August 24 - 30, 2009: Relative Calm

Things kinda settled down this week.

I still couldn't get my rhythm in going to work early. There would be days I can manage but most days I would fail. I have to work on my consistency. Traffic is terrible but I am getting used to it as the Skyway will be completed in 2011. That leaves me with no choice.

Things have normalized at home with the new helper. She does a good job of doing our laudry although she said she doesn't know how to iron clothes because they do not have an iron. Still, she tries hard to do it for us. I told her it can be learned. She also does not know how to cook. I am afraid to ask why because she might say they don't have food to cook and my heart would bleed. I console her with the fact that my old helper didn't know how to cook before and learned in the process. I am sure the same thing will happen to her.

By the end of the week, I attended a training on facilitation skills. The resource person was funny but there was hardly anything new I picked up from the seminar. It was good enough to stay away from the office for one whole day with free meal...ya'y.

The weekend was far more interesting than the rest of the week.

On Saturday, I set out to register the dogs. I am doing this alone this time. I had to call my friend V.... to ask for directions. She frequents the area. After carefully explaining the direction to me, I thought about inviting her to come with me. It didn't take too much convincing and a plan was hatched. I let MD tag along. She enjoys tagging along with me and my friends because of the perks of such trips..... dining out, impulse shopping, indulging in occasional guilty pleasures, being let into some discrete girls' talk and bantering (we had to be extra careful with the language when our kids tag along) plus the chance to get out of the house. MD has always been "on the go" and it doesn't take much prodding to get her out of the house. The only exception is when she is studying for their major exams.

After lunch, MD and I set out for a long day ahead. We fetched a lady I promised to guide on the dog registration process.......... then my friend V........ It was a very amusing trip of four ladies with my friend V.... and myself talking mostly. The other lady would be let in the conversation at some points. We reached PCCI without any hitches. We were done with the dog registration in no time.

The plan was to go to Greenhills to while the time away. The lady who went with us did not join anymore as she needs to attend to her nail saloon business. Of course, she left us with options on spending our free time at her saloon.... It's not for free but I guess we would be getting good service or discounts. We dropped her off where it would be easy for her to get a ride.

A lady and two women would scout around the bargain shops of Greenhills without any particular intention in mind... kinda dangerous.... to the pocket. To my credit, I didn't indulge in impulse buy and put up a brave front. Thank goodness, MD was cooperative. My friend V......... didn't spend much either. It turned out she does this kind of thing when she's bored at home.

When our eyes hurt from our window shopping, it was time to go. We went to hear mass at nearby Sanctuario de San Jose. As we were entering the church, a wedding entourage was coming out. My friend V..... commented that she hasn't seen a wedding for a long time. I nodded in agreement as I haven't seen one for a long time as well. Is it because we're past that phase or we just don't get invited anymore?

After the mass, we went for dinner. Finally, there was something MD could look forward to. We were unsure where to go and looked around until we settled on Mini Shabu Shabu. It would surely be a gastronomical feast to a starving threesome. My friend V........ placed our order after some discussion. In time, our food would arrived and we were assisted on setting the fire. Soon enough, we were left to ourselves with each one doing her own concoction from the ingredients provided. It was one hot meal that was a delight to an empty stomach. After dinner, my friend V..... who decided it will be a treat for MD, picked up the bill. She gave her card to the waiter. A few minutes after, the same waiter would come back asking for another card as they couldn't process the transaction. My friend V.......... said it was impossible that the card would be rejected as she knows she has available balance and she just used it. I suggested that he call the bank. He left ..... and was back again with the same problem. By this time, my friend V........ was showing signs of irritation. I again told the waiter to call the bank. He replied that they do not know the number.... What!!!! They handle credit card transactions and yet they do not know the contact numbers of companies they are dealing with !!!!!!!!???? Hello!!!! From the tone of this, I guess you know what happened next. He probably was not warned about us and he surely got it.

My Friend V....... called the credit card company who confirmed that there was nothing wrong with the card nor the transaction. The waiter again went to the counter and V........ followed him. I followed too. V..... then gave the phone to the waiter. After the call, the waiter would show us he swiped the card on the machine and the transaction would not go. He tried swiping the card on the other machine and the transaction was approved. Again, I guess you know what happened after this show of lack of sensibilities and initiative by this guy towards two toughies. It turned out he was the manager of the place.... more useful information to dress him down. By this time, everyone's attention was on us and we had to leave the place pronto. I called on the MD and we left and headed for the parking. The drive going home was fun as we recounted what just happened..... Poor guy!

