Positivity in 2008

As the new year is about to unfold, with all optimism i declare -  2008 will be My year! hehehe.

I sense great things in store for me; new adventures, new discoveries. I see new friends along the way and making renewed connections with old friends. I look forward to possibly new places to travel to, both here in my country and outside too.

I sense great hairdays, and getting lucky in getting public transportation even in the rain. I see new lessons learned; lots of new books to read and great movies to see (perhaps make?). I see possible additional, higher education - I only need to decide if it's something I really want because for sure it wants me. I see new gadgets, waiting for me to tinker. And I continue to see love it its purest and sincerest form - from friends and family.

I see happiness and tons of laughter. I see wonder and wander. And I continue to see Faith, and Hope. Bright lights I see, lots of color, abundantly red and blue - the explanation of the colors I am yet to discover.

2008 is My Year! (ang kokontra, pangit!)

PreChristmas Events

I wanted to share the stories of 2 preChristmas events using pictures, but the net here at home in Davao is oh so slow it's taking forever to upload the pictures.

I don't want to resize it in a very small file size as I feel it would show great disrespect to the quality of the photos. Not that they are award winning shots, but I don't take pictures as often as used to, it takes Effort now so I'd rather give the photo justice and post them in a high enough resolution.

KAAMULAN 2007 (Bendum way) - in a snob explanation, I call this Kaamulan, the real one. I heard the "Isn't Kaamulan in March?" question a few times before I left Manila for the event last Dec.16. And I answered - "Yes, the commercialized, all about dances, trade fair, booths, sale, rodeo,etc Kaamulan happens in March. But a real kaamulan - in Bendum, with the Pulangiyen tribe, is happening in December. Following harvest season where families, relatives from neighboring mountains, sister tribes can actually come together in one place to celebrate bountiful blessings, recall the past, dance and be merry, do thanksgiving rituals, commune and talk about present realities/problems that the tribe is facing, discuss possible courses of action of the tribe and the whole community,  and pray for a better year ahead - thus the Binukid term AMUL-AMUL, which means Coming Together."  Ang taray ng sagot!Snob na snob(manang-mana sa ______, fill in the blanks) pagbigyan niyo na lang ako. And my own answer is Sooo Wishful thinking but again, pagbigyan niyo na lang ako.hehehe

The part I want to share about the Kaamulan is the fact that compared to last year, when the Sun was so up and it was so hot in the area, it was a rainy Kaamulan this year. So imagine our Tranportation HORROR the whole week as we had so many visitors for this year's festivity. We had the Board of Trustees coming up for the meeting,Karen-Thai visitors (part of an IP group in Thailand), DepEd visitors, Mindanao Tri-Partite Youth Council Visitors (headed by the former principal of our school), and staff of our mother NGO from ESSC. For those who don't know, to get to Bendum by Public Transportation includes a Mini-Bus Ride (2hours) on dirt road and about 40minute habal-habal (extended motorcycle) ride (up the mountain). Luckily after many years (definitely not during my JVP year in 2001), our 4wheel drive Kia Van can actually get up the area but not after crossing a river. But since it was raining, the river was always to high and had strong current too be passable.

Transpo Horrors include -
1) The board members being stuck on the other side of the river asking me and Pedro to go down via habal from Bendum to meet with them and actually start the board meeting under a tree near a piggery because they didn't want to waste time. After an hour, had to find a tractor and to pull vehicle to get across the river. (almost had to pay the tractor driver a Date -my gosh! a Date!?!? for the thing, good thing, they agreed to 100pesos instead).

2)The  Karen Tribe forced to walk about 1hour  from the nearest baranggay before they were picked up by habal-habal to finally arrive in Bendum at around 7PM. Yes! They were walking in the dark.But a couple of them had flash lights naman. hehehe. Still, it was generally dark, trust me!

3) DepEd members (some Principals of other schools)and other visitors forced to take habal-habal at night. And some motorcycles didn't even have lights and they were going up the mountain, with a passenger carrying 2 laptops and an LCD projector!

4) All remaining Staff and guests were forced to again take the habal-habal down on the last day to get to vehicle. One motorcycle got a flat tire, another lost its breaks causing 2 staff to fall down/off (not so sure what happened). No major injuries, Thank God!

Gusey (former ESSC staff) was 1 of the boys who fell from the Motorcycle

(photo taken using SonyE W710i)

One of my 2 favorite events during the Kaamulan was the HULAS night - informal passing/teaching of traditional songs and dances.



ROADTRIP 2007 (Cdo-Davao) - Finally happened after 3 tries! Buti na lang CDO na assigned si Kuya Marlon and Davao is really his hometown, we got a free ride home. Yippee!

It was a great JVP batch trip with Mark, En and Nikki. I've been traveling Cdo-Bkdn-Dvo for about 6 years now and I can't count the times I've passed through the towns but I've never really had the chance to actually go down and enjoy the sites. Bukidnon is most definitely a paradise! I've always been proud to be a Mindanawon but the trip made me appreciate the richness of my region even more. Salamat sa SHELL! At salamat "mayaman" na si Kuya Marlon, pwedeng pwede na siya mag-Ninong sa mga babies anytime. hehehe

We stopped a lot that it took us about 8 and a half hours to get to DvO from CdO. But it sure was fun. From the quick stop in Jollibee Mby to meet a scholar from Miarayon, Bukidnon; late lunch at 130 in Roadhouse Cafe in Valencia; Pictorials in Quezona and Instant Coffee somewhere in Buda.



It was great road trip..na sana maulit muli. Pabalik naman kaya? hmmmm
Pictures of events to follow..soon, i hope.

Kaamulan 2007

Eto na ang Pictures, finally! :)

We had some transportation horrors but everything ended well. And it was good to hear that the people of the sitio and the neighboring baranggays are not too keen on allowing mining to enter. The forest is still a major concern, environmental management and conservation is important.

During the festival, there were games (prizes sponsored by Mindanao Tri-Partite Youth Core-MTYC - thanks to Jana our former principal); panampulot and community eating together; we had group discussions and presentations on mining; there was the teaching of traditional dances and songs - hulas; we had the ULAGUING - sharing of epic of tribe in a complicated song; dance competition for the entire community.

As for the staff - we had bonding sessions during the night. but pictures not allowed. hehehe.

Complete CHRISTMAS Wishlist!

Here it is, I was able to think it through. Things I really need, aside from PEACE of MIND (hehehe) and PEACE for the COUNTRY (more hehehe).

Again, in no particular order.
1) Rubber Shoes (running/hiking) - Addidas pair would do, but if you are kind enough to give me a NorthFace one, that will be great. (hmmm, I know, only A RELATIVE can give this to me, but my sisters and cousins are in the network so I shall include this on the list, hehehe).

2.) DogEaters by Jessica Hagedorn - I want to read this as I hear they are making a play out of it. Interesting.

3.) Donation to APC, under my name. - I know this sounds self-serving because it's my project, but it's totally not! It'll be a huge help to the children we help get culture-based education in Bukidnon. 250Php lang!

4.) CASH! - I'm serious.Any amount will do. I need to raise 20,000Php by March (ideally) for an important activity come March-September 2008. I'll explain more about it perhaps on the next entry, hope to find time within the week to tell you the story. But I know someone else in my network who'll need to raise this amount too. (Hey Speak Up Girl! Inuunahan na kitang manghingi ng pera sa mga kaibigan natin. hehehe, but I'm excited about the fact that we'll be batchmates, funny!)

5) 1GB or 2GB Memory stick for PUMBI (Canon 350D) - I need an extra one eh. 

