Borlogs

Papa Pepe

2007-12-30T18:18:00.000+08:00

30 December 2007 - Public holiday in the Pilippines commemorating the death anniversary of Jose Rizal, National Hero.

Senti Time

2007-12-13T18:06:00.000+08:00

"Home"
MICHAEL BUBLE LYRICS

Another summer day
Has come and gone away
In Paris and Rome
But I wanna go home
Mmmmmmmm

Maybe surrounded by
A million people
I still feel all alone
I just wanna go home
Oh, I miss you, you know

And I’ve been keeping
all the letters that I wrote to you
Each one a line or two
“I’m fine baby, how are you?”
Well I would send them but
I know that it’s just not enough
My words were cold and flat
And you deserve more than that
Another aeroplane
Another sunny place
I’m lucky I know
But I wanna go home
Mmmm,
I’ve got to go home
Let me go home
I’m just too far from where you are
I wanna come home
And I feel just like I’m living someone else’s life
It’s like I just stepped outside
When everything was going right
And I know just why you could not
Come along with me
'Cause this was not your dream
But you always believed in me

Another winter day has come
And gone away
In even Paris and Rome
And I wanna go home
Let me go home
And I’m surrounded byA million people
I Still feel all alone
Oh, let me go home
Oh, I miss you, you know

Let me go home
I’ve had my run
Baby, I’m doneI gotta go home
Let me go home
It will all be all right
I’ll be home tonight
I’m coming back home

Just Like Home

2007-12-13T17:52:00.000+08:00

Some sights in Auckland that can be mistaken for something from home

Ninoy Di ka nag-iisa?

Dick Smith Electronics

Barong Shop in Baclaran?

Novelty shop in K Road

We Will Rock You

2007-12-07T19:33:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I watched the futuristic musical, We Will Rock You. It is a stage play featuring all - Queen songs. Queen as in Freddie Mercury and the other three. It is set in 2300 where music is declared illegal. No one is allowed to sing or play or make instrument due to the bad effects music brought in ancient history. All efforts are done to suppress and destroy any sign of musical inclinations. All of the remnants of music in the past were smashed. Galileo, was a nuisance who hears words and sounds inside his head and whose apparent destiny was to lead the Bohemians, an underground group wanting to revive this thing called music. I reckon by the way I¡¦m telling this, the plot is quite cheesy. But the production was awesomely powerful. I know all the songs Under Pressure, Radio Gaga, One Vision, We are the Champions, Somebody to Love, We Will Rock You, Don¡¦t Stop Me Now, etc.. It ended with, you guessed it, Bohemian Rhapsody.

The lead was played by Mig Ayesa, He is popular to Philippine audience (or maybe globally) as he was one of three finalist in Rockstar INXS, a hit reality show in search for a lead singer of INXS. Mig was born in Manila , then his family migrated to Australia when he was 2, then went off to greater things. After the show, my officemate was saying, Oh I love that Aussie guy. I told her, Excuse me¡K Mig GREW UP in Aus but he is a Filipino. Baba na baba pa lang noypi na e. But one thing is for sure, he did an excellent job. I''m not sure how he managed to pull off Under Pressure, considering that it took two powerhouses, Freddie Mercury and David Bowie to sing that song. Of course, Vanilla Ice ripped it off but that¡¦s another story. The real winner was when a hippie character Pop sang "These are the Days of OUrs Lives"" very heartwarming.

If you know your pop rock music you will appreciate this heaps. If you have a chance to catch it, give it a go. Queen/ Freddie Mercury maybe a lot of things but bloody hell they know how to make music.

Off to score one more complimentary ticket....

These Are The Days

2007-11-30T11:42:00.001+08:00

We Will Rock You fave songs

Davis Cup 2007 - NZ vs Philippines

2007-04-13T08:32:00.000+08:00

When they announced that Davis Cup is going to be held in Auckland , I knew I got to see it. It is New Zealand team against the Philippine team .

It was my first time to watch world ranked players in a game that my father loved to play. The Philippine team was lead by Cecil Mamiit and Eric Taino, Philippines ’ number 1 and 2 ranked players respectively. New Zealand was represented by their top two players as well. The Philippines representatives are ranked higher in the world ranking. Cecil Mamiit at one time in his career has beaten tennis giants like Andre Agassi and Michael Chang, etc.

The games were absolutely awesome. The Philippines swept the title with 3-0. Even from the beginning one could really see that the brown boys have outclassed their opponents. But what is interesting is the courtside vibe. Iba pala feeling when you are cheering for the Philippine team sa ibang bansa. There were around 30 of us Filipinos there to support the team in a crowd of Kiwis. Ang baduy ano, pero iba talaga eh. The claps are longer. The shouts are louder. And when someone would call out GO PHILIPPINES!! it gives the bejeevies out of me.

It was a fantastic experience. All 30 of us left the venue with chins a bit higher and pride a tad bit bigger.

2007-03-31T20:43:00.000+08:00

I got this from a friend...

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probablymore than once and it's harder every time.

You'll break hearts too, soremember how it felt when yours was broken.

You'll fight with your bestfriend.

You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.

You'll cry because time is passing too fast,

and you'll eventually lose someone youlove.

So take too many pictures,

laugh too much,

and love like you've never been hurt

because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Don't be afraid that your life will end,be afraid that it will never begin.

Work in NZ

2007-03-31T20:02:00.000+08:00

Comparison lang ng buhay COA at buhay NZ. Unfair kung magcocompare ako, pero whoever said that life is fair, hehehe

Pinas - NZ Work
Marami minsan. Konti minsan. Pero nakukuha pang mag internet. Magpatugtog. Mag yosi sa fire exit. Chismisan. (Miss ko na ang chismis capital of the world)
Susulitin bawat minuto mo

Wala nang time for doing other things. Multi tasking - Ikaw lahat, taga receive, taga release, taga process, taga desisyon.

Bundy Clocks
finger scanning para iwas lokohan. Kulang na lang retina scanning para walang kawala
Walang time in, time out. based on honesty.

Tawagan
Sir, Mam, Mr., Engr. Auditor, Dr., di pa nakuntento, The Honorable Chairman, Asst. Commissioner so and so
I call my bosses Dale and Chris.

Ang tawag ng mga tao sa Prime Minister nila ay Helen, kasi yun ang pangalan niya.
Official Memos
Dapat naka letterhead, apat na spaces from the sender to the addressee. Times New Roman and font na 12 ang size. Maganda pagkaka-print.

Please be informed
This pertains to your…thereafter, hence, thereby, therefore, undersigned,

Email lang.

Where is the copy of ….
Give a list ….
What shall we do about…
Sweldo
Enough para mamuhay ang isang tao. With the grace of mother dear.
1/3 sa tax. 1/3 sa sarili. 1/3 para pambayad ng utang sa Pinas

Walang yumayaman sa NZ. Lahat pantay pantay. Socialist country
Tax
Di ko alam eh,
above 38,000 per annum – 33%

Ang taas ano.. Kaya 1/3 ng sahod mo napupunta sa gobyerno.

Equipment
Share sa PC, printer photocopy.

One is to one. Para productive

Hataw ang programs nila dito. Of course, marami rin sablay.
Maternity leave
2 mos.
1 year
Social contacts
Friday night bonding at Bhaybee’s garden pag may birthday, kung wala naman, isip ng okasyon. Patak patak, singkwenta pesos yung iba nakakaligtas
Morning tea sa office – bring a plate. Ibig sabihin, magdala ka ng ambag mo, hindi plato. Pag wala, tatanungin nila kung ano dala mo. Di naman sila garapal, naninigurado lang.
Lunch break
11:30 lunch. 12:00 -1:00 Patay ng ilaw, tulog para fresh, di kaya internet, deadma sa phone kasi lunch break
30 mins lang. Hanap ka ng oras na mag lunch break.. Di ka nila bibigyan ng medalya kung di ka nang 30 mins break.
Pag may bagong empleyado
Sino yan? San siya galing? Anu alam niyan? Bahala siyang alamin ang mga bagay bagay ditto noh. Ako nga noon ……
May afternoon tea welcoming the new employee. mag aapointment sa lahat ng taong may dapat ituro say o. SAP, ARION, timetabling,

Di na sila nagtanong kung san ako galing, ang importante, maturuan nila ako, at pakinabangan na ako asap.
Friendship
Ninang, ninong ng mga anak ng ka-opis. Eh di ba second parent yun. Bless mo ninang, si Tita, si Tito….

Punta Greenhills, pasama bili ng kailangan. Punta bahay, kung may handaan.
Wala eh.
Utangan
Marami, take your pick
Mortgaged lahat, bahay, kotse, pc, furnitures. Nabubuhay sa utang mga tao dito. Worse pa sa Pinas.
Racket
Magtinda ng tocino, ulam, damit, magic cream etc. Tax free
Magtrabaho sa Burger King, Macdo, cleaner, pero 40% ang tax, wala rin
Dental & Medical
Libre
Hindi noh. May dental check up dito, gulat ako $40 daw. (P1360)
Chika
Chika in the morning
Chika in the afternoon
No time.
Kapogian sa trabaho
Salat. Si Gary at Allen ang pogi.
Kahit san ka lumingon. Para kang nanood ng cine.

Police, construction workers, siyet na malagkit, hulog panty…

Small talk
No such thing dapat kwentuhan ng buhay ito ,
Kris-James-Hope
James-Kris-Philip
Kris-James-Marlboro.
How are you? Dapat ang sagot – Awesome or good as gold or box of birds ( di ko rin gets e)

How was your weekend?

Naglaba, natulog,

Hindi ako nagrereklamo, nanghuhusga, nagyayabang, nanlalait, or kung anuman ang interpretasyon . Base lamang naman ito sa aking experience. One week on the job is not enough to assess but it will give you a snapshot of things here.

Wisdom from Mindanao

2006-11-05T11:29:00.000+08:00

There is project that gives an opportunity to research and document COA offices in Regions IX and XIII which basically means visiting every government office in both regions. Although we did not get to visit all, we managed to cover a hefty. What should be dragging business trip turned out to be an interesting and informative road trip. I am eternally grateful as I picked up unconventional wisdom from interesting people I met along the way.

I learned that –

Luxurious road means lukso lukso road. Must’ve heard this joke a thousand times.

Walang kawala si Josephine Bracken kay Jose Rizal. Dapitan sunset is just too romantic. Who wouldn’t be smitten by it?

When God speaks, minsan subtle, minsan literal. Ang misteryosong pagkawala ng signal ng celphone ni Bert.

The life and loves ni Kuya Jhun. Parang kahit buong Mindanao ang tahakin, hindi pa rin matatapos ang kwento.

Talagang hinihintay ng mga bata na malapit na ang sasakyan na tumatakbo ng 140 kmph bago tumawid sa highway. – Bert

Maganda suspension ng Toyota Innova - Kuya Jo

Computer Room means CR.

Pwedeng tumakbo ang sasakyan ng 160 kmph ng safety. – Bert

Pag mag vivideoke, dapat with feelings at wag mahihiya, cast all others aside. Walang pakialamanan ng kanta dito. – Auditor/Voice Coach Rivas

Pwede palang maging action packed ang buhay ng isang auditor. May patayan, may lovelife, kidnapan, conspiracy, parang telenovela. All the while I thought they were just boring individuals. – Mam Betsy

Muslims have high respects to the Virgin Mary. - Pol and Soraya.

Masarap pala ang luxurious travel like in Dakak. All the while I’ve been traveling backpack style. A night in Dakak opened my eyes that spending the early morning lazying out in a duyan in front of the white sand beach is definitely not bad after all. Babalik ako dyan sa Dakak…

Not all Muslims have the same Eidl Fitr and Hariraya. They have their own personal time estimates. – Pol

Mas high tech ang mga computer sa mga Provincial Auditor’s Office. Naka laptop at naka plasma screen sila.

Kaya umuuwi ang mga asawa dahil nakahanda na ang towel at damit. – Sir Billy

Not to eat too much pusit otherwise, I’ll miss a good gimik due to indigestion. Katakawan….

Ang ganda ng Region 9 Office – Zamboanga City. Idyllic scenery, overlooking lush green rice fields, backdropped by mountain ranges in a clear sky kaya lang maraming polkadots dahil sa tama ng bullets.

Gamay, dili, daghang salamat, gwapo, isa, duha, tulo, upat… That’s the extent of my bisaya.

Basta habal – habal driver, sweet lover. Ask the teachers. Marami raw nagkakatuluyan na habal habal drivers at teachers. Kainis… bakit naman walang habal habal sa bandang Fairview. Unfair!!!

Marami whirlpool sa Surigao going to Siargao kasi nandun ang Philippine Deep.

A habal – habal can fit 3 adults and 4 children plus two sacks of rice.

Different style of tricycle around the country. Sa Pagadian, pang uphill ang tryc, sa Molave, padyak ang gamit, sa Surigao, kasya ang pito.

Children travel 2-3 kms by foot everyday to attend to their studies. So are college students.

The importance of letting go of someone and moving on with life. Idolo kita Ate Eve. Bonding ulit tayo…

There is a province called Zamboanga Sibugay. Got to re-learn my Geography.

Barter sa Zamboanga City ay nagsasara ng alas singko ng hapon. What kind of shopping closes at 5 PM? Hmp…

Pwedeng mag-stroll sa beach na puro bato ng naka-high heels – Auditor Daday Catubigan

Surigao has the best crabs. Masarap ang curacha sa Zamboanga

Masarap ang Zamboanga White – Sir Greg/Bert

Learned to eat Durian… Armi’s record – 3 seeds in one sitting!!! 3 seeds baby…Thank you .. thank you…

Ang Pag-iibigan ni Jose Rizal at Josephine Bracken sa Dapitan

2006-10-30T18:54:00.000+08:00

Kaya pala nagka- in-love-an si Jose Rizal at Josephine Bracken sa Dapitan, Zamboanga.

