2010

Saturday, July 24

Sunday Scripture Verse: 1 Peter 1:24-25a

For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." 1 Peter 1:24-25a (NIV)

Wednesday, July 21

About this water crisis...

Heck no!

First off, I've been really busy these past weeks and will be for a few weeks more... so please bear with me for not updating this blog as often as I used to. Anyway, it's just my luck that I'm currently stuck in a part of Manila under sucky water concessionaire Maynilad.

Thanks to the geniuses at the National Power Corporation or whoever, we're smack in the middle of a water shortage... so we only had sporadic water supply for more than a week now. I've been waking up at 2am to wait for water that looked like it's been salvaged from flood water. My gosh, I don't think I can bathe in that thing--but it's early yet. I'm thinking I may get to a point where I can get over my squeamishness and just do it!

I completely understand how people who haven't bathed for three days would bust a pipe in the streets just to get clean. Thank God, I have cousins in a nearby village that still has continuous water supply so I have somewhere to go if things get more desperate. For now, I just pray for more rain so the Angat Dam's water level will rise and this would be over.

Monday, July 12

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and drooling...

Team Edward... err... Jacob!

I finally watched The Twilight Saga: Eclipse last weekend when I got together with my cousin and her girls. I haven't paid much attention to the brouhaha about the Twilight series though I've read all of the books... I liked it well enough, I just thought Bella could have been more assertive and kick-ass, but whatever.

Pia, En and Marivic

This movie was action-packed and quite funny in places, so I was a happy camper. And I have to admit, that Jacob (Taylor Lautner) boy's abs was unreal! Talk about drool-worthy... looking at him makes you wonder what's wrong with Bella picking Edward over him. :)

move over, Bella...

I couldn't help but tease (and pinch!) En because she's absolutely on "Team Jacob" and man, he was almost always shirtless the whole movie. There were even girls who chose to sit on the theater aisles to get a better look at his undeniable hotness. Gosh, the squealing from the girls had my ears ringing... but it was really fun watching the Twihards thoroughly enjoy themselves.

Saturday, July 10

Sunday Scripture Verse: Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." ~ Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Friday, July 9

Babies are not for flushing down toilets, okay?

not for babies...

This story about a 24-year-old medical student named Amandeep Mann from India who gave birth in a plane lavatory, and subsequently tried to flush the baby down the toilet, is just too weird to ignore.

What would push a new mother to do this to her baby? Did she honestly think she could get away with this? Why carry a child to term just to get rid of him in this way when he was born? Dude, this woman is definitely messed up.

She's a medical student, eh? She can't plead ignorance in this case then, because medical students are supposed to be smart and informed about these things.

What the h*ll. If you can't keep your knees together--get a condom, go on the pill--there are a lot of choices. There's absolutely no excuse to try to kill your baby, idiot!

Fortunately (or unfortunately), the baby's head got stuck in the toilet bowl and was brought to the hospital with the toilet still attached and surgeons had to use a saw cutter to release the poor newborn out of it.

He's still in critical condition, and I hope if he survives this, he won't ever have to be around his pathetic jail-bound mother. What a way to enter the world little guy, but life is crazy... Good luck!

Saturday, July 3

Sunday Scripture Verse: Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Tuesday, June 29

Goodluck, President Noynoy Aquino! (aka P-Noy)

Go P-Noy

"Today the dream starts to become reality", "There can be no reconciliation without justice", "Walang wang-wang" were just some of what I liked about newly sworn in President Noynoy Aquino's inaugural speech, but what I digged the most was when he said "Kayo ang boss ko". I don't know how he'd go about doing that, but it's nice to hear just the same.

Our country is facing daunting challenges but hearing the sincerity from our new President gave me some hope that indeed, things might be different this time. I'm not expecting too much though... I'm old enough to know that no single person can change the system completely.

