A Hobbit's Tale

I REFUSE to go down...

2009-05-18T22:32:00.002+08:00

18 May 2009
Monday

I don't want to be feeling like this for so long... I want to get this done and be over with.

I want my life back. I don't want her to be a part of me any longer. She's beyond redemption.

Just.

want.

to.

move.

on.

Damn... that hurts!

2008-11-14T20:45:00.002+08:00

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

2008-10-26T18:26:00.003+08:00

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...

2008-08-03T19:05:00.002+08:00

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

2008-06-14T21:02:00.002+08:00

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!

2008-06-14T20:46:00.003+08:00

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!

2008-05-11T20:03:00.002+08:00

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

2008-04-26T11:06:00.002+08:00

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

2008-04-26T10:56:00.001+08:00

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

2008-04-26T10:46:00.002+08:00

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

2008-03-22T23:29:00.002+08:00

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

2008-03-22T23:19:00.002+08:00

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

2008-03-22T23:15:00.002+08:00

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

2008-03-22T21:49:00.003+08:00

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)

2008-03-22T18:51:00.003+08:00

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")

2008-03-22T17:15:00.003+08:00

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...

2008-03-16T19:27:00.002+08:00

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.

2008-03-07T07:09:00.001+08:00

7 March 2008
Friday

Dearest Dad and Mom...

Happy 38th Wedding Anniversary!!!

Love you.

A Looooong Weekend in Singapore

2008-03-02T21:23:00.007+08:00

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...

2008-03-02T21:08:00.006+08:00

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.

2008-03-01T11:50:00.004+08:00

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...

2008-02-29T09:38:00.002+08:00

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?

2008-02-17T14:57:00.006+08:00

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

2008-02-06T22:32:00.000+08:00

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...

2008-02-06T22:20:00.000+08:00

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!

2008-01-16T21:38:00.001+08:00

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.

2008-01-14T22:04:00.000+08:00

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...

2008-01-09T15:44:00.000+08:00

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!

2008-01-07T17:11:00.000+08:00

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.

20 Years and counting...

2007-12-28T15:26:00.000+08:00

28 December 2007
Friday

Last night I attended the 20th Anniversary Alumni Homecoming of my high school batch of 1987. It gives you roughly an idea of how old I am so go figure.

The night was a blast! Alcohol was overflowing, the food was delicious but not too heavy, and the company was anything but dull.

There was a lot of catching up to do especially for those who are based abroad and came just to attend this special day.

Wow.

Nostalgic really as we had our venue at the school's Multi-Purpose Hall. The Hall has changed just a wee bit, I still wonder if the curtains at the stage have tasted a wash after all those years.

We can feel the camaraderie despite our different groups and barkadas during our high school days. Maturity does wonders in bridging the gap. There were a few teasings here and there especially for those who were once an item during our younger years. Some of these couples eventually end up together and raise a family but most of us ended up with someone else.

Hell, my ex-GF who happened to be the lead vocalist of this nice band was still her cool and accommodating self. There was hardly any tension between us as we had our pictures taken... well, the kiss was still nice and cute but that was just about it.

We sang and danced with the 80's music reverberating through the Hall. Yup, we cans still remember those dance steps as well. I wished that someone had the idea of putting up a motif by wearing 80's fashion and hairdo's but then again, that would take A WHOLE LOT OF FREAKIN' EFFORT.

Damn... those were the good old days.

Quality time with my folks...

2007-12-16T22:16:00.000+08:00

16 December 2007
Sunday

Spent the whole afternoon with my parents just at home. When others get to do some bonding moments together by going out or malling, we are just content and happy staying at home. I helped Dad install his new sound system. Something about working with him gives me great joy and pleasure.

Gave Mom a massage. She's into this tampong pururot about she not being taken cared of... *Sigh!* That's my mother dearest. Spoiled in the family coz she's the only girl. Hehehe...

If only the culprits get to read this...

