What they say about my new post..!

When confronted with some hard decisions to make, I turn to two of my top confidantes (Cat and Mitzi), who always give me some words of wisdom.. “when I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me.. speaking words of wisdom .. let it be..” and so I had it that way.

I know the others are equally capable of giving same words of wisdom but I don’t have to bother them anymore.

When I told them about my acceptance of my new post (as Municipal Administrator of Pikit), there was mix feelings of anxiety and doubts on my part; anxiety, because after mapping out all the odds and challenges, the time has come for me to indulge into it, come what may.. and doubts, not because I can’t do the job, but because when people raise their hopes so high, they get frustrated at the slightest failure, other considerations notwithstanding.

And so, without much ado, here’s what I told them, and how they responded:
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For Gladys and Mitzi:

Thanks for the compliments and good wishes.

Indeed, it was a very hard decision to make on my part.. it has been a long standing offer from the Mayor and it took me 2 yrs and 2 mos. to decide on this one. Something's lost something's gain. Who lost, who gained, it doesn't matter to me.. I know that as you enter the golden era of your life, there are things much better than material considerations that you would opt for because they make you feel happier and more fulfilled.

A lot of people, on many instances, have thought of serving home, hometown and compatriots while maintaining some sense of financial security at the same time. My three children have graduated (two have good jobs), only one is studying.. my wife has a stable job. I have factored in all of these little blessings and came to the conclusion that I already have enough of what most people don't have. I am so lucky.. yet you can only say this when you wallow in humility.. man, by his nature is insatiable.. only those who see themselves as more blessed than the less fortunate majority will have time to think it's time to plough back the dividends in terms of public service with some sense of patriotism. Ultimately, this is what most people desire to be, but it is not possible all the time.. God made it that way.. that there are more people who should be on the receiving end to test the strength of values and virtues of the few He had chosen to give more so they are better situated to sow His love and peace. I feel fulfilled to even imagine that I am one of them.

People are expecting a lot from me, but I am not a superman; I have only the heart and mind and the sincere intention to make things happen. Rome was not built overnight. With a place like Pikit ravaged by war and a people whose psyche is influenced by fear, insecurity and polarity.. it makes tall order for anyone, even with the sincerest of intentions and highest of dedication and ideals, to make a difference too soon. But setting aside the odds, I would like to feel and believe that the little sacrifice is worth the challenge. (Mrs. Aguilar-trained yata ito.. hehehe..!)

I need people like you to rally behind these efforts. Supportive friends and positive thinking can also make the difference. Your prayers and good wishes will certainly inspire me.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mau

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From Gladys:

I am really happy when you announced your acceptance of the municipal administrator's post in Pikit. I have strong faith in your leadership and credibility. I like to fancy that I am a good judge of character and I am seeing a bright future for Pikit with you in that office. With you beside Mayor Sultan, Pikit is in good hands and heading towards the right path. You both have ties on both the people in power and the "taga sulod" so to speak. You are perfect for the post. I'm sorry about your financial loss that came with the decision to serve our town.. I know that was really a hard one considering the economy of the Philippines but it will pay off in some other ways, I really believe that. You have built yourself well with the expats through the blog and they have long been hopeful that Pikit will finally regain its rightful place and former glory.

Kabalo ba ka nga ang mga nakaila nimo diri sa U.S. especially your former classmates Boy Tordil and Mitzi are comparing you to the well respected S.K. Pendatun and Datu Udtog Matalam? They are always talking about the good old days in Pikit where the Muslims and Christians peacefully coexist under the leadership of these people. It takes a special human being to lead a highly volatile and extremely polarized town like our beloved Pikit. Every expat that I have met and talked with here in the US including Tita Igs of Sweden are very hopeful. I will pray that God will grant you the strength to lead our town out of the ditch where she's been stuck in the last four decades.

I know I'm rambling again and some of this unedited things that I'm saying won't make sense but hey, I'm just happy and excited. Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Balikan nato imong initial ugtas sa imong new position, ang kanang blow out. Mura ug mga automatic response kana sa mga tawo labi na sa gobyerno, hihihhihii, di gyud na mawala... You are not obliged to do it apan kanang mga kanahan mangluod ra ba na ug walay "blow out"!!

Ang akong suggestion, hala lutu-i ug dakong kumukunsi nga mura'g bitin nga anaconda kataas unya palinyaha matag empleyado sa munisipyo ug pagunita sa kumukunsi. Unya ug asa ka matunong didto lang ka pwede mu ingkib, tan awon tag di matagam, hehehehehe...(joke~~~)

I will continue to pray and support you. I believe you made the right decision for the sake of Pikit. You were offered a chance to make a difference and you accepted it, so thank you on behalf of the Pikitenos. It's going to be very challenging but there is no other person in that office more fit and deserving to run that Office. To him whom much is given, much is expected in return.

Sa tinuod lang no, before ka pa nag join sa blog, nakadungog na mi sa imong name diri. Dakkie imong klasmit mao man na sige ginasulti, lupig pa si John the Baptist sa pagka advance party para sa imong dramatic entrance, hehehehe. Ingon siya mura ug hayag hayag na daw ang future sa Pikit kay ang iya daw klasmit nga bright ug debater sa klase unya PhD pa gyud sa rural development ang administrator karun, charr~~~. Abi baya gyud namo ug dugay na kang municipal administrator diha!

I told your wife, my ka-friendster, nga naay mga klasmit nimo sa blog nga nangumusta sa imo like Rollie Altea, Bong Sanz, Boy Tordil, Terry Santos Nuesca, Mitzi De Sequera, Jowet Buendia, Joan Yuson, etc. That was the start of our "teamwork" which also helped bring out the Gemini in you as you acknowledge the Christines and Mae's buried deep within your subconscious, WAAAHHHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Perteng lipaya ni,

Gladys

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From Mitzi:

hi mau,

relax mau.....you are well liked and that's why people are happy that you will be joining the Pikit force...through you we have a voice.. we realize that you cannot do it alone....and your anxiety seems to reflect that... but you listen and you offer explanations behind the scenes which is a luxury for Pikitenos...i must say you have very good insights..and is realistic..tells me your mental health is ok..hahahaha..otherwise if you think you can do miracles for Pikit.. then i'll worry about your delusional mental status.....hehehehe..

here in hawaii..the locals speak broken english which they call " pidgin " and a common phrase they say when asked to do something is " if can..can........ if no can....no can". so mau, just try if "can". :) We are proud of you mau!

mitzi

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Conclusion: I under-reacted when the offer was made and over-reacted when it was time to accept it.