Monday, March 22, 2010

A Short Love Story
by: Gerum Salatan
10-15-08

It was in the valley of long and sweet sojourn,
I first see thee in thy countenance how angelic so pure
It was foremost I passed over and neglected thee,
As I escapade to a narrow yet rugged way.



Thy beatific countenance has captured this heart
From a sorrowing to a delightful lad;
Yet firm and dense a the sturdy tree,
I couldn't but cherished those days with thee.


It was love i guess that I felt
That nice as the luxuriant plain so lush
Majestic and tranquil oh how regale,
Every beat my veins affirmed.


Yes I fell in love with thee,
With thy charming character that lures my innocence
To a summit where vision of seeing thee
Is but a dream I've always longed to be.


Our love propelled, flourished and thrived
Just as the flower blossomed beneath the sun
Sweetness of love accounted to this lovable memoir,
Oh how blessed i am to have thee


But oh no!
That was just nightmare - no, it's not;
I love thee, she too love me
Wide of the mark, they're wrong!

Behold the storm seemed to strike!
That day of the leap year was so pale,
My lungs seemed to grasp for every air to breathe;
There you broke my heart into pieces.


I did nothing
Nor I pull the wool over somebody's eyes
I just couldn't stop but lingered,
Why it had to come this way.


Free as the dove I let thee go
I didn't have to stop thee from going away;
Behold in my mind and heart i discerned so
Someone's quietly waiting for me I know.
Dream! Don’t stop dreaming yet work for your dreams.


I was once an innocent dreamer, who always looks ways, takes every chance and grabs every opportunity that comes across my way. I never stop dreaming! I believe in my dreams simply because I know God will help me find my way and make my dreams a reality.

We all know very well that our society is facing economic crisis. Some if not most, especially the impoverish fellows get discouraged in striving more for a better life because they believe chances are dark and opportunities are dim, and the worse, they believe they are already doomed to failure.

But not with me! I was born from a poor family but I never lose hope. I always cling to a faith that being poor is just temporary, it’s not everlasting! However, it has not become easy for me. I had undergone so many struggles. I stumbled so many times yet I always opted to rise, and so did I always.

Going to school and acquire sufficient education is really important that everybody should consider. One may be poor today but acquiring adequate education may lead his way to a summit of success.

Verily, I am from a poor family but I get respected by people. With the education I had, I’ve been to places, which I longed to visit and go to. I had attended prestigious gatherings from all over the country. I met people from various walks of life. I relate to them and I am understood by them.

Education opens us the door to a wider perspective. It makes us relate to the world.

Chances are always there. But it is always our choice which path we shall take. Like me, I opted to follow a path full of wildest dreams. Life has still more to offer. All I have to do is believe and work for my dreams. I know it‘s hard but I am very optimistic that with the education that I have, something sweet and gratifying is waiting at the summit!


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Tibute to Parents

(a tributary speech of Gerum Salatan during the 2009 Commencement Exercises of Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology)
I humbly request everyone in this hall to be in silence as I begin my speech with a simple personal prayer.

To Thee I Pray

The day I live,
The air I breathe,
Everything unto me
You give;
This adoration and praise,
You deserve;

Thanks for the food I eat,
It nourishes my body;
For Thy spirit so holy,
Through Thy words
My soul is nourished;

Forgive my sins.
To Thee I bend my knees;
For I am imperfect;
In Thy saving grace,
I thirst;

To Thee I humbly ask wisdom,
Mold me to be one
The one You designed to be,
To worship and praise
Obedient unto Thee;

Guide my path
With Thy guiding love;
Lead me to a path so right,
With Thy power
Shines my day so bright;

These heart’s desires
To Thee I entrust;
With Thy mighty grace
I believe
You’ll give everything I need;

All these things I ask,
In Thy Holy Name,
Through Jesus Christ
Who redeems and saves
To Thee I pray,
Amen.