6)  Camera Bag for Pumbi (Canon 350D) – A crumpler messenger type bag would be nice. Pumbi doesn’t have his own bag yet, when traveling he borrows 80’s (NikonF80) bag. And 80 hasn’t been happy about it. I think it’s jealous, the last time I borrowed 80’s bag, 80 broke down and it cost me 2,984 to have him fixed.

7) 1GB or 2GB Memory Card for Sony Ericsson W710i. – so I can add more music to my new toy and more space for phone games too.

 

8)  All condition JACKET– waterproof na thick enough. I know, I know, this will be costly so this is like the running shoes, wishful thinking.

 

9)     Trekki Monster Toy – nagpaparinig for those are New York based or near New York as I heard they sell it after an AvenueQ show. Kaya lang, running pa kaya avenue q now?

 

10)   Yearlong Supply of J&J Baby Cologne(Regular Scent) – ang weird ko noh? Hehehe. I usually finish a bottle (medium sized) in a month.

 

11)     Gift Certificate to Full Body Massage or Hair Coloring/Hot Oil – I haven’t had a full body massage since 2005. I want to dye my hair again, perhaps red streaks again or purple. Three hairstylists told me, while I was getting a haircut, that my hair is so dry already and that I need hot oil. I didn’t want to believe them as I thought it’s one of those “salestalk” in parlors. I mean, I condition my hair and it doesn’t feel that dry to me. But after the 3^rd comment, I’m thinking they must be telling the truth.

 

12)     New MOJO Slippers (sturdy one, as TIBAY as my old one). I think I’ve worn off my old one. It still is much ok but it’s almost 4 years old and I’ve been wearing it everytime I go out on field and sometimes even wear it here in Manila too.

 

13)   Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire. It’s a book, a good book. Need I say more?

 

14)     Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. Again, it’s a book, a good book. I’d be uber glad to get a hardbound, but a softbound would do.

 

15)  Pair of Stud (gold) Earrings. I’m making parinig to my sister Dodot. I lost one of the pair she gave me a couple of Christmas’ ago. Ok lang din if you only give me one and not a pair, if you can just buy one of those. Hehehe

 

That's It! I wonder how many in this list will I actually get. Not even half, I think.

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA!

(Click on the picture for Full size)
CONTACT US at (02) 920-9063
Email: kangsonza@apc.essc.org.ph/admin@apc.essc.org.ph

I know this a reposting of some sort. But just wanted to remind people of an option for a Christmas present for this year. GIVE a GIFT that GIVES friends!

---
Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center (APC), a non-stock, non-profit organization working at the forefront of Culture-Based Curriculum Development in the Philippines would like to give you the opportunity to give something more this Holiday season.

For 250 pesos, you can donate in the name of your friend as your Christmas gift to him/her. Just give us the mailing address of your friend and we’ll take care of telling your friend of this wonderful Christmas present you gave. We’ll be sending him/her a Christmas Postcard identifying you as the giver of such.  The said amount contributes to the supplies needed in the school and further supports the wider work toward culture-based curriculum development in the country.

Running for more than 10 years, in 2004, APC was legally established gaining recognition from the Department of Education as the first formal indigenous people-based education. It is strongly committed toward supporting UNESCO’s mother tongue medium of instruction to improve the quality of education for the marginalized sector and promote cultural diversity. . Furthermore, APC strengthens the implementation of culture-based education in Mindanao by partnering with education institutions to enhance the capacities of educators and education facilitators working with Indigenous children.

 At present, the school it is running up in Sitio Bendum, Bukidnon caters to over 100 students. APC also has about 20 high school and college scholars.

Super Baby Aliq!

Superman is back on earth! This time as a baby superhero. :)

Sssh..Don't tell anyone, it's our secret.

My HANDSOME NEPHEW is the newest superhero in town.

Coca Cola, Kasalo sa Pasko

"Sumasarap ang Pasko, pag Buhay Coke ay Buksan Mo!"

It would have been nicer if I got paid covering the event. But, fine fine, the great lunch at Mandarin was enough and I had fun joining the press launch of the Coke Christmas caravan last Nov.10. I became a fan of Makisig and Zanjoe that day, they are both very nice and very patient showbiz personalities. Walang reklamo, not even making faces, and that's not easy to find in showbiz.

I'm still no expert of my own camera and had difficulty with aperture and opening so some photos might seem overexposed (pasensya na, di pa expert sa digital camera).

A lighter side of life, makahinga naman tayo ng konti sa lahat ng nangyayari sa bansa. .. "Sumasarap ang pasko, pag Buhay Coke ay Buksan Mo." That song has been in my head since Saturday. haay, change song, change song..

Making Sense of Things

I doubt if I can.. make sense out of things I mean. Especially with this recent explosion at the House of Representatives.

One of the severely injured was a former teacher, Mam Luz Ilagan (Gabriela Partylist Representative). She was one of my favorite teachers in college and I have confidence in saying, I was one of her favorites too (things like that you just know). I was worried to have heard her name as one of the people rushed to the nearest hospital after the blast. For awhile I couldn't believe it. It was confirmed that it was indeed her, but with that confirmation was an assurance that she's already in a stable condition. So I texted some friends I knew were also close to her.

On my way to the office, passing by White Plains, the cab I was in and a white camry on its way inside the white plains subdivision almost hit each other. A case of selfishness on the road. If you ask me, the camry had a right of way (nakalabas na nguso nya eh), but the cab driver didn't easily budge. He let him pass, but not without a bit of cursing. He realized the camry wasn't supposed to be on the road as he was coding today.

And so the cab driver started to let out his thoughts.

"Ang yabang ng P_________ ito, coding pa man din! Ito talagang mayayaman, dapat patayin na ang mga yan. Kaya maraming nababaril eh..
Kaya dapat lahat ng tao may baril na eh, tignan natin ang yabang nyang mayayaman na yan. Kung di ko pagbabarilin ang mga yan.
Yang kongreso, dapat talagang pasabugin yang mga hinayupak na yan dyan eh." (At this point, I got quite a bit scared)

"Eh pinasabog na nga po eh, may mga inosente pang nadamay." I answer

"Wala namang ginagawa yang mga nasa gobyerno eh. Kung ako talaga terorista ang pasasabugin ko yang mga gasolinahan! Yang mga negosyante na yan, ang taas taas ng gasolina, yung fare naman di tumataas. Di ba? O kaya yang mga mall ganun."

"Naku, pano naman po yung mga sibilyan, yung mga walang kinalaman. Yung nakikidaan lang sa mall?" I initially decided to just listen but I couldn't help but react. If this person was on the verge of being totally helpless and nearing a point of actually planning to bomb a place, I must say something.

"Ah, hindi pag ano wala ng tao. Gabi! Yang mga nagpapasabog ng mall ng peak hours at ng bus, sira ulo yan. Ang sakin, yang mga negosyante! Yang mga mayayaman, pasabugin yan!
Tignan mo yang Ateneo, yung mga nag-aaral dyan, aminin na natin ha - karamihan dyan anak ng mga kurakot sa gobyerno, ano? Eh ang mahal, mahal ng tuition dyan, sino lang ba makakabayad dyan?"

"Manong, pasok na po kayo sa gate na yan... (Almost at my office already, thank God!) Di naman po lahat manong, may scholarships din naman po sa mga unibersidad. Meron ding ginagapang ng mga magulang na parehong nagtatrabaho."

"Oo, pero iilan lang." I have to admit, he's got a good point. "Sugapa pa nga yang mga yan, ang yayaman na, kaya magbayad ng tuition, sa UP pa nag-aaral pero iba-iba ang kotse sa isang linggo. Di na lang pagbigyan yung mga matatalinong mahihirap."

