May 31 - June 6, 2010: The Dreaded C

Early this week, I would learn about a classmate condition.... The guy, a casual friend, has the Big C. He is supposed to be at the prime of his life..... with a wife and growing kids surrounded by family and friends. He has his own business with a great potential. The sad news also brought to mind the condition of two of my uncles who are also struggling with the dreaded C.

Both my parents succumbed to the Big C at their prime age. With all the news I am getting lately, I can't help but think I might be next....... I hate entertaining the thought but the possibility is not entirely remote. It sucks to know that.......

Another friend's dad died unexpectedly early this week.... Our friends, son and daughter-in-law of the deceased, will be coming from the US on Thursday. V..... and I immediately made our plan to visit the wake towards the end of the workweek.

Vexed by the demands on my time by our music site and the lack of commitment by some of us in keeping the site operational, I quit my role at the site by midweek. It felt liberating......

On Thursday, V..... and I went to the wake of our friend's dad.. Our friend, son of the deceased, hugged us tightly to probably hide his tears upon seeing us.   He and his wife, both are friends way back in college, though obviously grieving, were only too happy to see us.  Even for a brief moment, we put a smile to his face while we were there.  We had to leave shortly because V..... had to visit a sister in a hospital.

Even with all this, I managed to put together people who hardly knew each other but were drawn to one another because of their love of music.. On Friday, I finally met up wih my musically-inclined cyber friends.... Food and singing were the staple that made the evening...... There were not many of us but we had one memorable night that made new friendships in that eyeball.

Some college chums were bunched with us to discussed what we could do to make the burden of our cancer-stricken classmate lighter. There are some issues though...... Later, S......., my friend who just planed in from HK, arrived and joined the group.

After we bade goodbye to our friends, S...., her hubby and son; and a couple of friends and I went for coffee at a nearby Mcdo. We discussed the plight of our classmate and agreed that we would pool resources to help. We went home around 4:30am......

In the weekend, with no more responsibility in the site, I was able to go to the spa with my friend V....... and to see Shrek with MS......

Ah, what a life.................

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May 24 - May 30, 2010: Summer Rain

The heat is killing me and it couldn't be more intense than it is this week.........

On the first day of work, I wasn't keen on working but was anticipating our meet up with our high school teacher later that day.  In the evening, a friend and I met up with Mr. B....... , our math teacher who is now  based in Canada.  He would always tell me to gather our batchmates and meet up with him.  We started this tradition about four or five years ago.  When we meet up with HS friends and teachers, the pleasant memories of the past would always give way to our youthful follies.  There would be occasional sprinkling of current preoccupation or relations which is seen more as a way to catch up but always the past is reminisced with a tinge of bittersweet nostalgia.  Like the giddy teeners we once were, I and my friend would dig into the bag of goodies that Mr. B..... had for us everytime he would meet up with us.  Funny how even if we could now afford to buy these things, gifts like this still warm our hearts.  In time, the evening would end in kisses, hugs, and goodbyes........  uncertain when the next one would be ........

Too much heat gave way to some showers on Tuesday.... a pleasant and awaited occurrence by people in the metro.  But as soon as the showers are gone, the temperature would rise giving us the feeling of those delicious Chinese dumplings..... and it doesn't feel good at all.....  Could this be the harbinger of the rainy season?

The little nuances among our househelp helpers are beginning to show..... Our pet caregiver told her fellow helpers that she would leave once her husband finds work. I am beginning to really feel uneasy about our gay helper.... Kakay would tell me her shenanigans when we're gone.

There are alternatives fortunately. MIL actually told me that a townmate of her helper would like to apply for the pet caregiver job just last week. MIL's other assistant also told us that four ladies looking for work will be arriving from a southern province.  That would give us enough options if anyone from our employ decide to leave us or if we let them go.  However, I don't want to fire anyone just to accommodate a new  person. We actually wanted a male helper because he can do odd jobs around the house. Although there are also disadvantages. Hubby said that our new pet helper is actually tidy in our kennels compared to the last employee, a male helper. But what can we do. I do not want to beg her to stay. There have been complaints about her. I personally witnessed her rough handling of my dogs that I had to sternly warn her of the consequences if any dog gets hurt. We couldn't manage without help for the pets because of their number. We work and the other helpers are also stuck with other chores.  I would see how things turn up in the next few days......

