Hits and Misses
It hsa been a long time since I really updated my blog. As you can see in my past postings, it was very much a cut and paste affair.
Work has dominated my life for the moment and the very being that I had tried to avoid in the past has catched up. *shudder* I hate to think that I am now responsible for the success of our operations here in RP and of course the well-being of my staff.
Power I hold and covet and I like it alot.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
| Your Career Type: Artistic |
 You are expressive, original, and independent. Your talents lie in your artistic abilities: creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art. You would make an excellent: Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor The worst career options for your are conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary. |
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
You fit in with: Humanism Your ideals mostly resemble that of a Humanist. Although you do not have a lot of faith, you are devoted to making this world better, in the short time that you have to live. Humanists do not generally believe in an afterlife, and therefore, are committed to making the world a better place for themselves and future generations. 20% spiritual. 40% reason-oriented. | ||||
| ||||
Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com |
Monday, October 24, 2005
Missing your Passion
For the past few months, I have not gone out and covered the big rallies plaguing the city. Believe me if I say that I miss the whole frakkin' deal sooo much.
I long to be there with my fellow journalists braving the raving mob and short-fused riot cops. I long to feel the adrenaline rush of scampering and elbowing your way to a good position to take the perfect shot. I long to fear again for the safety of my equipment before caring if it is my blood that stains my shirt or that of an unlucky cop or protester.
I have missed so much since i have to take the mantle of responsibility. I have to now delegate this extremely fun endeavour to our pool and concentrate on tasking the right people for the right task.
Sigh, command responsibility . . . .
For the past few months, I have not gone out and covered the big rallies plaguing the city. Believe me if I say that I miss the whole frakkin' deal sooo much.
I long to be there with my fellow journalists braving the raving mob and short-fused riot cops. I long to feel the adrenaline rush of scampering and elbowing your way to a good position to take the perfect shot. I long to fear again for the safety of my equipment before caring if it is my blood that stains my shirt or that of an unlucky cop or protester.
I have missed so much since i have to take the mantle of responsibility. I have to now delegate this extremely fun endeavour to our pool and concentrate on tasking the right people for the right task.
Sigh, command responsibility . . . .
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
| You Are Balanced - Realist - Powerful |
You feel your life is controlled both externally and internally. You have a good sense of what you can control and what you should let go. Depending on the situation, you sometimes try to exert more control. Other times, you accept things for what they are and go with the flow. You are a realist when it comes to luck. You don't attribute everything to luck, but you do know some things are random. You don't beat yourself up when bad things happen to you... But you do your best to try to make your own luck. When it comes to who's in charge, it's you. Life is a kingdom, and you're the grand ruler. You don't care much about what others think. But they better care what you think! |
Monday, August 29, 2005
Pinoy Big Bother
No matter how much I want to hate the latest reality show in ABS-CBN, I can't help but be drawn to this voyeuristic show. I mean this is a psycho and behavioral scientists' wet dream.
Think about it, 12 different personalities locked in a relatively small house for 100 days. No TV, radio, cell phone, in short no contact with the outside world. 100 days of seeing the same people everyday. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them ended up going postal and killing the cast and crew.
One thing that kills the concept though, is that ABS got predominantly pretty boys and girls for the show. I understand that this is to boost ratings but it does skew things up a bit in terms of a scientific viewpoint.
Niways, have been following the show religiously since the show began and even went so far as to follow the events not covered in tv in their website.
As early as now, one can "guesstimate" who would be the crowd favorite and who would survive the ordeal. Pity thought that the most mature of the group, Raquel, and in essence the one with most brains would most likely be voted off first. The pretty boys and girls would most likely last since viewers would like to ogle their skimpily clad bodies.
Still it is interesting to see how the housemates would react to each other when day 50 comes by.
No matter how much I want to hate the latest reality show in ABS-CBN, I can't help but be drawn to this voyeuristic show. I mean this is a psycho and behavioral scientists' wet dream.
Think about it, 12 different personalities locked in a relatively small house for 100 days. No TV, radio, cell phone, in short no contact with the outside world. 100 days of seeing the same people everyday. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them ended up going postal and killing the cast and crew.
One thing that kills the concept though, is that ABS got predominantly pretty boys and girls for the show. I understand that this is to boost ratings but it does skew things up a bit in terms of a scientific viewpoint.
Niways, have been following the show religiously since the show began and even went so far as to follow the events not covered in tv in their website.
As early as now, one can "guesstimate" who would be the crowd favorite and who would survive the ordeal. Pity thought that the most mature of the group, Raquel, and in essence the one with most brains would most likely be voted off first. The pretty boys and girls would most likely last since viewers would like to ogle their skimpily clad bodies.
Still it is interesting to see how the housemates would react to each other when day 50 comes by.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Changes
Just got my office issue Ibook and am quite impressed. It weighs a whole lot less than my old laptop and extremely fast. But this may very well be in the maxing out of the specs for my photo and layout needs (1gig ram, 80gb HD).
Its kinda cute but it has a small screen, just 12" but its super bright. I just need an appletech to colorsynch it.
The first time I used it, I was looking for the right-click of the mouse but soon acclimatized myself with the one button mouse and extremely swell trackpad.
Its kinda hard though to find programs for the mac and I can't synch my PDA just yet for lack of compatible software. I can't use the bluetooth option also since I don't have a single bluetooth device. Having fun though with the built-in airport express (wifi for PC).
All the computers in the office are Imac G5's and its kinda nice looking at all that snowy white hardware specially when we configured everything to run on wifi.
BTW Edy was chosen to be our graphic/layout artist and we would be working together once again.
Yipee ginpo days are here again!!!
Just got my office issue Ibook and am quite impressed. It weighs a whole lot less than my old laptop and extremely fast. But this may very well be in the maxing out of the specs for my photo and layout needs (1gig ram, 80gb HD).
Its kinda cute but it has a small screen, just 12" but its super bright. I just need an appletech to colorsynch it.
The first time I used it, I was looking for the right-click of the mouse but soon acclimatized myself with the one button mouse and extremely swell trackpad.
Its kinda hard though to find programs for the mac and I can't synch my PDA just yet for lack of compatible software. I can't use the bluetooth option also since I don't have a single bluetooth device. Having fun though with the built-in airport express (wifi for PC).
All the computers in the office are Imac G5's and its kinda nice looking at all that snowy white hardware specially when we configured everything to run on wifi.
BTW Edy was chosen to be our graphic/layout artist and we would be working together once again.
Yipee ginpo days are here again!!!
Friday, August 05, 2005
Your Patronus is the Badger! The badger is a symbol
of aggressiveness, passion and drive. He is
also the mascot for Hufflepuff. As your
Patronus, the Badger will bite and claw to
protect you. Congratulations!
That your Patronus is a badger says that you are
very driven in whatever you do. When you enjoy
something, you go at it with all of your heart.
Unfortunately, you also tend to be aggressive,
and this can lead to a bossy attitude. Try to
keep that aggression in check, and you'll be a
wonderful witch or wizard!
What is Your Patronus? Version 1
brought to you by Quizilla
"Frak Me"
I have the new Battlestar Galactica Season 1 DVD and believe me when I say that the series is really, really good. Much much better than SG-1 which was my oh so current fave sci-fi series.
I doubt if anyone in our group even remembers the original BSG with Lorne Greene as Adama and Dirk Benedict as Starbuck. I remember watching this when I was around 9 or 10 at channel 9 or 13 with Moonbase 2010 and Sealab.
The new series is a far better adaptation with gritty characters and antiquated futuristic look and feel.
Must watch!!
I have the new Battlestar Galactica Season 1 DVD and believe me when I say that the series is really, really good. Much much better than SG-1 which was my oh so current fave sci-fi series.
I doubt if anyone in our group even remembers the original BSG with Lorne Greene as Adama and Dirk Benedict as Starbuck. I remember watching this when I was around 9 or 10 at channel 9 or 13 with Moonbase 2010 and Sealab.
The new series is a far better adaptation with gritty characters and antiquated futuristic look and feel.
Must watch!!
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Saturday, July 23, 2005
"Wannabe super-model niece"
Meet my soon to be super-model 4-month old American niece, Bianca Shanelle
Wannabe
Meet my four-month old niece, Bianca Shanelle. Bya is her nick. She is the daughter of my sister and get this . . . a bonafide American Citizen.
