I have been avoiding blogging because when I think of blogging, some political issues come to mind and that is not what I would like to put here. But for the last post of the year (and the first in a long time), I will close with my political views.
I have thoughts about the so-called presidentiables; some of them good while others are negative. I do have my choice but in this spot, I will remain neutral. Such is the freedom of thought and speech that we have that I could choose not to make a choice (just yet anyway). What I would rather express are my thoughts on our democratic process.
It is obvious that Filipinos as a people are still very clannish. A candidate for a national post is expected to win or do well in the place where his family hails from. Likewise, if he wins then he is also expected to do something good for "his people" or the very extended family expects to benefit as well from his victory. The elected is also expected to "reward" the areas where he posted a good lead. Such is the dynamic of gratitude in our political system. Was not that the case during the Marcos years?
In this election, as in the past, money will move; specially now that we are feeling the residual effects of the financial crisis felt in the developed nations. It is still very likely that some people will sell their vote to the highest bidder, hoping that the bid will be high enough to last them a week or so. Politics here is a business more than an ideology. If money goes out before elections then somehow there must be a way of recovering afterwards. If one wins and does not know how to play the game then money will continue to flow out of the pocket and one will find himself bankrupt at the end of his term. The story does not end there though. Even after your term, people will still expect you to be as generous as when you were in position. I have heard people on the bus before comparing the benefits they got from different political rallies.
We elect personalities. That is why we have so many political parites. If you examine their creeds, you will be likely to find that they are exhorting the same high level principles. Those creeds will probably not mention much that can be actuated directly. For instance, they might mention that theirbekgroup respects the rights of individuals at all levels and will support actions that promote the good of the majority. Yet they can not give you a definite stand on how to deal with squatters or whether gasoline prices should be regulated. So, we can not really choose the right candidate based on his stand on issues. Instead, we consider his family background more than past accomplishments. Look no further, Gloria Arroyo won her senate seat mainly because she was the daughter of a former president.
This evening, I pray fro change. I pray that we will have enough to eat so that we can think well for the future of our children. I pray that we will be well rested so that we can see beyond the
glitz of the campaign and really see where the candidate is likely to take us if he wins
I love my country and I pray that we will really elect the rightful servants. Remember, it is called PUBLIC SERVICE, it is not PUBLIC WILL SERVICE.
After the Storm
A lot of things have been happening lately that I felt it was time to write again. Besides, I do have thoughts so why not share them.
Ondoy left a decidedly indelible mark
to us, particularly in mega Manila. Its fury was unexpected. Its wrath was unparalleled. Its devastation was complete.
Actually, it was a weak storm. Its winds were high and hurtled themselves about at the lower end of the range of what would be considered a typhoon. What it delivered to the earth was water, tons of it. The weather bureau said there was enough rainfall to last us a normal September.
It would not have been so bad I suppose, if it was only rainwater that we encountered. What made it worse was the mud that flowed with it. Rivers overflowed lifting their silt and tossing it about like it was whipping cream. The result was mud pushed by the water through cracks and crevices allowing it to go where it was not supposed to.
Ondoy left a decidedly indelible mark
to us, particularly in mega Manila. Its fury was unexpected. Its wrath was unparalleled. Its devastation was complete.Actually, it was a weak storm. Its winds were high and hurtled themselves about at the lower end of the range of what would be considered a typhoon. What it delivered to the earth was water, tons of it. The weather bureau said there was enough rainfall to last us a normal September.
It would not have been so bad I suppose, if it was only rainwater that we encountered. What made it worse was the mud that flowed with it. Rivers overflowed lifting their silt and tossing it about like it was whipping cream. The result was mud pushed by the water through cracks and crevices allowing it to go where it was not supposed to.
Memory Lane
On Sundays, almost all the radio stations play music from bygone decades. In the afternoon, I would set the radio to dzbr on the FM band for my mother if my nephew (my brother's 2 year old son) isn't around to visit his grand Mama. They play really old pieces from her youth. I think they still use turntables, you can hear the crackle made by the needle as it traverses the grooves of the disc.
Yesterday, just as I tuned in, a guy named Barr Samson had just gotten on board and was starting his program. He mentioned the date September 9. He was saying that it was his anniversary as a radio broadcaster. This year on that day, he would have been on air for a dizzying 60 years.
He went on to discuss those who were with him on that first show, a radio drama. He was talking to one of them, Laila Hermosa who is now in a wheelchair, a few days prior. He said that of the six cast members, it seems they were the only ones left. He also said he wanted to beat Tia Dely's record of 68 years.
He could have retired some time ago but he didn't. Probably, the station just lessened his air time to give him more time to rest and relax. As long as your voice was okay, you could still work on radio.
I wonder if I could show as much dedication to my profession as he did.
Train Riddle
My friend Joan Piñon once said that I was her lucky charm on the MRT rides. Every tiem she rides with me, the car is not as crowded as normal. I think she was proven correct yet again.
The other day, I had to go to Mandaluyong. I went to the Quezon Avenue station to ride a train. When I got there, there was a train that just got into the station. I decided to wait for the next one because I did not want to rush. The space I wanted was probably occupied already.
So I let the first train go and stood on the platform as it sped off. I did not wait long for the next. In about two minutes time, another train was coming into the station.
And lo! It was empty. The train was meant to take off from this station. All of us got on and all of us were able to sit down (or stand by choice).
Because we were so close to the one before, our train never got full. I will bet that the one I did not ride was crowded to overflowing. In our case, there were a few who were standing but there were seats that were still available.
On the same day, I took the commuter train from the end station at Taft. Of course I got a seat, that's one of the things I like about coming from the end station. It was rush hour so we did not wait long before the train left the station.
We got to the Magallanes station and already there were some people standing. I thought we would be fulll by the time we left the Ayala station. I was wrong.
In fact, until I got off at Cubao the car was not crowded. Oh there were lots of people standing right in front of me but if I tilt my head just so, I could still see out the window across the train.
Lovely, isn't it?
The other day, I had to go to Mandaluyong. I went to the Quezon Avenue station to ride a train. When I got there, there was a train that just got into the station. I decided to wait for the next one because I did not want to rush. The space I wanted was probably occupied already.
So I let the first train go and stood on the platform as it sped off. I did not wait long for the next. In about two minutes time, another train was coming into the station.
And lo! It was empty. The train was meant to take off from this station. All of us got on and all of us were able to sit down (or stand by choice).
Because we were so close to the one before, our train never got full. I will bet that the one I did not ride was crowded to overflowing. In our case, there were a few who were standing but there were seats that were still available.
On the same day, I took the commuter train from the end station at Taft. Of course I got a seat, that's one of the things I like about coming from the end station. It was rush hour so we did not wait long before the train left the station.
We got to the Magallanes station and already there were some people standing. I thought we would be fulll by the time we left the Ayala station. I was wrong.
In fact, until I got off at Cubao the car was not crowded. Oh there were lots of people standing right in front of me but if I tilt my head just so, I could still see out the window across the train.
Lovely, isn't it?
Bloggig ad Plurking
I also have an account on Plurk but I don't use it that much. The trouble with Plurk is that you have to be online at that precious plurk moment. Of course you can plurk with the mobile phone but I still find it inconvenient.
Take the case of my trip this morning.
I rode a bus from Pangasinan to Manila at around four in the morning and took the window seat right behind the driver That meant of course that I would have the east and the sunrise to my left. As we sped down the hiway, the sun rose. The sky turned from deep blue to shy red. Finally, the sun itself peeked then climbed to its place in the sky. Then clouds rolled in and covered the sun but a small opening was left so the sun sent a shaft of light to tell the world that it was still up there.
