The Secret Garden, a Reflection

The book was an abridged version of the original written by Frances Hodgson Burnett first published in 1911. A classic in English children's literature, the book had been adapted for screen and stage plays.

Mary Lennox was a spoiled child who lived in India but when her parents died of sickness, she moved to her uncle's house in England and found many discoveries not just of the house and her family, but also of herself. Most importantly, she discovered the secret garden locked by her uncle for a reason. 

The story reminded me of my past and my fondness of gardening. There were delightful moments in the story such as when Mary started to grow her own garden:

Time slipped by as she went on weeding and clearing dead leaves and grass. 

I always tell people that gardening is a sure way of being at peace. The condo where I resided many years ago restricted me from moving as I had only four vertices and lines to moved around with. I decided to live in a house even if the rental fee was much higher and I had no regrets. 

Gardening became a friend and my work and walk in the garden are treasured moments. I became calmer and healthier. I was like Mary. 

"This fresh air is doin' thee good. Tha's fatter and not so yeller. Tha looked like a young plucked crow when tha first came."

Another character in the book was named Colin who was bedridden for years and it was Mary who invited him to the garden. When Mary decided to show Colin the garden, it was at this moment that I cried.

Mary opened the door. Colin looked round for a long time, seeing all the things Mary had described. Then he cried out, "I shall get well! I shall live for ever and ever!" That afternoon, the whole world changed for Colin.

I remember having doubts about my abilities to do things on my own and the mean things I hear from all around me. Attending a plush university many years ago and being told by my classmates that I will not succeed because of how I am, I proved them wrong.

Colin sat up angrily. "I'm not a cripple! I'll show you!" he cried. Colin remained standing. He suddenly felt his fears leave him. "I'm not afraid any more! I'm not going to be a poor thing any more!"

The university where I came from was the garden as it was instrumental to my learnings and experiences of being a teacher. I found the secrets and shared them for many years. The doubtful and discerning classmates were the stubborn rocks and rubbish that had to be set aside. 

Thus I say, "So you all said that I won't succeed because of who I am, well, I may not be your kind of people but I am the kind of person many people like to emulate."

Reminiscing My Love

As I grow older, I cannot but recall the glorious moments when I went into theatre which is my first love. Starting young in high school, I was always excited to attend my drama class with Mrs. Era where I portrayed many roles in our class acting activities. After one stage play in high school, there was no follow up during my university years as I was studying to be in priesthood (seriously).

When I started working, I was the shy fellow and I need to do something about this so I attended an acting workshop at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines. I can vividly recall what my teachers told everyone after two weeks of attendance.

"I am so disappointed with all of you except for Jonathan!", said Frank Rivera, our acting mentor. "When Jonathan arrived late the first day of class, I looked at my assistant and blurted, another nerd! However, he is the only one who writes down all the pointers in class, who listens intently and follow all the instructions and blew us away with his first acting presentation. I wanted you to be like him because if you cannot, please do not come to class anymore!"

Then after some years, I attended another acting class given by Monique Wilson under her New Voice Company. There were almost forty participants during the early weeks of classes until the number dwindled to less than fifteen. There were only two men left and some of the ladies had to performe male parts. I learned that most were intimidated by the use of English while performing in class which was a pity because it wasn't an English camp, it was an acting workshop. We performed Our Town.

I remembered walking down the school hall when I met a friend named Kelly McKay and she looked at me and gave me the widest smile ever. I asked her why and she just said, "Perfect!" Later I received a notice asking me to report at the school's auditorium and there was Dennis Marasigan, the theatre director, who seemed to be unaware of my presence until I was introduced to him by my friends on stage. I immediately got the part without knowing what I will be doing. 

The Eunuchs

The Proteans

The Dancers

In summary, I felt like an outsider since I am not being directed as to where I should stand or walk. I made my own moves. Fortunately, all the ad libs I did worked so well that after all the performances, I was so popular that I get morning greetings whenever the faculty and students see me. I did two plays for the school, A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the Forum and Aunt Mame.

Aunt Mame

Nora (Cheryl) and Ito (Jonathan)

My best memory of being in my last theatre play was when I accidentally bumped into Tami Monsod in Thailand a few years after. "Oh my, you are here in Thailand," she said. "I have to tell you that someone from our last theatre play wanted to know you more but that person was just so shy to approach you. After that play and the school year, our friend left Manila downhearted." Sighs...

Here, I became a children's theatre director after my stint in Manila and had been teaching drama for young children ever since. Though I had not been on stage for a long time as an actor, my heart still and will be in theatre arts. 

The Bodhi Tree

During my visits to the temples of which I do wherever I go, I was fascinated by a certain tree not because of its immensity but because of its flowers. I took some photos of the tree when I visited Phrae province not knowing that the tree called Bodhi Tree is significant to Buddhism. 

The Bodhi Tree, Phrae

The sacred fig or Bo tree is relevant to the Buddhist faith because it is under the sweeping branches of the Bo tree that the spiritual leader Gautama Buddha received enlightenment after sitting for 49 days. The tree which can grow up to a hundred feet and with a circumference of up to nine feet, can often be seen planted near Buddhist monasteries. 

