So far, so good

Remembering Rizal, Hoping for the Philippines

2011-12-30T10:48:00.001+08:00

Artist's hows and whys can be found here.

Video proponents' how and whys can be found here.

Who is Rizal? Search there -->

Heroism/Hero-is-in

2011-11-30T11:45:00.000+08:00

November 30th, the birth anniversary of one of the foremost Philippine patriots, Andres Bonifacio.

Two quotes, coming from seemingly polar opposites, remind us of our individual and collective responsibility to build each other up and sustain one another amidst the temptation to live solely for oneself.

We are all here on this planet, as it were, as tourists.
None of us can live here forever. The longest we might live is a hundred years.
So while we are here we should try to have a good heart
and to make something positive and useful of our lives.
The Dalai Lama

Mapalad ang bayang linitawan ng mga bayani
sapagka’t ang bayang iya’y walang kamatayan.
(Fortunate is the country where heroes emerge
because that country will live on).
Andres Bonifacio

A most perfect song while driving through the rain

2011-11-22T07:05:00.000+08:00

This was the last song I heard on the radio last night after an hour-long trip home. This seems like a perfect fit for a rainy day drive; it has the right drizzle of being forlorn, with a splatter of hope, and spray of quiet delight.

There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea.
You became the light on the dark side of me.
Love remained a drug that's the high and not the pill.
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and
The light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray.
Ooh,
The more I get of you,
The stranger it feels, yeah.
And now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the gray.
There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain,
My power, my pleasure, my pain, baby
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny.
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby?
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray.
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the gray,
I've been kissed by a rose on the gray,
I've been kissed by a rose
I've been kissed by a rose on the gray,
...And if I should fall along the way
I've been kissed by a rose
...been kissed by a rose on the gray.
There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain
My power, my pleasure, my pain.
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny, yeah
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby.
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray.
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray.
Yes I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
And now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the gray
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray.

from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/seal/kissfromarose.html

Occupy "So far, so good"

2011-11-20T16:13:00.000+08:00

I just happened to wander into a blog of a new acquaintance. It was like a portkey to yesteryears, when blogging was about the words and not the ads, badges, and links. The blog was honest, straightforward, and nurturing of conversations; it had none of the clutter that distracts or, worse, turns people off.And so in the next few weeks, schedule permitting, I shall undertake some pruning and snipping of the overgrown foliage choking my blog. I shall take it back from the visual excesses I've allowed to mask what I truly want to do here: share my life through words and the occasional photos. It will be painful, tedious, and unrelenting.*off to get my haz-mat suit*

Called Out in the Dark (Snow Patrol)

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000+08:00

Love, love, love this song =]

It's like we just can't help ourselves
'Cause we don't know how to back down
We were called out to the streets
We were called in to the towns

And how the heavens, they opened up
Like arms of dazzling gold
With our rain washed histories
Well they do not need to be told

Show me now, show me the arms aloft
Every eye trained on a different star
This magic
This drunken semaphore
And I

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

I was called out in the dark
By a choir of beautiful cheats
And as the kids took back the parks
You and I were left with the streets

Show me now, show me the arms aloft
Every eye trained on a different star
This magic
This drunken semaphore
And I

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

[repeats 5x]

from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/snowpatrol/calledoutinthedark.html

World Diabetes Day 2011

2011-11-14T00:30:00.000+08:00

Diabetes is a health condition that runs in many families, including ours. In the face of its myriad challenges, we can still do something about diabetes. It is not a death sentence. Click on these online resources to find out more about the diabetes. You may just be a click away from better health.

World Diabetes Day 2009-2013

View more presentations from International Diabetes Federation

The new 7 wonders of nature (preliminary count)

2011-11-12T12:57:00.001+08:00

It is with tremendous delight that I learned this morning that the Puerto Princesa Underground River has been named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, based on the preliminary count of votes. Organizers said that the official announcement of the seven who will actually comprise the prestigious list will be made in early 2012 after a more thorough accounting of votes, where one or more of the preliminary list members may still be dropped. Here's to hoping the Puerto Princesa Underground River will be retained in that final list =]

The list seems to reflect a (re-)shifting of interest (back) to what Asia and South America can offer as regards nature and the environment. Four in the list are found in Asia, two are found in South America, and a lone feature of nature from Africa. Then again, the list is a reflection of the tenacity of supporters in and for these areas =]

They are, in alphabetical order:

Amazon
Halong Bay
Iguazu Falls
Jeju Island
Komodo
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Table Mountain

Make the Puerto Princesa Underground River one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature!

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000+08:00

VOTE VOTE VOTE until 11/11/11!
Make the Puerto Princesa Underground River a part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature!

To cast your vote:

Text PPUR to 2861 and follow the prompts/instructions and/or

Visit http://www.new7wonders.com

Here's why we should vote for PPUR:

https://www.facebook.com/PuertoPrincesaUndergroundRiver

Once again, here's how to vote for PPUR:

Voting ends November 11, 2011!

The Dalai Lama: On introspection

2011-11-04T12:56:00.000+08:00

Taking ourselves seriously means actually looking at how we are experiencing our life and,

if there is something unsatisfactory about it, admitting it to ourselves.

Our tension and stress do not go away by denying them or avoiding taking an honest look.

And admitting that something is amiss is not the same as complaining about it and feeling sorry for ourselves.

Nor does it imply that something is fundamentally wrong with us and

we are guilty of being a bad person because we are nervous.

Being objective,

not melodramatic,

and remaining non-judgmental

are essential for any healing, spiritual process.

Requiem for a blog lost

2011-11-02T00:30:00.000+08:00

I’m almost relieved that a previous blogging platform I used to regurgitate thoughts masquerading as intellectual discourse has closed shop. If anyone where to find out such a record of my juvenile musings existed, whatever sliver of honor I have would have been reduced to zero.

Almost relieved. But still I mourn.

From 2003 to 2006, I just posted some 100-odd journal entries, a very small handful of which I was able to re-post in my current main blog. The rest are now mere bits and bytes billowing in the winds of cyberspace: the site’s permanently closure happened a few months back, which I only learned this weekend when I thought of re-posting something I wrote in med school from that site. Unfortunately, I was too late. There’s no way of retrieving those files again. The MS Word originals I wrote prior to online posting were stored in a computer that crashed a while back.

I say the disappearance of the said site is actually a boon to my existence. That site carried words that can only be put on paper by a stressed out medical student, trying to juggle family life, school, and the occasional love stories on the side. Those blog entries were replete with mundane musings, as random as how the Christmas season for a particular year officially started in September when I heard my first Christmas song blasted from a store as I walked to school. Or how stuffed myself with a tub of ice cream after a crap-filled hospital duty. Or how “Hope is just a cigarette brand” – the unforgettable title of an entry whose contents escape me now.

In total, they were juvenile, immature, whiny, verbose, verbal diarrhea that made me cringe when I used to go read them every now and then. But that is precisely why I feel a dull but discernible ache somewhere: regardless of it childishness, that blog was mine and me.

Those entries were verbal postcards from a journey that was not at all easy to make and survive.

Those blog posts were affirmations of my character’s growth, no matter how infinitesimal and subtle.

Those words were mine, written under the cloak of anonymity, which is the best truth serum.

That blog, while out *there* in cyberspace, is my small private nook, where my thoughts ran freely without fear of judgment and reprimand. That blogging platform apparently was home to fellow stragglers, with whom I enjoyed friendly banter and occasional verbal jousts. Nameless, faceless commenters enriched that blog. They, too, are lost. Perhaps forever.

I tried to get in touch with the owners of the site, begging for the opportunity to download my online journal in toto . They still not have gotten back to me yet. Life goes on.

So what have I learned through all this:

1- Live (and write) in the moment but do think about what happens in the next 5, 10 minutes/months/years, about the impermanence of things.

2- Whether you’re dealing with kingdoms and empires with succession issues or you’re in a once-in-a-lifetime trip or you’re just blogging your life away- it’s prudent to have a backup- backup king/queen, backup camera/memory stick, backup copies of your online work.

3- Some secrets DO get to be kept *wicked evil grin*

And so, with a relieved but still heavy heart, I bid farewell to those words written down in my old blog. Thank you for being a ready platform to rant on, lending a sympathetic blank slate on which I poured my heart out, in moments of glee and garrulousness.

Good night and thank you.

(Above: PINTADO by JUNYEE, 2005, photographed by me in the BenCab Musuem, off Baguio City.)

Words

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000+08:00

Last week, during our team building activity for the office, one session entailed us to reveal, through a small group discussion, some intimate things about our selves: our inspiration for doing things, what we deem our greatest professional success, what was holding us back from becoming the best version of our selves.

One question that was beauty pageant-ish that baffled me no end was the one which asked what was God’s greatest gift to me.

My first instinct was to say Words.

That words are a powerful tool could be the understatement of the millennium.

Through words, with or without bloodshed, empires have been built, revolutions sparked, dictators toppled.

Through words, across the ages, religions have been spread, ideals fueled, mythology passed on.

Through words, for whatever they are worth, achievements have been celebrated, morons
roasted, bigots berated.

Through words, in the worst of times, grief has been extinguished, fears assuaged, hope sparked.

Through words, in the best of times, love has been professed, devotion reassured, forever promised.

But in the end, I told my small group that God’s greatest gift to me was my family.

It was, is, my family, regardless of our age, who nurtured my faith, fueled my ideals, fanned the flames of my love for words- written, spoken, and even sung.

It was, is, my family, for whatever they are worth, celebrated my achievements, reminded me when I was acting moronic, and reminded me of tolerance when bigotry was the easier way to go.

In the best of times, my family extinguished my grief, assuaged my fears, stoked the embers of my hope.

In the worst of times, even sans words, my family has made me feel loved, with their perfect devotion, realistic enough to NOT promise forever but loving me here and now.

Dictionaries are filled with thousands of words, but they will never be quite as comforting as a thirty-second conversation with my sister at the end of an infernal day or a minute of parental soliloquy extolling the importance of finding a partner in life.

They will never suffice but here’s me thanking them, for everything, through words.

Blog Action Day 2011 = World Food Day

2011-10-16T18:43:00.000+08:00

It's been a looong tiring day. The boss kept all of us in the room, stuck in a meeting that took ages to finish. Worst of all, they didn't even have the sensitivity to allow a quick lunch or coffee break to fill our tummies to get our minds working.

The meeting made us miss lunch! Such cruelty surely makes you mad, right?

But right now, 1 billion of the earth's population are suffering from involuntary hunger, not because of inhuman bosses or boardroom discussions that seem to have no end. A billion are hungry because of poverty, crop failure, drought, floods, and/or policies in their societies and from their governments that make food insufficient.

Here are some ways to stand united with them and the rest of the world to fight off the real cruelty of food insufficiency:

1- Watch the video and SIGN THE PETITION stating:

"We who support this petition find it unacceptable that close to one billion people are chronically hungry. Through the United Nations, we call upon governments to make the elimination of hunger their top priority until that goal is reached."

2- Support the TELEFOOD PROGRAM of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations . By donating to the TELEFOOD PROGRAM, you can help finance small community-based enterprises which ensure food sufficiency through quality seeds, farm implements, and support mechanisms to families in vulnerable areas. Best thing about your donations, 100% goes to your partner communities, no part of the donation is used for administrative costs by the FAO.

3- In the Philippines, support the BAYAN-ANIHAN Program of Gawad Kalinga. Beyond the colorful homes, Gawad Kalinga now endeavors to support GK village residents towards self sufficiency by establishing "the first family-based,sustainable farm program in the Philippines. Each family is given a 10-squaremeter garden plot which can yield a minimum of 10 kilograms of vegetables per month, providing 30 meals per family." Be a partner and support Bayan-Anihan or "community harvest."

Other ways to respond to the food sufficiency challenge can be found in other blogs joining Blog Action Day 2011.

October 16th is Blog Action Day 2011

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000+08:00

It's that time of the year again: BLOG ACTION DAY!

Sign up if you will dedicate a post on OCTOBER 16th to talk about a very important aspect of humanity = FOOD.

Most especially on October 16th, bloggers are enjoined to use their blogs to talk about FOOD- the lack of it in some areas, its importance in our respective cultures, the challenges of feeding the world with a population of almost seven billion, nutrition in the face of junkfood and fastfood- whatever our blogs' niche maybe.

Be part of this annual event!

Task Force Noah: PEDRING for typhoon survivors

2011-09-29T05:30:00.000+08:00

Reposting the email from SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (SLB), an Ateneo-based NGO whose mission, among others, is disaster response initiatives.

If you wish to help through Gawad Kalinga or the Philippine Red Cross, please click HERE.

SLB TASK FORCE NOAH : PEDRING
for the victims of Typhoon Pedring

The number of families and individuals in the evacuation sites in various parts of Luzon is still high. The continued rain is posing continuous threat in many parts of North and Eastern Luzon. Some towns are still submerged in flood and with another threat of tropical cyclone passing our territory the next 24 hours according to PAGASA, the evacuees will have to bear the ordeal much longer. The situations in the various evacuation sites visited by our partner institutions and personnel are in need of your help. The children are getting sick, food shortage is common, potable water supply is unpredictable, sanitation is a major concern. Very few organizations are helping in the relief operations.

Our brothers and sisters are waiting for our urgent assistance. We appeal for the generosity of every Filipino out there to extend financial assistance and help our evacuees cope with the crisis. The evacuees are in need of the following:

1. Food and water supply.

Palanan, Isabela (1,500 families; dried fish; monggo; canned goods; coffee; rice)
Agta, Isabela (300 families; dried fish; monggo; canned goods; coffee; rice)
Maconacon, Isabela (500 families; dried fish; monggo; canned goods; coffee; rice)
Divilacan, Isabela (500 families; dried fish; monggo; canned goods; coffee; rice)
Quirino Province (details to be verified)
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (details to be verified)
Navotas, Metro Manila (1,900 families; Drinking Water, Cooked Food)
Sub-Urban and Sabah; Montalban, Rizal (260 families, Drinking Water, Food Items)

Please visit our websites for more details: e-ugnay.slb.ph

SLB is outsourcing the goods from ROBINSONS SUPERMARKET and NFA. For your convenience; we accept cash donations for the goods to be purchased.

DONATION IN KIND

We still accept donations in kinds for those who are interested to donate goods for NAVOTAS AND MONTALBAN. You may drop your donations to CERVINI, Ateneo Residence Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Road, Quezon City. We will accept donations up to Friday September 30, 2011. We enjoin donors to segregate their donations according to types for facility in packing.

FOR CASH/CHECK DONATIONS

Direct deposits may be made to:

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12

Or channel to:

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
Loyola House of Studies
Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights 1108, Quezon City

Contact Information:
Landline: 426-6101 loc. 3440/3441
Telefax: 426-5968
Mobile: 0949-7337049 or 0906-3480476
Email: slb@admu.edu.ph
Web: www.slb.ph; e-ugnay.slb.ph
Look for: Mr. Mykey Cuento / Ms. Marjorie Tejada

For proper acknowledgment:
- Please fax a copy of the validated deposit slip to SLB through telefax 426-5968.
- Kindly indicate contact information: Name, address, email, landline/mobile.
- Those who wish to remain anonymous may skip this procedure.

(Sgd) BRO. ERIK JOHN J. GERILLA, S.J.
Acting Director
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

Organizations accepting donations for Typhoon PEDRING survivors

2011-09-27T22:17:00.000+08:00

At least eight of the 17 regions of the Philippines were hit by Typhoon PEDRING (international codename: Nesat), displacing thousands of Filipinos because of the heavy rains and ensuing floods. As it leaves the country, we'll find out the full extent of the damages it caused and its corresponding health consequences. (PAGASA image above shows TY PEDRING moving through Luzon island and out to the West Philippine Sea, as of 10pm 27Sept.)

Scouring the Internet, here are some of the organizations who are now accepting donations for Typhoon PEDRING survivors. Kindly visit their respective websites and Facebook accounts and follow their Twitter accounts for updates as regards mechanisms for donation such as what items they need, where to drop off your donations, SMS or online donation systems, etc

List as of 10pm, September 27:

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), an Ateneo De Manila University-based NGO involved in disaster response
Website: http://www.slb.ph
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katotoo
Twitter: twitter.com/manindigan
Landline: 426-6101 loc. 3440/3441
Telefax: 426-5968
Mobile: 0949-7337049 or 0906-348047
Email: slb@admu.edu.ph
Contact person: Mykey Cuento
* UPDATE 9/29/2011: SLB has launched their Task Force Noah: PEDRING appeal for typhoon survivors: More details can be found >>here<<

* UPDATE 10pm 9/27/2011: Kindly visit SLB's http://e-ugnay.slb.ph/ website to know the exact areas where help is needed, the items being requested, and the field coordinator to work with in these areas.

* As of their 12nn 9/27/2011email, ready to eat food, water, and clothing are being collectedat the Loyola Schools Covered Courts, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

* SLB is also accepting donations via BPI bank deposits

Gawad Kalinga (GK)
Website: http://www.gk1world.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gawadkalinga
Twitter: twitter.com/GawadKalingaHQ
Mobile: (+63917) 523 9777
Email: info@gk1world.com

* GK is mobilizing for Quezon City, BASECO, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija, among other areas

Philippine Red Cross (PRC)
Website: http://www.redcross.org.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phredcross
Twitter: twitter.com/philredcross
Email: fundgeneration@redcross.org.ph / prc@redcross.org.ph
Hotline: 143 and (+632) 527.0000

* Accepts donations via SMS or text messaging

I will try to update this list should other organizations also announce their donation mechanisms.