2007-11-25T20:37:00.000+08:00

25 November 2007
Sunday

MMDA REGULATIONS NO. 97-003

PROVIDING STIFFER PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL/UNAUTHORIZE D COUNTERFLOW TRAFFIC VIOLATION IN ALL ROADS IN METRO MANILA

WHEREAS, it has been observed that the rampant and repeated disregard of traffic rule on “illegal counterflow” or “unauthorized counterflow” has been one of the major causes of traffic congestions and accidents in the metropolis;

WHEREAS, MMDA Ordinance No. 4, s. 1995 (Prescribing Guidelines for Suspension / Revocation of Driver’s License with the Jurisdictional Boundary of Metro Manila) considers “illegal counterflow” violation merely as an additional ground for suspension/revocati on of driver’s license;

WHEREAS, there is need for the imposition of stiffer penalty on existing traffic violations considered intentional in order to curb the rising incidents of vehicular accidents and to alleviate the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila which has grown to an alarming and emergency proportion;

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), through the Metro Manila Council (Council), is mandated by law to set the policies concerning traffic in Metro Manila, to regulate the implementation of all programs and projects concerning traffic management, and to fix, impose and collect fines and penalties;

WHEREAS, the council in session assembled resolved to provide stiffer penalty for illegal counterflow, violation in all roads in Metro Manila.

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to section 6 of RA 7924, this Regulation is hereby adopted and promulgated by the Metro Manila Council, that:

SECTION 1. Illegal or Unauthorized Counterflow . – For purposes of this Regulation “illegal counterflow” shall mean going against the flow of traffic such as counterflow on one-way street and driving on the wrong side of the street.

SEC. 2. Coverage. – Illegal or unauthorized counterflow as defined in Section 1 is hereby declared dangerous and unlawful and shall apply to all city and municipal roads in Metropolitan Manila.

SEC. 3. The driver found violating this Regulation shall be penalized by a fine Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) per offense.

In addition, this violation shall cause the suspension of driver’s license for three (3) months on the first offense six (6) months on the second offense and revocation of driver’s license on the third offense.

SEC. 4. Any ordinance, rules and regulations and other issuances found to be inconsistent with this Regulation is/are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 5. This Regulation shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in Metro Manila.

Adopted: 7 August 1997. (Sgd.) PROSPERO L. ORETA, Chairman, and other members.

... they would be aware that what they habitually do is downright wrong. Are you listening jeepney and fx taxi drivers?!!!

Then again, how would one expect this MMDA regulation be followed?

1. I doubt if these drivers do e-mails or are aware that such regulation exists.

2. Even if they are not aware, traffic enforcers are not doing their job by enforcing this regulation.

If only people do their jobs the way they should...

Not everyone is happy about the people they work with...

2007-11-25T18:59:00.000+08:00

25 November 2007
Sunday

... but man, I'm definitely not one of them.

I love my OPS team. Sure, we may have our disagreements but somehow we still work well. I guess one thing that works well for us is that we are expected to be formators since we're all school administrators. It would be a disgrace if we don't do what is expected of us and be proper role models for both students and teachers. Most of us are from U.P. hence we have a way of putting up a culture where we can indulge in debates and arguments without having to take things personally. If I'm not mistaken, only one is from DLSU and two are from ADMU. The rest are Maroons.

I find it funny though when the women have their misunderstandings. They have a way when they *ahem*, argue.

We men are more straightforward and more often than not, go immediately and stick to the issue.

Stress is always a normal thing in any place of work. I'm very much happy though, that I work with people who make stress at work easier to bear and easier to get over with.

When Things Go Utterly Wrong...

2007-11-25T10:44:00.000+08:00

25 November 2007
Sunday

... I still got my family with me. Though we have our differences, I can always rely on my brothers and parents to see me through the hard times. Through thick and thin, we got each other. And no, I'm not the guy with no hair even if I'm the eldest of the brood. Go figure!

Of course, the couple I'm most proud of having...

... Dad and Mom!

Road Rage, Temper, and Trooper

2007-11-21T14:26:00.000+08:00

21 November 2007
Wednesday

Talk about coincidence...

...every time I use the Trooper I end up with a day with at least an incident with a fellow motorist.

There's this moron who tried to insert his vehicle at my car's expense during a long line of slow traffic in one of my alternative routes to work. It really irritates me whenever people do a counterflow so that they can get ahead and then suddenly try to get in line when there is incoming traffic.

We had a heated exchange of work as I blurted out stuff like "walang disciplina, kadiri ka, pare, jologs mo!" "kaya di umaasenso and Pilipinas dahil sa mga ulupong tulad mo!"

I was still able to move ahead but when we were finally on the main road, he cut me from my blindside and I nearly got smashed against the bus on my left. Grrr...!!!!

I cut him and blocked him, got down, and released my retractable stick... all of a sudden it felt like one of those days in college when my I and my brods of my designated strike team would make a "hit."

I could have gone to him by the driver side, and while he was caught in the slow moving traffic, I could have hit his pathetic face just sitting there like a stupid sitting duck...