When I visited Sangklaburi province, I saw another tree like this but with a different coloured flower. In near proximity, I was fascinated by its structure and odd features. It looks like someone is summoning me to look at its beauty.

The Bodhi Flower 1, Sangklaburi

The Bodhi Flower 2, Sangklaburi

The tree itself is very interesting to look at and study. I was fascinated by the drooping branches and lack of leaves during the blooming stage. I was intrigued by the petal compositions. I was humbled by its story.

In life, what with all the comings and goings, that we had been forgetting to stop. We are always busy and we miss many things around us that will probably give a significance to our daily living. The flowers remind me to look at things in a more positive way, not just the appearance, but its relevance. The tree, balding of its greens, seemed uninteresting to the human eyes. But the tree has a story that can remind us of three things: pause, meditate and experience awareness.

Ikebana

The art of Ikebana is something that I have not taken into consideration of pursuing or learning. Gardening with Bonsai plants yes!, but not the art of arranging flowers. Most of these intricate arrangements show passion, patience and uttermost creativity. For some, the finished product can be seen on a subjective level, whether they actually captured the emotions of the viewers or they gave meanings to the people who looked at them. 

I was fortunate enough to see some of the creations made by Japanese Ikebana artists under the theme of Mother's Day of which Thailand celebrates on the 12th of August, in commemoration of the Queen's birthday.

Let me indulge you to some art ...

Takeshi Iioka

Heart - Kourei Hosokawa

Seio Ishima

The Light - Seiyo Ishii

Flower, People, Love - Norika Nitta

Dream of Mother - Seirei Yoshizawa

Thank You Mom, With Gratitude - Sousyun Okada

Eternity - Koji Kurata

Paradise - Koyo Sasaki

Feeling Great - Shigyoku Hieda

In Ikebana, the flowers are imbued with a human meaning. They are no longer the flowers of the meadow or the flower shop...the result is an expression of the Ikebana artist. (Kadensho, Teshigahara's Diary)

Happy Mother's Day!

Last Week Off

It took two days hoping to get myself a motorcycle driving license. After sitting down for five hours in a lecture given in the Thai language, I was allowed to take the test of which I failed, 22 points out of 30 items where 23 is the passing mark. I was disappointed and went home.

What should I do after a MAJOR fail?

1. to daydream?

Skyline along Rama 2

2. to sit down and eat ice cream watching this magnificent view?

Hua Hin Floating Market

3. to walk along the manicured garden?

Eco Garden Path

4. to find someone to pat my back?

Monkeys at Wat Takiab

5. to pray to the spirits to help me next time?

Spirit Houses

6. to fill the mangrove forest with tears?

Mangrove in Pranburi

 7. to report and ask assistance from the police?

Hua Hin Beach Entrance

8. to indulge in sweets and fill my belly?

Assorted Sweets at the Night Market

9. to roll down the hills with my eyes shut?

Khao Takiab (Chopsticks Hill)

10. to seek the help of this elephant who knows how to drive more than I do?

Hua Hin Safari and Eco Park, Elephant Show

11. to drag my feet off to the water and drown myself?

Hua Hin Beach, Before the High Tide

12. to devour all these lobsters in one sitting?

Lobsters Galore at Walking Street

13. to forget and enjoy life?

Hua Hin Beach

It's just a plastic card! There is always a next time so at this moment, I will cross my fingers everyday hoping no police officer sees me driving without a license. 

My last week off and on to work again :(

To Friendship

It is so great to make new friends. Who says you can't meet good ones from blogging?

Because of Yccos

Because of Yccos, I had a great time at Divisoria scouting for small things to give to her students on the day of my visit. Accompanied by a friend who knows the ins and outs of 168 or 999 as if they were lottery numbers to be bet on. While looking for things, we didn't even noticed that rain was pouring outside.

It was flooded along Taft Avenue and it reminded me of my high school and university days. That long gap from my student days to the present showed very little improvements to the sewage problem of the metropolis, still an ongoing challenge during heavy downpour. It was like being a student again.

Because of Yccos, I was given the privilege to visit a public school where she is assigned for a school year or two. I was adamant since I am not a personal friend. I was only asking for a favour, if I can observe the children so that I can share my humble advices about teaching.

Unfortunately, classes were cancelled that morning but I still opted to pursue since I made a promise. I met her at the gate and with her infectious smile, she received me warmly and I was like, "Oh pretty eh!"

Because of Yccos, I resorted to my usual self, the thing that I am good at. Since the teachers had to meet at that appointed time, I ended being in a class of 14 children. And when one is around students flying paper airplanes and staring at the board, what do I do? TEACH!

I started three children to read with me Green Eggs and Ham. Afterwards, a girl came and read me I Was Walking Down the Road. I asked the children if they wanted to write and draw so I asked for some chalk and then, we explored rhyming words and other stuff.

road - toad - load
"Paano ba i-drowing ang load?"
"Ser, mag drowing ka ng mobile phone!"