Every little bit helps =]

Going to the dogs!

2011-09-05T00:01:00.001+08:00

In its continuing quest to demystify science and bring experts out of the proverbial labs to make them accessible to more people, The Mind Museum, the Philippines' first world-class science museum holds another CAFE SCIENTIFIQUE.

This month, it's all about dogs and the experts who can "talk" to them. Dogs and their humans are in for a treat at the Bonifacio High Street, beside Hobbes and Landes, at the Bonifacio Global City, on Saturday, September 10 from 3-5pm. Learn more about this month's Cafe Scientifique below.

Get updated about The Mind Museum events by being a Twitter follower @themindmuseum and liking their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/themindmuseum.

People helping people: World Humanitarian Day 2011

2011-08-20T08:52:00.001+08:00

Amidst the strife, the destruction, the heartbreak of natural and human-generated disasters, the goodness of humanity shines through. WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY celebrates this innate goodness in all of us. Visit the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs online to find out how you can help survivors and responders cope with calamities.

Primer on the World Humanitarian Day from the United Nations:

Every year, disasters cause immense suffering for millions of people – usually
the world’s poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable individuals. Humanitarian
aid workers strive to provide life-saving assistance and long term rehabilitation to
disaster-affected communities, regardless of where they are in the world and
without discrimination.

Humanitarian aid is based on a number of founding principles, including
humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Humanitarian aid workers
want to be able to access those in need in order to provide vital assistance. This
wish should be respected.

Humanitarian aid workers are from all corners of the world, male and female, and
reflect all cultures and backgrounds. The majority come from the countries in
which they work. Strong, professional and independent local organisations are
key actors in all humanitarian responses.

Everyone can be a humanitarian. People affected by disasters are the first to
help their own communities following a disaster. Communities, local partner
organizations, international organizations and the general public can build a
chain of solidarity to support communities in responding to and recovering from
disasters.

Responding to emergencies is only one aspect of humanitarian work.
Humanitarian workers also support communities to rebuild their lives after
disasters, to become more resilient to future crises, to help their voices to be
heard, and to build lasting and sustainable peace in areas of conflict.

Today, the most pressing humanitarian crisis in the world is unfolding in the Horn
of Africa. Famine has spread in Somalia, including Mogadishu, and threatens to
expand throughout the south. Many people are dying. 12.4 million people in
Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti urgently need our help and the numbers
are increasing. Humanitarian partners continue to work hard on the ground to
save lives. Their commitment must be matched by donors, the private sector and
individuals alike.

Awareness of impermanence and appreciation of our human potential will give us a sense of urgency that we must use every precious moment. - the Dalai Lama

Sangandaan - A fork in the road

2011-08-04T00:01:00.002+08:00

It is a period of transitions in our office. It is a season of planned departures and burgeoning beginnings. We are anxious and at the same time excited and hopeful of how these next three weeks will unfold.

The soundtrack my heart hums is no other than Ding Achacoso and Pete Lacaba's SANGANDAAN, from the movie Sister Stella L.

Sangandaan or "fork in the road" talks about our humanity as we face choices, our moments of indecision, and the need to just take the plunge and do it- especially about matters of the heart. It can be Divine Providence; it can be human folly. Quite apt, the music is, for the movie Sister Stella L. where a young nun finds herself at the crossroads of her faith, to stay put in the confines of her convent or live among God's poorest, to stay true to her religious vows or rekindle an abruptly ended romance. For us in the office, the song has a different hue, as it still represents our common career conundrums.

Noel Cabangon's cover as well as the lyrics (from Mr. Lacaba's blog) follow below.

SANGANDAAN

Walang komplikasyon
Ang buhay mo noon:
Kalooban mo’y panatag,
Kalangitan ay maliwanag,
Ang daan ay tuwid at patag
Sa buhay mo noon.
Ngunit bawat pusong naglalakbay,
Dumarating sa sangandaan:
Ngayong narito ka,
Kailangang magpasiya.
Aling landas ang susundin ng puso?
Saan ka liligaya, saan mabibigo?
Saan ka tutungo?

Kay daling sumunod
Sa hangin at agos:
Aasa ka na ang dalangin,
Gagabay sa ‘yong damdamin.
Ngunit saan ka dadalhin
Ng hangin at agos?
Alam mong bawat pusong nagmamahal,
Dumarating sa sangandaan:
Ngayong narito ka,
Kailangang magpasiya.
Aling landas ang susundin ng puso?
Saan ka liligaya, saan mabibigo?
Saan ka tutungo?

Never lost, always found (22): Just be

2011-08-01T00:01:00.042+08:00

Last Sunday's Second Reading is one of my all-time favorite passages from the Holy Bible:

Brothers and sisters:
What will separate us from the love of Christ?
Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly
through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35, 37-39

It is St Paul's enduring reassurance of God's love, for those in transition, for those choosing to stay put. It is a perfect overarching cloak of love, especially if you'll choose to espouse The Holstee Manifesto below:

The science of moods

2011-07-24T06:21:00.000+08:00

Discover why you feel the way you do. Explain the highs and lows you experience. Join The Mind Museum's Cafe Sci and swim into THE SCIENCE OF MOODS, 30 July, 2pm-3pm at Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City. Entrance is free.

For more updates on The Mind Museum, follow them on Twitter @themindmuseum and be a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/themindmuseum.

Artist at work: Noel Cabangon on HEADSTART with Karen Davila

2011-07-20T12:13:00.001+08:00

This has got to be the best half-hour of Philippine television I've enjoyed in a while.

Pinoy singer/songwriter/activist Noel Cabangon joined Karen Davila's HEADSTART last July 15th on ANC. Karen again displayed her engaging and engaged interviewing which Noel matched with his remarkable, remarkable musicality and by wearing his heart on his sleeve.

Noel's label, Universal Records,uploaded the video of this interview-cum-concert on YouTube in three parts. Enjoy!

A site for sore eyes

2011-07-17T00:20:00.000+08:00

Eyes, Greek philosopher Heraclitus says, are more accurate witnesses than ears. But what do you do when those witnesses- your eyes- need help to stay sharp and focused? When the going gets blurred, the blurred go to Zenni Optical.

Here are ten things to love about the Zenni Optical site:

1. BALANCE: The Zenni Optical website offers eyewear options that are both stylish and affordable without sacrificing their health benefits. Affordable prescription eyeglasses that are practical, fashionable, without costing an arm and a leg.

2. NUMBERS: There are literally thousands of choices, all with photos, so you will see what you will be actually purchasing. Currently, some 3000-plus frames are yours for the choosing.

3. OPTIONS: The site has highly customizable options (on its left-hand panel) which can help narrow down your selection of eyewear- by price, by frame shape, by prescription type, by gender of user, among other filters.

4. TESTING: Not only will you able to see what you will purchase, you can actually see how it will look like on a human face, short of fitting it on yours. There are eight “faces” of various ages and ethnicity on Zenni Optical’s Frame Fit application where you can “try on” the frames you are considering to buy.

5. FREEBIES: Purchases have lots of bonuses, like free anti-scratch coating, eyeglass case and microfiber cleaning cloth.

6. HELP: The site has an extensive Help section which guides buyers with information like how to order from the site and understanding prescriptions for eyeglasses.

7. CONTACT: Zenni Optical’s team makes itself very accessible to the public. Inquiries can be fielded via email, live chat, phone, Facebook, and Twitter.

8. BLOG: Zenni Optical has a blog where additional information- so-called tips and tricks- for patrons are available at their fingertips.

9. TESTIMONIALS: Customers have a corner where they can share their very own Zenni Optical stories. Here's another corner of the blogosphere where the benefits of Zenni Optical are being heralded by a satisfied patron.

10. APPROVAL: Seals of good business practice can be found at the bottom part of the site, thus increasing buyer confidence in the site.

To see is to believe. Head on over to Zenni Optical and open your eyes to the endless possibilities for your eye care needs.

Something BIG is swimming into The Mind Museum- soon!

2011-07-13T21:44:00.000+08:00

Something big is swimming into The Mind Musuem in Taguig City- a regular of the Philippine waters, the butanding or whaleshark. It's another reason to come visit the Philippines' first world-class science museum opening before the year ends.

For more updates about The Mind Museum and the critters that will inhabit its halls, follow them on Twitter and be a fan on Facebook.

UPDATE: Task Force NOAH for survivors of floods in Cotabato City

2011-07-01T01:14:00.000+08:00

Reposting the article by Marc Reuben Cuento, Disaster Response Program Manager of Simbahang Lingkod Ng Bayan, regarding SLB's response to the flooding situation in Cotabato City. Things are getting better versus when I first posted about the floods here but help is still needed. How to be of assistance to survivors of the floods can be found at the following article's end.

--==+==--

On June 18, residents of Cotabato City woke up from the previous night’s rainfall to find their house submerged at least waist deep in water in the wake of a spill over from Rio Grande River. More than 2,500 families were forced to evacuate from their houses as sustained downpour over the weekend caused water levels to rise further.

It was the discovered the same morning that a 20-hectare mass of decomposing hyacinths have formed an artificial island that caused clogging in the city’s tributaries and canals, which was the subsequent cause of flooding especially in the suburban areas.

In the midst of all this, the parishioners of the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral Parish have been helping out with their volunteer relief efforts, led by Fr. Edwin Degracias, DCC.

Eleven days later, the flood water has still not subsided in many areas due to continued rainfall and the influx of more hyacinths from the. At least 1000 families remain displaced from their homes, and relief efforts are being sustained to meet their needs. In the absence of any strong downpour in the next week, the flood water levels should recede.

As of June 30, 2011, donations amounting to at least Php500,000 have been sent to Cotabato City through SLB's generous network of donors, Php275,000 of which was spent on rice.

SLB is currently working with Miriam College regarding their upcoming disaster response campaign.

For Cash Donation, you can visit the SLB office at Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan road, Loyola Heights Quezon City, or deposit to

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account name/payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands, Loyola Katipunan Branch
BPI PESO Checking Account Number 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number 3084-0420-12
SWIFT CODE: BOPIPHMM
ROUTING NO: 021 – 0000 – 21
BANKS THAT MAY RECEIVE DEPOSITS FOR BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS ACCOUNTS

FOR THOSE IN UNITED STATES:

JP MORGANS BANK
BANK OF AMERICA

FOR THOSE IN EUROPE:

COMMERCE BANK
DEUTSCHE BANK
SOCIETE GENERALE BANK

FOR THOSE IN ASIA:

ANY BANK ALL OVER ASIA

Please pass this message to your friends and network.

For more information, please contact SLB hotlines: in Manila 426-5968, or mobile number 0906-348-0476, or email slb@admu.edu.ph.

Task Force Noah: COTABATO - Help for the flooding survivors in Mindanao

2011-06-22T04:50:00.002+08:00

Update as of July 1st on the Cotabato floods can be found here.

--==+==--

Reposting this emailed appeal from Simbahang Lingkod Bayan, a faith-based, Jesuit-run non-government organization who is engaged in various disaster response initiatives. Photo below is from the SLB website www.slb.ph taken by their program manager for disaster response.

The number of families and individuals in the evacuation sites in Cotabato City is not decreasing despite the decrease in rainfall. The piling up of the water hyacinths covering an area of estimated 10 hectares clogged all tributaries of the watershed and thus flood level remains almost the same for the past seven days. The local government are trying to clear Rio Grande de Mindanao from water hyacinths, but the massive volume of hyacinths will require two (2) full weeks. With another threat of tropical cyclone passing our territory the next 24 hours bringing heavy rains in Mindanao according to PAGASA, the evacuees will have to bear the ordeal much longer. The situation in the various evacuation sites visited by our personnel is getting worse. More kids are getting sick, food shortage is common, potable water supply is unpredictable, sanitation is a major concern. Very few organizations are helping in the relief operations.

More Cotabato flooding pictures can be found here.

Our brothers and sisters are waiting for our urgent assistance. The Archbishop of Cotabato, Most Rev. Orlando Quevedo, OMI, DD has sent an appeal for assistance through the Social Action Center of the archdiocese. We appeal for the generosity of every Filipino out there to extend financial assistance and help our evacuees cope with the crisis. The evacuees are in need of the following:

1. Food and water supply.
2. Medical personnel and medicines.

How you can help?

1. DONATE IN CASH. Due to difficulty in transporting relief goods to the affected areas we are asking that donations be made in cash for the sake of efficiency. Kindly send by fax your validated deposit slip at (+63) 2 426-5968. And for proper acknowledgment please indicate your contact information (name of individual or organization, address, email, landline/mobile)

2. ORGANIZE A MEDICAL MISSION TEAM. SLB can assist in coordination with proper authorities and facilitate the transportation, if SLB's assistance is necessary.

For Cash Donation, you can visit the SLB office at Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan road, Loyola Heights Quezon City, or deposit to

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account name/payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands, Loyola Katipunan Branch
BPI PESO Checking Account Number 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number 3084-0420-12

Please pass this message to your friends and network.

For more information, please contact SLB hotlines: in Manila 426-5968, or mobile number 0949-733-7049, or email slb@admu.edu.ph

Manalangin.Manindigan.Makialam
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
Loyola House of Studies
Ateneo de Manila University

Do one thing

2011-06-21T05:23:00.000+08:00

This WORLD REFUGEE DAY, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie asks all of us to Do One Thing.

Please watch on.

Jose Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines (1861-2011)

2011-06-17T12:27:00.001+08:00

Timely reminders on what it is to be truly Filipino, on the celebration of Dr Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary this Sunday, June 19th.

More Rizal truisms in Rizal @ 150 on Facebook.

The Blog Rounds, Season 2 (TBR-S2): Why I blog

2011-05-15T08:21:00.000+08:00

“Why” is a most powerful question. Through these three letters, the mind is jolted into a state of introspection that unearths reasons, validates or debunks long held assumptions and beliefs. It fortifies decisions or gnaws at them until the core is revealed and exposed and made vulnerable.

This blog has been roused from a prolonged state of stupor by this question from a fellow physician and blogger: Why do I blog. Not the most unique or earth-shattering of questions; but given my context, it could very well be one.

My relationship with this blog has arguably been the longest I’ve maintained. I think we’ve been doing fine, until recently, when the realities of life, including work, procrastination, and distractions like Twitter and Facebook, have taken me away from blogging.

I really miss blogging. These are the top 10 reasons why I still endeavor to write:

1. This blog is a piece of cyberspace that is entirely mine, where I can be alone and yet remain linked to others. In a planet with close to seven billion people, that is a challenge- personal space.

2. Writing unleashes a torrent of thoughts that the mind just has to unleash, else I’d go mad.

3. Blogging and this blog have allowed me to share things I am passionate about, from national
advocacies to personal pursuits, under one roof. I would like to think that this is my attempt to maintain a one-stop shop for those who’d like to make the world and themselves better than before.

4. This blog has served as my life’s time stamp and online picture frame, capturing and displaying snapshots of daily events and once in a lifetime triumphs. It’s a record of what has happened, events that may ultimately be forgotten if they were not written about. Experiences when not written down have not been experienced at all; life written down is experienced twice.

5. A venue to be mundane and an avenue to be profound, this blog is.

6. Of course the online joust and cyber-tussles, virtual kudos and emoticon-laden words in the comments section are source of both stress and fodder for the ego.

7. Other modalities for sharing, such as Twitter and Facebook, while stripped of the often cumbersome trappings of blogging, can often be actually stifling and restricting, the challenge being how best to say things with limited characters to a wider audience.

8. I often make a tiny, tidy sum, from all this writing. You might want to explore, too, yourself, and go Adgitize =]

9. Bad as this will sound but I have to admit that blogging is a reason to procrastinate.

10. While one picture may already say a thousand words, just one word evokes a million other images. Imagine how powerful, then, one blog entry can be.

So there they are, the reasons why I blog, or at least attempt to continue doing so. I believe this particular blog entry could very well be one of those many re-starts to this blog, that sudden spike in the heart monitor which sparks the hope within the family members of a dying patient, that hint of the sun in the horizon in the aftermath of a tornado, that rest area sign where comfort can be had by those needing to pee or poo for the last 100 miles, that faint sound of sirens from police backup just when the villain is about to finish off the protagonist in the movie, that crescendo of music signaling the reunion of two star-crossed lovers after all the pain and suffering they had to endure to just be together…

In simpler terms, with this blog post, I’m back, I guess, I hope. Uh-oh.

The Mind Museum Moms' Day fundraiser: A star for the star that our moms are

2011-05-08T03:26:00.000+08:00

This Mother's Day season and beyond, help further the cause of science education in the country while at the same giving a most unique gift to the star of our lives- our moms!

For just PhP 1,000.00 (roughly USD 24.00), you can light a star in The Mind Musuem's virtual sky. The Mind Museum is the Philippines' first world-class science museum which will provide hands on, interactive, innovative learning exhibits that aim to inspire and support young minds' love for science and technology. Choose which among the stars in Northern and Southern Hemispheres will be named after your mom. A certificate of donation, Facebook badge, and inclusion in the Universe Gallery's Donors' Marker upon the Museum's completion will be made available to each donor.

Live a lasting legacy in your mom's name. Be a champion for science. Light up a The Mind Museum star in honor of your life's finest star.

For more details, please visit The Mind Museum online, be a fan of The Mind Museum on Facebook, and follow The Mind Museum on Twitter.

