"This is my brother, Elis!"
That was how I was introduced by my good friend, Jojo, to the locals at the plant where he works as their Quality Assurance Manager.
That introduction surprised me.
Apparently, here in Africa, when you are introducing a countryman to others, one uses the term, "...brother" or "... sister"
When Jojo explained the introduction to me, I found that very... cool = )
And this is what I learned from Africa...
Lord, when will I introduce my fellow Filipino to the whole world as my brother? My sister?
"... why think like mere men?"
Wednesday
scribbles in africa 2
An AK-47 carrying policeman. That's a first = )
"Happy weekend!"
That line has a totally different context here. It is akin to garbage collectors in the Philippines saying, "Namamasko, po..."
And they do this every weekend = )
"Law and order" here is not the same as "law and order" in the Philippines. But please do not get me wrong. I do not mean to demean.
I understand that my host nation is in certain part of their journey and the Philippines is also in a certain part of her journey. The important thing is that they are journeying. Improving. Developing.
Law and order exists here. The difference is, it still on a different plane.
"... why think like mere men?"
"Happy weekend!"
That line has a totally different context here. It is akin to garbage collectors in the Philippines saying, "Namamasko, po..."
And they do this every weekend = )
"Law and order" here is not the same as "law and order" in the Philippines. But please do not get me wrong. I do not mean to demean.
I understand that my host nation is in certain part of their journey and the Philippines is also in a certain part of her journey. The important thing is that they are journeying. Improving. Developing.
Law and order exists here. The difference is, it still on a different plane.
"... why think like mere men?"
scribbles in africa 1
1930 hours
local time
I had dinner at a Thai restaurant. This is weird. Not that it is a Thai restaurant in Africa but the servers here are authentic Thais.
I never had Thai servers in a Thai restaurant from the Philippines. Funny = )
I feel like I am in Pampanga or in Cebu. I still have to get used to seeing a lot of black people in the street. The novelty has not worn off = )
Lord, I have to expand my view of my African brothers and not limit it to how Hollywood depicts them...
"... why think like mere men?"
local time
I had dinner at a Thai restaurant. This is weird. Not that it is a Thai restaurant in Africa but the servers here are authentic Thais.
I never had Thai servers in a Thai restaurant from the Philippines. Funny = )
I feel like I am in Pampanga or in Cebu. I still have to get used to seeing a lot of black people in the street. The novelty has not worn off = )
Lord, I have to expand my view of my African brothers and not limit it to how Hollywood depicts them...
"... why think like mere men?"
scribbles to africa 15
1930 hours
Philippine time
My seatmate, Frank, a Nigerian, who's in vacation for two months, works in Greece.
Here's a first. He thinks I am Chinese. Maybe it's the coat I am wearing. Filipinos are not known to wear coats.
But of course, when I said, "I am sorry. I am not." Upon hearing my English reply, he said, "Ahhh, from the Philippines..." and he smiled.
I guess we are known around the world as the Asians who can speak English very well.
"... why think like mere men?"
Philippine time
My seatmate, Frank, a Nigerian, who's in vacation for two months, works in Greece.
Here's a first. He thinks I am Chinese. Maybe it's the coat I am wearing. Filipinos are not known to wear coats.
But of course, when I said, "I am sorry. I am not." Upon hearing my English reply, he said, "Ahhh, from the Philippines..." and he smiled.
I guess we are known around the world as the Asians who can speak English very well.
"... why think like mere men?"
note to Beb
I am watching the September Issue = )
Anna Wintour: "There's something about fashion that makes people nervous. That's why they mock it..."
Anna Wintour: "There's something about fashion that makes people nervous. That's why they mock it..."
scribbles to africa 14
1650 hours
Philippine time
For the first time, I am on top of the African desert.
I am silent. Overwhelmed. Taking it all in.
What am I doing here, Lord? Why do I need to see the wind swept plains? It's Your canvas, Lord. I am humbled. Thank You for the window seat = )
Oh, Lord! I am so small and You're so big. Why do you even think about me? I am so thankful for Your love. I am humbled. Thank You, Lord.
The films about Africa vast lands does not quite capture the vastness of this! One has to see it from the top. From how He sees it = )
Philippine time
For the first time, I am on top of the African desert.
I am silent. Overwhelmed. Taking it all in.
What am I doing here, Lord? Why do I need to see the wind swept plains? It's Your canvas, Lord. I am humbled. Thank You for the window seat = )
Oh, Lord! I am so small and You're so big. Why do you even think about me? I am so thankful for Your love. I am humbled. Thank You, Lord.
