SLAP HAPPY

Paraprosdokians---Say what?

2011-07-27T12:33:00.001+08:00

It has been really awfully hot these past few days…so hot, that if you probably drop a stick of butter on the sidewalk and then crack an egg, you’re bound to get scrambled eggs or sunny side up in a few minutes. Also, the holy month of Ramadan will start on August 1 and will last for a full month, which means we will be working half-days. Well, that’s something to look forward to.

Now, where was I?

I found this funny email about some phrases that people often misuse in the abject target of aiming to sound cool or act as if he or she was a fancy speaker. I guess, really, sometimes the grammar police should be on patrol to ensure that these phrases never get used, lest you guffaw your heart out.

These phrases are called ‘paraprosdokians,’ ,which is defined as figures of speech wherein the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently used in a humorous situation. Well, here are the most commonly heard;

1.) "I'm only human nature."

2.) "First and for all. "

3.) "All of a suddenly..."

4.) "That's what I'm talking about it!"

5.) "Thanks and advanced!"

6.) "Forget it about it! What are friends are for?"

7.) "It's as brand as new!"

8.) "Keep that bear in mind."

9.) "When it rains, it's four."

10.) "Every cloud has a silver lightning."

11.) "Grab the bull by the balls!"

12.) "Don’t just do something! stand there!"

13.) "My answers have been prayered!"

14.) "You're barking at the wrong dog."

15.) "That's the way the cookie jars."

16.) "Lets give them a big hand of applause!"

17.) "Well well well, look do we have here."

18.) "Hi I'm Bhoy. what's yours?"

19.) "The sky is the langit."

20.) "Hello? for a while...please hang yourself...My boss is out of town. Would you like to wait?"

21.) "And where do you think you are off to running to?"

22.) "Why won't you cut me some slacks?"

23.) "How dare you are!"

24.) " What’s your next class before this?"

25.) "The idea crossed at the back of my mind."

26.) "Are you joking my leg?"

27.) "It's a blessing in the sky."

28.) " I always go there sometimes."

Suckerpunched defiance

2011-07-03T14:57:00.003+08:00

Methinks the Sheriff who was itching to serve a demolition order to a squatter’s community in Davao didn’t know what was coming when he felt the wrath of Davao Mayor, Inday Sara Duterte. Watching the video on Youtube shows that In a matter of seconds, Duterte’s fist had gone aflying into Sheriff Abe Andres.

If you haven’t seen this video; you can watch it below;

The lady has got balls and it definitely matches those of her father, former Davao Mayor Rudy Duterte.

What does Inday’s actions mean to the people of Davao. It’s actually a strong message—Don’t mess with me.

As expected, local groups including the IBP, the CHR and almost every other department wanting to be in the spotlight are condemning the action and is even encouraging the Sheriff to file charges against Duterte. Yeah, yeah, it was a show of conduct unbecoming, but why not look at the whole incident as a whole before passing judgment.

Let me try to summarize the event in a nutshell—local judge releases demolition order; Duterte asks for a two hour allowance so that the serving of the order would be peaceful; Sheriff Andres still proceeds to serve the order despite the request; chaos, as expected ensues; Inday Sara arrives, fresh from a rescue and monitor mission of the recent flood victims; She calls for the sheriff and Wham, Bang, Ala-kazam.

The Mayor asked for a two hour deferment. She did not ask for a week, or a month or a year..she asked for two measly hours. She had a point in saying that you can not just serve a demolition order and walk away unscathed or without hostile reception from the incident. When you look at it, it just really boils down to common sense.

And the punch? Be it as you may, but I think he had it coming. His actions to serve the order despite the request for a two hour deferment demonstrates an air of arrogance that says, I am not under your office, so fuck off while I serve this order.

In fact, close circles have even cited that Duterte was made more furious when she was told that the Sheriff actually said, ”She’s not my boss. I am following the RTC. If she comes here, I will punch her.”

Yes, the Sheriff had balls, I just don’t know where they are right now.

And the rest is now forever going to be etched as a tall tale in Davao’s political history.

But come to think of it, I wonder if this Sheriff would have backed down if it was Manny Pacquiao reacting to his defiance….He probably would be reeling, “Now I know…”

Chutzpah.

Being scared is not an excuse....

2011-05-08T19:16:00.002+08:00

There’s talk going around that the newly appointed SBMA Administrator has already backed out of the job way before he even took his oath of office.

Wuzzat? Kind of confusing, isn’t it. I know, I was struck dumbfounded myself.

Turns out the guy got scared of the problems he would be taking on the minute he steps in as Chief Administrator.

You can read about it here.

Tsk.Tsk. I can see Dick Gordon nodding his head in disbelief and running his palms over his face like he used to when he got antsy about something.

And why, because of all people that would show fear of assuming the SBMA leadership, it came from a former SBMA volunteer, and Gordon wonderboy to boot.

Afraid? Come on. What could have been more scarier than assuming leadership of a newly turned over Subic to the Philippine government just as the Americans had left. There was virtually nothing to speak of, yet Gordon, who was appointed Chair of the Authority, rallied on along with thousands of volunteers. People, of all ages, backgrounds and denominations, worked closely to make Subic a perfect investment venue for Foreign Direct Investment opportunities to come in. Then, you had the likes of FedEx, APL and other big brands looking into Subic. APEC even had their leader’s meeting in the area in 1996. All coming from scratch.

Scary? What could have been more fearful than to be in the midst of a turn over? When Gordon was kicked out by then President Estrada and former Congressman Tong Payumo came in as the new Chair and Administrator, everyone who decided to stay behind was left in the middle of a brewing political dance. Your loyalties were in question and you had to prove that all you wanted to do was work. Some stayed on, some left. It was scary because during the first few moths, during the so-called honeymoon period, it felt like people were always watching your back. Your former allies had thought you moved on to the Payumo camp while the Payumo camp thought you were still there because you were asked to key in sabotage moves to ensure failure of the new administration. Where will you stand at that?

So don’t tell me about being scared because two administrations have already laid out the ground work for you not to be scared. One started with nothing while the following term tried to promote harmony and focused on attracting in more FDI. These new appointees are lucky because they’re being served the authority on a silver platter. Not much to do but just maintain the spirit and objective of attracting business, maintaining business and running the business. It can’t get all business wise than that.

If you say you’re scared then I think we should reconsider looking at someone else. Someone who is more technocrat in nature and can see the trends of the future rolling in—for one, Subic is still waiting to be developed to its full potential. We’re not there quite yet; just a little more steps to go.

Scared is not something you tell the manangs and the other former volunteers who are still with the SBMA and fondly recall their early volunteer days like they were old war stories that could be told over and over again. Because they have more courage combined than anyone who says I can’t hack it…way before he even takes the oath.

I don’t think I will even call you wonderboy anymore.

The obvious one....

2011-04-24T21:00:00.003+08:00

I was taling with my mom the other day via skype when all of a sudden she asks me why i have not been blogging lately.

Oh, a thousand or so reasons. For one, since i have gotten back to work in mid-february things have just been so crazy--schedule wise and workload wise.

and that is basically it. Although, hit with the embarassment of being questioned by my mom for not turning in homework hehehehe, i felt it obligatory to return to blogging as it seems to be a connection between me and the other people i love who are on the other side of the globe.

It isn't like I don't have much to say nowadays, in fact i did want to put in a thing or two about that latest Willie Revillame caper, un nga lang, i still find myself too loaded with work htat by the time i get home, im smack down on the bed after dinner.

But for now, let me all wish you a happy easter. Here's to seeing more of me in the next few months.

A Slap Here and There....

2011-02-28T15:39:00.000+08:00

My son, the little firecracker, managed to get me and the missus dumbfounded last Sunday night when he suddenly blurted, “Mom, Dad, can little boys get married?”

Snapshot—our first dumbfounded moment for 2011.

We had both looked at each other, wanting to laugh at the question yet at the same time concerned of why our four year old son was suddenly asking about nuptial ceremonies. The missus gave my little son a hug and said, don’t ask these questions yet, maybe later.

Chino looked at his mom, kind of like asking when would that be….

Oh, probably thirty years from now.

**********

One of my resolutions for this year was to actually start a hobby or a collection of something. The only thing that comes to mind right now are matchbox cars—small versions of latest or old model vehicles.

I would really want to start this off but don’t know where to actually get them smallies. I am in one of the world’s most modern cities and have yet to find a toy store where they actually sell the ‘Matchbox’ brand or the ‘Hot wheels’ brand.

**********

Overheard this morning in the bus;

“Ang pinakamagandang gamut sa alipunga ay ang pagbabad nito sa tsaang mainit. AYos yun, tanggal ang amoy at kati”

I could just nod my head, ‘eh kung nagpalit na lang kaya siya ng medyas. Hehehehe

**********
I want Fried Chicken!!!

**********

People in the Philippines recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Edsa Revolution—honestly, it is now all just a memory.

Marcos left, Cory came and almost two decades later, her son is now the President.

I don’t see much in all of it.

The perils of being 36

2011-02-08T02:53:00.000+08:00

Today I am turning a year older. ‘Tis the day where I have turned 36—over three and a half decades plus one added year.

I don’t know if you have noticed but the age 36, should you choose to not openly share it, doesn’t leave you with an exact excuse phrase to hide it.

You can no longer say or get away with using ‘I am in my mid-thirties’, because technically 36 is way off the mid-mark in any numerical arrangement—counting forward or backward. The ‘thirty something’ excuse is no longer applicable as the unwritten rule is you can only use it before reaching 35.

So I am now left with using the closest acceptable term to describe my age—I am now officially in my late thirties.

Curses. It is kind of hard to come to terms with that if at this age I still have a skateboard and a roller blade in my closet; I still watch cartoons and still lick the pancake batter when no one is looking. 36 is a milestone for me, considering I felt like I was dying a few months ago.

I don’t know if this is the most strategic time to say this but I have now reached the crossroads of my life—where I see things clearly, understand key concepts in relationships and now know the answer to the long asked question, ‘Does the light in the fridge go off when you close the door and how?’ I have also reached the age of effective communication with your physical body; where it now tells you that sometimes your feet are too weak to run; you can no longer stay up late like you used to in college and think before you put that in your mouth.

I guess this is the age where you fondly look back on the previous younger years and wish you were back in that time and mind set all over again—in my case things like Pearl Jam, beepers, Doc Marten’s Boots, the grunge era and everything else 90’s.

Whoever said that thirty is the new twenty, and later on, forty is the new thirty, probably couldn’t count correctly.

Twenty it is not.

But hey, since it is my special day, and it does come only once a year—allow me the privilege to kick back, relax and enjoy. I am 36 years old—battered from the many battles in life yet still ready to face on more; still dubiously inspired to be the man child he has always chosen to be and still ready to take on whatever comes his way. I am none the wiser, none the better, none the fairer—but have learned a lesson or two along the way.

36 is just a number….yeah, let me comfort myself with that till I come to grips with it, anyways before you know it, we’ll all be forty.

Scary thought indeed.

Dancing with Axl

2011-02-07T01:27:00.004+08:00

Guns and Roses.

I was never really a big fan during their heyday in the late 80’s—I was more into New Wave music and electronica. However, as I grew older and made my way into college I developed a deeper understanding and liking to all forms of music, rock in particular, and enjoyed a song or two from this great rock band.

I was able to secure tickets to their concert in Abu Dhabi. I was dying to go; actually, if you put it in a literal sense of the phrase; the recent loss of voice had began to lead into other complications and I was already feeling a deep doubt that what I had was cancer and that I was dying. So saying I was dying to go was kind of like saying it was something I wanted to do before I did go—enjoy a rock concert.

It was mid-December, the last weekend before Christmas and it had already been more than eight months since I lost my voice. I had, by then, lost a considerable amount of weight and it was beginning to show. Despite observations made at that time by some friends and close relatives, I kept to my reason that I was running in the morning and in the early evening. I guess I was only folloing myself.

The truth is, I was already feeling tell tale signs that I was getting weak. I just didn’t want to scare off the missus and the rest of then family—money, which wasn’t really tight, was still needed in settling obligations and other things and I felt that if I was going to be hospitalized it would mean a lrge dip in the savings.

But I really felt like I was dying. My legs were wobbly; my appetite was shot and I guess the only thing that kept me going was the general rah-rah feeling that I couldn’t just die yet.

My wife couldn’t tell how I was feeling, nor could other people around me. I couldn’t just open this up to anyone and I was forced to bottle up this emotion to myself.

I think I’ve strayed a little too far from the Guns and Roses angle—well let’s get back to that.

On the day of their concert, I had three signs come to me that I was due for a rude awakening. Although I didn’t see it coming at first, when it did set in, I got really alarmed.

The first sign was—my wife didn’t want to go. I should have seen that coming. Bel will come with me and try to understand the music, movies, books and other forms of entertainment that I like—but she was begging off this one. Although convinced to go, this was the first time that she actually begged off coming with me to an event.

