Damn... that hurts!

14 November 2008
Friday

I haven't been at work for the past two days.

Something about my stomach... nope, not my intestines though for a while I've been squirting out light cappuccino where the sun doesn't shine (ugh, I know... gross).

Like muscle spasms in my tummy that rips you once in a while. I'll see my doctor tomorrow and I hope it ain't nothing to worry about.

A Weekend with Highschool Buddies

26 October 2008
Sunday

Interestingly, this weekend was spent catching up with friends from long time ago. Spent the morning at the driving range with Bubuy, a classmate/ of mine from nursery to college. At the range, I bumped into a fraternity brod whom I haven't seen for a long time.

Guys, I'm going to hone up my golfing skills then we can hit the fairways at Malarayat. As of now, I'll settle with mini-golf. HAHAHAHA! Rico, my trainer, says I've got a good grip and form. I have to practice on the footwork then prepare for the use of the driver... Hmmm... I've got the feeling that I'll get addicted to the sport and pay less attention to females. Harharharhar!!!

Evening was spent catching up with a couple of close friends from high school too. Jason and Tints are back in the Phils and it has been a long time. We rounded up with a couple more barkadas and had a few rounds of golp-golp at Jerry's Grill in Libis. Started at around 8.30pm and closed the place at around 1.40am. Drunk? For some reasons we weren't and it wasn't that much drink to begin with. It must be true then about buckets of San Mig Light... mahaba-habang usapan.

Yup, age has slowed us somehow. No more bragging of drinking prowess here. It was great reminiscing old times.

What makes it all the more fun is that we started out in elementary then highschool, then college. You can say that we practically grew up together.

Good times, good times.

Deaths in recent days...

3 August 2008
- Sunday -

Been awhile since my last blog. Interesting to note that July was practically zilch. Too much work so little time. With whatever free time is given me, I'd rather spend it staying at home and play with my ps2 to distress me. I would have loved a few rounds of driving at the nearest golf driving range, but the weather isn't that cooperative.

Anyhoots...

... I just got to watch "The Bucket List" starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman with my old folks and brothers. Funny, entertaining, sentimental. Nicholson and Freeman are a force to reckon with. I love their tandem. Both were able to hold on their own without even trying to upstage the other. It's so like when Robert de Niro and Al Pacino worked together in "Heat."

It's basically about two men with cancer and how they would spend their remaining days before they kick the bucket. Good twist in the end. Love the soundtrack too.

Just last week I had consecutive news of deaths of people who are familiar to me.

My brod, Speedy, and a batchmate of my Dad when both joined the frat in 1964, died alone in his apartment. Estranged from his wife and with the kids in the U.S., he practically had no one living with him. I am not that close to him, but we spent a number of times together since we are both into the business of language teaching to non-native speakers. Just like me, he is also a board member of our Frat's alumni organization. The circumstances surrounding his death and life situation hit a cord inside me.

I don't want to live alone, much less die "alone."

Speedy's body was cremated immediately by his kin the day after he was found by the security guard inside his apartment. All of a sudden it was just like that. No time to mourn it seems for his relatives. They didn't even think that his wife and children would have wanted to see him. Must have been that bad.

Well, Speedy, rest assured that the Brods will be remembering you as we gather together for a memorial service in your honor. Our round of drinks will be toasts with your name mentioned. Hail thee, Argonaut. You have made your last voyage in the Argo.

Meanwhile, a highschool batchmate died recently because of cancer. Such a young person since we are not even in our forties.

Makes me realize that sooner or later we will kick the bucket too.

Morbid thinking I know.

Mea culpa.

Another Blast From the Past

14 June 2008
Saturday

She's back... at least through YM.

Initiated contacted she did, and well, I was just trying my darnest best to be civil about it. Cute pic she had. Nice smile.

And those eyes...

...still took my breath away.

But I know it's over now. I don't want to see her again even if I told her I would meet up if my sched is willing.

What a Choke!

14 June 2008
Saturday

I'm still reeling from the Lakers' 97-91 loss to the Celtics in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals. Damn, what a total meltdown...

Finally got my phone!

11 May 2008
Sunday

I just got my Treo 680 last Wednesday. Feels great to have a smartphone that would actually help in my line of work. I know it's not the latest model. I was contemplating on getting the new model, the Palm Centro, but it looks like it's packaged for the female managers.

