NAKITA NA SI MANG ROLDAN!

At last, with the dedication of the Filipino community and with Joemil Reyes`s zest to locate Mang Roldan, the old guy with the huge heart ever,  that being shown on national television had been found already in Pampanga. Thanks also to Miss Jessica Soho for the coverage that made easy for the entire populace to search for Mang Roldan. His story was an inspiration.

Now, Mang Roldan, doesn`t need our sympathies. Your help is needed for his self-rehabilitation. If you have any spare, call the numbers below to show that you care for him. Give while you still can.

Millions had been praying for his safety and that he`d be found soon. And now, since he had been found, this is the right time that once again, we extend our help to him financially. Let`s help Mang Roldan, without any doubts since his kindness has been tested and proven already.

Enough of words. If you are in the position to help the kindhearted man, do it now. Any help, I guess, is welcome. But since he`s on his way to Isabela, cash will do. Call the numbers and show your compassion to this man named Mang Roldan.

And to you Joemil Reyes, again, I commend your kindness and sincerity of sharing your story about the old man. You are now an inspiration to all of us.

May your kind multiplies in multitude for the good of all and mankind. Continue to be a good samaritan. God is watching your good heart. I salute you! Together with Mang Roldan, you`d surely be remembered. Keep up the good heart and continue the kindness! You inspired me!

WHERE IS MANG ROLDAN?

A MUST READ...

The heavy heart that overwhelmed me was a salute for this man being humbled by his faith and his positive views in traversing the unpredictable wonders of life. Mang Roldan, you have my respect. You are a one of a kind person in this world. 

To JOEMIL REYES, 

thank you for sharing the story. 

This is the story... from Joemil`s point of view.

I am just sharing this picture of a very humble guy named ROLDAN JIMENEZ PINEDA, 63 yrs old, from Kawayan, Isabela. You don’t need to read everything if you feel lazy, but all I need to ask you is pray for his safety. I am not a writer, but I will try to tell you the story. Here’s what happened: Just this windy and rainy morning, I was in my friend’s canteen. It is just beside the subdivision where I live. I was chatting with my friend’s dad about some business. 

This humble guy came in front caught my attention. He was not asking for money nor anything. Instead, he ordered P5 worth of rice. He cannot even look directly because he feels so shy.He said, “Maaari po bang bumili ng limang pisong kanin?” His hair is so wet that’s why he covered it with a small towel. His clothes are kinda wet too. When I heard his shaking voice, I can feel that he is tired, cold, and starving. He has a green backpack and a sack with old boxes and plastic bottles. I suddenly felt sorry about him, that my heart was telling me that I need to do something. Instead of me just sitting on my chair, I decided to stand up and tried talking to him. 

I asked him if that small amount of rice would satisfy him. He said that he was planning to eat some of it and save some, then continue walking til he reach Nueva Ecija which is more than a hundred miles I think. His destination would be Kawayan, Isabela, where he lives. He asked if he can fill his bottle with some water. I said, sure. While I was putting water in his used old bottle, I told him to order some more food so he can eat. Told him not to worry because I will pay it for him. Mang Roldan never asks for money. He earns his own by selling bottles at the junk shops. His eyes turned red, while he was trying to hold his tears. He said that he can’t thank me enough.

MANG ROLDAN: Nahihiya po ako kasi ganito lang suot ko.(- I feel shy because of what I am wearing.)

ME: Akong bahala po sainyo. Ano pong gusto nyong kainin? (- That is ok. Do not worry. What do you wanna eat?)

MANG ROLDAN: Wala po ako sa posisyon para pumili. Kahit gulay lang po o yung pinakamura. (- I am not in the position to choose. I can have vegetables or the cheapest food would be fine.)

ME: Kailangan nyo pong kumain. Order po kayo kahit ano, yung siguradong mabubusog kayo. (- You need to eat, and make sure to satisfy yourself.)

I took his hand so he can walk beside the stand where he can choose. While they were giving him his food, I told him that I need to go home and get some money so I can pay his bill. At home, I grabbed my old camouflage jacket which I gave him. 

We talked about his tragic story and his plans. Years ago, he needed to sell their house and lot because his wife had a bone disease. Sadly, everything was spent but his wife didn’t make it. He had 3 children. The first born were twins, died because of bronchopneumonia. While the youngest was ran over by a bus. He tried putting a small business by selling fishballs in Manila, but in the time of Bayani Fernando, MMDA took his carts and destroyed them. Mang Roldan and his family are church people. You can tell with the way he speaks. He visited Pampanga to see his sister/brother. Too bad he wasn’t able to meet the only family that he knows. Hearing his story broke my heart.

