Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Last session

http://www.zcgvaz.com/i/LS.htm

Started 17 March 2008

Last Updated 21 October 2008 p

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When man stops loving God, his fellow men and all other creations of the Father … It is the real END.

May 2008 – January 2009

     The Santa Cruz de Mayo went with usual fanfare.  The girl who wrote the Easter Play was an active organizer.  As in the past, the Hermana Mayor in charge ran out of participating sagalas.  Her cousin once had to recruit one of her younger sisters and Lynn to be Reyna Mora and Reyna Ester respectively.  That night, spectators from Lynn’s barrio across the river noticed a slight irregularity.

     “Hey!  She’s ours.  They said pointing at her.”

     “She’s ours too.  The local people countered.  Her mother was from here.  She stays with relatives here as much as she does with those on your side.”

     “Well. We heard of people swimming between two rivers.  She crisscrosses the same one.”

     Everyone laughed.  When Lynn was much younger, that would have been resolved less amicably.  The Muslim girl had trouble recruiting participants also.  Her new barrio had Muslim residents.  It was a challenge to even hold the event.  Lynn, the Church Group members and the other teens in the center signed up their own relatives and friends.  No one wanted to be Reyna Mora.  The girl assumed the role.  She dressed in traditional Muslim style.  She was the only Islamic participant in the traditional procession commemorating the discovery of the true cross by St. Helena.  This supposedly Roman Catholic procession originally was held closer to Easter Sunday.  There was a Flores de Mayo celebration also with queens dressed up and walking through the entire neighborhood but to intercede for rain for the coming planting season.  It was celebrated appropriately with floral display.  The ‘Indios’ managed to continue their tradition by combining the two events and scheduling the unifeast on the more timely date.  So an Easter procession called Santacruzan with Roman Catholic overtones and prayers plus the cross became the grand Santa Cruz de Mayo to pray for rain.  Understanding that, the Islamic community agreed to hold it not just this year but also every coming year.  They have some crops too. 

     “I hope it does not rain!”  A Catholic relative of one of the queens was heard to say.  The Reyna Mora briefly held a finger on her lips.  A Church Group member jabbed the offender with an elbow.  They giggled a little but said no more.  Of course it would not be too pleasant to walk in the rain with all the finery but it may alleviate some of the problems brought on by global warming.

     School should start the following month.  The teens shall have new teachers and new subject matters to learn and ask the older ones about.  Summer jobs were successful but they were glad to handover most of the operations to their older relatives.  A few graduated from High School.  College education is a priority but may not be correspondingly attainable.  That would also mean travelling to the next city or Kaharian.  Tricycles and bankas do not go that far as of now.  Public transportation is undependable and crowded due to gasoline shortage and less affordable cost,

     “You can learn to fly.”  Dala teased and winked at Lynn who was glaring at her by then.  “… I mean by hot air balloon.”

     “That needs propane.”  Lynn reminded her.

     “At least half as much if I help.”

     “I have a headache.  You’ll need helium too.  Where do you plan to get them?”

     “We have sources in this country and all over Asia.  Poor countries have long learned to use alternatives to gasoline.  Did you know that propane is cleaner, non toxic, emits 12% less CO 2, 60 to 70% less smog producing hydrocarbons, less carcinogens like Benzoin and Toluene, 20% less Nitrous Oxide and 60% less Carbon Monoxide than gasoline?”

     “No.  What about helium?”

     “It is reusable.”

     Air Vinta started operations .  Dala was in charge of begging for fuel and volunteered to be the pilot but transport shall be  for school activities only.  She managed to also have an old but working system donated by an anonymous benefactor.

     “You are completely in charge.”  Lynn said.

     “Yes, Ma’m.”

     Not all problems were as easy to solve specially for the adults.  There were disputes over land for residence or farm use.  Fishing rights were usually owned by the old families.  New industries both in and out of the water are also in the hands of local residents.  Aside from ownership and user protocols, there was the ongoing regional biases and differences in styles of operation.  Each group is accusing the others of ruining both land and water ecosystems.  Trust or lack of it kept new and old time residents from cooperating with each other.  Building partnerships would be far from reality.  Al Qaida has ruined people in more ways than one.

     Lynn and the Mayor’s son have attended a couple of City Council meetings to present the youth’s plans for environmental and economical improvements.  They would also help build understanding and cooperation across the board.  Getting heard was difficult over some boisterous arguments.  Both knew that they have to try harder than planned.  The would be senior High School student emboldened by relative success during the Easter Play embarked on a plan.  With help from the City Recorder’s Office, he obtained statistics on how much the initial efforts of the teens helped the city.  It would be miniscule but it would be something and definitely a reversal of the previous deteriorating trend.  The City Recorder herself is going to present a plaque of appreciation to the teens and have a slide presentation about such favorable statistics.  Let everyone see a glimmer of light instead of the ever worsening gloom.

     “Be sure to be as convincing as you can.” Lynn reminded Dala, the City Recorder.  “You are the one who got me into this.”

     “I had to ask for help.”

     The Municipio  Town Hall was was crowded.  Lots of forgotten relatives greeted Lynn.  It was a little awkward addressing someone as ‘Sir’ Or ‘Ma’m’ to be advised later that she was supposed to know him or her.  The entire city may be related to her one way or the other.  The extended family system has been stretched quite a bit to go far beyond blood relationships.  It can be an advantage when running for public office but a disaster when one is to be responsible for settling differences.  Lynn has been in trouble for lacking delicadesa even during childhood.  It may be her downfall as an adult. 

     “Remember to make things subject to democratic procedure and judgment by local government.”  Lynn advised the Mayor and Dala.

     There were more Moros in the group than Lynn expected.  Their participation in public discussion can help the community tremendously but can also result in permanent division.  Both groups have multiple agendae not necessarily within the scheduled topic.  Lynn has to try to focus on the purpose of the meeting but be quick to recognize issues that may be urgent and critical in the success of creating willingness to work together for the goal scheduled to be discussed.  Cooperation achieved for one thing makes it easier to do so for other things. 

     “Break the anger, mistrust and blind antagonism.”  She reminded herself constantly.

