Mabuhay ka Trillanes!

When the people's voices are not given a chance, it is worth and worthy of praise that an incarcerated senator does the talking- through a coup d'etat, a siege, a takeover, however you call it. I'm sure the government is now shivering from cowardice.

While I condone a violent takeover of any government, I believe some harsh things have to be done to prove a point. When a nation is so corrupt that even the poorest of the poor is practicing corruption, and corruption has become a way of life, we have to do something to shake the foundations of corruption.

As my friend have written: I have always been an anti-GMA and I don't need to further elaborate why. By not allowing me to express it, is tantamount to infringement of my right to express myself as citizen of the Philippines.

Mabuhay ka Trillanes!

A Historical Review from bulatlat.com by Arturo P. Garcia:

More than a hundred years ago, the Magdalo faction in Cavite carried out the first coup d’etat in Philippine history when they arrested Andres Bonifacio and his brother and, following a mock-trial, had them executed on Mt.Buntis, Maragondon, Cavite May 10, 1897. One of the executioners went by the name of a Macapagal.

Before the Magdalo coup, the Tejeros Convention was held and in that meeting, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo who went by the nom de guerre Magdalo (after his town’s patron saint-St Magdalene) was elected president of the new assembly. Bonifacio’s followers were called the Magdiwang (Filipino word for celebrate) headed by Gen. Mariano Alvarez lost the elections.

The event is also commemorated today as the birth of the Philippine Army and the Magdalo insignia and flag is prominently displayed in its logo and that of the AFP itself. Thus, the rebellious soldiers Magdalo Group can really identify with this group.

Aguinaldo rationalized that he has to get rid of Bonifacio, who founded the Katipunan, because he is an obstacle to the revolution. He was wrong. After the executions, the revolution against Spain teetered on defeat. Aguinaldo accepted the truce in Biak-na-Bato and opted for an exile in Hongkong following his surrender in December 1897.

It was no coincidence that a hundred years later, the AFP Magdalo group of rebellious young officers, went into a compromise without firing a shot – as they had warned they would a la Rambo - and went back to the barracks. In all, the mutiny took only 20 hours.

Photos: www.ellentordesillas.com / www.bulatlat.com

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from Kurt Cobain

Nobody dies a virgin, life fucks us all.

Back to Reality: Sex Matters

This is not a scientific study. I am not a scientist. This is purely based on observations.

Everything that has SEX on it really matters and even sells.

On August 16, being bored after a whole day seminar, I put a “Busy” on my Yahoo Messenger (YM) Status Message. No one bothered to give me a message. When I put “Having Sex” on my status suddenly the lines were busy! Eleven men dropped me messages saying they were interested to join.

August 19, a Monday, I logged in to YM and put the “Busy” status again. One asked me for a date; two people were asking me business details and two more saying Hi and Hello. Later on that same day I changed it to “Stepped Out. Having Breakfast at Jollibee” and two people drop me a line asking themselves to join with me. Weird.

On August 23, I put my blogspot address on my YM and no one bothered to drop me a line. Tempted to make a mess, I put “Having Sex” again on my YM later during lunchtime. I received 10 messages from different people some of which were not in my Friends List, all asking “Let me join you,” “Can I see you doing that?”, “Whose your partner?”, and the sorts. And all of them were men. Some were from Metro Manila area, some from the Middle East, three in Cebu.

August 26, I put again my Blogspot address alternating with my Multiply account. Only two people drop me a line. Both of which I initiated the discussions. In the afternoon, I changed my status to “Having Sex” again and obviously I was bombarded with messages with the usual lines. All from men.

Today I put the “Stepped Out” status. Finally a woman dropped me a line asking if I am okay. Since the status is kind of obvious that I am out, I did not reply.

I put the “Having Sex” status early evening and so far there are already 5 men saying they are interested. And I am still counting. One I believed is from Bohol since he called me Sano.

FYI, I have 43 entries in my Friends list in this account. Only 5 are women. My other YM account is for my personal-business use.

Since I am not scientifically-inclined I would like to ask you readers to make me a Table to get me a good picture of the ratio of my unscientific study.