Kinkee, the last of hershey's litters was rehomed which is a good thing because she went to a nice family.  Since Meiji gave birth to two male pups last weekend, I was actually praying that the remaining pups be rehomed soon.  Another pooch, Missy, is due to give birth anytime.  With numerous pets coming in and getting out of our life, I still can't help feeling blue when a pup leaves our home.  My heart sank learning that Kinkee appeared distressed when she was taken away..... awwww

A friend would inform me about the passing of the dad of a classmate.  After my class on Friday,  I would navigate the long road to visit the wake of my classmate's dad with my youngest brother in tow.  As expected and dreaded, parking was a problem.  I smiled as soon as I saw a new structure beside the funeral home, a multi-level parking.  I happily entered the building until I navigated an incline, probably 45 to 50 degrees, and my engine would cry and my tires were screeching.  All in all, I managed about five of these inclined passageway giving me a new level of driving performance which unfortunately my vehicle was not used to.  I was complaining to the guard in the level where I parked and he told us that the engineer made a mistake in his calculations...Huh,  should I even leave my vehicle there?  well.....   Another friend was in the wake.  My brother and I were surprised to be greeted with music and a little dancing as we entered the chapel where my friend's dad lie in state.  It was a pleasant surprise and the light mood somehow betrays the tears behind the passing of a loved one.  Pardon my irreverence but I actually enjoyed the music we were treated to.  They are a family of singers......  My classmate said that they wanted to celebrate her dad's life instead of mourning his death..... which makes sense.  We bade goodbye after some time.....

The weekend was my usual..... dogs, music site, organization, monitoring, clean up, errands, vegging, eating and all those niceties....

I had to attend a baptismal on Sunday where I was one of the godmothers.  Can you imagine that :-)........ A friend unexpectedly but pleasantly gave birth to a bouncing baby boy a couple of months ago.  She was a few years younger than I am which is young, I guess........ MD tagged along with me on this affair.  We arrived at the church early.  It was a long travel and we had to find a restroom assisted by a former officemate who is also one of the godmothers.  Since we couldn't find any, she suggested going to the nearby restos.  MD and I had to eat snack so that we can earn the right to use their bathroom.  Actually, it was not necessary but I thought it was fine to linger in the resto since the affair hasn't started yet.  When we came back the baptismal was in its full celebration.  I managed to be part of the altar ceremony only to be told by an elderly lady that I should pull up my V-cut neckline.  I didn't realize that my clothes would cause such a fuss.  I didn't realized further that a church in a province would have more stringent rules that churches in the metro where people don't mind what the parishioners are wearing.  I didn't feel offended though as I and the entire entourage laughed off the incident.  I pulled up my neckline and pulled it down as soon as I was away from the altar.  We went to the reception after the church ceremony where I guess my attire would not be a matter of concern.  After a hearty lunch, we left with some other guests when it was time to go.......  

I had another business to take care of this Sunday......

As soon as we reached the village, I saw Mang Boy's familiar green car made a turn just as we were passing that road.  He would pick up his birds and other bird stuff which he ordered from hubby.  I love seeing this good man enter my gate because he makes things alright for me.  He has been my iron work contractor since our new home was built about four years ago.  But he is different now, darker and thinner, from the treatment for the cancer he was diagnosed with late last year.  He has been in treatment since.  He was in one of his recuperating periods when we communicated about my balance on the last job order.  After settling the issue of balance, he told me he wants to get birds from hubby to be paid with my balance.  Of course, I said said......  Driven by compassion for this man, I told him I'd give him a pair even without consulting hubby.  He can't say no....  I think that hubby shares my compassion for this man.  I told hubby about Mang Boy's request.  He worked on it and finally the cages with all the stuff needed and the birds are ready.  I would have delivered it to him but Mang Boy said he would like to pick it up.

