Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

By Klaus Döring

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (Filipino: Kahapon, Ngayon, Bukas) is a 2011 Filipino drama film directed by Jun Lana. The film stars Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion, Jericho Rosales, Dennis Trillo, Paulo Avelino, Lovi Poe, Carla Abellana, Solenn Heussaff, Ronaldo Valdez, Agot Isidro, and Eula Caballero. It was an official entry for the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival. It was released on December 25, 2011.

A story of people and the secrets that tear them apart. It follows a surprising decision that family members make in the aftermath of a tragedy and life-changing decisions that will either lead them to a future full of lasting happiness or despair.

Many times we are really in too much of a hurry while feeling uncomfortable if we notice how time flies. We have no time for someone or something, or even for ourselves. We don’t make time for someone or even for ourselves.

When I was still a teenager, I was longing for the time to be a grown-up already. Later, I enjoyed listening to my grandmother’s stories, such as “Once Upon a Time” or “When I Was Young,” from her “yesterday’s life.”

After a couple of years, especially while observing that time really flies like a rocket to the moon, I always have the same question in my mind: Are the present hours and days less valuable?

These days between Christmas and New Year, between yesterday and tomorrow, I used to slow down and relax. I even ignore my cellphone most of the time. I hide at a secret place to unwind.

The next turn of the year is just around the corner. For most of us, it’s the time to come to our senses. The future prospects smile at us already. What might the New Year 2025 bring us? Another hectic schedule, of course! But hopefully also happiness, joy, and health. Hopefully, more peace.

Is life in the future easier, nicer, more charming, and more fulfilling compared to the present? Many of us retreat into the past and forget their present existence. A possible topsy-turvy world of a golden youth tries to let us forget that the past also had its share of disappointments, pains, tears, darkness, as well as desperate days. Dreamy and sleepy days—yes, lost days, irretrievable time…

I am glad and happy to be able to live a wonderful life as an expatriate here in the Philippines—together with my family and many very good friends. It hasn’t been easy during the first years. Now we stand on our own feet because we worked hard and adjusted very well.

Happy New Year to all of you, and may God bless us!

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Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter) or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.