EXCLAMATION POINT

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2011-01-07T13:00:00.001+08:00

Here I am. In the time and place I dreamt of ever since I was a child. I am now working in a treasury unit earning an above average income in a government corporation. I also teach part-time in a state university which gives me extra income. I have investments in stocks and I know how to trade it. I have everything I need at home. I have accomplished almost everything on my wish list.

And here I am: wanting the simplest thing in life – to be a full-time mother to my charming daughter.

How ironic. Studying for almost two decades and continuously getting professional education for more than 5 years and I end up wishing that I dedicate my life in taking care of my child and of course, loving my husband. Despite all these education that I had, I doubt I can even pass as a good cook, an efficient house cleaner and a spotless clothes washer. Had I known that this would be my dream someday, I could have learned the proper skills from somebody who’s good at it.

It reminds me of a cartoon I saw way back about a country mouse who wanted to go to the city and upon seeing all the hustles and bustles of city life, wished to go back to his country home.

I’ve heard and read about home-schooling and it somehow sparked my interest. I know that it would be a tough one but I know that with the magic of passion, things will work out well.

The best-selling self-help book “The Secret” taught me that “when you visualize, you materialize.” I know it is only a matter of time and resources that will permit me to realize my dream. It is a simple one but only time will tell if it will happen or not. One thing I’m sure though, I love my family more than anything in the world.

UPDATES

2010-09-30T17:16:00.004+08:00

Well, anong bago? Itong post ko. Wahehe. It's been another year before I put another post here.

So much has happened.

1. Jaynna's growth can no longer be stopped, as expected.
2. I'm now a part-time University instructor in PUP (eh saan pa nga ba?).
3. Finally, I have entered the stock market. Riding the bulls, eh.

So far, I find teaching in PUP a challenge. I've got 4 different subjects and 5 classes to attend per week. With my full-time job, it's truly hard to fit everything together in harmony. As far as I can tell, I'm not actually giving all my best in all of them. The worst subject I've held so far is Research. It's time consuming and I'm not confident handling it. Finance subjects are very easy to handle because it's what I studied and I have plenty of experience on the matter. Teaching is really a vocation. It's not financially rewarding but it's a very fulfilling endeavor.

For my stocks, I initially bought SMPH, JFC and ICT for my long-term portfolio. For my short-term portfolio, I bought PNB but considering the price today, I'm changing my strategy to long-term na lang (in short, I chickened out. wahehe).

I won't promise that I will update this often because when I do, I break it.

COMPLACENT

2009-08-13T15:32:00.003+08:00

I’ve always been passionate but I think with the years gone by, I think it has dissipated without my awareness.

Whenever I face a job interview, employers often find it quite fascinating that my ambition is to become the BSP governor. Ever since I graduated, it has stuck out at the bottom of my resume and I tell you, it never fails to intrigue them. But now that I’ve reached the age of 26, I think my dream has become far too distant to reach.

Yes, I’m guilty. Contentment has been my excuse to being complacent. I often say that I’ve reached my dream of working as an investment officer and of supporting my parents as well as having a wonderful family but I think I have downgraded myself to a very content person. I used to dream big but now I’ve satisfied myself in pure and simple joys. Most of the time, I ask myself, did I get tired of achieving and have gone to the end of my strife for excellence? Is God now regretting that he gave me vast amount of talents that I do not use anymore? I hope not.

I remember watching the movie about Chris Gardner who is a self-made stockbroker in the US. The movie is entitled “The Pursuit of Happyness.” This guy really went through the eye of the needle to get to where he is now. It’s like 99% of the movie is dedicated to his struggles to become a full-time stockbroker and only 1% of it showed his victory. Without his struggles, I don’t think he would have achieved anything at all.

It’s human nature, I guess. People have to undergo some kind of hardship in tandem with a couple of trials to be challenged in order to strive for the better. Which explains Luke 14:11: “for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

With all the trials I’ve had when I was still paving my way through college wherein I fought poverty and the lack of self-esteem, I guess I am already at the victorious stage at this point in my life. But does it end there? Do I have to raise the bar to keep me running and reaching for the stars? Or do I sit here and be content with what I have now. Shall I wait for another set of trials in order for me to move? What sort of motivation should I take when I believe I have already reached my simple dreams? Is it too worldly to ask for more?

The answers to these questions, I have yet to discover.

HAPPY THOUGHTS

2008-07-16T12:21:00.003+08:00

Hello my dear friends! I missed you all, especially the kalipips and my college barkadas. Seems like I've been from a space voyage and finally, I've landed back here on Earth.

Now that I'm back, I wanted to share just a few thoughts which made me blissful for the past months.

1. Last 01 July 2008, I took the licensure examination for money market and foreign exchange traders conducted by the consortium of Ateneo Graduate School of Business and Bankers Association of the Philippines. The truth is, I really had a stressful time during the pre-examination seminar since I had to digest all the basic concepts which were not so basic at all. Since my career was at stake, I really studied like I never studied before. Good enough, I passed all modules on money market, foreign exchange and code of ethics. This confers me the title of Certified Treasury Professional.

2. Just this month, I saw my babe stand up for less than 5 seconds. But for me, it was like eternity. I was so happy. This was the second time because the first time she stood, she was with Jay. Still, it was a bliss.

3. Lastly, I got back to the university to finally finish my MBA. I'm now focused on my thesis. Well, I just thought it's about time for me to earn my master's degree.

These happy thoughts made me realize that happiness has always been right there peeking in our eyes. It's just how we see them. Happiness can come from the simple smile that your baby gives you to the achievements that we earn from our career.

I hope you guys have happy thoughts to share, too! Write me at dbabadilla@sbgfc.org.ph. I'll be glad to hear from you.

BONNAKID

2008-02-07T12:28:00.000+08:00

I was so happy last night to find out that my babe's already crawling. At the age of 2 months, it really came as a surprise. Early this morning, she has perfected her thumb-sucking habit. Who knows what she'll do next.

Honey, why are you sad?

I'm hungry.

Hey, are you feeding me or not?!

Yippee! There goes my milk.

JOB VACANCIES

2008-01-31T12:09:00.000+08:00

Pips, here's one government institution where you don't need a backer to get hired: SBGFC, a DTI-attached agency which advocates mSME development. It's actually where I work.

Click here for the list of vacancies. Yes, the positions are really vacant and aren't published just to comply with the law.

Just brace yourself with a technical exam, 2 to 3 one-on-one interviews, 1 panel interview and a psychological exam. Thereafter, a medical exam.

Good luck!

JAYNNA ARABELLA

2007-12-27T12:11:00.000+08:00

Being a mother is the most wonderful thing that happened in my life so far. There are times when I would just stare at my sleeping baby and sigh with happiness. The gift of life is the happiest yet priceless gift that God has given to Jay and me.

Yes, my friends. I already gave birth to Jaynna Arabella on the 13th of November this year. At 5.7 lbs, she never made me suffer that long during my labor period. Her looks were that of her father. (haha!) It's as if Jay is looking in a mirror. Of course, he's so much happy about it.

She was baptized in Catholic faith on the 15th of December. Thanks a lot for those who came... Both Jay and I really appreciate it.

P.S. Kuya Eric, after my maternity leave, I read in your blog that you wanted to be a ninong but it was too late. The christening has already passed. Don't cha worry... Jay and I are reserving our Kalipi dabarkads to our 2nd baby. Hahaha. Naisip namin, baka maubos naman yung friends namin para sa godparents ng 2nd baby namin. Hehe. Oy, mga after 5 years pa yon. And yes, here's the latest Kalipi baby. Sige, kami na ni Jay ang bahala mag-BOS sa kanya. Yada!

LUCKY

2007-10-19T12:56:00.000+08:00

So much have changed in just a couple of months. Since March 2007, my life have become a roller coaster of joy, love and fulfillment.

Six o'clock this morning and still fresh from bed, I woke my husband up with a birthday song and a surprise gift. He carefully opened up the present, not even tearing the gift wrap. I was so happy with the way he smiled. It's like giving a present to a young boy in a Christmas morning.

In less than a month, I will be a mother to a baby girl. I used to think that bearing a child would be so cute. But I swear, it's really a big sacrifice. With all those vomiting and heart burns... But of course, I'm equally excited as well as tensed when my due date comes. Oh, what a joy (and pain) that would be.

My baby must be my lucky charm because right now, I have the best job in the world. A job that's exciting and very fulfilling. I'm an investment analyst in a government corporation that has a social mandate of financing and serving SMEs. I never imagined that I could be in such control over a huge amount of money and be able to contribute to the revenues of the Corporation. Although my job poses so much tension during every transaction, it gives me so much fulfillment whenever I perform well. That's when I say "para sa bayan."