While waiting for hubby, I engaged Mang Boy in conversation.  He told me he is still undergoing treatment and would be subjected to CT scan after completing his treatment.  Depending on the results, another treatment program might be made for him.  He also said he could feel new growth in his neck.....  Soon, hubby emerged....  We led Mang Boy and his grandson to the aviary.  I could see the excitement in his eyes as soon as he saw the birds.  He and hubby talked about care for the birds and other things.  After a while, hubby would load the cages in Mang Boy's car.  Hubby was looking at me as Mang Boy was leaving telling me he bought the pair I gave Mang Boy.  I gave him the look that said  let it go.......

Late afternoon, the kids requested to go to the mall to buy stuff they would need for school which will open week after next.  In the evening, a dog client who has become a friend would get another of my male pups, Fury which they renamed George.  Kinkee was taken by the sister of this dog client.  They have been dog lovers since getting a pup, Keana, early this year.  I guess we would have a very long relationship........

That how it is for me this hot rainy week.........

Related Post:
Coming to Terms

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American Idol Season 9 Upset Win?

This just in..... Lee DeWyze is the new American Idol pulling an upset win over frontliner, Crystal Bowersox, in this season's American Idol.

Unlike in previous seasons, I was not as engaged in watching AI9 this year. I even took the morning off last year to watch the grand finals of AI8.  Blame it on my punishing schedule which seems to take the lights out of me when I'm home from work. I hardly have time watching TV. In the past, AI viewing was the girls and my bonding time as we all lie on my bed in my room intently listening and then being judges of the contestants at the same time. We could be Simon, Randy, or Paula.

This is also the season that Paula was unceremoniously cut from the judges panel. Ellen Degeneres replaced the cocky judge. This would also be Simon's last season in Idol. But did the judges' opinion matter this season?

Earlier in the competition, Simon, the most irreverent but believable Idol judge, said that a girl could take home the crown this year. In fact when the final 12 made it to the competition, audience were led to believe that this batch of female contestants were better than the men. Yet the girls except for Crystal succumbed to early elimination.  The boys still ruled through out the competition.  Later, Lee seemed to be the favored contestant along with the yummy Casey James.

For the last three years including this season, a guy emerged as the American idol, David Cook, Kris Allen, and now, Lee DeWyze. Personally, I think that the fans are leaning towards a certain type of idol given the results of the past three seasons.  All winners are from some obscure towns, with humble beginnings and have a story to tell.  Their music can be considered as mainstream.  To borrow from AI judges, these guys can make a song their very own.  Fans also feel for the underdogs which might explain the wins of these guys.  Another hunch is the big chunk of the fans base is female which might explain why the boys have an edge.  Even runners ups like David Archuleta, Danny Gokey, Casey James and probably the infamous Sanjaya Malakar benefited from the female vote.  And this should come as no surprise.... Women are always home and the boys are out there.......

Do you feel that this year's American Idol deserves the win?

Related posts:
American Idol
Lee Dewyze
Crystal Bowersox

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May 17 - 23, 2010: Take Time to Stop and Smell the Flowers

By this time, most of the elected officials have been proclaimed. Many of the losing candidates are noisily proclaiming they were cheated. By this time too, my election fever is on the wane. I am just interested in the outcome of the vice presidential race. And little by little, my hope is being dashed......

I took a leave in the middle of the week to take care of my car registration........ one of those things I dread doing based on previous experience with the LTO. For the past years, my car registration was taken cared of by a neighbor working for an insurance company inside the LTO. I just give him the money and with a little extra payment, I am spared from the hassles of going to that government agency.  Last time I went there was during my birthday last year when I renewed my driver's license and ED got hers. It took us the whole day.

But I am a month delayed in registering my vehicle and it's such a hassle driving an unregistered vehicle. Everytime I drive my car, I could feel my heart skip a beat when I see a traffic officer. And I couldn't bring it too far. And I have an affair to attend in the weekend. The last reason compelled me to finally register my vehicle.

My neighbor told me that the new process requires that the vehicle be brought for emission testing with a picture taken..... arrgh. I told her I'll have that emission testing in the weekend but would still have our neighbor register the car. But the emission testing center was closed in the weekend. Hence, I would be forced to bring my car to the ETC on a workday.

I was expecting the worst that morning I decided to go to LTO and got the shock of my life....... Here's my story....