I'd be quite content if P-Noy would just make decent decisions, demand the best of the people he put in positions of power, not increase our taxes and not steal.. okay na yun sa kin. Perfection may be impossible, but honest governance is certainly doable--I expect nothing less from Ninoy and Cory Aquino's son.

"You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you; I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people. For this I am very sorry. ... The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather, passed it on to me. ...The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience. There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands." ~ lifted from Ninoy's letter to Noynoy (written in prison c. 1973).

Here are videos of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III's inauguration speech (via PnoyWatcher of YouTube):

Thursday, June 24

Toy Story 3 was amazing!

utter perfection...

If you haven't watched Toy Story 3 yet, I suggest you get off your butt right now, go to the nearest mall and watch it. It was such an amazing treat to see the last installment of the computer-animated feature that started it all.

The first Toy Story made me a Pixar fangirl--that if there's a Pixar movie opening in cinemas, I'm one of the first in line to watch. And they have not disappointed me once... they know how to tell great stories (Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Up). Those Pixar guys are geniuses.

Watching Toy Story 3 just made me reconnect with Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Co. in a huge way. I laughed my head off, felt horror when they were in danger, and had to try really hard not to bawl at the end. Boy, I never knew saying goodbye to characters you cared about when you were young, could be so tough.

I've never been a crybaby to begin with, but the lump in my throat got so huge, it was embarrassing. Only the presence of my cousin Rose yelling at the screen when she thought Woody and the gang were goners, made me feel better about my uncharacteristic show of emotion. I realized I'm not alone in caring about these animated pieces of plastic (I noticed the crowd were yelling and emoting right along with us too).

So there we were--adults so incredibly sucked in by Pixar's technical and story-telling wizardry--trying to be strong and brave, LOL. It was a fitting send-off, with laughter and sadness in equal measure. Couldn't have wished for a better ending. Now, go watch it to see for yourself.

My sister, the new Aussie

congratulations, newly-minted Aussies!

My sister Anne has become an Australian. She had her citizenship ceremony recently and as I looked at pictures of her smiling widely, proudly showing off her citizenship certificate and waving a miniature Australian flag, I felt so happy for her but so sad at the same time.

I'm happy because she's made a good life for herself in a country so different from ours, but sad that this might well mean she won't come back to live here anymore. It's a sad truth that nurses like my sister--and her best friend Cheryl--had to leave the country to make a living elsewhere... they are paid peanuts here, so who can blame them?

there you go...

When my sister left more than a decade ago, we immediately reaped the financial benefits and the balikbayan boxes (oh, the Tim Tams!). Her nursing career took her at first, to Saudi Arabia then to Ireland and finally, Australia. She was able to travel the world, gave our elderly mother (and us too) every little thing she asked (please, nobody tell Mama I called her "elderly"!) and gave help to relatives in need.

The benefits were endless... par for the course for the girl we depended on to get up on the roof to make sure everything were nailed down so the typhoon won't blow our house away (none of her other sisters were brave enough to do it, LOL). She's always been the most daring--the first to leap off the guava tree in our front yard, the first to drive etc.

celebrating at home w/ friends

So now our country's lost another dedicated, hard-working citizen. This happy-but-sad event is duplicated in practically every family I know. It is our nation's present reality and I hope things would get better soon. But for now, the Philippines' loss is Australia's gain, for sure.

Tuesday, June 22

Charice is joining the cast of Glee!

add Charice here

Charice is confirmed to be on Glee next season. I'm a Gleek so this is pretty exciting. I'm so happy for Charice--she's come a long, long way from her impoverished, small-town amateur singing days.

I bet her fool of a father who abandoned her when she was young--he did not even want her to use the surname "Pempengco" professionally (never mind that she has a right to it by birth, what a heartless jerk!) so she opted to use just "Charice" instead to shut him up--is kicking himself right now.

All that Hollywood money coming in and he can't do anything but drool... tsk, tsk! He's an idiot for not realizing what a treasure he had in his daughter. If only he'd been a good father to Charice and her brother. Sayang 'no? Success truly is the best revenge especially in this case.