Yup, she was born in the USA and if everything goes to plan, might be able to visit them by October or by early next year.
My sister is now living in San Francisco with my Mom and have sucessfully undergone an operation to remove her cervical cancer. However, she would have to undergo chemo and radiology treatments in the coming months to ensure that her cancer won't recur.
Sadly the procedure would also ensure that Bya would be their only child.
Truly, my niece's name fits her for she is the "Biyaya" of her mom.
I am not known to be a religious person, but I know many of you are. Hopefully you could include her in your prayers or rituals.
Meet my soon to be super-model 4-month old American niece, Bianca Shanelle
Wannabe
Meet my four-month old niece, Bianca Shanelle. Bya is her nick. She is the daughter of my sister and get this . . . a bonafide American Citizen.
Yup, she was born in the USA and if everything goes to plan, might be able to visit them by October or by early next year.
My sister is now living in San Francisco with my Mom and have sucessfully undergone an operation to remove her cervical cancer. However, she would have to undergo chemo and radiology treatments in the coming months to ensure that her cancer won't recur.
Sadly the procedure would also ensure that Bya would be their only child.
Truly, my niece's name fits her for she is the "Biyaya" of her mom.
I am not known to be a religious person, but I know many of you are. Hopefully you could include her in your prayers or rituals.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
"Losing Focus"
Trying to be cute . . .
President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo is facing an exceptionally complex set of scandals and accusations and, as usual in the Philippines, nothing is clear.
Mrs. Arroyo's perfect storm of crises has probably put her close to lame-duck territory one year into her six-year term, and may have paralyzed her administration for years. This can only exacerbate the profound, long-term crisis of capacity that is crippling the state.
Even before the latest Comelec scandals, Arroyo had recorded the lowest presidential approval ratings in the history of opinion polls in The Philippines. It took her three weeks to respond to the telephone call revelations, and that response only came after a dozen of her cabinet secretaries reportedly threatened to resign.
But that reality came into effect on Mrs. Arroyo’s most trying day as 8 cabinet secretaries and two senior executives led by her economic team resigned en masse and asked for her to step down as well. On that same day her staunchest allies led by Senate President Franklin Drilon and former President Corazon Aquino joined the call for her to step down.
Rally after rally followed with each side gunning for the most number of warm bodies to give credence to their case. At its prime, the opposition claimed 40,000 flocked to Ayala to call for the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo. But most probably the masses went to catch a glimpse of their favorite actors and actresses in the seemingly variety show bandwagon. The Arroyo supporters countered with a prayer rally held last Saturday at the Quirino Grandstand saying that at least 100,000 supporters called for stability and the end of the political turmoil.
In the end, these rallies do not only worsen the economic instability of the nation, they also generate divisive sentiments among the people and draw away focus from the nagging problems that need our leaders’ full attention.
In the course of the political turmoil brewing in the Philippines, many politicians and civil leaders have lost sight of the true problem hitting not only the home country but the whole International community as well.
A pending oil crisis is looming in the near future as the price of oil in the world market has breached the $70 per barrel ceiling. In addition the Philippines desperately need economic reform and to strengthen its effort in the fight against terrorism.
It seems that Mrs. Arroyo is dead set in addressing them but she is hugely damaged, and intensely vulnerable should just one more crisis break out.
But whether things would grow better or worse from here on, would all depend on what the Mrs. Arroyo would do to ease the pressure on her to vacate the presidency. For as long as she would not do anything to worsen the prevailing national condition, the easier it will be for the armed forces and the national police to remain neutral as it has been doing in the past weeks.
Which is why it is important to settle the issue through constitutional process rather than allow violence and divisiveness to continue.
It is really just a matter of letting our legal processes take their course, and for results to come out with objectivity.
Trying to be cute . . .
President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo is facing an exceptionally complex set of scandals and accusations and, as usual in the Philippines, nothing is clear.
Mrs. Arroyo's perfect storm of crises has probably put her close to lame-duck territory one year into her six-year term, and may have paralyzed her administration for years. This can only exacerbate the profound, long-term crisis of capacity that is crippling the state.
Even before the latest Comelec scandals, Arroyo had recorded the lowest presidential approval ratings in the history of opinion polls in The Philippines. It took her three weeks to respond to the telephone call revelations, and that response only came after a dozen of her cabinet secretaries reportedly threatened to resign.
But that reality came into effect on Mrs. Arroyo’s most trying day as 8 cabinet secretaries and two senior executives led by her economic team resigned en masse and asked for her to step down as well. On that same day her staunchest allies led by Senate President Franklin Drilon and former President Corazon Aquino joined the call for her to step down.
Rally after rally followed with each side gunning for the most number of warm bodies to give credence to their case. At its prime, the opposition claimed 40,000 flocked to Ayala to call for the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo. But most probably the masses went to catch a glimpse of their favorite actors and actresses in the seemingly variety show bandwagon. The Arroyo supporters countered with a prayer rally held last Saturday at the Quirino Grandstand saying that at least 100,000 supporters called for stability and the end of the political turmoil.
In the end, these rallies do not only worsen the economic instability of the nation, they also generate divisive sentiments among the people and draw away focus from the nagging problems that need our leaders’ full attention.
In the course of the political turmoil brewing in the Philippines, many politicians and civil leaders have lost sight of the true problem hitting not only the home country but the whole International community as well.
A pending oil crisis is looming in the near future as the price of oil in the world market has breached the $70 per barrel ceiling. In addition the Philippines desperately need economic reform and to strengthen its effort in the fight against terrorism.
It seems that Mrs. Arroyo is dead set in addressing them but she is hugely damaged, and intensely vulnerable should just one more crisis break out.
But whether things would grow better or worse from here on, would all depend on what the Mrs. Arroyo would do to ease the pressure on her to vacate the presidency. For as long as she would not do anything to worsen the prevailing national condition, the easier it will be for the armed forces and the national police to remain neutral as it has been doing in the past weeks.
Which is why it is important to settle the issue through constitutional process rather than allow violence and divisiveness to continue.
It is really just a matter of letting our legal processes take their course, and for results to come out with objectivity.
Monday, July 11, 2005
"Enter the Sandman"
British author Neil Gaiman
I must say, the level of geekiness was quite high at the Music Museum where Sandman author Neil Gaiman was to hold a Q&A sponsored by the ever dapper British Council. Even before the 1:30pm call time, the theatre was already bursting with fan boys and a large contingent of fan girls. Looking back it does seem that the girls outnumber the guys in this event.
Originally, I was about to pass this assignment to our newly hired reporter, which incidentally is an active Cosplayer (think Elektra and slave girl Leia and some other anime characters which I conveniently forgot. . . ), but due to a misunderstanding had to schlep my way to Greenhills and miss a more important coverage of Cory Aquino again asking GMA to step down at DLSU, Taft.
American Gods is the only work of Gaiman that I am familiar with. Although, I do recall that in college almost every artist was a-gaga over his works especially Sandman and some other titles in the DC Vertigo line.
See, this is the limit of my comic/graphic novel knowledge. Pathetic. . .
I was prepared to be bored with the whole she-bang and just shoot and scoot but somehow I got enraptured with the witty Brit and stayed for almost an hour. Albeit I could not relate much with the comic genre, it was interesting to note that Gaiman was a journalist first before becoming a graphic novel author. That is why, according to him, his novels are more gritty and some would say a different level then the usual hero fantasy that comics are generally known for.
That got me intrigued and am looking forward to read more of his work especially the graphic novels. Wonder if they are still available, cheaply of course.
Niways, this was a good break from covering the seemingly confusing political bruhaha that is plaguing our country.
British author Neil Gaiman
I must say, the level of geekiness was quite high at the Music Museum where Sandman author Neil Gaiman was to hold a Q&A sponsored by the ever dapper British Council. Even before the 1:30pm call time, the theatre was already bursting with fan boys and a large contingent of fan girls. Looking back it does seem that the girls outnumber the guys in this event.
Originally, I was about to pass this assignment to our newly hired reporter, which incidentally is an active Cosplayer (think Elektra and slave girl Leia and some other anime characters which I conveniently forgot. . . ), but due to a misunderstanding had to schlep my way to Greenhills and miss a more important coverage of Cory Aquino again asking GMA to step down at DLSU, Taft.