I also noticed that he cannot walk straight because of his swollen left leg. “Lumipad yung bato na nadaanan nung gulong ng jeep, tumama sa paa ko” he said. (A rock smaller than my fist was the reason) He thanked me for the food and jacket. I handed him some money so he can ride the bus and buy food. He said that he cannot give me anything in return. Seeing him wipe his tears made me feel super sad that it made me cry too. I was speechless. I shaked his hand and told him that his story was enough for me to learn things, and I was happy that I was able to help him. I gave him my umbrella so he will not get wet on his journey. He didn’t want to take it, but I insisted. (I hope my mom won’t notice that her umbrella is missing)

While Mang Roldan was crossing the street I was looking at him. I noticed that he was walking towards a corner. He saw a beggar on the side. You know what he did? He did not share the food that he had, HE GAVE EVERYTHING! Rice, bread, and water. That’s it! That was priceless! I knew that this man is special. He touched my heart. I realized that what I gave him is not even enough. Salt water fell from my eyes. (even while I’m typing now). I decided to go to him when I noticed that busses and jeepneys were not stopping because of discrimination. So we waited for a bus and I took his picture. He smiled and said, “half-body lang ha, nakakahiya may dala akong sako. Hehehe!” What a guy! He can still smile after all the things that he went through. Finally, a bus stopped. I told him to act as if he is my uncle. Before he stepped on the bus, he thanked me again. I waved goodbye and said “Ingat Tito, text mo ko kaagad.” I said it loud so the conductor will hear me and pretend that Mang Roldan has a cellphone.

I don’t know, but he was like an angel that was sent to teach me and realize lots of things. That is why I decided to put it on FB, hoping that you will learn from it. If only I am wealthy enough, I would love to do more things just to help more needy, homeless, poor, deserving people. I have been planning to create my own Foundation since I was young. Well, God has plans for all of us. Maybe someday I will. I also hope I could meet Mang Roldan again, and give him a fishball business or have him help me helping others. 

I remember a book written by Father Jerry Orbos, that we should not be just good Samaritans but we need to be Better Samaritans.

You can share this if you want. If not, just please pray that God bless the people like Mang Roldan. May God Bless you too =) 

- Joemil Reyes

http://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=486238001405261&set=a.101010956594636.2183.100000571957285&type=3&theater

2ND READING PALM SUNDAY

The glory of Jesus comes from the total emptying of self. His passion and the death are His exaltation.

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.

CHRIST JESUS, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father.

The word of the Lord.

PALM SUNDAY

It`s time to reflect what God have done for us. The blessings we receive and all the trials are part of His love. We should always remember that Jesus died on the cross to save us. Palm Sunday is a yearly festivities practice by Roman Catholic around the world, commemorating His holiness after He offered His life for mankind. This is the time of the year where every catholic remember God`s sacrifices for all human being. It`s should not be taken for granted.   

Whatever you do, wherever you are, go to the nearest church and hear mass. It`s an hour of your time. If you can spend whole day on Facebook, what is an hour to praise Him? Let`s not wait for the moment that God would take everything from us. His blessings are endless but He only favours those who worship Him.  That`sf when the day you`d regret for taking Lord for granted.

Jesus is our saviour. He is our Master. We can forget anyone but not Him. This Palm Sunday let it be our wake-up call. This is the right time to ponder what we did for Him being His children. Do we follow His lead? Are we good catholic by faith? It`s not too late. There is still time. Let`s start the Lenten Season with proper reflection as His follower. With His love, with the right understanding, we can be a good catholic with unwavering faith.

GOD IS GOOD!
Always remember this!

ANOTHER TRIP TO ROXAS CITY

For the 2^nd time in a year, I visited Roxas City, dated October 3-5, 2012 for another short visit. What interesting with this visit knowing that my mom would welcome me with a sumptuous meal.  Darn it never happened! They forgot I am actually going home.  I wasn`t expecting a grand welcome but a meal treats which I was used to receive when I was coming home before.

Things have change. Once again, I found myself at the Lipunan for local delicacies like baye-baye, inday-inday and betsu-betso. These treats are rare finds in Metro Manila. So it`s no wonder I longs for them. In the evening, I went to Legaspi St. for that famous binakol; another delicacy that can only be found in Roxas City.

That trip was unfortunately the demise of my respectable grandmother, the aunt of my dad. I spent two nights at the wake. It was a time to reunites again with the Lagayada`s Family. I hardly knew some of my cousins by heart. The wonders of science connect me with my stranger cousins through Facebook only.

