The DNA of a Maripipian
By Jerry Caingcoy
September 14, 2006
The rushing of the waves, the cool breeze of the sea, the clear deep waters and pristine white sand, the abundance of seafood and the ever hospitable, unassuming and warm people are what makes the island of Maripipi the last frontier.
I have always been very proud to be a Maripipian. I never felt being ashamed to introduce myself and tell everyone about how beautiful our island is. I don’t know if this is how other people feels about their hometown but being a true-blue Maripipian, I can attest that our heart is always left in the island no matter how far we have been to (in distance and in achievements in life) or how long we have been out of the island. No time or distance can ever make us forget what we are made of: a Maripipian.
Early in life, I learned to start dreaming. Small dreams metamorphosed to big dreams and some have been realized, others may no longer have the chance to come true and some are still dreams waiting to be fulfilled. Mind you, I have still these dreams intact in my heart, some are really funny and some can be so serious. Yes, I am indeed a big dreamer. This was maybe because I have been raised in an island that makes me dream of many things that I can only hear from a radio or read from an old newspaper that was used to wrap “sardinas” from “MAMACO or “bulad” from “MERCADO”. Dreams that can come from listening to our favorite radio drama “Zimatar” or “Matud Nila”. Because of this seemingly lack of resources to feed our “sponge-like” brain cells when we were young, we became more imaginative, creative and aggressive bunch of young blood. I must say, this is the reason why Maripipians make it big not because of a backward past but because of that earnest desire for something new out of the dreams that has emboldened us.
I grew up in a family that may not be ideal but I must say, I had a happy childhood. I had real good memories to treasure and all these were a big part of me. Whatever state I am in now, I believe all these memories will not be for naught. Sometimes, I would reminisce on how I struggled my way to achieve something early in my life, may it be an honor student or a bemedalled athlete. It was all pure self-motivation. I had the best high school memories that no one can ever snatch away from me. I think I did something great for myself. I explored, learned and experienced the pains and joy of growing up like any other teens. I would day dream a lot and act out sometimes the things that I want to happen in my life. I love to dwell on the positive and avoid conflicts. I am poor at confrontation but I love to make people laugh out of ordinary things.
As I left the portals of our alma mater, I carried with me the “big dreamer” mindset. It was all I think that I had. I had mediocre talents but because of guts or no choice to make, I got into something I wasn’t born to be. I did not consider myself above average but only because others don’t strive that I became scholarly. I was bad in Mathematics but when I get real serious into it, I discovered I can be better. English was not even my strongest aptitude but only because few can write a complete sentence that I ended up a school paper editor. Call this luck or by lack of choice but in the end it paid well for me. Thanks to all who pave way for me and led me to become where I am now. This is a truly humbling experience for me.
In college, I discovered I had a high social aptitude. I gained more friends that helped me developed my whole being. I was communicative. I love to talk than to listen but later on in life I tried to at least strike a balance between listening and talking. But at this stage in my life, though I still have the tendencies to overtalk, I think I am more of a listener now. Times do change as well as our perspective in life, too. Yes I admit, I have the biggest re-invention in my life far beyond I have imagined myself to be.
I am a blessed father of two lovely children and married to a beautiful woman inside and out. I am currently staying in Mindanao, the place I didn’t even think of. I am now a school owner in contrast to my disgust over teaching profession. I wanted to be a Catholic Priest but now I am Born-again Preacher/Minister. Life goes well for me here in Mindanao, a place that is media-hyped to be a place of war but this is the place I found peace and contentment. I have found myself and most importantly I have found Jesus, my Lord and my Savior.
Wherever my dreams will bring me, whatever I would become after this, I would forever be grateful to all those dreams that kept me reaching for the stars yet, feet firmly planted on the ground. I may evolve into a better person or achieve greater things in life, I would forever remember the island that provided me with a gentle, abundant and harmless environment . The world may change but I would remain the same because my DNA says: I AM A MARIPIPIAN!
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- Comments -
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Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts Jer. It is nice to see someone's point of view in life. It makes me think about myself and what molded me to become who I am now. Just like you, I enjoyed listening to radio dramas and I didn't realize how beneficial it was to our young minds, to be imaginative and be creative, until learning the disadvantages of watching TV in early childhood. Also, you said, "the reason why Maripipians make it big not because of a backward past but because of that earnest desire for something new out of the dreams that has emboldened us." I totally believe that, but, I also believe that having a backward lifestyle is what determined me to dream the biggest.
- Chona Martin (9 - 14 - 06)
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.. a word of love gives spice to life.. a word from a friend gives pleasure and happiness to the heart.. this is great.. i wish i could write like this.. but im sure proud to be a Maripipian too.. - (?) (9-15-06)
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Hi Jer, very nice words put together. I can totaly relates to your experience as a young "dreamer" growing up in Maripipi island. Though I never dreamed of living here in North America, oftentimes I wondered
what my future be like when I grow up.
I give credit to all teachers in Maripipi island from Elementary to Highschool. They had a great part in our lives being such a great coach and motivators, and that they truly helped us to be now better citizens.
What we became right now as an adult, what I believe is a God's plan for us. And so, where we are is where God wants us to be. I want you to know that I really admire you as individual and I hope you enjoy the purpose of your stay in Mindanao and continously put your TRUST in HIM.
Regards,
Carina Manansala-Leon
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Carina, thank you for your kind words. I know that we can always trace back to our teachers who once became our "second parents" as a major part in what we have become in life today. They will forever be cherished and treasured in our hearts. You too, is an epitome of a Maripipian worthy of emulation. May the spirit of God's truth come upon you and live a life that is according to His will.
Anonymous, how i wish i know you but thanks for the nice words you said. You have the power to do what you want- like how to write. All you need is the determination to succeed. Wishing won't get the job done. Do it.
Jerry (9-17-06)
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Hi Jer, Whatever you write about reminiscing the past reminds me a lot of things in Maripipi especially the simple happy life we have in the island. Whatever we are and where ever we are now its because we are a
true blooded Maripipian, no one can deny it. Yes, the more backward we see the more forward we go.
- (?) (9-18-06)
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Kumusta ka na naalala mo pa ba ako? My YM ako allanmancastro64 chat tayo
huh.,.,.,.
Reynaldo Castro
8-28-07
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Hi Jerry,
I just want to say kumusta na kayo and your mom Tessie. I hope that everything is fine with her. It's been a long time na hindi kami nag pangita, even last vacation. I wish that next time we can chat with you guys even though we are not that close to each other. I know your parents are close to my mom. You know I am very proud that you've been successul in your life and family through your hardwork. Regards to all Maripipians.
Santa Gavilo Baer
10-27-07