Earth Hour 2011, March 26 8.30pm-9.30pm

2011-03-21T00:51:00.017+08:00

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Breaking my blogging hiatus to just remind all of us about EARTH HOUR 2011 which happens this Saturday, March 26, 8.30pm-9.30pm in whatever part of the planet we are in. This call for collective action asks all of us to turn off non-essential electrical appliances for 60 minutes as a symbolic gesture in support of initiatives for wiser use of the planets meager, dwindling energy and environmental resources. Hopefully, participation in Earth Hour will raise enough awareness to make all of us do more beyond the hour.

For more information, visit EarthHour.org

Good night and thank you, 2010!

2010-12-31T09:28:00.000+08:00

To those who have passed this way and will wander into this space, a sincere Irish blessing to you as we all welcome the new year 2011-

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Task Force Noah: Tulung Cagayan - Help for the Survivors of Floods in Northern Luzon

2010-11-15T00:05:00.001+08:00

Re-posting the appeal of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan for support for the survivors of the floods in Cagayan and Isabela during the early part of this November.

Last November 1 - 4, 2010 the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan once again experienced continuous rains that caused massive floods and landslides in several areas. We received various calls for help from our networks , and upon investigation and inquiry, we found out that the needs are both massive and urgent.

SLB team will respond once again to bring relief goods to Sto Tomas, Isabela and Enrile in Cagayan. These towns are yet to receive help from any organization. We plan to deploy on November 15, 2010 at 7 PM. All the goods will be brought to St Paul University in Tuguegarao where our partners, the SPC sisters, will re-pack the goods for immediate distribution to many of the 4,783 households affected in Sto. Tomas and the 3,433 households affected in Enrile.

The Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) would like to beg from generous benefactors specifically for its on-going relief operations to the said areas. As you know, shortly after supertyphoon Juan struck Isabela, Cagayan and other parts of northern Luzon, SLB has been deploying relief operations to devastated areas. As of the moment our general disaster fund is very much depleted. Because of this we plead for help in behalf of the victims.

In a recent article by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a multinational risk consultancy firm has reported about a "gaping disconnect" between government claims and reality on the affected areas which is now putting disaster preparedness in the Philippines on the brink of disaster. Let us not be misled by premature proclamations which have no sufficient basis. From the data we continue to gather on the ground and from an interview with the parish priest of Palanan Isabela, Fr. Sam Salazar, OFM, they say that not enough is being done to prepare for disasters in these areas.

Again, in behalf of the people still reeling from the effects of the recent disasters, we are begging for your generous assistance. We are humbly asking that donations be made in cash for the sake of efficiency. Kindly send by fax your validated deposit slip at +632 4265968. And for proper acknowledgment please indicate your contact information (name of individual or organization, address, email, landline/mobile).

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account name/payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands, Loyola Katipunan Branch
BPI PESO Checking Account Number 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number 3084-0420-12

What is your water footprint? (Blog Action Day 2010)

2010-10-15T09:18:00.000+08:00

Your individual water footprint is equal to the water required to produce the goods and services consumed by you (waterfootprint.org). It's akin to one's carbon footprint, as it measures also the impact of our existence on the planet. You can visit waterfootprint.org to find out yours.

As for me, the Water Footprint Calculator, after plugging into it bits and pieces of my avergae regular water consumption, churned out the number 2,597 cubic meters. It means that I use that amount of water annually if I continue living my life the way I do now. 2,597 cu.m of water is a little more than the amount of water inside an Olympic-sized swimming pool! And mind you, I'm a biiit water-conscious as it is already. Imagine if all the people in the world spent AT LEAST an Olympic-sized-pool's-worth of water annually, we'd probably dry up before we can say Sahara Desert.

A huge part of my water consumption comes from my rather liberal intake of meat and meat products. Apparently, it takes a huge amount of water to care for cows, their pastures, etc. Maybe if I eat a lesser amount of meat, I'd be able to lessen my water footprint and thus help others have more water In The Bigger Scheme of Things...

So how do we improve our water footprint without having to stop bathing or stop brushing our teeth?

H20Conserve.org offers a simple, almost painless To-Do list to help us manage our water resources expecially in our homes. Here are some samples of their tips to become water-wise:

IN THE BATHROOM
- If you don’t have a low-flow toilet, put a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush.
- Turn off the water while shaving, and instead fill the bottom of the sink with a few inches of water to rinse your razor.
- Spend less time in the shower. If you lose track of time in the shower, bring a radio into the bathroom and time yourself by how many songs play while you’re in there. Try to get your shower time down to one song (or less).
- If it’s yellow, let it mellow. The saying may be cliche, but it’s good advice. If you’re grossed out by the “yellow”, just put down the toilet lid.

IN THE KITCHEN
- Scrape dishes into the compost (or trash if you don`t compost) rather than rinsing. New dishwashers don’t even require pre-rinsed dishes.
- Think ahead! Don’t use water to defrost frozen foods instead, leave them in the fridge overnight to defrost.
- Boil food in as little water as possible. You just need enough to submerge your pasta and potatoes, and with less water you keep more flavor and nutrients in your veggies.
- When grocery shopping, try to buy more whole foods like vegetables, rice and potatoes. Processed foods and beverages like chips, candies, pre-made meals and sodas take a lot more water to produce than foods that come straight from the farm.

For more tips to save money, save water, and eventually save the planet, please visit H20Conserve.org.

Please don't forget also to sign the petition in support of initiatives for common efforts to provide access to safe water for those most in need.

Change.org|Start Petition

Blog Action Day 2010: WATER

2010-10-13T02:29:00.001+08:00

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

OCTOBER 15 IS BLOG ACTION DAY! Blog Action Day is that day of the year when blogs the world over write about a common topic to highlight a pressing concern that warrants the world's attention and immediate action

THIS BLOG ACTION DAY ON OCTOBER 15, 2010- LET ALL OUT BLOGS RESOUND WITH THE CLAMOR FOR BETTER ACCESS TO SAFE AND CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF- W A T E R !

Maria of the Blog Action Day 2010 Team put together this list of WATER facts and figures to underscore the world's need for wiser use of our water resources:

Unsafe drinking water and lack of sanitation kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Unclean drinking water can incubate some pretty scary diseases, like E. coli, salmonella, cholera and hepatitis A. Given that bouquet of bacteria, it's no surprise that water, or rather lack thereof, causes 42,000 deaths each week.

More people have access to a cell phone than to a toilet. Today, 2.5 billion people lack access to toilets. This means that sewage spills into rivers and streams, contaminating drinking water and causing disease.

Every day, women and children in Africa walk a combined total of 109 million hours to get water. They do this while carrying cisterns weighing around 40 pounds when filled in order to gather water that, in many cases, is still polluted. Aside from putting a great deal of strain on their bodies, walking such long distances keeps children out of school and women away from other endeavors that can help improve the quality of life in their communities.

It takes 6.3 gallons of water to produce just one hamburger. That 6.3 gallons covers everything from watering the wheat for the bun and providing water for the cow to cooking the patty and baking the bun. And that's just one meal! It would take over 184 billion gallons of water to make just one hamburger for every person in the United States.

The average American uses 159 gallons of water every day – more than 15 times the average person in the developing world. From showering and washing our hands to watering our lawns and washing our cars, Americans use a lot of water. To put things into perspective, the average five-minute shower will use about 10 gallons of water. Now imagine using that same amount to bathe, wash your clothes, cook your meals and quench your thirst.

MAKE YOUR BLOG THE FOUNTAIN THROUGH WHICH WILL FLOW INTELLIGENT DISCUSSIONS AND USEFUL INFORMATION ON IMPROVING ACCESS TO CLEAN, SAFE WATER BY THE POOREST AND MOST VULNERABLE!

Join Blog Action Day 2010 on October 15th!

A life well-lived

2010-10-02T11:58:00.001+08:00

A life well-lived
On and off buses you've inspected in Nueva Ecija
In the house we lived in in Pacita
In the apartment in Jordan Ave
To and from C-Town Supermarket near Journal Square
Aboard forklifts
Through harsh New Jersey winters and under the warm South Carolina sun

A life well-lived
Strengthened by a daily routine of Bible-reading and followed by unique exercise regimens
On golf courses and tennis courts, in front of the television
Powered by hearty meals, always with inspiring stories on the side
While grooming our dogs
Despite and/or because of your hearing aid
Dressed impeccably, always dapper, never sloppy

A life well-lived
Forgetting sometimes our names and voices and faces
Forgetting readily the heartaches and pains we have caused him
Forgetting never to ask me when will I get married

A life well-lived
Spent beside Rufina for more than 65 years
Who, with her, is the source of the life of my mom
Not just measured in years, but as the song goes, measured in love

A life well-lived
That is Lolo's
Begins its eternal episode in heaven where we will hopefully meet again when our own hopefully well-lived lives end.

Thank you and good night, Lolo =]

Mission- I HEART the Philippines 2010: Contest Winners!

2010-09-26T19:32:00.000+08:00

Amidst the cacophony of political squabbles, economic woes, and showbiz nonsense, it can be very difficult to see the good in the Philippines and among Filipinos. But if we just stay still for a bit, look around, listen, and feel – we need not exert too much effort to experience the best of the Philippines and the Filipino.

In celebration of my blog's Year IV online, I put together a mini-contest to encourage fellow bloggers to express what they *heart* about the Philippines. Here's what they shared:

SuperMommyJem absolutely loves our Christmas season in the Philippines- replete with four F's – food, family, fun, and faith. There's even a very personal reason why December in the Philippines is extra special to her. Check out her SuperMommyJem's blog to find out.

Cornelio03, on the other hand, chose to highlight the various forms of heroism in our country. He brought to the fore personalities and events that showcase the unique love Pinoys have for their people amid seemingly insurmountable problems. I did not know Emilio Aguinaldo's wife played a crucial role in our struggle for independence from Spain. Learn what role she played by hopping over to Cornelio03's blog.

Chin chin put together the tastiest entry, featuring four Filipino gustatory delights. I think these four food items represent us Pinoys well. Have a bite of Chin chin's offering in her blog.

Luckyfinds describes the mysterious connection among us Filipinos as the best aspect of being one. She writes a timely recall of a great display of Filipino empathy that happened a year ago. It's an experience all of us can relate to. Her thoughts on Pinoy kindness can be found here.

I would like to thank these four courageous bloggers for writing about what's great about the Philippines and Filipinos when it is, at times, easier to rant and whine. Mabuhay kayo!

And now, the winners:

Free 7-day advertisement in the Adgitize network worth $7: SuperMommyJem

Free 7-day advertisement in the Adgitize network worth $7: Cornelio03

Free 7-day advertisement in the Adgitize network worth $7: Luckyfinds

Free 31-day advertisement in the Adgitize network worth $14: Chin chin

Thank you and Congratulations!

PS- As was stated in the contest rules, winners can opt to have the Adgitize ad prize or the equivalent amount deposited to their PayPal account =] Although I highly recommend taking the Adgitize option =] Please leave a comment under this post to let me know the email address through which I can contact you fastest =]

Mission- I HEART the Philippines 2010: Contest Continues til Sept. 25th

2010-09-20T00:01:00.003+08:00

Baguio Boracay Batanes Batangas Bohol Bantayan - Which Philippine vacation place is the world's best?

Balagtas Rizal F.S.Jose Zafra De Quiros - Which Filipino author wields the mightiest pen?

Greenhills Market! Market! Colon Baclaran Divisoria - What is the true shoppers' haven of the Philippines?

Lechon balut adobo sinigang kwek-kwek - Which Pinoy food best exemplifies our people?

Enlist in MISSION- I *HEART* THE PHILIPPINES!

Share what you love most about being a Filipino or about being in the Philippines and do your part in promoting Pinoy pride.

State the obvious or bring to the fore what the current challenges the country faces obscure from the world's appreciation.

And since this is also a blogoversary contest to celebrate my blogs year 4 online, some $35-worth of prizes are also up for grabs to lucky bloggers, including Adgitize ads and Entrecard credits.

For contest details click please here.

Contest ends on September 25th.

Fourth Blog Anniversary Contest: Mission- I HEART the Philippines 2010

2010-09-11T16:29:00.019+08:00

This September, I am celebrating my blog's fourth year in the blogosphere. Throughout the 349-odd posts I've churned out, I tried my best to give my two-cents on topics ranging from sports to politics to movies and faith. I tried my best to share with the stragglers who wander into my blog the things I am most passionate about. And if I were to base my passion-meter on the labels I most frequently used to tag my posts, then I would have to say I love the Philippines and thinking aloud the most.

To celebrate my Year IV on this blogging platform, I am launching a simple (and my first-ever) blogging contest-

Mission: I *Heart* the Philippines.

I did two editions of this writing prompt in 2006 and 2008. It's turning out to be a biennial event; but methinks it ought to be done for frequently.

I envision this contest to be a means by which bloggers with strong positive feelings about the Philippines will be able to share their thoughts, favorite memories, and experiences. In the face of all the challenges in and around our country, I feel it is also important to celebrate what is good in the Philippines and among Filipinos to serve as additional inspiration to strive harder to be the best versions of ourselves as a nation.

Here are the contest details.

It is open to any blogger regardless of nationality, location, political color, etc. Newbie and veteran bloggers with single or multiple blogs are welcome.

To join the contest, the blogger must write a blog entry with the following...

Topic: Please write about four Philippine-related items you feel strongly positive about. It maybe four beaches, four churches, four street delicacies, four movies, four hotels, four artists, four Filipino attitudes, four historical figures, four stamps, four books, four blogs- a set of four-anything Filipino that you find fantastic and can't help but share to the world. You can choose Philippine objects, personalities, places, events, etc.

Blog title:
I *heart* the (beaches/churches/streetfood/movies/hotels/heroes/blogs/etc) of/in the Philippines = topic you wrote about or a noun/pair of nouns that summarize/s the list you wrote about most succinctly (heroism/talents/etc)

For example- I *heart* the beaches of the Philippines

Content: I hope the blog post will not be a mere listing of what you love but will include some annotation. Pictures- personal or borrowed from the web- would be most welcome. Best also if the blog would be at least 100 words long.

Tone: Light and positive.

Language: English. The blog post can partly be in our local Philippine language but there should an English translation ng mga salita na nasa Tagalog (of the words in Tagalog).

Badge: Please add at the end of your post-

[This is an entry to MISSION: I *HEART* THE PHILIPPINES]

And kindly add this badge at the bottom of your post.

Copy and Paste Code

The contest will run for two weeks, from September 12 to 25, 2010.

A blogger can enter a maximum of three (3) entries for the contest. Bloggers with multiple blogs can enter a maximum of three (3) entries per blog. Each blog post entry must have gone online no earlier than September 12.

To enter the contest, just leave a comment on this post with this format:
Q: What's the best thing about the Philippines?
A: (Your one sentence reply)
Blog title:
Link to entry:

Deadline for entering the contest is on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 8am Philippine Standard Time (+8GMT)

I will visit your link and see if your entry meets the minimum requirements of the contest. I will post a blog entry on Sunday, September 26, 2010 8pm Philippine Standard Time (+8GMT) to highlight the blogs who joined the contest and announce the winners of my mini contest.

Prizes for winning entries:

2 winners Adgitize gift card for a 7-day run of your blog's ad on the Adgitize network ($7 value) each
= courtesy of a very generous contest supporter
1 winner Adgitize gift card for a 31-day run of your blog's ad on the Adgitize network ($14 value)
= all three will be randomly chosen from entries

1 more winner Adgitize gift card for a 7-day run of your blog's ad on the Adgitize network ($7 value)
= my personal choice among the entries as having the best style (including correct grammar, appropriate use of pics, etc), unique point of view, positive content.

I chose Adgitize gift cards as prizes because I want more people to enjoy the winners' writings by way of driving traffic to your respective sites through Adgitize. But in case you don't want the Adgitize prize, I am willing to send to your PayPal account the dollar equivalent of the prize you won.

To sweeten the pot, the first 10 (10) bloggers with EC widgets to share this contest- not necessarily join it- will each receive 700 Entrecard credits from me. Write about my event and please don't forget to include in your post the badge below. Just please leave a comment again on this announcement with the link to your blogpost announcing my contest.

Copy and Paste Code

It's time to express our pride in our nation and highlight what's positive in our country. It's time to share our positive encounters with Filipinos and unforgettable Philippine experiences.

Start writing and be part of the mission- MISSION: I *HEART* THE PHILIPPINES!

UNICEF USA update: Hope for Pakistan's kids

2010-08-30T00:01:00.016+08:00

I'm glad to receive an email update from UNICEF USA's Caryl Stern as regards the progress they're making in Pakistan. The update (from where the pictures below come from) says:

...The result? More clean water. More immunizations. Thousands of children spared...

Summer heat and flooding are combining to create ideal conditions for malaria and water-borne diseases. UNICEF’s number one focus continues to be providing clean water, hygiene and immunizations. As of (August 26), UNICEF is providing clean water to 2 million people...

...To date, UNICEF has:

- Immunized 800,000 children against deadly diseases;
- Restored 490 water supply systems;
- Delivered 385,000 water cleaning tablets and sachets;
- Distributed hygiene supplies – 10,000 jerry cans, 39,000 buckets, 2,300 nerox filters;
- Mobilized the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources to undertake water testing and chlorination in severely impacted districts;
- Launched immunization campaigns in 38 districts, immunizing 245,000 people from measles and water-borne diseases;
- Provided mobile medical services to reach stranded children and pregnant women at risk of malnutrition and disease; and
- Brought 5 public health facilities online to provide antenatal and postnatal care and treat ailments.

