Ika 1 ng Oktubre 2008

First day of the month...... a good start.... no work today because it's the end of Ramadan.

Last night's book launching turned up to be a mesmerizing and well-attended affair. After registering, we were welcomed by dancers in native costumes and ushered in to the ballroom. We got finger food and red wine and sat comfortably as beautiful ladies in yellow gowns playing violins entertained guests with soothing music. Guests were mingling but my friends and I were contented just watching and listening to the music. Soon, Teacher Nelia Sarcol, the author, came in with the guest of honor (?), former first lady, Madam Imelda Marcos. My Gosh, she is as glamorous as ever and hasn't aged a bit although she moves a bit slowly. She was in pink gown with floral design. People gravitated towards her as soon as she entered the room and made the affair her own. I am not exactly awed as I was one of the millions in Edsa who fought against the Marcos regime in 1986. My colleague friend though is a Marcos loyalist by her own admission. Whatever my political beliefs are had to be set aside and I had to give in to common courtesy expected of decent people.

The program started as the author and the special guest arrived. The dancers in native costumes performed a Bagobo dance according to my other friend who hails from Surigao.

Then, Teacher Nelia, gave her speech extolling the pearl for epitomizing life being a gem formed by nature's adversaries. After Teacher Nelia's speech, there were more entertainment by the ladies playing violins, a quartet, singers, and this all-male singers called Angulos,I think, which appears to be an El Divo mutation except that one of its members looks like he can actually be part of the F4 band. Don't get me wrong for being too critical. The band is good enough for listening and easy on the eyes. I am not just a fan of some famous artists copycats. As all this entertainment was going on, it was time for photo opps with the author and the ex-first lady. My colleague-friend who always brings her camera handed me her camera as she positioned herself. It was hard to take photos with so many people swarming the first lady. So I was practically clicking away at every opportunity. Then, my friend, told me to get near Madam Marcos and she would take my picture. Being "game", I did position myself beside the former first lady. I could sniff her sweet perfume. Surprise of all surprises, she put her arm on my shoulder. My friend was green with envy. I have never been this close to a former or present tenant of the Malacanang Palace even when one of these tenants stood as our wedding sponsor many years back. I am not revealing who for fear of my life from both leftist and rightist element hehehe. This tenant wasn't our highest official or married to the highest official at that time.

After the photo opps, it was book signing time. Of course, we bought the book. I bought the Legend of Pearl of the Orient for my son. While queuing, my keen and observant mind couldn't help but notice some other people. There is this middle-aged lady in line who kept on wiping Teacher Nelia's sweat with her hanky and I was reminded of the Nazareno and Nora Aunor. Gosh, why can't people just let things be as they are. I wonder if she will preserve that hanky for posterity or miraculous powers later. On our turn, my colleagues and I introduced ourselves to Teacher Nelia as faculty members of the extension campus of the school she owns. I requested her to dedicate the book to my son. After the book signing, people started to thin out and soon we would also go home.

With a good memory of last night's event, I am pondering what to do on a rainy Wednesday. I want to go out.... maybe we will later. Then again, it's a nice day to just curl up in bed and watch the rain through my window.......

PS: Nung isang araw sumakay ako ng bus sa Alabang papunta Makati papasok ng opisina. Pag abot ko ng bayad ko sa konduktor sabay sabi ng Buendia na binigkas ko ng bwen-di-ya, inulit ng konduktor ang destinasyon ko na binigkas niya ng bwen-dya. Maganda rin sana turuan sila pero sino ba ako sa kanila. Ilan na rin naman konduktor ang inabutan ko ng bayad na ganito rin ang pagbigkas sa Buendia.

Maraming taon na rin nakaraan na sa Maynila pa ako nakatira at tuwing pumupunta ako ako sa PGH o Philippine General Hospital o malapit sa lugar na yun, nangyayari na rin ang ganitong karanasan. Minsan nagbayad ako sa mamang tsuper ng jeepney at sinabi ko PGH na binigkas kong pi-ji-eych. Tanong sa kin ulit ng drayber saan. Inulit ko pi-ji-eych. "Saan?", ulit ng drayber. Isang pasahero na ang sumagot para sa akin. Pi-ji-etch sabi niya. "Ah", tugon ng driver at sinuklian na ako.

Isa pa ay ang apelyido ko na nagtatapos sa letrang z. Tuwing iniispel ko ito sa maraming tao na kailangan ang ispeling ng apelyido ko, binibigkas ko itong zee.... Madalas na hindi mawawari nung tao yun letra at kailangan na bigkasin ko itong zay at magkakaintindihan na kami.

Kaya hindi ko na kailangan pang itama si manong konduktor sa pagbigkas niya. malay natin, siya pala ang tama. Ang wika naman ay isang sistema ng letra at pagbigkas na ginagamit ng tao na nakatira sa isang lugar para magkaintindihan. Nabuo ito sa isang inpormal na paraan kagaya ng maraming bagay na kalalunan ay naging pormal na paraan para magkaunawaan ang mga tao. At yun ang mahalagang punto ng wika ang pagkakaunawaan. At dahil nagkakaintindihan naman kami ni manong konduktor at mamang drayber, eh di ayos lang di ba?

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Ika 30 ng Setyembre 2008

The end of the month...... it's payday for most and most importantly, tomorrow is a holiday. Today is like the eve of our liberation.

I got a full-day calendar today aside from my daily home rituals and usual work stuff. In the morning, I would meet up with a friend for some paperwork. I need to go to the bank to pay my credit card bill before heading to the Senate this afternoon. I hope it will be a short session as the book launching affair starts at 6:00pm.

Yesterday's session was fruitful. Senator Noynoy Aquino is a kind interpelator. It turned out that his questions were given in advance and our team prepared our response prior to the session. Some tangles were encountered when Senator Aquino asked about trade in agricultural goods and fishery products as Japan included more items in its sensitive list than us. Philippines sensitive list includes rice, our main staple. Senator Roxas explained that Japan's exclusion list includes vegetables like artichoke that are not really that important to the Philippines. Hence, the negotiators didn't lobby too much anymore. Some of the products like pineapples even with a high tariff rates already account for more than 90% of market share in Japan. Any additional reduction will not have too much impact.

