OPERATION: WHALE SHARK

Butanding or Whale Shark is not at all a predator. It doesn't have the infamous razor-sharp teeth of his cousin, the great white shark. It is, however, a giant. It is believed that Jonah (the Bible character) was swallowed by this mammoth. In the province of Bicol, in Donsol-Sorsogon, one can spot at least a dozen whale sharks on its peak season.

On the day of our exploration, the waves were unusually bigger thus making this species more withdrawn. Our spotter saw one only after 15 minutes from where we took off. Unfortunately when we were about to dive in, it quickly went into the deep. Our next encounter happened after more than two hours of grueling search.

I thought we were in for a bad luck. I really had a serious talk with God. In that two-hour wait, I repented, promised to go to church, promised to limit my TV marathons and promised to read my Bible, only to see a Butanding. God said (with thunder and lightning): 'Believe me, you will not only see one, but two'. Hmm, I thought, a mother and child? I must be asking too much. I also remember Him telling me not to mention it to anyone. But like that leper (or was it a blind man) who was healed by Jesus, he goes to everyone trumpeting what had transpired. I have no idea why I am divulging it now. I guess it was incredible how God speaks. But I know that some of you may be raising their eyebrows now.

OK so quite obviously, we did see a Butanding. Two in fact. But it wasn't a mother and child. Nor did it spring out acting like a dolphin while waving its tale. I was asking for too much. The first one swam in front of us but it was too quick for us to swim with it. Besides, all the other boats would make a run for it and give their clients a glimpse of the gentle giant. As for our second encounter, we were able to jump in the water and see a glimpse of it. Wow, my nieces and sisters saw the big fish while I was too busy making sure everyone is OK. When I dipped my head in the water, I saw NOTHING!

I am not really a water guy. In fact, I'm a terrible swimmer. But ever since grade 7 I have wanted to scuba dive and swim with a whale. I was able to do this now (only that I was wearing a life vest). This is my small courageous act.

FLYING LESSONS

The book that I bought in Malaysia entitled "Flying Lessons" by Steingberg offers 50 chapters of ways to develop the character of a child. In each chapter he narrates a powerful story related to the topic and then followed by a suggested activity with your child in discovering his/her potentials and inclinations.

My Small Courageous Act: To develop a four-week seminar summarizing the book which I could facilitate with our ward in Children's Garden.


For an overview of the book:
http://books.google.com/books?id=zobMU8dwoG0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=FLYING+LESSONS+steinberg&source=bl&ots=CAdHLzqryz&sig=2KEWzmkLoXXlo5Mk81rXrL_YrxQ&hl=en&ei=WfrzS8i8DtPBrAef64GzDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

A BETTER PHILIPPINES

What is the worst thing that could happen to you on the day of your flight especially if you are the one who organized the vacation way ahead of the scheduled trip? Yes, that's right, for the airline to tell you that you cannot board the plane unless you renew your passport! It was April Fool's Day and I thought, "Haha! Good one!" only that the lady at the counter didn't break the silence by saying "You're in Candid Camera!" She was still straight faced. I went pale. I'm doomed. I will have to take a bus from Clark to Manila carrying my oversized backpack and carry-on for my Mac. I am more worried about looking stupid rather than actually missing my flight. To make the long story short I was able to go to Borneo. All 19 of us. Thanks to my well connected pops.

Kota (which means city) Kinabalu is a place in Sabah. Malaysia (but still believed by many to be rightfully owned by the Philippines) is like being in Cagayan de Oro except that the cars are on the wrong side of the road, the roads are well cemented and skyscrapers mushroomed here and there. In other words, better! The locals are very accommodating but not unreasonable to the point of discriminating against their fellows (just like in the Philippines). A good number of people trace their roots in Mindanao, Zamboanga to be exact. So it is almost like being in the Philippines. But better.

When I say better, I mean better roads, better housing, better insurance coverage and definitely more peaceful. Malaysia is an open city and you are free to practice your religion provided that it will not violate any laws (quite obviously). So Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and others live in harmony. So... yes, it's definitely better. With a new administration under "Kuya" Noynoy (isn't that fitting since we call his mom, Tita Cory?) I am very optimistic that we will also have a better Philippines this year. It only takes a small courage to help a Presidential candidate win in this election. But collectively, what appeared to be a losing candidate had at least 5million lead from his rival.

Am I done helping Kuya Noy now that we have won the election? I guess not. I will be actively helping this administration with my passionate friends in Pinoy Power.