A lot has been done, more can be done, more needs to be done. We can be the means by which the kids in Pakistan's flooded villages can be given a fighting chance. You can donate HERE.

Cyberspacefinds: Virtual Bubble Wrap (R)

2010-08-27T00:01:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, oftentimes, the packaging is more interesting than the contents it protects.

For those among us who can't afford to buy gizmos and gadgets just too have the chance to *pop!* those amazing Bubble Wrap buttons, cyberspace now offers an environment-friendly alternative. Well, I think I'm about 14 years too late since this explosive addiction has been online since 1996 according to the Virtual Bubble Wrap front page. Then again, better late than never!

Happy popping!

I pop bubble wrap at 1.81 bubbles per second!

I popped 196 bubbles in 1 minute and 48.4 seconds
at www.Virtual-Bubblewrap.com!
Can you beat my score?

Be a hero for the environment! Make every peso count!

2010-08-23T00:01:00.019+08:00

If ever you see the volunteers of the World Wildlife Fund at MRT stations, the malls, or underpasses of Makati, please give them a few minutes of your time. Or at least take the brochure they're handing out. They're not out to sell you something superfluous; if at all, they're helping you help the planet become better.

Listen to them. If you like what you hear, sign up to be a monthly donor. Make do with less coffee per week, that pack of cigarettes, or the almost obligatory weekly movie. Contributions to the World Wildlife Fund are gifts that keep on giving.

You don't have to lose your life to be hailed a hero. Visit the World Wildlife Fund online to see how else you can be part of the planet's last hope.

The dead maybe luckier: 6M kid-"survivors" desperately need help in Pakistan

2010-08-20T00:01:00.054+08:00

Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it. ~ The Talmud

Reposting this email I received from the United States Fund for UNICEF.

© UNICEF/NYHQ2010-1562/Zaidi
"8-year-old Amreen washes dishes in rainwater in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, where an estimated 2.5 million of the province's 3.5 million residents have been affected by the disaster. She's just one of the 6 million children in desperate need of clean water to stave off certain outbreaks of disease."
- from UNICEF USA's blog Field Notes
UNICEF's Pakistan Disaster Relief Operations in Jeopardy Due to Funding Shortage
6 Million Children in Desperate Need - Deadly water-borne diseases threaten child survival

NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD (Tuesday, August 17, 2010) -- UNICEF warned today that serious funding shortfalls are jeopardizing its humanitarian operation in Pakistan. UNICEF is extremely concerned at the lack of funds for its water and sanitation operation, with millions of children at risk from water-borne diseases.

"Providing clean water and adequate sanitation is key to the survival of millions of flood affected people in Pakistan. In terms of numbers of people needing life-saving assistance, this emergency is bigger than the Tsunami, Haiti, and the last Pakistan earthquake put together," said UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Martin Mogwanja.

"UNICEF is currently providing enough clean water for 1.3 million people every day, but millions more need the same services. We urgently need to scale up the distribution of water. If we are not able to do so because of lack of funding, water-borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and dysentery will spread and begin killing affected populations, especially children, already weak and vulnerable to disease and malnutrition," added Mogwanja.

The Government of Pakistan estimates 20 million people overall have been hit by the flood crises, and according to the United Nations at least 15 million people have been seriously affected, half of whom are children.

"It is unbearable to think that six million kids in immediate danger may not get clean water, nutrition and shelter because of a funding shortage," said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. "UNICEF is completely dependent on voluntary donations, if we don't raise funds, we can't respond to this emergency. Please help us get word out, and please donate whatever you can to help us meet the need. Even a dollar will be put to good use and help save lives."

UNICEF is concerned that the floods have hit "the poorest of the poor," those least able to survive the present harsh conditions. The top concerns are water-borne diseases, acute respiratory infections, skin diseases and malnutrition rates, already dangerously high in many flood-affected regions of Pakistan.

Polio is endemic and measles still a threat, says UNICEF, which, together with WHO and Government, is carrying out polio and measles vaccinations at relief centers. UNICEF is also supplying oral rehydration solution, a home based treatment for diarrhea, but notes that this treatment is also in short supply due to funding constraints.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF:

Website: www.unicefusa.org/pakistan
Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS (1-800-367-5437)
Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10016

Cyberspacefinds: The Big Picture

2010-08-17T00:01:00.003+08:00

There are photoblogs and then there is Boston Globe's news photoblog Big Picture.

This site is literally and figuratively a treasure-trove of screen-filling images captured from all over the planet- and sometimes beyond. The Big Picture, maintained by boston.com web developer Alan Taylor, sources its images from traditional news-gathering agencies like AP and Reuters and from the occasional non-professional contributors. It showcases snapshots of current events like the recent landslides in China and the struggles of the survivors of Pakistani floods in vivid details that transports the viewer into where the action is. At times, the Big Picture captures common threads that bind humanity like Stormy Skies or the joy of photography itself through features like In Silhouette.

I sometimes spend hours on end just wading through 30-40-picture sets. There are quick one-line captions contextualizing each photo. Whether posed or serendipitous, there's a clear perspective in each selected photo that make up each set. Truly, each image evokes the feeling that it is our story, each of us- photographer, subject, viewer/browser- is part of the planet's Big Picture.

How to be alone

2010-08-16T08:00:00.014+08:00

(I am just flexing the writing muscles in my brain. What follows is an exercise to resuscitate the eroding bridges in my head related to life and writing. Please do not mistake it as a distress beacon or a pathetic pheromone release. Special thanks to Chico Garcia for the inspiration.)

The problem with memories is that they make us remember.

I don't know how often this has happened but exactly 11 years ago today, on an August 16th that fell, too, on a Monday, I lost my Last Great Love. She is the one I loved the most and best. She has been the yardstick against which all those who came after her were measured. And, consequently, no one was good enough.

And so I remain, for the most part of the last decade, alone, but not lonely. Sure, there would be fits and bouts and pauses of sadness- but thank God for a grueling stint in medical school and the more toxic real world. There would be occasional relationship hits, a lot of misses, many promising but eventually false starts. The last two phases of my life left me with not a lot of time to feel selfish and give in to the quicksand of self-pity.

And so, I have learned to embrace, even love, to be alone. Some people would be crippled senseless at the mere thought of eating alone, going to the movies, or window-shopping by one's lonesome. I am more that okay with it. I have to, whether I like it or else.

But then again, I am almost never alone alone. When I'm at the office, I'm surrounded by a whole bunch of co-workers. I have a cacophony of students, patients, community health workers, and the like. My car's radio incessantly chirps away news and views. My social networking subscriptions are at times too much to handle really. My friends from high school, college, and medical school keep me happily sloshed. Plus my family's almost always a phone call, SMS, and a hug away.

I'm not rattling off this litany to make myself feel better, on this Day That I Lost Her. Maybe in losing her, I've found others. In losing her, I've actually found me.

On this Day That I Lost Her, the memories are actually a blessing because they make me remember and celebrate, and help me to be grateful for the four years, eight months, sixteen days, and eight hours we were together and the ensuing decade of love and self-discovery.

For those still struggling with alone-ness, here's an audio-visual aid- How to be alone by Tanya Davis.

Worse than the 2004 tsunami: UNICEF's call for help for Pakistan

2010-08-13T12:51:00.001+08:00

PAKISTAN NEEDS OUR HELP!

Here is the information-appeal from the UNICEF USA Fund, soliciting support for Pakistan's children affected by the devastating floods of the past weeks:

GENEVA/ISLAMABAD (August 11, 2010) — As the figures continue to rise, UNICEF says that 6 million children have been affected by the floods in Pakistan with some 2.7 million children in need of urgent, lifesaving assistance.

According to UN estimates, a total of 14 million people have been affected by the flood crisis. Hundreds of thousands have received humanitarian aid, but millions more urgently need shelter, food, water, and health care. Flooding could worsen considerably in the coming days, especially in parts of Sindh.

"This is the biggest natural disaster to hit Pakistan and this region in living memory, bigger than the Tsunami or the earthquake, with millions of children and women struggling to survive in dire conditions. It is a race against time as we rush to deliver supplies to affected populations. The waters are still rising and we are bracing for flood waves as rivers overflow and the rains continue," said Martin Mogwanja, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.

"Shelter is the most urgent need, while food, water, and health care are also critical. Right now we need to save lives and create temporary living conditions for the 1.8 million homeless. It is a massive task and we are not there yet. Once we are, we can begin to think about the longer-term recovery of regions in Pakistan which have suffered widespread devastation," added Mogwanja.

UNICEF is sending in humanitarian supplies for health, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, and education.

YOU CAN MAKE YOUR DONATION H E R E .

Healers of the body, heroes of the nation

2010-08-03T12:59:00.002+08:00

WHAT: Gawad Kalinga Builders Night - BUILDING A HEALTHY NATION
WHEN: August 4, 2010, Wednesday 6pm
WHERE: Rockwell Tent, Makati City

The monthly gathering of GK partners, friends, and volunteers- the Gawad Kalinga Builders Night- continues this August, with a focus on GK's Community Health Program called Gawad Kalinga Kalusugan.

Get to know GK Kalusugan, its main thrusts, and more importantly, how everyone, especially health professionals, can be part of nation-building. Guest speakers will include GK community health workers, Fr. Rolando Dela Rosa, OP of the University of Santo Tomas, and Sen. Pia Cayetano. Joey Ayala will be the evening's guest artist. Learn how you can participate in improving the lives of GK residents, be inspired to join in this mission to nurture a healthier and happier Philippines.

Regardless of profession, background, or expertise- every Filipino is a healer, every healer is a hero!

True Blood returns to the Philippines July19th for Season 3!

2010-07-19T09:00:00.022+08:00

The league of extraordinary beings- humans, vampires, shape-shifters, and everyone in between- returns to Philippine cable TV! True Blood Season 3 premieres tonight July 19th at 9pm on HBO! Our season here is about a month late since this latest series premiered June 13th- but better late than never!

*excitement*

Photo courtesy of the True Blood Wiki.

Hey, hey, I'm okay!

2010-07-17T08:03:00.000+08:00

Just shocking some life back into this blog =]

Other tales of my exploits

- what you can do if you only have 12 hours in Helsinki
- news of my US graduate studies
- details of a possible career shift
- progress notes on my laptop who suffered a mighty crash

soon.

I hope.

Buck to school 2010

2010-06-14T12:04:00.001+08:00

Teachers in medical school generally don't have a summer vacation. Especially in our university, the work you are not able to do during the academic year somehow gets done in the months of April and May. That is, of course, on top the usual summer activities we mount. In our case, our annual undergraduate Global Health Course is the main happy cause celebre. Still, though, there is a noticeable dip in the workload. And so we endeavor to call the Philippine summer months as "vacation" time.

(At the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower in the UNC Chapel Hill campus when we visited last December 2009.)

Tomorrow is the official start of being back to the daily grind of medical education. I declare that with excitement admixed with a hue of wistfulness: it maybe my last few weeks in the University, for now at least. I've accepted the offer of the University of North Carolina in Chapel to join the Master of Public Health Program in its Gillings Schools of Global Public Health starting August 24th. I'm joining as a student, mind you. So 10 years after my first day in medical school, I'd be having my first day in graduate school- in 70-odd-days' time, God willing. I'm still sorting out some financial/logistical concerns- I may defer enrollment for another year- but I'm really beyond-the-moon-excited to begin this next phase in my personal and professional life.

The miraculous road which I walked on to get admitted to UNC Chapel Hill is a blog post waiting to be written. Soon.

Please wish me luck and God speed- with my teaching work starting tomorrow and my UNC studies and with writing promised blog posts!

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day

2010-05-31T11:19:00.001+08:00

FAST FACT ABOUT TOBACCO AND SMOKING: (from the World Health Organization)

Tobacco kills up to half of its users.

It kills more than five million people a year – an average of one person every six seconds – and accounts for one in 10 adult deaths.

The annual death toll of more than five million could rise to more than eight million by 2030 unless urgent action is taken to control the tobacco epidemic.

More than 80% of the world's one billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries.

Total consumption of tobacco products is increasing globally, though it is decreasing in some high-income and upper middle-income countries.

Tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development.

Only 5.4% of people are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free laws.

In 2008, the number of people protected from second-hand smoke increased by 74% to 362 million from 208 million in 2007.

Of the 100 most populous cities, 22 are smoke free.

Almost half of children regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke.

Over 40% of children have at least one smoking parent.

Second-hand smoke causes 600 000 premature deaths per year.

In 2004, children accounted for 28% of the deaths attributable to second-hand smoke.

There are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.

In adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer.

In infants, it causes sudden death.

In pregnant women, it causes low birth weight.

WE CAN STILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT SMOKING. WE HAVE TO.

Some suggestions from WHO Tobacco Free Initiative, especially on this World No Tobacco Day commemoration which focuses on Women:

CALL TO THE PUBLIC:
- Demand that your government ban all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
- Demand that your government implement legislation to provide 100% protection from tobacco smoke in all public places and workplaces.
- Campaign for women's freedom from tobacco as a human right.

CALL TO CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS AND NGOs:
- Advocate for full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
- Urge governments to take into account the specific needs of both women and men in the development of tobacco control strategies.
- Share information about the importance of controlling the global tobacco epidemic among women.
- Help to educate women about the tobacco industry's attempts to ensnare them and the dangers of tobacco use.
- Sensitize men to the harm that their second-hand smoke inflicts on the women and children with whom they live and work.

CALL TO GOVERNMENTS and POLICYMAKERS:
- Implement a comprehensive ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, as called for in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
- Implement a comprehensive ban on tobacco smoke in all public places and workplaces, likewise called for in the WHO Framework Convention.
- Heed the call in the preamble of the WHO Framework Convention for "gender-specific tobacco control strategies" and the "full participation of women at all levels of [tobacco control] policy-making and implementation [of tobacco control measures]".
- Request assistance from WHO to implement the demand-reduction provisions of the WHO Framework Convention through the MPOWER package of tobacco control measures.
- Ensure that government agencies and other stakeholders work together to take into account the different needs of men and women.
- Ensure that tobacco control strategies take into account the special problems of women who chew tobacco.

On hope: Hope on

2010-05-18T09:44:00.001+08:00

In this season of transition and change:

...[H]ope is not blind optimism.

It's not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path.

It's not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight.

Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it, and to work for it, and to fight for it...

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama: Iowa Caucus Night, Des Moines, Iowa, January 03, 2008
from http://www.BarackObama.com

Why I am staying in the Philippines (9): A platform of hope and transformation

2010-05-16T11:51:00.002+08:00

I will try to relate to you later why Lea Salonga's JOURNEY is an apt soundtrack to my participation in this year's electoral exercise.

But for now, seeing that Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III is very, very close to winning the Philippine presidency, I think it is but proper that we Filipinos become ever more vigilant that he and his governance team keep their campaign promises.

Here's a copy of the Social Contract he has forged with the Filipino people, his platform of hope and transformation. Let's measure his administration using this standards he himself has put forward. We work with him on this one because his words capture what 90-million-odd Filipinos ARE aspiring for. We pat him on the back if he does his job well. We reel him in when he seems to wander away from the supposed straight path he is leading us into.

With trusting faith, watchful eyes, and vigilant hearts, we let our leaders know that we are are their bosses- lest they forget, lest we forget.

Noynoy Aquino Platform of Government

@PCOSmachine - revealed!

2010-05-12T21:51:00.000+08:00

On today's (May 12, 2010) Mornings@ANC, TJ Manotoc finally revealed who the man behind the (in)famous Twitter account @PCOSmachine is. Pats on the back and possibly rounds of free beer for this guy who gave a "voice" to the love-it-or-hate-it contraption that has symbolized the first fully-automated elections in the Philippines- the Precinct Count Optical Scan or PCOS machine. In the crucial hours of the polls and in the many thereafter, @PCOSmachine allowed many a netizen of the Twitterverse to laugh despite the toxic, nervous election air permeating the country. Backread this Twitter account and see the quintessential Pinoy humor coming to the rescue of a nation deep in the muck of sample ballots and sanity-zapping jingles.

Why I will vote for Dr. Martin Bautista for Senator

2010-05-08T09:29:00.002+08:00

1. He’s a doctor. He’s kindred. He knows the ins and outs of the healthcare system, both the possible and the problematic. Having studied in the UP College of Medicine and the Philippine General Hospital- he knows first hand what’s good about the Philippines as well as what ails our nation. Having trained and worked as a physician in the US, he knows how things can still be improved as well as the pitfalls to avoid.

2. In his almost 2-decade long stay in the US, he has never forgotten the Philippines. He could have just enjoyed life there; sending dollars every so often as his tangible contribution to us holding the fort here. He chose, however, to return and offer himself for another, higher form of service.

3. He refuses to believe that the Filipino is inherently lazy and/or greedy. He still believes that a nurturing environment will enhance and facilitate the surfacing of the good in all of us. He believes that we wield a tremendous collective power in our hands.

4. His legislative agenda is not a mere hodge-podge of populist ideals. Rather, it is a list of practical, common sense issues that focus on systemic approach rather than band-aid solutions. An example of his train of thought:

Review the country’s debt servicing mechanisms + Rationalize spending on “infrastructures” (especially the superfluous flowerboxes, waiting sheds, and roads that lead to nowhere) --> free up more money for social services, like health and education > increase the salary for civil servants especially health professionals, teachers, and uniformed personnel --> have safer, healthier, more learned Filipinos --> have a more empowered population --> possible lessened dependence on external resources to meet our local needs

5. He embodies the truth that progress, like health, is a multi-faceted concern. While health and well-being form the core of his platform, he is unafraid to take up similarly important fights which affect health like the need for sustainable energy sources; access to quality education from primary to collegiate and vocational level; equal and swift dispensing of justice, and; stricter regulation of government-permitted gambling hubs, among others.