Upon entering the LTO compound, a guard took my ID and gave me a number like they do in villages or subdivisions.  That's new but I complied sensing that it is probably a new rule.  I asked the guard for direction. A few meters away were a group of men in orange shirts. When I passed the tent they were housed in, one directed me where to go and followed me. He assisted me in the ETC. When I got the results a few minutes after, he took me to the area where the insurance people and the cashier are housed. After that, he told me to bring my documents to the evaluation and processing units. Surprise of all surprises, there were hardly any people. After a few minutes, I was paying my dues. The only bummer was I had to shell out an extra thousand bucks as penalty for late registration. I vow that this will never happen again. The whole process was over in less than an hour.

I was so pleased I told myself I'd buy pastries for the kids after I finished the registration process. Another bummer would happen which will be revealed later.......

I went home and had lunch with the kids.  I was restless so I asked the kids if they want to go out.  ED and MS would not want to go out.  These two are certified veggers.........MD, ,my constant companion, and I set out.......

I decided to do some make over with MD... eyebrows, hot oil... and buy some stuff afterwards.  We were having our eyebrows trimmed when I realized I forgot my ID at LTO.... sucks. I was planning on going some other places but I have to adjust as I would have to go back for my ID card...geeesh. After our hair waxing treatment, MD and I went back to the LTO compound and got my ID.  Funny but the guard asked how I was related to the ID holder.  I said that's me.  He laughed saying I look better in person.  My pic in that ID was taken when I had a really bad hair day.  Maybe, I should have just left that ID card with them.......  With some time shaved off my desired sked, we went to the mall to buy stuff and just went home.

By the end of the week, I remembered my promise to a former high school that my friends and I will meet up with him before he goes back to Canada.  I stalled on this for the past weeks and I realized that my teacher was going back soon.  I immediately made arrangements with some friends and our teacher.  We fixed our date the very first day the following week as our teacher is leaving by the end of that week.

The workweek came and ended..... Like clockwork, things happened as they should. I came home on Friday, tired, sleepy, but hopeful about my weekend. I am not entirely savoring doing the chores but look forward to extended vegging out....

My weekend wasn't planned out concretely but I have some ideas how it would go. The dogs have to get their shots. Recently, one of my dogs bit a our water delivery boy. The importance of the dogs having updated vaccines couldn't be more appreciated. I had a bit of an explaining to do with the employer of the water delivery boy. However, after getting my dog's record, I didn't see the water delivery boy again. Another helper was assigned to deliver water for us. The employer nor the boy didn't asked me for anything. I am not exactly happy because I know we were wrong. I could have spent for his medical expense if needed even if I am short on funds lately.  I don't know why the boy didn't go to the doctor to have the dog bite.  I wasn't too worried about rabies because the dog that bit him has anti-rabies shot.  Then again, his wounds should have been treated.  I don't understand why he seemed to avoid going to the house when I am there and would show up when I am gone.  I guess nothing bad happened to him..  the dog is fine too.

An event, the baptismal of the son of my friend and officemate, was reset for next week. I thought that my scheduled talk with a reader of this blog who was interested in my experience in handling the difficulties of having a child with ADHD could happen this weekend instead of next as we originally planned. He and his wife were cool with that and we set Sunday afternoon as our meeting date.

There was also the planned dental appointment with hubby dentist-friend. I am trying to fit all of these events this weekend.

I called the vet on Saturday after the dogs had their bath and grooming time but they couldn't be accommodated that day. So we set it morning of the following day. I also sent a message to the parent of the ADHD child I am meeting and he and his wife agreed to set the meeting on Sunday. We still don't know yet if the dentist appointment will push through the following day. which means that we might have a cramped day on Sunday.....

