You're welcome, Mike.

rajawali kesepian p

As a retired U.S. Navy veteran (with back problems), and a Genuine Ilokano (GI) or Full-Blooded Ilokano (FBI), wrote the above poem about a decade ago, while sitting on a bench, chillin' out, in our wooden deck (in our backyard), just to capture my moods and feelings that moment. You know, when you're into sort of contemplation or meditation, while watching (and listening to) the outside world (beautiful, wonderful, yet alive and noisy), ideas flow and that moment was right for me to compose "Ditoy America, Adtoyak," and translated "Here in America, I am Here" by Dr. Aurelio S. Agcaoili, who is a prolific and award-winning writer- author and lexicographer having written volumes of Ilokano-English, English-Ilokano dictionaries for schools, colleges and universities and all people who wish or interested to learn and study about our native language in northern Philippines---Ilokano. Yes, I wrote the poem to express my feelings of being free--- to wait (not to hurry or in haste) to create or write a simple, living poem and shared to all people. Relaxing outside, sitting and observing the outside world (while your mind is capturing the mood or feeling of being outside, in my backyard, is such a relief and a healthy, vibrant feeling!) Who influenced me to write? Although I have had published some of my works in the Philippines in late 1970s, and in the U.S., simple poems and short essays (both in English and Ilokano), I still consider myself a "budding" poet/writer because, I admit, I have much more to learn about the craft. Now, to answer your question, who influenced me to write?, I would say that it's not who (a person or persons) but the positive mental attitude or sort of a challenge to myself, that attitude "if he or she can write a short, simple composition, I believe I can, too.!" That was my attitude. So, in short, if you put your mind to a project or a goal or a dream you can do/accomplish it because you've put your mind into it. But, of course, having read a number of writers, like Dr. Agcaoili, a University of the Philippines graduate and currently a professor and director at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Ilokano Language and Literature Program, I consider him to be some to look up to as far as writing is concerned.Thank you, Shauie, for your time. Do appreciate your comment/s.

It should have been "someone" to look up to...

Chris Quilpa thank you for answering my questions it helps me a lot. but how about your other poem in your blog can you reply to my question there ? It can help me more because i chose the Why bakit apay poem

Btw, what was the date of that blog? Let me go to by blog and see...

Chris Quilpa monday august 6 2012 the day you wrote the poem.

Andrew's my son. I'm the author of the above poem.Thank you.

+Chernice Lane Thank you.

+Chernice Lane Thank you.

No problem, Villy. Hope you enjoyed the tour.

Absolutely! Im from there and also went to UVa! If you ever need BGM for anymore videos PM me. If ya like what you here 1st one is on me! Take Care!

Thank you.

I don't know, Joseph. But it's this Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand oyster-flavored sauce. This product (of USA) claims the ff: No artificial preservatives, No artificial flavor, cholesterol free, fat free, 0 gram trans fat, and free of saturated fat.

Chris Quilpa That oyster sauce contains oyster extractives (which is non-vegan or vegetarian). There is a couple kinds of vegetarian/vegan oyster sauces out there though. Just google vegan oyster sauce.

Chris Quilpa These are vegan options I found. Either making your own: www.thecleandish.com/vegan-shiitake-oyster-sauce-for-asian-stir-fries-grain-free-gluten-free/. Or buying the vegetarian kind (which is vegan): www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005XNKITW?pc_redir=1413801418&robot_redir=1

Joseph Bridgeforth Thanks, Joseph for the info. I'll surely consider the info you provided.

Chris Quilpa Thanks. I do like the recipe though. You always come up with the best meals.

Yeah, it does look and tastes yummy and healthy! Thanks, Joseph.

It looks and tastes really yummy! Yeah, why not. if you're my neighbor next door, you can have some, with a small plate of steamed rice. Btw, try it. (I mean, cooking this simple recipe of mine.) It takes only about eight to ten minutes to prepare/cook it. Good luck.

Chris Quilpa thanks I will do that for sure.

Thank you.

Thanks, Joseph. And thank you for subscribing to my channel. I'll do the same for you. (In fact, I've seen a number of your videos with your bros. Keith and Alex lately. I've learned you're vegan and into sports, athletic so to speak. Anyway, from your vids, I'm learning, too, and paying more attention to what I eat...more vegetables and fruits, less intake of meat, until i'll go vegan, too? (We'll see...) In fact, I'm re-starting to have interest in smoothie...

Your welcome! That is awesome. Yes I have noticed that a plant based vegan diet is super healthy. Thanks for watching our videos. Glad you like them.

Yes, I do like your videos. They're kind of inspiring. Btw, in one of your videos you mentioned about San Diego. Know, what? I had all my Navy training and schooling there. And my first duty station at Naval Medical Center, Balboa. Beautiful place! Lots of memories, too.

Chris Quilpa thanks! Yeah were just trying to promote healthy message. Yes I live in San Diego. I've lived here my whole life. Wow that is awesome. My dad was in the navy for 20 years and retired. He was stationed at coronado/north island in San Diego.

That's good of you to be advocating a healthy lifestyle, i.e., good, healthy eating, physical activity like running or cross country...I commend you and your brothers for doing it. On the other hand, extend my sincere thanks to your Dad for his military service. Same as your Dad, I did 20 years, and retired, too.

Thanks, Chris, for the recommendation and info you have provided me. Do appreciate it. You, too, have a safe and wonderful week and summer. Take care. Btw, I've seen some of your Florida and Maine road trip vids. They're very good, well done! Kudos and I thank you again for your advice and awesome videos.

Thanks, Chris RoadWarrior, for your advice. Do appreciate it. I'm still glued to your playlist...watching your Quebec videos. Thanks again. You, too, have a safe and enjoyable summer!