6. He believes in the model of Gawad Kalinga as a means to make decent, quality, affordable homes and livable communities a reality for lower income Pinoys currently living as informal settlers.

7. He does not personally advocate for abortion or other means of birth control BUT he believes that every Filipino has the right to be educated as regards the options s/he has and have access to these choices.

8. He is not afraid of new media and uses it to connect and collaborate with like-minded (and not-so-like-minded) fellows. He sees it as a great equalizer in terms of work and education so that learning and job opportunities can be made available regardless of geography and distance.

9. His campaign spending is virtually entirely from his own savings; he is not beholden to any entity or interest group. Sheer love of country is his motive for running.

10. He does not intend to make being a legislator his livelihood. He vows to not run for re-election should he get voted into office. He intends to do the most that he can in his first and only term as senator.

For Pinoys voting on May 10th, please do consider making #5 Dr. Martin Bautista a part of your senatorial lineup. A vote for Dr. Bautista is a vote for a healthier Philippines.

Voters' prayer

2010-05-05T08:05:00.005+08:00

Re-posting this prayer I initially put up here in my blog before the May 2007 elections. It's the same democratic exercise with many familiar candidates running for the same posts. However, I believe the stakes are even higher in this elections, given the fact that we are attempting full automation nationwide amidst the cacophony of politicking using new media. Now more than ever, we need to get our act together as a nation, choose wisely and guard our votes well beyond the election season. But we cannot do it through our own strength alone-

LORD, make me an instrument of your presence in the Polls.

Where there is coercion and violence,

Let me sow seeds of love;

Where there is bribery and vote buying,

Let me sow seeds of integrity;

Where there is discord,

Let me sow seeds of unity;

Where there is electoral fraud,

Let me sow seeds of honesty;

Where there is duplicity and propaganda,

Let me sow seeds of truth;

Where there is indifference,

Let me sow seeds of care and concern;

And, where there is despair in the electoral process,

Let me sow seeds of hope.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much

Think of my selfish motives when I vote.

Instill in me a deep sense of communal solidarity in my critical choice of candidates who would rise above the traditional politics of PAY-OFF, PERSONALITY and PATRONAGE.

Enlighten me to elect worthy men and women who embody the true spirit of public service in their moral consciousness.

For it is voting responsibly that we receive

the fruits of true democracy.

And it is in dying as a seed to our selfishness

that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

(Adapted from The Prayer of Saint Francis. Lifted from http://kpkcommongood.blogspot.com)

Profiles: Candidates for the Philippine Senate, May 2010

2010-04-28T01:17:00.002+08:00

The Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE NGO) put together these matrices of the profiles and stance of those running for national elections- candidates for President, Vice-President, and Senator. The matrices for senatoriables, though not complete, offer a glimpse into where many of the 61 candidates vying for 12 slots stand as regards major issues of the day.

A heartbeat away from the Presidency: Profiles of the Vice-Presidential Candidates

2010-04-26T09:31:00.000+08:00

Here are the profiles of the Vice-Presidential candidates compiled by the Jesuit-initiated Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan. I echo their group's eternal encouragement-

Manalangin. Manindigan. Makialam.

The People's Choice Election Kit 2010

2010-04-24T20:54:00.001+08:00

For those still pondering on whom to vote in the coming May Presidential Elections, the independent think-tank IBON Foundation and the civil society group PAGBABAGO! (People's Movement for Change) has come with The People's Choice Election Kit 2010.

This comprehensive guide for voters contains election facts and figures and instructions on using the automated election system. But more importantly, it places side by side the stand of the presidential candidates on issues like corruption, human rights abuses, mining, land ownership by foreigners, jobs creation, taxation, the Visiting Forces Agreement, peace in Mindanao, gender equality, and nationalism. The material was put together based on their legislative/executive performance, media interviews, and the candidates' official websites.

IBON the Peoples Choice Election Kit 2010

Why I am staying in the Philippines (8): The Nine Who Dare - Profiles of Presidentiables

2010-04-12T00:08:00.001+08:00

I began this "Why I am staying in the Philippines" series in 2007 in preparation for the midterm elections that year. The initial entry in that series dealt with my response to a writer's tongue-in-cheek list of what scenarios will make him leave the Philippines. And, boy did I write a mouthful! As the 2007 election season rolled on, the series became the venue in my blog on which politics took center stage. This year, I'm resuscitating the series, a bit too late methinks, but timely just the same will my postings be.

I'm sharing the profiles of The Nine Who Dare - this election's Presidential Candidates. I consider it a happy problem that we have this big number of personalities who want to be of service to the country. These profiles have been put together by the group Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan or SLB, a group of volunteers from the Society of Jesus based in the Ateneo who have quality, credible elections as part of their mission. I just uploaded their PDF files to my Scribd account http://www.scribd.com/cfgomezmd for easier sharing with others.

May it serve as a guide for us as we select our country's Chief Executive a little less than a month from now. As SLB's slogan goes, we pray, we study our options, and we make a stand.

Never lost, always found (21): Passion

2010-03-29T11:48:00.000+08:00

Lately, as I review my blog entries (or the lack thereof!), I see how closely it mirrors a number of what I hold dear in my heart. Lately, my entries become less personal, in the sense that I just don't talk about me and myself; rather, I am still revealing bits and pieces of what makes me tick or pissed in the form of advocacies and issues I blog about. Still, I see myself as a myopic, unfocused individual who seems to be flailing about.

This wandering feeling is even highlighted when I encounter people like:
Harvey Milk, staunch defender of civil rights in San Francisco;
Christopher McCandless, who walked away from the world's excesses in order to find himself and what is essential in the wilderness of Alaska;
Margaret Moth, CNN camerawoman extraodinaire, who didn't let canons nor cancer get in the way of covering a story.

Theirs is a single-minded doggedness that is oblivious to pain and discomfort, all in the pursuit of what is important and true for them. In fact, they didn't really have to do it, their individual exploits. But because of their desire to make a difference, our lives are somewhat better now.

Oddly enough, they remind me of Jesus' life- His zest for God's Word, His focus on service, His unparalleled obedience, His unwavering sense of mission despite humanity's unworthiness. He really didn't have to do all that He did, frankly speaking; but He did. And boy, did Jesus endure a lot!

In Paul's Letter to the Philippians Chapter 2, he recalled:

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Now THAT is PASSION.

In the face of all my wandering and restlessness, I just pray to the Lord to please grant me clarity of purpose- why am I really here, what do I have to do, where should I really be in. I pray to the Lord that when He guides me to that spot that is my earthly niche, that He empowers me with all that I need. And if where I am now is where I am really supposed to be in, that I continue to find comfort, contentment, and peace with all I encounter =]

May God evolve my wanderlust into His Son's Passion...

I vote for the planet: EARTH HOUR 2010

2010-03-23T07:25:00.000+08:00

Switch off your lights for 60 minutes on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 8.30-9.30pm wherever part of the planet you maybe in in celebration of Earth Hour!

In 2009, the Philippines ranked first among 88 nations in terms of local participation in Earth Hour. Over 10 million Filipinos in 647 cities and municipalities switched off their lights during Earth Hour, saving an estimated 611MWh of electricity – equivalent to a temporary shutdown of a dozen coal-fired power-plants. (from the World Wildlife Fund - Philippines)

Imagine what a billion people the world over can do if we just put our hearts and minds and our acts together!

Whether you believe in climate change or not, switching off your lights- the non-essential ones at least- does make sense:
- it can help lower your own electric bill
- it can help save on the cost of oil and coal that will otherwise be used by power plants to give you electricity to power those lights
- it can help lower greenhouse gas emissions

Here's a video of the flash mob dance we did several week ago to drum up support for Earth Hour 2010-

Prayer for the rains to come

2010-03-15T09:38:00.000+08:00

Last week, much-needed and most welcome sporadic rain fell on our parched country after being absent for almost two months. However, we can still benefit from more.

Here's a copy of the Oratio Imperata/Intercessory Prayers for Rain which the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila is asking all of us pray. If you're reading this, please join us praying for the alleviation of drought and water shortage in the Philippines.

(from the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila website, as sent in the circular to all parishes by Cardinal Rosales)

God our loving Father, creator of our earth and of the universe, and all the wondrous elements of nature that sustain your living creatures, we humbly ask you to send us the rain that our country needs so badly at this time, to irrigate our fields, to stave off a power shortage, to provide water for our bodily health, and to refresh our parched lands. At your command the wind and the seas obey, raise your hand Almighty God to send us so that crisis may be averted.

Merciful and generous God, open our eyes to the richness and beauty of your creation and instill in us a deep love for this earth and all that is in and around it. Teach us to be wise stewards of your creation so that we may always use them responsibly and protect them from abuse and exploitation. At this time of crisis, dear Lord, move us to share more and to love more.

Loving God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you entrusted the Filipino people to the special care of Mary our Mother, listen to the prayers that we bring up to her, our Blessed Mother, to intercede for us, for the protection of our land and our people, whom she loves.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.

Saint Rose of Lima, pray for us.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.

Ama naming mapagmahal na lumikha ng sangkalupaan at sanlibutan at ng kahanga-hangang kalikasan na dinadaluyan ng buhay ng iyong mga nilikha, pakumbaba kaming sumasamong ipagkaloob mo ang biyaya ng ulan na siyang matinding pangangailangan ng aming bansa ngayon upang tubigan ang aming mga bukid at mga nanunuyong lupa, mapigil ang mapipintong krisis sa kuryente at pawiin ang aming mga uhaw. Sa hudyat ng iyong salita sumusunod ang hangin at dagat, iunat mo ang iyong mapagpalang kamay upang kami’y biyayaan ng ulan at upang maiwasan ang krisis na aming kinahaharap.

Diyos na maawaain at mapagbigay, imulat mo ang aming mga mata sa kayamanan at kagandahan ng iyong nilikha at hubugin mo kaming maging mapagmalasakit para sa kalikasan. Turuan mo kaming maging magpagkakatiwalaang tagapangalaga ng iyong nilikha upang mapakinabangan namin ito ng may pananagutan at mapangalagaan ito laban sa pang-aabuso at panlulustay. Ngayong panahon ng krisis, himukin mo kaming lalo pang magbahagi, maglingkod at magmahal.

Mapagmahal na Diyos, Ama ng aming Panginoon Hesukristo, ipinagkatiwala mo ang Bayang Pilipino sa maka-inang pagkalinga ng Mahal na Birheng Maria, dinggin mo ang mga panalangin ipinamimintuho namin sa kanya para sa pagtataguyod niya sa amin, ang bayan labis niyang minamahal.

Hinihiling namin ito sa pamamagitan ng aming Panginoong Hesukristo na nabubuhay at naghahari kasama mo at ng Espiritu Santo , magpasawalang hanggan. Amen.

Mahal na Birhen ng Guadalupe, ipanalangin mo kami.

Santa Rosa ng Lima , ipanalangin mo kami.

San Lorenzo Ruiz, ipanalangin mo kami.

--==+==--

Women: can't live with them, can't live without them

2010-03-09T04:38:00.000+08:00

Many men think it's quite difficult to live with their nagging spouses, demanding girlfriends, or posturing moms.

Some women, they find it difficult, if not impossible, to live. Period.

From ONE.org and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation:

1 IN 7 WOMEN die in pregnancy and childbirth in Niger. In the United States, the risk is 1 in 4,800.

EVERY MINUTE a woman dies in pregnancy or childbirth.

80% OF MATERNAL DEATHS could be prevented if women had access to basic maternal health services.

IN SOUTH AFRICA, young women are three times more likely to be infected with HIV than young men.

Let's make it more than just one happy day for the women the world over; let's make the joy of women last for more than a month, more than a year.

Here's one way to do this.

Chile is in the headlines now but Haiti still needs help!

2010-03-01T13:58:00.001+08:00

I received another update from UNICEF USA with regard to their work in Haiti. (I feel so important haha. As if I gave them a million bucks!) UNICEF USA is still there even if the news crews are slowly departing, if they haven't gone already, and the attention has switched to Chile.

According to its President and CEO Carly Stern (in the photo above), their (our!) team has extended the following assistance:

Immunization: 60,000 children have been immunized against diphtheria, rubella, tetanus and whooping cough, and the campaign will continue until an estimated 500,000 children receive vaccines;

Clean Water: Safe drinking water is currently reaching 850,000 people in 300 sites across Port au Prince, Leogane, and Jacmel;

Sanitation: 86,006 hygiene kits have been distributed across the country, enough for 500,000 people;

Education: During times of chaos and crisis, education provides children with a sense of safety and stability. UNICEF has started the distribution of 150 school tents, 390 school-in-a-box kits and 410 recreation kits.

Every dollar goes a long way! Here's how-

$6 can provide three 10-liter collapsible water containers for transporting and storing water.

$60 can provide 20 sheets of tarpaulin, providing simple shelter or ground sheeting for several families.

$200 can provide one recreation kit for 90 children to enjoy physical activity and play in times of emergency or displacement—containing items such as frisbees, jump ropes, footballs, volleyballs, handballs, whistles, a chalkboard and chalk, etc.

As we pray for the people of Chile, let's not forget the Haitians.

Online petition to free the Morong 43 - Please sign!

2010-02-22T00:17:00.001+08:00

Please sign the online petition in support of upholding the rights of 43 community health workers arrested by the military in Morong, Rizal because they were being suspected to be members of the New People's Army (NPA)- a local insurgency group. More on the "Morong 43" here and here.

Please sign the online petition here: PetitionOnline.com/FreeD43. Help spread the word.

UNICEF USA Haiti updates - 30 days after the quake

2010-02-20T02:09:00.000+08:00

Thirty days after the quake that struck Haiti, the UNICEF USA Fund shares the highlights of their work there, from providing adequate safe water supply to restoring immunization programs to helping kids go back to school. As television crews leave and the world gets distracted by American Idol and the Oscars, the work in Haiti continues and UNICEF remains committed to stay the course.

No help is too small to matter; it's still all hands on deck. Please visit UNICEFusa.org/haitiquake to be part of this life-changing mission.

Please view the videos below to see where and how you will make an impact on Haitian lives.

2010-02-14T21:05:00.000+08:00

As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
I thank the Lord for your decade-plus friendship, one that goes beyond words, best experienced rather than merely seen.

HBD F =]

FREE THE MORONG 43!

2010-02-10T02:23:00.001+08:00

(Statement of the Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights KARAPATAN, February 7, 2010)

Human rights alliance Karapatan strongly denounces the terrorism being foisted on groups critical of the Arroyo regime’s policies and human rights violations in the run-up to the May elections. Karapatan condemns the recent illegal arrest of more than 40 health workers and doctors, including the wife of Karapatan Deputy Secretary General Roneo Clamor, Dr. Mary Mia, who were conducting First Responders Training in Morong, Rizal early Saturday, February 6.

At 6:15 Saturday morning, at least 300 heavily armed elements of the combined forces of the 202nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (202IBPA) and the Rizal Provincial Philippine National Police (PNP) forced their way into the farmhouse of Dr. Melecia Velmonte in Morong, Rizal where the training was being held.

According to initial information gathered by Karapatan, the health workers, 26 of whom are female, were made to line up, their photos taken, were frisked, blindfolded, handcuffed, and were forcibly brought to Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal. The victims were also interrogated by the soldiers, while another was taking videos of the whole process. Col. Aurelio Baladad, commanding officer of the 202nd IBPA, alleged that the victims are members of the New People's Army (NPA).

"The PNP and AFP conducted the operation based on a defective search warrant allegedly for illegal firearms addressed to the property of a certain Mario Condes, that was issued by Judge Cesar A. Mangrobang of the Imus, Cavite Regional Trial Court. But in the first place, Condes is not the owner of the property that was raided,” Clamor stated.

Clamor also belied the military’s claims that the healthcare workers were making explosives. “My wife, Dr. Mary Mia, is the director of Community Health Development (CHD) for Health Education and Training Services, and has been providing health services as a community doctor for a long time,” he said.

As of writing, no formal charges have been filed against the doctors and health workers, and they are still being illegally detained in Camp Capinpin. The victims’ relatives and lawyers were not allowed inside the camp Saturday afternoon.

"The arms and explosives supposedly found by the military and police in the house, even the election paraphernalias, were planted by the perpetrators during their so-called ‘search operations.’ The military were not supervised by the owner of the house, the have the victims and the residents are lined up outside the buildings,” Clamor, who joined the team that initially gathered data, said.

“My wife and her colleagues should immediately be released, the military are illegally detaining them,” demanded Clamor.

Meanwhile, Lovella de Castro, Karapatan Secretary General added that training communty health workers have become a necessity because of the government's failure to address health care problems of the Filipinos.

"We should thank these doctors who chose to practice their profession in places where they are mostly needed. They train community heallth workers for free, as they are just being true to the oath of saving lives. These community health workers are also volunteers who just intend to provide medical services for the people," de Castro said.

Instead, under the counter-insurgecy program Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL), these doctors and volunteer health workers are considered enemies of the state. "As Mrs. Arroyo's OBL 2 and term of office is coming to an end, the more they have become desperate. Civilians have fallen targets of military operations wherein all due process are taken for granted,” de Castro added.