Update: Charice's excellent rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" at the Aquino inauguration:

Update 2: Oh no. Botox at 18?

Update 3: Charice's estranged dad murdered.

Saturday, June 19

Sunday Scripture Verse: Psalm 103:13

Happy Father's Day!

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; ~ Psalm 103:13

Friday, June 18

Taal volcano and a clueless reporter

This story about Global News Network (GNN) reporter Joshua Garcia's rescue from Taal Volcano's crater caught my eye, not because it was unusual, but because he seemed clueless.

He's not even sorry he made a spectacle of himself by foolishly ignoring warnings from the authorities that it was too dangerous to descend into the crater of the likely-to-erupt volcano.

Watching his interview on TV, I wanted to wipe the smirk off his face. Causing rescuers to put their safety on the line for a thrill, a scoop or whatever is selfish. I hope Joshua "wala akong pinagsisisihan" Garcia realizes this.

Wednesday, June 16

Jesse Robredo for DILG secretary?

DILG or bust

Now this is great. President-elect Aquino apparently is keen on appointing Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City to his cabinet. I hope Noynoy gives the DILG post to him. I've been impressed with how Mayor Robredo turned Naga from a sleepy little city to a bustling, business-friendly one.

He was mayor when I went to school there in the mid-90's and I never heard anything bad said about him... of course I cared more about the shopping malls opening right and left around the city then, but I remember he was perceived to be an honest and no-nonsense executive. Come to think of it, he's like Binay without the corruption scandals.

Update: Mayor Robredo is ready to accept DILG post.
Update 2: P-Noy takes DILG post for now. Robredo still in the running.
Update 3: Success! He's finally appointed DILG Secretary. "Might as well be president". For empowerment of local governments.

Bicol pride! I'm dancing a jig right now for my fellow Bicolano and DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and also for Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who's from my hometown Iriga... Go Bicol!!! :)

I found this Storyline feature about Mayor Robredo on YouTube uploaded by pacardz (thanks, dude!) :)

Tuesday, June 15

Should Binay have a place in Noynoy Aquino's cabinet?

yellow worked for him...

It's good that Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay has quit insisting on having the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) post for himself, as if he has a natural right to it. I don't even think he should have a place in the Aquino cabinet at all.

Prof. Winnie Monsod is right, there's just too many graft cases filed against Binay to inspire confidence in him. I hope President Noynoy would not appoint people in his administration who are tainted by corruption.

I respect the fact that Binay had been a loyal ally to the late President Cory Aquino, but his family's uninterrupted 24-year rule in Makati City makes me really uncomfortable. Just imagine, he's been in power here since I was in grade school! I wish him luck in his VP gig and all but I just don't trust the man.

Update: Binay changes mind, declines cabinet post.

Saturday, June 12

Sunday Scripture Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Friday, June 11

Makati day parade (aka VP-elect Binay's victory party)

happy 340th birthday, Makati!

Binay dynasty

goooooo

Miss Makati 2010 etc.

tribe?

floats galore

fierce...

congratulations, again...

...and again

The parade celebrating the 340th foundation anniversary of Makati was wonderful though it often looked like a street party celebrating outgoing Mayor and Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay's victory in the polls.

Every delegation it seemed had a banner congratulating him, his son incoming mayor Junjun Binay and daughter Congresswoman Abby Binay. I wonder how the Binays made a city as progressive as Makati their fiefdom for 24 years. How did they do it? hmm...

Wednesday, June 9

Noynoy Aquino is President, now what?

goodluck, Noynoy!

Noynoy Aquino is officially our President-Elect. I voted for him and I'm gratified he won. Many people scoffed at his perceived lack of accomplishments as a legislator because he didn't have laws galore he sponsored or named after himself but thankfully, voters cared more that he's untainted by corruption. I know the next 6 years will be full of challenges, but I believe he's up to the job.

