US-RP ties

The US Presidential elections is slated to be held this coming November 4. For presidency, it's Republican candidate John McCain versus Democrat candidate Barack Obama.

The US elections, in so far as the Philippines is concerned, is supposed to have no impact and/or relevance to Philippine politics. But people are talking and have been at it from the time Ninoy Aquino has been assassinated. I, myself, was surprised to hear former first lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos mention the CIA in a documentary about "Batas Militar". What does the CIA, or the US for that matter, have anything to do with what was happening in the Philippines at that time, more particularly, Ninoy's safety on his return to the Philippine soil?!?

We have diplomatic relations with the US, everybody knows that, but where do we draw the line when it comes to interference with national issues? US Ambassador Kenney released a statement that the US has nothing to with the recent controversy concerning the negotiations with the MILF on the creation of Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) and the MOA on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), but is that really true?

We're in the 21st century and we now thrive in a multi-cultural society. It is now more than ever that we foster the thought of a family of nations. Sometimes, I do think that it does good for US to intervene especially if there's truth to the hush-hush talks amongst the people that the MILF (said to be infiltrated by some JI and Al-Qaeda members) is funded by other Muslim countries. How can the Philippine government solely deal with that?!? We are ill-equipped. We're still using howitzers, for pete's sake!

There are issues which I intentionally project to be naive about (because part of me believes that the end justifies the means), but there are local and national issues that I totally can not comprehend what role the US plays. The President is given a wide latitude in diplomatic relations that other branches of the government, including the Judiciary, dare not meddle. The President is in constant communication with the heads of other states and is privy to the undercurrents in international issues; therefore, she is in the best position to decide what will be good for the country in terms of foreign policies, tactics, maneuvers. But again where do we draw the line? It seems that we always get the bad end of the deal. We have made one too many compromises.

How vast the stronghold of the US into Philippine politics is probably too immense and too deep to grasp by yours truly or by the majority of the Filipino people. We only can hope that the President knows exactly what she is doing. I suppose she does because despite the negative ratings and the strong criticisms, she makes the most unpopular choices. "Does she, really?", I still find myself asking.

If Barack Obama wins the upcoming US presidential elections, is the snubbing incident (involving the mahal na Pangulo, PGMA) last June 2008 a preview of how US-RP relations would be like? Or was it merely a glimpse into how much (or how little) respect Obama has for the President? If John McCain wins, there'd probably be no change at all. The 8 years that passed under Republican US President G.W. Bush is, more or less, the same 8 years that lay ahead with respect to US-RP ties. If it has been good or bad, you be the judge.

Due to Caffeine Withdrawal

I wrote in a previous post that I've developed allergies to coffee. I had to quit. Of course, caffeine is addictive. Once you go cold turkey, you'd experience withdrawal symptoms. I'm undergoing that now but was not able to quite connect the dots not until this afternoon.

Throughout the day, I was telling The BF (we were IM-ing at YM) all the food that I was craving - Krispy Kreme's Bacon Cheeseburger doughnut (see my earlier post), Go Nuts Donuts Honey-glazed doughnuts, Spaghetti (Pinoy style - sweet, with chunky slices of hotdog, and generous amount of ground pork mixed into the sauce - think Jollibee), Pansit Palabok, Greenwich pizza and quesadilla, Red Ribbon's Salisbury Steak and their cakes (Banoffee Pie, Blueberry Cheesecake, Mango Cake, Coffee Crunch) and some Persian at Mister Kabab.

When he picked me up, I still continued talking about food.

The BF: Naglunch ka ba?

I, myself, was amazed by my appetite the whole day. I had to go back and forth the fire exit to puff all day long because I had to control myself. While at it, I was trying to figure out why everything seems to be extra-sumptuous. No luck in finding the answer until during my litany (when The BF and I were on the road already), I blurted out: "Isang Cafe Mocha (our favorite at Figaro ever!) lang ng Figaro ang katapat ng lahat ng gusto ko kainin."

EUREKA! The BF let out a long "Ahhhhhhhhh!" and said, "Kaya pala. You're having coffee withdrawal, hun."

