Updated Christmas 2010 wishes

I found a sponsor for an alternate "sports bag" - thank you very much Coca-Cola. :p I still need new rubber shoes and hiking sandals but I think I ought to get that myself to make sure they fit me well. My sister bought me a case from my phone from her last trip in Manila. So I had to make an Updated Wishlist. :) 

--

CHRISTMAS 2010 

1) New Pair of Jeans - I realized I haven't bought a new pair of jeans in the last 3 years. Whew! I forgot to take a picture of this pair of jeans I have that has been SCREAMING to be replaced. I still use it though. :p

2) Breakfast Maker - I still want one but I don't know if it is the most necessary and if this is really what I want from my mom (hahaha, coz I have a feeling if I get one it'll be probably from her). It's like I also want something not as “serious and necessary” from her.

3) Silver Earrings - It has even become more important that I get a new pair, one that's funky, to match a purchase from NY. Hahaha. I want those Boy and Girl pair or a Gclef one. If no one gets me this for Christmas I'd probably get a pair for myself.

4) Capri Pants - I really need a new pair. I have a feeling the 2pairs I alternate now will give up on me in a month or two if I don't add some new “friends” to be used. I still haven't found ones reasonably priced in the Ukay-Ukay in Malaybalay. I just feel it's such a rip off to pay for an ukay-ukay clothing at 150Php or more.

 

5) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time -This survey on FB reminded me that I've never read the book and would be nice to read it.

 

6) Practicalities – include a nice Polo-shirt, Socks, Boxer Shorts, Undies, that Towel (travel friendly)/Towelette, Ranger’s Apprentice (it’s a book series I haven’t started yet), and 2010 calendar/journal (unless sister got a nice giveaway already or a couple of people I know have extra "starbucks" planner and will give one to me. Ehem!)

 

7) World Peace and a Genuine Working Government (stop the trial and error please!) for my country

 

 

Wow Philippines (pa din ako)

First of all, please do not (insult me) make fun of us and our language by telling the world that the pronounciation of “Ganda” has an H toward the end. I have never been taught to say ganda as Gandah! And I will never teach my younger cousins, my nephews and nieces to say it that way too. It ends in A noh, as in A! -  kalurkey kayo.

 

What is wrong with Wow, Philippines? I am pretty sure that while it remains to be a tagline of the Department of Tourism for some time now, it is not the thing to blame for misses in our target for tourists and earnings from tourism. Peace and Order and Security are still on top of the list. Surely there are better things to attend to in tourism than “brainstorm” for four months over a new “slogan.” And didn't we recently, slightly transformed this phrase to “Philippines, more than the usual” which I also think works well already.

 

And what’s this I hear that the new design was copied from a “Polska” graphic design. Oh my, oh my – what is it with Plagiarism and the people in government and judiciary these days? Stealing ideas/other people’s words is tantamount to stealing money. I didn’t get to see Social Network yet but it was quite obvious that ideas are worth Millions. And I remember how in Ehem (an anticorruption program I used to work in), we use the concept of stealing=corruption and corruption=violence.

(picture from FB of "Spanky Enriquez)

 

If you claim to brainstorm for months atleast give us something new and brilliant. My cousin was right, your new slogan sounds more like a talkshow – hello? “Umagang kay Ganda meets Pilipinas, Game ka na Ba/Pilipinas Win na Win.” = Pilipinas, kay Ganda. This idea sounds like something that was discussed in a few minutes over a cup of coffee. (with comments on the level of - ok na yan, cute naman pakinggan eh)

 

Let’s try to place our “new” tourism call beside our neighbors.

 

Malaysia, truly Asia. (I like)

Visit Indonesia (wala ng paligoy-ligoy pa, pwede na I guess)

Incredible India (confident!)

Amazing Thailand (Amazing?hmmm. The food is good though. I love Thai food)

Uniquely Singapore (oh di ba, Unique kunyari)

Pilipinas kay Ganda - Philippines, oh so Beautiful (parang nge!) as compared to  Wow, Philippines!

