Search and You Shall Find in My World

28 February 2009

How to stay young

I am already 41 but people have mistaken me at around 30s. Others say late 20s. Of course I am flattered! Being younger looking is a plus especially in a world that has gone vain. Men and women pluck their brows. Men and women put balms, liniments, lotions, whatever on their faces and bodies to retain moisture and to make skin supple and younger looking. Men and women hit the gym. Men and women undergo operations, no matter how painfully expensive, just to look young. The list is long.

But again- No, you don't have to buy those cosmetics or undergo operations that moviestars are fighting about. (If you want to look like Boy Abunda you go to Calayan stuff hahahaha.) It's all about attitude my dear. It's all about enjoying life.

Speaking of which, I received this email a few minutes ago and it's worth a read.

Try everything twice. On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph: Tried everything twice- loved it both times!

Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches.)

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

Enjoy the simple things.

Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him/her.

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

Surround yourself with what you love- family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

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.

Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next town, province, country, to a foreign land, but not to where guilt is.

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

Forgive those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance.

And if you don't believe this will work- who cares? Remember- Lost time can never be found. Be kinder than necessary. for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

27 February 2009

My Imaginary Album


I got this from friends at Facebook and enjoyed doing this for a while to shun boredom away. For the sake of fun, it was indeed fun! 

With this, I can say my songs in my imaginary album would be like trance. You know- the grand prix theme, Fast andFurious type; the "future" quote; Zen-like random pic. Ahhhh trance. My favorite.

How weird was the randomization of things. With them plus creativity, you can see your future band. I hope my band members won't commit suicide without my knowing hahaha.

Why don't you try this?


Instructions:

1. Go to Wikipedia. Hit “random”
or click
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
- The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2. Go to "Random Quotations"
or click 
http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
- The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3. Go to Flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click 
http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
- Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4. Use Photoshop or similar to put it all together.

5. Post it with these instructions and TAG the friends you want to join in.

-----------------------------------------------------
My random things-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Beach_Grand_Prix
http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/2184.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ex-korn/3299408152/

The Red Stool

     

Bulacan, 2 weeks ago

26 February 2009

Raising Children

We were discussing about children and how to raise them when the news came in about an alcoholic Russian mother who left her kid among dogs and the discussants had the time of their lives. I mean, they were having fun, sort of. They were sympathetic but they had fun. 

Raising children for sure is never heaven. But having them as a choice means responsibility, a big one! That's why reproductive health is necessary this time. I know, the Catholic Church would frown. But what the hell.

So many children have already suffered because they were unwanted but religion forced them (parents) to. And there they are, unwanted, uncared for. And they were supposed to be gifts from God. 

Still didn't get it? Look around.

If you want to know what I mean read this-


A three-year-old girl has been found being cared for by dogs while her alcoholic mother neglected her.

Social workers discovered the girl in her mother's house in Russia, naked and walking on all fours, gnawing bones with the dogs who she clung to for warmth.

The child, called Madina, only knows two words - yes and no - and growls like a dog when people come too close, Russian media reported.

Madina, from Ufa in central Russia, was shunned by other local children in her neighbourhood.

Her mother, known only as Anna, 23, had ignored her for most of her life, police said.

Anna ate at the table while allowing her daughter to eat on the floor with the dogs.

The girl's mother often disappeared and was also frequently too drunk to look after for her child.

'The child is angelic but she has been deprived of love and care, except from the dogs,' said a social worker.

'When her mother was angry she used to run away, but no child played with her in the playground,' said one newspaper report.  

'She hardly knew a single word, and fought with everyone.

'So dogs became her best friends. She played with them, and slept with them when it was cold in winter.'

The girl's father disappeared soon after her birth, which led to Madina's mother drinking, said neighbours.

She often invited local alcoholics to her house, completely ignoring her little child, they said.

When police arrived to take the child into care, Anna reportedly claimed: 'I do look after my daughter.'

Medics say the girl is mentally and physically healthy despite her ordeal. 

25 February 2009

Worth knowing today

It's Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Christian calendar's Lenten season. Try not to torture your observant friends too much as you enjoy the drinks/ snacks/ contraband/ swearing/ anything else fun that they've sworn off for 40 days. Then again, it doesn't really count if they're not tempted, right?