Senator Roxas mentioned that one of our exports, Pacific blue fin Tuna, is not very well received in Japan but is accepted in the US. Senator Aquilino Pimentel rose from his seat and wanted to know about these Pacific-looking tuna which elicited laughter from the gallery. Clarification was quickly made and Senator Pimentel went back to his seat. At some point, Senator Roxas grappled for the right words and said that "bugbugated" tuna are not acceptable in a discriminating market like Japan. He meant bruised tuna from mishandling. After more questions, Senator Roxas realized he has been grilled for one and a half hours. The Senate decided to continue interpelation for JPEPA the following day.

Tonight, I am anticipating a grandiose affair for the launching of Professor Nelia Sarcol's book titled The Pearl Principle as the Cebu-based author will be bringing with her some performers from the province. Cebu is known for its artistry in its crafts. I am sure it also translates to its people. I hope that the mouth-watering Cebu Lechon will be part of the entourage.....yummy. My colleague-friend is coming with me to the affair. I am hoping my daughter can tag along too.

PS: Isa sa nakakagiliw na sandali kahapon ay ang pilit kong inaalam ang pangalan ng isang kawani sa Senado na nakakilala ko ilan linggo na ang nakaraan sa pamamagitan ng pagsilip ng kanyang ID. Kinasangkapan ko pa ang kaibigan ko na alamin ang pangalan nito.

Mga ilan sesyon na kaming nag-uusap ng bagong kakilala na ito na mukang isang mabait na babae dahil sa halos lagi kaming nagkakatabi. Kaya minsan, nagpakilala na kami sa isa't isa. Ewan ko ba kung maikli lang ang hangganan ng attensyon ko o tumatanda na ako at hindi ko maalala ang pangalan niya ilang sandali lang ang nakaraan. Masama pa nito, tinatawag niya ako sa pangalan ko. Hay naku naman......... Nakakaasiwa ang pakiramdam tuwing magpaalam na kami sa isa't isa lalo na pag babanggitin niya ang pangalan ko.

Simula noon tuwing pupunta sa senado, para tuloy gusto ko siyang iwasan na hindi naman pwede at talagang magkakatabi kami sa upuan at mukang dun din talaga ang pwesto niya. Kaya patuloy ang pag-uusap namin na hindi ko alam ang pangalan niya. Iwas na lang akong na gumamit ng pangungusap na gagamit ng pangalan. Bagamat me suot siyang ID nahihiya akong tignan at baka makita niya akong nakatingin dun. Binanggit ko itong problema ko sa kaibigan ko na katulong ko sa trabaho at ibang kasama ko pa sa senado.

Kahapon, magkatabi kami ng kaibigan ko at pilit namin na sinisipat ang ID nung kakilala kong taga senado na nakaupo sa harapan namin habang nakikipag-usap ito sa kasamahan namin. Bigo kami at ang hirap makita..... ang liliit ng letra.

Nagpunta ako sa CR at pagbalik ko sumesenyas ang kaibigan ko na tignan ko ang celfone ko. Itinext pala niya ang pangalan ng babaeng kakilala ko. Pero dalawa ang pangalan, tinext ko siya kung ano dun ang panagalan. Nasagot naman ng kaibigan ko.

Nung umalis na kami sa senadi, ikwinento ng kaibigan ko paano niya nakuha ang pangalan. Nagkwentuhan daw sila pag-alis ko at tsumempo siya na mahingi yun ID ng kakilala namin sa dramang ihahalintulad sa bago namin ID. Ayun eh di nakuha. Eh yun palayaw paano niya nalaman? Me kakilala daw yun babae na tinawag siya habang kausap yun kaibigan ko. Eh di nasolusyunan yun problema ko.

Ngayon tatandaan ko na talaga yun mga panagalan ng mga makikilala ko. Iinum siguro ako ng glutaphos at kung ano pang memory enhancer ng makatulong sa aking pagiging makakalimutin. O sadya kayang senyales na ito ng pagsulong ng panahon..... hay naman talaga.......

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Ika 29 ng Setyembre 2008

When i went to my son's room, I felt his body and he has fever. He couldn't go to school today and I informed Manong Bus Driver. We knew since yesterday that he might miss school today. He has these wheezing cough which could trigger an asthma attack. He has overgrown it and rarely gets an attacks. We are under the weather and those feathery sprays of cogon grass that I see attached to my screen windows could have triggered my son's asthma symptoms. He's off limits to dogs and can't take cold drinks or eat sweet delights. I told him to take his medication and I had to tell my helper and MIL before leaving for work. He observes these precautions as he hates getting sick. Hopefully, he can go to school tomorrow.

My middle daughter was still home when I left. It's exams week for her. My girls were so into their review that they didn't join us in the weekend activities.

I was so busy in the weekend I didn't know that Paul Newman known for his blue eyes passed away until I read the papers today. It was reported that his death relegated the US presidential election and Wall Street's financial meltdown to second place. The icon is said to have a soft spot for the underdogs and generously contributed to charities. He also passionately opposed the Vietnam War that he became one of the enemies of President Nixon. The world is one great actor and person less.

My social calendar appears to be occupied this week. Tomorrow night, the faculty of the school where I am teaching are invited to attend the book launching of its owner-founder. I have not met her and the event will be a great opportunity to meet her finally. On Friday, we are going to have a fun day at the Makati Sports Plaza in celebration of the Civil Service Commission anniversary, I think. If this is not the event, then maybe the higher-ups think they owe it to us to give us a day off from work from the tensions they gave us. Wednesday will be a holiday being the end of Ramadan. Given my social and organizing skills, I could easily transform a holiday into a social event.

With a schedule like this, how can I work today when the social being in me is looking forward to gracing those events. Then again, I have to pinch myself if I have gone daydreaming because today we are headed to the Senate for the usual stuff. tsk tsk......

PS: Paano ba matatapos lahat ng kailangan gawin? Paano ba mababayaran lahat ng dapat bayaran? Paano ba masoosolusyunan lahat ng problema? Me sagot ba dito? Prayoridad......... pagpupursige.......... Lahat naman tayo iniisip na ginagawa na natin ito. Pero di matapos tapos ang mga dapat tugunan. Sabagay kung matapos, para saan pa ang buhay?

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Ika 28 ng Setyembre 2008

Brainchild's break...........

Song lyrics | Sunday Morning lyrics

Nice sound to wake up to........... nice beat, tempo, voice..... engaging without overpowering..... This is my first Maroon 5's fave song......... a love song which talks about the desire to reunite with a lost love. Yet on this damp Sunday morning, the song seems so apt ......... "Sunday morning rain is falling, Steal some covers share some skin, Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable, You twist to fit the mold that I am in, But things just get so crazy living life gets hard to do................."