So I have to settle for the 680.

Nifty.

Great.

The only downside for me is that I have to charge it everyday...

...oh well, one can't have it all.

Take On Me by A-ha

26 April 2008
Saturday

Undoubtedly the best video for me by far. Great music, the quintessential 80's music that blended well with new wave and mainstream.

And yes, I remember having this humongous crush on the babe back then.

Check out the hair of the dudes... don't mind having Morten's hair myself. Hahahaha!

Ink and Paper - Modern English

26 April 2008
Saturday

What is it with music from the past that makes you shed a tear or two? Just like the previous music, I still get the quivers whenever I get to listen to it.

I Melt With You - Modern English

26 April 2008
Saturday

It took me quite some time to get a hold of this video. Glad I found it. Brings me back of memories of my glorious youthful past as an awkward tweener hobbit...

Young Manhood by the Wild Swans

22 March 2008
Saturday

Another one of my faves from the Wild Swans. Take note that Paul Simpson was both the vocals of the Wild Swans and The Care.

Bringing Home the Ashes by The Wild Swans

22 March 2008
Saturday

One of my fave bands and songs! Goodness, I remember those days of 102.7XB.

Whatever Possessed You by The Care

22 March 2008
Saturday

You just got to love the intro and guitars... damn. It feels like highschool all over again.

80's Music: A Toast to the Blokes from Liverpool

22 March 2008
Saturday

No, I'm not referring to the most famous Fab Four. After all, they are more of the 60's and 70's.

I'm talking about the laddies from the old English county of Merseyside, particularly those from the '80's. There is something about Liverpool that produces a significant number of great musicians during the New Romantics era, more popularly known in the Philippines as New Wave. I suppose coming from an area noted for its poets and great poetry, I guess you can say that these artists are a step ahead of the others. Too bad I can't say the same of today's pop culture and stupid rap music --- I have yet to appreciate that kind of noise.

What comes to mind are the following bands:

1. The Wild Swans
2. The Care (not the Cure)
3. China Crisis
4. Echo and the Bunnymen
5. Flock of Seagulls
6. Icicle Works
7. Lightning Seeds
8. Lotus Eaters
9. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)
10. The Pale Fountains

Take a ride with me down memory lane for those of you who are children of the '80's as I post later some of my favorite songs from a number of my fave bands.

Voltes V (the theme song)

22 March 2008
Saturday

Okay, since I already posted the end song of this all-time favorite anime of mine, I might as well post the theme song.

The Japanese version:

        Tatoe arashi ga hukou tomo
      Tatoe oonami areru tomo
      Kogidasou tatakai no umi he
      Tobikomou tatakai no uzu he
      Mitsumeau hitomi to hitomi
      Nukumori wo shinjiau
      Go nin no nakama

      BORUTESU FAIBU ni
      subete wo kakete
      Yaruzo chikara no tsukiru made
      Chikyuu no yoake ha
      mou chikai

      Tatoe ikazuchi hurou tomo
      Tatoe daichi ga yureru tomo
      Tobidasou tatakai no sora he
      Mamorou yo tatakai no niwa wo

      Nigiri au tagai no te to te
      Magokoro wo shinjiau
      Go nin no nakama

      BORUTESU FAIBU ni
      inochi wo kakete
      Yuku zo shouri wo tsukamu made
      Uchuu no yoake ha
      mou chikai

      Tatoe kemono ga hoeru tomo
      Tatoe yukute wo husagu tomo
      Utaou yo tatakai no uta wo
      Katarou yo tatakai no michi wo

      Ashinami wo soroete yukou
      Otagai wo shinjiau
      Go nin no nakama

      BORUTESU FAIBU ni
      Azuketa inochi
      Tobu ze uchuu no hate made mo
      Minna no egao mo
      mou chikai

Here's the English version (as heard in Philippine TV):

       Someday the sons of light shall
      fill all the earth
      The morning of justice shall have
      come to its birth
      So we'll all wave our banners
      high and free through the air
      For the love and glory
      we then all shall share

      Soldiers boldly unite to fight
      and fight for peace
      Hand in hand like eagles
      through the breeze
      Over lands and over seas

      Voltes V we come to you
      Flashing through with wings of steel
      Fates of foes are what we seal
      With swords of laser light
      And over lands and over seas
      Onwards victory / Voltes V!

