Is it really Christmas?

Today is December 24th. I am alone facing the white computer screen, reading an e-book someone I don't know sent me, and listening to Silver Bells through Yahoo! Music Launch Cast. Isn't it today the busiest day of December (well, aside from the New Year's Eve)? After all, it's Christmas Eve, where almost everyone is busy preparing for midnight snacks and gift-giving when midnight strikes. Well, maybe I am an exemption, my family is. It my 22 years of existence it seems absurd for others to know that we didn't celebrate Christmas every December 24th. We don't have noche buena, we don't do gift-giving, we don't go to simbang gabi (we're traditional Baptist), it seems nothing at all. I didn't expect something grand every December 24th, it's something ordinary at least for me. That's why it took me aback when I realized that we're supposed to have keso de bola, noche buena and what-not. I think we're weird, but Christmas for us is not so well-celebrated. This is weird - I just realized so after thorough thinking.

2008 is not my year, same as with the previous one. I felt dangerously bored and it made my life my own personal hell, mind you. But then there is always something to be thankful for despite the lack of excitement. I took and passed NCLEX-RN, and I am on my way waiting for my US Visa (I am counting four long years before it gets approved, mind you). Nonetheless, I am happy at the prospect that I have gone a big leap ahead.

Tonight I bore myself reading the second book of Stephanie Meyer - New Moon. I am not the romantic kind, but after I hated watching the movie, I realized I ought to give the book a try. The book managed to bore me at times, but what can I do. I'm stuck in my room with nothing to do.

And so, Merry Christmas to me! Weird.

Imeldious

That is how the Philippines Daily Inquirer describes former president first lady. It sounds sarcastic and showbizy but it's true. I can't help myself from laughing and at the same time nod in agreement. I like the editorial - it's fierce, so true and blunt. Take a look at the conclusion of PDS's editorial for the day:

Behind Imelda’s celebrity is world-class perfidy, truly for the ages: odious, egregious, ignominous—Imeldious.

Why the Philippines Health System sucks

Last night before falling asleep, I have managed to keep myself up for another episode of The Correspondents. The Correspondents, by the way, is a Tuesday night News and Current Affairs program of ABSCBN. It documents topics that range from poverty-stricken localities to alleged corruption to the atrocities of war and anything under the sun. The topic of last night's the health provisions to local barangays (county) which is somewhat alarmingly pathetic and poor. There is this barangay in Binangonan, Rizal, where there is not one single health care center to cater to the needs of the people - not even first aid kit. To make things worse, it's an-hour-and-a-half ride via boat to get to the town proper. It strikes me as a health worker of this third world country - not because I'm romanticizing poverty and ill-managed health care system, but because there is something that we can do, not at least personally. There is this woman, who is apparently suffering from breast ailment. Her left breast has enlarged inflammation that shows pus and blood. She is not able to see a single physician. I guess that was breast cancer already. When the mayor is interviewed, he just said he wasn't informed and appeared to have blamed the people for not telling him. Talk about public service.

On the other hand, there is this municipality, which I cant anymore remember, where they serve as a mini-hospital to the community. Here's the catch: they have a much lesser annual budget compared to that of Binangonan. How they managed to provide adequate and accessible health service is amazing. They have labor and delivery and they even confine patients who may need not-so-serious medical interventions. You know what I mean.

The degradation of Philippine health system is alarming and is getting worse by the day. You see, health services are people's right, not merely a political blessing. Since the devolution of health care system from the national to local government (or LGUs), it's getting gloomy. I bet people in the legislature should think about it and consider making amends to the damage this has done to the Filipino public. I remember a public health professor back in college, who has been very vocal about her disgrunt over the devolution: health care, she says, would only become a political circus and people would be victims. You see, with the current health system, budget appropriation depends on the local governemnt. That means, if the mayor doesn't really approved of health care maintenance in his locality, people suffer and so their health. Some politicians would even use this for corruption and political campaign.

I guess it's high time already for the congress to move back the administration to national government. Health care is getting worse, and when people's suffer and so efficiency and so is economy.

In Search of Stones

In Search of Stones: A Pilgrimage of Faith, Reason, and Discovery
by M. Scott Peck

I would have never thought of reading this book without the introduction of the author's first, and best-seller, The Road Less Traveled. I was only convinced then to grab a copy when a formidable dean recommended it to our class back in my senior year in college. The Road Less Traveled is an enlightening book, food to the soul to say the least. It was an inspiring read, hence, my urge to read more of the author's works.

Quite differently, In Search of Stones is a much detailed book about psychology, life and mystery. It has a personal touch since this is about Scott Peck's pilgrimage to Wale, Scotland and England with wife, Lily. History, arts, sociology, archaeology, and theology are loosely intertwined that you will never know how to classify such work. Interestingly, Peck is able to bring about interesting facts and reflections to their three-week vacation. It seems that each day of their travel was a learning experience that I just can''t figure out how he can casually talk about it.

The author talks from reason, romance, addiction, holiness, parenthood to time, art, integration and despair in such a casual way that it almost dawns to me that I'm only talking to a friend. Despite this casual nature, In Search of Stones quite bluntly integrated the concept of dichotomy, of paradoxes, of relativity. I can't exactly explain how this had enlightened my view of life and religion. The principles he shared shattered some of my comfort zones, challenged my view on family affairs, on religion, and how they have made a strange realization that things in life aren't always what we see in the superficial.

Without inclination to religion, secularism, or a particular belief, the book has strongly discussed about the pitfalls and borders of the subject matter. It has succeeded in presenting the realities of today, yet it doesn't give solutions or aleternatives to them. The book has somehow taken a place in my consciousness as one of the best books of psychology and of life, albeit not so much on theology.

The Weekly Sillimanian is now up and running in the web with its fresh lay-out, which I like, and a batch of excellent articles. Thank goodness, I can now at least have a glimpse of what's happening in the other side of the island.

Ten Things People Should Remember When They Borrow Books

Well, I have always thought that in the third world, it is normal for neighbors and classmates and lovers and friends to borrow each others' possession such as books. Well, not just books there are also things that aren't spared from this Filipino phenomenon: that include ballpens, petty cash, even intermediate papers (well, that's obviously a collective habit of typical college students). Parasitic as it is, though, people tolerate this . I remember a friend who lent money to a supposed friend, and when pay day comes, that little stafador just went out and could never be found despite all the effort to search for her den. Well, we could never be amazed less of her tactics and invisibility powers.

Anyways, I would focus on the TOP ten things that people should remember when they borrow someone's book.

10. Never ever write comments, highlights, or any visible marks in any of the pages of that book. It's not yours, how are you supposed to explain your liberty of just scribbling down into someone's property? It's pain in the eye to see a myriad of colors under those small prints. Your opinion isn't needed, either. It's vandalism, mate.

9. Don't break the back bone, whatever you call it. It is most embarrassing to see your once well-conditioned book with scoliosis. A broken spine is a disgusting sight.

