Take a Stand: An Astounding Visual Movement

It took only one fist to take a stand on social media. And a movement was born.

Tarantadong Kalbo (roughly translated as bald-headed jerk), is 34-year-old comic artist Kevin Eric Raymundo.  He launched his "Tumindig" (Take a stand) illustration below, a few days before President Rodrigo Duterte's last State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.  

He drew rows of fists (President Duterte's signature fist bump) subserviently kneeling to someone in power. But one fist stands in defiance, while the fist to his right takes a subtle peek. 

Immediately, the clenched fist standing up was now accompanied by more fists, individually accessorized by other artists, standing up. 

The illustration grew . . .

and grew . . . and grew, until every fist—each with a distinctive character—was taking a stand. 

Tarantadong Kalbo made it easy for everyone to create his own illustration by uploading a bare version of his fearless fist. People picked it up and created their own avatars. 

I could not pass up the standing offer.  

Among my artists friends, I called up Ggie, illustrator and designer of some of my books and therefore knows me well, to please make me an avatar. I didn't have to explain what I wanted. In less than an hour, she whipped up this writer taking a stand along with her books. It's been my FB profile since. 

The clenched-fist characters sprouted in SONA rallies as mascots. Meanwhile, Tarandadong Kalbo was interviewed on various media networks.  His online "Take a Stand" visual movement had gone viral! 

It made it to the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), a national newspaper, with the original basic fist surrounded by tons of other dressed defiant fists, and was likewise given a full-page feature in the same issue.  

Since we buy copies of dailies (yes, we prefer them to website news) it was easy for me to take photos of the "Tumindig" news story and feature article. After uploading it to my FB page, I was shocked beyond reason to find that my post was liked 444 times and shared 346 times. A record for me by all standards! 

How can one simple illustration start an astounding movement? 

This seems to parallel what Scripture says (John 1:35-1) about my faith. It only takes a spark to bring others to the Source of grace and everything good. 

I believe that as long as we take a common stand, and come into a circle of prayer for help from our all-powerful Savior, hope will stand on solid ground, and stand the test of time.   

Photo credits: except for my avatar and screenshot of PDI, all photos are from the page of Tarantadong Kalbo 

God's Melody

One of God's most mysterious and marvelous gifts to man is music.  

It is mysterious because the melody (defined as the satisfying sequences of notes that give us the tune, strain, or the musical theme) can bring people like me to massive tears by deeply connecting to our feelings and innermost being.  

It is marvelous because it brings unbridled joy to anyone who can hear and is touched in various ways by the melody.  

Melody. 

Such a fitting name for the lovely 20-year-old girl who would sing praises to God almost every Sunday, alongside other members of our church's Pillar of Praise (POP) singing group!

God's Melody. 

God's own. He took her home this Sunday morning to sing Him praises not only on Sundays but for all time, for eternity. It's a death we were never prepared for. Last night, a few hours before her last breath, almost a hundred of us gathered online to pray for and with her. 

"Lord, why Melody?!" 

She was only 10 years old when I heard her sing for the first time—ironically at the wake of Aling Flor, a faithful member of our church. What raw talent! I sat up, mesmerized. Her song brought tears to everyone's eyes. 

Looking back, it seemed odd that the Lord would use a death to bring Melody and her siblings regularly to church. Although they had attended VBS and other activities for children in the past (at the instance of Aling Flor's daughter, Tez), it was at the wake when Melody caught the attention of our youth pastor, music team, and Sunday School leaders. 

From then on, God never let her go. That raw talent, 11 years later, was now a polished gem.

Those into music joined hands in training Melody further. Meanwhile, her other siblings were encouraged to become active members of the children's music group, initially, and then the youth group eventually, and the PVGC family till today.   

God's invites us to " . . . be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord . . ." Ephesians 5:18-19 (NKJV)  

That verse and over 50 others say: we need to make melody in our heart for Him. When we do, a unique connection happens between us and God, bonding through our heart, mind, and soul. 

God's Melody frequently sang hymns and psalms before and with the congregation, always from the depths of her heart. When she rendered "The Lord's Prayer" in Filipino, we sang the same prayer in our heart, too, and felt God's presence. 

Like music, Melody's passing is grace that is both mysterious and marvelous—mysterious because we will never know God's thoughts; marvelous because she is now a living witness to God's full glory in paradise. 

Melody, you belong to God. We will not say good-bye; instead, we say, "till we meet again." Because we, your family at PVGC, belong to God, too.  

We who believe in Jesus are in the melody of His music. 

Photo credits: Vincent, Xhrys, Melody's FB page 

When You Don't Know that You Don't Know

In all my working years (workplace and campus), this phenomenon repeats itself in self evaluation:  

The achievers rate themselves low; the laggards rate themselves high. I didn't realize till the long lockdowns, which gave me ample time to research, that this occurrence is not a new disease or mental illness.

