tinu Comments

Bruno Huebscher: Earthquake

2008-01-16T01:01:02Z

Congratulations! I like your Blog. It gives a good picture on what you're doing in Pangasinan.

Many greetings,
Bruno

Poinsettia*: Araw ng mga bayani

2007-08-29T13:48:14Z

Hey Martin!
Talking about heroes reminds me of one silent hero in my life. My father is quite an unassuming man who is now in his 90's. And on the contrary, he can also be as animated and conversant when it comes to telling interesting stories about his life. I remember him talking about his childhood and his younger days, when, as a young boy he already was learning how to make both ends meet. Being born to a typical poor family from a barrio, he knew how it was to live in a hand-to-mouth existence. But this did not deter him from dreaming big-- and somehow making those dreams come true. He later set out to the big city to continue his studies. At the same time he worked on part time jobs to support himself through college. Even as a working student, he managed to have good grades and graduate with merits.

When the 2nd World War broke, he was among those who fought side by side with the Allied forces against the Japanese. He recounts how they would hide in foxholes, and survive on whatever little food was available. As a young girl, I was always in awe as I listened to his stories. He recalls how many of his fellow guerillas suffered and died before his very eyes. He was among those who survived the infamous Death March, wherein close to 100,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war captured by the Japanese were forced-marched from Bataan, 55 miles to San Fernando. Then they were taken to Capas, Tarlac where they walked another 8 miles to a camp. Many died along the way -- starved or stabbed (bayonets) to their deaths.

I also remember my grandma talk about women who were raped and forcibly made in sex slaves. 'Comfort women" as they are known in this generation. I am aware of the atrocities done by the Japanese forces not only to the Filipinos but to other countries they have invaded during the WWII. Though my father somehow had some negative views on the Japanese, at his age I feel he has now put those things behind him. He was molded and ripened with time into the man that I look up to now. He has the strength of character, strong will and determination which has brought up all of us his children to what we are today. We were nurtured with love and fatherly care which has given me the strong foundation, and inner reservoir of strength as I also face my own battles in life.

Yes, heroes live among our midst. They come in different faces, in different situations. One only has to see and experience it with an inner eye...and heart. I have my own true-to life hero and I am proud of him! My salute to you, Papa!

cynthia: Begegnungen

2007-07-28T14:32:28Z

You've been here for 7 months in the Phils. and you have certainly adjusted yourself well to the Filipino way of life. I've seen how you tried to integrate yourself in your new home country and learn about our culture and its people.
As you were sharing your various experiences with me, I realized even more how I appreciate my own country as seen through the eyes of a 'foreigner'. Never before have I seen how beautiful and bountiful this land really is...with its rich pastures, adorned with ricefields in shades of green that is so pleasing to the eyes; its mountain ranges and flowing rivers and pristine sandy beaches. So much beauty to see and to behold!
And as you go about your mission in this part of the region, I pray that God will continue to guide you and give you strength to face the many challenges that you have to hurdle. Indeed he is using you as his instrument to help bring about His message of love through the healing ministry. Much like the time when Jesus walked and went about healing the sick and downtrodden. Visiting the poor and the outcasts and giving comfort to those in distress.
May God bless you in all your endeavors! Pagpalain ka nawa ng ating Panginoong Diyos.

Anna: I arrive!

2007-07-04T05:01:11Z

Dear Martin!
Your story is indeed interesting and thrilling! I envy your wide life experience with new places, people, food, languages etc.
Wish i could give a look on your surroundings.
Know for sure you help people paying all your attention and they return you affection.

My best regards to you and welfare you do!

God bless you!