Voltes V (the end song, "Looking for Father")

22 March 2008
Saturday

This cartoon brings back old memories so close to my heart. The song's message, even the context involving three brothers and their father smacks straight at home.

Here are the lyrics both in Japanese and English:

Chichi wo motomete (Looking for Father)

Oya ni hagureta
hinadori mo
Itsuka wa yasashii
hutokoro ni
Kaeru ashita mo aru darou
Danoni naze meguri aenu
chichi no kage

Naku mono ka
Boku wa otoko da
Shinjiteru shinjiteru
Sono hi no koto wo
Kono te de chichi wo
Daki shimeru hi no koto wo

English translation:

Even a chick that got lost
from its parents
has a tomorrow
to return someday
to the tender breast again
But why couldn't I find
my father's figure?

I won't cry
I'm a man
I believe, I believe
in the day
I will hold
my father in my arms.

Back in 1979, there were only three of us (ages 9, 8, and 3). I was Steve, Jing would be Big Bert, and Jay would be Little Jon. Our youngest, Jojo, wasn't born yet at that time. Dad has been away for a very long time, and yes, he was in Japan for both work and further studies in the field of Geothermal Energy.

Anyway, every time I watch and listen to this song, I can't help but quietly shed a tear, reminiscing of those times when we missed Dad really bad and wished he was home soon. When he finally arrived he gave us one of the best "material" presents we ever got --- an original die-cast complete set of Voltes V.

A Little Retrospect... think Fashion...

16 March 2008
Sunday

...the '80's...

... the Decade that Taste Forgot!

And to think that I thought that my taste in fashion back then was cool. HAHAHAHAHA!!!

However, be that as it may, the 80's music is definitely one of the best there is... bar none? Maybe the 60's people would beg to differ.

And yeah, though off topic, I had to heave a huge sigh of relief that Pacquiao won today. It could have ended both ways since Marquez had a real good fight despite the third round knockdown.

38 Years of Meaningful Partnership.

7 March 2008
Friday

Dearest Dad and Mom...

Happy 38th Wedding Anniversary!!!

Love you.

A Looooong Weekend in Singapore

2 March 2008
Sunday

Nope, it definitely wasn't a holiday. I surely wished it was since I badly needed one. At any rate, I think that the trip was okay.

Saturday, Feb 23
Arrived in the afternoon from Manila. Stayed at Fairmont Hotel.










Went to the Night Safari in the evening.

• Tram ride was a good experience. One of them damn deer got run over after that mini stampede. Good thing it turned out still alive and manage to still run away.
• Dinner at Ulu Ulu Restaurant was sumptuous! As usual, I gorged on Japanese food although I had a few Chicken Tandoori... yummy. For dessert, I splurged on ice cream.
• My tummy felt funny. Good thing we arrived on time at the hotel before my innards gave way. HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Sunday, Feb 24
Mass at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe

• Food was okay but service was slow.
  

Visited the Science Center

Monday, Feb 25 Attended a talk and walkthrough at SMU (Singapore Management University) Checked out the National Museum of Singapore

• They have this "companion" gadget that serves as your own private tour guide. Real cool. I like the way they presented things in that museum. Not too interactive yet very informative.

Tuesday, Feb 26
Shopping at Fun Nam for those techie stuff. I got myself a Sony Cybershot DSC-T70 at half the price here in Manila. The PS3 is roughly Php16K there.

Whole afternoon at Sentosa. If there is anything I enjoyed, that would be The Luge and the Light and Sound Show at night with the use of lasers, fountains, and fireworks. One of the performers there (Cheryl) is drop-dead gorgeous!!! *major drool*

Wednesday, Feb 27
Last minute preps then off back home to Manila.

I really don't know who this looker is, but I took a photo of her during breakfast at Kopi Tiam. Testing my new cam, I felt bad though that I had to charge it for 8 hours. Meaning, I didn't take it with me to Sentosa. I must say though, that this babe is OOOO-LALA!!!

One of my stress relievers...

2 March 2008
Sunday

My dearest nephew, Tyler.

