Nov. 3 is special for me. For 30 years, I have been married to Freny, my wife and the mother of my two young adult children, Andrew and Christine. To Freny and my family, happy anniversary!
Thank God, we have come this far, amidst the challenges in our marriage. We have weathered storms, fought and won battles and overcome difficulties and problems that only strengthened our relationship.
Our marriage is not perfect but solid and strong because we have vowed to stay and pray together, love each and committed to live their lives other forever, 'til death do us part. That's our commitment, and promise to our children, relatives and friends, near or far.
I believe in the sanctity of marriage. Since the day I married Freny, I have tried to live it, in sickness or in health, and I will continue to uphold it for the rest of my life.
I'm aware the above statement has been said and written by many around the world. But it has also been laughed at or brushed aside too many times.
Sanctity is the condition of holiness or sacredness, the state of being holy, sacred or saintly. Sanctity is synonymous with holiness.
Nowadays, the sanctity of marriage has been threatened by those who question its relevance and importance in our wired world. It is a contentious issue because of alarming divorce statistics.
Marriage involves a serious commitment of two people loving and caring for each other and committed to live their lives together forever.
As the foundation of a family and the society, marriage can be defined as the legally or formally recognized union of a man and a woman (or in some jurisdictions, two people of the same sex) as partners in a relationship. It is a recognized union or legal contract between spouses that establishes rights and obligations between them, first and foremost.
As a Catholic Christian, I have observed and been taught at an early age that marriage is between a man and a woman. Having been married to the same woman to whom I committed myself for life, I would safely say that I still believe in the sanctity of marriage.
In Genesis 2:24, we read: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." That thought comes up again in Matthew 19;6..."So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
Dennis Rainey, author and host of FamilyLife Today, once wrote that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man, one woman and their God for a lifetime. "It is a public vow of how you will relate to your spouse as you form a new family unit," he wrote.
Rainey suggested four commitments to help you fulfill your marriage vows for a lifetime:
1) Do not get married unless you plan to keep your vows.
2) Fulfill your vows by staying married.
3) Fulfill your vows by maintaining emotional and moral fidelity.
4) Fulfill your vows by praying faithfully with your spouse.
There's no such thing as perfect marriage. Marriage works when spouses work together to make it work.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Saturday, October 31, 2015. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Remembering my homeland in poetry*
On October 9, the spoken word was powerful and amazingly inspiring. That occasion gave me a rare opportunity to spend a Friday night in the company of friends, family and acquaintances, while enjoying prose, poetry and free pizza.
Poetry lovers like me gathered together that night at Russell memorial Library in Chesapeake for the quarterly "Open Mic Night: Prose, Poetry & Pizza" hosted by Suffolk native, poet and author Nathan Richardson. He is the one of the marketing consultants of the Suffolk News-Herald.
Though I have had poems published in my native country, the Philippines, and in the United States, I still consider myself a budding poet. I have much more to learn and experience before I can humbly say I'm a published poet. Perhaps, I will forever be a budding poet, which I don't mind at all. I kind of like the word "budding" as in "emerging, growing and developing."
During the event, I read three of five of my Ilokano poems included in the poetry anthology, "Rekuerdo/Memento: Estrangement and Homing in Ilokano Poetics," published in Hawaii in 2009. It was edited and translated into English, with critical introduction by Aurelio Solver Agcaoili, PhD.
The book presents the works of Ilokano poets writing from exile and diaspora. It articulates the sense of home and homelessness that marks the life of many people of the Philippines who have chosen---or have been chosen by life's circumstances---to leave the homeland and eke out a life in new places.
Agcaoili is the coordinator and associate professor at University of Hawaii's Ilokano Language and Literature Program, the only Ilokano-degree granting program in the world. As creative writer, he has also authored English-Ilokano/Ilokano-English dictionaries for schools and academia.
I was compelled to share my thoughts via my poems dealing with the plight of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other migrants and refugees fleeing their country because of poverty, violence or civil war to find freedom, peace and prosperity for their families. Refugee crises in Europe and elsewhere were also on my mind.
Prior to reading my poems, I spoke briefly about my mother tongue, Ilokano, and the proper pronunciation of the vowels, like those of Japanese and Spanish.
Here's one of my Ilokano poems, "Rekuerdo iti Ipapanaw":
"Adda amak
idi pumanawak
nupay napingetak
iti panagkunak.
Adda duaduak
no agballigiak:
napigsa't pammatik
a makalung-awak.
