A CUP OF TEA

A Cup Of Tea
by Richard Diaz Alloro

A Journey to Forever – Part 1

Kumusta mga kababayan? It’s nice to be back! I think many would agree that this year’s winter was one of the coldest we have experienced so far. I thought that after moving from Sapporo to Nagoya, winter would be a “no sweat” for me. Pero nagkamali ako. Nagoya had its share of snow fall this year and so with a chilly winter. Nevertheless, we should be thankful for the blessings of snow (the farmers will be happy for when it melts, it will provide plenty of water for farming) and the chills for at least we found comfort in the warmth of our homes and the tender embrace of our loved ones.

I had an opportunity to visit Sapporo in winter and meet my former professors and laboratory colleagues. I also had a great time with my Filipino friends – potluck parties, karaoke sessions, bonding moments at iba pang mga activities that only Filipinos seem to enjoy! The snow-covered roads, the biting and freezing wind, the fresh sushi, and the amiable Sapporo people gave me a feeling of nostalgia. Certainly, this city really has a special space in my heart. It is always good to get re-connected with old friends and cherished places.

Among the topics that I like to put into ink are about life and relationships. Kahit sa mga pelikula, I’m always inclined to watch movies which are centered on themes about life, building relationships, family and friendship. This may indicate how much I value my family and the people whom I have come across in various ways. In this issue, let me again bring you some threads about life.

As we continue our quest for life on this year of the water dragon (and we are almost halfway done!), let us not forget that life is indeed a journey. We are all scattered around terminals and airports where each one of us go and take our flights, buses, or trains that would take us to destinations of our choice or places where we are asked to go. During the course of this journey, we sometimes encounter delays or cancelled flights, turbulence or bumpy rides, smooth and on-scheduled getaways. Oftentimes, we are caught on the crossroads, giving us time to sit back and ponder upon which direction to take or choice to make.

One very rewarding part of our journey is that along the way, we meet different kinds of people. These are the people that we are destined to meet. Bawat taong ating nakakasalamuha ay may kaniya-kaniyang dahilan at layunin sa pagdating sa ating buhay. They play different roles in our lives. Sometimes we do not always know their purpose until it’s too late. Sometimes we have early discernments and enjoy their company and the relationships we build. Ang iba sa kanila ay nananatili habambuhay. Ang iba naman nakakasama natin nang sandali lamang.

Minsan ang mga taong nakakasama natin for a short while end up making a lasting impression hindi lamang sa ating buhay kundi pati na rin sa ating mga puso. They may touch and change our lives in a way we never could imagine. Sometimes they may bring us short-lived happiness and contentment and sometimes heartaches and tears. They may go and could never come back but certainly, they will bring a lasting effect on our lives that we will treasure forever. Sa mga pagkakataong ito natin natututunan ang mga mahahalagang lessons ng buhay. It is by these encounters that we get the chance to learn more about ourselves.

People will come and go into our lives quickly. But sometimes we are lucky to meet that one special person that will stay in our hearts forever no matter what. Someone that will make us realize we are a treasure and a special person. Someone that is willing to take us wherever he or she may go- a partner, a friend, a confidant, an inspiration in life. One special person that helps us to look inside ourselves and find a whole different person that we never knew existed. Our eyes are suddenly opened to a world we never knew existed - a world where time is so precious and moments never seem to last long enough. Kapag dumating ang pagkakataong ito, be brave and face it with a dedicated heart. Share wonderful dreams and precious moments with that person. Memories are priceless treasures that we can cherish forever in our hearts. Be strong and take the journey together forever.

I am glad that I have met that special someone and I have committed myself to our journey to forever. There will be no coming back, just looking back at the wonderful moments we have shared together after a very long journey. I can’t wait to continue on with the journey.