I think we have enough laws already, if the government only have the intestinal fortitude to implement the laws passed by Congress, our country will be a much better place. What we need is a leader with integrity who'd make sure to put the right people in place to help him get things done.

I was watching the news last night and there was this guy hoping that Noynoy would put food on his family's table, sent his kids to school etc. I mean, seriously? I hope this guy is in the minority... at least someone should set him straight and tell him that it is his responsibility to make sure his family has enough to eat. It is not the President's job or anyone else's. Whatever happened to taking responsibility? Sheesh.

I've never believed politicians' outlandish campaign promises because I believe more in the capacity of the individual to make decisions for their betterment. Government has its place in our lives but it shouldn't be too intrusive--burying us in red tape, too much taxes and unnecessary regulations.

What President Noynoy owes us is transparent and accountable government, one that is on our side... he'll face enough problems caused by his predecessor's profligacy without us expecting the moon and the stars. I wish him the best and I hope for our nation's sake, he succeeds.

Tuesday, June 8

9.4 million Pinoys voted for Erap?!?

Erap pa rin...

So the canvassing of votes in Congress is done and Senator Noynoy Aquino is expected to be officially proclaimed President. No surprise there, really. We've pretty much known Noynoy has it in the bag as early as 2 days after the election... the result of the Vice Presidential race between Binay and Roxas was what everyone was interested in because it was so close.

What really surprised me was how well Erap Estrada did in this election. Garnering over 9.4 million votes was nothing to sneeze at... seriously, he beat Manny Villar's vaunted billions?! He won the 1998 election with 11 million votes so it appears he didn't lose much support even after being convicted and imprisoned for plunder.

This of course befuddle many people... one of whom is my ex sis-in-law in Australia who I talked to yesterday, she wanted to know how Erap got so many votes and what the heck were those people thinking/smoking?

I share her confusion but I've talked to some of these Erap voters (the SkyCable guy who installed my Digibox before the election, the security guards in my building etc.) and they say the same thing "All politicians steal, Erap was just unlucky to get caught and anyway at least di sya nagnakaw sa gobyerno--sa jueteng lang".

I am not kidding, those were really their sentiments. It's really sad that people just readily accept the "fact" that majority of our politicians are crooks. That since almost everyone in government is out for themselves, it's okay to vote for a populist ex-president who was once imprisoned for corruption.

Their reasons for voting might be wrong-headed but we can't deny that most elected officials are corrupt little ba$t@#ds... let's hope our new President would remember his campaign promise to go after these conscienceless creeps. It could help win back our people's trust in government and hopefully, would keep them from voting for a convicted felon for president next time around.

Update: Erap is retiring from politics and showbiz.

Sunday, June 6

About Miley Cyrus' kiss stunt...

not cool

"Hannah Montana is gross!", spat my horrified 9-year-old goddaughter and avid "Hannah Montana" fan Lizzie after watching Miley Cyrus' performance of her new single on "Britain's Got Talent". Lizzie could not yet separate Miley from Hannah so her shock was understandable.

Stunts like this fake lesbian kiss has become a rite of passage for child stars (hello, Britney and Christina) trying to make the leap into adulthood. I happen to think Miley Cyrus is talented enough that she doesn't need to do this...

I know she's growing up and is eager to leave her wholesome G-rated Hannah Montana character behind but I hope she doesn't go too far too fast. No matter how "edgy" she wants her new grown-up image to be--fact is, she still has impressionable little fans who get confused and weirded out by simulated girl-on-girl action from their favorite Disney Channel star.

Saturday, June 5

Sunday Scripture Verse: Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ~ Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Monday, May 31

Playing hooky in Caliraya

slip...

slide...

...and roll in the mud

I've been receiving emails from several loyal readers wondering (am I sick, dead? LOL) why I haven't been posting here. Sorry about that. I should have told you guys I'd be "going dark" for a few days because my cousin Chenit is in town for a short visit and my ate Bhe planned this elaborate travel/entertainment thingy so we could rediscover our cousinly bond and yuck it up.