 

Like I said, Ganda is just Beautiful unlike when you say WOW it speaks more than just about beauty. It can speak about the beauty and depth of our history; the challenges being faced by the country, the ability of its people to adapt and work through those challenges; the beautiful scenery of our 7,107 islands; the biodiversity and richness of natural resources; the uniqueness of our hospitality and grace – yun yung Pilipinas  "W-O-W." *sigh* 

Christmas 2010 Wishlist

I've done my NY wishlist but here are some stuff I hope to get on Christmas. Working on the premise that I'll get wallet and nice bags from Tetet as pasalubongs. Hehehe :)

Real and Still Quite Affordable

1.Sportsbag that can fit weeklong worth of clothes. My red nike bag has been with me for 9 years now and I think it deserves to rest every now and then.




2.Nice Capri Pants/Pedal Pusher or /Zip-Off trousers -  I used to have those bottoms that turn into shorts and they were so convenient, now I find it hard to get one that isn't really for guys.

3.Breakfast Maker - I am a breakfast person and I need my caffeine fix daily. This looks so perfect! I can have Eggs in the morning. I already have my water heater (c/0 mom) for instant coffee, but I don't have toaster yet and there's nothing like having REAL/BREWED coffee in the morning. Perfect especially for Bukidnon weather.

4. Rubber Shoes – I always have this on my list, but I also prefer getting one myself if only to make sure I like what I get. But since I think I will not have enough money after sister dear arrives from NY, coz I need to pay her for my "bilins", I'll just put this on my list. I welcome cash too so I can just buy it on my own.


5. Hiking Slippers - though I need one ASAP so I'm hoping I find one I really like. or New Sanuks (coz a good pair of hiking slippers cost roughly the same)



6. Towel - bath towel that's thin and not too big enough. Or the biggest face towel that's available.

7. 2010 - Journal/Calendar. But one that's nice enough to actually put my schedule and notes ha.

8. Case for my iPhone - because Aliq just destroyed mine. But it's cheap so I guess I shouldn't have expected it to last long. Second Generation nga pala ang phone ko. :)

9. Silver Earrings - funky ones like Girl and Boy, Guitar, Spoon and Fork. :)

10. Simple Pleasures - socks. markers/pentel pen(in black, blue, red and violet both in fine and broad). a nice book(ranger's apprentice). a nice journal/notebook. my moisturizer.  a new pencil case with pencils in it (hehehe). a nice polo shirt. boxer shorts, pambahay :)


LIBRE MANGARAP
1) Macbook Pro
2) iPhone 3G
3) Brand New Office Laptop (c/o my office syempre)

Dear Divine (To be Open and Trust is A Gift)

24 September 2010

Dear Divine,

I'm about to go on a 10 day hectic work schedule. I'm bringing about 35+ youth from Bukidnon and North Mindanao to Agusan and Surigao for an exchange visit. This is part of the main program/project I work on now that I'm back with ESSC.

It's a bit of a stressful communication/organization really because it's a series of trips and dialogues along the way. I am basically coordinating with 6 various groups, 2 of which are universities and 2 are tribal communities in Agusan and Surigao. Feels like doing Site Investigation for JVP, but this time with more details and preparation was quite short - 3 weeks if I will really total it.

This might not allow me to check my email, FB and Multiply for awhile so I thought I'd write you now, before I start the work tomorrow.

I am glad to hear that you were smiling a lot last weekend. I heard that from Kris and Dindin and from the new executive director, Martin. He seems nice. I emailed him personally to thank him for visiting you and updating us - he replied to speak of you more. That was nice. It's good to hear about you. I also saw that PLATEFUL of food you ate while Kris and Dindin were there. That Shrimp looked huge and delicious. I'd probably be so envious not to be able to eat it.

Anyway,I was in Agusan and Surigao last Sun-Weds to finalize preparations for the visit and I had a series of openness and trust during that time.