Nagtawatawak
immadyoak
nagrigrigatak
nagan-anusak...
Nagkararagak
nagyamanak
nagurnongak
nagsalimetmetak.
Itan, makaisemak
pimmudno parparmatak
agpayso a nagbalbaliwak
biagko itan nawayaak.
Iti panagkalkallautangko
nabirokak gasatko
ngem daytoy iliwko
iti lugarko napalalo.
Ilik, dikanto malipatan
uray kaano man
sikat' laglagipen
aginggana't tanem."
Here is the English translation to one of my poems, "Memento of Leaving."
"I know I could do it
but there was this
fear that gnawed at me
as I was leaving.
I had those doubts
whether I could make it
but I believed in one thing:
I surely would succeed.
I went away
I went wherever life led me
I went through all the hardships
I took them all in patiently...
I prayed hard
I gave my thanks
I saved up
scrimped a lot.
Now, I smile in gladness
What I dreamed of came true
Verily I changed for the better
Now I am free.
In my going away
I found my good fate
but this missing my homeland
has gripped me so bad.
My birth-land, I will never forget:
I remember you each time
In my mind you are here
And on my grave forever."
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Saturday, October 24, 2015. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.
Post Script: My Ilokano poem, Rekuerdo iti Ipapanaw, didn't make it to the final editing in the above-mentioned newspaper. Also, when I submitted my original essay to the editor, Mr. Spears, I didn't include two stanzas (#4 and #5) of the original Ilokano poem because of word count. I should limit up to 500-word essay, but I exceeded it to a total of 700 words (as I always used to do), including my brief bio.
Poetry lovers like me gathered together that night at Russell memorial Library in Chesapeake for the quarterly "Open Mic Night: Prose, Poetry & Pizza" hosted by Suffolk native, poet and author Nathan Richardson. He is the one of the marketing consultants of the Suffolk News-Herald.
Though I have had poems published in my native country, the Philippines, and in the United States, I still consider myself a budding poet. I have much more to learn and experience before I can humbly say I'm a published poet. Perhaps, I will forever be a budding poet, which I don't mind at all. I kind of like the word "budding" as in "emerging, growing and developing."
During the event, I read three of five of my Ilokano poems included in the poetry anthology, "Rekuerdo/Memento: Estrangement and Homing in Ilokano Poetics," published in Hawaii in 2009. It was edited and translated into English, with critical introduction by Aurelio Solver Agcaoili, PhD.
The book presents the works of Ilokano poets writing from exile and diaspora. It articulates the sense of home and homelessness that marks the life of many people of the Philippines who have chosen---or have been chosen by life's circumstances---to leave the homeland and eke out a life in new places.
Agcaoili is the coordinator and associate professor at University of Hawaii's Ilokano Language and Literature Program, the only Ilokano-degree granting program in the world. As creative writer, he has also authored English-Ilokano/Ilokano-English dictionaries for schools and academia.
I was compelled to share my thoughts via my poems dealing with the plight of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other migrants and refugees fleeing their country because of poverty, violence or civil war to find freedom, peace and prosperity for their families. Refugee crises in Europe and elsewhere were also on my mind.
Prior to reading my poems, I spoke briefly about my mother tongue, Ilokano, and the proper pronunciation of the vowels, like those of Japanese and Spanish.
Here's one of my Ilokano poems, "Rekuerdo iti Ipapanaw":
"Adda amak
idi pumanawak
nupay napingetak
iti panagkunak.
Adda duaduak
no agballigiak:
napigsa't pammatik
a makalung-awak.
Nagtawatawak
immadyoak
nagrigrigatak
nagan-anusak...
Nagkararagak
nagyamanak
nagurnongak
nagsalimetmetak.
Itan, makaisemak
pimmudno parparmatak
agpayso a nagbalbaliwak
biagko itan nawayaak.
Iti panagkalkallautangko
nabirokak gasatko
ngem daytoy iliwko
iti lugarko napalalo.
Ilik, dikanto malipatan
uray kaano man
sikat' laglagipen
aginggana't tanem."
Here is the English translation to one of my poems, "Memento of Leaving."
"I know I could do it
but there was this
fear that gnawed at me
as I was leaving.
I had those doubts
whether I could make it
but I believed in one thing:
I surely would succeed.
I went away
I went wherever life led me
I went through all the hardships
I took them all in patiently...
I prayed hard
I gave my thanks
I saved up
scrimped a lot.
Now, I smile in gladness
What I dreamed of came true
Verily I changed for the better
Now I am free.
