fly with mhe

It was a long weekend and a break from work. It also meant a break for the students and employees like me. So Kevinski and company planned to have another movie marathon at their place, as usual. But this time, it was planned and the other youths were also invited. More than 10 came and was a handful bunch. After 3 movies, 1 horror, 1 suspense and 1 feel-good movie, we were on our bed dreaming that the weekend won’t end. Hehe..

Morning came, while we were preparing to leave the place, faces were obviously sad to end the activity. Out of the blue, I forgot who proposed it, was it me or Kevinski, that we’d go river trekking at the nearby river, which was actually CDO’s main river. We prepared a bottle of water each, no wearing of shoes, no bags and other important paraphernalia. then off we go along the road to the farther part of Balulang which I had been to only once long time ago. We trekked the same river before, about 10 years ago with Kevinski’s dad and others. Okay.. We were excited to cross the hanging bridge which was a bit challenging with Mari in front of me. After which, decided to go on with the trail which prodded us to go the other, little way when a man with a hunting gun stepped out. It was an adventure that led us to another street which connected to a low bridge that when its high tide, the water would flow above it. Followed the road up a hill when Kevinski and company decided to climb a small passageway up a steep slope where we could see a cream-painted house. We were literally climbing up a slope where we could see the mountain opposite Balulang (so green with trees), the city from afar, the glistening blue sea beyond the buildings and where we had hiked earlier. Savoring the view in every stop. Not knowing, there’s a much better view ahead, much breath-taking, which in fact is a road in a village I had just known, Xavier Ville. Only 2 houses were occupied, the rest were still on-construction. It is in the upper-part of Balulang. A mother and her child passed us and asked where we were going. Actually, we were going nowhere at this point, just for the sake of bonding, adventure, and where our feet could carry us under the scorching heat of the noon sun. She informed us that up ahead is the Taguanao bridge. As adventurers and wanderers, we were excited and made it our new destination, where it’ll lead, whatever it takes. So off we go. Passing by the last place of Balulang, we asked residences which fork of the road leads to Taguanao. They politely answered us with a warning that it’s too far. Yet, as if nothing was heard or was it just being determined to reach our destination, we moved on even without further knowledge on what awaits us and how far our destination is. The sight of the bridge on our left was an encouragement. It was not long that we reached our destination. Now what? Should we go back on our tracks or go on and continue our hiking to Taguanao where we could get a ride to the city, then ride a multicab back to Balulang. Not to mention, it was already past 1pm and we hadn’t had lunch yet. I was glad no one complained and everyone we’re energized and excited to finish our adventure. It was not my first time to hike from Balulang to Taguanao, yet the trail was different. There was yet no bridge at that time, we had to cross the big river by banka. It was their first time to pass those trails and step onto Taguanao. Some even suggested that we continue walking to the city from Taguanao. Knowing the place, as Taguanao had been my swimming team’s favorite destination, I begged not to for the fact that we might arrive at the city late in the afternoon, with no food and unprepared energy. Glad they agreed to take the jeepney back to the city. And it was then that they realized it was really far.

It was by far a great adventure. Not to mention, it was not costly. It is one of those that I can wear on my sleeves. Though they were dead tired when they reached their homes, I’m glad they enjoyed it. Hoping that it would be etched in their memory and the enjoyment and bonding be etched in their hearts. For the first-timers, it was by far unforgettable. For some, it was their longest walk. yet, nothing beats the bonding, excitement and smiles we had even if the heat was pounding hard on us. Thank you guys. Let’s do this again someday.

Despite the busy schedule and less time to rest. I’m glad there are mountain-top experiences on some days.

On days that my weary body wants to hit the sack already but there’s still something lined-up for the day that needs my attention, time and energy, both physically and mentally. When my throat sores and hurts a little because I used it for 5 hours. When my eyes wants to give up on me on some nights yet is made alive by the smiles the people I work with give. When it is already late in the evening and work duties call me yet it is still relieving to talk to them about my day, my thoughts and anything in between while walking on the street for a ride home. When my brain is tired of thinking, aching and longing to rest. Like right now.

Should I count the number of times my weary body complains or the relationships I forged with the activities I do each day?

‘True wealth comes from the heart and is always only there.’   – facebook

Tonight was another mountain-top experience I had with some friends. Despite the 5 hours straight practise I had, the smiles, laughters and talks we shared over dinner relieved it. Each day comes with different experiences. Tonight was different. It may just be a simple night with just ordinary activities yet it was made different with the people I was with tonight and the amount of stress and pressure I am experiencing right now. Thank you, in a way, for relieving my stress.

I am not prepared for my work tomorrow. Hehe..

Sean Porter: Everybody listen up. The Gridiron is a football field. On the Gridiron, we do it my way, not your way. Your way got you here. Whatever gang you claim, whatever hood you’re from, this is your hood now.