The films about Africa vast lands does not quite capture the vastness of this! One has to see it from the top. From how He sees it = )
scribbles to africa 13
1320 hours
Philippine time
The one thing I like this whole Emirates experience is the entertainment they provide. Yes, the food was good. But ICE (Information, Communication and Entertainment) is better = )
I am going back to my high school days. I've been listening to Bizarre Love Triangle again. I am a teenager again at 35.
I wonder how will "this" play as I facilitate a designed learning experience for our African brothers about TQM and Good Manufacturing Practice.
Lord, I lift everything to You...
Philippine time
The one thing I like this whole Emirates experience is the entertainment they provide. Yes, the food was good. But ICE (Information, Communication and Entertainment) is better = )
I am going back to my high school days. I've been listening to Bizarre Love Triangle again. I am a teenager again at 35.
I wonder how will "this" play as I facilitate a designed learning experience for our African brothers about TQM and Good Manufacturing Practice.
Lord, I lift everything to You...
Tuesday
scribbles to africa 12
0702 hrs
local time
This flight has a familiarity into it. Now I know what to expect riding and using the amenities of a Boeing 777. If my flight from Manila to Dubai is filled with OFWs, our modern heroes, this one is filled with our African brothers.
It is cloudy today. I have spent a good enough time inside the airport. I know it now. I have walked the whole length. Saw a lot of people from different races. The novelty has faded already.
Spent sometime in the familiar confines of McDonald's and Starbucks. Met some hardworking Filipinos, shouting "Kabayan!", making their living and sending money home.
Dubai is built on a dream and on money. On an idea of prosperity molded by the western mind. How will the locals transmit this idea to their next generation. What thoughts linger in their minds? In their schools?
local time
This flight has a familiarity into it. Now I know what to expect riding and using the amenities of a Boeing 777. If my flight from Manila to Dubai is filled with OFWs, our modern heroes, this one is filled with our African brothers.
It is cloudy today. I have spent a good enough time inside the airport. I know it now. I have walked the whole length. Saw a lot of people from different races. The novelty has faded already.
Spent sometime in the familiar confines of McDonald's and Starbucks. Met some hardworking Filipinos, shouting "Kabayan!", making their living and sending money home.
Dubai is built on a dream and on money. On an idea of prosperity molded by the western mind. How will the locals transmit this idea to their next generation. What thoughts linger in their minds? In their schools?
Monday
scribbles to africa 11
0353 hours
Philippine time
So, this is how Dubai looks like at 34,000 feet. The Captain said that we are landing at 12:11AM local time and that the temperature is 19 degrees Celsius.
The lights stretched the length of the shore line. I have played Bizarre Love Triangle for the 5th time. My legs is a bit numb.
God is faithful.
He made me enjoy this 9-hour flight. Time simply passed by...
"... why think like mere men?"
Philippine time
So, this is how Dubai looks like at 34,000 feet. The Captain said that we are landing at 12:11AM local time and that the temperature is 19 degrees Celsius.
The lights stretched the length of the shore line. I have played Bizarre Love Triangle for the 5th time. My legs is a bit numb.
God is faithful.
He made me enjoy this 9-hour flight. Time simply passed by...
"... why think like mere men?"
Saturday
scribbles to africa 10
0340 hours
What's the best way to lull away 20 minutes and 12 seconds at 34,000 feet?
Listen to the 12" version of New Order's Bizaare Love Triangle three times.High school nights never gets old. I am young again = )
Lord, You really know how to prepare me for the days ahead.
"... why think like mere men?"
What's the best way to lull away 20 minutes and 12 seconds at 34,000 feet?
Listen to the 12" version of New Order's Bizaare Love Triangle three times.High school nights never gets old. I am young again = )
Lord, You really know how to prepare me for the days ahead.
"... why think like mere men?"
scribbles to africa 9
0230 hours
This never get's old.
At 34,000 feet, I am reacquainted with the Dublin Boys. Edge's guitar is in my ear and in my soul as it strums and reaches a crescendo in the opening of "Where the streets have no name"
U2 always bring me to a place, a moment and an awareness of pure hope, strongest dreams, infinite possibilities and unseen beautiful horizons. I am in a moment. At peace. Joyful.
Thank you, Lord... for re-affirming Your love to me.
"... why think like mere men?"
This never get's old.
At 34,000 feet, I am reacquainted with the Dublin Boys. Edge's guitar is in my ear and in my soul as it strums and reaches a crescendo in the opening of "Where the streets have no name"
U2 always bring me to a place, a moment and an awareness of pure hope, strongest dreams, infinite possibilities and unseen beautiful horizons. I am in a moment. At peace. Joyful.
