Dizenyo Photo Blog :: Dizenyo Photography :: Drawings

Mentor Of My Life – My Dad

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:29:00 +0000

*******************

It was a fine Sunday morning, the crisp air from the woods fills my lungs as I was walking on the garden of St. Louisiana Home Care. After two weeks of busy schedule in the office, pile of paper works and a deadline for Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport architectural design at last I am free.

I passed through the corridor and everyone seated on the bench greeted me with the warmest smile. The gray hair and the lines on their faces shows how years had passed and yet you can see in their eyes the contentment of a happy life.

I headed straight to room 802 to visit the mentor of my life – my dad.

I knock three times, rotated the doorknob, push the door wide open and turn to the left corner of the room where my dad would usually sit on his favorite arm chair. I see no one.

As I step inside I smell the old perfume that I know no one use except for my dad. I was wondering where he would be. “Did he forget that I’ll be here today? Oh! I’ve missed two Sundays, maybe his thinking that I’m not going to be here and just decided to have a walk outside.”

I’ve left the door opened and a nurse passed. I’ve called him and asked, “Where’s my dad?”

“He’s in the clinic sir” he answered.

“Why? What happened to him?” my blood suddenly runs cold.

“Nothing sir, it’s his monthly check up today.”

Feel relieved I thanked him and decided to get back and just wait him inside.

I sit on his chair to see the beautiful scenery of the wild forest of Louisiana. It is just beside the window which is dressed with peach curtain. Dad loves that color as it is the color of the curtain that mom would usually put on all of our windows at the old house. There’s also a table where three books where placed and a lampshade.

I feel a little bored and picked one of the books that dad reads. As I was about to flip on the first page, a paper slip and fell on the floor. I picked it and saw that it is a note.

Son,

It’s been two weeks and you didn’t visited me, I know you’ve been upset because I kept on asking you about the birds singing on the wood for 16 times.

For the first five you answered me with a loving voice, “Those where birds singing in the woods dad.”

I’ve asked another five and I’ve noticed that your voice sound more deep and irritated. I added more and you’ve been upset. You said “Those were birds dad! Birds! How many times would I answer the same question?”

Then I stopped.

I remember my little boy when he was three. The two of us were on woods when he heard the sound of the birds. For 16 times he ask me over and over of what was that sound and for 16 times I’ve patiently answered “Son, those were happy birds singing in the woods.”

The tears fell on my cheeks and the door opens wide and there I saw the mentor of my life – my dad.

*******************

A Story of A Filipino Veterans

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:03:00 +0000

World War II seems to be the ghost that haunts every Filipino. It is the greatest fear that every Filipino people experience during year 1940 until 1945. The war fall on the month of December. Filipino’s today Nowadays, Filipino's don't even forget what the war brings back to their lives. Somehow Filipino Veterans still recapture and recall all the worst and stern happenings they face during the war. Japanese Soldiers intentionally abuse and torture some Filipino men and they tried to rape some Filipina. It is sad to say that the Philippines is under controlled by the Japanese during that time.

In Southern Luzon nearby province of Albay, there was a woman lived in San Roque Libog Albay named Rosa Balleros Balueta also called as Lola 'Oying'. At young age of fourteen, she already experienced the living system in the middle of the war. She grew up with the guidance of her parents. Mr. Calixto Balbosa Balueta(42 years old at that time), a farmer and a responsible father. Mrs. Carmen Balleros Balueta (39 years old) is her loving and caring mother who teaches her to do the household chores. Rosa have four brothers namely Blandino Balleros Balueta(24 years old during the war) the eldest, Amando Balleros Balueta(21 years old) the second child, Catalino Balleros Balueta(18 years old) the third child and Dioscoro Balleros Balueta(nearly 11 years old) fifth child.

Rosa is the only flower among the thorns. On year 1940 Mrs. Balueta is pregnant with her youngest child, the last sibling of Rosa. According to Mrs Carmen, being pregnant at the middle of the war is difficult situation. But the only thing she said is that "Pagtubod sa Dios Ama an sakong kusog sa ngunyan na panahon."(Faith in Almighty God is my only strength.), Rosa recalled her mother always telling her. In spite of these things, they did not lose hope, as to what Blandino said "Life must go on". Blandino, the eldest son, together with Amando the second child, where both brave guirilla who serve and defend the country against the Japanese soldiers. On the other hand, Catalino the third child doesn't follow the footsteps of her two 'hermanos'. While the “Unica Hija” Rosa, helps her mother in house hold choirs and sews clothes. In the other hand Dioscoro who is definitely innocent about the situations that are happening around him, keeps on asking her parents “May, Pay nata dakol nagagadan? Nata tigsasakop kita kan Hapon?.. Anu ang kasalan ta niyata kita tigakastigo?”(Mother, Father why there are many dead people? Why the Japanese conquer us? What wrong have we done to punish us?). While her parents didn’t stop answering her questions which bares into her mind that everything is going to be alright. After nine months her mother gave birth to Rodolfo Balleros Balueta.