"Kanan po manong, dyan na lang sa may lobby... Eto po. Ingat po kayo, relax lang po ha."
I actually had nothing better to say. I couldn't think of anything to say that will make him feel better.

So the thoughts running in my head now are:
* How many have become as hopeless and cynical as that cab driver?
* How many of the public perceive the rich as selfish, evil and deserving of death? And what does the rich (the Uber rich) say and do about this?
* If that cab driver gets a gun (or has a gun) how many would he kill? And in the future would he really resort to severe violence just so he can feel some sense of peace and justice?
* Oh my country, my beloved country, what have they (we) done to you? You don't deserve this; your honest, hardworking, simple and good people don't deserve this.

I just can't make sense of things anymore. If only this is just one big bad dream I can easily wake up from, but it's not.

PARDON my disgust

Pardon my disgust over what just happened yesterday – the presidential pardon granted to Joseph Estrada just makes me want to puke.

I couldn’t bear watching Bunye make the official statement yesterday. And he even used the terms – “It was hard for the President, it was not an Easy Decision, She had to think of it really well.” I’m sorry but I don’t consider less than 3 days to make a decision on a presidential pardon a long period of time. It doesn’t show “thought of it well” to me.

The last few weeks/months have been terrible for my dear country. The bribery and scandal of the ZTE and CEP deals! The unexplained disbursements of the Office of the President discovered by COA! The bribery of Governors and Congress Representatives! And the recent bombing (explosion?) of Glorietta… And now this Pardon for former President Estada, 3 days after he asked for it?!! I seriously don’t know which among has been the worst for this country.

Was it all connected and part of a great conspiracy that was well planned? All the circumstances in a span of 2 months so that people will not have the ability to decide anymore which is worst; which among all of those should the people be truly be angry about and try to work on? Such a great scheme, an Evil, Evil plan.  

I am so disgusted by how our supposed leaders have become such great politicians incapable of genuine service and care for others. So that’s how evil looks like on television? That’s how “inhuman” speaks and dresses up? I wonder if I see some of them in person, anytime soon, I’ll Burn because of the heat of HELL that reeks from their pores?

Give a Gift that Gives (3G)

No, Not for your phone! Here's a Kakaibang 3G! 
---
Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center (APC), a non-stock, non-profit organization working at the forefront of Culture-Based Curriculum Development in the Philippines would like to give you the opportunity to give something more this Holiday season.

   This holiday we are making gift giving Hassle Free! Often we find ourselves stressed in finding the best presents for our family and friends. We flock the malls and specialty shops looking for material things related to our colleagues’ hobbies and interests. In the last minute, we rush and find ourselves in packed stores and long lines paying for the first thing we saw that would do as a gift. Avoid all of those and avail of APC’s Give a Gift that Gives project!

    For 250 pesos, you can donate in the name of your friend as your Christmas gift to him/her. Just give us the mailing address of your friend and we’ll take care of telling your friend of this wonderful Christmas present you gave. We’ll be sending him/her a Christmas Postcard identifying you as the giver of such.  The said amount contributes to the supplies needed in the school and further supports the wider work toward culture-based curriculum development in the country.

(click on the picture for Full Size)
contact APC at (02)920-9063 or

email at admin@apc.essc.org.ph or kangsonza@apc.essc.org.ph

Running for more than 10 years, in 2004, APC was legally established gaining recognition from the Department of Education as the first formal indigenous people-based education. It is strongly committed toward supporting UNESCO’s mother tongue medium of instruction to improve the quality of education for the marginalized sector and promote cultural diversity. . Furthermore, APC strengthens the implementation of culture-based education in Mindanao by partnering with education institutions to enhance the capacities of educators and education facilitators working with Indigenous children.

At present, the school it is running up in Sitio Bendum, Bukidnon caters to over 100 students. APC also has about 20 high school and college scholars.

My first Baked Chicken

I know, I probably don't have a future in food photography, which is unfortunate because I heard it pays well. But take my word for it, my first baked chicken tastes Sooo Goood!!

It's basically Spicy Roasted Chicken. And I only used a mix. I just added my own flavor to it by adding oil in the baking pan and placing  garlic before baking it. Added a dash of pepper too. 

I was working at home today, because we still don't have internet in the office (pathetic) and I had to send tons of emails and surf some sites.  One of the perks of working at home is being able to do some house chores, which includes one of my favorite chores, cooking!

So I marinated the chicken last night and cooked it while I was working, around 2PM. Roasting/Baking chicken just takes more time and uses up more gas so I don't know if I'm going to do this often.

Here are 2 more pics! Sarap di ba? Even though there really isn't any presentation involved I think my first baked chicken is a huge success! :)

Mangaon Ta?! :)

Salcedo Weekend Market

Wen’t to Salcedo Weekend Market (that’s in Makati for those who are not very familiar with Metro Manila) one weekend of September.

I had fun watching the other shoppers, mostly ex-pats, enjoy their Saturday morning. Organic vegetables and ready to eat, cooked meal, abound the market. They also had children’s favorites, ice cream and cotton candy. Plants were also sold. They also had free cooking lessons for those who have the time to sit and listen.

As I am a Dabawenya, I laughed at the sight of most of the fruits being sold – lanzones at 175/kilo! Hello!? Allright so those are from Bangkok, but the Davao ones are at 70/kilo as well (tag BAYNTE lang na uy, pwede pa 18 or 15, mwahaha). Couldn’t buy organic vegetables as I wasn’t going go home right after, maybe next time.

You might want to visit as well. I might go there again actually. It felt nice walking around, taking pictures, enjoying my ice cream. For awhile, mostly because there were a lot of ex pats and other foreign looking Pinoys, you’ll actually feel like you’re not in the country, so feeling nag out of town/country ka na din.

PAL only serves the Best!

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

I found this so cute and funny.

When traveling domestic, out of Manila, it's always best to take PAL. The terminal is just way better, you won't feel like you've been robbed 200pesos for the terminal fee; Their planes are usually bigger, so there's more space and chances to be seated without a seatmate; And they still serve snacks, and you can still choose drinks- coffee, tea or juice.

In my last trip, for field work to Bukidnon via Davao, I rode PAL and decided to have tea. I couldn't help but laugh upon getting this for my tea, it totally made my day. I just had to take a picture of this and share it to everyone. In Philippine Airlines, you don't just get any type of cream - but the BEST cream in town - "cream of the crop" - so Pinoy!

Abdel-Khaliq!

My Favorite Nephew! - wala namang iba eh.hehehe... Kakagigil!
Finally met him last September 21.

AVENUE Q (wish i could go back to college!)

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Other

Find me a mini-trekki monster stuffed toy!! =)

Mahusay! Magaling! (clapclapclap). I give them an almost perfect 4.5 actually!

I was looking forward to watching AvenueQ since May, when Ina introduced me to the soundtrack on our way to alumni night of JVP, batch28. And when we finally watched it yesterday, I was not disappointed.

The singers/puppeteers were so good. Especially Joel Trinidad (who gave voice to trekki and nicky). I have to admit that puppetting (if there is such a word) wise, Rachel Alejandro wasn't as good as the others. It didn't help too that the puppet Kate Monster had such bright eyes that even if she was supposed to be sad, she didn't look sad. But Rachel gave wonderful renditions to all the songs, especially for "there's a fine fine line." Aiza didn't let me down to. I really have high respects for her singing (idol!).Felix Rivera the voice of Princeton and Rod did well too. I believe the princeton puppet was well made because i could really feel for the puppet. Especially with this song..