Thank you, Lord... for re-affirming Your love to me.
"... why think like mere men?"
scribbles to africa 8
0220 hours
30 Jan 2010
I woke up about 15 minutes ago. I was simply awake. Eating tuna sandwich and listening to Lauryn Hill's "Can't take my eyes off you" as we flyover Mumbai. About to get my apple juice from the FA.
30 Jan 2010
I woke up about 15 minutes ago. I was simply awake. Eating tuna sandwich and listening to Lauryn Hill's "Can't take my eyes off you" as we flyover Mumbai. About to get my apple juice from the FA.
scribbles to africa 7
2223 hours
At over 32,000 feet, a realization came.
I am seated between Filipinos. Extended common courtesy and was hoping for a conversation to ensue. That never happened = )
Why is that?
The feeling I get from this, though I may be wrong, is that we have this default setting to not trust our fellow countrymen. I do not know. Maybe we are simply abused and mistreated by the powers that be, crooked politicians and greedy bureaucrats, that we only trust them, Filipinos, if they are family or if we have shared a common situation with them, like school.
Or maybe the conversation never ensued because I am seated between two OFWs who just left there family and they are in the process of putting their respective game face on as they prepare to start their time away from home so that they can send dollars.
I can only wonder...
We are over Adaman Sea as the in flight info service says = )
"... why think like mere men?"
At over 32,000 feet, a realization came.
I am seated between Filipinos. Extended common courtesy and was hoping for a conversation to ensue. That never happened = )
Why is that?
The feeling I get from this, though I may be wrong, is that we have this default setting to not trust our fellow countrymen. I do not know. Maybe we are simply abused and mistreated by the powers that be, crooked politicians and greedy bureaucrats, that we only trust them, Filipinos, if they are family or if we have shared a common situation with them, like school.
Or maybe the conversation never ensued because I am seated between two OFWs who just left there family and they are in the process of putting their respective game face on as they prepare to start their time away from home so that they can send dollars.
I can only wonder...
We are over Adaman Sea as the in flight info service says = )
"... why think like mere men?"
scribbles to africa 5
2208 hours
We're over Ho Chiminh City.
It sure looks like Manila when seen from above.
But the Vietnamese has a totally different culture and attitude compared to us Filipinos.
I can only supposed that, though we are a mere three hours by air away to Vietnam, when people are separated by distance and by sea, a new culture emerges. Thus, different.
Does that mean when air travel further intensifies and internet social network becomes busier, we will start to become to look human? With the same hope. Same dreams.
"... why think like mere men?"
We're over Ho Chiminh City.
It sure looks like Manila when seen from above.
But the Vietnamese has a totally different culture and attitude compared to us Filipinos.
I can only supposed that, though we are a mere three hours by air away to Vietnam, when people are separated by distance and by sea, a new culture emerges. Thus, different.
Does that mean when air travel further intensifies and internet social network becomes busier, we will start to become to look human? With the same hope. Same dreams.
"... why think like mere men?"
scribbles to africa 4
2115 hours
Dinner was served. I am about to watch "Where the Wild Things Are" from Emirate's ICE. The plane is over Vietnam now.
A thought arrived. "We are who we are because of others. When 'others' change from Filipino to foreigners, we change, too. A fresh start. Possibilities abound exponentially."
I mean this in the most pure way.
"... why think like mere men?"
Dinner was served. I am about to watch "Where the Wild Things Are" from Emirate's ICE. The plane is over Vietnam now.
A thought arrived. "We are who we are because of others. When 'others' change from Filipino to foreigners, we change, too. A fresh start. Possibilities abound exponentially."
I mean this in the most pure way.
"... why think like mere men?"
scribbles to africa 3
1920 hours.
Take off.
For the first time, as the plane banked left, I am seeing Metro Manila from the sky at night. And it is beautiful. It's like a lighted spider's web = )
Thank you, Lord.
Take off.
For the first time, as the plane banked left, I am seeing Metro Manila from the sky at night. And it is beautiful. It's like a lighted spider's web = )
Thank you, Lord.
scribbles to africa 2
1650 hours
Seated.
I offered a prayer.
I am between two Filipinos. On my left, the window seat, is a lady busy with reading the in-flight newspapers offered by Emirates. On my right, the aisle seat, a man busy with glossing over the in-flight magazines. Me? I am writing my thoughts = )
The FA gave us our welcome warm towel. After the wait, that felt perfect. Set my mind at ease. Was surprised to know that Emirates will serve chicken adobo for dinner. Funny = )
I am still in the Philippines.
