There Is (Still) Hope :)

Chivalry. 

Men behaving courteously toward women — holding the door for them, offering them their jackets when it's cold — is called chivalry. Many women consider chivalry a lost art. 

Cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and chivalry have the same root: the Medieval Latin word caballarius, meaning "horseman" or "knight." In the Middle Ages, a knight was expected to be brave, loyal, and to open the tavern door for his date. Picture a knight kneeling before a maiden and kissing her hand. It's a classic image of chivalry from the storybooks. Some women wonder whether chivalry has ever existed anywhere else.

 Source: Vocabulary.com

I also once believed that chivalry is dead. But thanks to the few good men who proved me wrong. :) 

Obviously, I'm talking about my father, my brother (from whom I regularly get "I love you" messages), and my cousins. But aside from them, I am also blessed to have met modern-day knights in my community, CFC Singles for Christ. :) 

There's my ever-dependable former service partner and lifetime friend, Kuya Mel. I would never forget how he said yes when I asked him if he could pick me up from the airport. I came from Iloilo with all the equipment for live streaming. Solo evening flight. I was literally a damsel in distress at that time. Thanks to Kuya Mel who acted as my knight in shining armor. :D 

Then there's my current service partner, JM who is so very supportive of my endeavors. When I hear Bob Marley's Three Little Birds, I remember him. It was the song being played on the radio when he drove me home from an (almost) all-brothers household. It was when I told them about the major decision that I was about to make (did not regret it, thank God!), and they all just said, "We're praying for you, Aiza. We're here to support you." Awww! :)

Of course there's my Kabisig brothers. Hindi ko na sila iisa-isahin pa. When I'm with them, I feel safe and loved and cherished. Naks! Seriously, the respect they give me as an "ate" is so overwhelming and at the same time comforting. I can rest assured that I will always have these brothers to protect me and will go the extra mile for me. Kahit pa lagi akong asar-talo sa kanila. Haha. 

Given na rin sina Kuya Ian at Kuya Don. Subok na matibay at matatag. Walang iwanang samahan talaga. :) 

Just this year, I also met amazing men at the Jesus Week Retreat - Jem, Flip, and the Baguio brothers, Jesse, Jaydee, and Ardi. When Kristel and I went to Baguio in July, we truly felt at home because of these generous gentlemen who took care of us and made sure that we would have a grand time in the City of Pines. :)

And early this month, God surprised and pampered me again in the person of Kuya Eric. Coming from a bridal shower of my very good friend and "sister from another mother", Mars, I was telling God, "ang swerte ni Mars to have Ray - an epitome of a gentleman." Then I went on asking Him why I always end up doing things for other people. Medyo mahabang rant pa yun, even after the mass. Then on my way to the bus station, I sent a text message to Kuya Eric asking for directions on how to get to our accommodation for the MM RECON. His reply astonished me. "Try kitang sunduin." I told him that he didn't need to bother, that he could just send me the complete address and the directions and I'll be fine. But he said that for my own safety, he'll just fetch me. I haven't met him before. In fact, hindi ko talaga siya kilala. He was just referred by Ate Iris. But he was God's answer to my questions and complains earlier that afternoon.

Also, how could I forget Jessie? More than seven years ago, I arrived at our CLP venue crying. It was the first time that I was held up and was threatened to be killed by some teenager along C. P. Garcia. I was so nervous and frightened and confused. After hearing my story, he went outside, and came back with a box of munchkins from my favorite doughnut shop. He gave it to me and said, "Okay lang 'yan Sis, ang phone napapalitan, ang buhay, hindi. Huwag ka ng malungkot. Kain na lang tayo." From then on, munchkins have become a comfort food. :)

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So what's the point? Wala naman. Haha. I was just inspired by the events that took place over the weekend. Saturday was the most awaited date of Alden and Maine (oh yes, I'm a fan, too!), and once again, I fell in love with Alden. E sino ba namang hindi? Maginoo, mabait, magalang, gwapo (hindi lang dahil gwapo talaga siya kundi dahil mabuti ang kanyang kalooban). This whole KalyeSerye thing somehow made me believe that traditional courtship is still possible, na hindi na lang urban legend ang panghaharana, pag-iigib, at pagsisibak ng kahoy. See, I've always wanted to have a love story like my parents (will share soon), but I always get comments like, "Imposible na yan. Iba na ang panahon ngayon." Thanks to Kalye Serye, with Alden, Maine, and the very wise Lola Nidora, nabuhay ang pag-asa ko. :)

Then just yesterday, the theme of PMA ALAB TALA Class of 2018's Silent Drill was chivalry! And may I just say that I am so proud of my babies, Ayen and Yang? They're part of the company (go team Charlie! :D) I'm facilitating in the OSM Christian Life Program (the reason why I've been spending weekends in Baguio) and they did so well yesterday! Sobrang rewarding ng feeling. 

So there, labo-labo na at marami ng naisingit na kung ano-anong detalye, pero ito lang talaga ang point: Chivalry is not dead! There is still hope! Praise God! :) 

Chivalry = courage, integrity, loyalty = PMA! ♥