...then again, it just dawned on me that it was a bad idea so I just let it go... he KNEW I could have made him toothless. I'm so glad I didn't do it... for my sake. The berk isn't worth it.

Then just the other day, I had issues with a "poor excuse of a man" (read: lesbian who makes this pathetic attempt to look like a man) over double parking at my brother's condominium.

I know I shouldn't gotten down her level, but man... the bad thing about me is that I couldn't stand being disrespected and talked rudely especially with the likes of this kind of a person. I've been brought up by my parents not to hit women... makes me wonder if that would include butchies. At any rate, I didn't even lift a finger though I made allusions on her laughable attempt on trying to be a man and join the man's world.

I knew I hit a nerve when I did that, and the formator in me screamed "foul!" But hey, at that time, I just couldn't handle the manner in which this person treated me. The bad person in me emphasized to her that no matter what she does, she could never have what I have... the Y chromosome.

Damn.

On a lighter note, I am raring to get a hold of the UP Centennial Commemorative Car Plate. Yeah, baby!!! U.P. Maroons, fight! I had a joke with a colleague of mine from UST: "What is 400 years of Existence compared to 100 years of EXCELLENCE!" Hehehehe...

sigh! Thanks again, Dad!

2007-11-19T10:35:00.000+08:00

19 November 2007
Monday

Always trust Pops to call a spade a spade. Yes, Dad. I'm listening. I'm moving on now... the closure has been done without even having to talk to her or anyone related to her.

I guess the sentimental part of me still wants to cling on... only to realize that I'm just clinging on cold air, straws and hay at most.

12 years of my life down the drain...

... that's life.

I Need That Friggin' Closure...

2007-11-12T05:29:00.000+08:00

12 November 2007
Monday

It has been months now...

...damn, woman. Why did i have to fall for someone like her in the first place?

I hate this. I really do.

A Response to those Ignoramus

2007-09-06T11:42:00.000+08:00

6 September 2007
Thursday

Another fraternity-related death is grabbing the news these past few days. As usual, we fratmen are judged collectively, not even realizing that fraternities, just like nation states of the same continent, are still essentially very much different from one another.

Senator Brenda is at it again. I doubt it if her proposal of abolishing fraternities will come to fruition --- too many fratmen among the lawmakers. *rolls eyes*

I posted this comment in a certain blog where people started bashing us fratmen and blaming us
collectively because of the death of Cris Mendez, who allegedly died while undergoing initiation rites of the Sigma Rho Fraternity of the U.P. College of Law.

------------ -

It's so easy for all of you to make sweeping statements and lump us all together in one bunch of crap. After all, it is so typical for people to fear, hate and bitch on things they don't know jack crap about. The fear of the unknown. The resentment of not ever knowing.

You said:

"The concept of undergoing initiation to prove commitment to the group still eludes me. What eludes me more is the point of their continuous existence right within school premises."

And it will forever elude you. Why must we explain our sacred rites and doctrines to the likes of you? Our continuous existence of at least 70 years goes beyond these senseless killings and deaths that are fraternity-related. It's so typical that negative news like this one gets more mileage than the positive things (at least as far as MY frat is concerned) we get from our organization.

Just because we are fratmen too, does that mean that we are also guilty? Guilty by mere association? That's bollocks!

I'm not here to validate or justify these deaths. Mind, we abhor them, and we make sure that things like these don't happen in OUR Fraternity.

I find all these deaths utterly senseless too. My fraternity - alumni and resident brods - do not in any way approve of them. Just like Sigma Rho, we are a very old fraternity rich in tradition, though unlike them, we NEVER had any frat-related deaths in our entire history.

And don't you dare call us elitist. Pot meet kettle, and boy is it so friggin black. U.P. in itself is an institution of the elite --- the intellectual elite --- after all, not everyone can INTELLECTUALLY afford to be in U.P.

In parting, don't associate us too with these street gangs with Greek-lettered names: tau gamma phi and alpha kappa rho come to mind. We legitimate fratmen don't recognize them as one of our ilk.

A Fleeting Thought Just Passed...

2007-08-25T00:14:00.000+08:00

25 August 2007
Saturday

What is worse than hating a person...

... is hating a person that you once loved so much.

Welcome, Tyler!

2007-08-04T20:08:00.000+08:00

4 August 2007
Saturday

What's it like to be a new uncle? Awesome!

My youngest brother is now a proud Pops. We will prolly see the little weasel this coming December. My old man insists that Tyler has got his patented "nguso" while Momsy says the little runt got her Japanese-looking eyes.