Honored guest; missionary President of this college Dr. Elpidio R. Bautista; dynamic and versatile Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Rosalito A. Quirino; active Vice President for Administration and Finance, Ms. Rhoda B. Gadrinab; Directors of the Different Units, Deans of the different Institutes, Members of the Faculty and Staff, Fellow Graduates; adored and beloved parents and guardians, friends, visitors, ladies and gentlemen, maayad na anlaw, buenas diaz, zǎo shang hǎo maayong adlaw, magandang araw, good day to all.


It seems it was just yesterday when I took the College Admission Test; I was interviewed, and then passed. It seems it was just yesterday when I applied for a scholarship grant, I qualified and accepted. It looks It was just yesterday when I cried tears in solitude and pain yet at times tears of joy. It seems it was just yesterday when I cried for my compensation or refund being a grantee of two scholarships, where which for quite a long time wala pa jud nako nakuha!

It appears it was just yesterday but it’s over. Today is here, a day that accounts all the meaningful and memorable experiences and bittersweet yet inspiring and fruitful endeavors of yesterday.

Today is here, a day that highlights another milestone in our lives, which recognizes our achievements made through hard work, firmness, determination and sacrifices.

The day has come, a day where both joyful and cheerless moments are reckoned – moments and experiences that, I believe, are very important and play significant role of my becoming a versatile and competent graduate.

Looking closely to the significance of this very moment’s affair, it tells us that today, is not just a day where we rejoice for the triumph that we have but most importantly a day of thanksgiving, a time of giving tribute to the people behind this success – our parents and guardians.

Giving tribute, honor and gratitude to our parents…

At first I was hesitant about the speech though inside of me I really wanted to. I was hesitant because I find it hard to express tribute and homage to our dear parents in behalf of the graduates. I could not find appropriate words in expressing gratitude to them because in the first place no such thing can compare the value and significance of our parents.

I could still vividly recall the moment my parents weren’t able to sleep thinking of how they could find money for my projects and other school requirements. There I felt that the pain brought by the trials and struggles that I had encountered as a student is not enough to compare knowing that my parents too feel not just the same feeling but twice and even thrice the pain I felt.

I love my parents so much that it cause me a lot every time I see them reflecting and seemed that their minds were wandering from nowhere, thinking of how they could sustain the six of us. My parents are farmers, farmers who just till a parcel of land, which is not ours, no fixed income, and the harvests are just enough for a minimum consumption. However, despite from that I feel proud of their being optimistic. My parents always look at the positive side of life – they think positively. I can say so because it is a fact that some parents never support their children in their study because according to them, if their children finish their studies they won’t look back and help their parents in return. But my parents are not like them. They are very positive. That’s why I am very proud that I have parents like them.

My father and mother are working in the field everyday. Evidently, I see it and feel it every time I hold their callous hands and palms. (sa bisaya Makita ug akong mabati pinaagi sa mga kubal sa ilang mga kamot ug palad). Because of this, I strive hard in my studies and grab every opportunity that comes believing that someday I could uplift my family from the dark view of life and poverty. Yes, financially, my parents lack but with love, they are abundant. They are caring and loving, not only to me but also for the rest of my younger brothers and sisters.

There are so many things that we must be thankful to our parents. They provide support to their children. Speaking of support, I could not forget those moments when I joined different contests, especially competition conducted outside the school. My parents are always worried about my financial needs. I am always hesitant to ask money from them because I consider our financial status. But still I can say they are very supportive. Verily, when I was interviewed during the 2008 Search for National Ayala Young Leaders Congress Delegates, the panel of interviewers asked me: Considering your financial status, how were you able to come here, I mean, how can you prove you parents are supportive? I answered them with a smile, and I said: They could not provide me much financially but they have been very supportive to me every time. To prove it, I have brought with me the parents’ permission form. Their signatures show that they really support me in whatever endeavors I am going to undertake. The interviewer fall a tear in her eyes; while on the other hand, I have been struggling for air to grasp so not to cry in front of them.

It is still fresh in my mind when my parents were there during my Final Demonstration Teaching cooking delicious chicken adobo and halang-halang for the observers.