The second sign came in earlier during the day, while I was still at the office, I had gone out and rang the doorbell planning to run and hide after wards—what happened was when I turned to run, my feet didn’t get the message and I stumbled off to the ground. This showed me that hey, my feet were really getting weak and wobbly.

The third sign came in the form of a last minute assignment from my boss. I was supposed to leave early from work so I could make the two-hour bus ride to Abu Dhabi but my boss but my boss gave me a last minute job that made me leave later than scheduled.

All of these signs came to me but I virtually ignored them. Although joining me at the last minute, the missus noticed that I was almost running on empty that night—I was feverish, cold and weak but I was determined to see the show.

What happened?

The minute we got off at the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal, I was nauseated and shivering like I was in the North Pole. Despite my continued rationale that I was ok, my wife put her foot down and said we needed to head back home or rush off to a nearby hospital. We decided on going home and seeing the doctor the next day. I had really wanted to go on and see the concert, I had told Bel that this was my last chance to see the group, that I felt like I was already dying and I was slowly ebbing away. I was in tears that evening and so was she—it had dawned on us both what was going on, I was sick and I needed help immediately.

What happened next was a key turning point in my life.

(To be continued)

Isolated But Not Defeated

2011-02-03T02:47:00.001+08:00

One of the so called unwritten rules in blogging is that if you neglect to post for a certain amount of time; long time gaps in particular, is thjat you do not have to explain yourself, just get back into the rhythm and post away. Well, for one, I don’t agree with this, sensing that I at least owe people, readers who devote a little amount of their time to read up on whatever it is that you post in the world wide web in your own little corner.

So the big question looming is, where have I been? Long story, one that dates back to eight months—if you have the time then I can write about the crime,,,,(joking, I haven’t turned criminal since me and my best friend, Ronald, flinched that ‘Debbie does something’ video years ago.)

Losing what is precious
There’s an old Filipino catch phrase that says, ‘Laway lang ang puhunan’, something that is particulary true for me. I am a man who has built whatever it is I have achieved around my ability to speak—pure laway. In high school, I earned the medals and trophies plus a quick buck or two (money prizes were big at that time) from public speaking contests; in college, I had a full scholarship for being in the speech forensics team. My career in government and erstwhile media was built on my ability to speak and write. In fact I would often introduce myself as someone who “Talked for a living, talked for a hobby and taught people how to talk the talk….I talk too much.”

I lost all that in April 2010.

I woke up one morning in mid-April with a hoarse voice, went to the bathroom and gargled hot water and then went back to bed—when I woke up at lunch time, I could barely muster a whisper. When I went to see the doctor that afternoon (one of the five doctors I would be seeing over the next eight months), he said I just had a case of laryngitis and prescribed a set of antibiotics.

My usual bout with hoarseness; I can remember coming down with it for at least a few times before, was that it would be gone in a day or two. After almost a week, it was still there and so I went back to see the doctor again—who unfortunately wasn’t there and was sent off to see another doctor; who also gave the same advice—laryngitis.

Two weeks had passed and I was still hoarse—I could speak, but I sounded really awful. Had gone back to see the lady doctor I saw weeks before and she could not find a reason for the hoarseness, saying that if my cough and cold would go then eventually my voice would go back to normal.

Nothing went back to normal. All of a sudden, everything seemed to have caved in on me—the realization that I would never be able to speak clearly like a toastmaster, sing like I used to and communicate normally with the people around me. My voice, the tool that got me through life, was now gone.

Not wanting to alarm my wife or show a sense of being overly disturbed by what was happening, I continued to act as if the whole thing wasn’t a big deal; showing I had other skills that would eventually get us by. We did try to go and see other doctors and find out what was happening but all we got were different answers, different medication but no genuine results—the voice was still hoarse.

I have had a long line of reasons from different doctors—gastric acid, chronic laryngitis, tonsillitis, heck I would even hear some wise crack remark that I was probably hexed or something by someone.

During the long commute home from work or times when I would be alone in my room, I would often ponder on why this was happening. Did I strain my voice too much? Did I contract something contagious? Is this cancer?

It would be really embarrassing when I would meet acIquaintances and old friends and I couldn’t speak up well. I mean, here was Anton Deleon, the great debater, the man who could sell you Luneta at the flick of a finger and a twclist of the tongue—now can’t even barely muster a clear wheeze and a whisper that is enough to say hi and hello.

Life can be very cruel at times, I thought, playing a really bad joke on you. It becomes more painful when it dawns on you that it’s gone and you’re done for the ride.

Before I knew it, five months had already passed, then six, seven, eight…By this time, I had already accepted that my voice would never come back, but a minor laser procedure would at least return a little normalcy to its tone and make me sound less throaty so to speak.

(To be continued…)

Feeling the yuletide chill.....

2010-12-06T13:14:00.000+08:00

I was having a lovely post dinner conversation with the missus last night about the coming Christmas holidays and what to get for Chino this year. Since the little firecracker is doing well in school and has been all good and nice, we are getting him his first bike. This was followed by animated discussions on where to get the bike and where to hide it from him, as the little dude knows when something is up and is bound to find it even before we could sing the opening strains to Jingle Bells.

No big plans for us this year though; just the usual Christmas lunch that we host for some of our closest friends here in the UAE. It’s been an annual thing for us, borne out of our aim to at least give some of yuletide cheer for friends who are away from their families during this festive day.

I still don’t know what I would want to receive this year. Over the last few months, I have gotten fair amount of gadgets, clothes, books and what-not’s to keep me quite happy at the moment. Although, I don’t think Bel will buy me the mountain bike I have been drooling over at the local Sun and Sand store.

On my way to work this morning, there was a lively discussion on radio that this year is being touted as the Christmas of Austerity – wherein people are now looking to give away the more traditional gifts like board games and non-techie toys to their kids. Chino is still a little young but I am planning to get him maybe a board game or two in this year’s toy list. Kind of reminds me of how simple times were when I was growing up. My parents didn’t have to shower us with fancy toys or expensive gadgets (it wasn’t that big in the 80s to the 90s), the annual ritual was clothes shopping, followed by shoes shopping then my mom and dad would venture off shopping without us to get our own fill of gifts to open on Christmas eve.

Oh well, there I go again waxing nostalgic. I guess we all agree that Christmas, no matter where you spend it, is best felt when in the company of family, friends and loved ones. I am just lucky that my wife and son are here with me – and how we have managed to stay together, receive countless blessings and strive to better individuals – is the meaning of Christmas to me.

Sharjah Water Festival spells F-U-N with a big splash....

2010-12-04T14:26:00.011+08:00

We spent the whole Friday afternoon at the recently opened ‘Sharjah Water Festival’, which is located along Majjas Park and the Corniche Boardwalk Area. The project is a local undertaking of the government and is now on its fourth year.

The festival park area is filled with different tents and booths offering various shows and attractions that promises you no dull moment while you’re there for a visit. We came at around four in the afternoon, just about opening time, to avoid the long queues and large crowds that would be lining up later in the evening.

Conveniently, upon entering, the ticket checker hands you out a map of the area, which has complete details of the shows and where they are located. The park is quite big so you will really need the map.

We took Chino first to see the juggling show. The performers were, I guess Russian, based on the accents I could hear when they performed. Cool show, I even got to see a real life performance of those white bubble balls that give you the effect that they were floating on the air. Me and bel, with the exception of Chino, felt like we were school kids while we also joined the oohs and ahhs from the rest of the audience.

After the show, we walked around the park, which also offered rides and food stalls. Corn a plenty, as there were stalls that offered pop corn, barbecued corn on the cob or corn in a cup. The Sharjah Water Festival characters, headed by Mouj, the chief mascot, go around the park meeting and greeting the kids. There is also a drum and bugle band and a bunch of stilt walkers also doing the rounds; adding a more festive feeling to the park.

The highlight of the visit was a special diving exhibition performance called ‘Sinbad’s Diving Show’. Stellar acrobatics and some slap stick comedy coupled with high rise trampoline jumping, trapeze acts and yes, high performance diving – with the climax of the show being a 25 metre dive that scared the bajeebas out of everyone.

All in all, it was a fun afternoon that stretched out to the early evening. We were all exhausted from all the walking from show to show, but it was sure well worth it. Actually ended up with a bag of souvenirs and the promise of coming back next week to watch that Sharjah F1 Jet Ski races.

Now that’s something to look forward to also.

(For more information on the Sharjah Water Festival, you can visit their website here.)

just a test....

2010-11-26T23:58:00.002+08:00

i am out by the patio right now,just relaxing on my blue sun deck chair with a bull frog drink in hand. The cool night breeze adds to the relaxed intoxicating feeling.

Me and Bobby D

2010-11-06T16:23:00.002+08:00

My uncle Bobby passed away a few days ago. He was one of my closest uncles; someone who I have affectionately regarded as a second father and a mentor. It really hit me with quite a shock when I heard of the bad news and immediately said a prayer for his eternal repose.

He was second in a brood of eight siblings (my dad was the fifth), and because the eldest son, Uncle Tony, left for the US with his family, leaving Uncle Bobby as the one taking charge of the six other brothers and sisters. I think the role stuck even towards the nephews and nieces that later came, as we all came to him for advice and guidance on different things.

Uncle Bobby was good looking, smart and was a very good speaker. In short, he could walk the walk and talk the talk. He was the man. Having served at the Olongapo Fiscal’s office for a while, he later transferred to the Subic Naval Base, assigned to take charge of strengthening employee-employer relations. His position allowed him to travel quite a bit and was sent to key parts in the US on TAD duty. It was during one of these trips that sparked my love for comic books; he came home one time and handed me a large package of comic books—The Marvel Secret Wars series, early X-men issues and a handful of Spiderman titles.

When the Americans left, he found himself working as a labor arbiter in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and was able to prevent a large number of strikes by being able to sit down with concerned parties and successfully negotiating key solutions to smoothen issues out.

He was a devoted family man, he had four beautiful daughters that all turned out successful in their own right. However, I would like to believe that aside from his daughters, nephews like me and nieces, were also treated like his own children. He was always there for us, especially for me; I needed a suit and tie for a debating competition, have no fear, he was always there to offer his wide array of coats, polo shirts and ties—even teaching me how to tie a necktie. Such high is our respect and regard for Uncle Bobby that aside from our parent’s approval, we also sought what he had to say about it.

He was also the life of the Deleon parties. He would enamor us with stories of all our uncles and aunties and all their funny mishaps while growing up. All of us kids would listen intently for the punch line of each story, although we must have heard it a thousand of times by then. He even had this quirky funny song that he would sing to the babies, making us giggle in sheer laughter. If you knew the lyrics to “May isang putang inang matanda”, then you would know what I’m saying.

When Chairman Richard Gordon was removed from the SBMA in 1998 and I found myself in limbo with the incoming administration because of my former association as one of Gordon’s executive assistants, Uncle Bobby vouched for me and stated that we Deleon’s are professional career executives who focus on work more than dilly-dallying in politics. I obviously survived that episode and stayed on in the SBMA until I left for the UAE in 2007.

Towards his early sixties, Uncle Bobby got stricken by Parkinson’s disease and was forced to retire from work. It was a sickness that slowly took the best of him. What was once an icon of strength and vigor for me slowly shriveled, paining me to see him when his hands would be shaking and he would be walking with a cane. The last time I saw him was almost two years ago, during my last visit to the Philippines. He looked okay then, but I knew the pain he was going through and that really brought me to tears.

Uncle Bobby is gone now, and I want to believe that wherever he is, he is now at peace. He is probably up there in heaven now with my dad, exchanging hearty laughs with my grandparents. I will surely miss him but as the old saying goes; when I see you in the sun, I shall tell you much.

Thank you for everything, Uncle Bobby.

A Slap Happy Demurring..err..Desperate Call for your Vote and Support...

2010-10-31T21:20:00.001+08:00

Dear Friends,

This blog has been nominated for this year’s edition of the Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA 2010). The PEBA Awards is an annual event that seeks to recognize blogging excellence among Filipino bloggers who are based abroad. I have been nominated for my recent post entitled ‘Guidelines in Strengthening the OFW Family.’

In line with this, I would like to ask your support by visiting the PEBA website and join in on the voting process. On the left side bar of the PEBA website is a list of the current nominees in the Expat/OFW category; my blog, SLAP HAPPY is listed as Nominee No. 26. Please tick on the small whitebox next to it and click the ‘SUBMIT VOTE’ button directly below it. You can go to PEBA website through this link and the link provided below;

The final top ten will be announced in the next few days and the awards will be held in the Philippines in December, 2010.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your support. More power to the Filipino blogging community.