Sliding and rolling in the mud...that's just one of our bond-rebuilding activities. I'm sharing these pictures as "proof" that--although my butt is still sore and my feet are killing me--I'm still very much alive and kicking. I'll try to write a more detailed post on my weekend in Caliraya but I think I need to take a pain reliever first and have a massage.

Wednesday, May 26

Come on, rain already!

yay, rain!

When I looked out my window this morning, I wanted to dance with happiness at the promise of rain that usually follow the appearance of clouds like that (dark, creepy etc.) I was pretty excited because I'd truly like an end to the infernal heat I and countless other Pinoys have been subjected to this summer... and honestly, I'm not too crazy about my Meralco bill either which is now 3x what I usually pay.

So like a little kid, I waited and waited for the rain to fall. I even seriously thought about standing on the porch to shower in the rain... I was that giddy, but alas, it was not to be. An hour later this was how it looked like outside.

nooooooo...

Good thing I held out on the dancing, I would have felt more disappointed (and foolish) if I did my rain dance and this happened. Oh well, I have to turn the aircon on now.

Sunday, May 23

Poor Fergie...

life is not a fairytale

Sarah "Fergie" Ferguson, Duchess of York apologizes for her "serious lapse in judgment" after being caught on film accepting money in exchange for access to her ex-husband Prince Andrew. This latest Fergie scandal is so far removed from the promise of the spectacular "fairytale wedding" I goggled at as a little kid, it's mind-boggling.

Watching this video of the sting taken by the tabloid News of the World just filled me with incredible sadness for her. I know her fairytale didn't work out, but to be so desperate (and drunk!) to do something like this...

She looked so defeated, it's quite tragic. I've long ago outgrown my fascination with royalty, but I can't help but wish that Fergie, one of the princesses of my childhood, could still salvage a future from the wreckage of her not-so-fairytale past.

Saturday, May 22

Sunday Scripture Verse: Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ~ Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Thursday, May 20

Pathetic...

poor doggie

You must be seriously messed up if you've been reduced to stealing a disabled man's wheelchair and dog. I mean, really how pathetic is this thief? Couldn't he find something else to steal? I hope the police gets him and as punishment, he should be made to use a wheelchair in jail. That might activate some compassion in him.

Philadelphia Police are searching for the heartless thief who stole a wheelchair and a dog from a man who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Tuesday, May 18

Oh, zit!

I don't know why I'm having acne breakouts lately. I don't even have the late nights at work to blame--since I've sprained my foot--I've had the lightest of schedules. Was it the heat? Hormones? I've never had zits galore like this on my face ever and it's driving me crazy!

I had to look at my zit-laden mug for 2 week now. How I wish there's a rule that when one hits 30, acne will be but a distant memory. I don't want to go to my dermatologist friend Kate's clinic just yet... I know she'd have to give me cortisone injections and I'd like to avoid that by treating my inflamed zits first to dry it up (I abhor needles!).

Using a mild facial cleanser like Cetaphil and applying 5% benzoyl peroxide all over my face 2x a day has always worked for me. I tried Clinelle's blemish care with isodecyl salicylate but it didn't work... my skin had always responded terribly to creams with salicylic acid and it's no different this time. So I'm back to the Cetaphil/Benzac combo (plus a mild moisturizer) and fervently hopes it works its magic again. Zits suck!

Update: This regimen still works for me, thank goodness! To those asking about where they can get Benzac and Cetaphil--if you're in the Philippines--they are available at Watsons in every SM mall. I bet they can also be found at any major drug store near you, wherever you are.

Monday, May 17

Little girls and "Single Ladies"

The girls in this video are exceptionally talented dancers but I don't think 8 and 9-year-olds should bump and grind like this; furthermore, something's really wrong if your little girl is dressed more sexily than Beyonce.

