Author Archives: M.A.D. LIGAYA
The Floodgates of Command Responsibility
The Secretary of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) appears to be taking all the blame as the scandal surrounding the flood control projects unfolds. The question is this: Whose conscience will get inundated with guilt if we open the floodgates of command responsibility?
Suppose we adhere to every aspect of the command responsibility framework. Shouldn’t someone be uttering the well-known phrase, popularized by U.S. President Harry Truman, “The buck stops here”?
Who should be saying, “The final responsibility rests with me”?
Who is conscientious enough to say, “I take full responsibility”?
Nobody is doing so. Instead of doing a Harry Truman, the mayors, governors, congressmen, and senators are all doing a “Pontius Pilate.” I will not be surprised if, in the days to come, these Honorable Gentlemen and Ladies will also do a “Judas Iscariot.”
I don’t know if President Bongbong Marcos was correct in using the pronoun “kayo” when he said “Mahiya naman kayo” in his latest State of the Nation address. I think it should have been “Mahiya naman tayo.” He would have gained more admiration had he used “tayo” instead of “kayo.” While the DPWH is directly responsible for implementing flood control projects, the President, as the head of the executive branch, bears ultimate accountability for ensuring proper oversight. At least, His Excellency is now correcting the acts of omission and commission (and yes, the “commission,” if you get what I mean). He should be given credit for that, although “prevention” would have been preferable to “correction.”
Did you see how some local executives, congressmen, and senators crucified the DPWH officials and contractors? Did they not know about the substandard and ghost flood control projects in their respective localities? Did they not really know about the corrupt practices happening right under their noses? Come on, we were not born yesterday.
Nobody will believe you, even if you deny to death that you know nothing about the substandard and ghost flood control projects. It is improbable that nobody informed you that these mega projects are being undertaken in your jurisdiction. As a VIP (being an elected official), nobody in their right mind would construct anything in your backyard without notifying you. Furthermore, it is impossible that nobody whispered to you about “for the boys.” Whether you accepted or rejected it, only you and God know.
Don’t be a “Pontius Pilate.” You may not be guilty of accepting anything passed under the table, but why are you not brave enough to say that you actually turned a blind eye? Don’t act now as if you are the champions of your constituents and during TV interviews hurl all those invectives against those who are now tagged as suspects in the “flood control project scams.” Your act of washing your hands on national television didn’t go unnoticed. It’s not funny at all. If only we had an intelligent electorate, I doubt you would get reelected because of it.
We need to answer the following two questions:
“Is it proper for the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry into the flood control project scam?”
“Is it proper for the 12 remaining senators from the 19th Congress to join the ongoing investigation of the Senate’s Blue Ribbon committee on the same issue?”
Just asking!
There is another web whose strands we need to trace aside from command responsibility. It’s the web of corruption. The webs of command responsibility and corruption are connected.
Who is responsible for the Congressional appropriations for the 2025 National Budget’s subpar and ghost flood control projects?
Who is brave enough to say, “I bear ultimate responsibility”?
Who, after a deep reflection, would say, “The final decision and its consequences are mine to bear”?
And please don’t mind me asking a last question:
Whose bank accounts fattened through the scam involving the flood control project?
Puwede po bang makabalato?
Teaching Styles, Students’ Motivation, and Grit as Correlates of Students’ Performance in English
One of the constructs we examined in this study was “motivation to learn English.” Why do learners study the language? Gardner dichotomized motivation to acquire a second language into “instrumental” and “integrative.” To explain it, a person is instrumentally motivated to learn another language if their reason falls into one of two categories: academic (to achieve good grades or secure a certification) or economic (to ensure a better salary). If a person attempts to acquire proficiency in a language for personal or cultural reasons (to communicate effectively and integrate into the society or culture of the language’s speakers), they are integratively motivated.
I presumed (and you are probably also) that our Korean students, who served as respondents in this study, are instrumentally motivated. They study English for academic and economic reasons. I was wrong. The results of our research have shown that our students are more integrally motivated than instrumentally.
Being motivated to learn English instrumentally does not mean that you are not integratively interested in acquiring proficiency in the language, or vice versa. It means only that your motivation is stronger in one area over the other.
What Matters (6)
(A Short Story – Last of 6 Parts)
My wife knew we were meeting up and had cooked dinner, inviting us to eat at our place.
“Wow, that’s fantastic!” Jay exclaimed when I shared the news. “This is a perfect opportunity to meet your family as well!”
“Okay,” I said. “Jay, Chris, you shouldn’t drive. You’re pretty drunk. Just join me in my Jeep instead.” Chris protested but eventually agreed. As for Mario, he seemed fine to drive himself, so I allowed him to take his car. This way, I wouldn’t have to worry about moving their cars back after dinner. When I returned the case of beer to the store, I entrusted Chris and Jay’s cars to the owner, and they just needed to pick them up before closing time that evening.
The drive to my house was smooth, with Mario trailing behind us. I noticed that Chris and Jay were nodding off as we drove. Less than 20 minutes later, we arrived home to find our gate already open.
Once we parked, Jay and Chris hopped out of the Jeep. As soon as Mario arrived, we moved deeper into our yard. It felt like the perfect evening was just beginning.
Our front yard features a neatly tended garden where my partner and our children cultivate various kinds of flowers and soft green shrubs that add life and brightness to the space. Our house is partially hidden behind the trees of chico and mango.
“Is that a Toyota Hi-Ace van yours?” Chris asked, eyeing the vehicle parked in a separate garage on the left side of our front yard.”