Sincerely,

Anton Deleon
www.antonisat.blogspot.com

Guidelines in Strengthening the OFW Family

2010-10-30T14:51:00.005+08:00

It is hard to be a Filipino working abroad; in a foreign land where the customs, traditions and common practices do not bear semblance to the common notions of everyday life that we have gotten used to.

It is equally harder to be Filipino working abroad without your family with you. The pressure of going through the rhythm of everyday life; work, home, work—tends to become very heavy with the idea that you are in a different place; far away from your wife, your kids, your friends and just about anyone who you have close to your heart.

Yes, such is the burden that each Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) carries. It is pretty plain and simple; you either learn to cope with it or you don’t. Many families have broken up because of the loneliness that an OFW brings.

Despite the courage to work abroad and be able to send a few dollars back home, the idea of loneliness still fathoms over and there is a longing for human warmth, companionship and just about the privilege to have someone beside you at the end of the day.

Thank God for modern technology though as the longing is assuaged by the presence of email, chat programs and even video messenger types like skype and yahoo messenger. Although significantly reducing the cases of broken families, there are still individuals who may feel the need for more than just a picture or a video on the internet.

The call for stronger OFW families is truly a long and tedious battle ahead. The need to save a failing family relationship beckons over the need to send dollars or send a new PSP, TV or laptop. Maybe, with the help of a strong set of guidelines and guidance, we can avoid the worst, but it will always boil down on the individual OFW—the strength and the conviction that he will not stray should always be there.

1. Reassure—Families should constantly express their feelings for each other. Husbands should always express their love and wives should reciprocate the gesture, regardless of who is abroad and who is left back home. This act of love aims to give strength and confidence to both individuals and other family members.

2. Reassess—Ask yourself, is going abroad really necessary? If so, do I have what it takes to be away from my family? Can I handle the pressure of being away? Will I break or will I make it?

3. Relax—OFW’s break under pressure on account for the lack of an outlet of relaxation or too much of it. It is okay to have friends and to go out. What is not OK is if you start looking for more. Learn to pick a hobby or a suitable outlet that can help you come to a perfect state of calm and relaxation.

4. Recount—Understand why you have chosen to go abroad; recount each reason and validate it by being the model family member.

5. Reinforce—Strengthen yourself, spiritually, mentally and physically. If you are alone and abroad then most likely no one will be there to care for you. Learn to care for yourself.

Being abroad is truly a challenge in itself but the idea of winning this battle all falls down on you. Love your family—remind yourself that you have made the sacrifice of being away so that you can provide for them. Only when you have the confidence to accept this can you say that what you have (your family) can not be broken.

Never trust your RP Labor Attache, especially if you're in Hong Kong

2010-10-27T13:59:00.003+08:00

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have long been dubbed as the new breed of Filipino Heroes; for without their constant remittances and contributions to the country, the Philippines would have long been damned into hellfire and oblivion. So, it is just proper, that the government –our government, take strides in trying to watch out for the welfare of these new heroes.

In Hong Kong, this is not the case.

First time OFW Agnes Tenorio found herself in a predicament when she arrived at her employer’s house only to find that she had been terminated from her contract. Desperate and new to Hong Kong, without knowing anyone, she did the most sensible thing to do—seek assistance from the local RP consulate.

Sensible is not the word to what happens next.

Upon her visit to the RP Consulate in HK, she was able to meet Labor Attache Romulo Salud. During their brief meeting, Tenorio, without knowing her rights as a contract worker, expressed her desire to just return home. Salud agreed immediately without even telling her of the options that wrongfully dismissed workers like her had.

Apparently, someone was able to properly advise Tenorio of what to do with her case—file a labor kase with the proper Hong Kong Labor Department. Filing a case will at least entitle her to proper wages and benefits that she rightfully deserves.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, Tenorio returned to the RP Consul office to see Salud again. Instead of showing support, the Labor Attache started a tirade at her, even scolding her for changing her mind about going home and not trusting her..wait, let me do you better, here is the actual conversation and you judge the whole thing from there;

This just made my blood boil over.

Foreign service officials like Salud have been assigned to foreign offices for the purpose of helping out their countrymen who have ended up in distressed situations and predicaments. They are there to serve and provide assistance, not scold and berate us.

How dare you, Mr. Salud, speak about rights when you did not even inform Ms. Tenorio of the choices and options she had (Wasn't this your duty in the first place?).

How dare you call yourself a labor attaché, when you can’t even inform a person of their labor rights.

How dare you sir.

Being an OFW myself, I rely on the privilege (or is it my right) to be able to go to the nearest RP Consul or Embassy to seek help if I need it. However, I also dread the fact that when I go there, I will be dealing with people like you. Arrogant sons of bitches who think we should bow down to your every instruction.

Well, let me tell you this. It’s the other way around you nincompoop. It’s our money that makes sure you’re there; it’s our money that allows you to serve us—SO SERVE US WELL.

Here is a lady, who has just arrived in a foreign land, not knowing anyone and suddenly finds herself in a situation that is all too stressful. She comes to you for help and what do you do? You lecture her on the finer points of Karapatan and how it is earned.

Wala kang karapatan, Gago. Wala ka diyan, kung wala kami.

I am not surprised if after this whole brouhaha, you will barely even get a slap on your wrist. But believe me, people like you do not deserve to represent my country in a foreign land. People like you should be sent back home.

Go home, Mr. Salud.

Hurdling through Chino's first periodical exams.....

2010-10-25T16:08:00.003+08:00

The past week was really hectic for the whole Deleon household as Chino went through his first set of periodical exams. Me and Bel, being the ever over bearing parents that we are, wanted to give him a leg up by reviewing him with different sample exams that he would answer for us. We would then check the test, see where he made mistakes and explained everything patiently to him.

Before we started on the review chores, me and the missus discussed a few points to consider since this was Chino’s first exams;

1. We didn’t want to stress him out with a barrage of reviews as it would wear out both the parent and the child.

2. We wanted to be interactive, which is why we based the trial exams on the pointers to review given by Chino’s teachers. We didn’t expect Chino to get all answers correct on the first try—we were looking out for that and see where he would make mistakes so that we could correct it for him by explaining why his answer was wrong.

3. We wanted him to experience the review sessions as something he would look forward to and not something he would avoid like the plague.

With all these three points, we proceeded to map out a schedule that would make review sessions easy and fun for the little boy. Luckily, Chino’s exams stretched out for the whole week, which allowed us to review him on a “one subject per day” basis.

Patience is truly a virtue when trying to review a little child. In the case of my four year old firecracker, he always had something to say or narrate that was completely off topic (like cartoons and previous trips to the mall); always asked for a bathroom break and always asked to rest his wrists. However, by the second night of reviewing, I guess Chino realized that both his mom and dad meant business and no amount of dilly-dallying would get us off his shoulder so he eventually gave in and diligently answered the test exams.

I don’t know if this is correct parental advice but giving him an incentive to look forward to also kept his spirits high. In this case, it was the promise of more Bakugans and a trip to the mall. Although, I never did get similar incentives from my parents in the past, I felt it was important to keep Chino motivated and focused at the same time.

The missus was the most patient of the two of us, as she really sunk her teeth into the review sessions. She made sure that Chino understood all the questions and even explained a few tagalong words and phrases for him to remember (Pilipino is part of Chino’s curriculum).

After each day, we would ask him how his exams went and Chino would just say “great” and would proceed to hum and mind his own business. This would really put us on the edge of our seats and drive us to focus more on the review.

Arriving from work last night, Chino gave me a set of papers that I was supposed to sign. It turns out that these were his test papers. With my hands trembling, I carefully opened each set to see his score. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that all his exams turned out pretty OK—all in the 97 percentile ranking. Me and Bel were grinning like idiots, while Chino just shrugged it off as if he was saying, I told you I could do it.

Well, now I have to keep my end of the bargain and buy him his Bakugan balls over the weekend.

Mission accomplished.

Quick Quips

2010-10-21T19:50:00.001+08:00

I think Ballsy Aquino took the words straight out from our moths when she pointed out that her brother, President Noynoy Aquino, prefers dating younger women. At the ripe age of fifty, the new President has been romantically linked with women almost half his age.

Err…So what?

What’s the big deal here. He’s single, and despite occupying the country’s top post, he too, is also human and needs a partner to talk to, have dinner with and well, you get my drift.

So, if he indeed made the call to at least let him be in terms of his dating life, well I think we ought to give him that. A happy president is by all means, a productive president.

**********

In true political irony, Senator Joker Arroyo got the wool pulled under his eyes when he was reminded that hey, weren’t you the one who called for CPP founding leader Joma Sison’s amnesty during Cory Aquino’s administration?

Yep, he did. Maybe he just forgot.

**********

Congressman Jules Ledesma’s odd behaviour during a GMA 7 interview has made me see twon things straight; first, the dude is in a different universe and second, wherever that universe may be, his odd grin and evil sneer makes me believe he is the Darth Vader of whatever universe he is in.

Go figure.

**********

DoJ Secretary Leila De Lima was quoted the other day saying that she was embarrassed that she still does not know where Senator turned fugitive Ping Lacson is.

Believe me madam when I say that you shouldn’t be embarrassed because I have no idea either.

*********

Presidential sister and actress Kris Aquino has signed on to do a movie with actor Dingdong Dantes.

Whoopsie daisy. (and they continue asking why Philippine cinema has never managed to move forward)

**********

Seeing an angry Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim lash back at his critics and the members of the IIRC committee was just so entertaining that they have to really air it on TV and radio for everyone to see.

Poor Lim, who despite a colorful police and political career, will now be remembered as the mayor who; left for coffee during the crucial hours of a hostage crisis and got mad because he was recommended for charges for going on a coffee break during the crucial hours of a hostage crisis.

Don’t even get me started with his vice mayor.

Garbage: Tons of it coming our way.......

2010-10-12T16:20:00.002+08:00

A big garbage issue is brewing in my old hometown; so big that it has managed to pick the attention of fellow Olongapeno’s residing abroad and have expressed their disgust over the matter.

Apparently, the city council of Olongapo has passed a bill (Resolution No. 109) that would allow the dumping of garbage coming from Bulacan and Pampanga into the sanitary landfills of Olongapo—all for the measly price of PhP2, 300.00 per truck.

Okay, before we start mouthing off our violent reactions and start speaking those unspeakable cuss words we learned from American television, let’s try to discuss the matter.

First, let’s get to the root and cause of all of this.

Seven of the city’s elected councilors (which includes the local Association of Baranggay Chairmen (ABC) president and local SK Federation president) passed and approved a resolution that authorizes Mayor James Gordon Jr. to enter and sign an agreement with M22 Construction for the temporary (albeit no parameters of a time frame mentioned) use of Olongapo city’s dumpsite.

These seven gallant councilors passed and authorized a bill that, if you ask me, needed more time to be reviewed and analyzed. No, I don’t think they’re gallant in this aspect.

It takes a whole lot of common sense to know that in issues that concern dumping other people’s garbage in your own turf, it would be wise to first get the opinion of the people around you. Yes, my fellow councilors, the people who actually elected you into office.

What should have been done was that at the onset of this proposal being made to the city, the councilors should have made a gallant (there’s that word again) effort to hold public forums and discussions that seek to get the opinion and reaction of the local community.

Ergo, they should have asked us first this question, “DO YOU MIND IF WE ALLOW GARBAGE COMING FROM PAMPANGA AND BULACAN TO BE DUMPED IN OUR SANITARY LANDFILLS?”

Do we mind? Common sense (again, another word that will be constantly used in this post) dictates a “Yes, of course we do” answer.

Secondly, and I know that this is a required move in issues concerning garbage, was there an effort to conduct a feasibility study to find out if Olongapo can, aside from taking in all the garbage from the city itself, accommodate garbage from other areas.

I am guessing NO for an answer (Minadali nga eh). I have however, come across resources defending the bill saying that Olongapo can accommodate all the garbage from Olongapo, Pampanga and the Subic Bay Freeport for the next 60 years. If you say this I say this in response, “How dated is this detail and who conducted the study? Show it and bring it out.”

Now, since we have two resounding NO’s as answers to the two questions I raised, why on earth was this resolution passed immediately? Why were these councilors in such a hurry to get all that crap dumped into the city?

Wake up call fact—Olongapo is a city, Pampanga is a province. Comparison in size, population and number of households immediately put Olongapo at the losing end. Maybe the gallant councilors just didn’t get it right.

Wait, let me explain. Let me tell them from a macro perspective. Imagine all the garbage coming from our houses (which in this situation, represents different areas of Pampanga) being dumped into your front yard (which in this situation, represents Olongapo). Best part is, we’re dumping without even asking permission (which represents the absence of consulting your constituents). Got it? Wait, I bet you wouldn’t even like it if I even offered to pay you for it.

The issue has become so hot that even social networking site Facebook has got discussions and special pages for it. This should not be elevated to an Opposition versus Pro-Gordon thing. It is an issue of wanting what is best for our city. It’s an issue of public health, safety and the after effect it will leave on a city that has been recognized as one of the cleanest and greenest in the country.

