MIA

We passed by Zamora corner J. A. Clarin Streets tonight
a candle was still lighted and shining on bright
large banners with 'Justice for Atty. Mia' written on them
your smiling face on dark tarps still tied on both ends

I remember you tonight, Atty. Mia
it has been two Wednesdays since
your bloody death on that street
I still shake my head in disbelief

Why? Why? Why you, Mia?

I cry as I read more stories about you on the net
or hear people talk about you
and their fondest memories of you
how you made a big difference in their lives, too

All of us are still wondering
why it had to be you
you had so much more to give
so much love and passion to let go

To most people you met
you were their staunch defender
you were a friend to those
who needed an ear and supporter

God's plan is sometimes a puzzle to me
now, your death seems to
push the blade down to my knee
making me kneel and bow down to pray

Why? Why? Why you, Mia?

I can only hang on to
God's words on the Holy Book
believing that someday
the Justice you seek will be brought

We will continue to fight
for a peaceful Bohol
and hold those in government
accountable.



March 1, 2017 at 9:30 p.m.

Atty. Mia Manuelita Cumba Mascarinas-Green

I am again posting this photo I had with Atty. Mia Manuelita Cumba Mascariñas - Green while we both had rehab sessions at the HNU Physical Therapy Center of the HNUMCI. 

Mia (Maya) has always been like a sister to me. Often times, a mother, too. Asking me about my whereabouts/updates on my life or reprimanding me when she thinks I need one. 

But, what I truly appreciate are those moments with her every time she ends her personal lectures on me with a reassuring tone. Like that moment at the rehab center recently, she said my late father would have wanted us children to be complete. I told her - "That is my prayer, too." 

Mia also never fails to make me laugh. When I told her I am compiling all my poems for a book project entitled THE SEXY HEART, she said - "Ayaw baya kaboang ha." As she said that, she had a stern face. Then, we shared a laugh after I realized she was again playing her 'AMORIRIT' moments on me again. 

Mia has been my inspiration in my life and in my work. I was always in awe at how passionate she was... with her job, with her community, with her advocacies or with her kids and with her family.

I am thankful for having been given a chance by God to meet Mia again on a Saturday, two weeks ago. I was able to tell her how thankful I was of her friendship. She was also one of those persons I thanked and visited when I was able to walk again after my open heart surgery and spinal cord compression injury.

That being said, I want you to remember Mia with this smile on her face. Let us remember how she made a difference in our lives. I want to thank her family for sharing Mia with us. And let us continue to be vigilant in seeking justice for her. #JusticeForAttyMia

I end with this, Mia will always have a special place in my SEXY HEART. Rest in peace, Mia.