Irony

I was walking around inside a prominent mall one day when I passed by a realty booth. A well-dressed man wearing a priceless watch, a shining gold necklace and a diamond ring gently crossed my path, introduced himself as a seller, gave me a flyer about a project, and tried to convince me to buy one.

I told him that he must be earning good in real estate as what can be presumed from his stunning looks.

He replied affirmatively, "Yeah, 'yo right sir. I never have known any other industry with lucrative jobs except real estate."

"Then why can't you afford to get a license?" I asked. He clammed up and immediately walked away.

Remember, a doctor who operates on someone, an optometrist who checks up a patient, or a civil engineer who signs a building plan without a valid license can be penalized by the law that governs his profession. This is also true in real estate service when one who deals in a realty transaction is an unlicensed one.

Therefore, Real Estate as a profession regulated by a law requires anyone who desires to engage in its practice either as a broker, appraiser, assessor, or consultant to secure first a corresponding license from the Professional Regulation Commission. With regards to an agent, he or she must be accredited as a salesperson by a licensed broker with the said government agency.

Health Is Wealth

Mapangkutya ako noon lalo na sa mga bigatin o matatabang tao. Minsan pa nga ay muntik na akong mapaaway nang kumasa yung matabang kaklase ko nang sabihan ko na matakaw siya dahil sa halinhinan nitong pagkain ng dala-dalawang burger sa magkabilang kamay nito. Pero, sinong maga-akala na balang-araw ay magkakalapit kami sa isa't isa, isang karanasang hindi ko malilimutan.

Masasabing may kaya kami sapagkat sa pribadong paaralan ako nag-aaral, kumpleto palagi ang mga kakailanganin sa school, at hindi bababa sa isang daan ang baon sa araw-araw na sa karaniwang estudyante sa amin ay kaya nang tumustos ng isang pamilya sa buong araw. Kaya nang mawalan ng hanapbuhay ang aking mga magulang ay parang bumagsak ang aking mundo.

Dahil sa kakulangan sa pera, hindi na ako nakakabayad ng tuition fee ng kumpleto at sa tamang oras. Palaging may mga promissory notes kaya naman special exams palagi ang naibibigay sa akin. Ang dating sobra-sobrang baon ko sa araw-araw ay unti-unting nababawasan hanggang sa kinakailangan ko nang maglakad makapunta lang sa school dahil sa wala nang maibigay sa akin ang aking mga magulang.

Isang araw sa school; oras noon ng pananghalian. Nasa isang sulok lang ako ng canteen nakaupo at naglalaway sa mga pagkaing naroroon. Wala akong baon at ni singkong duling ay talagang walang-wala ako. Nagkakarambola na ang mga bulate sa tiyan ko at dinig na dinig ko iyon. Halos manlabo na nga ang aking paningin dahil sa gutom, pero bago pa man ako mahimatay ay may nag abot sa akin ng isang burger. Nang tumingin ako sa taong nag-abot sa akin ay bigla na lamang akong nanlumo sa hiya - Si Jay, 'yung matabang kaklase ko na palaging sentro ng aking pangungutya.

Matapos akong magpasalamat ay agad kong sinunggaban ang masarap na burger na sa tingin ko ay binili pa niya sa isang sikat na food chain malapit sa amin. Halatang gutom na gutom ako dahil sa laki at bilis nang pagsubo at pagnguya ko sa burger. Bigla akong iniwan ni Jay at sa kanyang pagbalik ay may dala na itong iba pang pagkain – kanin at adobong manok na mabibili sa canteen na iyon.

Busog na busog ako ng araw na iyon. Ang muntik ko nang pagkahimatay sa gutom ay naagapan dahil sa pagmamagandang loob ng taong minsan kong nilait-lait dahil sa katabaan.
Dahil doon ay humingi ako ng tawad sa kanya at nangakong 'di ko na uulitin ang dati kong masamang gawain sa mga tulad niyang "heavy-gat."

Nang umuwi ako ay agad kong ikinuwento kay nanay ang nangyari. Mangiyak-ngiyak ito habang nilalahad ko ito sa kanya. Maya maya ay nahalata ko ang programang pinakikinggan niya. Ito ay programa sa DZRH tungkol sa tamang nutrisyon.