It is. We bought it two years ago. My wife relies on it for her business, and it’s our go-to for family trips,” I replied.
“Have you ever considered turning it into a rent-a-van business?” Jay suggested.
“Actually, that’s exactly what I’m doing! It’s become a valuable source of income for me, and I receive inquiries at least twice a week,” I explained with enthusiasm.
“Wow, your house is impressive,” Jay observed.
“It’s a big house, and you have a spacious yard. I thought this was still the old house we visited when we were in high school,” Mario added.
“This is nothing compared to Jay’s house. I had the old one demolished, and with every good harvest of rice and vegetables, my wife and I built this new one gradually,” I shared proudly.
At that moment, the door to our house opened.
“Come on in!
Maxene opened the door. She greeted me and kissed me on the cheek.
“Brothers, this is Maxene, our youngest.”
She greeted all three of my friends and kissed their hands as a sign of respect.
“How old is she, bro?” Mario asked.
“She’s in Grade 12. Next year, she’ll be in college. Where’s your mom, sweetheart?”
“They’re in the hut at the back. They’re preparing the food.”
“Let’s go to the back, guys.”
“Your house’s interior is nice, Mon,” Chris commented.
“My sister designed it. She graduated in Fine Arts.”
“And Mon,” Mario whispered to me, “You have everything here.”
“Your TV is bigger than mine. This is what you call a fully-furnished house.” Jay mused.
“My wife invested in all of this, bro. She does well with her small grocery in the market.”
“You have a desktop computer here, Mon. And a laptop and a tablet. Why don’t you try using them?” Chris asked.
“My kids and my wife use those. I never get a chance to use them. Besides, I am not a techie.”
We exited our house through the back door.
“Front yard, flowers and trees… backyard vegetables. You’re not wasting any space Mon.” Mario quipped.
“I am a farmer. I think planting is my life.”
By the time we reached the hut behind our house, the food was ready. It was already late afternoon, and darkness was beginning to settle in, so the lights were on.
“Wow, is it your birthday, Mon? There’s so much food—adobo, fried bangus, salted eggs, chop suey,” Jay remarked.
“By the way, everyone, this is my one and only, Eliza,” I said.
My wife kissed me on the cheek as she greeted my friends. Marco, my son, did the same.
“Wow, your wife is absolutely stunning, bro,” Mario exclaimed.
“Definitely, she’s gorgeous,” both Chris and Jay chimed in.
“I don’t see it that way, but oh, Mon… your friends know how to flatter,” my wife joked, a playful smile on her face.
“Madame, we’re just telling the truth. And please accept our apologies if we’ve caused any trouble,” Mario said with genuine respect.
“Oh, it’s nothing at all! You don’t need to worry,” she replied warmly.
“By the way, Mommy, let me introduce you to my amazing classmates: Jay, Chris, and Mario. They are all successful and well-known.”
“Well-known? Are we celebrities? Mario said.
“Successful… and maybe a touch arrogant,” Jay quipped with a smirk.
“This is my eldest son, Marco. He’s set to graduate next year.”
“What are you majoring in, Marco?” Mario inquired.
“Chemical Engineering, sir.”
“Please, don’t call me, or any of us, sir. We are your uncles. So call us tito, okay.”
My son nodded in agreement.
“And, Mon, when Marco graduates, please reach out. I can easily connect him with great job opportunities in Saudi Arabia.”
“Wow, I truly appreciate that, bro,” I said, excitement bubbling within me.”
Before we started eating, my wife invited us to say grace. My friends seemed surprised and hesitated before bowing their heads to pray.
That’s just how my wife is. She has taught me and our children the importance of prayer and faith in the Lord, and we go to church every Sunday.
After the prayer, Maxene served the rice, and a quiet calm fell over the hut. I noticed that my friends took turns glancing at my family.
“Well, there goes an angel,” I said, breaking the silence.
“Okay, since I’m the shyest in the group, I’ll take the first bite,” Chris suggested.
“Eliza, kids, come join us,” Jay invited.
“Sure… we’ll join you in a bit,” both my children replied.
Eliza sat beside me, and my kids sat behind us. As I ate, Maxene gently massaged my back.
“Dad, doesn’t your back hurt?” Maxene asked.
“No, sweetheart. I’m fine.”
I noticed how my friends kept staring at our family as they ate. I didn’t know what they were thinking, but I could tell from the subtle smiles on their faces and their gentle nods that they were happy with what they saw. It reminded me of how my teachers used to look at me when I’d answer questions correctly in class.
We finished our dinner, and my family helped with the cleanup while my friends remained alone in the hut.
“Maxene, could you please make your uncles some coffee and me some green tea?” I asked.
“Oh, hija, please make mine green tea also.” That was Mario.
My friends were quiet after the meal. Even when we started drinking our coffee and tea, the silence lingered. I wasn’t sure why—perhaps the drinks had an effect, or maybe they were just tired after spending nearly six hours together. Eventually, they all turned to look at me at the same time.
“Hey, guys. What’s up? Do I have something on my face?” I asked.
Jay smiled and replied, “I’m so happy for you.”
“Why is that?” I wondered.
“Just keep it up, bro,” he said.
I understood what Jay meant.
“Do you remember back in high school when we discussed our dreams and goals in life?” Chris asked. “While we all talked about cars, houses, money, jobs, and whatnot, I remember Mon saying he just wanted to be happy and live a good life.”
A brief silence followed.