Sean Porter: Most sixteen/seventeen year old kids, they make a bad choice. Something gets broken, they screw up in class, hurt somebody’s feelings, show up at the prom drunk. They get sent to the Principal’s office, have their car keys taken away or get grounded. Then there’s kids that make a bad choice, somebody ends up shot dead in the parking lot. Those kids get sent here.

Lines from the movie “Gridiron Gang”.

The “Gridiron Gang” is about making a difference, one person at a time, in small but significant ways, in the lives of troubled youths that societies the world over would just as soon ignore. Much like the situations we have in our communities nowadays.  Whenever there’s violence, the youth gets blamed for it. Whenever there’s resistance, the youths gets tagged into it. What are we doing about it?

Had a talk with a fellow youth worker and an apprentice last night. He was asking how they’re doing, their activities until our talk touched to our effectiveness as youth workers. When people look at them, specifically the boys or rather guys, they’ll conclude that nothing really has changed. They get frustrated and was on the verge of giving up because their desired results were not met. It isn’t like that as we all know. Life can’t be changed instantly like snapping a finger. It is not done overnight. It is a process. I had been closely with them for over 2 year now and I could say that they’ve really changed. Not with every member of the group though. For some, the changes were obvious to us. At times, their parents, brothers and sisters were the once telling me about it. While there were instances also that I hear complains about them from their parents. Some changes were in their choice of company, in their decision-making, in perseverance to continue on with their studies and in their choice of activities. I wonder what their lives were when they weren’t together, when they’re at school, when they’re with friends other than the group we have. We’re they good examples and influence to them? I certainly hope so. They live in a society were drinking, smoking, youth and adult violence, teen pregnancy and youth drop-outs were rampant. Older brothers who hadn’t finished college because they see school as a waste of their time and laziness with studies. These are what they usually see in their society. Deviating from their society’s norm could gather up praise and ridicule at the same time. Yet they still persevered and strive to do good and make a better future.

Two years, the changes may not be that big but at least we had planted a seed and continue to nurture it until maybe it is ready to be left alone. It is still worth it. Our effort is not in vain. The journey is not over yet.

What an experience it was.

The Sunday afternoon was quiet as the youths were treated for a birthday lunch at KFC, Limketkai Mall. After which, to make their time useful and not just wander around the mall in pairs or groups without unified direction, we revised a game with the objective of surprising the birthday celebrant. It was very spontaneous, was only planned and organized then and there but was fun nonetheless. We made the youths race around the mall to find key persons to accomplish the tasks. This was not the highlight of my Sunday though. It was after the youths went home at around 5:30PM.

Since Kevin had to finish some drawings with the help of Patrick, I decided to join them and Mari since we also go to the same direction going home. I didn’t know when they’ll finish the drawing assignments of Kevin for his Architecture course. To while away time, Mari and I talked and wrote just about anything while Kevin and Patrick were busy sketching and talking at the same time once in a while we didn’t notice that it was time for Limketkai Mall to close. It was already 8PM. So we decided to transfer to McDonald’s outside the mall. Had dinner and finished their drawings. By that time, Kevin was already shading while Patrick was figuring out the designs, structures and details of an old church. After dinner and some talk, the guys proceeded back to their work while Mari and I got bored and talked about anything, again. Until Mari got sleepy and I helped out at shading Patrick’s work while he continued to worked on his detailing. It was the only help I could give since I am not talented with arts. It was already past 10PM and we still had a long way to go but enjoyed our company as well. Talking just about anything, life, the designs, a little orientation about Architectural designs, terms, and techniques from Kevinski and singing as that’s what we commonly do. Unknowingly, McDonald’s Limketkai closes at 10PM on Sundays so we overstayed. We didn’t even bother to look at the time I guess. We were aware that we were the only customers left, but we weren’t aware that they closed early. The staff didn’t even bother to approach us and advised us that they were already closed, until we went to the counter to buy snacks which was hidden from our view where we sat. Bad. By 12AM, we left the store since the crew has already finished cleaning up the place and was about to turn off the lights.

What an experience that was. Two stores closed on us on a Sunday night as we were enjoying each other’s company. Though bothered a bit with the fact that Monday is a school and work day but we all had a common goal, to finish the drawing before we leave, that overpowered our reasons why we should have been home by that time.

Upon leaving McDonald’s, the crew jokingly stated that we had spent 2 days at their store, since it was minutes past 12AM that we had gotten out of their premise. It was the first time for us. They were friendly and nice people too. We were indeed grateful.

What did we learn from our experience? When someone has projects, call a friend. Hehe.. Seriously now. Kevinski shared that he could have worked on his projects at home and avoid the reprimands of thier parents for coming home late, vey late in tonight’s case, and spending for dinner, he had no regrets about spending time with us while doing the work. Though he could have finished his work sooner if he stayed at home, it would have felt that the load was heavy carrying it alone. I totally agree. I’m glad he came along and shared his assignment with us.