I dropped my friend V.... at her home and MD and I proceeded to go home. There was a bit of a traffic and we were home by midnight.

On Sunday, my new helper went to her brother's home to visit her kids and bring her daughter to our home. One of her kids was also celebrating his birthday and she planned a small family party for him. It was a usual lazy Sunday for our family. I am looking forward to another phase in our household when my helper's daughter arrives....

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Toughie Women (Mga Sigang Babae)

Over dinner last week, my friend V........ and I were animatedly talking about the changes in us that come with aging. It's not only about the physical changes but the emotional manifestations that have been eating us. It was an engaging conversation because we can both relate to the issue. We feel that there are inconsistencies in our personalities and we are totally helpless in doing something about it. An offshoot of this personality flaw is our impatience and impertinence

I cautioned that it must be the onset of the M word that causing this. We are still not quite there yet but we might be experiencing PMS (I know girls way into their puberty are experiencing this discomfort as well but I am talking about the one for riped women... yes, lets not keep on mentioning it). I told my friend V...... about a classmate who had it earlier and thought she was acting bizarrely as she would hop from resto to resto eating just bits and pieces or just drinking coffee whenever she had her anxiety attacks. She also related her lack of patience for people particularly those lacking sense. During this trying period, she was barking up at loved ones but at the same time asking for understanding. This woman is really a gracious person and her past (mis)demeanor can be traced to the M word.

Going back to my friend V....... She is one friend I could pour my heart out to, no holds bar. We didn't use to go out as often as we do now. Her stature as a woman living alone (her hubby and daughters are in Canada seeking a new life as immigrants) provided the impetus to get together more often. She could have joined them except that she holds a rather secured job here that cannot be easily replaced in Canada. So this temporary separation appears to provide us the time to get closer before she finally joins her family). Anyway, topics ranges from family, in-laws, pets, home, friends, fashion, work at times (the kabwisitan at work).

We got into the topic of how as the years pass by, we are getting to be more antipaika to 'hapless' victims of our ire. The usual victims are security guards of subdivisions or malls, salespeople, PUV drivers, even some family members. Poor them if they get to us on our wrong side or wrong days. The issue would usually be immaterial but we make a big deal out of it often beating the hapless victim to a pulp verbally of course. We would be unreasonable at times insisting on our way even if we are not always right. Most of the time, we are right or at least partially right. Armed with this, we would 'attack' our victim resulting in a spectacle where the hapless victim is humiliated for crossing us. The humiliation actually works both ways as we would see people milling around or stopping to watch the verbal attack. The object of our ire usually is not afforded the chance to reply. Having ventilated our chagrin, that's when we realize we have created a scene. If we are with family members, they are long gone or would move away from the scene to avoid being identified as companion to us (ikinahihiya kami....). By this time, we would act cool and leave in a huff (parang walang nangyari).

We were laughing hard...... I swear I could almost pee as we would fill in each other's stories. I beg for understanding as it is beyond our control. We are not bad people. It maybe the hormones acting up making us crazy. So please forgive us our hapless victims. We promise to avoid you the next time we see you or better yet go to your other co-workers to choose our next victims. That way we equalize things. Please bear with us as we are going through a transition period. You or your mother, aunts, sisters, wife, in-laws will be going through the same ordeal......... and then maybe you'd understand us better.

The week was not over for both of us. In the weekend I would invite her for lunch at our home because Shopwise would have their oxtail at a promo buy 1 take 1. Of course, we had to have kare kare.

When V...... arrived at my home, she suggested that we go to Bag of Beans in Tagaytay to drink hot choco and have toast with butter and jam........ Cool idea! Well, this is a thing that seems easy with age....... the freedom to be impulsive....... to act on a whim with careless abandon..... However, that means two toughies are dangerously lurking the streets looking for their next victims.....

Move over people, V........ and I are coming to town.........

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My Guest Posting at Barrio Siete

May I invite you to visit barriosiete and spare some time reading my post on Why I Wouldn't Vote for Noynoy? This is my first guest posting on another blog. I hope I could expand my horizon by interacting more in the blogophere.

