So last night, I had dinner with a friend after a full day's of shopping at the mall. We had a long drawn-out debate as to whether or not we'd atted a refresher course for our profession or not. It's actually an expensive lecture, spread out in three days. Expensive boring lectures, not quite appetizing. We weighed the pros and cons, the opportunity costs.
What could that fee we'd pay for the lecture otherwise buy?
Movies, shirts, cups of joe, cases of beer, books, we went on and o, making the lecture less appealing. I mean who really wants to attend a boring lecture?
The most interesting opportunity cost that we'd give up the lecture for would be, dinner at Spiral.
And then, I'm convinced that I'd rather have an expensive dinner than sit down for a boring lecture. My friend had been at Spiral before and the way it was described.... ahh. I had dreams about it last night.
Three kinds of chocolate fondue.
Custom-made sushi rolls.
Plates full of freshly grilled lamb.
Shrimp, both shelled and unshelled.
I did dream about having a fantastic dinner at Spiral, in my favorite pretty blue dress. Ahh... Food, glorious food. Nothing can beat that.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Must Hit Save
Yesterday, 4 hours of work went down the drain. I failed to hit SAVE right before the file corrupted. I almost cried.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Beer
Heineken, overrated. Guinness, heavy.
Tsingtao, the smoothest.
Microbreweries, freshly brewed ale, heaven.
Beer is expensive in Singapore, One bottle out there is a case of ale here. Mind you, I drank a reasonable amount when I was there, thanks to a boss whose liver's ironclad. Indeed she is a closet drunkard! There was one weekend, three straight days, we were drinking, from beers to vodka to rum. Totally enjoyed the sangria! I never thought sangria could be so powerful. I thought it was a girly drink, with the fruit juice and the thick rum, but sangria prepared three days and allowed to ferment in the refrigerator can give a kick stronger than the Red Horses out there.
Tsingtao, the smoothest.
Microbreweries, freshly brewed ale, heaven.
Beer is expensive in Singapore, One bottle out there is a case of ale here. Mind you, I drank a reasonable amount when I was there, thanks to a boss whose liver's ironclad. Indeed she is a closet drunkard! There was one weekend, three straight days, we were drinking, from beers to vodka to rum. Totally enjoyed the sangria! I never thought sangria could be so powerful. I thought it was a girly drink, with the fruit juice and the thick rum, but sangria prepared three days and allowed to ferment in the refrigerator can give a kick stronger than the Red Horses out there.
Think like a Tourist, Act like a Local
My recent trip to Singapore was a fun one. Because I stayed there for a month, it was important to budget my dollars well. I had to skip the expensive tourist restaurants/hotspots, and I had to learn how to live like a local real quick. I had to reserve my wide-eyed amazement moments for the weekend, when I can wear the tourist hat and spend a little on "pasalubongs".
Chrissie's checklist in a foreign land:
1. Know exactly where you live. This is important as I wasn't born with an internal compass, I get lost all the time. So the first thing I had to figure out was the public transport to and fro my residence, which took a while.
2. Know how to order food and know exactly what you can and can't eat. I'm not exactly a big fan of hot stuff, but I wanted to try some at Singapore, even if you tell the food vendor to skip on the chili, the food's still spicy! I learned that chili's really good! So now I can take a little bit of heat. I was a little experimental with the food, the range was fantastic, everything was good. Plum powder on sarawak pineapple, yummers.
3. Do not ride the taxis! There was something about right hand drive taxis that really gave me the dizzies. I really didn't like it, other than it was very expensive. The busses on the other had were really fun! I enjoyed the scenic view. Public transport is pretty straightforward and organized, if you know how to read the bus instructions and you know exactly where you are and where you want to go.
4. Invest in comfortable shoes. Singapore is a country where people walked to everywhere. I bought myself a pair of flats that I wore on days that I knew I'd be doing a lot of walking.
More in a bit!
Chrissie's checklist in a foreign land:
1. Know exactly where you live. This is important as I wasn't born with an internal compass, I get lost all the time. So the first thing I had to figure out was the public transport to and fro my residence, which took a while.
2. Know how to order food and know exactly what you can and can't eat. I'm not exactly a big fan of hot stuff, but I wanted to try some at Singapore, even if you tell the food vendor to skip on the chili, the food's still spicy! I learned that chili's really good! So now I can take a little bit of heat. I was a little experimental with the food, the range was fantastic, everything was good. Plum powder on sarawak pineapple, yummers.