As I watched out the window, I was thinking this would have been nice to share. Alas, the bus was moving too fast to get a good shot. Also, I had no computer (I would not want to open it anyway even if I had, it wouldn't stay still).
I would have liked to share this on Plurk. Those one liners are great when you want to tell people how you felt or what you saw at a particular moment. After the fact, it's not so exciting anymore.
Maybe I should sign up for mobile blogging
Take the case of my trip this morning.
I rode a bus from Pangasinan to Manila at around four in the morning and took the window seat right behind the driver That meant of course that I would have the east and the sunrise to my left. As we sped down the hiway, the sun rose. The sky turned from deep blue to shy red. Finally, the sun itself peeked then climbed to its place in the sky. Then clouds rolled in and covered the sun but a small opening was left so the sun sent a shaft of light to tell the world that it was still up there.
As I watched out the window, I was thinking this would have been nice to share. Alas, the bus was moving too fast to get a good shot. Also, I had no computer (I would not want to open it anyway even if I had, it wouldn't stay still).
I would have liked to share this on Plurk. Those one liners are great when you want to tell people how you felt or what you saw at a particular moment. After the fact, it's not so exciting anymore.
Maybe I should sign up for mobile blogging
You Are Beautiful
This is one of the outputs of my retreat weekend
As neautiful as the grass amd leaves are greem
Evidences of the lives within
The plants who grow towards the light
By day and stay still and steadfast at night
As lovely as the song of the birds
And animals calling out to each other
The harmonious melody of the forest
Messages carried from nest to nest
As allurig as that reflecting pond
Clear enough to bounce the brightness of the sun
But not so clear as to highlight the wounds
That its waters will wash away soon
You are beautiful as the meadow
Because it is your beauty that makes it so
It comes to life because you are here
All you see and all you hear
This is your own place
The spot where you meet me face to face
Your ow oasis in the desert
The deepest recess of your heart
Evidences of the lives within
The plants who grow towards the light
By day and stay still and steadfast at night
As lovely as the song of the birds
And animals calling out to each other
The harmonious melody of the forest
Messages carried from nest to nest
As allurig as that reflecting pond
Clear enough to bounce the brightness of the sun
But not so clear as to highlight the wounds
That its waters will wash away soon
You are beautiful as the meadow
Because it is your beauty that makes it so
It comes to life because you are here
All you see and all you hear
This is your own place
The spot where you meet me face to face
Your ow oasis in the desert
The deepest recess of your heart
Time Out
I just got home from a retreat at the Assumption in Antipolo. The compound is at the top of a rise in the mountain. The retreat house is surrounded by trees and you can hear birds by day and crickets at night. The best part was that there were no other retreatants except our group.
It's not the first time we stayed there. The LOJ Counselors group goes there almost every year or at least once every two years I think. Usually, there was also a group of students having some kind of formation. This year, we had the retreat house to ourselves and it was relatively quiet. Well, quiet except for the incessant chatter we ourselves were making. We were saying a clausura or silet retreat is impossile with this group.
It's nice to take time out now and then. It gives you time to look back and look forward. You could use the opportunity to check where you are in your relationship with God as well as with others. YOu could also assess your plans and check if you are growing as a person or a child of God.
In our case, our group listen to other people's problems through the phone, email or chat sessions. It could become tiring if you do this too often. There could be a tendency to say "Oh no, not that again" if you don't take a breather. Cyicism and apathy are job hazards.
I think this is also what happens to medical practitioners. They sometimes get to that point where a medical procedure ecomes mechanical. They may forget that they are treating a person not just a body.
Law enforcers and rescue personnel are also suject to this experience. We've seen or heard of jaded police officers who frustrate a desperate crime victim because he acts as if there was nothing out of the ordinary happening.
We all have to take time out sometimes to rejuvenate and maybe renew our zeal for our jobs.
The LOJ Counselig Center may be reached through (63 2) 7259999 the dial 1 for counseling. Or you can email to lojcounseling@yahoo.com
It's not the first time we stayed there. The LOJ Counselors group goes there almost every year or at least once every two years I think. Usually, there was also a group of students having some kind of formation. This year, we had the retreat house to ourselves and it was relatively quiet. Well, quiet except for the incessant chatter we ourselves were making. We were saying a clausura or silet retreat is impossile with this group.
It's nice to take time out now and then. It gives you time to look back and look forward. You could use the opportunity to check where you are in your relationship with God as well as with others. YOu could also assess your plans and check if you are growing as a person or a child of God.
In our case, our group listen to other people's problems through the phone, email or chat sessions. It could become tiring if you do this too often. There could be a tendency to say "Oh no, not that again" if you don't take a breather. Cyicism and apathy are job hazards.
I think this is also what happens to medical practitioners. They sometimes get to that point where a medical procedure ecomes mechanical. They may forget that they are treating a person not just a body.
Law enforcers and rescue personnel are also suject to this experience. We've seen or heard of jaded police officers who frustrate a desperate crime victim because he acts as if there was nothing out of the ordinary happening.
We all have to take time out sometimes to rejuvenate and maybe renew our zeal for our jobs.
The LOJ Counselig Center may be reached through (63 2) 7259999 the dial 1 for counseling. Or you can email to lojcounseling@yahoo.com
Summer of Mumps
Yesterday, the guidelines of the Department of Health regarding AH1N1 was discussed during a faculty meeting. The way I understood it, it goes something like this.
When I was a kid, we lived in an apartment compound where there were ten kids. I don't remember how it started that summer but we caught the mumps. Of course, the virus webt around. By the tenth day, all but one kid was or had been sick.
Self-imposed quarantine was practiced. The kid who did not catch the virus kept herself away from the rest of us. While the rest of us played in the yard, she stayed indoors. All those who were infected were free to interact with the others. This one kid however tried to avoid the disease by isolating herself. Her sisters had to sleep in another room because she would not let them into the one the three of them shared.
So, if there is evidence that a virus has already infected most of the community, I don't really see much sense in keeping the sick ones away. The better option might be to arm those who have not caught the virus.
Actually, a preventive stance would be best. The best defense is still an offense.
- When there is a confirmed case but no evidence that this case is or was the reason other students contracting flu-like symptoms, classes could be suspended
- When there are confirmed cases and proof that the infection is spreading due to said cases, classes need not be suspended
When I was a kid, we lived in an apartment compound where there were ten kids. I don't remember how it started that summer but we caught the mumps. Of course, the virus webt around. By the tenth day, all but one kid was or had been sick.
Self-imposed quarantine was practiced. The kid who did not catch the virus kept herself away from the rest of us. While the rest of us played in the yard, she stayed indoors. All those who were infected were free to interact with the others. This one kid however tried to avoid the disease by isolating herself. Her sisters had to sleep in another room because she would not let them into the one the three of them shared.
So, if there is evidence that a virus has already infected most of the community, I don't really see much sense in keeping the sick ones away. The better option might be to arm those who have not caught the virus.
Actually, a preventive stance would be best. The best defense is still an offense.
Days of July
My weekends are booked this whole month. During the first one, I facilitated a Christian counseling seminar. I spent this past weekend with the same group. That is of course part of my service as a counselor. On Saturday, it would be our turn to have our retreat. The week after that, we go back to training our new volunteers.
On Tuesdays, I'm also attendig a series for my own self-discovery. It's a program called Living Waters ad it's a somewhat safe environment to reveal your hurts ad deep-seated emotions.
Then there is my day jo as a high school teacher. That fills up nearly all of my time.