On my second day, I went to Panay for the biggest beIl in Asia. Actually it was my first visit on the site but that didn`t made me a total stranger at all. At long last, I had a glimpse of it. It was so surreal. There`s the biggest bell in Asia, in the womb of Capiz and our identity aside from bragging being the Seafoods Capital of The Philippines.

On my 3^rd day as planned, I went to Lipunan for pasalubong. The same delicacies I bought on my June`s visit. At 11 in the morning, I was off to the airport. My regret on this 2<sup>nd</sup> vacation, I was unable to wallow on the beach! But I can surely boasts that I had a taste of the succulent seafoods once again! That time, with the rare angel`s wings I chanced upon at the market.

While airborne, I promised that I`ll be back on December, in time for Sinadya sa Halaran. Came first week of November, I booked a trip for Roxas, but I didn`t pushed through with the supposed trip. It has been years already since I witnessed the extravagant festivities, culminating the Feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. I fervently promised myself that on the next year`s feast, I`ll be around, come hell or high water!

HOME AFTER 10 YEARS

Yeah, that long! The last time I went home was when my father died. It was my duty bound to deliver to pay my last respect to my dad. He died in Manila of a severe asthma due to an old age. Sadly it happened after two days he arrived from Roxas. No one expected it to transpire. It caught us by surprise beyond premonition that it could be his last trip to the land where he was born 75 years ago.

Together with my elder sisters in the ambulance, my dad took his last breath while I was holding his hand. My fingers could have been broken when he held my hand firmly for the last time. I never thought such tragedy would linger on my mind for years. It was not a good scenario that would instantly replay on my mind every time I would remember my dad. I guess it`s but normal.

Bagongon

June 21, 2012 Cebu Pacific flight, the plane touches down at the Roxas City Airport. It was a fresh of breath air, inhaling the almost salty air, reminding me that I am in Capiz again, at last!  It was the same airstrip I left 10 years ago! Maybe there was a little renovation, but the building yells decrepit. The passengers need a homier and welcoming building!

 My brother fetched me at the airport. Fine! It was against his will. He dropped me off near City Hall and I strutted my butt to the Lipunan for a fresh catch from the sea. I had fun on my first day! I was able to visit the Gaisano Mall. I just stroll around the mall and buy nothing! Amazing! I just experienced how to be a mall rat that day.

Two blocks from the mall, I went to the restaurant where they specializes batchoy. It`s super cheap! I never tasted batchoy so real that day. I had two bowls! So what? Over dinner, we had oysters. crabs and bagongon for dinner! It was heavenly! I was indeed in Capiz. Unfortunately though, the rare angel`s wings proven to be rare that season.

On my second day, together with my sister, we went to Baybay for a dip. Very noticeable are the restaurants that occupy the seafront. It deprives the public to have an instant access to the beach. In order to wallow on the inviting water, I made my way to the stairs of People`s Park to reach the shoreline. The local government should find a solution to this problem.

I also visited some of my relatives. It`s good to be reunited with them once again. On the third day, I woke-up early morning and went to Lipunan for my last minute pasalubong shopping. On my list are tuyo, daing, bibingka, bitsu-bitso and baye-baye. Upon reaching home, my youngest sister already packed our bags. 11 AM, we were at the airport already despite the not-so-good weather.

She`s coming with me to Manila to fetch our mom that`s also vacationing. Bad of me, she`s in Manila and I went home for a short vacation. That was my Roxas City sojourn after 10 years. It was good to be home for 3 days!  

I AM JOBLESS

So what? The mere fact that I am enjoying my life being this way gives me satisfaction. Oh forgot the thrills! It`s more than I expected! Being a freelancer enables me to control my time in all aspects. So this is me. The bum! I chose this road. It`s written on my palm. But I can proudly say; only few knew me, inside and out. There are certain things in life that must be kept a secret.

I am a single parent to a seven year old bubbly kid. It is somewhat confusing because of my status as a jobless provider. Not that consistent when the commissioned job as a wedding singer or a party host comes my way. By heart, it`s my venue of delivering my best. I can be myself during those stints. It brings out the best in me. So now I`m bragging. Lord forgive me. LOL! 

Still wondering why certain individuals are judging my daily routine as a jobless provider.  In fact, I don`t owe them an explanation, but still the same, I am having the time of my life while they`re consuming time of talking behind my back where are my resources coming from. Again, I am a total stranger to them. Suffice it to say that since time immemorial, they`re acknowledging me as a bum and all! It`s not my fault anymore. No explanation needed. I can proudly say, this is me. My boss. My master!