3. Do not ride the taxis! There was something about right hand drive taxis that really gave me the dizzies. I really didn't like it, other than it was very expensive. The busses on the other had were really fun! I enjoyed the scenic view. Public transport is pretty straightforward and organized, if you know how to read the bus instructions and you know exactly where you are and where you want to go.
4. Invest in comfortable shoes. Singapore is a country where people walked to everywhere. I bought myself a pair of flats that I wore on days that I knew I'd be doing a lot of walking.
More in a bit!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Shame, Potterwatch, Back Pains.
I finally got my hands on a Salman Rushdie book. Here in the Philippines, maybe 2 of his books are on the shelves in the hard-to-find books bookstore. However in Singapore, there were a couple, and one of his books was even on the Best Seller rack. Happiness!
Reading "Shame" felt like reading a commentary on the global issue of Palestine with the slight twist of an epic saga in the making. It was truly one of the most powerful books I've ever read. Maybe Omar Shakil is a real person?
Yes, I saw it, the first part of the seventh Harry Potter. Fans of the book won't be disappointed, it largely remained consistent with the written material. However, one thing really popped up, I realized that JK Rowling used Harry Potter to commentate on the second world war. How familiar is it that an evil man with a grudge against the world, used the concept of righteousness of the Ubermensch to raise the status of the purebloods against the half-bloods, the blood traitors and the muggle-born? WAtching Hermione with a "Mudblood" scar on her forearm is so reminiscent of Holocaust. And that statue inside the Ministry of MAgic, with the muggles being stepped upon by the wizards and witches, that really brought it home.
I am suffering yet again from back pains. This is terrible, after a round of badminton, I realized that indeed it was foolishness to not warm-up properly. EVerytime my lower back muscles tense up, I feel a shot of pain. Lesson learned. Though, this makes me go back to the last time I was in this much pain for my lower back. MAkes it even more painful so to speak.
Reading "Shame" felt like reading a commentary on the global issue of Palestine with the slight twist of an epic saga in the making. It was truly one of the most powerful books I've ever read. Maybe Omar Shakil is a real person?
Yes, I saw it, the first part of the seventh Harry Potter. Fans of the book won't be disappointed, it largely remained consistent with the written material. However, one thing really popped up, I realized that JK Rowling used Harry Potter to commentate on the second world war. How familiar is it that an evil man with a grudge against the world, used the concept of righteousness of the Ubermensch to raise the status of the purebloods against the half-bloods, the blood traitors and the muggle-born? WAtching Hermione with a "Mudblood" scar on her forearm is so reminiscent of Holocaust. And that statue inside the Ministry of MAgic, with the muggles being stepped upon by the wizards and witches, that really brought it home.
I am suffering yet again from back pains. This is terrible, after a round of badminton, I realized that indeed it was foolishness to not warm-up properly. EVerytime my lower back muscles tense up, I feel a shot of pain. Lesson learned. Though, this makes me go back to the last time I was in this much pain for my lower back. MAkes it even more painful so to speak.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Kapow.
Yey, it's dairy dash time! Finally free enough to do some bad-ass dashing!
In the middle of crisis management today (two deadlines, both overdue, both draining of the the brain cells), a friend sent a message.
Why do some people bargain and some don't?".
Got me thinking right away, but didn't really have the time to do some writing about it. I had to have a witty answer of course, so I replied, "Because they don't choose to, they don't want it anymore."
And the reply I got to that was, "Hitting the nail right on the head."
Of course.
In the middle of crisis management today (two deadlines, both overdue, both draining of the the brain cells), a friend sent a message.
Why do some people bargain and some don't?".
Got me thinking right away, but didn't really have the time to do some writing about it. I had to have a witty answer of course, so I replied, "Because they don't choose to, they don't want it anymore."
And the reply I got to that was, "Hitting the nail right on the head."
Of course.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Seize it, today.
The prepwork for going abroad for work has left me feeling ambivalent, I am almost too distracted to function in normal conversation without my thoughts floating towards the eventual departure. What's four weeks right? And after this, a solid job offer. Wow, almost too good to be true, it's almost unreal.
The last time I asked that question, "Is this for real"? I got into so much trouble I'm still paying for it when I let go of pushing it out of my brain. Sure, that's all in the "Seasons Past" bucket, but when I remember having that bucket around...
The last time I asked that question, "Is this for real"? I got into so much trouble I'm still paying for it when I let go of pushing it out of my brain. Sure, that's all in the "Seasons Past" bucket, but when I remember having that bucket around...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Just Cause
Today, I was told by the Boss, "So are you ready to leave anytime soon?". I replied nonchalantly, while playing Tower Defense, "Sure, Oct 8 right?". Quick reply goes, "No, soon, real soon.".