Dahil sa palagiang pakikinig ng nanay ko, unti-unti ko itong napansin at kinalaunan ay nagustuhan dahil sa mga dulang tinatampok nito na may kinalaman sa tamang nutrisyon. Simula noon ay namuo ang interes ko sa pakikinig sa programang ito kada sabado. Makalipas ang ilang linggong pakikinig ay iminungkahi ko ito kay Jay para mapakinggan.

Madalas kaming magkita ni Jay dahil siya na halos ang nagpapakain sa akin kapag oras na ng pananghalian. Naiintindihan niya kasi ang nangyari sa amin. Dahil sa regular ang aming pagkikita, hindi nalingid sa akin ang pagbabago sa kanyang pangangatawan. Nahalata ko na hindi na ito madalas kumain ng marami. Napansin ko rin ang walang sawang pagkahilig nito sa sandwich na napapalamanan ng mga gulay at konting karne. Hanggang sa bihira na kaming umuwi ng sabay sa hapon dahil sa pagkahilig na nito sa larong volleyball.

Ilang mga linggo pa ang lumipas ay nahalata ko ang pagkakaron ng hugis ng katawan niya mula sa bilugan nitong pangangatawan at mukha. Hanggang sa mapansin kong gwapo din pala siya.  Sa madaling salita, nagkagusto ako sa kanya kung kaya't 'di na ako nagdalawang-isip upang sagutin siya.

Minsan ay isinama niya ako sa kanila isang sabado. Napansin ko agad ang pinakikinggan nito sa radio. Ito yung programang iminungkahi ko sa kanya noon.

Doon ko lang nalaman na ang minsang pakikinig nito sa programa ng Nutrition Council sa radio ang nag udyok sa kanya upang magbawas ng timbang at maging health conscious. 

Ngayon ay slim na siya at sporty na ang dating. Maayos na rin ang trabaho ng aking mga magulang kaya't 'di na ako nahihirapang mag-aral.

Hindi ko sukat akalain na ang minsang nilalait ko dahil sa katabaan ay siya ring tutulong sa akin sa oras ng pangangailangan. Hindi ko rin sukat akalain na ako, ang taong palaging nangkukutya sa kanyang katabaan, ay magiging susi rin upang kanyang mapakinggan ang isang napakagandang programa sa DZRH na magpapabago sa kanyang buhay.

Without Rain Nothing Grows

I was walking slowly; standing firmly,

Until I was shocked, intensely and suddenly,

When I heard my name; Oh, it's a great day!

I was one of the writers, what shall I say ?

Wearing blue dress, though with teary eyes,

I was so nervous, with trembling hands.

Seeing those eyes, connected with mine,

What should I do, would they ever mind ?

Unknowingly, there I was dreaming.

As I woke up,  smiles slowly fading.

Be brave and fight, someone was telling,

the hopelessness of night, makes my life challenging.

I shall conquer 'em all, With my writing might, 
By books and experience, My knowledge shall grow,
Like anyone else, I'm just begining to ignite,
And in my writing, my wisdom shall show.

-------------------

Contributor: Ms. Shyleen Alburo is a second year BS Secondary Education at Ligao Community College, Ligao City, Albay.

In War, All Are Enemies

On his hands was the fate of his bestfriend's life on that fateful day, but the decision was not for him to make.

Hoping that a rebel could still spare his friend whom he discovered to belong to the enemy side, he tried to convince his commander for his safe release.
Unfortunately his request was not heeded. Instead, the commander ordered death upon the enemy that he must execute.

The rebel could not do anything but to follow his superior's order or his life would also be at stake.

For the last time he tightly embraced and cried with his friend while asking for forgiveness and understanding.

Then he stood up, distanced himself, pointed the gun at his pal's head, and pulled the trigger at once; the order was cleanly executed.

Just like a sound suddenly turned off, the disturbing cry was put to a stop by one single bullet and his friend was gone in an instance. On that day, a man became an executioner to his own beloved friend.