Me: Ay, oo nga noh!
The BF: Kaya rin almost everyday ka nagkakaroon ng headaches. (Originally, I thought it was the body spray I was using to get rid of the smoke odor)

He's a genius. I've been popping a pill of pain reliever every single day since I stopped drinking coffee. Sheesh. So that's it.

Heniweis, since I can't stop thinking about food, we ended up at...

The French Baker!










We bought Ham & Cheese Croissant (his), Mango Tart (mine), Red Cherry Danish (mine) and Butter Croissant (his). I was famished to even stop a sec and tease you with a photo of the Red Cherry Danish (darn, that's why it's priced at Php50 plus! Muy delicioso!)

bite! munch! bite! munch!

I was all smiles after. I was in a heavenly mood. Cravings satisfied and no more thoughts of any of the food I mentioned a while ago except for KK's Bacon Cheeseburger doughnut (which is second to impossible to have at this point) and...*drum rolls*...MISTER KABAB! The BF agreed, it's Mister Kabab for us on Friday!

BF's last words: Hun...*hesitating*...ahmmm...addict ka.

Lol. Yes, folks. Now I believe coffee is addictive. And this is how it is when you go cold turkey - headaches, increased food intake, mood swings. But the impairment of concentration and the flu-like symptoms, I haven't experienced any (hopefully, none at all).

Don't mess with coffee (take it from a former coffee junkie)!

French Baker Photo Source

Attention: Krispy Kreme

I haven't checked one of my fave sites for more than a week now, so before jumping to work , I paid a visit to BryanBoy's site first.

*reading*

*scrolling down*

*clicking "Next"*

*reading*

*scrolling down again* and VOILA! This made me drool!

Krispy Kreme's Bacon Cheeseburer














BryanBoy's use of "HUGE chunk" (although not pertaining to the doughnut) before the photo...well...how do I put this mildly...I went NUTS with hunger! :O

I'm a big fan of anything with bacon and cheese (but I haven't tried them together with rice haha!). No, seriously, the people from Pizza Hut Delivery already knows by now (because it's been like 1.5 years) that everytime I ask a pizza to be delivered, it's going to be Bacon Cheeseburger flavor - ALL THE TIME.

So although BB wants an explanation for this KK flavor - what's to explain, BB? There's bacon and cheese in it. Period. :p

I immediately gave one of KK's branches a call to inquire if the flavor is already available in da Pilipins (BB mentioned NY in his post).

Me: Hi, I'm calling to ask if you already have the Bacon Cheeseburger flavor.
*dead air*
Me: Hello?
KK Guy: Ma'am, are you calling Krispy Kreme?
Me: Yes. Do you have the Bacon Cheeseburger flavor (I had to wipe my drool as I uttered "bacon cheeseburger")
KK Guy: Ma'am, this is Krisy Kreme DOUGHNUTS. (yea, with emphasis on the "doughnuts")
Me: Yes, yes, I know. Don't you have it or any of your branches?
KK Guy: Ay ma'am wala po.
*me fainting*
Me: Ok, salamat.

I forgot, I'm a third world gal in a third world country. Pero naman, we have Krispy Kreme na nga di ba.

I'm going to have a few puffs (as in now na!), hoping it would be enough to push away the craving that's not going to be satisfied anytime soon. *calling the attention of Krispy Kreme*

And I ended up UNinspired. Sigh.

Photo Source

Bar Matter No. 1922 on MCLE Compliance

Please do not give your clients any headaches/heartaches (and don't cite "in the interest of justice and fair play", as well, because I don't think that will let you off the hook) and comply with Bar Matter No. 1922 - Recommendation of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Board to Indicate in All Pleadings Filed with the Courts the Counsel's MCLE Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Exemption - issued on June 3, 2008, to take effect sixty (60) days from its publication.

Publication of the same was had at Manila Bulletin on June 26, 2008. Count 60 days therefrom and that will lead you to...start complying by TOMORROW. Otherwise, please take note of the sanction for non-compliance, viz:

"xxx...Failure to disclose the required information would cause the dismissal of the case and the expunction of the pleadings from the records." (emphasis supplied)


Again, please take note and COMPLY -

(1) indicate in all pleadings filed with the courts your MCLE Certificate of Compliance OR Certificate of Exemption; and

(2) indicate in all pleadings filed before the courts or quasi-judicial bodies, the number and date of issue of your MCLE Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Exemption, as may be applicable, for the immediately preceding compliance period.