8. Keep away liquids from that precious book. Just how you care for your precious iPhone or Mac Book, liquids aren't allowed near a book. Do otherwise, and the obvious will happen. You know what I mean.

7. Yeah, remember those times in the library when you just can't stop the urge of tearing a page. Well, those are only applicable to libraries and special journals or wherever you do your crime. You can tear them as much as you want depending on how strong or weak you conscience is, but don't do it to your friend's. He will know it sooner or later, and most likely he's most convinced in pointing an accusing finger to none other than you. Yes, you. How can you supposed to take defense, huh. Silly.

6. Eating while reading is as typical as singing in the shower, but, for the life of you, don't drop a piece of that MnM's. Not only that they make a good sign of your neatness, but they make an impression of your carelessness. Who would love reading Twilight with all the red and yellow and green and greasy spots? Or those cookies your mom just baked for you?

5. Whether dog-earing is acceptable or not, a borrower should never do it to someone else's book. I personally think that folding pages is as acceptable as using a paper clip to bookmark a page. But then, the rule changes when it's not yours. Never do that to someone else's book, it's just too conceited of you to feel free doing absolutely everything to something that is not yours. Rather, using those glossy, Hallmark book marks would be a safe practice.

4. Avoid using your dirty and greasy fingers to flip the pages. To be exactly sure, wipe your hands with tissue or better yet, hit the faucet and use soap. You just can't imagine a friend's reaction when he sees those dirty thumb marks in the white pages. They make semblance, but it's not that that kind of semblance that's good, it's just gross.

3. If you happen to have promised to return the book on Saturday, it is your sole responsibility to do so. Never wait for the lender to send you a pa-cute SMS reminding you that it's one hell of a Sunday already and it's bloody time that the book should have been in his desk already.

2. Misfortune of all misfortunes, you lost the book, please be honest enough to tell the lender it has gone forever. Don't make excuses, they just show how shallow you are. Be adult enough to admit that you have lost it. It doesn't stop there, though. Hit the nearest PowerBook or National Bookstore, and pay the cashier. Nothing can be worse than never replacing the book after all the apologies.

1. And the ultimate cultural mistake of all, sobbing inserted, the execution of the plan: NOT TO RETURN THE BOOK AT ALL. Time after time, the lender reminds the borrower about the book. The borrower promised that it's in good hand, and in time, he will return it. Lo and behold, oblivion seems to swallow that promise. With all the confusion, busyness, and apparent lack of recording who got to borrow what, the book is gone in perpetuity. The devil smiles.

What is BRISINGR?

This is related to my June 30th post about Brisngr, the upcoming third installation of the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. I am quite ecstatic at the thought that it will be available come September 20. Quite familiar, the title somehow itched my brains at what it is, and so eager that I was, looked for it. And, lo, what I found is that Brisngr is actually mentioned in the first book, Eragon. It was first mentioned in the part where Brom and Eragon traveled in search of the Raz'ac who killed his uncle. It is the word used by Brom to summon fire to light the firewoods. It was deemphasized until the next few chapters where Eragon and Brom met a group of Urgals at Yazuaz, where the villagers were killed and piled like a mountain. Brom was then hurt and Eragon couldn't think of something to defend themselves in this life-and-death situation. He was like transformed into someone, given the circumstance, and just mentioned Brisngr and let go of that single arrow, and it's as if there was an energy coming from him that brought about a blue fire, powerful and strong that killed the target and the rest of the enemy. That was, in fact, magic!

In that chapter, Revelation at Yazuac, it states:

He stood tall and straight, all fear gone, He raised his bow smoothly.... The energy inside him burned at an unbearable level. He had to release it, or it would consume him. A word suddenly leapt unbidden to his lips. he shot, yelling, "Brisingr!"

The arrow hissed through the air, glowing with a crackling blue light.... A blue shock wave blasted out of the monster's head, killing the other Urgal instantly. It had reached Eragon before he had time to react, and it passed through him without harm, dissipating against the houses.

Now it comes to mind, what Brisingr really is. In the next chapter, Brom gave a vague or incomplete explanation as to what it is. I bet this will be completely revealed come September 20. Here's crossing my fingers to that. Anyway, Brom explained that "Brsingr is from an acient language that all living things used to speak. However, it was forgotten over time and went unspoken for eons in Algaesia, until the elves brought it back over the sea. They taught it to the other races, who used it for making and doing powerful things. The language has a name foe everything, if you can find it." Further, Brom explained that it is "the basis for all power. The language describes the true nature of things, not the superficial aspects that everyone sees. For example, fire is called brisingr. Not only is that a name for fire, it is the name for fire. If you are strong enough, you can use brisingr to direct fire to do whatever you will."

Those are the things basically explained the upcoming book. it somehow gives me clues as to what the book may be, but then those I have formulated were quite wild guesses. I remember in the second book, the Eldest, it mentioned the appearance of Murtagh, a close relative of Galbotrix, the evil king, and maybe related by blood to Eragon as well. I am not so sure about that, though. However, Murtagh in the end was forced to pledge allegiance to Galbotrix because he was forced to do so with the use of the ancient language. Remember that no one can lie or make and break promises when one pledged it in the ancient language - it will kill. SO for now, I'm only waiting for the third book. I hope it would be quite as interesting as the Eldest or better yet surpass it. So, that's it: I now know what Brisingr means. (conceited laughter here)

Photo credit: Starpulse.com

Nostalgia in the net

I didn't have much to do tonight. So to kick time off, I got to surf the net, chat with online friends and did some googling on random things. As usual, I went to see sites like TIME.com, inquirer.net, blogger.com, friendster.com, flickr.com, yahoo and gmail to check on updates and possible correspondence. Something in my mind makes me feel nostalgic and so I typed in the google bar the university I graduated from, typed in job postings for nurses and, I don't know for some unknown reasons I typed in Compassion Philippines. FYI, I have been a sponsored child since school-age until I earned my bachelor's degree. That means, you get to go to school with them paying for your tuition and giving you stipends on everything you need plus a strong fiber of support for everything that you may need. Back to the story, I clicked in the third entry in the google list, that is http://taylorrobinson.blogspot.com/2008/06/compassion-philippines.html, which had the video about Compassion Philippines. It was interesting as it presented how Compassion touches lives and even changes lives in Christ's name, I can pretty well relate as I was (and still am) part of it. It's a wonderful short video that talks about the impact of Compassion in the Philippines. It so happens that I know these people in the video too. Have a look at it below.

And that leads me to remember one of my favoritest promise in the Bible.

Compassion - LDP Philippines

Saturday's thought

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

Isn't that wonderful? :-)

RAFAEL NADAL WON!!!

