Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Isang Paalala sa mga Iskolar ng Bayan
Sabi ni CJ Puno...
http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/speech/04-18-08-speech.pdf
http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/speech/04-18-08-speech.pdf
Thursday, May 8, 2008
MCLE - ALG
MANDATORY CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
June 9-13, 2008
Social Development Complex (SDC) Conference Hall
Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Dear friends,
The Alternative Law Groups, Inc. (ALG) is pleased to invite you to attend the full course (36-units) Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program, which will be held on June 9-13, 2008 at the Social Development Complex (SDC) Conference Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. This accredited MCLE program can be applied to the first, second or third compliance periods. The regular fee for the full course is P8,000.00. Lawyers who will register and pay on or before June 2, 2008 will get the discounted rate of P7,500.00.
The ALG is a coalition of twenty (20) non-government organizations in the Philippines that adhere to the principles and values of alternative or social development-oriented law practice. These organizations have distinct programs for developmental legal assistance that is primarily concerned with the pursuit of public interest, respect for human rights, and promotion of social justice. ALG members’ operations cover a wide area of concerns involving justice issues of the poor and marginalized groups in the Philippines. These include issues on women, labor, peasant, fisherfolk, children, urban poor, indigenous peoples, persons living with HIV-AIDS, local governance, and the environment.
The MCLE program will be a venue to exchange information about the legal aspects of social justice and human rights issues in the country, as well as related developments in the region. The MCLE program will bring together a select group of resource persons who will share their rich experience in their respective fields of work.
Please find attached the registration form. You will find the program below.
For inquiries and reservations, please call 426 61 24 (direct line) or 426 60 01 loc. 4858, 4859, 4860, or 426 56 90. You can also e-mail us at secretariat@alternativelawgroup
By attending the ALG MCLE program and helping disseminate information about it, you contribute to the ALG's dual work of empowering the poor and the marginalized, and effecting justice system reforms.
Thank you very much.
Very truly yours,
Marlon J. Manuel
Coordinator
Alternative Law Groups, Inc.
secretariat@alternativelawgroup
______________________________
June 9 Monday 9:00 – 12:00 Lawyering for Social Justice and Human Rights, & the Code of Professional Responsibility (LEGAL ETHICS, 3 units) Atty. Marlon J. Manuel Coordinator, Alternative Law Groups 1:00 – 4:00 Feminist Lawyering in Relation to the Code of Professional Responsibility and the Code of Judicial Conduct (LEGAL ETHICS, 3 units) Atty. Eleanor Conda Women’s Rights Advocate Former Chairperson, Women’s Legal Bureau 4:00 – 6:00 ASEAN Charter and Regional Human Rights Mechanisms (INTERNATIONAL LAW, 2 units) Atty. Carlos Medina Executive Director Ateneo Human Rights Center June 10 Tuesday 9:00 -12:00 Legal Framework of the Peace Process as Applied to the CPP-NDF and the MILF (UPDATES ON SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL LAW & JURISPRUDENCE, 3 units) Atty. Sedfrey Candelaria Member, GRP Panel (GRP-CPP/NDF) Adviser, GRP Panel (GRP-MILF) 1:00 – 4:00 Executive Privilege, Legislative Inquiry and the Right to Information (UPDATES ON SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL LAW & JURISPRUDENCE, 3 units) Atty. Carlos P. Medina Executive Director Ateneo Human Rights Center 4:00 – 6:00 Steps to Justice, Steps to Change: The Sumilao Farmers’ Case (LAW AS A MEANS OF SOCIAL CHANGE [Prescribed Subject], 2 units) Atty. Arlene J. Bag-ao Executive Director, Balay Alternative Legal Advocates for Development in Mindanaw June 11 Wednesday 9:30 – 11:30 Addressing Challenges in Environmental Law Compliance and Enforcement (ENVIRONMENTAL LAW [Prescribed Subject], 2 units) Atty. Grizelda Mayo-Anda Assistant Executive Director Environmental Legal Assistance Center 1:00 – 5:00 Gender Sensitive Language in Legal Writing and Oral Advocacy (LEGAL WRITING &ORAL ADVOCACY, 4 units) Atty. Amparita Sta. Maria Women’s Desk Director Ateneo Human Rights Center June 12 Thursday 9:00 – 12:00 Problems in Natural Resources Law (UPDATES ON SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL LAW, 3 units) Atty. Maria Paz Luna Chairperson, Tanggol Kalikasan 1:00 – 5:00 Rules on Examination of Child Witnesses in Child Abuse Cases (PRE-TRIAL AND TRIAL SKILLS, 4 units) Atty. Joan Saniel Executive Director, Children’s Legal Bureau June 13 Friday 9:00 – 11:00 Current Proposals to Amend the Labor Code (LAW REFORM [Prescribed Subject], 2 units) Atty. Arnold De Vera Executive Director Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal 12:30 – 3:30 Court-Annexed Mediation and Judicial Dispute Resolution (ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION, 3 units) Atty. Hector Soliman Project Director, Justice Reform Intitiatives Support Project (JURIS) 3:30 – 5:30 Learning from Indigenous Modes of Dispute Resolutions (ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION, 2 units) Atty. Christine Tomas-Espinosa Institutional Development Officer Tanggapang Panligal ng Katutubong Pilipino
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Irony of the Rice Crisis
I haven't been reading the papers much lately, and people don't really to read them anyway to know that we have a crisis in our hands. We are rationing our staple food for goodness' sake!!!! People line up in the hopes that they will be able to buy jacked-up rice in order to feed their families!!! They're even thinking of putting ink on people just to know if they have already bought rice!!! Meanwhile, fast food outlets now sell half-servings of rice so as not to waste more uneaten rice. And, of course, being the smart people our politicians are, like in any other crisis, whether brought on by calamity or force majeure, they will hoard supplies so that they will wait for the laws of economics to apply -- less supply, more demand equals higher prices. I'm one of the fortunate few that gets rice supply from my grandparents' farm (magsasaka po ang mga ninuno ko, hindi po panginoong maylupa). I could not, however, help in raising my eyebrows at the irony of it all. Two major ironies:
First Irony:
The Philippines is an agricultural country. Need I say more?
Second Irony:
For a long time now, people have been telling this government to give support in the agricultural sector, obviously because we are an agricultural country. But because money talks, what has this government done? It has instead given priority to extractive industries. For example, found in Mindsalip Zamboanga is the hundreds of hectares of palay that feed the communities and nearby towns. What do they do there? They opened it up to mining. This is also equally true to other areas. Aside from mining, oil palm plantations and other plantations also push the rice industry out, apart from other staple foods. Money really talks.
Now, the government is scrambling to say that there is no food crisis. They are giving billions to support the agriculture sector, etc. etc., to cover up their screwed policies and economic beliefs. Well, it's a little late, isn't it? People are hungry. People are poor. And people are dying. Just because a few don't know when to say "enough" and get their fat asses out of their high chairs. Two adjectives: greedy and gluttonous.
First Irony:
The Philippines is an agricultural country. Need I say more?
Second Irony:
For a long time now, people have been telling this government to give support in the agricultural sector, obviously because we are an agricultural country. But because money talks, what has this government done? It has instead given priority to extractive industries. For example, found in Mindsalip Zamboanga is the hundreds of hectares of palay that feed the communities and nearby towns. What do they do there? They opened it up to mining. This is also equally true to other areas. Aside from mining, oil palm plantations and other plantations also push the rice industry out, apart from other staple foods. Money really talks.
Now, the government is scrambling to say that there is no food crisis. They are giving billions to support the agriculture sector, etc. etc., to cover up their screwed policies and economic beliefs. Well, it's a little late, isn't it? People are hungry. People are poor. And people are dying. Just because a few don't know when to say "enough" and get their fat asses out of their high chairs. Two adjectives: greedy and gluttonous.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Another Reason to Hate Honda
I Hate Honda. And I will try to convince everybody I know not to buy a Honda vehicle.
My dad bought a Honda Civic in 2001. Within a year, it was recalled, not just once, but twice. Once for its defective radio, which we returned again for the same defect the following year, and is almost useless now, since the CD reader is busted, there is no LED to speak of, and the volume is also stupidly stubborn coz it decreases in volume if you try to increase it and vice versa.
(Did I mention that I don't like the shocks as well? Made me feel as if I was in a LiteAce or something. Bouncy. It was the first thing I noticed.)
The second time is because they used the wrong fuel band and so they recalled my car, along with 12,000 ++ units, because anytime that you're driving your car, your fuel tank can just crash out of your trunk. Beat that.
Soon after its warranty period, the automatic doors won't work anymore. Mine is the double-click system. First click on the remote is the driver's door. The next click is the rest of the doors. Then to close, it just takes one click. The right passenger side was the first to give. If we were talking about a brain, it was like the left hemisphere of the brain was going bonkers, affecting the right side of the body. So you had to manually close and open the stupid doors. You'd think that along with the driver's door, the left back door would lock as well, coz you think it was the right side of the car that was stupidly busted, and then the lights would flash to indicate that all doors are locked.