Menstyle.com

24 February 2009

The Circle of Life

We were saddened by the death of our grandma last week. Although she is already old at 93, we were shocked because she was still well and about during her death. She suffered from stroke even if she was taking ferrous sulfate because she was supposed to be anemic.

But while we experienced death a few days ago, a new generation of Dolotina has emerged. A good news came from the US telling us that another addition to the family just happened, a cute baby boy is born to my cousins. And next week, the first week of March, we are expecting another addition to the family again. My sis will also have her baby.

Such is the beauty of life. When one dies, another life is born. 


20 February 2009

A sad night: Goodbye Lola Anania Dolotina-Molina!

I was informed a few minutes ago that our Lola, Anania Dolotina-Molina of Alicia, Bohol, died at Ramiro Hospital in Tagbilaran due to stroke. She was 93.

I felt so down.

When I was younger she was one of my favorite lolas because she would always hug us whenever she visited our place. I can remember the way her smell would engulfed me as she would extend her arms. I was uncomfortable with hugging but hers was of comfort and peaceful reverie.

The last time we saw each other she was crying because her sister, Felicidad who was 103 by then, died last Christmas 2009. I approached her and she hugged me so tight because she told me she missed me. I choked.

Now hearing the sad news made me cry. I too, really missed her. But sadly she did not know that. I never told her. Now she is gone and I would never had the chance to.

May you rest in peace Lola.

(Two of my favorite lolas- Felicidad who died last Christmas 2009 at the age of 103 and Anania, 93, who died a few minutes ago.)

19 February 2009

Nakisakay na rin sa 48

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes. From the first High Priest and King of Salem- Melchizedik.
"He is also called the King of Salem (Hebrews 7:1-2; Gen.14:18). Salem is another name for Jerusalem (Psalm 76:1-2) and means peace. Hebrews 7:2 makes a strong point of the fact that Melchizedek is “first” the King of righteousness and “after that” the King of peace."
But hey, I am the exact opposite.


2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last week.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not anymore. I prefer to use keyboards.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? 2 piece hot/crispy chicken from KFC. Any other parts but surely not that drumstick/leg part. And large Mountain Dew please.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Not anymore.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Definitely yes. I am irresistible.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Why ask?

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Let me check. I think so. Why?

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? If there is a chance, why not?

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I don't have preferences. Any cereal will do. I am a cereal killer.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes, and place them shoes on its proper place.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Any ice-cream is my favorite ice-cream. I could eat a gallon in one sitting. I have eaten dirty ice-creams, expensive ice-creams, fried ice-creams.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their faces and then their toes. If I see dirty toes but clean faces, most likely the dirty toes would affect my judgment on the person.

15. RED OR PINK? Red!

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I love myself!

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My family. When I heard our house was flooded, suddenly I missed them.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? I don't care.

19. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR PANTS AND SHOES YOU WEARING? Now? Grey and orange shoes. Gray shorts. Orange and blue shirt.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Bjork's Venus As A Boy. 

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Orange.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Cologne.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Jun Sibi, the owner of the printing press I work with, reminding me again of deadlines.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I love him.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Volleyball could pass but I am not a sports enthusiast.

27. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown with specks of gray hairs.

28. EYE COLOR? Brown.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Nothing in particular but I am choosy with food.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Scary movies.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Push. But I love Heroes more.

33. WHAT COLOR IS THE SHIRT YOU ARE WEARING? Now? Orange. But I like to wear white, brown and other earth tones.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Experienced winter and it was terrible!

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Whoever.

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I don't know.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? If you consider Designers Guide to Color as a book, well-

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Lights, blue and red.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I don't have TV and don't like TV much.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S). Wind. Waves. Kids' laughter. Happy sounds.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Canada.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Would feeling other-worldly-beings a talent? No? How about fire-eating?

46 WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Probably in our ancestral house in Batuan, Bohol. It never came to mind to ask my mom.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? He just did.

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? Cebu.

Aira


17 February 2009

This is what call center agents hear-

Daig pa ang public declaration ni Manuel Roxas against GMA. Count the PUTANG INA NYO if you can. Just click the title below.


At Pinoy din po sya.

Janex, my neighbor

Dad at 13? The Catholic Church must be rejoicing!