A good husband, an upcoming baby girl, the best job - what more can I ask for?

I do not know what lies ahead of me but I'm pretty sure that what I am now is what I have been dreaming of becoming when I was a kid.

THE MERMAID

2007-05-09T16:57:00.000+08:00

Mermaid by the pool

Last week, our company had an outing in Anilao Outrigger Resort, Batangas City. It's a perfect place for divers. I've had a good time riding the kayak and pedal boat. Some went for the banana boat which is so much fun. Others went on island hopping.

During our first night, we played Bingo while others made a beeline in the videoke. To top it all, the food was great! Sobrang sarap.

Kaya eto, super itim ko ngayon. Hehe. I don't mind. After all, I had so much fun.

LIBERAL BY HEART AND SOUL

2007-04-18T08:03:00.000+08:00

This day must be different.

First, I found out that I left my zipper open.

Second, I found out that the Liberal Party is falling apart. I was shocked when I read in Business World today that the Supreme Court has decided yesterday, 9-5 in favor of Sen. Drilon’s presidency over the Liberal Party. First thing I did was to call my good friend kuya Jan to confirm the news. This is such a bad thing for the LP because it will definitely fall apart. Why? With Drilon heading, I’m sure all the LP leaders will now take oath under Lakas. Well, that’s good news for Drilon because he can recruit his “coup plotter” friends in the Liberal. I bet their membership slogan will now say: “calling all opposition and genuine anti-government leaders, come join the Drilon-led Liberal Party.”

Though all of this happened in the Liberal Party, I will still remain a liberal. I know I need not be a member of this Party to exercise liberalism. Liberalism is not in the name, it is in the heart and soul. Drilon may claim the Liberal Party for all I care but he cannot take away the liberal values that I have -- one that I doubt he ever had.

NEW JOB, NEW LIFE

2007-03-28T12:45:00.000+08:00

Just this Monday, I started my new career with Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corporation (SBGFC) as Investment Portfolio Analyst. I know, it's a lot different from the Liberal Party that I used to worked in. It's a different business and a new challenge for me.

Yesterday, our group - Treasury Group, had a lunch meeting and a little dose of entertainment where I sang and played guitar in front of my new officemates. I swear I was really tensed but I got off well singing "Hinahanap-hanap Kita." Sir Boyet, who was regularized in his job last March 19 also sang "Passenger Seat" with Sir Henri playing the guitar. Sir Alvin also sang the classic "Ako'y Sa'yo at Ika'y Akin Lamang." It seems I will enjoy the company of my new officemates especially my very inspiring boss, Sir Butch.

SENATORIABLE

2007-03-16T17:41:00.000+08:00

Humahabol... sa 2010 election. Hehe.

Actually, this is the first picture I made using Adobe Photoshop. Thanks to Franz, our young and very talented graphics artist who taught me how to do it.

How do you like it?

PRISON BREAK

2007-03-15T13:51:00.000+08:00

Quiet. Genius. Hot.

I doubt I would find one man like that nowadays. Well, just to feed my fantasies, I watched this really awesome tv series Prison Break which was zipped in one DVD.

Staring the hot English major Wentworth Miller, he plays the role of Michael Scofield who is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of B.S. Structural Engineering and has earned a M.S. Civil Engineering in a university in Chicago.

Here's the catch: he was imprisoned for armed robbery. The series got me hooked for two long days and kept me wondering if hot men like his character would really exist.

WAITING FOR OUR GENERATION TO RULE

2007-03-09T13:03:00.000+08:00

WAITING ON THE WORLD TO CHANGE
by John Mayer

me and all my friends
we're all misunderstood
they say we stand for nothing and
there's no way we ever could
now we see everything that's going wrong
with the world and those who lead it
we just feel like we don't have the means
to rise above and beat it

so we keep waiting
waiting on the world to change
we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change

it's hard to beat the system
when we're standing at a distance
so we keep waiting
waiting on the world to change
now if we had the power
to bring our neighbors home from war
they would have never missed a Christmas
no more ribbons on their door
and when you trust your television
what you get is what you got
cause when they own the information, oh
they can bend it all they want

that's why we're waiting
waiting on the world to change
we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change

it's not that we don't care,
we just know that the fight ain't fair
so we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change

and we're still waiting
waiting on the world to change
we keep on waiting waiting on the world to change
one day our generation
is gonna rule the population
so we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change

we keep on waiting
waiting on the world to change

BAKIT AKO MAHIRAP?

2007-03-06T10:08:00.000+08:00

Kahapon, binibilang ko ang laman ng wallet ko. Meron pa akong natitirang isang daan at ATM na di ko mawari kung magkano na lang ang laman. Final exams na kasi, huling bayaran na ng tuition ng kuya ko. Hay, life...

Sa mga ganitong panahon ko naiisip lahat ng pinagdaanan ko sa buhay nung nag-aaral pa ako sa college. Hindi naging madali para sa akin na makapagtapos at ipinagpapasalamat ko ring ganon ang nangyari sa akin kaya siguro mabait ako. Hehehe.

Ang totoo niyan, marami po akong mga karanasan na talaga namang kakaiba at hindi ko talaga malilimutan. Hayaan nyo pong maibahagi ko ito sa inyo.

Isa ako sa mga hindi pinalad na makapasok sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas; hindi po dahil sa hindi ako nakapasa ngunit dahil wala po akong pitong libo mahigit noong panahong iyon. Hindi rin naman ako pinalad na makahabol sa pasahan ng application sa STFAP. Ito ang naging unang dagok sa aking buhay kolehiyala.

Naaalala ko pa noon, nakita ko ang aking inang na umiiyak sa harapan ng pinto. Nagkukubli. kasabay ng hithit sa yosi ang pagdaloy ng luha sa kanyang mga mata. Hindi ko na siya kinausap. Hindi ko kaya. Hinayaan ko na lamang siyang maglabas ng kalungkutan niya para sa aking sinapit. Alam ng Diyos na pilit kong itinago ang nadarama ko sa pangyayaring yaon ngunit waring hindi ko maitago ang aking hinagpis. Bakit ako naging mahirap?

Buti na lamang, may natitira pang unibersidad tulad ng PUP na talaga namang tumutulong sa mahihirap na katulad ko. Sa halagang tatlong daan na inutang pa ng aking ina sa aking tiyuhin, ako ay nakapasok sa PUP.

Unang araw ng klase noon; bitbit ang isang daang pisong baon, kabado akong pumasok noon sa eskwela. Sa hintayan ng jeep, may nakasabay akong kapwa PUPian na nakipagkaibigan. First year din siya. Nang nagbayad na kami ng pamasahe, pareho kaming walang barya kaya't ako muna ang nagbayad. Bumaba kami. Sumakay ng biyaheng Stop 'n Shop. Muli, ako ang pinabayad niya dahil wala pa rin siyang barya. Pagdating ng Teresa St., inaasahan kong babayaran na niya ako. Ngunit dali-dali siyang sumakay ng tricycle papuntang Jasmin building.

Samakatuwid, tinakbuhan niya ako. Naiwan akong P40 na lamang ang natira sa baon ko.

Dumating ang tanghalian. Kainan na. Dahil wala na akong pera, nagtiyaga na lamang ako sa tinapay at gulaman. Wala pa akong ballpen. Siyam na piso na lamang ang natira sa pera ko. Dyahe namang manghiram ng pera sa kaklase ko. Unang araw pa lang, utang na.

Alam nyo ba yung 123? Oo, wala na akong magawa noon kundi gawin yon. Ang huli kong perang P9, binayad ko na lang sa jeep patungong Montalban. Kulang pa ng dalawang piso. Wala na akong magawa kundi dedmahin ang paulit-ulit na tumatawag na konduktor dahil kulang ang binayad ko.

Nang mga sumunod na araw, lumiit ang baon ko sa P50. Wala akong magawa kundi paulit-ulit na mag-123 at magbayad nang kulang na pamasahe. Kung maaari lamang na isisik ko ang payat kong katawan upang hindi ako mapansin ng konduktor ng jeep ay gagawin ko. Kalabisan kung tutuusin, mali kung iisipin. Garapal. Nakakahiya.

Ultimo ang binabaon ko, pinangungutang ko pa sa tiyahin at tiyuhin ko. Araw-araw, dadayo ako para mangutang. Oo, garapal. Nakakahiya.