“Chris… am I right? You scoffed at Mon when he said those things,” Jay asked.
Chris vehemently denied it.
“I just happened to marry a good woman. She has strong faith in God. And, ah…”
“…and she just happened to marry a good man,” Jay cut in.
“That’s Mon for you. He never brags. He’s always the quiet one, just listening to everything we say,” Mario added.
“Why is it that all the women I meet are rejects? They’re only good in bed. Does your wife have a sister, bro? Introduce me to her,” Chris said.
“Come on, Chris. She does… but I don’t want their lives to go astray.”
“You’re something else, bro,” Chris laughed.
“I envy you, Mon,” Mario said. “If I hadn’t gone abroad, maybe my family would still be intact.”
“You wouldn’t have gotten rich if you only worked here in the Philippines.”
We fell silent for a moment.
“What is the price of my wealth? What good is my money?” I looked at Mario, who suddenly seemed serious.
“I don’t know either. I don’t want to think about it,” Chris replied.
Jay added, “What is the actual value of wealth and success? I have been thinking lately, with what I have been going through, what does matter in life?
“Come on, Jay. We’re tough dudes. You’ll be fine. You’ll get past that and live long. The four of us will live long. Together we’ll celebrate our 100th birthday.” Chris replied.
The hut fell silent after Chris made that statement. I broke the silence again.
“Wait… wait… enough with the serious talk. The important thing, guys, is that we’re still alive. We still have time to fix what needs fixing. As long as we’re alive, we can still pursue our dreams and create new ones.”
Jay nodded while Chris bowed his head. Mario went outside for some fresh air.
“Mon, find me some land for sale around here,” Mario said. “There’s something about this place that feels different. It feels like my chest is lighter. I don’t know why.”
“Sure, bro. I know of some farmers who want to sell their land nearby.”
“Okay, I want to have a farm. I am interested in organic farming. It is what I want to do after my stint in Saudi. I hope you can help me develop it if it happens.”
“Why not?” I replied.
As the evening came to a close, my friends finished their coffee and prepared to leave. The warmth of the gathering lingered, but it was time for them to head home. We promised to meet again the next time Mario was in town. Jay joked about ensuring he’d still be alive when Mario returned, while Chris eagerly mentioned introducing us to the woman he hoped to marry.
From our terrace, I watched as my friends climbed into Mario’s car. The light from the post near our gate bathed them in a soft glow, casting long shadows across the yard. Jay pulled out a cigarette, but instead of lighting it, he tossed both the cigarette and the lighter into the night.
In that moment, I felt a sense of peace. I looked over at my family, gathered in their favorite nook on the terrace. I realized how much my life and that of my friends had changed. From the dreams we shared in high school to the lives we’re living now, we’ve come full circle. And though our paths had diverged, there was still time—time to grow, to repair what needed fixing, and to continue chasing the dreams that kept us going.
Life, I thought, is about the moments we share, the people we love, and the time we still have.
>END<
What Matters (5)
(A Short Story – Fifth of 6 Parts)
“Why are you talking like that, bro? You’ve been acting strange all day,” I said to Jay.
Jay lowered his head and sighed deeply. We all waited anxiously for him to respond. It felt like an eternity before he finally spoke again.
“Guys, I have prostate cancer. Stage 1.”
Chris shook his head in disbelief while Mario placed an arm around Jay’s shoulders. I wasn’t too surprised by this revelation; I had a feeling Jay was struggling with something like this because he had hinted at health issues before.
“That’s why, Mario, when I saw your Facebook post about your vacation and we just happened to run into each other, I asked if we could all get together. I thought… I thought maybe…”
Jay’s voice trailed off, tears brimming in his eyes, raw and vulnerable.
“Well, it turns out Mario’s not the most dramatic among us… It’s you, Jay. But it’s not the end of the world. There’s a cure for that.”
Chris expressed his thoughts bluntly, and while I almost wanted to chastise him for it, he did have a valid point. Hearing about Jay’s struggles was disheartening, but he had no choice but to confront the situation head-on.
“I’m terrified because my dad lost his battle with prostate cancer. I fear I might have inherited it,” Jay confessed.
We fell silent, absorbing Jay’s vulnerable admission. Mario and Chris chimed in, revealing their own health challenges. Both struggled with high blood pressure and kidney issues that required significant medication. Chris even shared that if his treatment didn’t clear his kidney stone, surgery could be on the horizon.
One thing I am grateful for is that I don’t have any health problems that require doctor visits or medication. Since I’ve been driving for a living, I’ve been following a health program on the radio and adhering to all the advice I hear. The only issues I face are occasional knee and back pain after working on the farm.
“Don’t worry, bro. I’ll take you to a great urologist I know at St. Luke’s. We’ll find a way to fix this. I’ll help you,” Mario assured Jay.
“Thanks, Mario. Thanks, guys. I feel a little better now that I’ve shared this with you. You’re the only ones who know about my condition.”
“Wait, your wife and kids aren’t aware of this yet?” Chris asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
“Mon… Jay’s still single,” Mario chimed in, a hint of concern in his voice.
It struck me how little I really knew about my friends. If I were more connected on social media, perhaps I’d be more in tune with their lives.
“Jay, you can do this. I know you’re strong. You’ll be better by the time we meet again on Mario’s next trip home,” Chris said as he opened more bottles of beer and offered me one.
“I’ll pass, Chris. I still have some left in mine,” I replied.
“Oh, come on, Mon, don’t cheat again,” he teased.