In case you have not yet heard of a boy, yes a BOY! who impregnated a 14 yeard old when he was yet 12, then read this- and yes he is that kid on the right side-
Alfie, who was 12 when he got Chantelle Steadman - who was then 14 - pregnant, said: "I know I'm young but I plan to be a good dad."

In an interview with The Sun, the schoolboy from Eastbourne, East Sussex, he said his first night of parenthood was "easier than I thought", adding: "I think we'll be good parents. I'll have to work extra hard at school."

Both Alfie and Chantelle change their daughter's nappy and she sleeps in her mother's bedroom.
The Roman Catholic Church is now rejoicing and perhaps offering mass and singing Halleluiah for their efforts on Pro-Life. But-
Alfie's story, broken exclusively by The Sun today has sparked a huge political storm with Tory leader David Cameron saying: "When I saw these pictures this morning, I just thought how worrying that in Britain today children are having children.

"I hope that somehow these children grow up into responsible parents but the truth is parenthood is just not something they should be thinking about right now."
And by the way, Pro-Life advocates must also be ecstatic on the birth of octoplets (8 babies at the same time, goddamn it!) in the US of A while scores of Californians were angry on the tax levied on them since the mother could not afford to raise the children (she has other older children and some mentally-challenged and being provided child welfare).



Picture of the boy-father from thesun.co.uk

13 February 2009

Can we measure love?

I have a friend who kept on disturbing me when he is heartbroken. He would call me up on the wee hours of the morning, telling me how frustrated he was with his love affairs. He would whine and would act like a child prompting me to scold him and nag about his childish attitude instead of offering a sympathetic ear.

Because when you hear the same old tune over and over, again and again, your sympathetic ear becomes numb.

I saw how they were as lovers. They would fight in the car even if I am with them. The teasing slap in the face would become a fistfight. And I, having seen it repeatedly done, would turn a blind eye and deaf ear and would not mind them at all. They have separated several times and the other would come to me and ask for help. On their first separation I was also affected. Now when I hear them telling me they have separated (for the nth time), I would just give a smirky face at them.

I just wonder what has love got to do with the weird things we do in life? I have been in several affairs and past lovers would tell me they were hurt by me. All the while I thought I was the most loving partner they could ever have. 

How would you impart love and the other person see that as true love? Is love a subjective feeling? Even if I grew up in a violent environment, I sow seeds of love to my family and friends and almost to everyone to make up what I've lost. Yet it was not enough.

How do we measure love?


Picture from cardiophile.com

Meredith Grey on Change

Everything changes, they say. But I don't believe in that. Some things just stay the same. Your favorite color when you were just a kid might still be the same when you reach 50. Friends you had when you were a teenager can still be with you until your 70th birthday. And maybe, just maybe, the love you had lost your entire life will still be the one you ever wanted until the day you die.


Meredith Grey painting from carlymonardo.blogspot.com

12 February 2009

So Many Things About Me

Being 41 is not an assurance that you know yourself better. Infact, age is not really a concrete basis to know a person well. You know what I mean. But a friend, Angie, enlightened me on my personality type after I published my 25-Random-Things-About-Me stuff. She told me I am an ADULT INDIGO. The term was alien to me. I was confused when she told me on this. Never had I encountered the term.

To know me better, I am copying in full the description of an ADULT INDIGO from metagifted.org. Those who know me, you be the judge.

Indigo Adult Characteristics (bold ones reflect more of my personality)