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Warning on Gardasil Vaccine for Cervical Cancer

Update: A rejoiner to this post may be viewed at Barrio Siete courtesy of the dfish, an alumnus of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. I sought his opinion on this issue in the interest of fairness and transparency.

I don't have the vaccine yet. It's quite expensive and one needs three shots. And I have two girls who should get it too if I will get it. This information made me reconsider my intention to get one. More importantly, I don't have the funds yet. Am I lucky or what? However, the choice still belongs to you. I'd rather err on the side of caution.

The Health Science Institute HSI) has issued a public warning advising girls and women to avoid being vaccinated with the Cervical Cancer vaccine called Gardasil. According to Jenny Thompson at HSI, 11,916 adverse events after injection have already been reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)and counting. Those adverse events include:

Pain and swelling. Life-threatening muscle weakness.

Blood clots in the heart and lungs.

The deaths of 32 innocent girls and young women.

The health threats listed above have all been linked with Gardasil, the so-called "cervical cancer vaccine" says Thompson.

Merck, the pharmaceutical giant that manufactures Gardasil is aggressively marketing the vaccine as a way for parents and young women to protect themselves from Cervical Cancer and thus saves lives.

HSI's Jenny Thompson has released a 7 minute video in which she exposes the deception put forth in the marketing of this vaccine and reveals some truly shocking information no one else is talking about.

If you have daughters, granddaughters or friends who might be considering this vaccine, you must watch this video. Please forward it to anyone you think would benefit from the vital information it contains.

If you think you know the whole story on Gardasil, you'll be shocked by what you're about to see. It's just a few minutes long and those few minutes might just save a young girl's life.

Note: I may be biased but any expose' on giant corporations deserves our attention. I take a strong stance against deceptive marketing ploy by capitalist companies. I once was a medical representative for a large drug company. Multinationals will pay for anything so that doctors will prescribe their drugs. The pharmaceutical business is one big conspiracy among multinational, government officials that coddles these companies, and unscrupulous members of the medical profession.

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August 17 - 23, 2009: Stop Sweating the Small Stuff

I first heard this from a much younger colleague friend some years ago. I am almost always so hanged up on people or things that displease me. In one of my tirades, she blurted this out and I was taken aback. Often, we notice the flaws of another and fail to see our own. I am no exception. I always thought I am cool and that everyone thinks so. I would reflect on this gentle reminder as the week draws to an end......

One happy bit of news is the long weekend this week..... ya'y. I actually forgot about this holiday..... Ninoy's assasination a day of gloom for Filipinos. Any holiday is a welcome treat as I get to stay home with my family.

Coming from an unexpected dinner with my friend V.... well into the middle of the week, my helper told me that an applicant referred by MIL's assistant would like to talk to me. I said ok thinking we had to talk tomorrow as it was quite late. She said the applicant was upstairs ironing clothes. "Huh!..... and I have not even talked to her...", I said showing exasperation. My helper said that the applicant was insistent that she be the one to do the task. In the while, the applicant would emerge. Reluctantly, I would conduct my interview.

After introduction, I asked the usual probing questions like where she worked for and her relationship with MIL's assistant. I didn't have to ask much because she willingly offered information. She hasn't worked for anybody in a long time because she had to take care of five children aged 4 to 13 after her separation from a husband who beats them up. I listened as she continued to tell me that her siblings advised her to separate with her husband. I said that her husband might cause trouble in my home. She said that she doesn't know his whereabouts and that a restraining order against her husband has been issued for her and her kids' protection. Two of her children are with a brother while three are with another sibling. Three are studying. Her eldest was forced to quit school because of the want of finances. Her youngest had to be weaned off milk for the same reason.

With this information, I didn't have to ask more questions. I was compelled to hire her because she needs a job. I discussed with her the responsibilities, my expectations, and the compensation. She accepted and requested for a two-day off every month to visit her kids. I acceded to her fair request thinking I could have asked for a weekly day-off had I been in her place. But I just kept quiet thinking it is also to our advantage if she has lesser days off. She said she had to stay for the night even if she had not brought her clothes because she does not know her way out. MIL's assistant would bring her clothes the following day.

I went to my bedroom while she went to their bedroom with my other helper. That night, I couldn't sleep. It must be the coffee I had at my coffee break in the office. I am not supposed to have coffee later in the day as it affects my sleep. I never learned my lesson. But deep inside, I think it's more than the coffee which make me insomniac that night. I was thinking how a woman and five children survived the physical and emotional abuse perpetuated by someone who was supposed to love and protect them. More importantly, how will they survive the rest of their lives? I guess we could help in some way. I already employed her. A narcissistic decision but running the household including its member is part of my privileges.

