Search and You Shall Find in My World

29 August 2009

Terrorists in our midst

I really hate politics!

Recent events in the country that also focused on the issue of the Visiting Forces Agreement is getting dumb and dumber. Come on, kill me for airing my side.

My ignorance about this VFA shit might be glaring. Who cares? But I am asking- Who would help us eradicate the Abu Sayaff and other stray Muslim extremists? Congressman Palparan? First Gentleman Mike Arroyo?

The government has promised the Filipino people that it would annihilate specifically the Abu Sayaff. That remains a promise. We could not even get hold of a small band of leftists called NPA. They are ill-equipped since I was not born but until now they are there, another reason for the government military to become corrupt.

Are we willing to be terrorized everyday in our lives with these bandits because of our national "pride"?

Or we just love seeing these people below disturbing our peace and be willing victims of their selfish cause all in the name of pakikibaka? Have they defended us against terrorists?



(pictures from banbalikatan.wordpress.com, China Economic Net, salikodngtabing.wordpress.com, marinecorpstimes.com, themustardseed.wordpress.com)

28 August 2009

Foodah!



Fasting and Ramadan: Gun Shots

I was cowering in fear and was perspiring a lot. Felt so cold and yet perspiring.

I was riding this tricycle driven by a brother I did not know. The trike has a machine gun mounted on it. But suddenly the machine gun was directed at me. Before long a bullet could burst and tore me in pieces, I jumped out of the trike and took cover. I ran, fell, ran, fell and ran. I saw my mother and I took refuge in her comfort. But still the powers of the invasion excused no one. So I ran again and fell again. I could not use my phone because it was traceable. But even if I use my phone, I did not kow whom to call. I ran.

Sudden burst of machine power took over the whole place where I was in. Even the powerlines were quivering in its power. It was like an alien invasion. Doomsday! I sensed a ringing. In my head. In my ears. The ringing was within my ears. It was too loud. I shouted in fear.

And then I woke up to the sound of the alarm clock. It is 3.30 in the morning. Time to prepare for my fast.

Today is my seventh and I could not think of anything in my prayers. I just sat there. Empty!


(Pic from soulpretty.blogspot.com)

27 August 2009

Fasting and Ramadan: Hauntings

Today marks my sixth day of fasting. I am very glad I made it through.

Everyday I jot down notes and make blogs, recording my spiritual journey through fasting during the Ramadan. This is a feat I will surely treasure.

I am grateful for my friends who supported me this far. My family did not know this. Had they known they would surely say I am doing a silly thing.

The past days made me walk on a thin line. Everything I do made me vulnerable and emotional. At times, involuntary (and unnecessary) crying precedes prayers. I just don't know why and how this happens. It's like a free-flowing sort of activity. Like it's a part of the process. Sissy stuff.

But then again, prayers and support and a little bit more of an extended patience up to its very limit, I think, made me survive.

Actually, I hate the spirituality crap of this journey. I am not a religious person. Honestly. My friends asked me and even said I am preparing for my inevitable death hence this fasting. Truth be told, that's what old people do. Pray and pray and pray and make indulgences, fasting being one of them. As if prayers and acts of kindness could erase all the sins they have done when they were younger. Some even adopted priests and nuns to make up what they have lost. Kind of silly, actually.

But no matter how much I deny this fact, I could not refrain from putting theology side by side with my activity. This fasting and all. The ultimate answer leads to God, Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, eternal peace.

And peace indeed I seek.

During this times, my dead ancestors (I hope they rest in peace) paid their nocturnal visits this past days during my fasting. They came as part of my dreams. Which leads me to ask, are they bothered with my observance of "Ramadan"?

My grandparents, my uncles, my neighbors, appeared in a rewind, like an old movie, always reminding me of the past. My grandparents came to me and took me back to the days when they were alive. Awfully happy and without a trace of sadness. My dead uncles visited me too. My neighbors smiled at me too. My favorite auntie is the only remaining dead person who have not made me dream of her. Am I crazy or what?