Camella Homes Amenities

Surrounded by green lawns and healthy shrubs creatively arranged, cultivated, and maintained, the multi-purpose Hall provides a cozy ambiance to any homeowner and visitor at Camella Naga, a gated and safe subdivision in Naga City.

The Swimming Pool

Its attractive pool beguiles any swimming enthusiast for a whole-day refreshing swim or anyone for a relaxing wade after a stressful working day. 

The Spacious Hall

A presentable and spacious venue, it is a best location for weddings, birthdays, and any special occasions in the family.

Parking Area

To keep one connected with friends and loved ones abroad, or updated with important information while enjoying, the place has an available WiFi connection for free access.

The Basketball Court

A few meters ahead is the basketball court where anyone can play and warm up with friends.

Indeed, these are just few of the things you can do to enjoy the amenities of Camella Naga located at Barangay Del Rosario, Naga City.

No Pain. No Gain

As a student many years back, Paulo did some odd jobs to help his parents sustain his schooling so as not to be too much burden to them; They were four then who were attending school at the same time.

He applied for a part-time job as an insurance agent on a commission basis. It was a very tedious work for He did a house-to-house selling as his lone strategy. Since internet and cellphones were unpopular and perhaps too costly yet that time, face-to-face selling was the only best option he had.

He was not really that lucky during the first several months for he had not closed any single account yet, something that made him decide quitting.

Until one day when He finally decided to give up the job. He was writing his resignation letter inside their school canteen when unknowingly someone was scouting him at the back.

"Quitting?", the woman said, "life is more about keeping your pace amidst tough challenges.

He did not know her. She probably was a parent to one of the students in his school. He did not mind her and continued scribbling. Then one of his professors passed by.

"Hey Paulo, What's up? Somebody told me that you are a working student now, keep it up kid.", He said smilingly.

He just smiled and went away to find another place where no one can disturb him, but his classmates saw him.

"'Hey dude, treat us for some meals, You're already working, right? Good for you. You are no longer burden to your family." He laughingly said."Just kidding. Keep it up bro."

Whatta? He was getting confused. If only these people knew his problem. But somewhat there words inspired him. He pondered things out and asked himself if he loved his work. It may be ridiculous but he replied to himself on the affirmative. 

To him, being an insurance agent was not just a job but a good one. You have something good to offer with other people that can secure their life in the future. 

Though it was not a regular salaried job, at least his income was not a fixed one and there was a potential of earning more than an office worker did that time.Why not give it another try?

For almost an hour of deep thinking, He finally convinced himself to continue and further face the challenges that his job awaited him.

For another months of zero sales, he continued, but making sure he studied well until a good fortune came when he began hitting a series of jackpots. He was able to convince a large company to get its employees a life and endowment insurance policies thru salary deduction scheme. 

Then another one followed when a federation of cooperatives got insured thru him. He continued closing sales which became ordinary for him. The flow of money was really great and the promotion to high positions was fast.

More than a year of no sales, but because of love and interest in the job, He became determined to succeed at all costs. When a good luck came, everything changed for life was beginning to be comfortable. 

Now, Paulo is running his own insurance corporation with his siblings as general managers.

Just like Paulo, we are sometimes weakened by the challenges that come our way- We may just be lacking of encouraging and inspiring words from other people around us. Success is really something to strive for which cannot be attained overnight with just a little effort.

Camella Homes: Amenities

Surrounded by green lawns and healthy shrubs creatively arranged, cultivated, and maintained, the multi-purpose Hall provides a cozy ambiance to any homeowner and visitor at Camella Naga, a gated and safe subdivision in Naga City.

The Swimming Pool

Its attractive pool beguiles any swimming enthusiast for a whole-day refreshing swim or anyone for a relaxing wade after a stressful working day. 

The Spacious Hall

A presentable and spacious venue, it is a best location for weddings, birthdays, and any special occasions in the family.

Parking Area

To keep one connected with friends and loved ones abroad, or updated with important information while enjoying, the place has an available WiFi connection for free access.

The Basketball Court

A few meters ahead is the basketball court where anyone can play and warm up with friends.

Indeed, these are just few of the things you can do to enjoy the amenities of Camella Naga located at Barangay Del Rosario, Naga City.