My new helper's four-year old kid bothered me. She still needs her mother. I would make subtle hints to hubby on the possibility of the kid living with us. He didn't say no but asked what about the cost of providing for the kid. I told him just how much would a four-year old consume. Of course, there are various answers to that. Always headstrong, I knew that I will let the kid live with us at whatever cost.

In the morning, I would tell her to get her youngest kid when she takes her break telling her that hubby actually has not given his blessing. Tears fell from my helper's eyes. She would tell my other helper that her worries would be gone if her youngest daughter would be with her.

The week marks the first time that MS is sleeping over.... not at some friend's house. They had their retreat and attendance is a must. I had to personally seek his adviser to confirm that it was an overnight affair and if it was necessary that MS joins the retreat. He answered in the affirmative to both questions and gave me the assurance that I needed to hear.... that he is there. MS kinda warms up to this teacher..... a jolly and well-mannered guy. MS himself wanted to go. Despite the protestation of hubby about the cost of joining the retreat, there was no way that MS would not go. I'll make sure of that. Two days before the retreat, MS was already planning what he would bring asking me about his favorite pj.... the blue one with the cat drawing.... which unfortunately was still in the laundry. I suggested a matching top/pj set he received as a Christmas gift. He himself packed his clothes the night before his trip. I took care of the rest of the stuff he would need. He also packed food for the trip to the venue. He would refer to their advisory all the time. He was so excited that he couldn't sleep. He bade me goodbye in the morning. I missed him as soon as he was out of sight. I kept texting him because I forgot to give him instructions to text me his whereabouts. I had to text his teacher who told him to text me back. They had to surrender their celfones during the retreat. I would looked at his empty bed in the evening. Soon, I will get a text from MS assuring me he was fine and that he read our retreat letters.

I would fetched him from school the following day. He was jolly and cool even if I was late. The retreat must have done him some good.

This Sunday I was surprised to see this urgent email from a family member. I was afraid to read it as it sounded bad. But I had to. The family member who sent it was online as soon as I finished the email. He asked if I read the email. I, said yes unsure what to say. Because what do you say when love ends and a family is broken. That was the essence of the email. Another family is broken and added to statistics. This time, it is so close to home. We are saddened not for the two parties but for those affected. It was long time coming. That it should come now should not be a surprise anymore. Still, any separation tears the heart and I grieve for those lives that may be affected.....

Stop sweating the small stuff. I should not worry about what to serve for dinner, how to budget our limited resources, how to have a zero balance on my credit card, how to get ahead at work, how I do not always get what I deserve........ The world has enough real problems with no solution in sight..... emotion that has grown rawer...... hearts broken to pieces ..... broken dreams...... wasted lives.......

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August 8 - 16, 2009: Hitting a Plateau

Monday blues.... There is no worse time for me than Monday morning. I would have to leave a lone helper at home taking care of everything including my beloved dogs. She did not have this task before. She had been relieved of laundry duties. It is not humanly possible to do all those chores.

By midweek, I along with my colleagues attended the groundbreaking of our own building envisioned to house all our offices upon its completion. Right now, our offices are scattered all over. Part of the reason that a single building is being built is to make it easier for our clients to deal with different agencies under our Department. Being client-centered, we had to be responsive to their concerns related to doing business as they transact with various agencies. I think too that it makes it easier for the management to lord over their subjects, that's us.... sssssssshhhhh.....

Towards the end of the week, I attended a seminar on environment preservation. I am absolutely convinced of the need to do something about the environment. The video clips shown to us made me misty-eyed. How can we all take our environment for granted? I guess there is a general acknowledgment of the need to do something about the environment NOW! The problem lies in disciplining ourselves in sustaining the helpful practices that may seem marginal right now but if done collectively over the years will bring a better earth for our next of kins. Our resource person cited the efforts of a competitor organization adding that in the business of environment there is no competition as cooperation is the key. Maybe, there's hope.

It is better to light just one little candle, Than to stumble in the dark..... (taken from the lyrics of the song One Little Candle. A reminder of the power of one.)