Bakit naman hindi? Tingining natin....

Twing takipsilim ganito ang makikita mo

Kaya ako nag-feeling Josephine Bracken sa Lover's Rock

At ito naman si Jose Rizal, hahaha, photographer namin... matipuno

At eto naman ang mga Katipunero

Letter of Rosie

2006-10-30T13:57:00.000+08:00

hi maam armi,

personally, when i heard the news about your moving out to onother place w/c is so far from here, medyo nalungkot ako kasi i'm looking forward for you to be my prof. again in Psycho but i have to accept the reality na lahat tayo may kanya-kanyang dreams na gustong marating.

i just remember a verse in the bible regarding the promises of God in the life of Abraham. when God called him to go to the land of Canaan kasi he was from Haran, abraham moved out in faith, kahit hindi niya alam kung anung meron dun sa lugar na yun, this meant leaving his home and friends and travelling to a new land where God promised to build a great nation from abraham's family.

God's will may come in stages, just as the time in Haran was a transistion period for abraham, so God may give us transistion periods & times of waiting to help us depend on him and trust his timing. if we patiently do his will during the transistion times, we will be better prepared of a greater service and usefulness for him.

to finished what we start takes hard work, wise guidance, self-discipline, and patience. anyone w/ vision can start a big project, but vision w/o wisdom often results in unfinished projects and goals. i believe that you already have these criteria, kaya, maam, i believe you will recieved your reward in God's time.

we will miss you maam armi!

love and prayer's
rosie

Letter To My Students

2006-10-03T01:13:00.000+08:00

As you approach a new semester, I will also approach a new semester in mine. In a few months I shall be packing my bags and try my luck in the land of long white clouds, New Zealand. Three things comes to mind when you hear that country, Lord of the Rings I, II and III. In the beginning that was all I know too. I have been given the opportunity to explore the setting of the fantasy trilogy and see if it could be the setting for my fantasy future as well. While I do not encourage putting everything on line, I do encourage however, following your dreams.

Four time MVP Awardee Ramon Fernandez was asked what is his most cherished accomplishment, he said “I have won every single basketball award there is, but nothing brings me greater pride than being the first coach of the likes of Patrimonio, Codinera and Lastimosa. They are not only best players but best individuals as well.” While I do not compare myself with El Presidente’s greatness, we share the same honor of mentoring fine individuals. Despite voluminous assignments, bitchy recitations, lengthy exams and eternal political issues. I thank you for trusting me in the driver seat and explore what the book says about Political Science and what is in store in the real world.

I still think that we should all contribute our fair share for this country. Like I said nationalism and patriotism is shown anyplace in the world.

Nothing has changed. I am still just an email away. My offer of help in ways you think I can help you is standing. I will try to keep in touch as often as possible. But for now, I’ll see you around until I board that plane. Please pray for me. I am scared but I could not afford not trying. Hopefully, I’ll be back and teach again in NCBA.

Best of luck to all of us. If you happen to be in the vicinity of New Zealand, you might want to pay me a visit. Sagot ko tagay, siyempre gatas. Aja aja fighting!!!

Cheers!

Prof. Armi

Our Deepest Fear

2006-09-21T09:15:00.000+08:00

Got this from the movie "Akeelah and the Bee". Then I found out that it is entitled "A Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,

gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking

so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously

give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

our presence automatically liberates others.

Boycott Petron

2006-09-03T09:29:00.000+08:00

A fellow Hands On Manila volunteer emailed this to the egroup. I thought I'd help out with the information campaign and spam it to all my email friends. Please join in. Let's show these megabuck companies that there is something called corporate social responsibility. They cannot do business in this country and wash their hands clean when something goes wrong. That is plain wrong. I'll even go as far as pleading that people boycott Petron gasoline stations until they clean up the mess that they made.

++++++

Last August 11, 2006, Solar I, a tanker chartered by Petron to transport 2 million liters of oil sank somewhere in Guimaras Straight.

The resulting oil spill affected 200 kilometers of shoreline, damaging more than 1000 hectares of mangroves in the area, and damaging seaweed plantations, coral reefs, marine reserves and rich fishing grounds. The area is known to be home to the dugong and at least 2 of the 5 turtles found in the Philippines. This incident endangered the life and livelihood of over 10,000 people in the island.

Petron is legally and morally liable for the oil spill in Guimaras. Let us unite and demand that Petron answer this tragedy and be held accountable for the loss of natural resources and livelihood of the people of the island.

Boycott Petron products until they have fulfilled their moral and legal obligations to all those affected by this tragedy. Let us also lobby for stringent laws to regulate the transport of oil and all hazardous substance in our oceans.

Sign your name and be counted.

http://www.petition online.com/ guimaras/ petition. html

Letter to Sports Unlimited

2006-07-27T17:39:00.000+08:00

To the producers and crew of Sports Unlimited,

Thank you for your feature on the whalesharks of Donsol aired last July 15, 2006 at ABS CBN. It brought memories when I too, was enamored by the awesome creature, the whalesharks or butanding when I got a chance to visit the small fishing village of Donsol, Sorsogon summer of 2002.

I would just like to call your attention on my observations on that specific episode. I utterly agree that the preservation of the whalesharks lies on how we respect and care for them. However, contrary to the episode's narration, the visual showed otherwise. I have noticed that hosts, particularly Mr. Mark Nelson and other guests swam too close to the whaleshark almost to the point of touching the animal. The first rule in the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) orientation is to swim at least three (3) meters away so as not to disturb the path of the animal and their environment. I give the benefit that Mr. Nelson and others must have been so enchanted that they forgot the basic guidelines. I understand that the magnificence of these gentle giants have this effect on people. But this should not preclude them from following the rules. This gives the wrong impression that visitors can imitate Mr. Nelson’s actions. I assume that the staff and crew of the show also attended the orientation. They should have reminded Mr. Nelson and the others to keep their distance and follow the rules. I am also surprised that the Butanding Interaction Officers (BIOs) allowed these people to swim that close to the whalesharks. Let us remember that we are just visitors to their home. And just like any visitor, we should respect our hosts’ home and personal space.

While I admire the shows contribution in promoting sports, tourism and environment preservation. I also believe that the show has a responsibility to set a good example on conducting themselves when they are in a certain environment.

I sincerely hope that above observation is taken constructively. I have great respects for the creative and hardworking people behind the show.

Thank you and more power.

Armi

Be Still My Bulusan

2006-07-02T10:56:00.000+08:00

Mt. Bulusan. Taken summer of 2002 on our road trip to Bicol, Philippines. Serene, green and idyllic. I could never forget the mountainside trek my friends and I had. It was an easy walk

around the crater lake of the mountain. Cool breeze touching our faces. Enchanted by her tranquil beauty. Stopped by an image of Mama Mary to thank her for this breathtaking place. Lately, Mt. Bulusan has been spewing ashes. There have been strong seismic activities where she lies. Experts say that it will not be long that we will feel her fury. Eruption is inevitable. I know that this is what volcanoes do. They go through certain changes just like everything else. She will never be the same again. But I hope to see her and take my breath away again.

Coconets For Our Coconuts

2006-06-16T01:20:00.000+08:00

Last year the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the largest broadcasting company in all of Europe instituted a competition that would reward projects that make a real difference to local communities. I was surprise to see that there was an entry from the Philippines. Agricultural engineer Justino Arboleda invented nets that are made from waste coconut husks to prevent soil erosion. He also developed other products like doormats, car seats stuffing, etc. from the same indigenous material. There were 11 equally inventive entries from Spain, USA, Kenya, Malta, India, Ukraine and five other countries. The winner will receive from Shell a US$20,000 grant to benefit their project and a full exposure through a documentary that will be shown in BBC channels for repeated slots.

When BBC proclaimed the Philippine Coconets as the winner, they were true to their promise of the S 20,000 grant and exposure of the project to international media. In the homefront, I could not find a decent write up about the event in the newspaper. No published congratulatory notes from Congressmen, politicians or otherwise. No victory party. No TV special. No Motorcade. No tickertape parade. http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/comp_link.php

I could not dispute that winning an international beauty contest is great. Winning a title bout is amazing. Reaching the Everest summit is nothing short of wonderful. There is no doubt that these accomplishments bring a smile to Filipinos’ faces. Indeed, it helps during these times when even a smile is hard to come by.

But let us put everything in its proper place, the exposure that the coconets got maybe what they need to revive the dying coconut industry. Industry that about 4 million families depends on. What is sad is The Department of Tourism paid multimillion dollars to CNN and BBC to air WOW Philippines advertisement for the European and American market to have at least a second glance of our country. This exposure came for free. But again we failed to capitalize on whatever media mileage BBC afforded to this destitute industry.

I guess we were too busy to take notice. Too busy watching celebrity wannabes make a fool of themselves posting as real TV. Or maybe we are just misguided. Misguided to celebrate shallow victories that we failed to recognize what true triumph is all about. This is an opportunity that again we passed up on. However, how many opportunities can we afford to pass up in the future?

Teacher Guro Sangsingnim

2006-06-11T15:32:00.000+08:00

People ask me how come I teach. I make a decent wage from my day job, why tire myself on teaching miss out on other things I like to do. Well, I’m certainly not in it for the money. I teach because I want to teach. I do not have some lofty ideas that I could be like John Keating of Dead Poets Society or Mila or some movies tackling on teachers affecting the lives of their misguided students. Everyone seem to have these romanticized ideas of how a teacher should be. I do not have the illusion of saving the world from illiteracy or to inspire students to reach unheeded grounds. Wish I could, but I doubt.

I set realistic goals. I take one lecture at a time, one requirement at a time, one exam at a time. And in time, the class will be able to learn the subject. If along the way I gain friends, if along the way, I influence them to do well. Then, that will make me very happy. If along the way I gain enemies, then I take that it is all part of the job.

What is my style? How do I approach them? Am I strict or not? Am I a cool professor or am I Ms. Tapia? What Do I rather be? Loved? Or feared? Sadly, I do not put too much effort on addressing such issues. For each question requires an extensive and complicated answer. Nothing in teaching is ever simple but I try to approximate simplicity. At the start of the program I readily tell the students what are the requirements of the class, i.e. seatworks, assignments, quizzes, major exams. At the end of the program, we will see if they have complied with the requirements. If they fulfilled the requirements they pass, if not, they fail. I know that it sounds too black and white. But for me, if we just let the teachers teach and the students learn in its truest sense, then everything will fall into its proper places. I am here to teach and teach I will.

Our Class Our Rules

2006-06-11T15:15:00.000+08:00

Fundamental rules in my class.

1. Plus five points in the final grades for those with complete attendance. Previous experience would attest that a lot of students were saved from repeating this subject because of the bonus points.
2. All seatworks, assignments, recitation, and other requirements are graded.
3. Unless otherwise announced, classes will push through as scheduled.
4. Late submission of requirements like assignments, seatworks, papers shall be deducted 5 points for every session that it was delayed.
5. All quizzes and its coverage are announced. Coverage will be announced whether it was discussed or not.
6. Quizzes and major exams shall be handed out in class chronologically from highest to lowest.
7. All requirements, unless otherwise instructed shall be written in long ruled pad.
8. All seatworks, requirement and all other requirements shall be filed in one folder for reference.
9. English is the primary medium of instruction in this class.
10. There shall be a class directory.
11. Internet will be an important tool in this class as you will be assigned research work.
12. Do not replace your duty to read your pre-class preparation by listening to my lecture. I prepare for my classes and so do you.
13. Multimedia learning. Tapping different sources books, from each other, other practitioners.
14. There will be a final requirement.
15. Everyday is a recitation day. Do not report for class unprepared.
16. Everyday is an assignment day.
17. If time and resources permit I give awards to outstanding individuals in the class.
18. Grades are appealable.
19. Any concern should be communicated to me in order for us to make the necessary adjustment. If you need to be excused from class please tell me ahead of time. The student will be responsible for the things he missed whether the absences is excused or not. I give consideration when consideration is due.
20. Above are can be discussed as long as the student directly approaches me.

Sawasdee Thailand

2006-05-22T08:43:00.000+08:00

Thailand

It was December 26, I received a call that I have to attend a very important meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. I was given the direction and all other specifications. Booked my flight. 31st All Season’s Place, Bangkok, Thailand, got it. Attend the meeting, have a side trip in Patpong and go home. That was the mission.

Bangkok, Thailand is the least of the destination I want to visit. I have heard many things about the place. They say that it is much like Manila, third world, polluted and populated. Why bother...

I arrived early at the airport as my ride demands that we leave early to avoid rush hour traffic. Wait for my travel bud, Riza. Riza is also scheduled for a meeting in Bangkok. We decided to travel together to ease up on travel cost.

We boarded Kuwait Airways flight. Arrived at Bangkok near dawn.

Breakfast was sumptuous.

We did not avail of the half-day city tour as we were told that they would only be bringing us to jewelry stores and corner us to buy something.

When two girls unite, this ought to be a shopping trip. I am not much of a shopping gal. I stick to the essentials, memory for my digicam, sports gear (swimming and badminton gear) and of course, food. We checked out the nearest malls which were walking distance from First House. We stayed at Pratunam area, the Divisoria of Bangkok. We checked out World Trade Center, Isetan, Emporium, Big C and Pratunam bazaars. Bangkok is indeed a shopping paradise. Electronics are cheaper, swim and badminton gear, wider selection and cheaper and food are sold everywhere. I lost my battle with shopping on the first day of trip.

This early I have seen several ladyboys already. Lady boys are men dressed as women, much like drag queens we see in Malate. They became prettier than your average Jane. Although I still have mixed opinions about their sexual orientation, I admire the effort of looking good and putting everything intact, yes, including that.