Feel sorry though for the little fellah. Born in Virginia cold climate and all, he has yet to get used to the humid and tropical heat we have here. Hence he has all these rashes on his face.

But this little guy really brightens up the home. Such a happy kid, he smiles a lot. His head and nape reminds us of my paternal grandfather. I swear, anyone from our family who sees Tyler's back of the head would say that he looks exactly like Grandpa Flo.

Alphans in the aid of a Fellow Argonaut.

1 March 2008
Saturday

Alphan Pride.

That's what makes us (among others) stand out above the rest. With Brod Dante Madriaga's plight, more brods come to his aid. For security reasons, I can't divulge the names and what forms of help we have given Dante'66.

Romy Nones'73, our present TAFI Chairman said:

He has continuously expressed his pride of being a Tau Alphan. Once, during a gruelling 3-hour grilling by the technical working group of the senators, he was asked if there is a chance that he will recant his testimony, he said " Tau Alphan ako. Hindi kami umaatras sa laban. At kung umatras ako, ano pang mukha ang ihaharap ko sa mga brods ko."

One Alphan to another...

29 February 2008
Friday

Brod Dante Madriaga TA'66A...

... we, your fellow Argonauts of U.P. Diliman support you regardless of our own personal political affiliation. We do join you on your quest for The Truth of which we call our Golden Fleece.

Our prayers Brod, to you, Aileen and your kids.

Alpha, Alpha, fight, fight!!!

TA'90D

Eye-o-din, Eye-o-deen, or Eye-o-dayn?

17 February 2008
Sunday

We were having lunch today when we introduced to Jane (my younger bro's S.O. and Tyler's mom) the seaweed we called "latok."

And so, we were saying that such stuff is rich in iodine that prevents goiter. Now, my old man corrected me when I pronounced the element as "eye-o-dayn." He said it's "eye-o-din." I countered by saying it's the same thing as alumi-NUM and alumi-NYUM.

"Nonsense," he says as his professor in Chemistry 18 (they used to have this back in the 60's) would always emphasize the (alleged) correct pronunciation.

With this I laughed off, "Haha! Dad, you took that Chem subject three times!!! HAHAHA!"

I should know.

When I was a sophomore, I was caught by my dad in my room stifling a cry. I knew I had it coming, and I had my classcards ready to present them to him... my first failing mark: Math 100 (Introduction to Calculus). A consistent honor student from grade school to high school, it was even preposterous for me to even think that I would fail a subject one day.

Damn, was I so wrong.

I thought I could wing it but I guess I finally met my match. Mr. Jayjay Javier's class gave me a rude awakening: It's not that easy to survive in the State University. You have to prove your worth.

I was a bit surprised that my encounter with Dad after showing him a "5.0" in Mathematics 100 did not involve any fire, brimstone, whacking, or even those dreaded two-words --- "You're grounded." Instead, he asked me if I did my best. And if so, there is nothing for me to be ashamed about. Just do my best and study hard. So he instructed me to go to the Registrar's Office and check out his Grade Jacket where his Form 5's are that shows his marks for each semester that he had at U.P.

And so I did.

Checking out his nearly colored brown jacket I opened it and was astonished seeing a lot of red marks of "5.0's"!!!

"So, son, what did you see?" he says, that day during dinner time.

"Dad, you failed Chem 18 twice! You had lots of 5.0's!!!"

And my mom interjected, "...and that didn't stop your Dad from being a topnotcher in his board exams, getting the highest score in the toughest section of the exam, and eventually being one of the top managers and geologists in the country."

That changed my perspective completely.

And yes, I had more "5.0's" (but three short of Dad's total) semesters later yet I think I still turned out fine.

I should know, I'm a proud graduate of the University of the Philippines.

Bonifacio Revisited

6 February 2008
Wednesday

Here is an intriguing and very interesting read written by my brod Dante B.'77. Gives me a whole new perspective...

Read on.

How to cure a sick culture

One aspect of my job as an Engineering & Manufacturing Technology Specialist is to find ways to improve the process. When a negative trend occurs, a root cause analysis is required to prevent reoccurrence, inform the workforce, and improve the culture. With this in mind, I decided to write this article after witnessing a number of incidents that showed a negative cultural trend. These incidents happened in the Los Angeles area in the early 1990s, but similar situations occurred among Filipino organizations in other cities in the U.S.