1) I was such a snob on the Mby-CdO trip, the guy beside me was a bit of a snob too. In the middle of the two-hour trip, he took out a white rabbit candy. And then another, and offered "White Rabbit." I declined but thought, that was so polite of him to offer. In CDO already, to meet OMAR and MARK for dinner, I wasn't sure if the Jeep was going to go to the street I needed to go to. I asked the driver, who didn't reply. I was quite surprised to see the same guy I sat beside with in the bus and explain - yeah, don't worry it'll pass through Velez (the street I needed to go to), you might need to walk a bit though. I smiled. How generous of him - for the white rabbit and the information.

2) En route to Agusan(Butuan City), I needed to stop at CARMEN, Agusan for a meeting. The first time I went there I was with officemates and we had our service. This time, it was a matter of asking the driver (and the konduktor) to make sure to stop me at Carmen because it wasn't a normal stop for the bus. I needed to walk around the Mercado a bit to find the person I was meeting. I ask for directions and truly admire how helpful the people were.

3) Butuan - in butuan I needed to print a letter and photocopy it. It was the letter for the Urios University President. It was almost 1PM and I was rushing. I did my tasks, gave the letter in time and had late lunch in Chowking. It was there I realised I lost my coin purse (a cute one which my JVP batchmate Pat gave us during her Baby Shower). I tried to recall where I last used it and realised it was at the photocopying center. I checked in my hotel first after lunch but seriously thought of going back to the photocopying center to check if it was there.

I did go back and asked if I left my coinpurse there and if they kept it. They did.

4) Bayugan - I didn't know how to get ther from Butuan but the traffic enforcer gladly showed me where the vans where and made sure to wait until I got in. The woman I sat beside with was from Bayugan and she was most kind to give me directions for where I was supposed to meet the person from the Manobo tribe.

4) Surigao back to Butuan - I needed to be back in Cagayan de Oro by Weds AM so I (and my companion Jana) had no choice but to travel ordinary bus evening of Tues to get to CdO by 4AM. It was 730PM, the bus was full, I told Jana to take the last seat. I was standing, for only a few minutes when an elderly man offered his seat. I tried to decline because he was quite old, slightly younger than my grandfather. He insisted, I gave in. Chivalry is not dead (atleast with the older people). I was guilty at first but finally was appeased when he was able to sit about 20 mins after.

I am a wanderer and I very much love to travel. I must admit though that in the recent past I haven't had the opportunity to travel much, especially on my own and in places new to me. That trip to Agusan and Surigao reminded me of the importance of Openness and Trust in my travels. I know that it is most important to be cautious, to always remember to be safe - but it is also important to Trust. To trust in the goodness of other people and to trust in the grace of God throughout my travel - throughout our lives.

And even if I am in deep sorrow and pain, I will try my best to Trust in the plan of God for you Divine. I will very much try. I will also very much try to Trust God's plan for us, your family and friends, who you will leave behind.  But I think God will be ok for now when I say, I hate the fact that you had to have Cancer, especially at a young age. I dislike that you are in Pain.

Privileged 17Aug2010

"The privilege." This was the central theme of the gospel and the homily last Sunday on the Feast of the Assumption. Although I do not do much written reflections on the homily or on the bible, especially not recently, this one I was able to relate to. 

Mary's was the acceptance to carry Christ, the son of God and future savior, in her womb. A task, a young woman, virgin at that and with no husband to help her would find so heavy and so limiting given that she had to become a mother soon after. A mother not just of any child, but of one who has been set to serve as a savior and would therefore need extra nurturing and care. A task that perhaps most young woman her age would shun away from yet, with Mary not only did she accept but in her acceptance came her recognition of it being a privilege.

I am no Mary (my friends can laugh in agreement, yes) and I am no Saint (most definitely). Motherhood has not really been a dream or a vision of a future I see of me; although I adore my nephews, nieces and younger cousins and treat them as my own. The burden to carry a child in my womb freaks me out, just a bit. So this is definitely not about the state that Mama Mary assumed, this is about seeing the privilege.

