Search and You Shall Find in My World

27 December 2011

Famous opinions that could have been true in their time

Opinion, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a formal expression of judgment or advice from an expert. That's why for most of us, we look up to what famous people were saying for us to live up with them or as basis for inspiration. So we quote them.

But this does not mean that all opinions are right or correct. Or let me say, some opinions may have become obsolete and only true during their time so we need also to re-define them.

Now let us have fun reading these famous lines from famous people. My source is from The Big Picture.



"Man will never reach the moon regardless of all future scientific advances." - Dr. Lee DeForest, Father of Radio; Grandfather of Television.

"The bomb will never go off. I speak as an expert in explosives." - Admiral William Leahy, US Atomic Bomb Project

"There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom." - Robert Millikan, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1923

"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." - Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." - Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943 [Oddly enough it was IBM that also saw little use for what became the Xerox copy machine many decades later and refused to fund its development.]

"I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out the year." - The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957

"But what is it good for?" - Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968,commenting on the microchip.

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." - Bill Gates, 1981

"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us." - Western Union internal memo, 1876.

"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?" - David Sarnoff's associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s.

"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible." - Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)

"I'm just glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling on his face and not Gary Cooper." - Gary Cooper on his decision to take the leading role in "Gone With The Wind."

"A cookie store is a bad idea. Besides, the market research reports say America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make." - Response to Debbi Fields' idea of starting Mrs. Fields' Cookies.

"We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out." - Decca Recording Co. rejecting Beatles, 1962

"Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible." - Lord Kelvin, President, Royal Society, 1895.

"If I had thought about it, I wouldn't have done the experiment. The literature was full of examples that said you can't do this." - Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3-M "Post-It" Notepads

"Drill for oil? You mean drill into the ground to try and find oil? You're crazy." - Drillers who Edwin L. Drake tried to enlist to his project to drill for oil in 1859.

"Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau." - Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University , 1929

"Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value." - Marechal Ferdinand Foch, Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre , France

"Everything that can be invented has been invented." - Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, US Office of Patents, 1899

"The super computer is technologically impossible. It would take all of the water that flows over Niagara Falls to cool the heat generated by the number of vacuum tubes required." - Professor of Electrical Engineering, New York University

"I don't know what use any one could find for a machine that would make copies of documents. It certainly couldn't be a feasible business by itself." - Head of IBM, refusing to back the idea, forcing the inventor to found Xerox.

"Louis Pasteur's theory of germs is ridiculous fiction." - Pierre Pachet, Professor of Physiology at Toulouse , 1872

"The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will forever be shut from the intrusion of the wise and humane surgeon." - Sir John Eric Ericksen, British surgeon, appointed Surgeon-Extraordinary to Queen Victoria 1873

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." - Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977


Cartoon grabbed from reading.phillipmartin.info

Bad experience at Mang Inasal 138 Mall

UPDATE 2: WAY TO GO MANG INASAL! After sending them my complaint thru email, Mang Inasal responded through my phone (Sorry, Ms. Edna, I wasn't able to take your call) by calling me, I missed that, and by texting me. That was a less than 24-hours reply.

The text message said: Hi Sir Edik, good day! This is Edna, (Customer Service Officer of Mang Inasal). In behalf of Mang Inasal Team, I would like to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that you had experience from our branch at Mang Inasal 138 Mall Cebu City. Our Customer Satisfaction Team is reviewing the information you sent us and will further evaluate your concern in order to resolve this matter fairly. Hoping that you will allow us to call you at your most convenient time and for us to express our heartfelt apology. Again we highly appreciate your feedback for this will help us in becoming better at what we do. Thank you very much.
******************************************************

UPDATE 1: I already sent my email to Mang Inasal through their website, enclosing this link and the pic of the receipt from them. Let us see if they would reply. Unlike Rai Rai Ken.
******************************************************

I've been a regular customer of Mang Inasal at their 138 Mall, Colon St., Cebu City branch. Their chicken inasal is actually good, tender and juicy.

When I went there at lunchtime with my officemates, we ordered our favorites, their paborito meals (PM) which came with an unlimited supply of rice. We preferred tap water today but I insisted on regular Coke because I wanted to wash the chicken taste I have accumulated during the holidays. 

I saw on their billboard that a 12oz Coke, Spite and Royal softdrinks cost only 19 pesos.

With our orders done and served, I saw on their receipt that the 12oz Coke was charged 25 pesos despite the billboard's and their website's claim that it was only 19 pesos! I asked their waiters and confirmed that indeed, a 12oz Coke is only 19 pesos.

Now I have an evidence that indeed they were cheating on me. The Coke was refunded but not the Sprite. See?
After eating, I asked my teller why she was charging me 6 pesos more. She replied she told me that there was a 19 pesos 12oz softdrink available. But what they were charging me was 25 pesos for a 12oz and not more! She called up the manager who furiously punch the machine so they could give me back what they cheated on me. I told him they should change this style because they are cheating their customers right in the face. 

I only received a cold stare like I was caught shoplifting from their store.