The time has come that the Japanese soldiers are ready to attack the Phillipines. Filipinos are scared and frightened for they don’t know what awaits them as the Japanese came. They almost lost their hope and nearly to give up, but somehow they were still holding on. Unfortunately San Roque, Libog, Albay, the place where Rosa and her family lived is one of the target part of the Japanese soldiers. The people living there are worried for they don’t know what to do. Then one peaceful morning, while the residence of San Roque are busy doing different things inside and outside their house a man immediately shouted “Uyan na ang mga Hapon, durulag na kamo! Dali na ta maiisug sinda!!!”(Run! For the Japanese are here. They are very violent.) so the fear and unxienty is obviously shown up in everyone’s face. Rosa together with her family looked for a place where to hide in order for them to survive. San Fernando, Libog, Albay is the place where they thought it’s safe enough. They stayed there for a few months and according to Rosa they didn’t just one place but in three specific places. First, at San Fernando, Libog, Albay, second at the mountain and lastly at the foot of Mt. Mayon. Rosa once told me that every time they past the way along the crossing they always salute to the Japanese soldiers to show some respect. There were also instances that Japanese soldiers will spank and kick you without any reasons. That’s how cruel the Japanese soldiers are, to the Filipinos.

There was a day that Rosa doesn’t stop crying for her brother Amando was caught by the Japanese soldiers and suffered from too much pain and burden. Then, the Japanese command him to carry a cart that contains Japanese soldiers. After one day and one night, Amando finally find a way to escape from the Japanese base. But unfortunately, he met an accident. His blood immediately came rushing to his feet as he jumped over the fence because a wire hit his feet badly. The ache doesn’t stop him from running until he gets out of the base. This event made the family a little bit ease. This proves the saying “Every problem has its own solution”.

In spite of all the sufferings and hardships, that Rosa encounter during World War II still she fell in love with someone named Jose Añonuevo Balderama. A tall dark and handsome man from Calayucay, Libog, Albay, who is willing to serve and love her forever. Jose also popularly known as “Joe” is already a “guirilla” at the age of seventeen. He was inducted by Captain Rabacal with the rank of CPL at Napao, Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay and was assigned under the command of Capt. Florencio Ayaay of platoon head quarters battalion section. After several months, he joined the many military operations against the Japanese. These operations are: Ambush of Japanese soldiers at Sto. Domingo, Albay(October 6, 1942); Liberation of X-bar mine at Rapu-rapu, Albay(May 25, 1943); Ambush of two truckloads of Japanese military supply at San Francisco, Malilipot, Albay(January 4, 1944); Ambush of two Japanese soldiers at San Jose, Malilipot, Albay(March 30, 1944); Liberation of Bacacay, Albay(May 10, 1944); Ambush of four Japanese patrol boat at Sula Pass, Bacacay, Albay(September 2, 1944); Liberation of the Province of Catanduanes(December 22, 1944). On April 1, 1945, CPL Jose Balderama was one of those men who were separated from the service for only a contingent of selected men composed of one battalion was taken from their entire unit by the U.S. army and recognized as FLOR’s independent provisional Bn. His name was included in the submitted Rooster to both Philippine and US government for recognition purposes through Honorable Jose Avelino President of Philippine senate on January 15, 1949. After everything that has done, Filipinos prove themselves to the Japanese that they are strong and united in blood.

The War did not stop the Jose and Rosa love story. Although the circumstances is too risky for them but still no one can stand against their relationship. Jose, as a typical Filipino in blood and heart do the old style of courtship to win her love’s hand and also the approval of her in-laws to be. After the courtship, he finally got the courage to propose to Rosa. So, they got married. The fruit of their love give them five children, three boys and two girls.

Time has pass, Jose already pass away last March 4, 1970. Whereas, Rosa is still very strong at the age of 83 that she could even narrate every detail of her life. She’s living in Bagong San Roque, Sto. Domingo, Albay(San Roque, Libog, Albay before). Furthermore, she is benefited by a monthly pension for being a wife of a soldier who fought for the freedom of the Philippines.

This is an entry send by Gicel Balderama to Veterans Bank’s True Stories Contest last March of 2010.

The Orange Teddy Bear

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Sat, 28 May 2011 09:08:00 +0000

The Shade of Morning Sky

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Tue, 24 May 2011 05:34:00 +0000

Love is a Narcotic

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 18 May 2011 10:58:00 +0000

Love is a Narcotic

At first it brings the euphoria of complete

surrender. The next day, you want more. You're

not adicted yet, but you like the sensation

and you think you can still control things.

You think about the person for two minutes

and for him fir te next three hours.

But then you get used to that person and you

begin to be completely dependent on them.

Now you think about him for three hours and

forget him for two minutes. If he's not there,

you feel like an addict who can't get a fix. and

just as addicts steal and humiliate themselves

to get what they need, you're willing to do

anything for love.

Sweet Delicious Yema

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Fri, 13 May 2011 14:01:00 +0000

sweet delicious yema!!!!

its so yummy yet so sticky....

just like in life it is sweet having the feeling of happiness,

gladness and joy but suddenly it becomes sticky....

we encountered so much problems ...

problems that make as sticky in life..

difficulties and hardships this are the challenges

that make us strong enough to face the present and the future...

so lets have a life which field with sweetness...

and avoid the sticky one....