There was a US TV show sometime last year called "Privileged." It was about very rich young girls who could afford anything they wanted and can go do anything that their hearts' desire. I am very much privileged, but not in a way that those girls in the TV show were. Mine is the privilege is to serve and to be where I am.

It took me about a month and a half to fully discern about taking my current new job.I start first with the fact that I have a new job and before I started this one yesterday, I didn't have a job for a month which meant no remuneration. Logistical arrangements and financial considerations had to be thought about carefully before an agreement was made.

Being Jobless - Not earning is not exactly the best situation especially during these times. But I find/found myself always being "okay" with not earning for a time. I was indeed privileged to be living with my sister Tetet, not worrying about rent and paying utilities as she never pressured me when I ought to give my share (But I share ha! hahaha). My grandmother was also sick during that month and it was a privilege to be able to take care of her - to take care of somebody who has been taking care of us ever since we were born. (although I'd rather have her healthy all the time).

Making a Choice - I believe that not many people are given the chance to serve and do the tasks that they've always put great value in. Most of the time and with most people, you choose jobs that can mostly aid financial concerns. Some do not have the privilege to say NO or To leave their current jobs for fear that nothing will else will come and the need to feed hungry mouths is ever present. I had choices too, before finally taking this job and for that I was and am most thankful.

I never really saw it much as a privilege, I thought I was lucky and thankful but privileged not exactly, to be working back for ESSC and generally the people of my JVP area in Bendum, Bukidnon. I have confidence in my experience and skills and that doing this work is more for the career path and future I am planning. But upon reflecting last Sunday, I saw it more as a privilege. I am much privileged to have been allowed to do this work and am privileged by the community/ies we will be serving to do this work for and with them.

The privilege comes with great challenges - but the awareness of the gift that is being able to do what it is that I do should be able to aid me in responding to all the responsibilities I have to fulfill.

Dear Divine (Aquino and Binay)

12 May 2010

Dear Divine,

 

I hope you didn’t vote, and I say this only because of my concern for your health. Kris Buntag (your JVP batchmate) waited for hours; I believe 10hrs, that wouldn’t have been advisable for you. I, on the other hand stood for 3 hrs and 15mins and still voted for GORDON. Even if the chances were very slim, I hoped that by some form of miracle he would win.

 

With the Automated Elections this year (of which Gordon was one of the principal authors), the results are out quite fast and the whole country (and most of the world) knows that it is an Aquino win for the Presidential Seat and most probably a Binay for the Vice Presidential Post.

 

A good number of my (our) friends voted for Aquino in the spirit of ‘change’ the he symbolizes mainly because he has inherited it from the work and sacrifices of his parents. They voted because his political career was not marked by any form of corruption. There were some standards to what a President is and should be that they had to forego in voting for him and believing in him. Some voted despite his lack of experience, passion and hardwork with the stronger belief that those behind him and will work for him are Experienced Leaders, Great Visionaries and Genuinely Good people. I know a number who voted for his advisers and not necessarily for him. And that is where my fear lies.

 

Not that I do not respect and believe his advisers, I actually admire a good number of people in the Liberal Party, but I fear how we never get over the spirit of ‘utang na loob.’ With a good number of people, donors, and sponsors to Thank for the successful campaign of Mr. Aquino, what will he give in exchange for that? (and those who dare say that he will not give them anything because he owes them nothing are Hypocrites)

 

The dependency on advisers scares me because much as I know a number of them, I also don’t know many of them – I do not know what their real intentions are. And I’m sorry to Aquino ‘fans,’ I said this before, I do not believe he has the right sense of passion and assertiveness to not be driven by the motives of others. in short he doesn't have the 'balls' that Gordon and Gibo have (or atleast shown us that they have)

 

The chances of Mar Roxas winning the VP seat is getting slimmer by the hour. I pity the man. I still haven’t forgotten how much of a traditional politician he is; his early electioneering with the ‘padyak’ advertisement (among others); and for marrying korina – but the man works and doesn’t have a corruption tainted name. Unlike that of BINAY, who will most probably be our VP.