PS: Huling araw ng pahinga. Kailangan namnamin ang bawat sandali ng araw na ito...... dahil bukas ay masalimuot na naman ang lahat......

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Ika 27 ng Setyembre 2008

Brainchild's break........ until.......

1. The chickens' noises signal the break of dawn.
2. The birds' chirping roused me from sleep.
3. My son came to my room asking if my self-imposed punishment is over. I told him it remains in effect until the multiplication table has been memorized. He hates me for that.
4. My daughter has a school appointment and I had to wake her up.
5, I looked out the family room window and viewed our kois swimming gracefully as they wait for their food. I returned to my room and lie still.
5. The dogs barked asking for their kibbies finally compelled me to rise and go down.
6. The fish showed itself from our study window asking for its feeds.
7. My eldest daughter bade me goodbye as she went on her way.
8. The smell of garlic rice and coffee cleared my stuffy head.

In a moment, i know we are going to have a hearty breakfast........ I actually feel like I am in Old McDonald's farm sometimes.....

After that, the break is just a tiny pigment of my imagination as I go about my tasks without fail each and every weekend ...............

PS: Marami na rin kailangan ayusin sa bahay. Maraming plano..... gahol sa panahon, kulang sa pera, me ibang prayoridad...... Paano ba matutugunan ito?

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Ika 26 ng Setyembre 2008

My most awaited day, Friday......

So what's instore for me today? I am not certain if I have to join the budget hearing at the Congress this time. I certainly hope not. But if I get a call from the Boss, that would leave me with no choice. I got my tasks planned up today. I plan to squeeze in some school work as it is beginning to file up. I need to do all these tasks by the close of office hours.

And then, it's independence day again. I left a comment in one of blogs I visit, samjuan on my intentional detachment from things reminding me of work, even faintly. I leave my mobile phone on my night table....... not exactly to be out of reach but it gives me an option of shutting off some messages I do not like receiving or reading on my rest day. I don't get too many messages on weekends anyway. I also don't wear my watch so as not to keep track of the time passing by, not that I notice anyway with one million and one things I take care of. I dress so very casually in the weekend that I could go incognito in a crowd. It's a good thing I don't usually see the weekday crowd on a weekend. Actually, this dressing down starts on a Friday unless there is some big event I need to attend. Weekend is like a travesty on the week's formalities and trappings ....... and the rebel in me wants very much to break free from it all.

Just a few more hours............

PS: Isa sa mga pinakahihintay kong pangyayari sa pagpasok ng mga buwan ng ber ay ang mga pagkakaroon ng sari saring tyangge at trade fairs sa iba't ibang lugar. Mahilig akong tumingin ng mga bagay na pambahay o gamit pansarili o pra sa mga mahal sa buhay o kaibigan sa mga tyangge. At kung magaling kang magbargain-hunting ay maraming bagay na me kalidad ang makikita sa murang halaga. Maraming gamit sa bahay ko ang nabili ko sa ganitong paraan. Suwerte at alam ko ang mga petsa ng iba't ibang trade fairs dahil sa pinangangasiwaan ng opisina namin ang mga ito. Marami sa mga sumasaling negosyo sa mga trade fair na mga kliente namin.

Simula sa araw na ito hanggang sa katapusan ng Setyembre, ang Bahandi, isang trade fair ng Eastern Visayas Trade Fair ay gaganapin sa Megatrade Hall, Megamall. Makakabili dito ng mga handicrafts, native delicacies at meron pang tourism showcase ang mga negosyante na galing sa pulo ng Leyte, Samar, and Biliran.

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Ika 25 ng Setyembre 2008

Thursday..... one more day......

I was having breakfast when I learned that my son was left by the school bus during dismissal. That piece of news immediately made my acids act up. I also don't have a good appetite lately and my breakfast was ruined. I was asking why and he wasn't answering. It could probably be his fault. He called home and my helper fetched him. I decided that I would talk to Manong Bus Driver and was even egged upon by MIL. MIL told me my son cried when my helper reached his school .....the more pity I felt for my son. I was not sure how I would react in front of Manong who is a fairly reasonable person.

This brought back memories as the same thing happened to my eldest daughter, then a pre-schooler, who was left by her bus. I was in Japan that time for a six-month language study program. That news made me want to fly back home pronto. I pictured my baby crying all alone and the fear that could have gripped the heart of a five-year old. Nothing untoward happened as the bus returned to fetch her but thinking about it made me cringed...... and I was far from home. Hubby switched to a smaller school bus service because of this incident.

I also had the same experience as a pre-schooler. The person that my mom sent to fetch me was late. In a pre-schooler's mind, I should be going home at that time. We usually walk home from school and I would recall the route to be just a straight path turning right at the end of the long road passing by a railroad and then turning left at the end of that road, a few more steps and it's home. My fear and anxiety caused me to take a chance in going home alone. I cautiously took that first few steps to go out our school and continued with a fast pace on that straight route. I was almost at the end of the road and about to cross a busy street when I got confused and started to cry. Some people noticed and went to pacify me asking me about my address which I have memorized. I was crying as I was reciting to them my address. These people accompanied me back to school and tread with me the path that I know. We were able to trace my home and my mother thanked these people who helped bring me home safely. Back then, parents were not worried sick that some strangers would take away a lost child and never come back. We were aware some strangers could be bad but it was not a rule not to talk to strangers. I would get lost another time in Luneta Park as my siblings and I were chasing each other in a play. Again, I would cry when I lost track of my playmates and some strangers would help me find my family.

Soon, my son's school arrived and I called for him to hurry up or Manong might leave him again. I was at the door waiting for Manong to go out the bus. When he did, I mentioned the incident in a nice tone and asked why he didn't even call to inform us. He said that he returned to the school for my son and the other student but my son told him that our helper would fetch him. Manong's explanation is plausible ...... my son and another bus rider wandered off for a long time and the other student-riders were getting anxious as one had a tutoring session. He assured me that nothing bad would happen because he stays in the school after bringing his riders home. He also said that it could also teach them a lesson...... and he is right. My son has been diligent about being ready in time for the arrival of his school bus since Manong left him one morning.