Yes, from being the most clean and green we are now moving into being the dumpsite of choice in Central Luzon.

Think about that.

To Dance or Not to Dance

2010-10-10T13:14:00.002+08:00

A lot has already been said about the dancing cabin crew members of budget Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific; as expected there’s a fair share of people opposing it and another half lauding the airline carrier for pioneering a new way of introducing safety details on a flight.

I have been mulling over it the last few days and have come to deciding that I am not for it. You know that feeling when you meet a person for the first time and sense that there’s something odd about him that you couldn’t just peg—well that’s how I felt; it’s cool, its’ got everyone’s attention but honey, it just ain’t right.

It’s a fairly novel idea. I mean, take a flight and you are bound to see that almost a large percentage of the passengers will not actually listen to the safety presentation. I guess it’s more of like a “I have seen one already and know what to do” thing. It’s SOP, protocol perhaps, that despite you knowing what to do, it is their duty to tell us.

For one, once this becomes a regular thing, then hiring practices now at Cebu Pacific will include the key question, “Can you dance?”

Budding stewardess’ and male stewards will now not only worry about height requirements or their mastery of conversational English but also worry if they can dance to a five-minute or so song extolling safety details of a flight.

OK, let’s say a prospective candidate has all the necessary requirements to become a cabin steward (education, training, etc.) yet they will not compromise on the “need to dance” policy, or simply thinking that they just don’t have the guts. What happens to them?

What then, sooner or later, in the middle of a dance number, some female stewardess and male steward will probably go to the middle of the aisle and burst into song; singing about how to snap on the seatbelts and finding the most accessible exit to the tune of a Lady Gaga song.

While we’re at it, and since the people down at Cebu Pacific feel like they’re on a roll, why don’t you start offering passengers the opportunity to have a ladies drink or men’s drink with the cabin crew. That could be a more direct and interactive approach to sharing the safety details. Something like, come have a seat with me; what do you want to drink? OK, tell me how does this seat belt work.

I know I am going to hit someone’s sensibilities with this next statement but here goes nothing—We Filipinos are just too darn theatrical. Too cultural. Too artsy. Give us a situation and we’re more likely to infuse the elements of dance and song to solve it. What do we get in return? We have now officially become a nation that other people will not take seriously in terms of business, trade and other important things that matter.

Let me refresh your memory. Take youtube and other social networks for example;

The Dancing Cebu inmates (Dance); Charice Pempengco (Music); Filipino International Hip Hop Dancing groups (Dance) and Manny Pacquiao (Sports/ Showbusiness).

We don’t astound the world because we are smart or because we’ve come up with the next best solution to the global financial crisis; we make the world notice us because we can dance and sing.

Frankly, it’s fine to be recognized for that but don’t we long for the other things—like the ones that really matter. Wouldn’t it be great to feel that tourists or foreigners come to visit the Philippines to seek potential investment opportunities or strategic partnerships and not because they wanted to be on a local domestic flight to see the dancing cabin crew members?

I rest my case.

Here's to you, Rudy T.

2010-10-06T13:19:00.000+08:00

This week we are celebrating World teacher’s day (October 5th every year) and as a fitting tribute to this international event, I have chosen to write a small post about a teacher who has made a difference in my life—helped me learn important lessons that go beyond the classroom and into the school of hard knocks.

For one, I used to be the kind of kid who was smart alecky all the way, in fact some of my former mentors have pointed out that my overconfidence over certain things will be both a blessing and a curse for me. Although I hate it whenever they point this out, now that I am older and have gone through some of the worst and best of times, I have found this to be true.

Mr. Rodolfo Tolentino was my fifth grade adviser. Truth be said, I have never liked this man. The moment I saw him, I knew we would be at odds and ends. Case in point; I was picked on by a school bully from the sixth grade and got punched in the face for no apparent reason. I fought back and was sent to the Principal’s office. When the principal called my parents up, they immediately came over to see what happened. After meeting with the principal, they stopped by to see Mr. Tolentino to discuss what had just happened. The man just smirked and said, “Well, your son is too dominating. He probably had it coming. Truth is, with that kind of attitude, I don’t think he’ll amount to anything.” My parents were shocked, having just been told by the principal about how I was picked on and bullied, here comes my adviser saying that I was probably asking for it. But cooler heads prevailed and they just shrugged him off and chose to not discuss the issue with him anymore.

The man showed everyone; classmates, teachers, parents of classmates and just about every gook on the street that he didn’t like me. I would excel in his class, turn projects on time, ace his quizzes yet at the end he’d start with a tirade that people who have too much confidence in their selves will always end up on the losing team.

Well, who did he favor? He favored the rich kids in school; the ones who would give him freebies and stuff whenever he asked for it. You couldn’t pass your project, give him a hammer, a screwdriver or just about any tool and he’d pass you. He hated me more because I never did give him anything. One time he asked me if I could ask my dad to donate an electric fan for our class and my dad, who of course remembers him with what he said about me, rejected the request.

The guy was just another asshole to deal with in my daily school life. I would have bullies who picked on me and he was the older bully who just couldn’t have his day without scolding me off or embarrassing me in front of other students. Oh, but I knew, one of these days he would get his fair share—either from me or someone else who equally hated him.

A few years after leaving High School, I heard he was terminated by the school after it was discovered that he accepted a bribe from one of his students in exchange for passing grades in subjects he handled. I think he asked for a mountain bike and the student thought it was just too frivolous—reported it to the principal and when the exchange was made he was caught red handed.

The last time I saw him, he was peering over the school fence, trying to say hello to some former acquaintances. He couldn’t get inside campus as he was barred from entering. I never heard from him again.

But man, what I would give to see him now and say straight to his face where I am right now. I picture him as an old miserable man fading into oblivion.

Wait, now you’re probably asking why I am writing a tribute post about a guy who said I wouldn’t amount to anything. Although I didn’t like him and through the years that I had him as a teacher (he was our constant shop teacher after the fifth grade), I have always looked back and remembered that statement. It stuck in as a challenge. In my young mind then, whenever I set out to do something and in times when I would almost give up, Mr. Tolentino’s voice would echo in my head and that would be enough motivation for me to get the job done.

I am not rich, nor have I ended up being some big shot honcho in my career of choice, but I am lucky to have a well meaning job with a good salary; a nice family; a nice house complete with creature comforts and the ability to do the things I like to do.

I did amount to something and man, it had nothing to do with you.

Why I changed my mind about weekend homework

2010-09-19T18:50:00.005+08:00

A few days ago I had chanced upon a news item about DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro ordering public elementary schools to refrain from giving students homework for the weekend and allow them more time to spend with their family. The order is to answer the huge amount complaints coming from parents saying that today's schools have been giving students too much work for the weekends resulting in a lack of quality time with their children.

When I first heard about this, I had quite a mouthful to say in reaction to the order. No, I don’t believe in lessening the amount of homework; for one, how will the children learn what is supposed to be taught in school and second, this just comes off as an excuse to slack off more for kids.

When I was still in school, although I loathed the idea of a weekend with homework to do, I knew I had to schedule things right in order to be able to enjoy the two day pass. Do your homework early and enjoy the rest of the week—watch cartoons, play, watch cartoons, play (I guess you know what I mean…)

A recent experience with my son Chino though, gave me a whole new view on the whole thing.

Chino, who has just started schooling, is currently enrolled in Kindergarten 1 in an International school that follows a curriculum that is both approved by the UAE government and the Philippine government as well.

Just this weekend, I was browsing over his homework and found not only one assignment to finish but six activities for him to do.

Six??!!??

The kid is just about starting to learn his ABC’s and his 123’s and here is a slew of homework that is bound to not only zap away his free time, but also that of the parent who has to oversee his work.

Although me and the missus took turns in helping Chino finish off the homework, I felt bad that he had to bring home so much to do. Kindergarten kids are supposed to be initiated into the world of academe with fun activities—song, games, interactive activities that tell them that learning is fun.

Is it me or have teacher’s changed their way of teaching methods that homework has apparently become heavier than what I remember it to be. The kid will not only lose time to enjoy the weekend but will be too stressed to actually take in and fully understand the lesson. Child stress has also become a major concern among parents today and believe me six separate assignments to do on a weekend is just too much for a four year old kid.

Way too much.

Assigning too much homework doesn’t guarantee the teacher that the child will learn his lesson, no, it takes more than that.

I am lucky to have come from a series of learning institutions that not only understood the value of homework but also promoted the value of interactive learning—one on one, wherein the teacher actually jumps into teaching the lesson head on with the student.

Years ago, when I taught communication subjects like Film, Advertising and Speech communication, I made it a point to create an amiable learning atmosphere in my classroom, where although the teacher is a figure of authority, he is totally approachable and willing to answer any questions that a student may have. None of the old stereotypical teacher who would frown upon the next kid who had ideas bursting in his head.

Now where was I? Ah, ok, homework on weekends.

So, maybe not having homework for the weekend is cool. But let’s not take this for granted. Although we see this as a solution to spending more time with our kids, let us also see this as an excellent opportunity to check on our kids and see what they are learning and actually encourage them to study after the weekend’s activities are done and over with.

That is, after the Saturday morning cartoons. But then again, that’s a whole different story.

When idiots are to blame

2010-09-15T13:15:00.002+08:00

Being a former journalist, I have quite a mouthful to say about how the blame is being placed on the media front on account of the recent bus hostage taking that ended on a tragic note. I know I promised I wouldn’t touch this topic, but I couldn’t resist the urge to speak my mind.

Everybody knows by now that the embittered hostage taker ran amuck and started shooting off hostages when he saw on TV how his other policeman brother ran to the safety of media and claimed that he was going to be escorted out of the premises to be salvaged (summary execution) and dumped off somewhere in Tondo. Analysts, government officials and just about any Tom, Dick and Harry have said that the sight of SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza crying and going hysterical on live television was the turning point that made former Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza snap and start shooting.

You can probably say, yeah, media did go a little overboard with taking advantage of the moment and actually broadcasting this part of the 11 hour hostage drama but hey, it was happening as part of events unfolding and it was something that did, if you ask me, need coverage.

Analyze the whole situation, there’s a hostage incident taking place, and then all of a sudden, the hostage taker’s brother comes running out of the nearby police precinct shouting and asking for the media to help him, claiming he’s about to be killed by his fellow cops. What would you do? Would you shrug it off and let the cops haul him off, or would you at least run to his aide and see what he is shouting about.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the business of news gathering and relaying this to the public. That minor event, at that crucial time, was part of an unfolding event. A journalist covering situations like these need not flip a coin to see if he should cover it or not. It was there, it was happening and the public needed to know.

My point here is simple. Before we start pointing the fingers at media, we should do some really deep thinking about this whole thing. I’ll tell you who we should blame; blame the nincompoop idiot that did give out the order to bring SPO2 Mendoza to Tondo. Had that order not been made, then Mendoza wouldn’t be running out of the precinct and pleading for his life and his brother wouldn’t have snapped and eventually the tragic end would have been avoided.

Whoever made that order was not fit to handle a situation like the hostage thinking; he was not thinking straight enough to realize that his actions would lead to a domino effect of consequent actions that he and his team might regret in the end.

The policemen who grabbed SPO2 Mendoza have alleged that Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim gave the order, saying that Mendoza be brought to Tondo (which is another way of saying that he be shot and dumped off) should things with the hostage taker go wary.

Now, why on earth would Mayor Lim order such a thing? Was he too stressed out from the event taking place? Did he think that killing off the brother would mean street justice served? Why? Well, we will never know. These are the kind of questions that tend to be unanswered when the blame gets affixed on a high profile idiot, I mean official.

So before you start yakking your head off and point the unruly finger at journalists for not exercising restraint during the hostage taking, think first, then point the finger at the person who didn’t exercise restraint in deciding on the life of another person.

Murder over dinner

2010-09-09T13:15:00.005+08:00

The recent testimony of Lakmudin Saliao, former house help and close-in aide of Former Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. , bared that the murder of the Ampatuan political rivals were planned over a casual dinner, where even the women folk were present and were actually laughing at that time.

Imagine a family that is having dinner, laughing over trivial matters of the day and actually planning a murder over a meal.

Sick. I tell you. Andal Ampatuan Sr. is one sick fellow.

I mean what probably went on would be like;

Andal Sr: Could you please pass the rice, son.

Andal Jr: Here father, you might want to try the chicken, its excellent. Oh, by the way, we’ve got the private army on standby, should you want to give the signal to kill your rivals.

Zaldy: Oh Father, this fish is delicious. Do we kill them all or do we spare the women?

Andal Sr: Really? Pass me some of that fish and let me get a taste (gives a taste) Wow, delicious. Sure, kill them all. How are your kids doing in school today?