P.S. Law students taking Legal Forms, please be guided accordingly, as well :)

2008 Bar Exams Tips

• Remember the basics - handwriting, neatness, correct grammar, margins, spacing.
  
  

• READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.
  
  
  
• Be aware of what is considered a MARKING.
  
  
  
• Prepare yourself for the FIRST question. They're designed to rattle. Do not lose composure.
  
  
• Follow the KISS principle. "Keep It Short, Stupid." or the better variation, "Keep It Short and Simple." Either way, I know you get the drift. Make your answers direct to the point.
  
  
• Always give legal bases for your answers. Distinguish yourself from a layman. That's what the years in law school was for.
  
  

• Be conscious of time. Bring a watch/timer. For the morning session, you are given 240 minutes to answer the questions. For the afternoon session, you have 180 minutes.
  
  
• Take note of the WEIGHT given to each question.
  
  
• Do not linger with any one question for too long. If you're stumped, skip then go back to it later, but DO NOT leave any question unanswered. If a question is disregarded after protest, you get full points not unless the Bar Examiner finds nothing there.
  
  
• After each and every exam, MOVE ON.
  
  
• And this one is in case you encounter an "ambush interview" by the press: If you found the bar questions as easy as pie, it will do you good if you say "The exam was reasonable." than saying "It was easy!". You don't want to challenge anyone, do you? Read between the lines ;)
  
  Photo Source: www.inquirer.net
  
  

Christian the Lion

I am a pit bull owner. This video captured what I wanted to impart to others on how wrong it is to think the way they do about pit bulls. They are as capable of loving back as any other harmless-looking pet.

Whatever Happened To: Daniel Smith and "Nicole"

December 4, 2006: Of the 4 accused in the controversial Subic Rape Case, it was only LCP Daniel Smith who was convicted by Judge Pozon of the Makati RTC and sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua for the alleged rape of the 22-year-old Filipina whose identity was concealed by pertaining to her simply as "Nicole".

December 22, 2006: Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo inked an agreement with US Ambassador Kristie Kenney as to the detention of Smith at the US Embassy compound.

December 29, 2006: Smith was alleged to have been "stealthily" transferred to the US Embassy compound from Makati City Jail where he was being held in detention. This has been widely protested by militant groups and women's right advocates.

This issue of custody was presented for resolution before CA Justice Bruselas, Jr. who upheld Judge Pozon's ruling that Smith should remain within Philippine facilities. Despite, however, the CA left the issue for the Executive branch of the government to settle. Moreover, considering the transfer, the custody issue was rendered moot.

Via Petition for Review, the case is now pending before the 16th Division of the appellate court. A June 2008 report by Manila Times has it that CA magistrates seem to be reluctant to handle the "Nicole Case". The same report named Justices Tijam, Bruselas, Jr. and Maambong as the ones comprising the special division to take on the appeal by Smith's camp.

Personally, I have my reservations on Nicole's claims and I've been very vocal about it. I probably earned the ire of a few for being a woman seeming to be anti-feminist by expressing such sentiments. Can't care less. When something is amiss, something is amiss. I firmly believe that not every issue involving women should be taken on; otherwise, what's the use of being endowed with the ability to think? Nevertheless, in deference to the ruling of Judge Pozon who weighed the evidence on record, I shall say no more. I submit. Let us wait until case is brought before the High Court.

But the more important question really is, almost two years after Judge Pozon's pronouncement on the case, how are Smith and "Nicole" doing?

Photo Source: www.seaton-newslinks.blogspot.com; www.philnews.com

2008 Bar Exams: No traditional festivities; "bar ops" banned

GMANews.TV reported last Thursday (August 21) that "bar ops" for the 2008 bar examinees will be banned.

Yet again. And more.

The tradition of "sending-off" barristers to the gates of DLSU where the BarEx is held has been banned also last year (2007). But I appreciated that one, really. No loud "Boom! Boom! Boom!" for my heart to thump with. It's too distracting, I must admit. But for those who are sending off, I guess it's a disappointment (albeit a minor one :D).