Home is where the heart is.....

as the popular saying goes. On this Thursday, that's the desire of my heart. And I hope nothing gets in the way of getting home tonight. Like a lost child, I would trace the safety of home whenever I go astray.

PS: Malapit na matapos ang klase at ang dami pang gawain na nakakasira ng talatakdaan. Malapit na naman gawaan ng marka ng mga estudyante....... Bilang isang guro gusto ko na pumasa lahat ng estudyante ko. Me mga estudyante na akala ay libangan ng mga guro ang manlagpak. Lingit sa kaalaman nila, masakit din gawin ng isang guro ang ganito dahil isa itong kabiguan para sa amin. Subalit kailangan gawin minsan para maging aral at gabay sa mas mataas na antas ng buhay.

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The Name Game

Thanks Mahalia for tagging me.... my first tag.

—START TAG—

OUR KID’S NAMES: List all of your kids’ names, or even just one. It’s up to you. Write down the story or the reason why you chose it. If you’re expecting or planning to have more kids and already have a name for them….list them down too…


How we got our kids name..... it wasn't very democratic process as I have those names in mind before our kids were conceived. Those are names I would have wanted for myself or for hubby. It's too late to name hubby though. So the next best thing is to name my kids with these names. First, there would be two names, not too long nor too short. The girls initials would be AC, my and hubby's initials. My son, our youngest, initials are AJ. A is a good letter being the first alphabet. I was thinking maybe they would get ahead in life.

I thought looking up their meaning would add a nice touch. I actually read up on baby's name during our baby-making days but have forgotten the meaning of my chosen names over the years. It is good to be reacquianted with these names and see how my kids are living up to their names. My source is 20,000+ Names from Around the World.

Anna Claudine for our first born. Anna meaning "favor" or "grace" is a definite choice as it is associated with beautiful women. Claudine is feminine diminutive form of French unisex Claude meaning "little lame one". Far from lame, my daughter is one tough cookie but might just turn out to be the smallest in our brood. I love the name Anna as many of the female leads in a good movie is named as such. I decided my daughter will have this name when I saw the Hilda Koronel - Christopher de Leon starrer "Umaga na Naman". Apo has a song titled "Anna" which I love. Hubby did not object to this name. I mean there was general agreement in the choice of this name.

Angelique Celina for our middle child. Angelique is the French form of Angelica meaning "angelic". Celina is nickname for Polish Marcelina meaning "warlike". I have long decided on the name Celina and the nickname "Ina" in this case. I find that name intriguing and there is that nagging voice inside telling me to name my daughter Celina. I guess that forced me to have another daughter :) Again there was general agreement in choosing this name except for some indecision on whether it will be Angeli or Angelique to complete the two-name ensemble. My second daughter, a born leader, is turning out to be an angelic warrior. I would not be surprised if she would be fighting for worthy causes later.

Alec Julio for our youngest and only son. Alec is English nickname for Alexander which means "defender of mankind". Julio is Portuguese and Spanish form of Roman Julius, possibly meaning "soft-bearded," a symbolic reference to "youth." Now. naming our only son and youngest child posed challenges. There were conflicting views. This did not follow the pattern AC but for some reason I, I mean we, couldn't find a name starting with C that we like for our son. Well, hubby's other initial is J. So we are still within the norm. I have always loved the name Julio. Probably because I like the late Jay Ilagan whose real name is Julio. Jay was also the real-life partner of Hilda Koronel. For some reasons, the Julios I met are all good-looking. So that would be my son's name I thought. There's a bit of a problem. Hubby did not seem to like my choice and was leaning towards the other choices such as Julian or Jules. Alec was not so problematic because we both like it. I have to credit Alec Baldwin for this name choice. After so much haggling, we name our son Alec Julio. So your guess is right as to who won in the naming game...... As for my son, he seemed to be destined to be the protector of the underdog as his concern for stray animals in his young age would bear.

Nothing follows...... I hope not :)

I am tagging.....

Psyche Analyzed

Dfish

Borneo Tips

badzhebra

livelife365

Giselle of Work Love Play

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Ika 24 ng Setyembre 2008

Wednesday.... that day of the week smack right in the middle..... two days after the start of the week and two days before the start of the weekend. We could love it or hate it..... They say it's in one's perspective. You are either looking at a glass half-full or half-empty. I prefer to look at mine filled. Wednesday is the time we are in the middle of it all as by that time we have shaken off the sluggish feelings; are finishing our tasks and feeling the euphoria of the coming weekend.

I am actually feeling unsure how my afternoon will shape up. Well, for one, JPEPA will not bug me until Monday or maybe the weekend. We still have incomplete submissions from the agencies. But I might hold make-up classes tonight instead of Friday night due to some activities for the school owner. My other students are scheduled to undertake an out-of-campus activity at the Senate. I can't join them unfortunately due to the postponement of our session..... but I need to monitor them. I need to talk to a friend, several friends actually whom I promised to call. I need to go to the bank as I won't make it home if I don't make a withdrawal later.......

Let me redefine Wednesday. It is the day when one is being sucked up by a barrage of things wanting to get done with very little time making one feel the dizzying effects of caffeine and stress as I make it through the rest of the week.

I am looking forward to tomorrow now!

PS: Umuulan na naman..... mahirap sumakay.... matraffic pa. Ganyan gayan nangyari sa amin ng anak ko kahapon. Sana wag na maulit muli.....

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Ika 23 ng Setyembre 2008

What would this Tuesday bring? Yesterday, our senate session was postponed for today. I didn't report to my office but went straight to the office of my colleague to finish our work.

We went to the Senate after lunch and proceeded to the session hall already teeming with reporters and guests. There were lots of students today. Some senators were going to the gallery and cameras started clicking. Senator Chiz Escudero came to our side of the gallery. I told my colleague-friend who fancies the young-looking senator to get her camera ready and I will take their picture. After a photo opp with some students, my friend motioned to him that she wanted their picture taken. I was ready and made the shot. It was a good shot except that my friend forgot to take her glasses.