Whatever these reminders meant, they haunted me through the day. Maybe they are the reason why I am a bit emotional. Maybe they wanted me to discover things. Maybe they are leaving me a message. Maybe they were bored out there and making fun of me. Whatever that is, I am willing to uncover them. I still have about 23 days more to do this. But no! Please, don't leave messages that say it is already the end of the world!

May He will grant us peace and make us all stronger. Alhamdulillah!

(How I wish I could quote a Koran passage here but citing sensitivity to our brothers in Islam, I would not do that since I am not a Muslim.)

(Picture from here and here.)

26 August 2009

Forgive me Lord but this is for mankind to know :p

According to Men.Style.com, McAffee says the most dangerous celebrity to search in the internet is JESSICA BIEL. If you search her, be wary of spywares and malwares. Biel would surely do some jealous impairment to some relations and a sticky mouse you wouldn't want to let others know.

Don't say I did not warn you too.

(Photo from deceiver.com)

24 August 2009

New Moon

In between light and darkness, when the horizon becomes blue and orange and deep purple and then grey, when people starts burning up their torches to see but not seeing your beauty and grace, you caught me staring at you for a long time, trying to figure out what’s with you? I am confused. You’re up there unknowingly showing your half self. Not full but half. Like the one I know who wants to be discovered but not yet. Ambivalence personified.

Questions linger in my mind like a school of fish seeing food. These questions nibble constantly, each morsel not a nourishment but a mystery. A mystery slowly and painstakingly disintegrating right before my eyes as I tried to discern them, leaving me uninformed of what you wanted me to discover. Leaving me a hemispherical question I could not fathom.

Different religions embraced you like you are a sage. You show up, they fast. You show up, they grow strong. You show up, they took another form. Some even took their knowledge of a god based on your appearance and disappearance, adding mystery to your already mysterious personality.

People behave uniquely when you are around. They put you forever in temple minarets to be gazed upon. They put you in emblems for others to shiver in remembrance. Some became senseless, bowing to you when you place yourself up there. Lunatics!

You symbolized a new beginning. You symbolized a half-crazed mind. A new life. A different one. A fresh start. What powers do you have?

When darkness claims its stake and lovers begin their romantic sighs in some meadows unknown, they claim they see the stars banding together when they fall in-love. Some see a man on a full moon. Some see bats and witches and zombies. But, what about you?

Have I fallen in love, too?

(picture from NASA)

Fasting and Ramadan: 3rd day

I was not able to say a more personal prayer this time because I have guests at home. When the alarm struck at 3:30 in the morning, someone asked: What are you doing?

So I just prepared a small food and bless them and started a very brief prayer.

Later part the day I have to say prayers while sitting somewhere.

No matter how I will explain myself, these people would not understand what I was doing. Silence is the best answer.

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Suddenly I craved for coffee. Before Ramadan, I usually took 5-6 cups a day. A day means daytime. Reason for me to lessen my coffee intake. Maybe one or two later tonight?

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Read somewhere this e-card and was amused. The message said- Since you can't engage in gossip, lust, or obscenity during Ramadan, let's just reconnect in October.

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Isn't it weird? I am a Christian with a Hebrew name observing Ramadan?

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23 August 2009

Fast Break: PETA's Official Statement on the National Artist Issue

This is the official statement of PETA (Philippine Educational Theatre Association), the group founded by Guidote. After a long silence on the issue, the group finally released its stand on the controversial National Artist Award. Thanks Makoy Dakuykoy for the full text.

We join our fellow artists in the condemnation of President Arroyo’s abuse of her so-called prerogatives and her utter disrespect for a selection process that has served the awards program well. During the term of President Aquino, that prerogative was already in place, but in contrast to President Arroyo, Cory had the grace and wisdom to entrust the selection to the legally appointed bodies.  President Arroyo’s elimination of one legitimate nominee, and her insertion of four persons without the benefit of the rigor of standards, and scrutiny that the awards deserve have debased the National Artists Award.