Then the panic crept in. Of course when you're leaving for another country and staying there for a while, you need to prepare clothes, rations, etc. And as the true procrastinator that I am, I delayed it for as long as I could -- until I was told that soon could arrive much sooner than anyone expected. I am a backpacker, I don't travelling into some foreign land with a bag with wheels. Luggage-style bags are for jetsetters and businessmen, I'm neither. I'm an explorer and I'd like to believe that I can do with very little. Or maybe I'm just way too lazy to pack a bag with wheels.
Then the panic crept in. Of course when you're leaving for another country and staying there for a while, you need to prepare clothes, rations, etc. And as the true procrastinator that I am, I delayed it for as long as I could -- until I was told that soon could arrive much sooner than anyone expected. I am a backpacker, I don't travelling into some foreign land with a bag with wheels. Luggage-style bags are for jetsetters and businessmen, I'm neither. I'm an explorer and I'd like to believe that I can do with very little. Or maybe I'm just way too lazy to pack a bag with wheels.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Dream Car
Yesterday as I plowed through the morning traffic en route to my exam, I saw an old beaten up green volkswagen beetle. It was a gem amidst the regular traffic. It looked like it was older than me. It had rusty corners, and the paint job was peeling, the trunk paint was a darker color compared to the rest of the body. But it was still the prettiest thing on the road.
When asked what my dream car is, I always say, a cute little two door red beetle. I remember the only time I was able to ride one. My brother borrowed his friend's beetle for a drive, I was at the back and in the front passenger seat was "Ninang Angin", his now wife then girlfriend. I think I was 5 or 6 then, but I remember it so clearly. It was bright yellow, it didn't have an airconditioner, and it was a noisy car. It was the coolest thing ever, and it actually was my inspiration to drive in my adulthood. Someday, this'll be my ride.
I can see it now, with the top down, cruising along the countryside, with the wind in my hair. One day, that cute little red beetle will be my ride home.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Lockdown
Lockdown starts TODAY.
I am focused like a lightbeam on Friday's Finals. Yes, this is the finish line and I have to do well on the final leg. I am left without time to procrastinate, the delay fish is on the grill and soon be served up with a side of laziness and a plateful of excuses.
It's time to kick ass!
I am focused like a lightbeam on Friday's Finals. Yes, this is the finish line and I have to do well on the final leg. I am left without time to procrastinate, the delay fish is on the grill and soon be served up with a side of laziness and a plateful of excuses.
It's time to kick ass!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Soft, sweet shots. (Not the alcoholic kind)
I need help.
Can somebody please tell me how to return an offensive shot without giving it to the opponent? I can't seem to command my forehands and backhands to not return said offensive shot to the opponents direction, so much so that he/she will return the shot back twenty-five times stronger either as a full on smash (I actually got clobbered tonight, thrice) or a soft shot in the opposite direction. I obssessed about it tonight, but I can't overcome it. Then there's the service, I need to learn better service shots. I'll float around youtube, figure out a way around my weakness.
I believe that Badminton is my way of playing lazy tennis. I used to be a varsity tennis player, though for the record I was only in the reserve B team, our A team was the strongest in the league so I played few tourneys in my career, but I trained as much as the A team and had as much fun (without the pressure of competition) in the process. I've not unlearned my basic forehand and as such it translates heavily on my badminton moves. But recently, I've learned to unlearn my tennis and play real badminton, intelligent, strategic, powerful badminton. I run better now and have better foresight of offense and defense. I'll probably still be a work in progress for quite some time, but I realized tonight that I can work on my weaknesses, as a true badminton player.
On the positive side though, I landed the SWEETEST soft shots tonight. I was surprised that I could land one, let alone two,(yes I counted), I landed 5! Just a tad bit more, and I can kill them with my demure absolutely-no-recovery soft shots. Sure I'm no Ginger nor will I ever be of Jojo-calibre, but I've come a long way, and kill me for riding out my confidence tonight.
Sweet soft shots, wapak.
Can somebody please tell me how to return an offensive shot without giving it to the opponent? I can't seem to command my forehands and backhands to not return said offensive shot to the opponents direction, so much so that he/she will return the shot back twenty-five times stronger either as a full on smash (I actually got clobbered tonight, thrice) or a soft shot in the opposite direction. I obssessed about it tonight, but I can't overcome it. Then there's the service, I need to learn better service shots. I'll float around youtube, figure out a way around my weakness.