The events concerned three local organizations: the alumni associations of the University of the Philippines and Ateneo University, as well as Radyo Pinoy (a CB radio hobby group). These groups had similar experiences. They had normal disagreements, but what followed wasn’t. Instead of making up by finding common ground, some members decided to quit and form rival groups. In one case, the feud was serious enough that it ended in court! In Radyo Pinoy’s situation, new chapters sprung up as a result of internal conflicts. In a five-mile radius, there were 5 chapters. This was extraordinary because distance or communications were non-factors. CB’s range thousands of miles and every member owned cars. Yet they couldn’t find common ground to unite. This wasn’t normal for educated people for education teaches unity based on common goals. This spurred me to do a root cause analysis for such odd behavior and take appropriate action to reverse the trend.

I was disappointed when the cause led to the second most popular national hero, Andres Bonifacio, my idol since Philippine Science High. If heroes were meant to be role models, then the members of these fractious organizations were consciously or subconsciously imitating the infamous act that led to Bonifacio’s execution. In that incident, Bonifacio attempted to split the revolutionary movement by forming a rival group after losing the leadership. With its possible impact on Filipinos, I decided to research whether Bonifacio deserved to be a national hero or villain. The results were more disappointments. What Bonifacio did reflects the modern ills of Philippine society. Here are some of the results in timeline.

- July 7, 1892, Katipunan, the secret organization that will eventually lead the fight for Philippine independence was founded in Manila by a group of natives. The first president or supremo was Deodato Arellano. Bonifacio was the first comptroller.

- Feb. 1893, Roman Basa replaced Deodato Arellano for being ineffective.

- 1894, Tomas Remigio accused Andres Bonifacio of mismanaging Katipunan funds.

- Early 1895, Andres Bonifacio deposed Roman Basa as supremo due to disagreements over the management of Katipunan funds and personal issues.

- Aug. 19, 1896, Teodoro Patino exposed the Katipunan to Father Jil of Tondo. It was Bonifacio’s idea to implicate innocent Filipinos who wished to remain neutral by drafting fake documents against them. More than 500 were imprisoned, tortured, or executed based on pretext.

- Aug. 29, 1896 – Bonifacio failed to give the signal for a coordinated uprising at midnight. He overslept. Bonifacio’s tardiness was partially blamed for their defeat.

- Early Dec. 1896, 2,000 soldiers and 6,000 rifles arrived from Spain. On Dec. 17, Bonifacio went to Cavite in order to settle the feud between the two dominant Katipunan factions, the Magdalo and the Magdiwang. It was written that Bonifacio already lost the fight in his areas of Manila and Morong. According to two Jesuit historians, Andres lost all twenty-seven (27) of his battles. The last province left able to fight was Cavite. Andres would be welcomed at the border by Emilio Aguinaldo and Edilberto Evangelista. Emilio would later get elected as the first president of the republic. Edilberto, a native of Manila with an engineering degree from Belgium, would later die from a sniper’s bullet. Edilberto was responsible for training the natives in trench warfare. Emilio Aguinaldo and other prominent Magdalo’s wished for Edilberto the presidency because he was educated and effective. It was reported after that meeting that Aguinaldo & Evangelista had the same impression. That Bonifacio acted like "parang Diyos" one who suffers from god complex. The 27 defeats weren’t enough to humble the supremo.

- Dec. 29, 1896 – the first attempt (the 2^nd would be Tejeros Convention) to consolidate the Katipunan factions through an election was held in the house of Baldomero Aguinaldo (then leader of Magdalo) in Imus. The event quickly fell apart thanks to Andres Bonifacio’s lack of decorum, divisive action and arrogance. From the onset, Andres invited himself to the presidential table, as well as his Magdiwang allies, to sit with him (the Magdiwang’s was led by Mariano Alvarez, a relative of Bonifacio’s wife). Andres then proceeded to preside over the occasion without allowing the homeowner and leader of the rival Magdalo faction to say anything. It was total insult. The meeting was called off without resolution.

- Feb. 16, 1897, Edilberto Evangelista, who was supposedly out of range from the ongoing battle in Binakayan, was killed by a sniper’s bullet. It was suspected to be an assassin hired by Bonifacio, because Edilberto was the biggest threat to Bonifacio’s leadership at this point.