Oh, well, you know how grannies behave...

Cheers, bro! Another pototoy in the family. Hehehehehe...

Growing Old With Someone...

2007-07-22T12:02:00.000+08:00

I Wanna Grow Old With You
Artist: Adam Sandler

I wanna make you smile,
Whenever you're sad.
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad.
All I wanna do,
Is grow old with you.

I'll get you medicine,
When your tummy aches.
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks.
Oh it could be so nice,
Growin' old with you.

I'll miss you, kiss you,
Give you my coat when you are cold.
Need you, feed you.
Even let you hold the remote control.
So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink.
Put you to bed when you've had too much to drink.
Oh I could be the man,
Who grows old with you.

I wanna grow old with you.

22 July 2007
Sunday

I just took Dad and Mom to the airport today. They are on their way to visit Lola as well as see the going ons at the farm. Remy has flown in from the US a few weeks ago to be with my brother Jay. It seems that they are getting ready to get married next year.

That brother of mine is one lucky bastard. You can see it in her eyes that Remy is very much in love with him.

I see Dad and Mom and I'd say Dad is one lucky bastard too. Of course, he'd also say that Mom is also lucky to have him.

True, but true. He has proven Lola Cion wrong. Lola Cion didn't like Dad for Mom at that time when my old man was courting Momsy back in U.P. at Area 11. This was some time in 1965, I think. After all has been said and done and more than 40 years later, Dad has shown everyone that he is indeed the right man for my Mom --- faults and all.

As I see my old folks together, I can't help but feel envious of the kind of relationship that they have all these years... Even after 40 years I can see how much these two people are so much devoted to each other. Dad wouldn't want to leave the house without Mom, and if has to go without her, he would always want that goodbye kiss before he leaves. If Mom has to go, he always asks her and even calls her to come home soon. They remind each other of their medicines --- Mom is diabetic and Dad is watching his blood pressure (He had a quadruple bypass two years ago.)

Mom would always take care of Dad the way a wife should. Dad does the same as any good husband should. Such devotion. Such passion. Such love. You rarely get to find this kind of relationship these days.

I have this feeling that should one of them meet The Maker, the other one would follow soon. Such is the bond my parents have together. They bring about the best in each other. They complement each other well too. This is very much manifested with the way they brought up 4 sons:

The discipline.

The round table talks.

The debates.

The triumphs.

The heartaches.

How I wished that I could have such a relationship. I wish Remy and Jay the best and hope that they too would have a lasting and meaningful marriage just like our parents.

I hope and pray that I would end up just like them too.

The Reason Behind the U.P. Swagger

2007-07-19T00:50:00.000+08:00

19 July 2007
Thursday

It is not true that the University of the Philippines has the monopoly of bright and smart students. However, from what I gather from the Philippine social context when it comes to local education, U.P. is the bastion of smart local education. U.P. students and alumni are generally regarded as smart and intellectually gifted. You can't be a U.P. student if you're down there in the pecking order in terms of intellect.

Surely there are smart and intelligent students/alumni from other universities. Others would contest that it's not the school --- it's the person. Others too would even go further stating that they choose NOT to study in U.P. even if they passed the UPCAT.

And rightly so. I have met people from other schools and universities and they would strike me as people who may even be smarter than some people I know from the U.P.

The question is, why do these U.P. Maroons display this type of pride and swagger over other people from other local schools and universities?

My theory is this: True, Ateneo, DLSU, UST, UA&P and other prestigious unis would have their fair share of I.Q. wunderkinds, but what separates U.P. Maroons from the rest of this pack is THE EXPERIENCES these students had to deal with during their stay in college.

It is a given fact that U.P. students are intelligent. The question is, are you smart enough to graduate? The running joke in U.P. is that a normal U.P. student does not get to finish his/her course in four years --- it's the abnormal ones that do.

Not all intelligent students get to finish or graduate from U.P. It's the smart ones that do. I have known graduates from prestigious highschools who happen to be honor students who would get kicked out of U.P. But if you're intelligent and smart and still did not finish in U.P., there is what we call legitimate bad luck as well as circumstances beyond one's control. There are also personal decisions --- they chose to leave for reasons only privy to them.

You see, there are a lot of things that Maroons have to face in order to be able to wear The Sablay (when other uni grads wear the togas during their commencement exercises, UP graduating students wear this native-looking "sash" over their Barong Tagalogs or Filipiniana dresses). It takes savvy and smarts to come out alive from what we consider as a microcosm of Philippine society (actually I don't agree with this, because if this was true then why the blue blazes do I see a number of stupid people around?).