=================================================
MANG INASAL 138 MALL BRANCH
Operated by: T.C.R.H. 
TIN: 233-530437-001 VAT
Server: Anne Station: 2
Ticket # 97
=================================================

NOW I WANT TO CHECK ALL MY MANG INASAL RECEIPTS, JUST IN CASE! 

19 pesos is 19 pesos and not 25 pesos. To an ordinary Filipino, 6 pesos overcharge is already a big deal! That's already a jeepney or tricycle fare.

17 December 2011

My heart bleeds for Mindanao

The recent storm that struck Mindanao last night left so many people homeless with nowhere to go. Trailing behind are lifeless bodies of people, children and those who were sleeping with the hope of waking up this morning only to find out they were waking up dead. Most affected are Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City and Zamboanga provinces.

Worst, those who were expected to help were also victims of this calamity.

Meanwhile, our office went ahead with the Christmas party. And I am attending more parties tonight and tomorrow and the coming week.

I feel so useless.


Photos grabbed from Mindanaoan at Twitpic; Mark Landicho and Al Christine Chan at their Facebook accounts.

PLEASE HELP!
If you want to donate, donate to reliable groups or agencies.
Philippine National Red Cross, for one.
You can also give to Iligan Bloggers Society.


14 December 2011

Government response: A case of my letter sent to my hometown Batuan in Bohol Province

The recent developments in the political scene of the Philippines made me wonder and realized how fast things can get or how the government can act fast if they really wanted to. Unlike the services we experienced since time immemorial, the government in fact has been known to be as slow as a turtle and can get out of their office faster and swifter than 4PM.

Noynoy Aquino paved a straight road (daang matuwid, his favorite) to persecute people especially those with links to ex-President Gloria Arroyo and then Arroyo herself. Not that I am against Arroyo’s persecution and prosecution, I was just amazed at how fast Noynoy waves his hands and everything followed in magic. Legalities were done in just a few hours where it used to be centuries. It’s like having a miracle, Alleluiah!

Unlike what happened to my letter to the Municipality of Batuan, my hometown in Bohol.

Exactly two (2) months ago, October 6, 2011 to be exact, I sent a letter to Mayor Francisco Pepito and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan care of Municipal Vice Mayor Antonino Jumawid who happened to be on leave at that time, asking explanation on why the Official Website of the Municipality of Batuan, Bohol plagiarized several articles posted in the said website. The website I was talking about bears the Official Seal of the Municipality of Batuan, Bohol and blatantly copied the Vision of the Municipality of Calape, Bohol and the Messsage of the Mayor of the Municipality of Mabini. To make matters worse, Hillary Clinton’s picture was in the Mayor’s Message.

 ==================================================
The supposed Message of Mayor Gregoria Pepito (who died long before her reelection came) which I copied from the website:

This is the official online portal of Mabini, (remember this is the official website of Batuan) the town, its government, and its people. Here you will find what promises to be Mabini's most comprehensive and authoritative one-stop informational clearinghouse on the net.
Facts and figures, news and features, details on and about Mabini in a consummately convenient compendium of instant and interactive content. Consider it your virtual guide to the municipality. Discover Mabini from its illustrious history to its unfolding story the splendor of its past, the dynamism of its present, and the promise of its future.

Learn about the Town and the gracious gifts of its geography. The municipality of Mabini and its many thriving barrios, its people, and its chosen leaders.

Experience the delightfully diverse boundless beauty and bustle that make up the colorful collage and the proud panorama that is Mabini.

Empower yourself: Make your mark and do your share in shaping the future of this, our vast and vibrant town: click on, sound off, be counted.

Finally, rich and colorful Calape (and then my town has shifted to another name) has found its home on the world wide web.

We hope you find it as much your home as it is ours: warm, well, and worth it.
==================================================
Fuming mad, I went to write the letter.

A few days later when I went home for a speaking engagement with the younger Batuanonons, Vice Mayor Jumawid approached me and talked about his development goals for our town but not even mentioning my letter. I pointed out to him about it and he told me he did not receive a copy of the said letter. (I sent him my letter a week after through his email address and got a long response after several technical glitches. I don't even believe it was an official response.)

Several of my neighbors who happened to be close to the mayor told me their own version of the things they did after receiving my official letter including the command to put the controversial website offline. I know their move was well-intentioned but still an official letter from a constituent deserved an official response from the municipal officials.  

==================================================
The supposed Vision of the Municipality of Batuan:
Experience the delightfully diverse boundless beauty and bustle that make up the colorful collage and the proud panorama that is Calape. Empower yourself: Make your mark and do your share in shaping the future of this, our vast and vibrant town: click on, sound off, be counted. Finally, rich and colorful Calape has found its home on the world wide web. We hope you find it as much your home as it is ours: warm, well, and worth it.
 ==================================================

Everyone told me the mayor was not even aware of the existence of that website, pity the mayor. He wanted somebody to call me but they could not find my magical business card. Magical in a sense since no one seemed to get hold my business card attached to the letter. Hence, nobody, not one, was able to contact me. Not counting that my parents and relatives are still very visible in my hometown.