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Travel Back in Time: A Wedding Speech

As I cleaned my old computer files, I came across a draft speech. I remember, so many years back, I was asked to give a speech for my friend's wedding. I can't remember if I have delivered this one or I was so drunk during the delivery that I forgot. Anyways here it is-

I am supposed to give Words of Wisdom to the newlyweds. I’m telling you I am not that wise no matter my age. Anyways, I still would like to share some thoughts and wishes to Ricky and Jenjen.

I’ve known Ricky for quite a while. Some people have mistaken us as twins specially that we’ve spent most of our time together when we were still at the Vice Governor’s later Governor’s Office. He was my computer mentor, in fact without him; I would be in some place I don’t know. I forced myself to be adopted by his family. His Mommy and Daddy are my Mommy and Daddy too. I borrow his clothes. I borrow money from him. Well- you know- brothers... At that time, I knew Ricky and Jenjen was some sort of “friends” and I never knew that it would come to this point.

Jenjen is a very special friend too. She is just sweet, malambing and very thoughtful. I don’t know why. Maybe it was because Ricky and I are friends. Morag nagpalaban because at that time they were only “friends”. Jenjen had her selosong boyfriend. Ako man gani kalingaw selosan adto niya. Ricky had an eye with our beautiful officemate.

Last (year), Jenjen came home from UK and I was excited because I know I have my pasalubong as usual. When she went to Bohol, I was suddenly fetched from the office with the thought that we were going to Calape, Bohol because some of her friends from there were having a handa man tingali or a fiesta. I don’t know exactly. At that time, I was assigned in another office under the Office of the Governor so I was not as connected with my old friends. There were five of us. Ricky was there, of course.

When we arrived in Calape, there and then I knew that they were going to be married by a judge who is also a friend of ours! No earth jod ko adtong panahona! They were not telling other friends, their parents, their brothers or sisters. All by ourselves ra jod to. Paita! Gihimo pa jod kong witness at that time! Meaning ninong na ko nila adtong panahona. Samot kapait kay pagkahibaw sa taga-Cebu nga minyo na sila, ako pa jod ang na-alaan nga maoy giminyoan. Maayo na lang wala ko mapatay sa uyab ni Jenjen at that time! I’m sure dili na sad ko niya patyon karon.

And I like that experience! It means that this couple has determination. They knew they were right. They stood by each other. And I hope that in love, they share friendship, mutual trust, and faith in God to their new family and the families that surround them.

To Ricky and Jenjen: Be full of love. Congratulations and best wishes.

Wala ba kayong mga kamay dyan?


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Roads to Relaxation

We all have a choice. We can live life in the "fast lane", pushing ourselves hard from one experience to the next, until one day we can push ourselves no more; or we can turn off the superhighway to follow quieter, slower roads that encourage our driving skills, rather than our driving speed. Ultimately, we may reach the same destination. However, the different routes by which we travel there will determine the state of our mind and body on arrival.

Perhaps we have forgotten how to make such choices. Certainly, for many of us, the fastest route seems the obvious one. Yet we sacrifice so much in taking it. We miss the fascinating views of landmarks and scenery, as well as the sheer charm of following a quieter road. The routes to relaxation are winding, with so many turnings. We may even lose our way from time to time, but that all adds to the fascination, the sense of adventure and surprise.

Leaving the superhighway can prove difficult. Even if we resolve to try one of the roads branching off to left or right, unless we dispel the deep-rooted thinking that made us want to take the fast lane in the first place, we shall soon find ourselves back there.

Relaxation cannot he hurried. We must have faith that our slow, circuitous journey will take us in the end to the land of calm perspectives --- the place we all dream of in our hearts.

from the book Learn To Relax: A Practical Guide to Easing Tension & Conquering Stress by Mike George

Paintings: Relaxation in Autumn; Relaxation in Jade; Relaxation in Green #2 all from http://www.richardstodart.com/

An Environmental Question

Does planting mangroves justify the presence of a cement factory in Lugait, Misamis Oriental? Just asking. Take note that the place suffered a "flood" just recently brought about by the intermittent weather. I was even wondering why the flooding when the place is way above sea level.

Jollibee- Not a Participatory Company?

from Jollibee's website (http://www.jollibee.com.ph/corporate/phenomenon.htm)
The foundation of Jollibee's rapid growth has been its strategy to establish dominant market coverage complemented by its superior menu line-up, creative marketing programs and efficient manufacturing and logistics facilities in support of its widening restaurant chain. It is powered by teams of well-trained individuals embracing the culture of integrity and humility, working in a family-like environment of fun and togetherness.