1. Registration: Unlike other schools and unis who would have their students' scheds and subjects handed on a silver platter, Maroons have to fight over tooth and nail in order to be able to get the subjects that they need to be taken in scheds that they want. You start with your blank Form 5-A and it's up to you to sign up for the subjects that you intend to take in that sem.

Here is where you test your social skills, networking skills, skills of persuasiveness, and all those "diskarte" skills and talents in order to be able to land that subject that you're aiming for. One also has to deal with signing up for subjects whose enrollment rooms are not just floors apart, but buildings apart! Imagine signing up for Math subjects at the Math building then go to the College of Science for Nat Sci and STS, the GYM for P.E. and your major subjects in your respective colleges. Even if you had a car, it's no walk in the park since you have to deal with looking for parking spaces first.

2. Spacing your subjects: In connection to point 1, the smart U.P. student would come up with the right combination of subjects. One does not finish all his easy G.E. (General Education, not Geodetic Engineering) subjects and electives and leave the tough ones and major subjects later on. That's suicide! Imagine taking the Math 50 series, the Physics 70 series, and higher Chem subjects all in one sem without any easy subjects as buffers in order to maintain the minimum number of units to pass in a semester.

3. The Sense of Freedom and Open Opportunities: Compared to other students from other unis, Maroons "are more free" to do anything that they want provided that they pass their exams and projects and that the professors wouldn't give a crap how many times you were "absent" from their classes. What this means is U.P. students are very much exposed to temptations and distractions given a great number of freedoms allotted to them: you may opt to just hang out with your buddies or fraternity brods in your respective tambayans; cut classes to get that quality time with your S.O. for a little nookie; or even have a few rounds of alcohol a few hours or minutes BEFORE exams. You won't be sanctioned if you show up in class or exam wastedly drunk or reeking of alcohol.

4. The Competition: Given the profile of a typical U.P. student, this means that you're not the only one who is smart and intelligent. You have to at least show that you deserve to be in this class, in this university.

5. Student Organizations, Fraternities, and Sororities: Need I say more? This is very much related to the aforementioned point no.3.

The name of the game is Survival of the Fittest.

Only the strongest (and smartest) survive.

And that, my friends, explain why U.P. Maroons have that swagger.

A Leap of Faith???

2007-07-14T23:52:00.000+08:00

15 July 2007
Sunday

Had a long talk with Dad. Sounds like a plan, really.

Do I have a choice?

Of course I know I do. The thing is, do I have the proverbial balls and have that fortitude to stand up with the convictions that would go along such decision? I know I should. Dad didn't raise his sons to be sniveling wimps!

But man, it's so friggin difficult, and it would definitely hurt me big time. The problem with me is that I tend to be too idealistic when it comes to issues like this. I'm just blessed that I got very supportive parents. Makes me wonder how life would be without them.

I'm about to make up my mind and convince myself that this is the path I'm going to take.

Brace myself.

This is gonna hurt.

Migraine Attack.

2007-06-06T17:27:00.000+08:00

I just had my first migraine attack in years. Started an hour ago. It's not as intense as I used to have but it is enough to make my right eyelid look a bit puffy.

Where's the naprosen when I needed one.

Damn Politics!

2007-06-05T17:39:00.000+08:00

No matter how great your workplace is, stupid politics will always rear its ugly head and ruin everything.

Dagnabit.

No matter how much one tries to avoid it like the plague, it will always find its way to bite you where the sun doesn't shine. I love my co-workers to bits especially those whom I work with on a very regular basis. It just irritates me so much whenever I have to listen to, if not deal with, such political crap.

My immediate superior even commented that it is not enough that I just keep mum and not participate in such discussion. He said that I have the duty to tell them off that such gossip-mongering is unhealthy and has no place at work.

I admit he has a point. However, there are times too that such verbal tirade from co-workers are not meant as gossip since they are just venting out their angst without having to deliberately broadcasting it for maximum exposure.

Damn politics.

Friggin' crud.

The Bloomfields' Wala Nang Iba Music Video

2007-05-28T00:19:00.001+08:00

I have got to hand it to these guys! Love the music, love the video! Wincy, my man, job well done!

Although the video reminds people of the Beatles when they performed at the Ed Sullivan show (tho there were no comments after their names like "sorry girls, he's taken..."), all one has to do is close one's eyes and you would hear the Beach Boys singing.

