for Father.

Nearly a month ago, i had nightmares and fears that this day would be sadder and emptier. i feared that i wouldn't be able to exchange book discussions, movie criticisms or converse about anything under the great blue sky with my dad anymore. i always feared the worst, and good thing it wasn't realized.

My father, ensured my future. he worked his bum off abroad to secure what i am today, he selflessly worked from 8-5 and then worked as a father to ensure quality time with me, mom and my brother. i am not a very expressive person, heck, my mom was just telling me earlier to greet dad "happy fathers day" personally earlier, but what i cant say verbally, i try to put into writing and words (but ill still try to greet him later on). i know that a simple greeting will never compensate that which he has endured for all of us. that is why i rather write everything here (and publish this in his FB page later! haha). 

so dad, thanks for everything. thanks for the times when you physically manifested despite work to watch or support me during contests in school. when you spent countless of riyals (oman currency) for me to learn tennis and piano. thanks for the times when you gave extra allowances knowing that i never save and am always in the hunt for more cash. thank you for the things that you bought for me, even if it is impractical and not that important, but despite my insistence and disgusting perseverance you and ma gave in. thank you for giving me a good life and now, making me feel very lucky and special compared to others. thank you for ensuring me with quality education despite me getting low scores and even failing some subjects. thank you for the vote of confidence and the belief that i can be someone great in the coming years. thank you for all the advices that you gave to bring me back to reality when i am floating in fantasy. 

Thank you for being you, the person who works as an office manager for the heck of it, but is successful in his career as a Father.  even if i dont say it as often as everyday, you know that i love you and am super proud to have you as the perfect role model, and the father that one could ever wish to have.

Dad, being my training wheels and support even in the simplest things

Happy Fathers Day - Federico Romero , i love you!

A Dream of a Better Tomorrow - Independence Day Special

3 minutes before today(june 12), my phone went crazy with all the Independence Day greetings that family and friends sent via text. i guess filipino pride is a force to reckon with. 

i am not a hardcore nationalistic citizen. I guess that is the downside of growing up abroad. but i do understand and know what it is to be Filipino, and the many sacrifices that happened just to secure the essence of the word. 

Jacinto, "Gomburza" and Rizal are some of the many filipinos who sacrificed their lives to ensure our future.  They were some of the many who thought about the future rather than their own well being. They are the Heroes whom we grew up with, springing to life while reading our "Sibika" and "Hekasi" Texts.

[A monument erected to commemorate the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor ]

  [Libingan ng Bayani, Taguig City]

A Lot of filipinos and filipinas risked their lives for all of us today. The unsung warriors of Lapu Lapu, The Brave Katipuneros of Bonifacio, and even the foot soldiers and privates during the American and Japanese occupation. When i think of independence, i think of death. i think of all the struggles our nation had to go through to get where it is today. i remember the sacrifices of many nationalistic people to fight for their ideals and their right as filipinos.

it saddens me that sometimes we forget those who died for us. we forget the reason why they fought and tried to repel those who want our lands. we forget why they paid the ultimate price. today, everyone is concerned with conflicts arising from greed, corruption and negligence of the duties that are given to them. today, everyone is focused more on personal growth and wealth rather than continuing the advocacy of those who died for a better Philippines.

[ Tombstones of the many American and Filipino Soldiers during the war ]

[Fil-Am Friendship Cemetery. Clark, Pampanga]

I do hope that this renewal of Filipino Pride today will end all internal conflicts, end all of the corruption that weakens our country, and start anew as a reformed nation - better and stronger. 

I am Proud to be a Filipino. and i say all these today, because i too, even in my own little way, dream of a better and more successful Philippines.

Happy Independence Day Everyone!

In focus : Life on the streets

I remembered complaining to my mom when i was in high school regarding  my room conditions. i never liked the idea of sharing a room with my brother, so i kept bugging her to look for a place that can allow me to have a room of my own. (spoiled brat, i know). With the entire annoyance and bratty attitude, they finally gave in. we transfered to a house that is twice the size of our last one, and has an extra room entirely for me. the attitude and greed did not stop there, (if i were to go on, the story would take about 30-40 mins of your time - wouldn't that be fun? haha)

last june 4, me and some close friends went to Binondo to conduct a Handicapped Photoshoot. the objective there is that, we take photos but we are not allowed to take a peek at our shots. at first i was really excited to be part of this small exercise, as such would help improve my skills in taking quality photos. the excitement soon waned when i saw the subjects for the shoot. (honestly, i felt my heart pause - for a second or two)

i always knew of the poverty that many filipinos face. but this is the first time that i have actually been this close to those who have nothing. nothing to eat, nothing to sleep in and nothing to do but remain static for the entire day with the hopes that someone might give them alms or food in order for them to get by for the day.

these three images will forever be etched in my brain. that shoot not only taught me how to tinker with my camera settings and take photos. it also made me realize how extremely lucky i am. So i told myself, the next time you rant about your fettucini alfredo or your salmon en croute, take that time to think that this people can't even have a friggin sky flake to nibble on. then i remembered my "Room Story", wherein i complain about sharing a room with my brother, when these people share a public plaza.

just be thankful with what you have.  i sure am now!

System Failure.