For the information of my readers, I enclosed together with my two-page letter my business card and screen shots of the website I was referring to. But since my business card has some magic, nobody cared to call me up, send me text message or reply through my two (2) email addresses.

Now this is a very basic example of how SLOW government responses are. I was planning to make a follow-up letter but called it off. It would make no sense at all.

That is why I wonder how fast the people of Noynoy Aquino could do things in just a week’s time. And it was not just replying a letter.

==================================================
Section 5 of Republic Act No. 6713 otherwise known as AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, TO UPHOLD THE TIME-HONORED PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC OFFICE BEING A PUBLIC TRUST, GRANTING INCENTIVES AND REWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE, ENUMERATING PROHIBITED ACTS AND TRANSACTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES states the Duties of Public Officials and Employees. - In the performance of their duties, all public officials and employees are under obligation to:
(a) Act promptly on letters and requests. - All public officials and employees shall, within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof, respond to letters, telegrams or other means of communications sent by the public. The reply must contain the action taken on the request.
(d) Act immediately on the public's personal transactions. - All public officials and employees must attend to anyone who wants to avail himself of the services of their offices and must, at all times, act promptly and expeditiously.
==================================================
Update: The website was taken down a week after I sent the letter, possibly a confirmation that they received it. Its address was- www.batuanbohol.solinog.com.

12 December 2011

Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities

Photo by Mikhail Arrogante, 2011 Grand Prize Winner
Photo courtesy of Sinulog Foundation Inc.

In a wink of an eye, Sinulog will be happening in Cebu City, the biggest happening in the south of the Philippines. If you are planning to visit and be part of the celebrations, I think you need to adjust your schedules because the Sinulog is happening earlier this year.

To update you of the events, I am posting here the schedule. Enjoy. And Pit Senyor!

December 1, 2011 – January 31, 2012   Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Boulevard
December 11, 2011   2nd Sinulog Cup Baseball Tournament c/o Cebu City Sports Commission
December 16, 2011   Launching and Sinulog Photo Exhibits @SM City
December 12, 2011   Sinulog on the Spot Painting Contest @ Fort San Pedro
December 17, 2011   Sinulog Poster Making Contest @ Emall
December 18, 2011   Sinulog Best Dance Crew Elimination, Sinulog Musicfest Elimination
December 30, 2011   Sinulog 2012 Fun Run

January 05, 2012 (Thursday)   Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus   
4:00 AM   Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM   Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
5:30 AM   Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2012

January 06, 2012 (Friday)   Sinulog 2012 Kick Off
2:00PM      Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño) sponsored by the Sinulog Foundation Inc . and Cebu City Government
3:00 PM     Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
7:00 PM    Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña
7:30 PM    Ms. Cebu 2012 Presentation
9 :00 PM    Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
10:00 PM    Street Party Bands

January 07, 2012 (Saturday)   Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
8:00 AM    2nd SINULOG FOOTBALL CUP c/o Cebu City Sports Commission
1:00 PM    Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM    Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM    Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM    Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) Department of Education, Cebu Province Division           
8:00 PM    Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM    Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña , Street Party Bands

January 08, 2012 (Sunday)   Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan
4:00 AM   Cebu City 2012 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com
8:00 AM   2nd SINULOG FOOTBALL CUP c/o Cebu City Sports Commission
1:00 PM   Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM   Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM   Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM   Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Carlos
8:00 PM   Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM   Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 09, 2012 (Monday)
6:30 PM   Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of Southern Philippines Foundation, Cebu Institute of Technology University, St. Paul’s College Foundation
8:00 PM   Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM   Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 10, 2012 (Tuesday)
6:30 PM   Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña) University of Cebu
8:00 PM   Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM   Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 11, 2012 (Wednesday)
9:00 AM   Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM   Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) Department of Education, Cebu City Division
7:00 PM   Ms. Cebu 2012 Coronation Night, Cebu City Waterfront Lahug Hotel
8:00 PM   Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM   Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 11-22, 2012   Sinulog Fiesta “OTOP Fair 2012” Atrium A & B, SM City Cebu; organized by Department of Trade & Industry -Cebu

January 12, 2012 (Thursday)
9:00 AM   Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM   Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) Salazar Colleges of Science Institute of Technology, Cebu Normal University, Asian College of Technology
6:00 PM   Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu
10:00 PM   Sinulog Festival Queen 2012 Photo Shoot
6:00 PM   Runway Competition @SM  City North Wing
8:00 PM   Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
8:00 PM   Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces
9:00 PM   Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña , Street Party Bands

January 13, 2012 (Friday)   Visual Merchandising Contest (Department Stores and Malls)
4:00 AM   Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño
9:00 AM   Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent/Floats/Higante/Puppteeters, Cebu City Sports Center Gym
5:00 PM   Sinulog Best Dance Crew Grand Finals
6:00 PM   Sinulog Musicfest Band Competition Grand Finals
6:30 PM   Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Jose Recoletos, Southwestern University, Cebu Technological University
7:30 P.M   Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
7:30 P.M   Sinulog Festival Queen 2012, Cebu City Sports Center
8:00 PM   Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM   Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 13-15, 2012
9:00 AM   Devotees’ City organized by Cebu City Government