Fellow graduates, our parents are our instant heroes. They are our instant doctors when we are sick. Try to think deeply there in your seats recalling those moments your mother could not sleep attending you as you suffer from sickness, while your father wakes up early dawn if not in the middle of the night looking for medicines and the like. Try to reflect and imagine what would have happened if your parents were not there at your side. For me I could still recollect one instance when I almost die because of irregular bowel movement caused by the sudden cholera outbreak in the coastal municipalities of the province, namely Villanueva and Tagoloan. I suffered it during my practice teaching at Vicente N. Chavez Memorial Central School in Villanueva. I suffered it for 2 weeks but still I am reporting to school until I couldn’t stand anymore and my stomach was so painful. I was worried. I borrowed Mama Cecil’s phone (my landlady there in Villanueva) and texted my sister about my situation. As they received the message, my parents rushed their way from a far barrio of Plaridel to Villanueva, bringing with them a bundle of natural herbs. With that I was not taken to the hospital. That was not only the moment they have become my precious physicians because since I was young, they have always there taking care of me.

To our dear parents who are here today, thank you for being our rich banker. They always find ways to look for money for us to pay for our financial obligations here in school. Our parents have been extending their support to send us to school to have acquired education. However, some students didn’t see and find value or importance to this. They go to school drank, some are smoking, some cut classes, and doing misbehaviors, wasting time, money and other resources with nonsense things ignoring the fact that their parents are tirelessly working under the sweltering sun rays and at times cold and freezing air and rain from the winter winds. I just can’t imagine how irresponsible these sons and daughters are.

If many parents have experienced such problem, well, my parents are lucky enough because I am proud to say I never, ever, and even a single time I fail their dreams. In fact, every single moment when I am alone, I couldn’t but think of my parents how are they doing, whether they have taken a perfect meal – a dish of cooked corn grits, salted fish, vinegar, dried fish and camote tops – and that comprise the perfect meal.

Dear parents, this program is especially organized for you. You deserve all admiration and regard for without you we are not here. Thus, I would like to invite my fellow students and graduates to grab this precious moment of thanking our parents, holding their hands saying I love you to them even just for this time. Let us grab this chance while our parents can still hear us. If you have not said I love you to your father and mother, do it now. There might be no other day. Hug them. And most of all letting them feel that we are proud of them. We are proud they are our parents.

To my parents I want you to know I am very lucky and gifted having you as my parents. To my father and mother I want to dedicate this few lines of my own song composition. This is entitled: Thanks for Loving Me this Way

I found my life
Since you came inside my heart
All things have changed
Putting all pieces into part

Ref. No one could replace
The beauty of your name
The wonders of your love
Always keep me safe and warm.

Cho. In you, I found my life
In my journey you’re my guide
Heavy loads you take away
Giving me some rest to stay.
Tears are wiped to ease the pain
In your side I shall remain
Words are not enough to say
Thanks for loving me this way.


Ladies and gentlemen, I am very proud to introduce to you my beloved father Mr. Jemson Rivera Salatan Sr. and my dear mother, Mrs. Remeria Ochigue Salatan. My father only finished high school, while my mother an elementary graduate. They are my parents. My parents are farmers; I love my parents. They send me to school to finish a degree. Pa, Ma, you may not have finished your education but on my capacity as your son, on this very day of my graduation, I declare you too have graduated.

I want you to know that you are the significant persons behind every success that I have. You are my angels who brought me here, who brought me this far.

With that, I am always thankful to God. Fellow students we must be thankful to God that despite our imperfections He has given us parents who would care, love and understand us. Together let us shout: “I love my parents and I’m proud of them!”

To God be the Glory!
Christmas Spirit: Ang Kahulugan sa Pasko!
Philippians 2:1-11
Gerum O. Salatan


Hinapos pa lang ang bulan sa Nobyembre, ato nang madungog ang mga paboto, ingon man usab ato nang makita ang klase-klasing parol ug dayan-dayan sa matag-balay ug mga establisimento diri sa atong palibot. Taliwala niani, adunay usa ka pangutana nga kanunay pud natong madunggan ug mapatalinghogan: Unsa man gayod ang tinuod nga kahulugan sa pasko?