I expected Rafael Nadal to win this year's Wimbledon, and yes, he finally won his first Wimbledon after an incredibly tough fight with six consecutive Wimbledon title holder, Roger Federer. Nadal couldn't forgive himself if he lost another finals this year, considering that he almost grabbed the title the previous year. This Spanish player is sure humble and just ecstatic about the championship. After the last pitch of his opponent's ball that signals his victory, Nadal just lied down the court, shook hands with the Swiss opponent, and, real and crazy, went up the stadium and went to his family and supporters. He then greeted the members of the his country's royal family who are present. Real great!

When asked by a BBC reporter about his victory, Nadal replied in a light Spanish accent, "It's impossible to explain what I felt in that moment but I'm very, very happy. It is a dream to play on this court, my favourite tournament, but to win I never imagined."

He even emphasized that Federer is still the number one player in Wimbledon. Very civil (insert laughter here).

Federer, on the other hand, felt dejected after being replaced by Nadal. He said, "(The rain) didn't make it easier but you have to expect the worst and he is the worst opponent on the best court. It's a pity I couldn't win it but I'll be back next year." We'll see what Federer has to offer in next year's Wimbledon. I know he'll be back with revenge and that would the fierciest, I guess. That makes next year's Wimbledon even more exciting.

Well, that's sports. Sometimes you win and you lose. What matters is that you did what you can offer knowing that at the end of the day, you wouldn't find yourself saying that you could have done better. Do I make sense?

After all the Wimbledon hype, I say congratulations to my recent favorite, Rafael Nadal, for winning the Wimbledon Men's Final after the longest Wimbledon men's singles final ever after four hours, 48 minutes.

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships were held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England.



Photo credit: http://www.zimbio.com

Academic stupidity, anyone?

This is a late reaction, I know, since I only found this out, I think it is well worth sharing. As I was surfing the nth time through the (crazy-lay-out and wait-till-kingdom-come-until-it's-updated) website of the Weekly Sillimanian, the official publication of Silliman University, I saw a familiar scene. To my dismay, still it's not updated! However, one thing I noticed on the left side: there is a link, a downloadable PDF that states 2008 issue volume 14. Just like a hungry animal, I clicked.

I thought it would be the latest issue. Heaven, I pray. Just so to orient myself, I cast my glance to the lower right corner of computer screen that says it's Saturday, July 5, 2008. After a couple of minutes of downloading, lo and behold, that PDF issue is dated March 5, 2008, and that's exactly five months ago. I was disappointed, though, I was still eager to read on the news. What caught my attention is a small portion from page 6 with a headline LETTER TO THE EDITOR From a concerned educator. Bewildered, I went on reading. It's actually an open letter that seeks to point out the "academic stupidity" in SU Elementary Department: that a English teacher requires his/her students to copy fairy tales, myths, bible stories, etc in cursive writing so as to instill discipline, improve penmanship, and to understand the difference between these types of stories. I thought to myself this is downright crazy, let alone SU School of Basic Education, is known in its holistic approach to educate the young minds or so I thought, and what is shocking is that the sender is no less than National Artist for Literature Dr. Edith L. Tiempo, a formidable icon in Philippine literature and an English teacher herself. Whatta.. Have a read for yourself:

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

For the Weekly Sillimanian:
Certain questionable concerns need our quick attention, and if they involve problems that affect the well-being of a group of people, they need even more immediate rectifying.
Our elementary school in Silliman presents such a problem. I am informed that the fourth grade pupils, in their class in English, are given an assignment that is not only very impracticable and improper for that grade level but absurd and an exercise in academic stupidity. In connection with seven types of stories—bible stories, biographies, fables,fairy tales, legends, myths, and parables—the pupils in their class in English are assigned to choose two selections for each of the seven story-types (a total of 14 stories) – and copy each of the 14 stories in their handwriting on clean sheets of bond paper without making a single error on every sheet. The idea of cursively copying 14 stories, to begin with, is bizarre and of no worthwhile use whatsoever. It seems that the justification for the weird assignment is 1) to improve penmanship, 2) teach them to follow instructions, and 3) to distinguish the differences in the seven story-types. Would simply copying 14 stories accomplish such an unfitting set of requirements?
I don’t mind declaring that, as National Artist Literature, and an English teacher myself, I am outragedand distressed by this assignment and expect that it be quickly rescinded in place of a more fitting one for the fourth grade level.

Edith L. Tiempo, Ph.D.,
National Artist for Literature
Director, Silliman University National Writers Workshop

This proves that in order to preserve excellence(just like freedom), the price of vigilance has to be paid.


You can read the entire tWS issue here.

Leah Salonga's new PDI column

Yeah, true. Leah Salonga, theatre actor and celebrity, will have a weekly entertainment column called Back Story in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (www.inquirer.net). Why I blog about this is that because I know Leah is capable of such a wonderful offer. She maintains a blog through multiply.com and I find it interesting and a worthwhile read since I first visited it. Check out her first article as PDI's columnist here.

Is China Olympics ready?

The Beijing Olympics is a mess. I don't why but I have this strange feeling that the event would be as complicated and controversial as the host country. (Remember) the Taliban rebellion, cases of human abuses, protests, and a hell of accusations makes me think that China isn't ready (read:deserving) after all. Latest of them is algae growth off the coastal city of Qingdao (the venue for the Olympic sailing events). It covers a third of the entire Olympic course for the event. How is that? Very timely for the games, huh? I don't know how the Olympics officials would figure this out. One thing I know: This is nature's revenge at its toll in here.

Photo credit: TIME.com

(some parts of) The Call

Just because every thing's changing
Doesn't mean it's never
Been this way before

All you can do is try to know
Who your friends are
As you head off to the war

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and now one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

My amateur take on ABSCBN's late night shows

I watched ABS CBN last night until I fell asleep. I watched Pinoy Dream Academy, then the new Japanese series, Artificial Beauty, Bandila, and Harapan with Korina Sanchez and Ted Failon. I have made a pseudo-analysis to these programs. Well. Check this out.

In contrast to Pinoy Idol, PDA has the vitality of a reality show and the credibility of mentors and jurors. I would say that Mr. Cayabyab (the head master of PDA) obviously has the edge over Ogie Alcasid. PDA is much more interesting and diverse. Production-wise, my nod goes to PDA. I think Pinoy Idol sometimes becomes too boring for me to keep glued in my set. That’s it. ;-)

Artificial Beauty is so so so funny. You guys should watch it once. The Japanese lead is a beauty to behold and the character she portrays is interestingly entertaining and C-R-A-Z-Y. Well, it’s about an-ugly-duckling-turned-into-a-swan lady’s fairytale. With the help of science (read: Dr. Belo) she has skinned out her old “ugly” self, undergone the most complicated series of aesthetic surgeries, and returned home wearing a different face, literally. I can’t say everything here but I guess Artificial Beauty would be a sure click. Yeah, sure thing, I have something to watch in ABSCBN every weeknight.