De Castro called on the people to be more vigilant, and to watch out for the numbered days of GMA in power. "We in the human rights community will not rest until we have held Arroyo accountable to all her crimes against the Filipino people." de Castro concluded

UNICEF USA Haiti updates

2010-02-07T13:00:00.000+08:00

(Photo above copyright of UNICEF/2010/Tidey)

I'm happy to have received an email last week from UNICEF United State Fund's CEO, Caryl Stern, updating contributors about the progress of their work in Haiti. They gave a snapshot of their work in Foyer L'escale Orphanage in Port-au-Prince; the kids did look indeed happier, if not healthier. )

In the past week alone, UNICEF:

Launched a campaign to immunize 500,000 children against measles, diphtheria, and tetanus;

Provided clean drinking water to over a half a million people daily;

Installed latrines, bringing the total of new sanitation facilities to 750; and

Delivered personal kits to 50,000 children without parental care.

As the world shifts its attention to other concerns and Haiti occupies less and less airtime and newspaper space, UNICEF remains committed to helping Haitians recover from the January 12th quake. I hope we can also continue to do our bit.

Life's bright side is in The Blind Side (2009)

2010-01-30T14:00:00.010+08:00

At first, I really wanted to watch Avatar in 3D. I feared that having been released in the Philippines before the Metro Manila Film Festival, by the time we were back home from the States, we’d no longer be able to catch it in local cinemas. But then, thinking about the 3D thingamajig and how it may be a bit too dizzying for, um, some of us, my sister gently nudged us into watching The Blind Side.

All we knew about The Blind Side was that Sandra Bullock was starring in it and that it was a sleeper hit. Reason enough to go see the movie in our book.

We chose to watch the mid-afternoon screening. We arrived rather early, the drive to the cinema not taking more than 10 minutes I think. Good thing, though; the queue in front of the food concessionaire was a wee-bit kilometric. The food was worth the wait: the tub of MEDIUM popcorn and MEDIUM drink were enough to feed our entire family of five.

But what the concessionaires ought to be selling was Kleenex, and loads of it, especially if you are to watch The Blind Side.

So why is The Blind Side worth your time?

It speaks of the universal theme of the triumph of the human spirit but said in the language of American football. Listen carefully to the narration at the beginning because it sets the literal and figurative premise of the story. I think I understand enough football now to actually be interested in the Super Bowl. Or score a touchdown. Or avoid being tackled. Or not. But I digress.

You can look at the film as the (re-)telling of the story of your typical poor, underprivileged kid getting a break courtesy of a white savior; but that would be a great disservice to the film makers and actors. The film is definitely, definitely more than that.

It is about talent housed in an unlikely vessel: Big Mike and superior athletic skills, both unpolished, yet tiny shafts of glistening hope shine through the muck and the grime of life lived in a dysfunctional household.

It is about taking chances: a coach with an untested prodigy, a child with a friendless gentle giant, your stereotypical socialite with a stereotypical rejected, dejected teen.

It is about family, replete with a doting mom, a permissive father, a happily obtrusive younger brother, and slow-to-warm-up sister, and how one cannot live with them but cannot live without them.

It is about opportunity: how an initial look, a second glance, a third chance, and an infinite hope in humanity in general and genuine care and concern for one person in particular can spell the difference between life soaked in drugs or life lived amidst adoring fans and schools falling over themselves trying to get you to grace their football fields.

It is about hard work, doggedness, tenacity: to play the cards dealt by life; to shatter the glass ceiling of money, skin color, and societal expectations; to remain true to oneself while trying to become a better version of you.

It is a believable story that is a version of any viewer’s life struggles, set to motion by a collage of aptly cast actors and simple but stabbing one-liners. Sandra Bullock is a a little disconcerting as a blonde but she is (re-)revelation, wonderfully immersed and hardly visible under the veneer of Leigh Anne Tuohy. Quinton Aaron plays Big Mike so well you’d want to bring him home and adopt him yourself.

Watch The Blind Side and see how anything, everything is possible- even if hope seems out of sight.

Stories of Her-oism (2): The 'woman dressed in sunshine'

2010-01-25T13:41:00.000+08:00

She could have just stayed at home and mourned her husband quietly. But she did not.

She could have just let other more seasoned politicians take up the cudgels for fighting for Philippine democracy. But she did not.

She could have just allowed bigger icons to rally the people towards ejecting the Marcos dictatorship. But she did not.

She could have exacted revenge with impunity on those who hurt her family in the darkest years of Martial Law when she became president. But she did not.

She could have just retired after her presidency and let relinquished any and all responsibilities she has towards caring for the Filipino people. But she did not.

We could just stay at home and mourn our country quietly. But we shouldn't.

We could just let the more seasoned politicians take up the cudgels for sustaining Philippine democracy. But we shouldn't.

We could just let the outspoken critics and militant groups single-handedly eject the country's faux leaders. But we shouldn't.

We could just forget about the Philippines and leave, given its helpless, hopeless state, with its leaders acting with impunity, while its citizens forever mired in poverty. But we shouldn't.

We can and should always choose to pray, to hope, to act and be grateful, as Cory Aquino was grateful, that we are born Filipinos.

Help Haiti through UNICEF USA

2010-01-20T11:47:00.001+08:00

I learned about the efforts of UNICEF USA for the people of Haiti through the Twitter account of Anne Curtis just hours after the earthquake struck. Wanting to *somehow* help, I checked out the site. It didn't take too much to convince me to give via UNICEF: the name of the organization speaks for the quality of their humanitarian efforts. Aside from its credibility, the fact that UNICEF will absorb all administrative costs of sending assistance to Haitians tipped the balance further in their favor. This means that 100% of all donations will be used for food, sanitation kits, among other needs. After making my small donation, I promptly received updates about where my donation will most probably go as well as what they have done so far through pictures and field workers' reports.

Images of Haiti and the earthquakes's aftermath in the eyes of UNICEF staff shown above can be seen here. Stories of Baby Girl, Paul, Sean and others helped by UNICEF in Port-au-Prince as related by front-line UNICEF workers like Tamar Hahn can be read in the UNICEF USA blog.

A lot of help has already been extended, but a lot still needs to be done. Our small bit, when combined with a million other small bits and pieces, does matter.

Help for Haiti NOW and the FUTURE

2010-01-17T15:36:00.000+08:00

CNN.com/IMPACT lists the various organization through whom we can all send help NOW from whatever part of the globe we maybe. If you wish to help by sending funds, basic needs, medical help, food, etc- click the links there NOW and be a blessing, no amount is too small or insignificant to matter.

--==+==--

To help Haiti NOW and FOR THE FUTURE

Sign the ONE.org petition for the cancellation of Haiti's debts. Sign the petition which reads-

Dear Finance Ministers, IMF, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and bilateral creditors,

As Haiti rebuilds from this disaster, please work to secure the immediate cancellation of Haiti’s $890 million debt and ensure that any emergency earthquake assistance is provided in the forms of grants, not debt-incurring loans.

The last thing Haitians need to worry about is shouldering the cost of the "generosity" that can be extended by some unscrupulous governments to take advantage of a country in need, a task that can further derail their recovery, growth, and development.

Please sign the ONE.org petition for the cancellation of Haiti's $890-M debt to help give it a lifeline that will liberate the generations of Haitians to come.

Not quite -30-

2010-01-13T01:13:00.000+08:00

--==+==--

Journalists, especially those writing for dailies, used to type -30- to signify to the editor that s/he has reached the end of the submitted piece and that nothing follows. Hadass Kogan's November 2007 article in the American Journal Review offers a variety of explanations for this practice. One possible explanation: often observed in articles written in longhand was that "X" usually marked the end of a sentence, "XX" marked the end of a paragraph, and "XXX" indicated the end of a story; XXX is the Roman numeral equivalent of 30. I guess that is also why newspapers would headline the death of a writer-colleague as "So-and-So writes 30."

I turn 30 today and if it were entirely up to me, I hope I will not be writing -30- today (hence this post's title!). This year 2010 is unraveling to be a major turning point in my career and professional life; hence, I am beyond excited at the opportunities-strewn path ahead. Lest I jump the gun, all I can say at the moment is that I've lived a charmed life, not necessarily devoid of drama and pain, but nonetheless replete with blessings unimaginable.

I just pray that when the time's right, I'll leave the earth in a much better state than when I arrived on it. I strive to live by this mantra daily. By God's grace, I'm inching closer to this goal, even if only in my puny sphere of influence.

So far, so good, indeed.

Now thawing

2010-01-11T04:19:00.000+08:00

I'm still trying to get back to the groove of churning out regular updates. A brief, happy sojourn to the US ought to provide enough inspiration =]

Excuse me while I try to regain the use of my frozen fingers and brain =]

May all those who happen to wander into this obscure nook of the blogosphere have a fantastic 2010!

Never lost, always found (20): Almost there

2009-12-07T12:01:00.002+08:00

At times my to-do list is just too long that it seems endless, even pointless. At times I stare so long at that list that I end up NOT ticking anything off of it- which just adds more stress to an already inundated life. I just have to stop though, take a deep breath, and be reminded of what God says through St. Paul-

...I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it
until the day of Christ Jesus...

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ...

Philippians 1:6, 9-10

It will soon come to pass. It will be worth all the trouble. It will be far better than whatever I can ever imagine because it is by God's design that it will come to fruition =]

Never lost, always found (19): Go, get set, ready

2009-11-30T22:22:00.000+08:00

Amidst all the talk of uncertainty, of dangers and perils that awaits us due to climate change or in the upcoming national and local elections; in spite of the seeming victory of the wicked and the vile; in the face of personal struggles and communal sorrow, I remain confident and put my faith in the Lord, defer to His wisdom, and embrace His kindness.

The days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah.
In those days, in that time,
I will raise up for David a just shoot ;
he shall do what is right and just in the land.
In those days Judah shall be safe
and Jerusalem shall dwell secure;
this is what they shall call her:
“The LORD our justice.”
Jeremiah 13:14-16

Never lost, always found (18): Inconceivable... and yet possible

2009-11-23T00:01:00.044+08:00

We watched the World Pyro Olympics yesterday at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Despite the rain, thousands came to witness what was touted to be the ultimate face-off of pyrotechnic masters. And the two countries who dueled last night- Germany and China- did not disappoint!

I tried my best to capture the fantastic works of art in the sky with my trusty camera; but for some reason, the pics I got did not quite measure up against how grand the effects were as captured by the naked eye and recorded by my brain.

I just can't help marvel at the wonder of the human body. I remember having the same thoughts as we were working with a cadaver during our Anatomy class in medical school: how the seemingly fragile assortment of fibers and skin and layers can make a person walk, talk, feel... In spite humanity's best efforts, we can only attempt to approximate the power of God made manifest through the workings of the human body.

And so we place our trust not in human frailty but in God's strength, mercy, wisdom, peace, and love. When all else fails, He won't.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has ever conceived the glorious things He has prepared for those who love Him. (1Cor2:9)

--==+==--

Another example of God's overwhelming grace:

Congratulations to Efren Penaflorida from the province of Cavite in the Philippines! He has been chosen as the CNN Hero of the Year!

Here's to true heroism we can all emulate and be truly proud of!

World Pyro Olympics begins on Nov 21 at the Bonifacio Global City

2009-11-19T19:01:00.032+08:00

Take a break from the political fireworks and witness the real masters of the craft at work!

For 2009, the World Pyro Olympics has a new home at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City- not more than half an hour from where we live =] The WPO also takes on a new format: the visual spectacle in the sky will now have matching music to boot =]

Save the dates: November 21 and 28, December 5, 12, and 19. The venue for viewing the pyromusical event is just across the MC Home Depot inside BGC- for which you will be needing tickets. Gates open at 2.30pm.

For inquiries, you can call 509-4922, 568-6908, 384-0239, 904-1100 or 0906-366-9488. You can also visit the World Pyro Olympics 2009 website- WorldPyroOlympics.com.

Last three days to vote for Efren Penaflorida to be CNN Hero of the Year!

2009-11-17T12:21:00.000+08:00

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
- Arthur Ashe, pioneer African-American tennis player and social activist

Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism -how passionately I hate them!
- Albert Einstein, physicist and Nobel Prize winner

For taking the path of peace through education (rather than propagating inane violence masquerading as a "sport");

For working towards improving the health of street children (rather than willfully bashing the face of an opponent in the guise of uplifting "national pride");

For not attracting attention to oneself but working to draw attention to inequities persisting in society (rather than ostentatious display of wealth and machismo);

For emphasizing that hope can and should be put into action collectively, as a community (rather than taking on the fight solo);

I choose Efren Penaflorida to be my hero (rather than you know who).

Vote for Efren as CNN Hero of the Year by clicking here. Know more about his Dynamic Teen Company's work with the street children of Cavite by clicking here and find out there how you can be a hero, too.

November 14th of every year is World Diabetes Day

2009-11-14T23:08:00.001+08:00

As a physician and having had very close family members currently surviving the challenge of this disease, I have seen first hand the personal, social, and economic cost of diabetes. To put things in a bigger perspective, the campaigners of the international celebration of World Diabetes Day put together this set of key messages regarding this burgeoning global health burden:

Diabetes currently affects more than 285 million people worldwide.

A further 344 million are at high risk of developing diabetes.

The International Diabetes Federation predicts that by 2030, over 435 million people will live with diabetes worldwide.

Over the past 30 years the global figures for the number of people living with diabetes have skyrocketed, with severe consequences for healthcare budgets worldwide.

Diabetes is one of several non-communicable diseases that threaten to overwhelm healthcare systems and are emerging as a serious barrier to economic development.

Every 10 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes.

Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes.

Each year a further 7 million people develop diabetes

Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease.

Each year 4 million deaths are attributable to diabetes.

All diabetes is on the rise.

Diabetes affects people of all ages.

Care for people with diabetes is best when a multidisciplinary approach is adopted involving
health professionals from all areas.

Access to appropriate medication and care should be a right not a privilege.

Diabetes costs more than money.

Up to 60% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

Diabetes brings different challenges at different ages.

Diabetes hits the poorest hardest.

SO HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU SHOULD ALREADY BE WORRIED THAT YOU MAY HAVE DIABETES? Watch this short, 2-minute video below to know more about diabetes. You can also visit the Diabetes Atlas for a more comprehensive look into this disease.

Pinoy Shoppers, Unite: the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2009

2009-11-10T17:36:00.001+08:00

Pinoy shoppers, unite! Here's a way to spend our hard-earned cash wisely in support of local entrepreneurs and artists as we promote Pride in the Pinoy!

(Reposting the email from the Yabang Pinoy team.)

Yabang Pinoy, the pioneering Filipino Pride movement behind shouting proud Filipinos, entrepreneurs and consumers alike, is also behind the success of Global Pinoy Bazaar, an annual assembly of individuals passionate about being Filipino and the potential of Filipino products. On its third year, Yabang Pinoy promises the biggest and best yet, at the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2009.

On November 14 and 15, 2009, just a hop and a skip away from Christmas, that most important season in any Filipino’s year, Yabang Pinoy invites its advocates and volunteers to once again demonstrate a true Consumer Revolution with Global Pinoy Bazaar 2009 at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City. It is time once more to champion quality Filipino products made with pride, and as citizens, take part in nation-building, so that the Philippines may take its place among the world’s biggest and greatest economies. Much like two years ago, Filipino entrepreneurs, sporting Filipino concepts and ideas and promising to maximize local materials and labor, will again launch limited edition products revolving around the theme of Indigenous Pop designs inspired by local icons, stories, materials, cultures, and traditions. Do something different for your Christmas shopping list this year: Support Pinoy, Shop Pinoy! Bazaar is open from 9am to 9pm.

To know more about the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2009 and the Yabang Pinoy movement and be a part of this Filipino Consumer Revolution, visit http://www.yabangpinoy.com.

Never lost, always found (17): Tongue in check

2009-11-09T00:01:00.000+08:00

Moses, however, said to the LORD, "If you please, LORD, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past, nor recently, nor now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and tongue."

The LORD said to him, "Who gives one man speech and makes another deaf and dumb? Or who gives sight to one and makes another blind? Is it not I, the LORD?

Go, then! It is I who will assist you in speaking and will teach you what you are to say."

Exodus 4:10-12

I had a major presentation last week in the huge ballroom of a top Manila hotel. In it were dozens of physician colleagues, past and present teachers, and many kindred souls who took time out (and shelled out serious money) to listen to updates in the field of Family and Community Medicine. The latter's presence ought to have made the presentation a comfortable ride. However, a couple of hours before my scheduled talk, I was so nervous I thought I would pass out.

At the height of my anxiety and self-doubt, I requested a colleague to pray with me. We found a quiet spot at the back of the hall and he began to pray with me in earnest. And as expected, as soon as he uttered "Amen" a great wave of peace began to quiet my troubled heart. While awaiting my turn to speak, I quit fiddling with my slides, I stopped surfing for answers to any and all possible questions, I closed the ten or so web browser tabs I was nervously juggling and jotting notes from.

Soon after, I was called to the stage and I began my presentation. I did my best to convey the message I was assigned to deliver- Preparing for Outbreaks and Epidemics- in the time alloted. I struggled a bit during the open forum part but I would like to believe that I was able to more than just "wing it." Then, before I knew it, I already had to descend from the stage to give way to the next speaker.

In my confusion, God is my clarity. In my anxiety, God is my peace. In my folly, God is my way forward.

(A bonus after the presentation, seeing this amazing sunset over Manila Bay just across the hotel's parking lot =])

A 50-days-to-go-before-Christmas reminder: the 2009 ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID

2009-11-05T06:37:00.003+08:00

For those among us who feel there's no more reason to celebrate Christmas because of personal tragedies or national disasters, here's a very timely reminder and encouragement. Christmas is not about us but about the tremendous love of God for us, channeled through His Son Jesus.