So this is how it feels to have a virus corrupt your system and your anti viruses acts so damn slow to the point that everything maybe at risk. 

So this is how it feels to be bed ridden for three straight whole days with nothing to do because one slight movement can cause your vision to swirl upside down. and every sound can cause you to hurl everything that your silos contain.

So this is how it feels to be very sick.

Never again shall i endure the rain just to get to a certain point!

thank you tennis racket for keeping me company. haha (parang bata lang o)

Leading instead of commanding! a Franz Lopez Special.

How can we say that a person is a leader? is it when he/she tells us what to do or what not do? or when he/she dictates our roles and functions? limitations? or if he/she won an election? are those the answers to the question posted earlier?

Someone told me that a leader should not only lead. He or she should be able to inspire others, motivate them, and make them feel good regardless of their status, position or role in a group or community.
Lately, when we say leader, we always associate it with power and authority. or when one takes that role, whether legitimate or not, acts like he or she has power over everyone. restricts actions of those around him/her and make everyone understand that he/she holds that position. in effect, leaders get distanced with their peers, subordinates and everyone else around them. Sure, they know that he/she is the boss, but does he/she command their respect? their trust? or Loyalty?

3 weeks ago, i joined a community of photo,video and graphics enthusiasts. ME, being a newbie at photography did not hesitate in filling out a simple browser form, join daily conferences and from time to time events and photowalks/shoots. what amused me in this community, is that they are more of a barkada, family rather than being a laddered/rigid type of organization with a preposterous chain of command and hierarchy. Don't get me wrong, i believe in an organized organization, i believe in having a set of officers and admins. but what makes Helios Project International a group that stands out from the sea of communities is that they dont treat each other only as org/community mates. they act as the support group, a friend, a mentor, and a second home to everyone that is part of it.

but what really inspired me to create this post is their leader, their head admin and founder: Franz Lopez. based on what i've seen and heard within the group, i can only conclude that franz doesn't actually think that he is the leader of this community composed of 250+ local and international photographers, videographers and graphic artists. he acts like he is everyones equal and doesn't abuse  the position that he has (who also does not hassle his fellow admin with rigid requirements, and formalities for any events or plans that they would have). As a leader, his words are binding when needed, but he never concludes or decides without hearing opinions of others (whether they be admin or not). A mark of a true leader and an excellent person.

Happy 23rd Birthday Duke Francis.
We at Helios Project International thank you for your perseverance to make the group better than it is today. Have a great one Buddy!

Francis Lopez - as we smudged cake icing/frostings on his face, and sprinkle his hair with pasta and basil. (now ask yourselves, can you actually do this to your leaders?)

May 6 - - during this day, 24 years ago......

i was born. today is my 24th birthday! (batiin niyo naman ako!).

during days like these, my materialistic self takes over. To the point that i would create a list, which i like to call "FC's 2010 wish list". the list would contain the wants and needs of FC! but this year, i planned to keep the list short.

FC's 2011 wish list
1. Dad's Successful Operation
2. Dad's Speedy Recovery
3. Shoes (haha ahem mom, ahem!)

Anyways, i've spent the better part of the day in front of the Operating Room in San Jaun De Dios. Dad underwent his operation at around 8AM, the anxiety was killing me. i felt no hunger, i didnt feel tired, i felt nothing. for 6 hours, i was stoic. At around 1:40-2:00PM - my Dad was released. the Doc said that everything is going to be alright, that my dad is out of harms way. He then was taken to ICU for precautionary purposes (doctors words!). but safe to say, everything is back to normal for us.

the best part is that, the first item on my "wish list" was already given a day before. thank you lord!

FC's 2011 wish list

1. Dad's Successful Operation 

2. Dad's Speedy Recovery (ongoing)

3. Shoes (haha ahem mom, ahem!) - (under discussion, haha)

(MAY 6, 2011)
P.S. a Big Thank You to all my friends, followers, family members who prayed and showed their support during this very hard time.  you guys are the best!

Labor Rally, And Quiapo (My Family's Prayer)

Yesterday, my dad and i were trying to figure out what route to take for our supposed trip to Quiapo today. normally, the drive shouldn't be that hard and the roads should have been quite empty (considering its a sunday!). but today was different, aside from the massive prayer congregation because of Pope John Paul's beatification, it also happened to be the one day wherein labor unions take to the streets, wave their hand made flags and signs and request/demand for better compensation for their hard work.

But despite this event that eventually created heavy traffic in the area, we persisted on our quest to reach the church. My dad, Rico, has been a devout follower of the Nazareth. he kept telling me and my brother stories of his adventures when he was young, his stories regarding his devotion to quiapo and the church's patron.

About two Days ago, we received news that we never expected. we got news that my dad is sick and would need to be operated immediately. But we believe in the power of prayer, in the power of what we believe in, and it is fitting that we go to Quiapo, my dads most loved sanctuary for his faith and religion, to ask for God's help.

Tomorrow will be the start of the actual test for us, and all we have to do is believe and be strong. i know that we would survive this, just like all those that came before it. 

I believe in both of you. God and Dad, i know that this too shall pass, and we shall look back at it with humility and would have learned from everything that has happened. all we have to do is trust and Believe!

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17)