We met Peachy, a member of the same egroup we belong.

Breakfast was the same as yesterday.

We prepared for our meeting with destiny. Checked out the internet cafe, to stay connected with family and people of the same interest. We stumbled upon, A, also a friend from a support group and she shared her experience with her appointment. She invited us to go to Patpong, which we politely declined as we have an important appointment the day after.

Breakfast was the same as yesterday and the day before.

This the D-day the Lord has made. I was scheduled at 10:00 am. Took almost an hour of discussion. I'd like to think it went well. I was surprise to see that the person I’m meeting with was very young, pretty and educated. She resembles those girls we see in Chinovelas.

After that, I went with Peachy, who also had a meeting. In my mind Peachy is an excellent travelmate. She likes to walk, talk, depends on maps and gets lost along the way too, much like I do. And she's ready to strike a pose when somebody says cheese. I was lucky, as this is her second time in Bangkok. I literally hostaged her to explore Bangkok with me.

We went to MBK Mall, the largest mall in Bangkok, to have lunch. My lunch is about B50, and it surpassed my expectations. For the record, I have always loved Thai food. In college, I patronize SR Thai resto, a filipinized thai resto along Dapitan. However, the nearest Thai resto in our place is Muang Thai which is far above what I can afford. We explored MBK Mall. We could not get in touch with Riza as Thai public phones are just too complicated for these two Manila professors so we went ahead on our own..

Outside MBK is a colorful and lively Lion dance, much like what we see in Binondo only the acrobatics are more complicated. It is Chinese New Year after all. The guards directed us to Bangkok Tourist Information, where we got some maps and direction to Jim Thompson House.

Jim Thompson is a British expat who revived the Thai silk industry. One day he went to the woods and then disappeared forever. To this day they do not know if he is still alive, went back to his native land, eaten by lions or abducted by aliens. Anyway, we joined a house tour. After the tour, we made friends with Zoraya, the tour guide. Zoraya is not her real name. She just uses her friend’s nameplate as symbol of her closeness with her. Go fig. I asked her some questions about life and she answered much too honestly. We learned that she has been working as a tour guide for two years and she feels that two years is enough. She wants to move on to another company doing somwhere in the line of marketing, which was her major in college. Then, she asked us if we know any company that could take her in. Career, lovelife, family are universal concerns so those are what she shared. I discovered more about Zoraya’s life than Jim Thompson at Jim Thompson’s House and I am glad. She thought that we were Thai university professors having an educational trip. That’s a good sign.

We walk to the nearby art store which was really nice.

I requested Peachy if we could drop by the Thailand National Stadium, the training venue for Thai Badminton Team. It looked promising as we enter, the first picture we saw a billboard of Her Royal Highness playing badminton. Then we snooped around. I was hoping to stalk Boonsak Ponsana, Satinee and Saralee (world number 4 ladies doubles) training. But there is no training for that day.

We looked at the map on interesting places that we can visit by walking. We saw the prestigious, Chulalongkorn University, comparable to UP in the Philippines. We accidentally saw a good part of the campus as we were looking for a good place to take a picture somewhere distinctly Chula U. We saw the grounds, different colleges, the toilet, coffee shop/library. Then we spot the perfect spot. Nearby is Srikhaniwirot University, which was also good.

Then I asked if we could visit the place where Muay Thai, the traditional Thai art of war. It is dangerous, brutal and cruel. Quite frankly, I’m not a big fan of sports whose aim is to inflict pain. I was just inspired by a great movie, Beautiful Boxer. I just want to see the ritual before the fight, where the hardened fighters, wear a garland upon their heads and perform a traditional Muay Thai dance. Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is the venue for the best of Muay Thai boxers. Standing outside the stadium was like standing outside a cock derby where bloodthirsty people routing for their bets, screaming “Dehado!!! Llamado!! in Thai. Entrance is B500 if you are local, and B2,000 if you are a foreigner. Fantastic. Since we could pass for Thais, we could easily get in for B500. But the driver tipped the entrance person that we’re from the Philippines. There goes my bright idea. I think he is also concern that the boxing stadium is not safe for Thai looking Filipinas to hang out.

Beside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Rows and rows and rows of Thai trade. Now we’re on safe grounds. Peachy bought a 30B Buddha, I bought a celphone case. We had dinner at the food court open air, where we split the rice and the thai coldcuts. Perfect shoppers aren’t we? We travel by foot, we shop sparingly and we eat in halves. I’m sure the tourist department will be out of jobs if all trippers are like us.

What I enjoyed most is the open air bar with live bands playing at the center of Suan Lum. We just sat on the steps of a small overpass which I think is the best seat of the house. We can leave anytime we want, we can see the performance and we don’t have to order anything.

We went back to the hotel. Riza spent the night with her cousin.

Breakfast is different this time. Not!

I met up with Marjen, also a friend from the support group. She was with her boyfriend. So that means crossing out city tour and Patpong gimik as I don’t want to get in the way. Peachy is busy. Riza is still with her cousin. A went back home. So it is solo in the Bangkok. I have read a lot of travel blogs and they say that one will learn more about oneself when one travels alone. Am I up for the challenge? No, not really but I have no choice. I have a lot of concerns, like how to get to the places I want to go to, how to understand Thai and more importantly, who’s going to take my picture.

I reached Vinanmek Mansion, metered B40 from the hotel. I explored the largest teakwood structure in Thailand, probably the world. It is a whole compound. Along the way, I saw some interesting places nearby. I went on foot to go to the Parliament building. I pleaded the guard if I could just have a peek of the building, ooops also, if he could take my picture.

Then, strolled to Dusit Zoo. It was a decent Zoo. Not quite Singapore Zoo but definitely better than Manila Zoo. I enjoyed the tram ride. I didn’t understand the narration but I pretty much can identify the animals and what they are about. Thank you National Geographic Channel. Thai? No. Malaysia? No. Philippine? Yes. Very beautiful. I don’t know if he’s referring to the Philippines or me. I believe it’s the latter.

Then, I walked to King A____ house. A western influenced mansion. I asked the pineapple vendor to take my picture. Unfortunately, he could not understand neither my camera nor me. A taxi meter stopped by and helped the vendor. However, I didn’t want him holding my camera, as he could easily drive off with it. It was safer with the vendor at least if he ran off with my digital camera, I’m left with a pushcart filled with pineapples. Not a bad deal.

Then I went to King Chulalongkorn (RAma V), I offered a candle and pay my respect as royalties in Thailand are believed to be descendants of divinity. I asked the street sweeper to take my picture. Who at first thought I want to take her picture with King Chula. So I took her picture to satisfy her.

Hailed a taxi meter to go to Grand Palace. Really nice place. I didn’t explore much of the place but from what I saw, it is well, grand.

Went back to the Hotel. A long ride though, but this offered a peep of the city. The driver was amused on how I would read aloud all the street signs and how I would clap my hands and say ‘Ladyboy! Ladyboy!’every time I’d spot one.

I went to explore further Pratunam and it did not disappoint.Then to other malls like IT City Mall where there are floors and floor of electronics. Too bad most of the items offer Thailand only warranty. Explored the newly opened, Platinum Mall, drink the fruit juice I bought and just hang out. I saw a baby elephant malling with his date. Really cute. Then off to Emporium where branded items are available. Then back to Big C to buy the Bangkok pants I want and to eat dinner at the sidewalk. It is a food trippers paradise.

My legs are hurting because of too much walking. Then, I saw this Traditional Thai Massage B250. The gates of heaven opened. After 1 hour of joint cracking, muscle squeezing and laughter suppressing, I headed to the hotel.

When I reached First House, Riza was already there. Then I called Marjen if they are still up for Patpong. I am not going back to Manila without seeing Patpong. How can I? When it is the Ladyboy capital of the world. Patpong is Bangkok’s red light district. Where everything and anything can happen. The bar girls take in bananas, cigarettes, soda bottles, coins, darts, not through their mouths but somewhere down there. The girls are just, well, prolific. It’s fun. It’s yucky. It’s sleazy. Cost us B500 to satisfy our curiosity.

Breakfast was the same.

We had our last minute pasalubong shopping in Pratunam area.

In my last hour of Thailand to the airport, I was pondering of things I could've done. I wish I could have researched more. I wish I could’ve mustered enough guts to ask two traveling Buddhist monks to have a picture with me. I wish I have seen Chao Phraya and all the wats (temples). I wish I could have seen the floating market. And I wish I could stay longer. But that’s just my one minute of regret.

Back on earth, Manila was in high spirits because Manny Pacquiao won a title match. I’m still waiting if I won mine.

One-time Stories

2006-05-19T14:52:00.000+08:00

One-time stories are anecdotes of small personal victories that come out of the ordinary. These are stories you would want to remember at times when you wish you’d be ran over by a train. It’s like God saying that for all the trials you endured, here enjoy a taste of life for awhile. In the movie “Little Giants” Rick Moranis, played a not so athletic football coach who is forever in the shadows of his ultra popular local brother. Half time came and he gave a pep talk to his frail and geeky junior players. “I remember my brother and I would race down the 2nd Street. And every single day, he would win by a great distance. But one time, I outrun him. I never won again. But one time was enough to make me realize that even if my brother beats me 99.9% of the time, still, that leaves me with one time.” And then his players began sharing their one time stories, like, ‘one time I scored the highest in our math exams, one time I won a remote control car race, one time I earned 5 dollars from my lemonade stand sales’. Then they went off feeling good about themselves and eventually winning the football. Back on earth, I asked around for their one-time stories. Amazing how their faces light up as they relate their snippets of victory. And just like the Little Giants they went off feeling better about themselves. Here are some one time stories I heard -

“One time, the hottest guy in the party asked me to dance. He could have chosen prettier girls but he asked me.”

“One time, I scored the highest in comprehensive exams.”

“One time, I beat the best players in badminton, my coach and my friend. Two sets!!! baby!!! Two sets!!”

“One time, I cooked a perfect meal that every member of my family praised to the highest.”

Although, not all are meant to live happily ever after, but one time the universe will conspire to give each one of us our own share one-time stories.

Travel Tips

2006-05-12T17:04:00.000+08:00

If you are going out of town for the summer vacation, here are some mantra that we should all follow. These were lifted from World Wide Fund manual.

Ø Respect local culture
Ø Support local industries
Ø Do not litter
Ø Observe but do not disturb natural systems
Ø Minimize your impact on the environment
Ø Act directly to accomplish conservation

Always remember the Mountaineer’s Creed

“Take nothing but memories
Shoot nothing but pictures
Leave nothing but footprints.”

2006-05-09T20:14:00.000+08:00

Just tryin this slideshow feature

Minimum Wage Law Para sa Araw ng Pagawa

2006-05-02T07:56:00.000+08:00

Policy Analysis:
Minimum Wage Law

The following discussion concentrates on the policy on Minimum Wage Law. It focused on the statutory provisions of the constitution and its executory legislation. It provides an analysis on how the existing policies are adequately implemented according to its legislative intent and if these are still applicable to the changing environment and how the stakeholders, particularly the workers and the corporations are affected and react to it. It perused the provisions on wage determination as provided for by the Labor Code, its Implementing Rules and Regulations and Republic Act No. 6727 also known as the Wage Rationalization Act are quoted in this discussion.

Public Policy
“Wage Policy” refers to the legislation or government action calculated to affect the level or structure of wages, or both, for the purpose of attaining specific objectives of social and economic policy.”1 This is a social legislation which objectives are “elimination of exceptionally low wages, the establishment of fair labor standards and the protection of wage earners.”2 A Wage Policy may be executed through Constitutional provisions, Wage Orders, Collective Bargaining, Labor-Management Councils and settling of wage rates through procedures for conciliation and arbitration.
Constitutional Mandate for the Living Wage
The intention of the Constitution is to provide a basis for an adequate and decent standard of living for the worker’s household. This is duly expressed in Article XIII Section 3 of the 1986 Philippine Constitution which, in part, states that “… The state shall afford full protection to workers…. xxx…. It shall guarantee the right of all workers…. xxx… (who shall be entitled to) … a living wage.”3

Republic Act No. 6727
In July 1988, Republic Act No. 6727 otherwise known as the Wage Rationalization Act was promulgated amending certain provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, Articles 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 126 and 127.
This act created the National Wage and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB), minimum wage fixing has been devolved from the national commission to the regional boards. Its objectives are the following:
1. “to rationalize the fixing of minimum wages;
2. to promote productivity improvement and gain sharing measure to ensure a decent standard of living for the workers and their families;
3. to guarantee the rights of labor to its just share in the fruits of production;
4. to enhance employment generation in the countryside; and
5. To allow business and industry reasonable returns on investments, expansion and growth.”4