January 14, 2012 (Saturday)
6:00 AM   Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
9:00 AM   Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon, Basilica del Sto. Niño
12:00 NN   8TH “THE STREET VIBRATION & BIG BIKE RALLY 2012, by V-max Owner’s Group, Inc. Cebu Chapter
2:00 PM   Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 PM   Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu
7:00 PM   Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
8:00 PM   Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu

January 15, 2012 (Sunday)   SINULOG GRAND PARADE
4:00 AM   Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 AM   Pontifical mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
9:00 AM   Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 PM   Grand Finale and Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 PM   Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

January 16, 2012 (Monday)
1:00 PM   Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

January 20, 2012 (Friday)   “HUBO”
4:00 AM   “HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño

January 21-22, 2012   CEBU CHESS FESTIVAL - “WORLD’S LARGEST CHESS TOURNAMENT” @ the Cebu City Sports Center

January 28, 2012 (Saturday)
1:00 P.M   Screening of Finalists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
1:30 P.M   Sinulog 2012 Winning Photo Exhibits
6:00 P.M   Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest @SM City Cebu   
   
January 28 – Feb. 10, 2012   Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ’12 @SM City Cebu.

The French Baker is stealing in my face

Customers don’t expect you to be perfect. They do expect you to fix things when they go wrong. >Donald Porter, V.P. British Airways

I went to buy bagels at The French Baker in SM City Cebu yesterday and noticed that their Cinnamon Raisin Bagels costed me 88 pesos which was not really bad. But when I saw that there were only 4 bagels in a pack that says 5 FRESH BAGELS (indeed they were 5 pieces the last time I went to buy their bagels of any kind), I told the cashier about it and she was clueless why. 

Why would you charge me 88 pesos for 4 pieces of bagels when your packaging says there are 5 bagels in here? She told me she didn’t know. 

Me too.
------------------------------------------------------------
The French Baker, SM City Cebu
Tel- 023-232-1637
TIN- 004-265-323-000 VAT
Cashier: Zulieka P. Martel  Terminal # 2
December 11, 2011  01:54PM
------------------------------------------------------------

10 December 2011

Cheesy Morning

Pic grabbed from weheartit.com

You won’t forget how much you loved, because love is not something easily forgotten. You won’t forget how hurt you felt, or how betrayed, or how alone. You won’t forget your promise to not feel hurt and betrayed and alone again. You won’t forget goodbye.

-William Henderson, Things You Don't Forget

01 December 2011

Offical Holidays of the Philippines for 2012

Photo grabbed from brownseo.com
How time flies. The year just started and then comes December. And then before we know it, 2012 will be coming with a bang. In a wink of an eye.

To give us an the idea on how do we spend our vacation again for the next year, that is, budgeting our time to jive with the holidays, the Philippine government issued Proclamation No. 295 also known as Declaring the Regular Holidays, Special (Non-Working) Days, and Special Holidays (for all schools) for the Year 2012. Although the proclamation is mainly a guide for schools, the holidays are meant for everyone.

So here is the official Philippine holiday guide for 2012-

Regular Holidays
  • New Year's Day - January 1 (Sunday)
  • Maundy Thursday - April 5
  • Good Friday - April 6
  • Araw ng Kagitingan - April 9 (Monday)
  • Labor Day - May 1 (Tuesday)
  • Independence Day - June 12 (Tuesday)
  • National Heroes Day - August 27 (Last Monday of August)
  • Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Friday)
  • Christmas Day - December 25 (Tuesday)
  • Rizal Day - December 30 (Sunday)
Special (Non-Working) Days
  • Chinese New Year - January 23 (Monday)
  • Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Tuesday)
  • All Saints Day - November 1 (Thursday)
  • Special non-working day - November 2 (Friday)
  • Last day of the year - December 31 (Monday)
Special Holidays
  • EDSA Revolution Anniversary - February 25 (Saturday)
  • Eid al Fitr and Eidul Adha will be announced as soon as the Islamic community will announce the dates
 If you are doing business here in the Philippines, please take note that some provinces also have their own special holidays. So if you want to transact business in provincial and other local government units, make sure you also know the local holidays.

Meanwhile, plan your holidays now.

29 November 2011

Andres Bonifacio is still THE MAN!


I have written many times here in my blog about my love for Andres Bonifacio, and this is one of them. For me, he is still the national hero of the Philippines.

Many times, I got emotional upon hearing the music of the play 1896 by the Philippine Educational Theater Association on the start of the Philippine Revolution on that year. It mainly focused on Bonifacio's life as a revolutionary. I wish PETA would publish the 1896 libretto.