The kids and I went to our usual anticipated mass on Saturday. Hubby went to his birds meeting. After the mass, there was an announcement on H1N1 vaccine to be administered sometime in June. MS and I registered for the vaccination. The girls said they will avail of free vaccines at their university. Going out of the parish office, I saw my 'suking' banana vendor waiting for someone at the parking area. His one and a half year old son just died. The boy is their only child. I asked him if the child has been buried yet. He said he was waiting for a priest and they might have the burial the following day. He was sullen and sad as I asked him about the circumstances of the death. He said a doctor told them of a disease which he couldn't make out. He and his wife found the child already cold one morning. He said he's worried about his wife and is bent on bringing her to a doctor after the burial. I felt his pain and I couldn't just go. My kids who were walking ahead of me, went ahead and I am certain are getting impatient. But I have to offer an ear and some support. My kids would emerged with those faces of impatience as I was searching for my wallet to give him some help. We parted ways after I told him to stay strong but to cry if he needs to and to look after his wife. I had to explain to the kids I have to stop to give comfort. Their impatience was gone and we would discuss the child's death in the car. I could not remember exactly what the vendor told me about the cause of death as I was telling the story to the kids. ED, whom we see as the closest thing we have to a medical mind, would have her theories.

On Sunday, hubby told us that our dental appointment will push through as we were having breakfast. I have things planned out actually. I waited for the vet while I was on the lappy manning our music site. Soon, the vet and her assistant would arrive. The appointment lasted several hours. It was lunchtime when they finished with all the dogs.

After lunch, we set out to go to the dentist. The plan was to pass by the pet store to buy dog food; have our dental appointment; and go to the grocery. I timed my meeting with my readers around the time we were doing the grocery. I was texting the dad of the child on the meet up. Just as arranged, he would text me while we were in the supermarket. I brought MD along. Finally, I met them in a resto. They offered to buy us food but MD and I couldn't take anything for the next hour or so or our dental ordeal would have been a waste. Our sharing was fruitful to say the least. Before we met, I told them I am no therapist and I hope they won't expect professional advise. It would simply be sharing of experiences having passed through the ordeals they might be experiencing now.  We still do occassionaly........   It was just that... an open and spontaneous exchange of experiences. There were points I could feel tears welling in my eyes. I told them that everything I written on my blog is what exactly we experienced as a family and I as a mom. The mom of the child with ADHD told me she actually felt what I went through and could relate well to my experience. She and her husband were just glad to talk to someone who has a first hand experience in this misunderstood condition of a lot of boys and girls out there. The time passed so quickly and soon hubby's text message to MD telling us that they were done shopping came. The mom and I kissed and I shook hands with the dad. We exchanged home phones and they told me that they would give a call again. I said anytime. I felt good and light after that meet up.

Considering I didn't plan out this weekend, it turned well..... more than what I expected. It was worth dropping the usual things I do and taking time out to ease someone else's pain.

This week I felt I also restored some order into my life....

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May 10 - 16, 2010: We Made History

For Filipinos, this is one important week as we elect our new President. In fact, it was to be the first order of the day for us and most Filipino voters as we will see later on the very first day of the week.  There is excitement in the air as we all want to see a change.  This is going to be our first ever automated election too.  We don't know what to expect but we are all hopeful that we will elect our new President peacefully.

I was closed to shock seeing ED up so early in the morning on a holiday. But there she was in the study room with her dad and MS, talking ordinary stuff.  I wasn't quite ready to start my day as I brought a laptop downstairs so I could do some stuff on the net and monitor things at home at the same time.  It seems that the helpers are having a heyday whenever I linger in my room tinkering on the laptop and go down late.  I have to do something about it.

I was just starting things ........ writing on my blog, posting songs on our music site, harvesting on my farm...... when ED and hubby went upstairs.  I was not involved in their discussion like I am non-existent.  I was looking out for them all the time sensing that they were getting ready to go to the polling center ......and the network won't cooperate.  It would quit on me or would be too slow.  I was able to write a prayer for a peaceful election on my blog and post a song but was not able to share the prayer I wrote in our music site.  I told a co-admin that I have to go out for a while to vote.  ED and hubby were ready after sometime.  I asked for them to wait for me .  I would be getting a dressing down for not getting ready soon enough.  But they waited for me.......