It is a fact, and it has a name: 

Dunning-Kruger effect.

"It is a type of cognitive bias in which people believe that they are smarter and more capable than they really are. Essentially, low-ability people do not possess the skills to recognize their own incompetence. 

This behavior is as old as the hills, but it was only in 1999, when the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published a research paper by David Dunning and Justin Kruger, who studied and documented it.

We have known this theory since the time of Socrates, who is often quoted as having said, “The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing.” 

The Dunning-Kruger effect explains why unskilled people think they know it all and tend to be overconfident. Or simply put, incompetent people think they know more than they really do, and they tend to be more boastful about it.

In their research, the duo quizzed people on several topics: grammar, logical reasoning and humor. After each test, they asked the participants how they thought they performed.  

The results, even if they already knew the hypothesis beforehand, shocked them just the same. No matter the subject, the people who did poorly on the tests ranked their competence much higher. Those least likely to know what they were talking about believed they knew as much as the experts.

Dunning and Kruger’s results have been replicated in: math skills, wine tasting, chess, medical knowledge among surgeons and firearm safety among hunters. The results are the same. 

In my past Critical Writing classes in MBA and college, on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest), the good writers rated themselves a low average of 2, explaining they still had to work hard to perfect their craft. 

Contrarily, those who could hardly write a coherent paper with correct grammar, boasted, "I am definitely a 5!" Or, "I am a 4.8, missing just some of writing technicalities." 

What's even sadder about the research is: the poorest performers are also the least likely to accept criticism or show interest in self improvement.

If you were a boss or a teacher, what would you do? 

I did away with self-evaluation for a while. But the urge to test this theory comes and goes—all because it makes me reflect on where the grace of knowing oneself comes from:  

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV) 

Odditrees

Yesterday, after some blissful time reading and writing (with 99% of my Covid symptoms gone), I visited the Covid-19 Update Site. 

Just when I am finally beginning to understand the terms GCQ with “some restrictions” and GCQ with “heightened restrictions” and the MECQ in the NCR “bubble with high risk and moderate risk” in “ADAR blah, blah, blah,” here come "APOR, granular lockdown, Alert Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5" and other new gobbledygook. 

My brain bled. It screamed, “SIMPLIFY A COMPLICATED CRISIS AND COMMUNICATE CLEARLY! #@^&%!” 

To stop the hemorrhage, I decided to tour the world instead and enjoy God’s calming creation: trees. 

We have about a dozen trees in our yard, planted by my late dad years ago (today would have been his 101st birthday). If only our yard were wider, he’d have planted more.  

Dad used to say, “While still young, a tree can be designed the way you want it to grow. You can braid the supple branches or put together several saplings. You want it lean and tall? Chop the branches this way. If you want it squat . . .” 

“Oooh,” was all I could contribute.

“But,” he stressed, “only God can make a tree grow by giving you more rainfall, or less intense dry period, or lower temperatures.” 

Indeed abundant sunshine and water are what trees need to grow straight up quickly.  But because of abrupt weather changes in different parts of the world, we see awesome and amazing oddities! Let’s call them “odditrees.”

Here are some that made me gasp and gulp.

There are more, but I am reserving them for my next tour, when my brain begins to bleed, break, and burst again.  

Man may have planted and designed them, but only grace made them grow and finally look like this way and that way. 

“ . . . all the trees will know that it is I, the LORD, who cuts the tall tree down and makes the short tree grow tall. It is I who makes the green tree wither and gives the dead tree new life. . .” (Ezekiel 17:24 NLT) 

Photo credits: pinterest.com

Eating the Rainbow

Only two authorities on the rainbow make me sit up and listen: 

1) God:  “. . . when I form a cloud over the Earth and the rainbow appears in the cloud, I’ll remember my covenant between me and you and everything living, that never again will floodwaters destroy all life.” (Genesis 9:14-15 NLT)

2) My doctor – “Improve your health, eat the rainbow.” 

I was reminded of both when the rainbow was splashed all over social media in June by those who celebrate the pride month. 

I celebrated (and continue to celebrate) instead God’s promise to mankind and my doctor’s prescription for good health: eating the rainbow. 

This diet involves fruits and vegetables of different colors every day. By having a variety of colors in my meals, I gift my body with an array of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. 

In His infinite wisdom, God created these natural foods in all the colors of the rainbow. Each color (in different hues) is caused by specific phytonutrients, which are natural chemicals that help protect plants from germs, bugs, the sun's harmful rays, and other threats. Each color likewise indicates an abundance of specific nutrients.

As examples: 

The reds (tomatoes, carrots, watermelon, strawberries, apples, etc.) contain phytochemicals, lycopene and ellagic acid, which have cancer-fighting effects and other benefits.

