Christmas Won't Be The Same Without You

Christmas won’t be the same without you

Christmas won’t be the same if you go

All I need to see standing by my Christmas tree…. is Christ

Christmas won’t be the same without you

They say that Christmas is only for children. Others would say that Christmas is for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Many say that Christmas is the longest and most expensive season of the year. In the Philippines, Christmas season starts at the very first day of the so called, “ber months”.

For the past years of my life, I will never forget all the delicious food, new bills, brand new clothes, toys, hugs, and kisses I received from my parents, god parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. They have made my Christmas truly exciting and memorable. When I was young, Christmas is all about receiving and using everything that I got to make me feel good and proud as a child.

For many men and women whether young or old who are in love or broken hearted, Christmas won’t be the same without the person they truly loved so much. In fact, a good number of people have tried to commit suicide or ended up their life because of losing the person they love for menial or grave reasons. Obviously, their life and love was focused on one person only. Is that really the ultimate reason for this season?

What happened to the true reason why we celebrate Christmas? Why do we view it differently? Why do we celebrate it in a manner that seems to be full of materialism and earthly desires? If we say that Christmas is the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, how do you think He really wants us to celebrate His birthday?

When there is a birthday celebration, we expect to have a euphoric party full of fun and frolic. We wear our favorite, posh, and branded attire that we have. We bring the most impressive gifts that we can give to the birthday celebrant and we partake in the most delectable food that can be served for everyone. Now I wonder, do we think, feel, and do the same way during Christmas day? Have we truly asked ourselves what we can do best for this day? Have we thought of doing what we can really do to make our birthday celebrant feel very much loved and happy?

As the song goes, Christmas won’t be the same without you….. Seemingly, Christmas is deemed as a selfish way of thinking about oneself and one person only. It can never be that meaningful without the person you desire to be with everyday of your life.

I hope by this time, we have all learned our lessons very well. Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He is the one and only reason why we celebrate this season. He is what I long to see standing by that Christmas tree and no one else. I can only hope that all of us would be able to transcend our thoughts, feelings, and actions toward the true meaning of this holy event in our life as Christians.

Christmas won’t be the same without you

Christmas won’t be the same if you go

All I need to see standing by my Christmas tree…. is Christ

Christmas won’t be the same without you

TEAM AZKALS

The word “Azkals” was an improved version of the word “Askal” which means street dog in the Philippines. Of all animals, a dog is described to be brave, loyal, feisty, protector, and most especially a best friend to everyone. Thus, I believe this is the best choice and most fitting name given to the Philippine football team.

I have never been a fan of the sports because I find it boring, very hard and long to score, and at the same time anti-climactic. I would even ignore it every time I see it on television. But when it started to become popular in my country, it rings a bell to my ears but never had a chance to watch nor follow their matches until the Philippine Azkals Team came to Indonesia for the 26th SEA Games 2011.

Game 1 – Philippine vs. Vietnam (November 3, 2011)

My strong desire to watch their 1st game was honestly brought about by my innate love and loyalty to my country. However, I was not able to watch the game because I have work. Sadly, I heard that they loss their first match against Vietnam. I felt a bit sad because I know that the team carries with them a lot of energy and motivation to win and bring home the honor and glory for the country.

Game 2 – Philippines vs. Timor Leste (Novembe 7, 2011)

I was so excited to watch their 2nd game against Timor Leste, a small and autonomous country which used to be part of Indonesia. When I saw our players, I felt half-hearted because most of them do not look like Filipinos. They are half Filipino and half German, British, Spaniard, and other nationalities there is. I have doubts in my mind and in my heart that they will play as if they are fighting for the country.

Nonetheless, my love and loyalty to my country prevailed and I still showed my love and support to the players by shouting at the top of my lungs and leading my fellow Filipino teachers in cheering and boosting the morale of our players. After all the cheering, yelling, shouting, and praying the whole time our team loss against Timor Leste by two points.

After the game, I felt the excitement of my friends to meet the players. It was my very first time to see the very popular Azkaleros. They are all good looking and charismatic young men which makes them the most popular and sought after team by many especially the ladies and gays as well. Hahahahaha!

I felt their goodness and sincerity when they were apologizing to us because they loss the game. Honestly, I felt quite sad but I tried my best to make them feel good by cheering them up and saying words of encouragement to them despite their defeat.