Meanwhile I was looking for an appropriate article for tomorrow's celebration of the birth date of Bonifacio (Gat Andres was born on November 30, 1863) and came upon this strongly worded song of the late Francis Magalona. Never heard of this song but I like the nationalistic tone of the lyrics. So this-

1896 Lyrics
Francis Magalona

Sumaludo sa harap ng bandila
Kastila ka bang umaalipin sa alila
Sinakop ng puti ang mga kayumanggi
Pinagnanakaw ang lahi at silay naghari...
Hanggang ngayon pa rin sila pa rin nakaupo
Ilang daang taon mula noon
Nakagapos ang ating mga kamay
Nakapiring ang mga mata
Dila'y pinuputol pag ika'y nagsasalita...
Tulad ni rizal na panulat ang pinairal
Si andres ay pinatay ng kanyang mga kakulay
Yo! hablo espanyol?
Si senior conio
Ako to ay isang mestisong indio po!
You a friend of uncle sam?
Yo! my man I am
I don't speak Tagalog, but I try to understand
Pilipino ka ba?!
Banzai!!!
Shinjimai!!!
Dorobo kedo moto oto kumai!!!

CHORUS:
Dugo'y inialay, para sa bayan...
Sayang naman ang kanilang pinaglabanan...
Dugo'y bumaha at naging pataba...
Bulok ang bunga, tumulo ang luha...

Dugo'y inialay, para sa bayan...
Sayang naman ang kanilang pinaglabanan...
Dugo'y bumaha at naging pataba...
Bulok ang bunga, tumulo ang luha...

Perlas ng silanganan kung tawagin ang pinas
Sinilang sa silangan angkan ni malakas
Anak ni bathala at ako'y nababahala
Di ako naniniwala, na ako ay malaya...
Akala ko ba Philippines 2000
Pero bakit ganoon, parang walang patutunguhan...
Kung buhay lamang ang ating mga bayani
Alam kong sila ang unang-unang
Magsasabi na kahit kailanman...
Bayan muna bago sarili...
Sa pagnanakaw ang nakaupo'y nawiwili...
Kapuna-puna ang mga anomalya
Ang kakapal nila mga walanghiya
Barong tagalog pa ang suot ng mga gago!
Pag nagtagalog, bako-bako, ang labo...
("Ilan sa liderato dapat sa krus ipako")
Alam ba ninyo kung sino ang mga tinutukoy ko?..

(CHORUS)

Dugo'y inialay, para sa bayan...
Sayang naman ang kanilang pinaglabanan...
Dugo'y bumaha at naging pataba...
Bulok ang bunga, tumulo ang luha...

Dugo'y inialay, para sa bayan...
Sayang naman ang kanilang pinaglabanan...
Dugo'y bumaha at naging pataba...
Bulok ang bunga, tumulo ang luha...

Dugo'y inialay, para sa bayan...
Sayang naman ang kanilang pinaglabanan...
Dugo'y bumaha at naging pataba...
Bulok ang bunga, tumulo ang luha...

Dugo'y inialay, para sa bayan...
Sayang naman ang kanilang pinaglabanan...
Dugo'y bumaha at naging pataba...
Bulok ang bunga, tumulo ang luha...

Dugo'y inialay, para sa bayan...
Sayang naman ang kanilang pinaglabanan...
Dugo'y bumaha at naging pataba...
Bulok ang bunga, tumulo ang luha... 

1896 Lyrics copied from Pinoy Lyrics
T-Shirt design grabbed from sketchouse design studio

By the way, the remains of Andres Bonifacio and his brother, Procopio were missing until today. Historians claimed they have found Bonifacio's skeletal remains (or Procopio's) but never the two. Remember they were executed for treason and were buried in the same grave. Exhumed remains in Maragondon, Cavite where they were buried was that of one person only. To this day, Bonifacio's remains is a desaparecido.

Read Ambeth Ocampo's nice article on Bonifacio by clicking on this link- The mystery of Bonifacio's bones.


28 November 2011

I had a great time at VBS2011

Getting wacky with Guest Speaker Chris Drucker. Photo by Ms Kath of USPF.

I was there at 6 in the morning because the organizers said they will entertain walk-ins on a first-come first-served basis. But past 7 o'clock, they were still missing and some bloggers who just came in were already dying to go inside SM City Cebu for the Visayas Bloggers Summit (VBS) 2011, blocking the gates of SM with the early birds squatting on the side.

But this did not hamper me to join the Summit. I patiently waited for my chance to go in. And my patience have been rewarded.
  • My favorite bloggers were there in person and giving me tips on how to improve my blog.
  • Got a chance to win freebies from sponsors. I got a pack of 3 beauty soaps. I need them, I think.
  • Met friends and gained new blogger friends.
  • Chance to have photo ops with speakers. Chris Drucker was a nice person who knew how to ignite the audience.
  • Seen beautiful ladies vying for the Miss Earth 2011. Ms. England, Ms. Estonia, Ms Guatemala and Ms. Guam stayed for some photo ops. I love Ms. Guam especially when she told the group she has Filipino roots.
  • Was moved by the speech of Ms. Lopez from the ABS-CBN Foundation on the effects of mining in Palawan and some parts of the Philippines. NO TO MINING! We never gained financial stability out of this.
  • Learned how to monetize my blog. But wait- I hate seeing those adverts competing with my unpolished English. So it would take a while to see nasty and irritating adverts here in my site.
  • I did not expect the bloggers summit to be so "peaceful" during the event (with exceptions on the arrival of Miss Earth candidates and the charismatic Ms Lopez), but Twitter was bombarded by tweets of bloggers who were in the site. This only means that bloggers were more engaged in the virtual world. No wonder most of the speakers insisted that bloggers should be out and become a real person.
All in all, my experience at the VBS2011 was a fruitful cause worth the absence from work. To all bloggers out there, be passionate with your new found career. Write for people. Re-write. Edit. Re-write while finding a voice of your own.