Shame on the Ampatuan women for being in that dinner, giving their nod of approval to the planned stupidity of their husbands. Whoever said “behind each man’s success is a woman” should have met these women first.

The testimony further reveals that when the deed was actually done a few days later, and Andal Jr. had phoned his father that all are dead, Andal Sr. was actually smiling and exuberated happiness.

Pardon me for my French but that is really one sick motherfucker.

Seeing him recently on television being rushed to the hospital on account of a high blood pressure attack or being treated for something is now all gibberish for me. I mean, how can we show and extend mercy to a man who ordered the death of 57 people and still have the gall to smile and feel contentment at the dastardly act that was just committed.

He should be thrown into a regular jail and see if his arse can take the pressure. Old man or not, he deserves to pay for his crimes.

The trial for the now infamous Ampatuan Massacre has started only after almost ten months since it happened. By golly, in ten months time, if I was being accused, I could have come up with an air tight defense.

However, the testimony of witnesses like Saliao can assure us that those who are being implicated are indeed guilty.

I just hope that this family won’t be able to sit again together for a decent family meal and plan another murder in the offing. I mean, what if the cook dished out something to their dismay, they’d probably order his death on the spot (and the women would even laugh while watching).

Crazy, I tell you, just really sick and crazy.

(You can read about Saliao’s testimony here.)

50,000 marker hit

2010-09-06T15:43:00.002+08:00

Slap Happy has finally hit the 50,000 visitor marker. Wow, quite an achievement for a blog that's been up and about since 2004.

Well, i hope to hit more.

Thank you everyone for making this happen.

Weekend at Umm Al Quwain's Flamingo Beach Resort

2010-09-04T19:16:00.004+08:00

With the summer down to its last few days, we decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and head on down to nearby Umm Al Quwain for a much deserved weekend of sun, sand and the cool waters of the Arabian Sea.

Upon the recommendation of a few travel related blogs and web pages, we decided on checking in at the Flamingo Beach Resort, which is located a few metres away from the Umm Al Quwain Horsehead roundabout.

From Flamingo Landscape Shots

The hotel’s webpage describes the resort as;

A hot favorite for water sports enthusiasts, beach vacationers, Flamingo Beach Resort is THE PLACE for all kinds of water sports ranging from crab hunting, Mangrove boating, Snorkeling, jet skiing and fishing.

A place choreographed well with gardens, beach, pools, and rooms to suite your reason to enjoy a family holiday. A style set to change the very meaning of vacation with adventure and family togetherness.

We were greeted by a friendly hotel staff that allowed us to check in to our hotel room earlier than the usual 3:00 PM check-in time (I actually made this request when I made the booking as I expected to arrive early that day).

From Flamingo Landscape Shots

The double room that we got was big enough to accommodate two adults and two children, offering two king sized beds, a spacious bathroom, mini-bar, cable television and a nice view of the nearby pools.

Excited to hit the waters, upon entering the room, we literally dropped our bags, unpacked our gear and headed out to the beach. We expected to see a large crowd of weekenders like us but were surprised to have the beach all to ourselves (It was the last week before the end of Ramadan). The beach, as well as the two pools, is just outside your hotel room, so it’s a fairly short stroll just to get there.

From Flamingo Landscape Shots

After the beach, we moved onto the kid’s paddle pool for my son, Chino, to play in. While he was having his fun there, I did a few laps on the larger sized pool and lounged around the sundeck chairs.

From Flamingo Landscape Shots

There is a life guard on duty and was very friendly with the kids and guests hanging around the pool. There’s a Jacuzzi pool next to the big pool, but I wasn’t able to try it out (although I intend to do that when I return for another visit).

Come dinner time, we visited the hotel’s Waves restaurant. The dining area offered a quiet way to enjoy dinner; no loud music or open TV’s to worry about and quieter calm to relax and enjoy the evening meal. There is an offered dinner buffet but we opted to order from the menu. The food was great and large in serving. I ordered grilled chicken, the missus ordered spaghetti marinara and my son had a cheeseburger. We didn’t have to wait long for the order to be served and the attending waiter was courteous and always asking if we needed anything else.

From Flamingo Landscape Shots

Tired from the day’s activities, we retired early that night, although we could still see some people hanging around the pool and some families doing a barbecue party by the beachfront (Incidentally, the hotel offers packages where you can bring your own food to grill and enjoy it under a bright moonlit night).

The breakfast buffet, which came as part of the hotel package we took, was filling. We had a wide choice of breakfast fare like French toast, sausages, fruits, croissants and other mouth watering food to start your day right.

After breakfast, we decided to walk around the garden area and take a few more pictures before checking out and heading on back to the city.

From Flamingo Landscape Shots

Here's a nice bokeh shot i took from the garden;

From Flamingo Landscape Shots

The hotel offers a boat tour around the mangrove areas for a quick peek at flamingoes and other local wildlife, and also has a crab hunting sessions for the more adventurous.

It was one relaxing weekend and the best part of it was that we didn’t have to go far and it was well within a nice budget. I am sure that I will be back again soon.

Anton playing with boobs....

2010-09-02T16:23:00.004+08:00

Freedictionary.com, an online dictionary website, has defined the word BOOB, as a stupid or foolish person; a dolt.

If you have ended up on this site via my Facebook post, “See Anton play with boobs”

Then most likely you have ended up being the BOOB that has just been PLAYED with.

(Shame on you if you actually thought you’d see me fondling something else on this page.)

*The following move has been made in an effort to drive in 100 readers and help SLAP HAPPY reach the 50,000 visitor status on the occasion of its sixth year anniversary.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.....

2010-09-01T13:58:00.005+08:00

The Christmas season, for every Filipino at heart, has now officially started. While you wallow in disbelief that the merry holidays is still four months away, Filipinos, regardless of where they are, officially go on Christmas mode the minute the midnight clock ushers in the first of September.

I really don’t know where or when this whole Christmas in September thing started but we Filipinos take this whole thing seriously. Take a walk around any mall in Manila today and it is most likely that you will be strolling around to the strains of Bing Crosby’s White Christmas and seeing window displays of mannequins frolicking in the snow (with shredded Styrofoam as fake snow to boot).

Some people, even start to do the countdown, making sure he counts all 114 days left before Christmas.

It’s a real good mood inducing feeling, I mean, nothing beats feeling good than feeling the yuletide season. With all the negative things thrown at the country, the high rise of prices, floods, storms and Aling Dionisia’s shot to stardom, I guess it does feel relaxing and good to at least have the idea of Christmas just around the corner.

In a few weeks time, people in the office will be raffling off who you’ll be exchanging gifts with at the annual Christmas party—yes, that annual event where you all get drunk, sing cheesy songs on the rented videoke machine and take lots of pictures, which will most likely be posted and tagged like crazy on Facebook.

Before you can even start making the list of who’s who on your gift list, the phenomenon of Christmas baratillos (does anyone still use this word, makes me feel old just saying it), night markets and fairs will be sprouting out all over the country like mushrooms in a forest. It is where you think you will be getting good buys but believe me, at the rates of the rent they are charged, salaries for their salespeople, and other overhead expenses, you actually end up paying for a gift item that is closely priced to their mall counterparts.

And the food, don’t even get me started on the food. As soon as the bonus rolls in, we’re all bound to go ham crazy, quezo de bola mad and fruit cocktail insane. Incidentally, these are the three important players in anyone’s noche buena. If you don’t have any of the three, then you’re noche buena is not noche buena.

Bring out the tree, hang up the decors and the socks, dig up the Jackson Five Christmas album and start singing along to pre-pubescent Michael Jackson’s ‘Give love on Christmas day.’

Merry Christmas.

Moving forward in a not so forward manner....

2010-08-31T13:45:00.003+08:00

I have switched phones again, allowing the very overworked Imate phone a well deserved trip to semi-retirement (The iPhone I was using prior to the imate was sent back home for my kid sister, and more likely this one’s going to end up on my youngest brother’s lap). Luckily, I was able to get a phone that could best fit my needs, both personal and at work, and would not be too bulky to carry around.

No, I didn’t get a Blackberry, as the negotiations between the UAE’s telecommunications authority and Blackberry’s RIM still looms over with nary a sign of development over the announced ban of service that will take place next month.

No, I didn’t get an iPhone as the thing was just too way modern and techie for a simpleton like me.

I got a Nokia E71.

And before you say, but that’s quite outdated by now, couldn’t you have at least gotten a newer model.

Let me tell you this—outdated or not is really not an issue with me as I tend to look over a few factors before buying myself a new phone. First, its offered functions and programs; second, its weight and appearance and third, will it meet my budget.

Functions are check, appearance is fine and cost, is, well, let’s just say I got it for a whistle and a song. (Kind of like saying I got it for free….that’s how dirt cheap it was.)

So, I am busy now, learning to use the new gadget and importing all my contacts, files and what nots into it. Mobile phones have rapidly evolved into the time wasters they have now become; where once the game snake was the most exciting thing to do on a Nokia, today you have more time wasting applications to lick your chops in.

I have never really been a techie sort of guy, you know, the kind who constantly updates his life with modern accessories and gadgets that will make his life go wow. No, not me. I am more of a late but not too late in purchasing this new beholden breakthrough.

Here let me show you;

The Sony Play Station came out in the mid 90’s or so. I got my first console two years ago.

The MP3 player went out in the market around five or so years ago, while I still swear by using walkman cassettes and the minidisc player.

Can’t really say I am a cheapskate, I would like to think, I am just being practical. For someone who has just started to pay for his son’s Kindergarten tuition; the missus and Chino’s post Philippine vacation and other expenses that have come abound, I think practical is the way to go. I think I should even say practical is the new trend.

However, what I lack in keeping up with the modern world of appliances and gadgets I make up for other things.

Tell me Amy Tan’s new book comes out on Sunday and I would make a beeline for it on Saturday. Heck, if the original line up of Rivermaya returned and did a studio album, I’d be out to get it once it hits the stores.

So forgive me, if I just gave you a whole explanation on why I have a new phone and...aww, forget it.

Chutzpah.

Random Tidbits

2010-08-29T13:46:00.000+08:00

September is just around the corner and hence, the Ber Ber months are a coming. Still being unable to brush off the recent lag in my posting, I think the recent turn of events in the Philippines needs a little decent pick me up, make me happy kind of mood.

I didn’t want to write about the recent hostage taking because I think a lot of bloggers will be doing this already; I don’t think I need to contribute two cents of wisdom for a crisis that everyone knew could have been avoided if they just listened to the man and reviewed his demands.

I will be very blunt and final about it—review his case posthumously and try to find out if he was really involved in the extortion case he is being accused of. I believe the public has the right to know if he was indeed guilty or not.

**********

We are currently observing the month long celebration of Ramadan here in the Middle East. It is now my fourth Ramadan and every year seems to get hotter and hotter. Temperatures are soaring to 44 degrees average and I hope the entry of September ushers in more pleasant weather to look forward to.

I wish all my Muslim friends, Ramadan Kareem.

**********

My four year old son Chino has finally started school. He is currently enrolled in the Kindergarten 1 level of the New Filipino Private School in Sharjah. Me and the missus were with him on his first day and the little firecracker couldn’t wait to shove us out and let him be.

Well, that’s a good sign, considering that a common scene for first day pre-schoolers are when they start wailing as soon as they lose sight of mom and dad in the area.

**********

The blog is turning six next month. Although I seldom post nowadays, I have managed to put in some time once I feel the compelling urge to write something. I don’t know, maybe it’s just the heavy workload and the lack of time..this has really been one of my busiest years and once I get home, the urge to eat and sleep just beckons over other things.

Anyways, for what it is worth, I would like to thank everyone who has still been hanging around to read up what’s on my mind. I promise, I will try to post more for the last two quarters of 2010.

Happy Anniversary, Slap Happy.

15 Quick Quips

2010-07-21T18:39:00.001+08:00

Here is a list of quick and random quips (truths if you might see them the way I see it) that have been running through my head lately.

1. Kris Aquino, as exhibited by her recent declaration of ending a marriage that in truth, was never a marriage, is really going to be one big recurring headache for President Aquino.

2. We may never really come to see a Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight ever. Ever. Ever. Ever.

3. Despite this, the rest of the world can comfort itself with the fact that Mommy Dionisia will be mounting a concert with Imelda Papin and I shit you not, it will actually sell.

4. Senator Antonio Trillanes III will be freed.

5. Marlene Aguilar, as seen by many, is one sick bitch….but aren’t all of we?

6. Advice to Sen. Kiko Pangilinan—“Just because he is Sharon’s uncle doesn’t mean he’s got your back; he’s turned his back is more likely to describe it.”

7. Collect more than a million fire ants and set them loose on the Ampatuan cells.

8. If Cesar Montano wants to move to GMA 7 then let the man move to GMA 7.

9. German Moreno is getting old. I hope the day doesn’t come that we will see him on “Master Showman” in a wheelchair shouting his battle cry, “Walang Tulugan!!”