Soon, Senator Villar banged the gavel to signal the start of the session. Reporters moved away from the floor towards the exit. It started with a prayer and reading of some proposals. Senator Joker Arroyo was the first to take the floor with his Complaint to Nowhere, an obvious repartee on Senator Lacson's Road to Nowhere expose complete with powerpoint presentation. He said that the suspected insertion or double entries in the 2008 budget are actually two portions of the C-5 Road and thus cannot be considered an insertion. Senator Arroyo was piqued at the waste of time by the Senate on an expose that according to him was baseless and unfounded. He chided Lacson for not allowing interpellation on his privilege hour who found an ally in Senator Jamby Madrigal for using diversionary tactics to evade questioning. After Senator Arroyo's speech, Senator Lacson prepared for a rebuttal and took the floor saying he needed just a 30-second rebuttal. To which Senator Arroyo replied that he would allow that being a true Liberal and Democrat. Lacson said that his basis was the GAA and wondered where he got his facts. No other senators raised questions. But I guess we have not heard the last of it. There was a motion to ban the term "insertion" on the floor.

Senator Angara was the next senator to take the floor tackling the toxic milk coming from China which is laced with Melamine. The gallery crowd was obviously interested in the information. Senator Legarda asked whether the food poisoning in a school in Tondo affecting 130 kids is somehow connected. The eloquent senator spoke volumes as she wanted to know what this Melamine is all about. At this point, I was getting the feeling that we were going home empty-handed. Melamine is a plastic material with lots of industrial applications but should not be used for food products. Apparently, it increases the protein content of milk when added to it. If you are using melaware plates and bowls, it is made of melamine. Senator Madrigal asses that there is no such thing as really fresh milk today as even fresh milk are reconstituted from powdered milk. Hmmmm....that's a useful piece of information but what do we eat and drink now.

I think that Senator Legarda was on her final reading of her sponsored bill, newborn hearing screening aimed at determining deafness and giving proper management. Some sessions back, she mentioned that some children and their parents missed early detection of this affliction affecting many infants and this could go on in life. Senator Enrile raised some constitutionality issues and Senator Legarda was willing to consider his point.

As we watched the proceeding, there were many things we would notice. The people.... who go there and why. My friend and I were asking each other if Senator Gordon's hair is for real. We believe it's not. Pardon our irreverence but we are only humans who err. Besides how do you keep the fire burning for three hours and not go mad. That's what happens when there is too much time and there is nothing to do. People-watching is a good thing to do on such occasion. It keeps one busy lambasting people while pretending to enjoy the scene.

There were other matters for discussion as mentioned by Senator Kiko Pangilinan. Senator Roxas, our sponsor, asked about JPEPA...... probably embarrased about keeping us glued to our seats for three straight hours. Senator Pangilinan said two more and then it will be our turn. We would hear one of the senators holler "ang walang kamatayang JPEPA". We were sent packing our stuff home for the nth time as the JPEPA interpelation was reset to next Monday. My boss showed relief and was happy that Senator Legarda must be warming to us and simply want a legal opinion on her question on toxic waste.

That's my day today. I am looking forward to my adventure tomorrow.

PS: Pagkagaling senado, nagkita kami ng anak kong panganay. Bumuhos ang ulan habang pasakay kami sa bus. Nabasa ako at tumulo sa akin yun tubig na bumabagsak sa payong. Ginaw na ginaw ako at ibinalabal ko na lang shawl ko habang pinapanood ko ang telenobelang kakapanood ko pa lang sa senado sa TV ng bus.

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Ika 22 ng Setyembre 2008

"Monday, Monday.... Monday Monday, can't trust that day, Monday Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way, Oh Monday morning, you gave me no warning of what was to be........" Monday, Monday is a 1966 song written by John Phillips and recorded by The Mamas and the Papas for their 1966 album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears which won for the group a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal on March 2, 1967.

Indeed it might just turn out to be that with the way things are hanging out for me today. I was working with a staff from another office last night on their submission for the JPEPA interpellation. I could understand his mild irritation on some editing on their submission on a Sunday night. I was irritated with myself too. How could I be doing this! It's a good thing we were former classmates on a course in UP. That saved the day for me. He did it.

I am off again to the Senate to watch our Senators' eloquent speeches and the antics of some and those who vanish in thin air as soon as the session starts.

PS: Hindi kami natuloy ni Dayap sa date namin sa parlor...... patuloy ang aking bad hair day.....

Ito nga palang si Dayap at ilan pang kaibigan na nagpupunta sa bahay napakagaling ng timing pag pumupunta sa bahay. Itong si Dayap, mga tatlong beses na siguro na naabutan akong nasa kalagitnaan ng paliligo matapos maglinis ng banyo ko. Natataon din naman na yun ibang tao sa bahay ay natutulog o kaya umalis saglit na nataon naman sa oras ng dating ni Dayap.

Kahapon matagal ko siyang hinintay sa oras na sinabi niya dahil ilan beses na nga nangyari na dumarating sila ng pamilya niya na nasa banyo ako. Makalipas ang mga dalawang oras naisip ko na baka sa gabi na lang sila dumaan. Nagtagal pa rin ako sa paggawa ng kung ano-ano at baka dumating nga hanggang sa maglinis na ako ng banyo at maligo. Maya-maya nagtahulan na mga aso ko. Tinatawag ko lahat ng tao sa bahay, walang sunasagot kahit isa. Nagbalot na lang ako at lumabas na me sabon at conditioner sa buhok. Tinawag ko ang anak kong bunso na nasa silid-aralan naman pala namin subali't di iniintindi na me dumating. Sinabihan kong papasukin sila Dayap at ang pamilya niya. Tinawag ko rin ang isang kasama ko sa bahay na nataon din naliligo. Bumaba na lang ako na me sabon pa sa katawan para asikasuhin sila. Hay talaga naman...... Pwede nga palang isama ito sa mga Laws of Life, na isang post ko kamakailan lang. Pwedeng tawagin na Law of Proper Timing.

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Cultural Differences in a Diverse World

This may help explain why we sometimes do not see eye to eye with our fairer counterparts. Notwithstanding our cultural differences, men of different colors, creed, language, class share the same world.

Blue --> Westerner
Red --> Asian/Chinese

Opinion



Way of Life



Punctuality




Contacts



Anger



Queue when Waiting



Sundays on the Road



Party



In the restaurant



Travelling



Handling of Problems



Three meals a day



Transportation



Elderly in day to day life



Moods and Weather




The Boss



What's Trendy



The child



These icons were designed by Liu Young who was born in China and educated in Germany.

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Ika 21 ng Setyembre 2008

Brainchild's break.........