     The mayor greeted the crowd and officially started the meeting.  Dala was introduced.  Lynn was not.  She was one of the interested attendees.  So was the mayor’s son.  The teens from the center sat in different places.  Someone was supposed to take notes to discuss later.  Dala presented the long range plan for the youth in the community.  She cited activities already started and those still in the planning stages.  She quoted numbers and percentages that went over most listeners heads but carefully noted by those in business, education, city management, law enforcement, military and church groups.  At the end, a plaque of appreciation was awarded to the promising new civic minded organization … ‘The Vinta Teens’.  Armando tried to push the mayor’s son forward to receive the award.  He ducked  behind a chair.  The Church Group member in charge of the Teen Center stepped forward laughing and shaking her head at the same time.  A reporter wanted a picture of the group.  They posed for one while the Teen Center Coordinator accepted the plaque from the mayor.  Armando kept the mayor’s son from running away.

     Then it was time for farther business.  The Muslim barrio was still the location of multiple drug raids.  These involved those not participating in the Teen Center’s activities.  The Muslim teens looked concerned and embarrassed.  The Muslim adults were defensive.  The Catholic adults were ready to pass their verdict in absencia.  The mayor used the gavel several times.  Armun spoke.

     “I was on drugs.  Today, I received an award along with other Muslim teens and our Catholic friends and mentor.  For a while, being lost in a chemical world was the only way for me to cope with life.  I was wrong then but I am right today.  Things are not permanent.  Things change but changes have to be systematically caused to happen.”

     Armun grew up amidst the chaos ln Mindanao.  It was fashionable for pre teen and older youth to be emulating TV and movie stars.  It was a panacea.  All the good stuff promoted sounded good.  It was heaven.  It was glamorous.  Depending on the public images popular at the  time, poverty was out of the picture.  Cars, outings and booze and drugs were in.  Guns and explosives were not new but reinforced the actual local reality.  Local violence was better than Hollywood imitations.  Hostage taking and beheading were local signs of originality and ingenuity.  It was all drama until it actually hurt and resulted in a broken leg in addition to bruises.  His best friend was murdered later by unknown assailants.  His teacher was among those kidnapped.  The family and clergy were unable to come up with enough money for ransom.  Some luckier ones with connections had been released through the benevolence of unknown benefactors.  Some ambitious adventurers seeking  admittance to the new power were sent abroad for travel and education.  Armun was among those offered the chance to have a better life for himself and his family.  Others have already gone.  They attended Madras schools to re-learn the Koran.  Then they were sent to Afghanistan and Pakistan for skills.  Armun became suspicious.  Al Qaida operatives were already around.  Those who went had unusual interpretations of the Koran which they spelled Qu’ran when they returned.  They focused a lot on Shihites being the inheritors of Muhammad’s legacy.  There was a lot of animosity against Sunnis who killed Muhammad’s grandson and rightful heir.  Armun did not know of Shihites and Sunnis.  The local tribes were not affiliated with or related to either one and did not worry about being in the so called correct family who would give rise to someone called Ihmam Mahdi.  He was supposedly lost at the time the prophet Muhamad’s grandson was killed in a succession struggle.  If they were so sure who he was why are the two groups confused about which family he belonged to?  Will he come regardless of family affiliation and restore peace and prosperity to all?  If not, all Armun’s relatives and countrymen do not need Ihmam Mahdi.  The Filipino Muslims are neither Shihite nor Sunni.  They were originally descendants of neighboring countries.  The Shri Visjaya empire and Majapahit empire included the Philippines for centuries.  They were from as far as India.  The Chinese settled even before them but never in the South.  The tribes in Mindanao simply became more consolidated.  They stayed among themselves in Mindanao and of course have become well known for fiercely defending their territory.  Muslim contact did not occur till around 1276 when Jolo, the biggest island in the Sulu Archipelago, became a major trading stop in the sea route.

       According to narrations, in ’1380, a group of Sufi tablig missionaries led by Karim ul-Makhdum arrived and converted a large segment of the Tausug inhabitants to Islam.  Makhdum was responsible for the founding of the first mosque in the Philippines at Tubig-Indangan on Simunul Island near Jolo.’ 

     ‘Najeeb Saleeby quotes from one historical narrative as follows: “Some time after there came Karimul Makdum.  He crossed the sea … in a Sarip.  He settled at Bwansa, the place where the Tagimaha nobles lived.  There the people flocked to him from all directions, and he built a house of worship.”   By late in the fourteenth century, Jolo had become a significant port of entry.  In 1450, Sayyid Abu Bakr, an Arab from Saudi Arabia, established the sultanate in Jolo.  His sphere of influence covered such a wide territory that his kingdom was known as the Suluk Empire. The sultans of Sulu have all claimed descent from him.”’ 

     When the Spanish Conquistadores arrived a few centuries later,  Mindanao resisted and was never conquered.  The Muslim inhabitants were called Moros by the unsucessful  foreigners because the former reminded the latter of the Moors.  When the Americans came, they did not succeed either and had to develop a weapon to stop attacking Moros who came running forward even when mortally wounded and on their last breath.  The Pershing Magnum revolver was invented to stop them on their tracks.  The Japanese with all their training and discipline had no trophies either.  Al Qaida chose the correct breed to entice to their side.  It was the promise of overcoming the ills of poverty and social deprivation that helped them gain such a foothold.

     Armun was young but wise.  He refused.  He also stopped joining other local activities and distanced himself from old ‘friends’.  That was when he was accosted in the dark by strangers.  Aside from injuries, he also started shaking uncontrollably.  His father wrote Armun’s sister who was studying in Kaharian.  She advised their parents to ask Armun about drugs.  He realized it was very possible though he did not have injections but must have ingested things frequently in the past.   He smoked their cigarettes and took some pain pills and other pills.

     “ … other pills?”

     The people laughed.

     “They said they were good for me.”

     … more laughter.

     “Hey!  I felt good.  What can I say?”

  Their parents did not dare to report thr situation to authorities.  They moved away as soon as they could.  They left all their property and means of livelihood.  They were worried about further symptoms Armun may come up with later but he was alive at least.  That was a good start.

     “Shaking and terror were miserable.  I would suggest Medical help for others.”

     “Your parents were brave.  They did the right thing.”  A teacher said.

     “If it happens here, we want to know about it.”  A policeman added.  “We have to control the upsurge of this danger to the community.”

     “If it was glamorous to do those things that led to being hooked on drugs, we need to start something almost or more glamorous for our kids to do.”  The teacher suggested.  “The Teen Center already made a headstart.  Perhaps we can all pitched in to add more glamorous activities.”

     “One of our girls hopes to open her own dance studio someday but that would be years from now taking for granted that she gets the capital.”  Someone said.

     “Start a Performing Arts Program right there in the center.”  Another person amended.