After the talk, we went to Nuvali Evoliving, an Ayala Land project in Cabuyao, Laguna that combines the convenience of urban living in a suburban setting while at the same time promoting a lifestyle of responsibility and sustainability among diverse spaces, activities, and services. Part of the plan is the greening of the area by arranging corporate tree-planting activities. And yes, we planted a tree after being fed a sumptuous lunch. I am not sure if I planted my tree correctly. My buddy told me I did it wrongly because the seedling broke away from the soil holding it. The guide told us to loosen the soil by rolling it on its side and loosening the soil. The soil holding the seedling was way too dry and mine was really loose after I roll the seedling on its side. I still went ahead and planted it. I would not want the hole that I dug to go to waste. My buddy said that my seedling could probably survive if it is watered. I hoped that the rains come that day.

Just as quickly as this week started, the weekend came into view. It felt like I actually hit a snag this week. Save for my very first tree-planting, there was nothing really exciting. The emotional roller coaster the previous week must have drained me of whatever emotions I could muster for the week. I just wanted to retreat in the weekend.

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Two Women and a Different Kind of Love for One Country

Through times, women have become important figures in the economic landscape of nations. When in the past women were relegated to domestic chores and rearing children, we now occupy important positions in the professional arena, academe, government, and community work. Consequently, shift in gender roles can likewise be seen in the domestic fronts as men begin to share the burden of running the household to a lesser or greater degree.

A lot of women have been rising to prominence and occupying positions of influence. All over the world, we have produced so many of these women. Margaret Thatcher ruled England with the toughness of a man. Indira Gandhi is the first and, to date, only female Prime Minister of India who led independence movements in her country. The gentle and frail Mother Teresa miraculously performed her duties against all odds. Who can forget the beautiful Princess Diana as her compassionate spirit shone brightly despite her many 'faults'. Nancy Reagan is one tough cookie and seen as the inspiration to President Reagan whom many dismissed as just another 'actor' but somehow made these doubters eat their words with an eventful presidency. Barbara Bush, quiet and unassuming, might be the saving grace for the 'George Bush'. Now, Michelle Obama is much more than Barrack's better half. I dare say even Angelina Jolie has been making her presence felt with her humanitarian missions and who would miss her multi-cultural family she put together by adopting babies all over the world.

In this country, Imelda Marcos is largely seen as the force who made and broke Ferdie. President Cory Aquino became the first female president through a peaceful revolution of the masses. After President Aquino, people became more accepting of a woman president as President Gloria Arroyo assumed the same role after another peaceful uprising. She supposedly won another term.

Sinner or saint, women power has become a force to reckon with.

Recent events continue to focus on two important women figures. President Arroyo is under public scrutiny in her last months in office as she delivered her last SONA recently. Will she be able to deliver her promise of progressive Philippines in her remaining months? A seasoned economists who introduced various economic reforms after inheriting a nation in turmoil from an excessive regime. Her efforts resulted in modest economic growth for the country and order in a number of institutions. She continues to boast about putting back the fundamentals in the right track resulting in macro-economic gains. True enough, there was a slight growth. While nations are reeling from the financial crisis, we are coping and managed to even improved our credit rating. Unemployment and inflation are in check. All these should very well be in place.... as Gloria is an economist.

President Aquino succumbed to colon cancer early this month. Seen as an icon of democracy, her magic continues even in death. Her presidency did not result in economic upliftment for the country. Not much was expected of the reluctant housewife ushered to the presidency by God's grace. Her presidency was threatened by seven coup attempts which she miraculously survived. Inspite of the difficulties poised to an unprepared president, the ideals of democracy was revived. In death, democracy is the legacy she leaves to us. Her silent demeanor betrays the heroism she has shone in her term as a president.

I had the good fortune of personally meeting and interacting with these two women on some important occasions. I have pictures with both of them to prove this. Being in the government, we would have them in some affairs in the office. One worked for our Department. But I am not talking about these interpersonal encounters.

One of these two women was a principal sponsor in our wedding. The other was a principal sponsor in the wedding of hubby's cousin and obliged for a photo with ED who was one of the flower girls.

They also figured prominently in my political awakenings. I was part of the crowd who helped install both to power. The first time, it was almost like a miracle that a housewife would topple a despotic Marcos regime. The second time was instigated by the Cory magic no less and we responded. Gloria, was installed to power, as the constitutional successor to the presidency when Erap was kicked out of the office.