Ani ko naman, gusto kong pumasok. Gusto kong mag-aral. Tiniis ko ang kumakalam na tiyan at kahihiyan upang maitawid ko ang sarili ko sa kolehiyo. Madalas, umiiyak ako sa gabi. Nagmumuni-muni. Nagtatanong. Bakit ako mahirap?

Lumipas ang panahon, marami rin namang tumulong sa akin. Nakitira ako sa iba't ibang bahay. Dumadayo sa mga kamag-anak upang manghingi ng pambaon. Apat na taon akong umiiyak. Nagmumuni-muni. Nagtatanong. Bakit ako mahirap?

Hanggang dumating ang isang araw. Nakaitim ako noon. May suot na sumbrero. Makapal ang make-up. Pinagpapawisan. Naghihintay. Kinakabahan. Pinatayo kami at pinalinya. Umakyat sa hagdanan. Tinawag ang aking pangalan.

Donna Babadilla, Cum Laude.

Nakakabinging palakpakan. Tila tumigil ang buong mundo ko. Ayaw umusad ng aking mga paa. Mabigat nung una. Nang kalauna'y gumaan. Sa dulo ng aking nilakaran ay ang nakabubulag na liwanag. Liwanag sa lahat-lahat.

Alam ko na kung bakit ako mahirap.

WHEN THE AGE GOES MARCHING ON

2007-03-01T17:10:00.000+08:00

"Kelan birthday mo?" tanong sa kin.

"Dalawa birthday ko, eh. Anong gusto mo? Yung fake o yung totoo?" ang sabi ko naman.

"Eh di yung totoo, at saka bakit dalawa?" takang tanong ng nagtanong sa kin.

"Kasi May 5 yung nasa birth certificate ko pero March 14 talaga ako pinanganak. Di ko na pinabago. Lahat kasi ng papers ko ganon eh. Pero tumatanggap naman ako ng gift during any of the two." mega-explain ko naman.

23 pa lang ako. Mag-24 nitong darating na buwan. Bata pa sabi ng iba. Sana nga. Ayoko pang tumanda. Sana ganito na lang ako palagi. Fresh... Vibrant... Daming ideas...

Speaking of ideas, dun sa mga gustong magbigay sa kin ng gift (ehem!), etong suggestions ko ranked according to my preferences.

Beads book. Alleluia!
Boyleg panties na pink hindi red at please hindi lace. Medium ako or basta yung kasya sa size 28-29 na waist at 36 na hips. Ayan, nabuko tuloy!
Book by Catherine Coulter, Nicholas Sparks, Sidney Sheldon, Danielle Steel, John Maxwell or any E-commerce books. Pwede rin ang Christian or motivational books na nabibili sa St. Paul's. Kahit second hand, wagi pa rin yan.
Scrapbook na pink, red or white. Ok rin lang ang brown. Yung refillable na maliit. Mura lang yon sa Papemelroti. Wag sa National kasi mahal don.
CD ng The Best of The Corrs or yung album na may All the Love in the World
Bead magazines. Yehey! As I've said, kahit second hand ok na ok.
Small beader's cutting pliers na mabibili sa Wellmanson sa Quiapo.
Kung madami kang pera, pwede mong isponsor ang aking new pair of eyeglasses kasi baka tumaas na naman grado ko.
On the other hand, kung megatipid mode ka naman, yung mga tig-50 pesos na cute and colorful bags sa Divisoria ok na yon sa kin. Happy na ko.
Eto super tipid nito: isang pack ng sweet tamarind. Siguraduhing masarap ha. Hindi yung puro asukal. Yung may traces of sampalok naman.

Mababaw lang naman kaligayahan ko. I can be happy with a one-peso sampalok to second hand books. For me, happiness is priceless. Kahit greet nyo lang ako dito sa blog, happy na rin ako. Hihi.

ALL THE LOVE IN THE WORLD

2007-03-01T17:00:00.000+08:00

For my love... I never regret giving all the love in the world.

I´m not looking for someone to talk to
I´ve got my friend, I´m more than ok
I´ve got more than a girl could wish for
I live my dreams but it´s not all they say
Still I believe - I´m missing - I´m missing something real
I need someone who really sees me

- Don´t wanna wake - Don´t wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you´ll walk through my door
All I need is to know it´s for sure
Then I´ll give all the love in the world

I´ve often wondered if love´s an illusion
Just to get you through the loneliest days
I can´t criticize it
I have no hestitaion
My imagination just stole me away
- Still - Still I believe
- I´m missing - I´m missing something real
I need someone who really sees me

- Don´t wanna wake - Don´t wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you´ll walk through my door
All I need is to know it´s for sure
Then I´ll give all the love in the world

Love´s for a lifetime not for a moment
So how could I throw it away
Yeah I´m only human
And nights grow colder
With no-one to love me that way
Yeah I need someone who really sees me

- Don´t wanna wake - And i won´t wake up alone anymore
Still believing you´ll walk through my door
You´ll reach for me and I´ll know it´s for sure
Then I´ll give all the love in the world
- Don´t wanna wake up alone anymore -

IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL, IT'S STRICTLY BUSINESS

2007-02-14T20:06:00.000+08:00

I’m not really into the habit of watching CNN and BBC but last Sunday, I got an insomnia attack so it made me do so. Britons are now focused on globalization while the Americans are absorbed with their war against Iraq. I never really understood the politics behind the war the Americans were waging against Iraq until I watched the news.

Up until now, the Bush administration is still being criticized about their offensive stance against Iraq.

We all know that the reason why US attacked Iraq was because of the 9/11 bombing that the Al Quaeda terrorist group performed, which was linked to the Iraqui government. However, just this week, the US Acting Inspector General Thomas Gimble said that the former Pentagon policy chief Douglas J. Feith manipulated the prewar intelligence report that led to the US attack on Iraq. According to the 2004 report of the September 11 commission, there was no evidence of a collaborative relationship between Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden’s terrorist organization. In short, there is no reason why US should attack Iraq because of Al Quaeda.

After 4 years of attacking Iraq and executing their secular leader Saddam Hussein, are they now saying that the intelligence report was manipulated? That they have made a “faulty analysis”? Have you seen Saddam’s execution? It was so moving. Poor old man. Why is the report appearing only now… Now that they have killed the Iraqui leader and made Iraqui civilians’ lives miserable? Was it the oil? With all due respect to them, **** them!

We have all been concerned of the 9/11 attack. I’ve been there when the whole world performed the noise barrage after the bombing. I’ve even seen the movie. We all knew what happened and how it happened. But have we asked why it happened? It’s not that I approve the methods of the terrorists but I am concerned why they opted to cause great destruction to Pentagon and the World Trade Center. Why bomb these two establishments? There is a saying: there’s no smoke if there’s no fire. What caused the fire?

Is Bush reviving the third Punic War where Rome's leaders wished to make war with Carthage for the purpose of annihilating a resurgent rival? The army wished to make war with Carthage to exploit the great opportunity for plunder while leveling the city of Carthage.

Saddam is dead. Iraq is in pieces. There is nothing more to do with Iraq. But the Americans are still all over Iraq. What more do they want? They say they are concerned with their national security that is why they are rummaging Iraq for more terrorists. They have to remember that if they “attack a country” (literally or economically), they expose themselves to the possibility that there will be retaliations. That is the cost of acquiring world domination, especially when it means putting down other nations.

It seems like Americans want to take over the whole Middle East, obviously because of the oil. Now that they have Iraq, they are now eyeing for Iran. They accuse Iran of providing Iraqui militants with weapons. So… will there be another war against Iran? The Iranian president is moving toward making nuclear energy. Might as well be just an offensive defense.

Let us all be cautious. Justice is giving people what is due them. If the American people deserve to live in terror because of their attacks, then so be it. Let us, Filipinos, live in peace. If we do not cause harm to others, we will have peace. If others fight, let them be. It’s their “business”.

Postscript: Did you know that, Saddam Hussein and Jose Rizal was executed on the same date? Rizal was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896 and exactly 110 years later, Hussein was executed by hanging on December 30, 2006.

ANG PAG-IBIG KONG ITO

2007-02-13T19:52:00.000+08:00

Warning: Please tone down your volumes. Magwawala na ang dyosa. Hahaha! Walang kokontra, blog ko ito! Actually, this is an open letter to my papalicious daddy. Hehe.

Dear Papajay,

Here's my Valentine's Day gift for you. I recorded this myself. I hope you enjoy it kahit medyo kahihiyan na ito. It's the thought that counts naman di ba?

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"Ang pag-ibig kong ito, luha ang tanging nakamit buhat sa'yo
kaya't sa Maykapal tuwina'y dalangin ko
sana'y... kapalaran ko ay magbago..."