I went out to have lunch at 3 in the afternoon at Jollibee Capitol. No long lines. Not so many people around. Somewhere in the corner were three store "managers" asking their crew to serve them anything they ordered and the crew scampered to do just that. That was why I assumed they were the store managers.

Anyways- they were doing some store evaluation I supposed. The man not-in-uniform asked the other uniformed managers what was SWOT. Having been in a company where almost every quarter a SWOT was necessary, I concluded they were in fact analyzing their store.

But wait, where were the other staff? I supposed a SWOT (Strengths-Weakness es-Opportunities -Threats Analysis, by the way, sir) should be discussed with all team-mates? Why the managers only?

And so I believed Jollibee is a participatory, team-driven company. What happened?


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No More Christmas Tree at Fuente

The famous landmark at Fuente-Osmeña Circle in Cebu City was one of the casualties of typhoon Lando. The Christmas Tree is now gone. I hope Lhuiller will repair and install it again.

Dunkin' Donuts ala Bahay Kubo

Dunkin' Donuts in bahay kubo? What? Is that possible? Well- only in the Philippines. And only in Iligan City!

Worst Case of Illegal Detention

Poor, poor duck. Ugly and detained. Illegally.

Bohol's Suitcase 101 is Globe Kantabataan Grandwinner

Bohol’s ‘Suitcase 101’ was adjudged grand champion in the 2007 Globe ‘Kantabataan’ Youth Music Festival held last November 10, 2007, at the Mall of Asia.

The young Boholano musicians got first place in both judges’ ratings during the actual performance and in the text votes participated in by texters all over the Philippines.

Special guests during the show were top bands in the country namely Imago, Hale, Sugarfree, Sponge Cola and ABS-CBN ‘Pinoy Dream Academy’ grand champion and certified hitmaker-musician-composer-singer Yeng Constantino.

‘Suitcase 101’ already appeared on MTV. The band members will be shooting their music video on Friday, November 23, in Manila at MYX Channel.

from Fiel Gabin

The Republic of Bohol Really Existed!

The Bohol Republic was a functional, independent state from June 11, 1899 until March 17, 1900. It co-existed with the invading American forces until September 1, 1900, the start of the Boholano-American War. It promptly ended when Gen. Pedro Samson yielded to US power on December 23, 1901.



from http://boholrepublic.com/

HOUSTON, I HAVE A PROBLEM

somebody called me up just a few minutes ago. he was blaming me for everything bad that happened in his life. for all the failed relationships he had. for the pain. he was obviously drunk. and i can't help but listen to him whine. i know turning my phone off would only mean disaster so i listed in bed and listened. all he need is a listening hear. exhausted (perhaps) he hung up on me.

which reminds me of an article i wrote in MP about a good friend who is now missing. this article was written 17 february 2004 at 2:07 in the morning.

DECONSTRUCTING RYAN

Yeah we meet again. Maski gikapoy ko, I told myself I shoud meet the guy. Again... We had coffee but coffee seems to be the least of things we need aside from the so many in our minds. We agreed to have beer again. So we went to my favorite hangout again! We had several beers and several emotional discussions. We shared thoughts on love lost again. On people we love and hate. On issues that only our kind understood or trying to understand. On things that matter so much to us. On scary moments, like meeting former lovers again!

We shared the same wavelenghts too! I know he is entangled in his own web of personal vision, disillusionment, hopes and dreams, frustrations, realizations, etc. that made him a colorful person just like me. Everytime we talk, the real Ryan would sometime show his emotional side, an attribute he is trying to hide? I don't know. He is a happy person on the surface. He always smiles. I think this made him look younger than his age. And cuter, I say. What's inside this person? What's in his mind? So far, I've only come to the point of knowing the Ryan on his frustrated side, at least. He is a very emotional child this time. I always see his watery eyes when he told me of things he wished didn't happened. Or the joy of doing good deeds to his mother. And I think I love this guy.

We went to Dunkin' Fuente to have another cup of coffee for him and a hot chocolate for me. We talked again and again. I never realized I only told people at home I'll be out just for a few minutes. That was 9:45 pm. And it was past 3 in the morning when I insisted we go home. Iya kong gihatod sa amoa. Sa taxi I can't help but hold his hand. And they stayed locked until we arrived at my place.