American Gods is the only work of Gaiman that I am familiar with. Although, I do recall that in college almost every artist was a-gaga over his works especially Sandman and some other titles in the DC Vertigo line.
See, this is the limit of my comic/graphic novel knowledge. Pathetic. . .
I was prepared to be bored with the whole she-bang and just shoot and scoot but somehow I got enraptured with the witty Brit and stayed for almost an hour. Albeit I could not relate much with the comic genre, it was interesting to note that Gaiman was a journalist first before becoming a graphic novel author. That is why, according to him, his novels are more gritty and some would say a different level then the usual hero fantasy that comics are generally known for.
That got me intrigued and am looking forward to read more of his work especially the graphic novels. Wonder if they are still available, cheaply of course.
Niways, this was a good break from covering the seemingly confusing political bruhaha that is plaguing our country.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Who's next?
Now former President Cory Aquino calls for GMA to do the "supreme sacrifice" and step down for the good of the country.
Influential Makati Business Club comprising of the Philippines' business elite calls for PGMA to step down.
Civil society groups reads a statement calling for PGMA to step down.
Now former President Cory Aquino calls for GMA to do the "supreme sacrifice" and step down for the good of the country.
Influential Makati Business Club comprising of the Philippines' business elite calls for PGMA to step down.
Civil society groups reads a statement calling for PGMA to step down.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Mackenzie Calhoun- You are the wild man of
Starfleet. You love outwitting oponents by
doing the one thing they wouldn't expect from a
Starfleet ship... fighting dirty. Of course
to get away with your craftiness, you only
exist in books. Doesn't matter, you're much
cooler than Archer. Some people say you're a
self righteous SOB. They might be right, but
you don't give a damn.
Which Star Trek Captain are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
B'Elanna Torres! Congratulations! What does this
mean? It means you have some serious issues...
At least that is what some may think. You are
very confused. You don't like who you are and
to you the grass is always greener on the other
side. You struggle with two very different
sides, each one wanting to get the better of
the other. What you must realize is that both
of these sides are what make you who you are.
Don't fight it, unite it! You'll be able to
work twice as well if you aren't constantly
fighting with...yourself...
You are very good with technical things and with
running a room full of people. You can think
off the top of your head and get things done.
You prefer to work alone for the most part as
you can't really trust anyone else to do it
right.
If you have a fault, it is anger and mistrust.
Don't lash out at people because you are angry
with yourself. Try meditating, controling your
emotions. And every here and there, give
someone the benefit of the doubt. They may
surprise you.
So Which Star Trek Voyager Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
mean? It means you have some serious issues...
At least that is what some may think. You are
very confused. You don't like who you are and
to you the grass is always greener on the other
side. You struggle with two very different
sides, each one wanting to get the better of
the other. What you must realize is that both
of these sides are what make you who you are.
Don't fight it, unite it! You'll be able to
work twice as well if you aren't constantly
fighting with...yourself...
You are very good with technical things and with
running a room full of people. You can think
off the top of your head and get things done.
You prefer to work alone for the most part as
you can't really trust anyone else to do it
right.
If you have a fault, it is anger and mistrust.
Don't lash out at people because you are angry
with yourself. Try meditating, controling your
emotions. And every here and there, give
someone the benefit of the doubt. They may
surprise you.
So Which Star Trek Voyager Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Transcript of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's statement on the issue of the tape recordings
(from www.ops.gov.ph), June 27, 2005)
Mga Minamahal kong Kababayan,
For the last several weeks, the issue of the tape recordings has spun out of control. Tonight, I want to set the record straight. You deserve an explanation; from me, because you are the people I was elected to serve.
As you recall, the election canvassing process was unnecessarily slow even after the election results were already in and the votes had been counted.
I was anxious to protect my votes and during that time had conversations with many people, including a Comelec official. My intent was not to influence the outcome of the election, and it did not. As I mentioned, the election had already been decided and the votes counted. And as you remember, the outcome had been predicted by every major public opinion poll, and adjudged free, fair and decisive by international election observers, and our own Namfrel.
That said, let me tell you how I personally feel, I recognize that making any such call was a lapse in judgment. I'm sorry. I also regret taking so long to speak before you on this matter. I take full responsibility for my actions and to you and to all those good citizens who may have had their faith shaken by these events. I want to assure you that I have redoubled my efforts to serve the nation and earn your trust.
Nagagambala ako. Maliwanag na may kakulangan sa wastong pagpapasya ang nangyaring pagtawag sa telepono.//pinagsisisihan ko ito ng lubos.// Pinana'gutan ko nang lubusan ang aking mga ginawa at humuhingi ako ng tawad sa inyo, sa lahat ng mga butihing mamamayan na nabawasan ng tiwala dahil sa mga pangyayaring ito. Ibig kong tiyakin sa inyo na lalo pa akong magsisikap upang maglingkod sa bayan at matamo ang inyong tiwala.
I took office with a mandate to carry out a plan for the nation. Since that time, I have focused on making the tough but necessary decisions to make up for years of economic neglect. We passed a comprehensive fiscally responsible national budget; raised new and necessary revenues to reinvest in the people; and implemented new anti-corruption measures that have led to the highest collection of taxes in history.
Nothing should stand in the way of this work, or the next phase of my reform agenda, which includes new investments in education and social services with our new revenues; and an expansion of our successful anti-corruption and lifestyle checks.
That is why I want to close this chapter and move on with the business of governing.
I ask each and every one of you to join hands with me in a show of unity, to help forge One Philippines, where everyone is equal under the law, and where everyone has the opportunity to use their God-given talents to make a better life.
Our nation is strong and getting stronger. The progress is steady and I ask you to walk with me on this journey to rebuild our great nation. I remain your humble servant and promise you that I will fulfill my constitutional oath of office to serve the people to the best of my ability.
God Bless the Philippines.
(from www.ops.gov.ph), June 27, 2005)
Mga Minamahal kong Kababayan,
For the last several weeks, the issue of the tape recordings has spun out of control. Tonight, I want to set the record straight. You deserve an explanation; from me, because you are the people I was elected to serve.
As you recall, the election canvassing process was unnecessarily slow even after the election results were already in and the votes had been counted.
I was anxious to protect my votes and during that time had conversations with many people, including a Comelec official. My intent was not to influence the outcome of the election, and it did not. As I mentioned, the election had already been decided and the votes counted. And as you remember, the outcome had been predicted by every major public opinion poll, and adjudged free, fair and decisive by international election observers, and our own Namfrel.
That said, let me tell you how I personally feel, I recognize that making any such call was a lapse in judgment. I'm sorry. I also regret taking so long to speak before you on this matter. I take full responsibility for my actions and to you and to all those good citizens who may have had their faith shaken by these events. I want to assure you that I have redoubled my efforts to serve the nation and earn your trust.
Nagagambala ako. Maliwanag na may kakulangan sa wastong pagpapasya ang nangyaring pagtawag sa telepono.//pinagsisisihan ko ito ng lubos.// Pinana'gutan ko nang lubusan ang aking mga ginawa at humuhingi ako ng tawad sa inyo, sa lahat ng mga butihing mamamayan na nabawasan ng tiwala dahil sa mga pangyayaring ito. Ibig kong tiyakin sa inyo na lalo pa akong magsisikap upang maglingkod sa bayan at matamo ang inyong tiwala.
I took office with a mandate to carry out a plan for the nation. Since that time, I have focused on making the tough but necessary decisions to make up for years of economic neglect. We passed a comprehensive fiscally responsible national budget; raised new and necessary revenues to reinvest in the people; and implemented new anti-corruption measures that have led to the highest collection of taxes in history.
Nothing should stand in the way of this work, or the next phase of my reform agenda, which includes new investments in education and social services with our new revenues; and an expansion of our successful anti-corruption and lifestyle checks.
That is why I want to close this chapter and move on with the business of governing.
I ask each and every one of you to join hands with me in a show of unity, to help forge One Philippines, where everyone is equal under the law, and where everyone has the opportunity to use their God-given talents to make a better life.
Our nation is strong and getting stronger. The progress is steady and I ask you to walk with me on this journey to rebuild our great nation. I remain your humble servant and promise you that I will fulfill my constitutional oath of office to serve the people to the best of my ability.
God Bless the Philippines.
Monday, June 27, 2005
"Surviving GMA"
Unbelievable!!!