As to the ban on the putting up of tents, I've checked the Supreme Court web site, but there's no word yet from Office the Bar Confidant to confirm these reports.

Anyways, if festivities are not allowed for the morning of the 1st Sunday, loved ones can still do a send-off minus the intense noise nga lang. Besides, the send-off is just part and parcel of the bar operations (bar ops). The tents, however, I'm not sure if no complaints would be posed as most of these tents are set up to cater to the needs of the barristers especially during lunch breaks. Lest we forget, not all barristers are from Metro Manila.

Let's see, let's see.

Photo Source: www.inquirer.net

Bibingka

Even my palate is feeling Christmas-sy!

Since last week I've been calling up nyny (short for "naynay"; how I call mum) every Saturday late afternoon to remind her to bring home bibingka (Filipino rice cake) for me, fresh from the vendors right outside Our Lady of Lourdes Church along Amoranto St. (formerly Retiro), Q.C. They only sell on weekends enough for me to miss them...A LOT :D

I've tasted other bibingkas (Bibingkinitan, the bite-size rice cakes, is good and so is the one from Ortigas? where you'd see people line up for the sumptuous bibingkas from this place the name of which escapes me at the moment; I've tried the one from Mangan and it's pwede na; the ones from Lola Maria's resto I have yet to sample), but growing up eating the ones made by the local vendors, they're just dearer to heart (read: they remind me of good ol' QC days).

Anywho, if you have highly recommended bibingkas, spill and lemme know where I could find them!

I'm feasting on bibingka right now, savoring every bite. And not only do I have a piece, I have 3!

On Cosmetic Surgery

Entertainment industry is entertainment industry. Those who are part of it, particularly, actors and actresses, - their looks are their No. 1 asset and it should therefore come as no surprise if they invest in it for purposes of keeping their youthful looks or just even to enhance whatever they were bestowed with. So if someone gets something "done", what's the fuss?

Society labels these celebrities as "retokada" or "retokado"(local parlance; root word "retoke" - meaning "alter") with the term usually connoting something derogatory. But I honestly don't find anything wrong with having any part of their body/face "improved". The money comes from their own pocket, so why should people cry "ouch" when they don't bear the cost?

Equally disturbing is the occurrence of seeing a celebrity make denials of getting a nose lift, etc. It's too obvious not to notice anyway, so why deny? It's the lying that's a turn-off, not the enhancement or the fact of having one done. I, or anyone else, can say that getting something done means you're not comfortable with your own skin or some other feminist/anti-colonial mentality retorts your mind can conjure, BUT, at the end of the day, those nasty comments are because we don't really like you and not because you had something done. Period. If Geneva Cruz gets one, you won't hear the end of it. She's not exactly a crowd favorite. But if, say, Sarah Geronimo decides to make enhancements, you bet she'd still be loved. I know you get the drift.

Because I don't find anything wrong with it, I don't find anything wrong either with asking, "Wow, is that real?" Too straightforward or tacky you may say, but for me, so what if it's an enhancement? It's TOTALLY acceptable. When I asked if it's real, I'm indirectly saying, "It's beautiful, it's perfect and definitely looks good ON YOU. Kudos!" If the retoke is obvious and I'm keeping mum, you know what it means. THAT, my friends, is me being polite and acting "cultured". Lol

People are nosy and they make others' businesses their own. To counter this, adopt honesty and a devil-may-care attitude. You can be one without being arrogant, I'm sure....then scream inside your head, "Mamatay kayo sa inggit!" :D

If you want/need one, go ahead. Enjoy and celebrate life the way you see it fit to be enjoyed and celebrated (it's within the bounds of law, anyway). There's really nothing wrong with it. You know the pros and cons and that's all that matters. AND a little touch of La Greta's "I know I can't please everybody, that's something I have learned. But I will not apologize for the life I live. I am not gonna simplify my life for anybody. If it means you want my life and you can't have it, then I'm sorry." goes a long way. She may have gone overboard a few times but give credit to the woman for this statement. I can't agree more and that makes us two for sharing the same sentiment.

Photo Source

Practical Advice

14 days to go before the 2008 Philippine Bar Exam.