Wait, I think I see some sort of relief. You see, Ah1n1 gave us a reason to suspend classes. Now, I can catch up with my paperwork. I've collected a fair amount of papers ad submissions that have to be graded. So today, I emptied my desk drawer at work and brought my work home.
For us in the Research unit, things may not turn out badly, it may even come out for the better.
One of our teachers tried meeting her students in a chat session. What came out was a lively discussion aout choosing a topic and preparing a capsule proposal. She decided that there would be no need to move any deadlines because she was already able to give her pupils what they would need to finish their work.
Oh for technology.
On Tuesdays, I'm also attendig a series for my own self-discovery. It's a program called Living Waters ad it's a somewhat safe environment to reveal your hurts ad deep-seated emotions.
Then there is my day jo as a high school teacher. That fills up nearly all of my time.
Wait, I think I see some sort of relief. You see, Ah1n1 gave us a reason to suspend classes. Now, I can catch up with my paperwork. I've collected a fair amount of papers ad submissions that have to be graded. So today, I emptied my desk drawer at work and brought my work home.
For us in the Research unit, things may not turn out badly, it may even come out for the better.
One of our teachers tried meeting her students in a chat session. What came out was a lively discussion aout choosing a topic and preparing a capsule proposal. She decided that there would be no need to move any deadlines because she was already able to give her pupils what they would need to finish their work.
Oh for technology.
As We Gait
Last week, I heard out ideas from our students as to what research project they were going to work on. One girl wanted to study the gaits of people and see how the observations may e applied to therapy.
I recalled that yesterday as I checked out the new Food Gallery at Ali Mall in Cubao. Some of the tables were overlooking the escalators. This was a nice vintage point for watching people two levels down.
We do walk differently. Even those who kept pace with each other did not have the same walk. There could be a basis for what the student was claiming that each of us could be identified by the way we walked.
The strides were different. Some strode forward keeping their body straight. Some seemed to be marching and took long quick strides. There was one guy who swung his foot forward, stroked the ball over the floor then landed it heel first. A lady walked with her toes pointing out instead of straight forward like most people.
I also noticed that most adults walked with their usual stride even if they had kids in tow. The poor kids had to catch up so their strides were almost as long as their height or they matched their mother's two steps with three.
I got to thinking though. Would you walk the same way if you were in a hurry? How about when you are sad or happy or problematic? Do we move the same way when we are feeling sick?
Of course, my casual study would not give me the answers to these questions but it kept me from hurrying to finish my meal. I enjoyed the food and the view.
People watching can be an interesting pre-occupation.
I recalled that yesterday as I checked out the new Food Gallery at Ali Mall in Cubao. Some of the tables were overlooking the escalators. This was a nice vintage point for watching people two levels down.
We do walk differently. Even those who kept pace with each other did not have the same walk. There could be a basis for what the student was claiming that each of us could be identified by the way we walked.
The strides were different. Some strode forward keeping their body straight. Some seemed to be marching and took long quick strides. There was one guy who swung his foot forward, stroked the ball over the floor then landed it heel first. A lady walked with her toes pointing out instead of straight forward like most people.
I also noticed that most adults walked with their usual stride even if they had kids in tow. The poor kids had to catch up so their strides were almost as long as their height or they matched their mother's two steps with three.
I got to thinking though. Would you walk the same way if you were in a hurry? How about when you are sad or happy or problematic? Do we move the same way when we are feeling sick?
Of course, my casual study would not give me the answers to these questions but it kept me from hurrying to finish my meal. I enjoyed the food and the view.
People watching can be an interesting pre-occupation.
Service Please
I went to the mall to get a new power supply for my computer. I went to the cyber zone area of course on the fifth floor of The Annex SM City North Edsa. I forgot the name of the store but if you have the sky garden behind you it would be among the ones to your left.
I walked to the counter and waited while the girl finished a transaction with another customer. Then I told her what I needed and she told me the price. I liked the price so I dug into my bag for my wallet. While I was doing that, another customer asked her for another item. She gave him the answer and he indicated that he wanted to get it. She then went to get his item without asking if I also wanted mine.
That was irritating. And it's her loss. You see the man wanted something worht PhP 300 while my purchase would have been PhP 800.
That was yesterday. This morning, I went to another mall to check out their new layout. I found that cd-r King had a store there and it was almost empty, probably because people didn't know it was there yet. I walk in and find that there was a girl at the counter working with a cople (or was it a father and daughter?). There were three other personnel going in and out of the back room. There was also another customer waiting his turn.
After a few minutes, the other client left, probably frustrated for being made to wait so long. Another couple walked into the store and were examining the goods in the glass counters. I asked the girl at the counter if there was no one else who could serve customers because her transaction was not done yet and I was getting hungry.
She called for back up. One of the three other personnel came out and stopped at the cashier's desk which was of course away from the counter. When I shouted that I wanted a power supply, that was the only time she came over.
When I have my own business, I wouldn't want me or my staff to be doing those things.
I walked to the counter and waited while the girl finished a transaction with another customer. Then I told her what I needed and she told me the price. I liked the price so I dug into my bag for my wallet. While I was doing that, another customer asked her for another item. She gave him the answer and he indicated that he wanted to get it. She then went to get his item without asking if I also wanted mine.
That was irritating. And it's her loss. You see the man wanted something worht PhP 300 while my purchase would have been PhP 800.
That was yesterday. This morning, I went to another mall to check out their new layout. I found that cd-r King had a store there and it was almost empty, probably because people didn't know it was there yet. I walk in and find that there was a girl at the counter working with a cople (or was it a father and daughter?). There were three other personnel going in and out of the back room. There was also another customer waiting his turn.
After a few minutes, the other client left, probably frustrated for being made to wait so long. Another couple walked into the store and were examining the goods in the glass counters. I asked the girl at the counter if there was no one else who could serve customers because her transaction was not done yet and I was getting hungry.
She called for back up. One of the three other personnel came out and stopped at the cashier's desk which was of course away from the counter. When I shouted that I wanted a power supply, that was the only time she came over.
When I have my own business, I wouldn't want me or my staff to be doing those things.
Death of the Icons
My sister told me that there was some news about Farah Fawcett last night but she did not give details. I was waiting for that this morning. Instead, I got a flash report about Michael Jackson.
Farah, one of the original Charlie's Angels may have started the very eighties trend of big hair. As far as I can remember, she was the first I saw with the huge curls on her head. Many girls copied that and soon big hair became the fashion. Even in later years she worked to keep her bombshell figure.
Michael jackson is of course known as the king of pop music. His successes and mistakes have been entertainment headline since I was a kid. Personally, I think he missed his childhood and tried to get it back with his ranch and playing with kids.
Now they are both dead, just a few days after another 70s legend David Carradine passed away. It's like somebody is turning the giant page of history and the decade is slowly disappearing from sight.
And tiem marches on
Farah, one of the original Charlie's Angels may have started the very eighties trend of big hair. As far as I can remember, she was the first I saw with the huge curls on her head. Many girls copied that and soon big hair became the fashion. Even in later years she worked to keep her bombshell figure.
Michael jackson is of course known as the king of pop music. His successes and mistakes have been entertainment headline since I was a kid. Personally, I think he missed his childhood and tried to get it back with his ranch and playing with kids.
Now they are both dead, just a few days after another 70s legend David Carradine passed away. It's like somebody is turning the giant page of history and the decade is slowly disappearing from sight.
And tiem marches on
See the Children
I had lunch alone today but I sat at a table for four. I chose that spot because it looked out to the street and it had two couches instead of four stools for sitting. Eventually, two families sat with me one after the other.
