End It Here

Year 2009 wasn't that good for me. I wish 2010 is a much better year. Let me move forward with lesser bumps ahead.

supPRESSed Freedom

It was in the news that the greatest number of journalists killed in a single event in the Philippines was in the Ampatuan massacre. Allegedly 34 journalists were found dead in the scene. And this attack is a serious attempt to suppress press freedom. To gag the press is to hide the truth from the public. To shackle the media is to live in lies. To kill mediamen is to slay fair play.

One of the protected rights in our Bill of Rights is the freedom of the press. But it seems that whenever powerful names and organizations are involved in heinous crimes, perpetrators resort to journalist slaying. What a brutal way to take the lives of journalists with no guns and ammunition to protect themselves while doing their duty and seeking the truth. What a devastating act to kill innocent people.

I am one with the print and broadcast media in condemning this terrifying mass slaying. I am one with the friends and relatives of all the victims in shouting for JUSTICE.

The President Runs for Congress

What an awkward situation we have here. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) is running to seek seat in Congress. Yeah, I find it very unusual. Is she running away from something? Is she overwhelmed by power and cannot have enough of it? What would make a President -the Chief Executive, the Commander-in-Chief, the highest ranking government official- decide to run for a lower office?

Public service knows no position. You can serve with or without goverment post. After GMA served as Vice President, Acting President and followed by being elected as President, are those positions not enough to satisfy her hunger for power? Can she not be content with those to still cling onto a lower post?

Sure, she cannot run for the Presidency post because it is not allowed by the Constitution. Instead of taking a rest away from the crazy world of politics, GMA opted to take her chance to grab a Congressional seat. Why can't she give chance to deserving candidates? Being a Congresswoman won't save her from corruption raps but it will give her immunity from libel or slander suits in a speech uttered while the Congress is in session. But I think it is not the only reason why she is still running...

Hayden Without His License

It's official. Hayden Kho's license to practice medicine was already revoked by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Kho was a licensed cosmetic surgeon. But with the world wide web sneaking into his sex video scandals, he was found guilty of committing immorality, dishonorable and unethical conduct because said videos were taken without the consent of the featured women. The videos were also dispersed like wildfire. In an interview, Katrina Halili, one of his 'victims,' said she is happy with the resolution of the commission to revoke Kho's license.

As what I have said in my previous post, Kho is guilty but give him the appropriate punishment. And the revocation of his license is just but reasonable. At any rate, it is not only Kho who needs to learn from those scandals but also the women who were with him in said private moments. The experience must also serve a lesson to those who are engaged in said scandals. Think of the consequences after the heat is gone.

CNN Hero of the Year is a Pinoy

After Manny Pacquiao's 7 world title win comes another worth celebrating pinoy victory. Another first for pinoys...

Efren Peñaflorida, which I featured in this blog early this month, bested 9 other contenders from various countries. The pinoy who is famed for his 'Kariton Klassroom' was awarded the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. This is the first time that a pinoy was chosen to be the ultimate hero of the year by the respected network. The award was presented to him by Hollywood star Eva Mendes at the Kodak Theatre last Saturday night. He was selected after getting the highest number of online votes. According to CNN, more than 2.75 million votes were cast for 7 weeks.

Bloody Maguindanao Massacre

"We want justice." That was the clamor of the kin of Maguindanao massacre victims.

Blood poured down in the carnage in Maguindanao, one of the election hot spots in Mindanao. The Ampatuan massacre was allegedly plotted by the Mangudadatu clan. The victims who are relatives of Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town, are about to file a certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor when the ill-fated crime happened. Those killed in the savage included Mangudadatu's wife, his 2 sisters, lawyers, and supporters. Motorists who were mistakenly identified as part of the convoy were also killed. Also included in the list of victims are 34 journalists.

Mangudadatu was challenging Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr., son of the incumbent governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr., in the 2010 gubernatorial election. That was one of the serious angles being looked into by the authorities.

The political unrest and potential violence are making the residents tremble. And we cannot deny the fact that the whole nation is affected. It was barbaric and brutal. And the clamor for justice reverberates. May the scales of justice be tilted in favor of the victims. May we see that justice is done.

New Moon

I love the Twilight movie. And I really look forward to watching the rest of the twilight series. The saga continues, now its New Moon's turn. The movie deserves to be seen on the big screen. So that's exactly what I did this afternoon.

Fantasy, that is. Certainly, there are no vampires. No werewolves chasing vampires. Nothing. But one thing about New Moon is that it will make you willing to drift into a world of illusion and believe for a moment that they do exist. I believe that the best story a storyteller can tell involves a conflict of man versus himself. And New Moon is full of this. It may be having conflicts against man and nature. But the most captivating are the conflicts within the characters. Those reasons make New Moon adorable.

I couldn't think of any negative thing to write about the movie. The Bella and Edward love story is made more interesting with the revelation of Jacob's true self. The werewolf who loves the girl who loves his enemy - a vampire.

From the story, cinematography, production value, to the actors - hats off. Magnifico.