I believe that Badminton is my way of playing lazy tennis. I used to be a varsity tennis player, though for the record I was only in the reserve B team, our A team was the strongest in the league so I played few tourneys in my career, but I trained as much as the A team and had as much fun (without the pressure of competition) in the process. I've not unlearned my basic forehand and as such it translates heavily on my badminton moves. But recently, I've learned to unlearn my tennis and play real badminton, intelligent, strategic, powerful badminton. I run better now and have better foresight of offense and defense. I'll probably still be a work in progress for quite some time, but I realized tonight that I can work on my weaknesses, as a true badminton player.
On the positive side though, I landed the SWEETEST soft shots tonight. I was surprised that I could land one, let alone two,(yes I counted), I landed 5! Just a tad bit more, and I can kill them with my demure absolutely-no-recovery soft shots. Sure I'm no Ginger nor will I ever be of Jojo-calibre, but I've come a long way, and kill me for riding out my confidence tonight.
Sweet soft shots, wapak.
Monday, September 13, 2010
One Less Thirty
I'm still nursing a residual hangover from one of the rockstariest weekends ever. I am barely connected to the consciousness of the world at the moment, and as such, I had just asked our staff to procure some pineapple juice. I don't exactly know how this works, but one never questions the potent ability of a good hangover remedy.
Methinks ... I've so much to write about, but currently without enough coherence to do so. It's like my brain cells are enjoying a weekend at a remote island and frolicking in the sand. I am not even cognizant of the time.
I need a nap.
Methinks ... I've so much to write about, but currently without enough coherence to do so. It's like my brain cells are enjoying a weekend at a remote island and frolicking in the sand. I am not even cognizant of the time.
I need a nap.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Mrs. De Lima, Thank You.
I've been watching the ANC live coverage of the DOJ inquisition/ fact-finding of the Quirino grandstand hostage taking since it started. And I have to give it up for Mrs. De Lima for taking the lead to answer the questions malingering in the minds of many Filipinos. Having this aired on TV clarifies many things about what truly happened.
Sadly, the PNP is flawed. They better get ready for the onslaught from the international community, most especially the Hongkong government. I hope that the Aquino government rehabilitates the police force ASAP. What an embarassament to the international community if we continue having ill-trained, ill-equipped local policemen. No wonder the Abu Sayyaf in Mindano hasn't been quelled, no wonder private armies are prevalent among the rich and the powerful, no wonder it still scares me to ride the public commute past sunset.
Must study, I hope the Boss doesn't pass on work today.
Sadly, the PNP is flawed. They better get ready for the onslaught from the international community, most especially the Hongkong government. I hope that the Aquino government rehabilitates the police force ASAP. What an embarassament to the international community if we continue having ill-trained, ill-equipped local policemen. No wonder the Abu Sayyaf in Mindano hasn't been quelled, no wonder private armies are prevalent among the rich and the powerful, no wonder it still scares me to ride the public commute past sunset.
Must study, I hope the Boss doesn't pass on work today.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
But It Doesn't Really Matter
I wrote this phrase on my bathroom mirror.
This is to remind me of the true nature of my journey. It doesn't matter how many times I have the bumper of my car fixed, I know I'll keep hurting this car with my driving skills. It doesn't matter how many times I have to nurse sprained ankles and strained muscles, I'll keep on running, I'll keep on playing badminton and yes, I'll keep training in the aerobics class even if I can't even sway with the music. It doesn't matter how many times I fall flat on my face, I'll keep on rising each time and brushing off the hurting. It doesn't matter how many times I have to find my eyeglasses, I know I find them every time I lose them.
I took time off my life to figure things out. Well I came up with a list with what I have figured out so far.
1. Apparently, I enjoy wearing make-up, thanks to my pretty niece Cathy, I've finally acquired the necessary skills to wear proper make-up. I may not be a Ms. Universe candidate, not really my major major cup of tea if you ask me, but I feel better and look more organized with a bit of color on my face.
2. I need to train consistently to keep my energy levels up. Thanks to endorphins, I have a stable source of second wind fuel. I am the laziest person I know, but if my chest is abuzzing with a dose of endorphins, I have to burn this excess energy by working out. I can go through my days feeling like I can do everything (of course with periods of procrastiation in between).