Bandila, anchored by Korina Sanchez, Henry Omaga-Diaz, and Ces Drilon, is topnotch. I love their comprehensive scoops of late night news, though, not that comprehensive and fast paced as that of CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360. Bandila is very Pinoy and I just love it since its very first broadcast. The fact that Bandila outsmarted other foreign news programs and consequently became a finalist in the International Emmy Awards (by The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) is amazing!

The new Harapan by Korina Sancez and Ted Failon is a new commentary/debate/analysis type that ABSCBN offers. I thought it’s about serious analysis and debate. It turned out that I was wrong. Apparently, Tamabalan tackles hard news and issues, yet it provides them in a way that is comic and light. I’m surprised to see Korina Sanchez uttering words I have never expected her to say, and she responds to Ted in a very informal way. Very tambay, I say. That was one hell of a mess, I guess. But, on the other hand, it paves the way of current affairs to get into the general public: current affairs aren’t just for the elite; so, maybe, this is a strategy to get rid of the typical Juan de la Cruz’s apathy to national issues at hand. I don’t like it this time, though. We’ll see a few months from now.

Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, and what?

Fantasy-Fiction fanatic alert!

I just had read that The Inheritance Trilogy by Christopher Paolini will change to The Inheritance Cycle, because according to “Early in 2007 he realized that the plot and characters demanded more space than could fit in one volume and that a fourth book would be necessary to give each story element the attention it deserved.” Really? I say, really? Is this for Paolini and the Publisher’s attempt to rake money from the huge fan base Paolini has made so far (that includes me) or is it just of the lame excuse that Book 3 would never measure up to Paolini’s ever-changing creativity considering his age or what. I know that some of lit people say that Paolini’s style is a typical teenage write-up and deserves no more than an international publication. I agree to some degree that his early works are amateurish and pretty much far to what Lewis and many other great writers had done, but, heck, I love the story and I love Alagaesia, Eragon and Sapphira. I can no longer wait come September 20. It’s barely three months before it’s out in the market. I can’t wait to have it now. Visit the site http://alagaesia.com/ for pre-orders. The third book, and not the last one, is titled Brisingr.

Whatyathink?

Whatever

I don't know but it seems that I had lost the will to blog and to read blogs. Maybe because I'm already tired with the habitual tasks I do every single day of my life. Maybe because the subconscious says blogging is over this time around. Or maybe because life's daily portions had to go to each separate and most important things that need attention.

I have been very busy for the months of May and June, despite the fact that I am a useless nursing grad for a couple of months now. The fact alone that I am part of the third world's unemployment rate is CRAZY and to go penniless in the city is like suicide. My dad had a serious case of mycordial infarct or heart attack (really serious that he has to be under intensive care) after suffering from stroke. 'Twas one hell of a roller coaster ride for me and the entire family. 'Twas a strange deviance from normal living, and we know that doing the unusual is completely uncomfortable. No matter how inconvenient, though, lessons are learned, invaluable experiences gained, characters built. But, you see, I'm still here and am happy. Contentment and a sort of inner peace is a thing altogether that I am most surprised about. I am fed by the grace of my siblings, generous, that is, that I can still purge myself like I'm working. At that and everything I Thank God.

So maybe after the rain has passed, stress is over, and things back to what they have been before. Maybe blogging is one thing too.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

I knew I wasn’t suppose to watch the movie and any movie at these times considering that times are hard (No, I don’t mean about the rice shortage, the ongoing US visa retrogression, etc). It was brutally hard for me and the entire family to cope with the recent myocardial infarct my dad had suffered and had caused profound emotional and financial pseudo-decapitation. And to temporarily get away from the thought of it through watching a movie is like a guilty pleasure. You know, it feels good, but it seems not right. It took me three hours to actually make up my mind and get my butt onto the theater seat. I have been waiting for this movie for ages since The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This is like Ethiopia brought into the silver screen. And so I stayed for more than a couple of hours, regressing into childhood, and just stayed focused to what and how the movie is going. It’s like being in Narnia.

I must admit that just like most movies adopted from the book, there are revisions that break and make the avid reader’s heart – casting, the story plot, the song and the kissing (yeah, yeah the kissing – it’s not in the book, you see, but it’s good to be there. I am utterly clueless that the last part would shatter my heart (on top of the recent happenings) and make me feel like almost busted. The Call by Regina Spektra ended the flick with a terrible sense of loss (the thought that love is over for both Susan and Prince Caspian, the fact that I won’t be seeing Peter and Susan in the next installation, and just the thought that it’s over) and nostalgia. It took me days to get over it. I am, however, happy with their choice of Ben Barnes, he may not be the one that Lewis described as the prince, but he’s got justice to what he did. And, yes, the animation is amazing plus superb musical score. Noteworthy, however, is the typical war-and-hero story that controlled the scenes, it is no extraordinary movie, I must say. There is something lacking in the movie that I just can’t recognize. Over all, no matter what, I should confess it’s a movie I like and would never get bored watching it again and again. Just like Stardust, Harry Potter and the classic The Never-Ending Story, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian has somewhat achieved the pinnacle of what I call perfect fantasy movie.

It is a dream and a fantasy translated into life, after all.

But, hey, reality knocks me down and says, back to the real world, man. It’s no more Narnia!

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

These are some thoughts from the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. And I start with this quote:

This is the true joy in life - that being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. That being a force of nature, instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die. For the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It's a sort of splendid torch which I've got to hold up for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handling it on the future generations. ---- George Bernard Shaw

We continue to live and posses the "life" when we give service to others. It is the definition of our existence and, in effect, it gives us the purpose and the vitality to look forward to at each day's beginning. Inspiring and highly motivational for personal change and success, Stephen Covey's book showed me the way to what it takes to live and co-exist with the people around me. It gives the reader 7 steps to actually maintain the good life and not to miss the most important things that life has to offer in all its glory and imperfections too.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Habit 1: Be Proactive

It simply promulgates that most of our insecurities and subsequent problems arise from our tendencies to be reactive. We tend to be emotional rather than logical on things. We allow the circumstances to control us in more ways than one – being affected by almost every single circumstance that rises – blaming our inefficiencies to the weather, genetics, conditions, and our family dynamics. Conversely, proactive people think the other way around. They don’t complain or make excuses, but they look for solutions or alternatives. They don’t blame circumstances; they look at things with intent. Their responses are controlled by their life’s missions and principles and not of their life’s scripts, people, circumstances and their past. In short, they are thinkers, shakers and movers and not mere complaining mouths.

Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind

When one is guided by a clear vision of the end, he is more likely to achieve what he wants and less likely to be affected by conditions along the way. It is based on the principle that things are made in two ways – through the mental and physical. It suggests that, before anything else, one has to conjure a mental picture and practice the process so as to attain a “feel” of it. And secondly, ACT. Stephen Covey’s stated that people who are mentally prepared for the action are the ones who often succeed. A clear mission statement would serve as the constitution that will serve as the base of one’s decisions –more of a compass than a map that one can always refer to when decisions are hard to make.