Paquiao Makes History

An eventful Sunday. T'was yesterday. Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao made us proud once again by bagging his 7th division championship against Puerto Rico's pride Miguel Cotto in the Firepower fight. His undisputed strength and speed paved the way for his legendary 7 world titles. In the middle of the 12th round, TKO was declared. It pushed him to a boxing pedestal no one has ever reigned before. With his jabs, fake jabs, hooks and combinations, Pacquiao is no doubt a born winner.

Pinoy CNN Hero

CNN Heroes. They are ordinary people with extraordinary impact. And one of them is a pinoy named Efren Peñaflorida. Through pushcart classes, he gave an alternative to gang membership.

His story reads:

Efren Peñaflorida gives Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. His Dynamic Teen Company's 10,000 members have taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 kids living in the slums.

And he needs our vote to make it to the top. You can vote as many as you can. Click here to vote.

After the Storm Comes the Lull

As we know, after the storm comes the lull. Now here it is. Boring me. But this is not just silence. It's the deafening type. I felt that I lost my track and is nowhere to go. I certainly have goals for myself but the track is blurry. I should make my own trails. That is the difficult part. I need guidance still.

Fire and Ice

Aside from The Road Not Taken, another good poem from Robert Frost is Fire and Ice.

Fire and Ice
by Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

It mentions two causes of destruction - fire and ice. It means the world may perish in war, with all the bombings and conflicts. And it may also end in coldness when there is no longer love in the heart of humanity. When the heart becomes frigid, it will be death for the whole world.

With storms plaguing the Philippines, still, they won't destroy us. But it is only true if there are still people who will lend a helping hand. With hearts full of benevolence, life will continue.

It's Over

image from eyefetch.com

It's OVER. Finally. Whew!

After all the hardships, it is over. I'm a bit disappointed but somewhat relieved. Disappointed because I did not finish LEPE and I don't know if my answers are tenable.

With the 2 Examiner Rule first imposed this year, I felt that I took 2 Bar exams all at the same time. I really hope that the examiners will be more lenient considering the time allotted vis-a-vis the difficulty of the questions and the length of the exams. The aim of the rule is to expedite checking. However, how could it serve the purpose when Part I is equivalent to 1 bar exam and Part II for another? I knew it's going to be hard. Not that hard though.

Nonetheless, I also felt relieved. After 4 crazy Sundays plus the terrible flooding of Ondoy which caused the postponement of the exam on Sept. 27, Bar is finally over. The momentum to study hard is lost after the storm. But then again I'm relieved because I need not read notes. I can already enjoy a good night sleep, watch movies that I missed, and enjoy a calm psyche. Now I'm back to my old world away from complicated laws and cases. But not for long. Still, thank God Bar's over!

Hanging By AThread

>>>Hangin' by a thread<<<

That's how I felt after yesterday's Bar. I thought it would be relieving because it will be the end of our agony as barristers. The end is last in execution but first in intention. But it was not as good as expected...

Remedial

Remedial Law, bearing the greatest percentage in the Bar (20%), was another arduous exam for all of us. The length of the exam was shocking as ever. One subquestion with 2% needs 3 answers. How could that be? The questions are reasonable. But the length of the exam isn't.


LEPE

I expected the morning subject would knock me out of contention. But there comes the much lengthy Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises (LEPE) in the afternoon. With 4 legal forms, lawyer's oath, and numerous case problems, my writing hand is cramped.

Writing marathon at its best. I was really disappointed because I wasn't able to finish LEPE . Time's up. Please rise. Those were the words of the headwatcher and she said it while I'm just about to draft the last legal form - an information. I couldn't help it.

"Di ko natapos," I told myself. But I think it was uttered loud enough for my seatmate to hear. With a disgruntled face, he said: "Ano di mo natapos. Bakit? Maikli lang ang information ba't di mo tinapos?" He was also my seatmate on the first exam so we're a bit closer when last Sunday came. Of course, I wanted to finish the exam but I mismanaged my time. It was really too long and I know he knows it. But what he said made me worry much.

Ondoy's Wrath Flooded The City

The city was flooded, blame it on Ondoy. I personally experienced the wrath of the typhoon when early Saturday morning I decided to take a walk to unwind. No storm forecast then. The notes I 'm reading are confusing me so I said to myself I need a break. So I went. I never expected leisure would make me walk on flooded streets. No mode of transportation is available other than a pedicab. So I rode twice on a pedicab to go back to España. But when I arrived there, the scenario's worse. I have to walk. It was flooded. It was hard to walk but I have to. I see light vehicles float. I see trash scattered all over. But I have to walk through to return to the dorm. Wet and chilling, I regret going out on a stormy day. I don't even know if I have to rejoice because the Bar is postponed. I'm not supposed to be happy when another strong storm is expected.

Lost in the Bar

Just one word to describe the third Sunday. I was...

>>>Lost<<<

I was lost in mercantile law. The subject may be as broad as civil law. But it is in mercantile that I was led astray. I forgot my jacket in my room and I have no time to go back to the 29th floor to get it. By the time I got hold of it, the gates of La Salle would be closed. So that made me lost and chilling all throughout the exam in room 401.

Mercantile

Denicola Test. Never heard it before. Howey Test. Another alien term. Those were the problems that made me decide to transfer to part II with the hope that questions there would be a bit easier. Unfortunately, my eyes were glued to the the last page of the questionnaire which asks for a discussion of margin trading rule. Just how sadistic examiners could be. I could bear it no more.