3. But then again, I figured out that I don't have to do everything. Yes, I finally toned the restlessness and the messianic complex to a minimum. Daily activities, simple in its range of activities are surprisingly pleasant. So as I enjoy this sabbatical from the busy, I'm actually looking around and smelling the roses. I'm enjoying this break until I've found that sweet comfortable pace that I can tune my life into.
4. It takes a lot of discipline to be a distance learning student. It's so hard to read school books, but once I have my mojo on, it's game time. And paying for school takes it up a notch. Yes, I paid for grad school, so that changes the dynamic of the game. I am doing this completely on my own. It's quite scary, I must admit.
So yeah, I'm focused like a light beam on the things that really matter. After all, why waste good energy on those that don't?
This is to remind me of the true nature of my journey. It doesn't matter how many times I have the bumper of my car fixed, I know I'll keep hurting this car with my driving skills. It doesn't matter how many times I have to nurse sprained ankles and strained muscles, I'll keep on running, I'll keep on playing badminton and yes, I'll keep training in the aerobics class even if I can't even sway with the music. It doesn't matter how many times I fall flat on my face, I'll keep on rising each time and brushing off the hurting. It doesn't matter how many times I have to find my eyeglasses, I know I find them every time I lose them.
I took time off my life to figure things out. Well I came up with a list with what I have figured out so far.
1. Apparently, I enjoy wearing make-up, thanks to my pretty niece Cathy, I've finally acquired the necessary skills to wear proper make-up. I may not be a Ms. Universe candidate, not really my major major cup of tea if you ask me, but I feel better and look more organized with a bit of color on my face.
2. I need to train consistently to keep my energy levels up. Thanks to endorphins, I have a stable source of second wind fuel. I am the laziest person I know, but if my chest is abuzzing with a dose of endorphins, I have to burn this excess energy by working out. I can go through my days feeling like I can do everything (of course with periods of procrastiation in between).
3. But then again, I figured out that I don't have to do everything. Yes, I finally toned the restlessness and the messianic complex to a minimum. Daily activities, simple in its range of activities are surprisingly pleasant. So as I enjoy this sabbatical from the busy, I'm actually looking around and smelling the roses. I'm enjoying this break until I've found that sweet comfortable pace that I can tune my life into.
4. It takes a lot of discipline to be a distance learning student. It's so hard to read school books, but once I have my mojo on, it's game time. And paying for school takes it up a notch. Yes, I paid for grad school, so that changes the dynamic of the game. I am doing this completely on my own. It's quite scary, I must admit.
So yeah, I'm focused like a light beam on the things that really matter. After all, why waste good energy on those that don't?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
No way, 10lbs!
As an official member of the Burgundy Biggest Loser Club, I had my official weigh in last Friday. I was surprised that I raked in 7lbs short of what I was expecting. Invigorated by such bewildering news, I venture to share a round of Taebo with the other members of the Club. Then played 3 hours of badminton thereafter. Fantastic. I was literally crawling out of the courts in pain.
Then yesterday, I was still in major major disbelief of the progress I've made, so I went and weighed myself in my momma's scale. Her scale has a tendency to add more than what you actually weigh. So in order to have a more realistic view of things, I decided to check my weight on her scale. And instead of 7lbs, it read, 10lbs. No way, I've lost ten pounds since I started training? In spite of the fluctuations? Still?
The definition's coming back, I fit my clothes better and less out of breath when on the treadmill. Perhaps the hours in the gym, on the road running, playing badminton, embarassing myself in various aerobics classes at the gym are paying off, finally.
No more beer. I'm done with that.
Figuratively and literally. I've finally arrived at the finish line.
Must maintain it though, and keep losing them LBs.
Then yesterday, I was still in major major disbelief of the progress I've made, so I went and weighed myself in my momma's scale. Her scale has a tendency to add more than what you actually weigh. So in order to have a more realistic view of things, I decided to check my weight on her scale. And instead of 7lbs, it read, 10lbs. No way, I've lost ten pounds since I started training? In spite of the fluctuations? Still?
The definition's coming back, I fit my clothes better and less out of breath when on the treadmill. Perhaps the hours in the gym, on the road running, playing badminton, embarassing myself in various aerobics classes at the gym are paying off, finally.
No more beer. I'm done with that.
Figuratively and literally. I've finally arrived at the finish line.
Must maintain it though, and keep losing them LBs.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Passion Sings the Most Beautiful Goodbye
Sometimes I dont understand
Why I thought that I had
All the time in the world
To go and see you awhile
For just a little while.