Once again, these two women are in the public light. The outpouring of sympathy for Cory Aquino by the public is a testament to the greatness of this lady. In my lifetime, I have not seen a president so well-loved as Cory. Perhaps, I will never see another one.........

What about Gloria? The same public continues to despise her and her ways. Her apologists had to work doubly hard in painting a good picture for their boss. Her vaunted work ethics might have brought efficiency to the presidency but her ways continue to take off the decency in the same position. At about the same time that Filipinos were mourning the death of a beloved president, she just had to dine along with your entourage at some posh restaurant in New York.... How can one be so callous at a time like this? How can you all even partake of a meal that could feed the hungry in a poor country like where you serve. They say that someone picked up the tab for that dinner and that taxpapeyers' money was not used.. Really now.... I learned in my economics class that there is no such thing as a 'free lunch', Madam President. I guess you know that too well.....

As they say, history will be the judge in putting these two important women in their
rightful places..... So who will be put on a pedestal and who will be doomed to a special place way down there? Your guess is as good as mine...Cory already made her history .... hers was a life put at the service of God, country, and people. And Gloria's ? A life lived ostentatiously ......

Who would you remember as a 'good' president? The workaholic Gloria or the Gentle Cory... Two women with the same aspirations and hope for this country but are much different in their ways of attaining these goals..... One is selfless........the other selfish .... or self-filled......

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August 3 - 10, 2009: Making History

Monday started on the wrong foot as our helper of more three years almost slipped out of the house when everyone left. She asked for a day off the previous day and did not return. She would come back in the morning when everyone was gone. My other helper would text that she was getting her stuff and would slip. My other helper also asked permission to go to her sister for something important. I had to asked my neighbor to help my boy helper to secure the place and bar my helper from leaving until we get home.

Even as I deal with domestic matters, I managed to slip out of the office to view Cory's funeral cortege at Ayala Ave. I met up with my friend here and we walked the entire stretch of Makati Avenue to Paseo de Roxas. The truck bearing Cory's casket was already gone when we reached Paseo de Roxas. Some people were going back to their offices. We still went through the barricaded streets and saw the remainder of the party....


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It is to the credit of the government that Wednesday was declared a non-working holiday. It would give Pinoys a chance to pay respect to President Cory as she is laid to rest with Ninoy at Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Paranaque.

We were able to find an immediate replacement for my helper the following day. By midweek, things were back to normal at home. This would be short-lived as revealed by later events. Even then, that made me happy as my and my kids' plan to attend Cory's funeral wouldn't be spoiled.

Early Wednesday morning, MD, MS and I prepared to go to Cory's funeral. A nephew and her girlfriend would join us. Based on previous experience, bringing a car to such major people-drawing events would be catastrophic to a driver, that would be me. I decided to leave our car at my cousin's place in a village near Sucat. She asked her driver to bring us to Sucat Road. As soon as we arrived, an air of warm and pleasant feeling enveloped me. Everyone must be tired from standing but there was joy in the air......much like the EDSAs of yore. People were pleasantly nice considering the length of time they had been there. We inched our way through the crowd unsure what to expect. My nephew who was bent on getting inside Manila Memorial Park went his way leaving his girlfriend with us.

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ED who went to see the funeral cortege with her classmate through raging rains later told us that the flow was pretty much fast through Roxas Boulevard. The funeral cortege just made its way through South Superhighway after going through tumultuous Quirino Avenue when we left my cousin's place. Everyone was trying to get updates but we were getting conflicting accounts.

We walked towards the direction of the Manila Memorial Park. I was trying to sift through the crowds careful about the safety of the two ladies and a young man in my care. At some points, some men would ogle and heckle calling the attention of the two ladies. I thought it best to ignore the jeering but stayed close to the kids. Nearing the memorial park, MD would not want to continue. I left them in a spot where they are safe and went on alone. At the entrance of the park, marshals controlled the crowds using a thick rope leaving just enough space for passing vehicles. I freely roamed the area and took pictures of people and things that are to leave permanent imprints in our history.

I went back to where the kids are. I was planning to call MD but discovered to my dismay that my celfone was not in my bag. When I got to them, I told them we might be able to enter the park. We walked towards the entrance but nearing it, MD would feel uneasy about being in the middle of a potential 'stampede'. We were trying to call my nephew who managed to get inside the cemetery but can't get through. We decided to go back after some pondering.