     “In 1996, the Moros signed a peace treaty with the government.”  A soldier from the local military camp stated.  “That was a rarity and did not last forever but we had a break for a brief period.  A graduate of the Military Academy befriended the youth where he was stationed in Mindanao.  They thought that was neat.  Follow the leader can be more than a game.  That led to the treaty when the adults followed also.”

     “We have ROTC in school.”  The teacher continued.

     “That is much, much later.  Children need to be inspired a lot earlier.”

     “Are you suggesting having baby cadets parading all over the city?”  The policeman half joking but inwardly serious asked.

     “As young as practically possible.  At what grade level do school children march in parades?”

     “ … around fourth grade.”

     “If they keep pasing and are drug free, they qualify for Intermediate Grade Cadet category, then High School Cadet later.  They get to participate in Athletics, sports and Martial Arts.  This can be an incentive to pursue the real career if their police records are clear and Academic performances good.”

     “Who pays for the uniforms and do the training?”

     “Someone may be interested in the rental business.  The families do not have to buy one every year.”

     “The military may be interested in inviting the youth early to join the army.  Volunteers are getting less and less worldwide.  Private schools may increase their status by training more elite groups and have private instructors.”

     “Will they hire a poor soldier for that?”

     “I think the young man that lives by the mountains would be a better candidate/”

     Dala and Lynn exchanged anxious glances.

     “I saw him practicing some fancy movements not too long ago.  That old man with him was good too.  I bet they have been trained by Bin Ladin’s men.  They can teach the military ways to fight Al Qaida.  Then we can have hope to survive.”

     “Who are you talking about?”  The soldier asked.

     “I think the young man is Ihmam Mahdi.  He was only three years old when he disappeared.”  Abu Taas said.  “We believe that when the conditions on earth get so bad, he will return to bring back peace and prosperity.  The Shihites think he is from their family.  The Sunnis think he is from theirs.  He is the rightful heir of Muhammad so both claim to be his relatives.”

     “That is why they fight against each other.”  A member of the Taussugs added.

     “Are there Shihites and Sunnis here?”  The mayor asked worriedly.

     “No.”  A Maguindanao man replied.  “The Moros of the Philippines were originally the early settlers from neighboring areas.  When Sufi merchants from Arabia started going to Sulu for trade, one of them married a princess in Maguindanao.  The others just came for trade.  Anyhow, Sufis are mystic.  They are less likely to cause war.  They also knew of the Ihmam Mahdi but do not claim family ties and rights to Muhammad’s leadership.  However, there is Dajjal who is the counterpart of Antichrist.  He can cause havoc and has probably already done irreparable damage.”

     “I think the man Abu Taas saw near the mountains is Dajjal.”

     “Ahhhh!...”  A Muslim woman wailed.  “We escaped Mindanao and got closer to the devil?”

     “No.”  Another Muslim woman objected.  “He is the Ihmam Mahdi.  He even has a royal guard watching over him.”

     “You are both wrong.”  The leader of the Bantay Lupa at Bukid interjected.  “He is a pawn of the NPA or the old HUKS who still believe they have the right to take farms from landlords.”  They have not given up.”

     “Those are the HUKS who were indoctrinated by Chinese Communists but are now called NPA as you said.”  A farmer joined the discussion.

     “They have never been in this area previously.  They are too close for comfort.”

     “I know.  My mother inherited land just South of here and we cannot sell it.  There are HUK squatters occupying it.  My uncle has orchards nearby but he is afraid to develop it because the family may be prime target for kidnapping for ransom.  It is sad because both properties could very well produce food and coconut oil.”

     “There goes one possible source of gasohol!”

     “We were squatters too but we moved out after things were explained to us better.”  A Moro woman said.

     “We came not to grab property but simply return to what we perceived to be our old home by virtue of ancestral rights.”  A man explained.  “We are not lawyers.  We were refugees with no malicious intent.”

     “That has been clarified since.”  The mayor verified.  “We explained that the Philippines underwent several waves of immigration, occupation, invasion with corresponding changes in government and laws.  The oldest we can quote is the Code of Kalantiaw.  That probably is as ancient as the Code of Hamurabi.  Ownership has been defined through the changes and systems of procurement, payment and proof have similarly been delineated.  All of us have ancient ancestors that settled and moved around but we do not go by that for proof of ownership or staking a claim.  We now have land titles that are legally documented and filed in each area.”

     “We thank you for the extra effort to find us a place to relocate and even build mosques.  It prevented longstanding conflict.”

     “I hope this man does not cause any after all that effort.”

     “Let us hope that none of the Al Qaidas lure him to their fold.”

     “That would be the biggest disaster of the century.  He can beat us all singlehandedly.”

     “ No, he is just loko.”  A man said.  “An old timer said he descended from the ancient Luconias now known to be in Palawan.  If not loko, he is a manananggal.”

     “You cannot possibly believe in that.”

    “ Some people in the South say they still see some occasionally.”

    “I saw him talking to himself and fighting an invisible enemy.  If not loko, he is on drugs or possessed by the devil.  He is a problem no matter which way we look at him.”

     “There are still some Mangkukulams around.  I bet someone put him under a bad spell.”  Another woman said.

     “We’ll check.”  The policeman said.

     “Need help with background check?”  The soldier asked.

     “Yeah!”

     Lynn and Dala could not wait to get out.  Each found a reason to leave.

     “Now what?”  Lynn asked after closing the door of Dala’s office and glancing at the window.

     “Bad news!” Dala whispered.  Uncle Siro flashed an urgent message.  “We need to proceed with THE PLAN.”

     “I have not convinced Fr. Arnie yet.”

     “I’ll speak with him myself.  Go back in there and find out what everyone is thinking of and what they know or suspect.  If you do not here from me, just be there at the correct time.”

     “10 – 4.”

     The session was a little out of order.  The gavel was literally drowned by arguments from different sides.  Political debates were simpler to follow.  There were more sides in the one being tossed around.

     The environment is everyone’s responsibility.  We all have to do with its health or death.  It is not the end of our city or the world.  We have to do a lot of things all at the same time.  Every little thing helps so we need all of your efforts.”  The mayor tried to explain.  “Of course we cannot tackle everything by ourselves.  We sha;; need outside technology and funds.”

     “Where?”

     “Who?”

     “What?”

     “The river problem is secondary to global warming and pollution and has been included in the Lake and Rivers Watch Plan written in 1967.   We thought it was urgent to do something then but a lot of things happened.  We have to pick up where we left.  It is going to be at least twice as difficult.  Things have gone a lot worse.  If nothing is done, Malaki River will dry up in 10 yrs.  Dredging is urgent. A  Bantay Ilog member groaned. 

