Ben-Hur

My last days of December 2008 was spent here at Cebu City with my youngest brother. He was given cash as Christmas gift by my mother to buy new shirts and a pair of jeans. So off we went visiting malls and searching for the best “fits” for him. After the hassle and bustle (roaming malls is not really my thing), we hurried to go rest in my room.

We had dinner at a nearby barbecue stall and went to my Ramos barkadas for some drinks of beer. Although my brother is still in high school, I allow him to accompany me with these gatherings because I believe that exposing him to “realities” of life will be better rather than restricting him to have drinks with other people. I think that the more we restrict youngsters with their “new-found vices”, the more it will drive them to be rebellious. I want my brother to discover new things with me and thus be guided on what's really right and wrong. Actually, I am also learning from the process of teaching him the more important aspects of life.

Although I haven't been to Church for a while, I made it a point that we attend the mass that day so that I can impart to my brother that going to church should be part of his Sunday (if not everyday) routine. So off we went to Sto. Rosario Church which I have grown to love back from my College days at USC. The reading that Sunday was about the Holy Family. And the officiating priest during his Homily simply called families who have eleven children with them at the mass. He called it sort of a "Bring Me" game and promised to give a price of P500 from his pocket. Since no one approached him with eleven children, he proceeded on to call: "families with 10 children- nobody came up the pulpit; families with 9 children- still nobody came up; 8 kids- nobody stirred; 7 kids- nobody came yet; 6 kids- still none; at the count of: “5 kids! Bring me five kids, with father and mother...” At last, a throng of kids moved in front of the altar with the youngest carried by the mother. The people clapped their hands and the family received the P500 gift which the priest doubled to P1,000 so that the whole family can go to Jollibee after the mass, as he said. He then continued on to preach that the purpose of his “bring-me game” is to encourage people to hear mass as a family.

“How many of you comes to mass with the whole family?” This question still rang in my ears as the priest gave us his last blessings when the mass ended. What with everyone's busy schedules, it is in fact very rare that my own family goes to Church together. I myself find some excuse every time my Mother asks us to accompany her to Church. I made a resolve then to make it often to mass. And thankfully enough, I haven't skipped Church for three consecutive Sundays now. Not yet, anyway. So the mass we attended that day was really enlightening not only for my brother but for me, as well.

Pollyanna Book Review: Right On!

A good cousin asked me to write a review from any book for her English class. Because she's a good girl- a trait she obviously inherited from me, I gladly agreed despite my busy writing career. Aheem.

Pollyanna Book Review:

It may seem unsuitable to be reviewing a book with children as the main audience in a College Sophomore class. However, upon reading Pollyanna by Elizabeth H. Porter, I decided to feature it because of the universal theme it brings. People from all walks of life can readily relate to the simple game of life called, “The Glad Game” which Pollyanna has managed to infect to the inhabitants of Beldingsville, Vermont- the story's setting and where everything unfolded for the innocent life of our dear heroine, Pollyanna. Thus, this all-time favourite from Elizabeth H. Porter is able to appeal to all audiences, young and old alike. It encompasses a message which is relevant for every one's life all around the world.

With so many challenges these days, one can easily succumb to temptation and choose the easy way out. In fact, based on what I've observed most Filipinos specifically Cebuanos, are becoming shallower by the minute, choosing easy money rather than work hard for it. Young people for one, seems to be caught in the web of happy-go-lucky existence. Late night clubbing, drinking sessions, hanging out in malls and making aimless chatter with Barkadas are becoming a trend. One way or another, this has to stop. And I know each of us can contribute even with just small steps, in imparting values once again to the youth.

Moreover, the onset of the Internet greatly influence the way Filipinos think, act and shop, as well. It seems everybody is in a frenzy to buy the newest model of cellphones, clothing style and the latest accessories available. What every Filipino seems to be forgetting is how to be thankful for what they are given with. Being part of the youth, I know we can make a difference by deviating our interests to other money saving pursuits instead of getting "in" with the trend. Yes, we have our own struggles, what with the recent accumulation of economic crisis, but if we compare our present situation with that of other warring countries, the Philippines is definitely a safer place to live in. As long as we get to exercise our freedom of speech and of choice, indeed we are still lucky citizens. Therefore, the story of Polyanna is just right on time with our present Filipino lifestyle today.

Summary of chapters in order:

The plot mainly opens when Pollyanna arrived to her Aunt Polly's big house on the top of a hill. Nancy, the housekeeper feels guilty that the little girl's assigned room is no more than the attic of the house, as instructed by her mistress. No sooner than the new gal was bouncing with happiness despite the inconvenience of her situation. It is later found out that her life centers around the belief that there is always something to be glad about however hard and futile a situation is. This “Glad Game” was taught by her father when she wished to have dolls but got crutches instead through the missionary barrel. It encourages the players of the game to look for the advantages of a situation, rather than focusing on the negative side. The glad game is all about being contented with what you are given and just be happy with it.

Eventually, Polyanna transforms people around her and the way they see things. Much of it was due to “The Glad Game” which she effortlessly managed to introduce to the uneventful little New England neighbourhood. Although Aunt Polly was the most unyielding one to the Glad Game, she eventually softened up especially when she married her former lover, Dr. Chilton.

Pollyanna's never ending jovial mood was put to the test when she encountered an accident which left her legs paralysed. For days, she felt so down and cannot bring herself to think of things to be glad about. Fortunately, the neighbours she had helped before came steadily, visiting her in Aunt Polly's house. They keep encouraging Pollyanna not to lose hope because she had made a difference in their lives through her relentless optimism. Soon, she found strength to play the Glad Game again by thinking that at least, she used to have legs. ***

This is a story about the advantages of having a positive outlook of life. To always find ways to be glad despite difficult circumstances. Thus, this book should be read to kids the soonest they can understand it and to make young Cebuanos and Filipinos be aware of Polyanna. The lessons, kindness and respect as embodied by the good natured Polyanna should be instilled in children and everybody for that matter. It is just right to say that this book spans the test of time, age, religion and race. So, the next time an accident or drawback happens in your life, think again. Think of Pollyanna and her Glad Game. You might actually become good at playing it.