G for Gicel :: G for Gorgeous

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Thu, 12 May 2011 13:49:00 +0000

JS prom... the most awaited moment for the juniors and seniors....

the day before the said event i was so excited...

fitting the gown which im going to wear ...

as i look my self at the mirror i was so surprice that im looks like a princess....

waiting for my prince to come....and spent the night with me......

so wearing this elegant and yet simple gown

is the most unforgettable night to remmember...

Mayon Volcano's View At Our Apartment's Rooftop

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 11 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

This is the view of Mount Mayon from our rooftop. It's a little bit foggy and the sun is not yet up that's why the sky is a little blue violet.

Precious Time

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 11 May 2011 02:04:00 +0000

precious time makes every moment special.....

every ticks of the hand of the clock is trully important

co'z every little thing that pass by can no longer bring back again...

round and round it never stop...

it continiuosly move around no boundary and yet no edges.

.so lets not waste time instead make it as perfect as it is.

If this is Earth, what must Heaven be like?

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:29:00 +0000

Yesterday...Today...and Tomorrow...

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:43:00 +0000

Next to you

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:43:00 +0000

I love you

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:42:00 +0000

"Out Of My League"

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:11:00 +0000

it's her hair and her eyes today
that just simply take me away
and the feeling that i'm falling further in love
makes me shiver but in a good way
all the times i have sat and stared
as she thoughtfully thumbs through her hair
and she purses her lips, bats her eyes as she plays,
with me sitting there slack-jawed and nothing to say
coz i love her with all that i am
and my voice shakes along with my hands
coz she’s all that I see and she’s all that I need
and i'm out of my league once again

it's a masterful melody when she calls out my name to me
as the world spins around her she laughs, rolls her eyes
and i feel like i'm falling but it's no surprise
coz i love her with all that i am
and my voice shakes along with my hands
cause it's frightening to be swimming in this strange sea
but i'd rather be here than on land
yes she's all that i see and she's all that i need
and i'm out of my league once again

it's her hair and her eyes today
that just simply take me away
and the feeling that i'm falling further in love
makes me shiver but in a good way
all the times i have sat and stared
as she thoughtfully thumbs through her hair
and she purses her lips, bats her eyes as she plays,
with me sitting there slack-jawed and nothing to say
coz i love her with all that i am
and my voice shakes along with my hands
cause it's frightening to be swimming in this strange sea
but i'd rather be here than on land
yes she's all that i see and she's all that i need
and i'm out of my league once again

Dizenyo Photography

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:16:00 +0000

color it GREEN...

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:16:00 +0000

What makes the coffee SWEET? hmmm..

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:22:00 +0000

...it's always the stirring that makes the coffee sweet...

Innocence

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:40:00 +0000

The sight of you makes me smile,
you are one sweet precious child.
Embodying the innocence
that I’ve since lost,
but if I could recapture it for a moment
I’d pay the highest cost.

On days that seem to be the worst,
Your smile can relieve its evil curse.

So keep on being that small and innocent child,
just so I can forget the cruel world for a little while.

Salamat Po...

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:32:00 +0000

Thank you for the harvest and the healing,

Health, wealth, hunger, all the goods of Earth,

All that we inherited at birth,

Need, joy, love, pain, grief, desire, feeling.

Know that we are grateful for our being,

Singing silent praises in our hearts,

Giving in the temples of our arts

Invocations to the act of seeing.

Vain though it may be to think you're hearing,

In us there is an ancient urge to speak,

Not for any answers that we seek,

Glad just to converse -- like love, like breathing.

photography

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:24:00 +0000

Autum

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:23:00 +0000

No woman, No Cry

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:08:00 +0000

"No woman, No cry"
-Bob Marley-

No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry.

'Cause - 'cause - 'cause I remember when a we used to sit
In a government yard in Trenchtown,
Oba - obaserving the 'ypocrites - yeah! -
Mingle with the good people we meet, yeah!
Good friends we have, oh, good friends we have lost
Along the way, yeah!
In this great future, you can't forget your past;
So dry your tears, I seh. Yeah!

No, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry. Eh, yeah!
A little darlin', don't shed no tears:
No, woman, no cry. Eh!

Said - said - said I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown, yeah!
And then Georgie would make the fire lights,
I seh, logwood burnin' through the nights, yeah!
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge, say,
Of which I'll share with you, yeah!
My feet is my only carriage
And so I've got to push on through.
Oh, while I'm gone,
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right, yeah!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right-a!
Everything's gonna be all right!
Everything's gonna be all right, yeah!
Everything's gonna be all right!

So no, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry.
I seh, O little - O little darlin', don't shed no tears;
No, woman, no cry, eh.

No, woman - no, woman - no, woman, no cry;
No, woman, no cry.
One more time I got to say:
O little - little darlin', please don't shed no tears;
No, woman, no cry.

sunset

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:33:00 +0000

BRUSH works

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:55:00 +0000

Signatures

noreply@blogger.com (zandra balderama "zandhie") — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:56:00 +0000

please email me or have your comment if you want
any of the signatures above with your name on it