We were in our polling center in no time.  It was hot and hubby has no umbrella in his car.... just great.  As we neared the gate, there was a long queue already..... chaotic is the best way to describe what was instore for us.  We have to have a game plan.  We took turns standing on the line as we left hubby to get our polling booth details in the designated area.  As soon as he got it, we found out that we and ED have separate polling booths..... problem compounded.  I didn't want to leave ED because it's her first time to vote and with the thick crowd, something wrong could happen.  Hubby prevailed upon me.  So we went inside leaving ED in her line.  Inside, more chaos await us.  There were lines everywhere and people did not know where it led to.  We looked for our precinct number and easily found it.  But the route was teeming with warm, confused, and mad bodies.  We asked where the line led to and the people lined up only knew that it was going inside.  After that throngs who lined up, people converged by the room's entrance.  There was no crowd control.  I asked a PPCRV volunteer and she told me that there is no line.  I was getting dizzy. Hubby and  I stayed at the back.  Later, a guy joined me in suggesting that the volunteers should simply collect our precintct slips and call out names.  The lady volunteer proceeded to tell their leader.  He took some slips but left out some.  We insisted that he get all.  Still, the crowd remained at the door blocking the passageway to the room.  I told another PPCRV volunteer to exercise her power and get those people off the passage way.  Soon, the PPCRV leader were calling out names..   We clapped in agreement.  We were done ahead of the others who were still crowding the door.  It took a little more than an hour.

We rushed to where ED was and their line hardly moved.  She was inside the polling center but the line stopped moving.  I stayed with her as hubby roamed around.  It was taking so long and the snoop in me couldn't resist doing something about it.  First, I probed what could be the reasons after I heard one voter said that there were problemes with the pcos machines.   I verified with the volunteer controlling the entrance of people.  He said he doesn't know.  I told him he should know.  If he would allow me, I would find out.  He allowed me and I got in.  I went to ED's classroom.  The room was almost empty, maybe about 3 voters in there.  The queue wasn't too long.  I asked the volunteer assigned there why the line wasn't moving and if the pcos machine is working.  She said the machine is working fine.  I told her that there too few people voting inside the room adding that in our classroom, there were about 15 voters voting at the same time.  So it was fast.  With this information, I went back to ED.  I told the volunteer controlling the entrance that there was nothing wrong with the machine.

While waiting, another volunteer would try to explain the delay telling us that the line to where ED would be voting is circuitous.  I contested the statement as an untruth.  I told him I was there and there was a line but not long.  I told him they were allowing only 3 persons to vote which is the reason for the delay.  He wanted to insist but I told him we could go together and he could see for himself.  He vanished in thin air.  Soon, they would be calling voters for ED's room to get inside.  My snooping and bitching worked once again.  ED got in and queued in her room.  I waited at an area where I could see her.  Hubby would join us in a while.

The other voters still lined up in the queue ED left hasn't moved a bit.  I think the pcos machine was malfunctioning in their room.  The voters were restless.  I wanted to meddle because I know that voters should be allowed to vote even if the pcos machines are not working because there is an allowance for manual counting.  But I meddled far too much and I am tired. I was just happy that ED was in and is assured of exercising her right to vote.   We waited for probably less than an hour.  While waiting, we would be hearing complaints from voters who just casted their votes after four hours of waiting.  So we must be luckier.  ED was in her polling booth and we were about two hours there since we arrived.  Soon, ED would emerged.  We were done in exactly 2 hours and  45 minutes.  Thanks to my bitching.......

In the aftermath of the election, I would learn that the average waiting time was four hours.  There was an account I overheard of waiting for 7 hours.  Some were so distressed, they just went home and not voted..  A friend told me that she andd her dad, a senior citizen, had to get home as her dad couldn't bear the heat and the thick crowd.  There might be a number of voters disenfranchised due to all the confusion and chaos in the precincts.  With the automated election, Comelec decided to increase the number of voters per precinct to 1,000 from about 400 in previous elections.  We surely felt the difference.  Election used to be a breeze.

With all the attendant problems associated with the maiden implementation of the first automated election, it was a successful election nonetheless.  It was not perfect and there is still much room for improvement but we were gratified about converting from the antiquated manual voting to automated voting.  While we blabber about waiting, it was all worth it because the election results were delivered so fast.  By evening, result would come in trickles......