Some practical advice:

• Wear your most comfortable clothes. It's not a fashion show and no award is given to the best dressed.
  
  
• Old or new building, bring a jacket/blazer/coat. One with a hood comes handy in case it drizzles.
  
  
• Check where your building is. If you're not familiar with DLSU-Taft, you might get lost in the maze.
  
  
• For girls, wear your hair pulled-back.
  
  
• Don't bring your mobiles. There's only one station for deposit and claims. You will have to claim it afterwards - and so will the rest. You don't want to unnecessarily burden yourself further after a grueling exam.
  
  
• If you have a transparent bag, better use that one.
  
  
• Travel light and pack only what's necessary: tissue/hanky, meds, water, mints, one set of hand-out, a codal and/or your own notes. (For the afternoon session, you may want to ask someone to bring your stuff and switch during the lunch break).
  
  
• Forget everything except your ID, permit and pen. Always secure them before leaving your house/the hotel.
  
  
• If possible, come in earlier than the rest. The queue's long after 6:00 o'clock in the morning (6:15 onwards).
  
  
• Do not attempt to cheat. You will be found. Need I remind you of this? ;)
  
  
• Do not rely on tips. You have prepared well. That - and the prayers - will suffice for you to emerge a victor. Be at peace with that.
  
  
• Turn in early on the eve of the exams. Soak on the tub/enjoy a hot bath to soothe your nerves, puff a few and turn in on or before 10:00 o'clock in the evening (with your bag and the must-haves prepared already). You'll have a clearer disposition on the day of the exams. That's fool-proof.
  
  MORE on the 2008 BarEx next time!
  
  Photo Source: www.inquirer.net
  
  
  

Latest Craze!

I am so addicted to Cake Mania! I only have the trial version :( Hopefully, when Santa BF arrives later, I'll have the new cd of the game. Tick tock tick tock says the clock :D

I've tried the Delicious Deluxe, too. It's a nice game, but not as addictive as Cake Mania.

Computer Fonts

Does preferring one type over another reveal one's age?

There was no limit during college days (primary & secondary level also) as to what font may be used (I'm not sure nowadays though) and we're talking theses, reaction papers, technical reports, presentation of statistical data, etc. and not some work of art. Anything goes (even Word Art) and our professors/teachers don't mind at all. But once you step into the corporate world, the font in a written correspondence with higher-ups and clients uses either ARIAL or TIMES NEW ROMAN font.

When I was younger, I honestly found these fonts boring, flat, dull, lackluster. Nowadays, however, I'm either an ARIAL-girl or a TIMES-girl. For creative endeavors (such as this site)/personal correspondence, I don't mind using Georgia or Trebuchet, but that's just about it. No more Comic Sans MS or some other curvaceous font.

Take note, I find Arial and Times actually beautiful! I alternate the two depending on my mood. Lately, my paperworks are in Times New Roman font. When I'm really feeling CEO-ish (feeling lang!), I use Arial - it's clean, very professional and cold (I was once called an "Ice Queen" Lol). Microsoft Sans Serif is a very good alternative for either, though I have yet to explore the font.

I'm not sure if it's just the age or the daily exposure to it that influences one's preference. It could be both, but I can not say for sure. All I know is that I've evolved (miraculously :D).

I stumbled upon a very, very short quiz at Blogthings entitled "What Font Are You?". I took it and here's the result:

You Are Times New Roman

You are formal and conservative. You're concerned with how you appear to others. For you, maintaining a good reputation is important. You want people to trust you. Elegant and classy, you always maintain your composure. You are never crass. You are professional, competent, and upstanding. And it shows!

What Font Are You?

Whatever Happened To: The WhistleBlower

The ZTE-NBN Scandal has been pushed to the sidelines (as is the case for other controversial issues which plagued the headlines for a couple of weeks before they went pfffft!).

Whatever happened to Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada? He's still alive and not missing, I suppose. Otherwise, we would have heard of it in the news.

And the Senate inquiry on the brouhaha?

The New Mister Kabab

There are only rubles to find at what used to be Mister Kabab.