The first one came via a three year old girl. She was exploring as all toddlers do. She was moving around and when she felt the soft seat of the couch across my table, she decided to climb onto it. She succeeded of course and sat herself straight. But when I spoke to her, she covered her eyes. The man with her scolded her for doing that and for not answering me.
She decided she did not want to sit at my table anyway and climbed down almost hitting her head on the table. She moved on towards another table until she almost walked into one of the chairs. Then she turned and went towards the table used by the staff for display sometimes.
All this time, the man was telling her to be careful and warning her when she was about to hit something. Between admonitions to the little girl, the man gave me an idea of her situation.
What was not obvious or maybe the reason she covered her eyes was that she could not see where she was actually going. She kept going anyway exploring like any three year old would, curious of everything around. The rest of the family became open when they learned that I was also born blind.
The second family had two kids, a fourteen year old boy and a six year old girl. Their mother was asking them what she should buy for them while they waited for the father who had a transaction in another establishment nearby. I offered the other couch at my table.
The two kids were at odds on what to get. The mother mentioned french fries; the boy clapped but the girl folded her arms. When mommy said fried chicken, the girl turned away but the boy looked eager for the treat. When the mother said ice cream, the girl smiled but the boy made a face.
Well, she finally made them agree on a set meal and went to the counter. The boy eyed my tray. The girl noticed and held back his hands. She had this idea that he would grab and finish my food for me. I offered them the remaining fries. He took some to the chagrin of his sister.
The girl went off to follow her mother, probably to report what happened. I offered the boy what was left of the fries and he grabbed it. Then he went for my drink but I moved it away just in time. I told him that he was not to drink from other people's glasses. I think he understood. Then I called a busboy to put away my tray.
I stayed until his mother came back then gave up my table to them. As I went out, I smiled at the toddler's family, they finally got her to settle down and eat.
They are special children but they are still children.
The first one came via a three year old girl. She was exploring as all toddlers do. She was moving around and when she felt the soft seat of the couch across my table, she decided to climb onto it. She succeeded of course and sat herself straight. But when I spoke to her, she covered her eyes. The man with her scolded her for doing that and for not answering me.
She decided she did not want to sit at my table anyway and climbed down almost hitting her head on the table. She moved on towards another table until she almost walked into one of the chairs. Then she turned and went towards the table used by the staff for display sometimes.
All this time, the man was telling her to be careful and warning her when she was about to hit something. Between admonitions to the little girl, the man gave me an idea of her situation.
What was not obvious or maybe the reason she covered her eyes was that she could not see where she was actually going. She kept going anyway exploring like any three year old would, curious of everything around. The rest of the family became open when they learned that I was also born blind.
The second family had two kids, a fourteen year old boy and a six year old girl. Their mother was asking them what she should buy for them while they waited for the father who had a transaction in another establishment nearby. I offered the other couch at my table.
The two kids were at odds on what to get. The mother mentioned french fries; the boy clapped but the girl folded her arms. When mommy said fried chicken, the girl turned away but the boy looked eager for the treat. When the mother said ice cream, the girl smiled but the boy made a face.
Well, she finally made them agree on a set meal and went to the counter. The boy eyed my tray. The girl noticed and held back his hands. She had this idea that he would grab and finish my food for me. I offered them the remaining fries. He took some to the chagrin of his sister.
The girl went off to follow her mother, probably to report what happened. I offered the boy what was left of the fries and he grabbed it. Then he went for my drink but I moved it away just in time. I told him that he was not to drink from other people's glasses. I think he understood. Then I called a busboy to put away my tray.
I stayed until his mother came back then gave up my table to them. As I went out, I smiled at the toddler's family, they finally got her to settle down and eat.
They are special children but they are still children.
Networking for Marketing
Last night I attended a business forum sponsored by PLDT smenation at the Max Restaurant in Gateway mall. Apart from the presentation of the sponsor, we had a speaker.
Boom San Agustin is a Toastmaster, therefore a polished speaker. But it's always more interesting for me to hear people talk about how they succeeded. I'm not really going to listen to somebody boasting about being a self made man. I'm more into talks that make you set up and say "Yeah, he did it so maybe I can do the same."
Boom talked about how he turned his life around using social networks. I'm not going to repeat what he said, you can try visiting his blog and find the story for yourself. The thing is, my situation was not as bad as his was. I have the resources that he didn't have when he worked on promoting himself on the net. Yet, he's doing it better than me. And I'm supposed to be a techie.
Oh well, techies aren't known to be good businessmen.
I guess the real lesson is, and I take it from Jimmy of Bazaar sa Erod, "You have to be disturbed by your situation before you will strive for success."
Boom San Agustin is a Toastmaster, therefore a polished speaker. But it's always more interesting for me to hear people talk about how they succeeded. I'm not really going to listen to somebody boasting about being a self made man. I'm more into talks that make you set up and say "Yeah, he did it so maybe I can do the same."
Boom talked about how he turned his life around using social networks. I'm not going to repeat what he said, you can try visiting his blog and find the story for yourself. The thing is, my situation was not as bad as his was. I have the resources that he didn't have when he worked on promoting himself on the net. Yet, he's doing it better than me. And I'm supposed to be a techie.
Oh well, techies aren't known to be good businessmen.
I guess the real lesson is, and I take it from Jimmy of Bazaar sa Erod, "You have to be disturbed by your situation before you will strive for success."
Circle of Work
I guess I have finally come full circle in my work life.
A colleague remarked last Thursday that we seem to be understaffed this year. We are still lacking some teachers, particularly in the Computer Science unit. So, they asked me to take some extra load while they look for the additional portion. They asked me to teach CAD to the sophomores for, hopefully, one term.
It's interesting that I have been asked to teach this subject. When I was in college, one of the stipulations of my scholarship was to do a practicum during the summer before my last year. I got mine at CIS Inc., the IT company under the Meralco group.
The boss lady wasn't really going to give me any programming jobs because I was only scheduled to stay with them for a month. She probably thought I wasn't going to finish the available jobs within that period. Besides, I was enrolled that summer and she decided that I better do something I could take home and just report to her periodically.
The job? She had me study AutoCAD and prepare a training manual for the linesmen and technicians.
Now, so many years later, I'm again studying another CAD software but teaching kids is different from teaching adults. Really.
A colleague remarked last Thursday that we seem to be understaffed this year. We are still lacking some teachers, particularly in the Computer Science unit. So, they asked me to take some extra load while they look for the additional portion. They asked me to teach CAD to the sophomores for, hopefully, one term.
It's interesting that I have been asked to teach this subject. When I was in college, one of the stipulations of my scholarship was to do a practicum during the summer before my last year. I got mine at CIS Inc., the IT company under the Meralco group.
The boss lady wasn't really going to give me any programming jobs because I was only scheduled to stay with them for a month. She probably thought I wasn't going to finish the available jobs within that period. Besides, I was enrolled that summer and she decided that I better do something I could take home and just report to her periodically.
The job? She had me study AutoCAD and prepare a training manual for the linesmen and technicians.
Now, so many years later, I'm again studying another CAD software but teaching kids is different from teaching adults. Really.
Writing Less and More
This is my third post for this session. I don't think I ever did two in one day before and now I'm doing three. Cheers.
I checked my last post and I noticed that the sidebar was longer than the blog items. There was a time when I had more items on the sidebar and the posts were still longer than that.
Does that mean I'm writing shorter posts? Guess so.
I used to write for a daily bible reflection magazine called Didache. They would give us certain bible passages to reflect on and we would write our thoughts. Usually, we put in a small anecdote of how the message of the reading was applied in daily life. Those reflections were short, I don't think they went up to a hundred words. The magazine fit into the pocket of a man's jacket and we had to make sure our writing took only one page of that.