After waking up, I went to our attic to get 4 sets of bed linens. I like the smell of fresh linens. ........ I'll take it easy.... After breakfast, hubby and I will go to the market at the plaza. I like the sight of fresh produce. My suking grocers must be anticipating our shopping .......... that's manageable............ After our marketing, I need to take care of our dogs' grooming and look after the other pets. My helper sometimes forget to put fresh water......... I'm good. I just love the time with the pets. Pets are stress-relievers........... Since I am doing the beds, I will just instruct the helpers on the menu for lunch. After overseeing the preparation for lunch, I will go upstairs and make the beds. It's good that I have helpers who remove the old covers already. Now, I just have to tuck the sheets the way I like it...... I'm still good but the mattresses are a little heavy and there are four of these...... After this not so easy task, it's lunchtime...........

After lunch, I'll take it easy but I cannot............. I still have to prepare school stuff............ I still need to clean my bathroom......... I still need to.............

Brainchild's break just went pfffffffffttt..........

PS: Matuloy kaya ang date namin ni Dayap ngayon araw? Sana. Kailangan-kailangan matapos na ang aking bad hair day.....

Araw din pala ng paggunita ng deklarasyon ni Pangulong Marcos ng Martial Law, isang maitim na bahagi ng kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. Protektahan ang demokrasya. Huwag natin pabayaan mangyari ito muli.

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Walmart Cake

This actually really did happen.

And I imagine the conversation went........

Walmart Employee: "Hello 'dis be Walmarts, how can I help you?"

Customer: "I would like to order a cake for a going away party this week."

Walmart Employee: "What you want on the cake?"

Customer: "Best Wishes Suzanne' and underneath that 'We will miss you".

STOP LAUGHING! You can't fix stupid.

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Laws of Life

These laws were formulated in answer to man's quest for understanding of the rationale for his existence. Read on and learn Life's secrets ....

Law of Mechanical Repair
After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.

Law of Gravity
Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

Law of Random Numbers
If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.

Law of the Alibi
If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.

Variation Law
If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).

Law of the Bath
When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

Law of Close Encounters
The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

Law of the Result
When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

Law of Bio mechanics
The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

Law of the Theater
At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.

The Starbucks Law
As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

Murphy's Law of Lockers
If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

Law of Physical Surfaces
The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.

Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

Brown's Law of Physical Appearance
If the shoe fits, it's ugly.

Oliver's Law of Public Speaking
A closed mouth gathers no feet.

Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy
As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

Doctors' Law
If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. Don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick.


And my favorite:


Law of Probability
The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act,


There you have it. A useful guide for daily living that can lead to a discernment of why these things always happen to you.......

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Ika 20 ng Setyembre 2008

Let brainchild's break begins.....

Ah my most awaited Saturday morning is here. Picture me sitting in front of my computer with my dogs nibbling at my feet........ a cup of coffee on hand while music plays. No stress, no pressures, no cares ..... just pure bliss.

The opportunity to use the computer was made possible through the imposition of penalty on my son which is withdrawal of his computer privileges ..... the ultimate punishment as far as he is concerned. I woke up as he was pacing in my room early this morning. He said he hated me when I told him the penalty remains. He has been remiss on his studies. He might not realize his dream of becoming a vet if his ways continues. I might as well be hated temporarily as he engages in better activities like reading and staying outdoors playing and running to release his pent-up energy.

Even as home chores and errands are lurking, let me enjoy the first hours of my 48-hour break till madness sets in again.

PS: Maging makabuluhan kaya ang buntot ng linggong ito? Dapat lang at magkikita kami ng kaibigan kong si Dayap na nandito para sa kanyang buwanang bakasyon. Si Dayap ay isang expat sa Hongkong. Nakatakda kaming magpunta sa isang hair saloon para sa ikalawang bahagi ng aming pagpapaganda. Isang buwan ko rin tiniis itong buhok ko na sa tingin ko ay di bagay sa kin. Kaya lang kailangan tiisin at baka masira ang buhok ko pag inilapat ang lahat ng proceso na kailangan ng buhok ko ng sabay sabay. Pinagtatawanan ako ni dayap sa deskripsyon na binigay ko sa sarili ko dahil sa buhok na ito na para akong pinagsawaang...... Sinabi ko kay dayap na maghanda siya sa aking paghihiganti matapos ang aming date sa saloon, ang katapusan ng aking bad hair days.

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Ika 19 ng Setyembre 2008

Friday once again. I am bursting with energy. In my mind, I can hear the song Friday, TGiF........ Friday, TGIF......


This is not exactly party time for me. I have to review reports for our JPEPA defense on Monday submitted by different agencies and compile these reports for submission to our Boss later. I must finish everything today so as not to let anything and anybody encroach on my weekend. Get it! Boss, you're not reading this, right? And it's a joke. Of course, you can call in the middle of the night, during the weekend even if I'm in the beach with my family, or even if I am in the supermarket. As always Boss, I am at your service.

Even with work shamelessly burdening my already filled-up life, I am here at the office today working my behind and looking forward to leaving this place later remaining intact for my weekend retreat.

PS: Babala. Ito ay isang reklamo dahil sa inis ko sa isang taong malabong kausap na nakasira ng umaga ko. Ewan ko ba bakit ganito tong tao na to. Madalas na sumira sa usapan dahil biglang me naisip siyang gawin sa araw na napagkasunduan magkita o lumakad na sa palagay ko at ng iba namin kasama ay pwede naman ipagpaliban. Ang mga rason na karaniwan niyang binibigay ay pupunta siya sa dentista, magpapamasahe siya, o kaya walang titingin sa pamangkin niya kahit me yaya ito at nandon ang mga magulang niya. Meron pa pala, me miting siya na laging natataon sa Sabadong magkikita kita kami. Ilan beses na rin siyang nagkansela sa mga lakad o pagkikita namin dahil sa mga dahilan na ito.

Kaninang umaga sobra inis ko dahil hindi naman lakad lang namin yun pinag-usapan namin. Seryosong bagay yun napagkasaunduan namin kahapon at naiayos ko na sa kinauukulan. Pagkatapos, sasabihain niya ngayon na hindi na naman siya pwede. Hay naku..... ang labo mo talaga!

Naglalabas lang ng sama ng loob at baka kung saan maibaling.

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Ika 18 ng Setyembre 2008

My guess is this will be an uneventful Thursday. From the moment I woke up, everything was routine. Nothing out of the ordinary happened when I left the house a little earlier than my usual the past few weeks. I still have a splitting headache and the hot van I rode going to work added to my misery.