     “That is a Band Aid solution only.   More permanent solutions are needed.”

     “We all know that but we have to at least keep the water flowing before it dries completely.

     “Maybe a mountain of gold will be seen when it does.”  A Muslim said.

     “Ilog Malaki is not the Euphrates, folks.”  A stranger said.  “I just happened to be in the area to view your so called beautiful waterways.  I stumbled into black, smelly canals instead.  What happened?”

     “Decades of neglect a disgusted local resident  replied.

     “I believe that.  I happened to read a previous write up earlier.  I should have looked for a follow up report.”

     “Do us a favor and write your honest opinion and submit a copy to all candidates for office.”

     “The time is right.”

     “I don’t think so.  We always had more pressing issues to resolve before looking into this one.”

     “That’s not it.  Maganda had their river and city improved.  Now their river is an asset not an embarrassment.”

     “There is quite a difference between us and Maganda.  Their river is readily accessible to foreign visitors.  Ours is not.  We have to display it in all its unglamorousness next time we have dignitaries from different countries.”

     “ … or get someone from CNN here.”   Someone added.  He can interview relatives of the twenty four hostages taken from Bacu Ship on January 2007.  Members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Nigerian Delta used them against their government before the April elections.  That was bad publicity broadcasted worldwide.  That was a case of uneven distribution of wealth and improvements in their locaility.  Nigeria was the top oil producer in Africa in 2006.  Africa was the sixth biggest one in the world.  Of course the Philippines is relatively poor and has no oil production.  We cannot ask for magic but at least get necessary remedies for our problems.  We can be an asset with help.”

     “The help may be difficult to get.”

     “I am an Environmentalist.”  The stranger explained.  “The help may have to start with you.  If you attract enough attention to even minor improvements from local effort,  The government may suddenly notice you and follow your example.  Different countries around the world are in the same shape.  They end up in conflict precisely to alleviate deteriorating conditions.  Conflict results in more violence and destruction worsens the environment.  Start with peace and good example.”

     “That sounds good but does not outline actual measures to be omplemented.  We have to understand the causes of our problem and the possible ways we can lessen the damage from them.  We specifically need to know exactly the measures within our limited capability to start and in what order of priority.”

     “Great!  You hit steps one and two head on.  May we appoint you as spokesman for the group?”

     “OOO … ooo … ooopppps!” 

     The mayor smiled and stepped out after ordering the secretary to take notes.  He gave his son a ‘thumb up’ signal and a wink on his way out.

     The guest Environmentalist had a simple advise. 

     “Reverse CO2 effect or the area is going to get flooded.”

     “I thought we were drying up …”  A Bantay Ilog exclaimed.

     “Drying up is the most obvious change.  Most of us do not realize that there is anything wrong till we get to this point.  By this time, changes are already severe.”

     “Is it too late to do anything?”

     “It is more difficult and expensive to do corrective actions but not too late.  There are two basic things to remember.  First, control the rise of Carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere and second, prepare to counteract being swallowed up by the sea.  There is a long list of things to do but they basically fall under these two categories.”

     “I am a simple fisherman.” An old local resident said.  I know that Carbon dioxide is what animals breathe out and plants breathe in but I get lost in its connection to the river.  I can see where the fish can die because it lacks oxygen and chokes with too much Carbon dioxide.  That still does not explain shrinking of the river.”

     “I know.  TV people and world leaders squabble about these gases but do not explain to the public what the environmental side effects are and how they happen. 

     “CO 2 or Carbon dioxide is the gas that forms some kind of a blanket around the earth keeping us warm.  Otherwise, the entire world will be like Alaska and worse.  We who live in this zone will not know how to survive.  In some planets colder than Alaska, no living thing survives.”

     “That is far worse.”  The man sighed.   ”I guess we need the CO 2.”

     “Yes.  The problem is having too much.  It gets too hot.  Plants die.  Rivers and lakes shrink.  Fish die.  Man gets hungry and fight others for land in a cooler area or for food.  When we eat each other, you and I will not want to be around.”

     “That is when it is too late.”

     “Yes.  Before that happens, the inside of the earth gets too hot also and volcanoes start to boil inside and shake everything around them.  The dry earth crackes and solid joints rupture.  We experience earthquakes, volcanic mega eruptions and possible division of continents just like in ancient times.  The center of the earth melts causing iron containing particles to flow to newly formed canals changing the shape and direction of the central magnetic line.  The planet tilts to one side or the other and the North and South Poles change locations on and off.  Scientists call that ‘magnetic anomaly’ or ‘Reversal of the Poles’.  It means the compass reading would be opposite of what is expected based on the map.  The compass needle points to the strongest source of magnetic pull.  When the mass of molten iron flows elsewhere, the compass will point to the new location.  If the mass of iron divides into two, the compasss needle points to which ever exerts the stronger pull at the time.  Remember that the strength of pull may also depend on the distance between the source and the compass.  It will confuse travelers specialy by air and sea.  Non scientists think those words mean that the world literally turns upside down.”

     “It is already that way to me.”

     “Before , during or after that, the glaciers or ice mountains in the North and South Pole will melt and dump their equivalent in liquid water into the oceans.  The sea level rises worse than a high tide.  Some islands and coastlines will disappear.  In the meantime, the warm air will warm the sea waters causing massive evaporation of water that they form storm winds all over the planet.  Tsunamis can be routine.  Methane and other flammable gases have already been observed to rise to the ocean water’s surface.  They are fire hazards.  Can you imagine sudden explosions and fire coming in with the waves?”

     “No.  I dare not think.  Maybe I would move to cooler country.”

     “Cold countries are already warming up and experiencing unexpectedly bad storms.  They have one disaster after another.  They are also more prone to reflex cooling.  They already were surprised to have record snow storms and bad winters.  That was another reason that well off Northern countries did not take the threat of global warming seriously at first.  They thought the Environmentalists made the wrong weather prediction.  Now they are more worried because they were in worse shape the last two times this happened.  When the glaciers melted severe f;ooding of farmlands ruined their crops.  When the surface ocean water near the glaciers did not get warmed by water from the South Atlantic soon enough, they formed sheets of ice covering large farms, towns, cities.  Complete villages had to move elsewhere.  The ice reflected the sun’s rays and prevented warming of the land and frozen ice sheets.  It got colder and when the glaciers loosened from the surfaces they were on, these ice mountains plowed into the land.”