The oranges and yellows (squash, corn, lemons, grapefruit, mangoes, etc.) are rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and beta-carotene that improve immune function, reduce the risk of heart disease, promote healthy vision and cell growth, and reduce the risk of stroke. 

The greens (avocado, limes, kale, broccoli, asparagus, etc.) are rich in lutein, isothiocyanates, isoflavones, vitamin K, and folate for blood and bone health; they boost the immune system, help detoxify the body, and restore vitality.

Then there are the blues, purples, whites, and browns. Here’s a detailed graph of why these multi-colored creations are the Lord’s grace for my health and yours. 

Let me echo my doctor, and invite you to eat the rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day.  

“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.” (Deuteronomy 8:10 NIV)

Multiple Selves

“Who am I?” “What is the meaning of life?” 

These were questions that my college friends and I, who thought too highly of ourselves (hallucinating about being intellectuals and intimate with the philosophy of existentialists), asked. In my time, to be deep was to be on a self-erected pedestal. Shallowness was a dirty word. 

It did not take long before I spiraled down to the ground with a thud. I got married and took a straight path back to the faith that has defined for me the meaning of life. 

That does not mean, however, that I have shunned those kinds of books. I read them still (especially now that the pandemic gives us all the time to reflect and ponder), but not in the context of being deep. It’s in relation to my faith journey. 

During this crisis, one reads online narratives of how people see themselves, and how they want the world to see them, perhaps also trying to find the meaning of life.  

One post struck me: the art of my friend, Lorenz. Coincidence? In one image, he summarized for me what I was reading, David Lesters’ On Multiple selves. 

Each of us has facades, masks, or false selves (depending on the place or occasion) that obscure our actual self. Lorenz’s face dramatizes this familiar chart, which I took the liberty to modify, based on my personal observations. 

Every human being, even kids, possess multiple selves. Try observing a grade school campus from the time parents drop off their kids to the time they pick them up. Within a few hours, inside and outside the classroom, they can turn into purring kittens, barking dogs, snorting pigs, laughing hyenas, howling wolves, gentle lambs, melodious birds, etc.

Is having multiple selves a bad thing? 

We have rules of behavior in various situations, don’t we? We need to behave differently in parties, Zoom meetings, government offices, and church. 

But here's a note to my actual self: wherever you are and whomever you are with, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 NIV) 

Covid-19 Stared Me Down; I blinked

We all blinked; our whole household blinked. 

Like many Covid victims, we continue to wonder how the virus got into our super-safe enclave. It will remain a mystery.  

Our corner house has windows all around and the terrace abuts the wide, airy garden. We followed, bordering on obsession, health protocols to the letter. Tony and I, both seniors, never went out in 1.5 years, but for my 20-minute trip to the bank last year to close an account.  

Except for food deliveries, all packages and bags are sprayed or wiped with alcohol. We leave them in the terrace overnight before opening them. 

Sons #1 and #3, who both work from home go out rarely, with masks and face shields on. They bathe when they come back. Mother Teresa, our househelp, sometimes buys this and that from the corner store, but washes her hands thoroughly before entering the house. 

Our driver Sam, who does the errands for us, lives with his wife in a house away from the crowd. When he comes around, we don't talk to him. He leaves the receipts and change on a tray outside the main door. 

Over two weeks ago, Tony started coughing and developed a slight fever. Our doctor, an angel sent by God, immediately prescribed cough medicine and hovered over virtually. Three days later, I had itchy throat and a low-grade fever that threw me into a pit. The next day, we made arrangements for home-service swabbing for the whole household. We alerted our friends and loved ones who went down on their knees to pray for us. Except for JC and Sam, we all tested positive.   

We sent Sam home—on call for any emergency. JC isolated himself. 

And my punishing and exhausting saga battling Covid continues till today, my 14th and supposed emancipation day. JR is fully recovered. Tony still has cough, and Mother Teresa is back to her if-I-don't-move-I-will-die self. 

Completing our vaccine doses months back was grace beyond measure, or one of us would have been hospitalised or gone to glory.  

Pant, pant. This simple act of blogging has sapped my energy. I could not summon enough passion to do what I loved doing best—writing. I think Covid stole something away from me; I don't know what it is exactly.  To echo Job, "God gives, God takes."  

My prayer then and now is to breathe and live this verse:  

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)  

A Yummy Book: Lumpia Lane

Smooth would be the adjective I'd use to describe the creation of Lumpia Lane, a children's book published by Hiyas of OMF Literature about Chinoy (Chinese-Pinoy) culture, which I co-authored with Caitlin C. Wu of Cebu and illustrated by C.R. Chua. 

From the time it was envisioned up until it was written, everything went according to schedule.

It began with the two-day creative writing workshop that I conducted at the Philippine Christian Gospel School (PCGS) in Cebu, and which I blogged about thrice in a row! The 20 talented participants (from grades 7-10) were handpicked by their English teachers because of their interest in both reading and writing.

