MERRY CHRISTMAS

I am going home tomorrow. In our side of the Bukid, there are no internet cafe and I fear that my Suncellular phone may not be as far-reaching as their ads claims, so allow me to greet you now.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year people! I pray that the year 2005 will be fruitful for all of us.

FUNNY PICTURE: 4th part

Will you buy some romance books from him? 

THE AMERICAN DREAM

Stories like this make you appreciate life more and inspire you to work even harder and learn how to persevere.

Cebuano nurse makes it big in Nevada
By Connie E. Fernandez
Inquirer News Service

CEBU CITY-He used to rummage through the neighborhood trash for whatever could be sold to the nearest "timbangan'' (junk shop) to augment his school allowance. But he does not have to do that now.

He has come a long way--from an urban poor community here to the glittering world of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, where he was recently named "Nurse of the Year."

Rhigel Tan, 35, the only child of a retired schoolteacher and retired policeman, did not expect to win. His mind went blank when his name was called during the awarding ceremonies on Nov. 13 at the grand ballroom of the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Although he did not prepare a speech, Tan did not forget the promise he made to himself in case he won. He closed his message to the crowd of 700 that included state officials and medical practitioners with "Thank you ... maraming salamat ... daghang salamat [Many thanks]." (read more of the story here)

SO HE'S DEAD

Can you bring back my regular programming?

So he is dead. But do I have to bear watching TV programs with nothing but coverage of his wake? I wake in the morning and the regular morning show speaks nothing but about him, I watched the late morning show and it is all about him, I watched the primetime newscast and it is still all about him! They even brought the newscast to Sto. Domingo where his body lies in wake! And just because he is dead people are talking about giving him the National Artist Award.

So FPJ is a good man. So he has a helped a number of people. So he could have been our President (and thank God, he is not!). So he have made hundreds of movies where he acted as hero of the common folks. But do we have to suffer all these coverage about his death? Isn’t the coverage an overkill?

Now we have forgotten about the people who are still suffering in Quezon, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan etc. We don’t know what happened to the case of General Garcia. We don’t know the development of the bombing in General Santos. We don’t know any developments about the negotiation to release Tarungo, a Filipino captive in Iraq. The Philippines, as how our major networks have seen, is in a standstill just because “Da King” is dead!

Yes, he probably deserves all the tribute of the people whom he has helped and he worked with. But flood us with programming all about him? I am choked!

Thank God for cable television!

DYAMES BLOG

Friends,

Atty. James Dalman already has a blog. Check him out here. His blog is also in my link under the midnight society. I have also added (albeit quite belated) the blog of Teng in my City Friends list.

FUNNY PICTURE
3rd part


Yeah, Baby Yeah! (other captions please, just for fun). 

YOUR FAITHFULNESS

Tom Seibert, former President of American Standard Philippines and our lead guitarist in our team, bid farewell last night at our Evening of Praise and Worship. Tom is one of the few cool Christians I know, kind, understanding and he enjoys music Stings and the likes much as he enjoys playing Contemporary Christian Music.

While saying his farewell (he will be going back to Vietnam to work there), he left us with this song. I am putting this song to remind others that despite all the troubles we are experiencing now, we can all rest in God's faithfulness. To TJ, my good friend, this song is also for you.

Your Faithfulness

I don’t know what this day will bring
Will it be disappointing
Or filled with longed for things
I don’t know what tomorrow holds
Still I know I can trust
Your Faithfulness

I don’t know if these clouds mean rain
If they do, will they pour down
Blessing or pain
I don’t know what the future holds
Still I know I can trust your faithfulness

Chorus:

Certain as the rivers reach the sea
Certain as the sunrise in the east
I can rest in your faithfulness
Surer than a mother’s tender love
Surer than the stars still shine above
I can rest in your faithfulness

I don’t know how or when I’ll die
Will it be a thief
Or will I have a chance to say good-bye
No, I don’t know
How much time is left
But in the end I will know your faithfulness

Bridge:

When darkness overwhelms my soul
When thoughts are storms of doubt
Still I trust You are always faithful
Always faithful

Chorus to end:

Certain as the rivers reach the sea
Certain as the sunrise in the east
I can rest in your faithfulness
Surer than a mother’s tender love
Surer than the stars still shine above
I can rest in your faithfulness
I can rest in your faithfulness

WEAR SUNSCREEN

I've got this piece while browsing over some people's journal a long time ago(http://riyadhrocks.multiply.com/journal/item/9). I find the truth in this article worth pondering. Accordingly, this is a graduation speech, I don't know who the author is.I have highlighted some points, I hope you could give me your comments.

Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97:

Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

BACK ON TRACK

Ladies and Gentlemen, Honorable Members of this House:

As of today, 04 November 2004, I am officially enrolled as a student of the College of Law of the Lyceum of the Philippines.

I am finally back on track and pursuing my dreams.

Don't wish me luck, pray for me instead.

INTERVIEW

For the lack of anything to write. I copied this interview from Ms. D's page. So here I am, pretending that I am so famous to be worth an interview about my life.

1. What kind of first impression do you think you give people?
That I will devour them. I really don’t know, but it’s probably the way I look that those that I am not close to will always think that I want to eat them alive.

2. What's one thing you like to do alone?
Sing! And not only sing, I sing in a performance level with all the hand gestures and pretend that I am singing in front of a huge crowd. Then I practice waving, you know, like how Presidents wave when they get out of the plane upon their arrival. Don’t ask me why.

3. Are you a giver or a taker?
Giver. To a point that I have become a doormat.

4. What have you stolen before?
Coins from my Mama’s purse. A ballpen from the department store in my hometown. Well, I though I have already bought a lot of things from that store, so it won’t harm their business if I put one Kilometrico ballpen in my pocket.

5. How many drinks before you're tipsy?
If I haven’t eaten, three bottles of San Mig Light will make me tipsy. But If I have eaten and in an open place, I could go for more than three bottles of Colt 45.

I refrain from drinking beer nowadays. As much as possible, I limit my drinking to tequila, vodka, brandy and red wine!

6. Do you ever have to beg?
I don’t really beg. When I ask something and I don’t get it from asking. I’ll just walk away and find other means to get it! Hehehehehehehe.

7. What kind of books do you like to read?
Anything worth reading.

8. Do you think you're cute?
No. But some people are crazy over me to the point of stalking me, so I don’t know, am I cute? Or just simply irresistible?

9. Do you have a problem changing clothes in front of your friends?
Not when I am with a group of men. I don’t have problem undressing in front of them. Living in a dorm for four years and using the showers with no cubicles, I have learned to adjust. However, I get conscious when I undress in a presence of a woman.

10. What's the most painful experience you've ever had?
Losing my father and growing up in a place where not your skills, wit and talent matters in order to “belong” but what brand of clothes you wear. And I mean this literally. The problem was, my Mama just couldn't afford to buy me those branded clothes and I don’t really beg for clothes to my Mama.

11. Favorite communication method?
Sarcasm!

12. Do you care?
Yes I do. I care if people around me are so full of the soap operas they watched that they seem to forget and oblivious to all the bad things that are happening around them.

13. What is your most prized piece of your music collection?
Josh Groban Concert CD and VCD. Given to me by a lawyer friend after I wrote his speech that he delivered when he was invited as a graduation speaker in my hometown. Considering the remarks that he received about the speech, I think that CD and VCD is not enough! (Gaddd! The travails of a ghost writer!)

14. What is the geekiest part of your music collection?
A karaoke VCD of Tom Jones’ music. Again, don’t ask me why.

15. What do you eat when you raid the fridge at night?
Bread! Yes we put bread and cookies, hopia and all sorts of pastries in the ref.

16. What is your secret guaranteed weeping movie?
I cried watching “Bata, Bata Paano ka Ginawa?”, “Step Mom” and any commercial of a brother talking to his elder brother or a son talking to his father. In case you will wonder why, I am the only son and I lost my father at the age of 12.

17. If you could have plastic surgery, what would you have done?
I am seriously considering having some reconstruction on my nose and injecting some botox to erase the lines in my forehead.