It is still the policy of the state to “promote collective bargaining as the primary mode of setting wages and other terms and conditions of employment; and whenever necessary, the minimum wage rates shall be adjusted in a fair and equitable manner, considering existing regional disparities in the cost of living and other socio-economic factors and the national economic and social development plans.”5
Under RA No. 6727 Article 121, the National Wages and Productivity Commission shall have the following powers and functions:
(a) “To act as the national consultative and advisory body to the resident of the Philippines and Congress on matters relating to wages, incomes and productivity;
(b) To formulate policies and guidelines on wages, incomes and productivity improvement at the enterprise, industry and national levels;
(c) To prescribe rules and guidelines for the determination of appropriate minimum wages and productivity measures at the regional, provincial or industry levels;
(d) To review regional wage levels set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to determine if these are in accordance with prescribed guidelines and national development plans;
(e) To undertake studies, researches and surveys necessary for the attainment of its functions and objectives, and to collect and compile date and periodically disseminate information on wages and productivity and other related information, including, but not limited to, employment, cost-of-living, labor costs, investments and returns;
(f) To review plans and programs of three Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to determine whether these are consistent with national development plans;
(g) To exercise technical and administrative supervision over the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards;
(h) To call, from time to time, a national tripartite conference of representatives of government, workers and employers for the consideration of measures to promote wage rationalization and productivity; and
(i) To exercise such powers and functions as may be necessary to implement this Act.”6
Article 123 states that “whenever conditions in the region so warrant, the Regional Board shall investigate and study all pertinent facts; and based in the standards and criteria herein prescribed, shall proceed to determine whether a Wage Order should be issued.
“In the performance of its wage-determining functions, the Regional Boards shall conduct public hearings/ consolations, giving notices to employees; and employers groups, provincial, city and municipal officials and other interested parties.” 7
Article 124 provides for the criteria for minimum wage fixing the Regional Board, shall among other relevant factors, consider the following:
a. “The demand for living wage
b. Wage adjustment vis-a-vis the consumer price index
c. The cost of living and changes or increases therein;
d. The needs of workers and their families;
e. The need to induce industries to invest in the countryside;
f. Improvements in standards of living;
g. The prevailing wage levels;
h. Fair return of the capital invested and capacity to pay of employers
i. Effects on employment generation and family income; and
j. The equitable distribution of income and wealth along the imperatives of economic and social development.
The wages prescribed in accordance with the provisions of this Title shall be the standard prevailing minimum wages in every region.” 8

Approaches in Wage Determination

Spatial Approach to Policy Setting
This approach in policy setting considers primarily the factors arising in geographical location. “The rationale of said approach related to the pronounces physical and economic heterogeneity of the region. These differences suggest that the subregional divisions and the provinces and the communities within them will respond differently to any public intervention or program. A public intervention tailored fit the particular situation and needs of the subregional/ local areas will be more effective. The Board therefore has classifies the Region into the following spatial categories: Growth Corridor Area, Emerging Growth Areas, Resource Based Areas and Extended Metropolitan Area.” 9

Safety Net Approach to Wage Fixing
“The purpose of the minimum wage as a safety net concept is to provide bridging protection for the real wage of the low-income workers especially those belonging to the lowest range of the occupational categories until such time a balanced market can take over. The use of safety net approach to set minimum wage levels in the region has been proven most acceptable and implementable to the Board’s clientele.” 10

Policy Implementation
Regularity of Wage Reviews
“An assessment of the system reveals that these are no regularity in the conduct of the wage review. Thus, the regional wage boards do not seem to undertake an evaluation of cost-of-living, productivity trends and other variables used in determining minimum wage levels on regular basis.” 11
Labor Productivity and Wages
“Previous wage adjustments were mainly based on changes in the consumer price index. This is primarily because the CPI is available monthly and with very little lag. Productivity indicators should be developed if we want productivity to be one of the bases, if not the most important one, in determining future wage adjustments. Profit maximization requires that wage, or the price per unit of labor, should equal the marginal productivity of labor. Therefor, movements in wages should be linked to productivity of labor. Therefor, movements in wages should be linked to productivity changes. However, this is very difficult to operationalize primarily because of the difficulty of measuring labor productivity. What is readily available is some aggregate measure of labor productivity using GNP and employment.” 12
Composition of Regional Wage Boards
“One major advantage of the present system is it has institutionalized the participation of the labor sector in determining minimum wages and related benefits. THE RTWPB are composed of 8 members – 2 coming form the labor sector, 2 from the management group and 3 from the government. The view of the different sectors are presented and discussed in regular for a and since the workers and employers are equally represented, it is expected that the “collective decision made by the regional wage boards are acceptable to the members. This process is expected to foster better industrial relations between employers and workers.” 13

On the Administrative Machinery
The Bureau of Working Conditions sends out inspection teams to establishments to determine whether these establishments are complying with the prescribed labor standards, including payment of minimum wages. Inspectors are given quotas and are evaluated based on the attainment of these quotas. These quotas are based on the targets set by the agency at the start of the year. One set back of the quota system is the lack of thoroughness in the way that some of the inspection reports are filled up. Based on a sample of inspection reports, many items are left blank. As a result what is potentially rich source of information is severely limited.
The present system does not promote compliance with the law. The loose monitoring is probably due to the lack of resources to carry out more inspections. Moreover, There is no penalty for underpayment of minimum wage aside from paying back the wage differential. Thus, there is no disincentive for establishments to underpay.” 14

Non-Compliance
“High compliance rates are noted in agriculture, personal services, construction, and wholesale and retail trade. Non-compliance rate is also generally higher in the smaller establishments. This would tend to indicate that the system may not have been able to protect the workers it intends to protect – the maginalized who are often found in smaller establishments in agriculture, personal services, construction and retail trade.
In 1989, establishments with 1-4 workers have higher compliance rates than firms with 5-8 workers. The compliance rates then increases as the number of workers increases. In 1990 to 1994, the compliance rate initially started to go down as the number of workers increases. The compliance rate increases only after the firm gets larger than 19 workers do. This could be interpreted in at least two ways: one that larger firms tend to obey the laws more than smaller firms, or two, that larger firms are more economically capable of following the minimum wage laws.
If lack of awareness were the primary reason, then an information campaign, similar to what is being undertaken by the Commission would be the best strategy. However, if the reason for underpayment is lack of financial capability of certain establishments, them the awareness campaign will not be adequate.“ 15

Policy Stakeholders

Labor’s Point of View
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) stresses the need for a “mechanism for regular and gradual adjustments in wages to compensate for coming price increases.
A wage catch-up clause in the form of automatic adjustments in wages / allowances in line with increases in consumer prices should be in place. These automatic adjustments are a more rational, systematic and non-arbitrary way of determining adjustments than current practice, which clearly disadvantages workers (relative to the other productive sectors in the economy).
This wage catch up clause will reduce the delay between price rises and compensatory wage adjustments, result in wage adjustments more faithfully reflecting actual price increases, eliminate guesswork and contention in price projection and mitigate the shock and disruption otherwise produces by large, one time adjustments.” 16
On the other hand, another labor confederation, the Labor Advisory & Consultation Council (LACC) is suggesting the following in lieu of the minimum wage law profit sharing, livelihood projects sponsored by employer or government to augment the meager income of the workers, improved social security and strengthening of workers participation through free collective bargaining.” 17
Interview with the NCR Regional Wage Boards also indicate that labor groups are now less inclined to ask for increases because they realize the potential adverse effects of this on the establishments. They seem to value more having jobs at the same wage rates than risk of some of them losing jobs while others gain from higher pay.

Employers’ Point of View
When employers are required to pay higher wages this is likely to reduce their demand for labor in the following ways:
1. “There may be a short term “shock” effect with existing methods and equipment, management may tighten up work organization and eliminate marginal workers;
2. Over a longer period they may change their methods and equipment. Substituting capital for labor;
3. Some firms may be forced out of business;
4. Some potential undertakings may never get started.”
“Management may shift a part of the burden of higher wages to customers on the prices; or consumption of products, or to suppliers by paying them lower prices; or they may increase their sales efforts to achieve operation more closely approaching plant capacity; or they may increase capital investment to maintain their competitive position (it will be observed that not all of these courses of action are alternatives to employing less labor.)”

Living Wage
“Living Wage” is the buzzword in minimum wage setting. According to Jones, a living wage “should secure sufficiency of food and some degree of personal and home comfort to the worker; not a miserable allowance to starve on, but living wages sufficient to shield the recipient for the degradation of the workhouse, or from the horror of hunger in his home.” 19
The living wage, however, is currently not and operational concept in the Philippines’ system if wage determination. There is a severe gap in the literature on wage determination which could serve as a basis for policy makers to substantiate the constitutional mandate. The measurement of what constitutes an “adequate, decent living standard” has not been officially mandated.” 20

Thrust of the Government on Wage Legislation
“The government has committed itself to a policy of non-intervention in wage determination in the private sector. This means that the government will only provide wage guidelines, and will leave anything above the guidelines to labor-management agreement. However, this policy assumes that the mechanisms and institutions as involved in collective bargaining and negotiations are free of constraints. Through available statistical indicators, as well as through research results, there is evidence that unionization, through collective bargaining has not significantly influenced differentials in the living standards of workers.
In many Instances, the adjustment in the minimum wages is based on movements in the consumer price index. This is primarily because this information is readily available. Of course, this approach would tend to ignore the other objectives In fact, if minimum wage rates are adjusted regularly in line with the CPI movements, then this may lead to a wage price spiral. Adjustment in minimum wages is accompanied by increases in the price level as process of goods and services rise in response to the higher wages. In this case, the increase in the minimum wage may be partially or fully offset by the increase in the price level.” 21

RECOMMENDATION
The following are some recommendations on the wage setting policies:

1. The NWPC can lend technical expertise to the different regional wage boards.
2. There should procedures on the proper feedbacking or evaluation of the newly released wage order to analyze its impacts on the direct stakeholders most especially the minimum wage earners and the employer.
3. There should be a central database system to provide all concerned the Commission, the Boards, Workers, the union leaders, the employers etc. with the necessary information on wage determination. It may be through the internet for easy access, with the objective that all sectors would have a standard basis in determining the living wage to propose. The database can include the most recent socio-economic data for the region, such as GNP/GDP, investments, employment, process, population, number of establishments, non-compliance rate, prevailing wage rates and requests for exemptions from wage orders by sector.
4. The Regional Wage Boards should monitor regularly the labor market and always be ready to act on a petition by having updated data and regular analyses of these data. Moreover, the boards should also try to assess the impact of a new wage order by looking at the compliance rate, resulting wage structure, employment effect, etc. These would provide some feedback as to the reasonableness of the wage order.
5. One possible measure to increase compliance is to impose higher penalties on those who do not comply with the minimum wage laws.
6. Collective bargaining should be promoted as a tool for raising incomes of workers. One way of empowering workers is by providing them with timely and relevant information that they can use in the negotiation process.
7. There should be moves within the DOLE on simplifying the wage structure, without sacrificing the thrust of differentiation considering other factors in wage determination
8. Annual NWPC-RTWPBs Consultation Meetings may provide venues for more technical discourses.

Conclusion
As we face the 21st century, there are new challenges that are arising, hence we must rethink and review our policies including and especially our wage policies. The increasing globalization has presented greater challenges to us, to be competitive with the rest of the world, particularly emerging countries which are our contemporaries in the South East Asian Region. Almost all of these countries are battling out for the elusive multinational companies to establish an industrial plant and invest in their localities, in effect helping with the employment problem. Others are blaming the charitable minimum wage law and the militant labor unions as one factors as to why these MNCs are not considering the Philippines as an investment spot. They would rather invest in Thailand, China, Vietnam and others where the labor is cheap and labor unions are suppressed. These are the issues that should be central to the mind of the implementors of the wage policies. Concerns on how to balance between providing decent living wage for the worker and ensuring the capacity to pay of the employers. The role of the state is indeed imperative in wage policies amidst these changing times. It is up to them to operationalize the constitutional mandate of the wage policy for the social protection of workers.

Notes

1
Problems of Wage Policy in Asian Country, International Labor Organization, Volume Number 43 1956
2
Ibid.
3
Article XIII Section 3 of the 1986 Philippine Constitution
4
Section 2 RA No. 6727
5
Ibid.
6
Section 3 RA No. 6727
7
Ibid.
8
Ibid.
9
Reyes, Review of the Minimum Wage Structure, 1999
10
Ibid
11
Ibid.
12
Ibid.
13
Ibid.
14
Ibid.
15
NWPB Study on Minimum Wage Assessment, 1999
16
Bagtas, Cedric, TUCP Views on Prospective Wage Adjustment, Philippine Journal for Labor and Industrial Relation, Vol. XII no. 1, 1990
17
Joson, Felicissimo, LACC’s Position on General Wage Increase, Philippine Journal for Labor and Industrial Relation, Vol. XII no. 1, 1990
18
Glickman, Lawrece, A Living Wage, Cornell University Press, 1997
19
Ibid.
20
Amante, Maragtas S.V., Living Wage Policy and Economic Development, Philippine Labor Review Volume 12 No. 2 1988
21
Ibid.

Divine Mercy Shrine - Way of the Cross

2006-04-18T21:05:00.000+08:00

Station1
Jesus Eats the Last Supper with his Apostles

Station 2
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

Station 3
Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin

Station 4
Jesus is brought before Pilate

Station 5
Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns

Station 6
Jesus accepts his cross

Station 7
Jesus is helped by Simon

Station 8
Jesus speaks to the women

Station 9
Jesus is stripped and nailed to the cross

Station 10
Jesus speaks to the thief

Station 11
Jesus entrusts his mother to John

Station 12
Jesus dies on the cross

Station 13
Jesus is taken down

Station 14
Jesus is buried in the tomb

Guilt Free Lenten Movies

2006-04-16T09:52:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I went to Quiapo to stack up on the DVDs I intend to watch the much awaited four days that there’ll be no work. It seemed to be a popular gameplan for couch potatoes such as myself. In the nearby stall I heard a customer of mid-twenties asked the sales lady “Ate, meron ba kayong DVDs na mapapanood sa Holy Week?” The saleslady replied “Naku sorry, wala na kaming Ten Commandments eh.” With all due respect to the young saleslady, but Lenten viewing is not supposed to be limited to Ten Commandments or Ben Hur or movies that has characters in robes and leather sandals. And save the koreanovela marathon for another weekend. For this Lenten season, when you are done with the Way of the Cross and the Visita Iglesia, here are some guilt free Lenten viewing to strengthen the faith and still be cool about it.

1. Saint Ralph
2. Smile
3. A Beautiful Country
4. Stolen Summer
5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
6. Music of the Heart
7. Heart of the Champion
8. Whale Rider
9. Dreamer
10. My Left Foot

So there. Those should keep you busy this Lenten season.