Our task was to come up with stories, the most outstanding of which would be published by Hiyas—the  very first book authored by a young writer in partnership with an old (very old) one.  

At the end of the second day, there was an avalanche of ideas. Credit goes to PCGS for training them to think out of the box. Their individual manucripts had to be further polished, based on our one-on-one critique session, and emailed to me after a week. Yes, the onus was on me. 

How does one choose from the pool of endearing stories? 

One, however, stood out: Lumpia Lane. It dwelt not only on values but also on Chinoy culture, which is so much a part of us.

From there, Caitlin and I exchanged ideas online on how to make it more compelling. After several revisions, we finally had the draft down pat.  I sent it to the editors of Hiyas of OMF Lit, who polished it further. After rigid scrutiny from the publications department (yes, books pass through the eye of a needle), it was ready to go to press. 

Then clonk, clop, and clank! The pandemic took center stage. Smooth slinked away. 

Many months later, Hiyas found a way to have it printed! And by God's surprising grace, it was launched online with Julia, her parents, C.R., PCGS's department head, the head of school, and me.  

I call it a yummy book because everyone who has read it says the lumpia makes them drool.

Also, when asked what part of the book she spent most of her time on, the illustrator said, making the lumpia scrumptious. 

But the lumpia in this story is more than a tasty treat. Its variety of colors, ingredients, and meticulous preparation symbolize everything good about a family on a fresh new day!  

Jonah’s Prepositions

Among all the parts of speech, prepositions are the most difficult to learn for Filipinos writing in the English language. It’s because Filipino prepositions (pang-ukol) are few and therefore not meticulously studied in Filipino subjects. 

It is always a challenge for us, therefore, to choose from among many English prepositions such as: in, on, at, from, with, etc. Almost all translate to “sa” and “ng.” 

Our pastor piqued my interest when he started saying “preposition” from the pulpit during Missions month. Grammar lesson? 

In a way, yes. He mentioned three prepositions that encompass prophet Jonah’s attitude when he was being sent out by God on a special mission to Nineveh. 

Jonah was to convince the people to confess their evil deeds to God, or the Lord would destroy the nation. Nineveh was an enemy of Jonah's country, Israel, so he refused to go there. 

First preposition: from     

Jonah ran away from God. He traveled elsewhere, by ship. But there was a terrible storm, The sailors decided that Jonah was to blame so they threw him overboard and the storm suddenly stopped. God sent a large fish to swallow Jonah so he would not drown. In the belly of the fish for three day and three nights, Jonah realized that his troubles arose from resisting God. He asked for the Lord’s forgiveness and thanked Him for rescuing him. God then caused the fish to throw up Jonah to the shores of Nineveh.  

Second preposition: to  

Jonah finally went to God. He warned the people that they should confess their wickedness within 40 days so the Lord would spare their land. The people obeyed Jonah and God saved them all from being wiped out.  

Third preposition: with  

Now Jonah was with God. In the Christian world, this symbolizes new life after three days and nights of death in the fish's belly. This would be reflected in the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

 

Simply put, if we are with God, we will bask in His grace and His love forever and ever and ever.  

Happened by Happenstance

It was by happenstance that I came across happenstance early in the morning. I don’t usually use it. The word I choose is either coincidence or accident because they are shorter.  

While solving the Jumble Words, one of my favorite anti-depressants, in one of the newspapers (which Tony buys for their puzzles, primarily, and for the news and editorials, secondarily) happenstance jumped at me. 

At first, my mind refused to form the word from the alphabets I had. No matter how much I tried to rearrange them (anagramizing is fun!), there was no other word but that. 

As an advocate for short words and short sentences in writing workshops, I usually stress, “If you find several synonyms for a word, try to use the shortest one.” What I don’t verbalize is, Think short, until words become like a second skin; only then should you dare write long sentences that hit the right notes.” Hence, my ambivalence in using happenstance. 

Ironically, long (prolonged, is more like it) has been the word that describes our pandemic life. It’s been over 500 days since seniors were locked down. 

It’s been that long since I had a haircut in a salon, a leisurely shopping day, a date with my girl friends, and a lazy afternoon in a coffee shop reading books with Tony. It’s been that long since I taught in a classroom, worshipped with faith brethren inside our church.

Ironically, again, the long 500-plus-day quarantine, which many have found off-footing, has actually been a looong grace period for discovering and reflecting on new wonderful things at home, most of which are recorded in uploaded and scheduled-for-upload blogs, or in a new book, to be launched hopefully within the year.  

This long stretch of grace did not happen by happenstance (there, I used the word!). My chronological Bible, which occupies my daily quiet time, affirmed the constant presence of God’s Spirit, whatever the circumstance (that’s the cousin of happenstance).    

“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” (Psalm 139:7 NLT)