     “I’ll stay put.”

     “If you live close to the shore or anyplace that would be inundated by the sea, it may be wiser if not mandatory to move anyhow.  If the sea can be prevented from flowing into the population, then you can stay.  If you can utilize the power of the sea to provide your needs, teach the world how to do it.  Water is going to be everywhere and can be the most available resource.  That is the mountain of gold your friend was talking about.  Learn to use it.  There are many ways.”

     “Sir, what is the latest goal set by the experts?”

     “Bangkok’s Tom Lerland, a ‘Climate Change’ expert with the European Union, urged all to limit global temperature rise to 2degrees C versus the 10 degrees C expected by 2050 otherwise most of the world’s coastlines and whole islands will disappear in 10+ years with 3 Ft or more sea level elevation.”  We hope to accomplish this by limiting fuel to non fossil sources.  Even just a 2 degrees C rise will result in up to 2 million people with water shortage by 2050 and 20 to 30% species extinction.  It is generally thought that 2050 is the point of no return.  The climate changes shall be irreversible by then.  That is when it would be too late unless we all die before then.

     The EU is providing millions of dollars for energy efficient projects to developing countries and support policies that that the local people themselves can implement to increase their energy efficiency and security.  China, the second top polluter said rich nations are responsible for accumulated pollution and should take the lead in control.  US and Australia  refused to sign the Kyoto agreement because large countries such as China and India were  not going to be held to the Carbon Dioxide emission limitation.”

     “That was the reason!  Most people worldwide just thought the US President was a typical ugly American.  His countrymates thought he was a typical cocky cowboy without a horse.”

     “The last summit recommended that all countries work towards the goal of limiting the global 10 year temperature elevation by all possible means.  He voiced that view in Australia and each time he spoke afterwards.”

     Later, the American delegate was embarrassed in Indonesia.  The message for America then was ‘ .. if you cannot lead us, get out of the way.’  The agreement to save the world’s forests was signed then.  Of course, at this time, the Indonesia Tsunami was fresh in everyone’s mind and was the reason behind Indonesia’s proposal.

     “I noticed that the American president also previously stressed in Australia that it was everyone’s responsibility.  I was confused with the previous system of exchanging CO 2 credits.  I thought CO 2 emission level was a liability.  Then I realized that it was about a country producing too much CO 2 exchanging money for good marks with a country emitting far less than the limit.  That allows excess emitters to continue bad habits and the low emitters being paid for condoning the culprits.  The total global CO 2 and temperature elevation can actually get worse in the meantime.”

     “True.  In that set up some countries will not do their share and even drive all of us to certain failure.  That is why it was correct to refuse the system initially.” 

     “However, if we get everyone to realize that we have to work towards the same goal or we sink together, the system of exchanging credit for money can actually encourage high emitters to cut their emission by subsidizing their effort in exchange for more credits for the supporting country.  That would result in everyone winning.”  The mayor’s son corrected himself.

     “You’re smart.  What do you plan to pursue after high school?”

     “I’m not sure yet.  My father is dreaming of having a doctor in the family.  I prefer to go into Law.”

     “You can join my team instead.  How many more years do you have?”

     “I’m a senior.”

     “I’ll be back in a few months before I return to Bangkok.  Here’s my card.  My e-mail and website addresses are on it too.   You can get more details on recent plans for fighting global disaster anytime.  There is a lot of information on simple ways to use water energy to produce electrc power and ways to convert a raging sea or useless waterway into well controlled flow channels to use with certain devices.  You can have a combination of different techniques.  Of course you automatically ensure safety of the population by damming the inflow of flood waters and imprroving the flow through the non functioning waterways.”

     “That alone would be lifesaving.  The rest is long term insurance.”  

     “If you get interested in Geophysical Science, a scholarship grant may be available.  In the meantime, you can send a copy of your report cards and three letters of recommendation directly the University address.”

     “Wow!  Thanks but …”

     “Do you have commitments?”

     The mayor’s son looked across the room.

     “I’ll be back.”  The environmentalist said.  He followed the youth’s gaze and understood.  When climate changes take their toll on the patience of man as we see all over the world,  multiple chaos become massive chaos and lead to WW3.”

     “I never thought of it before!”  Abu Taas suddenly rejoined the conversation.  “WW3 is WWW.  W is the 6^th letter in the Arabic alphabet.”

     It was way after Lynn’s usual lunch hour when she rushed to the nearby cafeteria.

     “Good!”  Fr. Arnie sighed with relief.  “This place does not serve dinner.”  He pulled a chair for Lynn at the table and waved at the waitress.

     “Tired of drinking water?  It is too long before the next mixing of water and wine.”  She teased.  “This is not the place anyhow.

     “I would prefer to do it here than where Dala planned.”

     “You’re not doing it anyhow.  I am  … unless you and Dala changed the plan in the meantime.”

     “No.  You go ahead and do it.  I had enough trouble explaining my minimal involvement with this historic event to my upper ups.”

     “What did they say?”

     “… just like you guesed and a whole three hours worth of the same.”

     “Well?”

     “We have to keep this completely secret.”

     Lynn started to mention possible breeches of security based on what she heard the people said they already noticed and thought.  Fr. Arnie looked very worried.  He agreed it was critical to go ahead.  It can be a huge fiasco and he would certainly be in trouble.  At least he managed to get guarded limited leniency by his superiors.  He is acting on his own but the entire ordr would be on fire if something goes awry.

     There was no Psychiatrist in the area to consult about the absence of brain or mental Pathology causing Sigaw’s behavior.  The local doctors were unwilling to do home visits in these modern era to rule out Neurologic or Endocrine problems.  It was not advisable to take Sigaw to someone’s office or a Medical facility for any evaluation.  Fr. Arnie has known Dala since Elementary School.  He is also Lynn’s cousin.  That was probably the only reason he decided to help.  He was worried about her safety.  He also was the only combination lawyer, Sociologist, Psychologist, priest willing to risk involving his name in case of a public inquiry.

     “I know your father would have done the same if one of us asked for help.”  Fr. Arnie said.  “He stuck his neck even for non-relatives when he thought it was justified.  Our family sticks together.  The older members of this area supported each other.  That was the main factor that helped us through World War II.”

     Early the next morning, Fr. Arnie picked up Lynn from the old house of her grandparents.

     “Arnie’s here.”  Her aunt announced. 

     They slipped into the backyard and the small bamboo dock.  He held the dugout canoe steady while she stepped into it.  He paddled the banka towards the South.  Some folks were already on the river headed the opposite direction towards the church. 