Maybe because it's the whole being 25 and still not sure of what to do with my life that makes me relate to this. (except for the Taken More Pictures line, I took lots of pictures back then,hehehe)

KATE MONSTER:
I wish I could go back to college.
Life was so simple back then.
NICKY:
What would I give to go back and live in a dorm with a meal plan again!
PRINCETON:
I wish I could go back to college.
In college you know who you are.
You sit in the quad, and think, "Oh my God!
I am totally gonna go far!"

ALL:
How do I go back to college?
I don't know who I am anymore!

PRINCETON:
I wanna go back to my room and find a message in dry-erase pen on the door!
Ohhh...
I wish I could just drop a class...
NICKY:
Or get into a play...
KATE MONSTER:
Or change my major...
PRINCETON:
Or fuck my T.A.

ALL:
I need an academic advisor to point the way!
We could be...
Sitting in the computer lab,
4 A.M. before the final paper is due,
Cursing the world 'cause I didn't start sooner,
And seeing the rest of the class there, too!

PRINCETON:
I wish I could go back to college!
ALL:
How do I go back to college?!Ahhh...
PRINCETON:
I wish I had taken more pictures.
NICKY:
But if I were to go back to college,
Think what a loser I'd be-
I'd walk through the quad,
And think "Oh my God..."

ALL:
"These kids are so much younger than me."

Period of Adjustment

I had a feeling this would happen, that’s why I delayed it for one week. I controlled my excitement on the arrival of the G5 here in the office which Kuya Andres (salamat kuya) brought all the way from Malaybalay.

Honestly, I’ve adjusted pretty well with the Compaq I was using. It was decent enough to allow me to work on the proposals I needed to do, finance work that ate most of my first 2 months at work (and still eats some of my time every now and then). I also was able to condition my mind into using and working with Photoshop 5 edition and Pagemaker 5 edition. I’ve finished a couple of communication works in the old computer and I’ve actually reaped a few thousand pesos in the work that I did there. I admit to having my share of complaints when it took forever to render the pictures I was editing and when it hanged a few times. It’s worst sickness was not printing files – it had moments when it just didn’t want to print. And it often did it on the times I needed to rush things, worst, since Sylvia and I share printers, Sylvia could print and I couldn’t. I often had to restart the computer so I can print.

I scheduled last Friday afternoon for computer transition. I was going to save all files to the server so I could easily access them later. I prepared all the wires to be used, prepared my arms for some heavy lifting (G5’s a bit big and my old desktop is as heavy-not to mention its jar-jar binx monitor). The European plug didn’t have an adaptor so had to do a quick run to PC Express to get 2, because Margo will also be needing one eventually when she gets Sylvia’s older powerbook. The monitor didn’t have it’s power wire so had to ask for extra wires from Kuya Bai, which we had. The actual, physical installation of the 2 computers was actually easy. It was just a matter of plugging in cords where they ought to be.

This was my Old Computer I aptly called "JarJar Binx" because of the Speakers

I didn’t have to move them too far so it wasn’t really tiring. I easily accessed my files through the server and since mac and pc are already compatible in terms of Microsoft office programs, there really wasn’t an issue. My adobe files were done in a lower version so the higher version could easily open it. But the EMAIL, my official Email… It was such a sad, unfortunate one hour that I couldn’t completely figure out Chuck’s (my certified mac user friend) instructions on how to extract my mail. Good thing he was very patient to me. Sadly though, our internet provider was down so I couldn’t download the program I needed.

This is the G5 and the LCD monitor. If you can only see the Keyboard. Yikes!

Today, our provider was still down. I got the program I needed but still couldn’t fix my email because I wanted to get all my mails first before extracting. I have to completely move on to this new computer. Soon I hope, soon.  

772.63 (Phil.Govt not Working)

Do you see it?That's 3 Balloons! The entrance stamp at LTO Main Office in East Ave had 3 balloons. Seriously?! Seriously?! I mean, Seriously?!

How do they seriously expect me to give them a sense of respect and trust when they can't even atleast make a more formal stamp, simple letters L.T.O. would do you know?! But that's not the only reason why I'm screaming INEFFICIENT at them.

So I lost my license and was determined to finish getting a new one in an hour, an hour a half tops. Got to LTO P.Tuazon, Cubao at 820. Not much people yet, just as I expected. I pass my requirements at WIndow 2. After a few minutes, they call me and tell me there's no record of me in their system. I say - Impossibe, I've been renewing at Farmer's Cubao since my license first expired. Farmer's is not online til 10AM so that's most probably the reason why my record isn't showing. He says better to go to LTO Main at East Ave. Dang! But I go, coz it's too early to just wait for 10AM.

9ish i'm at LTO Main where I get the "balloon" stamp. I pass it at Window10 as instructed and was further asked to go inside the office and pass my forms to a certain Ms.Delay. I pass and wait..20mins, 30mins (ang tagal ha, there were only about 20people, what is taking so long), 40mins. I get called again..still No Freaking Record! Seriously?!

I go in, saying that's impossible, I've been driving for 7YEARS, Renewed my license 2x already. Ms.Delay (in a mataray way) tells me, "we don't have you on record.Two computers." "san ka ba originally nag apply?" I answer - "sa Davao po." She answers back - "Ah dun ka sa Davao humingi ng Records mo. Punta ka dun." Major Thought Balloon - ANAK KA NG TIPAKLONG! Nakapunta ka na bang Davao?! Di yun one MRT ride away gaya ng MAKATI! AT ANG TARAY MO HA, TADYAKAN KITA DYAN. But was calm, can you check with Davao, coz I'm pretty sure I have record? "Hindi, dun ka mag-apply kung gusto mo. Di ka pwedeng bigyan ng new record kasi may record ka na." I go out her office and whispered "Fuck!" I'm pretty sure she heard it, i hope she did, especially the very low "you" that followed after. I was really pissed already.

But I'm smart and promised myself last July I'll try to be positive amidst all failures. It's almost 10, i'm going to Farmer's and they better have my record! Or else! I arrive, true enough they actually have it. Diyos ko po! Let me Analyze this.. A small, mall-based LTO has my record, but the MAIN LTO doesn't have it? Can somebody Justify that to me? Seriously?!

And because LTO Farmer's didn't exactly feel I suffered enough it tells me I can't renew in the tricycle ride away LTO but back to P.Tuazon which is a cab away. Fine! Just so I finish this, fine!

I go back to P. Tuazon and I see the same guy on Window 2. I tell him - "Kuya walang record ang MAIN. sa Farmer's ko yan nakuha!" He smiles - "Ganun ba, baka nga kasi 10AM pa nago Online ang Farmer's." Putsa naman! I seriously wanted to squeeze myself inside the window to hit him. Thought Balloon - Hello?! MAIN LTO yun? Sila ang dependent sa Farmer's di ang smaller ones sa kanila? duh?!

1135  - I got my TEMP License, finally. I get the card in 90 days, I have to go back there in 90 days. Grrrr... Renewees get better service and they get their permanent license in minutes.I've never ridden so many cabs in 3 hours. And in that 3 hours I spent 772.63 pesos, 75% of which was spent on transportation alone. Damn! And balloons as entrance stamp?! Damn! No wonder my cousins and friends are migrating.

Lost License

I lost my driver's license last Sunday. I was still in denial, was very hopeful to just find it in Tetet's car or that someone from Rustan's Fresh, Corinthian calls me that they found it. It was in Rustan's that I last opened my wallet before realizing I lost my license.