Looks like Madam Gloria might, MIGHT, survive the series of crisis that is hounding her administration.
The opposition and cause-oriented groups has already struck three times and she is still standing. Unfuckingbelievable!
Jueteng, came and gone, but still breathing . . .
Atty. Ong and San Carlos Seminary, a footnote to history . . .
Independence Day protests, fizzled like day old coke . . .
Last week's mega march, not Welcome in Manila . . .
Abat's planned march to Malacanang, Abat who? oh the "atras-abante" retired general . . . BADINGARZEE . . .
Sheesh, looks like the old adage stands true. "Matagal mamatay ang masamang damo"
But then again, I think it is high time to end this rigamorole and concentrate on what really is important.
Unbelievable!!!
Looks like Madam Gloria might, MIGHT, survive the series of crisis that is hounding her administration.
The opposition and cause-oriented groups has already struck three times and she is still standing. Unfuckingbelievable!
Jueteng, came and gone, but still breathing . . .
Atty. Ong and San Carlos Seminary, a footnote to history . . .
Independence Day protests, fizzled like day old coke . . .
Last week's mega march, not Welcome in Manila . . .
Abat's planned march to Malacanang, Abat who? oh the "atras-abante" retired general . . . BADINGARZEE . . .
Sheesh, looks like the old adage stands true. "Matagal mamatay ang masamang damo"
But then again, I think it is high time to end this rigamorole and concentrate on what really is important.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Legacy of Sin
Catholic devotees sign the guestbook at Jaime Cardinal Sin's wake held at the Manila Cathedral
Early Tuesday morning a dearly loved Philippine icon passed away. Jaime Cardinal Sin, 76, succumbed to a long time kidney ailment and suffered sepsis shock much like the one which claimed the life of his dear friend Pope John Paul II.
When Cardinal Sin spoke presidents, listened. When he summoned, people flocked. He was crucial to the Filipino's freedom and was central to the toppling of two presidents.
The Philippine political scene would not be the same without the firebrand known as Sin . . . .
Catholic devotees sign the guestbook at Jaime Cardinal Sin's wake held at the Manila Cathedral
Early Tuesday morning a dearly loved Philippine icon passed away. Jaime Cardinal Sin, 76, succumbed to a long time kidney ailment and suffered sepsis shock much like the one which claimed the life of his dear friend Pope John Paul II.
When Cardinal Sin spoke presidents, listened. When he summoned, people flocked. He was crucial to the Filipino's freedom and was central to the toppling of two presidents.
The Philippine political scene would not be the same without the firebrand known as Sin . . . .
Saturday, June 18, 2005
"For the one who led me from darkness . . . "
my light
All I Want is You
by U2
You say you want diamonds on a ring of gold
You say you want your story to remain untold.
All the promises we make
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you.
You say you'll give me a highway with no-one on it
Treasure, just to look upon it
All the riches in the night.
You say you'll give me eyes in the moon of blindness
A river in a time of dryness
A harbour in the tempest.
All the promises we make, from the cradle to the grave
When all I need is you.
You say you want your love to work out right
To last with me through the night.
You say you want diamonds on a ring of gold
Your story to remain untold
Your love not to grow cold.
All the promises we break, from the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you.
my light
All I Want is You
by U2
You say you want diamonds on a ring of gold
You say you want your story to remain untold.
All the promises we make
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you.
You say you'll give me a highway with no-one on it
Treasure, just to look upon it
All the riches in the night.
You say you'll give me eyes in the moon of blindness
A river in a time of dryness
A harbour in the tempest.
All the promises we make, from the cradle to the grave
When all I need is you.
You say you want your love to work out right
To last with me through the night.
You say you want diamonds on a ring of gold
Your story to remain untold
Your love not to grow cold.
All the promises we break, from the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you.
Friday, June 17, 2005
"Hello Garci . . ."
GMA "Liar and Cheat"
All over the metro, protests are mounting as Mrs. Arroyo kept her silence regarding the alleged wiretapped conversation between her and Comelec commissioner Virgilo Garcilliano to rig the 2004 elections.
It seems that Mrs. Arroyo is trapped in a damn if you, damn if you don't situation. If she admits that she was the person in the tapes then her presidency is a farce since it was begat by fraudulent means. If she denies that she was in the taped conversation, the masses won't believe her and most probably will mount more protests against her.
What to do, what to do? . . . .
GMA "Liar and Cheat"
All over the metro, protests are mounting as Mrs. Arroyo kept her silence regarding the alleged wiretapped conversation between her and Comelec commissioner Virgilo Garcilliano to rig the 2004 elections.
It seems that Mrs. Arroyo is trapped in a damn if you, damn if you don't situation. If she admits that she was the person in the tapes then her presidency is a farce since it was begat by fraudulent means. If she denies that she was in the taped conversation, the masses won't believe her and most probably will mount more protests against her.
What to do, what to do? . . . .
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
"Stalemate"
Malacanang may have been given a breather over the long weekend since the Samuel Ong affair has not generated the kind of people power response that followed the decision of the Senate not to open the second envelope during the impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada.
No throngs flocked to San Carlos Seminary where Ong sought refuge nor was there strong support from opposition figurehead Susan Roces whose husband was the direct victim of the alleged election fraud. At best, Roces was lukewarm to the whole affair and for that many Filipinos were grateful. Roces has in her power to appeal to the masses and inflame them to another popular uprising. At least one figure chose to remain level headed thru this sordid affair.
But as many well know, we are just in the opening moves of a very elaborate chess game with the future of the Republic of the Philippines as the stake.
At present the political situation is at a stalemate, with both sides waiting for the next big move.
Many expected Mrs. Arroyo to make a stand on the wiretapping issue during Independence Day but instead, she called for an end to "dirty politics".
Mrs. Arroyo should realize that the more that she evades the issue, the more she fans suspicions that it was she indeed in the tapes presented by Ong.
Already, two independent foreign voice analyzing companies have confirmed not only the authenticity of the tape, in that the conversations have not been edited or altered in any way, but also that the voices have been identified as belonging to Mrs. Arroyo and COMELEC commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.
Garcillano’s continued disappearance adds to speculations that Malacañang does not want the conversation confirmed because that would further pin down Arroyo. Attempts to arrest Ong bolster his claim that Malacañang wants to silence him because he has more explosive evidence incriminating Arroyo.
Mrs. Arroyo has to handle the volatile issue very carefully lest it blows up in her face and she incurs the wrath of the people. As it is, the Philippines is quite near the boiling point.
The scandal over the so-called "Mother of all tapes" will continue to hound her unless she comes forward and honestly answers it. She owes it to the people who voted her into office, first and foremost, to explain about it.
At the end of the day, the political battle between the opposition and the administration would likely result with one side winning, and another side living to fight another day.
If Malacanang plays their cards right, Mrs. Arroyo might survive this latest assault to her presidency but the confidence of the people and perhaps the world community would be seriously compromised.
The losses in the local currency and the stock market would be difficult to recover and the confidence of the international investment community would again be nearly impossible to regain.
A strong republic is what Mrs. Arroyo wanted, but a stong republic requires an equally strong leader which sadly she is proving to be wanting.
Malacanang may have been given a breather over the long weekend since the Samuel Ong affair has not generated the kind of people power response that followed the decision of the Senate not to open the second envelope during the impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada.
No throngs flocked to San Carlos Seminary where Ong sought refuge nor was there strong support from opposition figurehead Susan Roces whose husband was the direct victim of the alleged election fraud. At best, Roces was lukewarm to the whole affair and for that many Filipinos were grateful. Roces has in her power to appeal to the masses and inflame them to another popular uprising. At least one figure chose to remain level headed thru this sordid affair.
But as many well know, we are just in the opening moves of a very elaborate chess game with the future of the Republic of the Philippines as the stake.
At present the political situation is at a stalemate, with both sides waiting for the next big move.
Many expected Mrs. Arroyo to make a stand on the wiretapping issue during Independence Day but instead, she called for an end to "dirty politics".
Mrs. Arroyo should realize that the more that she evades the issue, the more she fans suspicions that it was she indeed in the tapes presented by Ong.
Already, two independent foreign voice analyzing companies have confirmed not only the authenticity of the tape, in that the conversations have not been edited or altered in any way, but also that the voices have been identified as belonging to Mrs. Arroyo and COMELEC commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.