The culture of insensitivity and disrespect for due process, spawned by eight years of absence of transparency and accountability of the Arroyo administration has finally reached our gates.  Art is the last of the few independent refuges of freedom, and when this refuge is breached, all freedom is utterly lost.  

As PETA members, we are encouraged to express our opinions as individuals. On this issue however, we have deliberated as a body to formulate this statement. The issue of the National Artists Award is a national issue.

We question the prudence of those who nominated Cecile Guidote-Alvarez to President Arroyo, those who decided to bypass the rules of the selection process. They knew full-well that any member of the two selection bodies, NCCA and CCP, cannot be nominated for this honor.  Cecile Guidote-Alvarez is the Executive Director of the NCCA and yet they still pushed for her inclusion in the roster. Finally, President Arroyo, sanctioned this violation when she offered to elevate Cecile Guidote-Alvarez to the status of National Artist.

We have the highest respect for Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, and even to this very day, decades after she has left PETA, we still owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude as our founder and original guiding spirit.

It is precisely because of our respect, admiration and affection for her that we request her to decline the award at this time as it is sadly tainted. We believe that the award will be much more meaningful for her if it is granted the benefit of the rigorous scrutiny, and endorsement of her peers.

Fasting and Ramadan: Second day

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock and mahjong set from a neighbor. I have to drag myself out of my bed, drag my body under the shower and hit the cold water. That woke me up.

Feeling clean, I prepared my food for the day- tuna sandwich and a glass of water. This will sustain me for the day, I thought.

When the food comfortably settled in my stomach, I began my prayers. I thanked Him for the good life I have experienced. I thanked Him for my family and friends. I asked for forgiveness and world peace. Honestly, when world peace came in my mind, my mind wandered off to the Miss Universe pageant. I actually laughed during prayer. 

I felt good.

22 August 2009

Fasting and Ramadan: Surviving the first day

I was confused what to eat before starting my first day of fasting. Nobody told me that I should have eaten something heavier. I only ate a slice of multigrain loaf and a glass of water. When I felt relaxed I started my prayers. I felt good.

I went back to sleep since the morning seemed very early and woke up at 9 again. I murmured some thanksgiving prayers and did some yoga exercises. I felt hungry. Ignoring my hunger, I went online and posted some shoutouts. Everyone seemed either amused or confused with my decision to fast. They thought I was converted to Islam.

When noon time came my stomach began murmuring and my mouth was dry, my lips actually cracking. I did a very intimate prayer instead. I didn't know why I was crying during prayers. I could not keep my tears to stop flowing and was literally howling like some dog in pain. I poured everything out.

I realized that I should stop crying or else I wouldn't survive later the day. So again I did some yoga exercises to keep my mind focused.

The exciting part of fasting is, I believed, the test of willpower. Friends became temptations themselves. Some offering you unexpected food. Others offered drinks. I even received invites for lunch and cold beers. I appreciated their concern and turned down the offers. My Facebook was full of ridicule.

But I survived! I have to survive. I felt so drained but alive towards the end of my fast. Everywhere I looked I could see water in a glass. Icy-cold and inviting. I told myself if I have survived the last 14 hours without water why couldn't I in the last few minutes?

I was literally crawling on the way to get a glass of water when Azary called me up and told me to drink hot tea to break the fast. I never expected that. It was like pouring cold water to a raging fire, but I did.

I was peacefully sipping tea while watching the kids play some bloody games in my computer. I sipped some more green tea after my dinner of fish, chicken and dried fish.

Life is good. Alhamdulillah!


(Picture from objectsandevents.blogspot.com)

21 August 2009

Fasting and Ramadan

Now that I have tried doing yoga, I will try fasting during the Ramadan.

Just to make this clear and straight- I am not a Muslim. But in honor of my Islamic friends I will do my own fasting during the Ramadan.