  • Are intelligent, though may not have had top grades.
  • Are very creative and enjoy making things.
  • Always need to know WHY, especially why they are being asked to do something.
  • Had disgust and perhaps loathing for much of the required and repetitious work in school.
  • Were rebellious in school in that they refused to do homework and rejected authority of teachers, OR seriously wanted to rebel, but didn't DARE, usually due to parental pressure.
  • May have experienced early existential depression and feelings of helplessness. These may have ranged from sadness to utter despair. Suicidal feelings while still in high school or younger are not uncommon in the Indigo Adult.
  • Have difficulty in service-oriented jobs. Indigos resist authority and caste system of employment.
  • Prefer leadership positions or working alone to team positions.
  • Have deep empathy for others, yet an intolerance of stupidity.
  • May be extremely emotionally sensitive including crying at the drop of a hat (no shielding) Or may be the opposite and show no expression of emotion (full shielding).
  • May have trouble with RAGE.
  • Have trouble with systems they consider broken or ineffective, ie. political, educational, medical, and legal.
  • Alienation from or anger with politics - feeling your voice won't count and/or that the outcome really doesn't matter.
  • Frustration with or rejection of the traditional American dream - 9-5 career, marriage, 2.5 children, house with white picket fence, etc.
  • Anger at rights being taken away, fear and/or fury at "Big Brother watching you."
  • Have a burning desire to do something to change and improve the world. May be stymied what to do. May have trouble identifying their path.
  • Have psychic or spiritual interest appear fairly young - in or before teen years.
  • Had few if any Indigo role models. Having had some doesn't mean you're not an indigo, though.
  • Have strong intuition.
  • Random behavior pattern or mind style - (symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder). May have trouble focusing on assigned tasks, may jump around in conversations.
  • Have had psychic experiences, such as premonitions, seeing angels or ghosts, out of body experiences, hearing voices.
  • May be electrically sensitive such as watches not working and street lights going out as you move under them, electrical equipment malfunctioning and lights blowing out.
  • May have awareness of other dimensions and parallel realities.
  • Sexually are very expressive and inventive OR may reject sexuality in boredom or with intention of achieving higher spiritual connection. May explore alternative types of sexuality.
  • Seek meaning to their life and understanding about the world. May seek this through religion or spirituality, spiritual groups and books, self-help groups and books.
  • When they find balance they may become very strong, healthy, happy individuals.
Please note, anyone could have a few of these traits, but Indigo Adults have most or all of these 25 characteristics.

10 February 2009

Environmental concerns: Pepsi is LYING

Pepsi's SAVE WATER DRINK ME packaging is so disgusting as well as deceiving! Obviously, carbonated drinks like Pepsi is basically water but they lie about drinking their products and saving water. Acording to their history- It (Pepsi) was made of carbonated water, sugar, vanilla, rare oils, pepsin and kola nuts.

But take note- Soft drinks can be one of the greatest carriers of environmental toxins. Most require additives and preservatives, which consist of chemical substances. Unfortunately, these substances can actually be harmful to our bodies. 

I did not say that.

Environmental concerns: Stars suddenly getting green

I saw Christopher de Leon having photo op for the release of a sea turtle who happened to be rescued by DENR officials in Bulacan.

The news report further states that de Leon is the head of an ecotourism task force in one of the towns of Batangas. He is supposed to be a scuba diver and long time admirer of marine biodiversity. Very profound.

“Initiating meaningful partnerships is a key component for CI’s work in the Verde Island Passage, and we’re glad that Boyet (de Leon) has expressed willingness to help engage the entertainment industry in this endeavor,” the report quoted a Conservation International Philippines head.

Question- Have you heard of de Leon's environmental efforts before? Why timing it now when the Philippine elections are coming?

Environmental concerns: Flooding in Batuan (Bohol)

I was in Manila this weekend when I received a text message from an old friend in my hometown. She told me their house was flooded due to heavy rains. It was their first. Their house was in a flat land near a ricefield. She told me that our place was flooded too up to the waistline.

I was not a bit concerned at first because I did not receive any info from my family. Almost all of us got mobile phones, except for my parents who abhor techie things, and being flooded would of course send them to panic, and informing me would be fitting.

But my text message asking what happened to them was unanswered. I was thinking of my book collection I just sent home because I would no longer be staying at my rented place in Tagbilaran.

FYI, our place is right beside a small creek that used to be our playground when we were young. I almost got drowned on that creek. It used to be a river-wide when I was young, but when I saw it as I grow older, the creek seemed to reduce itself smaller each time I go to my hometown. I would laugh at myself, remembering that drowning incident. It would be funny to see that murmuring creek becoming a rampaging river.

But honestly I had its rare overflowing experience. I was sleeping that time when Mom woke me up because the waters had come in up to the level of my bed. I was more amazed than afraid of the flood.