Their laughter filled the room, but they respected my limits when it came to drinking. They understood that while they could down three beers in the time it took me to finish one, I didn’t handle hard liquor well.
“Next week, we’re going to address your issue, Jay,” Mario declared, his tone a blend of seriousness and support. “But right now, I need to concentrate on something else…” He suddenly hesitated, as if grappling with whether to share more. I could sense that he was carrying an emotional weight. Could it be time for Mario to reveal his own struggles?
“Sorry… I need to focus on wrapping up the case I filed against my wife.” Just as I anticipated.
“Yes, I filed for adultery against her three years ago, and the judgment is coming next week. That woman and her lover are about to face the consequences,” Mario explained with palpable intensity.
He recounted the entire saga: the man who betrayed him was their business partner, and his wife had been unfaithful for nearly a decade before he uncovered the truth. A mutual friend had stepped up, alerting him to the betrayal through a Facebook message.
“Do you have kids? What did they say about it?” Jay asked.
“They’re furious with their mother. They couldn’t care less if she goes to jail. We have two sons, both college graduates and engineers. They work alongside me in Saudi Arabia, and my employers have recognized their talents as well.”
The conversation shifted into deeper territory as we focused on the topic of family. I wasn’t surprised by the struggles Mario and his wife faced; it’s a reality many couples encounter when one partner works abroad. While the opportunity for a better future exists through such arrangements, they can also lead to complications if the spouse left at home cannot resist temptation.
“By the way, Mon… Chris… do either of you have families?” Mario inquired, genuinely curious.
I nodded in response, eager to share about my family, but Chris jumped in before I could.
“I have two kids… but no wife.”
Chris seemed to be beaming in confidence when he said that. He stopped abruptly and looked at us.
“Why? Did you guys not even react? I said I have two kids… but no wife.”
“Come on, Chris, we’re not surprised by that anymore. I was even thinking that you have more than 5 children from different women.” Jay retorted. “We know you chase women for a living.”
“Actually, I’m in hot water again. Another woman is demanding child support from me. She says she’s going to sue if I don’t step up. I told her it’s time for a DNA test; she needs to prove I’m the father,” Chris replied, a hint of annoyance coloring his voice.
“Suit yourself, bro. Just be careful—you might end up with more than you bargained for, like HIV, hopping from one ‘hole’ to another,” Jay cautioned, his tone tinged with genuine concern.
“Mario, I’m a wise guy. I always use protection when I’m not sure of the ‘owner’ of the hole I’m entering,” Chris shot back, grinning cheekily.
“What about the two kids you’ve already recognized as yours?” Jay asked.
“They’re with me. Their mothers don’t want to take care of them, so my live-in partner is helping me raise them.”
Chris didn’t seem fazed by the complexity of his life. It seemed as though he was okay with the messiness of things. I didn’t want to judge him, but I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of life his two kids would have with two different mothers. And now, there was a possibility that it might be three kids. What if his live-in partner got pregnant? If Chris were my brother, I’d probably have slapped him back to his senses.
I didn’t get a chance to talk about my family because the conversation shifted to Chris’s chaotic love life. We advised him to straighten up, especially for the sake of his kids.
The drinking continued, and conversations flowed easily. By around six in the evening, we were surrounded by empty beer bottles, and Mario’s Chivas was nearly finished too. Jay and Chris seemed a bit tipsy, while Chris eventually grew quiet and appeared close to nodding off. Every time he started to snore, Jay would nudge him to wake him up. Surprisingly, Mario seemed unaffected; he was clearly used to drinking. I had only managed to finish three bottles of beer, with half a bottle still remaining, so I was doing fine. Eventually, it was just Mario and me left talking.
Jay and Chris got out of the jeep. While Jay went to a nearby tree to relieve himself, Chris ended up throwing up. I went over to rub Chris’s back to help him. At that moment, my phone rang—it was my wife calling.
“Excuse me, guys. My wife’s calling,” I said.
“Uh-oh, trouble’s coming. The commander’s on a roll call,” Chris joked.
To be continued…
What Matters (4)
(A Short Story – Fourth of 6 Parts)
Mario got out of his car, carrying a plastic bag. He was also wearing a long-sleeve shirt, just like Jay, but without a tie.
“Bro, finally, we’re all together again,” Mario said, his voice a little choked up as he hugged each of us one by one.
“Damn, bro, you’re still so dramatic,” Chris said.
“No, he’s just missed us,” Jay replied.
“Wait, let’s sit first. Wow, I think these are the same rocks we used to sit on when we used to hang out here,” Mario said.
Mario opened the plastic bag he was carrying.
“This is for you, Jay. It’s a perfume. I know how much you love fragrances. And Mon, I got you a new phone—it’s a Galaxy S25 Ultra, the latest from Samsung.”
“Wow, bro, this is too much. This is expensive,” I said.
“It’s fine, Mon. Don’t worry about it. Jay told me yesterday when I called him that your phone looks old,” Mario replied.
Jay and I both hugged Mario and thanked him sincerely.
“Perfect timing! I should make a Facebook account for you, bro,” Chris said. “And what’s this? What’s in here?”
“It’s Viagra.”
We all laughed at what Mario had said.
“Hey, just so you know, I don’t need Viagra. Mine is always standing at attention whenever I command it. It tends to get excited whenever I see pretty women.”
“Is that so?” Jay challenged, raising an eyebrow. “What I learned in psychology is that guys who boast about their prowess are the ones suffering from ED.”