Snorkasurera

2006-04-10T23:53:00.000+08:00

Sweet Home Lagro

2006-04-10T10:36:00.000+08:00

This is a walk through of Barangay Greater Lagro from a certified batang Lagro. I have lived here for more than a quarter of a century. Originally a GSIS housing project for government employees in the late sixties and early seventies. This used to be plain Lagro Subdivision, but now its Barangay Greater Lagro.

Make no mistake about my title. Lagro is not as peachy as my title might sound and it is no oasis either. There are a lot of muggers who will snatch out living daylights out of you. Basic utilities are still wanting. Thieveries, gang wars, rape, massacres, murders, etc. However, this is the only home that I know and in my mind there’s no place like it.

Wake up everyday in this neighborhood.

Lagro Centennial Park at Dulo where children can just run free.

Good place to enjoy a quiet walk or a refreshing run.

The tennis court my father helped built.

Nothing beats the celebration of Valentine’s Night than launching having a “Miss Gay Valentine - Lagro” open to non-professional gay beauty queens only. Poor Miss C, disqualified from the prestigious pageant. Well, at least we don’t have transvestites acting as Reina Elenas in Flores De Mayo. That is just over the line even in my book.

Kids and adults alike idea of gimik is to hang around the small shawarma store.

Visit the website http://lagro.fil.ph/

Classroom BooBoos

2006-03-07T19:59:00.000+08:00

To pass the time and to prevent me from sleeping or simply being an obnoxious student that I was, I have collected some classic classroom booboos.

“Bago ako magdasal nag-iimitate muna ako.” Sino Kaya ginagaya niya? Si Elvis? Diana Ross? Dolphy?

“Theories in Physics are not applicable to all. It is a base to base casis.” Huh?

“I always put on my Rai Ban.”

“Please torn your books to page 56.” Wag naman.

“I always get something from reading Reader Digest.” Kulang po ng s, try Reader Digests.

“What is your address? What is your birthday? What is your father?”

“I do my bank transactions through ATM machine..”

“Kumusta mga mahal kong ka-officemates.” Ay parang ATM machine!!

“Did you enjoy your biscuits and overflowing coffee?” OO sana, kaya lang tumatapon

Of course Prof. Armi is not spared from platform bloopers. As if donning a japayuki hairstyle isn’t insane enough. If I were one of my student, I’d have a blast having me as a teacher. And everyday, I thank the Lord that I don’t have a student as obnoxious as I was.

“Remember the department secretaries who resigned? They are the Hilton 10.” Alam kaya ni Paris yan?

“The phrases of the constitution should be literal, not a metamorphosis.”. Si Mam, naka-drugs ata.

“An example of a nuclear facility in the Philippines is the BNPP or the Bataan National Power Plant.” Akala ko ba nuclear facility?

Well done Prof. Armi.

Tips Para sa Papuntang Bangkok, Thailand

2006-03-07T18:55:00.000+08:00

Share ko lang po. Kung gusto niyong pumunta sa Bangkok.. Dati ayaw kong pumunta dito kasi sabi sa akin ng mga friends ko parang Pilipinas daw. What's the point di ba? Ngunit ako ay napilitang mapunta dito sa kadahilanang pampersonal. Little did I know that I'm in for a wonderful time. 6 days and 5 nights ang tour package na kinuha ko twin sharing via Kuwait Airways US$256 equivalent sa P15,520. Pocket money depends on how far you want to explore and how much shopping you want to do. But US$100 is more than enough kung ang balak mo lang namang bilhin ay sampaloc.

Shopping:
(Mostly in Baht. Just multiply it by 1.35 you get the peso equivalent. Magaling kasi ako sa music kaya di ko na kinonvert)

Mon I., Faiga, Hayley, Doc Annie at mga baddicts,
Winner ang badminton equipment. Around 40%-10% cheaper there
.. Shuttlecock na Wilson B240. Yonex MP 100 = B4,835

Speedo swim cap – B143
Speedo goggles – B700 (adults) B500 (kids.. ok na kids.. western size naman sila)
Swimsuit – maraming branded na pagpipilian (speedo, guy laroche)– B500 – B1,400
Sa Isetann 3rd Floor, walking distance from First House

Thai Massage - B250 – 3rd Floor, Sagate Bldg., (20 steps away from First House)

Sony Cybershot 5.1 Megapix – B14,999 (International Warranty, pwede pa minus 7% VAT refundable sa Airport)
Sony Memory stick – 256MB – B2,999 (Thailand only warranty)

Pasalubong: Mabuhay Store
Pandan Milk Candy – B20
Spicy Sampaloc – B20 or 7 for B100
Dilis – B30

Nakita ko lang ang mga ito, di naman ako bumili except for a few.. saying naman yung linakad ko kung di ko share sa inyo… baka lang balak niyo bumili..

Gimik:

Good malls MBK, Platinum, World Central, EGV, Big C. ngunit walang tatalo sa tiangge-an

Hanapin ang baby elephant sa Platinum Mall, magpa-picture.

Punta MBK hintayin ang lion dance sa hapon – magaling sila, tumutulay sa poste – magpa-picture

Malakad sa may kanto ng MBK may Bangkok Tourist Information Booth – humingi ng maraming mapa para ma-share sa ibang bound for bkk

Sundan ang mapa, maglakad papuntang Jim Thompson’ House – B100 – Wag magpalda, maraming lamok – magpa-picture

Maglakad papuntang National Stadium, mag observe ng nagpa-practice. Sana maabutan niyo ang Thai team ng badminton. – magpa-picture (Fai, Hayley – pagkakataon niyo na stalk si Boonsak Ponsana)

Maglakad papuntang Chulalongkorn University (best University in Thailand) – magpa-picture

Lumpinee Muay Thai Boxing - wag tangkaing lakarin, malayo. Taxi meter B43 –
- B2000 entrance pag turista… Pero papasa tayong Thai sa itsura, wag na kayong magsalita, kunwari na lang pipi kayo para B200 lang ang entrance fee.

Maglakad papuntang Suan Lum Night Market... suyudin para makabili ng murang Buddha,
- hintayin ang banda na may mga mananayaw –magpa-picture

Patpong – B300-B800 entrance depende sa bar na pupuntahan. Super talented ang mga performers. Kakatuwa, kakasuka, kakagilagilalas.. obviously, di pwedeng magpa-picture.

Punta ng Teakwood Mansion - B53 via taxi meter from First House
Maglakad papunta sa Parliament House – magpa-picture –
- maganda a session hall, pero di pwedeng magpa picture
Tumawid papuntang Dusit Zoo – B25 entrance fee – magpa-picture
- mag-tram para di mapagod B20 – magpa-picture
Maglakad papuntang King Chulalongkorn House – magpa-picture
Maglakad papuntang King Chulalongkorn statue – magpa-picture

Wag tangkaing lakarin papuntang Grand Palace, malayo ito… mag taxi B53
Grand Palace – B250 entrance– magpa-picture

Sprawling around Pratunam or even Bangkok area are street food. Mura lang B15-20 a good siomai, maki, basta, masarap talaga pag sa tabi tabi lang. Mura na, marumi pa.

Salamat sa nagtitinda ng pinya at pinilit niya akong kunan ng picture, kasi wala akong kahilig-hilig sa mga litratohan nayan…

Things I Love About Baguio

2006-03-07T18:25:00.000+08:00

Whatever they say about Baguio, it still has a special place in my heart. I still remember when as a kid all of the family would travel there in season for the Marlboro Tour of Luzon. Those were the days when boating in Burnham Park and horseback riding in Wright Park give me the ultimate rush. But these days, I only go to Baguio if it is truly necessary. Usually, my work requires it. But heck, there are some things I truly appreciate about this place.

Jogging
Iced Tea in Veniz Hotel
Strawberries
Tam-awan Village
Cold weather to comfort a broken heart and a tired spirit
Pink Sisters Chapel
Winter Jackets in Wagwagan
Taxi Drivers who gives exact change
Food tripping in SM Baguio
Road Trip going up.

Nung Ikaw ay Bata .. Nagawa mo ba to?

2006-03-07T17:53:00.000+08:00

Meron akong na-receive na mga blind questions... na naka-spam na email. Hindi ko sinasagot, much less binabasa usually itong mga to. Pero since praning ako ng mga araw na ito, papatulan ko na rin… Eto yung text… tapos sinagot ko na rin naka-italicize…

Nung ikaw ay bata... nagawa mo ba to?

Kumakain ka ba ng aratilis?

Oo, yung kapitbahay naming may puno ng aratilis na inaakyat namin.

Nagpipitpit ng gumamela para gawing soapy bubbles na hihipan mo sa binilog na tanggkay ng walis tingting?

Oo, kahit dahon pinipitpit ko. Kaya nga favorite flower ko ang gumamela eh. Kasi bukang buka.. Tipong WYSIWYG

Pinipilit ka ba matulog ng nanay mo paghapon at di ka papayagan maglaro pag di ka natulog?

May trabaho nanay ko, kaya katulong naming ang pumipilit sakin. Anyway, di rin naman nagging effective kasi bata pa lang ako pasaway na ako.

Marunong ka magpatintero, saksakpuso,langit-lupa, teleber-teleber, luk song tinik?

Marunong na marunong.

Malupit ka pag meron kang atari, family computer or nes?

Wala kami niyan kasi black and white lang TV naming. Tapos yung colored nasa loob ng kwarto ng parents ko na naka lock pag wala sila.

Alam mo ang silbi ng up, up, down,down, left, right, left, right, a, b, a, b, start?

Wala nga kaming Atari.

May mga damit ka na U.S.E.D., Boy London, Cross Colors, Esprit, Blowing Bubbles at pag nakakakita ka ng Bench na damit eh naalala mo siRichard Gomez?

OO, pero kahit na meron mga imitation din lang. Maliit pa ko mahilig na talaga ko sa pirated hahaha. At tungkol naman sa Bench, napilitan lang akong bumili kasi yung adviser ng class naming eh rinequire na magsuot ng Bench para daw consistent sa pangalan ng section naming na P. Gomez.

Addict ka sa rainbow brite, carebears, my little pony, thundercats, bioman, voltes v, mazinger z, daimos, he-man at marami pang cartoons na hindi pa translated sa tagalog?

Siyempre, fairy tale ang dating ng love story ni Richard at Erika. At napagpantasyahan ko na rin si Dolph Lundgren na gumanap na He-Man. At meron akong soapmaker na carebears ang shape.

Marunong ka mag wordstar at nakahawak ka na talaga ng 5.25 na floppy disk?

Hehehe. Nagnenenok sister ko sa office nila ng floppy disk.

Nung high school ka inaabangan mo lagi beverly hills 90210?

“Eat your heart out Andrew E. ang hinahanap mong pangit ay wala dito..”

Gumagamit ka ng AQUANET para pataasin ang bangs mo?

Dahil nga jologs lang ako, Ever Bilena lang ang gamit ko nun, kahit na ubod ng lagkit ng buhok ko, beauty pa rin.

Meron kang blouse na may padding kung babae ka at meron kang sapatos na mighty kid kung lalake ka?

Blouse na may padding marami kasi hand me downs lang ng sis ko.

Nangongolekta ka ng paper stationeries at mahilig ka magpa pirma sa slumbook mo para lang malaman mo kung sino ang crush ng type mo?

Sisters ko nangolekta then when they outgrew them, I sold them to my classmates who were collecting stationeries. Binabasa ko na lang slumbooks ng kaklase ko, dun ko na lang tinitingnan para libre.

Kilala mo si manang bola at ang sitsiritsit girls?e si luning-ning at luging-ging?

“Perlas na bilog, wag patulog tulog.. sabihin sakin ang sagot.. ba.. bebi…bo..bu.” Need I say more? Si Ate NingNing at Ging Ging po yan…

Idol mo si McGyver at nanonood kang Perfect Strangers?

Anong firstname ni McGyver? Menemis…

Eto malupet... six digits lang ba ang phone number nyo dati?

Hindi, kasi sa lugar namin… 10 years ang application ng telepono.

Nakakatawag ka pa sa pay phone ng 3 bentesingko lang ang dala?

Hence, the song by Dingdong Avansado “Tatlong Bente-singko”

Cute pa si Aiza Seguerra sa Eat Bulaga at alam mo ang song na "eh kasi bata"?

Eh wag ka, tandang tanda ko pa yung question and answer niya.
Vic and Joey: Kung manalo ka ng Little Miss Phils, san mo dadalhin ang napanalunan mong pera?
Aiza: Ilalagay sa wallet.
Audience: Applause….tawa
Vic and Joey: Hindi yun, bukod sa wallet san mo dadalhin.
Aiza: Eh di sa bulsa.
Audience: Tawa… applause….tawa

No joke…Totoo to…

Inabutan mo ba na ang Magnolia Chocolait eh nasa glass bottle pa na ginagawang lalagyan ng tubig ng nanay mo sa ref?

Dini-deliver sa bahay…Parang sa Tate..

Meron kang pencil case na maraming compartments na pinagyayabang mo sa mga kaklase mo?

Puro hand me downs eh.. Kung sawa na older sis ko, then I get them. by that time, may kalawang na ito at di na pwede ipagyabang. Ito siguro dahilan kung bakit mahilig ako sa ukay sa Baguio.

Noon mo pa hinahanap kung saan ang Goya Fun Factory?

Yes, well, ngayon alam ko na. Natagpuan ko nung gumagawa kami ng thesis sa boystown. Katabi lang yun, katabi rin ng pagawaan ng gulong.

Alam mo lyrics ng "tinapang bangus" at"alagang-alaga namin si puti"?

At ng bangkang papel, halikat kumandikandirit, ako ang kapitbahay niyo, alin ang naiba. .. ano ka....