When no one was not minding me, I called up my sister. She told me the truth. The waters have invaded our place and they were busy catching things that floated away. Our appliances, our stuff in the kitchen, MY BOOKS! They were not able to text me back. They had more concerns to do. I was heartbroken.
For the first time I heared my family talking about environmental issues. They told me Mother Nature is getting angry because of wanton destruction of the environment. The cause of the flood was extremely mind-boggling since the water source is just a small hole somewhere. Where did all the water came from?

Despite being heartbroken over the state of my books, I pity my parents who suffer all through the experience. I know they were also concerned of our things and other valuables. The things most people would consider not of value like family pictures and memorabilia were in fact priceless and even worth a million. We could never have them again.

(First picture grabbed from Batuanon's Friendster account)


“Are you upset little friend? Have you been lying awake worrying? Well, don't worry...I'm here. The flood waters will recede, the famine will end, the sun will shine tomorrow, and I will always be here to take care of you." -Charlie Brown to Snoopy

06 February 2009

Today is my Birthday!

Every human being on this earth is born with a tragedy, and it isn't original sin. He's born with the tragedy that he has to grow up...a lot of people don't have the courage to do it. - Helen Hayes

05 February 2009

Attention OFWs

This is a good news from your President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo:

POMP AND PAGEANTRY attend the visit of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she’s welcomed by Dr. Fahd Balghunaim, minister of agriculture. In Bahrain, Ms Arroyo’s next stop, she announces that country’s needs for more Filipinos particularly to work as salesladies.