The results, though, is another matter.  By midweek, a trend would be established.   Noynoy Aquino looks headed for an expected win.  The surprise is Erap still commands a following as he tightly held on to the second spot.  I am just glad he is a far second.  The vice presidency is hotly contested between Binay and Roxas.  I am hoping that Roxas can still make it although he trails Binay in both counting by Comelec and PPCRV.  It looks like a goon is going to join a simpleton president.  Are we in trouble?

From the looks of it., we have not learned as we kept most of the NPA (non-performing assets) in there.  Bong Revilla, the leading senatorial candidate, has the gall to tell us that the electorate probably saw his performance (sic) in the senate..... huh.... what the heck is this bum talking about!!!  All he did was sit himself pretty all the time without saying or doing anything.  Well, if he counts his privilege speech protecting a fellow actor from public humiliation as a result of her tryst with another entertainer as his biggest accomplishment, we all know what we can expect in the current Senate.  Another thug from the same industry shares top spot with Mr. (Non) Performer. An aging clown from a familiar trio is also assured of being a lawmaker.  A brainless reelectionist actor is yet to be proclaimed but will complete the ensemble of the eerily silent headless and clueless bunch.

The House of Representatives will be a spectacle when it convenes in July with the stellar appearances of stars.  The Champ will be there to dazzle his fellow Representatives with his jabs and hooks.  The beautiful martyr wife of reelectionist Mr. (non) Performer will also be there.... maybe sitting pretty too......Another beautiful wife of a famous actor made up for her husband's lost when he attempted to try politics some years back.  A lesser known actor who made a successful bid as a local official in a southern Luzon province likewise made it.

Several celebrities also made it to various local positions.  The most prominent would probably be the Star for All Seasons who won her reelection bid in her second-time senator husband's hometown.

I am not judging these people because they are celebrities but on the basis of their capabilities.  How can some of them aspire for these positions when they have no inkling whatsoever what they are supposed to think, do, and accomplish.  A string of them already showed their true colors in their previous positions.  What more proof is needed to show us that these people can do absolutely nothing!  They want to serve the people.... Geesh, get real!!!!!

Until the end of the week, reactions on the election were still the burning issues of the day.  By weekend, we are clear about who made it to this election except for the vice presidency.    Like most Pinoys, I have accepted the fate of my country with the results of the election as clear as the blue summer skies but remain optimistic about restoring sanity in the government if my favored candidate steals the thunder from the leading candidate in the hotly contested vice presidential race.....

I managed to do my chores while manning our music site in the weekend and even sneaked a snack with MD and my friend V....... in one of my errands.  I also managed to squeeze in a long overdue saloon trip.  On Sunday evening, I dreaded the thought of another workweek coming shortly.

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May 3 – 9, 2010: A Lesson or Two

What do you know..... We would be celebrating our monthsary in the music site we put up.  Quite a feat considering what we went through the last 30 days.  Meant just to be a site where we, the boisterous friends, can post songs and freely express ourselves, the site now boasts of 380 subscribers in just a month's time. A far cry from the original site we used to hang out with but far from our expectations too.  Unlike in the old site, the interaction of tuners in the site is spontaneous and natural.  There is no need to be fancy as one can be his or herself.  It's easy to become friends.  That is why the hours where we usually converged have to be manned because I think that the friends who go to the site on those times expect some kind of an interaction.  In fact, we have become friends with a number of them, formerly just Facebook acquaintances.  Some of the subscribers are our real life friends, many of whom are contented being lurkers and stalkers.  The new friends are the ones we interact with often.

I was getting into the hang of things at the site. We have settled into a relatively comfortable pace especially with two additional administrators of the site. We agreed on a sked that would fit everyone’s sked. But the worst has to happen to me this week.  We would have no internet connection in the office……. Oh no!!!!!!  While we have cope up with my occasional internet disruptions, to be totally disconnected is something I did not expect.  As the week progresses, I would learn that we have been removed from our connection from the building server.  That means we will be connected to the old server which blocks a number of applications including Facebook and other favorite applications...... sigh.  I was listless the whole week but what can I do but accept my fate.  That means we have to readjust the schedule again to reflect this latest development.