18. What is a physical habit that gives away your insecure moments?
I am usually silent when introduce to a group new group. (But it would only take seconds for me to be noisy again! hehehehehe)

19. Do you know anyone famous?
Yup, movie and TV personalities, politicians, writers!

20. Describe your bed.
Typical bed of a boarding house. Double deck (I occupy the lower deck), two pillows in blue pillowcase, white blanket with some floral prints and a blue bed sheet.

21. Spontaneous or planned?
More of spontaneous. Like when I want to go out to sing along bars in Malate, I go there even if I won’t be able to pull anyone to accompany me.

22. Do you know how to play poker? No. The only card game that I know are “bulak-bulak” and “unggoy-unggoy”.

23. What do you carry with you at all times?
My wallet with my ATM, Credit and Health Insurance Card, my cellphone and some condoms.

24. What do you miss most about being little?
Swimming at the river just 25 meters at the back of our house in Bukidnon, even If my Mama strongly prohibits it. Getting some firewood and playing at the pine forest which is just less than fifty meters at the back of our house, even if my Mama prohibits it. Climbing all kinds of fruit trees, playing bahay-bahayan with a makeshift house that we built out of banana leaves, sacks, sticks we got in our backyard. Catching all kinds dragon flies in our back yard, playing “shatong”, eating santol with salt and vinegar, listening to radio plays like “Esteban Escudero”, “Mutya sa Saging Minantikaan” “Hayop ka man Mohilak Ka-usab”, “Handumanan sa Usa ka Awit” Ramini ang Batang Bronse” and many more courtesy of Radio Mindanao Network. There’s a lot that I miss about being little.

25. Are you happy with your given name? Yes!
My Complete name is Eric Samuel Paano-Joven. Eric originates from Scandinavia (Vikings, remember?) and it means above all kings. Samuel is of Hebrew origin which means, “called by God”. Paano, my middle name, is of course a tagalog word which means “how”. And Joven is a Spanish word for young.

26. How much money would it take to give up the internet for 1 year? Probably a million dollar. But I don’t think I can live without any internet for one year.

27. What color is your bedroom?
Brown! It’s a boarding house, so what can I do. If I’ll have a bedroom, it will be colored blue, a mixture of all shades of blue.

28. Have you ever been in a play?
Yes, back in my college days. I played as Mendel in “Fiddler on the Roof”, Pharaoh and Rueben in “Joseph the Dreamer”, Vincenzo in a tagalog play “Alitan”, and acted as that proud theater guy in the one-act play “Impromptu” for Alexis dela Cruz play.

29. Do you like yourself and believe in yourself?
Yes, but sometimes I slap my own face for the stupid things that I have done and hated myself for being stupid.

30. Do transient, homeless, or starving people sometimes annoy you?
Yes, especially when they look healthy enough to make a living, or when they use their kids to beg! I made it a policy not to give in to beggars. I believe that you are not helping them if you give. But If I have enough money, I donate it to reputable charities. Believe me, some of those beggars are part of syndicate, so the best way to help them is help organization that will take them out of the street.

31. Do you consider yourself to be a nice person?
Yes. It is only people’s first impression of me that isn’t nice. But once they get to know me, they know how “approachable” and how down-to-earth I am.

32. Do you spend more time with your girlfriend/boyfriend or your friends?
I wish I were in a relationship now. So I have no choice but to spend time with my friends, hoping that they will match me with their other friends. HAHAHAHAHAHA!

33. What's one thing you wish you could do but can't?
Run this company I am currently employed! and Kill Ryan!

34. What is your ideal wedding location?
Old small chapel by the beach.

35. What's one instrument you wish you could play?
The violin and harp.

36. Something you love and hate?
Good-looking persons.

37. What's one language you want to learn?
French and Spanish.

38. What do you order at a bar?
San Mig Light, Vodka, Tequila.

39. Have you ever pierced your body parts?
No.

40. Do you have any tattoos?
No. I don’t want to blemish my good complexion. A henna tattoo would be okay though.

41. Would you admit to getting plastic surgery if confronted?
Over my dead body! That is if, I’ll be dead first!

42. What's one trait you hate in a person?
Apathy! A person who doesn’t care at all deserves to die!

43. Do you consider yourself materialistic?
Not really. Most of my salary goes to food.

44. What do you cook best?
Rice! Although I cook, but I really don’t know if its good.

45. Do you cry in front of your friends?
Yes, but to a close friend.

FUNNY PICTURE
2nd Part


Isn't the picture cute? Now this time, all I want from you is to place a caption for this picture. Common, let your creative juices flow! Hehehehehe. 

FUNNY PICTURE
1st of the Series


Truly, a picture tells a thousand word!

Now, any idea on why the girl was also holding the hand of the guy in white shirt? Those who can give the wildiest theory will receive a . . . commendation! Hehehehe! 

LIGHTER

I should have made this announcement two months ago, but better late than never.

Ladies and gentlemen, on my first day at Slimmers World, I was weighed and hit the scales at 175 lbs. At 28 year old and with a 5'8" height, I was clearly overweight (di ba obvious?! Hehehehehehe). Friends, I am happy to announce today that I am now officially weighed at 155 lbs or 20 lbs less from my weight four months ago. That has been my weight for the almost two months now.

No, I did not take any medicines nor made a visit to the clinic of Vicky Bello. I have been working out at least four times a week for the past four months. I do aerobic exerices (tae-bo, hip-hop aero, bench, hi-lo) and started lifting weights. I have also observed my diet. I ate less carbohydrates, more fruits and protein and fiber rich food. For two months I ate only 3 pcs of skyflakes and coffee for breakfast , one cup of rice and a choice of not so fatty food (I have no choice since I only buy my food in the canteen) for lunch, and wheat bread and tuna or corn beef for dinner.

I was actually surprised that I I enjoyed doing it. There use to be a time when I dread even at that thought of having to allocate some time for physical activities.

I love my gym! Gym time is always fun time at Slimmers World Salcedo. I am happy to be working out with people who have a good sense of humor. Since I love dancing, it wouldn't be surprising that all these new aerobic exerices (hip-hop, latin aero, aero jam) would be interesting to me.

Now, all I am concentrating is gaining more muscles. Yes, I dream of having a body like Marc Nelson and I am working on it! I still do my aerobic exerices.

I feel healthy today and I love the feeling. It nice to walk knowing that your legs would not be strained because of your weight. I feel sexy, not that I have those sexy muscles, but the thought of dancing with sweat running down your body looks sexy to me. I feel good, I breathe easier now.

I feel great!

STORIES IN THE CITY

Metro Manila, with this sprawling urban jungle laden with millions of residents, it wouldn’t be surprising to met someone with a unique story to tell. Stories in the City are the stories of the people I’ve met, talked to, worked with and even "make love" with. These are the people who made my life and my story as a Tagabukid in the city more colorful.

The first installment is a story of a friend I’ve met over the net, specifically mIRC.

Green is the Color for Red

Meet Red, he is a twenty-something-young-professional in Makati. He is a graduate of the premiere university in the country (with honors) and his is one of the unusual “coming out” story that I’ve ever heard.

In his senior year in college Red had a bad break-up with his boyfriend. It turned out that his boyfriend also had another lover. Mad, trying to get even and really wanting to find another guy, Red opened the internet and log-in at some channels in mIRC. His opening line was, “Cainta anyone?” Many responded, one of those was the guy who would turn out to be Green.

Their conversation over the net went on until Green proposes for an SEB (for virgins out there, SEB means sex-eye-ball, or you meet for the purpose of having sex). Finding it as way to get even, Red agreed and they set a time and place to meet. Red had doubts though, but who wouldn’t when never in his life had he had an SEB, this would be his first if ever. Red, however, was able to convince himself saying, “if this is what my ex did to me, I might as well do it with somebody who is only after one thing from me and that is sex.”

The time came for their meeting. Red went to Green’s house and they proceeded to his room. They met at 9 p.m., by that time, Green’s parents would be asleep.

Inside Green’s room, Red told him that he never had an SEB before. Green replied, “you should have told me, I don’t want to do this to you if you don’t want me to.” They ended up talking. Red learned that on that day he and Green chatted at mIRC, Green also had a bad break-up with his boyfriend. Green cried while relating his story.