“ED? As in Echo Delta? What does that mean?” Chris asked.
“Erectile dysfunction,” I clarified, keeping the mood light.
Another round of laughter ensued
“As if you don’t know me, boys.”
“Come on, Chris, we know you too well,” Jay teased.
“It’s not Viagra; it’s a watch. A G-Shock,” Mario interjected.
What Jay and Chris said about Mario was true. He must have a good job in Saudi Arabia. I was happy for my friends; they had achieved their dreams. It’s tough to predict what will happen in a person’s future. You can never be sure what will become of your classmates and friends when you all go your separate ways after high school or college. It’s not necessarily true that only those who top the class—the valedictorians and honorees—will have the best future. No one can say for sure if the best students from the past will be the ones who succeed and prosper, as seen in the cases of Chris and Mario.
Truth be told, they were lazy students and considered the class slackers, often absent from school. Jay was the smartest of our group, while Mario was the weakest academically; however, out of the three of us, he was the wealthiest. He had the nicest car and treated the gifts he brought for us as if they were nothing special.
“Hey, Mon, I think I’m going to melt from your gaze. Stop staring at me like that,” Mario said.
“Sorry bro. You’re just truly impressive.” I responded, admiring his enthusiasm.
“Wait, wait… now that we’re all here, let’s take some pictures. It’s groupie time, guys!” Chris exclaimed.
The three of them took turns snapping pictures of the group. We acted like kids, scrambling to get into position.
“Great news! The pictures are live on Facebook,” Jay announced with a grin. “Don’t worry, Mon, I’ll get your account set up soon, and you can check them out. By the way, check out my profile pic! Still looking sharp, right?”
“Hold on, though. I’m getting pretty hungry. Can we grab a snack first?” Mario chimed in.
“Aren’t we supposed to hit the basketball court?” Chris teased, raising an eyebrow.
“Let’s do that next time. I didn’t bring my jerseys.” Jay suggested.
“Hey, Mon, I think I’m going to melt from your gaze. Stop staring at me!”
“Yeah, I’m hungry too,” Chris agreed. “Hey, Mon, where’s a good restaurant around here? You probably know a lot since you drive here every day.”
“Actually, I want LTB, Chris. Why venture far when Mang Isko’s lugawan is just a stone’s throw away?” Mario pointed to the familiar lugawan we used to frequent.”Wow, how cheap… lugaw, tokwa, baboy.”
“Alright, Chris, if you have your heart set on a restaurant, go ahead. But I’m all for Mang Isko’s lugawan, Mario. Mon, let’s indulge in some delicious LTB!”
Jay started walking toward the lugawan, and Mario and I followed.
“Hey, wait, I’m coming too! LTB sounds great,” Chris said.
We had the lugawan to ourselves, and it was sad to find out that Nanay Mameng and Mang Isko had passed away. Their children were now running the store and lugawan.
As the three of them sat down, I waited for our LTB order. I watched my friends happily chatting. Among the three, Jay looked the oldest, with a lot of gray hair. He was probably stressed from all the work and studying he did, which made his hair turn gray quickly. I checked the mirror hanging by the door of the lugawan to see if I had any gray hairs yet. Thankfully, I didn’t. Mario and Chris each had a few gray hairs, but Mario’s forehead had also become wider, possibly due to the heat in Saudi Arabia that caused his hair to fall out.
Chris stood up and took a selfie, showing his playful side. He even got one with me. He is taller than all of us. He always played center whenever our section formed teams in high school. Although Jay was the shortest of the four of us, he was also the most handsome, with a mestizo appearance. Mario and I were about the same height.
With the lugawan’s self-service setup, I stepped up to fetch our orders when they were finally ready, eager to enjoy and strengthen our bond over good food and great company.
“Wow, it’s been ages since I last had LTB,” Mario exclaimed. “But wait, Mon… are you just having lugaw with egg?”I nodded in response.
“Are you on a diet?” Chris inquired. “That’s probably the reason your belly isn’t bulging like mine, which makes me look like I’m pregnant.”
“Yeah, right,” Jay interjected. “And have you noticed, Chris? Mon’s chest and arms are getting bigger.”
“I’m just buff from driving and working in the fields, brothers,” I replied with a smile.
“What about you, Jay? Why do you look like you’ve lost weight?” Mario asked.
“Well… I think it’s probably due to lack of sleep. I’ve been buried in paperwork. The life of a school administrator is tough,” Jay admitted.
Though we had simple food, our spirits were high. They even ordered another round of LTB, but I was fine with just one. While we ate, we reminisced about all the crazy things we did back in high school. It was a fun conversation filled with laughter and teasing.
After we finished eating, Chris and Mario suggested going out for a drink.
“I know a karaoke bar in the next town that’s open from 3:00 PM until dawn. Let’s make it a night to remember—come on, we’ve got cars!” Chris said, his excitement infectious.
“Let’s not go there, bro. The trip is long, and it would be a waste of time. It would be better if we just bought some beer at the store and drank inside Mon’s jeep. It’s more refreshing, and the experience will be unique,” Jay suggested.
“Yeah, you’re right, Jay. Let’s not go far so we can keep chatting,” Mario agreed.
“Okay, okay, of course, the majority wins. Here’s Mon. He won’t vote; he’s always neutral. Alright, I’ll go buy the beer so we can start right away.”