News and Photo grabbed from INQUIRER.net today 5 February 2009

04 February 2009

25 Random Things About Me (it could have been 6 or 66 or 666 but taggers insisted it should only be 25)

  1. I am a battered child. In our generation, no law prohibited parents from torturing children. My parents always had a reason to pinch me, spank me using anything that came in handy like belts, brooms, sticks, firewood. I was even knocked down with a pestle, that heavy wood used to pound rice. I wasn’t able to walk for a day. My brother and sisters had a share of this misfortune. A sis was struck with a wooden bench. My siblings and I had ducked from flying saucers, coconut shells and knives. And we were not prodigal sons and daughters. In fact, neighbors and teachers praised us because we were the most subservient of children in our community. Until now I still have unresolved issues with my parents.
  2. I am slightly claustrophobic. Enclosed places remind me of oppression and fear.  I used to hide in the darkest closets and unused rooms and cowered in fear because battery was inevitable. Until now that experience in dark closets would send me gasping for air when I am in a room with no visible windows.
  3. I love rooms with lots of windows, preferably floor to ceiling windows.
  4. I am an obsessive-compulsive person. I could not afford to see dirty or topsy-turvy places. I know when someone mess my things around even if returned to their proper places. I just know. My dinner plate is always clean like it’s ready for use even before I leave the table. I arrange skewed artworks in exhibitions and museums. I could not handle public washrooms, and public equipment, that is why I wash my hands as much as possible.
  5. I hate cockroaches of any kind. They remind me of dirty things. I used to bring Baygon spray in my bag.
  6. I am generously kind. I say Thank You a lot and apologized even if it was not my fault. I used up my finances to spend for my family and friends.
  7. I am not an alcoholic despite of the fact that I think I would almost (almost lang naman) die if I could not have a drink or two each day. But my brother is, I am sure. Two of my uncles died of liver cirrhosis. Most cousins and relatives loved drinking. Some succumbed to that fact. Our clan is known as THE clan of drunkards.
  8. I love mixing drinks and experiment on them. I also love to cook and experiment on the how tos. I baked my first bread when I was 13. I have no recipe. It was nothing glamorous, only that I used clay-pots when I baked that bread.  My dead aunt (it was not my baked bread that caused her death) claimed it was better than the ones sold at public markets. I never bake ever since.
  9. I don’t have television at my place but I bought one for my parents. If given the chance to watch TV, I would rather have National Geographic channel, Discovery and its sister channels and hate those channel surfers who would not consider other people watching a show.
  10. I fear driving. My first bicycle ride was traumatic. I brought along my cousin with me and I did not know how to navigate a curve. We ran smacked into a running tricycle. My cousin was transported in the passenger seat of the tricycle, my face was bleeding from a wound, and our bike’s wheels were formed into number 8s. I tried again, this time traversing half the island of Bohol. I almost got myself killed when the chain of the bike malfunctioned and I was caught between a stationary delivery truck and Dory Transit speeding through. My first four-wheel drive was with a Pajero but it was not that disastrous. I almost ran over a pedestrian. My first motorcycle drive gave me a burnt leg and a sprained arm.
  11. I do not consider myself as an artist despite people tagging me as one. Yes I used to draw. That was before. I used to paint. That was before. I never had the chance to perfect my talents (if they were considered talents) because I could not afford them. Anyway, I still have artist tantrums rooted in me.
  12. I am the only photographer who does not own a camera. Seriously, there are hi-tech camera owners out there who could not even compose a good shot. If you consider a mobile phone with a camera as the tool of my trade, then I am a photographer. I depend so much on my Sony Ericsson W810i.
  13. I never graduated from college. I am an undergrad with just a few more semesters, two to be exact, before I could have a diploma, and I quit. It could have been a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy!  In fact, if not of my neighbors who adopted me during my high school days, I would never finish high school. I hate boring teachers. I know better than them. This being an undergrad, is the reason why I resigned from government service. I used to work with the government, my position being Computer Programmer despite my ignorance with computers. I never had any background with computers. Not even with typewriters. I used only four of my digits when I am typing, with the occasional thumb for spacebar. The HR department did not ask if I graduated or if I have a diploma. My skills in writing and designs saved me. Later, when I was getting too popular when a new governor took over, my credentials were checked and I was forced to resign.
  14. I love books. I love Pablo Neruda, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Edgar Allan Poe to name a few. Poe, especially. I consider myself a writer (blogger, for now) especially when I am drunk. During my college days, the school’s publication editor would drown me in alcohol so I could fill in some space. My grades would be saved if the teacher gave essay questions because I know how to get things in perspective rather than fill in some blanks. I was usually drunk during exams.
  15. I have been in serious relationships but always came out wounded and battered. I became a liar out of past relations. I felt used and abused. I also used and abused lovers. I learned to drown myself on a deadly combination of alcohol and drugs. Slashed my wrists out of jealousy. Hoping to recover, the past years have been dry and lonely as a choice. Transgressions now things of past, and lessons learned, I believed I have recovered from those disasters. Lately, starting a clean slate, I met and fell in love with a person I used to know. We have started our journey together and hoping for the best to come for both of us.
  16. People see me as strict, aloof and a social climbing publicity whore. My friends see me as a happy, loving and trustworthy person. Children would always come to me especially special ones. I have pacified kids on tantrum spree. I have taken cared of babies of strangers.
  17. I am a music lover and can hum a tune or two but I could not remember titles, lyrics and artists of the songs. My music genre includes arias, classical (not classics, although I also love them), rhythm and blues, fado, trance, smooth jazz, ambient, world, kundiman and some pop. I hate karaoke the most. I hate people who exude confidence and shamelessly sang in karaoke joints but could not even tell if they are off-tuned.
  18. I only eat a full meal once a day. This is out of necessity and not a dietary requirement. If I have enough funds, I usually go to KFC and order two-piece hot and crispy chicken and a large Mountain Dew. If I feel rich, I would grab Japanese and Thai food. Spicy food is a big come-on for me. If the food lacks the zest, I would always ask for chili powder.
  19. Given a choice, I would rather be in the countryside than big cityscapes. But I also love to travel. Traveling gives me a chance to unwind, be with friends and meet new ones and experience different personalities and culture. Favorite tambayan? Cemeteries during sunsets. Quiet and beautiful.
  20. I love walking in the rain but would cower shamelessly when there is lightning and thunder. Rainy days usually are the perfect time to have cups of coffee, although every time is coffee time for me. But rains give the ambience.
  21. I used to have a beautiful penmanship. My teachers would always ask me to write things on the board and on their lesson plans when I was in high school and college. Now, my writings are like doodles and lacked the beauty it used to have. When asked to fill in a questionnaire, a keyboard would be the best option rather than a pen.
  22. I have nude pictures being circulated in the internet. A hacker (and maybe a desperate admirer or an abandoned lover) brought them out and sent them to heads of offices and employees from my former employer, the provincial government of Bohol. The hacker even threatened to post them around Tagbilaran. Being the epitome of glamorous cool, I offered myself to help. I retained my composure all through the incident raising eyebrows of employees who accused me later as culprit pretending to spread my nude pictures to cover up my HR mess. I don’t know what kind of brain those people have, if they have, but covering a bad act with another scandalous act in the hope of redemption is not my cup of tea.
  23. I have tattoos and planning to have another that would cover both my arms. My icons are Sun and Moon. People who mistook tats as symbols of incarceration should stop their narrow outlook. Historically, Visayans were called pintados because of tattoos all over their bodies.   
  24. I have a collection of masks. Wood masks from Asia and Africa. Ceramic masks from Mexico. Steel masks from UK and Italy. Paper mache masks from Japan and the Philippines. Fiber glass masks from Germany.
  25. My favorite color is orange. 