Garcillano’s continued disappearance adds to speculations that Malacañang does not want the conversation confirmed because that would further pin down Arroyo. Attempts to arrest Ong bolster his claim that Malacañang wants to silence him because he has more explosive evidence incriminating Arroyo.
Mrs. Arroyo has to handle the volatile issue very carefully lest it blows up in her face and she incurs the wrath of the people. As it is, the Philippines is quite near the boiling point.
The scandal over the so-called "Mother of all tapes" will continue to hound her unless she comes forward and honestly answers it. She owes it to the people who voted her into office, first and foremost, to explain about it.
At the end of the day, the political battle between the opposition and the administration would likely result with one side winning, and another side living to fight another day.
If Malacanang plays their cards right, Mrs. Arroyo might survive this latest assault to her presidency but the confidence of the people and perhaps the world community would be seriously compromised.
The losses in the local currency and the stock market would be difficult to recover and the confidence of the international investment community would again be nearly impossible to regain.
A strong republic is what Mrs. Arroyo wanted, but a stong republic requires an equally strong leader which sadly she is proving to be wanting.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Huli ka na!
"Buking"
Buking ka na Gloria kaya baba na.
A caricature of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo depicts her alleged wiretapped phone call to COMELEC commissioner Virgilio Garcillano implicating them in election fraud last May. Opposition members, militant groups and the clergy staged a prayer rally on Saturday at Liwasang Bonifacio to signinify a "national day of mourning" due to massive corruption in the government and the alleged vote padding that happened last elections.
Tsk, tsk, seems GMA is hanging by her very fingernails in this latest controversy.
One saving grace she has right now is that no identifiable figure has emerged which the people can rally behind.
Noli de Castro. . . he does not have the confidence of the people much more the politicians and in any case I don't think anybody would want the country ruled by ABS-CBN.
FPJ . . . he's dead, dipshit.
Susan Roces . . . hmm, nah, don't think she has the force of will to rally the politicians behind her. darling of the people, yes at the moment, untested definitely.
Erap . . . kill me now why don't you.
Senate President Franklin Drilon . . . only logical choice as of the moment, but he must concede the position by calling a snap election as soon as possible lest he incur the wrath of the people.
So there "Gloria-gate" is just entering its first phase and definitely more will break in the following weeks.
Interesting, these times are . . .
"Buking"
Buking ka na Gloria kaya baba na.
A caricature of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo depicts her alleged wiretapped phone call to COMELEC commissioner Virgilio Garcillano implicating them in election fraud last May. Opposition members, militant groups and the clergy staged a prayer rally on Saturday at Liwasang Bonifacio to signinify a "national day of mourning" due to massive corruption in the government and the alleged vote padding that happened last elections.
Tsk, tsk, seems GMA is hanging by her very fingernails in this latest controversy.
One saving grace she has right now is that no identifiable figure has emerged which the people can rally behind.
Noli de Castro. . . he does not have the confidence of the people much more the politicians and in any case I don't think anybody would want the country ruled by ABS-CBN.
FPJ . . . he's dead, dipshit.
Susan Roces . . . hmm, nah, don't think she has the force of will to rally the politicians behind her. darling of the people, yes at the moment, untested definitely.
Erap . . . kill me now why don't you.
Senate President Franklin Drilon . . . only logical choice as of the moment, but he must concede the position by calling a snap election as soon as possible lest he incur the wrath of the people.
So there "Gloria-gate" is just entering its first phase and definitely more will break in the following weeks.
Interesting, these times are . . .
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
"Jueteng"-gate
Self-confessed jueteng operators Wilfredo “Boy Bicol” Mayor, Richard “RJ” Garcia, and Demosthenes “Abe” Riva dropped a veritable time bomb when they testified in a joint hearing by two Senate committees looking into the illegal numbers game.
They implicated legislators, top police officials, Manila and provincial based journalists and some members of President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo’s family.
High on the list was her son Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, whom they called the “Lion King”. Also mentioned were First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and his brother Representative Iggy “Jose Pidal” Arroyo. They said that jueteng operators need the “attorney from Malacañang’s” blessing.
As expected, the personalities named by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz’s witness strongly denied the accusations. So, what else is new?
Of course they will deny ever dipping their hands in illegal gambling, but the word is out and here in the Philippines rumors and scandals do spread very fast.
The witnesses admitted that they did not see the big fishes themselves receive the money. They said it was their bagmen that they dealt with. Legally speaking,
their statements are pure hearsay...for now.
And seemingly to get the people’s mind off the jueteng controversy, a new bombshell has been released by Malacañang.
Malacañang says that it has intercepted an alleged tape of a telephone conversation or series of conversations between President Arroyo and her husband, on one end, and an election operative named Gary on the other. The conversations are said to
broadly hint at the massaging of the election returns from areas where Fernando Poe Jr. gave Gloria a drubbing.
Malacañang said the tape was faked and even provided copies to the media. It added the spliced tape signals the shift to high gear of the opposition campaign to
drive President Arroyo out of office. Strangely, opposition leaders said they had never heard about the tape until Malacañang itself announced its existence.
President Arroyo’s administration is indeed in very rocky grounds as evidenced by the recent opinion poll on which she received a -33% rating, the lowest a president has received since 1986. And we all know what happened during that year.
The people will always believe the worst about President Arroyo. And it’s not that the accusations of cheating are something new or the fact that her immediate family has been implicated in juicy scandals before.
It is ironic that jueteng toppled the Erap administration and put President Arroyo into power and now it seems that jueteng has come back in a big way to haunt her.
The Philippines and perhaps the world community now wait with bated breath the next sordid tale of our President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo’s telenovela.
Self-confessed jueteng operators Wilfredo “Boy Bicol” Mayor, Richard “RJ” Garcia, and Demosthenes “Abe” Riva dropped a veritable time bomb when they testified in a joint hearing by two Senate committees looking into the illegal numbers game.
They implicated legislators, top police officials, Manila and provincial based journalists and some members of President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo’s family.
High on the list was her son Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, whom they called the “Lion King”. Also mentioned were First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and his brother Representative Iggy “Jose Pidal” Arroyo. They said that jueteng operators need the “attorney from Malacañang’s” blessing.
As expected, the personalities named by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz’s witness strongly denied the accusations. So, what else is new?
Of course they will deny ever dipping their hands in illegal gambling, but the word is out and here in the Philippines rumors and scandals do spread very fast.
The witnesses admitted that they did not see the big fishes themselves receive the money. They said it was their bagmen that they dealt with. Legally speaking,
their statements are pure hearsay...for now.
And seemingly to get the people’s mind off the jueteng controversy, a new bombshell has been released by Malacañang.
Malacañang says that it has intercepted an alleged tape of a telephone conversation or series of conversations between President Arroyo and her husband, on one end, and an election operative named Gary on the other. The conversations are said to
broadly hint at the massaging of the election returns from areas where Fernando Poe Jr. gave Gloria a drubbing.
Malacañang said the tape was faked and even provided copies to the media. It added the spliced tape signals the shift to high gear of the opposition campaign to
drive President Arroyo out of office. Strangely, opposition leaders said they had never heard about the tape until Malacañang itself announced its existence.
President Arroyo’s administration is indeed in very rocky grounds as evidenced by the recent opinion poll on which she received a -33% rating, the lowest a president has received since 1986. And we all know what happened during that year.
The people will always believe the worst about President Arroyo. And it’s not that the accusations of cheating are something new or the fact that her immediate family has been implicated in juicy scandals before.
It is ironic that jueteng toppled the Erap administration and put President Arroyo into power and now it seems that jueteng has come back in a big way to haunt her.
The Philippines and perhaps the world community now wait with bated breath the next sordid tale of our President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo’s telenovela.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
What’s so bad about “jueteng” anyway?
“Jueteng” for the uninformed is a grassroots numbers game being played almost all over the Philippines. The bank pays out 80 centavos for every peso that is bet. Pagcor's roulette, which is also stacked against the player with its zero and double zero, offers better odds, but only a tad better.
“Jueteng” gained infamy when it toppled the Estrada administration. “Jueteng” payola is once again in the limelight, dragging with it the names of members of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s family.
Some say that it is a boon for the Filipino poor while others say that it is a social evil, the root of corruption in the Philippines.