Our professors in the review class told us that if we do good in the 3 fundamental subjects of mercantile - corporation law, insurance, and negotiable instruments law, we will surely pass the subject. The reason is that most questions are taken from those laws. That fact was based on previous bar exams. Too bad many questions were taken from Securities Regulation Code (SRC) and other special laws. Truth be told, I did not study much in SRC. In fact, I only zeroed in on transfer jurisdiction of SEC to regular courts. The good justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura could be making a new trend and I'm afraid it will be at our expense.

Crim

Compared to mercantile, criminal law (crim) is fair but just as long as the rest of the subjects. The chain of custody and the criminal liability of each party to the case are few of the questions that require lengthy answers. But I liked crim better.

A Taxing Bar

Second Sunday's over. But I am still here feeling down.

What went wrong?

>>>Sleepless<<<

I reviewed until midnight the night before the exam. But when my roommate woke up at 2 am, I did not know that lights would wake me as well. So I was basically sleepless on the day of the exam. With just 2 hours of sleep, I felt I was floating. And my head was terribly aching. But I have to take the exam no matter what I am feeling that day. So I proceeded to room 403.

Civil

Based on my self-assessment, I'm ready for the Civil Law exam. Of all the subjects in the Bar, I think Civil is where I am strongest. But when I read the problems, conflicting answers flashed in my mind. At that moment, I no longer know how to harmonize them. I was confused with the prevailing doctrines and all I could do is just make a stand. Whether it was a yes or a no, I have to make a stand and support it. Regret will come later. It was at this point when I felt all hope is gone. But I finished the exam at 11:45 am to reserve energy for my weakest subject - taxation.

Tax

In the afternoon, I felt the effect of my lack of sleep. In fact, I took a nap in the classroom before the exam. I also took a nap at the beginning of the exam. Good thing I did not wake up at 5 pm or else I will be offering a clean and empty booklet. It was maybe because of this that I got a 'well behave and good luck to you' remark on my permit. The watchers may be unaware of my slumber and they construed it as part of my contemplation. I did not know how I answered tax. All I know is the heavy feeling in my eyelids; they are drooping.

While in the hotel with my fellow barristers, I realized that tax was more tolerable than civil. Tax is hard for me. Matter of fact, it is first on the list of subjects that could give me a disqualification grade (DQ). But how come I fared horrible in civil more than tax? It was the opposite of what I expected.

Fifty percent of the battle is fought and I am losing positivism. My hope is turning to despair. My chance is going to the negative. I gave myself 50% in civil and 50% in tax - my worst performance. But I am still hoping I won't get a DQ. Last night after the exam, I called my parents to tell them how I fared. I told them I might not pass this Bar. So sad.

The Taste of the Bar

Mixed emotions.That's what I felt yesterday while taking the first 2 subjects of the Bar.

AQ barrister's headquarter was near La Salle. We were billeted at EGI Tower for convenience. I woke up at 5 am before the wake up call. I ate heavy breakfast, took warm shower, and fix myself to face one great challenge of my life...

At 6:30 am, the line along Taft Ave. was too long, a bit infuriating. However, we have to fall in line for some SOP to enter La Salle. When I arrived at room 404, Yuchengco Bldg., most of my roomates were already there busy scanning their notes. Once inside, I read my notes as well. At 7:45 am, all things were brought in front of the room. Only pens and light snacks were allowed to stay with the barristers.

>>>Anxious<<<

From 7:45 to 8 am, it felt eternity. All you hear is nothing but silence. The absence of sound got me anxious. And that's the only part where I felt that. I remembered my professor saying "Never entertain premature fears." So I closed my eyes to relax. Close and open my hand to prepare for a writing marathon. Then uttered a short prayer. Then the first bell...

Envelopes bearing our name, school, thumb mark, and signature were already sealed. Then the second bell...

Pages turning, brains spinning... Sure, the battle has started...

Poli

The first part of the Political Law (Poli) exam was tenable. It was pretty reasonable. Until I got to part II. Public International Law is supposed to get the least number of questions in Poli. But that was not the case in our Bar. I want to cuss. I want to stop writing. But I just can't. Sigh.

I studied hard for Poli. I know I did. But I did not concentrate much on the answers for part II of the exam. I thought the questions having them as subject won't be extensive. Unfortunately, they were. So many twists. So many traps. So confusing. So many questions. So cruel.

It was also in Poli when I have to erase a page in my booklet by making a vertical line at the center. I have answered the last number but I noticed that subquestions b and c of the penultimate number were left unanswered.

Poli exam was way too loooooooong. In fact, after finishing it I felt I took 2 bar exams for Poli. I do mock bar to prepare but I did not encounter a single exam as long as that. There were cases where I answered one or two sentences just to make a good pace. I did not follow the 3-paragraph rule nor the 'Koko Pimentel formula.' There was certainly no time for that. The bell rang. And I'm freakin' hungry. I have to eat chocolates on my way to the hotel to ease the burning sensation in my tummy. I was so down but I don't want to lose hope.