     “You’re going the wrong way.”  Someone shouted.  Others laughed.

     “We’re getting the Air Vinta ready.”  He explained.  “We are giving rides for donation to the River Project.  Those who cannot go beyond the constriction at the bend can continue to the lake by air.”

     “Sounds good.  Keep dry.  When the burner gets wet your bubble will collapse.”

     Dala, Samara and Elo were setting up the hot air balloon on the East Bank when they arrived.  Some of the teens were helping.  Some were learning the steps in the Start Up Procedure.  Siro was not there.  His job was to get a sonar map of all activities and relay his findings to Dala.  Dala gets to pilot the balloon.  Samara and Elo do the ground work with the teens helping or observing.

     Sta. Anang Banak is a yearly tradition celebrating the feast of St. Anne.  The fluvial procession has been the main event as far back as both Fr. Arnie and Lynn could remember.  Way back during the heyday of the Parish during Spanish times, the town fiesta lasted as long as a month on some years.  There was dancing, lots of food, things to see or buy, ‘Comedias’ to watch, beauty pageants and games.  The activities became less through time.  This year, the procession was almost cancelled.  The river was too narrow, shallow, blocked by mases of water lilies and littered by thrash.  The float for the statue and priest plus entourage would not be able to navigate through all those obstacles.  No, the procession cannot be cancelled.  It can be limited to a short portion of the river.  There may not be room for people to paddle freely in different directions to hand or throw edible gifts to each other on the river or along the banks to people waiting for handouts on their private bamboo docks.  Lynn did not know the reason for all these till much later.  She always looked forward for the thrill of getting her favorite goodies and giving away some.  No one ever threw her anything.  They came right beside the dock and placed suman on her hand.  She had a reputation for dropping things.  She also was never handed a balut.  The cooked duck’s egg with a developing embryo  delicacy was not her favorite.  She was known as the only local girl who did not like balut.

     “What would your aunt say?”

    “She will just laugh and give me something else.”

     The river used to swell this time of the year and by this time, fishermen would have made a bounty with the fish caught in this very river.  The most abundant was ‘banak’ known in English as mullet.  So the feast was named ‘Sta. Anang Banak’ to thank St. Anne for her blessing.

Hilaga.jpg

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     “At least both directions look clear for passage at this point.” Fr. Arnie said.  “They did an excellent job clearing the water lilies.”

     “They did a perfect job!  I don’t see any.  The mayor made it clear to the people that we need to make the river look presentable.  The fiesta is our chance to prove to the government that our river is worth saving.  Intensive advertisement has been done.  We are going to be loaded with guests and scrutinizing eyes.”

     “The balloon ride better work so the authorities see the area that needs the most work to get the system flowing again the way it did in the olden days.”

     “The river banks look too crowded with houses.  The waterways used to look like highways to eternity.  Now they look choked by civilization.  The Timog … South section looked of the air ride lessens the disappointment of not being able to paddle all the way to where the lake is visible cut off.  The balloon has to take over earlier than we thought.  Hopefully the thrill.”  

      It took about half an hour to set up the hot air balloon.  Fr. Arnie helped too.  Lynn was ordered to stay out of everyone way.  She did.

     The winds were moving the correct direction.  Dala took them past the narrowest portion of the river and made a right angle turn to the mountains on the East.  They landed farther East away from any passersby’s view.

     “Is this the lungga occupied by the Japanese towards the end of the war?”  Fr. Arnie asked. 

     “Yes.”  Dala affirmed.

     “Did they know that they had company?”

     “There was a rumor about ghosts and mysterious disappearances here long before they moved in.  It was expected but they counted on  that to discourage townsfolk from getting too close.  No one came until someone was brave enough to ride a horse all the way to the North entrance and deliver a message to the commander. He was chased away with bullets.  People still believe this place is haunted or booby trapped.  Ready?”

     “I already survived a few visits.  What is one more time?”

     Siro met them at the South entrance.  They went through a tunnel going upwards and into a chamber that Dala had turned into a gathering place.  Samara and Elo stayed outside.  Dala and Lynn disappeared into a door.  Siro pointed to a different room.  This was Siro’s suite.  There was a Ceremonial Place complete with an altar that Dala and Lynn set up earlier.  They dressed up in Siro’s chamber and returned to the Ceremonial Place.  Lynn and Dala soon joined them.  Quickly, Lynn started the simple ceremony for Dala’s Confirmation and elevation to all the different levels of ordination.  Fr. Arnie was the sponsor for all steps.  Finally it was time for ordination to priesthood.  He gave her away.  Dala has become a priest with all the all the responsibilities, authorizations and powers to go with it.  She said her first mass and consecrated the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for the first time.  Then she as priest baptized Siro.  Lynn was the sponsor.  Then Lynn proceeded with Siro’s Confirmation and elevation up to Exorcist.  Fr. Arnie was the sponsor.  They prayed to St. Michael to help them with rheir coming encounter with Bulkan and Dilim and asked the Blessed Virgin Mary and her mother St. Anne to intercede for them.       “I wish you luck with all the things you have to do next.  I shall report everything that transpired to my supervisors and beg them to keep praying for your success.  Please be careful.”

     “We plan to.”  Siro promised.  We’ll shield your cousin with our own physiques and spirits.  Thank you very much.  You are part of our family now.”

     “I am honored.”

     Samara and Elo were still outside.  They flew back to the narrow portion of the river and landed on the East bank where prospective riders were waiting in line.  The Parish Priest was at the very front.  The Mayor was with him.

     The teens collected the donations and handed each one a flight voucher.  The most frequent question asked was how much the fare was.  The universal reply was whatever their hearts would allow.  Of course, the sky was the limit.  Most donations were just above ground level but every cent was needed and quickly accepted.  There were curious people from other locations.  A balloon ride was a first for all of them.  Government officials from nearby cities and towns were interested in the cost of the project and operations procedures.  The military camp officials simply wanted to make sure that Dala’s crew did not cross flight lines used by their planes and helicopters.  They gave suggestions on how to coordinate and report flight plans with the local air control authorities and make arrangements to do the same with destination control towers.  Yes, she had a permit and license to operate the craft.

     “It is all legal.”  The mayor confirmed.”

     “Did you assign guardian angels to fly with them?”  One soldier teased the priest.

     “It is not within my power but so I sent my special request to the High One.”

     Fr. Arnie showed up for the next meeting with the Environmentalist from Bangkok. 

     “How are your sessions in Lungga faring?”  He asked.