For the poor a peso can buy dreams of winning Php800 which can go a long way to supplement a family’s meager income. Critics, however, condemn “jueteng” as nothing but a criminal racket that victimizes the poor, co-opts police, bribes officials, perverts elections and threatens or kills those who oppose it.
Plunking a peso or two certainly won't rend the moral fabric of a bettor, after all for many “jueteng” is just a diversion, a means to easy money. But it is the web of corruption that the illegal numbers game spawns that is the problem. And we are seeing it now.
The police are corrupted. Local officials are corrupted. Even national officials, if we are to believe Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, are on the take. Come to think of it, even the Catholic church admits to receiving donations from any source, even “jueteng” lords.
The Philippines has been a buzz with the constant rumors that the President’s family are on the take from the illegal gambling racket and that Pres. Arroyo herself received campaign contributions from known big time “jueteng” operators.
From a different viewpoint, it is quite easy for the government to stop “jueteng,” after all the big time operators are well known and one even resides in Arroyo’s hometown in Pampanga. But it is the big and relatively easy money that is earned from illegal gambling that is too hard to resist. “Jueteng” payolas are much larger than a civil servants pitiful salary and all they have to do is turn a blind eye to the illegal gambling racket. So the better approach should be obvious: remove the corrupting aspect of "jueteng" and the problem will solve itself.
There had been many attempts to legalize the numbers game in the past but all ultimately failed, probably due to the fact that the payolas would certainly be cut. But it can be done and legalization can be a means to an end to stem corruption.
Moral pundits say that gambling is a sin. So be it. It remains a sin whether it's legal or illegal. It's the corruption spawned by illegal gambling that worries us. After all Lotto and the sweepstakes are legal and it is a form of gambling, so why not “jueteng?”
“Jueteng” for the uninformed is a grassroots numbers game being played almost all over the Philippines. The bank pays out 80 centavos for every peso that is bet. Pagcor's roulette, which is also stacked against the player with its zero and double zero, offers better odds, but only a tad better.
“Jueteng” gained infamy when it toppled the Estrada administration. “Jueteng” payola is once again in the limelight, dragging with it the names of members of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s family.
Some say that it is a boon for the Filipino poor while others say that it is a social evil, the root of corruption in the Philippines.
For the poor a peso can buy dreams of winning Php800 which can go a long way to supplement a family’s meager income. Critics, however, condemn “jueteng” as nothing but a criminal racket that victimizes the poor, co-opts police, bribes officials, perverts elections and threatens or kills those who oppose it.
Plunking a peso or two certainly won't rend the moral fabric of a bettor, after all for many “jueteng” is just a diversion, a means to easy money. But it is the web of corruption that the illegal numbers game spawns that is the problem. And we are seeing it now.
The police are corrupted. Local officials are corrupted. Even national officials, if we are to believe Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, are on the take. Come to think of it, even the Catholic church admits to receiving donations from any source, even “jueteng” lords.
The Philippines has been a buzz with the constant rumors that the President’s family are on the take from the illegal gambling racket and that Pres. Arroyo herself received campaign contributions from known big time “jueteng” operators.
From a different viewpoint, it is quite easy for the government to stop “jueteng,” after all the big time operators are well known and one even resides in Arroyo’s hometown in Pampanga. But it is the big and relatively easy money that is earned from illegal gambling that is too hard to resist. “Jueteng” payolas are much larger than a civil servants pitiful salary and all they have to do is turn a blind eye to the illegal gambling racket. So the better approach should be obvious: remove the corrupting aspect of "jueteng" and the problem will solve itself.
There had been many attempts to legalize the numbers game in the past but all ultimately failed, probably due to the fact that the payolas would certainly be cut. But it can be done and legalization can be a means to an end to stem corruption.
Moral pundits say that gambling is a sin. So be it. It remains a sin whether it's legal or illegal. It's the corruption spawned by illegal gambling that worries us. After all Lotto and the sweepstakes are legal and it is a form of gambling, so why not “jueteng?”
Friday, June 03, 2005
Pres. Arroyo's ratings plunges to record low
Lowest ratings ever? Keber!
Amid allegations of massive goverment corruption, rising prices, high taxes, and ties linking her immediate family to "jueteng," Arroyo's ratings have plunged to a record low.
According to a recent SWS opinion poll, Pres. Arroyo's ratings have plunged to a record low of -33%. The lowest ever since 1986 . . and we all know what happened durng that year.
And take this, GMA wants to hold a constitutional convention by next year in order to put into motion the change to a parliamentary government. Afraid, this one is . . .
Yup, keep it up GMA. Interesting times are surely ahead.
Lowest ratings ever? Keber!
Amid allegations of massive goverment corruption, rising prices, high taxes, and ties linking her immediate family to "jueteng," Arroyo's ratings have plunged to a record low.
According to a recent SWS opinion poll, Pres. Arroyo's ratings have plunged to a record low of -33%. The lowest ever since 1986 . . and we all know what happened durng that year.
And take this, GMA wants to hold a constitutional convention by next year in order to put into motion the change to a parliamentary government. Afraid, this one is . . .
Yup, keep it up GMA. Interesting times are surely ahead.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
WAGE HIKE?!?
A P25.00 (US$0.50) wage hike? Get real Pres. Arroyo!
I don't know who Pres. Arroyo is kidding, but a P25 wage hike is just insulting. I mean what would P25 buy at present prices. It's barely enough for transport fare for most workers.
No wonder the cream of our talents are contemplating on migrating or at least working in another country.
Sigh . . . . .
A P25.00 (US$0.50) wage hike? Get real Pres. Arroyo!
I don't know who Pres. Arroyo is kidding, but a P25 wage hike is just insulting. I mean what would P25 buy at present prices. It's barely enough for transport fare for most workers.
No wonder the cream of our talents are contemplating on migrating or at least working in another country.
Sigh . . . . .
WOL-PUWIT!
Kiss our collective butts, World Bank!
Dumb, dumber, dumbest is the best way to describe US Pres. George Bush's decisions.
Take for instance the recent appointment of Dr. Paul Wolfowitz as the president of the world's most influential financial institution, the World Bank.
For those not in the know, Wolfwowitz was one of the primary planners for the US led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wolfowitz also served as the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and was crucial to the escape of Pres. Marcos during the 1986.
As it stands, Wolfowitz is very close to the family of Bushy-bushbush.
I mean, the guy is primarily a military planner and not a financial person. Giving the reigns of the World Bank would only give Bush a means to wage another kind of warfare on those he deems are against him. Financialy breaking a nation is deemed more disastrous then physically destroying it.
Gives whole new meaning to Papa Bush's "If you are not with me, then you are against me."
Sheesh . .
Kiss our collective butts, World Bank!
Dumb, dumber, dumbest is the best way to describe US Pres. George Bush's decisions.
Take for instance the recent appointment of Dr. Paul Wolfowitz as the president of the world's most influential financial institution, the World Bank.
For those not in the know, Wolfwowitz was one of the primary planners for the US led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wolfowitz also served as the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and was crucial to the escape of Pres. Marcos during the 1986.
As it stands, Wolfowitz is very close to the family of Bushy-bushbush.
I mean, the guy is primarily a military planner and not a financial person. Giving the reigns of the World Bank would only give Bush a means to wage another kind of warfare on those he deems are against him. Financialy breaking a nation is deemed more disastrous then physically destroying it.
Gives whole new meaning to Papa Bush's "If you are not with me, then you are against me."
Sheesh . .
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Your Birthdate: October 31 |
Your birthday suggests that you are a good organizer and manager, an energetic and dependable worker; attributes often showing success in the business world. Serious and sincere, you have the patience and determination necessary to accomplish a great deal. Your approach can be original, but often rigid and stubborn. Sensitivity may be present, but feeling are likely to be repressed. You are good with detail and insist on accuracy, but at times scatter energies. You're a practical thinker, but not without imagination. You love travel and don't like to live alone. You should probably marry early, for responsibility is necessary for your stability. |
FISHERMAN'S RALLY
A protestor tries to fight his way past the police blockade at Mendiola
Policeman grabs a protestors neck as he tries to stop them from marching into Malacanang Palace
Another day, another rally.
Once again some hot-heads tried to force their way into the Malacanang Palace Grounds and once again they were foiled by riot police at Mendiola.