Free coffee at the site from Coffee Dream

My favorite photoblogger- Evan Mendoza

The VBS2011 is full of students!
Miss Earth candidates gracing the event and were "attacked" by photomonsters LOL

Miss Guam is half Filipino and Miss England is sweet.

24 November 2011

My wish: Join the VBS Cebu 2011

I have missed so many opportunities offered by the Cebu Bloggers Society to join them or their activities for the main reason that I consider myself a very amateur blogger and despite my blog site dates back to 2006, I am still struggling with my blog. Reading from the blogs of the members of CBS, I am dwarfed by them. And so my inferiority complex dominated my desire to join in.

Now, a friend of mine invited me to join with her to the Visayas Blogging Summit 2011 on November 26 at the SM City Cebu. I am caught between enhancing my skills on blogging and work. But knowing this is again a missed opportunity if I won't come, I sent her feelers that I may come.

The Summit is, of course, initiated by the Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. Why interested? My interest is fired up again since I know that the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation is a regular sponsor of the event and RAFI has helped many groups and individuals realize their importance in the society, hence, my high expectation from them is also fired up. (Pssst, RAFI has a blogging contest with a big amount of monetary prizes! But sadly, there is an age limit to the contest. I wonder why RAFI is doing this. Blogging has no age boundaries.)

I also heard several speakers coming from the blogosphere are coming to give inputs on how to better improve my blogging skills, skills that are necessary to my amateurish writing style. At least, the event would give me a better outlook on the ins and outs of the blogging world. Perhaps earning money to add to my income.

As of this writing I am still trying to log in at the registration site but could not do so. Perhaps my connection won't allow me to. Damn!

I only wish they would allow me as walk-in participant.

23 November 2011

NEVER FORGET

Nightlife in Alona Beach is more fun than in Tagbilaran City

Crostini
Yes it's true. While Tagbilaran's nightlife is like an all-time Holy Week celebration, Alona Beach in Panglao Island is getting more into the beat without getting invasive. Several cool and ambient places are sprouting like mushrooms, so to speak. The choices in Alona are more varied as compared to Tagbilaran's grill, grill and more grill options. I heard Tagbilaranons are now flocking to the island and having good times there.

Why not? At Alona, you can have a lot (and a variety) of food choices. When you are choked with the smoke of grilling, Swiss, Oriental, Mediterranean, and of course Filipino food becomes good, if not better alternative! I even tried an Italian menu in some nook where civilization really exist- behaved diners (meaning no noisy Koreans, thanks God!), soft and appropriate music, and good food. That nook was this restaurant- GRAZIELLA.
Bruschette

The menu at Graziella Restaurant is particularly interesting with all those Italian names, hence it is needless to say it is an Italian restaurant. I was tempted to order a dish without the server's interpretation so as to surprise myself. Take note, the servers at Graziella know what's on the menu, an exemption in Bohol where most, if not all, servers do not know what's the food in the menu they are holding. With Jollibee as an exception. I appreciate the chef's and the owner's generosity of briefing their servers on the food, and I imagined they have tasted them, too.

I feel like carbo-loading that night I ordered mostly carbo-based food. For starters, Bruschette with garlic, onions, tomato and oregano was served along with San Mig Light and regular Coke. The food came and they were serving them together with a bottle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sosyal!

For my main course, I ordered a hefty Al Gamberetti Tagliatiatelle in curry sauce (P275). The flat noodle was just tender and the shrimps cooked just right and to my surprise, generous enough. I mean, there were a lot of shrimps on the pasta. Some restaurants in Tagbilaran brag about seafood pasta but you could not see why their version is called as such. Even a heapful of Parmesan cheese came with the pasta, which is a very rare happening in Bohol.

Graziella is pure indulgence at an affordable price.

Unya mireklamo pa nganong midako akong tiyan!

Al Gamberetti Tagliatiatelle

22 November 2011

The week in Philippine history was a circus

Photo courtesy of csmonitor.com

The recent weeks in the Philippine history was suddenly in commotion- all because of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA). Even Joseph Estrada's incarceration, also a former president, was overshadowed by the events of GMA's. She had it big time.

