Life is a Journey

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” – Romans 8:37

Out of curiosity, I decided to watch AJ Perez’ (Antonello Joseph Sarte Perez in real life) lead-role performance in Maala-ala Mo Kaya that was aired last Saturday, April 30 in ABS-CBN.

Aptly titled “Tsinelas”, said episode of MMK was his first in this popular weekly drama-anthology and his final performance as an actor before he met his tragic end at the very young age of 18 in the fatal accident in Paniqui, Tarlac on that fateful morning just after midnight of 17 April 2011.

True to its form, MMK never failed its viewers in bringing out moving performances from its actors that eventually touched the lives and hearts of many. “Tsinelas” is one of them. AJ Perez is in his best spirit in the role of a teenager Edgar who due to turn of fate was left homeless and decided what many believe was impossible – to travel on foot from Manila to Catbalogan, Samar to look for their relatives.

Together with his younger brother, Dagul, played by child actor, Bugoy Carino, they traverse the road and highways leading to aimed destination and along the way, endured the heat and rain, hunger and exhaustion, and even the cruelty of man. It was not an easy and joyful walk, but armed with sheer determination and faith, they finally reached the place after the tedious and long journey. Though strenuous, the journey nevertheless brings in them valuable lessons in life and the realization of valuing one’s relationship.

It dawns on me whle watching this episode that Edgar’s journey is akin to one’s own journey in life. That though we may not physically walking on foot, yet like him, we too, are treading our own roads where lessons are learned from failures and successes, from defeat and winning, in storms and in peace, when full or empty, when alone or with many.

“Katulad ng magkapatid, hindi madali ang ating paglalakbay sa buhay. May mga panahong ma-araw at mayroon din namang maulan. May mga daang maganda, pero mayroon din namang malubak. Pero ang bawat paghakbang natin pati na ang mga panadaliang paghinto ay naghahatid sa atin ng mga kaalaman at karanasang humuhulma sa ating pagkatao. At sa huli, nauunawaan natin na kasabay ng ating paglaki ay ang pagtanggap sa mga pananagutan at ang kahandaang humarap sa mga hamong kaakibat nito.” – as narrated by Charo Santos-Concio in MMK.

Life here on earth is a journey towards our home the Lord had prepared for us - for those that believe in His Name. It may not be easy, but it’s worth the walk.
Shield with strong faith in the Almighty God who never fail or leave us, and believing that in Him, “nothing is impossible”, we can reach our destination and complete the journey.

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

Through Him, we can overcome.

Walk then with faith and complete the journey.

Isang Pagbubulay-bulay
by Max Bringula Chavez