Hahaha. Joke lang! I love you so much!

Kisses and more kisses,
Dat

TEAM UNITY FILES CANDIDACY TODAY

2007-02-12T16:00:00.000+08:00

The administration senatorial line-up under the banner Team Unity filed their Certificates of Candidacies before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) today, February 12.

Team Unity includes Senators Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, Ralph Recto, Tito Sotto, Representatives Juan Miguel Zubiri and Prospero Pichay, Governors Vic Magsaysay, Jericho Petilla and Chavit Singson, former Presidential Chief of Staff Mike Defensor and Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. Team Unity, which stands for Together Everyone Achieves More Unity emphasized on the importance of local government units (LGUs) in the development of economy.

Their slogan, “tulong tulong sa pagsulong” stressed on working together to achieve reconciliation and peace in the government. Before proceeding to the COMELEC, the Team Unity attended a mass at the Manila Cathedral and held a press conference at Villa Immaculada where they had their first campaign speech.

After the press conference, the candidates proceeded to the COMELEC. Outside the commission, the crowd was a festivity of supporters waving their placards, wearing t-shirts provided by their senatorial bets and accompanied by an ati-atihan band. Among them are various housing organizations who benefited from Mike Defensor’s housing projects, supporters of Vic Magsaysay, Miguel Zubiri and Chavit Singson, and the Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas.

UNHOLY TRINITY

2007-02-11T18:07:00.000+08:00

Just finished reading the "Unholy Trinity" by Richard Peet and made a book review on it.

Richard Peet’s Unholy Trinity uses the historical approach to critically examine the three powerful “global governance institutions” which are the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which is specialized in currency and international stabilization; the World Bank (WB) which is focused on structural adjustment; and the World Trade Organization (WTO) which is advocating trade liberalization – all of which regulates the financial, economic and trade facets of member nations.

Click here to read my full review.

OTOP

2007-02-11T13:55:00.000+08:00

"Merong pinapauso ang DTI, yung OTOP."

"Anong OTOP? Kinakain ba yun? Yung flat na crunchy. Bakit, gumagawa na sila non?"

"Sira, otap yon!"

"Ah oo nga. Ano nga ba yon? Bagong product?"

"Hindi, project yon ng DTI. Ang ibig sabihin, one-town-one-product. Actually, year 2005 pa yon pinauso kaso parang di ko naman nabalitaan."

Curious ka ba? Pwede ka magkaroon ng dagdag na kaalaman tungkol sa OTOP dito, dito at dito. Eto din ang website nila.

THE KIKAY IS BACK!

2007-02-08T15:25:00.000+08:00

Don't you guys miss my posts in kikay guru? Actually, I'm planning on deleting that account as I cannot handle that blog anymore. Not because I have ceased becoming a kikay but my time isn't that free now.

Now that I'm really accepting that I'm really kikay, I'll be incorporating my kikay stuff here in Exclamation Point. So please bear with me.

Papalicious no. 1: Mel Francis Salise

I first took notice of Mel when I watched him on tv battling for the national quiz bee in Manila. I recognized him because I see him in Kalipi. I got the chance to talk to him when he participated in the Basic Writing and Blogging Workshop. I saw Mel's writing and he has a potential for this. He still has so much room for improvement but I guess he can easily improve his skills in no time.

Ok, let's go to the fun part. Si Mel, tahimik lang, shy type pero crush ng bayan. Mel's Fans Club is founded by Micah Rivera and the current executive director is Joy Micaller. This February, I'm planning to register as a member. Wahahah. Kakahiya, patulan daw ba? Seriously though, nakakatuwa lang kasi he's medyo nerdy pero cute. Oy... May kinikilig dyan...

Papalicious no. 2: Jerry Codiñera

Okay, ladies, mag-level up tayo nang konti lang. As in level 6 feet plus plus. Nyahahayyy...

Sino sa inyong nakakaalala sa Purefoods basketball player na si Jerry Codiñera. Akalain mo ba naman, naispatan ko siya in the crowd during Mayor Atienza's State of the City Address? Nobody seemed to notice him at the back. Ang kikay, ayun... Hinatak si Kuya Mante to take a photo of Jerry. After our photo shoot, ayun... Ang madlang people, naga-hurry na gyud to take the autograph of Jerry.

Oh di ba? May dimples pala siya.

THE SAMASA-KILOS SQUARE OFF

2007-02-02T11:19:00.000+08:00

Activism has been in the core of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines for almost two decades. It has been the haven for political activists and communists. The usual noise of the university is a flurry of megaphones and screaming "students." What everyone treats as a news on TV is a daily occurrence in the university. Ironically, they only represent 10% of the student population in PUP. If activism is such a good political and ideological exercise, why then, does it leave a bad taste to most of the PUPians? What makes activism in PUP unattractive?

Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan (SAMASA) is unquestionably in the forefront of student activism in PUP. Whenever a national issue is bothering the nation, they are always ready to march the streets and wave their red flags. “Tunay, palaban, makabayan!” is their usual battle cry.

Any naïve college freshman will naturally greet their marches with awe. At first, they would feel proud that they have activists who show “genuine” concern with national issues. If so, what turns us PUPians off?

We are students. We study. They don’t.
We are poor. We try not to look poorly. They don’t.
We have classes. We try not to be absent in classes. They don’t.
We need to graduate. We try all means to graduate. They don’t.
We compete. We strive for academic excellence. They don’t.

I will never forget Joan, the big, fat, intimidating Samasa activist. I’ve seen her around campaigning against Erap when I was a freshman. After I graduate, I entered graduate school. Sometimes we hold classes in the main campus. To my surprise, I still saw her campaigning for a particular issue. Hasn’t she graduated? I wonder.

Kilos PUPian, a rising force coming from the Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas PUP Chapter is the group that poses a threat in the leadership of Samasa in the Central Student Council. Their fight is to strive for academic excellence. Their former battle cry “Kilos PUPian: Oras Natin ‘To!” proved otherwise as they were unable to unseat the Samasa tribe in the Central Student Council last 2006 elections with a small margin of roughly 300 votes. Now, their tagline goes “PUPians: Astig Maging Iba.” It seems they are weary of the control of the antiquated Samasa regime in PUP so they are posing as an alternative to the leadership.

Kilos represents the 90% students who would rather study than go off the streets to be dispersed by water cannons. They represent those who cram for exams; those who spend overnights to finish their thesis; those who save their allowances to rent a computer in internet shops; those who aspire graduating soon to find work; those who want to do away with poverty; and those who are too tired of politics that they opt to occupy themselves with schoolwork.

This coming PUP CSC Elections, it will again be a battle between SAMASA and KILOS. The square off continues -- a square off between student activism versus academic excellence. PUPians will choose. I just hope they realize their important role in improving the image and perspective of PUP.

Sana lamang, maging numero uno tayo sa pagpapalakas ng ekonomiya; hindi sa pagtatayo ng unyon!

MY JOHARI WINDOW

2007-02-01T17:46:00.000+08:00

Hi there! I have discovered a way to know how people think or feel about my personality which is the Johari Window. Let me give you an idea of how it works.

Johari Window is a system invented by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham in the 1950s as a model for mapping personality awareness. By describing yourself from a fixed list of adjectives, then asking your friends and colleagues to describe you from the same list, a grid of overlap and difference can be built up.

If you are my friend, please help me fill up my Johari window. Please click on this link: Johari Window. I would really appreciate if you can give some of your time to this.

EUREKA! MEDICINE FOR INSOMNIACS

2007-02-01T16:04:00.000+08:00

For more than two weeks, it's either our internet connection or blogger itself that was down which was giving all of us a headache. Now, that it's already super fast, I'm getting back to my old habit of blogging again.

Actually, I already created another wordpress account due to the inefficiency of blogger; since wordpress loads faster. I thought the connection problem was gonna last for more than one month. But now that it's back, I'm thinking about deleting the blog I created in wordpress.

Anyway, I've got lots of story to tell you. I'll probably write many posts today.

These past few days, I'm getting into another identity crisis once again; specifically in what I really wanted to do with my life. In my last post, I was ready to reach the stars. Now, there are so many stars that I want to reach. I'm very confused. But I'm sure in a couple of days, I will be able to sort out my plans. Sana lang, I still have the format of Sir Eli's dreamchart... I'm sure it will be of big help.

MANDARIN WAVE

Last week, I was planning to take up Mandarin classes in Dela Salle but I decided to take it up probably next March at the Confucious Institute in Ateneo whenever available. I still have to save money for that.