"Ser, sulat ka sa inggles tapos hulaan namin sa Filipino."
"Ano sa Filipino ang bear? 1,2,3.."
"Oso!"
"Oso nga ba?, hindi ko alam eh, ha,ha,ha"

"Ser, puwede ba kaming mag-drowing?
Hindi maganda yung ahas, ako ang mag-drowing!"
"Bakit mukha bang bulate?"

Beacuse of Yccos, I saw the children's desire to succeed what with their sparkling eyes to learn and their motivation to be taught. "Ser, babalik ka ba?" is very difficult to hear since I knew that I was there only for a day. Some of them pinched my heart as they were very enthusiastic to be around grown-ups, much more with someone who is willing to give their time and attention. 

Education plays an important part in nurturing young minds and the lack of it gives a lesser vantage point for those who wanted to improve their lives, to escape from poverty, or to follow their dreams. Opportunities for these children are scarce and sadly, most believe that if we can read and write then it's time to stop attending school. 

Because of Yccos, I was given a chance to experience education in a public school or even the chance to teach in a Filipino setting. Fifty one children in one class is a big feat and I commend public school teachers like yccos for their dedication and patience. The discipline alone is very challenging, not to mention the motivation and learning factors connected to teaching. There must be a reason for the class suspension earlier, so that I won't be overwhelmed by the number of children thus giving me only a handful to interact.

There shouldn't be a wide discrepancy towards quality among public and private educational systems. Most of the public school teachers are well-educated, determined and willing to take risks in providing better solutions to classroom needs. They needed the most support as they deal with children.

Yccos, ang makabagong bayani!

Teachers are just bridges and like Yccos, she will be the connecting link to knowledge and wisdom. It is up to the children to either cross the bridge or be overwhelmed along the journey. We do not give answers, we show the way. 

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to meet you and be with the children. It was a day well spent. It was a day of learning. It was a day of recollection and gratitude. Till we meet again!

Shall We Sing, J.Lo?

Art and art appreciation rank high on my list. Walking in museums give me a sense of belonging as well as meeting the artists.  While I make notes of things I see, I also wanted to peek into the lives of the artists and one person I was privileged to meet was Jessica.

I am a fan of this person because of the way she projects herself in her blog. Her motto for one captured my ongoing doubt on my capability as an artist. “Sali lang ng sali.” (Never give up joining.) I was a big follower when she was housing at blogspot until she moved home. Her new house is still filled with art and her quest for her dreams. A noble and beautiful lady, she projects positive vibes all throughout. 

Panoramic View of Baguio (the view where the coffee shop is)

We met at a coffee shop inside a huge mall in Baguio. She was very shy and was speaking in a soft voice when we started conversing while queueing to order some food and drinks. Our short talks were about bloggers, her studies, her passion in painting, and some of her experiences in the blogging world. 

After some light snacks, we left to do a bit of walking which actually meant we were headed towards the karaoke section of the mall. We wanted to sit with the people, as suggested by Asiong32, but we opted to stay in a small booth so that only the three of us will hear our voices, or lack of them.

credits: www.clker.com

I was given the honour to start singing which was a Broadway rendition of Les Miserables' On My Own. I sang with fear of creating a monstrous storm. The rain that gushes outside must be a sign that I need to let the younger people do the singing and I did.

Jessica sang next and though her voice wasn't as loud as how other karaoke people belt their songs out, it was a song of love and it came from her heart. I was mesmerized by her voice, sweet and tangy, just right to soothe the ears, unlike the loud music blurting from the two men singing in public, sans the correct diction. It was a love song and I knew that it was for someone and I am happy for her. Love at a young age, ahhh, so sweet!

Asiong32's voice compelled us to cheer and clap incessantly as he sang songs that probably inspired his life. His was a golden voice coupled with real emotions and great intensity. I was dumbfounded listening to my two companions. I was eaten alive! It was like sitting and turning my chair to two wonderful artists, me being Lea Salonga.

I better tell moi blogger friends since I don't twit or post FB status: "I'm doing karaoke singing with Asiong32 and Jessica. It's so much fun!"

50's Diner
credits: pinkyparra.com

Our walk around Session Road and its vicinity gave
me an opportunity to know her better.  Jovial since minute one, she was a very good conversationalist, minus the shyness. Unmindful of where we were heading, both companions showed me the infamous 50's Diner where we sat for dinner and more stories. 

"Shall we dance this time, J. Lo?"

After a sumptuous meal, we dropped Jessica near her house and we  had our photographs taken under the light post.  The eerie darkness but serene surrounding were like a canvas for the short meet. A warm hello but a sad goodbye, painted on the minds of three bloggers. 




I found many interesting artworks in Baguio but never a precious painting filled with life, dreams, and hopes. Jessica is an ongoing masterpiece of art, a real beauty perceived by the eyes. Many thanks for that great adventure!

Jessica is one of the artists. Please visit.