I just hope that these dudes won't allow themselves to be seen as Beatles or Beach Boys copycats. Their song and music video are really cute but I hope that they could still produce songs and sounds that people would easily identify as The Bloomfields'.

Hmmm... haven't you noticed that the bands mentioned all start with the letter "B"?

Coincidence perhaps?

Time Management

2007-05-27T23:42:00.000+08:00

It seems to me that I should seriously beef up my self-discipline and actually apply what I have learned when it comes to time management.

All it takes is political will.

Enough of relying on plain winging out on things.

Dang.

Talking with Dad

2007-05-27T17:29:00.000+08:00

It's always fun talking with Dad... when he is in a good listening mood. It's all the more fun when we talk about "men stuff."

The nice thing I like about my Dad is that I don't have much qualms relating to him my problems and anxieties, as well as the things that have been happening of late... even the intimate ones.

Mind, it was never like kiss and tell. If there is anyone I would want to relate whatever has been happening to me, that would be my Dad and my brother Allen.

With Dad, it isn't like those "Boy Talks" when friends talk about stuff with the intention to impress - or at least won't get behind of what the rest of the posse has been getting. On top of that, I don't have any fear of being judged by some self-righteous moral compass. I can be myself and Dad knows pretty well that I don't tell him things just to impress him or show off.

Of course, Dad is quite concerned of what's happening in my life. He is quite concerned about my future. He reminded me one day that I should be sure that the woman I'm spending the rest of my life should always be there for me till the end of days. Obviously, he has gotten a good catch --- my Mom is always my yardstick when it comes to the kind of women I would have wanted to have till the end.

My parents are so lucky to have each other. Through all their trials and tribulations, it makes no wonder why these two would be there for each other --- forever.

Finally, the template I have always wanted!

2007-05-24T22:24:00.000+08:00

Yes! I finally got the template that fits me perfectly. I tried a couple of times to make it work and finally I got to fix the glitches as I found the right website.

Anyway...

Today was a loooong day at work. Funny how things seem not to get done despite the time allotted to you. Meetings, meetings, and more meetings... the problem now is how to get things done and have all our action plans consumated.

I had an interesting chat with this friend of mine as we were on our way to meet our other co-workers for our regular weekly badminton night. We were talking about his latest moves concerning this newbie co-worker.

As always, I have told him that such things are bad news considering his failed relationship with a co-worker not so long ago.

Some people just never learn.

If this plan of his comes into fruition and the girl finally becomes his... people will definitely be watching him. And if that relationship doesn't work --- man, his rep really goes down the drain and he would be seen as a pariah of sort --- especially for female noobs.

Totally unprepared.

2007-05-07T01:25:00.000+08:00

It's really something when the past haunts you and you're still unprepared to deal with it.

Damn.

I just hate it when I'm not in control of things. I just hate it when I don't have any choices...

... actually, I do have choices... they're just, well... bad ones. More like out of the frying pan and into the freaking fire.

I always end up just reminiscing the good old days, and make it makes me wonder how life would be like if I just let it go back in '99. Would life be rosier? If anything, the presence of just this one person (B) whom I love to bits makes my sufferings --- both ambivalence and otherwise --- worthwhile.

I told Mom one day that I regretted what I did and it's only this person (B) that made me wish that somehow something good still came up. She scolded me. Boy, was I surprised! As much as Mom adores this person (B), she would have wished that my choices in life would have been better... even if it means that this person (B) will never be a part of our lives.

So sad. Damn. Tragic definitely, if I had the power to turn back the hands of time and I opted to leave this other person (A) but that would mean person B wouldn't be with us...

... I just can't have my cake and eat it too.

Giving blogging a (-nother) try...

2007-05-04T13:52:00.000+08:00

Funny how most first-time posts of blog virgins would start their "blogging career." If you haven't figured that one out... then check a number of blogs and see what I mean. Hehehe...

Frankly, I wouldn't care any less if my first entry with be similar as those of the others. I actually started a blog of my own a few months back but somehow I have totally forgotten its name--- even that of my name-handle.

It just goes to show how ambivalent I am into this thing about blogging.

I guess there is this fear of expressing myself- no holds barred - and then for some reason, get busted by somehow who actually knows you.

Hmmm... I'm actually at work as I type this. I got project proposals to do, not to mention training designs and power point presentations as well as starting off documentation for my school's CIS accreditation thingy...

For fear of getting busted by people who shouldn't know. I will just leave it hanging when it comes to certain proper names.

Okay, enough of slacking, I have to get back to work.