Answers
“We need to be the change we want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
What I called the “Workshop for a Better Baguio” was such a revelation!
We engaged in the most intense, untiring, exhilarating, productive 29 hours of discussion in two days. It was so wonderful that we could not bring ourselves to end the days. We officially ended at 8:30 last night (on 3 hours’ overtime) and the ‘Baguio’ group did not want to stop until 1:30 a.m.! We had to literally wrench ourselves from each other and the ‘issues’ which were suddenly ‘non-issues!’
It was energizing, hopeful and, for lack of a better word, the most beautiful experience I have ever had in all my 43 years. (Yup, I am not shy about my age — it’s kinda empowering also to be at this point in my life — not too young, not too old, a little wisdom, a little energy combined)
We actually did not tackle Baguio specifically as much as we did LIFE! Yup, there is a strategy — but not what you would think! It’s a strategy of transformation, for meaningful change, for a change that will benefit everyone, that will not hurt anyone, that will affect ALL of Baguio society in a positive way.
At the same time humbling and empowering! Imagine that! And for one rare occasion, I find myself at a loss for words to explain it all — except to gush.
The attendees were not as many as we had originally thought we needed but what a surprising, substantive, special group it was — as if all cosmic forces meant for all of us to be there at that time. The exact right mix of persons totally unconnected, yet connected by a bond that was so strong, actually allowed us to go into areas that surprised even the facilitators, who were at the same time participants. It was spiritual and worldly, encompassing religions, faith, culture, ages, beliefs. It was so universal yet so specific to every individual’s situation. It raised questions and provided answers.
We were in the company of the most intelligent, well-intentioned, selfless, generous persons in the world and who were able to explain the most complex principles in an easy way to understand, who were so attuned to the problems of Baguio because they are universal. Imagine all your fears being put to rest. Imagine a stranger giving you gifts of hope that are real, reachable, and right.
Just mark these few words: this blog will change, my life will change, and how I wish I could share it with you better today. You will however, hopefully, surely, through this site, be part of this journey and this is going to be wonderful.
We will bring this workshop back to Baguio as soon as we can. For how could we not share this joy of discovery with you, with the world?
We hope you can join us then. You will know when, you will hear the call, you will heed it, only when you are ready. And what a wonderful life this will be!
———-
Photo Caption:
1st row L-R: Mike, Panjee, Chi, Lisa, Dale; 2nd row L-R: Dom-An, Marie, Grace, Nicky
References:
(For those who want to know more about PAGASA’s workshops of hope, write to: PAGASA@mac.com. Or you can call: +639175251924.)
Your picture reflects the workshop Lisa, kudos!
Resty, it’s also great for shy people! A lot of us met each other for the first time, but Nicky Perlas has a wonderful way of making everyone shine. A workshop with no judgments and the purest of motives. WOW!
lisa, wow! you read all my thoughts and felt every way i felt about the workshop. can’t wait to be with you Fs and Ks again and again and again.
Hi Lisa! Can’t wait for the next one. Planuhin na yan!
I forgot to give you guys the take-home. Nagmamadali kasing bumaba. Will just send it via email.
Salamat ng marami!
Hi Grace!
I was so ‘in the moment’ up to yesterday at 4pm and then, I collapsed. Then Mike returned to Atenara about an hour later claiming he was so exhausted. What ‘fuel’ were we running on?! Fascinating! So that got me thinking you guys were probably exhausted only at around that time, too.
I am still at WOW!
Hello Dale!
May assignment? Hahaha! Game! (ano ba ito? I cannot use periods, just exclamation points!) I have never been so excited to receive an email before!
At maraming, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo! Kulang ang lahat ng pasasalamat sa mundo sa inyong naibigay na pag-asa, at mga paraan upang makita ang totoo at tunay sa mundo, upang makarating sa mga tamang sagot, sa amin.
I just saw Mike off a few minutes ago and was so sad/scared to see him go — but now I know which Lisa is scared. Hotel California did not work for me after all… Hahaha!
Can’t wait to see you guys again!