Too caught up in my own life
I didn't see the pain you hid with a smile
And now you're not here with me
Shoulda been, coulda been, woulda been, alright
Wish I knew how to turn back the hands of time
Cus maybe then I'd be here by your side
Wish that I had done just a little more
Wish that I could see you one more time
But I know that God holds your life
Your battle is finally won and he said well done
My faithful servent well done
Too many times in our lives
do we take things for granted
I dont understand it, no
When its right in front of our eyes
Thinking they would be here for all times
Wish I knew how to turn back the hands of time
Cus maybe then you'd be here by my side
Wish that I had done just a little more
Wish that I could see you one more time
But I know that God holds your life
Your battle is finally won
Wish that I had done just a little more
Wish that I could see you one more time
But I know that god holds your life
Your battle is finally won
Wish I knew how to turn back the hands of time
Cus maybe then I'd be here by your side
Wish that I had done just a little more for you
Wish that I could see you one more time
But I know that God holds your life
Your battle is finally won
And God said well done
----
There is truth in his song. When you know they're in a better place, and yet you still miss them, wishing you did more for them.
Why I thought that I had
All the time in the world
To go and see you awhile
For just a little while.
Too caught up in my own life
I didn't see the pain you hid with a smile
And now you're not here with me
Shoulda been, coulda been, woulda been, alright
Wish I knew how to turn back the hands of time
Cus maybe then I'd be here by your side
Wish that I had done just a little more
Wish that I could see you one more time
But I know that God holds your life
Your battle is finally won and he said well done
My faithful servent well done
Too many times in our lives
do we take things for granted
I dont understand it, no
When its right in front of our eyes
Thinking they would be here for all times
Wish I knew how to turn back the hands of time
Cus maybe then you'd be here by my side
Wish that I had done just a little more
Wish that I could see you one more time
But I know that God holds your life
Your battle is finally won
Wish that I had done just a little more
Wish that I could see you one more time
But I know that god holds your life
Your battle is finally won
Wish I knew how to turn back the hands of time
Cus maybe then I'd be here by your side
Wish that I had done just a little more for you
Wish that I could see you one more time
But I know that God holds your life
Your battle is finally won
And God said well done
----
There is truth in his song. When you know they're in a better place, and yet you still miss them, wishing you did more for them.
Bring It On.
The former room mates have rejuvenated the proposal for the Burgundy Biggest Loser competition over pizza and lasagna yesterday. Least amount of percentage weight lost in one year pays for a Red Crab dinner. Isn't it ironic that the grand prize defeats the journey towards achieving the goal? Oh well, that restaurant's really expensive and we really like their "Maritess" crabs.
Bring it on, I am on a mission to win this competition, as per clocking in more hours at the badminton court, doing more runs at the gym and at the roads and being enslaved by my arch-enemy, Oatmeal. I am going to win this one girls, better watch out.
Bring it on, I am on a mission to win this competition, as per clocking in more hours at the badminton court, doing more runs at the gym and at the roads and being enslaved by my arch-enemy, Oatmeal. I am going to win this one girls, better watch out.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Ber Months
September's round the corner, in comes the "ber" months. Speak of such to any non-Filipino, they will not understand what that means. But every Filipino understands this phenomenon of the "ber" months perfectly well. Radio station deejays will start counting down to Christmastime and consequently, start playing Christimas songs. Yes, we do saddle up for the holidays quite early. Malls will once more be flocked with buyers and houses will be fully adorned with their respective versions of the Christmas tree. The nights feel longer during these months, the wind a bit chilly than the months before it. HBO and the Hallmark channels often do reruns of modern Christmastime movies such as my favorite, "The Holiday". Gotta love the Jack Black-Kate Winslet team-up. My favorite scene being the one where Al Pacino glances at them while they scour the halls of the movie rental shop for movies with unique and popular theme songs. It's so geeky and cute.
Christmas is my all-time favorite holiday, it's so happy and hopeful. The food, the gifts, the parties, the merriment, these are all fine and good. But for me the best part is that this is the calm patch that reminds us to be appreciative of life.
Christmas is my all-time favorite holiday, it's so happy and hopeful. The food, the gifts, the parties, the merriment, these are all fine and good. But for me the best part is that this is the calm patch that reminds us to be appreciative of life.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Painful to Watch Barbecue On TV
Senators grilling policemen, <-- too painful to watch, the flavor of barbecue malingers. But this is the kind of TV drama that needs to be drilled into the psyche of people. Understand that there is so much to be fixed in this broken government, make the government accountable to fix it.