In my going away
I found my good fate
but this missing my homeland
has gripped me so bad.
My birth-land, I will never forget:
I remember you each time
In my mind you are here
And on my grave forever."
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Saturday, October 24, 2015. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.
Post Script: My Ilokano poem, Rekuerdo iti Ipapanaw, didn't make it to the final editing in the above-mentioned newspaper. Also, when I submitted my original essay to the editor, Mr. Spears, I didn't include two stanzas (#4 and #5) of the original Ilokano poem because of word count. I should limit up to 500-word essay, but I exceeded it to a total of 700 words (as I always used to do), including my brief bio.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Learn what's going on around you*
I can't think of any reason why folks are not aware of what's happening in our world, specifically in our community. Except if they don't care.
Most of us have television at home, along with smartphones and Internet access, and we have at least one subscription to a newspaper or magazine. We also get access to this award-winning newspaper, the one we're reading right now, that has been in existence since 1873.
Most of us are involved in educating our children or grandchildren, one way or another, and we have visited or volunteered in their school. Likewise, most know where our city library is, or a neighboring city's library, and have visited it occasionally, if not regularly.
My point? Clearly and emphatically: We need to stay informed to stay active, engaged and involved.
Bestselling author and lawyer Scott Turow wrote, "Widespread public access to knowledge, like public education, is one of the pillars of our democracy, a guarantee that we can maintain a well-informed citizenry."
"Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government," wrote Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "A nation of well informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins."
With the information superhighway, our world is wired and connected to help enhance education for all of us, regardless of our income level.
The Internet has revolutionized our way of thinking and living. As long as we have access to information, we are informed of what's going on in our volatile world.
This technology has kept us well-informed---even overwhelmed by a bombardment of information that we can only control through self-discipline.
The overflow of information sometimes confused us and can cause questions as to what or whom to believe. Hence, we should observe tact, vigilance, and safety---Internet safety, that is.
It takes only a few minutes to learn what's going on around us. With a browse of your local newspaper, a click of your mouse, a press of your TV remote control, a tap or a touch of your fingertip, you're getting and staying informed.
So, stay informed to stay active and alive, engaged and involved. Visit a library near you or turn on that TV or portable radio, especially when it's news time, or read your newspaper. You'll become a well-informed citizen.
Than, take whatever information you learned and use it to better yourself and others. Share what you learned. Doing so will benefit others.
Sharing truthful information to help others have a better life is a noble endeavor. To me, that's caring.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Saturday, October 17, 2015. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.
Most of us have television at home, along with smartphones and Internet access, and we have at least one subscription to a newspaper or magazine. We also get access to this award-winning newspaper, the one we're reading right now, that has been in existence since 1873.
Most of us are involved in educating our children or grandchildren, one way or another, and we have visited or volunteered in their school. Likewise, most know where our city library is, or a neighboring city's library, and have visited it occasionally, if not regularly.
My point? Clearly and emphatically: We need to stay informed to stay active, engaged and involved.
Bestselling author and lawyer Scott Turow wrote, "Widespread public access to knowledge, like public education, is one of the pillars of our democracy, a guarantee that we can maintain a well-informed citizenry."
"Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government," wrote Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "A nation of well informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins."
With the information superhighway, our world is wired and connected to help enhance education for all of us, regardless of our income level.
The Internet has revolutionized our way of thinking and living. As long as we have access to information, we are informed of what's going on in our volatile world.
This technology has kept us well-informed---even overwhelmed by a bombardment of information that we can only control through self-discipline.
The overflow of information sometimes confused us and can cause questions as to what or whom to believe. Hence, we should observe tact, vigilance, and safety---Internet safety, that is.
It takes only a few minutes to learn what's going on around us. With a browse of your local newspaper, a click of your mouse, a press of your TV remote control, a tap or a touch of your fingertip, you're getting and staying informed.
So, stay informed to stay active and alive, engaged and involved. Visit a library near you or turn on that TV or portable radio, especially when it's news time, or read your newspaper. You'll become a well-informed citizen.
Than, take whatever information you learned and use it to better yourself and others. Share what you learned. Doing so will benefit others.
Sharing truthful information to help others have a better life is a noble endeavor. To me, that's caring.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Saturday, October 17, 2015. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Change your attitude, change the world*
Do you want to make a positive difference in the world? Have a positive attitude.
An attitude is the state of mind with which you approach a situation. Here are a couple of examples: Maybe you tell yourself, "I'm going to get things done today." (That's positive attitude.) Or does this sound more like you? "Today will be lousy, like yesterday." (That's negative attitude.)