I don't understand how the parents didn't see the inappropriateness of this and would excuse it as being "taken out of context". I mean your kid is gyrating like a stripper for all the world to see and you think it's "very normal"? Nuts!

Saturday, May 15

Sunday Scripture Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Friday, May 14

About Kris Aquino's despedida

effective ang bru...

You have to hand it to Kris Aquino, everything she says get blown out of proportion. Kris had said in an interview a few weeks ago that she was willing to move abroad if she would just be a cause of stress for her brother if he's elected... and since Noynoy is expected to be proclaimed president any day now, some people are having online despedida parties to hurry her along.

Having fun at Kris' expense has become a national past time... I think many will have withdrawal symptoms if there's no more Kris Aquino to laugh at or cry with. She's a guilty pleasure, one blogger even said his traffic will surely suffer if there's no Kris controversy to write about every few weeks... her life is pure entertainment.

So to all those who want Kris Aquino to leave the country, you're in the minority. Mas maraming malulungkot kung umiskyerda nga si Kris 'no? Love her or hate her, she's undeniably a very effective campaigner and endorser, ma-appeal talaga sa masa ang lola. She certainly knows how to get and keep our attention... and now that her brother's on his way to Malacañang, expect more fireworks!

Update: "Bakit ako papatol sa mga talunan na bitter ngayon?" LOL.
Noynoy Aquino reacts.

Update 2: Kris to leave "The Buzz" and "SNN". Permanently?
Update 3: Nice Inquirer interview with Kris post-election.

Tuesday, May 11

Post-election musings

The election is over and for the first time in our history, we pretty much knew who won the election after just one day... even with the long queues and PCOS machine snafus, I think it went better than expected. The heads of the usual suspects--aka election cheaters and loser crybabies--must be spinning.

Cheating in this automated elections proved difficult, so some politicians' lackeys resorted to desperate measures like identifying supporters of their candidates' opponents and paying them NOT to vote and using indelible ink to make sure they really can't vote... now that's creative vote buying, if pathetic.

I've always watched other countries' elections with envy--results within hours of the polls closing, losers conceding graciously--and though they were glitches, I'm gratified that we've finally (finally!) caught up with the 21st century.

Kudos to Sen. Manny Villar for quickly conceding when it had become clear that he could not overcome Sen. Noynoy Aquino's lead... same with Gibo Teodoro, Richard Gordon, Bro. Eddie Villanueva and ~~JC de los Reyes~~. I think classy concession speeches should be the norm in our elections from now on. None of that "dinaya kasi ako" cr*p that every loser candidate used to whine about.

Joseph "Erap" Estrada is still not conceding though and his lawyer even threatened to file an election fraud case against Noynoy (as if Noynoy is in a position to perpetrate fraud)... get real Erap, you're trailing by 5 million with about 90% of the votes counted. Just be thankful that people still voted for you even after you've been convicted and jailed for "plunder". I bet President Macapagal-Arroyo now wishes she didn't pardon Erap the delusional. Sheesh.

Update: Madrigal, Perlas and de los Reyes whine about ‘election irregularities’. Not conceding either .

Monday, May 10

Philippine elections...

thank God cameras are allowed

So election day is finally here. I woke up at 5 am so I could vote early... well at least that was the original plan. Problem was I didn't know how to get to my polling place at the Bel-Air basketball court. Good thing my friend Wacks, who lives nearby, took pity on me and drove me there after lunch.

voters ready to vote

It took me more than 5 hours just to register last October so not voting is out of the question, even if I line up for another 5 hours to vote, I'd do it. Disenfranchisement is not for me. My friend Yumi waited more than 2 hours to vote in her Quezon City precinct, so I was ready with bottled water, sandwiches, candies just in case.

no lines at our cluster

When I got there at 1:30 pm though, there were still a lot of people queuing up, but in clustered group no. 51 where I was listed, they were much more efficient in checking the voters' identification, fingerprinting and feeding the ballot to the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machine. It just took us 5-15 minutes to do the whole thing.

great job, guys!