Actually, I was thinking of not taking it up at all. Kasi nga, when I was asking God for a sign if I should take it up, I ran into this blog YouDieHard who hated Tsinoys. Kakatawa talaga. He said the Chinese need not make another military weapon kasi daw, umutot lang daw sila ng sabay-sabay, patay na kalaban. Really funny.

Then, there I was, really decided on not taking it up. And then, grabe mare, coincidence talaga. I got a sideline as a researcher. I was commissioned to research on the trade developments of Philippines and China. Oh di ba. San ka pa? Grabeng sign na ito. It's a good intellectual exercise din pala to have something to study about from time to time. So iyon, I earned a couple of bucks squeezing my brain out on the project.

After I finished the China project, I had another commission right away. It's about the book the "Unholy Trinity." Basically, it discusses about the three international financial institutions: International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organization. Grabe mare, I was so consumed by the book. It's quite hard to squeeze in the thoughts to my brain talaga. It's like I have to read every sentence three times before I get the meaning. Gosh! Mare, it's a good alternative to counting sheep, I tell you. I found the best medicine for insomniacs. Pero, as I told you, I was consumed by it. Ang lupit talaga! Panalo yung mga opinions. Just wait till I finish the book before I tell you the whole "Unholy Trinity" story. I think after reading it, I will be a full-pledged anti-American. Hahaha. Just kidding. I still have to learn more from it. Nasa chapter 2 pa lang ako pero feeling ko I'm already an authority in international economics. Lupit no? Ang lakas ng hangin. Hahaha.

PIMPLE-FIGHTING AGENT

Can anyone give me a good pimple-fighting product? I'll probably have lots of pimples after I read the entire book. Kasi naman, I sleep at around 3 o'clock in the morning just to get through the whole chapter. That's why nagpopropagate na naman ang whole pimple clan.

... to be continued

STARS

2007-01-15T14:31:00.000+08:00

It's exactly two months before I reach my 24th birthday. Some say that the 24th is the biggest turn of one's life. It's when perspectives and ideals change from that of one’s childhood fantasies to the realities of adult life.

Every child I know has in any way dreamt of getting rich or wealthy, at least those who have struggled in life. As years unfold before our very eyes, it seems though that such dream may have only been brought about by fantasies. The fulfillment of such dream seems to fade as we reach adulthood. I can still remember myself dreaming of reaching the stars. Being a kid, I never thought it was impossible. But when I reached high school, my teacher told me that if I do so, I will burn. That’s one dream being turned down, I thought.

Why was it so easy to dream when we were a child? Why did my dreams seem so boundless compared to my dreams now? Why have I become so content with my life now when in fact, I was so restless as a child?

I used to be happy. Now, I feel so empty.

When I was a teenager, I was full of enthusiasm. I would easily set a target, work for it and alas, I would succeed. Now, it’s hard for me to set my goals because I have to consider first if it’s realistic and achievable. I do not know if my growing up developed me or it only made me see the dividing line between imagination and pragmatism. Unfortunately, I became more of the latter.

For me, I “regret” that my only way forward is marrying and having a family of my own. It seems to be the most common thing to do for a woman of my age. Living in a conservative nation when women cannot literally court men they wanted, we are left with no choice but to choose men who are in front of us. One may say that any liberal woman can just do what men can do in terms of relationships; but still, it would take lots of guts to do that. And we’re not so sure if men can accept this kind of action from us.

Sad enough, if we try to postpone marrying, when we reach the age of thirty, men generally tend to lose interest on us. How can we achieve more dreams if the major thing we should do is marry and have a family? I see myself bound in the shackles of marriage, not that I don’t like it but isn’t it wonderful to reach more dreams before committing to a lifetime vocation?

Back to where I started, what is my dream now? Putting aside the tendency for contentment, the fear of being alone and the pressures of discouragement, what would it be?

I used to dream of reaching the stars; then, of entering the convent; then, being a newscaster and stage actress; then, a bank employee; then, the BSP governor; then… I stopped dreaming.

It seems that I made a turn on a road which led me to a blank wall. Nothing in there, neither darkness nor light. It’s empty. But I don’t feel any sadness or joy; just plain contentment. But I’ve been here for so long. Now I’m getting restless.

The only way to look is back to where I started. I dream of reaching the stars.

CHRISTMAS 2006

2006-12-27T09:48:00.000+08:00

It's December 27 and we're all back to work. The christmas spirit still hangs in the air as we're still not done giving out christmas presents to people who have been helpful with us in the office.

This Christmas vacation, I had a marathon movie watching of Barbie's movies. I watched Barbie in Mermaidia, Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus, Barbie in the Princess and the Pauper, 12 Dancing Princesses, Barbie in the Nutcracker and Barbie of Swan Lake. I skipped Barbie in Fairytopia because I've already watched it before. I have yet to finish Barbie Diaries and Barbie as Rapunzel.

Speaking of Barbie, I bought my two little sisters their own Barbie dolls. Christmas is really for kids. It's truly heart-warming to see their huge smiles while opening their christmas presents. Here are the photos of my brother Carl, my sisters Fatima, Vanessa and Jaynna and my twin nephews JM and JP.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

CHADDICT AKO

2006-12-17T11:17:00.000+08:00

All my thanks to Madame Rina Quinto for giving us 41 tickets to the Pinoy Dream Academy!!! Yippee!!

Yes, lower box it is...

Here's the PDA logo at our back. With me is blooming Bevs.

Kahit bet ko rin si Yeng, forever Chaddict na 'ko!!! I love you Mr. Richard Edward Peralta. Nakks! Hehe.

ANG GANDA KO

2006-12-07T15:54:00.000+08:00

Walang kokontra! Blog ko to.

Oh di ba, ang agang rumampa! Ang saya saya.

Samahan mo pa ng mga kapitapitagang mga badaff... Susmaryosep, ang gagwafo naman! Seminar ba ito ng accountancy at nakasabit ang mga calculators sa leeg?!? Oh my goofness!

BOOKWORM SUPREME

2006-12-06T18:18:00.000+08:00

BREAKING THE SILENCE

2006-12-06T15:46:00.000+08:00

Being blog silent doesn't mean nothing's happening to a me.

November has been a crazy month for me. There's the case of the Liberal Party with the Comelec and now the Supreme Court. Emotions, particularly tension, have been high in the office. I admit I've been writing a lot about it but I'm having a hard time putting conclusions to it. It's really hard to criticize leaders you once looked upon with admiration. I'm not closing my doors to the possibility of understanding their convictions, so I prefer keeping my thoughts to myself. But by the time I am firm with my critique, I will not hesitate to publish it here.

LP NECO Members raising their hands in support of the leadership of Mayor Lito Atienza
during the LP Leaders Meeting on November 13, 2006 at the Manila Hotel

December is what every entrepreneur is looking forward to every year. It's when the world's economic activity shoots up. It's the month of wealth generation as well as wealth spending. Sana lang, mas malaki ang magenerate kesa maspend, di ba? I have this business motto: God showers the world with opportunities, it's just a matter of grabbing it. People who are rich now, have grabbed them and never let them go. I've been given the gift of eye for art and lots of patience. So I used it for my Donnabeads. Good thing, my friends and my friend's friends appreciated them and some have patronized them. Maybe because I charge super low. I don't mind as long as I bring happiness to those who will wear my beads, that's enough bliss for me. My bracelet and earrings set cost 60 to 150 depending on the beads. You may visit it at www.donnabeads.blogspot.com.

My favorite beadwork for November

ON PUNCTUALITY

2006-10-23T14:58:00.000+08:00

I just checked out the Malacañang website to see if they're declaring another holiday this coming November. Instead, I found this really good presidential proclamation that I personally must adhere to.

Pres. Arroyo declared the whole month of November as "National Consciousness Month for Punctuality and Civility." Nice one, huh?

THE SILLY WORM

2006-10-18T14:20:00.000+08:00

I basically have a fear of squiggly crawlers like centipedes, millipedes, earthworms and the whole suborder of serpentes. But this cartoon I found in google image search made me smile.

Cartoon by: Ashycook

GIRLY GIRLY LANG

2006-10-17T16:51:00.000+08:00

Create Your Own!

I just want to share to you a pirated video from Leng's blog. It's our pictorial for the Constitutional Reform poster slogan making contest conducted by Kalipi.

SPOLIARIUM

2006-10-16T19:21:00.000+08:00

Late June of this year, I went loco over my classic red guitar. I grew callous on my fingers. After 5 months of the craze, I turned to the digital voice recorder last night and recorded my favorite song Spoliarium composed by Eraserheads and revived by Imago.