10. James Yap’s situation can easily be compared to freshly cooked food—dropped like a hot potato.

11. Regine Velasquez on the FHM hot 100 list makes me think that FHM now stands for Filipina Hot Matures.

12. Mikey Arroyo is back in congress. Didn’t even know he was there in the first place?

13. Charice Pempengco’s botox procedure will not be her last. Promise.

14. Recent survey says 7 out of 10 people want former President GMA tried in court—the other three just want her shot in public.

15. Marian Rivera will no longer accept English speaking parts in her commercials. Thank god for that, she’s a psychology remember? (Psychology what?)

Random disappearances

2010-07-15T13:26:00.001+08:00

It’s kind of disappointing how things have turned out in the world of blogging. Whereas before you could usually see a daily barrage of updates and new topics to read from blogs you follow, today’s blogging scene makes you cross your fingers in the light of hoping to see new material and posts.

What happened?

More avenues of social media came along. The sheer delight of following a blog was to quell your innate need to be voyeuristic—wanting to find out a certain person’s thoughts, ideas and in the more deeper sense, what they have been up to; which a blogger gladly obliges to when he or she writes about the daily activities and such.

All of this, answered in kind by a Facebook status message. Not only do we get to know what a total stranger has been up to but we can also get interactive and post a comment and expect a return reaction.

Most of the blogs I originally followed, with the exception of Sassy Lawyer’s blog, have either gone on hiatus or have disappeared on the face of the world wide web. Although I too am guilty of not doing daily updates, I find it really sad to see how blogging has dipped down.

Well, i just hope it gets a new whiff of life and doesn't end up a thing of the past.

Random movie review: The A-Team

2010-06-16T16:38:00.006+08:00

I recently ventured out into the smoldering heat to go and see the new A-Team movie playing at the Al Ghurair cinemas in Dubai. I had a few reasons for braving the 44 degree heat and risking heat stroke for seeing this movie; one, being a fanboy of the TV show that ran in the 80s, I just had to see it; second, I wanted to see if Liam Neeson could live up to being the new John Hannibal Smith and third, I was cooped up the house and felt that I needed a whiff of the outdoors (I am on a five-day leave from work so I was just bumming around at home).

The movie starts in Mexico where Hannibal tries to save Face from a Mexican general who wants him dead after sleeping with his wife. This Mexico incident explains how the group got together—how Bosco B.A. Baracus met Hannibal and how flying mad man Murdock was recruited to be the team’s resident pilot. It also explains how B.A., who has done more than a hundred parachute jumps as an Army ranger, develops his fear of flying. The movie then fast forwards eight years later, where after almost 80 successful missions, the team is recruited by the CIA to intercept the transfer of US mint plates in a convoy heading out to Baghdad. This is where the team gets framed for the crime they did not commit and are stripped of their ranks and sent away in different federal prisons. The group is again, contacted by the CIA to retrieve the plates, which they accept as they intend to clear their names.

The movie is basically testosterone candy for the action movie junkie. The action sequences never stop from beginning to end. It’s not one that concentrates heavily on plot, as like the original series went, mainly focused on how the team pulled together for one big plan to take the enemy and then disappear again as rogue soldiers of fortune.

I have a few points to raise though that sets this movie different from the original series. For one, in the original series, Murdock, wasn’t convicted or part of the team facing the court martial. The original series had explained that Murdock flew the team into the Vietnam mission that got Hannibal, Face and B.A. framed for a crime and that was it. However, in the movie, all four of them are court martialed. Second, Face man, or Templeton Peck, like Hannibal, was a master of disguise and quite the con man. This wasn’t a characteristic that was highlighted in the movie, although it was established that he was quite the ladies man. Having eagerly watched the series in the 80’s, one of the regular parts of the show was how the team came up with modified vehicles and how it suited the order of battle. The movie didn’t do this.

Liam Neeson’s portrayal as the new Hannibal is OK by me. I mean, after all these years of waiting, it was actually nice to see the A-team characters come to life on the big screen. Pretty much the same feeling I had when I saw the first X-Men movie a few years back.

One magic egg in the movie is the appearance of some of the original members doing cameos. However, you won’t see this throughout the movie but at the end credits. In a post credits scene, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Schultz, the original Face man and Murdock, have a cameo with their film equivalents Bradley Cooper and Sharlto Copley--Benedict plays Face's fellow tanning bed client and Schultz plays a neurologist who examines Murdock.

If you are a big fan of the series and want to relive your youth, then go out and see it. If you ask me, it was well worth the wait and I am looking forward to a sequel.

Random queasiness

2010-05-30T15:10:00.000+08:00

Spent the weekend doing some much needed spring cleaning…err let me rephrase that, I actually spent the weekend being forced to help out with spring cleaning. Yep, when the missus has the sudden idea to move some furniture, it apparently ends up with a total spring cleaning session.

Discarding some of the stuff we think we no longer need (but will soon discover we will be needing after all), moving chairs and sofas to a different angle and position ( I wish I was like Sheldon on Big Bang Theory where one seating arrangement suits him fine) and boxing stuff was pretty much the mode of the two-day weekend.

Despite my protestations of not being able to lounge around and veg out, I ended up liking the results of my slavery. Room looks like a hotel suite, workstation now has a grand view of Sharjah and more space for my little firecracker of a son to run around in.

**********
Sad week for Hollywood with the recent deaths of former Diff’rent Strokes lead star Gary Coleman and Easy Rider star Dennis Hopper.

Equally sad week for Philippine show business as nothing of worth has been coming out recently.

Oh, well…sooner or later, we’re bound to hear something interesting from Manny Pacquiao’s stint in Congress. Oh, wait, that’s politics, not show business…ahh, err, what’s the difference anyways.

**********
Summer made an early entry in the UAE this year. Heat wave has made me toss coins on whether to go out for lunch or stay in the office and feast on Yaki Soba instant noodles.

It’s expected to get hotter in the next few days and it’s only June.

**********
Wowowee host Willie Revillame has finally announced leaving the show for a few months after his recent challenge to remove a co-network talent fell sour.

So, we finally got what he wanted. Willie out.

Well, while we’re all happy about him leaving the show, let’s not forget that as we speak, the dude is somewhere lounging in his luxury yacht and probably flirting around with some woman who will later come out in the news as raped and harassed by Willie himself.

Sometime, life just isn’t fair.

Random foolishness: Why Comteq College is battling it out with SBMA and Ayala land

2010-05-24T13:45:00.001+08:00

Kids studying at a local college in Subic Bay Freeport Zone are at a crossroads situation right now as they might find themselves without a school in the next few days. Baffled, beleaguered and confused, the students and faculty of Comteq Computer and Business College are threatened of losing their school facilities to give way to a new Ayala mall in Subic.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the government agency that runs the Freeport, has chosen to have a new mall instead of a school that seeks to train and develop skilled workers of thew future.

Fish, I smell fish. Malansa.

Having worked in the SBMA before moving down to the UAE, I know for a fact that all companies registered to operate in the Freeport are given lease contracts for the land they use. Looking at this, Comteq college has a valid lease and cannot be subject to demolition of any kind.

What makes the whole situation worse is that the Ayala Land Demolition crew was even escorted by SBMA representatives to ensure that the demolition would take place. The surprising part of this act is that it was carried out on a weekend—giving Comteq no chance to find legal remedy.

This whole demolition thing is quite foolish and absurd if you ask me. The area where Comteq is located was intended to be part of an academic city for the Freeport; a place where schools and learning facilities would be located; giving the Freeport a build-up reputation of creating academic excellence alongside economic prosperity. But alas poor Yorrick, I guess the authority is going bonkers over choosing to have a mall instead of a school.

And now comes the thriller question. Why are we in such a hurry to do this?

Surely there are reasons behind all the excitement, I mean, SBMA is in a rush to have the demolition job run its course. What are they so worked up with? Was there a massive pay-off to get this job rolling ASAP, or are they in a hurry to do so before a new administration is appointed to run the show and yes, in the course, stop Ayala from taking over Comteq’s land.

It is really plain and simple. If there is a lease, then respect it. If Ayala wants to build a mall, find a different area in the Freeport that will not affect existing lease owners.

I don’t think people in Olongapo and Subic are in a rush to have an Ayala mall to go to; we’ve gotten by for so many years without a mall that it’s really no big deal. Schools are different. Having good colleges and training facilities is more important than having a mall to walk around in. This means being able to get a good education without having to transfer to nearby Manila. This means a lot, and if the SBMA fails to see this reasoning then someone has got to knock a little sense into their heads.

A mall over a school, come on, you’ve got to be kidding.

(You can read more about the story here.)

On media being harrased in the time of elections....

2010-05-08T13:33:00.006+08:00

All is not well with the local pool of correspondents covering the Olongapo Subic Election beat. The local Union of Journalists (UJP) chapter is decrying the outright harassment of one of their members who figured himself being taunted, threatened and even burglarized of the tools of his trade by goons of the incumbent mayor.

David Bayarong, a photographer and correspondent for the Manila Standard and website Subic Times, was covering a local political meeting of the Gordon ticket in Baranggay Barreto when he was approached by incumbent Olongapo mayor James “Bong” Gordon and asked what he was doing there. Gordon had alleged that Bayarong, despite explaining his press credentials, was an identified paid hack of the Magsaysay’s (Gordon’s political rival for the leadership of Olongapo). He was then asked to leave. Bayarong, however, chose to fulfill his duties and still tried to take photos of the meeting, which at that time, had Anne Gordon, congressional candidate and the mayor’s wife, speaking on stage. After a few minutes, he was approached by one of Gordon’s hacks and asked if he was done. The same person issued threatening statements to Bayarong as he was leaving the venue, saying that he would be beaten outside and that he should cover the opposing camp’s sorties and not theirs. A local councilor, Edwin Piano, vouched for Bayarong and accompanied him out of the area.

But the story doesn’t end there.

The following day, the Subic Times office, the same place where David lives, was burglarized. The peculiar thing about the robbery was that only Bayarong’s cameras, laptop, memory cards were taken. His two cell phones, wallet and other valuable items remained untouched.

The UJP recently released a statement on the incident;

Official statement of the Union of Journalist of the Philippines Olongapo City-Subic Bay Chapter

We, the Subic-Olongapo chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, strongly condemn the harassment of one of our collegaues who was covering the campaign rally of a local candidate in Olongapo City.

At a little past nine in the evening of May 4, 2010, David Bayarong, chief photographer and publisher of Subic Tmes – an online news outlet dedicated to the coverage of Subic and its environs -- was ejected from a campaign rally of re-electionist Olongapo City Mayor James ' Bong' Gordon Jr.

While covering the said event, Bayarong was accosted by the mayor himself who questioned his presence in the campaign rally.

When Bayarong explained that it was his job to cover all camps engaged in the political battle for the top post of Olongapo City, the mayor's men began harrasing him; issuing threats of physical harm awaiting him outside the venue; branding him as allied to the rival camp of the Gordons in Olongapo City; and making him feel threatened and unwanted there.

Some of the mayor's men, particularly, Councilor Piano, explained to Bayarong that Mayor Gordon apparently believes that Bayarong – and his website - was an outlet of his political rival, the Magsaysay’s.

And notwithstanding Bayarong's explanation to refute this unfounded allegation, he was still escorted out of the campaign rally of the Gordons.

The following day, the Subic Times office, where Bayarong stayed for the night, was burglarized - with only his photographic equipment taken, and nothing else.

The NUJP Subic- Olongapo chapter strongly condemns this incident of harassment of a working journalist. There is simply no justification for what was done by the Gordon camp to Bayarong, especially since they are only based on malicious allegations and not proven fact.

The mayor's own actions reek of arrogance and the hostility of his men towards Bayarong reflect only Gordon's own viewpoint. As journalists, we must continue to do our job even in the face of strong arm tactics, such as those employed by Gordon and his men towards Bayarong.

And so, the NUJP Olongapo City - Subic chapter expresses solidarity with journalists like Bayarong against politicians like Gordon who wield their power irresponsibly, and who, by their actions, tacitly endorse the use of violence or threats to journalists they perceive to be critical of them.

I deplore the actions of the current Olongapo administration who allowed the harassment of Bayarong. This, despite the local public affairs office knowledge of who are the current crop of journalists covering the Subic Olongapo beat. The move to harass Bayarong, does not only reek of arrogance, but also of just plain simple stupidity. Stupid because had he been beaten up by the local mob, the Gordon’s would have had a big PR problem to deal with. Stupid because Gordon’s PR team cannot handle, let alone damage control, an issue like this. Stupid because it will show that the well-loved family of Olongapo leaders, are not as leaderly as they have been thought to be after all. Stupid because, well after the Ampatuan massacre, you know that you just can’t harass local press covering political events.

