“How beautiful is the morning…”—the first line of the song usually sang in a “maňanita”—from voices entering my window, and filling my room, roused me from sleep. It was 4 in the morning of the 21st of March, a Saturday. I went out to see my officers, men and a few of their dependents who came to serenade and greet me on my birthday.
After an exchange of pleasantries over some native delicacies, I took leave to attend a workshop forum promoting interfaith dialogue and peace building hosted by the United Religions Initiative South East Asia and the Pacific (URI-SEAP) and Pakigdait Inc. in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. Entitled “Awakening the Moral Imagination for Grassroots Community Dialogue and Peacebuilding in Mindanao,” I would not like to miss it considering its importance to my duties. More so, the participants were peace builders from all over the Philippines particularly in Mindanao, and with foreign delegates from URI-SEAP.
On the way, I took the time to respond to the streaming messages and calls from my superiors, subordinates, and friends including those from my family greeting me. This continued until after the following day which started even days before. I felt helpless in responding to the messages even just with a simple “Thanks”: it was as if it is Christmas or New Year once again.
It took us almost two hours to reach the site with the many road repairs being made.
My participation in the forum gave me the chance to clarify the activities of the Army in building peace. It also gave me the chance to reach out to other participants and reconcile with those who had sad experiences with the military. Despite this, they found time to render songs on the occasion of my day. The insights and the acquaintances I gained were already invaluable gifts I could have for my birthday. Once again, I had to cut short my attendance: this time, to return to my headquarters and be with my troops who were preparing a gathering with friends.
With no chance to change out of uniform and just in time for dinner, which I had asked that it be turned into socials for the personnel of the brigade headquarters, I led the blowing of candles along with those celebrating their birthdays for the 1st Quarter of the year. They included Captain Al Maamo, the Brigade Civil Military Relations Officer (March 20); Colonel Gerry Barrientos, the Deputy Brigade Commander (March 22); Major Efren Morados, the Brigade Executive Officer (January 17); and, 14 other enlisted personnel.
We listened to the songs of the eager media, observant guests, and the patient soldiers until the clock struck midnight. This signaled that it is now Gerry’s time to be serenaded. I went to bed exhausted but fulfilled with the activities that made my day full: with my soldiers, with the community, and with my friends. I had to recharge thinking of another full day ahead—I was to be the guest speaker in the 60th Anniversary of Lala Municipality.
Check the interesting trivia Violy had posted of the day. Thank you all for your good wishes and for a fulfilling day!
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