This is quite a challenge for me. For so long I have been wanting to fast (the real one) but it seems I could not let go of of alcohol, especially ice-cold beers. WIth food, I have no problem. I could go for days without eating.

I tried fasting for three days long time ago but wasn't able to make it through because I succumbed to the pleasures of the mind and body.

Now I want to try it again.

With the course of this fasting, I ask my friends and enemies for their forgiveness, those whom I have hurt I ask for pardon. I am a weak person and I am trying to make myself a better one.

Please help me guys. Thirty days without food and water from sunup to sundown is tough. Your prayers are welcome.

(picture from cruisemates.com)

The busy President

Thanks Hay!Men for this.

Tam Lin

"Had I known but yesterday what I know today, I'd have taken your two grey eyes and put in eyes of clay. And had I known but yesterday you'd be no more my own, I'd have taken out your heart of flesh and put in one of stone."

19 August 2009

“Some people enter our lives like deer slipping in and out of the woods. They touch our earth and we stop to look at them. They disappear as quietly as they came. But you feel blessed for having experienced their gentle presence. And you give thanks that the world is a better place because of the joy they brought.”

TULOY PA RIN ANG LABAN

18 August 2009

Rules, rules, rules

Everyone is tired of rules, or so I believed. Everywhere we can see them. Some even are ridiculous all we can do is laugh at them. But almost always we love to break rules. 

Douglas MacArthur once said, Rules are mostly made to be broken and are too often for the lazy to hide behind. But don't mind him. He is already dead.

But then again rules made us civilized people, so they say. Without rules there is only chaos. And we love them chaos. Sometimes. I am a chaotic person myself. Inside and out. Well- not really. Just an obsessive-compulsive nincoompoop.

But what is mind-boggling to me is why my classmate in high school sent me this email just this morning. Maybe he want me to obey them?

Let me share this to you so we all, in some way, do them. I surely would break some. Who wants to be blessed? Most of them blessed are somewhere dead.

10 RULES FOR A BLESSED DAY

  1. Today I will not strike back. If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind, I will not respond in a like manner.
  2. Today I will ask God to bless my ‘enemy.’ If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand “enemy” could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.
  3. Today I will be careful about what I say. I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.
  4. Today I will go the extra mile. I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.
  5. Today I will forgive. I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.
  6. Today I will do something kind for someone, but I will do it in secret. I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.
  7. Today I will treat others the way I wish to be treated. I will practice the golden rule. “Do unto others as I would have them do unto me” - with EVERYONE I encounter.
  8. Today I will raise the spirits of someone who is discouraged. My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.
  9. Today I will nurture my body. I will eat less. I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.
  10. Today I will grow spiritually. I will spend a little more time in prayer today. I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God’s voice.

cartoon from german-business-etiquette.com
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"He who talks to the Lord is pious and prayerful; He who hears the Lord is either delusional or actively hallucinating."  -from Doc Clara
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17 August 2009

Here's a really hard rub for Malacanang

I am not a Tagalog fan and rarely speaks Tagalog but I enjoyed reading this opinion from one of my favorite columnists at Inquirer. I copied this from inquirer.net, emphasis is mine.

SANA MAINTINDIHAN NYO YAN TAGA MALACANANG.

May araw din kayo
Conrado de Quiros

Tatagalugin ko na nang makuha n’yo. Kahit na lingwaheng kanto lang ang alam kong Tagalog.

Tutal Buwan ng Wika naman ang Agosto. Baka sakali ’yung paboritong wika ni Balagtas ay makatulong sa pag-unawa n’yo dahil mukhang ’yung paboritong wika ni Shakespeare ay lampas sa IQ n’yo. Kung sa bagay, ang pinakamahirap gisingin ay ’yung nagtutulug-tulugan. Ang pinakamahirap padinggin ay ’yung nagbibingi-bingihan. Ang pinakamahirap paintindihin ay ’yung nagmamaangmaangan. Bueno, mahirap din paintindihin ’yung likas na tanga. Pero bahala na.