Sympathy or pity he might have felt that Red, after hearing Green’s story, asked, “can I kiss you?” They kissed and one thing leads to another.

Naked and laying in Bed, Green hugged Red and was running his finger over Red’s body. “Don’t do that to me, I easily fall in love, “ Red told Green. Instead of stopping, Green was kissing him on is nape.

Red went home at 2 o’clock dawn.

The following day, Red received in his cellphone a forwarded message from Green. It was obvious from the message that Green is courting him. They chatted at mIRC again and Green told Red his intentions. Still doubtful, Red told Green, “sex lang ang habol mo sa akin (you’re only after me for sex).” After reading those words, Green felt insulted and automatically logged out from mIRC. Knowing that he offended Green, Red called him and apologised. Green went online again and they continued chatting.

Days passed and Red was busy doing his thesis, but there is one feeling that bothers him. Red terribly missed Green. He texted Green and told him that he would be going home to Cainta on that day. Green met him and they went to Green’s place.

One night in September, inside Green’s room, Red and Green have officially become boyfriends.

Both still continue to meet at Green’s place at 9 in the evening with Red leaving the place at 2 a.m..

Green never failed to surprise Red. On their first “monthsary”, Green brought Red to his friend’s place in Caloocan. Although earlier Green had a slip of tongue and told Red that he was preparing something, Red was still surprised to the extent of Green’s preparation. At the rooftop of apartment of Green’s friend, Red was awed to see the place filled with lit candles in every corner, flower petals scattered on the floor and a table with Red’s favorite food. When Green forgot about Red’s birthday, Green brought him to his place. All the anger of Red melt down when he opened Green’s room filled with candles and rose petal on the floor and on the bed where the two laid.

Red is a good child. He is especially close to his mother. He has never giver his parents any headaches and for all the achievements that Red earned in school, his parents glowed with pride. But while still in school, Red never told his parents about his sexuality. That is why Red and Green can’t meet at Red’s place.

Graduation day, Red finished his studies with honors. On that day, Red also decided to do something. While his mother was busy putting on her make-up, Red told her that he would introduce her to someone. Busy with what she is doing and excited about that thought of she and her husband going to the stage to put on Red numerous awards, his mother did not really take note of what Red had told her.

Red invited Green to his Graduation. After the ceremonies, Red called his parents and brought with him Green.

“Mom, Dad, “ Red said, “this is Green my boyfriend.”

Silence.

Red wished that a jeepney would pass by so that he and Green could leave and save them from any embarrassment unfortunately they are far from the road. Then Red’s mom broke the silence.

“Have you eaten already?” Red’s mom asked Green. To his surprise, Green could only answer, “no.” Red’s father told Red, “we already have suspicion of who really you are, but we are happy that you did not turn out to be one of those “addicts” in the street.”

Red and Green were so happy. On their way home, one of Red’s relative called Green “bé” thinking that it was Green’s name. “Bé” wasn’t Green nickname, but in their happiness, Red and Green were already oblivious to the other people around them that they started calling themselves in their term of endearment, “bé ” (short for bé bé ).

Green was still a little bit shy in going to Red’s place despite the acceptance of Red’s family. However, on Mother’s day, Green sent flowers to Red’s mom. The note on the flowers states, “salamat sa pagtanggap ninyo sa amin ng anak nyo (thank you for accepting us and our relationship with your son), happy mother’s day, love, Green”

Red and Green’s relationship was never without any trials. They have had four break ups already but they would also be back in each arms after. Tomorrow, Red and Green will be celebrating their second anniversary.

Happy Anniversary to Red and Green. Your courage and love for each other is an inspiration for all of us. I hope your love for each other, with all the trials you’ve been through, will go stronger as the days passed by. Thank you for your story.

JasonGrimes

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN!



Happy Birthday to Ian Fermin Rosales Casocot!

Here's one person that I truly admire and respect. A person with wit, intelligence and an impeccable sense of style.

On his 29th birthday (ooops! is it a crime I mentioned your age? hehehe), I pray for a good life ahead, a life filled with love and joy. I pray for more great literary work (and hopefully a gold in the Palanca).

Be happy my friend and I know you are. Happy Birthday!

RESTROOM DIALOGUES

Restroom conversations are funny and it is even funnier when you are the topic of the conversation without them knowing that you are inside in one of those cubicles listening.

I had my head shaved last Friday and If you ask me how I look? With a more fit phsyique now (thanks to Slimmers World) and a shaved head, I look like a a plebe of the Philippine Military Academy. After sporting that spiky, hip haircut, some people couldn't just but help how different I look. This is true with my teammates of the Praise Team in church.

In between our early morning rehearsal and the 8:45 service in church, I went to the rest room. While I was inside the cubicle, I heard three person who came in, from their voices i recognized them as Paolo (our drummer), Joel (one of the vocalist) and Rox (our bassist). They were talking bout something else, then Paolo said, "astig talaga ang buhok ni Kuya Eric." (Don't ask me to translate astig in English). Paolo was obviously making a comment on my new hairstyle to which Joel asnwered, "well, at least it looks okay on him, at least he looks manly now." Then the three of them were laughing.

At that instant, I was tempted to go out of the cubicle and say "did I hear my name mentioned?" But I decided not to. I waited for them to went out, before I came out.

There used to be a time when I would feel terribly bad when I know people are talking about me and my sexuality. My teammates conversation, of course, insinuated on my sexuality, but i didn't feel bad. I have come to point of accepting who really I am. And if accepting who I am comes with a challenge then I am more willing to face it rather than living in denial. I have spent quite a number of years in denial that I have already grown tired of defending myself whenever the issue on my sexuality becomes the topic.

Let them talk about my sexuality, I don't care! For people can talk endless about it, but would that do me any good? I don't know, but what matters to me now is how I live my life and how I earned people's respect out of the things that I do.

People can talk about my sexuality, but as long as it won't affect the flow of money in my pocket (which for now comes in in trickles, hehehehe) or affects the things that I love to do, their conversation won't matter to me. I have learned to live with that and accept it as part of my reality.

DON'T MIND HIM

I was almost tempted to react at some stupid remarks here, but William Butler Yeats reminded of more worthy things than reacting to his remarks.

TO A FRIEND WHOSE WORK HAS COME TO NOTHING
by William Butler Yeats

Now all the truth is out,
Be secret and take defeat
From any brazen throat,
For how can you compete,
Being honour bred, with one
Who, were it proved he lies,
Were neither shamed in his own
Nor in his neighbours' eyes?
Bred to a harder thing
Than Triumph, turn away
And like a laughing string
Whereon mad fingers play
Amid a place of stone,
Be secret and exult,
Because of all things known
That is most difficult.

THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON “IMELDA” TAUGHT ME



Probably by now you may have watch Ramona Diaz’s Documentary Film “Imelda”, or if not, you may have read quite a number of film reviews about her work, so I live the review of the film to the legitimate film critics. There are only three words I can say about “Imelda”, it’s funny, entertaining and informative (not necessarily in that order).

I watched “Imelda” twice over the weekend, first was on Saturday evening and the second time was with my Aunt Anamy on Sunday afternoon. The film features interesting interviews that the Diaz did on Imelda Marcos on the different aspect of her life. Imelda talked about her childhood, meeting and marrying Ferdinand Marcos after 11 days of whirlwind courtship, becoming the First Lady, Martial Law, the People Power, her shoes and her diamonds, her ternoes, her parties, her theories of the Good, the Truth and the Beautiful, among others. Watching the film gave you a deeper look on what’s in the mind of Imelda and how until today she is denial of any wrongs she committed to the Filipino people. Listening to her make you ponder on your life as well.

And this is what I learned - - you need “real friends”. Friends who will not just say good things about you, but who will also be kind enough to tell you your wrong and your idea sucks.