It was an emotional experience for me.

"Boholanos" ala Marketman

Cebuanos often make fun of Boholanos. My dad was a Cebuano, but no, aha!, he was born in Bohol! But my mom, who he chided endlessly for being Boholana, was in fact, born in Cebu, and a descendant of a large clan with lots of family in Leyte. But her family was a fairly well-known one from the proud little island of Bohol, the home to one of the Republic's elected Presidents...not many provinces can claim that, after all, though Cebu can as well. At any rate, the gentle "rivalry" between the islands is an amusing one... So while Cebu might have the best dried mangoes, silvanas and what not, I have to say that Bohol has absolutely the finest broas I have ever eaten, period. And here, with a quick modification, I am inventing a cookie that would make my maternal ancestors proud... meet the "Boholano" - two Osang's broas with a filling of rich chocolate cream. Superb.


Picture and Text by Marketman http://www.marketmanila.com/

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I am a true-blue Boholano so I am almost always looking for good stories about Bohol. This is one of them. If you are into food, good food to be exact, visit Marketman's website and you will be amazed by his recipes, writeups and photography.
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Man's Favorite Tool

Para sa Mahilig Magpadala (especially in the US)

This should teach us a lesson especially Filipinos are known to make padala whenever we can.

This information is very alarming and I think it's worth sharing to save you from trouble and embarassment.

A Filipino friend shared this email. His friend who works for Homeland Security as Immigration Inspector at LAX ( Los Angeles International Airport ) called him yesterday to share the information that happened last weekend. A Fil-Am citizen who was flying to the Philippines for vacation was apprehended by an Airport Immigration agent while she was checking in her baggage and going through the X-ray machine. For some reason, she was randomly checked and was told to open all the envelopes inside her carry-on Coach bag. They found 10 envelops addressed to different people in the Philippines . When all the envelops were opened, a total of $11,000 cash was discovered. They asked the traveler if she knew the contents of the envelope. She said no, because all the envelopes are just "padala" and the senders didn't tell her whether or not there was money inside. Immigration agents showed her a Policy and guidance stating that it is illegal to import and export over $10,000 in any Asian countries to prevent the possibility of supporting terrorism.

She was fined $500, her name was "red labeled" by Immigration (means every time she enters and exits the airport, she will be searched 100%), and she also missed her scheduled flight to the Philippines for being held almost 5 hours. Hard to believe that departing passengers from the U.S. are also subject to the policy but looks like it is being strictly enforced now. The lessons learned is before you accept any "padala", make sure the envelopes are open and you physically see the contents of it or just plainly say "sorry but I can't accept any padala" for your own safety.

BIASED MANILEÑO

I wonder why Filipinos would react to racial slurs when most Pinoys are even doing it. Here is a case of discrimination right here in the Philippines.

Pam Pam (gimmil2@yahoo.com) wrote this on a Bisaya yahoogroup. He was asking if there were Cebuano chasers in the group. Nobody knew what he meant.

"oh i'm sorry
i guess i assumed its a common term
chaser is short for chub chasers
guys who are into chubby guys
there is a alot of them in manila and other countries
so i was wondering if there are any here
but i guess not many know what chasers mean in this side of the country
my bad >_<
cebu is still a province after all"

(my emphasis supplied to get my point)

And we say no to discriminations huh.

If Tomorrow Never Comes (If I Knew)

A very emotional email arrived in my inbox today. It is about Carlo Cruz's painful acceptance with the death of his wife. His wife, Leslie, was one of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 explosion.

This poem by Norma Cornett Marek was actually used during the 9/11 memorials and again this sad moment of Carlo's life.

=====================================================================================

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

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E-mail meant for e-group moves strangers to tears
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=97189

A Dog? A Kangaroo? Luck?

A friend of mine is keeping a dog (are you sure it's a dog?) because he believes it brought him good luck. Well- he has a carenderia now. And that dog is tied right there near the counter. I can see it was more of a guard dog rather than a good luck dog. Or was there good luck because nobody dared take his money because of the dog? Whatever.

Buying the People

Of course this is nothing new. They came. They gave. They won. Some lost. The routine handshakes and fake smiles. The standard service-to-the-people lines. What more?