It was a great exercise in writing. You had to choose words carefully so that you could say all you wanted to say in that short space. You had to tell a story in a few sentences. You learned to communicate briefly and concisely.
But I have lots of space here. I could go on and on and on and . . .
I checked my last post and I noticed that the sidebar was longer than the blog items. There was a time when I had more items on the sidebar and the posts were still longer than that.
Does that mean I'm writing shorter posts? Guess so.
I used to write for a daily bible reflection magazine called Didache. They would give us certain bible passages to reflect on and we would write our thoughts. Usually, we put in a small anecdote of how the message of the reading was applied in daily life. Those reflections were short, I don't think they went up to a hundred words. The magazine fit into the pocket of a man's jacket and we had to make sure our writing took only one page of that.
It was a great exercise in writing. You had to choose words carefully so that you could say all you wanted to say in that short space. You had to tell a story in a few sentences. You learned to communicate briefly and concisely.
But I have lots of space here. I could go on and on and on and . . .
Bilib Ako sa Pinoy
Google's Aileen Apolo gave the idea for this blog.
You know that Influenza A H1N1 virus is said to cause a very deadly disease. In the Philippines, there have been an increasing number of confirmed cases. People are getting worried about being infected, specially since some noted schools have canceled classes because some of their students have caught the dread disease.
Did I miss anything here? From what I understand of the news, all the early confirmed cases are still alive and in fact have gotten over it. DOH even goes as far as saying that this flu variant is less of their headache than dengue.
Even with respect to dread diseases, Filipinos are truly resilient.
I hope this post holds true forever.
You know that Influenza A H1N1 virus is said to cause a very deadly disease. In the Philippines, there have been an increasing number of confirmed cases. People are getting worried about being infected, specially since some noted schools have canceled classes because some of their students have caught the dread disease.
Did I miss anything here? From what I understand of the news, all the early confirmed cases are still alive and in fact have gotten over it. DOH even goes as far as saying that this flu variant is less of their headache than dengue.
Even with respect to dread diseases, Filipinos are truly resilient.
I hope this post holds true forever.
Independence Day Thoughts
Tomorrow is June 12, the supposed day in history that the Philippines became independent. The question is are we really independent?
Considering the idea of globalization, we can no longer say that any country is truly independent. Even the United States of America, the de facto superpower of today can not say that it can stand on its own. Its policies are dictated by the world economy. One needs only read the news feed to understand how nations shape the politics of other nations.
I think it is more correct to say that the so-called independence day is the day we mark as the day in history when the world recognized our soverignity, that we are a separate nation from the conguerors Spain and USA.
Considering the idea of globalization, we can no longer say that any country is truly independent. Even the United States of America, the de facto superpower of today can not say that it can stand on its own. Its policies are dictated by the world economy. One needs only read the news feed to understand how nations shape the politics of other nations.
I think it is more correct to say that the so-called independence day is the day we mark as the day in history when the world recognized our soverignity, that we are a separate nation from the conguerors Spain and USA.
The Effects of a Flu Virus
Classes suspended. Already? We haven't even started.
The story is that because some students are refusing to impose self-quarantine, the school authorities have decided to postpone the start of classes to protect the majority of the population.
In a way, that is an advantageous decision. It gives the faculty one more week to prepare course materials. We can plan our days just a little bit better.
Well, we do need to plan well. The announcement means four days less of lessons without any adjustment to the end of term. Guess we will have to cram a few lessons together. In my case, I have already decided to remove one of my planned activities.
Still, I think it was a good idea. I can understand why one of those students would insist on coming to school despite the threat of the disease but I also believe this will be for his own good.
Sometimes, we really have to look at the effect of our actions on the bigger group of people around us.
The story is that because some students are refusing to impose self-quarantine, the school authorities have decided to postpone the start of classes to protect the majority of the population.
In a way, that is an advantageous decision. It gives the faculty one more week to prepare course materials. We can plan our days just a little bit better.
Well, we do need to plan well. The announcement means four days less of lessons without any adjustment to the end of term. Guess we will have to cram a few lessons together. In my case, I have already decided to remove one of my planned activities.
Still, I think it was a good idea. I can understand why one of those students would insist on coming to school despite the threat of the disease but I also believe this will be for his own good.
Sometimes, we really have to look at the effect of our actions on the bigger group of people around us.
Facebook Apps
I watched Q11's trivia show Ang Pinaka this evening. They featured the most famous games on Facebook. It turns out I have played all of the topy ten. I don't agree with their order but heck, I'm part of those monthly active users for all of them.
I'm not really "active" in all of them. I've sworn off Vampire Wars as too dark for my taste. I play Texas Hold'em Poker once or twice a month now. My farms have ruined crops by now because I have not visited in over a week. And I find Yoville loads too darn slow although I like the game really.
What does it say of me then? Well, I do try out many of the apps on FAcebook. It's a fun site. I have reconnected with people I haven't seen since college. I get to learn some new things too. Some of those games apparently help the environment and that's a personal advocacy.
Speaking of advocacies, there are a lot of causes on Facebook. It's a chance to raise awareness on certain issues and get people involved.
Maybe FAcebook causes could be the next topic for the show. Which ones do online Pinoys support?
I'm not really "active" in all of them. I've sworn off Vampire Wars as too dark for my taste. I play Texas Hold'em Poker once or twice a month now. My farms have ruined crops by now because I have not visited in over a week. And I find Yoville loads too darn slow although I like the game really.
What does it say of me then? Well, I do try out many of the apps on FAcebook. It's a fun site. I have reconnected with people I haven't seen since college. I get to learn some new things too. Some of those games apparently help the environment and that's a personal advocacy.
Speaking of advocacies, there are a lot of causes on Facebook. It's a chance to raise awareness on certain issues and get people involved.
Maybe FAcebook causes could be the next topic for the show. Which ones do online Pinoys support?
On Giftedness
Catch up time. I haven't blogged in about two weeks.
During the last week of May, the PSHS faculty in Luzon hied away to Baguio to discuss how to handle gifted children. When my bosses asked if I would be willing to end my summer vacation early for this affair, I grabbed the chance. I don't have an education degree so I take these events as opportunities to improve in a profession I have decided to get into.
I'd say it was a rewarding experience. Of course, I knew there were different kinds of giftedness. Being gifted is not always academic excellence. There are those gifted in the arts, literature and music. That is the usual area people look at when being gifted is discussed. There are also those that are gifted in public speaking and interpersonal relationships. Probably, they are the ones who conduct assertiveness training sessions.
What surprsied me was the discussion about TEPs or twice exceptional persons. These are gifted people who also have mental or physical challenges. The thing about the physically challenged was not news to me. I could possibly be in that list with my eye problem. There are many individuals who have gone to college in wheelchairs with accomodations by their schools. I've had a student in one of my workshops who brought his own chair along with two helpers.
The thing about the mentally challenged being gifted was what got me. I have to admit, I never looked at autistics, Aspergers and ADHD as possibly gifted.
But why not? Those that used to be called idiot savant were obviously gifted otherwise they would not be called savants. Incidents when attention deficiency manifested could have been griggered by boredom in class because their teachers were not posting enough challenges.
Really, one should not be quick to judge the capabilities of anybody.
During the last week of May, the PSHS faculty in Luzon hied away to Baguio to discuss how to handle gifted children. When my bosses asked if I would be willing to end my summer vacation early for this affair, I grabbed the chance. I don't have an education degree so I take these events as opportunities to improve in a profession I have decided to get into.