The establishment has transferred to a new site along West Ave. I was told by the lady food-server that they made the transfer as early as February of this year. It's been that long since The BF (who you will find in one of the pics :x) and I last feasted on Persian. Hehe

The new Mister Kabab is more spacious, has bigger seating capacity, exudes a homey ambiance and has it's own parking lot already (front and back)!











The exterior landscape is yet to be finished, but who cares, the food is still as great! These are our staple orders (plus two extra buttered rice lol):

Special Chelo Kabab for The BF





Special Chicken Kabab for me.









And for our side dish...



Not going to tell you what this one is (the name's not too inviting) ;)







Drinks: Green Mango Shake!

Their price has gone up, of course, but it still is reasonable given the current economic crisis. What used to be just a P360-380 total bill has now increased to P426. Anyways, let's not talk $. It's a long weekend and we're here to binge! So on to the desserts we go! I don't think you'll find one at Mister Kabab, but there's McDonald's for the Coke Float!











It was simply a perfect Saturday (errands-aside, `course hehe!). After 8 years, Mister Kabab remains to be one of my favorites. If you haven't visited it after the transfer, do drop by. The new location is more convenient for clients and patrons and the parking lot is a great plus. The quality of food remains to be superb!

A really great way to start the 4-day weekend :-)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

To fellow Potter fans, Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince is not going to be shown this November. We all have to wait until July next year, mind you, NEXT YEAR, to watch it. Find out HERE why.

You can check out the official trailer of the movie HERE.

Dang.

How Dare!

This is Yang Peiyi. By now, you must have known her story already. (Otherwise, click HERE)

I don't know what the committee in-charge of the 2008 Olympics opening ceremony was thinking (were they thinking at all???) when they replaced Yang because "she's not attractive enough", but they just scarred that little girl for life.

All little girls are pretty. All children are.

Kape

I consume about 5 glasses of coffee daily. Yes, glasses, not cups. Now, I have to cut down to...I guess 3 glasses...A WEEK. Not that I want to. I DEVELOPED ALLERGIES. I know. :(

As I write this, I'm sipping a hot cup of tea - a recommended substitute. You could say it's a lifesaver for nature to have found a way, but as of the moment, I'm not feeling the love. Letch.

Dark Clouds

The usual of my mornings at the office, as soon as I was able to fix my desk, organize my schedule for the day and have collected my thoughts with a few puffs, I checked the dailies to see if there are any good news to inspire me before doing my paperworks. "All System Go for Cha-Cha" was the first and last thing I remembered reading. The title alone sent shivers down my spine and I dare not read the rest of the text. She hasn't really given up on this idea after all.

This brought to mind the article written by former Senator Jovito "Jovy" Salonga in Kilosbayan magazine (Volume XV No. 12 July 2008 Issue) entitled "Leadership by Example" (Speech delivered at the Lyceum College of Law on July 26, 2008 at the Makati Sports Club, Makati City). How very timely. Let me share with you what he wrote:

* * * * *

"The other day I had a interesting time reading a column comparing outstanding leaders in the world today. There are authoritarian leaders in Southeast Asia, such as Lee Kwan Yew of Singapore and for many years, Mahathir of Malaysia, who were followed and admired because they were not corrupt - they did not enrich themselves, their family or their associates and cronies. With singleness of purpose, they brought peace and prosperity to their nation and, in the case of Lee Kwan yew, other leaders and countries, including Communist China and Democratic Britain, sought their counsel and listened to their advice. I do not need to tell you how GMA suffers by way of comparison or contrast - her net satisfaction rating, according to the latest SWS survey on July 08, 2008, is minus 38, worse than Marcos or Erap Estrada. No wonder, Barrack Obama, the black winner among the Democrats for the presidency of the United States this coming November, reportedly refused to even see GMA, at her request, while she was in the U.S.

A towering personality, one that is head and shoulders above all known leaders in the world today - a sui generis; that is, one of a kind -, is not from America, England, China, India, Japan or Russia but from Africa. He is Nelson Mandela from South Africa. Unlike Ninoy Aquino, a political rival, who was imprisoned for 27 years in a remote island in his own country by his white oppressors whose ancestors came from Holland. But even in jail, he exercised leadership against apartheid, a cruel kind of racial segregation. Mandela's leadership gained the admiration of the civilized world. When he was finally released in 1990, his popularity among his people was unprecedented and so evident he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with South Africa's last white president, Frederick de Klerk.