This is the trouble with Imelda, she was surrounded by people who are all trying to please her that even if her idea is the most stupid of all, they still praised her telling her how marvelous her ideas were. You just have to watched her explain her so called “Seven Portals of Peace and Order” to know what I mean. Since it seems to her that everybody was praising her for her ideas, she concluded that her idea is really great! Remember the story of the “Emperor and his New Clothes”? Imelda is very much like the Emperor. Imelda believed that her theories and ideas are great that she even wrote a book for which she said that she “presumptuously write”. The book was entitled “Circles of Life”. (If your wondering why it didn’t make it to the bestsellers list, you already know the reason)

That is why you need friends, friends who would let you go back and think of the reality, friends who help you plant your feet firmly on the ground now matter how successful and how rich you have become. Mga Kaibigang handang-handa sapakin ka para lang magising ka sa kahibangan mo. (I couldn’t say it much better but in Filipino)

And I thank God I have those friends, thank you guys and I love you!

For more about the film, click here

For once, I didn't find Jay Leno funny!

 

But no matter how many times Jay Leno makes fun at us and our government's decision to pull out our 51-men troop in Iraq earlier than August 20, no matter how many times US, Australia, Great Britain and all those from the so called "Coalition of the Willing" will say that our action set a bad precedence, in my heart one thing is sure, GMA and our government made a right decision.

Saving the life of a Filipino truck driver hostage in Iraq is a matter of national interest since Angelo and millions of them abroad are the lifeblood of our economy. To let him die in Iraq in exchange of pleasing the members of the US Led coalition, is to insult the people whom we have called as our modern day heroes.

 

Jay Leno, Howard, Bush would never understand how important Angelo's life to the psyche of the Filipinos, more important than the possible repercussion from the international community because of our troops pullout. These people and their country never have to bring millions of their citizens abroad in order to support their respective families and in turn keeping our sagging economy afloat. They cannot understand that.

So let Jay Leno make fun at us now, because in the end we would all know that we, our government and the Filipinos in general, are not the greatest fools.

 

Foolish are the people who supported the decision of their President to attack and invade a country based on faulty intelligence. Where are the weapons of mass destruction? They couldn't find any yet their government still insists that their invasion is justified? Whose government's action is more stupid now? Us who acted in order to save life and honor our citizen? Or them, who still insist that their presence in Iraq is justified even when the committees and bodies they created to investigate terrorism are telling them otherwise?

Sad, however, that it took a threat to the life of one of our Filipino brothers before our government decided to end its support in the US led invasion, but then again, it is better late than never.

 

Let Jay Leno makes fun of us now, because we know who holds "the huling halakhak". And definitely, it is not the country whose President's decision to invade another country is based not on the experts' opinion (like the international body created by the United Nation to inspect the alleged WMD of Iraq) but on some baseless assumptions, rumors and a college thesis.

 

Who is funny now?

ON THE TURNING AWAY
by Pink Floyd
"A Momentary Lapse of Reason"

On the turning away
From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won’t understand
Don’t accept that what’s happening
Is just a case of others’ suffering
Or you’ll find that you’re joining in
The turning away

It’s a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting it’s shroud
Over all we have known
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone
We could find that we’re all alone
In the dream of the proud

On the wings of the night
As the daytime is stirring
Where the speechless unite
In a silent accord
Using words you will find are strange
And mesmerized as they light the flame
Feel the new wind of change
On the wings of the night

No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away
From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It’s not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there’ll be
No more turning away?

Happy Happy Birthday to my best friend Jade Sheryl Speleski Yamut-Zapanta!

Here's one woman whose strength of character I truly admire. And for a woman who has been to a lot of trials in her life, I pray for happiness, joy, love and peace of mind.

I know she is happy now and I continuously pray for more blessings upon her and her family.

God Bless you Jade and happy 26th Birthday! (Opps! Sorry, I mentioned your age! Hehehehehe) 

WHATS IN MY NAME!

E	Extreme
R	Raw
I	Ideal
C	Cuddly
S	Sexy
A	Arty
M	Magical
U	Unforgettable
E	Exquisite
L	Legendary

Name / Username:

Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com

I humbly submit to your decision your honor. hehehehehe

FILIBUSTER

By now, those who have been watching the Canvass in Congress, will know the meaning of Filibustering. Well after Pimentel spoke for more than four hours (and damn! I regretted casting my vote for him), everybody seems to hate the word.

But there were those days that "Filibustering" was quite honorable. Those were the days when the Senate was still free with the people like Tito Sotto, Ramon Revilla, Robert Jaworski and the likes. And here's one article published by Inquirer today that spoke of how the late Senator Roseller T. Lim Filibustered for more than 18 hours just to prevent then Senator Ferdinand Marcos from becoming the Senate President. And by the way, the Late Senator Lim is a graduate of Silliman University College of Law.


photo from INQ7.

ROSELLER T. LIM
He filibustered for 18 hours
to stop Marcos but…
Posted: 1:31 AM (Manila Time) | Jun. 18, 2004
By Noralyn Mustafa
Inquirer News Service

Great filibuster

HISTORY does repeat itself.

Forty-one years ago, in April 1963, shortly before the Senate adjourned, the late Sen. Roseller T. Lim took to the floor and did the great filibuster that could have changed the course of our history.

For the entire 18 hours and 30 minutes that he talked, he had to keep standing, leaning on the podium only when he had to. He was allowed to take only water, but was prohibited from going to the comfort room. He had to relieve himself in his pants.

His cause: to prevent Ferdinand Marcos from becoming Senate President.

Before martial law was proclaimed on Sept. 21, 1972, there were only two parties-the Nacionalista Party (NP) and the Liberal Party (LP).

When Marcos, a Liberal, contested the Senate presidency against the Nacionalista incumbent, Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez, the Liberals were the Senate majority, numbering 12 against 10 Nacionalistas. Diosdado Macapagal, the incumbent President, was a Liberal.

There were, however, two independents who were going to vote with the minority, which would assure the Nacionalistas the majority vote, except that the one crucial vote for the NP was in the hands of Alejandro Almendras, who was in the United States purportedly for a throat operation but was expected to arrive in the country in two days. With all their hopes pinned on him, the Nacionalistas had to delay the election.

On the eve of the election for Senate President, Marcos made a "friendly" visit to the Zamboangueño senator. Marcos knew that the Government Service Insurance System was foreclosing the mortgage on Lim's house (such were the senators of that time, they could not even afford to keep up with the amortization on their loans).

In elegant statesman's language, Marcos offered to pay the loan; and in equally elegant statesman's language, Lim refused. But after Marcos left, he let out a string of invectives in unelegant Spanish.

"I was a witness to that visit," Lim's daughter, Rosamy, told the Inquirer. "Daddy was mad. I think it was at that moment that he decided to do what he had to do."

The following day, at the party meeting hours before the vote, Lim offered to filibuster to buy time for the Nacionalistas until the arrival of Almendras.

For 18 hours and 30 minutes, he stood there talking, with just a glass of water nearby to sustain him. More than that, his brilliance, his impeccable command of the English language, his years as a trial lawyer and legislator, his vast store of anecdotes in the legislature and the laboring class of which he was a champion that gave him enough material to talk about and keep his audience listening. (For more of the article click here)

What a lovely couple! Richard and Beth's Wedding was one of the best weddings I've been to.

By the way, my attendance to Beth's wedding completed my four wedding and a funeral in five months time. December, I attended two weddings. One for my team mate in the Praise Team of UCM, the other one was with for my cousin. In April, I attended the funeral of my cousin in CDO. Also in April, I attended the wedding of my roommate in Tarlac. Then Beth's wedding in May.

If your are wondering why I am saying this? Well, just to let know, that's all, hehehehehe. 

SEX AND WEIGHT LOSS

This one I got from "Fit", the magazine of Slimmers World. I am currently enrolled with Slimmers World for one year.

Foreplay
* Trying to find the clitoris (burn 8 calories)
* Trying to find the G-spot (burn 92 calories)
* not caring at all (burn 0 calories)

Putting on the condom
* With an erection (burn 6 calories)
* Without an erection (burn 187 calories)

Having an orgasm
* A real one (burn 112 calories)
* Faking it (burn 315 calories)

Putting clothes back on
* Quietly (burn 32 calories)
* In a hurry (burn 98 calories)

Moral lesson of the story is, if you don't have time to go to the gym but have time for sex, then for you to lose weight you must:

1. not patronize quickies since this will reduce the time for foreplay,
2. not get excited too much for you to burn more calories while putting on a condom,
3. fake your orgasm, and
4. do it in a place where you have all the likelihood to get caught so that by the time your done, you have no choice by to hurry up in putting your clothes back.