     “Not too well.”  Lynn replied.  “Dilim manages to get the upper hand each time.  Bulkan is in the way and makes it easy for Dilim to manipulate Sigaw.”

     “I was afraid of that.  Though Sigaw has been victimized for ages, he has not  sacrificed Bulkan to free himself from Dilim.”

     “Would you consider …”

     “Hi!”  Fr. Arnie stood up to greet an old classmate he has not seen for years.

     Lynn’s brother showed up.

     “What’s this about representatives from Tokyo and Beijing?”

     “Singapore would be great but they are still in the process of building their high-Tech defense against massive flooding and their innovative water purification and conservation systems.  They were lucky that Mother Nature decided to visit Mayanmar instead of them.  We do not want any interference with their progress.  Too bad, they could not help Mayanmar.  Of course, what happened in Mayanmar is exactly what we can expect here.  One additional problem we have is the presence of a fault and probably a volcano.  Beijing is already handling the last two.”

     “Why Beijing and not Tokyo?”

     “Both countries are well advanced in channeling water flow.  Japan has extensive channels to divert flood waters into as well as house their communications and energy control network.  Beijing is working on the impossible Yangtse River dam over a fault and control of river flow in its massive collection and drainage area.  Building a small scale here is just like putting together a display model for all the world to see.  That’s good PR for them and salvation for us.  We can’t lose.”

     “Is that all?”

     “Japan already has good PR.  They may not be too motivated to build something for us.  However, we can request examples of future hydrogen cell powered electric vehicles to demonstrate their energy efficiency and non-transportation extras.”

     “… such as …”

     “ … ability to supply emergency electricity to important buildings and even the electricity grid.  An ambulance that goes far during a black out during a gasoline embargo in the middle of a typhoon at midnight would be appreciated.  A car that can also be a back up source of power to the police and fire station during the same conditions would be very helpful.  I’ll ask for one to be donated to the church and Teen Center.  The Governor of California already hopes to have Recharging Stations at appropriate intervals along streets and highways.  He placed his dream on hold when the idea of electric cars remained as such.”

     “You realize of course that Beijing may be in bad light because of the Tibet and Darfur conflicts and the local people are still leary of Japanese presence.”

     “That’s why I am targeting the church and Teen Center as joint receipients for the hydrogen cell powered vehicle.  The people remember most the activities cariied by the Japanese in our church and rivers.  Today’s teens have been told of what was considered desecration of holy places by holding public meetings inside the church and identification of suspected members of the resistance in the front patio or plaza.  A gesture of kindness to the area may soften the remaining antagonism.”

     “I hope that does not flare up during the discussions.”

     “It won’t.”  The Environmentalist said.”  Their delegate is not coming.  I’ll mention their plan which happens to be identical to yours.”

     Dala showed up.  Lynn told her about Fr. Arnie’s theory.  They need a completely different strategy.  All those in contact with Sigaw must assume that they are also in contact with Bulkan.  To date, everyone has been focusing on driving Dilim away.  No one thought of what happens to Bulkan when that happens abruptly.  It is assumed that it would be freedom for both Sigaw and Bulkan.  Yes but Bulkan has pledged allegiance to Dilim.  Dilim would keep returning.  In addition, It was Dilim that ordered him to get into Sigaw’s body and made it possible.  Bulkan is trapped in Sigaw with or without Dilim.  Someone else has to get him out.  If he leaves Sigaw, he would die and his soul will follow Dilim anyhow.  Sigaw may know this and is stubbornly hanging on to him.  Bulkan has to be offered salvation, converted, baptized and then expelled.  He can actually help repel Dilim even before getting out of Sigaw.

     The mayor’s son approached them.  The girl who wrote the skit was with him.  The mayor’s son decided to apply for scholarship in Bangko.  The girl would also try to do so.  They plan to get married but do not want to have children.  There is a genetic condition on the mayor’s side of the family that they would not want any child to have.  With the current world situation, it would not be advisable to bring innocent lives to join the misery anyhow.  Even during better times, overpopulation can be one of the factors that can trigger world disaster.  Lynn’s advice would be very helpful.  Lynn promised to help.  The Environmentalist spotted them and approached.  Yes, he received both sets of applications and letters of recommendation.  The only questions were regarding the willingness of their families to proceed and the personal commitment of the applicants.  Age is a matter of numbers and biology.  Maturity is something that develops.  The pair had unusual inducement for the latter.

     “One question …”  The Environmentalist started.  “ … I see here that she is going to tackle bflng a Geophysicist and you are going to be a doctor afterall?”

     “Yes, Sir.”  The mayor’s son affirmed.  Someone has to figure out how the human part of the environment will behave through the changes.”

     “Changes:”

     “Some time ago, I heard jokes about resettling Mars.  Now people are taking them more seriously.  It will not be physiologically possible unless the environment is adapted to the needs of man and vice versa.”

     “Actually, that is the main deterrent towards jumping abroad.  There are too many questions and current answers are not practical.  NASA has years of experience in satellite existence but we need to know more.  About the single most important lesson learned is that it is not suitable for long term habitation.  Incidentally, there have been a number of doctors in NASA.  So first, you are right in first getting a Medical degree.  You will have to also branch out to Space Chemistry.”

     “That is why it took me a while to decide but I’ll do it.”

     Different types of sea wave and water current energy based technology were presented and discussed.  The sea water can be desalinated for drinking and other domestic and industrial purposes.  They all seem to be good but the Philippines is a small country and cannot use these methods in a large scale to accommodate the needs of a disproportionately large population.  Combinations with other methods of energy production and reduction of Carbon dioxide emission have to be planned.  Funding, space and expert advice are all lacking.  Experienced laborers in such methods are non-existent.  There is an excess of waste products and deficiency of energy related source materials.  Why not use waste for energy?  We have to hold on to our dwindling food supply.  That cannot be tapped for other purposes.

     “We have a huge problem.”  The mayor acknowledged.  “We made it through difficult times in the past.  It is time for ‘bayanihan’.  Together we shall manage to work out a strategy and do the work ourselves.  We have friends in the International community.  Let us keep them friends and not be too proud to ask for help.  We can do something for them also.  We have to figure out what and be ready to return the favor.”

