Living like a local

Rain, rain go away chant in Waray: Huraw, huraw ragandang  pasirunga an tamban  kay makuri hidakpan

The city, the moon, and me,   In our candid moment. Like the dust that has settled After a day’s rush, All at peace and rest, All frozen and captured, All just stuck in a photo. Then, After the stillness, We carry on, Everything goes back to its disorder. -Summer 2013, a view across the Pasig River

I wouldn't trade home for anything. "What can I say, we are spoiled brats, we're only given the real thing." Ando Island, Borongan City Eastern Samar Cabong Beach, Borongan City Eastern Samar Baybay Boulevard, Borongan City Eastern Samar

PAPAL VISIT 2015: Pope Francis Mercy and Compassion Tacloban City, Leyte January 17, 2015 "So many of you have lost everything. I don’t know what to say to you. But the Lord does know what to say to you. Some of you lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silence and walk with you all with my silent heart, Christ responds with his heart from the cross."  -Pope Francis

White Clouds Pass like Heroes Do Carigara, Leyte February 7, 2015 The sky was perfectly blue, sporadic white clouds passed by, cold wind blew and the eight o’clock sun glared, and then the trumpet started to toot, echoed in reverence; it was a funeral. A hero will be brought to rest; wreaths and people paraded to church in heavy, tiny steps. We walked the walk not just for our brave brother who have fallen in the Mamasapano, Maguindanao Massacre of the 44 PNP SAF Officers last January 25, 2015, but for the awakening fate of those victims of selfish governance of this nation. This concerns all widows, widowers, children, public officials, and all Filipinos. We worry for our security, we worry for the justice system and most importantly, we worry for our lives. The church was filled with friends and relatives and students and mere strangers who took time to send their condolences. As the wife of the hero stood behind the podium, we witnessed her strength in every word s