Now, shall we put this into practice? Hahahahahaha!

NO FEAR!


(photo from pcij.org)

His name is Manuel "Way Kurat" Zamora. No, he is not your typical-gardener-employed-by-a-rich-businessman-living-in-Forbes-Park, he happens to be the Hon. Manuel Zamora, Representative of Compostella Valley in Mindanao.

Now, if his name doesn't ring a bell, that means you haven't been reading the newspaper or watching TV reports lately.

Here's a reminder, at the height of the debates in the Congress for the canvassing of votes for the President and the Vice President, when another Representative from Mindanao, Digs "Shut Up" Dilanganen, was trying to employ his delaying tactics again (remember Erap's impeachment?), Congressman Manuel "Way Kurat" Zamora (whose nickname literally means "no fear"), in all "parliamentary posture" interrupted the heated debate in the plenary, and asked the Speaker of the House, in full view of the hundreds of people inside the Plenary Hall of the Batasang Complex and the millions of Filipinos watching the television, if he could personally carry the 190 or so ballot boxes in front because he is getting bored. This brought the House down and ease up the tention. And yes! it wasn't just all for show, up to this day he brought those boxes in front one by one!

But "Way Kurat" is no ordinary congressman, if all congressman where like him, proabbly the Congress would not be tagged as one of the most corrupt institutions in our government. Here's an article from inq7.net which was republished at the House of Representatives' website:

Rep. Zamora shows them what austerity means

HE GOES to work on a bike and wears “puruntong” shorts in his office. He uses a small service vehicle for his rounds back home. And when his finances permit, he takes a boat to visit his province.

Moreover, he interacts with his constituents by acting as “kristo” (bet collector) in cockfight arenas scattered around his district.

Would you believe this guy is a congressman?

Compostela Valley Rep. Manuel Zamora, 51, has a lot to teach his colleagues about frugality and austerity.

A first-term congressman, Zamora says he goes to work on a bicycle because he still has to get a car from the House of Representatives and he can't afford to take a taxi.

"So, I thought, since the place I was renting was only 3 kilometers away (from the Batasang Pambansa complex), why not ride a bike?" Zamora says in an interview by the INQUIRER.

So off to Cartimar in Pasay City, Zamora went with his chief of staff to purchase a P5,000 mountain bike.

At 8 a.m. from Monday to Friday, Zamora takes a 30-minute bike ride from Sierra Monte Village in Quezon City to the Batasang Pambansa.

It's uphill going to the House, but its okay because it's downhill on my way home, he says.

Donned in jogging pants, Zamora chains his bike to the railing of the steps at the entrance of the South Wing where he holds office at Room 405.

After taking a bath, he changes into his “puruntong” shorts and then goes about his legislative work, including entertaining his constituents.

"I'm comfortable in my shorts. Why should I be ashamed?" says Zamora, who is a farmer by profession.


At lunchtime, Zamora takes his bike for the short trip across the main gate to take his meal at Migs Restaurant where rank-and-file House employees have their lunch.

After lunch, he changes into the more formal barong Tagalog as he prepares for the 4 p.m. regular session.

"I'm just like this. I am a simple man," Zamora says, wondering why he should get so much attention for leading a frugal life in what was otherwise a world of the rich and famous in the House.

He says he felt timid during the opening of Congress on July 23 because his seatmate happened to be San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, who incidentally has a brother named Manuel.

"(Ronaldo Zamora) is so rich, it felt weird sitting beside him," says the unassuming Zamora, a high school graduate who only went as far as first year in college where he took an engineering course.

Zamora will most likely get a vehicle soon because one of the benefits given to members of the House is a car loan from the Landbank of the Philippines.

Click here for another article published by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. I REALLY LIKE THIS GUY!

"Way Kurat" and his bike 

CALL ME TANGA!

For the fourth time, I lost my cellphone again!

Yesterday, as I was hurrying up to get off the cab since I was late, I failed to notice that my cellphone fell of from the side pocket of my pants. It was already too late when I discovered that it was lost. I was already in my office when I learned that I don't have my cellphone in my pocket. I tried calling my number through our landline but what I got was a busy tone.

I was really intending to buy a new one. My nokia 3310 is quite antiquated. What pissed me of was that it goes with it my SIM card. Good thing, I have a list of my friends numbers. Bad thing is, I don't have the list of darth vader and I don't know how to get in touch with him! That thing really sucks!

Who is darth vader? ask Beth.

PRAYER FOR A TRUE AND SPEEDY CANVASS
by Corazon C. Aquino
(Courtesy of INQ7)

DEAR Jesus, Prince of Peace,

I ask You to bless us, so that we will continue to enjoy Your favor.

Listen to our prayer and hear our cry for help, as we await the official canvass by Congress for the highest office in the land.

Give us the patience to wait out an honest count as the Constitution requires.

Give us the understanding to appreciate the issues, the discernment to tell the real from the false.

Inspire our legislators to address our doubts with clarity and patience, knowing that a gentle answer turns away wrath, and the tongue of the wise brings healing.

This important work of Congress will be hard and tedious, but a sincere desire for the truth, will help rather than hinder the speed of the canvass.

Confident in Your great mercy, dear Lord, we believe Your people will do their best.

Therefore, let every word spoken in Congress bring understanding instead of delay, calm rather than more uncertainty, and a humble acceptance instead of hurt pride, that we may achieve the stability that comes only with justice, and the freedom that springs only from truth. Amen.

(And I say Amen and Amen - Eric)

MY VOTE

President

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Vice President

Noli de Castro

Senators (in alphabetical order)

1. Alvarez, Heherson
2. Barbers, Robert
3. Biazon, Rodolfo
4. Cayetano, Pia
5. Chavez, Frank
6. Defensor-Santiago, Miriam
7. Gordon, Richard
8. Mercado, Orlando
9. Pimentel, Aquilino
10. Revilla, Jr., Ramon
11. Roxaz, Manuel
12. Yasay, Perfecto

Party List

Abanse Pinay

I know some of you are rising their eyebrows on some of my choice.

I am not voting for Gloria for the sole reason that she is the only one who can prevent an FPJ presidency. I am voting for Gloria, becuase among the candidates I believe that she is the only one deserving of the position.

Eversince, I don not like Roco. He is too arrogant for me. Besides, Roco's failure to even put up a decent Vice-Presidential Candidate puts into question his political ability. The fact that he can't complete his senatorial slate and running with a virtually unknown VP, puts Roco's leadership ability into question. Moreover, his sickness further gave me dount about his capability to run this country.

Lacson? The way he operates his campiagn is like a gay showbiz reporter. Mahilig mangintriga but when asked to produced evidence, he can't.

Villanueva is a perhaps a righteous man, but I have serious doubts to his leading this country of 80 million people with diverse beliefs.

I am voting for Noli becuase I don't like Loren. A vote for Aquino is another wasted vote, that candidate is bound to lose from day one of the campaign.

As for Bong Revilla, I think he did well as VRB Chief and that alone derserves my vote. And I want Mirian back in the Senate, despite her "weird" behavior, I believe that the senate is the best place for her.

THE FALLACIES OF THE FPJ CAMPAIGN


photo from inq7

FPJ drop out in high school because his father died when he was young and he has to work for the family.

Believe me, I have read this excuse in my yahoo group from people who obviously work for FPJ. This could be a very good excuse with an emotional appeal. Imagine, a devoted son ready to work at a very young age to put some food on the family’s table.

I would have been shedding with tears now and applauding him, but not this time, besides I am no drama queen!

My father died when I was twelve, my mother is only a mere government employee. At that time my father died, my mother was only earning less than P10,000.00 a month. I was in my sixth grade when my father died, my elder sister was in college in Silliman, and my two younger sisters are in prep school. It was a very difficult time for us, but we managed and we survived. My elder sister and I finished college and my two younger sisters are now in college.

We could have quit going to school at that time to help our mother make a living, but my mother knows the importance of education. My mother sent us to good schools and studying entailed a lot of sacrifices for us, but we were able to manage.