I was frankly shocked. Here I was, gearing up for a long wait and I was done in 15 minutes (I could have finished in 5 minutes but I just had to take pictures of the ballot, lol). Excuse me, is this the Philippines? Wow, kudos to the board of elections inspectors (BEI) of cluster 51--Supervisor Dean Co, Miss Grace, Janice and Peng--you rocked!

Bel-Air Basketball Court
Solar St. cor. Hydra St., Bel-Air Village Makati City
(take Paseo de Roxas, past Gil Puyat go straight, go inside Bel-Air Village down 2 streets and you're there)

Saturday, May 8

Sunday Scripture Verse: Proverbs 31:30

Happy Mother's Day, Ma!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. ~ Proverbs 31:30

***pic by my big sis Anne

Thursday, May 6

Hmm...who to vote for?

waited 5 hours to register... make it count!

It's three days before the election and I still don't have a "who to vote for" list. This is the first automated elections in the Philippines so confusion is somewhat expected, but I don't want to be caught flat-footed in the voting booth so I should at least make a list.

My family's never been interested in politics, but come election time, my late grandpa Itay had always encouraged family members to vote for any national candidate from the Bicol region... hoping that if they win, our province would reap the benefits. So if any Bicolanos are on the ballot and they are not crooks, expect me and my family to vote for them... it's tradition.

I haven't voted since I was a teenager, having moved to the big city for school... I just didn't know any local candidates and I didn't think my vote would matter anyway. It took me more than a decade to wise up and register to vote again so here I am, strangely excited to exercise my right to vote and still no list, grrrr!

So let's do this:

President: Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III - He promises not to increase taxes, wants to fight corruption and this is kinda a vote for his parents too... I hope he's worthy of the name he carries (super fingers crossed).

Vice-President: ~~Bayani Fernando~~ Mar Roxas - I promised years ago to vote for Bayani Fernando if he ever ran for President for unsnarling traffic at EDSA (heavy traffic drove me nuts when I was a student) but Mar Roxas is a good guy and Binay is catching up in the latest surveys so...

Senate:
1. Sonia Roco - educator, civic leader and Bicolana, enough said.
2. Ruffy Biazon - accomplished legislator... I just like the guy

There, who else? Hontiveros? Cayetano? I don't even know who to vote for at the local Makati elections... Erwin Genuino maybe? He's cute and a Facebook friend, but that's just silly... dang, this is hard.

I don't know anything about these people. I have to read their platforms etc. and I need to call my Mama to ask about other non-crook Bicolanos running, she knows for sure. :)

Wednesday, May 5

Willie Revillame = whiny baby

big bully

Willie Revillame is at it again... this time threatening to resign from his noontime show "Wowowee" if the management of ABS-CBN don't fire showbiz reporter Jobert Sucaldito who he thinks is out to get him. I understand that criticism is always tough to swallow, but I don't think it's wise for Willie to throw his weight around like this, it just makes him look like a bully.

I don't get how someone who's been in showbiz for decades could still be so sensitive about what others say about him or his show... you're being paid millions Willie, and in this economy it's probably not prudent to act like your bosses--who picked you up from has-beendom--owe you anything.

Yeah sure, "Wowowee" is making a lot of money for ABS-CBN but I think its success owes more to its prize-giving, girls-jiggling format than its thin-skinned arrogant host. So Willie Revillame, resign already or shut your pie-hole!

hat tip @myfingerstyping

the whole rant:

Update: Willie goes on "indefinite leave".

Update 2: Willie asks ABS-CBN's management to release him from his contract.
Update 3: Better "Wowowee" ratings with Robin Padilla at the helm.
Update 4: "Indefinite break" for Willie.
Update 5: Wowowee canceled. Replaced by Kris Aquino and Robin Padilla's "Pilipinas for the Win".