Habit 3: Put first things first

While Habit 1 says you’re the driver of your life – you’re the boss, and Habit 2 as your vision for the journey, Habit 3 presents the idea of making priorities. What is of utmost importance should be on the top list, the rest that may not be as important for you would have the least priority. Things that have long-term effects are considered to be of utmost importance like health, family, relationships, mental and intellectual development – things that personally matter. Those less important things may include phone calls, board meetings, bills, money-making and the like.

Habit 4: Think win/win

This habit states that in every decision we make we should make it a point that we consider other people’s wishes as well. Win/Win is considered the most logical decision as it doesn’t put a bad feeling to either or both parties. It is the winning solution for every endeavor. Though, it may not be applicable to every situation, one can use compromise or even No deal in hopeless scenarios. One approaches a problem with win/win attitude when one utilizes three important traits – integrity, maturity, and abundance mentality. I like Covey’s definition of maturity – expressing one’s ideas and feelings in consideration of other people’s ideas and feelings. Integrity is being true to self and abundance mentality as the belief that there is plenty for everyone.

Habit 5: Seek first to understand and to be understood

Most of family or organizational problems rise from communication flaws and barriers. Our way of thinking is often affected by our perception of the matter. When there is no clear communication, the message is distorted or may not be expressed at all. The book suggests empathetic communication – being open to feelings and underlying message that the person talks about. Probing, advising, interpreting and prejudice are to be prevented so that communication in all its form can take place. Listening carefully and being open for the issue is a very effective way of communication – clear boundaries are presented, the message is completely given, trust is established, and solutions may be explored.

Habit 6: Synergize

It simply says that human beings are more productive when they are interdependent and less of being independent. It acknowledges the maxim “two heads are better than one.” It sheds light to the many things human beings can do when they come together. Solutions can be formulated in such a way that most, if not all, people can benefit from. It shows off the beauty out of diversity – that more people are there, the more contrasting their ideas, the more genuinely open they are, the better the chance of getting new insights. Differences are considered an asset, not a liability.

Habit 7: Sharpen the saw

It gives importance to the most important asset of all – YOU. The person. One has to improve on these areas - physical, mental, social and spiritual. By renewing the self, one doesn’t become stagnant, rather a more dynamic and growing person. Living life in balance, and that makes it living to the fullest, is a precursor to a better today and the future. When one values health, social environment, intellectual growth and spiritual development, one is actually becoming more prepared to the challenges and problems that lie ahead. In renewing one’s self, he is likely to make advancements and mastery of other six habits.

Why I like this book?

...Because it targets personal, professional and organizational growth. I, for one, always want to broaden my horizon and I believe that reading books that are worthwhile and catalysts for better change (7 Habits is inarguably one of them) are as important as eating the right food, taking a bath, and the like. It’s a guide for a better existence. Who doesn’t want to be effective, anyway?

I like 7 Habits because it taught me how to interdependently live with others without the risk of getting hurt and inflicting hurt on others. This is a wonderful book that can change a generation-long slavery to ineffective, dominating scripting that our ancestors have unconsciously inculcated in our family culture and personal values ( I must say, though, that there are also many, many worthwhile traits and lessons that they have given us).

It rejoices in diversity, personal differences, and human complexities – even transforming these to positive means are worth celebrating. The 7 Habits of Effective People aims to change perspectives, challenge long-standing dogmas, and present a highly-achievable track for success and good life.

I’m an instant fan of Stephen Covey. That’s for sure.

What isn't good being a socialite?

IN Manila Standard Website the infamous Malu Fernandez wrote about blogging and its problems . As most of us know, she wrote (an insensitive) article in a lifestyle magazine - the bulk of it seemed to target OFWs - and eventually forced her to resign due to some sorts of pressure. (Now, Im insinuating here hehe). Anyway, the article is about the Gucci Gang, which an Australian blogger intended as a character assassination of his ex for the alleged theft and the cover-up of his ex's friends - most of them belonging to the social circle. I don't want to give the details as they are brutally shocking accusations with the intention to bring about bad publicity of the accused party. Here is the link for his blog, and a rebuttal of some sorts by Gibbs Cadiz All together now: SCHA.DEN.FREU.DE!. These posts make me realize that we sometimes need good gossip too. hehe

Why BLOG?

I am technically a newbie when it comes to blogging and everything that defines it. I may have started blogging since 2006 when I opened a friendster account upon my college classmates insistence and eventually started this blog, which has long since dead until I decided to have it resurrected this time in 2008, yet I am still learning from blogging. I seldom post and I don't give a damn to site traffic - I am not a spotlight addict nor a fan of AdSense. I blog for the purpose of just blogging - to keep those essays I made for, say, a Literature class or works I made out of inspiration (hehe), or make a written landmark, internet base for easy access, to some important events that transpired in my ordinary existence. Sure thing I write not to impress, but to express. I may have been tempted to make my posts as good as they can get and I doubt if they do, but those are mere experimentations of my creativity - a novice blogger and an average writer. Bloghopping, so they say, is like a time-killing technique for me. Recently, I started updating my blog as often as I can, make comments to some posts, and visit blogs that are worth reading, or at least, interesting, and learn from them. Blogging is, in fact, the child of boredom. I don't have much to do except read my nursing books in preparation for NCLEX, come May or June, watch TV, read my e-mails almost everyday, read the news through TIME.com, inquirer.net, and the like, read blogs, watch Youtube, play sports every afternoon, go out of town and enjoy the outdoors, and do some texting and chatting with college classmates and friends (who have been convincing me the longest to work in Manila and get my own dose of its toxic lifestyle). The list goes on and on. See, it's not really because I want to attract readers (I know I don't LOL) or what, I do blogging because I am a believer of good ol' diaries (hehe) or say, in a less corny term, journals. This is to leave imprints of my ordinary life, so when the time comes I can always look back at this blog's archives and reflect on what I have become.

ridiculously funny

It’s ridiculously funny. A year ago or so, we had Miss Carolina having a number of hits in Youtube due to her comical Q & A answer in Miss USA, now we have Philippine's bet.

I know it's a cheap issue to tackle, but I just can’t help it: While I think it's funny to see (thanks to Youtube) Bb Pilipinas candidate Janina San Miguel’s attempt to satisfy a question, it’s downright humiliating for the pageant’s organizers to include here in the top list in the first place. I don’t know about pageants, but I guess certain things are meant to be considered – beauty and brains, ikanga. Irony of all ironies is that she got a title. That makes it unforgivably insulting to the previous winners like Precious Lara Quigaman, Ruffa Gutierrez and many others who rightfully deserve the title. Whew! That blows my brain away. There are sensible and far-fetched discussions about this, in the web especially. And I’m not adding up on those. I won’t dwell on the scary side of things, so I’d just better laugh things out. *laugh out loud*

What-It-Takes-To-Be-A-Little-More-Patient

"Better three hours too soon than a minute too late."