Tomorrow I face reality. I have my affidavit of loss already and hitting LTO P. Tuazon (the nearest to my house and office) to apply for a new license. I hope it'll be kind day tomorrow, no rain and no lines in LTO.

I've never really lost my license before so this is a sad event for me.

But gotta do it already... I mean what if I win a car tomorrow and I still don't have my license? Sayang naman

Yellow Hauz Coffee

Rating:	★★
Category:	Restaurants
Cuisine:	Other
Location:	MapaSt.,Davao City

Went there with my Best HS Friends (Renee, Ella, Janille) and one of my Best College Friends(Raya) after grabbing dinner at Venue Compound. Raya suggested the place.

I have to say that ambiance wise, it's one of the best ones in Davao. The color is pleasing to the eyes and the interiors were well made. The outdoor area looked nice at night too. The comfort room was clean and at 11PM, it still had ample toilet paper which is good. For the space alone, I would have given them 4 stars.

Yellow Hauz is not very friendly to commuters though as it is situated in the inner part of Mapa. But the main street is a short walk, where one can find cabs. And it's in Davao, where walking is not dangerous (takot lang nila kay Tito Digs).

Why 2 STARS Only? - Because first and foremost, Yellow Hauz claims to be a coffee place and I'm a coffee person. I wasn't up for coffee that night but had to drink so I can be a good judge and frankly, their coffee was bad. Homebrewed Monks Blend is way better. It's so not work your 50-60 bucks. The cold coffee aren't exactly good as well, they were ok.

So if wanna have coffee, I will not suggest you go there - BluGre is still on top of the Davao Coffee List (they are just too pricy, overpricing jud!). But if you just want the ambiance and have a pretty decent dessert (the mud pie is not bad and not too expensive either), it'll be worth a visit.

*photo from peter go

FieldWork(Bendum,July2007)

Some pictures during my field work in my area in Sitio Bendum, Bukidnon. This is where the first formal indigenous people, culture-based/community-based school for IPs in the Philippines is located..This is Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center.

The sitio still doesn't have electricity. So studying at night is very hard. Our scholars are lucky, we have enough supply of kerosene. But majority of the children don't, studying at night is impossible.

Email me for Donations and Support. hehehe (Paging Kuya Rey, Kuya Rey)

I’ll Have Bad Hair Day Instead

515PM – I decide I’ll check on Margo, officemate next door, to ask her opinion if I should just go home because I feel I’m merely pretending to work. Her door’s locked, she already went home. I go to Mila, 4 doors away, she’s getting ready to go home. Everybody’s on their way home, I ought to go home myself.

530-545PM – Out in Katipunan, waiting for a cab. It’s drizzling a bit, I decide to walk from the overpass near National toward KFC looking for a cab. Luckily I get one. Wow, I’ll be home before the sun sets

555PM – I’m home! Key’s not in my pocket. I check my bag pockets, it’s not there. Shit! I’m realizing, I took it out earlier when I gave Sylvia her change for the lunch I bought for her. But no, it should be here, I think I threw it in my bag… It’s not there. Pencil case? – it’s not there; Coin purse-not there. I sit down on the doorstep, I check again. It’s still not there. Oh no! I was the last one who left the office and I don’t have office keys so that means I have to go to Margo or Sylvia.

610PM – Margo doesn’t have key to her office as well. Sylvia is at a friend’s house, must go to UP Village now. But first, my self pity gets in, I cry a few tears of sadness. I’m so tired. (If you’re a 90’s kid, think Carmina Villaroel super sad in that Jollibee ad). I was excited to get home early so I can unpack – I haven’t unpacked.

625ish – I walk slowly looking for a cab. Hard to find a cab. Found one, but refused to take me to UP Village. Found another, same thing. I continue to walk, almost 7 and I’m almost at Eastwood. I’m at eastwood. I call my sister Tetet, she’ll be on her way own shortly. I think I”ll just wait. That’ll mean waiting 1hour and a half.

710PM – I go around eastwood. Too bad “ratatouille” screening was at 6ish. Books at A Different Bookstore are too expensive. Found a gift for Loleng’s housewarming, it’ll match his kitchen. What do I do next?

740PM – I’ll just grab a bite at Pasto. I love their raspberry iced tea anyway, and it’s bottomless. Shit, their prices increased. This man in front of me looks so much like Tristan. Parallel to me is Jan Nieto of Philippine Idol – he wasn’t my bet it was Gian Magdangal.
- There’s a mirror infront of where I’m siting. Wow, PERFECT HAIR DAY! Even with all the walk and dust, my hair looks oh so perfect, straight out of a commercial ad… I’d Take Bad Hair Day any day if it’ll mean better travel day.

Bendum (July14)

I was up in my area last Saturday. The batteries for the solar panel were leaking so there literally was no power up in the area. Pedro decided to celebrate anticipated mass at his terrace in Adagi Balay (big house).

For Photography purposes, these were the result... These are RAW pictures, without alteration and help from photoshop.I remember why it's so hard to take pictures at night, in a Manual mode.

Driving is Therapy

Been up and down Malaybalay and Cagayan de Oro.

I arrived on Weds, 730AM - had meetings from 10AM to 6PM. Decided I needed to be Malaybalay for the ritual the next day so I rode with Fr.Bogs to Malaybalay. I rode in his L200, at the back, in the company of sacks of rice and other supplies for Zamboanguita. It was a bumpy ride, since part of the road in Manolo Fortich was being fixed.

Yesterday,  I attended the ritual for our organization's partnership with DepEd and NCIP. By 11AM I was on my way back to CdO for a 2PM meeting. I arrived at around 1PM, had my first meal of the day at 130PM. Meeting started on time. Meeting didn't go well, it was a finance meeting. It was a frustrating and exhausting meeting that almost made me want to go back to Malaybalay to rant at and with my officemates. But I had a meeting early the next day still in CdO, so it'll be suicide, physically.

Meeting today ended at around 1230PM. Ate lunch and bought Pizza for officemates and rode bus back to Mby at 130PM. Got in at 4PM.

How I wish I had my own car and just drove back to Malaybalay. I wanted to drive last night. I wanted a long drive that would allow to free mind and not think. I needed to drive. But I couldn't. I still can't. I need to drive, soon. A long drive.

Bye For Now Lola Ima

She was 91.

She deserves the rest. She lived simply but well.

Auntie Caring will be the saddest, but I'm sure she understands. You need to rest now and hopefully bring us closer to God.

Bye for Now Lola Ima. I'll be saying my last goodbyes to you come Saturday when we lay you to rest.

TOYOTA KEYS, Anyone?

Last Sunday, upon arriving home from overnight girl bonding at Jo(Maribojoc's) place with former officemates TQ and Trina my sister found these toyota keys. Actually, I think it wasn't until Monday morning that she really noticed them. Knocking on the CR door, asking me who did it belong to.

I honestly don't know where that key came from. Jo drives a Chevrolet and Trina drives an Isuzu, TQ doesn't drive although she's an excellent navigator. The only friend who has taken me home recently and drives a toyota is Loleng and the keys are usually in the ignition.

I've been having trouble getting a cab these past few days. I pity myself when that happens, when I have trouble getting a cab. I miss driving and having a car and not walking and waiting for a cab in the rain. Could this be God's answer to my prayers for a car? Because sometimes, when I get a little selfish, I really pray for a car or for money to get a car.

But God - I'd really want the Car with the Keys, Please!?

--- P.S. - friends i've been with last week, do tell me if you are missing you're spare keys.