Labor

After taking my lunch. I get some rest then returned to my exam room. I scanned my reviewer. The dogeared page was about wage distortion. I started reading it. I opened my bag to return the reviewer and found my codal for Consti. It was not supposed to be there. The exam for Consti is through. But for the heck of it, I opened it to Sec. 3, Art. XIII about labor. To my surprise, wage distortion as well as the rights of employer and employee were asked in the labor exam. I call it Divine intervention.

One problem that I encountered in Labor involves mnemonics. In sexual harassment, my memory aid was i-h-o (intimidating, hostile and offensive). I forgot the i. When I scanned my booklet, only i was written there. I cannot recall the word so I thought of a negative word starting in i (I know it was not the word intimidating that I wrote). It was funny but I need my last resort. I hope the examiner won't see the disparity though.

Labor law was as long as Poli, more or less. But the latter was only answerable in 3 hrs. If Poli with 4 hrs. was too long. How would you react to the labor exam?

First Sunday's done, nonetheless. I'm pretty worried with my performance in Poli.

This Is It

It's my birthday. But it's just another ordinary day with the extraordinary pressure of the upcoming Bar. Who would be taking this year's bar exam? So easy to tell. Look at the papers. The names are all over the spreadsheet.

Early this morning after I attended the mass here at the dorm to give thanks for another year of life, I was not as anxious as I was after I read today's papers. Sure, if it's already my birthday, it means it would just be 2 days before the big day. So I think this is it. No turning back. Just breathe in. Breath out. Whew!

Before the filing of our petition, the Bar Confidant said approximately 7,000 barristers are expected to take the exam. And one problem that may arise is the venue. La Salle cannot accommodate 7,000 barristers. And the remedy would be to hold the exam at the Mall of Asia (MOA). Holy smoke! MOA???!!! No way!

Good thing there's a decline of barristers. Some say the reason for the decline is our Chairman Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura. They said he is very strict and meticulous. In our review class, every time we ask if the justice is nice, they would just say - He might have changed. He is old. He also belongs to the academe. This fact sends us creeps as regards the chosen examiners. They could also be from the academe. They could also be the cream of the crop. And that means disaster.

We are 6,080. A bit lesser than last year's number. And only 1/3 of it or perhaps lesser is expected to pass. I will just keep my fingers crossed.

Thoughtless Extravagance of a President

Just how extravagant is our President?

The President and her entourage spent $20,000 for their dinner at Le Cirque, a French restaurant in New York. That's approximately P1 million! And it was spent in a not-that-important dinner.

At Bobby Van’s Steakhouse in Washington, D.C., they paid $15,000. That's about P700,000!

So for a not-so important but lavish dinner she spent $20,000 and for another meal $15,000, while most Filipinos are hungry and have no food on their table.

After days of criticism, a legislator declare to be true that he is the one who financed the extravagant dinner. But I think nobody believed him.

But that is not the end of the line...

The President also spent P2.1 billion for the past 5 years in her trips abroad. Yes, billions are taken from the nation's coffers to sustain thoughtless extravagance of government officials. The amount could have been spent on creating jobs, education, health care, and other salient issues of our country.

Cory's Legacy

Early this morning I received this SMS from a friend. And I want to share it with you.

The only person in world history who became a President by fate and not by ambition...
The only speaker who has the longest standing ovation in US Congress...
The only woman who led her people to win a revolution with nothing but faith in God...

President Corazon 'Cory' Cojuangco Aquino

The mother of democracy.
The light of our nation.
And her legacy lives on forever.

To the powerful icon who shaped Philippine democracy,
To the pious woman who will be buried today,
May your soul rest in eternal peace.

Propofol: Jacko's Milk or Death Potion?

The demise of the legendary pop icon Michael Jackson made me stiff for minutes. He was loved by many. Matter of fact, he was a personal favorite. He was unique. He was very talented. He was full of surprises. He was an eccentric artist who values his privacy. He has contributed much to the entertainment industry but he still has surprises to make. The industry must've been so sad to lose someone like him.

I learned from the news that his death might be caused by the powerful anesthetic called propofol. He was addicted to it that he called it his 'milk'. He might not have the slightest idea that his 'milk' would someday become his 'death potion'. Doctors say propofol is certainly dangerous enough to cause death if improperly used.

The one who administered the sedative was his doctor - Conrad Murray. A case was earlier filed against him. If it is shown by evidence that Murray is guilty, justice should be served. Physicians' malpractice and negligence are highly reprehensible. One who is entrusted with life is expected to exercise the highest degree of care.

AH1N1 Now A Pandemic

Yes, AH1N1 is contagious and is spreading from one person to another. Matter of fact, it has become a pandemic here in RP. When we go to school for our review class, we have our temperature checked at the entrance. When they find out that we have a fever, they won't let us in. So inside the school, it is safe. It becomes scary when we go out and become more exposed to the virus. So what are the symptoms of swine flu?

Symptoms:

• fever
• cough and runny nose
• nausea
  
• body aches
• vomiting
• diarrhea
  

It is advised that a person suffering from any of the symptoms should contact his health care provider. Early detection of the virus is easier to cure. At this point in time, there is no vaccine available. Therefore, it is important to know the precautionary measures to avoid it.