I know there are thousands others whose situations are far worst than mine, but they were also able to finish college

My point is, if you believe on the value of education you would know how important it is and you would do all your best just to earn a degree.

FPJ was not poor and never was poor. There are a lot of entertainers who juggled work and college and were able to finish, but not FPJ. For me, it only proves one thing, learning and earning knowledge are not on top of his list. Education is not his priority and now he wants to be President of this country, how could we think of having him as President.

True, FPJ is not schooled, but he is taking crash course on economics, governance and politics with some UP professors

Oh dear! From experience, a crash course is only bound to one thing - - a crash landing.

What FPJ did is to do cramming and my experience (and probably for all of us) cramming does not work. If you cram for your exams, you might be lucky sometimes, but most of times you are bound to forget all the things that you learned through cramming once you see the test papers.

This is only college, now magnify this to the level of national governance where the problems are way way much difficult and more complex than your college exams, then put a leader who will work on these problems who crammed in studying his lessons, what can you expect? A miracle?!

FPJ is sincere

So am I and millions other. But would that be enough to be President of this country?

Yes, FPJ does not have any experience in government, but he has experience running his own company

What company was that? Was that company listed in the top 5000 companies of the country? How many employees are working for that company? And why is it that it is only now that I heard of that company?

If running a company is the basis of becoming the President, then the Zobel Ayalas could probably be a good president too. But again, that is not only the basis. A President is the Chief Executive of the Country, the Head of State, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Chief Foreign Relations Officers, and many others. Would FPJ’s experience enough to fit in into those positions?

How many employees that FPJ has in his company where he personally managed for him to be capable of running this country with 80 million people?

FPJ could always hire the best advisers

True, he could do that. Erap did that and look what happened to him.

A leader always seeks the counsel of some other people. But the catch is, it isn’t always that advisers would give the same advice, most of time personal differences and motives would come and mixed with those advise. What knowledge that FPJ has for him to choose the best advice? Does he has the capability of discerning which among the advice that he gets, officially and unofficially, is best for the country and its people?

---------------------------------------------------------------------

If you notice, I made a lot of questions because unfortunately that is what I got from the FPJ campaign - - QUESTIONS!

I just wonder:
Does FPJ know how government operation is being run?

Can FPJ defend his foreign policy (if he has one) to statesmen? Or does he know the importance of an effective foreign policy?

Does FPJ know the very basic law of supply and demand in economics, the value of knowing the inflation rate, the difference of Gross National Product and Gross Domestic Product and its implications?

Does FPJ know a very simple procedure like procurement of office supplies?

There are a lot of questions and I was hoping that earlier in his campaign FPJ would be able to show signs that he has answers to most, if not all, of this questions. But I didn’t get any. All I heard are those motherhood statements and those spiels from his movies that are only intended to arouse the emotions of the people but short or severely lacking in substance.

Yes, FPJ wants peace, jobs for Filipinos, food in every table of the Filipino family. We also want that and so are the other candidates, but the questions is - - how are you going to that? FPJ did not give any answer, instead, as evidenced by his political ads, FPJ wants answer from us. This act could be a good one knowing that in policy making a down-top-approach would help a better understanding to the problem, that is you get the pulse of the people and learn from their experience. But the problem is, with this approach you need a leader to provide the direction and the vision, otherwise what you will get are hudge-pudge of opinions with no clear direction as to where this policy is heading.

The trouble with FPJ is he refused from telling us the specifics of his plan which gave us the question, does he sincerely know how to find solutions to the problems of our country? Does he really know what entails to become the President of the Republic of the Philippines? Again, questions.

FPJ could have share this to us had he agreed to a debate, but he refused, calling the debate a “waste of time.”

Debate, in a democratic society, is important. That’s how democracy works and survived. In a democratic society, the voicing out of ones opinions is as important as putting them into action. You need to present that idea first to the test of the public opinion and be able to defend that idea from hordes of criticism and questions to be able to convince the vast majority that your idea works. That is debate.

----------------------------------------------------------------

So what did I get from the FPJ campaign? Entertainment only, but as to an assurance that he could best serve this country as our President? All I have are doubts. So why would I risk my vote to an inexperience high school dropout who refuses to tell the public how he would run this country? My conscience and my patriotic upbringing tell me not to cast my vote for him.

I hope you also do.

I AM RESIGNING

I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult. I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an 8 year-old again.

I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four star restaurant. I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make a sidewalk with rocks. I want to think M&M's are better than money because you can eat them. I want to lie under a big oak tree and run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer's day.

I want to return to a time when life was simple; when all you knew were colors, multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes, but that didn't bother you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care. All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should make you worried or upset.

I want to think the world is fair. That everyone is honest and good. I want to believe that anything is possible. I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again.

I want to live simple again. I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness, and loss of loved ones.

I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the imagination, mankind, and making angels in the snow.

So...here's my checkbook and my car keys, my credit card bills and my 401K statements. I am officially resigning from adulthood. And if you want to discuss this further, you'll have to catch me first, cause....Tag! You're it.

I got this from the net. What if we could possibly do this? I don't know, just thinking out loud here.

Eric Samuel P. Joven was a Demented Photographer in a past life. Discover your past lives @ Quiz Me

GREAT NEWS



Ladies and Gentlemen!

The Midnight Society now has a lawyer! Congratulations to Atty. James Renan "Dyames"Dalman! We are proud of you!

By the way, I won't be blogging for a week since I will be going to the Bukid for the Holy Week.

PLEESHOR ME

It is too bad that Starstruck and Star Circle Quest won't accept people of my age, these pictures would have added to their ratings. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!





Ok, ok, ok! I admit those were digital shots from the studio and they did something for that photo. But, that is only to get rid of two pimple marks and a few scars. Otherwise, that would still be me on my relax and non-toxic day.

THE ROMANTIC PINOY

Filipinos are indeed romantic!

One great testimony to the Romantic Pinoy is our music. Not only are the lyrics written with love flowing through the lines, but the melody and the orchestration of our music are reflections of our passions.

It was therefore a great treat when Ayala Corporation celebrated its 170th year yesterday with a concert dubbed as “Hindi kita Malimot: The Filipino as Romantic” featuring the country’s premiere (and accordingly the most expensive!) San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra (SMPO) with Prof. Ryan Cayabyab leading SMPO in playing classic Filipino Love Songs.

The concert was for free which was staged at the lobby of Ayala Tower One in Ayala Triangle (for that evening, portion of Ayala Avenue from Makati Ave. to Paseo de Roxas was closed).


The Lobby of Tower One

Love songs like “Hindi Kita Malimot”, “Kataka-taka”, “Dahil Sa’yo, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” serenaded Manila’s well-heeled society and Makati’s ordinary employees. All of the music were Cayabyab’s arrangement and were played in public for the first time last night.

Filipinos penchant for drama is evident in Cayabyab’s arrangements and seeing how the ordinary folks reacted to the music is truly a manifestation that Cayabyab was able to capture the hearts of Filipinos. The soaring melody of the strings rising into a crescendo, followed by the rolls of the timpani and the clashing of the cymbals, then a soft violin solo is mesmerizing. I don’t know, but probably realizing how good our music is that I had goose bumps all throughout the evening. Or probably it is just because I am really a hopelessly romantic fool.

As an encore, SMPO played what Cayabyab called as “something pedestrian”. They played the full orchestra version of Parokya ni Edgar’s “Mr. Suave". And guess where it received most of the applause? At the back portion where most of the ordinary folks were standing. SMPO put class on “Mr. Suave” with Cayabyab gamely urging the crowd to shout “hoi! hoi! hoi! hoi! hoi! hoi!.” The economic disparity, however, among the crowd last night was very evident with those seated in front just keeping mum, while those at the back standing were clapping their hands and doing the “hoi! hoi! hoi!”.

But that was only part one of the show.

After the intermission, Eugene F. Castillo, who already made his mark in the US, took the baton for the SMPO and led the orchestra in playing fairy tale suits. The greatest treat for the night, however, was when Cecille Licad went onstage and performed Ravel’s Concerto in G with the SMPO.