I'd say it was a rewarding experience. Of course, I knew there were different kinds of giftedness. Being gifted is not always academic excellence. There are those gifted in the arts, literature and music. That is the usual area people look at when being gifted is discussed. There are also those that are gifted in public speaking and interpersonal relationships. Probably, they are the ones who conduct assertiveness training sessions.
What surprsied me was the discussion about TEPs or twice exceptional persons. These are gifted people who also have mental or physical challenges. The thing about the physically challenged was not news to me. I could possibly be in that list with my eye problem. There are many individuals who have gone to college in wheelchairs with accomodations by their schools. I've had a student in one of my workshops who brought his own chair along with two helpers.
The thing about the mentally challenged being gifted was what got me. I have to admit, I never looked at autistics, Aspergers and ADHD as possibly gifted.
But why not? Those that used to be called idiot savant were obviously gifted otherwise they would not be called savants. Incidents when attention deficiency manifested could have been griggered by boredom in class because their teachers were not posting enough challenges.
Really, one should not be quick to judge the capabilities of anybody.
More Content
I realized about a week ago that May 2009 was my busiest month as far as blogging is concerned. That doesn't say much about me as a blogger but in a way I am happy that I was able to sustain it as nearly regular as I could. That is really one of my aims this year, consistency in blogging.
Since I was a kid, I've always wanted to write. It's been an outlet of my feelings, whether I did poetry or fiction. My mom kept most of my early works though I admit that at least one of them was a sort of direct criticism. Mothers don't really see that. Most of the time, they see it as a good thing because their kid has done something that many other kids can't.
I look at blogging as a sort of public diary. Since it's public, it's also a practice for good writing. I mean, it should be understandable. Good grammar is important, as well as proper construction. I've always been more comfortable writing in English and what you have here are some of my practice sheets.
Since I was a kid, I've always wanted to write. It's been an outlet of my feelings, whether I did poetry or fiction. My mom kept most of my early works though I admit that at least one of them was a sort of direct criticism. Mothers don't really see that. Most of the time, they see it as a good thing because their kid has done something that many other kids can't.
I look at blogging as a sort of public diary. Since it's public, it's also a practice for good writing. I mean, it should be understandable. Good grammar is important, as well as proper construction. I've always been more comfortable writing in English and what you have here are some of my practice sheets.
Prayer Time
At 6:00 pm today, I happened to be at the grocery buying some stuff for my trip next week. The public address told us that transactions will be momentarily halted for the angelus. When the prayers began, I stopped and looked around. Some of the other customers also stayed where they were. Some kept moving but a few slowed down to keep their cart from making too much noise.
This reminded me of my parents' hometown during the summer. My mom and dad hied us off to Manaoag for about a month during summer. That was how we became chummy with our cousins. Sometimes we would go on out of town trips to the beach or Baguio.
There were times when we would get back at dusk. If we happened to pass the poblaccion at 6 pm, we would hear the church bells tolling. Traffic would stop at that moment while the ringing continued. That meant angelus was being prayed inside the church and you were supposed to join in. Traffic would restart as soon as the bells stopped.
Nowadays, it doesn't happen that way. It isn't only that you hardly hear the bells because they still sound off at 6pm. It's just that people don't seem to remember why the bells go off at that time. Few of them stop. Horns are even honking as the town is supposed to be quietly in prayer.
What happened to solemnity?
This reminded me of my parents' hometown during the summer. My mom and dad hied us off to Manaoag for about a month during summer. That was how we became chummy with our cousins. Sometimes we would go on out of town trips to the beach or Baguio.
There were times when we would get back at dusk. If we happened to pass the poblaccion at 6 pm, we would hear the church bells tolling. Traffic would stop at that moment while the ringing continued. That meant angelus was being prayed inside the church and you were supposed to join in. Traffic would restart as soon as the bells stopped.
Nowadays, it doesn't happen that way. It isn't only that you hardly hear the bells because they still sound off at 6pm. It's just that people don't seem to remember why the bells go off at that time. Few of them stop. Horns are even honking as the town is supposed to be quietly in prayer.
What happened to solemnity?
Strange Reality
An interesting happened to me today.
A common opener but you know truth is really stranger than fiction sometimes. We can dismiss some anecdotes as trivial. Then again, we can look at the mystery underneath each experience.
I was wearing flipflops today when I went to Trinoma. As I got into the main entrance, one endo of the strap suddenly popped off the body of the slipper. To me that was strange because I didn't even feel the strap pulling loose and suddenly it was broken. And the ATM at school was out of commission so I hardly had any money left in my pocket.
The guards helped me out. They had me sit in the Concierge area while one of them looked for tape and fixed up my flipflop so I could walk with it. I was hoping the tape would last long enough for me to walk around the mall and find a new pair. The best place to do that was at the other end of the building.
Well, when the guard was done, I got up and proceeded to Landmark. It was a slow walk because I was so concious of thetape. I wasn't feeling it under my foot but I knew it was there and that any moment it could give out.
At Landmark, it didn't take me long to find a pair I liked that was within my budget. It was a flat sandal with a garterized back sling in copper. I would have preferred black but that color was out of my size.
However, the gilrin charge of the area I found it in was nowhere in sight. I had to goto the next area and ask the guy there for assistance. He was the one who found the girl who was supposed to assist me and made here get a pair in my size.
Then I had to wait. When the pair arrived, the girl and I played a short waiting game. She was waiting for me to approach her while I was sitting on the couch where you normally sat to fit shoes. Of course she lost.
Finally, I paid for the sandals. At least there was no line at the check-out counter. I asked the bagger not to staple the paper bag shut because I saw that my handbag would fit nicely above the shoebox.
Just when I was leaving the cashier area, the tape gave.
PS to the Landmark staff. This sale belongs to the guy in charge of Figlia and not to the girl in charge of Alexandria which was the brand I got. That guy did more to assist me than the person in charge of Alexandria. Pa-cute lang yung girl na yon. After she made out a receipt, she just handed me the box and expected me to know what to do next.
A common opener but you know truth is really stranger than fiction sometimes. We can dismiss some anecdotes as trivial. Then again, we can look at the mystery underneath each experience.
I was wearing flipflops today when I went to Trinoma. As I got into the main entrance, one endo of the strap suddenly popped off the body of the slipper. To me that was strange because I didn't even feel the strap pulling loose and suddenly it was broken. And the ATM at school was out of commission so I hardly had any money left in my pocket.
The guards helped me out. They had me sit in the Concierge area while one of them looked for tape and fixed up my flipflop so I could walk with it. I was hoping the tape would last long enough for me to walk around the mall and find a new pair. The best place to do that was at the other end of the building.
Well, when the guard was done, I got up and proceeded to Landmark. It was a slow walk because I was so concious of thetape. I wasn't feeling it under my foot but I knew it was there and that any moment it could give out.
At Landmark, it didn't take me long to find a pair I liked that was within my budget. It was a flat sandal with a garterized back sling in copper. I would have preferred black but that color was out of my size.
However, the gilrin charge of the area I found it in was nowhere in sight. I had to goto the next area and ask the guy there for assistance. He was the one who found the girl who was supposed to assist me and made here get a pair in my size.
Then I had to wait. When the pair arrived, the girl and I played a short waiting game. She was waiting for me to approach her while I was sitting on the couch where you normally sat to fit shoes. Of course she lost.
Finally, I paid for the sandals. At least there was no line at the check-out counter. I asked the bagger not to staple the paper bag shut because I saw that my handbag would fit nicely above the shoebox.
Just when I was leaving the cashier area, the tape gave.