 

None of my friends voted for Binay, perhaps a few acquaintances did. But if I show them factual information of his corrupt practices I doubt if they wouldn’t change their mind about him (because if they don’t, I will be the one to change my mind about being associated with them). And with Binay as vice president, who will most probably ask for the DILG cabinet position, I am very much afraid. I am afraid of how much more money he will steal and of how much influence he can have over our county. I am very much afraid.

 

 

I CHOOSE FAITH. In as much as there is some anger toward the turnout of the elections (Erap still being #2, of Binay, Pacquaio, GMA, Mikey Arroyo’s party list winning), the sense of loss in wanting for better leaders to win (Gordon, Gibo, Mar, Hontiveros, N.Acosta, etc) and a sense of dismay in the many controversies that surrounded this elections (PCOS konking out, procurement issues of those darn folders and UV ray lights that were never used,etc). I choose to have faith.

 

I choose to believe in better things ahead of us, because in a way, that’s what we ought to do. We have to move on in the spirit that at least CHANGE is going to come. And in as much as we have been vigilant during the election period, we are asked to become even more vigilant, even more demanding of the new National and Local Elected Leaders. That is how we should move on from loss – we are entitled to grieve a little, be angry for a while, but if our concerns are truly for the country - we work with the leaders that we have. Many have said it, it’s MAJORITY VOTE, not necessarily the RIGHT VOTE – that’s democracy and so work within the bounds of the democratic country we are in.

 

I would have wanted for the many good leaders who lost to be able to take on a seat in the Cabinet but the law will not allow it – at least for a year. And so I choose to be patient in the hopes that despite their loss, they will be there to help the country whether in a position or not but hopefully after a year in a position of great significance. This will re affirm my belief in them and my choice to have faith in this new President of ours. I will choose to have faith in Mr. Aquino’s genuinely good advisers. But note Divine that I will not stop from practicing a healthy sense of skepticism in their actions, for that is the faith that I know – not blind faith, but a vigilant one.

 

On that note, I WILL NOT FORGET TO LOOK AT CONGRESS. Because the long wait for new governance is well on its way, but the ‘old’ highest leader will be sitting in congress with some, if not most, of his allies. And we should not allow her to regain power and take a Prime Minister seat.

 

This election is not just about the President and the Vice President, there is change all over the country and we ought to be aware of those changes. I hope you do not forget that for I know I won’t. PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL! :)

Dear Divine 6May2010

Dear Divine,

I am happy to hear that you have been discharged from the hospital there in Zamboanga and that you are recovering from home. I believe you are still under medication and observation so we continue to pray for your good health and hope that your Doctors make the best decision about your condition. We will wait if you need to fly in here in Manila or if you will be sent to Davao. Either way, we are with you.

Three days to go before election Divine - the country is in a crazy state. I urge you not to watch television if you can resist it because 80% of the advertisements are that of politicians and 90% of the news is about the main candidates. It might make you sick again. There are times I want to puke at the mere sight of the candidates. I also hate it that for the past 3 days, the song is my head is the jingle of one of the vice-presidential candidates whom I despise. He claims to be genuinely good and "pure" when I know for a fact that he has been stealing from the beloved city he is supposed to work in and for. 

The news about PCOS machines not working, of the need for the CF cards to be reformatted are alarming in so many ways. I cannot put into words my mixed emotions of fear, a bit of anger and disappointment. The equipment that has been put in place to help us and help transparency and accountability during the elections better not be used for cheating and for violence to ensue. 

The teachers, the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), at least in Luzon according to the news, have been receiving the machines and are familiarizing themselves with the tool. I see some of them quite happy with the new system. The manual counting all these years must have been so excruciating for them - this automation, should it work well and justly is great help to them. 

