Simply JAY

                Have you been to an incident wherein someone seems to call your name then you said "yes" or acknowledged it by gestures or facial expressions, then the bad thing is, it is not you who's been called for? How does it feel? It sounds quiet funny yet you get the feeling of irritation, right? But, whether you like it or not, you have to accept with all of your heart that our names are also named  to other people either by just a coincidence or by intention. Well, if there is a person who has the same name as yours, put in mind that it may stands the same identity but it comes up with different meanings according to your personality and possessions.

               Our names are always speaking of who we are. Everyday, life is incomplete without our name being called. Others say, it is by destiny and some say it is by choice with a history. But, whatever it is, these distinct meanings were built by our own.

               I wonder why my parents named me Jay. I can't even find connections with their names (Maria Luz and Benjamin). I don't even get their point why they named me a three-letter combination, succinct yet mysterious. When I ask them about it, they just told me that they wanted a short name for me and forgot the whole thing what's behind it. But whatever reason they might say, i'm just so grateful that they named me so unique in the world that I've known.

               When you look for the definition of jay in the dictionary, you'll find that it is a noun which is a noisy European bird of the crow family with vivid plumage. Well, I can say that I am not that literally noisy person, I am the one who is "silence depends upon the mood and situation", adjusting unnecessary things and identifying elements to be eliminated imperfectly yet trying my best. My friends call me Jay, well, everybody calls me Jay and this name is mostly used by Americans influencing Filipinos. This is me, just simply Jay.

               I've been through experiences wherein my name comes a lot in common to other people. I'm used to it. It is widely used in a name combinations. This brings no problem in me, in fact, I feel so blessed having it, because every name that we have is a precious gift from above and I firmly believed that every name definitely named in you for a reason. It may be ill-defined to be understood now, but for sure someday you will.

BUTANDING (Protect and Preserve)

              Like humans, sea animals have the right to live here on Earth. They have also contribution in the ecosystem just to make it balance. These animals made our world beautiful yet some people did not even realize it's worth, sad to say but true. These people became predators especially on those remote islands wherein large quantity of these species exist. They've been caught and sold for big money that's why advocates of this giant sea animal alarmed for its extinction.

           It is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), Butanding for its local name. The species originated about 60 million years ago and can be found in the coastal areas in Africa, Mexico and mostly in Bicol Region, Cebu and Batangas here in the Philippines.

         Butanding travels across oceans usually close to the equator. They measure between 18 to 35 feet in length and weigh about 20 tons. They are easily recognized for their broad head and a random of white dots and lines along their backs. Their giant body projects its natural physical appearance. Their skin blooms in the blue ocean.

        In contrast to what their petrifying name seems to mean, these Butanding are not really dangerous living thing as not what we think. Butanding doesn't have the capability to bite and chew. They just easily suck in water with prey like plankton, shrimp, anchovy, small crabs and other small fishes. Their large and capacious mouth which can be up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) wide were lined with thousands of little teeth. These sharks have distinct spots in their skin that makes them unique in one another and are useful for counting populations. Butanding have two small eyes that are located towards the front of their flat head. Their body is majority grey with a white belly. Their tails have a larger upper than lower fin while the adult's tail becomes crescent in shape.

            The Philippine government declared the whale shark as an endangered species in 1998, together with the implementing of orders and coastal security. Moreover, these whale sharks improved the tourism campaign in the Philippines. There have been no cases of whale shark taking humans as prey otherwise fishermen hunt and plunder them as their source of income. Butanding can entertain people by their gentle not terrifying actions.   They just look scary but they are friendly and playful. We should realize their worth as a creature of God. Let's just think, for instance, whale sharks are like human too breathing to survive by means of their own. 

The VIP In My Life

         People always look for a place of comfort that make them feel important and prioritized. It's always a necessity in life yet some may find hardship in looking for it. But in my case, I already found the one who saves my life since the day of my existence until the day I die (hopefully) giving unconditional love, unlimited care and enough advice with extra hugs and kisses that makes me feel special to her. She taught me how to treat people as important as I am, so I have also the mutual feeling towards to her.
       Well, she's my mother. She is Maria Luz, an original Filipina beauty with fair complexion, a slim body molded by challenges and experiences in life and a natural hair and eye color. She was born on the dawn of September 22, 1970. She has the most genuine personality and a down to earth person I have ever known in my life. My mother never stops caring us. Waking up early in the morning just to cook for our food in breakfast. She knows what is best for us.
            I can consider my mother as my hero for she will do everything for me. As the Mother's day celebration is closely coming, I think it is time to pay back to her, to give her the most prestigious reward for she is the most important person in my life. <3