It was a memorable birthday last March 27---I am now officially 2 years away from being 30 years old. Last Friday was my students' graduation. In the days before that, I was decided on leaving teaching and pursue my first love--writing. While preparing for the commencement exercises at home, my brother turned on the T.V. The movie "Mila" starring Maricel Soriano was being shown. In the scene, Mila, the teacher who lost her job because of participating in rallies, visited her mother whom she did not see for a long time. There was tension between the two women, giving of an impression that something is wrong with their relationship.
"Mahirap ang buhay ng teacher", Mila's mother said. "Wala ka na ngang pera, parati ka pang iniiwan."
A long period of silence followed. Mila then said, "Hindi nila ako iniwan. nandito silang lahat, dala-dala ko."
I left the house with this scene keeping on replaying in my mind. At the end of the graduation ceremonies,the 4th year graduates sang their grad song and the school's alma mater hymn. This did it. I realized it isn't easy to leave all of this behind. For this reason I have decided to stay for one more year.
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On the day of my birth, I checked my FB account and read all the birthday greetings that my friends wrote on my wall. This comforted me and I tried to reply to all the greets.
I also replied to those who texted me: "My birthday wish is that for God to bles all my friends and those who have been part of my life a thousand-fold."
That evening my friends from Church treated me for a late night dinner.
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The next day, Ate Aileen, my writer-friend and possible soul-twin treated me for lunch somewhere in Morato. That afternoon, she gave me a very special gift, bringing me to a group of spiritual teachers who gave me sound advice on what to do in life.
I thank God for family and friends. I thanks God for the many opportunities He is giving me, the many doors He is opening for me.
May they be blessed a thousand-fold.