Precautionary Measures:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue after using it.
• Wash your hands often. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay at home.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  

It is pretty difficult to be sick while you are busy reviewing. Time is of the essence. Certainly, there is no time to get sick. With the AH1N1 outbreak, I become an instant Ascorbic Acid fanatic. No choice. I have to strengthen my immune system. Vit. C has become a constant companion for my Ponstan or Dolfenal.

Just When I Thought

Just when I thought I knew the person all along - I was wrong.
Just when I thought I knew what was forthcoming - I thought wrong.

Some things aren't lasting. Some things aren't true. Just because I thought it wasn't gonna happen doesn't mean it really won't. Surprises have their way of making me startle for the longest time. And it's no easy surprise because it involves you.

Vanessa is the New Nicole?

The new buzz these days is all about Vanessa made more popular by Nicole's rape case. What is she saying?

PDI reports:

On April 18, Vanessa said she was at a bar when she received a text message from Jones. He joined her there with three other women. Jones invited her to a Makati hotel and told her that the friends they were with a few nights before would be joining them. They chatted for a while.

When Vanessa made a move to leave, saying his girlfriend might not like it if she sees her there, Jones got mad and slapped her on the face. She said he threw her on the bed and raped her. He held her neck while he repeatedly slapped her, she said.

Vanessa said she was only able to leave after she threatened to “break the television with the remote control.”

I am compassionate to the rape victims. But not to liars. What frightens me now is the fact that just anybody can accuse you of anything especially a heinous crime and make a statement to the media but without the intention of filing a case. How come she's not interested in obtaining justice? If all she wants is personal healing, does she consider it healing to wash her dirty linen in public? Just how believable is her recount?

Vanessa said she was only able to leave after she threatened to “break the television with the remote control.” I personally don't believe the threat is viable to a beast with the intention to ravish you. He certainly won't care even when a dozen televisions are broken.

Neither do I believe that Lance Corporal Daniel Smith's acquittal discourages victims from filing rape raps. What it discourages is the filing of malicious rape cases to tarnish a person's credibility.

I want to commend Associate Justice Monina Arevalo-Zenarosa of the CA’s special 11th division for drafting one sensible ponencia acquitting Smith:

“What we see was the unfolding of a spontaneous, unplanned romantic episode with both parties carried away by their passions and stirred up by the urgency of the moment caused probably by alcoholic drinks they took...”

Hayden: Culprit And Victim

(photo courtesy of celebrityhotshotph.com)

As I see it, Hayden Kho is a culprit and a victim all at the same time.

Yes it's true that he has committed a repulsive act by taking videos of his sexual encounter with Katrina Halili without the latter's consent. A private act should be kept private. But that's not what happened in their controversy. The video was disseminated by a third party. And to their dismay, it was all over the net. There's no way of suppressing the effect. Verily shameful.

Yes, He recorded it. And he must be punished for that. Cancel his license? It is but fair to do iust that. Send him to jail? Go ahead, he violated Katrina's rights. That's what justice demands.

But give him the appropriate punishment. As I observed, too many people are giving him prejudicial treatment. The shame campaign is not called for. In fact, it's worse than destierro. Humiliate him to the bones is too much a penalty.

Do we do that to rapists? Do we do that to felons who have committed heinous crimes? Do we do that to corrupt political cohorts? Certainly not.

Justice must be served. But there is no justice when it is beyond the penalty called for. It becomes unjustified to the other party. Politicians should stop meddling in the issue to get favorable publicity and not really to aid legislation. Some politicians want to come clean. It is as if they do no wrong. Come to think of it, they've done worse before. Think in pari delicto.People should also react to the issue with a rational mind. Trial by publicity is really a devastating thing.

I Love Her

Mother's love is truly immeasurable. Since today is your day, mama, I would like to express my warmest gratitude to everything that you've done me. I have kept my mum these past few years but I know how much you are cared and loved by us, your kids. Thank you so much for teaching us how to love and to live. Thank you for your endless guidance. Thank you for everything, mama.

The words you used to say, I say them now. The faith you have, I imbibe it now. I am part of you. You are part of me. And I want you to know that my life will never be the same again if I don't have you around.

I love you with a love no amount of words can quantify. I hope I am showing how much each day of my life. I thank God for giving me one of the most wonderful mothers on earth. God bless you, mama. We love you.

The Hitman Was Hit Pretty Hard

Left hook to the jaw. That was Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's million-dollar KO punch.

And that was the last thing Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton remembered before he fell sound asleep inside the ring. I expect this bout to be much interesting than other fights. And it was exciting indeed. But too short to be so exciting. I thought it was a better fight. But I was wrong.

Nonetheless, that fight inked Manny's solid career as world's legendary boxer. Undeniably, he deserves the title and Filipinos have some reason to be jubilant about it.

Somebody's Me

Somebody's Me by Enrique Iglesias

If only I could tell you something through a song, this will be it...Listen closely.

Face Of Fear

(photo courtesy of worth1000.com)

There are things in life we don’t like having yet we have them in our being. One of these is FEAR. Fear to try new things, fear to fail, fear of losing someone, fear to speak in front of a crowd, and a lot more fears.