Sabi mo, Cerge Remonde, alangan naman pakanin ng hotdog ang amo mo. Bakit alangan? Hindi naman vegetarian ’yon. At public service nga ’yon, makakatulong dagdagan ng cholesterol at salitre ang dugong dumadaloy papuntang puso n’ya. Kung meron man s’yang dugo, kung meron man s’yang puso.

Bakit alangan? Malamang di ka nagbabasa ng balita, o di lang talaga nagbabasa, kung hindi ay nalaman mo ’yung ginawa ni Barack Obama at Joe Biden nitong nakaraang Mayo. Galing silang White House patungong Virginia nang magtakam sila pareho ng hamburger. Pina detour nila ang motorcade at tumuloy sa unang hamburgerang nakita nila. Ito ang Ray’s Hell Burger, isang maliit at independienteng hamburger joint.

Tumungo ang dalawa sa counter at sila mismo ang nag-order, hindi mga aides. Nagbayad sila ng cash na galing sa sariling bulsa at kagaya ng ibang customers ay pumila para sa turno nila.

Ito ay presidente at bise presidente ng pinakamakapangyarihang bansa sa buong mundo. Kung sa bagay, ’yung amo n’yo ay hindi naman talaga presidente. Di lang makita ang pagkakaiba ni Garci kay God kaya nasabing “God put me here.” Pekeng presidente, pekeng asal presidente.

Sabi mo, Anthony Golez, maliit lang ang P1 million dinner kumpara sa bilyon-bilyong pisong dinala ng amo mo sa bansa.

Ay kayo lang naman ang nagsasabing may inambag ang amo n’yo na bilyong-bilyong piso sa kaban ng bayan. Ni anino noon wala kaming nakita. Ang nakita lang namin ay yung bilyon-bilyong piso—o borjer, ayon nga sa inyong dating kakosa na si Benjamin Abalos—na inaswang ng amo n’yo sa kaban ng bayan. Executive privilege daw ang hindi n’ya sagutin ito. Kailan pa naging pribilehiyo ng isang opisyal ang di managot sa taumbayan? Kailan pa naging pribilehiyo ng isang opisyal ang magnakaw?

Maliit lang pala ang P1 million, ay bakit hindi n’yo na lang ibigay sa nagugutom? O doon sa mga sundalo sa Mindanao? Tama si Archbishop Oscar Cruz. Isipin n’yo kung gaano karaming botas man lang ang mabibili ng P1 million at karagdagang P750,000 na nilamon ng amo n’yo at mga taga bitbit ng kanyang maleta sa isa pang restawran sa New York.

Maliit lang pala ang P1 million (at P750,000), bakit hindi n’yo na lang ibigay doon sa pamilya ng mga sundalong namatay sa Mindanao? Magkano ’yung gusto n’yong ibigay sa bawat isa? P20,000? Sa halagang iyan 50 sundalo na ang maaabuluyan n’yo sa $20,000. Pasalu-saludo pa ’yang amo n’yo sa mga namatay na kala mo ay talagang may malasakit. Bumenta na ’yang dramang ’yan. At pasabi-sabi pa ng “Annihilate the Abus!” Di ba noon pa n’ya ’yan pinangako? Mahilig lang talagang mangako ’yang amo n’yo.

Bukod pa d’yan, saan ba nanggaling ’yung limpak-limpak na salapi ng mga kongresista na pinansisindi nila ng tabako? Di ba sa amin din? Tanong n’yo muna kung ayos lang na i-blowout namin ng wine at caviar ang amo n’yo habang kami ay nagdidildil ng asin—’yung magaspang na klase ha, ’di yung iodized. Ang tindi n’yo, mga p’re.

At ikaw naman, Romulo Macalintal, tapang ng apog mo. Maiisip mo tuloy na sundin na lang ang mungkahi ni Dick the Butcher sa “Henry VI” ni Shakespeare: “First thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” Pa ethics-ethics ka pa, pasalamat ka di nasunog ang bibig mo sa pagbigkas ng katagang ’yon.