This coming elections, I especially pray for them. I hope they do not forget all the things they learn from the orientations. I hope the BEIs don't get confused on the day itself and I hope no one uses them as an instrument to cheat - to cheat the system and the people. On the day of the elections, the BEIs are our TRUE PUBLIC SERVANTS - without the trade of national position after elections, without huge compensation for the stress of the day and with the possibility of being screamed at by confused or disappointed voting population they will still be there. The BEIs will and should stay all day until the votes are counted. 

Let us not forget about the BEIs when we pray and hope for honest and clean elections.  

Voting for GORDON

I believe this is it, it's final. I am voting for RICHARD GORDON on Monday. 

I must admit that he has always been the frontrunner for me the last couple of months. When I once posted that I'm leaning toward a G, I was choosing between Gordon and Gibo. Oh yes, I did consider Gibo, very different from my sentiments about him last May 2009. 

A couple of my good friends would react majorly about my vote for Gordon - even though they already expect it more or less. They will speak about his ARROGANCE, his being "PIKON," his untamed TONGUE and perhaps his Exaggerated Claims about his accomplishments. I will not take that away from them. But I will share some of my reasons why him. 

First, of all the negative things that people throw at him there is never anything major about INTEGRITY. Nothing that will speak about a history or even the tendency to be corrupt. I'm pretty sure he is no ANGEL - what with that tongue (esp during UAAP games), but I am not expecting a Saint out my President. I expect a PERSON and a "HUMAN BEING" who has had a record of helping others - without the camera following him and without the need to count the people s/he has helped. 

Second, when they attack him about his ARROGANCE - they almost never look at it in a positive light and see it as CONFIDENCE that can mean KNOWING WHAT HE WANTS and ASKING US TO ALLOW HIM TO BRING US THERE. Gordon is Assertive and one cannot truly be assertive is he is not confident in what he is doing. Isn't there a quote that says - "HE WHO KNOWS and KNOWS HE KNOWS (is WISE) is a LEADER - FOLLOW HIM!?" Aaaa! 

PIKON si GORDON! I just laugh, I think he is too. But he is right (to some extent) - it can be that his PASSION exudes when he speaks that's why he can be emotional. And We ought to WANT and VOTE for a PASSIONATE LEADER. Someone who knows, and knew, what he is getting into. And I don't easily find passion in a lot of leaders nowadays. I actually see it in GIBO too perhaps in BRO. EDDIE. But to others, I think I see 'POLITICAL DREAMS' in their eyes more than PASSION. And to me, that is scary and dangerous. 

Years back Gordon spoke about one of the major things that Young people like myself often forget - EDUCATION CANNOT take the place of EXPERIENCE, they have to go hand in hand. I agree. And I see both in Gordon - Education and Experience. In addition, I also think that if you were given an opportunity to hold position in public office, you should maximize it. It is not enough for me that you rose from the ranks, that is not what EXPERIENCE is. Your years in public office will only count if you actually did something during those years. This is one of the major reasons why despite my wanting for CHANGE - it cannot be someone REALLY VERY NEW in Public Office. He has to be experienced enough to hold that highest seat in the government.

GORDON doesn't owe any political parties, or old politicians or businessmen, a favor. Heck, I don't think he owes anybody anything major - what with his frankness and all, he is not exactly Mr. Congeniality. hehehe. That's fine with me. My leader has to work and has to make MAJOR decisions that can be Unpopular at times. I want to make sure the person sitting there is capable of doing such, of making the unpopular choices but THAT those choices can BENEFIT MORE of the POPULATION.

To those who are HONEST enough to admit to themselves that GORDON is the Best but fear that He will not win and Fear that Villar might win if the votes will spread so much. And so they are thinking of casting the more "idealistic" vote - voting for someone high in the surveys to make sure the other one doesn't win. This I want you to think about - think if there are atleast 1 MILLION of US, And if we all think that way, if we settle - that's 1 MILLION VOTES gone to WASTE - 1 million settled for Less. tsk tsk tsk. 

Don't SETTLE for LESS. Don't let the SURVEYs FOOL YOU. MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT - Matter!