Lo and behold. After a few hours or minutes-- there really is no definite time-- the horns would be blaring and the alarms will be tripped. Why? because apparently, what you thought to be locked, wasn't really locked, but just pretended to be locked. Stupid huh? It was then i found out that the back door wouldn't really go down. It would just click, but for some stupid reason, it won't go all the way down. So no more locks.
Then the stupid automatic window went. It won't go down, and if it does go down, it won't go up.
Then the stupid clutch will get stuck in the box, so while you're driving, it'll get stuck there, so you put it in neutral, then push it to where it's supposed to go...but it doesn't again. so you try until you finally get it in.
Then recently, my dad had the car fixed. They billed us about 50k. My dad, who used to work for Toyota, really worked up a temper and called them. They then billed us 17k.
I thought it was just my car. But when I went to a wedding last January, I saw an old friend driving the same model as mine. In fact, our cars were from the same batch since we have almost the same plate number, WTL.___. I asked her if she has experienced the same problems. Confirmed, it's not just my car. One of her Hondas also have a hole in the fuel tank.
Then again, just this January I think, I had the timing belt replaced, again in Honda Alabang. They said they have to clean the engine. It will cost 80k and my car will be gone for 2 months. Or....the attendant so smartly suggested: "Ma'am kung gusto nyo, ibenta nyo nalang po yan, para hindi kayo maabutan ng sira, iba nalang yung gagastos. Kumita na kayo, tapos bili nalang kayo ng bago dito." (Translated: Ma'am, if you want, you can just sell your car and just let the second owner to pay for the repairs (ano ba ang ingles ng maabutan?). You get to earn from that, then just buy a new car here.) Is he crazy???? Who the hell does he think he's talking to? Is that really how they practice business? Then I responded, after laughing bitterly, "We will never buy a Honda again."
Yesterday, I brought the car to the shop near my house, where I have been bringin my car for some years now. There's something wrong with it because it's been very noisy. The mechanic tells me it's the bearing of the compressor of the aircon. They don't do aircons.
Ok. So I go to Rapide along Kalayaan. They take a look at my car. Yup. It's the bearing. It's the compressor.
Rapide guy: Kelan po ninyo nakuha ito?
Me: 2001.
Rapide: Grabe naman. Sira agad ang compressor.
Me: Bakit, ilang taon ba ang lifetime usually?
Rapide: Mga 10 years po.
Me: It's a Honda, what do you expect. So magkano?
Rapide: P21500.
GRRRRRRR....I almost wanted to kick the damn car.
I know a lot of you like Honda. It's the yuppie car. You might think that it's just my car, and that it happens to other brands as well. But the thing is, my family took a chance with the Honda Civic even if we were pretty happy with Toyota. Trying it out and seeing what the whole fuss was all about. So we will never really buy a Honda again. After talking with their people, from the showroom, to the tech to the corporate, the company has left a bad taste in my mouth. (Believe me, if i was just allowed to write about my case against Honda here --airbags not popping-- you'll understand why i'm even more pissed).
So if you still want to buy Honda. Go ahead. But be sure to check the warranty card. And don't believe the provision which states: "Honda reserves the right to be the final arbiter of all matters involving warranty claims." Don't let it stop you from suing them if you think you have the right.
My dad bought a Honda Civic in 2001. Within a year, it was recalled, not just once, but twice. Once for its defective radio, which we returned again for the same defect the following year, and is almost useless now, since the CD reader is busted, there is no LED to speak of, and the volume is also stupidly stubborn coz it decreases in volume if you try to increase it and vice versa.
(Did I mention that I don't like the shocks as well? Made me feel as if I was in a LiteAce or something. Bouncy. It was the first thing I noticed.)
The second time is because they used the wrong fuel band and so they recalled my car, along with 12,000 ++ units, because anytime that you're driving your car, your fuel tank can just crash out of your trunk. Beat that.
Soon after its warranty period, the automatic doors won't work anymore. Mine is the double-click system. First click on the remote is the driver's door. The next click is the rest of the doors. Then to close, it just takes one click. The right passenger side was the first to give. If we were talking about a brain, it was like the left hemisphere of the brain was going bonkers, affecting the right side of the body. So you had to manually close and open the stupid doors. You'd think that along with the driver's door, the left back door would lock as well, coz you think it was the right side of the car that was stupidly busted, and then the lights would flash to indicate that all doors are locked.
Lo and behold. After a few hours or minutes-- there really is no definite time-- the horns would be blaring and the alarms will be tripped. Why? because apparently, what you thought to be locked, wasn't really locked, but just pretended to be locked. Stupid huh? It was then i found out that the back door wouldn't really go down. It would just click, but for some stupid reason, it won't go all the way down. So no more locks.
Then the stupid automatic window went. It won't go down, and if it does go down, it won't go up.
Then the stupid clutch will get stuck in the box, so while you're driving, it'll get stuck there, so you put it in neutral, then push it to where it's supposed to go...but it doesn't again. so you try until you finally get it in.
Then recently, my dad had the car fixed. They billed us about 50k. My dad, who used to work for Toyota, really worked up a temper and called them. They then billed us 17k.
I thought it was just my car. But when I went to a wedding last January, I saw an old friend driving the same model as mine. In fact, our cars were from the same batch since we have almost the same plate number, WTL.___. I asked her if she has experienced the same problems. Confirmed, it's not just my car. One of her Hondas also have a hole in the fuel tank.
Then again, just this January I think, I had the timing belt replaced, again in Honda Alabang. They said they have to clean the engine. It will cost 80k and my car will be gone for 2 months. Or....the attendant so smartly suggested: "Ma'am kung gusto nyo, ibenta nyo nalang po yan, para hindi kayo maabutan ng sira, iba nalang yung gagastos. Kumita na kayo, tapos bili nalang kayo ng bago dito." (Translated: Ma'am, if you want, you can just sell your car and just let the second owner to pay for the repairs (ano ba ang ingles ng maabutan?). You get to earn from that, then just buy a new car here.) Is he crazy???? Who the hell does he think he's talking to? Is that really how they practice business? Then I responded, after laughing bitterly, "We will never buy a Honda again."
Yesterday, I brought the car to the shop near my house, where I have been bringin my car for some years now. There's something wrong with it because it's been very noisy. The mechanic tells me it's the bearing of the compressor of the aircon. They don't do aircons.
Ok. So I go to Rapide along Kalayaan. They take a look at my car. Yup. It's the bearing. It's the compressor.
Rapide guy: Kelan po ninyo nakuha ito?
Me: 2001.
Rapide: Grabe naman. Sira agad ang compressor.
Me: Bakit, ilang taon ba ang lifetime usually?
Rapide: Mga 10 years po.
Me: It's a Honda, what do you expect. So magkano?
Rapide: P21500.
GRRRRRRR....I almost wanted to kick the damn car.
I know a lot of you like Honda. It's the yuppie car. You might think that it's just my car, and that it happens to other brands as well. But the thing is, my family took a chance with the Honda Civic even if we were pretty happy with Toyota. Trying it out and seeing what the whole fuss was all about. So we will never really buy a Honda again. After talking with their people, from the showroom, to the tech to the corporate, the company has left a bad taste in my mouth. (Believe me, if i was just allowed to write about my case against Honda here --airbags not popping-- you'll understand why i'm even more pissed).
So if you still want to buy Honda. Go ahead. But be sure to check the warranty card. And don't believe the provision which states: "Honda reserves the right to be the final arbiter of all matters involving warranty claims." Don't let it stop you from suing them if you think you have the right.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Job Opening
Hello, my former boss called me last night and have requested me to send out this post.
The Office of Justice Isaias Dicdican of the 12th Division of the Court Appeals is looking for three Court Attorneys. He was formerly a Justice in the Visayas Region based in Cebu, but will be transferring to Manila by March 19, 2008.
Please submit your resumes to me through this post, or for those who know my email, you can do it there also. I will forward to him your applications (since we only had a quick conversation and wasn't able to iron out that detail). You might also want to submit your applications through the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Court of Appeals in Manila.
Yun lang po.
The Office of Justice Isaias Dicdican of the 12th Division of the Court Appeals is looking for three Court Attorneys. He was formerly a Justice in the Visayas Region based in Cebu, but will be transferring to Manila by March 19, 2008.
Please submit your resumes to me through this post, or for those who know my email, you can do it there also. I will forward to him your applications (since we only had a quick conversation and wasn't able to iron out that detail). You might also want to submit your applications through the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Court of Appeals in Manila.
Yun lang po.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Celebrating the Leap Year
For justice, human rights, national patrimony and dignity:
ARROYO REGIME, OUT NOW!