Game 3 - Philippines vs. Laos (November 11, 2011)

This is a game that I will never ever forget. Our team is already down by a point and only few minutes remaining. Actually, I was already singing the song “There can be miracles when you believe," in a joking manner. To my surprise, I didn’t realize that miracle just happened. The Azkaleros made two points with few minutes left in the clock. It was indeed a miracle from God coupled with the fighting spirit and commitment of the players to the sports. The Filipino fans mainly composed of teachers working in Jakarta went berserk shouting and jumping for joy. I shouted up to the last voice I ever have. It was a tremendous and heavenly feeling that lifted me up so high.

We were all eager and very much excited to meet all the players to express our congratulations. This time, I had a chance to have pictures with most of them. We met Ginie who is the sister of OJ Clarino one of the players of the Azkals. Thus, we were privilege to meet all the players up close and personal in the hotel. We had a chance to talk with them and had more picture taking this time. It was indeed a rare moment to be with these celebrity players. Carlos de Murga, half Filipino–half Spaniard was a very cool guy. He was full of life and very friendly. He started to talk to me in Spanish and asked if I can speak the language. Roland Mueller, half Filipino-half German, the tall, fair, and handsome dude was very congenial. He has the charisma and zest of a person which everyone would enjoy talking with. I can say that he has the best personality among all the Azkaleros I have met and talk with. Well, it seems that we do not want to leave the hotel and spend the night getting to know more of them as we enjoy every single minute of their winning.

Finally, we have to say goodbye and we wished them all the good luck and blessings for their next match.

Game 4 – Philippines vs. Myanmar (November 13, 2011)

I arrived late in the stadium because I attended the anniversary of the Genesis Catholic community here in Jakarta. The game started at four in the afternoon and I left the place past three. It was raining hard and I was hoping and praying that I could make it so I can cheer for our team. I already missed the first half of the game and the second half has already started. Nonetheless, the most important thing was that I was able to make it. The score was 5 – 0 and this time I was literally laying my hands on our players together with my friends with the hope that they can reduce the margin and eventually lead and win.

Unfortunately, it was another day of defeat and disappointment. It was a very short and fast encounter with them. I felt their sadness and frustration and I did not bother to be with them and have the usual talk and picture taking. It was time for the exhausted and down hearted players to go back to the hotel and recharge as I went back home to rest as well.

Game 5 – Philippines vs. Brunei (November 15, 2011)

Final game, last hurrah!

We know that this is a non-bearing game. Win or lose our team is already out of the standing. It did not stop us from watching them play for the last time and show our love and support which they badly needed. The Azkaleros made the first point. We all jumped for joy, yelled, and cheered for them. As the game progresses, the opponent made their first, second, and third point. I never give up leading the pack cheering and boosting the morale of the players. However, I heard someone saying nasty words out of frustration which I find mean and inane. I told that person to stop saying such grotty and sardonic words because it will not help at all.

I was taken aghast to see the face of Jason DeJong full of blood. He never mind it, instead, he just crushed a pack of ice and put it on his face to stop the bleeding. After few minutes, I saw him run, kick, and chase the ball again. He has plaster on his face and a bruise on his right thigh but despite of it he was still fighting it out to win for the country. I felt the true spirit of a real player in him. Because of it, I have become to admire more the person and the sports because of what he has exemplified during the game. Jason DeJong is indeed a true man with a heart of a great player.

After awhile, Roland Mueller, the goal keeper had his share of bruise and pain. He was down on the ground and was moving in pain. We all shouted his name and cheered for him. Thank God, he got up on his feet and immediately showed his gratitude and appreciation by smiling and waving at us. What a kind gesture of a true player and gentleman.

Time is up! The team loss their final game! The players look all weak and devastated. I saw Jason DeJong crying like a child. I just can imagine the pain and frustration his feeling inside. He must love the sports so much as if he lost someone very dear to him. I felt sad and sorry for them because I know they wanted to win and make us all feel proud.

I bought some stuff which I intend to give to some of them as my expression of gratitude and appreciation for their kindness and for representing the country with goodness and kindness. How I wish I have more means to share something to each and every one of them as an expression of my love and support to the team. I shared a box of chocolates to Jason, Roland, OJ, Jeffrey, and Carlos for giving their heart out which I witnessed and sincerely felt.

It was sad seeing them loss the game while leaving the place in pain and sorrow. I could have followed them to the hotel with the rest of my friends but I decided not to go. I just prayed for them that they may all feel good and well. I waited for their bus to leave while I was holding a big cartolina with the word “Go Azkals! We Believe!”

Team Azkals, thank you very much for making me a fan of the sports which I find boring. Thank you for representing our country with all your power and might. Thank you too for the short but memorable time watching you play which gave joy and happiness to me and everyone else. Most especially, thank you for the chance and the opportunity to enjoy your company as well.

Till we meet again Azkaleros!