Birthday ko kasi so ayan confessions na!

03 February 2009

Goodbye Mike Francis

If you are in your 40s like me I am very sure Mike Francis has been a part of your repertoire. I am a great fan of his. Y101 introduced me to him and I fell in love with his music eversince. Who could ever forget his Suddenly Back To Me or Let Me In or Lovely Day, and my personal favorite- Dusty Road?

Mike Francis, born Francesco Puccioni, succumbed to a lingering illness last Friday, January 30, 2009, according to news reports. He was 47.

Thank you for the beautiful music, Mike.
carry on and bear the happy load
on a dusty road
got to win the race
even though the road is hard
gotta be certain
like the black bird
flying in the night
what you looking for
searching for the way
even though the road is hard
gotta be certain
it's a different cold dream
that's never ending
burning inside of the soul
you gotta follow this dream
and watch you bending
through the dark years
don't you stray away
from a dusty road
just keep it going on
even though the road is hard
gotta be certain
lots of people are gonna put you down
does bother you
don't let them change your mind
even though the road is hard
gotta be certain...

Ciao Francesco!

02 February 2009

In support of Mr. Go's crusade against erroneous textbooks-

He is here again and this time equipped with a vengeance. The following were copied from INQUIRER.net. See for yourself if Mr. Antonio Go is right with his cause to eradicate "sick books" being used and peddled, of course, in the schools around the country.

This is what you were paying for out of your taxes and the tuition most parents paid for their children.


‘Drowned in mystery’ and other boo-boos 

By Antonio Calipjo Go
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:32:00 02/02/2009

Filed Under: Education, Books

MANILA, Philippines—The following are among the more than 500 items of a similar nature that may be found in the just-released public school textbook (copyright 2008) in Reading for Grade 6 titled “English For You and Me,” written by Elodie A. Cada, published by Book Wise Publishing House Inc., and printed in Bangkok, Thailand:

• The airport is open to passengers only.

• Humans may turn blue when they cry.

• The engine of the tractor is sleeping now.

• Ms. Vera, please entertain this computer.

• Vietnam Nurse Contacts Bird Flu.

• To Heal Earth Yourself, Start with Your Cat.

• She lives in a place that is drowned in mystery.

• I got a butterfly with flower-designed wings.

• The Doña Aurora tree had yellowish-white flowers which were as wide as an open hand, and smelled fragrant as her mother’s perfume.

• Can we take care of the bird at home? Just like in a rehabilitation center!

• These pants didn’t cost much because they are uneven.

• Comfortable means having the comfort.

• The cat’s whiskers make it different from other animals.

• I trust you so much. I even told you not to enter my room.

• Propped: it stuck and supported very well.

• Delicately: done with fragility.

• Propped: sticked.

• They were discussing what will happen if the moon bounced back to the earth.

• Heroes helped in the forming of our nation.

Tausugs, Badjaos

• The Tausugs, who live in Jolo, are described as warlike people but most are friendly, peaceful and hospitable. They are completely attired only when they sport weapons around their waists. They believe in black magic, sorcery, voodoo and love potions. The Koran, their Bible, forbids the eating of dead meat.

• The Badjaos are mostly found along the Coast of Jolo, Subuti, Sitangkal, Tawi-Tawi islands in Mindanao. They are regarded as cultured because they are hardworking and peace-loving.

• People are active individuals. Sometimes, even while sleeping, they make actions through dreams. Cartoon characters are taken from dreams of the cartoonists. Dreaming is a mysterious act. Dreams may be a source of income. Some dreams make the world go round, open the realities of life or transmit the problems of people.