Today, the call for patriotic duty is upon us, all freedom-loving and justice-
seeking citizens, peoples as well as women and men of the Philippines!
Today, we are called upon to exercise our sovereign will in this historical moment, and to reclaim our self-respect and dignity as a nation.
We are called upon once more to mobilize our collective courage and unity—our Power as a People, to bring an end to an illegitimate, corrupt , ruthless and rapacious Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) government.
In recent days, we staged various forms of protests nationwide to demand the resignation, ouster or stepping down of the GMA government, not only for its lack of legitimacy, unbridled greed, grave human rights abuses and widespread repression.We also resisted a recalcitrant and shameless regime for its gross violations of the constitution, the sell-out of national sovereignty and patrimony, the betrayal of national and people’s interests and the betrayal of public trust.
It took the damning testimony of one courageous whisteblower of the cancelled $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal to shock and enrage an entire nation about the extent to which this government could go in its monumental greed, ruthlessness and cling on power.
Noel Lozada Jr. has shown to us what courage and patriotic duty are all about. Just as our other brave men and women, our heroes and martyrs –now and in the past, have shown that a just cause against an unjust regime is worth the resistance and sacrifices. And that this country and its people are worth dying for.
Today, we are gathered and mobilized around our rallying call: ARROYO REGIME OUT NOW! We say enough of the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) regime which is a government of lies and of leaders enriching themselves at the expense of the people’s natural resources and patrimony and the labor of our toiling people. We say enough of cover-ups and impunity for this regime’s evil deeds.
Today, we call for an end to this government that came into power through cheating and remained in power by silencing its critics---474 political killings in the last three years alone, and more than 180 people have been made to disappear. No more of a government that sells off the country’s minerals, forests and lands in exchange for largesse and bribes from large businesses and corporations --at the costs of the welfare and survival of local communities, our environment and posterity . We say no more to a government that lords over the people and wields its power ruthlessly like a mafia.
Today, let us show to the world once more that the Filipino people will not have anything to do with GMA and what she represents—elite rule, patronage politics and greed. At the same time, we serve notice that we will no longer allow our future to be hijacked and placed in the hands of different factions of the same elite and their brand of patronage rule that is governed more by narrow-self-serving interests and agenda at the expense of the people’s interests and welfare.
We invoke the spirit of People’s Power and draw lessons from our collective resistance and history: that only a united and determined people can make history; and that in our own hands lie our own liberation and deliverance as a nation.
Together, let us chart our own destiny towards national freedom, social justice, democracy , development , durable peace and security.
Today, let us once again, make our history as a people. Today, let us once again make our nation proud .
February 29, 2008
PHILIPPINES
From the Women and Men of Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center-Kasama sa Kalikasan/Friends of the Earth-Philippines (LRC-KsK/FoE-Phil.)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Whirlwind
I just came from Singapore with a bunch of friends...but I will not be blogging about that here. I will, however, talk about how I was sitting in the foyer of the 'hotel' that we were staying in one morning and reading through the news. I know it's pathetic to be on vacation but greedily soaking up what was written on the Straits Times, leisurely looking at the news.
You have to understand, I left Thursday night, February 21, at the height of the best telenovela I've ever seen, otherwise known as the ZTE-NBN deal. It had been two busy months for me since the start of the year, and it looks like it's gonna be that way for the next few weeks or months (at least until I get a tagteam, or else by the end of this quarter, I'd be almost stoned with work, either because of stress or numbness). It doesn't also help that there is this political movement going on, and no matter how much I want to spend time watching the whole Senate hearings live, I can't do it because I'm busy working. I'm actually torn sometimes. We would turn on the TV or radio at work, and sometimes, I'd stop what I'm doing to view the drama unfolding on screen or hear it on the airwaves. To be fair, following this whole fiasco is also part of my work. We are actually excused from it and encouraged to join protests against corruption and evil leadership.
So there I was, on a Saturday morning. Browsing through the newspaper, checking out the news over here in the Philippines...and there's nothing there on the deal. Sigh. Such disappointment.
What was more pathetic was, when I got back here at 5:45 in the morning, I texted my friend and asked, "So what's the news?" almost fearful that a big thing happened and I didn't get to witness it firsthand!!!! I remember the unspoken words that coursed through thousands of Filipinos when the Impeachment Court decided not to open that controversial envelope...I was afraid that I missed a similar event while I was away. So after being assured that nothing really changed much when I left, I hibernated for a day, despite the fact it being the EDSA Anniversary ( I half expected something happening on that day too, but of course, nothing really did).
Well, that's a chismosa for you.
Anyway, for those of you who belong to the legal profession one way or the other, if your choice of expression is to join the walk of the lawyers/law students/paralegals on friday, please do so. A lot of people out there are waiting for the legal profession to take and make a stand. After all, it is this profession that got the country into this mess in the first place (which is I know, open to debate).
You have to understand, I left Thursday night, February 21, at the height of the best telenovela I've ever seen, otherwise known as the ZTE-NBN deal. It had been two busy months for me since the start of the year, and it looks like it's gonna be that way for the next few weeks or months (at least until I get a tagteam, or else by the end of this quarter, I'd be almost stoned with work, either because of stress or numbness). It doesn't also help that there is this political movement going on, and no matter how much I want to spend time watching the whole Senate hearings live, I can't do it because I'm busy working. I'm actually torn sometimes. We would turn on the TV or radio at work, and sometimes, I'd stop what I'm doing to view the drama unfolding on screen or hear it on the airwaves. To be fair, following this whole fiasco is also part of my work. We are actually excused from it and encouraged to join protests against corruption and evil leadership.
So there I was, on a Saturday morning. Browsing through the newspaper, checking out the news over here in the Philippines...and there's nothing there on the deal. Sigh. Such disappointment.
What was more pathetic was, when I got back here at 5:45 in the morning, I texted my friend and asked, "So what's the news?" almost fearful that a big thing happened and I didn't get to witness it firsthand!!!! I remember the unspoken words that coursed through thousands of Filipinos when the Impeachment Court decided not to open that controversial envelope...I was afraid that I missed a similar event while I was away. So after being assured that nothing really changed much when I left, I hibernated for a day, despite the fact it being the EDSA Anniversary ( I half expected something happening on that day too, but of course, nothing really did).
Well, that's a chismosa for you.
Anyway, for those of you who belong to the legal profession one way or the other, if your choice of expression is to join the walk of the lawyers/law students/paralegals on friday, please do so. A lot of people out there are waiting for the legal profession to take and make a stand. After all, it is this profession that got the country into this mess in the first place (which is I know, open to debate).
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Lawyer kamo?
As expected, in every controversy -- like this NBN deal -- not only the star players of the controversy become household names...along with them are their lawyers. Some of these lawyers I know from my school days or professionally. I think it's sad to see some of them in TV and have some of their dirty laundry aired out in front of the masses (I think my schoolmates would know at least one who I'm referring to here)...but then again, I can't help also but think, well, they deserved it. Live your life that way, one of these days, you'll get bitten right on your ass.
It's also pathetic to watch these lawyers, supposedly having prestigious positions in the academe or by virtue of the length of their legal experience, who have sputtered incorrect BASIC legal principles as if they won't be found out or nobody else would understand, as if they're the only lawyers in this world. The legal profession being inherently litigous, it would be expected that there would be different interpretations with regard to one particular theory or story. However, there are just some truisms that you cannot pull some BS stunt. I cringe while watching them.
As an obiter...
I am currently reading this book, one that my friend has strongly recommended. Maybe some of you have read it (especially when some bookstores no longer have any in their stock). The title is "48 Laws of Power". It's a book that's suppose to teach you how to be at the top of your game, by hook or by crook. I'm reading it now because I want to understand, or at the very least, peek into the minds of people who are just simply evil and mean.
No wonder some people in power are gluttons.
It's also pathetic to watch these lawyers, supposedly having prestigious positions in the academe or by virtue of the length of their legal experience, who have sputtered incorrect BASIC legal principles as if they won't be found out or nobody else would understand, as if they're the only lawyers in this world. The legal profession being inherently litigous, it would be expected that there would be different interpretations with regard to one particular theory or story. However, there are just some truisms that you cannot pull some BS stunt. I cringe while watching them.
As an obiter...
I am currently reading this book, one that my friend has strongly recommended. Maybe some of you have read it (especially when some bookstores no longer have any in their stock). The title is "48 Laws of Power". It's a book that's suppose to teach you how to be at the top of your game, by hook or by crook. I'm reading it now because I want to understand, or at the very least, peek into the minds of people who are just simply evil and mean.