We walked back and settled on a spot where there were not a lot of people waiting. We saw a good spot on top of an island where few people were settled. A fence-like structure about four feet tall was set atop the island. People stayed on both edges of the island separated by thick shrubs. MS was the first to go up. MD was next, followed by my nephew's girlfriend. I was the last one to go up. It was difficult but I managed to go up. First, we were seated but after sometime cramps and fatigue would set in. MD and my nephew's girlfriend went down. I didn't want to get down and shifted position to ease the strain on my thighs. MS, then, tried to stand up. He was able to do it. I also managed to stand. Then, MD and my nephew's girlfriend got up the island and followed our lead. Although, we were standing, it was a much better ordeal. We stayed in that spot for about two hours trying to get updates from several sources. At some points, people close by would give their updates. Tired and hungry, MS was acting up and would sometime get on my nerves. I asked him if he would like to be fetched but would not want that either.

It was geeting dark when we heard that the cortege reached the Sucat interchange. Sagging spirits were once again lifted as we all geared up for our chance to pay our
last respects to a beloved lady. The minutes seemed like hours waiting for those last minutes until the sirens heralded our most awaited moment. Several motorcycles and a few more vehicles would pass. With the mass of people amidst the darkened skies as a backdrop, we could see the silhouette of the flatbed truck bearing the casket of President Aquino emerging from the other side of the road heading towards our direction. Soon, we were face-to-face with her casket surrounded by four honor guards who stood their grounds. Walking alongside the truck were people who wanted to be with her one last time. The girls and MS threw the ball of yellow flowers we brought especially for her. The flowers fell on the ground but I saw someone picked it up and tried to get the flowers into the truck.

We remained even if the truck was out of site looking at the rest of the vehicles bearing President Cory's family while flashing the 'L' sign every now and then. We saw James Yap on the first vehicle. Some more buses followed with familiar faces of the rich and famous. In a while, people got off the island joining the masses walking back to the junction. We got off too and started walking. Reaching the junction, it came as no surprise that traffic was knotty and public transportation was unavailable. We walked along with the others to get inside the village. MS was grumpy. The two girls were silent. I asked MD to call hubby to fetch us somewhere inside the village. Soon, we reached the village center but still had no luck getting a tricycle to get back to my cousin's place.

To soothe frayed nerves and fill empty stomach, we sought refuge at Conti's. The kids ordered food and it seemed to work wonders. My nephew was still inside the memorial park and was talking to his girlfriend. I told her to tell him to meet up at our place. We were not quite done with dinner when hubby texted that he was outside. We squeezed in dessert and ordered the famously yummy Mango Bravo and asked for our bill. After settling the bill, we went out to meet hubby. He brought me to my car. MD and my nephew's girlfriend rode with me. In time, we reached our place and my nephew was waiting for his girlfriend. They bade us goodbye and went their way.

In the weekend, I would go back to doing chores. I tidied up the bedrooms. I inspected the service area at the back which has been a major cause of disappointment for me. Under supervision, I instructed the new helper to give the area a good clean up. Helped by our boy helper, I bathe and groomed our dogs.

By Sunday, I had to let go of the replacement for the other helper. She is actually my boy helper's current girlfriend. Judging from the few days she stayed with us and the complications of having two persons enamored with each other working in the same household, I deemed it best to let her go to avoid further complications.

Peace has been restored in our household, albeit having more chores to do with one helper gone.

Cory is laid to rest. So what is in store for our fragile democracy? Who will fill in the void left by this great and gentle lady?

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
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Eating Fruits the Right Way

I was curious about this information that I got from my friend, Dayap, through email. I thought I should give it a try weeks after receiving it. A few days before I tried this technique, a friend would send me an email telling me she is doing it eating only two bananas for breakfast. The results are encouraging as she told me her tummy has shrunk a bit and she is more active and feels light.

I have been eating fruits before meals for about three week now. The fruit kinda
lines your stomach before your actual meal. I ate less as a result but still feel satisfied. Like my friend, I feel lighter too. With lightness comes energy and I feel like I can do much more. My tummy feels softer and I might be hallucinating but I think it is smaller too. I don't feel bloated like I use too after every meal. I am monitoring my weight and I think I lost a pound or two. The results are not as dramatic as other weight loss programs but I am definitely feeling much lighter now. The clincher is it also address my constipation problem.

There's one problem though........ We run out of fruits by the end of the work week.