So, as Jay suggested, we ended up drinking inside my jeep. He was right; it was indeed a unique experience—drinking inside a jeep. Chris bought the beer, and I picked up some peanuts and chicharrón to go with it. Thankfully, I had cleaned the jeep after my last trip. We were delighted when Mario also took out his Chivas Regal and imported cheddar from his car. He even had a shot glass! Chris grabbed a case of beer.
“Well, just like before, no one leaves until this is finished… and Mario’s Chivas too. I also bought plastic cups and ice cubes in case you want it cold,” Chris said as he passed us the open beer.
“To our reunion of handsome guys… CHEERS!” Jay said.
That’s how our drinking started, and our never-ending conversation continued.
“Why did we only think about meeting up now?” Mario asked. “Let’s make this a regular thing. Otherwise, it’ll probably take another 25 years before we do it again. How should we do it? What about every two years, whenever I’m on vacation? Or maybe every four years?”
“Not every four years… I might not make it!” Jay said.
We suddenly went quiet.
To be continued…
What Matters (3)
(A Short Story – Third of 6 Parts)
Chris stood up and stretched. Jay lit another cigarette. He offered one to Chris.
“Oh no, Doc Jay,” Chris said, taking the cigarette. “Don’t you know that smoking is harmful to your health? You should quit smoking.”
“It’s too late,” Jay replied.
Chris and I exchanged a glance after hearing that.
“Too late for what bro?” Chris asked.
“Come on… just kidding. What I mean is, it’s too hard for me to quit now,” Jay said.
I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty about whether Jay was joking or being serious with his comment. Chris pocketed the cigarette Jay had handed him, choosing not to light it.
I observed Jay closely and noticed how thin and pale he looked.
“Are you really okay, bro?” I asked, genuinely concerned.
Jay simply nodded, but his reluctance to discuss his health spoke volumes.
“Speaking of health, have you heard about Mario? He’s now an engineer and has been working in Saudi Arabia. I saw it on his Facebook,” Chris mentioned.
“Absolutely, Chris,” Jay confirmed. “Mario is doing incredibly well. It seems he hit the jackpot in Saudi Arabia, working at an oil refinery. He’s back in the Philippines now, and when I met up with Mon, I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity for all of us to get together. He only has about a month for his vacation.”
I thought that this was the perfect chance for us to reconnect and celebrate his success!
Chris turned to me. “How about you, Mon? Why couldn’t I find you on Facebook? You’re probably using an alias, huh?!”
I couldn’t help but smile.
“Mon isn’t really into social media, Chris,” Jay remarked. “Unlike you, who’s completely hooked on Facebook.”
“Hooked, really? You’re the one who updates your profile picture almost every couple of days!”
“Wow… sounds like someone’s stalking me?” Jay teased playfully.
“Absolutely! I want to stay in the loop with my friends. Speaking of which, Mon, have you ever thought about getting a Facebook account? I’d be happy to help you set it up.”
“No, thanks. We have an Internet connection at home, but I can’t see any reason why I should do it.”
“Can you make us the reason? From now on, we should stay in touch from time to time. We have to catch up on a lot of things. You’re missing Jay’s educational content. I promise, you’ll learn a lot from those. You could also subscribe to my YouTube channel.”
“Come on, Chris, let Mon be. If he doesn’t want to do social media, that’s his choice.”
“Just give me your cell phone number, Chris, so we can stay connected. I’ve already got Jay’s.”
“Here you go.” Chris handed me his business card. “Just give me a missed call so I can save your number. But don’t worry, I’m still going to help you set up a Facebook account. I’ll even send you the password once it’s ready. By the way, do you have an email?”
“I don’t have an email. I don’t have a Google account.”
“Wow, Mon, you’re really living in the past! But don’t worry, I’ll handle everything for you. All give you all the details later, then decide whether you want to live in the 21st century or stay in the Jurassic Age.”
“Chris, just give Mon time, okay. I am pretty sure he will consider it.”
I nodded, fully aware that Chris was resolute and wouldn’t back down.
“Hold on, I want to ask one more thing. Jay, you have a PhD, Mario is a skilled engineer, and I hold degrees in IT and an MBA. What about you, Mon? What did you major in?”
With a playful grin, I replied, “I earned a Bachelor of Science in Driving and Farming.”
“Huh? Is there such a degree?” Chris asked, puzzled.
“Oh, absolutely… it’s offered at the University of Hard Knocks,” Jay chimed in, clearly enjoying the moment.
I recognized Jay’s humor and appreciated how he was helping me make fun of Chris.
“University of Hard Knocks? Where can I sign up for that?” Chris joked, clearly intrigued.
Chris looked even more confused.
“Listen, we realize that the best lessons often come from real-life experiences. That’s what Jay was getting at with the idea of the ‘University of Hard Knocks,'” I said, emphasizing my point.
“Keep in mind that Mon didn’t attend college,” Jay chimed in, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “But if memory serves, Mon’s grades were actually higher than yours and Mario’s. Just saying.”
“Alright, I get it. You were excellent students. You were good at English. Mario and I were scraping the bottom of the barrel,” Chris said.
“Honestly, you two were just being lazy back then. Mon and I spent countless hours in the library, immersed in books and tackling assignments,” Jay pointed out.
“Hold on!” Chris suddenly cut in. “I can already see where this is going, bro… you’re about to say Mon was the only one who didn’t copy off you during tests.”
“And yet, you don’t really grasp what ‘University of Hard Knocks’ means,” Jay added with a smirk.
“Okay, okay, I’ll concede… you really are the smart ones.”