William Shakespeare

Today I am supposed to meet someone for a business-related (not really) matter. We agreed through SMS messaging that we are meeting today at 4 o’clock in a university here in Bacolod. With a little chill, I arrived a little late due to heavy downpour, send her SMS that I am waiting at the lobby, and played some game in my Motorola phone. After 15 minutes, I called her up, but she hasn’t answered it. I stayed there, occasionally walked down the hall, read the school bulletin, and played more games. An hour of waiting and a couple of missed calls made me think there could be some glitches in this planned meeting. Maybe she forgot it, or maybe she’s in the middle of her law class, or maybe she’s asleep – I was thinking of those things. I wasn’t sure. I was bored, though, remarkably, I was not impatient.

One thing I am happy about is that I have succeeded in my attempt to be more considerate. *pathetic* I learned to embrace one of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of being effective – be proactive and not reactive, to never allow the weaknesses of others and the situation to overcome myself. Having believed that time is of utmost important, I was amazed that I was not irritated at all, considering that, back then in college, I usually lose temper when people arrive late in an appointment, say, a group meeting. I have always believed that there’s no excuse for being late, giving excuses just shows up a façade of an immature attempt to cover one’s inefficiency. After much waiting of more than an hour, I decided to call it quits. As I was on my way home, she texted me and even told me why I haven’t waited long enough. Shuffling feathers isn’t my type, so I simply replied that I waited enough and informed her that will be meeting the next Saturday.

After all been said and done, what’s funny is that I ended up buying pencils in National Bookstore.

P. S. Do wish me luck when we meet again :-)

****

And I quote one of my favorite writers:

“I discovered that my obsession for having each thing in the right place, each subject at the right time, each word in the right style, was not the well-deserved reward of an ordered mind but just the opposite: a complete system of pretense invented by me to hide the disorder of my nature. I discovered that I am not disciplined at of the virtue but as a reaction to my negligence, that I appear generous in order to conceal my meanness, that I pass myself off as prudent because I am evil-minded, that I am conciliatory in order not to succumb to my repressed rage, that I am punctual on only to hide how little I care about other peoples time. I learned, in short, that love is not a condition of the spirit but a sign of the zodiac.”

---Memories of my Melancholy Whores (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

# 1 TAG by Gian Paolo

***Ive been tagged by Gian Paolo, the first tag I had. I couldn't have known it since i missed to read the last part of his post - until he left that message in the board. Anyways, here is it***

How will you seriously answer someone in the following situations given?
what if someone (a stranger) insults you or tells you this...

01. ang arte mo! (You're vain!)

AKo ba? *innocent look*

02. mas matalino naman ako sayo! (I am smarter than you!)

Uhmmm.. Ok.

03. crush ako ng crush mo? (Your crush has a crush on me.)

sino ba ang crush ko na alam mo? *flashes an irritated smile*

04. ang bobo mo pala sa math! (I didn't know you are stupid when it comes to math)

Uhmm.. oo nga.

05. bilisan mo naman! (Faster!)

Fuck off!

06. ang sungit mo! (You are so snotty!)

Who cares if i am?

07. gusto mo ng away? (Do you want a fight?)

Do I look like I want one, huh?

08. takot ka ata sakin eh? (You're afraid of me, aren't you?)

*looks pathetically and go away.... just slowly*

09. mas mahal niya ko! (He/she loves me more than you!)

*pa-cute look lang*

10. ang bababa naman ng mga grades mo! (Your grades are so low!)

HUh? saan ba grades ko?

What if sinabi ito sa'yo ng crush mo? (What if your crush tells you these?)

01. crush kita. (I have a crush on you.)

*blushes* and ask 'sure ka ba?'

02. hindi kita mahal. (I do not love you.)

Pero mahal kita.

03. mahal na kita. (I love you.)

Mahal din kita, sabay halik LOL

04. pakopya naman ng assignment. (Can I copy your homework?)

Heto.

05. crush ko un friend mo (I have a crush on your friend.)

Tulungan pa kita e.

06. pwedeng patabi sa upuan? (May I sit beside you?)

Sure. *innocent smile* then eventually talk things out para ma-date LOL

07. pwede mo ba akong isaya? (Can you dance with me?)

ganun? hmmm... try natin.

08. feeling ko may gusto ka sakin. (I have this feeling that you love me.)

Paano mo nalaman na may feeling ako sa yo? (Mahirap magpa-buking agad, hirap na baka ma-busted)

09. ang cute mong mag-smile. (You're so cute when you smile.)

*flashes the nicest smile in the world* LOL

10. bakit ang bait mo sakin? (Why are you so kind to me?)

Heto lang talaga ako. (pa-humble para cool ang dating)

******

Di muna ako magtag kasi nga medyo kakaunti pa mga connections ko sa blogger world LOL. Maybe when I have a lot more blog followers.

I just had watched The Spiderwick Chronicles, a fascinating and entertaining movie for all kids asnd children by heart.

uhmm.. i'm so damn tired so maybe i'll post some more tomorrow or the days to come.lol

DANTE'S (and my) Prayer

HEre is a wonderful song by Loreena McKennitt that I truly love to listen these days. It's quite a different musical genre - it's actually soothing and very heart-warming. This is made as a prayer to the Almighty, but i think it's also for friends and family. Friends because they are the ones who make my lives happier and better, and family because they continue to make my life extraordinary through the values and life lessons that I learn through them. This I also dedicate to a few people who has gone beyond to shore - my grandparents who I never really truly know because of early deaths, family friends, and maybe, those missed opportunities that I have so recklessly ignored.

Here is the lyrics:

DANTE' PRAYER

When the dark wood fell before me

And all the paths were overgrownW

hen the priests of pride say there is no other way

I tilled the sorrows of stone

I did not believe because I could not see

Though you came to me in the night

When the dawn seemed forever lost

You showed me your love in the light of the stars

Cast your eyes on the ocean

Cast your soul to the sea

When the dark night seems endless

Please remember me

Then the mountain rose before me

By the deep well of desire

From the fountain of forgiveness

Beyond the ice and the fire

Though we share this humble path, alone

How fragile is the heart

Oh give these clay feet wings to fly

To touch the face of the stars

Breathe life into this feeble heart

Lift this mortal veil of fear

Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears

We'll rise above these earthly cares

Please remember me

Please remember me.

RANDOM THINGS I GET BY GETTING SUNBURNED

Why getting sunburned is as bad as a tooth pain during your own party?

BECAUSE IT REMINDS ME...

* of pain in the past (LOL)

* that no matter how many clouds are there to hide the sun, ultra violet rays will still seep through to reach me down below and cut out through my skin.