Dear Divine 29APR2010

29 April 2010

Dear Divine,

In the midst of some developments in my work, which are not necessarily positive (I will tell you about it some other time), and the craziness of the elections that is coming up soon, I think of you. And I think of the ordeal you are in. I pray.

But in times of a friend’s despair and/or illness, it seems so unfair to say “kamusta ka?” Because really, I know already that you are not OK, I know already that you are in some pain and given a choice you would rather be healthier, up and about and helping out in the elections – perhaps through PPCRV or NAMFREL. You have always been active like that, full of energy and passion for the country.

And so I’d rather just speak to you about my thoughts and hope it distracts you from feeling your pain and renew a sense of hope in the change that is about to unfold in our country.

I’m thinking now, if you were up and about you most probably will discuss with your student volunteers in SACSI, the elections and the presidential candidates. I know for certain you will urge them to think seriously about their vote and learn about the candidates. I am sure of this because late last year, a student of yours visited my multiply site and left a comment on my blog regarding early electioneering of politicians.

So here it goes. My thoughts now are on the value of getting to know my candidates, especially my president.

Why is it important for me to know what the platform and plans are of the presidential candidate I will vote for? One reason is because I need to know where he plans to take my country and if I am one with him in his plans.

A few friends have talked about the highest government position as seeing it as a place for someone who is a true hero. To which I was able to reflect - “Perhaps the desire to have a HERO to lead us is so romantic in nature. It's so ‘up’ there, so ideal and even "mythical" to a certain extent. When I believe, what we need is someone Grounded and do not see himself as a Hero. For it is not merely saving by a particular person that we need - we need a DIRECTION and we need someone that can LEAD us properly to the course of salvation (for lack of a better term). We need somebody who is passionate enough to DRAG us toward that road, if that's the only way.”

Same goes for those running in the Senate or for the Mayor for our particular city. All those positions and the people who will sit there are contributory to the path where we will go.

I still haven’t chosen, to be particular for the position of President I still have 2 choices. For Senators I only have 3 sure votes for now. There is so much studying that has to be done and I only have a few days left.

This is getting long and so I must get back to my studying and you should be resting. I will write again soon. Let me know if you have been doing some studying as well and share them with me. 

I miss you. Stay strong, eat well, take your medicines, get well soon. Remember, I owe you a "knickerboxer." 

Hugs.

Kang 

---

Divine Benitez is good a friend of mine, a friend from Jesuit Volunteers Philippines (JVP), who is ill right now.  For those who know her and know what she is going through, we really need your prayers and support. You can contact JVP in any Ateneo for more details. For those with kind heartswho just pray for GOOD HEALTH, in general - please include her in your prayers. Divine is a kind, generous and young Filipina who has been such an active social development worker for about 6 years now - 2 years as a volunteer and about 4 years as a project officer for a social action office in Ateneo de Zamboanga. 

I SMILED TODAY

 There a few things that made me smile (or even LAUGH) today and I thought I'd share. 

1. A TV AD - Insomnia attacked and so I was up late last night. And one of the things I caught on TV was this Presidential Candidate's new TV AD. I swear it totally made my Sunday! it was HILARIOUS!

Get this, about 5 people were circling around, chained to each other with Collar chains even. And out comes the savior - Jamby Madrigal. I can't really describe it, you have to watch it to understand why I almost died of laughter watching it. 

2. A HELMET - I don't like the motorcycles that invade the streets of the metro. Personally I think there are just too many of them. And most of the motorcycle drivers I see do not respect traffic rules. Worst, a motorcycle caused me a road accident last year and the driver rode off unscathed - evil man. I still hope he suffered a major injury in his leg from that accident. 

So it totally made me smile to not only see a motorcycle driver wear a PROPER/RIGHT HELMET but also had his SON wear the right HELMET himself. Most drivers usually use the wrong spare helmet - they use bicycle ones, worst no helmet at all. So it was nice to see a father (I assumed he was his son) make sure his son had the proper helmet. GOOD JOB!