Daghan naga-ingon nga ang kahulugan sa pasko panaghigugmaay, pagpinasayloay, panaghini-usaay. Apan dinhi lang ba kutob ang sangputanan sa maong kahulugan sa pasko? Para kanako, ang pasko usa lamang ka simbolo ug pagrespeto sa pagkahimugso ni Jesus nga atong manluluwas. Alang kanako, ang pasko mahimong buhaton sa adlaw-adlaw.

Ang uban mo-ingon, maghigugmaay kita kay pasko na ra ba, maghinatagay kita kay pasko na, magpinasayloay kita kay pasko na…Mga igsoon, sa pasko lang ba diay nato kini pagabuhaton nga mga butanga? Ayha ra ba kita magminahalay kong pasko, maghinigugmaay, magpinasayloay kung pasko? Unya inig kahuman mag-inisnaba na dayon?

Isip mga tawo, bisan dili pasko, mahigugmaay kita, magkahiusa, magtinabangay, magpinasayloay ug uban pa. Bisan dili pasko, mamahimong buhaton natong hinlo ang atong mga kasingkasing, dili kay sa pasko ra kita magabuhat niini.

Bisan unsang adlaw, mamahimong atong mabati ang spiritu ug kahulugan sa pasko pinaagi sa paghatag, pagtabang sa mga nanginahanglan bisan sa dyotay lamang nga kantidad o sa bisan unsang paagi. Dili nato ikalimod nga ang atong nasod bag-o lang nahiagum sa nagkadaiyang unus sa kalikasan sama sa hagupit sa bagyo ug mga pagbaha ug landslide. Sa nianing sitwasyon, maghulat pa ba kita sa pasko aron mutabang sa mga biktima?

Sa matag-adlaw ang kahulugan sa pasko pwede natong ikinabuhi. Sa pagpakabana, pakiglambigit ug pakig-hiusa sa mga kalihokan nga naglangkob ug kalambuan usa ka pagpakita nga dili lamang sa pasko kini buhaton, inay sa matag-adlaw.

Buot kong ipakig-ambit kaninyo kining lima ka butang nga angay natong hinumduman:
P – agdayeg sa Dios, ug pagminahalay.
A – adlaw sa pagbag-o (positibong pagbag-o)
S – sadya apan adunay paghinuklog
K – kagawasan
O – Obedience, pagtuman sa kabubut-on sa Dios.

Mga igsoon kung adlaw-adlaw nato kining ikinabuhi, diba hapsay gayod ang dagan sa atong pagpamuyo. Ug kung ato kining ibutang sa atong tagsa-tagsa ka kasingkasing ug hunahuna ato gayod nga masiguro nga dili lang sa Diyembre pwede kita nga magminahalay, magbag-o sa atong mga kaugalingon, magsadya, makaangkon sa kagawasan sa atong mga problema kun dili sa matag-adlaw. Mamamhimo kini natong buhaton adlaw-adlaw. Kay susama sa gina-ingon ko sa unahan nga para kanako ang pasko simbolo lang diin atong gihatagan ug pagtagad ug pagrespeto ang pagkatawo sa atong Manluluwas nga si Jesu-Kristo. Amen.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Last Night

by: Gerum Salatan

It's been 21 years since my existence in this world; that's how long also I struggled from life's turmoil.

Many times I stumbled but I strove to rise. Times were vivid when some pulled me down but I ended bouncing high. Indeed, everyday in my life has been a great fight - I was almost defeated but I ended triumphant.

Scars remained scars. As they bled, I was reminded to live and believe. There times I almost slept but my dreams woke me up.

A shimmering light unto me appeared. Then a pathway so slim and rugged I saw. I was hesitant to go over. Humps and ditches in every corner I traversed.

I cried tears of sorrow and distress, asking myself why I was into this escapade. The way was wide and was I free to step aback but I couldn't!

Faith is pushing me up but I almost lost hope. My legs trembled with pain and my heartbeats were slowing down.

But the same light with a bright gleam of colors appeared and struck into my eyelids. My eyes opened around; escaped my mouth a gasping sound. Oh! that was just a dream, only a dream.

I rose from my bed, rushed to the shower because I am already late for my work. Another day has come, another struggle to take.#