“You said it, not me,” Jay chuckled, his laughter echoing the light-hearted teasing among us. I couldn’t help but smile at the camaraderie shared between my friends. It crossed my mind to remind them that I had consistently ranked in the top 10 of our class throughout all four years and had even achieved the highest score on the NSAT among the four of us. However, the thought of bringing it up felt a bit awkward.
“Honestly, if you had taken the scholarship exam with us back then, I have no doubt you would have aced it. After all, even Chris passed, and you would have certainly done better,” Jay confidently asserted.
“I just got lucky,” Chris interjected, downplaying his success.
Back then, my dream was to attend college, and I was determined to take the scholarship exam to study in Manila. However, I chose to put my aspirations on hold to support my father on our farm. Farming was not just our livelihood; it was our way of life. As my father grew older, he needed my help more than ever. Meanwhile, my mother worked hard selling fish and vegetables in the market.
As the eldest of four siblings and the only son, I felt a deep sense of duty to my family. I understood that our parents couldn’t possibly afford to send all of us to college at the same time. So, I made the difficult decision to prioritize my siblings’ education over my own. Two of them successfully graduated, marking a proud achievement for our family.
However, life took an unexpected turn for my youngest sister. She became pregnant by her seaman boyfriend just a year before her graduation. Despite the challenges, they got married and have built a good life together. This journey has taught me the importance of sacrifice and the lasting impact of family.
“Oh, by the way… What do you do now, Mon?” Chris asked.
“I drive a jeep and manage the farm that was passed down to me from my father. How about you?”
“I work as a systems supervisor at a BPO in Ortigas, and on top of that, I’m a freelance website developer. I purchased this car using the profits from the websites I’ve created and maintained.”
“Wow, Chris has hit it big! He even has two condo units in Quezon City,” Jay commented.
“You’re the real success story here, Doc Jay. The lady guard in your school mentioned that she heard that your salary grade is 23 as dean of that local college.”
“Did you buy into that? That was just hearsay!”
“Absolutely! Besides, you’re always broadcasting live on Facebook whenever you’re speaking at seminars. I can only imagine how well you’re compensated for that. I also checked on the Internet how much the equivalent of that salary grade is.”
“Wow! Looks like we have a Marites in our midst Mon.”
“Hey, Mon, don’t mind Jay. Check this out—Jay’s Facebook cover showcasing his delightful little nipa hut!”
I turned to see what Chris was excited about. To my surprise, Jay’s house was not just charming, but also impressively large and beautiful.
“I’m still making payments on that,” Jay added with a hint of pride.
It filled me with joy to see how far Jay and Chris had come. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off.
“How about you, Mon? Where’s home for you now?” Chris inquired.
“I’m still in the same place.”
“Really? You mean that old house? The one we used to hang out in?”
“Yes, Chris. Along with the farm, the house, and the land were passed down to me from my late parents.”
“That’s a relief that your siblings didn’t contest it,” Jay commented.
“Absolutely. They’ve all built great lives for themselves—married well, have their own properties, and good careers. I’ve offered them help, but they’ve graciously declined. Instead, they’re the ones showering me and my family with gifts whenever they come to visit.” I replied, feeling a mix of pride and nostalgia.
“You’re fortunate. You have great sisters. My siblings and I are still embroiled in a bitter struggle over the land and house our parents left us.”
“Chris, it’s time to move on. You have more than enough money now, plus you own two condos.”
“Jay, my siblings are significantly wealthier than I am. Ideally, the house and land should have been left to me. We could really end up in a legal battle over this.”
I wasn’t shocked to hear Chris discussing the turmoil surrounding family inheritances. It’s tragic how some families can become so divided that they resort to extreme measures, even violence, over property. I consider myself lucky that my siblings have allowed me to keep our share. Regardless, I make it a point to share my harvest of rice and vegetables with them.
Our conversation was abruptly interrupted when we spotted a sleek black Mercedes-Benz pulling up in front of us. Mario had finally arrived.
To be continued…
What Matters (2)
(A Short Story – Second of 6 Parts)
Every time we planned a get-together, it was a predictable pattern. Jay was always the first to show up, eager and ready for the fun to begin. I followed closely behind, but Chris and Mario seemed to have a knack for arriving late, occasionally switching between being third and last. Their tardiness became a running joke among us, but it also made us appreciate those moments when we were all together just a little bit more.
I got off the jeep and walked over to Jay’s car. He opened the door and let me in.
I checked my watch—it was already half past two, and I wasn’t late. The moment I stepped into Jay’s car, I was greeted by an exquisite scent, far from the typical air freshener smell. This was something unique, a fragrance that hinted at luxury, perhaps even an expensive perfume.
In stark contrast, I couldn’t shake off the lingering odor of rubbing alcohol that clung to me. Jay, on the other hand, presented a polished image in his long-sleeved shirt and tie, likely having just come from a meeting. It was clear: whether by necessity or preference, he had a habit of dressing to impress when meeting others.
“Let’s stay inside for now; it’s sweltering outside,” Jay suggested. “This gives us the perfect chance to catch up! How have you been? What’s new in your life since high school?”
“Oh, I don’t really have anything exciting to share. I just stayed here in our town. I drive a Jeep and work on our farm. I didn’t get the chance to go to college,” I paused, reflecting on the reasons I missed that opportunity. “You go ahead, sir. Please tell your story first, and I’ll continue later.”