CSI Finance Agent

That's who I have been for the past few days. Looking for this certain amount of money which was spent years before I was with my current office. It's crazy, and to think I just dislike numbers. But I swear after this, I can measure up to an amateur accountant.

CSI Finance Agent wasn't my choice of words. It was my friend Loleng's way to cheer me up as I've staying late in the office because of all these. And just for today,there were old vouchers around me and I still have to go through a lot of them tomorrow.

I'm on the right track, we are on the right track. Hopefully, by tomorrow, we'll solve the case.

Coz I was Tagged

Kasi ATE ANJ/VALKYRIE Tagged me, so sige na lang. But I'm going to do something different and the original creators of this might hate me, but who cares. I'm not going to tag anyone. Your choice if you want to do this in your blog.hahahha.

Instructions: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

HERE GOES:

1)As of the moment I have 2 new BOYFRIENDS. If you are my real friend you'll automatically know that I'm talking about new gadgets in my life. One is technically not mine, it's my sister's but i'm claiming it. It's MACBOOK, newest edition, 2ghz with 80GB. We call it JORDIN, yes the newest American Idol. The other one is my CANON EOS350D, which my good friend Dondi bought for me in Singapore. It doesn't have a name yet, i'm thinking of giving credit to Dondi and naming it PUMBI. That's his nick and Mommy Pia calls him that the most..hmmm.What do you think?

2)I loovve Cooking and Baking but I'll never do it when I'm not in the mood. But I do wish I had enough money to study cooking and perhaps pursue it as a profession.

3)I am a huge AGOT ISIDRO fan! There you go. Jologs it is! Everyone knows I love Sharon Cuneta but not everyone know I love Agot. I'm a fan, promise.

4)My favorite channel of the moment is CRIME SUSPENSE. My ate says I have the craziest taste for TV shows. I also enjoy the usual and popular series like Grey's A, Heroes, Desperate Housewives Etc but I like BONES and I really liked E-RING, too bad it only lasted for 1season. tsk!

5)If ever i'll get married, I'll only get married to someone like PAOLO BEDIONES. Pinoy look, has a good education background, can host and play instruments and most especially rich enough to allow me to be a freelance worker while doing pro-bono stuff. Can someone introduce me to him?He's still Single di ba? Malay natin?! hehehe

Hindi kita tinatag pero kung gusto mo, sagutin mo - RENEE, SHIVA, ZAMBIE, PAOLO, CHUCK, KUYA REY at FR.ELY.hehehhe

LET ME IN

I still don't have keys for our office, so for the past 2 days I've been stuck outside waiting for other people to arrive. Talk about waste of time.

Usually people get it at 9-10AM. I arrive at 820-840AM. It was ok when Pedro's here, coz he comes in earliest so I usually pass thru his office to get to ours (remember, we are connected by a secret door). It was good because it really allowed me to maximize my time right away and start working. It also wasn't so good because he knew I was already in and he'd usually call me for a meeting and add more things on my oh so long list already. I remember one time, I think that was Thurs last week, from 830-1220 we were just talking, listing things to do, etc. It was crazy!

I ought to get my own key soon. I should. Although I'm a self-confessed evening person, I love it that I can already start working when I get in the office. Its more productive that way. I should get my own key. I should be oriented already. I should be introduced to all the other people in the office. Oh, the many shoulds at work. Hay

LET ME IN

I still don't have keys for our office, so for the past 2 days I've been stuck outside waiting for other people to arrive. Talk about waste of time.

Usually people get it at 9-10AM. I arrive at 820-840AM. It was ok when Pedro's here, coz he comes in earliest so I usually pass thru his office to get to ours (remember, we are connected by a secret door). It was good because it really allowed me to maximize my time right away and start working. It also wasn't so good because he knew I was already in and he'd usually call me for a meeting and add more things on my oh so long list already. I remember one time, I think that was Thurs last week, from 830-1220 we were just talking, listing things to do, etc. It was crazy!

I ought to get my own key soon. I should. Although I'm a self-confessed evening person, I love it that I can already start working when I get in the office. Its more productive that way. I should get my own key. I should be oriented already. I should be introduced to all the other people in the office. Oh, the many shoulds at work. Hay

Me and Cars

For some reason, I've always compared my life circustances with cars. Maybe because I've always loved cars and they are way cool metaphors.

So anyway, it was a Tsunami indeed! Kuya Popoy was right. After almost 6 hours of silence, calmness and boredom during my 1st day of work, came a load of work all for rush. The tasks thrown, although a bit expected, were overwhelming.

I know for a fact that one of the main reasons why I was offered this job is my background being a JVP in Bindum and my continued support for the school even after I left the area. No need for them to orient me with the history of the area, how things are going about, who are the people working in Malaybalay and in Bindum. I've always been sort of updated with how things are going in the area and I've never failed to visit atleast once a year. But this is going to be my job now and it entails more details and coordination so to be asked to do tons of things before the end of the week just isn't the same. Here it is - no time for orientation right now, files are here and there because no one really handled them before I got in, classes in the area are starting on Mon-May21, and my office computer doesn't have Microsoft OS yet and doesn't have programs just yet. Nge! It's crazy, so crazy I really wanted to cry yesterday with the number of things I needed to accomplish today.

I'm like a car. For 5 months I was parked in my safe world of freelancing. And now because things just can't wait for APC, from being parked I need to zoom out into the world fast. Without passing through 1st or 2nd gear, I need to speed up into 3rd and 4th gear. No room to be a "diesel," must be a gasoline running machine.But how does one do that really without the possibility of damaging ones transmission? I don't know. I just hope my transmission holds up because right now I ought to continue running at atleast 80kph.

Calm Before the Storm

Worst, Kuya Popoy (my JVP area supervisor) described it as Calm before TSUNAMI!

I've been in the office since 915AM although I was asked to come at around 930AM. Well I've been in the area since 7AM since my sister's car's coding and I decided to bring it with me. Today is my first day in this new job. I'll be working as a Program Development Officer monitoring sustainability efforts, resource management and communcation for Bindum, Bukidnon. Bindum, by the way was my JVP area in 2001-2002. Bindum is my 2nd home.

No one was in the office yet. Pedro (Fr. Peter Walpole, SJ), my boss, was still in Pangasinan. Sylvia was still out too, although she arrived around 11AM. Pedro's new Assistant had nothing for me except to read the website of APC (Apu Palamguwan Center). Sadly I know and have read all of the articles there so it wasn't really much of a help. And APC was my JVP area, I know far more than the history it has in its website.

Pedro was supposed to arrive at 230PM so we can meet, with Chona the APC Program Manager. We were to discuss details of my job description and line up deliverables for atleast the next month. There is so much to do.

He hasn't arrived yet. We called Pedro around 1Pm and he was still in Tarlac, that's about 2 hours away from Manila, without traffic. So I sit here, in front of my office computer bored but expecting tons of work later. I don't like this stillness, it's too quiet - it is too calm. It's scary. Maybe Kuya Popoy is right, what's coming might not just be a storm, but a huge tsunami out to get me.

What did I get myself into?!

QuarterLife!

Last
time I celebrated my bday at home, with family was when I turned 20,
right after my JVP year.

At
21 – I celebrated it at Chili’s in Morato with Dad, my sister
Tetet and cousins. Although I’m not sure now if Dot (my other
sister) was there with us too.

At
22 – I celebrated it being stuck in Manila traffic and walking
along the streets of Taft to get to PGH. And I had dinner in Pasto at
The Fort.

At
23 –Just brought dinner in our house in Manila. Consisted Red
Ribbon Pansit and Cake and Grill Queen Liempo.