"... why think like mere men?"
Seated.
I offered a prayer.
I am between two Filipinos. On my left, the window seat, is a lady busy with reading the in-flight newspapers offered by Emirates. On my right, the aisle seat, a man busy with glossing over the in-flight magazines. Me? I am writing my thoughts = )
The FA gave us our welcome warm towel. After the wait, that felt perfect. Set my mind at ease. Was surprised to know that Emirates will serve chicken adobo for dinner. Funny = )
I am still in the Philippines.
"... why think like mere men?"
scribbles to africa 1
29 Jan 2010
Stuck. The flight that was supposed to be at 1750hours. It is now 1802hrs.
Seated amongst my fellow Filipino at Gate 5, something came off, officially dead and buried to the depths of eternity. The foreigners became human. The novelty of seeing Caucasian white is gone = )
The equalizing situation of being stuck somehow peeled off the last and faint amusement. The developed and the developing divide that the 1st world people brands nations does not exist in the world of stuck = )
Seriously, when one accepts that the whole world belongs to everyone and everyone has equal rights to it, we somehow move away from being high and mighty and embrace the heightened truth that we are all stuck in this world, so we better treat each other nicely.
"... why think like mere men?"
Stuck. The flight that was supposed to be at 1750hours. It is now 1802hrs.
Seated amongst my fellow Filipino at Gate 5, something came off, officially dead and buried to the depths of eternity. The foreigners became human. The novelty of seeing Caucasian white is gone = )
The equalizing situation of being stuck somehow peeled off the last and faint amusement. The developed and the developing divide that the 1st world people brands nations does not exist in the world of stuck = )
Seriously, when one accepts that the whole world belongs to everyone and everyone has equal rights to it, we somehow move away from being high and mighty and embrace the heightened truth that we are all stuck in this world, so we better treat each other nicely.
"... why think like mere men?"
Monday
my african journey
We all know the story of Dubai. And that's that. Stayed there for awhile and then flew to another continent, another time zone = )
And now, I am part of the story of Africa.
I just had my last face time with the South African Managing Director. I am killing time now. I gave my presentation last Friday afternoon to my African counterparts and they were kind enough to receive it well.
I went to their museum last Saturday. And I finally realize why they reacted to certain things I say. They are silent in a different way. Especially when I try to explain TQM and relate TQM to things one will not normally associate TQM with.
My heart melted when one local approached me and he told me that they have been talking about the new oyibo downstairs at the shop floor. He shook my hand and for the first time in a long time I felt a different kind of gratitude. An African gratitude. Pure.
I get them. I understand them. Funny, it took awhile before the novelty of seeing so many black people to die down. I do not mean to offend but to see so many all at the same time is new. Now, they are simply like us. Like, anybody. They all want the next generation that will come after them to have better lives than what they have.
I am leaving this continent with a greater appreciation for what I have and what was given to me in the Philippines.
I've seen how bad things are here. But I also see the energy. The hope. The road is long but does that matter? Are we not in a journey where ever we are? It does not matter if we are in the developed world or the developing world. Both are journeys to be had.
Lord, thank you for showing me this. The books You allowed me to have and read brought me here. The passion You indwelt me with brought me here. = )
I pray for traveling mercies as I go home. And thank You for keeping my loved ones back home safe.
"... why think like mere men?"
And now, I am part of the story of Africa.
I just had my last face time with the South African Managing Director. I am killing time now. I gave my presentation last Friday afternoon to my African counterparts and they were kind enough to receive it well.
I went to their museum last Saturday. And I finally realize why they reacted to certain things I say. They are silent in a different way. Especially when I try to explain TQM and relate TQM to things one will not normally associate TQM with.
My heart melted when one local approached me and he told me that they have been talking about the new oyibo downstairs at the shop floor. He shook my hand and for the first time in a long time I felt a different kind of gratitude. An African gratitude. Pure.
I get them. I understand them. Funny, it took awhile before the novelty of seeing so many black people to die down. I do not mean to offend but to see so many all at the same time is new. Now, they are simply like us. Like, anybody. They all want the next generation that will come after them to have better lives than what they have.
I am leaving this continent with a greater appreciation for what I have and what was given to me in the Philippines.
I've seen how bad things are here. But I also see the energy. The hope. The road is long but does that matter? Are we not in a journey where ever we are? It does not matter if we are in the developed world or the developing world. Both are journeys to be had.