Jay shared his inspiring educational journey, demonstrating how determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. With relentless effort, he earned both his Master’s and PhD, showcasing his remarkable intellect. It’s truly impressive that he has risen to the position of dean at a prominent college in the nearby town—the very institution to which I frequently drive students. His story is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication!
He had connections with Chris and Mario because they were friends on Facebook, and he shared that they had been trying to locate me on social media for quite some time. But it’s no surprise they couldn’t find me; I don’t have a Facebook account or engage in any social media. I’ve always felt that I don’t need it. Instead, I immerse myself in the world of newspapers. Every day, I buy the Philippine Star and Tempo, and I dive into them while waiting for passengers. When I’m behind the wheel of my Jeep, I tune into the radio, and at home, I enjoy watching TV. I believe this keeps me well-informed about what’s happening around me. I’m aware of platforms like Facebook and YouTube because I see my kids using the computer, and I occasionally catch viral videos on TV. In a way, I stay connected and current without relying on social media.
We had been chatting for almost 20 minutes, and Chris and Mario still hadn’t arrived.
“They’re taking forever.”
“They have not changed. Those two are always late whenever we have a meet-up, sir.”
“Could you please stop calling me sir? This is the second time you’ve done it. I’m really not sure why you’ve started being so formal. It would mean a lot to me if you just called me Jay.”
“Well, you’re a doctor and the dean of a college. You should be addressed formally.”
“Alright, I understand. When you’re at school and in the presence of others, you can address me as ‘Sir.’ However, in this setting, let’s keep it casual—just call me Jay.”
“Okay, doc.”
“Ahh… now it’s doc? What is this now? Geez. Come on, let’s get out. I need a smoke.”
We both got out of Jay’s car and sat on the big rocks surrounding the acacia tree. It was one of the few acacia trees still around the basketball court where we used to play when we were in high school. The sari-sari store and the “lugawan” beside the court were still there.
Jay offered me a cigarette. I declined. I never learned to smoke.
“You don’t smoke?” Jay said. “Good for you. I wish I hadn’t learned to.”
“Huh? Why?”
He looked at me.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just forget about it.”
I could tell Jay wanted to say something. He suddenly seemed down. He lit his cigarette.
“Jay, that board looks really old. It might fall apart anytime. And the ring is hanging loosely.”
“Yeah, it looks like it hasn’t been replaced. That’s probably the same board and ring we used when we used to come here to play.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Well, there’s a new sports center near the town hall now, so the basketball players just play there.”
“At least Nanay Mameng’s store and Mang Isko’s lugawan have improved. Look, their place is now made of concrete.”
“Oh, I didn’t notice that earlier. Before, it was made of bamboo and nipa.”
I pass by this place almost every day, but I never noticed that they had changed the structure of the store and the lugawan.
“Do you think Nanay Mameng and Mang Isko are still around?”
“We’ll find out later, Jay.”
“Yeah, when I finish this cigarette, we’ll check on them. By the way, do you still play basketball?”
“Sometimes, when I’m not driving the jeep. There’s a court in our barangay, near my house. I join when they have a league.”
After Jay finished his first cigarette, we saw a car approaching. It stopped right in front of us, and the window slowly rolled down.
“Hello, ladies…” It was Chris. “Wait, bros, let me park this properly.”
Jay parked his new-looking car next to my jeep. My jeep was between Jay and Chris’s cars. Both were Honda Civics – Jay’s was black, and Chris’s was red.
Chris got out of the car. We were both wearing polo shirts, jeans, and rubber shoes. His looked new, while mine was a bit worn out.
“Whose junk is this? It might infect my car,” Chris said.
“Idiot, that’s Mon’s,” Jay said.
“Oh, sorry, bro. I didn’t realize it was yours.”
“No problem, bro.”
“Same old Chris… tactless,” Jay added.
“So, how have you been, bro?”
Jay and I both gave him a thumbs-up.
“And the playboy, how’s he doing?” Jay asked.
“Playboy? You’re the playboy. I heard you have a student girlfriend.”
“Come on, Chris, we’re different. I don’t shit where I eat. Having an affair with a student is a dangerous game I will never play. I am not like you… skirt-chaser.”
“Really!?” I asked.
“Yes Mon. He even tried to hit on our lady guard at school.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“She told me. You asked for her number when you visited me at school.”
“Okay, okay. She’s a hot mama, that lady guard. She has a great… bumper.”
“Anyway, how many of our high school classmates did you date when you started working?”
“Hey, Jay… just three: Aida, Lorna, and Fe.”
“Come on. Those are names in a song.” I exclaimed.
“I can’t tell you their real names. You know them. I am no kiss-and-tell guy.”
Jay asked, “For real? Three of our high school classmates?”
“What was I supposed to do? They were the ones who contacted me and chased me.”
After saying that, Chris sat in between Jay and me.
“Wow, you smell really good, bro. Looks like you used perfume to shower earlier.”
“I just used cheap cologne,” Jay replied.
“Mon, what’s that smell? Damn, it’s alcohol… you’re using rubbing alcohol as cologne?”
“Yeah, bro. Green Cross rubbing alcohol.” I just went along with Chris’s teasing. That’s how he was. He liked to joke around.
“I miss you guys so much,” Chris said, putting his arms around both Jay and me.
“Now we’re just waiting for Mario,” Jay said.
“Wait, let’s take a groupie,” Chris said, setting up his phone.
“We’ll do it later, when Mario gets here, so we’ll be complete,” Jay suggested.
To be continued…
M.A.D. LIGAYA
M.A.D. L I G A Y A 