Cecille Licad

I know, some of us here had bad experience in dealing with Licad’s behavior when she visited Silliman in 1998. But Cecille Licad is Cecille Licad. She is one hell of a performer! You don’t have just to listen to Licad’s music, you also have to see her perform.

There is only one word I can say about Licad’s performance (and I know Ryan would love this! hehehehehe), it’s “orgasmic”. Bless me Ryan for I know I’ve sinned but I just can’t help but think that when Licad performs, it is as if she is making love (or having sex to be blatant) with the piano. Watching her expression (since her face was focused by the camera and projected on the two wide screen) it is as if you are also carried with whatever emotion she brings and as the music rise into a climax, it is as if I am having my climax too.

The people of course did not let the chance pass by, after performing the concerto, they made Licad performed another piece from Ravel.

Obviously I had a great evening last night even if I was standing for almost two hours. Ayala Corporation, of course, wouldn’t present something mediocre. Even the lobby of Tower One was filled with flowers and floral artworks of Jaime Augusto Zobel Ayala was projected at the ceiling of the lobby for the whole evening.

It, however, leaves me a sense of panghihinayang. Having to stand at the back, I’ve realized how most of us are really “culturally illiterate”. I don’t claim to be culturally informed though, but I know how to appreciate classics. Sadly, you would hear comments (that is what you gert when you are standing at back with them) like “sana may ocho-ocho”. Or probably from a Makati Office Girl who speaks the “coñotic” language and looks like any yuppies and would exclaim, “ang jologs naman!” if something was said out of their taste, only to be heard (by me, of course!) uttering the silliest comment I heard that night. Reacting when the voice over announced that there will be a ten-minute intermission, she exclaimed “saan na ang intermission?” She was of course expecting that when it was announced that there will be a ten-minute intermission, there would be an “intermission number.” And I thought she was the only one, when her lady companion arrived (from the rest room) and seeing the people standing, she asked, “anong nangyari?” To which her friend answered, “ten minute intermission daw.” Then she replied, “asan na ang intermission.” You could imagine how the contour of my face changed upon hearing that.

Well, what can I do? This is a free show and everyone, as in everyone!, were invited to watch.

I’M BACK!

Miss me? Accept it pipol, you miss me. Hehehehehehe.

Ok, so what happened to me for the last 18 days that I haven’t blog? A lot of things actually. There are plenty of things that I would want to share with you, plenty bad things to gripe about, plenty of stupid people to bitch - - but everytime I am in front of the PC, all of a sudden I feel lazy to write. Well, it was those days.

So, for the highlights of this month, here’s my report. I am finally a regular employee this non-life insurance company in Makati. For security purposes, I won’t be saying the name of the company here (actually, it’s more of I don’t want my big bosses to trace this site to me as I would be saying, ok “griping”, about this company in my blog).

These past two months were really trying months for me and Aldwyn knew that (he was the only one who had the chance to see me on those days). As you see, I was only on contract with the company since January 2003. My contract ended last January 16, upon my boss assurance, he said that I would immediately be taken by the company as part of their regular force. I hang on to that assurance, unfortunately it wasn’t an easy one.

I was interviewed again by our SVP Treasurer (he is the one who approves hiring of employees, our HR is a mere stamping pad). He told me that until I can submit my transcript of records that is the only time they can start the process. Fortunately the ever-dependable Moses Joshua Atega was there to help me get my TOR from Silliman and I was able to submit it before January 30.

I was already expecting that I won’t be receiving my Salary yet for the Jan. 30 so I have made provisions already. True indeed, I wasn’t able to get my Salary that day because nobody from our HR worked on it.

February came and I was expecting that by the 15th I would be receiving my Salary. But I was wrong, while my boss received a note from the HR head that our SVP has approved my hiring, nobody from the HR staff worked on it. It was really bad! I celebrated my 28th birthday with no money. Worst, those people from the HR blatantly said that why I am still working when my contract has already ended. I am really stupid right? Unfortunately I am not, I was working because my boss told me so. I was fuming mad already that even my boss had some taste already of my anger.

Now before you people cast some invectives against our HR, in fairness to them they don’t know the situation. It was only my boss and our SVP Treasurer that talked, trouble was their agreement did not trickle down to the people who would be implementing it. A miscommunication, but at what price to pay (a month that I did not received my salary).
After learning the true situation, it was only then that our HR started the process. I was made to take an IQ test and psychological test (and I tell you their material were already antiquated and the rumors was -- I am the one of those who had high marks), go through a series of interview with HR head, head of the IT and our SVP for properties, and had my medical exams.

February 27 came and I was hoping that I would finally be receiving my salary. But I was wrong again. The HR couldn’t catch up with the paper works. They, however, assured me that I would definitely be receiving my salary by the 15th of March.

First week of March, the HR Head talked to me and he said that finally the company is hiring me as a regular employee effective March 1. My first question of course was, “what will happen to that January 16 – February 29 period where I was working (and handling confidential information) for the company?” He answered, I would be receiving a different check for that based on my old rate. Then he said that management decided to reduced by 2,000 the salary that I am receiving as a contractual employee but in exchange would be giving me a 1,100 monthly meal allowance and another 1,000 gift cheque from SM. I said, “okay.” And as regular employee I would be entitled to until a 16th month salary and a medical, dental, optical health plan. And finally, to probably save them from the trouble that they have given me, instead of going through the regular 6-months probationary period, I would automatically be hired as a regular employee with a rank of a Supervisor I.

Whew! Finally last March 12, I received my salary (which was just in time for the midnight madness sale at Glorietta) and on the 15th I received my salary covering the period of Jan. 16 – Feb. 29.

So why did it took me only this day to write about this? I was actually busy having my therapy for all the heartaches that those two months that I was left hanging in the clouds. I t wasn’t easy you know. So what kind of therapy I have undergone? Shopping, my dear, shopping (hahahahahahahaha) and of course a trip to the salon.

How did I get through those two months living in Manila and commuting everyday without a clear income? Well, there is always my boss and my aunt to borrow money from, and being a seasoned survivor, there is always a hundred and one ways to save your last centavo.

Now talking about my company, this is the kind of company that I will grow old with. No, I don’t mean I would spend years working here, but I will age soon in this company. This is the company that won’t allow their ladies to wear an open-toe-shoes and no denims for men in Filipino, mag mukha kang manang dito! And I had my taste of this insane policy last Monday.

Have you ever been to a salon, have your haircut, and after your done you couldn’t help but smile because you feel good about your new hairstyle? I tell you I went through that last Friday. My first trip after getting my Salary was to go to Bench Fix Salon in Glorietta and had my haircut. I decided to have it trimmed shorter. But Mike, my regular stylist (mind you he is straight), added some twist, made me look a bit hip by putting some stylishly unkempt spike and I like it, my friends like it, my aunt like it, my church mates like it, my roommates like it. I feel good and I know I look good.

Monday came and then my boss saw me with the new hairstyle. True as I feared, he didn’t like it! He said James (our SVP Treasurer) might see me and reprimand for my hairstyle. “For what”, I would have asked, “for being stylish, for looking young?” Would my credibility be lost just because I have a “spiky hair”? I don’t look like the new- age punk in the eighties! I look good! But what can I do, argue over my hairstyle with a person who sense of being cool is so seventies? Whose jokes was so yesterday?!

So I have to make a compromise. So here I am with a little of those spike but not spiky enough to cause them the alarm. I hate it! But what can I do, I need this job to survive.

Finally! A much-deserved award for Sean Pean! And not only that, Hollywood gave this guy dubbed as "Hollywood's bad boy" for his not so pleasent relationship with Hollywood, a standing ovation. Great! Just Great! And the acceptance speech? Despite being snubbed a number of times by the Academy, he still said this:

Thank you. If there's one thing that actors know, other than that there weren't any wmds -- it's that there is no such thing as best in acting. And That's proven by these great actors that I was nominated with as well as the -- as well as the Giamattis, Cages, Downey Jrs., Nicholsons, etc. that were not nominated. We know how great all of you were.

TAGABUKID'S PRIDE

This is one of the reasons why I am proud to be a son of Bukidnon, that mountianous province located at the heart of Mindanao. We have a festival that celebrates our heritage and portray's authentic tribal song and dances, instead of those choregraphed moves from the other festivals in the country.