I realized that it's so hard to play the guitar, read the chords and lyrics and sing all at the same time so please bear with my singing. By the way, I'm left handed.

MILENYO

2006-10-09T14:16:00.000+08:00

For four days, the whole Luzon area of the Philippines was shut down to all activities because of the short-lived but highly devastating "Milenyo."

Where was I that time? No, I'm not the one who sleeps through a disaster.

At first, I was happy that I'm gonna have more blog time. Persistent me didn't bother having five power fluctuations as long as I blog. Unfortunately, the last fluctuation ended up in a total blackout. At that moment, I got ready to leave the office. When I got out, I saw this tremendous wind blowing the streets of Manila.

At that moment, I hurriedly got back to the office, which was actually in a total blackness, to get the camera. I took these photos. The wind was blowing so hard that the roofs of nearby building were flying off. Leaves were flying above the horizon. No one dared to walk outside because of the strong wind.

MY LIBERAL BLOGGING GURU

2006-10-09T13:42:00.000+08:00

If there is one person that should take the blame for the proliferation of liberal bloggers, it should be Dr. Ronald Meinardus.

RM, as we fondly call him, has been the resident representative of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Manila Office for four years. As a journalist, he stressed out the importance of using media and communication tools in the promotion of liberalism. No wonder FNF was able to produce numerous publications for the liberal movement in the Philippines. RM also introduced the use of electronic newsletters, websites, blogs and podcasts among the Filipino liberals.

So much may be said about Dr. Meinardus but there is one quality about him that strikes me most: his objective and straightforward criticism. He can say something is wrong about your work in your face without being too personal. However, this quality has its equal share of disadvantages. Many Filipinos, as softhearted as we may be, may take criticisms offensively no matter how polite one says it. As RM himself wrote in his book Liberal Times in the Philippines, “Like no other Asians, I have found Filipino political friends and partners outgoing, communicative and inclusive. This openness and intimacy however, may also backfire. Sadly, I experienced that in a situation of crisis, political issues can take on a highly emotional and also negative personal flavour.”

As we bid farewell to Dr. Meinardus last September 27 since he will be posted as the new Regional Director for Middle East, LP President Mayor Atienza together with LP leaders awarded RM with a plaque of appreciation.

I also made a scrapbook for him in behalf of Kalipi, which contains messages from people who got close to RM, and his photos together with Kalipi and LP members.

When I was making the scrapbook, I was wondering what RM would feel upon receiving it because I knew that he was not a very emotional man. After the activity, we spotted RM pouring over the scrapbook with Mr. Siegfried Herzog beside him. Well, upon seeing the two, the effort of making the scrapbook was all worth it.

Along with our goodbyes to RM, is our hello to the new FNF Manila resident representative Mr. Siegfried “Siggy” Herzog. Siggy is not at all foreign to the Philippines as he himself has a Filipina wife. Mr. Herzog is an economist so he told us that he would focus on advancing liberal trade in the country.

Below, Mayor Atienza is giving the key to the City of Manila to Mr. and Mrs. Herzog.

NEITHER PRO-MARCOS NOR ANTI

2006-09-21T18:52:00.000+08:00

I believe that for an end to be accomplished, various factors must conspire; whether grim or peaceful it may be.

What if Marcos had not instituted the martial law? Would heroes like Ninoy Aquino emerge? Would there still be a people power revolution? Would the dictatorship be changed to the democracy we now enjoy?

Which reminds me of Judas Escariot, the disciple who has been condemned for generations of Christians and now finds solace with the advent of the Gospel of Judas. If not for Judas, Jesus may not have accomplished his purpose in the world. Not all evil are disadvantageous.

Accordingly, if not for Marcos, the Filipinos may have contented themselves with the government that we previously had. Maybe we would still have the same constitution. As such, this black spot in our history is still part of the factors that led to our democratic republic.

On a lighter note, this morning, we joined the activities organized by the City of Manila: unveiling of the Victims of Martial Law Memorial Wall and renaming of the Hospital St. to Cecilia Muñoz-Palma St.

This is the marker of the memorial wall offered to victims of martial law.

On these walls are engraved names of the victims.

With these, the future generations of Filipinos will be reminded

of the martyrdom of the Filipinos from the past.

Here is the unveiling of the street named after the late Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma: the only justice who voted against the martial rule. As the keynote speaker in the person of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel said, "we used to joke around that she was the only justice then who had the balls to fight Marcos."

Of course, the Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas will always be in the frontlines of such activities.

Here's the whole bunch of us with the memorial wall at the back.

In this photo, we felt like we were sitting with the giants. Here are DG Eli Quinto, Senator Eva Kalaw, Sen. Eddie Ilarde and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel.

What's so special about this last photo? Actually, this photo was taken by no less than the Kalipi National President, Rep. Miles Roces. That's why we were all giggling to the bones.

BUHAWI IN MANILA

2006-09-15T19:12:00.000+08:00

One afternoon, my officemate pulled me from my computer to show the rather unique color of the sunset; the horizon was in tangerine - a perfect light for taking photos. Delighted with the sunrays, we gathered everyone: Rob, Eric, Jan, Franz, Ace and Gem to go to the rooftop which is at the 8th floor. So we fled from the office leaving everything behind.

Unfortunately, the elevator was already shut down because it's already past 6 o'clock. There was no choice for us but to take the stairs. Sweating and panting, we were so eager to catch the orange light that is fading so fast.

Luckily, we caught the sunset and took photos along the railings of the rooftop. One minute after, the sky seemed to fade into black. Uncontented with the shots we got, we climbed up the radio tower. Though the darkness is already enveloping the vast horizon, we still got a magnificent view right before our eyes.

Gem was looking far out when he shouted, "Uy oh! Buhawi."

"Saan? Saan?" each of us asked.

Erick was the first one to spot what Gem was pointing at.

There, right before us is a tornado just above a building in Manila. This is the first time I've actually ever seen one in the midst of the city. Witness the wonder of buhawi in Manila as the sun sets gradually on the horizon.

Good thing, nothing bad happened. I was thinking that we may be the only ones who caught it but late that evening, it was shown in Bandila as the ABS-CBN Sky Patrol was able to catch on tape. They said that the twister originated from Manila Bay.

MY BABY BLOGGERS

2006-09-12T15:31:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, I bore 17 babies. Can you imagine that? Haha. Actually, I taught blogging to Kalipi members who have writing inclinations.

Abby

Aizel

Alex

Julie and Franz

Gem

Ivy

Jackie

Jashee

Kiko

Cucai

Lala

Lheng

Mel

Nani

Niko

Nyza

Here's the whole bunch of us, along with Eric Caliboso (Organizer), Rob Ramos (Speaker on Basic Writing) and Chris Pangilinan (Blogging Critic). Keep on posting babies!

HUSTLE AND BUSTLE

2006-09-08T16:35:00.000+08:00

I grew up mostly in the city of Makati. I witnessed how bridges mushroomed along the avenues. I remember seeing one or two towers rise every now and then from the window of our house. I used to jog within the vicinity of Fort Bonifacio, where lush greeneries provide joggers with the scent of nature. Then we moved to Quezon City, Rizal and finally, I stayed in Manila.

A few years later, I came back to Makati. I find myself foreign in my hometown. What used to be the children's playground and basketball court along the street is now a busy flyover. The towers I used to see can never be seen because a flyover now blocked the sight. The trees I used to play under have been knocked down; developers must have preferred the sight of a concrete rather than a tree. The peaceful and friendly Makati now became a busy place full of indifferent people. They say, this is the "heart of the metro" where the Philippine economy is based.

The place I stay now, Manila, is nowhere different from Makati. The place is filled with long traffic jams, big business establishments, webs of electric wires jumbled in the horizon and busy people all over.

All these time, I was surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the urb. I was in the verge of believing that this was the only place that exists until I travelled... My travel started at the very least, Laguna. As I grew older, the distance seemed to go further. Until the farthest that I traveled where I can see the Pacific Ocean, which is Catanduanes.

My journey will probably go further as my purse grows bigger. As of now, I content myself with the free journey that the internet is giving me - videos.

Philippine Tourism Video Presentation

Tara Na! Byahe Tayo!

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT ON NINOY'S DAY

2006-08-29T15:42:00.000+08:00

This is us, the Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (KALIPI) during the Commemoration of the 23rd Death Anniversary of Sen. Ninoy Aquino at the Ninoy Aquino Monument, P. Burgost St., Manila City. With us were LP President Mayor Lito Atienza, KALIPI President Miles Roces, Candon City Mayor Allen Singson and KALIPI Sec. Gen. Jan-Argy Tolentino.