But a lawyer named Ariel Salvador Magno summarized the week in just ten points. I could not agree more.
  1. Supreme Court can be ignored.
  2. It’s not true that we have three co-equal branches of government. The Executive is the most powerful branch. It can do no one.
  3. Congress... is Congress. Res Ipsa Loquitor (The thing speaks for itself, for us who do not know this lawyer's talk haha).
  4. The Bill of Rights applies only to the good ones not the evil ones.
  5. Karma is so powerful.
  6. If you did not do your job, blame others, especially the Supreme Court.
  7. No matter how powerful you were or still are, you will be held accountable!
  8. Institutions in the Philippines... wait what institutions?
  9. The end justifies the means.
  10. Some are more righteous than others. We are doing the same wrong things that you did but this time it’s us who are doing them, so tama lang.
(The above ten points were quoted from Ellen Tordesillas at ellentordesillas.com.)

21 November 2011

7B and still counting

Where do you fit into 7 billion?

BBC News asks you to fill in some data so you will know where you fit in the 7 billionth population of the world.

The app is very informative as well as very cool. It tells you your position in the world history and what would it be the future of population as you grow older.

I was the 3,517,190,028th when I was born on February 1968.

Follow this link to know your place- BBC News: The world at 7 billion.


11 November 2011

CONGRATULATIONS GOVERNOR EDGAR CHATTO OF THE PROVINCE OF BOHOL!

Bohol's governor Atty. Edgar M. Chatto

Atty. Edgar Migriño Chatto has been a consistent award-grabber since his youth days. His life, I think, is seriously dedicated to the service of the people, hence the awards he reaped from various government agencies and the private sector. 

His term as governor in the province of Bohol earned the citation from the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) as the BEST GOVERNED PROVINCE in the Philippines today.

Gov. Chatto recently was awarded the prestigious Dangal ng Bayan Award by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) extoling his "performance of extraordinary act or public service." Chatto is the only elected official to receive the two highest honors from the Civil Service Commission. He received the Lingkod ng  Bayan Award when he was the vice governor of Bohol way back.

My heartfelt congratulations to you Governor! I am very sure the Boholanos are very proud of you.

10 November 2011

Taking a break


After a tiresome day of workshops, taking photos and technical jobs, a brief and quiet moment at the pool of Alta Cebu Resort and Convention Center was all I needed. But I also needed someone to prove that I was there, so this picture.

The resort is great for group workshops. The ambiance, the food and the ever helpful employees and staff are a refreshing sight you will miss after checking out.

Alta Cebu is located in the municipality of Cordova in Mactan Island, Cebu.

Discipline is what people from Lapu-lapu City needs, Mayor Radaza

Yesterday's headline struck a chord in me because the city mayor of Lapu-lapu Paz Radaza asked the owners of Metro Ferry, the ferry company plying daily the Opon to Pier 3 route, to solve the long lines at the ferry terminal. She may have heard the complaints from her constituents without seeing what goes on at the terminal.

Mayor Radaza even suggested that ferry owners hire more employees to ease the congestion before the city's fiesta would take place this November. But I believe the problem is NOT with the ferry company. It is the people from Lapu-lapu City taking the ferry that caused disorder at the terminal. 

For two months now, I became a transient in that part of Cebu and taking ferry boats to and from Opon for the main reason that it is the most convenient and inexpensive way to travel to the other island, Cebu City. Fifteen minutes tops and you are already in Cebu City as compared to jeepneys that usually took almost an hour to get you to Cebu City.

Why did I conclude that ferry riders from Opon are the most undisciplined commuters?

I found out that people's culture and mentality can be clearly observed through its use of public transportation. I have been to the different places in the Philippines and abroad and I could say my observations have been correct so far, albeit not scientific. And I can definitely say that commuters from Opon are the most undisciplined of all based on my unscientific observations.


Compared to the other commuters taking the air-conditioned vans from Ayala and SM City who would automatically fall in line to have a seat in the vans, these people do not know what is even a line. My first month riding the ferry was the most disgusting of all. I have been pushed, stepped on, and literally mauled beginning at the ferry terminal where Excuse Me or Please or I Am Sorry are alien words nobody would use until the ferry have docked. Like a horde of rampaging animals, these people would not give humanitarian considerations even to people bringing children, pregnant mothers or senior citizens as long as they can have a sure seat inside the boat.

I would have understood if there is only a trip or two to Opon during the day. But for heaven's sake the ferry boats come and go at a 15-minute interval or so! Sometimes, the other boat will have to wait for the other ferry to finish loading up before it can also dock.

Does breeding also reflects one capability to afford a mass transport?

The air-conditioned van is about 25-30 pesos per person while the ferry ride costs 12 pesos plus a one peso terminal fee. More expensive, more disciplined?

How many times I have heard employees asking people to make a line so there would be order and smooth flow of passengers. There was even a barong-clad person trying to man the lines but the passengers only stared an empty stare like they were high on something. That barong-clad man said, Maayo pa ang hulmigas kay maglinya pa (The ants are better because they fall in line).

Two weeks ago the ferry management changed the system at the ticketing and terminal areas. They made long and torturous ways so people would make a line. And this bothered everyone who were not keen on making lines. Or even discipline.