These policemen had an opportunity to be great, but instead, here they are, drowning in a sea of systemic, protocol failure. Not enough gas masks, not enough training, bad judgement calls, uncontrolled media men, buying jollibee for generals. Even Gen. Magtibay seems dazed and confused. Men in uniform with grand titles as Senior Inspector, Chief Negotiator, Captain, etc, all flow down the drain simply because of systemic, protocol failure. Where did the millions for appropriate equipment and training go? To their fat bellies I presume.
Sadly, tourists are now even more scared to venture into this country. How can the tourists, whether Chinese nationals or otherwise, possibly enjoy a weekend here in Manila if the threat of being killed mercilessly on the streets is a possibility? No wonder they were quick to call discouragement to travel to the Philippines. I like travelling alone, going to a country where I feel safe in, and according to my standards this country, sadly my own home country isn't one country I'd travel to alone. Think about it? Rogue policemen can't even be controlled by their own, what more the real hardcore terrorists? I'm a local, and I'm scared. Who do I then trust for this country's security?
They need to fix the system from the inside, and in this case, a certain hostage taker Mendoza lit the timebomb. There is EPIC failure in the systems that the government has in place. It failed for Mendoza and his lack of grievance box, it failed for the Chinese nationals who died on vacation, it failed for the foot soldiers who knew nothing better, it failed for the media men who were unlikely accomplices for this mess, it failed for the generals who just want a nice fat retirement. EPIC failure. No one person can take the blame for all of this mess simply because the failure is thickly ingrained into the roots that the government stands on. Awful.
These policemen had an opportunity to be great, but instead, here they are, drowning in a sea of systemic, protocol failure. Not enough gas masks, not enough training, bad judgement calls, uncontrolled media men, buying jollibee for generals. Even Gen. Magtibay seems dazed and confused. Men in uniform with grand titles as Senior Inspector, Chief Negotiator, Captain, etc, all flow down the drain simply because of systemic, protocol failure. Where did the millions for appropriate equipment and training go? To their fat bellies I presume.
Sadly, tourists are now even more scared to venture into this country. How can the tourists, whether Chinese nationals or otherwise, possibly enjoy a weekend here in Manila if the threat of being killed mercilessly on the streets is a possibility? No wonder they were quick to call discouragement to travel to the Philippines. I like travelling alone, going to a country where I feel safe in, and according to my standards this country, sadly my own home country isn't one country I'd travel to alone. Think about it? Rogue policemen can't even be controlled by their own, what more the real hardcore terrorists? I'm a local, and I'm scared. Who do I then trust for this country's security?
They need to fix the system from the inside, and in this case, a certain hostage taker Mendoza lit the timebomb. There is EPIC failure in the systems that the government has in place. It failed for Mendoza and his lack of grievance box, it failed for the Chinese nationals who died on vacation, it failed for the foot soldiers who knew nothing better, it failed for the media men who were unlikely accomplices for this mess, it failed for the generals who just want a nice fat retirement. EPIC failure. No one person can take the blame for all of this mess simply because the failure is thickly ingrained into the roots that the government stands on. Awful.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Media Frenzy
En route to my regular Badminton game at Metro last night, I listened to the clearest AM feed on my car radio. Tado and the Brewrats had to take the backseat to the hostage-taking drama happening at Manila. The feed from the AM channel was very disjointed, on some occasions, the field reporters were out of breath, seemingly part of the whole action, and at certain occasions, the reports weren't so clear, with rain, gunshots and shouts echoing at the background. It really wasn't making much sense because I suppose, things were happening on site and people, whether it be policemen, media reporters, bystanders were all jumpy with excitement.
As far as I'm concerened, this was a fiasco, I've watched too many CSI and Numb3rs episodes to know that the circumstances surrounding this event could very well lead to a disaster.
Surely, this hostage-taker meant business. HE had a fully loaded automatic machine gun, and as a decorated cop, he probably knew what he was doing. Or so we all presume about him. As I checked fezbook this morning, I came across a reference to the case this hostage taker wanted reviewed by the ombudsman or whoever took away his privileges as a retired cop. Yes, he was accused of extortion, and through a viral email, was forever ruined. Down with his career went his AFPSLAI red book pension, perhaps he believed that these benefits were worth fighting for. But was that what he was indeed fighting for? I doubt it.