At
24 – First time I celebrated it without any family member (Tet
was in Bora, Dad went home to Davao) but had a blast doing a picnic
with JVP friends, with games organized by TQ and a clown (literally
ha) out of Ate Alma.

At
25 – glad to have celebrated it with my entire family (w/out
Tet, as she is in Manila) Simple dinner but had a blast listening to
my 4yr.old cousin pronounce Hamburger as “HOMBUGA” and Venom as
“VINOM.” And I had great gifts too!

See
Photos!

part 2 Holy Week 2007

--Tagaytay and Enchanted Kingdom- -

 

Friday – I can no longer count the times I’ve been to Tagaytay. I like it there, Tagaytay is cold enough and near enough to be a good place of sanctuary. We went there to meet Lolo Choy (Mama’s cousin and our youngest lolo, he’s only 4 years older than my mom) for lunch and pasyal at Highlands. But Lola Auntie insisted we see Taal Vista first, it’s the hotel she remembers in Tagaytay. She went there in the 80s to attend a conference of some sort. But since it’s 2007 already, it’s not the same Taal Vista she remembers.

 

It wasn’t very cold in Tagaytay the week we came, it wasn’t that windy too. But we had good lunch and a good afternoon. We couldn’t do much walking, having 3 senior citizens with us, but we had a blast at the mini-zoo taking pictures of the 3grandparents holding the birds. Mama was so scared, it was cute.

 

Saturday – By Friday night Ella wasn’t feeling well already, Bianca has been sick since Thursday so we actually got 2 kids sick for the Enchanted Kingdom day – the supposed to be happiest day for them. But Bianca was in a fighting mode that she was really well by Saturday AM. Ella on the other hand was just beginning her battle with fever so that wasn’t good.

 

EK pushed through and because we were there by 11AM, lines were non existent. In 30 minutes we were able to ride 3 rides. Not bad since my memories of EK is about 30 minute waiting time for a ride.

 

Bianca is a revelation, her favorite is Anchor’s Away and she rode it 6 times! – 4 of those with me, 2 with her dad. On our last ride together, she didn’t’ only insist we sit on the tipmost, she even raised her hands with me – tough kid! (mana sa ate kang!). Bianca also rode the Roller Skater (the mini roller coaster, but for kids I’m sure it’s a tough ride) so many times I stopped counting. The only ride she couldn’t muster the courage to take was Space Shuttle, but if she didn’t have fever I’m sure she’d ride that.

 

4D is a must for people who plan to go to EK either for the first time or if you’re coming back after a long while. It’s so worth your 40 pesos (or 80php if you’re not a ride all you can ticket holder).  Actually that was the only new attraction for me in Enchanted.

 

The best sight in EK though was seeing my grandparents ride the mini train and the carousel. Papa even rode the horse! Fun, cute! 

Holy Week 2007 (part 1)

My cough still doesn’t sound good – although we all know coughing in general is never good. I’ve been sick since Easter Sunday, finally caught the virus which spread in our house here in Manila. But my illness didn’t really breakout until last Monday after we took my family to the airport, going home to Davao after a week long vacation/homecoming here in Manila.

-- Of Homecomings and Reunions --

March 31 – Picked up my relatives (composed of my Mom, my maternal grandparents, my maternal grandmother’s elder sister, my Aunt – Mommy Ton (Miton), her daughter – Bianca and my 8 year old cousin Ella) around 330PM. They’re flight was a bit delayed. Thanks to Kuya Marlon (my JVP batchmate and kababayan from Davao) my transportation problems were solved.

Manila is so different already, that in the eyes of my grandparents. Flyovers didn’t exist yet the last time they were here. Well, my grandfather came here in the early 90s but he went straight to Pangasinan to attend a wedding he can’t remember Manila so much. Huge malls and buildings abound the metro, Manila wasn’t like that before. Mama (maternal grandmother) pointed to a some huge buildings along EDSA and asked – “Yan ba yung condo nak?” And I answered some of them, some are offices. I pointed her to a building along EDSA which is a condo where PDA winner YENG lives (my family are huge Kapamilyas!) and Mama can’t imagine why people would want to live in a condo. She kept asking if my ate’s condo is that tall and I assured her it wasn’t, hers looks more like a townhouse.

Palm Sunday – I was the resident cook the whole duration of my relatives’ stay here in Manila. And since my grandparents are already up at 4AM, I was kinda forced to wake up at around the same time or an hour later. The first thing they do in the morning is pray, and they pray for about 40mins so it gave me ample time to sleep. They’re early church goers as well so the scheduled Palm Sunday mass at 1030 wasn’t followed. My mom, aunt & cousins heard the anticipated mass at 730PM, I (without the need to be asked) was to accompany my grandfolks for 730AM Palm Sunday mass. Suddenly flashes of JVP morning praise came back to me.

Holy Tuesday and Wednesday - Tuesday was BULACAN day, where a lot of Mama’s relatives reside. Literally, a hot day the van’s aircon barely worked. It didn’t help that I was seated at the back most to accommodate some of our other relatives who reside here in Manila and were to join us in Bulacan. Incidentally, Papa’s (paternal grandfather) younger sister who’s now based in California has a house in San Jose del Monte. So we went there first for Papa to see the house himself. He wanted to visit his nieces and nephews there.

Afterwards we hit Malolos to visit Mama’s older sister who’s actually showing early signs of second childhood. It was a bit of a search as we didn’t know where she was exactly, if she was with this kid of hers or in her own house. We ended up waiting for her in the house of her daughter who was actually my “tita-yaya” when I was a baby. She gave me my nickname. She was studying in Davao when I was born and she would take care of me while she does her assignment. Very “Maalala Mo Kaya” story if you ask me. I’ve only seen her in pictures until last Tuesday so that was nice.

Anyway, my Lola Dely (the one we were waiting for) truly wasn’t in the mood that we almost left without seeing her. My grandmothers were already on the way to the van and decided that if in 30 minutes she still doesn’t come (Lola Dely was coming from a nearby house, a padyak away) we would go home. It didn’t matter if they didn’t see her but they won’t budge and give in to her request for us to go to her. Afterall her elder sister was with us (Lola Auntie- that’s what we call Mama’s elder sister) and if she does respect her ate, she’d know better and go to her. And she did. And it was like a scene out of a tele-novela as tears were exchanged, etc.etc. Miton and mom were teasing that it felt like a movie was being shot as people were staring at us and I was holding my SLR camera stealing pictures. It was indeed a “family moment” and a bit funny too.

WEDNESDAY was lighter. We scheduled a mini-reunion with Papa’s relatives this time, just in Project 8 in the house of one of his nieces. It was actually so near my dad’s house. I pitied Papa a bit as he caught colds and coughs from the Bulacan trip so he wasn’t really feeling well. It was the heat I guess and the bad air here in Manila. We got to Tita Amy’s (daughter of Papa’s younger sister) house around 340PM, earlier than the scheduled 4PM Merienda-Reunion but it’s ok because atleast Lola Tisit (Papa’s younger sister) was already there. We were already beginning to eat our Spaghetti when Lolo Pitis and Lola Eto arrived. It was an amazing experience. Miton, Mama and Papa were running toward them and so were them toward us. Tears of joy were exchanged and we were mere spectators of the great event. Mama didn’t cry seeing Lola Dely but she cried seeing Papa’s brother and sisters.