Fear, undesirable as it is, is very real. And I wonder, if it has a face how would it look like? I guess it is a dreadful monster with a face grim and ruthless; otherwise, it will not make a man’s knees tremble and heartbeat wild to blow him out of proportion – suppressing his courage and losing his hope.

One night, I happened to read a quote that says: “The greatest regrets of man are caused by failure to try.” It struck me and sent me to deep contemplation. Evaluating and scrutinizing my life, I asked…

How many times did I waste opportunities?
How many times did I hinder myself to grow?
How many times did I become a coward?
How many times did I create my own ghosts?

And I found out – MANY TIMES.

It reminded me of what Shakespeare said in his Measure for Measure, “Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." Then I recalled what Hon. Juan Miguel Zubiri said during his visit here: “In order to succeed, we must have the 3 G’s. Grades, grassroots, and guts.” Guts? – Yes, a vital quality to succeed. If we are enslaved by our doubts and fears, our abilities and potentials will just turn out to be futile.

There are zones within us. According to Sean Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, we have comfort and courage zones. Comfort zones involve the things that are familiar to us. The things that are safe and risk-free. On the other hand, when we tend to do things that are dangerous, risky, unusual, and hard for us to do, we are entering the confines of the courage zone. We cannot avoid pressure, uncertainty, reform, and the possibility of failure within this boundary but it is only here that we can grow and achieve our full potentials unlike in the comfort zone.

So next time you want to:
1. do something different;
2. gain new friends;
3. audition for a play;
4. join a prestigious contest;
5. break a habit;
6. speak before a large audience;
7. pursue your dreamgirl/boy;

forget about your doubts and fears. Don’t mind the whispers “You will never make it” or “You’ll fail” that reverberate within you.

Don’t let fears make decisions, make them. Face your fears!


[I wrote this back in college for our publication. In times when I need considerable courage, I remember this. Today, I take one step toward my courage zone.]

Siete Palabras

Lent. One of the ecclesiastical seasons when I feel that my soul is full not hungry. With the words of my Redeemer, my soul escapes famine. With His death on the pulpit of the cross, I live. Saying forever grateful for your unconditional love, we commemorate your triumph and never fading words...

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

It was uttered as the Cross shook in its socket and as the heads of scoffers shook in derision and disbelief. These words are plaintively spoken as blasphemies, ridicule and worse were shouted at the Savior. These words were murmured as the sea of humanity beneath the cross roared its defiance, its hatred for the Lamb of God. He Who is all good had been accused of all things bad. They tortured Him with their mockery, their ridicule, their scoffing. In spite of this storm of calumny, he said those compassionate words.

Christ taught us to pray:…Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

To love when we are loved is easy; to love when we meet no opposition is acceptable. But to love when we are hated and to love those who hate us, ah, that is Christian!

This day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.

Christ heard those terrible oaths from the sodden mouths of inveterate criminals who had been guilty of heinous crime and who were being crucified.

Beside him were thieves. Both of them were begging for life. One wanted to hold onto his life on earth. A life that is sinful and temporary. The other begged for eternal life. Endless and blissful.

Christ listened. He was silent. It was the silence that concealed the violent rumbling of His grace. And from His Sacred Heart flowed a stream of grace that touched one of the thieves at His side. From his lips came those words, begging, pleading: “Lord, remember me when Thou shalt come into Thy kingdom.

Christ gave His reply instantly. The words were so sure, so consoling. “This day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. It was a promise made to a thief. It was a pledge to a robber on the brink of eternal damnation. And his sins matter no more. He was safe with God.

Woman, behold thy son.

This was the hour of His all-giving; to us He would give even His most precious possession – His Blessed Mother. Addressing her, and indicating the apostle St. John, He said, “Woman, behold thy son.” Then to John He said, “Behold thy Mother.”

In John we are all represented; it is to each of us that Jesus says, “Behold thy mother.” From the cross He announces that she is to be the Mother of all men. He entrusted to Mary this new motherhood which she is prepared by suffering and love: “Be it done unto me according to Thy word.”

Calling Mary woman is not a degradation but to give dignity to women. In a milieu where women and children are treated second-class citizens, therefore not counted in assemblies, Christ addresses His mother and entrusted to her a new motherhood.

My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?

There must be a shameful cross on which the spotless Son of God should hang as a criminal, and worse than a criminal. His hands and feet should be pierced with large nails, His sole support as He was hanging from the Cross. His head would be pierced by a crushing crown of thorns; every sense would suffer, His ears from blasphemy, His tongue from thirst. It was a terrible picture which our imaginations are feeble to depict.

The physical torture was excessive. The depths of the pain cannot be appreciated. His human nature cried “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

I thirst.

He thirsts. He suffers physical thirst and more deeply, the thirst of soul. He shall save His people from their sins. That is the reason of the bloody scene on the Hill of Skulls. Since the sin of the first man, the whole human race has been caught and held in the slavery of sin. And no mere man could pay the price. The solution rested only with God.

He was wounded for our iniquities. He was bruised for our sins; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His bruises we are healed, by His death we lived. We are thirsty and only He can quench our thirst. He quenched it.