But somehow they managed to trick the police into thinking that the main group was in the vicinity of Morayta and they managed to outrun the blockade before finally being stopped near CEU, that is after a lot of pushing and manhandling.
Must remember not to stay in the middle of the mob lest I be mistaken for one of the protestors or worse the police. . . . Oh well, another lesson learned.
A protestor tries to fight his way past the police blockade at Mendiola
Policeman grabs a protestors neck as he tries to stop them from marching into Malacanang Palace
Another day, another rally.
Once again some hot-heads tried to force their way into the Malacanang Palace Grounds and once again they were foiled by riot police at Mendiola.
But somehow they managed to trick the police into thinking that the main group was in the vicinity of Morayta and they managed to outrun the blockade before finally being stopped near CEU, that is after a lot of pushing and manhandling.
Must remember not to stay in the middle of the mob lest I be mistaken for one of the protestors or worse the police. . . . Oh well, another lesson learned.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Long ago in a galaxy far, far away . . . . . .
The force is strong in this one . .
Fans spurned the first two installations of George Lucas' Star Wars prequels but the final part of the intergalactic saga would make the fans drool for more.
Although the same wooden dialogue and dry acting still permeates much of the movie, the lightsaber battles and the overall dark feel of the movie more than makes up for it.
Spoilers aside, although we do have a general idea of how Anakin became Darth Vader, the real story lies on the path that led to the ominous black mask and the harsh decisions he had to do.
Its a classic case of doing all the wrong moves to do greater good or how blind a person can become when he believes he is on the righteous path.
Ultimately we do have a little of Anakin in us and in someway, somehow we would be facing the same dilemnas that he faced.
If you are looking for great acting, look elsewhere. If you are looking for great battle scenes and intense sword fights, bingo! Good storyline . . . definitely.
The force is strong in this one . .
Fans spurned the first two installations of George Lucas' Star Wars prequels but the final part of the intergalactic saga would make the fans drool for more.
Although the same wooden dialogue and dry acting still permeates much of the movie, the lightsaber battles and the overall dark feel of the movie more than makes up for it.
Spoilers aside, although we do have a general idea of how Anakin became Darth Vader, the real story lies on the path that led to the ominous black mask and the harsh decisions he had to do.
Its a classic case of doing all the wrong moves to do greater good or how blind a person can become when he believes he is on the righteous path.
Ultimately we do have a little of Anakin in us and in someway, somehow we would be facing the same dilemnas that he faced.
If you are looking for great acting, look elsewhere. If you are looking for great battle scenes and intense sword fights, bingo! Good storyline . . . definitely.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
The Heat is ON
To catch a fountain . .
It' so friggin hot in the Metro!
As in so scrochingly hot.
Sometimes I do envy all you peeps working in your air-conditioned rooms, sitting on your chair, facing your computer terminal, and waiting for the fiver to arrive.
For us others, there is daily sunbathing and occasional steam baths from the ever elusive rain. Then you come home to a virutal oven of a room.
Touch the walls and they are hot. Turn on your fan and a hot steamy stream of air would assault you. A cool shower might stave off the encroaching heat, but unfortunately water pressure is depressingly low. A personal air-conditioner is a luxury often dreamt of, but so frustratingly unattainable.
The answer to the heat? Hit the malls and join the masses enjoying free air-conditioning.
Sometimes I wonder if it is a good idea to set up a mini-dorm in the malls. Like rent a good enough space and put in some double-bunk beds for economy class and perhaps partitioned off spaces for single or twin sized beds for people who would prefer more privacy. Charge by the hour and wait for the money to roll in.
Crude but effective I guess. I mean I would certainly go for it just to escape from this frigging heat.
Just my one cent. . . .
To catch a fountain . .
It' so friggin hot in the Metro!
As in so scrochingly hot.
Sometimes I do envy all you peeps working in your air-conditioned rooms, sitting on your chair, facing your computer terminal, and waiting for the fiver to arrive.
For us others, there is daily sunbathing and occasional steam baths from the ever elusive rain. Then you come home to a virutal oven of a room.
Touch the walls and they are hot. Turn on your fan and a hot steamy stream of air would assault you. A cool shower might stave off the encroaching heat, but unfortunately water pressure is depressingly low. A personal air-conditioner is a luxury often dreamt of, but so frustratingly unattainable.
The answer to the heat? Hit the malls and join the masses enjoying free air-conditioning.
Sometimes I wonder if it is a good idea to set up a mini-dorm in the malls. Like rent a good enough space and put in some double-bunk beds for economy class and perhaps partitioned off spaces for single or twin sized beds for people who would prefer more privacy. Charge by the hour and wait for the money to roll in.
Crude but effective I guess. I mean I would certainly go for it just to escape from this frigging heat.
Just my one cent. . . .
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
rally
Hazardous Life
Recently, we were covering a rally near the Malate Church when things started to get ugly.
Nobody really knows how it started but apparently somebody agitated the riot police holding the protesters back and they started to retaliate with their sticks and shields.
As usual, I had to be in the middle of it to capture the best image possible. Somewhen during the fracas a Carmelite priest got hit by a cop and was soon squealing for his mommy right beside me with a bloody head to boot.
Me? I got hit in the back with the edge of a police shield and a close encounter of the precious jewels kind from a bamboo stick wielded by one of the protesters.
Fun, fun, fun.
Evil as it might seem, I just can't stop laughing about the whole incident. One moment the priest was all fire and brimstone and the next a helpless, squealing baby with blood streaming from a nasty cut in the head.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
May the Blessed Kitty Watch Over Thee
I believe in dreams, I believe in miracles, I believe that toy ballons could touch the moon.
Lo and behold, from the land of Sanrio comes forth the messiah of kyutishness, Blessed Hello Kitty.
Bless us Hello Kitty, guide us to the path of cute and cuddly. Swatch our dreams, empty our pockets, show me the money.
From the heavens above came Little Twin Stars, from the pond of dreams came Kerokeroppi, I dont know what to do whenever you are near, I think of you every second of the day, You give me hope, the strength, the will to carry on.
Kitty oh Kitty save us from ourselves.
I believe in dreams, I believe in miracles, I believe that toy ballons could touch the moon.
Lo and behold, from the land of Sanrio comes forth the messiah of kyutishness, Blessed Hello Kitty.
Bless us Hello Kitty, guide us to the path of cute and cuddly. Swatch our dreams, empty our pockets, show me the money.
From the heavens above came Little Twin Stars, from the pond of dreams came Kerokeroppi, I dont know what to do whenever you are near, I think of you every second of the day, You give me hope, the strength, the will to carry on.
Kitty oh Kitty save us from ourselves.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
GOODBYE JP2
Karol Wojtyla, the Polish priest who became Pope John Paul II and led the Catholic Church for almost 27 years, was an extraordinary man. His death Saturday at age 84 is a loss that, like his impact, will be felt far beyond his 1.1-billion member flock.
Pope John Paul II traveled the world more than any pontiff in history and spoke in person to more people than any individual in history. He toured extensively in the developing world, drawing enormous crowds of the faithful and demonstrating a spiritual power that made some political leaders nervous.
Filipinos will always have a special place for the much loved Pope.In his first visit to the Philippines in 1981, JP2 planted the seeds of a nation free from oppression which ultimately led to the “People Power” revolution which toppled the Marcos regime.
With shouts of “Viva il Papa“, Filipinos and youths around the world once again welcomed him in 1995 for the World Youth Day.
It was also under his term that the first Filipino saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz, had been canonized.
Known as the “Great Communicator,” the pontiff was fluent in English, French, German, Polish and Spanish. But ultimately, he was fluent in people.
He has preached the Gospel with clarity and extraordinary insight. He has guided the Church wisely and touched the hearts of millions outside the fold. He has faced up to any and all expressions of racism and totalitarianism. He has fought for peace and justice with equal vigor. He has been a missionary traveling the world as no one ever before him, and this he has continued even in the face of extraordinary physical infirmities.
Pope John Paul II made "the worth of the human person" his grand project. Not only did John Paul plead for the lives of the unborn, but also for human rights and social justice for those outside the womb. He deplored the Iraq war, saying that "violence and weapons can never resolve the problems of man."
He was a religious leader who labored tirelessly to be so much more -- peacemaker, bridge builder, healer, even conscience to the world.
