Just A Little More Push

For those who have been regularly visiting the site, thanks :)

I'm on a stand-still; stumped. If it is a planetary alignment or an aspect, it's nothing I've encountered before. When I finally figure it out, you'll know. In the meantime, I beg your indulgence to let me bide my time.

For now I have to force myself to get some sleep.

Ted Failon's Wife

Victim: Trinidad Arteche-Etong, 45
Alleged Scene of the Crime: Etong Residence at Gen. Aquino Street, Tierra Pura, Tandang Sora, Q.C.
Alleged Suicide Note:
"Papa, Im so so sorry gustong gusto ko pong magsabi sa yo ng totoo, pero hindi ko po alam kung papaano ko uumpisahan.

"Sobrang takot na takot po ako. Umalis po muna ako. Kasi hindi ko po kayang (sic) at nahihiya po ako sayo humarap.

"Sana po mapawad (sic) mo ako papa. Sorry, sorry Papa

Mama"

* * * * *

I feel that this is a case of suicide. No foul plays. There was a pressing marital problem and whether it is indeed a financial problem or something else, it should be left alone unless a case has been filed. In which case, let us leave it for the Court to settle. It's a private matter (a domestic issue) and if not for the victim's sake or for Mr. Failon's, let's honor the request for privacy for their little girl's sake. Leave the guessing/theorizing privately.

1 Writer's Spark, Please.

There are days when words flow easily, when it's easy to organize thoughts, when it's all effortless. This isn't one of those days. Or the past few days.

Some call it a "writer's block".

I know it's something temporary, but you see, this is sorta my bread-and-butter, too.

In the creative world, fellow writers would understand how one can be stumped for no particular reason and sometimes, at a very inopportune time. However, when you're hired to write, a "writer's block" is unacceptable, especially at a profession where it is fiercely believed that justice delayed is justice denied.

So what do I do?

I have no idea either. I just want to sit in a corner for a while, be still, puff a few and hope for what I call a "writer's spark".

EZ Map

I have put away the San Fernando-La Union-Vigan-Laoag EZ Map and bought a new one last Sunday - BOHOL!

No bookings yet for this next trip, but I figured I have to picture it as vividly as possible for it to really happen.  So, I bought the new map AND consulted two of my friends who have been to Panglao Island.  And the day before that, I already have one price quotation for the trip. This is visualisation indulgence months away from my target date. *OC kid here*

Seeing my mother and aunt giggle like little girls during our Holy Week getaway made me feel warm and fuzzy. It was tiring but definitely worth the extra mile. 

To see the rest of the Philippines was on the list of my 2009 New Year's Resolutions. Glad to have taken the first baby step.

Next stop:  Panglao Island, Bohol.  *ear-to-ear grin*

You can view EZ Maps here.

The 2008 Bar Examiners

Atty. Juanito G. Arcilla (Political and International Law)
Atty. Salvador A. Poquiz (Labor and Social Legislation)
Atty. Cynthia R. Del Castillo (Civil Law)
Atty. Victorino C. Mamalateo (Taxation)
Justice Sixto C. Marella, Jr. (Mercantile Law)
Justice Rodolfo G. Palattao (Criminal Law)
Justice Lucas P. Bersamin (Remedial Law)
Justice Franciso P. Acosta (Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises)

The 2008 Bar Topnotcher

Judy Lardizabal is her name and she topped the 95th Bar Exam of the Philippines.

Her father is a tricycle driver, while her mother sells vegetables in the market. They now have a daughter who didn't just pass the most difficult licensure exam in the Philippines, but emerged as the topnotcher of her batch.

Miss Lardizabal graduated from San Sebastian College of Law, under the tutelage of Dean Riano.

List of 2008 Philippine Bar Exam Passers

Congratulations to all those who made it! To friends, savor the moment! It's your time. :)

See HERE the complete list of those who passed the Bar Exam.

The Bar Topnotchers:
1. Judy Lardizabal - San Sebastian College - 85.70%
2. Mylene Amerol-Macumbal - Mindanao State University - 85.65%
3. Oliver Baclay Jr - Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) - 85.6%
4. Majesty Eve Jala - ADMU - 85.50%
5. Ma. Elizabeth Lizeralde - University of the Philippines (UP) - 85.40%
6. Michael Macapagal - UP - 84.15%
7. Denisse Dy and April Love Regis - ADMU - 84.00%
8. Kristine Joy Tan - ADMU - 83.80%
9. Shirley Velasquez - UP - and Jihan Jacob - San Beda - 83.75%
10. Vanessa Raymundo of San Beda College - 83.70%

Pretentiousness Breeds Frauds

Reading Kitty Go's two-part article entitled "Angel of Debt" (Part 1 and Part 2) at her web site, When Chic Hits The Fan, I am reminded of Robert Earl Wilson who once said:

"Nowadays people can be divided into three classes --

the Haves, the Have-Nots, and the
Have-Not-Paid-For-What-They Haves."

2008 Philippine Bar Exam

After months of waiting, Judgment Day is finally here.

The Phil. SC has officially announced today that the list of the successful 2008 bar candidates will be released this Friday, April 3. Click HERE for the SC's advisory.

Congratulations in advance to the 'Justice Tinga babies' for a job well done!