Laging Handa, Basta’t May Nagmamahal at Nag-aalaga

It was a different Saturday morning as we prepared for Andy’s first Girl Scout activity at her school. “Papa, unsaon ni pagsuot sa scarf?”, Andy asked, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. I paused, while washing the dishes, as I tried to recall the proper way to tie a Girl Scout scarf. “Paano nga ba?” I muttered to myself, realizing I had never actually paid attention to the knotting process. So, I referred her to her mom who was also busy with the other household chores. As we headed to the school, this scouting activity made me take a trip to memory lane.

I recalled being a helpless Boy Scout myself, once needing my mom’s assistance because I had accidentally left my uniform at home. That night, during the vigil, those of us who hadn’t brought our uniforms were summoned around the bonfire, standing in a “parade rest” position. “Ngano inyo man gibilin?,” the senior Boy Scout uttered angrily, his voice laced with frustration. We were asked one by one and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of fear. I simply mumbled that my mom would bring my uniform the next day. Then, I noticed my classmate beside me was crying. He asked if he could go back home, explaining that he lived nearby. Our senior, however, gave him a firm answer: “No! You might get into trouble outside.” The initial excitement of the activity quickly dissipated after our group received a scolding. We were assigned to prepare our own dinner, but a wave of helplessness washed over us. The majority of us were completely unfamiliar with the basics of fire-making, highlighting our lack of practical skills. A classmate, eager to expedite the cooking process, poured an excessive amount of kerosene onto the charcoal, intending to quickly cook our pork barbeque. However, this reckless act resulted in the meat being burnt. Disheartened, we opted for a simpler dish – noodles. However, even this basic meal proved challenging. We had forgotten to add seasonings, leaving the noodles bland and unappetizing. We were frustrated because we could not cook. One groupmate, who lived nearby, even suggested asking his mother to cook our rice, as ours had turned out undercooked due to insufficient water. This incident served as a stark reminder of our inexperience and the importance of basic life skills.

As darkness descended, I was surprised to receive a plastic bag from a classmate. Inside was my uniform! My mom had asked him to deliver it to me, a thoughtful gesture that warmed my heart. I quickly changed into my uniform, eager to participate in the evening’s activities. The night featured a group march and dance competition, with each team showcasing a synchronized dance routine accompanied by a unique march and cadence. It was a highlight of my childhood, filled with joy and laughter. The jubilant faces of my classmates, teachers, and even the judges, all reveling in our witty presentation, made the experience truly unforgettable.

Bidding farewell to Andy at her school, a realization dawned on me. The Boy Scout and Girl Scout motto, “Laging Handa,” felt incomplete. While preparedness is essential, it’s only truly effective when fueled by love. To be fully ready to serve, one must be loved and nurtured. Therefore, the motto should be expanded to “Laging Handa, Basta’t May Nagmamahal at Nag-aalaga” – always prepared, as long as there is love and care. (Francis Manayan)