Marami mang sugapa rin sa aming mga taga media, di naman kasing sugapa n’yo. At di naman kami sineswelduhan ng taumbayan. Wala naman kaming problemang sumakay sa PAL at kailangan pang bumili ng P1.2 billion jet. Anong sabi n’yo, kailangan ng amo n’yo sa pabyahe-byahe? E sino naman ang may sabing magbabyahe s’ya? Ngayon pang paalis na s’ya—malinaw na ayaw n’yang umalis. Bakit hindi na lang s’ya bumili ng Matchbox na eroplano? Kasya naman s’ya ro’n.

Lalo kayong nagpupumiglas, lalo lang kayong lumulubog sa kumunoy. Di n’yo malulusutan ang bulilyasong ginawa n’yo. Para n’yo na ring inagaw ang isinusubong kanin ng isang batang nagugutom. Tama si Obama at Biden: Sa panahon ng recession, kung saan nakalugmok ang mga Amerikano sa hirap, dapat makiramay ang mga pinuno sa taumbayan, di nagpapakapariwara. Sa panahon ng kagutuman, na matagal nang kalagayan ng Pinoy, at lalo pang tumindi sa paghagupit ng Typhoon Gloria, dapat siguro uminom na lang kayo ng insecticide. Gawin n’yo ’yan at mapapawi kaagad ang kagutuman ng bayan.

Sa bandang huli, buti na rin lang at ginawa n’yo ’yung magpasasa sa P1 million dinner habang lupaypay ang bayan sa kagutuman—di lang sa kawalan ng pagkain kundi sa iba pang bagay—at pagdadalamhati sa yumaong Ina ng Bayan. Binigyan n’yo ng mukha ang katakawan. Katakawang walang kabusugan. Mukhang di nakita ng masa sa usaping NBN, mukhang di nakikita ng masa sa usaping SAL. Mukhang nakita lang ng masa dito sa ginawa n’yong ito. Sa pagpapabondat sa New York habang naghihinagpis ang bayan.

At buti na rin lang mayroon tayong sariling wika. Di sapat ang Inggles para iparamdam sa inyo ang suklam na nararamdaman namin sa inyo. Di sapat ang Inggles para ipakita sa inyo ang pagkamuhi na nararamdaman namin sa inyo. Di maarok ng Inggles ang lalim ng poot na nararamdaman namin sa inyo.

Isinusuka na kayo ng taumbayan, mahirap man sumuka ang gutom.

May araw din kayo.

A Boholano did it again!

DONAIRE TAKES WBA TITLE, brags a headline of the Inquirer. 

We salute you kababayan for making it to the limelight despite the lack of pompuos celebrations accorded to Manny Pacquiao.

Nonito Donaire Jr. unanimously decisioned a rugged Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion of Panama for the WBA interim title at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Sunday morning (Manila time), the news read.

Donaire became the fifth Filipino to gain a two-division world title. He is from Talibon, Bohol, the same town where President Carlos Garcia was born.

16 August 2009

Termites on the attack

I don't know who started telling everyone that if you play rock music, termites double up their wood eating habits. I disagree.

I was sound asleep when out of nowhere I could hear those termites chomping on my door frame. Yeah it is true. Maybe God has provided me with extra hearing powers, but, damn, I am truly irritated by the sound of termites eating my door.

And I did not play any music at all.

This morning I was preparing myself for a run when I heard them again. I was playing Michael Buble. They chomp chomp chomp.

When I came back after my run, I played Christina Aguilera. They chomp chomp chomp.

I knocked the wall and the door frame with hammer. They chomp their way still.

I played Gorecki. They would not stop.

I made holes on their passageways and sprayed Baygon all over. I dripped the place with muriatic acid. I put gas. Finally they stop chomping.

Now that I am at peace from my afternoon nap, I heard them again. God must be angry with me. I am only the one hearing them.