After the activity, I went "star spotting" and was able to corner some political personalities.

Donnabee with Fmr. Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta

Donnabee with Manila Representative Miles Roces

Donnabee with Mayor Allen Singson of Candon City, Ilocos Sur

Last but not the least, Donnabee with little Ms. Ivy Ganadillo,

Vice President for Communications of Kalipi PUP Chapter.

(Naks! Special special!)

THE TAGGING FACTORY

2006-08-28T17:15:00.000+08:00

I visualize the Philippine society as a large factory with assembly lines starting with a large tagging system, which classifies and marks individuals with either “fresh or rotten.”

Discrimination, inequality and biases are such words that could never quite describe how the Philippine educational system demarcates individuals even before they could even learn how to spell the word Philippines. Before we even start with the blamestorming, which Filipinos are very fond of, let me detail to you the things that our educators must have “overlooked” for decades.

When a child enters the first grade, these little young fellows are already shown how unfair the society can become. He or she undergoes the educational system’s “tagging process” which classifies him or her to the school’s numerical sections (i.e. section 1, 2 and so on). If his or her grades from pre-school are exemplary, chances are, they get to belong to the first section. Otherwise, he or she is placed in the lower sections. At first look, this system does not pose any problem among the students. However, as the regard to the “star” section as the section where the “bright” students are collected, the second section as the section where you find the moderately bright ones, and the description degrades as the section goes further; these young “individuals” are already taught how to “limit” their capabilities at a very young age.

Let us go up to another level, say, during grade 3. Try comparing the lesson plans of teachers from section 1 with that of section 10, the lesson of the latter would definitely lag behind by a couple of chapters. Teachers would reason out that they just “fit” the lessons with the “ability” of their students to grasp the subjects. Even worse, we give the teachers a reason not to be good in teaching since they consider their students as “slow-learners”. Can we really blame the students belonging to the lower sections with how they comprehend the topics? When at first, by classifying them as the “not-so-bright” ones, they already consider themselves as such; like it’s an acceptable fact when they fail. Thus, they put no effort to become better than they are because of the “belief” that they are the feeble-minded ones.

All right, a teacher may easily oppose to this theory and defend that they give the same quality of education to the lower sections but let me illustrate you a more obvious instance that we could all agree on even without a formal study.

For instance, a public school has 10 sections. The school implements a basic computer education program. Normally, resources are limited so only 20 computers are available. To whom to do you think will the computer subject be taught?

In a Boy or Girl Scout activity, which requires a limited number of delegates, say 10, from which section does the school administrators get their delegates?

In a math or science competition, have you ever encountered a school competitor coming from lower sections?

Finally, in getting the top students for a year level, where do they get the top ten students?

Sadly, the children are already tagged either fast or slow learners; thus, limiting their potentials. Are we really in the position to dictate the capabilities of an individual? After all these time, why did we tolerate our educational system to classify and marginalize individuals, especially the children?

Isn’t this a basic violation of our liberal advocacy? Shouldn’t we stop this culture of educational inequalities among our youth? I still believe that the children have the most malleable brains. If you teach them how to maximize their potentials, tell them that they are worth more than they think they are, and give them the same quality of education regardless of which section they belong, we can illustrate economy in the simplest terms possible at the early stage of an individual’s life.

Equality – a word every liberal so proudly wears off his or her sleeves. A liberal economy, as they often say, is defined by a society providing equal opportunities and maximizing the potentials of individuals. Yes, with an emphasis on the individual, whether young or old.

Let us break the system of tagging ourselves. Let us discontinue marginalizing our own capabilities. Let us stop delimiting the youth. Let this become every young liberal’s fight for inequality. Let this be the start of an advocacy for equal allocation of educational resources. Let us put an end to the tagging factory.

Photo by: www.kidland.org

KALIPI AD-JOURN

2006-08-25T15:49:00.000+08:00

Yes, you'll hear it here first:

Join the KALIPI "AD-JOURN" (Advocacy Journalism):
Basic Writing and Blogging Workshop

Kalipi “Ad-Journ” is a whole day hands-on workshop on basic advocacy journalism and blogging to be held at the Kalipi National Headquarters on September 10, 2006.

Training Coverage:

Constructing a clear message for news and online publication with a focus on advocacy journalism
Basic editorial and writing guidelines
Producing a blog

Interested Kalipi members should submit the following requirements to the Kalipi NHQ:

Curriculum Vitae;
Application form, which may be acquired from Kalipi NHQ;
and a one-page short article about Kalipi (this will be the basis for the selection of participants).

Deadline for applications is on September 5, 2006. Only 16 slots are available for this workshop. For details, please contact Julie at 713-0737 local 806 or email us at kalipi@gmail.com.

MY TRIBUTE TO AGOSTO BENTE UNO

2006-08-21T14:33:00.000+08:00

August 21 marks three important events in the history of the Liberal Party.

1971 - Plaza Miranda Bombing
1983 - Ninoy Aquino Assassination
1989 - Founding of Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (KALIPI)

In my own little way, I would like to pay tribute to the people involved in these three significant events, whether politicians, martyrs, democrats, liberals or youth. I am honored to carry the "liberal" mark that you have made us all proud of. I know a roughly done podcast will never give justice to what you have done for the spirit of liberalism as you have offered both wisdom and sacrifice.

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I am a neophyte in podcasting so comments will be most appreciated. All my sincerest gratitude to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for introducing the art of podcasting to us and to our good instructor J. Angelo Racoma.

In this podcast, Asec. Jonathan Malaya talks about his experiences as a young leader of Kalipi. He also gave his views on what Kalipi should do as young guardians of democracy. We will also come to know that his regard for Kalipi is that magnanimous when he said "I will not be Asec. today if not for Kalipi... and for that, I owed Kalipi a lot." Thank you Sir Jon for your time. You truly belong to the Kalipi "Hall of Fame." (haha, that would be a good feature, huh?)

This podcast is also published in the LP blog and Agosto Bente Uno blog.

MUSIC FAIRY

2006-08-15T15:29:00.000+08:00

Thy power so innate
Whatever form you take
Embraces a depressed soul
Knocking and waiting still
Pounding at the door of my heart
Come into my world
Bring life to my lonely heart
As the strings strum to a beat
Another being takes to life
There you are my friend
Come fly with me
To this journey of life
As my eyes close at night
I hear you in my mind
Bringing warmth to every heartbeat
I fear your end, never stop!
Never leave me
You whisper in my ear
"We'll never part
I'm there in your heart

I am you."

Photo by: www.images.imvu.com

RED ELECTRIC GUITAR

2006-08-11T14:40:00.000+08:00

I'll put this on my wishlist. It's around $269 excluding shipping costs. I'm $69 short. Oh well. Maybe I will just have to manage with my cheap red guitar I bought here in Sta. Mesa.

Noticed anything? None? It's left-handed. Nowadays, I'm setting aside my beading hobby and playing with my guitar instead. I play almost 3 hours every night and grow a millimeter of callous everyday. It's really fun and creative. I'm just fulfilling my calling. Haha. I dreamt about playing before a crowd with a red guitar. Well, I hope it's not far from reality now.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE

2006-08-08T21:16:00.000+08:00

I was about to take a blog leave with my personal blogs this August when out of the blue, I felt the urgency to blog. Well, there's nothing really remarkable to blog about because I was a little busy these days. Well, should I define a little busy? Or, is this an epitomy of a super cluttered life? Associating this desk with an OC is quite unimaginable, huh?

I'm a moderate OC, I admit. My superpowers include detecting typographical errors in 3 seconds from the moment you place the paper on my hand. Hehe! Maybe that's the skill I acquired from working in the investment arm of BPI wherein a little lapse could lead to a disaster.

Maybe it's good to have OCs in a financial job. This way, it would be easy for them to keep a balanced statement.

But sometimes, it has a downside. It can get quite expensive; one can get caught frequently betting on the lottery. I always dream about numbers and usually bet them in the lottery. On a second thought, maybe they're just manifestations of my work. Ikaw man, magcompute ng finances almost araw-araw, kung di ka ba naman managinip ng numbers!

Another downside is that you tend to notice other people's flaws often. I tell you, it gets to the nerves noticing their weaknesses and you cannot tell it to them since you want to keep nice to them. I remember my boyfriend complaining about it. Further, you tend to forget your own.

Okie, My Girl na! Babush! Gotta fly in front of the TV.