Even today, there are still people who cut lines and pushes to get ahead, not considering that some people were sweating waiting in line for their tickets. 


When you visit the terminal in Opon as of this writing, there is a semblance of order when you see people lining up. But old ways still prevail after they have their tickets and after paying the terminal fee. Even before the boats have finished their docking procedures, people would not go after their safety and would just rush out endangering the lives of other passengers.

So if Mayor Radaza would blame the management of the ferry, I think she should take the ferry herself. But then again, mayors are given special privileges in this country and so I am sure she won't experience lining up for a ticket and be pushed around.

Used cotton buds litter inside the ferry, a clear sign that commuters also do not know how to properly dispose of their garbage. Garbage could be seen even in the ferry terminal and the sea around the area. But not this week until November 21 because the city is going to celebrate their annual fiesta. That's a reason for another blog.

On the news:
Cebu Daily News: Passenger loading system

08 November 2011

Just because

photo from adbusters.org
Just because you can copy and paste words and steal pictures doesn't make you a blogger. Not even better.

21 October 2011

Another dictator is down

Photo courtesy of CNN.com

News about the death of Moammar Ghadafi (what is really the real spelling of his name?) of Libya has sent Libyans into a frenzy of celebrations. And the world sits back and watch. And I am pretty sure the rest of the Arab leaders are weighing things right now, ever since Egypt's successful removal of their leader and then the death of Ghadafi.

Meanwhile, my favorite heckler has made the death of the dictator, well- quite amusing. Here is The Professional Heckler's version:

AFTER FORTY-TWO years in power and 112 ways to spell his name, Moammar Gaddafi is dead!

Moammar Gaddafi is dead. His son Bongbong Gaddafi wants a state funeral for his father.

Libyan tyrant Moammar Gadhafi is dead. Just to be sure, Tito Sotto wants to see the death certificate.

The death of Colonel Gaddafi is the day’s biggest news. Some of today’s headlines: “Gaddafi killed” “Qadaffy quilled” “Gadhafi keeled” “Mission aqqomplished”

Moammar Gaddafi has been killed. Libyans are celebrating. Finally, they can freely add another color to their flag.

Gaddafi has been confirmed dead. Some Libyans are not celebrating though. They know that Gadhafi, Qaddafy, Khaddafy, Gaddaffy, Quaddaffi, and Gaddaffi are still out there.

Reports say Gaddafi was killed by NATO-led rebels while attempting to escape. He was said to have been found in a hole in the ground. Also found were Gaddafi’s 3,000 pairs of sunglasses.

The Libyan dictator is dead. Goodbye Moammar Gaddafi! Goodbye fabulous outfits!

Early Thursday evening (Manila time), news organizations had conflicting reports about Gaddafi’s capture and death… which was not surprising since they could not even agree on how to spell his name.

Reports say when Moammar Gaddafi was cornered by rebel forces, he tried to run. However, the dictator tripped on his long gown.

There were also conflicting reports on how Gaddafi died. Some say he was shot. Others believe his thick robe suffocated him.

Gaddafi loyalists have issued a statement saying the Libyan dictator is still alive. They claim that he’s being treated right now at St. Luke’s Medical Center.

This just in: One of Gaddafi’s son, Saif is offering an Hermes bag to anyone who could prove that his father is dead.

Relatives of slain Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi are in a quandary. They couldn’t decide what version of Gaddafi’s name should they use on his tombstone.

Gaddafi’s death was confirmed just hours after his convoy was attacked. If Gaddafi were a member of the CPP-NPA, his death would be confirmed in February 2012.

18 October 2011

Why Cebu-Mactan Channel smells like shit

Traveling the Cebu-Mactan Channel could be fun and exciting especially if you are taking the Metro Ferry. Metro is swift and fast as compared to public transports like vans, taxis and jeepneys. Especially at night, the view of the city could be spectacular.

Adding to the sight of Cebu from the sea, your olfactory sense could be bombarded with the different smell of urban living. Many times I could smell shit (literally) specifically on the Cebu side of the channel. Why?

Despite several ordinances in Cebu City punishing people when they throw garbage just about anywhere, its teeth remains to be false and doesn't bite at all. For example,  City Ordinance No. 1361 establishes a system of garbage collection and imposition of fees for violators and even several amendments have been done, among them the amendment ordering its residents to segregate their wastes. No segregation, no collection they claimed. But I am pretty sure someone somewhere in the Labangon area is not segregating his wastes but still their garbage is being taken by disposal trucks. On the creeks near barangay (village) Guadalupe, people just throw their garbage on the dry riverbed to be taken by flash floods to the sea.

What's my point?

Photo courtesy of Cebu Daily News
Cebuanos made the sea their infinite garbage bins. Every day I encounter long stretches of garbage in the channel. Even the sea currents refused to take them to show Cebu what they have done to the sea.

Another case to prove my point that coastal cleanups initiated by local governments and the private sector are just for show. Or cleanups are additional pogi points to get that funding support from international entities?