Presidential elections were held in 1994. I still recall watching on TV the long, orderly lines of blacks coming from all places just to exercise for the first time their right to vote - for Mandela. He was elected president for 5 years. Without any desire to avenge the tremendous wrongs committed aganst him and his people, he chose the difficult path of reconciliation with his oppressors and enemies. Instead of perpetuating himself in power, he relinquished it in favor of his black successor. This is the very opposite of those who are addicted to power, more brutality and more corruption and plunder. Consider our examples here - I do not have to name them one by one. You can read that in the last 2 or 3 Sunday columns of former CJ Art Panganiban (ret.) (Inquirer, "The Most Corrupt" - Can she reign beyond 2010?") Last July 19 and 20, CNN featured a documentary which was shown in the many cities and places in the world on the life of Nelson Mandela who has just turned 90.

There is a lesson we have to learn and remember. it is good to have money and all the things money can buy - including more power and more wealth. But it is better to pause once in a while to find out whether we still have the things money can never buy - self-respect of others, moral integrity, excellent reputation and the blessed assurance of eternal life.

As stated in the prayer of Reinhold Niebhur, the theologian-philosopher - "Lord, give me the serenity of mind to accept the things I can no longer change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.""

* * * * *

For your reference, here are the related articles of CJ Panganiban in his column "With Due Respect" at Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI):

"Most Corrupt"
"Reactions to Most Corrupt"
"Can Arroyo reign beyond 2010?"
"Will Arroyo win the Cha-Cha war?"

Maybe by tonight something more positive will be featured at primetime news.

Or maybe not.

Baby Melo

My 9-month-old godson-nephew is now officially a commercial model! Haha! Auntie Ninang is so proud! He's being featured daw for this month at Peek-A-Boo(?) at The Block, SM North Edsa. Haven't seen the store but I'll check it out one of these days. Not sure which of these pics, but here goes...

(CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

He's sooooo adorable! Me want to make babies na din! Lol

Slow Lane Lang Po!

I started driving when I was in college until my first job at Makati. It's been like seven years since I last drove on my own. I was young, bold and brazen then.

I'm now on to practice-driving again and you bet all the muscles in my body are shaking everytime I'm on the road! Haha! Things have definitely changed since the last time I was on the driver's seat.

FIRST, and let me borrow the words of Sarah Jessica Parker, "When you're young, your whole life is about the pursuit of fun. Then, you grow up and learn to be cautious. You could break a bone or a heart. You look before you leap and sometimes you don't leap at all because there's not always someone to catch you. And in life, there's no safety net. When did it stop being fun and start being scary?"

SECOND, a decade ago, the hottest cars were still using manual transmission. I was trained in driving school using M/T's not A/T's. I don't like matics. Period.

LASTLY, the widest stretch I used to ply then going to Makati was Nagtahan and McArthur Hwy. The rest, I take the shortcuts (side streets at Plaza Dilao or that of the Sampaloc area). I only took EDSA once and that was 3:00 o'clock in the morning and the road was clear. Now, I have no choice. I have to pass through Commonwealth Ave. or QC Circle. My gad. Kakainin ako ng buhay dun! Compared to Nagtahan and McArthur, wala yata nagmemenor sa Commnwealth or QC Circle. Scary sh*t.

They say some are not really fit to drive (read: walang talent sa driving). Sometimes I can't help but think that it's true! But everytime, I end up thinking that if others can do it, I can do it, too! Attagirl! Haha! No, seriously. Maybe all one really needs is some patience, lots of practice and to steer clear of backseat drivers. Hehe The BF is always lupaypay because of nerbyos after our driving sessions. I can't keep count of how many instances where we've almost figured in an accident. Juskupo.

Balitaan ko kayo after 2 years kung may success ang aking pagmamaneho. Nawa'y matutunan ko din mag-parallel parking. :D

This Is It!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I think this is the last move I'll make :-)

Please update your links. I'll update my blogroll in the weeks to come.

Without further ado, WELCOME TO MY NEW HOME!