- March 1897, Bonifacio prevented Magdiwang fighters from reinforcing the Magdalo’s who were fighting a major battle. Bonifacio went to the extent of threatening bodily harm to whoever disobeyed him. In another incident, Bonifacio handed out cash like it was his, to the Magdiwang forces that won a battle. The money came from Katipunan funds because Bonifacio was poor.

- March 22, 1897, Tejeros convention/election was held. A great majority of voters were Bonifacio’s men and his Magdiwang allies. The result, all elected officers except the presidency was Magdiwang’s. Emilio Aguinaldo, the only Magdalo and president-elect, was absent during this event; he was leading his men in the battle of Salitran. Bonifacio didn’t win any post because even his own men knew he was incapable of leading. This was an example of democracy that worked because it was able to expel the ineffective without bloodshed.

- March 24, 1897 Gen. Crispulo Aguinaldo (Emilio’s brother), who assumed command in order for Emilio to take his oath of office, was killed in the battle of Salitran.

- April 29-30, 1897, during the trial of the Bonifacio brothers in Naic, it was divulged that Andres refused to honor the result of the Tejeros Convention. That Andres tried to form a splinter group and paid an assassin to kill Emilio Aguinaldo.

- May 10, 1897, the Bonifacio brothers were executed for treason.

- Early 20^th century, the Bonifacio letters were touched up, improved, or forged.

- 1932, Philippine Congress declared Nov. 30 Bonifacio Day, one of only two national holidays named after individuals (the other was Jose Rizal).

Before passing judgment, I’d like to share this story for perspective. It happened to a country with better unity and loyalty. Thanks to farsighted founding fathers that understood their choice of heroes and villains will likely become the blueprint for the national conscience.

It involved the most brilliant general of the American Revolution. A man who won so many battles that if not for a bullet to the leg that ended his military career, he could have taken Canada for the US. In one victory, they were outnumbered 20-to-1. Yet, this man turned traitor for he tried to set the capture of George Washington to the British. His name was Benedict Arnold. There’s a statue of his likeness in New York State without his name. For even today, the name Benedict Arnold stands for treachery, the biggest obstacle to nation building. The Americans anticipated the consequences if Arnold got a favorable verdict; his bad example would be copied. I believe the negative cultural pattern in the Philippines was the result of Bonifacio being declared a national hero. Comparing outcomes, it’s obvious the American founding fathers made the right call. They had the foresight to anticipate that elevating a man guilty of treason to hero status was like poisoning the mind or injecting virus to a computer. The result will be total system failure. By branding Arnold a traitor, American founding fathers started a positive cultural pattern for future generations to follow. Comparing Arnold’s plan to sell Washington to the British and Bonifacio’s idea of starting a civil war in the midst of revolution would be like surgical cut to major depopulation. Yet as bloody as Bonifacio’s plan was compared to Arnold, Bonifacio became a Philippine national hero while Arnold the unofficial "national villain" of America! The Americans knew the importance of setting high standards for their heroes.

It’s worth noting Bonifacio’s character traits, for his mirrors the worst in modern Philippine society. I’m referring to the pride, divisiveness, corruption, crab-mentality, and last but not least, selfishness. For it was said that all sins stem’s from selfishness. Bonifacio deserved to be called the most selfish revolutionary of his generation. He chose self-interest over greater the good. For this, he shouldn’t be considered a true warrior. With these in mind, it could be said that the congressional act of 1932 was the catalyst for the corruption of modern Filipino psyche (pilipit na katwiran). For that irresponsible stroke of legislative pen pried the pegs of reason and virtue off the cultural foundation, plunging the country into dysfunction. For morality and critical thinking was replaced by what could be termed the Andres Bonifacio complex. These are splitting the organization to form a rival group, showing extreme pride after committing shameful acts and refusing t o relinquish power. His elevation to heroism condemned future generations to unjust suffering by holding on to wrongful or superficial values. Isn’t it amazing how a talented hard-working people, with solid basics at hand by the middle of the 20^th century, managed to squander everything? It’s like inheriting a bad habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

In case this article offends any one, please accept my apologies. I felt this obligation to reverse the trend for the sons and daughters of the Philippines to have a better future. On the other hand, if you see its merit, please contact your legislators: the senators, congressmen and women, to undo what the Philippine Congress did in 1932. It is time to cast the name Andres Bonifacio from the roster of Philippine national heroes. A decent country deserves a better role model than a "hero" with a legacy of conceit, deceit and defeat.