No wonder some people in power are gluttons.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Pathetic Phonebook
A friend of mine slept over last night. And she's depressed over some guy. I told her to forget about him and i'll check my phonebook for possibilities...lo and behold, all the guys that i have in my phone are: married, with a girlfriend, or single but either has no time or a player. Sheesh. Is that the way things are now? And to think there was a time that I was setting up people left and right! Now, mostly girls names are stored. It doesn't help also that the decent men that I do know are gay. I mean, I haven't had my share of decent guys for a long time. It must be that the population for singletons are really shrinking at this age bracket...or because the new age guy/girl wouldn't really want that kind of commitment.
I need to expand my circle I think. If not for myself, then for my altruistic bugaw-ism.
I need to expand my circle I think. If not for myself, then for my altruistic bugaw-ism.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
FLAGS FLAGS FLAGS!!!
I cannot believe that Marc and Rovilson, after winning soooooo many legs, has lost the Amazing Race Asia!!!! sheesh! over flags!!!! but then, i'm glad that the SIngapore guys won. They were my bet anyway...but to come in last after the girls??? well, that's great for the girls too! GO GIRLS!!!!
In any case, Marc and Rovilson won so many legs, their winnings would almost amount to a hundred thousand dollars as well. Guess that's poetic justice for the guys who some thought as arrogant. hehehe...
In any case, Marc and Rovilson won so many legs, their winnings would almost amount to a hundred thousand dollars as well. Guess that's poetic justice for the guys who some thought as arrogant. hehehe...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Bah Humbug!
From the outset, let me greet Grace, Howie and Nicky a happy birthday tomorrow!!!
Hmmm...can't really remember when i spent valentine's with somebody 'special'. Last year, I found myself walking the small town of Kampong Cham, Cambodia (as in small, you can walk the whole town in ten minutes) with a bunch of guys and girls, then finally converging in one expat restaurant that serves great Tiger Beer and Carlsberg. If i remember correctly, around this time last year, a server in that restaurant was flirting with Sean and asking stuff about him. She found him the most attractive among the men i was with. Meanwhile, the rest of us were just watching the exchange. She couldn't believe that he was Asian.
It was also around this time that I had the pleasure of meeting Colin -- my grandfather turned father -- who has always been wise and kind.
As we passed the stores in town, there were plastic hearts and flowers all over. What do you expect, it's a very earthy place (as in red earth). Not much flowers there.
Tomorrow, i'll be celebrating valentine's in a two-day meeting. Never really got immersed into the whole valentine thing anyway. It's such a headache to go out into the streets and see the traffic. Last time i went out to celebrate valentines was, hmmm...when i was in college, i guess. Law school valentines were spent with a special person, of course, with the name of grace since it is her special day as well.So it wasn't really to celebrate valentines, but purely to celebrate my dear friend's birthday. And that beat any valentine from my younger years.
I'm more actually excited to celebrate February 15 in Quiapo with buddies of mine.
So what's so special about valentines? If somebody tells me it's to celebrate the day of lovers, i'll punch them in the nose i swear...because seeing the couples these days, you'll KNOW that they're celebrating valentines EVERY SINGLE DAY with their public display of affection (myself included). Besides, true romance should be celebrated everyday.
Valentines instead is like Christmas in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". For others who didn't get to read the book, it's actually a story of commercializing a holiday, to the point that people have learned to relate Christmas not with values, but with material stuff...or so until Grinch stole Christmas and got proven wrong. But for Valentines, i still believe that it's really an opportunity for stores and establishments to cash in the dough. Because, contrary to what others might believe, St. Valentine has nothing to do with romantic love. He was actually a martyr, like all saints are in one form or the other. However, February is the fertility month (but how come a lot more people have birthdays on October, it seems?) It is also the day that women, in the olden days, had their day in court.
Anyway, i'm not making sense anymore. So to end this, and to greet everyone a happy valentines, I am stealing the text of my friend that she quoted from another source because it made me laugh...(sorry Rods)
"IF two eventually fell in love, despite the disparity of their ages and academic levels, this only lends substance to the truism that the heart has reasons for its own which reason does not know" (Chua-Qua vs. Clave, 169 SCRA 117)...
(Although I would have loved it more to post Justice Cruz' discussion in one case about star-crossed lovers in one crim case, which I don't have any strength anymore to remember, much less look for it. Maybe next year...)
It was also around this time that I had the pleasure of meeting Colin -- my grandfather turned father -- who has always been wise and kind.
As we passed the stores in town, there were plastic hearts and flowers all over. What do you expect, it's a very earthy place (as in red earth). Not much flowers there.
Tomorrow, i'll be celebrating valentine's in a two-day meeting. Never really got immersed into the whole valentine thing anyway. It's such a headache to go out into the streets and see the traffic. Last time i went out to celebrate valentines was, hmmm...when i was in college, i guess. Law school valentines were spent with a special person, of course, with the name of grace since it is her special day as well.So it wasn't really to celebrate valentines, but purely to celebrate my dear friend's birthday. And that beat any valentine from my younger years.
I'm more actually excited to celebrate February 15 in Quiapo with buddies of mine.
So what's so special about valentines? If somebody tells me it's to celebrate the day of lovers, i'll punch them in the nose i swear...because seeing the couples these days, you'll KNOW that they're celebrating valentines EVERY SINGLE DAY with their public display of affection (myself included). Besides, true romance should be celebrated everyday.
Valentines instead is like Christmas in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". For others who didn't get to read the book, it's actually a story of commercializing a holiday, to the point that people have learned to relate Christmas not with values, but with material stuff...or so until Grinch stole Christmas and got proven wrong. But for Valentines, i still believe that it's really an opportunity for stores and establishments to cash in the dough. Because, contrary to what others might believe, St. Valentine has nothing to do with romantic love. He was actually a martyr, like all saints are in one form or the other. However, February is the fertility month (but how come a lot more people have birthdays on October, it seems?) It is also the day that women, in the olden days, had their day in court.
Anyway, i'm not making sense anymore. So to end this, and to greet everyone a happy valentines, I am stealing the text of my friend that she quoted from another source because it made me laugh...(sorry Rods)
"IF two eventually fell in love, despite the disparity of their ages and academic levels, this only lends substance to the truism that the heart has reasons for its own which reason does not know" (Chua-Qua vs. Clave, 169 SCRA 117)...
(Although I would have loved it more to post Justice Cruz' discussion in one case about star-crossed lovers in one crim case, which I don't have any strength anymore to remember, much less look for it. Maybe next year...)
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Of Mistaken Identity and Slinkies
I have been getting texts and calls lately from strangers, especially since Fr. Suarez came back to town. A lot of people have texted or called, asking his healing prayer schedules, or have asked for blessings, thinking that my number is his. Of course I have to reply and say that it is not his number, especially when they have texted me some seriously personal stuff.
Anyway, this morning, I got another text from a stranger. I asked for the name, but s/he never replied. The reason why I'm sharing this is because the text, though coming from an unknown, is not a chain text. But the best part there was that the message came at a very apt time. It said:
"Share with me this beautiful prayer:
God, enlighten what is dark in me;
Strengthen what is weak in me;
Mend what is broken in me;
Bind what is bruised in me;
Heal what is sick in me;
Straighten what is crooked in me; and,
Revive whatever Peace and Love have died in me...AMEN."
And that was it. What really caught me was the last line.
Anyway, last Saturday, I was with an old girlfriend of mine who I haven't seen in YEARS! Spent some good nonsensical quality time together, catching up and breaking doors, blinds, and glasses. She then read to me a very cute text:
"Some people are like slinkies. They don't really have a purpose, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
"
How evilly true.
Hehe.
Anyway, this morning, I got another text from a stranger. I asked for the name, but s/he never replied. The reason why I'm sharing this is because the text, though coming from an unknown, is not a chain text. But the best part there was that the message came at a very apt time. It said:
"Share with me this beautiful prayer:
God, enlighten what is dark in me;
Strengthen what is weak in me;
Mend what is broken in me;
Bind what is bruised in me;
Heal what is sick in me;
Straighten what is crooked in me; and,
Revive whatever Peace and Love have died in me...AMEN."
And that was it. What really caught me was the last line.
Anyway, last Saturday, I was with an old girlfriend of mine who I haven't seen in YEARS! Spent some good nonsensical quality time together, catching up and breaking doors, blinds, and glasses. She then read to me a very cute text:
"Some people are like slinkies. They don't really have a purpose, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
"How evilly true.
Hehe.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Dr. Seuss - The Activist
Last week, i was in a meeting. Before the meeting started, one of the guys mentioned that one of the best environmental awareness books was Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax." He had me read it, and I couldn't believe that the children's books that I grew up with was actually a political work of art. Just last year, I bought a compilation of Dr. Seuss books for my nephews, but I didn't have time to read through it, except the first story "To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street."