PS to the Landmark staff. This sale belongs to the guy in charge of Figlia and not to the girl in charge of Alexandria which was the brand I got. That guy did more to assist me than the person in charge of Alexandria. Pa-cute lang yung girl na yon. After she made out a receipt, she just handed me the box and expected me to know what to do next.
Trainor's Training
I would have blogged this sooner but we had an insect attack two nights running. Anyway . . .
Last Friday and Saturday, I attended a workshop seminar entitled Conducting Investigatory Projects organized and conducted by the Biology Teachers Association of the Philippines. Naturally, the projects were oriented to biology.
There were a series of topics on how to handle different types of subjects like plants, rats, brid eggs, etc. After each lecture, we were given the chance to try it out ourselves. It was a bit intimidating because I have been out of the lab for so long. My exposure since I left ITDI was lamost entirely on the business side. I had other people (mainly my students at the National Computer Center or programmers in the offices that I worked in) do most of the technical stuff.
Frankly, I had fun. I got bitten by a mouse I was trying to subdue. I got to use a pipetor with several tips at once. One of the lecturers gave us washable gloves that we could take home (it had a nice feel by the way). We toured several of the labs under the UP Institute of Biology (during which I bumped into two of our students who happen to be doing summer internship there). I even won a couple of books on biotechnology and biology researches.
Teachers do need to be updated with subject and technique.
Last Friday and Saturday, I attended a workshop seminar entitled Conducting Investigatory Projects organized and conducted by the Biology Teachers Association of the Philippines. Naturally, the projects were oriented to biology.
There were a series of topics on how to handle different types of subjects like plants, rats, brid eggs, etc. After each lecture, we were given the chance to try it out ourselves. It was a bit intimidating because I have been out of the lab for so long. My exposure since I left ITDI was lamost entirely on the business side. I had other people (mainly my students at the National Computer Center or programmers in the offices that I worked in) do most of the technical stuff.
Frankly, I had fun. I got bitten by a mouse I was trying to subdue. I got to use a pipetor with several tips at once. One of the lecturers gave us washable gloves that we could take home (it had a nice feel by the way). We toured several of the labs under the UP Institute of Biology (during which I bumped into two of our students who happen to be doing summer internship there). I even won a couple of books on biotechnology and biology researches.
Teachers do need to be updated with subject and technique.
Juggling Act
Trying to do several things at the same time can be fun and challenging but at the same time, it could also be quite tiring.
I participated in a bazaar yesterday. I took with me products from Human Nature and some items published by Shepherd's Voice. I had my cousin's wife come over and help me. We went to the venue early so we can set up our display table before most people arrived.
Then, at a little past noon, I had to leave her there alone. You see, my superiors at Philippine Science High School found this wonderful teacher training program and they suggested I attend. Actually, we had discussed this as early as March but neither the training schedule nor the plans for the bazaar had been finalized then.
Well, there was a conflict in schedule. It was a good thing Susan, my cousin's wife was available and willing. So I left for the training right after12 noon. The training was supposed to be completed by 5 pm. What happened was we extended the time. I left the venue at half past five. Traffic woes caught up with me. The bazaar closed at six but it was closer to seven when I got back. Poor Susan was almost the only one left.
The other person waiting was a partner of mine i a website project. That will probably start right when I have to go back to school.
"Misery loves company" must be wrong. Opportunity tends to come in pairs and groups.
I participated in a bazaar yesterday. I took with me products from Human Nature and some items published by Shepherd's Voice. I had my cousin's wife come over and help me. We went to the venue early so we can set up our display table before most people arrived.
Then, at a little past noon, I had to leave her there alone. You see, my superiors at Philippine Science High School found this wonderful teacher training program and they suggested I attend. Actually, we had discussed this as early as March but neither the training schedule nor the plans for the bazaar had been finalized then.
Well, there was a conflict in schedule. It was a good thing Susan, my cousin's wife was available and willing. So I left for the training right after12 noon. The training was supposed to be completed by 5 pm. What happened was we extended the time. I left the venue at half past five. Traffic woes caught up with me. The bazaar closed at six but it was closer to seven when I got back. Poor Susan was almost the only one left.
The other person waiting was a partner of mine i a website project. That will probably start right when I have to go back to school.
"Misery loves company" must be wrong. Opportunity tends to come in pairs and groups.
Doing Business
I went to my family's hometown yesterday. I had this idea that I was going to sell a few Human Nature products. Well, yes and no.
On the way there, I realized I had made some not very good business decision. I did not take with me key products that are useful for traveling.
Behind me sat a small family with a child about five years old, a tweener and two teens. It occurred to me that maybe they would have been interested in a bug spray since they were going to a place that was new to the kids. Well, I didn't bring any of that with me. If I did, I could have turned around and showed it to them and maybe they would have bought it on the spot. With that, I could have handed them a flyer (of which I had a few) and mentioned the other products.
On the way back, I also sat near a small family. I got to talk to the mother and decided to turn her into a dealer for me in Pangasinan.
I hope I got that right.
On the way there, I realized I had made some not very good business decision. I did not take with me key products that are useful for traveling.
Behind me sat a small family with a child about five years old, a tweener and two teens. It occurred to me that maybe they would have been interested in a bug spray since they were going to a place that was new to the kids. Well, I didn't bring any of that with me. If I did, I could have turned around and showed it to them and maybe they would have bought it on the spot. With that, I could have handed them a flyer (of which I had a few) and mentioned the other products.
On the way back, I also sat near a small family. I got to talk to the mother and decided to turn her into a dealer for me in Pangasinan.
I hope I got that right.
Traveling Solo
I went on a solo trip for personal reasons. I went to my family's hometown to deliver some money.
You get to notice a lot of things if you are traveling alone. For instance, I noticed some new developments along the way. There were the new loading and unloading bays. Of special note was the one in Carmen in front of the new SM Mall there, the one erected where the buses used to make a stopover before going into any one of the three directions; Baguio, Dagupan or San Nicolas. I noticed too three new sylos in one of the towns in Tarlac. Then there were the progress of the road works compared to when we went home on Holy Week.
An attentive child notices a lot more. The seat behind me was occupied by a family with a little boy of maybe 4 or 5 years. He noticed that the corn was ready for harvest. He was counting the borders and declared that we were already in Pangasinan when what we actually crossed was a municpal not a provincial border. He pointed out houses that were either unusual or had a nice facade.
I had to mention the one positive thing that storm Emong did in Pangasinan. Some folks might not agree that this is positive but I really think this was a benefit. When we went home for Holy Week, we made a quick tour of the lands. The soil was dry and hard. It would be very hard to plant.
This morning, I could hardly mark our land. In a week's time, grass had grown everywhere. The area was green. Definitely, planting would be easy now.
You get to notice a lot of things if you are traveling alone. For instance, I noticed some new developments along the way. There were the new loading and unloading bays. Of special note was the one in Carmen in front of the new SM Mall there, the one erected where the buses used to make a stopover before going into any one of the three directions; Baguio, Dagupan or San Nicolas. I noticed too three new sylos in one of the towns in Tarlac. Then there were the progress of the road works compared to when we went home on Holy Week.
An attentive child notices a lot more. The seat behind me was occupied by a family with a little boy of maybe 4 or 5 years. He noticed that the corn was ready for harvest. He was counting the borders and declared that we were already in Pangasinan when what we actually crossed was a municpal not a provincial border. He pointed out houses that were either unusual or had a nice facade.
I had to mention the one positive thing that storm Emong did in Pangasinan. Some folks might not agree that this is positive but I really think this was a benefit. When we went home for Holy Week, we made a quick tour of the lands. The soil was dry and hard. It would be very hard to plant.