Pope John Paul II is by any measure one of the most celebrated and inspiring leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries. He has championed the law of God when others have lost hope and given in to the demands of a fickle world.
His, indeed, was a dignified and full life. Through example, in extraordinary travels, in a pontificate defined by courage, leadership and forgiveness, the Pope has reached to the hearts of his flock. Even for nonbelievers, his certainty in his faith could never be doubted, his place in history forever fixed.
Karol Wojtyla, the Polish priest who became Pope John Paul II and led the Catholic Church for almost 27 years, was an extraordinary man. His death Saturday at age 84 is a loss that, like his impact, will be felt far beyond his 1.1-billion member flock.
Pope John Paul II traveled the world more than any pontiff in history and spoke in person to more people than any individual in history. He toured extensively in the developing world, drawing enormous crowds of the faithful and demonstrating a spiritual power that made some political leaders nervous.
Filipinos will always have a special place for the much loved Pope.In his first visit to the Philippines in 1981, JP2 planted the seeds of a nation free from oppression which ultimately led to the “People Power” revolution which toppled the Marcos regime.
With shouts of “Viva il Papa“, Filipinos and youths around the world once again welcomed him in 1995 for the World Youth Day.
It was also under his term that the first Filipino saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz, had been canonized.
Known as the “Great Communicator,” the pontiff was fluent in English, French, German, Polish and Spanish. But ultimately, he was fluent in people.
He has preached the Gospel with clarity and extraordinary insight. He has guided the Church wisely and touched the hearts of millions outside the fold. He has faced up to any and all expressions of racism and totalitarianism. He has fought for peace and justice with equal vigor. He has been a missionary traveling the world as no one ever before him, and this he has continued even in the face of extraordinary physical infirmities.
Pope John Paul II made "the worth of the human person" his grand project. Not only did John Paul plead for the lives of the unborn, but also for human rights and social justice for those outside the womb. He deplored the Iraq war, saying that "violence and weapons can never resolve the problems of man."
He was a religious leader who labored tirelessly to be so much more -- peacemaker, bridge builder, healer, even conscience to the world.
Pope John Paul II is by any measure one of the most celebrated and inspiring leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries. He has championed the law of God when others have lost hope and given in to the demands of a fickle world.
His, indeed, was a dignified and full life. Through example, in extraordinary travels, in a pontificate defined by courage, leadership and forgiveness, the Pope has reached to the hearts of his flock. Even for nonbelievers, his certainty in his faith could never be doubted, his place in history forever fixed.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Bad as I Wanna Be
Ok, so I borrowed the line from Dennis Rodman, so sue me! Dont you get it? There is a certain mystique surrounding mischief, rebellion, going against the tide, and that sort of stuff.
For many a life carbon copied from a multitude of others is fine, dah?! Boring. But who am I to preach, right?
Individuality as we know it is slowly becoming an endangered attribute. I can't blame them, can I.
To be secure is one of the tenets of life, one so religiously pursued by many. What are we searching for, what are we striving for? Is it not life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Oops, too imperialistic, lets try it again shall we. A stable high paying job, a domicile worth calling home, good healthy food to sustain us, clothing to impress others with, an understanding & patient wife/husband/lover/whatever, well rounded kids, and finally self-esteem to feed our ego. In the end we delude ourself thinking, hey I got it all. For some perhaps, for all I fervently hope so.
How many times have we faced a fork in our life? Decisions wherein there is no turning back and might as well dictate the rest of our life. You could do this and be that or maintain the status quo. Take the plunge, I say.
Failure is not an option, or is it? Life aint easy. Failure is an option. You have to be wrong to know what is right, diba?
Many times we fail, but what matters is how we bounce back. How we recompose ourself and face the jeers of others, is it not what failure teaches us?
Strength, perseverance, passion are what counts the most.
Be that as it may, we are what we mold ourselves to be. Enough crap about how we are the products of our society. Dont delude yourself thinking we had no choice.
Forks, dear people, forks in our life. Always, every minute, every breath we take. A multitude of paths are available. Some dark, some light, but always there.
There was once a person I knew who said I can change the world. Where is that person now?
Me? I'll be as bad as I wanna be. Got a problem with that bub?
Playing with your minds. . . . . .
Ok, so I borrowed the line from Dennis Rodman, so sue me! Dont you get it? There is a certain mystique surrounding mischief, rebellion, going against the tide, and that sort of stuff.
For many a life carbon copied from a multitude of others is fine, dah?! Boring. But who am I to preach, right?
Individuality as we know it is slowly becoming an endangered attribute. I can't blame them, can I.
To be secure is one of the tenets of life, one so religiously pursued by many. What are we searching for, what are we striving for? Is it not life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Oops, too imperialistic, lets try it again shall we. A stable high paying job, a domicile worth calling home, good healthy food to sustain us, clothing to impress others with, an understanding & patient wife/husband/lover/whatever, well rounded kids, and finally self-esteem to feed our ego. In the end we delude ourself thinking, hey I got it all. For some perhaps, for all I fervently hope so.
How many times have we faced a fork in our life? Decisions wherein there is no turning back and might as well dictate the rest of our life. You could do this and be that or maintain the status quo. Take the plunge, I say.
Failure is not an option, or is it? Life aint easy. Failure is an option. You have to be wrong to know what is right, diba?
Many times we fail, but what matters is how we bounce back. How we recompose ourself and face the jeers of others, is it not what failure teaches us?
Strength, perseverance, passion are what counts the most.
Be that as it may, we are what we mold ourselves to be. Enough crap about how we are the products of our society. Dont delude yourself thinking we had no choice.
Forks, dear people, forks in our life. Always, every minute, every breath we take. A multitude of paths are available. Some dark, some light, but always there.
There was once a person I knew who said I can change the world. Where is that person now?
Me? I'll be as bad as I wanna be. Got a problem with that bub?
Playing with your minds. . . . . .
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Friday, January 28, 2005
Do try to track down a copy of the japanese film Battle Royale II "Requiem."
Its a story of Japan's wetdream of solving their juvenile delinquents by using them as a pseudo-strike team to take down terrorists.
See the teenyboppers moronic attempt to storm a beach and charge a fortified stronghold without any sense of tactics.
Watch as they stand and wail idiotically while waiting for their heads to be blown up.
Be prepared to writhe and squirm and your seat for an hour and a half of overacting and mindless bloodfest.
Of course their are guns galore and and mil-wear to be seen. To name a few, FAMAS, MP-5s, AK-47s, M-16A2s, JGSDF battle gear, swat getup and what not.
If you are lucky enough do try to secure a copy of Battle Royale I also. More mindless fun with angst ridden teens battling it out with whatever item they can get hold of . . . .
Its a story of Japan's wetdream of solving their juvenile delinquents by using them as a pseudo-strike team to take down terrorists.
See the teenyboppers moronic attempt to storm a beach and charge a fortified stronghold without any sense of tactics.
Watch as they stand and wail idiotically while waiting for their heads to be blown up.
Be prepared to writhe and squirm and your seat for an hour and a half of overacting and mindless bloodfest.
Of course their are guns galore and and mil-wear to be seen. To name a few, FAMAS, MP-5s, AK-47s, M-16A2s, JGSDF battle gear, swat getup and what not.
If you are lucky enough do try to secure a copy of Battle Royale I also. More mindless fun with angst ridden teens battling it out with whatever item they can get hold of . . . .
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
It's a brand new year and sadly this is my first blog entry in so many months.
I had a chance to read my past emails and pseudo-articles and I was surprised to see how angst and loneliness brings out the creativity in you.
Somehow being happy and content tends to smother this trait.
This is not to say that I regret my situation right now, but I do miss lashing out with raw emotions and just letting it all out.
The passion is still there but got kinda lost or is it perhaps diverted to someone else whom I dearly love?
Niways, I do hope to get back the same zeal as before but without losing Ching.
Trala . . . . .
I had a chance to read my past emails and pseudo-articles and I was surprised to see how angst and loneliness brings out the creativity in you.
Somehow being happy and content tends to smother this trait.
This is not to say that I regret my situation right now, but I do miss lashing out with raw emotions and just letting it all out.
The passion is still there but got kinda lost or is it perhaps diverted to someone else whom I dearly love?
Niways, I do hope to get back the same zeal as before but without losing Ching.
Trala . . . . .
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