(Picture from malumnalu.blogspot.com)

15 August 2009

Speaking of dinner, I mean lunch-

I suddenly decided to eat food at home. Hmmm, nothing unusual really. Not unlike Arroyo's expensive dinners in Washington and New York. 

Result? I made a paksiw na isda I mixed with some adobo ingredients (vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, onions, garlic, calamansi juice, bay leaves, paprika) and bits of pineapple. 

I also prepared fried rice with a hint of curry to make it different.

Voila! Mangaon na ta!

14 August 2009

The difference between nursing/maritime students and Michael Jackson

I saw Michael Jackson a few minutes ago. He was dancing like he was not dead. The pirated copy eerily made its stops right when he showed his black shoes and white socks. Aptly, he sang Black and White like it was a tribute to his fashion statement. That black shoes and white socks, of course.

But fashion designers and fashion critics all over the world would extend their noses, like they smelled something undesirable, in resistance to that outfit. It is a fashion faux pas. Only Michael Jackson can do it. Have done it.

Not mentioning the nursing and maritime students in the Philippines, of course. Who have decided this sacrilege to be worn here? Are you one of them?

I mean, Ew!


(Pic from frocktalk.com)

Shy


My nephew, Eulo, is camera shy.

12 August 2009

Another confirmation that GMA and cohorts are GLUTTONS...

...despite hunger here in her country. Di naman sila mga patay-gutom dito sa Pinas katulad ko at nang marami pang iba. What would Cerge Remonde say this time?



Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's visit to the White House on July 30 didn't draw much attention, and her dinner in Washington that night got nary a mention. And that's how it might have stayed -- if not for a controversial meal in New York City.

Arroyo is under fire in her native country for a $20,000 meal at Manhattan's Le Cirque on Aug. 2, which included caviar and several bottles of champagne. The dinner, first reported in the New 

York Post, has Arroyo's critics comparing her to the extravagant Imelda Marcos.

The Reliable Source has learned that three days earlier, Arroyo and an entourage of about 65 people (including security and food tasters) had dinner at Bobby Van's Steakhouse on 15th Street NW hours after she met with President Obama. The group took over one of the restaurant's private rooms and dined on lobster, steak and fine wines; at the conclusion of the meal, an unidentified woman opened a handbag stuffed with cash, counted out bills and paid the $15,000 tab -- which included a generous tip.

The Philippine Embassy did not return calls for comment Tuesday.

11 August 2009

A crazy good night

He smiled a toothy smile, a yellowed tooth and unhealthy gums showing, unmindful of the present. He stared into oblivion, seeing something he might have a connection to.

He carefully placed the sack on the side street. His possessions? 

He placed it with extra care like some vulnerable things would be broken into pieces if he was not careful enough. Just like putting a sleeping child on a crib. Only, the child he was supposed to put on a crib might be in that sack.

I still did not understand why he was smiling. I froze. Waited patiently. Observing.

He carefully unwound the string that held his sack intact. Another sack came out. 

He consigned it on the same earth he might be familiar with. Just like a dog. Particularly precise, he unrolled the sack and patted them to sleep. Each four sides of the sack he patted, completing a full circle. Or was it a full square? And yes, just like a dog about to sleep.

He put the plump sack on the other end and like a happy child, he lay down unperturbed. Lolling like he was in his bedroom. Lounging. He smiled a smile of contentment.

I envy him. Only, I don’t want to be like him. Another psychiatric case in this city already full of fools.

I went home.


(Picture from chinadaily.com.cn)

What did Arroyo and cohorts ordered at Le Cirque

If Representative Romualdez of Leyte shouldered and footed the bill (accept my grammar, for all I know he sold his body and soul on this) as claimed by Palace-mongers, the good congressman must be that rich. 

I should see him feeding his constituents especially those roaming around Tacloban City begging for food.