3. A FULL LUNCH TABLE - It was nice to see a full lunch table at work today. It's been awhile since we, Center For Governance - CFG (and a couple of friends from the other center) ate together. Our schedules have been crazy with people having field work at some other place or holding a training outside the office or out for a vacation. Our Center is the noisiest in our office, so it was nice to bring back the life in the canteen today.  

4. HOME BEFORE THE SUN SETS - I try my best to go home early every Monday. Just so I can start the week a bit healthier. So I can "try" to set the tone of not needing to work overtime the rest of the week. Though if I think about it, I do not think I've had a week in the office that didn't require me to work overtime atleast once that week. So going home early at least once a week, preferably on Mondays will do, for now. 

My Take on this "PERYA"

I have to say my take now, because Elections are coming soon and I for one am not the type who doesn’t speak her mind. In hiatus from writing/blogging for free (I need cash for my writing –kaya penge raket!), I shall do my duty as a Filipino who actually cares for her country and spread the sentiments of my peers regarding the 2010 elections. (okay maybe the claim that this is also the sentiments of my peers is an overstretch but what the heck). 

I DESPISE.Watching all the political advertisements on TV. If I were going to be strict I will choose the candidates that had the least exposure on TV. They are not able to present their platform and experience in the 30seconder ads so it has no use to me. Touch my emotion once, that’s enough. I do not need to be bombarded by your songs, by what your ancestors have done and by how you have bastardized some of the “used to be” nice/good songs. And most of the politicians are not good looking, hello?! Tired from work, I'd rather see something good on TV, not ugly people. It's like the chaos they created with that PBB couple, sorry friends who are fans of them, I cannot stand watching more than a couple of minutes of those two, of people who are not necessarily good looking. Now I completely understand why the most famous celebrities have to be beautiful, at the very least pleasant looking.  For I don't want to see Ugly people on TV. I want to be entertained and feel good, enough with the Ugliness. My gosh! 

I ABHOR. The use of children in campaigns, whether related to the candidate or not. The least we can do for our children is not to expose them to the chaos and "perya-like" scenario of campaigns. What would it do to their formative years recalling a mass of people screaming and shouting, shaking their hands and taking their pictures? They do not understand the words during rallies. They would learn much more if they read their books and played with their toys at home.  Much more, what is the additional value of singing on TV and singing a song about a promise that you might not be able to deliver? Is it the 15 second of fame that will most probably be forgotten in a year or two? Were they even paid for the ad and did they get certification from the Department of Labor? And don't even get me started with the use of women dancers in skimpy clothes!!!    I cannot give RESPECT to a person who cannot show the least amount of RESPECT to others, especially to WOMEN. If you just needed entertainers, they can atleast be more clothed. 

I'M TIRED. Already of the forums and  interview of politicians. They just repeat themselves. I value more the investigative or magazine shows that scrutinize the lives of the candidates. Atleast that makes them more real and unrehearsed. A few more days left until elections, MEDIA - please give me more information and something new. 

I AM NOT. Voting for Noynoy nor for Villar, I will say that now. So please stop texting me you darn people! Both people I know and some random numbers. Please also stop from tagging me on notes on FB that campaign for them. I'd be interested to read articles on PERLAS, GIBO and GORDON instead but kindly just invite me and not tag me. 

I AM SADDENED.  By how dirty our streets look right now. I really don't appreciate seeing so much posters and stickers. There's absolutely nothing artistic about seeing a random person's face and his name all over the metro. And so I don't like seeing them as I travel around.  It's like those MMDA art that flock EDSA- whoever declared them as art is crazy plus let it be known that I consider them eyesore.  I wish MMDA just repaint them. Shallow as it may seem, most of what the MMDA has done and been doing for years now are some of the reasons why I am not voting for BAYANI.

I SHALL. Do my proper and serious research on the candidates now. Elections is coming soon and I better make my list. I don't want to over vote.