After the meeting, when i went home for the weekend, I excitedly grabbed the book and read through all the stories, and what a revelation it was to read it again after twenty years with different eyes and realizations! I know for a lot of people out there, they have always known that Yertle the Turtle was actually Hitler, and Dr. Seuss have always taught about anti-discrimination. He taught about environmental responsibility and accountability. He taught about globalization and commercialization. So very belatedly, I realized the lessons in these story books -- and they are the best I've ever gone through, without the play of hifaluting big words.
So now, these are my favorit-est books of Dr. Seuss: The Lorax, Horton Hears A Who, Yertle the Turtle, The Sneetches, and Oh, The Places You'll Go!
Read to your kids, better yet, go back to those times when Eggs and Ham were Green. Enjoy!
After the meeting, when i went home for the weekend, I excitedly grabbed the book and read through all the stories, and what a revelation it was to read it again after twenty years with different eyes and realizations! I know for a lot of people out there, they have always known that Yertle the Turtle was actually Hitler, and Dr. Seuss have always taught about anti-discrimination. He taught about environmental responsibility and accountability. He taught about globalization and commercialization. So very belatedly, I realized the lessons in these story books -- and they are the best I've ever gone through, without the play of hifaluting big words.
So now, these are my favorit-est books of Dr. Seuss: The Lorax, Horton Hears A Who, Yertle the Turtle, The Sneetches, and Oh, The Places You'll Go!
Read to your kids, better yet, go back to those times when Eggs and Ham were Green. Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Love at First Sight
Love at First Sight
Wislawa Szymborska
I've always loved this poem ever since i came across it in a Taiwanese film, "Turn Left, Turn Right." I would like to think John Meyer read this poem when he made the song "love song for no one."
Wislawa Szymborska
| Both are convinced that a sudden surge of emotion bound them together. Beautiful is such a certainty, but uncertainty is more beautiful. Because they didn't know each other earlier, they suppose that nothing was happening between them. What of the streets, stairways and corridors where they could have passed each other long ago? I'd like to ask them whether they remember-- perhaps in a revolving door ever being face to face? an "excuse me" in a crowd or a voice "wrong number" in the receiver. But I know their answer: no, they don't remember. They'd be greatly astonished to learn that for a long time chance had been playing with them. Not yet wholly ready to transform into fate for them it approached them, then backed off, stood in their way and, suppressing a giggle, jumped to the side. | There were signs, signals: but what of it if they were illegible. Perhaps three years ago, or last Tuesday did a certain leaflet fly from shoulder to shoulder? There was something lost and picked up. Who knows but what it was a ball in the bushes of childhood. There were doorknobs and bells on which earlier touch piled on touch. Bags beside each other in the luggage room. Perhaps they had the same dream on a certain night, suddenly erased after waking. Every beginning is but a continuation, and the book of events is never more than half open. -translated by Walter Whipple |
Thursday, January 24, 2008
What is it exactly that i do?
Last week, I stayed over with an old friend's home. Her mom, Tita O, and I got to talk. She asked me if I was enjoying my work and the career path that I've chosen. Just as I was explaining to her the tribulations and perks of my work, my friend for 18 years walked in. It was then that I realized that most of my friends, family and relatives don't know what it is exactly that I do or that I chosen to do.
So what is it exactly that I do?
I work for the Legal Rights Center, a non-government organization founded by students who graduated from the UP College of Law. After the martial law era, when NGOs came to fore to address the many issues that plagued the country, these students realized that one sector that have been brushed under the rug were the indigenous peoples. We belong to the Alternative Law Groups. I am what we call an 'alternative lawyer'.
My official designation in the organization is "Staff Lawyer" under the Research and Policy Development Team. My job entails me to be up to date on the latest policies, bills, laws, rules and regulations and news on various topics from human rights, to environmental law, to land rights, to international law, to indigenous peoples, to rural communities, etc. I sometimes attend Congressional hearings on bills pertaining to these topics and present our two cents' worth (or at least sit there and pretend I know what's being talked about). I also go to the hinterlands, to the mountains, to coastal communties, to far-fetched places, crossing rivers, streams, riding habal-habals, horses, trekking on foot, etc. (seeing the best and worst of the country) so that I can know firsthand what the community is going through and to let them know the laws which directly affect them, to give them a fighting chance against large-scale transnational corporations which threaten them or have already displaced them from their homes. So this would also entail giving paralegal trainings, lectures, and on-the-spot legal advice.
Other times, I speak with a mic in front of me pointing out what's wrong in the system and other laws, and how these affect the lives of millions. So that's part advocacy work. The other part is also networking with other groups, peoples, and organizations which have common standpoints on a particular subject.
Every so often, I will also dip my fingers in litigation work or handle a case or two.
Aside from this, what I guess can be said to be the most challenging part of my chosen path is to put it all in through the different methods and modes of research, and write it down, and criticize, comment, and/or recommend policies which would hopefully change the system that we are moving in today. In short, I can, through my organization and vice versa, be a big headache to the government and to those who abuse the rights of many.
By the way, I also go to work in slippers, tank tops, and shorts, keeping a spare pair of pants in my cabinet so in case I need to meet someone I can be somewhat 'presentable'.
A lot of times, it's stressful work. Not only from the stress of workload, but also from the sense of responsibility and, I guess, from the iska part of me which dictates that I have to give back what I have received...to somehow continue the legacy what UP stands for.
Cheesy, but it's true.
Others may say that I am being ideal and foolish. But my work brings me the closest to the reality of politics, corruption, poverty and desparation. It may be cheesy, idealistic and foolish, but, then again, I do believe in the phrase "the children are our future". And as i once blogged about it, law students couldn't be any more the future than what and where they are now. We are those who will and who are blazing the trails of the present. We are the ones who will determine how things will go. We are now the ones paying for the sins of the past. And no matter how corny and cliche it may sound, this is our challenge.
So what is it exactly that I do?
I work for the Legal Rights Center, a non-government organization founded by students who graduated from the UP College of Law. After the martial law era, when NGOs came to fore to address the many issues that plagued the country, these students realized that one sector that have been brushed under the rug were the indigenous peoples. We belong to the Alternative Law Groups. I am what we call an 'alternative lawyer'.
My official designation in the organization is "Staff Lawyer" under the Research and Policy Development Team. My job entails me to be up to date on the latest policies, bills, laws, rules and regulations and news on various topics from human rights, to environmental law, to land rights, to international law, to indigenous peoples, to rural communities, etc. I sometimes attend Congressional hearings on bills pertaining to these topics and present our two cents' worth (or at least sit there and pretend I know what's being talked about). I also go to the hinterlands, to the mountains, to coastal communties, to far-fetched places, crossing rivers, streams, riding habal-habals, horses, trekking on foot, etc. (seeing the best and worst of the country) so that I can know firsthand what the community is going through and to let them know the laws which directly affect them, to give them a fighting chance against large-scale transnational corporations which threaten them or have already displaced them from their homes. So this would also entail giving paralegal trainings, lectures, and on-the-spot legal advice.
Other times, I speak with a mic in front of me pointing out what's wrong in the system and other laws, and how these affect the lives of millions. So that's part advocacy work. The other part is also networking with other groups, peoples, and organizations which have common standpoints on a particular subject.
Every so often, I will also dip my fingers in litigation work or handle a case or two.
Aside from this, what I guess can be said to be the most challenging part of my chosen path is to put it all in through the different methods and modes of research, and write it down, and criticize, comment, and/or recommend policies which would hopefully change the system that we are moving in today. In short, I can, through my organization and vice versa, be a big headache to the government and to those who abuse the rights of many.
By the way, I also go to work in slippers, tank tops, and shorts, keeping a spare pair of pants in my cabinet so in case I need to meet someone I can be somewhat 'presentable'.
A lot of times, it's stressful work. Not only from the stress of workload, but also from the sense of responsibility and, I guess, from the iska part of me which dictates that I have to give back what I have received...to somehow continue the legacy what UP stands for.
Cheesy, but it's true.
Others may say that I am being ideal and foolish. But my work brings me the closest to the reality of politics, corruption, poverty and desparation. It may be cheesy, idealistic and foolish, but, then again, I do believe in the phrase "the children are our future". And as i once blogged about it, law students couldn't be any more the future than what and where they are now. We are those who will and who are blazing the trails of the present. We are the ones who will determine how things will go. We are now the ones paying for the sins of the past. And no matter how corny and cliche it may sound, this is our challenge.
Itching
I have been itching to go somewhere far. I've been itching for a new environment since late last year, but the desire to do so has been stronger lately. However, due to the calls of responsibility and accountability, I can't exactly just get up and leave. But I will take a vacation somewhere. And soon.
This year, I will seriously look for options best for me so that i can scratch that damn itch. This year I will seriously consider the possibilities that are within reach, without compromising my other responsibilities.
This year is a chance for new beginnings.
This year, I will seriously look for options best for me so that i can scratch that damn itch. This year I will seriously consider the possibilities that are within reach, without compromising my other responsibilities.