5 servings of Osetra caviar and 5 California Osetra caviar - $1,900
25 sets of Chef's seasonal menu - $1,450
25 sets of Chef's tasting menu with wine pairing - $4,500
Appetizers - $714
2 sets of main courses - $1,442
11 bottles of Krug champagne - $5,610
Total cost, including tax and service charge/tip - $19,866

Pic from Hay!Men

10 August 2009

Palace says-

"Just a simple dinner at NY resto"

And it already costed them (or us the Filipino people?) a whooping ONE MILLION PESOS! 

What would have happened if they had an elaborate dinner?

Shining through, again

Camera: Sony Ericsson W810i
Location: 8th floor, Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu

07 August 2009

Si Presidente Arroyo pala ang namatay?!

That's according to Manila Bulletin's special supplement caption of this photo-


Picture grabbed without permission from Hay!Men. And can also be seen at MisterHeuge.

Misunderstanding messages

I must admit I met many people who were hurt when I send them text (SMS) shortcuts. 

I have an overly-sensitive friend who was offended when she send me a funny story and I replied LOL. She was supposed to be a tech savvy so I did not get her unfounded anger. All the while she thought LOL was the shortcut of ULOL (fool, in Filipino). She thought I was calling her a fool.

Reminds me also of a story I read somewhere that a lady sends her friend whose mother just died this text message- “I’m so sorry to hear about your mother passing away. LOL. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.” She thought LOL means "Lots of Love."

What's my point?

The point is people are doing this shortened messages to keep up with the required (limit) word count in all our mobile networks and even in Twitter. The fact is most of the social networking sites have limited characters to send. That means we have to be intelligent enough to interpret or decode some of the shortcuts that are added everyday.

The point is this is the time for us to upgrade ourselves with technology. Imagine if you are left behind. People are now twittering everywhere and texting everyone. If you are lagging behind, you are out of this world. What would people say when you are a manager or a tier above the rest and you don't know what people are talking about? You are giving a wrong picture of your company. Unless you are stuck in a government office.

I heard that AP and Merriam-Webster are now recognising these shortcuts. LOL (laugh out loud), IMO (in my opinion), BFF (best friend forever), OMG (oh my God) are some of the words now in the dictionary.

When I ask my friend if I could borrow his laptop, he replied- BIKK. Guess what it means.

TTYL.

(Pic from youthministrytips.com)

06 August 2009

Penis Talks

I found it disgustingly awful and very selfish this headline- SAUDI BUYER ORDERS GOLD PENIS ENLARGER. This man from Jeddah must be desperate with his size!

Enlarger details-
  • The penis enlarger is not just gold, 18K gold to be specific, but with diamonds and rubies encrusted on it.
  • It costs almost US$50,000!
  • It should be delivered in an armored car.

Why I got jealous?
  • Obviously I could not afford it. Not that I need it.
  • Selfish. Selfish Selfish!
  • Millions of people could not eat a decent meal and all he thinks is to enlarge his penis in style.
  • I could make a house with that money!
  • I can make a hundred more reasons.

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Envy is the most stupid of vices, for there is no single advantage to be gained from it. ~Honore de Balzac
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(Pic from poppers2u.com)

05 August 2009

Your Heart Today

This song is composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco (Hindi Kita Malilimutan) for Ninoy and Cory Aquino. It was sang by Dulce during the internment mass of Cory at the Manila Cathedral.

Your Heart Today

Where there is fear I can allay
Where there is pain I can heal
Where there are wounds I can bind
And hunger I can fill

Lord, grant me courage
Lord, grant me strength
Grant me compassion
That I may be Your heart today

Where there is hate I can confront
Where there are yokes I can release
Where there are captives I can free
And anger I can appease

When comes the day I dread
To see our broken world
Compel me from my cell grown cold
That Your people I may behold

Where there is fear I can allay
Where there is pain I can heal
Where there are wounds I can bind
And hunger I can fill 

And when I’ve done all that I could
Yet there are hearts I cannot move
Lord, give me hope
That I may be Your heart today.

04 August 2009