I can relate to David’s incident. Years ago the same kind of harassment happened to me. However, it happened at a time when the local UJP was still non-existent. In 1999, I covered a rally of SBMA Seaport employees who went on strike after a series of CBA discussions went sour. The rally, which was fresh off the ouster of Richard Gordon as SBMA Chair, was made more, shall I say, eventful, with the participation of Gordon supporters, who at that time, just had to vent out their anger and emotions from their former leader’s unwarranted removal from the SBMA. Wearing my press ID, I along with other correspondents, took photographs of the march to the Freeport’s main gate. During the march, a known Gordon supporter, singled me out and started shouting at me to stop taking photos. I ignored him and continued my coverage of the event.

Hours later, on my way home from work, the same person saw me again and followed me all the way to the jeepney I was riding. Accompanied by other goons, he had told me I was a paid hack of the Payumo’s, who had replaced Gordon as SBMA Chairman at that time. I had identified myself as a local media man and that I was even one of Gordon’s former executive assistants. Unfazed by my explanation, the man, whom I later found out to be a certain Margarito Tigue, the driver of Babot Gregorio, one of the Gordon’s political lieutenants, started shouting at me and even attempted to slap me (which I was able to avoid); he later started pushing his finger to my face—a move he must have regretted as I reached for it in self defense and twisted it in a quick reflex action. Cooler heads managed to rush to us and allowed me and the jeepney I was riding to push forward. I reported the incident to the local police, but by the time they returned to the scene, Tigue had managed to leave the area.

It is with this same amount of common experience that I decry the outrageousness of Bayarong’s harassment. Local press should be given the recognition that they are only there to cover events that are unfolding and bring an unbiased, non-sided story for others to read, hear, see and watch. They should not be subject to goons who obstruct their duties because they are not liked by the local leadership. Freedom of the press, as I remember, is a part of our country’s democracy. Shame on those who continue to exert their powers, abuse their privileges of leadership and play partisan to this form of abuse. Leaders like this do not deserve to lead; leaders like these are better off focusing on an alternate career—a more focused career in music perhaps.

My advice to David is this—continue with the fight, carry on the torch of true journalism and let this incident be a lesson learned. Being a journalist today means having the balls to come out and tell the truth. Carry on and remain steadfast amidst opposing forces….but best of all, stay safe.

An urgent call of your conscience

2010-05-03T15:03:00.003+08:00

We are just a few days shy away of electing a new set of government officials who will rule our city, towns, provinces and the whole country. Usually, by this time of the electoral season, all candidates are either in full battle mode or just plain exhausted and out of finances.

For some, election season is like fiesta galore; vote buying, extravagant food binges, grocery giveaways and all star concerts. All for the sole purpose of asking you to remember to put their names down on your ballot come voting time. Sadly, or we may even deny this, but this is the stark reality of how Philippine elections come about—one big flimsy circus dominated by different ringmasters who wish to tame the lion.

I sure am glad that I am far away from all of this, where, despite my being abroad, no one gets to harass me as I approach the ballot and the ballot box. Overseas absentee voting (OAV) indeed has its perks, and that is the whole idea of coming in, filling up the ballot and passing it over to the ballot box. Done.

But while I was able to do this hassle free, I fear for the millions of Filipino voters who will run into many paid influence peddlers, free merienda, free mobile phone load and what gimmickry come Monday as they make their way to their respective voting precincts. Indeed, if one lacks the will power and strength of his convictions, more or less, he may end up messing up his vote, and by that, multiply that by a few millions then there goes the presidency.

So it is with urgency that I write this post, in the efforts to stir a little common sense into your noggin. Come May 10, 2010, all of us will be asked to cast our ballots and decide on the fate of our country. Let us not go to the precincts with the mindset that we’re heading on down to a party with hand outs a plenty. Instead, let us feel the sense of obligation and the need to make a difference. Vote with your conscience, vote for who you think is right to lead the country to its former glory.

Enough said, the rest is up to you.

Random Stupidity

2010-04-19T13:12:00.000+08:00

Stupid. Just plain, simple, mindless stupidity. This is what I think of the DOJ’s decision to drop charges against two Ampatuan’s who are being implicated in the senseless killing of more than 60 people last year.

Justice Secretary Alberto Agra made a sly move and pulled a fast one on us—announcing the exoneration on a Friday, with no one being able to react or make a quick countermove. According to him, he did not see any evidence linking the two individuals to the crime.

I am just fuming with anger right now. For one, if the government is all too eager to create good PR with the people well I don’t think this endears you to us. It actually makes us want to spit and show you the finger.

However, I do think Agra is a smart individual and his actions are prompted by a higher force, or then again, maybe he’s just being pasikat. Somebody should tie this man up in a chair and show him endless reels of pictures of the tragic murders. He might not have seen the clearer picture.

So, what now?

Nothing. At the rate that this government is acting on the case, the rest of the clan in question will be set free—just in time for the May 10 elections.

Random Rabbitness....

2010-04-04T12:54:00.000+08:00

Happy Easter!!

The nipple slip that rocked Pinoy morality....

2010-03-29T14:49:00.004+08:00

The whole nation is agog with the supposed wardrobe malfunction of starlet Anne Curtis during a dance number she was doing with co-host Sam Milby. The apparent slip exposed one of Curtis’ nipples in full view of the audience.

In this age of mobile phones that double up as photo and video cameras, we know it would only take a few minutes before it became a global internet sensation. Such is the power of new media.

However, this nipple slip-up has managed to create a more heightened awareness of what we should post or view on the world wide web. Moral wise, some people have called for pity and morality arguing that what would you do if Anne was your sister, wife or friend—would you allow such a post for other people to see?

Who is to blame for the malfunction? Do we blame the lowly wardrobe technician (is this what we call them people who set up what these stars have to wear?)

In the end, it all falls down to us. Do we condone the post or do we sneak a peek?

But hey, isn’t she being packaged as a sexy actress? Hasn’t she appeared on sexy magazines wearing uber-teasing bathing suits? Haven’t we seen more than we should not see?

Google Anne Curtis and you’re more than likely to be bombarded with more than a dozen shots of her in skimpily clad clothing (which is exactly where i got this picture). Look a little deeper and you are bound to get a video of her torridly French actor Richard Guiterez.

If the likes of Katrina Halili or any other sexy bombshell fell into the same situation, would we be clamoring for a morality call.

So what gives? The bikini gave in, the nipple slipped out and the 15 minutes of attention is done and over with. This isn’t like Hayden Kho posted out a sex video between you and him, it was merely an accident. We’ll all forget this in the morning.

Believe me, I am just as confused as everyone is…do I look or do I turn away….eventually, as the male genes in me had dictated, I looked, and it wasn’t that appealing--dark nipples and all.

Random endorsements.....

2010-03-10T14:58:00.005+08:00

This week is sort of an anniversary week for me—marking my third year of residency in the UAE. Wow, time sure so flies so fast. A few years ago, I was more than content with working for the government, doing correspondence and string work for GMA-7 and doing the speaker’s circuit once in a while to help augment bachelor life. But alas poor Yorrick, I got married, had a kid and all of a sudden, the need to be more practical beckoned over. I found myself giving up government work (seriously, the paycheck wasn’t that much promising and I actually found myself asking how I was able to splurge on it for 12 years), packing my bags and heading for the first flight out of the country.

My new adoptive country has been good to me, albeit for a few sad episodes, it has been an excellent place to live in, work in and raise a family. Although you have to grasp the idea that nothing is permanent here, a few months into it and you get the hang of Dubai and the rest of the UAE.

Well, here’s looking to more years.

**********

The latest gossip on Ruffa Guiterez walking out on a Sunday afternoon talk show because Kris Aquino lashed away at her is no new thing for us.

I mean, come on…it’s Kris…you either learn to love her or you don’t. (Although she did say in the said segment that people in Laoag love her)

Was Kris being too tacky or straightforward?

Beats me, but believe me when I say this—ladies and gentlemen, there are more pressing concerns in the country that needs our attention than for us to give our opinion and tow cents on this matter.

I actually find it really amusing (nee ironic) at how people can associate this latest Kris brouhaha with Noynoy Aquino’s bid for the presidency.

And now, on to more important concerns…does anyone know what Aling Dionisia has been up to lately?

**********

I feel lucky to have had the fortune of working with two of this year’s batch of presidentiables. After college, I was able to work as one of JC Delos Reyes’ (Ang Kapatiran) consultants for a youth oriented organization that he had started to work on. A few months later I found myself working for APEC’s Media Accreditations Division and soon after I joined Dick Gordon (Bagumbayan) in the SBMA and served as one of his Executive Assistants.

If anyone has seen closed up, closed door versions of who these people really are, then I guess I would be one of them. These two gentlemen are able leaders who can actually propel the country of economic stilldom and introduce a newer and better Philippines.

JC Delos Reyes might have put himself out for a gigantic task ahead of him but he sure is no amateur. He is young, ambitious and driven. JC is the kind of person who you would describe as someone who speaks softly but carries a big stick.

Dick Gordon is a man of action. Whatever it is he sets his heart out to--gets accomplished-- because he is fully committed to getting the task done. Less words, more action. This is what we really need right now. Enough talk and more focus on getting the job done. The man is unstoppable and the example he has left in Olongapo (my hometown) and Subic has been picked up not only on the local front but also in the international arena. In fact, during my tenure with him in Subic, I was witness to more than a handful of delegations coming from different cities all over the world who had specifically flocked down to the former US Naval Base turned Freeport just to sign sister city agreements—kind of like an authorization of sorts to pattern urban development after Subic.

If Dick does win (and sometimes a surprise win would be really more than welcome), I will be one of the first OFW’s to pack his bags and come home and yes, maybe even contemplate on rejoining the government ranks (he will need all the help he can get).

For once in my life, I would like to believe in what a presidential candidate has promised and knowing Gordon, I know he is one who will live up to it.

**********

I recently saw Tim Burton’s reimagining of the children’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Here’s a quick review—go see it.

Random Hello's

2010-03-03T13:22:00.001+08:00

It has been a really busy first quarter for me—work, work and more work. I find it really ironic though, that despite the presence of a spanking new PC (a Christmas gift from the missus), I still couldn’t find the time to actually sit down and blog about something.

Call it a loss of interest or just really being tired, I was surprised to notice that it was already March and the blog had a dismal number of entries.
Maybe I should shape up; there is quite a lot to write about, considering that the May elections are just a number of days away and I can not just resist the idea of giving people a taste of my mind.

**********

The rain has been pounding on Sharjah and Dubai these past couple of days, resulting in massive flooding on key streets that connect both emirates. This means that going to and from work has been one big major nightmare for me.

**********

I am off to see Sting Thursday night. Finally, I get to cross this one off my list of things to do before I kick the bucket.

Random lessons learned, now shared....

2010-02-04T19:23:00.000+08:00

The most important rules that assure you of a hassle free existence

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

2. Don’t worry about what people think, they don’t do it very often.

3. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.

4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you’ve never tried before.

6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.

7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.

8. A person who is nice to you but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.

9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.

10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.

11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.

12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.

13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.

1 4. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.

15. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.

16. A balanced diet is a muffin in each hand.

17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.

18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.

19. Junk is something you’ve kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.

20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.

21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.

23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.

24. Someone who thinks logically provides nice contrast to the real world.

25. It ain’t the jeans that make your butt look fat.

26. If you had to identify in one word the reason why the human race has not achieved it’s full potential, that word would be ‘meetings’.

27. There is a very fine line between ‘hobby’ and ‘mental illness.’

28. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

29. You should not confuse your career with your life.

30. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.

31. Never lick a steak knife.

32. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.

33. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.

34. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

35. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that deep down inside we ALL believe we are good drivers.

36. Your friends love you anyway.

An Innocent Man?

2010-01-23T13:10:00.005+08:00

The arrest of Jason Ivler, which has been pretty much the talk of the town, has sparked many issues as the rest of the country has taken particular interest in his case. For one, a quick look at Jason’s Facebook profile has spawned over 4,000 plus visits, each one living a piece of their mind on the issue. Marlene Aguilar Pollard, Jason’s mother, can be seen in the news, constantly pointing out that her sons didn’t do it and as of recent reading has revealed that her former British bodyguard, a certain Mark Hauser, could have pulled the trigger and not her son as everyone has claimed.

However, it is pretty apparent that we have all set judgment on the case—losing out on an important facet of Philippine justice—we forgot to ask ourselves—do we think he’s guilty or innocent?

Apparently, media packaging of Jason Ivler’s personality has led us to assume guilt. As soon as the news came out of the killing and as immediate as the suspected gunman was identified as Ivler, media came out with the description that the suspected Ivler was a rich kid driving a diplomat plated car; a spoiled brat perhaps and a gun toting trigger happy individual who was either intoxicated o high on something at the time of the shooting.