     Lynn wrote a lesson plan for both Siro and Dala to follow.  Samara and Elo will repeat each set of instructions to facilitate and implant understanding.  Siro and Dala shall individually determine Sigaw and Bulkan’s grasp of the subject matter.  They have to gage the degree of acceptance by Sigaw and Bulkan and grade each one.  The subjects are the basic lessons given to prepare candidates for First Holy Communion.  After satisfactory progress, the Exorcism sessions shall be resumed.  Each session shall be critiqued and suggestions for improvement or changes have to be considered after each one.  Practice makes perfect.  Lessons can be repeated in different formats.  Re-evaluation need to be done afterwards.  Responses from the students have to be verified as true personal and voluntary.  The students have to realize that all the effort is for their redemption from Dilim.  God wants everyone specially those who strayed or were snatched away.  The door remains open for all.  They cannot be captured.  Return is voluntary.

     After an exhausting day, Dala visited her sleeping son.  He was wimpering a little bit so she sang a lullaby as she did when he was a baby.  Dala felt a chilly presence.

     “Mother!”  She called for help. 

     The coldness persisted.  Then small objects started flying across the chamber to the source of the coldness.  The sound of a scurrying beast was heard.  The coldness moved out.  Dala resumed her lullaby.  Sigaw quieted down.  Dala fell asleep.  Another voice started singing.

     The following morning, Dala baptized Sigaw, Samara and Elo. Then she baptized Bulkan by proxy.  Elo stood for him.  Siro was the sponsor or Ninong for all of them.  They became part of a spiritual family as well.  Then Samara fetched Lynn and the Womb of the lungga was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her mother St. Anne.  An altar was set up against the wall facing the door.  The holy objects blessed previously were arranged on it. 

     Before Jesus left, He said that one of the marks of His  Apostles is the power to expel demons in His name.  Exorcism is an ancient rite adopted by the Christian Church.  There have been stories of success and many failures.  The successes were difficult to achieve and resulted from persistent sessions and innovative additions to the procedure.  The late Pope John Paul II acknowledged having performed some and updated the ritual as well as restrictions.  It has resulted in injury and one death in the distant past.  Caution in selection of subjects with emphasis on being more certain of the need and ruling out physical and mental ailments causing abnormal behavior was stressed. 

     Unfortunately, there has been a seeming epidemic of perceived demoniacal activity instantly ‘cured’ in front of curious groups, on TV and other places.  Fortunately, the subjects were not violent, too bizarre or resistant to treatment and suffered no adverse consequences that the public became aware of.  No recurrences were reported either.  It was the first session for each subject shown.

     When Siro was satisfied that both students were ready, Lynn resumed efforts to expel Dilim.  Nothing happened.  She tried to get Sigaw and Bulkan to renounce Dilim.  Sigaw managed to be awake enough to respond.  Lynn tried again to expel Dilim.  One more, nothing happened.  She addressed Bulkan.  There were a few grunts and sighs.  That was better than no response.  The team kept trying.

     “Let us give them more time.”  Lynn suggested.  “We all need a break.  Then we try something different.”

     Before the next session, Lynn rearranged the furniture in the chamber.  She added a sanctuary lamp beside the altar.  The holy objects were moved to opposite the lamp.  The cross stayed in the middle.  The bucket of Holy Water was on the same side as the lamp.  A small table was placed in the corner near Sigaw’s bed.  She positioned it at an angle to face the altar better.  Siro and Elo inserted the foot of a banner holder into a hole previously drilled into the bedrock floor.  She started the mass after the men finished working with the new addition to the holy trimmings.  Dala and Siro assisted.  Samara and Elo knelt beside Sigaw’s bed.  After Dala, Siro, Samara and Elo received the Holy Eucharist, Sigaw received his first Holy Communion.  Lynn included Bulkan in her prayers as she received the Priest’s Communion.  She glanced at Siro for an indication as to wether or not Bulkan received the Holy Sacrament in spirit.  He nodded.  They all said a special Thanksgiving prayer.  Then it was time for hopefully  the last session.  This would be the best Christmas gift and correct path to stay on through the rest of the new year.

     Lynn planned to use a lot of Holy Water.  Water was the key to survival through history.  Ancient man learned to live close to rivers, wells, lakes.  The Garden of Eden had four rivers.  Ishmael survived when water sprang out of the desert floor.  Moses struck a rock with his staff to provide water for the chosen people.  Jerusalem survived enemy attacks by safeguarding its water source.  David entered Jerusalem through a tunnel system carved by flowing water.  Solomon enticed the Queen of Sheba by serving something that made her very thirsty.  The only drink available was on his bed.  Their son Nemaleh successfully hid the Ark of the Covenant.  Some Mayans hid in caves with underground water supply during the drought that decimated the majority of the population.  In Northern Arizona, the Hopi tribe found Montezuma’s Well previously used by the long gone inhabitants of Montezuma Castle.  The newcomers thrived and to this day believe its waters to be holy and endowed with healing powers for both the body and the soul.  People from all over thr world flock to Lourdes to get cured by the miraculous waterflowing near Our Lady’s grotto.  One of the Last Seven Words of Jesus on Calvary was ‘I thirst’.  Even He needed water.  At that time, God the Son was about to separate from Jesus the Man.  Both God the Father and God the Son were called HO.  2(HO) is H2O) + O.  If God the Spirit is also HO then God is 3(HO) or H3O + O2.  That is under high pressure.  With less pressure, that converts to H2O + O2 + H.  3(HO) is a source of life.  According to the latest theory about the Big Bang, The Source of Life released protons that formed the universe.  The unused ones are us.  H is a proton.

     “God giveth and God taketh.  Humans fumble.  Satan snareth.”

     Lynn sprinkled Sigaw, Siro, Dala, Samara and Elo with Holy Water.   They prayed the Act of Contrition and the ‘Prayer to St. Michael’.  Then they made a special request for the continued intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her mother St. Anne.

     The coldness came.  It stopped halfway between the chamber’s entrance and the usual corner it used to occupy.  It proceeded to the dark corner instead but abruptly stopped and spun around screaming in such horror that flames burst from its mouth.  In a split second, it jumped into the safest place it could find … Bulkan who in turn was in Sigaw.

     Dilim quickly escaped taking his shelters with him.  The bedding had caught fire in the process.  The fire rapidly spread.

     “I’m going to Palawan.  You go to Kalibo.”  He shouted to Dala on his way out in pursuit of the trio.  It was easy to follow the thermal print Dilim was exhaling.

     Dala pushed Lynn out of the door and dragged her through the passages leading outside.  Elo slammed doors behind them.  Samara started trying to extinguish the fire.

All Rights Reserved 2008

Submitted for Copyright 2008

Magdalena D. Guerrero, MD, FACOG/GP (dr G)