• The show’s plot and the characters’ acting prowess are spontaneous in giving us a distinct TV program.

• Next week, he’ll be out in the hospital. Bobby felt happy with magical feeling.

• The grass seems to wink at me. The leaves bow down their heads.

• The baby’s existence added to the full essence of their lives’ happiness.

• Do you feel like you’re a newborn today? The earth has come of age giving us time to be born.

• He’s or she’s worried about his/her future. He’s or she’s not sure about the meaning of his/her life.

Life as a game

• Hold and behold the essence of bright days. Everybody must be ready to live every day. Everybody sees life as a game.

• Still, life is going on. You continue to breathe and sigh. You keep on walking and living. You think and sleep for days.

• Yet life will continue to pour the best. There are people who stare.

• Compose your own prayer, patterned after the flow of your life.

• Oh God, guide me to take risks in order to live by your example.

• The students busied themselves drinking thirstily.

• Copy the sentences that denote the events happened in the story.

• Their neighbors muttered out loud how lucky their parents were.

Chief of the rafts

• A ferryman worked hard as the transport chief of the rafts.

• My grandfather is tall for a Korean and my mother got her almost perfect stature from him.

• The people observed keenly the pulsating chest of the animal hiding in the bushes.

• There are animals that sacrifice their lives for people, bring peace to the world or create color and harmony to humankind. You can hear animals talk like, “Don’t get our furs, please!” People cried out loud to stop hurting the animals.

• Execute a debate regarding “Should people use animal skins?”

• Cathy is the richest among the whole sixth grade—she’s been saving since she’s three.

• My folks are believed to be the genius of the century. Their peculiarity made them the most popular people on earth.

• They voted our Math teacher as the most desirable.

• The authorities were intimately bonded with the constituents because of the humanitarian project.

• Conscience (sense of right and wrong, sense of belongingness, being troubled).

Warning to security

• The coming plague of locusts was a warning to people’s security.

• He lifted his soul because of loneliness.

• Choose a partner as well as the kind of music you feel comfortable with to move in rhythm with, and presto! you are now dancing. Dancing in groups is a kind of bonding among the dancers.

• If you were to assess your family’s assets, how much do you think would your worth be?

• Did you explain the conflict in a very understandable way? Did you write in the first person using point of view using the pronouns I and We?

• At my age, swooning to Martin Nievera is far from my age level.

• A stain-smooth piece of driftwood.

• The janitress tried to clean the spume of the water underneath the tree.

• There are times that there are invisible elements in the air.

Atmosphere in poem

• Put a check before the sentence with details that tell the atmosphere in the poem is truly very silent.

• Invisible like butterflies.

• What does “The gentle drop of rain on the ground” mean? Explain.

• Give importance of a person’s right to choose one’s profession.

• Create an atmosphere of family solidarity to the readers.

• “He’s not here!” Miss Racelis told at them. She told them to go out the room.

• He should be given total attention from everybody to make him feel important.

• What use is medicine when it’s but for the rich … sell, sell, sell. What is the use of discoveries if one engorges in its success … full of greed and the kind?

• The agreement to cease the war was followed.

• Media people are afraid that information may be churned by the leftists.

• How does light come at dawn? Do we appreciate the coming of the dawn? Why?

• The world crumbles when poverty and hunger are felt by the people.

Child for once

• “Join other children. You’ll only be a child for once.” At the end, he realized the joy of playing with his classmates.

• They submitted the partial results of the survey in the community. They sent the partial result and the rest will follow.

• Using the Venn diagram, compare the character traits of Rolly with other children.

• “Abracadabra, sssh! Boom! Make some magic for me! Abracadabra, sssh! Boom!” Bobby shouted. He ran to his uncle. “Looked here, Uncle,” he said. His uncle looked like an invisible man.

• Some patients wiggle their heads to signal that they feel something.

• “Will you work abroad, Kuya?” asked Henry with tears suddenly swelling in his eyes. “Where are you going? Why did I feel lonely at once, Kuya?” Henry sat with his hands on his jaws.

• Mr. Reyes carried his suitcase together with his son who was holding onto his neck tightly.

• The turtles squirm independently.

• “Okay, you want always to be alone; that’s bad. Learn to talk to us. You’re like a mute person!”

• Even the birds laughed at him!