This year is a chance for new beginnings.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Inner Dance
I just came from Cavite from a forum. Since I had to go back to Manila earlier than expected, I hitched a ride from one of the participants. During the ride home, there were four of us: the driver, a priest, a lawyer and me.
We were talking about nothing and a lot of things. During these conversations, the priest brought up "finding the inner child" to which I added that a friend of mine undrewent that process and swore by it. Then, the lawyer said, "How about the inner dance?" It was the first time I ever heard of the term. Apparently, she saw an ad in the newspaper and just decided to check it out. She said that the facilitator of the 'workshop' (no payment needed) merely touched the spine and other strategic places, and suddenly, she found herself dancing. I was fascinated with the conversation. I asked her if she can do the same to other people, and she said yes. So she gave me her card and we have set a tentative date when she can help me discover my 'inner dance'.
She said that the inner dance was a reflection of a person, a part that we have stamped out by our logical, fast-paced lifestyle. It is going back to nature, going back to God, and going back to oneself. She swears that it improved her outlook in life: less stress, less worries, less baggages, and more connected to her being.
I can't wait for that day. I'm a little bit apprehensive for fearing i might look like a fool waving my arms like a headless chicken, but what the heck. Anything that brings about a positive change in me is always a welcome thing. When I first rode in the car, I told her she was an angel. Maybe after she helps me find that inner dance, I'll be sure that she was sent to me by one...
We were talking about nothing and a lot of things. During these conversations, the priest brought up "finding the inner child" to which I added that a friend of mine undrewent that process and swore by it. Then, the lawyer said, "How about the inner dance?" It was the first time I ever heard of the term. Apparently, she saw an ad in the newspaper and just decided to check it out. She said that the facilitator of the 'workshop' (no payment needed) merely touched the spine and other strategic places, and suddenly, she found herself dancing. I was fascinated with the conversation. I asked her if she can do the same to other people, and she said yes. So she gave me her card and we have set a tentative date when she can help me discover my 'inner dance'.
She said that the inner dance was a reflection of a person, a part that we have stamped out by our logical, fast-paced lifestyle. It is going back to nature, going back to God, and going back to oneself. She swears that it improved her outlook in life: less stress, less worries, less baggages, and more connected to her being.
I can't wait for that day. I'm a little bit apprehensive for fearing i might look like a fool waving my arms like a headless chicken, but what the heck. Anything that brings about a positive change in me is always a welcome thing. When I first rode in the car, I told her she was an angel. Maybe after she helps me find that inner dance, I'll be sure that she was sent to me by one...
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Heath Ledger is dead
It's so sad. That geeky, long-hair, charming, bad-boy, mysterious guy from 10 Things I hate About You is gone. At first I didn't find him attractive at all...but as i watched the movie, damn, he just grew on me. After that I got hooked.
Then A Knight's Tale came along and he looked so adorable dancing in his, uh, rushes.
Brokeback...it took me a while to finally watched the movie. I was screaming my head off when they had their first kiss. Shivers running up my spine. Waaaaaaaaah!!!!!!! Sana ako nalang yung nasa gitna! But I know i will never watch it again. It's too painful. Sigh.
So now I say goodbye to a man who was such a MAN. As in Macho. As in yummy. But a druggie nonetheless. Or so the news implied.
Sigh. Showbiz.
Then A Knight's Tale came along and he looked so adorable dancing in his, uh, rushes.
Brokeback...it took me a while to finally watched the movie. I was screaming my head off when they had their first kiss. Shivers running up my spine. Waaaaaaaaah!!!!!!! Sana ako nalang yung nasa gitna! But I know i will never watch it again. It's too painful. Sigh.
So now I say goodbye to a man who was such a MAN. As in Macho. As in yummy. But a druggie nonetheless. Or so the news implied.
Sigh. Showbiz.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Lost Identity
Yesterday, after almost a week in Baguio, I finally got up early from my bed to go to the market -- not by choice, but because we had a post-Christmas party and the challenge was to get our babies 100 pesos worth of ukay-ukay gifts.
So at 6:45 am, my friend Weng (whose trip to Baguio this week was the first she took) and I trooped to Maharlika to do some not-so-serious shopping. Under an hour, we got what we came for -- and then some, coz i also bought Jerry coffee beans from the Cordi as promised -- and immediately boarded the taxi going to Atenara House.
It was late in the afternoon when i realized that i apparently lost my wallet. The last time i saw it was when i bought a small bag for my baby. After that, it's a mystery how it got lost. Obvious choices were, it either fell or somebody took it.
Normally, one would feel the clamminess and the worry. They say if you do feel it, then that means its lost forever. On the other hand, if you don't, then most probably you'll find it. Well, I didn't feel any worry. Just bummed out.
Almost all my important IDs were in that wallet. My license, my IBP card, SSS, Philhealth, Philam, ATMs and credit cards. The only IDs left with me are my office ID and my Alumni Card (which I never used - may silbi ba sha?). It was a good thing that i had some cash with me, or else, well, you can only imagine.
Of course i called my banks and cancelled and blocked my cards. Good thing that nobody used it during that long lull from losing it to realizing its loss. Good thing too that i still have the paper receipt from my license. Good thing that SSS is just my neighbor. Good thing that my officemate will be taking trips to the IBP to pay for my annual fee and i can join him. Good thing the office deals with PTRs and CTCs so I don't have it. Good thing that the bank is just less than a kilometer away from the office. Good thing that the office hasn't given me the new Philam card. Good thing that phone banking and e-banking is so efficient these days that i'll have my new cards without me even feeling it got lost. Good thing that I don't have to pay for an affidavit being drawn up. Good thing that I can have the affidavit of loss be notarized for free. And most of all, good thing I didn't have money in that wallet. Spent it buying jerry's coffee.
I am considerably lucky when it comes to losing things. First time it happened in college, it was given back to me by the tindera in the kiosk at the Gym. Second time, somebody took it, they threw the contents -- IDs, pics and all -- at a pre-school along Katipunan so I still got the contents back (take note, just the contents). So now, the thrid incident in my life, everything is more or less accessible to me for a renewal.
So, to whoever took that wallet, shame on you. Sorry na lang walang pera dun. I did have $5 in that wallet as the 'token' money there, but i wouldn't cry over it. To whoever picked it up and who will be thinking of returning it to me, thank you for paying forward the kindness other people have shown you. Rest assured that I am doing the same.
So at 6:45 am, my friend Weng (whose trip to Baguio this week was the first she took) and I trooped to Maharlika to do some not-so-serious shopping. Under an hour, we got what we came for -- and then some, coz i also bought Jerry coffee beans from the Cordi as promised -- and immediately boarded the taxi going to Atenara House.
It was late in the afternoon when i realized that i apparently lost my wallet. The last time i saw it was when i bought a small bag for my baby. After that, it's a mystery how it got lost. Obvious choices were, it either fell or somebody took it.
Normally, one would feel the clamminess and the worry. They say if you do feel it, then that means its lost forever. On the other hand, if you don't, then most probably you'll find it. Well, I didn't feel any worry. Just bummed out.
Almost all my important IDs were in that wallet. My license, my IBP card, SSS, Philhealth, Philam, ATMs and credit cards. The only IDs left with me are my office ID and my Alumni Card (which I never used - may silbi ba sha?). It was a good thing that i had some cash with me, or else, well, you can only imagine.
Of course i called my banks and cancelled and blocked my cards. Good thing that nobody used it during that long lull from losing it to realizing its loss. Good thing too that i still have the paper receipt from my license. Good thing that SSS is just my neighbor. Good thing that my officemate will be taking trips to the IBP to pay for my annual fee and i can join him. Good thing the office deals with PTRs and CTCs so I don't have it. Good thing that the bank is just less than a kilometer away from the office. Good thing that the office hasn't given me the new Philam card. Good thing that phone banking and e-banking is so efficient these days that i'll have my new cards without me even feeling it got lost. Good thing that I don't have to pay for an affidavit being drawn up. Good thing that I can have the affidavit of loss be notarized for free. And most of all, good thing I didn't have money in that wallet. Spent it buying jerry's coffee.
I am considerably lucky when it comes to losing things. First time it happened in college, it was given back to me by the tindera in the kiosk at the Gym. Second time, somebody took it, they threw the contents -- IDs, pics and all -- at a pre-school along Katipunan so I still got the contents back (take note, just the contents). So now, the thrid incident in my life, everything is more or less accessible to me for a renewal.
So, to whoever took that wallet, shame on you. Sorry na lang walang pera dun. I did have $5 in that wallet as the 'token' money there, but i wouldn't cry over it. To whoever picked it up and who will be thinking of returning it to me, thank you for paying forward the kindness other people have shown you. Rest assured that I am doing the same.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
UP Survey
1. Student number?
95-24838
2. College?
CSSP
LAW
3. Course?
Psychology
Law
4. Nag-shift ka ba o na-kickout?
neither.
5. Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT?
Sa Bio Building ng Diliman
6. Favorite GE subject?
Psych 101 (VV)
7. Favorite PE?
hmmm...social dance ata. definitely better than bowling!
8. Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot girls/guys sa UP?
Hindi ako nag-aabang, pero kung may maabutan, sa Psych lobby
9. Favorite prof(s)
Atty. Leonen, Atty. Jacinto, Dr. FG David; Prof. Louella Barra, Doc Aga
10. Pinaka-ayaw na GE subject.
NatSci, as in.
11. Kumuha ka ba ng Wed or Sat classes?
hmmm...PE ata for Wed...
12. Nakapag-field trip ka ba?
Yup!!! MS 100!!!! Bolinao Pangasinan
13. Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP?
US lang (yabang)
14. Ano ang Org/Frat/Soro mo?
UP PsychA, UP Dragonboat Rowing Team, UP PVO, UP Charivari, UP Winlaw, at meron akong Law org na envi na nakalimutan ko na kung anong pangalan...hehehe, shame on me!!!!
15. Saan ka tumatambay palagi?
PHan, sa Sara's, Palaris, Winlaw Room (the best tambayan ever! thanks to grace)
16. Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay?
Dorm, Boarding House, apartment at bahay.
17. Kung walang UPCAT test at malaya kang nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun (Given ang mentality mo nung HS ka)?
psychology lang talaga
18. Sino ang pinaka-una mong nakilala sa UP?
Ay, di ko na maalala. Si Teresa Afable ata.
19. First play na napanood mo sa UP?
I think the Cherry Blossom song or something, basta sa Guerrero
20. Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP
wouldnt know really, never hung around them.
21. Name 5 of the coolest orgs/frats/soro in UP.
During my time, dahil loyal ako, Winlaw and UPDRT
22. May frat/soro bang nag-recruit sa yo?
none.
23. Saan ka madalas mag-lunch?
Lutong bahay sa Area 2, CASAA, Rodics, Full House, Beach house, green house, lahat ng house.at sa caf ng malcolm
24. Masaya ba sa UP?
As in.
25. Nakasama ka na ba sa rally?
syempres.
26. Ilang beses ka bumoto sa Student Council?
hmmm...twice sa undergrad, all the time sa law
27. Name at least 5 leftist groups in UP
ay, wala akong alam jan. hehehe...
28. Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude nung freshman ka?
hindi ata, kasi i am not defined by my grades...as sadya lang talaga akong tamad. Pero kung tutuusin, kung major ko lang, pwede ako mag magna. bwahahaha...as with a lot of other people!!!!
29. Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP?
wala
30. Kung di ka UP, anong school ka?
Ateneo, kasi gusto ko yung dating ng "THE" ateneo. wala na rin ako kinuhang iba.
95-24838
2. College?
CSSP
LAW
3. Course?
Psychology
Law
4. Nag-shift ka ba o na-kickout?
neither.
5. Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT?
Sa Bio Building ng Diliman
6. Favorite GE subject?
Psych 101 (VV)
7. Favorite PE?
hmmm...social dance ata. definitely better than bowling!
8. Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot girls/guys sa UP?
Hindi ako nag-aabang, pero kung may maabutan, sa Psych lobby
9. Favorite prof(s)
Atty. Leonen, Atty. Jacinto, Dr. FG David; Prof. Louella Barra, Doc Aga
10. Pinaka-ayaw na GE subject.
NatSci, as in.
11. Kumuha ka ba ng Wed or Sat classes?
hmmm...PE ata for Wed...
12. Nakapag-field trip ka ba?
Yup!!! MS 100!!!! Bolinao Pangasinan
13. Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP?
US lang (yabang)
14. Ano ang Org/Frat/Soro mo?
UP PsychA, UP Dragonboat Rowing Team, UP PVO, UP Charivari, UP Winlaw, at meron akong Law org na envi na nakalimutan ko na kung anong pangalan...hehehe, shame on me!!!!
15. Saan ka tumatambay palagi?
PHan, sa Sara's, Palaris, Winlaw Room (the best tambayan ever! thanks to grace)
16. Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay?
Dorm, Boarding House, apartment at bahay.
17. Kung walang UPCAT test at malaya kang nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun (Given ang mentality mo nung HS ka)?
psychology lang talaga
18. Sino ang pinaka-una mong nakilala sa UP?
Ay, di ko na maalala. Si Teresa Afable ata.
19. First play na napanood mo sa UP?
I think the Cherry Blossom song or something, basta sa Guerrero
20. Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP
wouldnt know really, never hung around them.
21. Name 5 of the coolest orgs/frats/soro in UP.
During my time, dahil loyal ako, Winlaw and UPDRT
22. May frat/soro bang nag-recruit sa yo?
none.
23. Saan ka madalas mag-lunch?
Lutong bahay sa Area 2, CASAA, Rodics, Full House, Beach house, green house, lahat ng house.at sa caf ng malcolm
24. Masaya ba sa UP?
As in.
25. Nakasama ka na ba sa rally?
syempres.
26. Ilang beses ka bumoto sa Student Council?
hmmm...twice sa undergrad, all the time sa law
27. Name at least 5 leftist groups in UP
ay, wala akong alam jan. hehehe...
28. Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude nung freshman ka?
hindi ata, kasi i am not defined by my grades...as sadya lang talaga akong tamad. Pero kung tutuusin, kung major ko lang, pwede ako mag magna. bwahahaha...as with a lot of other people!!!!
29. Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP?
wala
30. Kung di ka UP, anong school ka?
Ateneo, kasi gusto ko yung dating ng "THE" ateneo. wala na rin ako kinuhang iba.
Romancing the Fire
Last night, I had my first experience with a fireplace. And I was excited with the prospect. What can I say, I come from a tropical area of the country, where airconditioning rather than heaters are more welcomed and where the white sand under my feet and the surf tickle my feet. It doesn't take much to make me happy.
So, after having the maitre d' light the fireplace, my friend and I, with glasses of wine, curled on a couch and just talked. Sometimes, the noise of the crackling firewood and soft music were the only sounds you'd hear. The smell of pine wood wafting through the air. The comfort of good company and the warmth of the pervading your senses. Without need for words, without need for prattle. The flames mesmerizing, seducing me to come nearer.
I stayed there, occasionally poking the wood until only the glowing embers were left. And before it finally died down, I turned around, leaving those embers burning softly against the darkness.
So, after having the maitre d' light the fireplace, my friend and I, with glasses of wine, curled on a couch and just talked. Sometimes, the noise of the crackling firewood and soft music were the only sounds you'd hear. The smell of pine wood wafting through the air. The comfort of good company and the warmth of the pervading your senses. Without need for words, without need for prattle. The flames mesmerizing, seducing me to come nearer.
I stayed there, occasionally poking the wood until only the glowing embers were left. And before it finally died down, I turned around, leaving those embers burning softly against the darkness.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Bleach Episode 155
Was watching the latest bleach episode and I couldn't help but laugh. How apt to my recently-over situation. Hiding in darkness, Espada 9 takes a familiar form, to fool and distract Rukia. But under the sunlight, he withers and shows his true self...and finally show Rukia his true power: Gluttony. Addicted to power, eating up everything in his way He's one sick bastard.
Friday, January 11, 2008
To Soups, Songs, and Sean
Last night, after a week of partying and boozing, I finally decided to slow down and invite friends who I haven't seen for a long time. Had dinner in Resto Pino along Maginhawa, UP Village (really good too!!!!) and have coffee at my friend's cafe, Consequia -- Conse for short -- along Mayon. Haven't laughed so hard over nothing for such a long time! Ninin and Jerry sure are a great cure for bummed-outness.
So we go home a little after midnight, and I was looking forward to a good night's rest after a week of barely getting any. After maybe an hour from falling asleep, the phone rang. It was a Phil-Malaysian friend of mine who just happened to have nothing to do and decided, for one reason or another, to drop me a line. We met exactly 11 months ago today in Cambodia for a conference. Saw him while he was here and again when he and his Flip friend decided to take a vacation. And for some bizarre reason, he likes calling me Ana Banana.
The call was really unexpected, but totally welcomed. Especially when my friends and I were just talking about him earlier that night too. It made a good day end. Made me smile ear to ear when I heard his voice. Kinda miss that crazy guy. Funny thing is, it was his blog that I just posted here.
So here's to pumpkin soups, to songs, and to a Kuching boy named Sean.
P.S. Thanks nin and jer. It was a blast!