Lord, thank you for showing me this. The books You allowed me to have and read brought me here. The passion You indwelt me with brought me here. = )
I pray for traveling mercies as I go home. And thank You for keeping my loved ones back home safe.
"... why think like mere men?"
Thursday
oyibo
I am oyibo. A white man.
That is a fact. Though it is not a fact in the Philippines, it is very unnerving when people around you treats you like one. In the land called the cradle of civilization.
My skies are of a different palate now. Opens up something I have never imagined!
This Middle Eastern and African journey is something else. And I say something else in a way I've never meant it before. Paradigm shift does not quite catch it. Metanoia? Not even.
This journey have taken me to a different place. A different plane. I see things differently. My view has expanded in ways I've never imagine it before. I am more aware of existence. Of beauty. Of heart. Of passion. Of will.
Oh, Lord! Why do this to an insignificant and inconsistent me? This is an undeserved gift, oh Lord?!?
Thank you, Lord!
To God be all the glory!
You are really something else. You have been faithful to someone who can not be consistently faithful. You are really a wonderful and magnificent surprise.
And this I tell from the heart of my heart, together with the knowledge that most of our politicians are corrupt and rotten to the bone, the Philippines have been good to me. She taught me a lot things. I long to bless you, my very dear Philippines, my Motherland.
Lord, You are something else.
You have shown me now why everything in my life happened that way. You have made me realize why I was born to my loving mother and caring father. Why I should be born in the place where I was born. Why should I have that childhood. Why I should have that struggle. That passion. You really have a plan for my life, Lord. And it is a wonderful and magnificent plan. Forgive me for doubting. For questioning.
Thank you, Lord. The Lord of wonderful and magnificent surprises = )
Though I have change, one thing remain - I am Hon. And I long for my Beb. Alaishu. Amishu.
Thank you for lifting this experience in prayers, Beb. I am proud of you. Of us.
And thank you for everyone who has lifted this journey in prayers.
Continually pray for strength, wisdom, excellent health and traveling mercies.
"... why think like mere men?"
That is a fact. Though it is not a fact in the Philippines, it is very unnerving when people around you treats you like one. In the land called the cradle of civilization.
My skies are of a different palate now. Opens up something I have never imagined!
This Middle Eastern and African journey is something else. And I say something else in a way I've never meant it before. Paradigm shift does not quite catch it. Metanoia? Not even.
This journey have taken me to a different place. A different plane. I see things differently. My view has expanded in ways I've never imagine it before. I am more aware of existence. Of beauty. Of heart. Of passion. Of will.
Oh, Lord! Why do this to an insignificant and inconsistent me? This is an undeserved gift, oh Lord?!?
Thank you, Lord!
To God be all the glory!
You are really something else. You have been faithful to someone who can not be consistently faithful. You are really a wonderful and magnificent surprise.
And this I tell from the heart of my heart, together with the knowledge that most of our politicians are corrupt and rotten to the bone, the Philippines have been good to me. She taught me a lot things. I long to bless you, my very dear Philippines, my Motherland.
Lord, You are something else.
You have shown me now why everything in my life happened that way. You have made me realize why I was born to my loving mother and caring father. Why I should be born in the place where I was born. Why should I have that childhood. Why I should have that struggle. That passion. You really have a plan for my life, Lord. And it is a wonderful and magnificent plan. Forgive me for doubting. For questioning.
Thank you, Lord. The Lord of wonderful and magnificent surprises = )
Though I have change, one thing remain - I am Hon. And I long for my Beb. Alaishu. Amishu.
Thank you for lifting this experience in prayers, Beb. I am proud of you. Of us.
And thank you for everyone who has lifted this journey in prayers.
Continually pray for strength, wisdom, excellent health and traveling mercies.
"... why think like mere men?"
Wednesday
a different place
I literally mean that.
I am in a place where Algebra was born and where the cradle of civilization is. If this was a vacation, this would be fine. But what makes this a gift from Heaven is that I am facilitating a TQM training and the audience does not speak a single Filipino word.
This is too much. A humbling privilege.
Lord, You led me here. May I be faithful to You. May I convey what You want me to convey to my brothers here. May I bring You glory.
Thank You, Lord.
I am in a place where Algebra was born and where the cradle of civilization is. If this was a vacation, this would be fine. But what makes this a gift from Heaven is that I am facilitating a TQM training and the audience does not speak a single Filipino word.
This is too much. A humbling privilege.
Lord, You led me here. May I be faithful to You. May I convey what You want me to convey to my brothers here. May I bring You glory.
Thank You, Lord.
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