But He is also thirsty. He thirst our repentance. He thirst our love.

It is finished.

It is all a deep mystery of love that Christ should suffer so acutely, so bitterly, so excruciatingly. Christ’s mission had been successful, that the plan had been accomplished, that Christ’s advent to this world had reached its last chapter. His work was finished. He was ready to die. The task of redemption was completed.

Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit.

Those were the last words to escape from the parched and bleeding lips of the Savior. His first thought was of His heavenly Father, His last gasp would be a prayer to His Father above. He had appeared on earth as man which He was; but so many had missed the more important fact that He was also God. It is this factor that explains all, that gives the solution to all.

He said He is God. He proved it. He is God for all eternity. That is the wonderful mystery of redemption.


[Inspired by today’s Siete Palabras]

You Call It Satire, I Call It Rubbish

One 'satire' (as they call it) has of late become a hot subject in the blogosphere especially here in RP. The uproar is with regard to Chip Tsao's 'rubbish' (as I call it) article. Chip Tsao is a former reporter for the BBC, his articles have also appeared in Apple Daily, Next Magazine, and CUP Magazine, among others.

Referring to the Philippines and its inhabitants, he wrote:

As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.

Given is the fact that satire is the use of ridicule or scorn, often in a humorous or witty way, to expose vices and follies.

But...

Do you find his article funny? -I don't. As a Filipino, I felt demeaned and berated instead.
Do you find it witty? -Rather crazy.
Is being a househelper/domestic helper a vice or a folly? -Definitely not.
So how come they have the nerve to call it satire?

As far as I know, journalists aren't supposed to write stupidly or rashly. They are persons who are expected to exercise fair play as opposed to foul play. But this HK writer is going beyond the limits set forth by journalism code of conduct.

Yes, there is a multitude of domestic helpers in HK but they are working hard to earn the penny that's all in the day's work. But that doesn't make RP a nation of servants. For all we know, RP is a nation of hardworking and well-rounded individuals who are capable of making a living in various dignified work. Verily, we blend like chameleons.

If I am to ask: Is Chip Tsao fulfilled as a 'responsible' journalist by debasing a nation? Or by degrading a househelper who takes care of his daily needs?

Lights Off On Earth Hour

Six days past Earth Day but we still got 1 big event to participate in...At 8:30 tonight, be one with the world in saving Mother Earth. How? Just by shutting the lights for an hour. Save energy. Save the planet.

How do you spend 60 minutes of darkness and silence? It's up to you. The key is to be creative. Anyway, this one's for a cause. And the cause is really good for the entire planet.

Let's fight global warming.

Another Inspiration

What would you feel if you were born with no arms?

Maybe you'll be devastated. Maybe you'll feel pathetic. Maybe your inferiority complex will soar like a rocket.

But not with this girl...

Meet Jessica Cox.

She's a ballerina, a double black belt, and a licensed PILOT!

The Fil-Am pilot is really an inspiration not only for people born with disability but for everyone who lacks self-esteem and confidence. People should focus on what they have rather than sulk in bitterness for something they don't have.

HALT Tuberculosis

WHO headline reads:

World Tuberculosis Day, held annually on 24 March, commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch presented his discovery of the TB bacillus to a group of doctors in Berlin. This year, World TB Day will focus on the efforts of frontline TB care providers and their crucial role in stopping TB.

Wegambians provides some in-depth info...

When TB multiplies enough and flares up in a patient, 75% of the cases are of a pulmonary (lung related) nature. Symptoms vary from constant chest pain to a persistent cough for over 3 weeks sometimes including blood, also swollen eyes, fevers, night sweats, chills, weight loss, and the ability to get fatigued easily.

Gone are the days when tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacilli) multiply by 1 infection per second. But it is undeniable that million lives are still at stake without a better cure.

According to statistics, 1.5 million people die of TB each year. Today, World TB Day, volunteers and other medical organizations strive to lessen, if not eliminate the disease by making the public knowledgeable about the epidemic as well as its prevention.

My Latest Tests

Another set of personality tests to assuage the so-so afternoon...

My recipe...

My sandwich cookie...

My love element...

My kiss...

Note: Visit blogthings.com

Rappin' Up To His Master

Francis "Master Rapper" Magalona was more than just an influential artist and entrepreneur. He was a moving inspiration to the youth and the Filipinos in general. His contribution was more than just Mga Kababayan Ko (a Heber Bartolome original), Cold Summer Nights, and Kaleidoscope World. His legacy is how he lived his life.

His Eat Bulaga family used to call him wordsmith. With his sensible lyrics and lively rap music, Kiko delivered the timely message of patriotism and love. One love. One blood. One nation.

What I will never forget about him are his profound words. He used his words as a tool to enlighten people. He once said: "Imbes na manira, gumawa. Imbes na magsawa, magsimula." A man with the wisdom and character as his will truly be admired.

Kiko, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Paalam.

Pig Depopulation In Bulacan

Just when I thought everything was under control, I was wrong. Just a number of days from the day I learned that Philippines is ebola-reston-free, another news about the worsening outbreak shocked me. The media reported that 2 individuals were positive for the ebola-reston antibodies. To make the long story short, here comes the culling of 16,000 hogs which necessitates P16-17 million budget. Holy smoke!