* of climate change and that so much has changed in our world. (Yeah, I'm a self-proclaimed environmentalist - thanks to Archie Lim and Razcel Jan Salvarita). I wonder as to how the sun increased its heat or, i should say, the extent of damage industrial and man-made pollutions has caused to the earth's ozone layer.

* of failed romances made by the beach (wahaha) and failed attempt to restore them.

* that swimming is still the best cardiovascular exercise, though, I am worse at it, not because I don't know how to swim, but because proximity to a swimming pool hinders me from doing so. Maybe one day when I can convince dad or myself that I need one.

* of Marla, my college classmate, who told me once on our way to the beach that I need to apply sun protection lotion of more than SPF 35. though, i never really listened to her. i didn't buy her idea then, not until today.

* that wearing sando out in the sun in an early morning, like 8 or 9 am, is a crime. The prickly sensation and that spicy feeling will make one suffer for at least 3 days.

* that shooting some baskets under the unseemingly scorching heat of the sun after midnoon would be a naturally stupid thing to do.

* AND lastly, it reminds me of mortality, my humanity, my vulnerabilty to pain and everything that life can give. Kaya salamat at na sunburn ako. :-)

***picture taken from FLICKR

Matt Damon on Jimmy Kimmel Live - he gets angry as hell

Matt Damon gets blown off by Guillermo at red carpet event

February 25th

Nah, today is the 25th, some say 22nd anniversary of EDSA People Power. whatever. what i think is that history may repeat itself with the ongoing political scenario of our land. For me, it's no more about people power, the uprising, but the events after it. Just look at what we are today, we're on seemingly the same situation. After Marcos, we have Estrada, and just as quick as we denounced and ousted Erap, we clamor for another - the ouster of GLoria. We have never really run out politically inadequate presidents nor morally consistent ones - what we have for the last decade were people who are content with the status quo - people who embrace the systemic infestation of corruption. And, so, what can we do? It seems another people power is inevitable. (BTW, My friend Che2x and I are planning to join an anti-Gloria rally, should another one be organized here in Bacolod). Here's crossing my fingers to the ouster of the president whose "I am sorry" and being prayerful are more than enough scapegoats for all the mistakes she did, and the same president who said "I am the president and no one else." Let's just see.


****
On a more cheerful note, I would like to congratulate my friends Janice Marie Jordan and Joshua Quijote (SU Batch 2007) for passing the December 2007 Nurses' Licensure Examination. Congratulations ninyong duha and to all passers. And to my school Silliman University College of Nursing for making it still to TOP 3 performing schools. Though, I must say, I'm a little sad that they only got 97% compared to last year's (my batch) 99%. But, hey, we were only 220+, compared to this year's 321 SU examinees. That's still an achievement because St. Louis University in Baguio City (number 1 with 99%) only had 146 examinees, while Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro with 229 out of 233 students passing the exams (98 percent). That makes it a big difference.

Go Silliman! I proud you wahaha

****

I just learned through CNN news that Hong Kong is being rocked by the sex scandal involving a famous actor Edison Chen. What's wrong with the world! Maybe this is the price of being famous and being naive (think about getting photos and videos while doing their private acts - that's totally weird). This damaging phenomenon swept away the many ones from Philippines to our neighboring countries together with the typhoons that visited us. Just think of all the bad scandals that has shattered many lives and has damaged many relationships.

***

Anyway, there's more to life than power, achievements, and problems. (Do i make sense here? LOL)

Talk about credibility

Mr. Lozada pointed out that President Arroyo’s cabinet member, Mr. Neri of CHED, once called her “EVIL”. An administration congressman (Congressman Salcedo) called PGMA a bitch when he said “She may be a bitch, but she is the luckiest bitch around.” Former Speaker of the House, Jose de Venecia, called the president “ungrateful.” What has gone wrong? Has the Arroyo administration lost its power to run the nation?

While in most countries, the highest leader of authority of the land, be it democracy, monarchy or anything else, is given respect and high regards, not just because of the command that it holds and the influence that the leader has, but because of their high reverence to the people who voted for that leader. While this scenario is justly appropriate for democratic societies, it is also applicable to monarchy, where people value the position of their queen and king as divine appointment. Just like the USA, one of the world powers today, the president is considered a powerful leader, whose decisions are reckoned as sacred and important to the whole nation and to some extent to the world. People mostly rely to their leaders’ decision-making when it comes to political and national issues and public welfare. The nation, hence, is as great as the leaders that run the system.

While this is true to other countries, ours is the opposite. It’s ironic to think that, while our country is the oldest democracy in Asia and the most “Christian” nation in this part of the Pacific, Philippines remains to be the most politically dysfunctional and one of the most corrupt nations of the world. What went wrong? The culture of corruption still continues to infest the mind and philosophy of most Filipinos. Corruption seems to be the normal way of life now. Our leaders are labeled liars, cheat, corrupt, and rubbish. Talk about the credibility of the leaders. GMA has now become the cancer that’s killing the entire nation. The people suffer; the nation is falling into her knees. And while, leaders are supposed to be treated with reverence, our President and her men are imagined to be the most dissolute of people.

Where is now the authority that the government supposed to hold up to? What happens when the authority or leadership that rules an entire nation loses its authenticity? Where will the nation go? I just don’t know.

CONGRATS!

I read The Weekly Sillimanian and saw the list of Honors students. And I am proud (*drum roll*) to say that my "kiddies" o ang mga bata ko sa Dumaguete have been up track in their academic performance. I know for sure that being one to walk through Luce auditorium is as fulfilling as graduating. "Ga bukad ang atay" would be the vernacular term for it. It is really flattering, to the very least. Not to mention a quick, two-minute fame of walking in front of people with your name, course and place being called up (with your most presentable attire on display hehe), receiving that red awards certificate from and shaking hands with no less than Silliman University's president, and at the middle of the semester getting a pay check of six thousand pesos or higher depending on your honors classification. This year's speaker was Mikaela Irene Fudolig, who graduated BS Physics summa cum laude of the University of the Philippines-Diliman at the age of 16. The 50th Honors Convocation was held at Luce Auditorium, Silliman University, Dumaguete City on February 15, 2008 with 571 students recognized of their academic excellence.

CONGRATS sa mga anak ko! (wahaha)

CATHLEEN C. MABULAY (Juniors, Education)

MARZON D. OCCEñA (Juniors, Psychology)

DONNA MAE R. GUBATON (Juniors, Psychology)

At sa kaibigan kong si Martin Luther Tan, ka-tropa sa joyride when I visit DUmaguete (Juniors, Computer Science)
Hopefully, next year you'll get that much coveted University Honors (wahaha) Kahit mahirap GO lang kayo para at least at the end you'll never regret when you know you did your all.



CHEERS sa inyo!!!

