gifts that are not necessarily material in form. Gifts that are not needed to be wrapped in the glossiest papers. Gifts that do not only celebrate generosity but also gratitude.  So lo and behold, my Christmas Give-List.

1. My Nursing Vow

A year ago, I wrote that someday I will become a doctor. This year, however, I realized how much Nursing had contributed to me in figuring out my real purpose. I guess I wanted to care more rather than just cure. I wanted to give the world another nurse, sarcastic and at times a little insufferable but always sincere and ready to save lives.

2. My Psoriasis Story

No matter how personal and not the type of first impression I wanted to build around people, I am opening the story of my struggle against Psoriasis. I wanted sufferers of stigmatic diseases to persevere and keep of fighting despite the hurdles of humiliation and prejudice. I will share my story to the world.

3. A pair of slippers to a barefoot child

4. A breakfast at Jollibee to a group of street children

5. A year′s supply of daily hugs, kisses and I love yous to my Nanay, Tatay and Toto Rakrak. (This promo is renewable every year)

6. An unlimited chatting time whether online or offline with my Lunchmates

7. A regular weekend bath for my four dogs (Yes, they do not get a bath that often)

8. My eternal fan-girl love for John Lloyd Cruz

9. Free BP (blood pressure) measurement for everyone

10. My unconditional smile

These are not much and nowhere near a Nobel Peace prize, but this is how I plan to become somebody else′s Santa in my own bizarre but heartfelt ways.

This is my Christmas Give-List.

Make your own one too.

Be somebody else′s Santa.

(Reactions to reylangarcia@gmail.com ; follow me on twitter @reylangarcia; read my previous articles at http://www.my-scratch-pad.tumblr.com and http://www.iloilonewstoday.com)