And that is the central theme of the Christmas 2009 Station ID of the biggest television network in the Philippines- ABS-CBN. The video features some 200 artists associated with the network, shot over a period of one week. The song in the video- Star ng Pasko (Star of Christmas)- has lyrics written by Robert Labayen, set to music by Marcus and Amber Davis. The entire Christmas campaign of ABS-CBN is focused on "Bro" - a term of endearment given to Christ by a boy in a local TV show who has conversations with Jesus- and the hope He brings to His people in need through each one of us.

I freely translated the song from its original Filipino text- apologies to the artist for this. It doesn't come out as beautiful or as eloquent but I do hope the message is conveyed nonetheless to non-Filipinos =]

Feel the love! Be the love! This Christmas and always =]

(The Station ID begins at the 3:25 mark.)

Kung kailan pinakamadilim
Mga tala ay mas nagniningning
Gaano man kakapal ang ulap
Sa likod nito ay may liwanag

When the night is darkest/ Then the stars shine the brightest
No matter how thick the clouds/ Behind it lies the light

Ang liwanag na ito’y nasa ‘ting lahat
May sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

This light is within all of us/ There’s a ray in all our hearts
Because of the warmth of our hugs/ All wounds will be healed

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi Ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko
Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko

This light is lit / By no one but You
Thanks to Your light / Christmas will once again be colorful
Thanks to Your light / Christmas will once again be colorful

Tayo ang ilaw sa madilim na daan
Pagkakapit-bisig lalong higpitan
Dumaan man sa malakas na alon
Lahat tayo’y makakaahon

We are the light on this dark road/ We need to tighten our support to each other
Strong waves we have to endure/ At the end of which we will all survive

Ang liwanag na ito’y nasa ‘ting lahat
May sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

This light is within all of us/ There’s a ray in all our hearts
Because of the warmth of our hugs/ All wounds will be healed

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi Ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko
Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko

This light is lit / By no one but You
Thanks to Your light / Christmas will once again be colorful
Thanks to Your light / Christmas will once again be colorful

Kikislap ang pag-asa
Kahit kanino man
Dahil Ikaw Bro
Dahil Ikaw Bro
Ang Star ng Pasko

Hope will sparkle / For everyone
Because You, Bro / Because You, Bro
Are the Star of Christmas

Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko
Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko

Thanks to Your light / Christmas will once again be colorful
Thanks to Your light / Christmas will once again be colorful

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi Ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag Mo
Muling magkakakulay ang Pasko

This light is lit / By no one but You
Thanks to Your light / Christmas will once again be colorful
Thanks to Your light / Christmas will once again be colorful

Dahil Ikaw Bro
Dahil Ikaw Bro
Ang Star ng Pasko

Because You, Bro / Because You, Bro
Are the Star of Christmas

Never lost, always found (16): Beyond death

2009-11-02T11:18:00.001+08:00

If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?

Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who acquits us.

Who will condemn? It is Christ (Jesus) who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.

What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?

As it is written: "For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered."

No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31-39

--==+==--

In the depth of winter I finally learned that there within me lay
an invincible summer.
(Albert Camus)

Thank you, Father, for the blessing of fond memories and happy moments with our departed loved ones while they were still with us. Thank you for comforting us in our time of grief then when they passed on, and now, when our hearts intermittently ache for them. Thank you for taking them home to a much, much, much better place. Thank you for the promise of seeing them again, soon =]

GK Brookside: flooded with love

2009-10-28T11:20:00.001+08:00

Many Filipinos, especially those living in Luzon and Metro Manila in particular, have their own stories about Tropical Storm ONDOY (Ketsana). Some were trapped in their cars for hours due to the massive traffic jam caused by the torrential rains and subsequent flooding. Some were trapped in more dire straits- hours upon hours atop their roofs, desperately in need of food, water, and rescue.

For many, we can wash the mud off of our houses, have our cars repaired in shops, buy clothes to replace the ones drowned by the muck. For others, though, fate has dealt a terrible hand and recovery from the havoc wreaked by Ondoy is almost close to impossible.

Almost, being the operative word.

A huge deal of what I teach now to medical students in the University of the Philippines came from my year and a half work in Gawad Kalinga (GK), an integrated area development program started by the Catholic charismatic group Couples For Christ. In not so many words, GK aims to restore the dignity of the poor by engaging the latter through holistic endeavors involving shelter, health, education, environment, livelihood, child and youth development, and values formation. GK is the epitome of NOT merely giving people fish, but teaching them how to fish- if fishing is indeed what they want to learn.

View of GK Brookside from the second floor of the nearby Stella Maris school (2006).

The hallmark that an area has a Gawad Kalinga village is its rows of multicolored homes. But if you look closer, the real markers that GK is in the area are the shared positive outlook in life, desire to be of service to one another and unwavering faith in God of both the villages’ residents and the partners and volunteers from all walks of life who come to put this faith into action. One such village is GK Brookside in Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City.

The Visitors Center of GK Brookside, which housed photos and records chronicling the history of the village. Most of the materials were destroyed during the floods, which reached just the base of the triangular feature of the center's roof.

GK Brookside is home to some 300 families, majority of which were informal settlers in New Manila who have been constantly evicted from one piece of property to another until they were able to plant their roots here in 2003. The land the village sits on now was formerly a dumpsite that was eventually cleared, cleaned, and readied for a new life for these wandering families, with the help of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. The then would-be-residents of GK Brookside rendered hundreds of hours of sweat equity- building homes for each other without knowing which home would be theirs- and underwent hours of values formation classes, among other activities, to help enhance their capacity to be stewards of the forthcoming blessings. Couples For Christ volunteers worked hand in hand with the residents to develop leaders among the homeowners who will steer the community through times of lack and plenty.

And the blessings did pour in. During the course of the last five years, partners and friends have contributed to make GK Brookside not merely a relocation site but a real, livable community. A local Lions Club built and outfitted a two-storey library. A private Catholic congregation built an annex of the school they run inside the GK village and rendered quality private school education with the fee of just P50 per student per month. MERALCO built a pre-school building for GK’s SIBOL program. A clinic, a simple water filtration system, a chapel were built with the help of volunteers and friends within the village to further enhance the lives of the residents.

Bulk of my work then as implementor of Gawad Kalinga’s health program was organizing and mobilizing community health volunteers. It was a great experience, all of my encounters with them. Their spirit of voluntarism, willingness to put in long hours in trainings and lectures, and ability to motivate their neighbors to work together for health was- is- utterly amazing. At the end of our sessions, I would like to believe that we’ve transcended the “teacher-student” relationship and we’d really become friends, if not family.

One of the community health volunteers in GK Brookside during the training for vital signs (blood-pressure) taking (2006).

Tropical Storm Ondoy, however, did not discriminate with regard to the communities its intense downpour will ravage.

The benign creek meandering beside GK Brookside swelled swiftly and heavily; in a matter of minutes, the whole village was deep in flood waters, so much so that only the cross atop the chapel was visible.

The village residents worked together to transfer their neighbors to the much higher multipurpose hall as the flood waters rose quickly and steadily. In their rush, many of them left with no more than the shirts on their back. They broke through windows or through their ceilings and roofs when the doors were jammed shut by the floods. That the homes were built adjacent to each other proved to be a blessing: they were able to get to higher, safer areas of the village by walking on the interconnected roofs of their homes.

Many of the GK Brookside families were also taken in by residents of the subdivisions surrounding the GK village. Many also took temporary shelter in the clubhouse of adjacent subdivisions. Thankfully, no one perished because of the floods.

It took 16 hours for the flood waters to recede. It is a blessing by most standards given the fact that many areas are still inundated as of October 26th. Nevertheless, the waters left a trail of destruction that broke my heart when I first visited them 72 hours after Ondoy struck and two years after I last stepped foot in GK Brookside. A thick layer of mud covered the streets. There was a pile of wet household items in front of each house. They could not proceed with cleaning their homes because there was no water nor electricity. The people I met as I drove into the village seemed a little… dazed. (Above: This jeepney was completely submerged in flood waters, hence the mud atop its roof.)

As I eased into the village, I just parked in the first available space I found. A lady began to incessantly knock on the driver’s side window. I did not mind her at first, thinking she’s probably begging for coins and I am not a fan of that brand of helping. It was only when I alighted from the car that I fully understood what she was asking for: she was asking me to move the car to the other side of the street so that there will be an orderly flow of traffic. I then heeded her request, was politely guided into the correct parking slot by another GK resident, and received profuse thanks for my cooperation after. It was at this point that I knew GK Brookside is alright, Ondoy notwithstanding. I was afraid that Ondoy broke their spirit. I was glad to be proven wrong.

Soon after, I met Sis. Helen Cifra, a member of Couple For Christ and Sis. Angie Jamola, a nun with the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) who is her congregation’s point person for their work in GK Brookside. Later still, familiar faces popped into the multipurpose hall- the community health volunteers we trained many moons ago were still active in serving their neighbors, this time in their capacity as coordinators for the receipt of relief items.

The SIBOL School, venue for pre-school education in GK Brookside. Floods completely submerged this entire building as well.

They shared with me their harrowing Ondoy experiences, what I shared in the previous paragraphs. They also related the story of fathers attending a seminar in Antipolo City who walked, ran, swam home just to get to their families when news of the floods first reached them, since roads were either flooded or blocked by landslides. Yet the best stories of all involved their response to Ondoy.

Sis. Angie Jamola with the GK Brookside residents and block leaders in the central receiving and storage area of all relief goods they receive from partners and friends.

Unlike other areas where the flood survivors become rowdy and riotous when relief goods arrive, GK Brookside implemented a very simple system of goods distribution. The village is divided into seven blocks, each block led by a block leader. The block leader is the one who first receives the items and gets enough sets for each household in his/her block. Each family then gets its share from the block leader as the latter takes the goods to their area, ensuring order and equality. Also, they hold off distributing goods if there will not be enough for at least one pack per family. Their uncomplicated system emphasized fairness and dignity among its residents even in the face of a disaster.

Some GK residents with an income that is higher than the others’ even forego their share in the relief distribution.

Whenever possible, the leaders of GK Brookside include in their count the number of families OUTSIDE the village borders so that they, too, can benefit from the generosity of GK’s partners. While there are just 300 homes inside the village, the GK Brookside leaders would seek help and assistance for 1,132 families in the belief that nobody ought to be left behind.

The GK Brookside Library after Ondoy.

Help could not come in so easily into GK Brookside for various reasons. First, the village is nestled in a more interior part of the city where the roads are not the widest. Second, the areas preceding the village, the ones closer to the main roads, appear to be more in need; hence, assistance from government and the likes of ABS-CBN are directed to them more, all the time. Third, there is a mistaken notion that since it is a Gawad Kalinga site, it doesn’t need help anymore. But they did need help, especially immediately post-Ondoy.

Thankfully partners and friends did come to GK Brookside’s aid.

Delivery of the "showcases."

On a very personal note, much as I know they would shy away from publicity, I would like to pay special tribute to the Filipino-American community of South Carolina and the membership there of Couples For Christ led by Bro. Nanding and Sis. Merlita Carandang for promptly heeding the call to heroism and putting your faith into action. The funds you have raised, along with the resources shared by my very, very, very supportive family (Pop, Mom, Ate Chiqui, and Tita Vicky), helped give each of the 300 families in GK Brookside a fresh start by way of the following:

Sis. Angie Jamola and Mrs. Lydia Sumalinog (leftmost) the homeowners association president along with village residents show off their new dining room and kitchenwares.

1. A dining room showcase consisting of five plates, five drinking glasses, five pairs of spoons and forks, and five soup bowls

2. A kitchen showcase consisting of one frying pan, one cooking pot, one ladle, and one spatula

3. Plus a multipurpose plastic pail where both showcases were distributed in.

The GK Brookside residents with myself, Sis Angie, and Ms Beng Sy, a volunteer who helped purchase the items that made up the dining room and kitchen showcases which were still in the boxes around us

Each pail of these most basic and underrated necessities costs just around seven dollars. It seems like a very small amount but that is arguably the best seven-dollar investment we can ever make. It is an investment in their future. It is an assurance that people outside of GK care for them. It is an investment in hope. It is a tangible support to their indomitable spirit embodied by their battle cry BANGON BROOKSIDE.

With the Gawad Kalinga community organizer Tito Rabbi as he works with other volunteers doing the cleanup work in the basketball court and chapel area.

Four weeks since Ondoy, things are not yet back to normal; I doubt if they ever will. The library lost all its books, benches, and computers. The pre-schoolers still do not have their SIBOL school. The chapel has yet to be used since all contents of its altar and its sound system have been swept away and drowned. Some homes are still awaiting repair.

Yet in the face of all this tragedy, the residents remain hopeful, optimistic, grateful, humorous, united, and full of faith. When I ask them why or how come, they just give me knowing smiles and point to the sky, or answer with an equivocal “Ganun talaga, Doc.”

Parents of the children attending the Stella Maris school inside the village clean the classrooms in preparation for the resumption of classes.

I would like to think that a huge chunk of this upbeat outlook is due to the seeds planted in the community’s heart by way of Gawad Kalinga:

That there is nothing we cannot accomplish if we work together

That we are not alone in this struggle, thanks to partners, volunteers, and friends

That the Lord is always on top of things.

Amen.

Robbed the right way

2009-10-25T15:36:00.000+08:00

I chanced upon this song as the end credits of Made of Honor, starring Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan, unfurled. Among its various versions available online, I think this is the best.

Dashboard Confessional
"Stolen"
Dusk and Summer (2006)
Live@Yahoo! Music Exclusive Performance

We watch the season pull up its own stakes
And catch the last weekend of the last week
Before the gold and the glimmer have been replaced,
Another sun soaked season fades away

You have stolen my heart

Invitation only, grand farewells
Crash the best one, of the best ones
Clear liquor and cloudy eyed, too early to say goodnight

You have stolen my heart

And from the ballroom floor we are in celebration
One good stretch before our hibernation
Our dreams assured and we all, will sleep well

You have stolen
You have stolen my heart

I watch you spin around in your highest heels
You are the best one, of the best ones
We all look like we feel

You have stolen my
*You* have stolen my heart

Why 350 is an important number

2009-10-23T06:26:00.003+08:00

Regardless if the effects of climate change will come to fruition in the next ten years or in the next thousand years- the time to act is now.

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Blog Action Day 2009 - Climate Change: The power of one

2009-10-15T05:12:00.001+08:00

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. - Helen Keller

The scale of the problems plaguing the world as regards climate change is terribly immense. It can be a daunting and insurmountable challenge, especially when one thinks that s/he is but a small, powerless, voiceless speck in the swirl of humanity. And yet when all our individual efforts to do good are taken together, we can possibly be the change we want to see in the world, as Mahatma Gandhi prescribes.

Here are some practical ways of NOT contributing to climate change:

1. BYOB: Bring your own bags. These mainstays of landfills, plastic bags, can last for at least a millennium. Let's bring our own reusable bags when we go to the grocery so we don't contribute to the garbage problem haunting cities big and small.

2. Don't be tied up. Dress comfortably sans neckties and/or formal long-sleeved clothing. This may lead to lower energy costs since you don't have to cool artificially warmer rooms no thanks to our buttoned up suits.

3. Pay bills online and on time. Enrollment of and prompt bills payment online helps lessen the gas consumed when you have to go to the bank or payment establishment, or the trees felled in order to make the paper reminding you to pay overdue bills.

4. Good tire pressure, less pressure on the environment. Having correct vehicle tire pressure lessens gas consumption.

5. Be enlightened: Change your light bulbs. Using the more-expensive compact fluorescent light bulb is ultimately the brighter idea. Case in point- a 7-watt CFL bulb gives off light equal to a 40-watt one, for a longer period of time.

For more ideas on how you can harness the power of one, visit TIME Magazine's The Global Warming Survival Guide.

Here's another set of suggestions from the World Wildlife Fund - Philippines on how you can make a difference-
when you shop... when you go on vacation... or wherever you maybe.

Heroism in the time of pushcarts and pop music

2009-10-14T00:00:00.004+08:00

Heroes need not wield pistols or spears to be dubbed as such. Heroes need not die (needlessly) to underscore the urgency and immensity of the cause they fight for. After all, heroes are more valuable alive than dead =]

UP Manila - Ayala Recyclables Fair: October 16, 2009

2009-10-11T08:49:00.000+08:00

After ONDOY, after PEPENG- Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! Now more than ever!

WHAT:
UP Manila - Ayala Recyclables Fair

WHEN:
October 16, 2009 from 9am to 3pm

WHERE:
the Philippine General Hospital basketball court Taft Avenue, Manila

The following can be bought, sold, or disposed of:

Used paper and posters, old newspapers at magazines, obsolete books

Plastic bottles, sando bags

Plastic furniture, Tetra Pak cartons

Aluminum cans and tin cans

Used lead acid batteries

Non-working electronic appliances

Betamax, cassette tapes

Old TVs, CPUs, monitors, etc.

Toner and ink cartridges

Tarpaulin streamers, household batteries, Styrofoam, mobile phones, chargers

For inquiries, please get in touch with Anna De Guzman of the UP Biology Majors Society thru anna16_deguzman@yahoo.com.

Thank your teachers today!

2009-10-05T07:50:00.001+08:00

We’ve spent the most time with them during our young lives- whether we liked it or else.

They are our second parents. For some, the only ones they’ve had.