Seeing that traffic was bad upon arriving at my destination, I decided to walk to my office which is a block away. I hurriedly walked to reach my office quickly as the sun was hot. I thought I beat my previous time but I was 8 minutes late......darn. I didn't have to punch in my time card the past few weeks as work transcended time and space as I was working even at home or wherever I was because of JPEPA. Senator Lacson's expose provided a respite from all this madness. But I still have some work to do in preparation for Monday.

Tonight, I will be meeting my class. I sent them to the Senate yesterday for an out-of-campus activity. I gave a quiz last meeting. So what am I supposed to do tonight? It's a good thing I have handled this subject many times in the past. I update previous materials to keep up with the changing times.

A lot of things are going on around me and yet I feel I am not accomplishing much. I need a change of scenery.......... A vacation is in order...... perhaps, I should retire...... but I can't. Realty sucks....

PS: Isang tulog na lang.... Biyernes na. Tapos, sabado na nman.... yehey. Tapos, linggo......ummmmmmmmm at lunes......boooo

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ANO ANG DAPAT GAWIN KUNG TINATAMAD KANG MAGTRABAHO ?

Note: Naisip kong ishare itong mga makabuluhang tips na mga ito na nahukay ko sa mga folders ko sa email at baka makatulong sa mga kapwa ko manggagawa.

Sa buhay empleyado merong dalawang pagpipilian kung tinatamad kang magtrabaho.

A. Una ay umabsent.

1. Kapag umiikot na kaagad sa katawan mo ang katamaran pagkagising pa lang sa umaga ay mag-isip ka na kaagad ng palusot kung bakit ka aabsent. Paalala: dapat ay memoryado mo ang mga dahilang nagamit mo na dati (tip: gumawa ng isang logbook) ng sa gayon ay hindi ka parang sirang plakang nag-uulit lang lagi ng rason ng di pagpasok. Alalahanin na tuso din ang mga bossing.

2. Kapag nakaisip ka na ng magandang dahilan ay agad mag-text o tumawag sa bossing mo, the earlier the better. Kung ayaw mo ng madaming tanong e mag-text ka at kung nais mo namang tumawag ay siguraduhin mong magaling kang umarte kagaya ng kung ikaw ay kunwaring me sakit ay umubo ka ng paunti-unti habang kinakausap ang bossing mo..

3. Matapos mag-text/tumawag ay bumalik sa higaan at magplano ka na ng gusto mong gawin sa buong araw. Malaking posibilidad na magtutulog ka lang buong araw. Sya nga pala, kapag tumawag ang opisina sa kalagitnaan ng araw, laging tandaan ang rasong ginamit (consistent ka dapat), maaari namang i-off mo na lang ang phone mo para hindi ka maistorbo buong araw.

BABALA: Siguraduhing regular ka na sa kumpanyang pinagtratrabahuhan kung ikaw ay mag-aabsent.

B. Pangalawa ay pumasok

Eto ang dapat gawin ng mga empleyado kapag tinatamad magtrabaho pero ayaw umabsent. Ang mga taong ito ay nuknukan ng kapal ng mukha. Ang mga sumusunod na instructions ay napakasimple pero effective. Meron ding oras na nakatakda, magsisismula ng alas ocho ng umaga at magtatapos ng alas singko ng hapon.

1. Pumasok ng sakto sa oras. Huwag kang male-late at huwag ka din namang excited masyado. 8:00

2. Pagdating mo sa opisina ay ilapag mo lang kaagad ang gamit mo sa lamesa at magtungo kaagad sa pantry. Magtimpla ng kape o kung anuman ang iniinom mo pag umaga. Habang nasa loob ay makipag-usap sa mga tao doon, patagalin mo ang usapan (tip: pag-usapan ang mga headline ngayong araw o mga nangyari kahapon sa loob ng opisina). Kung walang tao sa pantry ay mag-yaya ka ng kasama bago pa man pumasok doon. 8:00-8:30

3. Matapos sa pantry ay magtungo na sa lamesa mo dala-dala pa din ang kape, ito ay para hindi ka antukin buong araw. Buksan ang computer. Matapos nito ay buksan ang mailbox mo. Basahin ang mga email…mapabago man o luma. Buksan lahat ng pedeng buksang attachments, makakabuti ito sa pagpapatagal ng oras. O kaya naman ay mag-email ka sa mga kakilala mong matagal mo ng di nakakamusta. Kapag di ka pa nakuntento ay gawing chat ang email (ito ay sa kadahilanang banned na ang halos lahat ng messengers sa mga kompanya…pati google talk di pinalagpas, mga hayop na IT yan). Pano? Mag-email ka sa kakilala mong alam mong merong access sa internet sa mga oras na yon tapos antayin ang reply…wholla! Instant chat session. Sya nga pala, habang ginagawa ang mga nasa taas ay huwag makakalimot inumin ang kape..lalamig ito. 8:30-9:30

3. Matapos ang makabuluhag paggamit ng computer ay magdala ng mga papel-papel at magtungo sa kung saan mo man nais. Mas maganda kung mukha kang aborido hawak ang mga props mo habang papaalis ng lamesa, ito ay para sabihin ng bossing mo sampu ng kasamahan mo sa trabaho na busy ka lagi. Magtungo sa ibang department na me kakilala at makipag-usap ng kung anu-ano. 9:30-10:00

4. Tignan mo nga naman. Alas dies na! Break time na ulit! Pagkatapos mag-lamyerda sa ibang department ay magtungo ulit sa puwesto at ibaba ang mga scratch paper na props. Dalhin ang tasa sa pantry at magtimpla ulit ng panibagong kape, libre ang kape kaya magtimpla ka lang ng magtimpla. Magtungo sa labas kung ikaw ay nag-yoyosi kung di naman ay manatili sa pantry at makipag-usap ka na lang sa mga tao doon. 10:00-10:15