The day might be out of control, but the only you can control your attitude.
Attitude is so important because it affects how you look, what you say, and what you do; it affects how you feel both physically and mentally; and it affects how successful you are in achieving your goals.
Do you take positive attitude toward yourself? Do you try to learn to recognize that no one has all the answers? Do you try to do a better job and suggest better ways of doing your work? Do you demonstrate enthusiasm in whatever you say or do?
Are you willing to grow to prepare yourself for a better job? Are you willing to welcome change---to experiment, try new ideas and stay loose? Do you cultivate a sense of humor---not taking yourself seriously---getting some fun out of your work?
Likewise, do you have a positive attitude toward others? Are you sincerely interested in them and their purposes and problems? Do you try to understand others' point of view---how they feel and why they feel, think, look and act as they do?
Are you a good listener who tries to learn something from others? Are you able to work with them to achieve common goals, and not to criticize them?
Developing positive attitudes takes time and effort. Here are a few simple attitudes that will make your life fulfilling and your family happier:
*Keep each other informed. Good communication is the key to a good relationship.
*Try to be punctual. It's the Golden Rule of time for everybody.
*Try to be cheerful, even if you don't feel like it. Nobody likes a sourpuss.
*Use polite words like "Please," "Thank you," "May I?" and "Do you mind?"
*Try to be helpful. You'll build friends fast.
*And try to be patient. Some things just necessarily take time time to do right.
Patience is a virtue.
While negative attitudes make life difficult for everyone, positive attitudes help everyone get the most out of life. Negative attitudes get you nowhere, whereas positive attitudes make every day better.
With positive attitudes, your life is more meaningful, problems easier to handle, goals more attainable, mistakes less disastrous and the future more exciting.
Talent is important, and knowledge is essential. But, I believe the most important key element to success is your state of mind.Whatever your situation or disposition in life is, success is your attitude.
A positive attitude at work can make your daily routine more rewarding and enjoyable. You can say, "I'll do my job well as I can so that others can depend on me."
Why not begin practicing positive thinking to create a positive attitude right now?
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Friday, October 9, 2015.
For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.
An attitude is the state of mind with which you approach a situation. Here are a couple of examples: Maybe you tell yourself, "I'm going to get things done today." (That's positive attitude.) Or does this sound more like you? "Today will be lousy, like yesterday." (That's negative attitude.)
The day might be out of control, but the only you can control your attitude.
Attitude is so important because it affects how you look, what you say, and what you do; it affects how you feel both physically and mentally; and it affects how successful you are in achieving your goals.
Do you take positive attitude toward yourself? Do you try to learn to recognize that no one has all the answers? Do you try to do a better job and suggest better ways of doing your work? Do you demonstrate enthusiasm in whatever you say or do?
Are you willing to grow to prepare yourself for a better job? Are you willing to welcome change---to experiment, try new ideas and stay loose? Do you cultivate a sense of humor---not taking yourself seriously---getting some fun out of your work?
Likewise, do you have a positive attitude toward others? Are you sincerely interested in them and their purposes and problems? Do you try to understand others' point of view---how they feel and why they feel, think, look and act as they do?
Are you a good listener who tries to learn something from others? Are you able to work with them to achieve common goals, and not to criticize them?
Developing positive attitudes takes time and effort. Here are a few simple attitudes that will make your life fulfilling and your family happier:
*Keep each other informed. Good communication is the key to a good relationship.
*Try to be punctual. It's the Golden Rule of time for everybody.
*Try to be cheerful, even if you don't feel like it. Nobody likes a sourpuss.
*Use polite words like "Please," "Thank you," "May I?" and "Do you mind?"
*Try to be helpful. You'll build friends fast.
*And try to be patient. Some things just necessarily take time time to do right.
Patience is a virtue.
While negative attitudes make life difficult for everyone, positive attitudes help everyone get the most out of life. Negative attitudes get you nowhere, whereas positive attitudes make every day better.
With positive attitudes, your life is more meaningful, problems easier to handle, goals more attainable, mistakes less disastrous and the future more exciting.
Talent is important, and knowledge is essential. But, I believe the most important key element to success is your state of mind.Whatever your situation or disposition in life is, success is your attitude.
A positive attitude at work can make your daily routine more rewarding and enjoyable. You can say, "I'll do my job well as I can so that others can depend on me."
Why not begin practicing positive thinking to create a positive attitude right now?