Sosyal ka pag may play-doh ka at Lego... at nag-iipon ka ng G.I. Joe action figures at iba pa ang mukha ni barbie noon?

Dahil nga sosyal, wala ako niyan. Barbie ko, imbes na matel, gawa sa Taiwan.

Inabutan mo pa yung singkong korteng bulaklak at yung diyes na square?

Oo, tapos linalagay ng mga drayber sa tenga nila. Tapos kahit hapon na nandun pa rin. Hanggat ngayon, di ko lam kung bakit.

Meron kang kabisadong kanta ni Andrew E. na alam mo hanggang ngayon.. aminin?

“Guess what , You know last night.. Yo it was the best.. I met a pretty girl na taga-IS. Meron siyang mga kasama……”

Laging lampin ang sinasapin sa likod mo pag pinapawisan ka?

Dahil wala na akong mas batang kapatid, towel lang.

Bumibili ka ng tarzan, texas at bazooka bubble gum... tira-tira, at yung kending bilog na sinawsaw sa asukal?

Bazooka ang the best dyan, may komiks na, sasakit pa ang ngala ngala mo.

Takot ka dumating ang year 1999 dahil sabi nla magugunaw daw ang mundo?

Sa Buck Rogers yan galing…

Sige... patulan ba ....

TRIBUTE TO MY COMB

2006-02-14T18:36:00.000+08:00

I got my comb when I was in my fourth year high school that is about 5 years ago… yeah right. Hair Doctor, white with light steel teeth to give a gentle scalp massage and to straighten tangled hair preventing split ends. All these for 150 pesos. A breakthrough in hair technology that blew the minds of executives from Springmaid and Goody.

Nevertheless, what I really like about my comb is that it is small enough to fit into my kikay kit but bulky enough that I would never be tempted to put it in the back pocket of my jeans (yuck!).

For someone who looses things, it stayed with me all these years. Its mission with me is far from complete. It did not give me good hair days but it gave me lesser bad hair days.

As I don a curly hair. I will let my dear comb rest for awhile. Thank you, my fair comb, Thank you.

JADED

2006-02-14T18:33:00.000+08:00

They say the opposite of love is not hate. It is in indifference. When there is no feeling of anything anymore. Jaded or stoned by the bad news every single day.

Too jaded to care when another nincompoop is up for promotion on the basis that has nothing to do with performance or potential but of politics.

Too jaded to care when your company purchased a multimillion worth of high tech devices like laptops, cellphones, only to issue it to executives past the age of tech wisdom.

Too jaded to care if a certain official is in a corruption scandal. It’s just a matter of waiting for their time to steal government’s money anyway.

Too jaded to care if a jeepmate or busmate just found out that her bag is snatched or knifed.

Too jaded to care when there is person dying of breast cancer every two hours because it’s just their time.

Too jaded to care about those little kids children lying around, mudded, begging for loose change.

I did not wake up and decide to not feel anything. It took time to harden any feelings and dull the senses. As a psych grad, I was trained to observe then theorize. To be sensitive to the external stimulus that defines responses. Classic Carl Jung, Karen Horney theories, etc. As a labor major, I’m built to be passionate and responsive to social needs. To forward the needs of the proletarians. I’m supposed to have fire. I’m supposed to have angst until social justice is approximated. But when you are bombarded with so much bad news it is no longer bad news, it has become part of life. And I am jaded to it.

Once Again Politicians Ruin Everything

2006-02-07T17:16:00.000+08:00

As the nation celebrate the victory of one beautiful boxer, leave it to politicians to ruin everything …… ……….……. Hay naku……hmp !!!! Urggghhh …tsk.. tsk… tsk… .kweeeeeeeeekkkk… grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr….... Pak.. Pow…Pow… S^&!...... @#$% %^&* ……() ^&** *%..... $^$^$... Pow…. P§© £¥≠….. ®©µ Ù…….ÚÛÜßÞàæçð …..ŒœŠŸ… ……!!!!! ŽΔΩμπ‰‡!!! !.......... Ω€Ω∂∆ ……… …..!!! ﬁﬂÃÐâ‡€…∏∑∕√∞∫ !!!! …Pow .. Blag….pak… pak…. Boom…bag…bag………. ≈≠≤≥◊ ™Ω∂∆∏√∫≠. …

If the Pacman would just use his fist to knock those politicians down, he might as well be the national hero …

Palakpakan

2006-02-07T17:12:00.000+08:00

Nung Linggo lahat ng Pinoy ay nagpalakpakan. Nagpalakpakan sa tuwa dahil sa tagumpay na natamo ng isa sa paboritong anak ng Pinas, si Manny Pacquiao.

Pero iba ang narining kong palakpak nung mga oras na yun.

Nasa eroplano ako galing Bangkok, Thailand. At ang mga ka-eroplano ko ay mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) na galing Kuwait. Ang mga OFWs ay mga tinuturing na natitirang bayani ng bansa. Sa mga padala nila tayo nakalilipon ng makapangyarihang dolyar. Iniwan nila ang pamilya, kaibigan, nakasanayang buhay upang makipagsapalaran sa Kuwait. Nakalipas na rin ang maraming pasko, bertdey, gradwation at marami pang importanteng okasyon ng mga mahal nila sa buhay.

Habang nasa eroplano kapansin-pansin na di mapakaling tinititigan ang flight locator, kung saan makikita kung gaano kalapit ang eroplano sa Pilipinas. Tooooot…“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have landed in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Thank you for boarding Kuwait Airways.” Palakpakan.....

Marami na akong narinig na palakpak. Palakpak sa palakasan, palakpak sa pagtatapos, palakpak na tunay, palakpak na may malisya. Pero wala na yatang mas tatamis pa sa palakpak ng isang OFW na sa wakas ay makakauwi na .

The Ten Videoke Commandments

2006-02-07T17:07:00.000+08:00

1. Thou shall not miss singing Dancing Queen, Pinoy Big Brother and I Will Survive.
2. Thou shall get up and dance if an upbeat song is being sung.
3. Honor thy neighbor’s song lists.
4. Thou shall not turn videoke as personal concert series.
5. Honor thy scores the videoke gods bestow.
6. Thou shall not start the first song without gulping at least two SMB.
7. Thou shall not beget thy neighbor’s mic even if he is out of tune.
8. Thou shall bring a bountiful 5 peso coins.
9. Thou shall support each other in singing if the mic bearer is lost in tune.
10. Thou shall not sing in a peryahan with your name at the back of your shirt. (Tama ba Myla?)

My Top Movie Lines

2006-02-07T16:56:00.000+08:00

Here are my top movie lines.. Not necessarily in order... I'm sure there'll be more to come, I just can't remember all of them right now.

“Yes!” When Aga is waiting/wishing for Regine to call in Dahil May Isang Ikaw.. So natural, when you are desperately waiting for someone to call, then you hear the phone rings.

“I thought, it would have been obvious by now.” – Prince Henry to Danielle when asked about his weakness in the movie Ever After. Blush..blush...

“It’s not your fault.” Robin Williams to Will Hunting in Good Will Hunting. Robin Williams could have won that Oscar solely for this line said in 7 different tones.

“You had me at hello. You had me at hello”. Tom Cruise to Renee Zellwegger in Jerry Maguire. Ganun talaga.

“What doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.” – She’s All That. I couldn’t agree more.

“Don’t think. Feel.” Quigon to young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Phantom Menace.

“Even this shall pass”. Bellboy said to Julia Roberts realizing what a mess she’s done in My Best Friend’s Wedding. So true…

“You, complete me.” Tom Cruise to Renee Zellwegger in Jerry Maguire.

“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” Julia Roberts to Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. Yihiiiiiii...

See upcoming blogssssss for more...

Seeing the SEA Games

2006-02-07T16:31:00.000+08:00

In the 23rd SEA Games in Manila
All I wanted was to enjoy a world-class game of badminton
Enjoy the athleticism, agility and accuracy of the players
Brought a camera not to take pictures
But to zoom in the scores in case my nearsighted eyes fail me
I’m just too old to be starstrucked
But can a badminton fan help it when she is faced with badminton gods
Taufik Hidayat, Wong Choong Hann, Lee Chong Wei, Sony Dwi Kuncoro , Hafiz Hashim, etc.
If I’m into basketball, it’s like seeing Kevin Garnett go one on one with LeBron James
If I’m my Dad, it’s like enjoying a match between Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras
If I’m Gary, it’s like seeing Martina Hingis go up against Lindsay Davenport
If I’m Allen, it’s like watching Martina Hingis getting it on with Lindsay Davenport
If I’m an eighties baby, it’s like seeing a dual concert of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet
I am so not old for this

Psychometrics in Movies

2006-02-07T16:25:00.000+08:00

Nothing can break the ice between strangers than ‘have you seen this film?’ five minutes into the conversation, and you’re in. Then you can proceed to a more thought provoking questions. Sometimes you get to size up the person by the way he answer some questions. Not to put the science of psychometrics to shame, but it is a good substitute for the usual battery of psychological tests. Not always reliable but they make good conversation pieces nonetheless. These come in handy when stuck in traffic, or during lull times during meal hour. These are the character building questions that I love to ask but dare not answer myself. (iwas pusoy, ever.)

In the movie, “The Kid” Bruce Willis was confronted with the 10 year old boy version of himself, overweight, insecure, snotty nosed, defective speech … Willis asked his friend what to tell that kid, his friend said “Tell him ‘Don’t you worry honey, it’s all gonna be alright’.” Knowing what we know now, the heartaches, the pain, the disappointments, can we actually tell our 10 year old selves that it’s all gonna be alright?

In “Million Dollar Baby”, Clint Eastwood is pleaded by his bedridden Lady Boxer to inject the medicine that would end her misery and put her to sleep forever. Knowing that it will be the last act of kindness that we can do for them, can we actually help someone very dear to us to end their sufferings?

In “Bruce Almighty”, Jim Carrey was given a chance to be God, and has the power to do anything he wishes. Can we decide who should be rich, who should be poor? Who to grant prayers and whom to deny. Who to love to whom? And can we force the one we love, love us back?

In “The Truth About Cats and Dogs”, Jeneane Garrofalo asked the object of his affection on who would he choose, Playboy’s Playmate of the Year or Time’s Woman of the Year..

In “Little Giants”, when a heart broken pre-puberty girl approached her uncle asking why she’s not enough for the boy she has a crush on. Knowing that this lass does not stand a chance with those blonde princess damsels, can we break an innocent child’s heart and say something that would damage the way she sees herself and the way she sees love?

In “Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal”, Maricel Soriano was doubting that Richard could only be after her riches. Can we ditch the only person we truly loved on the day of our wedding?

Got you thinking huh? .. Likewise…

Bangkero Files

2006-02-07T16:22:00.000+08:00

With about 7,107 islands varying on the tides and having the longest coastline in the world, there ought to be a bangkero encounter in every trip. Ironically, archeological findings prove our ancestors were shipbuilders. But as fate has it, our maritime industry is now reduced to having seamen and bangkeros. Well, seamen are the biggest dollar earner for the Philippines and bangkeros are beefing up our tourism industry. That’s not bad, not bad indeed.

I am oblivious to the English translation of bangkero. Boatman? Yes, but I see yachts, speedboats and sailor suits, naah. Seaman? Cargo ships, cruise ships, tankers, girlfriends in every port, nope, doesn’t cut it either. I guess the English language does not capture the essence of being a bangkero.

I mean a bangkero who has nice rickety motorboat who is off to lead you to expedition to nature’s Neverland. Bangkeros comes in different forms and sizes. Skip if you’ve heard this before. In fact, skip the whole blog if you are friends with me, because I’m sure you’ve heard of these bangkero characters thousand of times already.

In our exploration of Palawan’s famous Honda Bay, we put our lives in the hands of a 17 year old lad and his 13 year old apprentice. The real climax of the trip was when these two prodigies of the prestigious, Palawan School of Bangkeros, forgot to anchor their motor boats at the Luli Island. Only when it was time to leave, that they realized that their bangka wants to go home on its own and it is halfway there already. Good thing that they are better swimmers than they are bangkeros. They were able to retrieve the bangka far in the middle of the bay.

Off the shores of a sleepy fishing town of Donsol, Sorsogon. Allan is the quintessential bangkero. Deep bronzed skin, a shark hunter turned Buntanding Interaction Officer (BIO). He’s half man, half fish, joke. National Geographic, NHK, BBC, Probe Productions, etc. go to him to take them to see the largest fish in the world, the whaleshark. He has a sighting average of 100 percent. His record is untainted of any seaside accident, until we came along. After two hours of waiting, the spotter signaled that whaleshark is in sight, all of us got ready. It was like a scene in “Muro Ami” where Cesar Montano would shout “Aryaaa!!” and the rest of the kids would jump into the sea. We did that alright, except we forgot one thing, we don’t know how to swim. It took some time for the bangkeros to realize that two of their passengers were missing. One is being sucked under the bangka and the other, particularly me, was being taken by the overwhelming sea current away from the boat.

Puerto Princesa is not only home to the longest subterranean river in the world (Thailand, Eat this!!!) but also the super duper nice bangkeros. After exploring the Underground River, the bangkeros slash park rangers formed an entourage of three, to be our tour guides in the monkey trail. Kuya Jun, a Roderick Paulate look-alike is the supervisor of the park rangers. We were holding our breath because anytime he could burst into a song and dance number to the tune of “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. Raul, upon learning that Lenny is the daughter of Jerry Tirazona, Director of action films, started doing stunts of his own, jumping from a speeding bangka, climbing up steep ladders, probably proving that he could pass for any stuntman in her father’s movies. And Ruel is a quiet and reserved man. They explained the site’s rich history, how rare it is to be gifted with such natural splendor and how lives were devoted to protect it. The walk is made of kamagong, the second hardest wood in the world. Two seconds later, Lenny broke one of the kamagong steps and fell down, or was it the other way around? We could have died laughing before having the sense of helping my poor friend to get to her feet. Ten minutes after the incident, we were still laughing. They treated us to a round of Royal with Betacarotene and offered to take us to a small waterfall in the outskirt using their bangka. Yes, Virginia, free of charge. At night, they, together with other bangkeros, launched a small shore bonfire in our honor and a bunch of teenagers who formed a church choir from the nearby town. Guitar, Bon Jovi and Tanduay under the pale moonlight make a party. When we decided to explore the seaside in the still of the night, Ruel, stood up to be our bodyguard. Palawan is the last frontier of chivalry.