Another downside is the closure of the affected piggeries in Pandi, Bulacan. So a good number of piggeries will add up the burgeoning individuals deemed laid off. And we are just consoled by the fact that the virus is now under control (in the truest sense of the word).

I really hope the crisis will end soon.

Ashes To Ashes, Dust To Dust

"From dust you came, to dust you will return."


That's the essence of Ash Wednesday. It's reminding people that life here on earth is not permanent. Soon this will come to an end. We are made from dust and we will return to that form in God's perfect time. At the end of it all, what is really important is not what we are but who we are.

Ash Wednesday also reminds us that Jesus changed the symbol of the cross from disgrace to grace. Before, the cross is revered as the symbol of punishment and shame. With Jesus' death, it became a symbol of salvation.

Making Memories Of Us

The first time I get the chance to listen to this song, I remember you. I want you to know that your memories are well taken care of. Happy Hearts Day!

Toying With Food

(photo from colefaxchocolates.com.au)

Toying with food is a big no-no. But exploring the culinary world has given that bad habit a positive new light. Not that they wanted people to waste food. Rather, they wanted them to enjoy food better than they used to.

According to some contemporary psychologists, playing with food can help cure food phobias and help fussy eaters. As such, food designers are bringing a third dimension to the table...

It's putting creativity to work luring the eyes not just the taste buds. Real-size white chocolate stiletto with a marzipan heel, chocolate suppositories, solid silver lipstick case containing Lolita-red strawberry chocolate, green eggs filled with mango mush and coconut milk, chocolate-filled syringes, and a lot more. All tempting and edible.

Hmm. Looks good. Tastes even better.

Meet The Mother of All Snakes

(photo courtesy of LA Times)

At 2,500 pounds and as long as a school bus, Titanoboa could swallow crocodiles. It lived after dinosaurs died out, and changes scientists' ideas about 'how big a snake can be.'

Have you seen a snake? Maybe yes, maybe no. But I'm sure you haven't seen a 43-foot and 2,500-pound behemoth. A fossil of the gigantic snake was recently found in Columbia. Imagine the super-snake's appetite. Imagine how it went wild and wilder. Gross!

Moral Insanity

Round and round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows…

Yeah, world keeps turning, people keep evolving. Bad thing about evolution is that it corrupts morals inch by inch. Moral insanity that is. High-end gadgets – mobile phones, movie players, computers, and other techie things – make it easy for just about anybody to mar a well-cherished reputation or put a stain to life. When I get to contemplate things, I really appreciate those times when morality was likened to a precious gem. Nowadays, it can be likened to nothing but a tin in a bin.

One obscene or vicious movie can give you a juvie rapist or murderer. Emails can poison the soul. Idiot box can persuade people to think it is okay to swap spouses. SMS can lead to betrayal. True, technology gives us more opportunity to sin, way easier for that matter. I wish I can say ‘nothing further’. Wondering far and wide, I wish every kid good foundation so they can take pleasure in technology without having their morals corrupted. Parents, be a good example to your kids. It pays off. You know for sure that it takes a lifetime to build reputation and seconds to ruin it.

Worm Wriggles Into Cyberspace

Conficker a.k.a. Downadup wriggles into cyberspace to infect millions of computers worldwide. The malware (malicious software) is exponentially multiplying at the rate of 1 million a day, making it the biggest virus by far.

What's troubling about the virus is that it triggers password cracking. Yes, it hacks passwords!

To circumvent this, experts advise mixing numbers, punctuation marks, and uppercase letters in creating passwords. So what do we do?

Get a piece of paper. Do some scribbling. Conficker can't hack the passwords on your paper. Neither can it hack the tough password combi in your computer.

Obama Takes His Oath

Amidst the ballooning economic crisis, bedlam, job shed, cessation of businesses, what can the 44th US President say?


In his Inaugural address, Barack Obama, the first African-American US President said:

"xxx America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

With high hopes, I'd like to wish the young president peace and prosperity. May he be an instrument to his nation's ideals.

Salmonella In Peanut Butter Items

Peanuts are driving food companies nuts...

Right now, esteemed companies and grocers are busy recalling peanut butter items to cut short damage and maladies that have affected some Americans.

Report reads:

General Mills Inc. and grocers Kroger Co., Safeway Inc. and Meijer Inc. have joined the growing list of food companies and retailers pulling items with peanut butter amid a salmonella outbreak that has killed at least six people and sickened more than 470 others in 43 states.

The Food and Drug Administration has traced the outbreak to a Georgia plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America, which manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste for distribution to institutions and food companies.

Peanut butter is supposed to be sweet and sumptuous but never lethal, right?

The 3 S

Brand new year, brand new endeavor. I've been thinking of this thing lately. It keeps me up almost every night. It's exciting. It's frightening. Certainly, this is not for the faint of heart.

Thinking. Always am. But I admit I lack the diligence it takes to be a victor. In order to be successful, the 3 S is essential. We need to:

SHARE
SHARPEN THE SOUL
SACRIFICE

And I need to stick to them all throughout. But I have to zero in on the last S.