Dante G. Balacanao, Los Angeles, Ca.

Yup, another one of them U.P. Swagger...

6 February 2008
Wednesday

Please share this to all of our fellow Maroons.

UP made you in such a way that when the world is sitting, you would be standing...

And when the world is standing, you would stand out.

And when the world stands out, you would be outstanding.

And when the world tries to be outstanding, you would be the standard. (In short, nagiging pasaway!)

Isang masaya at may-yabang na sentenaryo sa inyo, taga-UP!!! 1908-2008

UP Ang Galing Mo!

16 January 2008
Wednesday

Yes, this is the U.P. Centennial Song that Brod Herbie Rosales TA'61 composed for our beloved alma mater.

Alpha, Alpha, Fight! Fight!

My U.P. Centennial Surprise for Dad.

14 January 2008
Monday

I didn't inform my Dad that I sponsored one tree at the University Oval right in front of the U.P. Theater beside the Carillon. There were only 100 trees available and our frat got 16 of them. Each sponsored tree has a corresponding banner with lights decorating the tree during the night. It was lighted during the kickoff with each tree symbolizing a year of U.P.

Anyway, our banners were the only ones different from the others. All the rest were generic of maroon letters on white background. Our banners are personalized with our names in large fonts, with matching seal.

We were at our tambayan at the Engg corner when I told him I have a surprise for him but we had to walk first.

Intrigued, he kept badgering me what the surprise is and why is there a need to walk. I plainly told him to just follow me and I'll show him why. Darn, Pops can be so belligerent at times!

Anyway, he already spotted the banner from afar, and he hurried towards it. He saw our family name in big bold letters. Our first names were a bit small compared to the family name.

Man, was he so happy!

Mom took our picture. Herbie Rosales TA'61, our brod who composed the U.P. Centennial Song, happened to pass by as well and joined our photo ops.

Hangover after the Centennial Kickoff...

9 January 2008
Wednesday

Typing this at work barely keeping myself awake. I had four cups of coffee already and yet my body longs for my bed...

Started drinking at our tambayan at U.P. around 2:30pm. Left and went home at around 11pm. Had to report for work at 7am...

... damn.

I really need to get some sleep. *YAWN!*

It's a great year to be a Maroon... and a greater one to be An Argonaut!

7 January 2008
Monday

Of course, it's always a great to be a Maroon year in, year out. But what makes it so special this year is that all UPians will be celebrating our beloved alma mater's Centennial Anniversary.

Damn, I'm so friggin proud to be a Maroon. It's in my blood, it's in my soul. People outside U.P. do not fully realize nor do they fully appreciate the swagger that is very common among the Iskolars ng Bayan. If they only knew the hardships that we had to go through just to graduate from U.P....

... yeah, if only they knew.

Anyway, another thing to be proud of is my Fraternity's active involvement in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

It was us through Brod Joel Ajero'66 who made the Centennial Cauldron of which the Centennial Flame will be ignited. Supported by a tripod, the making of The Cauldron is financed through the generosity of The Grand Alliance as symbolized by the tripod. This Triumvirate is composed of the Alpha Phi Omega, Sigma Rho, and the Tau Alpha fraternities. Worth Php 150,000, the Cauldron was evenly shared by each fraternity at 50K.

It was Brod Herbie Rosales'61 who composed the Centennial Song which was sung live at the U.P. Carillon and aired this morning on television on GMA7.

We also sponsored at least 15 trees that would be part of the Lighting of the Trees Ceremony tomorrow night. Our trees would be very conspicuous since as of this morning, we have our banners hanging in every tree that we sponsored. In each tree we have our names and our Frat Batch indicated. Dad and I sponsored one tree. Yes, Dad and I belong to the same fraternity. He is Batch 1964 and I'm Batch 1990.

My Fraternity?




The Tau Alpha Fraternity of the U.P. College of Engineering founded in 1932.