on cats

I always wanted to have a dog but my first pet was a cat. I remember how my aunt insisted that I bring home one of the kittens that her cat gave birth to. She was a tiny, orange ball of fur when they placed her in a piece of cloth. Papa and I took her home. When asked what her name would be, the first thing that came to mind was 'Muning'. Perhaps the kindergarten books that I read influenced me too much. I once tried to bathe her, but I was told that cats don't take a bath and if they do, they die.  So, Muning grew up smelly. I wasn't too fond of her though but I would make sure she eats well everyday. I remember saving the fish bones whenever I eat so she'll have something to eat too. My uncle who was then living with us had a poodle and I would  fight with him whenever the dog would bully my kitty-cat. 

Muning caused the household to smell foul so my yaya and my uncle set up a plot of misleading her so she won't come home. According to them, cats have this ability of finding their way back home even if you try to lose them. So, you have to sort of confuse them by leading them to unfamiliar places just so they won't return. My Muning was tough! She was able to find her way home! :) I was so proud of her that time. Though, at the second attempt, Muning failed to come home.  I wasn't sure if they left her roaming on the streets or they gave her away. Nonetheless, I was really sad and angry. After several hours of sulking, I just had to wish that she'll find a better place for her and her future family.

After her, it only took care of a few hamsters and rabbits. (I will write another entry about the rabbits. :)) Taking care of animals is like taking care of your children. You have to feed them, clean them and their cages and somehow, adapt to their "language" so you'll know what they need or try to say. But the joy they bring is awesome. Somehow, my little pets remove the stress from me.

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This morning, I read an article online about a boy who is charged for animal cruelty. Jerzon Senador caught the ire of the netizens when he posted a photo of his puppy pinned on a clothesline last year.  This year, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) initiated a complaint against him for violating Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act.  Section 6 of the law states that "it shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal." A warrant of arrest was issued and served against him but his whereabouts cannot be found as of the moment, according to the article.

photo courtesy of PAWS through yahoo.ph

Perhaps Jerzon found it cute to play with his puppy this way, yet since animal rights advocacy has grown active in our country in the recent years, his seeming playfulness was not approved of. I am happy to know that laws like this are implemented and reaches its purpose. In fact, in May 2011, the Quezon City Trial Court convicted a Joseph Candare, a UP college student, for killing a cat who has been roaming around the campus. Candare was fined with 1,000 and made to do volunteer work with PAWS. (GMANews) It's a good thing though that the Filipinos are becoming more aware and responsible for life--including that of animals. More than being civilized as it appears to be, I would rather say that we are becoming more human--that is we are learning to respect the circle of life.

There is glory in agony

I went through my blog and have read a number of entries talking about my law school life, the bar exams and my ardent desire to become a lawyer. I guess, it is really something that my inner self has always cried for. Unfortunately, two attempts didn't prove my efforts to be enough to have my name listed in the Roll of Attorneys. Truth be told, I am getting discouraged and weary. The journey of getting my four-letter title is getting too long and arduous. But I guess this proves that the measure of how much one wants something is the inextinguishable desire to stand up after every fall and the resilience to do whatever it takes just so to reach the goal.

A conversation I recently had with my mom revealed much wisdom to my seeming mishaps. She said, "Wag kang panghinaan ng loob. Tingnan mo na lang ang mga pagsubok na ito na paraan ng Diyos na ipakita sa’yo ang mga bagay na kailangan mong baguhin. Makikita mo, lalabas din ang kalooban ng Diyos sa buhay mo. Alam ko kapag nakalagpas ka dito, mabubuhay ka na sa tunay na success.” (Do not be discouraged. Look at these obstacles as God's way of revealing your weaknesses--things you need to work on. By that, you'll realize the deeper purpose of your life. I know that after you get past this, you'll burst into your way to true success). I have been hearing these words faintly in my heart, but my mom spoke it exactly as I needed to hear. Her words were like a gentle blow of wind that fired my frightened spirit. Isn’t it wonderful how God created parents to really support and guide? In these very rare occasions, I heard my mom speak and her words brought much peace in me. 

For the first time in prayer, I thanked God for the trial and suffering while I was going through it. Normally, I will thank him after, when I have finally got the lesson that the trial wanted to teach me. It’s different now, perhaps, because of the grace of faith that things will surely be better after this. Now, I see glory in agony. My journey to months of toiling for the Bar is beginning once again. With renewed hope, I will embrace each day with extra ounces of commitment, responsibility and passion. For whatever is in store at the end of this road, I open myself to the surprise that awaits—and for whatever it may be, I will wholeheartedly accept.