It was a light, fun afternoon. I didn’t know I had an aunt in WWF until last Holy Wednesday. And Tita Cora has been in a couple of NGOs before WWF too. So my NGO/Social Development leaning can’t just be attributed to Jesuit Education, it actually runs in the blood. And I ought to visit Pangasinan soon, Lolo Pitis resides there together with his wife Lola Connie and 3 labradors. I haven’t really been there except the number of times we passed by on the way to Baguio.

--

I admit, I’m Papa’s girl and his favorite (I’m Karen, the paboritong apo in the McDo commercial around 6 years ago), but I know the reunion with his family is sweeter. Because atleast with mama, lola auntie is also in Davao so she has a sibling with her, Papa doesn’t.

Missing My JVP Cross

MISSING MY JVP CROSS

March 15, 2007

(Background music – Jed Madela rehearsing
“Gethsemane” for JVP Concert Tom. Venue – inside this small studio in Cubao,
Drae Ybanez sitting next to me I think he’s trying to read my journal, hehehe,
joke!)

The cab driver of the taxi I rode
going to the JVP office today looked suspicious. I couldn’t quite guess if his
yellow-reddish eyes were the result of lack of sleep from 24 hour shift; or
were because of hepatitis; or he’s one of those superhero villains out to devour
his next victim (note to self – enough
HEROES watching for the meantime, imagination is crazy). I suddenly felt
the need to hold my JVP cross and do the sign of the cross and saying a short
prayer for my safety.

It’s an old habit, holding my JVP
cross pendant and doing the sign of the cross I mean. I used to do it all the
time during my JVP year and some months after – before my class, before going
home from Adagi Balay to Atiyu Balay (scared of ghosts and NPA), before
traveling especially if taking the habal-habla and I used to do it when I
needed some reassurance that I wasn’t alone.

But I didn’t have my JVP cross with me
today. Instead a whale pendant is hanging on my neck, not very appropriate for
the sign of the cross. I decided to look out the window, saw cross of Church of
Sta. Clara. I felt a bit relieved, Ateneo is so near already, I don’t think I’m
going to be devoured at all. Hay.

March
19, 2007

(JVP Concert finished! Yahoo!
Catching up on sleep. Haven’t really slept in weeks with the PPCRV Video and
the JVP concert. I still have the Broadway songs in my head)

I don’t believe I really miss my JVP
cross, as in the cross itself. I guess, to a certain extent, I miss what the 5
crosses stand for. Weird, because I strongly believe I am living my life,
upholding those 5 core values. I even tried to trick myself into not believing
in some of the Ss and tried to live selfishly and without care for other people
or for our nation. I had this “I don’t care” stage when I didn’t care what was
happening in our country, was too cynical about the government and people in
general. But I just couldn’t, it didn’t
even last for a month. I found myself so miserable - so unhappy.

Maybe in terms of the core values,
miss is not the right term. Maybe God is reminding me about the 5Ss, that’s
all. Or maybe because I got so busy helping out in the recent JVP concert that
I remembered the Ss so well. Yeah, maybe that and the timing was perfect still
being jobless and all.

---

I’m “paying it forward” in a way. I’m doing
my part in reminding you that whatever you are doing and wherever you are I
also hope that you are trying your best to live a life of Service, Simplicity,
Solidarity, Social Justice (or in my batch and earlier batches SUBVERSION) and
a life with a deep sense of
Spirituality.

See you all at 9PM!

P.S.

Miss
you Partner! 2 words Batchmates!

B23-nakikiUYAB
ako. B24-Padagos. B25-Mahal ko Kayo Lagi(kahit di tayo lagi nagkikita). B26-my last babies, Biyaya kayo sa Akin

Ates/Kuyas/Mommys&Daddys
– Was with MommyPi last week&realized again, di na ako Baby. But thanks for still making me feel that
I’ll always be your Anak or Baby Sis.

QWERTY by Paolo Dy

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Mystery & Suspense

Planned to do this 2 weeks ago. This is my friend's (I have to say he's my friend coz I'm so darn proud that we know each other, hehehe), Paolo Dy's, entry to Mark Burnett, Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks-On the Lot contest. More than 20,000 hits na! Yahoo!

Wag kang magpahuli, visit the link to watch, rate and review it.
http://films.thelot.com/films/19175

I'm saying this not only because I know Paolo, but because I know he's good and this entry is just really good. Makes one proud to be Pinoy. And like I told Paolo, makes one Proud to be BISDAK na PINOY!

Guilty Nationalist

Last elections, 2004, I was a very active voter's educator. I remember
talking to my boss, then JVP Executive Director now a Jesuit Brother -
Mark Lopez, that we ought to have a Voter's Ed module during the
Midyear Evaluation seminar for JVP Batch24. The module was to be
informative, simple and something they can easily adapt in their areas.
It was of National importance that we help people become more aware of
how to vote and who to vote. And admittedly, it was a personal concern
and passion... The module during the midyear did happen and the
volunteers rated it highest in the seminar evaluation.

I
remember that my last lines during the session was to make sure that
they do it in their areas; that they hold their own voter's ed. More
often than not, Jesuit Volunteers are given high regard in the areas,
thus placing them in an influential position. It was their duty both to
the people in their area and to our country.

I was also doing
various voter's ed works outside my work as JVP. . . But that was in
2004. Elections are coming up but I have found myself not caring that
much. I don't even read the paper as often as I did nor do I watch the
news. A huge part of me has become quite apathetic.

----
The
past 2 weeks have been hell week,doing an instructional video on how to
vote and how to protect our votes. I won't go to the details on why
this project seem to have badluck tied to it as I may change how you
perceive some people whom a lot of us have always admired.

Part
of the video is shooting MAN on the STREET (MOS) interviews, throwing
them different questions related to elections. One question reads - "Ano ang mga katangian ng tao na sa tingin mo ay dapat ihalal at ilagay sa pwesto ng panunungkulan sa Gobyerno?" Answers varied but they were as vague as - "MakaDiyos, Makabayan, May Malasakit sa Mahihirap, May puso para sa masa."
Not that there's anything wrong with those answers. I mean, sure I
would want a leader with all those qualities but can't you give me
something more tangible and measurable? I was throwing follow up
questions, specific to education qualities or experiences, careful not
to lead them into my own answer but they continued to be vague - "Ok lang kahit di graduate sa kolehiyo basta nais makatulong."

Can
I just say this out loud? - DIYOS ko PO!!! Ganito lang ba talaga
kalawak ang nais natin sa ating mga lider? In that case Richard Gomez
does have a point for running and winning because he did say he just
wanted to help. And how do we measure makaDiyos? Because he goes to
mass regularly or we see him in Church? And how do we balance makamasa
with may alam sa batas at sa panunungkulan?

Mga kababayan, CAN
WE BE MORE DEMANDING?! When it comes to our leaders, we ought to demand
for the best! Let's put in some specifics when we are asked for
qualities of the leaders we want. Let's make that list concrete,
tangible and make no compromises. Magaling nga siya pero mamamatay tao,
hindi pwede yun. Makamasa nga siya pero wala siyang alam sa batas. Nais
niyang makatulong, pero di wala siyang konkretong plano kung paano niya
gagawin yun. We've become such a country of pwede na yan and we ought
to stop it. Hindi pwede ang pwede na yan!

Felt so bad after
doing the MOS. I felt helpless and a lot guilty. I actually wanted to
hold an impromptu Voter's Ed in the shoot, if only we had time and I
had the energy to do so... We are still editing the instruction video
and there's not a part there that really educates the voter's on who to
vote and to have high standards in choosing leaders. It reminds them to
be careful who to vote for, pero walang pagdiin kung sino nga ba
bobotohin.

Sad, guilty... I ought to get up and do something more.