5. Pagkatapos ng break ay bumalik sa lamesa at humarap sa computer (huwag ng magdala ng kape sa lamesa…tama na ang nainom mo, sisikmurain ka na sa sobrang gahaman). Tapos ka na sa mga emails mo, ngayon naman ay mag-internet ka na lang ng kung anik-anik. Pero bago mag-internet ay magbukas ka muna ng office document kahit wala kang balak gawin ang mga ito, makakatulong ang documentong ito mamya. Tapos ay mag-internet ka na. Paalala: dapat ay alerto ka sa mga tao sa paligid mo, kapag alam mong me padating pindutin ang ALT at TAB ng sabay. Ito ay para makapunta sa office document na binuksan mo kanina. Kung mabagal ang iyong reflexes ay dapat mabilis ka sa paggamit ng mouse para ma-click mo agad sa taskbar ung documentong nasabi. Kapag na-master mo na ang technique na ito ay di na mapapansin ng bossing mo na nag-iinternet ka lang sa mga oras na ito. 10:15-12:00

6. Tama na muna ang computer. Lunch break na! Alam mo na ang dapat gawin. 12:00-1:00

7. Pagkatapos kumain ay gawin ulit ang #5. Habang gingawa ito ay maglabas ulit ng mga scratch papers na para bang me hinahanap. Tandaan na dapat seryoso ang mukha mo habang gingawa ang mga ito (tip: ikunot ang noo para makakuha ng mukhang seryoso). 1:00-3:00

8. Break time na ulit. Ang bilis nga naman ng oras. Hala..punta na ulit sa pantry. Maaari ka na ulit mag-kape at makipag-chikahan. 3:00-3:15

9. Bumalik sa lamesa at guluhin ito sa pamamagitan ng paglabas ng sandamakmak na mga papel. Tapos ay gawin ulit and #5. Tignan ang oras sa computer mo. Kung 4:30 na ay simulan mo ng ayusin ang ginulong lamesa. Mag-ayos ayos ka na din ng sarili. Kung kasing kapal ng adobe ang mukha mo ay magtungo ka ulit sa pantry para mag-kape (tandaan na dapat me kasama sa pantry) o kaya naman ay gawin ang #3. Matapos ang lahat ng ito ay umuwi ka na, para mo ng awa…wala ka na ngang silbi ay nangdadamay ka pa ng iba sa katamaran mo. 3:15-5:00

BABALA: Wag mong ipapabasa ito sa bossing mo kung ayaw mong mawalan ka ng trabaho.

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Ika 17 ng Setyembre 2008

Make decisions from the heart and use your head to make it work out.

With only one child at home, home wasn't buzzing with pleasant noises. I arrived late last night and my son was asleep. So was hubby. I ate alone while watching CSI NY. I checked my son's stuff. No homework but there will be quizzes on Math and Science today. I just hope he studied. He was proudly telling me one time that he got only one mistake in a Science quiz. He also has an exposure trip and we got this reminder in his diary that today is the deadline for payment.

I told him he has quizzes in Math and Science when he woke up and he replied yes. So I would just assume he studied. Everything was routine and he came down just as his bus arrived.

I still had to take care of some things at home. A buyer of our birds also came to pick them up. I hurriedly prepared for work and left home. I was texting my middle daughter who was coming home today from her retreat on my way to work. I was belatedly informed that she isn't coming home straight but would still go to the mall with her classmates to eat out. I told her to bring her classmates home for lunch. But apparently, three of these classmates are spending their birthdays. Hmmmmmm.........

Today's headline news are not all that pretty...... "World markets plunge", "Panic selling grips world markets", "US crisis hits RP banks". The shake-up of the US financial system with the Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy and Merrill Lynch's sales to Bank of America caused widespread financial turmoil for Asian and Europe stock markets. AIG, the world's largest insurance company is also in trouble. This crisis is unprecedented in recent years and we might be looking into another great depression as what happened in the 1930s. So help us God. We should pray for the world economy as a whole because fortunately or unfortunately individual economies have been so intertwined that events shaping one economy affects the rest...... and the US is a world shaper whether we like it or not.

PS: Napasama yata yun pagmamadali kong gumawa ng pagsusulit kahapon at nahirapan masyado yun mga estudyante ko sa pagsususlit na yon. Panay reklamo ang narinig ko. Me punto na nairita na nga ako. Bibigyan ko rin naman sila ng pagkakataon makabawi. Leksiyon din naman sa akin bilang isang guro ang mga ganyan hinaing ng estudyante. Hindi na kasi pwede ngayon yun nakasanayan ng mga kagenerasyon ko na kinatatakutan ang mga guro. Dapat nakikipag-ugnay na rin ngayon sa mga estudyante sa pamamagitan ng bukas na komunikasyon pata maging makabuluhan ang edukasyon.

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Ika 16 ng Setyembre 2008

My middle daughter will be going on a retreat with her classmates today. She was up early. She was already on her way out when I woke up my son.

My son slept late last night as we had to work on some numbers on his math homework. The tutoring didn't go well exactly. I can be quite impatient with students who do not know lessons they are supposed to know. My son seemed to have forgotten his division and we couldn't continue working on the math problem if he can't divide. I was mad and was taking it on him. He was trying hard not to let me see his tears. I sternly told him to read on division as I was blurting out hurting words. He was telling me not to bad-mouth him. Yes, I was wrong again..... I felt guilty after my tirade and I would pat his head. In a while we would work together well and he would finish his homework. I told him to fix his things before going to bed.

He woke up without any qualm but he would tell me he wanted to sleep more. He would also tell me that he knows most of the multiplication table and division as well. I told him that it is good. He went downstairs while I fixed his bed. I went downstairs in a while. He told me to hurry up and fix his food. He hurriedly ate his breakfast and prepared for school. Soon his bus arrived and he bade me goodbye giving me a kiss even if I wasn't deserving...... I still feel guilty up to now because I must have crushed his dreams. I still have a lot to learn and I can't wait for tonight to make up for my bad behavior. My son will get all the loving tonight as he would be our only child with his two sisters away from home.

I prepared for work and was soon on my way. The traffic was light but the heat is too much to bear.... like it's summer once again. I was in the office soon. I wasn't sure how the day would turn up today with the issue on the GAA insertion left hanging at the senate yesterday. It sucks that our internet connection was not working when i arrived........ Gosh, I have been so dependent on technology. I can't imagine what my day will be like if I am suddenly marooned in a island without all these trappings of life.

PS: Mukhang tuloy ang expose sa Senado at nagtext ang staff ng Boss namin pagkatapos ng tanghalian na hindi na namin kailangan pumunta sa Senado dahil sa naudlot na tanungan kahapon. Bigla akong kailangan maghanda ng isang pagsusulit sa aking mga estudyante at di ko inaasahan na magkikita pala kami ngayon gabi. Hay naman.......

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