Being disconnected, however, enabled me to keep up with many of my pending tasks.  I updated my blog and even came up with a relevant election post.  I cleaned up my folders.  Most importantly, I was able to do school stuff which I have been putting off.  We just had our midterm examinations and it is the season for evaluation...... a season of grief for the students.  They are particularly worried about how they fared in my class because I am handling subjects that make their noses bleed according to the description of one student.  It's a combination of mathematics and quantitative analysis.

But I must do what I should do.  I did the grades as I would usually do..... grade all evaluation tools, plug these grades into my special excel file, work out the formula, and presto, I have my computations.  As usual, I would not finalize it until I sleep over it.  I was done by Thursday but since I would submit it on Friday when I have my class, I held printing the final grading sheet until before I was about to go to school.  It's not a pretty sight as two students failed in two subjects.  And I have to fail them for being remiss….. In the old schools where I taught, I have quite a reputation.  I once failed probably half of the class in one subject.  I have failed a number of graduating students which stalled the realization of their dreams.  I've managed to come alive out of a classroom after being stalked and threatened by a student I failed.  I withstood crying sessions from a student who wanted me to change her grade so she could graduate.  I don't want failing students but I think that failures have been put in there for the lessons it bring.  I got a very good explanation in the briefing that ED and I attended when she entered college a few years back.  A parent asked during the open forum why failures can still happen to students belonging to the cream of the crop.  The facilitator said that it is better that the students who would be doctors know how to deal with failures and frustrations now than when they are already practicing their profession. He added that not all patients will come out alive after getting treatment from doctors.  A doctor cannot come out wailing or emotional after a patient dies on his or her watch.  I think it makes sense.  Maybe, I should add that failures can teach us humility and persistence.  And it doesn't really matter if one fails for as long as he can rise above it........ cliche-ish but still so true any time of the day .............

After accomplishing everything I needed to do this week,  I am looking forward to another long weekend with the glee of a child............

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Ninoy's Letter to Noynoy

Let me share this touching and beautiful, prophetic letter written by my modern-day hero, Ninoy Aquino, to his son, Noynoy, 36 years ago, while he was in his prison cell in Fort Bonifacio.  This letter was released by the Aquino family on September 9, 2009 when Noynoy proclaimed his candidacy to run as President of the Philippines.

Noynoy's decision to accept the call for him to run for President is his reply to his father's letter, 36 years after..... 

I quote the following excerpts from Ninoy's letter as this is how he would like his son, Noynoy, to carry on his fight for democracy........

The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection. Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid; you will now have to go it alone without your guide.

The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience. There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands.

As I write this, many of the candidates I voted for are losing.  Gibo managed a sorely fourth place finish.  Mar is in a neck to neck battle with Binay (I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one and I will hold it as long as it takes).  With the exception of one or two, most of the senators I voted for are out of the magic 12 or would be in a tight squeeze to make it.  My congressman as well as most of the local I voted for, lost.  This early I see the same clueless clowns with their new cohorts filling up our august chambers..... new faces, same old routines.... so help us God.


Still, I am willing to give hope a chance......


I was earlier telling myself that even if I have already accepted the results of this last election, I won't expect much from Noynoy given his experience.  However, after pondering over it for sometime, I think that it is not enough to simply accept things as we see fit.  We should expect to get good, honest governance from our new leaders.  


I'd like to see Ninoy fulfill his dream even in his grave.  I do not like his sacrifices and heroism to simply go to waste.  Their family have sacrificed so much for our country.  It is such as small thing to ask that we wish Noynoy well in his new role and accord him the dignity and respect that he deserves.  Let us pray for Noynoy that he will have the courage and will to make the change that he promised us and be the man that his proud father had hope his only son will be, 36 years ago.   I would encourage each and everyone of us to pray for our newly and duly elected 15th President that he will be able to carry on the responsibilities bestowed upon him honestly, sincerely, justly, firmly.  Let us pray that God will give him the strength and a good health to do all these things.  Let us pray that people around him will resist the temptation to influence and cloud his decisions.  


Let's forget the wounds inflicted on us by the last election and respect the will of the electorate.  Let us remain vigilant, however, on attempts to topple our fragile democracy.  Let's move on and be the agent of change in the new order.    

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