So we go home a little after midnight, and I was looking forward to a good night's rest after a week of barely getting any. After maybe an hour from falling asleep, the phone rang. It was a Phil-Malaysian friend of mine who just happened to have nothing to do and decided, for one reason or another, to drop me a line. We met exactly 11 months ago today in Cambodia for a conference. Saw him while he was here and again when he and his Flip friend decided to take a vacation. And for some bizarre reason, he likes calling me Ana Banana.
The call was really unexpected, but totally welcomed. Especially when my friends and I were just talking about him earlier that night too. It made a good day end. Made me smile ear to ear when I heard his voice. Kinda miss that crazy guy. Funny thing is, it was his blog that I just posted here.
So here's to pumpkin soups, to songs, and to a Kuching boy named Sean.
P.S. Thanks nin and jer. It was a blast!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
"The Signs of 8"
A friend of mine posted this on his blog, according to him, the eight signs to find out if your man is cheating on you (or with you i guess). Anyway, just in case this might help. Of course, ultimately, as a caveat, you are primary responsible to strike the balance between being careful and being paranoid.
So check out the link. http://www.seanrubis.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=44
Personally, I think another additional sign would be, if he doesn't spend important holidays with you or doesn't celebrate it with you, like Christmas or New Year's.
So check out the link. http://www.seanrubis.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=44
Personally, I think another additional sign would be, if he doesn't spend important holidays with you or doesn't celebrate it with you, like Christmas or New Year's.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Solace
Last night, my instructor became my best friend -- if only for that night and even if he doesn't know why.
Boxing has always been a thing of solace for me. I displace my extra emotions into it. Last night, I just boxed and hit all my heart out. Trying I guess to reach the point where tears would mix with sweat. I didn't realize just how mad and frustrated i was until my glove hit the mit. Until I was already exhaling every breath i had, shouting, to just hit that mit, as if that thing of foam would absorb all the pain, anger, frustration and sorrow that I had and make everything okay.
Kulang pa. Kailangan uli bumalik.
Boxing has always been a thing of solace for me. I displace my extra emotions into it. Last night, I just boxed and hit all my heart out. Trying I guess to reach the point where tears would mix with sweat. I didn't realize just how mad and frustrated i was until my glove hit the mit. Until I was already exhaling every breath i had, shouting, to just hit that mit, as if that thing of foam would absorb all the pain, anger, frustration and sorrow that I had and make everything okay.
Kulang pa. Kailangan uli bumalik.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Damned - Shimoli
Boy you reminded me of putting these things into words
And save them, for a rainy day
Your shameful heart & sinful soul
Oh, I am amazed by you & all that you´re
Your devious ways, you do the work of the dark forces in this world
And you are evil, oh yes you´re
CHORUS:
Damned, you are one man I just can´t stand you are
Damned, you built your castle on the sand, you are
Damned, How could I ever want you for my man?
I have lost you now, so why do I care?
You really knew right from the start
How to work your way into my heart
And then you pulled the trigger, you shot me around the weakest (part)
You are a disgrace to the human race with your pretty face
Your devious ways, you do the work of the dark forces in this world
And you are evil, oh yes you´re
Damned, you are one man I just can´t stand you are
Damned, you built your castle on the sand, you are
Damned, How could I ever want you for my man?
I have lost you now, so why do I care?
Your devious ways, you do the work of the dark forces in the world
And you are evil, oh yes you´re
Damned, you are one man I just can´t stand you are
Damned, you built your castle on the sand, you are
Damned, How could I ever want you for my man?
I have lost you now, so why do I care? (Why do I care?)
Damned, you are one man I just can´t stand you are
Damned, you built your castle on the sand, you are
Damned, How could I ever want you for my man?
I have lost you now, so why do I care?
Damned - So why do I care?
And save them, for a rainy day
Your shameful heart & sinful soul
Oh, I am amazed by you & all that you´re
Your devious ways, you do the work of the dark forces in this world
And you are evil, oh yes you´re
CHORUS:
Damned, you are one man I just can´t stand you are
Damned, you built your castle on the sand, you are
Damned, How could I ever want you for my man?
I have lost you now, so why do I care?
You really knew right from the start
How to work your way into my heart
And then you pulled the trigger, you shot me around the weakest (part)
You are a disgrace to the human race with your pretty face
Your devious ways, you do the work of the dark forces in this world
And you are evil, oh yes you´re
Damned, you are one man I just can´t stand you are
Damned, you built your castle on the sand, you are
Damned, How could I ever want you for my man?
I have lost you now, so why do I care?
Your devious ways, you do the work of the dark forces in the world
And you are evil, oh yes you´re
Damned, you are one man I just can´t stand you are
Damned, you built your castle on the sand, you are
Damned, How could I ever want you for my man?
I have lost you now, so why do I care? (Why do I care?)
Damned, you are one man I just can´t stand you are
Damned, you built your castle on the sand, you are
Damned, How could I ever want you for my man?
I have lost you now, so why do I care?
Damned - So why do I care?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Climax
I haven't done this for quite some time. Long before Christmas in fact. And the whole vacation, i felt something was missing -- that rush of blood to the head, the drumming of my heart against its cage, the shortness of breath, the feeling of exhiliration.
I knew when I took my first step into that room, I would be facing one of my great fears. How do you do this again? How do you pick up as if nothing happened, as if starting tabula rasa but really not. After years of doing it on and off, I was apprehensive if I could perform well again. I knew after I commit to doing it, my body would ache the next day. I may not be able to move with the pain coursing through me. But I did it anyway. I knew I had to do it.
Slowly, I started stretching. Feeling the warm blood rush through my body. I can feel my heart beat start to pick up, as if revving up for a race. Trying to get the kinks out of my joints, I patiently go through the routine. The sweat starting to gather on my brow. I told my partner that we should take it slow, take it one step at a time. So we play around for a while. Taking little steps, dancing around as if children in their first play group. I try to control my breath and my heart. Inhale, exhale. Slowly getting the rythm. Trying desperately not to push my body to do something it hasn't done for a while. From one position to another, I try to familiarize myself again to the rounds. I can feel my hands clenched into fists as I wrap my fingers against black satin. With full concentration, I push a little harder. Inhaling, exhaling, taking deep breaths. I feel the sweat travelling down my body, trickling down the valley of my breasts as the breaths come quicker, the rhythm becoming clearer. I take a step back, then two steps forward. The sweat now dripping to the red floor, droplets of water covering me, making us both slick.
I take a break. And though it's so painful, I know I had to finish it, or else I won't get what I went there for in the first place. So I take it slow again. One step, then another. Can't wait til it can end. Patience. Just a little more patience and it will over, and the exhiliration will wash over me. Just a little more and I think I can get past the pain. So we're at it again. This time, as if knowing it will finish soon, the moves become more calculated, deliberate and frantic. Screaming with every forceful blow. Delivering the last hit, I try hard not to collapse. Finally, the last ounce of strength wasted.
After everything was over and done with, I get a cigarette and take a long drag. Too exhausted to even want to stand.
Gawd, I missed boxing. I just wish I can drag myself out of bed early tomorrow to do it again.
I knew when I took my first step into that room, I would be facing one of my great fears. How do you do this again? How do you pick up as if nothing happened, as if starting tabula rasa but really not. After years of doing it on and off, I was apprehensive if I could perform well again. I knew after I commit to doing it, my body would ache the next day. I may not be able to move with the pain coursing through me. But I did it anyway. I knew I had to do it.
Slowly, I started stretching. Feeling the warm blood rush through my body. I can feel my heart beat start to pick up, as if revving up for a race. Trying to get the kinks out of my joints, I patiently go through the routine. The sweat starting to gather on my brow. I told my partner that we should take it slow, take it one step at a time. So we play around for a while. Taking little steps, dancing around as if children in their first play group. I try to control my breath and my heart. Inhale, exhale. Slowly getting the rythm. Trying desperately not to push my body to do something it hasn't done for a while. From one position to another, I try to familiarize myself again to the rounds. I can feel my hands clenched into fists as I wrap my fingers against black satin. With full concentration, I push a little harder. Inhaling, exhaling, taking deep breaths. I feel the sweat travelling down my body, trickling down the valley of my breasts as the breaths come quicker, the rhythm becoming clearer. I take a step back, then two steps forward. The sweat now dripping to the red floor, droplets of water covering me, making us both slick.
I take a break. And though it's so painful, I know I had to finish it, or else I won't get what I went there for in the first place. So I take it slow again. One step, then another. Can't wait til it can end. Patience. Just a little more patience and it will over, and the exhiliration will wash over me. Just a little more and I think I can get past the pain. So we're at it again. This time, as if knowing it will finish soon, the moves become more calculated, deliberate and frantic. Screaming with every forceful blow. Delivering the last hit, I try hard not to collapse. Finally, the last ounce of strength wasted.
After everything was over and done with, I get a cigarette and take a long drag. Too exhausted to even want to stand.
Gawd, I missed boxing. I just wish I can drag myself out of bed early tomorrow to do it again.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