The rapid shooters in Pagsanjan Falls are of different breed. Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna is one of the most visited tourist spot in the Philippines. It takes a lot of strength, timing and strategies to be able to control the bangka against the raging descending waters from the uphill falls. The job is dirty, difficult and dangerous. But whining about it the whole trip is a different story. They would do so for us to realize that they deserve a commensurate tip but we’ve got eyes. I gather that times are hard. At one point, I felt really guilty for just sitting still that I wanted to alight the bangka and help them carry the bangka myself. But laziness got the best of me. Despite our efforts to welcome foreign tourist consisting mostly of Korean Ajushis and Ajumas, no amount of friendly anyeong haseyos could redeem their spirits. Somewhere, somehow there is a bangkero who ripped them off.

Off the shore of Puerto Galera, a young man is leisurely canoeing the bay. My friend hitched a ride, then another friend tagged along, then I came on board. We went island hopping with his manual miniature canoe. They paddled and paddled, until they could paddle no more. As a token of our gratitude, we invited this boy to lunch, but all we could offer was a century tuna and cold rice from yesterday’s meal. He opted to buy his own lunch which is a sumptuous halo-halo with ice cream.

And there was also this schizophrenic bangkero in Guimaras. At first, he was this obnoxious and intolerable bangkero who will squeeze you dry by offering his service at a ludicrous rate. After much negotiation, we agreed upon a price fair to both parties. Somewhere between a hawksbill turtle and a lighthouse, he offered to be my photographer, snorkeling buddy and throw in some freebies like a ride to Guimaras underground river, etc. he was actually a nice man, who could have known?

Then in El Nido, there is a bangkero slash motivational speaker. Heck, he could pass for the alternate for Dr. Phil in Oprah.

Armi: Im scared, it has been one year since I laid foot in the water
Bangkero: kaya mo yan
Armi: I can’t swim eighty feet deep
Bangkero: wag mong isiping malalim, kaya mo yan

Armi: Oh &%@# !!! There’s a venomous water snake underwater
Bangkero: wala lang yan, kaya mo yan

Armi: Pinupulikat na ko, mamamatay na ko
Bangkero: kaya mo yan!!

Tell the Pope of His Love

2006-02-07T16:03:00.000+08:00

January 1995, the celebration of the World Youth Day was held in Manila, Philippines. My friend volunteered me to be a facilitator at UST Chapter. I thought all I have to do was to learn the hand action of "Tell the World of his Love". Little did I know that in prep for that event, I have to attend several seminars, spend a lot of time helping out with the physical set-up and the mobilization of participants.

It was an exhausting three-day celebration, on the last day, Pope John Paul II will visit our beloved Pontifical University. After braving the sea of people from Forbes gate to Grandstand and having been stepped on and squeezed upon countless of times, I told a co-facilitator that I really cannot stay any longer, I was tired and hungry, my feet hurt and I was having migraine attacks. While everybody was anticipating for the Pope to come out from the Grandstand gate, I was heading home using the opposite P. Noval gate. But lo and behold, I saw a white vehicle approaching. It was the Pope mobile. There was the Holy Pope waving at me. Well, I didn’t know for sure if he was specifically waving at me. But I felt he was. I saw his old pale angelic face smiling. I did not have a camera then, but I can still remember his face as vividly as ten years ago. After that brief encounter, I was still hungry and my head still throbbing of migraine, but I stayed on to celebrate.

As the world mourn for the departure of the Holy Pope, my memory of him lives on. However short, I guess there are certain moments that one will not forget and this is one of them for me. Though I already forgot the homily that day, much more his speech, I grasp something I have not realized then. That experience has been symbolic of the Lord’s presence. When life has thrown many curved balls, when we are consumed, brokenhearted and about to give up, out of nowhere, where we least expect it, he’ll come out and make everything alright. He eases our pain and he can do miracles. All he’s asking is for us to stay with him for awhile.

Feed the World - Live Aid

2006-02-07T15:19:00.000+08:00

In one of my visits to Quiapo, the Mecca of Pop Culture on a budget, I bought the DVD of Live Aid. It was meant to be a gift for my sister who is the certified 80’s baby and who up to now can identify every band member, but turns out to be a treat for myself.

It was 1984 when Bob Geldof, lead of Boomtown Rats, saw a report about the famine in Ethiopia and felt that something has to be done. He collaborated with Ultravox lead singer, Midge Ure to write and produce a song “Do They Know It’s Christmas Time Again” and invited all rock bands to record it. Big names like Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, U2, Wham, Style Council, Brian Ferry and all other bands that dominated the Euro Rock Generation. Although the song earned L100 million in record sales, Mr. Geldof felt that it was just not enough to help the country. He then produced Live Aid, a 16 hour concert held in two countries simultaneously, one at Wembley Stadium, London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. This 16 hour event was broadcasted simultaneously in all countries worldwide. And then the rest, as they say, is rock history.

The DVD started with a prequel showing mass starvation in Ethiopia. Michael Buerk, BBC reporter described it as a “biblical famine in the 20th century”. One must be a monster not to be affected by the scenes of people fading of a slow and painful death of hunger. Then segue to the concert proper showing the air view of Wembley Stadium of 70,000 crowd.

Just to note a few of my observations of the event:

The collaboration of the world’s greatest bands and most prolific song writers recording a Christmas song is just a stroke of genius.

The most applauded performance was that of Boomtown Rats playing “I don’t Like Mondays”. Where lead, Geldof uttered “I just realized that this is the best day of my life”. (Goosebumps all over.)

Freddie Mercury of Queen, love him or hate him, no one can deny is the original "Master ShowMAN". Seeing every soul in Wembley en sync in raising both their fists to the tune of Radio Gaga..

Under the scorching summer heat in London, Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet wearing a black leather trench coat performing “Only When You Leave”. All in the name of fashion, I guess..

Newly Knighted, Geldof’s scruffy looks, faded jeans and old blue trouser is definitely royalty material.

Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, slipped on a landmark of 80’s fashion, but could still pass for contempo chic.

Never before was there a concentration of guys wearing white baggy pants in one area.

Nowhere to be found were black artists, Michael Jackson and Prince, two of the biggest stars of that generation. (They're supposed to be the first one here... Maybe they were too big a star for the concert. Maybe the Philadelphia summer heat doesn’t sit well with Mr. Jackson’s bleaching soap. Maybe Prince doesn’t think he’s as pretty when his mascarra melts. Oh well.)
Rock bands, charity and Christmas song does fit in one sentence.
Cosmetic companies, Revlon and MAC making a killing for guys wearing heavy make up Nick Rhodes and Martin Kemp leading the pack.
Daryl Hall and Paul Young collaborating for the hole in the ozone for putting on tons of hair spray.

Politically correct, U2 lead, Bono Vox, donning tight, black leather pants (tight being the operative word) and high heeled velvet boots that would give Catherine Zeta Jones’ boots a run for her money.

Sting, still has head full of hair and looking blissful in white long sleeves and tight jeans long before he discovered the divinity of Yoga.

In the homefront , I remember Live Aid being shown as a four-part series during Sunday. Pinoys as we are we’re trying to slug it out who performed better, Duran Duran or Spandau Ballet or Wham or Culture Club. These are just two of the rivalries that Pinoys just can’t live without. It is as if the vindication of greatness is defined by who you beat to claim it. Much like Madonna vs Cindy, Janet vs Paula, Romnick and Sheryl vs Manilyn and Janno, but let's not go there...(That's a whole different blog altogether.)

It's been 20 years but we still reminisce that glorious event. Not much for the showmanship, but a valiant display of humanity. Men helping those who cannot help themselves.

Having said all that, this is one time that I felt guilty about buying a pirated DVD. That's why I felt I have write this blog... Feed the World

Crowd for Hire

2006-02-07T14:44:00.000+08:00

A lot of years in street democracy bring forth a science in social mobilization and crowd psychology. Filipinos loves to practice people’s parliament, maybe because of the party goer in us. Mere staple in Manggahan makes me an authority on the matter. Statement of fact, rally makers pays a large sum to people to attend those rallies, they are called “hakot”. Let’s just say, Manggahan is to hakot what Banawe is to car parts and Quiapo is to DVD. Rallies caused Marcos to be exiled from power, Cory to give up her nationalistic idealism, Erap was thrown out of his job and now… time will tell very soon. Rallies are no more a numbers game, careful strategic planning and precise execution is more required to come up with an efficient rally. Because of this complicated task one must hire a professional, so much so that there are professional wedding planners, events specialist, why not professional rally makers? So here are some helpful tips to future rally makers.

Orient your crowd. Make sure that the crowd knows what to say when media reporters ambush interview them. Words like “ewan ko, pinapunta lang ako ni Mayor dito e” will totally erase whatever media mileage you gained.

Cut the middlemen. The middlemen often times kicks back a percentage of the payment. If the crowd wasn’t given the exact amount promised to them, they’d approach the media and run an expose on the fraud. “Hindi kayo tatantanan!!!” Instead of cash give them attendance stubs, and then pay them their fair day’s wage.

Technology. Gone are the days of cheesecloth streamers and bullhorn make up a rally. Use tarpaulins. They are colorful, cheap and they make good placemats after use. Effigies are a must. Bigger and taller are better. You may see your friendly Christmas lantern makers from Pampanga and Cavite during off-season to make some for you.

Role playing. Not the kind of role playing you enjoy behind closed doors. Role playing as in a depiction on how the poor are getting poorer and the rich, richer. How the imperialist US is abusing our beloved motherland. Preferably with song and interpretative dancing.

Youth appeal. A rally is not a rally if there’s no front page picture of two or three little children holding the cause placard. Nothing can plead sympathy better than these innocent toddlers.

Location, location, location. Just like in real estate, the success of your rally is directly proportionate to number of people who are stuck in traffic, the number drivers who can’t make their boundaries, the number of students who are rejoicing because of suspended classes and the number of mothers/fathers who can’t make it to dinner with their families.

Media mileage. Presence of newspaper, radio and most especially, TV is a necessity. Make sure that every Kapamilya, Kapuso, Kakosa, Kabrigada is covering your rally. If it made CNN and Channel News Asia, Congratulations for a job well done. If it made BBC and Fox, ‘YOU’RE THE MAN’.

Student sympathy. College students if properly motivated can beef up the numbers. Whoever says that vigilance in our state university has long been gone? Go to UP, tell them that one is not a UPan, if one have attended a rally. Go to La Salle and tell them there’s a pep rally in the site. Go to Ateneo, ok, just ask them for their money. Go to UST, and tell them no classes the next day. In other colleges just promise a P50 amount of celphone load and you can count them in. (Bring on the hate mail…)

So good luck to future professional rally makers and make your mommies proud.

Also available in DVD and VCD format. You can see your friendly pirate for print ads and details.

Stuntwoman Moments

2006-01-27T16:48:00.000+08:00

After a morning’s jog around Quezon City Circle, over a cup of taho, my friends and I would sit at the bench and watch a bunch of stuntmen/women practice their routines. Those somersault falls, pirouettes, or being hit by FPJ running punches are just amazing. We would fantasize about being stuntwomen ourselves much like Jennifer Garner, Cameron Diaz, Michelle Yeoh or Zhang Ziyi.

But I don't have that charming dimple, can't do a silly song and dance number, and far from looking like an Asian Audrey Hepburn. Hence, didn't become anything like these stunt divas. But over the years, I’ve had my share stuntwoman moments like -

In college, when UST is hit by the latest tropical monsoon, I tread on knee deep and black colored flood at Dapitan area. Struggling not to plummet in the coverless manholes requires tremendous amount of balance, instinct and footwork. “Mahal ko ang USTe, Kahit anong mangyari!!!” (Private joke among Thomasians.)

Every Baclaran Wednesday, trying to backs out other passengers and run to catch a moving jeepney en route to Taft MRT station. Hand and eye coordination is the key to earn that elusive seat.

Long before Bayani Fernando built those pink footbridges, I risk my life twice everyday. First, crossing the reckless Commonwealth Avenue in front of COA as I report for work. And second, as I head to attend my evening class taking the short cut to in front of PAEC and UP. I thought I would have saved enough PhP 5.50s for my hospital bill, if I get hit by a car. A great amount of timing and charm were invested. I guess I have the all-time record of being shouted upon by drivers “P* #~%&` tumabi ka dyan!!!”. As they say, what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.

Diving the open sea between Sorsogon and Masbate with a worn out life vest to catch a glimpse a whaleshark under the sea. …ah.. uhm….Ok, this is just plain stupid.

One doesn’t need to appear in the movies to be a stuntwoman. All it takes are some skill and the right attitude to unleash the stuntwoman in us.

Singapore Travel Tales

2006-01-27T16:44:00.000+08:00

Day 1 - September 5, 2003

1:00 AM – Wake up time. So excited. Hooray!!!

4:00 AM – Arrived at the airport. Turned out that terminal still close.

5:16 AM – Still waiting for the terminal to open!!!

5:25 AM – Opening of the terminal counter. We checked in our luggages.

5:30 AM – Passed through the immigration for the stamps.