This morning, I could hardly mark our land. In a week's time, grass had grown everywhere. The area was green. Definitely, planting would be easy now.
What? Me? Join?
Our business organization paid a courtesy call to a new congressman who is representing the micro-business sector. Til it was time to go, we were not sure if we would be going. The clouds did not seem to be clearing as the rain continued to pour with lightning lashing in the background. On top of that, the member who arranged for the meeting was still on a plane flying back home.
Well, we did go. During the cab ride, we decided to review our notes in case the new lawmaker had any questions. They told me to concentrate on the group's Vision/Mission which I read twice although it was hard reading in a running cab.
The lawmaker did not directly ask for the Vision/Mission so I did not have to recite it. After the meeting, we hied off to a canteen where the others decided to quiz me on what I was supposed to discuss. I admitted I could not recite them word for word.
We join many groups. Usually, we have an idea of what the group is about. Sometimes, we listen to an inspiring recruitment pitch and we are convinced we should be in that group.
I wonder how many of us bother to really find out what the group we are joining really stands for.
Well, we did go. During the cab ride, we decided to review our notes in case the new lawmaker had any questions. They told me to concentrate on the group's Vision/Mission which I read twice although it was hard reading in a running cab.
The lawmaker did not directly ask for the Vision/Mission so I did not have to recite it. After the meeting, we hied off to a canteen where the others decided to quiz me on what I was supposed to discuss. I admitted I could not recite them word for word.
We join many groups. Usually, we have an idea of what the group is about. Sometimes, we listen to an inspiring recruitment pitch and we are convinced we should be in that group.
I wonder how many of us bother to really find out what the group we are joining really stands for.
A Plea for Mai
Last week I got a sad news. An old friend was taken to the hospital. She was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. This weekend, I said I was going to visit her. The weather was so erratic that I could not get myself out of the house.
That is such a lame excuse. The truth is I don't want to go to a hospital. I don't want to see people suffering. Although I really believe I can be of comfort to her, I am not strong enough at the moment to go.
That's also a sorry excuse. I haven't done my duty as a friend period. I do pray for her recoverry. People have improved and gone into remission before. Why not her?
Please pray for my friend Mai Sison.
That is such a lame excuse. The truth is I don't want to go to a hospital. I don't want to see people suffering. Although I really believe I can be of comfort to her, I am not strong enough at the moment to go.
That's also a sorry excuse. I haven't done my duty as a friend period. I do pray for her recoverry. People have improved and gone into remission before. Why not her?
Please pray for my friend Mai Sison.
Testing the Waters
Our organization of microentrepreneurs is testing the waters this month.
Yesterday was the first day we held a weekend bazaar. It was dubbed Friday Fiesta because we will be having it all Firdays of May. It's at the Bazaar sa Erod on E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City, fron of St Luke's Hospital.
I brought some organic products from a company called Human Nature. They make these beauty and body care products from organically grown sources here in the Philippines. It's been a while since I had done direct selling but I liked their tagline. It represents a couple of advocacies that I would like to push; proPhlippines and pro-environment.
I do believe in these things. However, I have been fence sitting and back seat driving for some time, too long a time in fact. I've decided some months ago that I was no longer just going to sit around and talk about things that should be. I've always stayed on the safe area, the sidelines where the ball might hit you but it probably won't if the players are good. Well, I think it's time I played ball too.
There are things that we believe in. We want to show others what we believe must be. We are convinced that we are on the right. But believing in change and doing something to make it happen are two different things. Most of us wait for others to pave the way. Maybe it's fear of being rejected by other people. Maybe it's fear of ailure. Maybe we just don't want to do it alone because we need the support of others, we don't want to be the leader but we will sure follow or so we think.
In my case, I have tested the waters and I think it's time to get myself wet. I do have to seriously get into business. I also want to make others believe that Philippine proudcts can be the best. They can also be good for the environment and can help delay the consequences of global warming.
That's my stand. What's yours?
PS: Visit the Human Nature site and then let me know if you are interested in ordering by sending an email to geb.humannature@gmail.com. Thanks.
Yesterday was the first day we held a weekend bazaar. It was dubbed Friday Fiesta because we will be having it all Firdays of May. It's at the Bazaar sa Erod on E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City, fron of St Luke's Hospital.
I brought some organic products from a company called Human Nature. They make these beauty and body care products from organically grown sources here in the Philippines. It's been a while since I had done direct selling but I liked their tagline. It represents a couple of advocacies that I would like to push; proPhlippines and pro-environment.
I do believe in these things. However, I have been fence sitting and back seat driving for some time, too long a time in fact. I've decided some months ago that I was no longer just going to sit around and talk about things that should be. I've always stayed on the safe area, the sidelines where the ball might hit you but it probably won't if the players are good. Well, I think it's time I played ball too.
There are things that we believe in. We want to show others what we believe must be. We are convinced that we are on the right. But believing in change and doing something to make it happen are two different things. Most of us wait for others to pave the way. Maybe it's fear of being rejected by other people. Maybe it's fear of ailure. Maybe we just don't want to do it alone because we need the support of others, we don't want to be the leader but we will sure follow or so we think.
In my case, I have tested the waters and I think it's time to get myself wet. I do have to seriously get into business. I also want to make others believe that Philippine proudcts can be the best. They can also be good for the environment and can help delay the consequences of global warming.
That's my stand. What's yours?
PS: Visit the Human Nature site and then let me know if you are interested in ordering by sending an email to geb.humannature@gmail.com. Thanks.
Rains in May
Unofficially, the rainy season has began over here. The little insects told us that. Usually, they flock inside and hug the indoor lights just before the storms start coming one after the other. Well, they have been around two days this week and within a span of a week, we have had two typhoons already.
I remember as a kid, we used to anticipate the first rain in May. It was supposedly good luck to bathe in that first major shower. It used to come late in the month though.
It's still the first week of May and we already have heavy rains. As I'm typing this, there is a downpour outside.
Actually, all summer long, I have had to bring an umbrella in case it suddenly showers. I've been leaving it behind because of the early morning sunshine only to get trapped into staying somewhere because of the rain.
I wonder if it will be sunny by September.
I remember as a kid, we used to anticipate the first rain in May. It was supposedly good luck to bathe in that first major shower. It used to come late in the month though.
It's still the first week of May and we already have heavy rains. As I'm typing this, there is a downpour outside.
Actually, all summer long, I have had to bring an umbrella in case it suddenly showers. I've been leaving it behind because of the early morning sunshine only to get trapped into staying somewhere because of the rain.
I wonder if it will be sunny by September.
Blogging Again
I actually created my first blog either in 2001 or 2002. I don't remember when. I don't even remember where it was hosted. I'm positive about one thing. The template I used then is still available here on blogspot. If I ever have the inspiration to remember the blog name I used, I'm pretty sure I can still visit it.
A coworker discovered blogging first. He knew I was also into writing so he shared hsi blog with me. We had a few exchanges then. One of us would write something and the other would comment.
That's still how blogs work but now there are so many conversations going on. It has become a money maker for some people. Back then, we hoped somebody would notice how well we wrote and hire us. Now, that is close to impossible with so many things being said on the blogsphere.
Self-publishing here is wonderful I think.
A coworker discovered blogging first. He knew I was also into writing so he shared hsi blog with me. We had a few exchanges then. One of us would write something and the other would comment.
That's still how blogs work but now there are so many conversations going on. It has become a money maker for some people. Back then, we hoped somebody would notice how well we wrote and hire us. Now, that is close to impossible with so many things being said on the blogsphere.
Self-publishing here is wonderful I think.
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