But what if Ivler was described with his actual background—an American university graduate with a degree in psychology who formerly served as a US Scout Ranger with tours of duty served in Iraq. If this was revealed, I think public clamor for his head would be not as big as it is now, in fact greatly split into assumption of his guilt or innocence.

Before you progress into reading this post, let me point out one thing. I am not saying he’s not guilty or innocent of the crimes he is being accused of. My stance is pretty plain and simple. Ivler, despite the public clamor for his head, should be given a far trial and in the course of this, be given the same treatment that any one accused of a crime is entitled to—that he be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

My curiosity for this case has led me to do some online snooping and I ask the same question everyone else does; What happened that night?

Marlene Aguilar Pollard, as some people are not aware of, is a conspiracy theorist. She has published a few books on her theories and free views on both the US, the Philippines and other issues that in one way or another, has found a connection a with her and her personal life. With the print of her books, she has acquired her own share of enemies, foreign and local, who would want to shut her up and keep her silent.

No, she is not the new age, free spirit person that media has been portraying her as. She is more than that.

In fact the angle of Ivler being set up becomes believable once you grasp a better understanding of who Marlene is and the background she’s from. The US intelligence community in the Philippines is probably laughing their asses off at the predicament that has recently struck one of their most watched and spied on person. The local intelligence community has probably got a dossier of Aguilar-Pollard taken out of the archives and is now waiting for the what’s next phase in this case.

Aguilar-Pollard’s two books, Warriors from Heaven and Tales of the Black Widow, contain so much information on US Defense personnel posted in the Philippines that you can probably guess that its now become required reading for extremists and enemies of the US government.
Her recent pronouncement that her former bodyguard, Mark Hauser, might be the snitch who got the reward for Ivler’s arrest and that he might be the one who actually pulled the trigger, makes clearer sense that something bigger might be in the picture.

And what about Ivler? His real father, presumably a US Serviceman, was murdered in an Asian country which to this day has not been solved. He went to a University in Hawaii, obtained a degree in Psychology and enlisted for US Service, wherein he later joined the Ranger division.

A US Army ranger, who goes by the creed once one, always one; lives by the following oath that they have taken;

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One-hundred-percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.

Rangers lead the way!

Having my own share of Ranger friends and based on what I know about them, it is hardly unlikely that someone sworn to protect and not cause embarrassment to his country would immediately dish out a gun and shoot the next person who cut him off on a busy road.

The media’s fault of not bringing out the truth about the player’s involved in this issue has resulted in the public’s verdict of guilt on Ivler. If by some strange fate that newer twists are brought out and that he MIGHT actually be innocent are now nil—he’s guilty and that’s it.

What I am calling for is control. Let us not further pronounce judgment as quick as we dispense our choices as to where we should go for dinner or what movie to watch; we have a fair justice system to do that for us. Let Ivler receive the privilege of being innocent till proven guilty.

In the end, let the truth come out.
(The author of this post does not know Marlene Aguilar-Pollard and Jason Ivler, or is in any way connected to any other party or group related to the aforementioned. )

Photo post: Jebel Hafeet

2010-01-18T17:16:00.005+08:00

We spent the previous weekend at Jebel Hafeet--the UAE's highest mountain peak, which is accompanied by a large observatory deck and picnic grounds similar to that of Tagaytay's.

Below are some pictures i took of the place...

From Jabel Hafeet Scenic Shots

Photopost: The Burj Khalifa

2010-01-04T12:45:00.005+08:00

I sure am pretty excited with today's inauguration of the Burj Khalifa; undoubtedly one of the world's tallest buildings. The opening coincides with the celebration of the fourth year of ascension of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Grand Ruler of Dubai.

From Dubai Mall Visit

(Photo by Anton Deleon)

The whole metropolis is all agog as the doors will finally open today. I have been told that there is actually a public viewdeck which people can visit to get a grand view of Dubai from one of the Burj's top floors.

The completion of this projects is pretty symbolic to me as it signifies the X number of years that me and my family have been here in the UAE. When we arrived in 2007, the building was already 3/4 completed and was already a majestic sight to see. Seeing this tall man made edifice gives you a brief respite from all the talk about the global downturn..even if just for a day or two.

It is, sometimes, very humbling to know that we now live in a world where things can be done simply because it can.

Random Sluggishness

2010-01-03T12:59:00.000+08:00

It’s the first day of work for the new year and I am feeling very sluggish and sleepy. Not really the ideal mood to be in, considering that this is the first official workday of the year, but then again, I’ve started work days in worse conditions.

I didn’t put up any resolutions for the year as I am not really one to make promises and eventually break them later. I remember making the resolution of quitting smoking a few years back and I was really hell bent on doing this but after a few hours into the new year I found myself scampering for the nearest store to buy a pack. Blame it on the lack of willpower and the lack of motivation, but after that I felt that making resolutions are passé and if one really needs to effect change, the change should come from within. Enough said.

This year is one of those landmark years for me as a I enter into my 35th year of mortality and I do hope to do a few new things and finish some stuff that I have started to put on the back burner. Work has been definitely going well, and I just pray that I find more time to do other things—photography, blogging, writing and finishing a novel, podcasting etc.etc.

I hope we all do get to start the year right.

Chutzpah.

The Annual Deleon Family Year-End Letter

2009-12-31T15:47:00.003+08:00

Dear Everyone,

It’s that time of the year again where we gladly roll out old year in exchange for the new one. Time surely flies so fast, in fact, just before you could get settled in with 2009, a wake-up call just goes off to tell you that 2010 is just around the corner.

We had quite a year, so to speak, filled with momentous events, sad events and lighthearted episodes. The family is doing fine despite the fact that all whom we love dearly are far away from us. Now entering into our third year in the United Arab Emirates, we have actually learned to love and appreciate this place that we now consider our home away from home.

Career wise, both me and Bel are faring well. I have just recently marked another year with the company I work with and I don’t see myself straying too far for other options; I like what I am doing and at the end of the day I get the appreciation and respect from my workmates. The missus is currently being offered upward movement in her job as an administrative officer and we’re looking forward to this delightful promotion soon. We are very lucky and blessed that amidst the global economic downturn, our work has been least affected.

We recently celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. Whew, half a decade of being together and we both feel like we’re still dating, albeit, with a little chaperone.

Speaking of the chaperone, Chino turned three last April. The little firecracker of a boy has become more active, attentive and quite the cartoon aficionado. As usual, Spiderman is still king in his books, but has also added Ben10, Phineas and Ferb and (shucks!) Hannah Montana to his list of favorites. The new year marks his entry into the schooling phase and we are now trying to check our options on suitable academic facilities for him.

We missed out on coming home to the Philippines this year as our work schedules just couldn’t accommodate us being away for a month so we’re hoping and keeping our finger’s crossed for next year.

We have received our own share of blessings and are very thankful that, in one way or another, we manage to live a comfortable lifestyle that best suits us—bring us to a park where we can sit, chat and munch on something and we’re happy with that.

As we enter the new year, we wish you prosperity, blessings and good health and hope to see you soon.

Happy New Year!

Anton, Mabel and Chino Deleon

Holiday haul ramblings.....

2009-12-28T13:22:00.000+08:00

I am still feeling hung over from the recent holiday weekend. As like every Christmas for the past few years, we hosted an all day Christmas get together for some of our friends here in the UAE. It’s the least we can do for people who are all by their lonesome during the holiday season.

Bel did quite a spread for this year; creamed chicken, caldereta, buttered prawns, fried rice and lumpiang shanghai. Truly a feast to partake. All of us kept coming back for more—especially the creamed chicken. (Which incidentally is a recipe handed down to every Deleon house hold)

Chino, as usual, got tons of gifts for Christmas. We got him a spiderman scooter and a neat new RC race car.

I was feeling a little melancholic when I chatted on the net with my mom and the rest of my siblings in the Philippines. I also chatted with my brother who was in the UK. For now , we all had to content ourselves with the fact that we could all be together for the holidays via virtual networks.

**********

Looks like Manny Pacquiao’s Wapakman isn’t faring too well in this year’s MMFF. Oh well, it actually just goes to show that we may love him dearly as a boxer but avoid him like the plague as an actor.

Not even the Krista Ranillo intrigue could get people to watch the darn movie.

Wapak…Madapak...

**********

Somebody’s out to get Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Lest we forget, this lady eats death threats for breakfast.

Whoever you are…fall in line and wait for your turn.

**********

I got my own share of gifts this Christmas season.

A spanking new desktop PC.

A rugged dark brown Giordano jacket.

A kick ass portable hard drive.

Bulgari men’s perfume.

All courtesy of the missus.

It actually pays off to be good all year round.

**********

Rumor has it that major Philippine telco’s Globe, Smart and Sun lost over P50 Million pesos during the holidays as everyone else found it more convenient to send their Christmas greetings on Facebook.

The power of social networking.

**********

We recently added the Boomerang channel onto our subscribed list of TV channels. Now I can watch Scooby doo, Flintstones, Jetsons and other 80’s and 90’s cartoon classics with Chino.

Satudays will never be the same.

**********

Look out for a major revamp on this site in the next couple of days. Working on a major makeover that will incorporate more use of multimedia—video, audio, images and a little touch of social networking pizzazz.

**********

Typhoon Ondoy, Mayon erupting, the Ampatuan massacre…what more can the Phillipines endure?

Aling Dionisia’s new dance album.

Worse than any man made or natural disaster.

Chutzpah.

Photopost: Colorline

2009-12-16T15:22:00.002+08:00

I was munching on some m&m's the other day when i had this idea of arranging them in rows and lines and taking different angled shots. I was at work when this idea hit me and I didn't have my camera in tow so I had to settle for the mobile cam for this one.

Here is what came about of the sudden surge to be creative...

Sharjah Aquarium experience

2009-11-08T12:35:00.004+08:00

The fam spent Friday afternoon at the Sharjah Aquarium along Al Khan road in Sharjah. We have been planning to visit for the past few months but the really hot and humid weather prevented us from doing so.

However, Friday afternoon proved to be very pleasant, as the early signs of the winter season have been seeping in, making it comfortable to romp around in the outdoors.

Chino was very excited with the idea that he was going to see some really big fish and some otyher exotic types. Here are some of the shots i took last Friday;

Bel and Chino along the entrance area

SLAP HAPPY

Paraprosdokians---Say what?

Suckerpunched defiance

Being scared is not an excuse....

The obvious one....

A Slap Here and There....

The perils of being 36

Dancing with Axl

Isolated But Not Defeated

Feeling the yuletide chill.....

Sharjah Water Festival spells F-U-N with a big splash....

just a test....

Me and Bobby D

A Slap Happy Demurring..err..Desperate Call for your Vote and Support...

Guidelines in Strengthening the OFW Family

Never trust your RP Labor Attache, especially if you're in Hong Kong

Hurdling through Chino's first periodical exams.....

Quick Quips

Garbage: Tons of it coming our way.......

To Dance or Not to Dance

Here's to you, Rudy T.

Why I changed my mind about weekend homework

When idiots are to blame

Murder over dinner

50,000 marker hit

Weekend at Umm Al Quwain's Flamingo Beach Resort

Anton playing with boobs....

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.....

Moving forward in a not so forward manner....

Random Tidbits

15 Quick Quips

Random disappearances

Random movie review: The A-Team

Random queasiness

Random foolishness: Why Comteq College is battling it out with SBMA and Ayala land

On media being harrased in the time of elections....

An urgent call of your conscience

Random Stupidity

Random Rabbitness....

The nipple slip that rocked Pinoy morality....

Random endorsements.....

Random Hello's

Random lessons learned, now shared....

An Innocent Man?

Photo post: Jebel Hafeet

Photopost: The Burj Khalifa

Random Sluggishness

The Annual Deleon Family Year-End Letter

Holiday haul ramblings.....

Photopost: Colorline

Sharjah Aquarium experience

Random Fixing....

Blogger's Block

Sing your heart out for a cause

Learn to be selfless and heed the call for help...Typhoon Ondoy donation call...

Noynoy Aquino-Mar Roxas tandem for 2010 finally sealed

Random Rundown

Senator Mar Roxas shows us true statesmanship: country above self

Noynoy Aquino or bust.....

Ramadan greetings...

Willie Revillame's failed PR job....(Explained)

Random Irony....

Willie Revillame is probably shaking his head in disbelief....

How do we solve a problem like Willie Revillame?

Willie Revillame, do I have a challenge for you....

The Big ABS-CBN Ego Monster: Willie Revillame has just gone waaaay too far...

Random randomness

Random Angst

Limericks for the faint and quaint

Random shots at the weary

Photo Post: Dubai Mall

Random quips

My son, the rock star

One Sentence Tragedies

Random Whirls

Poor little Hayden Kho.....

Photo Post: Sharjah Expo

Of Erap, Hayden and Dionisia

Relieved

Being true to your mother's love...