Hello, New Baguio! Right before turning in the night/morning we returned (that was mga 3am na), Dale suddenly said, “Oh no!!!Yung take home….hindi nabigay!” Hay. Sorry about that. Na-Hotel California si Mike kahit isang araw lang. If we had the luxury of time (read: no children), one more day would have helped a lot. We’re still reeling from the weekend, but it was worth every ounce of pagod. Thanks for the depth of sharing. Never underestimate the power of your biography, I always say. People connect through life stories and we all value and hold close everything we heard and experienced that day, so it isn’t really that we are selfless. We gain so much. Salamat and see you in the field….
Hi Panjee!
Thanks for a weekend that allowed me to go out today and face the Burnham Park I was afraid for you to see. Today, Burnham was beautiful again. Full of chaos still, but thanks for my new eyes.
And I will no longer be afraid to show you my Baguio when you come up again — next month please! We will make sure of that.
Maybe the kids can come, too!
Lisa:
Damn, I didn’t get to be there (had a job interview at the Metro). I hope I can attend the next conference.
But looks like you had a helluva lot of fun.
Hi Marck,
Hope the job interview went well
We’re so excited about the next one the ‘Baguio Group’ will ‘date’ each other for Valentine’s tomorrow. Hahaha! To plan the next workshop na.
hi lisa,
we having a “heart to heart” date today?
Marie’s ‘uncrazy’ idea! Dinner is Kung Pao Chicken with peanuts and chili, prawn crackers and fried rice. Fantastic! Can’t wait to relate. Uy, that rhymes!
THANK YOU, Fs & Ks for the conversation, the dinner, the ambience, the HIGH MOMENTS (again), and the 3Rs. Thank you, Lisa, for opening your heart and home to the rest of us.
Now, I know how to answer your question (about the down part) since I “walked in your shoes last night and even kinda slept-unslept”: PHYSICAL FITNESS. (By the way, I’ve got to say, I like your mattresses and your pillows!)
Now, points only:
You will transform inside (yehey, can’t hardly wait) and aside from the positive thinking, I PREDICT YOU WILL GIVE UP SMOKING!
Think about this: You are a microcosm of the universe — and would you like to hasten your becoming a Black Hole?
In sync?
See you soon - maybe tomorrow. Got back my physical self (and ordinary self) energized now … and about to merge with the authentic again.
I live you with these words of the meantime: CLEANSING is _______. (Dom-an, where’s your participation?)
Hahaha, in sync nga. Was just THINKING about the smoking…
Now I smoke one pack LESS per day!
Good start! (So the 2 packs today were for Nico, huh?)
One less pack per day, and you’ve got 16 days to go back into the “lady language” (hehehe) … I am your Guardian Angel Kulit Bulilit (otherwise, I’ll walk with you around town ’til you cannot talk at all)… and predict will get on well with your mom!
Kukulit nyo.
Dale, grabe si Marie, excess energy and brain waves limited by a sickly body. It’s not like we don’t see each other or talk on the phone!
Marie, am trying to be sedate, peaceful, contemplative, at peace… You rock my world!
okay i was so detached from blogging i wasn’t able to hear/read about this! sayang!
Don’t worry, Lei, we’re doing everything to bring the Pagasa Workshop team back up ASAP. There are also workshops held in Manila. Will let you know. Good for Kubi, too.
Hi Lisa, Hi all!
Grabe pala ang nangyari sa inyo. Nakaka-inspire. As I said, the inspiration knew no boundaries. I was so energized that, despite limited sleep, and a 7-hour ride bus plus a 3 hour airport and 1 hour plane ride, I still had so much energy left. That’s the gift of Baguio and the result of meeting kindred spirits. Thanks a lot for that time and I look forward to out next workshop on Mar 10 and 11! My warmest greetings to you all!
Nicky
PS I hope you all got a copy of the posting that Dale placed today in the Friends of Pagasa egroup regarding the exciting things that are happening in many parts of the country and even the world connected with the PAGASA work.
Oops, I forget to mention. I laughed quite a bit when I read your hilarious comments, especially Lisa’s reflection regarding exclamation points!!! and Marie’s comments.
Hi Nicky!
You are the ENERGIZER! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you (add here the symbol for infinity)!
See you on March 10! Can’t wait!