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Friday, October 9, 2015.
For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Change the world: Stop littering*
It's fall---time to enjoy mild weather, autumn colors and harvest, especially the abundant apples and pumpkins.
As the sun rises many mornings, we see fog blanketing the farms and grassy, misty playgrounds. Light sweaters are now in vogue. Flipflops and shorts are being put away. Windows are open to let fresh, mild air into our houses.
Some leaves are starting to change their colors, and others have fallen to the ground.
To bicyclists, joggers, stroller and walkers, like me and my 5-month old puppy Simba, fall is an opportunity to get physically fir, reaping yhe benefits of doing so outside, as long as it's not raining.
But some folks---the litterbugs---seem to take things for granted. They don't have any concern for others who suffer at the hands of their carelessness and irresponsibility.
I've encountered smokers tossing out cigarette butts while driving, dog owners intentionally leaving their dog's poop on the ground, bikers and joggers spitting or blowing their noses and leaving unsanitary stains on the ground, and folks leaving their sandwich or candy wrappers and pop soda cans or bottles all over the place.
Lit cigarette butts present a danger to the environment. We're all aware of the wildfires in California lately that have destroyed and burned hundreds of homes and properties. If we tolerate this kind of behavior, one day we will regret it, and it will be too late when there's a conflagration threatening residential areas due to carelessly tossed cigarette butts.
Dog poop left on the ground poses a threat to one's health, including that of other dogs. Yet some folks are completely unprepared or unwilling to clean up after their dogs. This problem can endanger other people and even dogs because it can spread germs and disease. And who wants to unknowingly step into that poop?
The same thing is true of phlegm or mucus. They're nasty to look at on the ground and even nastier to step on. What if you have symptoms of tuberculosis or some other diseases related to lung? You could infect others.
It's an eyesore to see litter everywhere, especially aluminum cans, plastic or bottles or broken glass pieces left lying on the ground. Why can't people take advantage of the trash cans available along sidewalks and in parks?
Be proactive. Be responsible residents of Suffolk. Stop littering and observe cleanliness. Be an agent of change and reform.
A rubber bracelet I received during the recent Fun 'N' Food Fest at Church of St. Therese, in Chesapeake, our former parish, had this inspirational quote on it: "Change the World. Matthew 25:35."
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran. lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Thursday, October 1, 2015. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsheard.com.
As the sun rises many mornings, we see fog blanketing the farms and grassy, misty playgrounds. Light sweaters are now in vogue. Flipflops and shorts are being put away. Windows are open to let fresh, mild air into our houses.
Some leaves are starting to change their colors, and others have fallen to the ground.
To bicyclists, joggers, stroller and walkers, like me and my 5-month old puppy Simba, fall is an opportunity to get physically fir, reaping yhe benefits of doing so outside, as long as it's not raining.
But some folks---the litterbugs---seem to take things for granted. They don't have any concern for others who suffer at the hands of their carelessness and irresponsibility.
I've encountered smokers tossing out cigarette butts while driving, dog owners intentionally leaving their dog's poop on the ground, bikers and joggers spitting or blowing their noses and leaving unsanitary stains on the ground, and folks leaving their sandwich or candy wrappers and pop soda cans or bottles all over the place.
Lit cigarette butts present a danger to the environment. We're all aware of the wildfires in California lately that have destroyed and burned hundreds of homes and properties. If we tolerate this kind of behavior, one day we will regret it, and it will be too late when there's a conflagration threatening residential areas due to carelessly tossed cigarette butts.
Dog poop left on the ground poses a threat to one's health, including that of other dogs. Yet some folks are completely unprepared or unwilling to clean up after their dogs. This problem can endanger other people and even dogs because it can spread germs and disease. And who wants to unknowingly step into that poop?
The same thing is true of phlegm or mucus. They're nasty to look at on the ground and even nastier to step on. What if you have symptoms of tuberculosis or some other diseases related to lung? You could infect others.
It's an eyesore to see litter everywhere, especially aluminum cans, plastic or bottles or broken glass pieces left lying on the ground. Why can't people take advantage of the trash cans available along sidewalks and in parks?
Be proactive. Be responsible residents of Suffolk. Stop littering and observe cleanliness. Be an agent of change and reform.
A rubber bracelet I received during the recent Fun 'N' Food Fest at Church of St. Therese, in Chesapeake, our former parish, had this inspirational quote on it: "Change the World. Matthew 25:35."
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran. lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Thursday, October 1, 2015. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsheard.com.
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