This may not be like Beth's Secret, but I have one secret to tell, I am proud a descendant of tribal cheiftain. Both my grandmothers are daughters or granddaughter of a Datu. Imagine that I have a Royal Blood! (hehehehehehe)

Bukidnon heritage kept alive
By Antonio Montalvan

IT has become a norm for many provinces and cities to
stage cultural festivals. Festivals are tourist
come-ons. They are crowd-drawers. They bring in
much-needed receipts.

In our enthusiasm to think of what festivals to stage,
we create traditions that weren't there to begin with
and pass them off as "indigenous." Many of our
festivals range from the bawdy to the bizarre. One
town in the country is even thinking of putting up a
"suman festival." At other times, we couldn't seem to
make up our minds whether this was an Ati-atihan or a
Brazil Mardi Gras. Other festivals are just plain and
simple bacchanalia.

One festival that certainly does not fall into this
category -- at least not yet -- is Bukidnon's Kaamulan
Festival, held during the month of March each year.
The Kaamulan is anything but contrived.

It all began in 1974. It was the fiesta of Malaybalay,
May 15, in honor of San Isidro Labrador. The town's
vice mayor then, Edilberto Mamawag, thought of
inviting some indigenous Bukidnon tribespeople to
town. Mamawag thought a few dance steps by the natives
at Plaza Rizal would enliven the fiesta-goers.

That simple idea caught fire. A former reporter for
the Manila Times, Mamawag had at that time a guest
Manila reporter who later wrote about it for a
national magazine. That signaled the start of
Kaamulan's fame. One year led to another. On Sept. 16,
1977, the Regional Development Council adopted
Kaamulan as the regional festival of northern
Mindanao.

By then, Mamawag was already the municipal mayor of
Malaybalay (now a city). Although born of Ilocano
parents who, like many others, settled on the cool
mountain plateaus of Bukidnon, Mamawag married a
Higaunon girl, Eden Suclatan Tan-Nery, who was a
descendant of Datu Mansiagnao. But there was also a
pure-blooded Higaunon in the municipal council, Pepita
Caterial Ongkiatco (many of the natives had adapted to
the surnames of the migrant culture since Hispanic
times). That was probably one factor that spelled the
difference for Kaamulan since the start: that it was
conceived and implemented by people with real
indigenous genealogical lines.

The name Kaamulan is Binukid for "social gathering."
There are eight indigenous groups in Bukidnon: the
Matigsalug, Umayamnon, Ilianon, Pulangihon, Talaandig,
Tigwa Manobo, Western Bukidnon Manobo and the Higaunon
who are also found in the hinterlands of Agusan del
Sur, Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte. Comparative
linguistic studies have shown that their languages,
along with other Manobo languages of Mindanao, are
daughter languages of an earlier parent language
called Proto Manobo, the speakers of which were
believed to have migrated to southern Mindanao many
centuries ago.

Unlike other festivals, Kaamulan is not all street
theater pageantry, although that is only one of its
many facets. If other festivals have to stage-direct
schoolchildren and make them appear as natives, in
Kaamulan it is the real indigenous peoples who attract
the crowds. And which is probably why the authentic
rituals are what spice up the Kaamulan pageantry.

There is the pangampo (general worship), the
tagulambong ho datu (a political ritual marking one's
formal ascendancy to the datuship), the panumanod
(spiriting ceremony), the panlisig (edging away of
evil spirits), another ceremony called pamalas and a
native horse fight called kagsaba ho kabayo.

Dance clinics are held in the afternoons. These are
conducted by the indigenous peoples themselves, using
real native drums and musical instruments. Young
people who otherwise go "jamming" using CD compos and
portable disc players are the ones instead who are
drawn to these clinics like an ethnic Woodstock, truly
an educational alternative.

In the evenings, there are chants of the Bukidnon epic
olaging, recitations of the lyric poetry limbay, the
singing of ballads called idangdang, and other
literary forms such as bayok-bayok (verses), antoka
(riddles), nanangon (folk tales) and the tracing of
one's genealogy in debate form, the dasang.

Because it is the product of a well thought-out
research, and includes the participation of real
natives in its conceptualization and implementation,
Kaamulan has attracted its own following of
researchers. It is a heartwarming sight to see
students painstakingly taking notes, interviewing the
native folks. Kaamulan is a virtual Filipino culture
history laboratory, and its educational benefits to
many students cannot be underestimated.

Where otherwise we find "neo-ethnic" choreographies
and "modified" costumes in some of our festivals,
Kaamulan is everything authentic. Where other
festivals parade the town's patron saint à la Santo
Niño Ati-atihan or Sinulog-style, Kaamulan is no
copycat. If other festivals sashay to the beat of the
Ati-atihan even if the place had no Ati people to
begin with, Kaamulan follows only its indigenous
cadence. Kaamulan's charm is not in the frenzy of the
Ati-atihan, nor in the pomp and glitter of Sinulog.
Its charm lies in its authenticity.

Bukidnon has always been a refreshing destination, not
just for its climate but also for its montane vistas,
its Grand Canyon of the Philippines, its fog-laden
pine-wooded hills of Malaybalay City, its mighty
Pulangi River that becomes the Rio Grande de Mindanao
as it reaches the vast Cotabato plains. Perhaps the
best wonder of Bukidnon is its unique indigenous
culture.

LOVE QUOTES

The Love bug is still in me (athough technically, I am still loveless), so for all the love birds around who are at the risk of being melodramatic, sappy and corny (hehehehehehe, joke lang po), here are two quotes about love for you to ponder:

from Mae West:
Love conquers all things,
Except poverty and toothache

from Malcolm S. Forbes:
Love is free, but at what price!

Objections anyone?

FOR THE WOMEN IN MY LIFE

To Beth who is now engaged to the love of her life, to KK and Jade who are wonderfully happy and enjoying their marital bliss, and to Dinah who is one hell of a great mother - - as my post Valentines Day greetings for you, here's a song by Shania Twain:

She’s Not Just A Pretty Face

She hosts a T.V. show--she rides the rodeo
She plays the bass in a band
She's an astronaut--
a valet at the parking lot
A farmer working the land
She is a champion--she gets the gold
She's a ballerina--the star of the show

Chorus:
She's--not--just a pretty face
She's--got--everything it takes
She has a fashion line--
a journalist for "Time"
Coaches a football team
She's a geologist--a romance novelist
She is a mother of three
She is a soldier--she is a wife
She is a surgeon--she'll save your life

Chorus: She's--not--just a pretty face
She's--got--everything it takes
She's--mother--of the human race
She's--not--just a pretty face

She is your waitress--she is your judge--
she is your teacher
She is every woman in the world

She flies an airplane--
she dirve a subway train
At night she pumps gasoline
She's on the council--she's on the board
She's a politician--she praises the Lord

No, she's (she's) not (not)--
just a pretty face
She's (she's) got (got)--everything it takes
She's--not--just a pretty face
She's got everything it takes
She's not just a pretty face

AT 28

I am 28 today.

I think when we get older, the inevitable question that we ask ourselves is, "where am I?" Thank goodness to Beth, beautiful tha she is, instead of wallowing from usual self pity stuff, she reminded me of this:

Psalms 103:1-5

1 Praise the LORD , O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD , O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

So here I am with one thing I know for sure - - I have grown wiser through these years and thankful that God gave me another year to probably correct things that I did in the past (that can still be corrected) and make things right for me.

These forwarded emails that were sent to me by friends seem to speak to me now:

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
by George Carlin

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country,
but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

And Always Remember:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.


EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE
I LEARNED FROM A JIGSAW PUZZLE
by Jacquie Sewell


1. Don't force a fit--if something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.

2. When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.

3. Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.

4. Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.

5. When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see #4).

6. The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook. Refer to the Creator's guidebook often.

7. Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.

8. Working together with friends and family makes any task fun.

9. Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.

10. Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.

11. Take time often to celebrate your successes (even little ones).

12. Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.

13. When you finally reach the last piece, don't be sad. Rejoice in the masterpiece you've made and enjoy a well-deserved rest.