He wanted to be heard, he wanted to shake this viral email fiasco off him, if what he claims is true, that he really isn't a bad cop, then why this rogue method of fighting the system? Couldn't he just have used media to propel an assault on this Christian Kalaw instead of terrorizing the country and these Hongkong nationals with guns and the threat of having them killed? There are ways to fight a battle without guns, he should've known that because he was a victim of such. He can still regain the respect he so desperately fought for, only he should've used methods that were far less deadly in order to be actually heard. Can you actually listen to what an armed man is saying when he's pointing that gun to someone? In Filipino, we'll ordiarily say, "Um-oo ka na lang."
Then you have the media, jumping at every opportunity. Come on, the whole brother throwing a fit outside the police station, why blow that up at that instance when the media very well knew that the hostage taker had access to a television inside his locked up bus? The hostage taker had his finger at the trigger the whole time, give him a reason to pull it, he will. And so he did. The media, perhaps reflective of this, "usisero" culture we have as Filipinos was in a quandary. They were reporting what they felt compelled to report and yet, they were indirectly causing a chain events that could have very well been avoided.
The reporter at ANC today grilled Isko Moreno, asking him repetitively the What if's questions. What if the brother was contained right away and didn't throw a fit, could things have ended peacefully? What if the negotiators gave the hostage taker more than what they had given, would he have released all of the hostages? What if the SWAT team had better training, could less hostages have been killed? These what if questions are dried water under the bridge.
Again, let me repeat, he had a fully loaded automatic machine gun and a finger on the trigger. Alright, he had something important to say, but sadly nobody wanted to listen because all that everyone could see was that he had that loaded gun aimed at someone. His message of "Get my case reviewed! Now na!" fell on deaf ears because the situation was too tense, too scary and too inevitably deadly.
So what now? Learn. Policemen should have better skills, find a grievance box somewhere if you have something against someone. Choosing to be rogue will not get you anywhere. Mediamen please be careful with your actions, best in Tagalog perhaps, "Wag magpadala sa kaguluhang nagaganap."
As far as I'm concerened, this was a fiasco, I've watched too many CSI and Numb3rs episodes to know that the circumstances surrounding this event could very well lead to a disaster.
Surely, this hostage-taker meant business. HE had a fully loaded automatic machine gun, and as a decorated cop, he probably knew what he was doing. Or so we all presume about him. As I checked fezbook this morning, I came across a reference to the case this hostage taker wanted reviewed by the ombudsman or whoever took away his privileges as a retired cop. Yes, he was accused of extortion, and through a viral email, was forever ruined. Down with his career went his AFPSLAI red book pension, perhaps he believed that these benefits were worth fighting for. But was that what he was indeed fighting for? I doubt it.
He wanted to be heard, he wanted to shake this viral email fiasco off him, if what he claims is true, that he really isn't a bad cop, then why this rogue method of fighting the system? Couldn't he just have used media to propel an assault on this Christian Kalaw instead of terrorizing the country and these Hongkong nationals with guns and the threat of having them killed? There are ways to fight a battle without guns, he should've known that because he was a victim of such. He can still regain the respect he so desperately fought for, only he should've used methods that were far less deadly in order to be actually heard. Can you actually listen to what an armed man is saying when he's pointing that gun to someone? In Filipino, we'll ordiarily say, "Um-oo ka na lang."
Then you have the media, jumping at every opportunity. Come on, the whole brother throwing a fit outside the police station, why blow that up at that instance when the media very well knew that the hostage taker had access to a television inside his locked up bus? The hostage taker had his finger at the trigger the whole time, give him a reason to pull it, he will. And so he did. The media, perhaps reflective of this, "usisero" culture we have as Filipinos was in a quandary. They were reporting what they felt compelled to report and yet, they were indirectly causing a chain events that could have very well been avoided.
The reporter at ANC today grilled Isko Moreno, asking him repetitively the What if's questions. What if the brother was contained right away and didn't throw a fit, could things have ended peacefully? What if the negotiators gave the hostage taker more than what they had given, would he have released all of the hostages? What if the SWAT team had better training, could less hostages have been killed? These what if questions are dried water under the bridge.
Again, let me repeat, he had a fully loaded automatic machine gun and a finger on the trigger. Alright, he had something important to say, but sadly nobody wanted to listen because all that everyone could see was that he had that loaded gun aimed at someone. His message of "Get my case reviewed! Now na!" fell on deaf ears because the situation was too tense, too scary and too inevitably deadly.
So what now? Learn. Policemen should have better skills, find a grievance box somewhere if you have something against someone. Choosing to be rogue will not get you anywhere. Mediamen please be careful with your actions, best in Tagalog perhaps, "Wag magpadala sa kaguluhang nagaganap."
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