MY DEBUT PODCAST

2006-07-28T20:11:00.000+08:00

I produced my first podcast today. With a five-sentence script, I labored for three hours producing this podcast. This is an introduction on what August 21 means to the Philippine liberals. The rest of the content is found in the Agosto Bente Uno blog which I am maintaining.

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I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF SALONGA

2006-07-27T09:43:00.000+08:00

I just got my own copy of the Liberal Chronicles from Friedrich Naumann Foundation Manila Office yesterday; for which I would like to take this opportunity to thank their resident representative, Dr. Ronald Meinardus, for sending me a free copy.

Actually I'm not really fond of reading history as I am more inclined in solving numerical challenges. Nevertheless, I took the time to read the book so as to get inputs about the Party I'm working for. It's a remarkable book for me because it's actually the first time my name is mentioned in a book particularly in the acknowledgment.

The first article, "The Liberal Party: Its Past and New Politics" written by Sen. Jovito Salonga is breathtaking. I've never enjoyed reading history like I've enjoyed reading his article. I've only known Presidents Roxas, Quirino and Magsaysay by the periods they served and their taglines but Salonga defined each character like they're actually real humans and politicos with certain political strategies.

I also felt his emotions when he mentioned the Plaza Miranda bombing where he said: "I almost lost my life." And I felt his frustration when he said that the case hasn't been solved until now, while Marcos promised that it will be solved in a few days.

I realized how Sen. Salonga helped in shaping the ideological basis of the Liberal Party by crafting the LP Program of Government; which by the way, the act is a directive of Pres. Roxas. Through this, he actually gave the Party a unified definition of liberalism; though some concepts are still being criticized by Liberals themselves.

Finally, I just have to mention that on page 8, the fifteen promises of Marcos must have been mistyped. The items 12 and 13 were omitted; which, ironically, brings the 15 promises to a total of 13. Lucky number, huh?

While reading the next article by Manolo Quezon, I realized it was already 2 o'clock in the morning so I'll probably resume it next time.

I can't get enough of Salonga. Eric recommended me to buy his books which i'll most probably do. Salonga is the living treasure of the Liberal Party. He once said that "Kalipi is the saving grace of the Liberal Party." Being a Kalipi member myself, I hope I could be worth his reference.

LIBERAL CHRONICLES

2006-07-25T20:14:00.000+08:00

Studying the history of the Liberal Party of the Philippines is now easier with the new book entitled Liberal Chronicles edited cum authored by Asec. Jonathan Malaya and Fmr. Sec. Florencio Abad. The book was made in time for the 60th Anniversary of the Liberal Party last January 19, 2006.

I remember listening to the audio recordings of the meetings held in preparation of this book which has Sen. Jovito Salonga, Gov. Raul Daza and Dir. Gen. Eli Quinto as resource persons; and Manolo Quezon III as the guest historian. I can only applaud to the research team which includes Roman Rabina, Bernadette Dela Rosa and Doris Ramirez who spent sleepless nights finishing this book. Mabuhay po kayo!

To get a copy of this book, contact the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Manila Office at 840-3728 or 29.

ELY AND RINA

2006-07-25T17:00:00.003+08:00

I was poring over the photos of the Liberal Party activity in Davao last week which included Mayor Atienza’s meeting with Mayor Duterte, oathtaking of new LP members and symposium at the University of Mindanao. Maybe you can just imagine my exhaustion editing such photos.

But there is this one photo that I’ve been dying to blog about. I even asked permission from our Communications Officer to put it in the LP blog; but I was turned down anyway. So I’ve taken the liberty to blog it here.

Out of the many political pictures I’ve seen eversince I worked for the Party, this picture is the most classic and romantic photo in the LP collection. The photo below, which looks like a snapshot from a movie, shows LP Director General Eli Quinto and her lovely wife Rina Concio-Quinto. It was taken during the tour of Mayor Atienza and DG Eli Quinto, along with their wives, at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City.

It is such a sweet photo that even Sharon and Gabby would feel intimidated. Love is such wonderful thing that even the wildest of the beasts could be tamed.

I’ve attached a sound clip here to match the snapshot.

John Williams - Love is all around from Four Weddings and a Funeral

Music Code provided by Song2Play.Com

KIKAY DIN PALA SI SUPERMAN

2006-07-24T18:46:00.000+08:00

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's SUPER KITTY!

Haha. Kikay rin pala si Superman. He must see my new blog: www.kikayguru.blogspot.com.

MAYOR LITO ATIENZA LIFE STORY

2006-07-21T02:13:00.000+08:00

BLACK HOLES

2006-07-20T23:06:00.000+08:00

When I was young, I have always been fascinated how the heavenly bodies light the night sky. I even dreamt of becoming an astronaut. I remember riding a swing and looking up in the sky as if the swing would shoot me off the heavens.

One of the magnificent bodies the universe has is the black hole.

Photo by: www.esa.int

A black hole is a concentration of mass whose gravitational field is so strong that nothing can escape it. It has been theorized that a black hole, because of the presence of the strong gravitational field, distorts the space time or simply said, it stretches time. This creates the possibility of having a "multiverse" as opposed to the idea of having only one "universe." Scientists have gone through so many analysis on the different possibilities that black holes present due to its time distortion. There is one institute in California that study black holes and other bodies with massive gravitational fields through the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). This is a really very interesting subject in the field of Astronomy. (www.lisa.jpl.nasa.gov)

I wonder where the Philippine government has gone as far as this subject is concerned. With a scale of 10, how far have we gone? Of all the DOST scholars funded by the government, who had the initiative to enhance our learning in the field of Astronomy? It may not be that important to us Filipinos but what about thinking outside the box? We often befuddle ourselves with political issues and anybody may argue that it is more important; but importance is relative.

When can we have another Albert Einstein? How long do we have to wait? Why can't it be a Filipino? Why can't we think beyond what we already know? It's grim. I do not know the answer.

KIKAY GURU

2006-07-20T20:21:00.000+08:00

The fashion and creativity guru is out at www.kikayguru.blogspot.com.
The young liberal is unleashed at www.liberalpartyphilippines.blogspot.com.
The beader is working at www.donnabeads.blogspot.com.

This is my life after the blogging and podcasting seminar with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. After days and weeks of thinking, the blogger has broken free.

All I wanna do is have some fun.

Sheryl Crow - All I Wanna Do

Music Code provided by Song2Play.Com

SEMINARISTA

2006-07-03T16:46:00.000+08:00

No, I'm not going in a convent or something; I've stricken that out of my dreamlist eversince I fell in love.

Actually, I'm going to the "Express Yourself Reloaded" Workshop of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation from July 4 to 6, 2006. The workshop is about using blogs and podcasts as political communications tools. I find this very exciting since I'm a bloggera myself and podcasting is quite an exploration for me.

The underside of this is that I'll be out of touch from the office for three days (sad kuno, hehe). Actually, I'm looking forward to meeting the top bloggers in the Philippine blogosphere: Manolo Quezon III, Abraham "Yuga" Olandres and Angelo Racoma.

The first thing I would want to do with podcast is sing! Weeeheee!

ALMOST DONE

2006-06-30T11:56:00.000+08:00

Forgive me for being an irresponsible blogger in my own blog for I have been quite busy designing the Liberal Party (LP) and Center for Liberal Leadership (CLL) blogs.

Anyways, it's almost done.

Liberals from the Drilon wing must be snooping around the LP blog. The LP from our side has always been dreaming of having our own website but financial resources restrains us to do so. Thus, in the spirit of bloghood, we are putting up the LP blog so as to keep the netizens aware of the things going on with the Party. We will update it everyday and we expect comments, debates, criticisms and objections in all forms. Unlike that of the LP Drilon website, wherein the guestbook and discussion board is disabled, we will try to answer all queries and concerns so people can have a clear and concise view of the details before they misconstrue issues - which is very likely.

On the other hand, the CLL blog, which is the training arm of the Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (KALIPI) will be most likely to be impartial about the Party split. The blog will set aside the political issues surrounding the Party; instead, deal with the more important problems of the country and the youth today.

For this end, I am honored to set aside my blog and willing to create and maintain these "more important" blogs.

DONNABEADS JUNE COLLECTION

2006-06-21T15:18:00.000+08:00

Please check out my Donnabeads June Collection featuring "The Orchard" at Donnabeads Department.
I'm into bag charms this month.
I'm also exploring creations that will suit morena complexions.

ANNOUNCEMENT

2006-05-21T09:48:00.000+08:00

Featuring:

Forest Collection
Garden Collection
Gemstone Collection
Seaside Collection

Click on the box to proceed to the gallery.