6:00 AM - Proceeded to the lounge where we waited to board Singapore Airlines flight SQ 0071.

8:15 AM – Airplane take off.

11:15 AM - Landed on time. Changi Airport is remarkable. Vast, carpeted all over, telephone booths all around for quick calls. Very clean. Checked in baggages were released systematically. Very convenient. No hitches at all.

12: 45 PM – Board from Changi Airport transfer to the Garden Hotel.

1:30 PM – Checked in the Garden Hotel. Hotel is equivalent to a four star hotel in the Philippines. Not really that grand, but a decent place to stay for four days. The receptionist isn’t that pretty and not that kind. No usual welcoming smiles that we are accustomed to in the Philippines.

2:00 PM - Since we are so excited to explore the place we immediately walked to the Orchard Road.

Geared with our maps, voluminous researches and proficiency in english. We counquered the place with so much anticipation.

We endured to long walk to Orchard.

In Lucky Plaza, we changed our Philippine Peso to Singaporean Dollars.

We decided to ride an MRT, from there we bought the E-Z Link Card. This costs S$ 15.

We alighted in the City Hall station, where we decided to go to the Fountain of Wealth near the Suntec Buildings. Fountain of Wealth is popular to us because it is one of the places visited by Zach and Flo of the Amazing Race 3. I can see why, it became the roadblock for the competition because it is difficult to locate. The locals don’t even know how to get there, they keep pointing us to the wrong direction. After we finally located the fountain, we were amazed how small it is when it is supposed to be world’s largest fountain. As tradition would have it we each say our secret wishes. On our search for that elusive fountain we were able to see, The Esplanade, that durian looking building, truly an architectural landmark for Singapore. This is where important performances are shown. We also accidentally saw the Memorial for those who died in the civil war.

Then we went back to Lucky Plaza to meet Tina, sister of our high school friend at 6:00 PM. Tina, God's gift to clueless pinay travelers. Thank you Lord for giving us Tina.

7:00 PM – We started our night city tour, where we went to Funan IT Center. If only I have money!!! Hmp..

Then we passed by Chjimes, one of the hang out places is Singapore. Kinda slow for a Friday night. We were told this place comes alive is during soccer season. Then passed by a nice looking building, could be a former church or a school, has some kind of baroque influence. Not really in sync with the party place located behind it, but we appreciate its charming architecture.

Dinner at Kopitiam, a sort of foodcourt. There we have our first taste of Singaporean food. Ordered chicken and fried rice and the all important ice-cold coke. Dinner is ok, nothing really extraordinary except being expensive. There were all sort of other dishes that we are not familiar with but I'm not in the mood for venturing into new food.

Then we started our walking tour to Boat Quay, another hang out place. They have this whole gamut of restaurants beside the quay, some has canopies outside viewing the quay side. Then, there are offers to ride a small padding boat for a fee to tour the Singapore River. A Pinoy caller started offering it for free because he sees we're compatriots.

Then proceeded to City Hall and the Parliament building. Thank God for the long jog I used to have!!! Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to survive all these long walks. Amazing display of architectural feat and urban planning.

Off to Clarke Quay, which is another nightspot. Mostly are bars and restos. No indication of people dancing, much less people dancing bare-naked, hehhehehe.

Then off to the hotel we go. Tina came with us to get her gifts from us. Then we send her off.

Waited for Matthew to call so that I can tell him he could pick up a small gift (“pasalubong”) I brought for him. (Even if he said that I shouldn’t bother, its Filipino tradition, can’t argue with tradition, can u?)

1:00 AM – Lights off.

Day 2 - September 6, 2003

7:30 AM - Breakfast at the hotel. Buffet, a lot of food. There are three types of breakfast cereals (yes!!!), luncheon meat, white hotdog (not good), Congee (not good, no chicken flavoring) What!!! No rice!!! Of course coffee, tea and juice. What!?! No hot choco!!! Not only did we stuffed ourselves crazy but we stuffed a bag with food as baon for the long day ahead. Hehehe. Can’t get more Pinoy than that, huh!?!

10:00 - Meet Tina at Kranji MRTStation, who was a bit mad because meeting time should be at 9 AM.

Boarded a bus to Johur Bahru, Malaysia. To get that all important stamp in my passport. Also to take a glimpse of Malaysia even for a short while.

The line to the immigration line was so long that the two Filipino guys behind me, who are working in Singapore, started telling stories about their life away from home. They offered to take me around Malaysia. I thankfully refused coz since we were four I figured that we could manage on our own. Why would they want to cross border?? Because they miss the Philippines, and any semblance of home, they will take… I was moved.

Checked out the Malls, of course at this point, our math is getting better with the conversion of how much really we are spending if we buy things. I checked out some sports shop to see if I could get a good deal for a badminton racket and sneakers. A bit pricey compared to the Philippines. While my friends checked out some clothes and shoes and food.

1:30 PM - Boarded a bus back to Singapore. Then went to Tina’s place at Ang Mo Kio - HDS. There we met Allan, Tina’s husband, who happens to be the son of my officemate.

Checked out our emails and srcutinized their DVD collection and pore over other things in their house.

3:30 PM - Singapore Zoological Gardens and the Night Safari

Personal Note: I am baffled. I always believe that every animal has the right to live freely within their natural habitat, and not serve as entertainment for humans. But I also understand that these animals are ambassadors of their species to create awareness among people. Ergo, guaranteeing their existence.

I’m not a big zoo fan But if ever I am an animal and my destiny is to be put in a zoo, I’d choose Singapore Zoo to be my home.

We caught a Polar Bear show, where two Polar bears, Sheba and Ikanu show their stuff. From there I met the man of my dreams, who was so enchanting in his Zoo keeper outfit and irresistible Indian accent explaining different bearly behaviors. Haaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy… I am love struck…. hehehehe

We were having so much fun at how Tina suspects that some of the reptiles are not real because they are not moving. Hence, most of the reptiles are made of plastic. Hehehe. For this we made a game of identifying which ones are real and plastic. Hence, she was appointed as the fake or not fake guru…

And we pity the animals who has to attend another performance at the Night Safari…

Then went, to Night Safari, just rode a tram to get around.

We were delayed because they were preparing for the arrival of the Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. And we true enough we had a rare encounter of him when we were about to leave the place. A very tall and stately man.

Outside the Night Safari, we saw his Ministerial BMW, where we had our picture taken with the vehicle with the plate number 1.

Then we went to Tina’s Place, where they treated us to KFC dinner. Bonded more with Tina and Allan.

11:00 PM – Boarded a taxi and went back to the hotel. We were so thrilled about our chance encounter with the Prime Minister that we told the cab driver about it. Then we asked him, had we muster enough guts, will the PM allow us to take a picture with him? He said since we are from the Philippines, he might not allow it for we look like terrorists.

Hmp!!! Good thing, I didn’t have anything sharp on my hands, could've scratched his car.

12:10 AM – waiting for my turn for the bathroom.

Checked if Matthew called... No call yet..

1:30 AM – Lights off

Day 3 - September 7, 2003

7:30 AM - Buffet breakfast at the Hotel. Same menu as yesterday.

9:00 AM – Met up with Tina at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station

10:00 AM - Got on to cable car, where we saw an aerial view of the Singapore harbour and the Sentosa Island. Captivating view. Can't help but take a mental picture of everything.

Went to Underwater world where we saw an abundance of marine life from fish, marine mammals, sharks, corals, sea rocks. Among others,

12:00 PM - lunch at near the Underwater World for the rice, fish fillet and noodles.

1:00 PM - Went to the beach. We saw lot of dogs of different breed. Turned out that there was Dog Beach Party where there were talent shows, dog races at Siloso Beach. I enjoyed this very much.

The Beach is pathetic. There was no wave. I have this feeling that it is a man made beach. Poor simulation of the beaches back home. I was even slighted that they named one of the beaches, Palawan Beach, when it doesn't come close to even the worst beaches in Palawan.

The climate was so hot, we decided to ride an air conditioned bus to take a quick nap and refresh a bit.

2:00 PM – Dolphin show that features Chinese pink dolphins. There are about four dolphins. Again, I am puzzled, part of me is saying that dolphins' lives are shortened by 10 years under captivity. While the other part is amused in seeing what they are capable of doing. It is one of those life’s guilty pleasures, I guess.

Rested for a while and had some drink of Happy Cup.

Went on a monorail ride.

6:30 PM - Magical Fountain. We were astounded at the technology. A grand display of water, light, fire to complete a spectacular fountain show. I can't help but cheer the whole course of the show.

In sync with the show, was this strong laser beam coming from our eyes of the Merlion. Kinda like Gotham City calling Batman and Robin into the batcave

8:00 PM - We ate dinner at Burger King. Big servings. Just had two bites off the turkey burger and a few sips from the Coke.

8:15 PM - Headed to the Merlion, a national symbol of Singapore. Indeed a landmark of gigantic statue of half mermaid, half lion.

8:30 PM – The Merlion Sleeps Tonight.

We learned that The Merlion closes at 7:30. Ayyyyyy. Too bad. I’m assuming that once we reach the top of the Merlion, one will see the whole Sentosa Island at night. Must be grand to see all the lights around Sentosa and the Singapore harbour.

We made a Sentosa night-walk which was just as fun.

11:30 - Changed to our swimsuit.

Went to the swimming pool upstairs. Did a few laps. Fooled around a bit (not so much though, can’t make so much noise for everyone is already asleep at this hour). Girl bonding.

1:30 AM – Changed to our sleep clothes.

2:15 AM – Said our goodbyes to Tina for she won't be able to join us the next day.

Bye bye Tina. Thank you a million for being a perfect tour guide…

Still no call from Matthew....

2:45 AM - Lights off

Day 4 – September 8

8:00 AM – Breakfast. Still the same menu since the first day.

9:00 AM – Headed to Singapore Botanical Gardens.

Didn’t explore much. But from what I have seen, it seems like a real great place to jog or brisk walk, because of its fantastic landscape. All these rich greeneries. Tall trees, vast variety of flora and fauna. Really impressive. Would’ve love to come back here on my shorts and sneaks.

10:00 AM - Headed to the hotel to check out.

Proceeded to Balmoral Plaza, walking distance from the hotel.

1:30 PM – Back to the hotel.

No call from Matthew… what am I suppose to do with the token… bring it home I guess…

2:00 PM – headed to the Changi Airport.

Since our flight is at 4:55 pm we decided to go to Sim Lim Square, where the best priced electronics are available. Fantastic array of electronic products. Although we were warned that we have to be circumspect about the quality of the products for some are fakes or assembled. Aireen, bought a JVC video recorder priced at S$550 with several freebies. Would’ve bargained more, but no time for we have to be back at the airport. That was a good deal…. I think.

Back to the Changi Airport, where we were panicking for our flight is on its last call. We were worried for we still don’t know where the boarding area.

Sigh!!! We almost missed our flight.

Bye bye Singapore…. Til next time…

At the plane, I watched “The Quiet American” which starred Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser. Nice movie. Didn’t finish it though, coz I have to switch channels to catch that heartwarming speech in “The Whale Rider” and the amazing traditional Maori dance of New Zealand.

Overall

The whole experience was great. I got what I came for. An exposure to different culture and country, stamps on my passport and some fun. The cityscape is indeed spectacular. Urban planning is wonderful. It is amazing how clean, orderly and convenient everything is. Everything is maximized. It is like living in a Utopian society where people are obedient, government is not corrupt and everything is controlled. Good place to live? Maybe…

However, as a tourist, nothing in Singapore I haven’t seen at the brochures. For the lack of a better term, it is sort of ”media hype”. Everything is played up by all the advertisement. It’s like, “ok, so this is how it looked like in real life. Nice…”. There is really nothing new to discover. No special place that a tourist can claim their distinctive place. My regret was that we weren’t able to interact with the locals. Didn’t have time to learn a typical Singaporean way of life. Guess I’ll have to ask what I have to ask in the chatroom.

Still Singapore is a pleasurable place to visit.

Singapore Travel Tales

2006-01-27T16:36:00.000+08:00

Quarter life Crisis

2006-01-27T16:23:00.000+08:00

One day I got word about a teacher who owns a hagwon (language institute) in Korea will be going on a vacation and needs somebody who could fill in for her. Before fear and insecurity could paralyze me, I quickly signed up for the job which would only last for one week. After that, I am on my own in that foreign country. I allotted $150 spending money to survive in the world’s second most expensive city. Anything beyond that, I have to earn in Seoul. I have one week to make it-or else go back to my non-existent life. I thought of the devils surrounding me, some real and some I created on my own. I the old jitters would return whenever I think about living in an unfamiliar territory, not knowing how to stretch my money to sustain my needs, where to get the next job, where to get the next meal, the next bath, how to teach Korean students, how to connect with them, where to get a job after a week, how to endure the freezing weather, how to overcome homesickness, how to ride the subway, the bus, what to do when lost, what to say when buying, what to say when haggling, where to go to church. I tried to think about these problems and how I would deal with them. Some solutions came easy, some difficult, some had no solution at all, I just have to accept it. I got through by teaching, selling prepaid cards (which I have no career), and selling myself as a teacher. A week’s job, stretched into two weeks, then three. Then a month passed by and I’m still alive.

This has been the scariest, loneliest, most challenging and tiring experience of my life. And I’ve never been happier. My spirits came alive and my senses were fully functional. God uses instruments like my boss and my friends, whom I met along the way to answer each of my prayers. He made me rediscover myself; but most of all, I grew closer to Him. He gave me a deeper appreciation of the things I took for granted like family, friends, career, culture, country. I know that this seems trivial compared to others’ life altering experiences, but this is exactly what I needed and God provided, at a perfect time and in the perfect place. It’s amazing how God provides, even to those who’s “nag-iinarte” like me.