They listen to us- even if we don’t listen to them.

Each artwork we churn out is a masterpiece, each novice essayist is Nobel-worthy.

They would shush us at times but they can’t tolerate us not speaking up.

They’ve made us stand in the corner; they’ve helped us make a stand.

They expanded our imagination. They kept us grounded.

Through lessons in school, we learned there is a greater world outside.

They’ve willingly tethered themselves to the classroom so that we, their students, can soar beyond the possible.

To borrow a line of Isaac Newton- someone I met in one of our Physics classes- if I can see farther, it’s because I’ve stood on the shoulders of giants.

I am eternally grateful to you all.

--==+==--

I really believe that a great future is unfolding for me thanks to the quality education I received. Many Filipino children, though, are at a disadvantage because of the many gaps in the Philippine education system. Hordes of teachers leave the country to seek work opportunities with better compensation. Many teach in schools that are on the verge of toppling over. There are just too many students in a class, sharing too few books, taught by too few teachers, with too few trainings and continuing education activities.

You don't have to be a public university teacher like me to know that the educational system needs a major overhaul of all its parts. The task is daunting but we can start with the one who is most indispensable in the classroom- the teacher. Increase the budget for health so that more teachers can be hired, they can be given more humane compensation, and their minds are sharpened by further schooling.

I echo the call of the UNESCO- investing to have quality teachers now is an investment that will yield dividends of a better future for everyone.

Flood waters- YOU WILL NOT DROWN OUR SPIRIT!

2009-09-29T08:10:00.001+08:00

Amidst all the videos and pictures posted online, as it continues to hog the headlines of major dailies and TV news programs, after hearing all the stories of survivors firsthand, the aftermath of tropical storm Ondoy just knocks the wind out of me.

I can’t help but wonder- How does God answer all our prayers for assistance and pleas for help? I wonder how God prioritizes. I wonder if He covers His eyes and ears so He can have some peace and quiet. I wonder if He fears opening His Facebook account or if He dreads reading His mobile phone’s inbox since each would most likely be containing a message that unloads a problem unto Him.

Inasmuch as the horrendous stories brought about by Ondoy are overwhelming, the accounts of those made it and made others’ lives better are more powerful-

Stories of barangay (village) leaders who go from one house to another in their 4000-population area to ensure that the meager relief goods- boiled eggs, no-cook noodles, etc- gets distributed equally, but especially to those who need food the most

Couples stranded inside their cars at the height of the rains and floods who continue to tweet or post Facebook status messages that pass on vital information like emergency numbers to call or pleas for help from similarly stranded storm victims atop their homes’ roofs

Nurses and midwives who choose to clean the health center they work in first before cleaning their homes- all of which are inundated by muddy waters- so that first thing Monday morning they can already treat patients affected by the storm

Students who, rather than relish the unexpected holiday or study for exams, get together to sort donated food items, clothes, medicines and pack them into useful bundles ready for donation

Business owners who ask where can they bring freshly-baked bread enough to feed 300 people

People who readily cough out 250 sleeping mats after hearing a feeble request for one

From an innocent bystander, I was somehow thrust into a position to help orchestrate the University’s response to help our flooded partner communities. With mock resistance, I relented and shouldered the additional responsibility. I think I will end up with the better side of the bargain.

To be able to help is great, but an even greater blessing is to see God’s hands in action, through the magnificent people I mentioned above and the hundred others like them. They tweet and text without fear or favor, with eyes, ears, and hearts wide open.

I wish I can honor them through more eloquent words. But of course, true to their nature, having eased another human being’s pain is sufficient reward and motivation.

--==+==--

I am personally raising funds to help the survivors of Tropical Storm Ondoy here in the Philippines. I volunteer with two organizations right now who aim to help some 10,000 affected individuals. I am appealing to those happen to land in my blog to help by praying with us here in the Philippines. You can also put your faith into action by clicking the DONATE button below. Rest assured 100% of donated money will be used to buy the needs of those who survived the floods, including but not limited to getting them safe drinking water, sleeping mats, blankets, etc.

An accounting of money received, who gave them, plus where the money was used will be posted regularly.

I know that in this day and age of cynicism and jadedness, heroes for others still abound.

Thank you very much for your generosity =]

Help Tropical Storm Ondoy Survivors!

2009-09-27T00:26:00.000+08:00

The UP Manila campus, including the Philippine General Hospital, plus the buildings surrounding it were hardly visible as tropical storm ONDOY passed through Metro Manila. But we were still luckier than most.

Here are some emergency numbers that maybe contacted if you or your loved ones need help or rescuing in your flooded communities:

Marikina Rescue 6462436

La Salle Greenhills Rescue 09209070290

Senator Manny Villar's dump trucks (which can pickup stranded passengers) 09174226800 09172414864

Red Cross Rubberboats 0917-899-7898 and 0938-442697

National Disaster Coordinating Council 911-1406, 912-2665, 911-5061, 912-5296, 911-1873, 912-2112, 734-2118

Hotline for rubber boats and truck 8383203, 8383354

Dump trucks for rescue 0917-422-6800 or 0927-675-1981

Nat'l Disaster Coord. Council 9115061 to 65

MERALCO +639175592824 +639209292824 +63216211

MMDA +632136

For those who wish to help the survivors of tropical storm Ondoy, I've setup a simple PayPal online monetary donation system. Just go to click on the *DONATE* button at the righthand panel on this page. Kindly leave a comment below or via email if you've made a donation so I can update you re how/where your contribution was used. Any amount is most welcome =] Thank you very much!

Blog Action Day = Day to talk about climate change (10/15/2009)

2009-09-26T13:49:00.000+08:00

Change.org is powering the Blog Action Day 2009 happening on October 15th. On this day, bloggers the world over are highly encouraged to talk about a common theme to raise awareness about a global concern that just cannot be ignored - CLIMATE CHANGE.

In our own creative way, whatever niche we occupy in the blogosphere, we can take part in Blog Action Day 2009: tech blogs can talk about environment-friendly gadgets, travel blogs can discuss on how to be green while on the road, photography blogs can feature photos exposing environmental heroes and villains, etc.

We have about three weeks to prepare for this mega-event. Let's use our blogs as avenues for making the world a better place- one blog post at a time.

In My Life (Star Cinema, 2009)

2009-09-19T18:50:00.008+08:00

After a series of excellent films, it felt wrong to not see right away the newest John Lloyd Cruz film, In My Life, its plot and the entire hullabaloo around it notwithstanding. The presence of Philippine movie legend Vilma Santos plus the choice of New York City (one of my most favorite places in the world) as the story’s backdrop really made it a really compelling film to watch. Once again, Star Cinema casts its filmmaking net wide and manages to produce a film that talks about your story, his struggles, her frustration, our victory, my life.

The film is happily unsettling in the sense that it has shatters prevailing stereotypes and mindsets about so many peoples, things, and happenings.

(Spoilers maybe in the movie review that follows below.)

It’s the story of Shirley (Vilma Santos), a public school librarian who is a creature of habit, uncomfortable with change, unyielding civil servant and mother to three children who have lives of their own. Her eldest daughter Dang (Dimples Romana) and her own family (Aaron Junatas and Cha-Cha of Goin Bulilit play her kids!) live with Shirley (whether they liked it or else); another daughter has moved to Australia with the help of their estranged father. Shirley’s only son Mark (Luis Manzano) has been sent to the US by his Philippine employer and has been living there for at least two years.

A series of family and property issues forces Shirley to go to the US to visit Mark. There she meets Noel (John Lloyd Cruz), Mark’s partner. Noel, Mark, and Shirley’s life together under one roof is rocky to say the least, despite Noel’s best efforts to make the new arrival feel welcome, and in the absence of Mark who is too immersed with work to be with his mom.

Soon, though, Noel wins the heart of Shirley. Along with their loyal friends (played by Vice Ganda, Nikki Valdez, and Rafael Rosell), and through her series of unfortunate workplace mishaps, Mark and Noel transform the uptight Shirley into a better version of herself. Shirley and Mark finally exorcise all shards that frayed their relationship; the cycle of unmet expectations and self-loathing, not helped by the fact that Mark is gay.

But their joy is cut short by a family tragedy that negated all the goodness that happened to Shirley’s life thus far. As heroines are wont to do, she emerges an even better version of herself, free from the shackles of the past, with her second wind fueled by the promise of life and love after the years of heartache she caused and endured.

If you will go see this movie in order to have your next big screen mega dose of John Lloyd Cruz, this movie may disappoint because this is, for all intents and purposes, a Vilma Santos film. The governor-celebrity-icon that Vilma is is entirely absent in the film; all I saw was Shirley the librarian. Like a perfect pendulum, she seamlessly swung from one emotion to another, taking the audience along with her for the ride. She cursed, she danced, she slapped, she cried. We cringed, we were awed, we gasped, we bawled. Her tears as well as her comedic skills were impeccably timed. I think Vilma gave life to Shirley’s character- who took herself too seriously- by NOT taking herself seriously. She was clearly swimming in uncharted acting waters but Vilma managed to come out a champ- bad hair, food splattered all over her and all.

While this is, for me, a Vilma Santos movie, John Lloyd’s reputation as one of the country’s finer actors is not the least bit tarnished as he got pitted against the formidable actress and a much, much, much more formidable role storyline. It was classic JLC- from the puppy dog eyes, to the careful but forceful delivery of lines, to the exuding of that aura that you-just-want-to-take-care-of-him-as-he-cried-like-a-little-boy. His acting was controlled, respectful, respectable and definitely not over the top. He gave Noel a believable humanity. In so doing he gave homosexual males a unique humanity, rising above and far removed from the usual ridiculous, criminal, depraved, and unfair portrayal of gay men. But how the audience reacted to JLC in the film is another matter.

Except for the picnic scene after his surgery, the pivotal part of the Mark and Shirley’s journey to reconciliation, Luis Manzano as Mark was, for me, miscast. He was VJ Luis throughout the film; Mark just couldn’t surface. (Nonie Buencamino, who played Noel’s dad, did a much better job in his almost-cameo role. He was present in one scene via a webcam conversation with JLC. And that scene was one of the film’s major moments.)

The almost-formulaic Star Cinema recipe as seen in One More Chance, You Changed My Life and A Very Special Love- that of a strong cast with fresh dialogue sprinkled with well-timed banter while packed in a tight visual field- lacked *something* this time.

Hilary the florist (Vice Ganda) made his presence felt onscreen, as did Dimples Romana as Mark’s elder sister Dang. The other characters- such as that of Nikki Valdez and Rafael Rosell- felt rather superfluous; maybe their talents were simply not maximized. Tirso Cruz III was there, I think.

The actors’ delivery of their lines made up for the script’s nondescript nature. Except for Vilma cursing, JLC dropping monosyllabic bombs like “babe” as Noel talked to Mark, and Hilary dissecting Shirley’s look via “yung salamin mo pang-librarian, yung damit mo pang-guidance counselor, yung height mo pang-estudyante,” I hardly remember any line worth regurgitating. Even Mark’s mantra for his mom- I want you to live- is not enough to rouse anyone from stupor if it were recommended to them to be their life’s game plan. The -oomph- just wasn’t there.

New York City provided an excellent backdrop for the story: its literal and figurative cold climate framed pretty well the challenges faced by émigrés. It’s a plus for the film that Mark and Noel felt believable as nouveau Nu Yoykoys, straddling life in America while remaining tethered to the Philippines. The movie captured the visual spectacle of many of the city’s landmarks which lure tourists. At the same time, however, these were juxtaposed with the reality faced by Filipinos overseas, as they juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet while trying to avoid deportation for overstaying their legal welcome in America.

Overall, the film is worth anyone’s time and money. Vilma and JLC carried the film squarely on their shoulders, making the most out of a thin script with their excellent performance. They gave life to a very deep, multilayered, and novel Philippine movie storyline that brought to the fore issues on parenting, love relationships, migration, and the American dream. They’ve had valiant help from Filipino and American co-stars (watch out for Eli) and The Big Apple. If it will turn into a classic like Vilma’s Anak or become iconic like JLC’s One More Chance- it remains to be seen. In its entirety, though, it’s a movie that is happily unsettling as it is entertaining- for the actors and moviegoers alike.

(Speaking of moviegoers: As expected, loyal fans came to the cinema in droves. Glorietta 4 Cinema 6’s 8pm screening last September 18th was standing room only. It felt good to be with fellow fans who endured the 45-minute queue prior to the screening to get into the cinema. As expected, the moviegoers collectively laughed at Vilma’s antics, gasped as the movie had its quick twists and turns, smirked at the shameless product placements.

What was weird though was the reaction of many in the audience during scenes when Noel and Mark shared tender moments together such as when they’d refer to each other as “Babe” or they held hands. Some of the people giggled during the scenes, some jeered at the two. I think they were so affected seeing their on-screen hero JLC in uncommon (but still respectable) cinematic moments with Luis that they exhibited nervous tics that reflected their bias against gay people. Scenes that were supposedly the highlights of the movie, the most dramatic scenes, were left unappreciated by the sneering crowd. They were disrespectful and distracting. Especially you loudmouth ladies who stood at the back row, with your comments that just showed your intolerant nature. Shhhh shhhh shhhh- shatap! Shatap kayong lahat!)

Task Force Noah: Aid needed for the flood victims in Zambales

2009-09-14T23:13:00.007+08:00

Posting this appeal for help for the survivors of floods here in the Philippines.

Let's all be a blessing to them. Share your resources. Spread the word.

Thank you!

SLB TASK FORCE NOAH: Bangon Botolan
for the victims of recent flooding in Botolan, Zambales

On September 9, Tropical Depression Maring brought non-stop rains caused massive flooding areas of Zambales and Olongapo, particularly in the municipality of Botolan.

The people of Zambales have lost livelihood and crops, amounting to 9.7 million pesos. And The Zambales Olongapo-Bugallon Road is not passable to all types of vehicles. In the meantime, continuous monitoring, restoration and repair of the scoured approach is on-going.

In line with this we are mobilizing SLB TFNoah : Bangon Botolan

Yes the floods are starting to subside and the families are slowly getting back to their houses. This is precisely when they will need our help, while they are in the process of rebuilding their old homes and livelihood. Your donations and assistance will be of much help to them as they try to regain their homes and farmlands which were lost to the flood.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donations may be brought to Cervini Dorm, Ateneo De Manila University
(Please also leave a comment or send me an email via my a.k.a. elsalvadordelmundo link on the right to know more about ways of sending your donations.)

Lend your time. Be a volunteer, help packing and transporting the goods.

Nourish them. Donate rice, sardines, noodles, coffee, sugar, noodles, salt

Keep them warm. Supply mats, blankets, mosquito nets, towel, clothes, slippers, toiletries

Provide for them. Direct deposits (cash or check) may be made to:

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
Peso Checking Account Number
3081-1111-61
Dollar Savings Account Numbe
3084-0420-12

Or channel to:
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
Loyola House of Studies
Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights 1108, Quezon City

Contact Information:
Landline: +632 426-6101 loc. 3440/3441
Telefax: +632 426-5968
Web: www.slb.ph
Look for: Ms. Love Dorero

For proper acknowledgement:

1. Please fax a copy of the validated deposit slip to SLB through telefax +632 426-5968
2. Kindly indicate contact information: Name, address, email, landline/mobile
3. Those who wish to be anonymous may skip this procedure

We would like to extend our gratitude to our partners in the Ateneo Dorm’s ARSA (Ateneo Resident Students Association) who volunteered to receive the donations and offered their place as a drop-off point. Maraming salamat.

BRO. ISMAEL JOSE CHAN-GONZAGA, S.J.
Executive Director
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

Of Black Eyed Peas and Jollibees

2009-09-13T04:18:00.004+08:00

Examples of
A- Things I learned from Facebook
B- Things we can accomplish if we just work together =]

Enjoy the videos, especially for Pinoys enduring this cold, rainy season =]

Oprah's 24th Season Kickoff Party, video from Oprah.com

Jollibee's SM Mall of Asia Flash Dance Mob, video from http://bestyoucanbee.com/

UP Manila - Ayala Recyclables Fair / September 29, 2009

2009-09-09T11:41:00.005+08:00

This September- Celebrate sanitation! Declare freedom from the tyranny of trash!

WHAT:
UP Manila - Ayala Recyclables Fair

WHEN:
September 29, 2009 from 9am to 3pm

WHERE:
the Philippine General Hospital basketball court Taft Avenue, Manila

The following can be bought, sold, or disposed of:

Used paper and posters, old newspapers at magazines, obsolete books

Plastic bottles, sando bags

Plastic furniture, Tetra Pak cartons

Aluminum cans and tin cans

Used lead acid batteries

Non-working electronic appliances

Betamax, cassette tapes

Old TVs, CPUs, monitors, etc.

Toner and ink cartridges

Tarpaulin streamers, household batteries, Styrofoam, mobile phones, chargers

For inquiries, please get in touch with Anna De Guzman of the UP Biology Majors Society thru anna16_deguzman@yahoo.com.

Never lost, always found (15): Timely, timeless

2009-09-06T11:41:00.005+08:00

Tired? Tortured? Tormented?

Here is a timely, timeless reminder of God's love-

...[A]nd say to the faint-hearted, 'Be strong! Do not be afraid. Here is your God, vengeance is coming, divine retribution; he is coming to save you.'

Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unsealed,

then the lame will leap like a deer and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy; for water will gush in the desert and streams in the wastelands,

the parched ground will become a marsh and the thirsty land springs of water...

Isaiah 35:4-7, First Reading for Sunday, September 6th.