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.
In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining - every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will not happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty.. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.
STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.
ORANGE: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.
WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.
GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.
Caution: This experience is purely based on this blogger's experience. Please consult your doctor for any physical or health regimen you will undertake.

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July 27 - August 2, 2009: Snippets of Life in Two Nations

I woke up so early for a fresh start. Monday is the day that everyone comes at 8:00am as the flexitime sked does not apply. Everyone is supposed to attend our flag ceremony. Except for the customary flag ceremony during events, I don't remember ever attending one in my entire employment with this office on a very early Monday morning. Morning is such a tough deal for this blogger. Even if I manage to wake up early, lots of things can spoil the effort. I am trying to reform but with very minimal progress. The rest of the days should be fine. I have a one hour window from 8:00 to 9:00am to work with.

The start of the week marks an important event as P/GMA delivered her last SONA. She was in a fighting mood as she made several snide remarks she directly addressed to various individuals or groups whom she referred to collectively as her “critics".

There is no question that a lot of the gains that Arroyo listed in her SONA were really the fruits of her remarkable work ethic. Even her worst critics will probably express only admiration for the long hours she puts on the job, not just in the office but in the field as well.

But who would miss the omission of certain facts related to the achievements cited in her SONA. Foremost among these is the quality of the economic growth that Arroyo celebrated in her speech as “uninterrupted growth for 33 quarters." She also cited increased investments, jobs, tourist arrivals, and an improving credit rating for the country. Many of the achievements she claimed were quickly challenged by economists, academics, independent politicians and business people. Did the growth she is so consumed about trickled to the masses? Lets ask ourselves that question.

Our economy is not shielded from external forces that have made whatever progress made insignificant. Whether the economy is on a slower growth or in a contraction, what is clear is that this level of performance already means some sectors of the economy are now at the losing end. Arroyo’s SONA missed a chance to assure these sectors that better times are just ahead. The people remain in the dark as to what options are available to them while the economy tries to weather the global crisis.

While the SONA failed to meet expectations of a clear roadmap for economic recovery in the coming year, there was a curious fighting stance that Arroyo conveyed to the political opposition. By repeatedly attacking the political opposition, Arroyo succeeded in making the SONA sound like a campaign speech. It will truly be a pity if the next few months are spent more on divisive politicking at the expense of the economy. (Culled from Post-SONA analysis: A curious fighting stance by
PING GALANG)

By midweek, P/GMA and her party crossed the Pacific Ocean to fulfill their most cherished dream....... to meet the charismatic President Obama after repeatedly being snubbed.

A friend who is back from the US called me to ask for an old friend's number. Last week, this friend was boasting about passing the state board for lawyers during a dinner saying an ESQ could now be attached to his name. At the same time, he was telling us about the difficulty of finding a job if you are not in the medical or IT profession. He was left at home becoming a home dad while his wife works as a teacher. He was asking for our friend's number because he wants to apply for a job here before trying his luck once again in the US. Apparently, being self-employed which he did while he was here, was not a good background if one is seeking employment in the US.

My brother is also experiencing the scourge of recession. America is still reeling from the financial crisis. His wife manages to get a job but my brother can only manage to have volunteer work. They are ambivalent about staying or not in the land of milk and honey. Back here, their home was ransacked by looters who took advantage of the raging rains in the dead of the night.

On Friday night, I met up with my friend, V......, for some girl's talk at some bar. These talks are essential to keep our sanity intact amidst various demands in today's crazy world.

In the weekend, an icon would depart from this mortal world and a nation would be united again as we all grieve her passing. Our family was contemplating on visiting President Cory Aquino's wake at La Salle Greenhills while having lunch on a Sunday. Hubby was not so keen. I cannot go so far with my car because of defective wipers and it was raining. We would learn later that a people's funeral from Manila cathedral to Manila Memorial Park in Sucat is being arranged on Wednesday. The girls and I will be watching the funeral march. ED will not be coming home and will watched it along with her friends at Roxas Boulevard. MD and I will be joining the throngs at Sucat Road to pay our respect to our dear President.

Clik here for live videostreaming of President Cory's wake.



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Lito Lapid fails to get 'wish' with Obama
Corazon Aquino, Philippines president, dead at 76

It wasn't until we got over the self pity that we were able to accept suffering as apart of our life with Christ. A man or woman reaches this plane only when he or she ceases to be the hero...... President Cory Aquino

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