In honor of a few people who value truth and justice for the country

Not gold but only men can make
A nation great and strong
Men who for truth and honor's sake
Stand fast and suffer long
Brave men who work while others sleep
Who dare while others shy
They build the nation's pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stumbling over Coelho's blog

Early this morning, I stumbled along Newsweek website and saw FREE SPEECH under the ARTS section of the said site. I clicked, and saw a familiar old face of Paulo Coelho with the opening statement, “Literary lion Paul Coelho reveals a passion for promoting the online piracy of his own books. He thinks publishers should follow suit.”

I was intrigued and so I read on the whole article. I realized that Paulo Coelho, one of my favorite authors, actually believes in the idea of giving out novels or books for free online. This, he believes, would open the market for great novels by not-so-famous or “lesser known” authors. It also makes it very profitable for writers to have their works open for appraisal of the cyber world citizens without having the burden of paying. Thus, if they like those literary works, they would be interested to buying these books. Books, anyway, are a technology that has evolved and survived for centuries. So far, publishing companies had no intentions of filing suits or at least complaining; maybe, anytime soon they will. I like his idea and I am certain that I am one living soul out of the millions who would be glad about reading books online for free. ( Though, I must admit I've downloaded some free e-books already).

Also, I visited Coelho’s blog (http://paulocoelhoblog.com/) and found it cool. And so I am adding his link to my blog roll. In his latest entr, it says that his blog has been hacked severely that they had to make it up again. Hmm… maybe those publishers who have been quiet all along just don’t like Paulo Coelho’s idea of pirating online books. Silent protest, huh?

You may want to download some of Coelho’s works for free. It's one click away here.

*Photo taken from the author's blog*

Abalos, GUILTY?

I watched HARAPAN - the Jun Lozada Expose with anchors Korina Sanchez and Ricky Carandang. I was upset when Mr. Lozada wasn’t given time to give his rebuttal against the other party’s accusations (e.g. Abalos, PNP Chief Razon). It was unfair that he has to face the president’s men alone. It could have been better if he has a few people with him to defend his side. Also, I would like to note Sister Mary John Mananzan, OSB of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines, when she said that nuns like her have this special intuition or gut feeling if someone is telling a lie or not. That was such an unbelievable statement from a nun of her status. Hindi ako makapaniwala na ang kanilang basihan sa pagdedesisyon ay ang tinatawag na gut feeling lamang. Here’s something that we can think about, huh? Anyway, here's the link for the forum regarding the face-off.

Nonetheless, the show was informative and very up-to-date with the current political scenario. It gave the viewers a chance to weigh things and choose to which side of the story they would decide to believe.

Ang hatol ko – Abalos GUILTY! Isama nyo pa sina Malacañang deputy spokesman Anthony Golez; Assistant Secretary Lorenzo Formoso III of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon. wahaha


The President's Men.




photo taken from ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

Mabuti pa ang bata

Yesterday, I went out of town to visit my sister in Hinigaran and to attend in my high school’s silver anniversary. It was fun to meet familiar faces and exchange reassuring statements about each other. Whipped by the many stressors and unhealthy habits here in the city, it was also invigorating for me to come back and experience, even for a while, the simplicity of rural life and the authenticity of the people I personally know and love. I ate oysters, boiled peanuts, and walked quite a distance to look around the town I have loved and the sceneries that are intertwined with its existence in my memory– the old, dusty bell tower of the cathedral, the dark plaza, the “manokan,” the smile of my suki who sells balut pinoy and mani, the swings, the slides, the basketball court and the familiar breeze of cold air.

I ate dinner with my only high school classmate who was in town and, after such a worthwhile conversation, went home, watched KC (hehe) in MMK, and went to bed at around 1 o clock.

The next day, I spent half of the day playing with my sister’s children. One thing I could never forget is that my nephew Summer, a six year old, made such a great realization to me when she told a visitor to take off her shoe since she is inside their house. She said in vernacular “Ubaha ang imo sapatos” (Take of your shoes) in such a sincere and innocent tone. The visitor hurriedly attempted to remove her shoes, but my sis was quick to say that it’s OK. She then told Summer that it’s okay for people to wear shoes even inside the house. Upon reflection, I realized that a child is an honest soul and is very conscious to the idea of what is right and what is wrong. Her mom has always been very particular with the arrangement of things inside their house (I think, one of few people I know, who makes house-keeping and art and calling). This same attitude she has unconsciously imparted to the child’s perceptions. To wear your shoes inside the house is bad, and to do the opposite is good. She is very much meticulous with this idea that she is quick to inform the visitor about this. One thing I learned: no matter what the circumstances are, it’s always the right to be honest and true.

This leads me to ask: what if all the politicians in our country would have this same moral consistency? This country would have never become as worse as what we are right now. The system that rules us may have not come to a point where everything and everyone is hopeless and that moral bankruptcy is not an issue.

And what if every, single Filipino has the same value as that of a six-year-old child? The world and this country could have been a better place for all of us.

Senator Santiago and Jun Lozada

Here is the video.

Meet the two faces of politics: Miriam Santiago and Jun Lozada

I had admired Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago (an Ilonggo by heart and intonation hehe) for such a strong-willed person and politician - not to mention her “English grandiosity.” My parents campaigned and voted for her during the 1992 Presidential Election. Unfortunately, she lost against Fidel V. Ramos. From the time on I watch Santiago in her TV interviews. I had great respect for her until she started telling lies like jumping over a helicopter without a parachute, acting as if a political butterfly through her deliberate changes in political parties from the Opposition to Administration, making remarks that are uncalled for and irresponsible among many things. And hey, until now, she’s turning into an old irritating politician. Just look at what she has done in the senate.

Let me just note of what Jun Lozada has said:

"Madam Senator, I would admit to that.... I would admit, I guess in public, to the nation, that there are certain things I did in my life that I guess upon reflection I would lose some respect to myself. But all the remaining respect I have in myself I don’t want to lose pa. I’d like whatever respect I have in myself to keep it pa. If I will go along with this NBN, I guess I’m going to lose it all. I’m afraid I’m going lose my soul. So, yes, I admit to that. Mea culpa."

That was an honest statement, indeed. We need people like Lozada, a reluctant and flawed hero (nonetheless a hero), to run the government to make this nation great again.

My Book List (December 2007 & January 2008)

I hate to admit it that I read books in order to pass time ( I easily get bored in a traffic jam, waiting lines, with some habitual late people, the list goes on and on). The rest is secondary - maybe to improve my vocabulary, and become at least an adverage literary person, if such a classification exists at all.

Here are the books I managed (*sigh*) to read up to the last of the pages. And, so, in order to fill the viod I long had deliberately made in this blog by not updating it as often as all bloggers should, I will post the books I have read. This is done not only to show myself that go-William-you-can-read-books attitude, but to keep a record of what I had accomplished by the art many so highly esteemed - reading.

The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth by Morgan Scott Peck

The Golden Compass

The Subtle Knife

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen F. Covey

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Sins of a Father Kitty Chappell

Here's crossing my fingers to more books that lay waiting for me to read them.