I witnessed I live highway police chase

I was walking home around 12MN when an approaching vehicle was speeding along Quirino that almost went over the sidewalk near Leveriza where I was walking. I thought that driver was crazy to drive that fast but noticed right away that there were two patrol cars on alert that made me think that it was chasing the speeding vehicle. When the pursuit reach Taft on a stoplight, I heard gunshots. I stayed clear first before crossing the said intersection. Upon reaching it, I asked the Andoks vendor in that corner where the gunshots took place. He told me that the police gave warning shots on that speeding vehicle then fired on one of the tires and unloaded an attractive well-dressed woman who seems to be in shock then the vehicle sped off again while the police chased after. The woman was no longer there when I arrived.

Garbage collectors and the Xmas spirit

I have nothing against the garbage collectors begging during the season.They are doing the society a favor so I make sure I will give something to them. But today was different. I already gave them something the other day so when I was about to leave the house, another garbage collector came and I told him I gave them the previous day. He said he is from another group. I don't have change now but you can come back tomorrow for sure. He still insists and said any amount will do. That's were I am really pissed. "What Tagalog I said you don't understand?" I got my piggy bank and opened it in front of him and gave him the change that he don't deserve. He said "Pasensya na po." I told him I wish I could accept your apology if was only sincere and ask how many more of your group will come and when? When he can't answer my question, I locked up my house securely just to be sure he's no mole of some group and left because I was so pissed.

Book Review: Left Behind: End of State by Neesa Hart

Book series Left Behind gives us an idea of a world were the biblical prophecies are fulfilled. Most religions have ideas of the last days like the current movie, 2012. Although, Left Behind was based on the Bible, it was only a biblical speculation. Authors of this hit series, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins made Christian fiction as intriguing an action-packed like Tom Clancy. Following the series, Neesa Hart gives us an inside look of the U.S. politics after the Rapture.

Reflecting On When Religion Becomes Evil

Warning number one by Charles Kimball was Absolute Truth Claims. What does it mean? I'm going to give an example. My classmate in high school was very vocal to me since back then I can be bullied easily. He said, the Roman Catholic Religion is the only true religion. I countered, I was also baptized a Roman Catholic but have you read your Bible? Jesus never preached religion. Do you know your history? Martin Luther was a monk who wanted reform to the system. He doesn't want to build another church. What happened? He was branded heretic and was forced to be the founder of the Lutheran church. That's why we were called Protestants.

Book Review:When Religion Becomes Evil by Charles Kimball

I was recommended to read this by my best friend at church after watching Religulous. Charles Kimball is a Baptist especializing in Islamic studies. Sometimes, most religious practitioners don't know their religion well.Kimball suggest that a religion may be corrupt if they fit the five warnings he suggested. The five warnings are: ABSOLUTE TRUTH CLAIMS, BLIND OBEDIENCE,ESTABLISHING THE "IDEAL" TIME, THE END JUSTIFIES ANY MEANS, DECLARING HOLY WAR. Kimball, though a Baptist didn't just point out other religions or denominations as examples but to be fair, he didn't spare his Baptist as example. I admit there are times our churches may be guilty about this. It was also written in inclusive language so that feminists or any gender sensitive people may appreciate it. After all, religion is, somehow, a human invention.

World Bazaar Festival Dec. 13, 2009

Admission this year is PhP30.00 at the World Trade Center in Pasay. The booths sell pricey merchandise but if you look around, there are still cheaper booths. The highlight of this event was that some celebrities have their booths and they maybe manning their respective booths. ABS-CBN continues their campaign, Boto Mo, Patrol Mo for the awareness of the incoming elections. The ticket is still a souvenir bookmark as traditionally done since the first bazaar. If ever you're still around, the Hungarian sausage is must eat. At PhP80.00, it's heavy enough. Bazaar end at Dec. 16, 2009

On Christmas Trees

On yesterday's broadcast of Rated K, Korrina Sanchez said that Christmas trees were popularized during Marin Luther King's time in Germany. I don't know much about origins of Christmas trees but I know for sure that it has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. It was not even Christian and was considered pagan. I'm also sure that Martin Luther King,Jr. is not from Germany but from the United States and was named after a German monk and reformer Martin Luther,founder of the Lutheran church. Ms. Sanchez should cross-examine her scripts.

25 Sexiest Women In Sci-Fi

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Advent

The last Sunday of November marks the Advent, the start of the Christmas season. Advent means arrival. Though there are already bazaars and Christmas rushes, I still don't feel the Christmas spirit. I still have to wait the day itself. Besides, Christmas is not the only important day in Christiandom. There are things I don't like about Christmas like assembling our old tree. It's not because it's a hassle, it is hard to manage and heavy. It also doesn't have relevance to the birth of Jesus Christ. It's considered pagan by Biblical scholars. I remember the Supernatural episode where a pair of bloodthirsty pagan demigods pretending like a regular old couple sells hand-made wooden decoration that symbolizes the next victims of their sacrificial rituals. Just keep reminding myself or anybody who reads this that there's more to this season than just commercialism.

Violence in Maguindanao

The massacre in Maguindanao was violent. Whoever did this is inhuman and is not sane. Why did it happened? The one who was responsible for this heartless action wants to inflict fear because the guilty party is also afraid. Afraid that for losing control and authority for the citizens there treated as subordinated. Though we are democratic, we are still fearful of the abuse of power by these kind of people. Since we were products of martial law, people with authority will repeat history no matter how big jurisdiction the person has with the position he/she carries. People with authority have tendencies not knowing how leadership is different from dictatorship and their only defense mechanism was a gangster mafia maneuver that results death to media people and competing politicians who wishes to reform. These gangster killings is not new in the South. I've been hearing broadcasters being killed from time to time. What we can do is to never be afraid of these people who are also afraid themselves.

Movie Review: Green Lantern:First Flight

Review: DC Universe and Warner Video once again produces another full length animated movie. The movie explores the beginnings of Hal Jordan, the original Green Lantern of the Silver Age era. It should also be noted that the animated film has nothing to do with the Justice League Unlimited's Green Lantern John Stewart. What I like was that the power ring looked better than what it looked like Hal Jordan first wore in comics. The Green Lantern costume was now looked more like a uniform than a superhero costume. Sinestro's uniform was also updated to what he looked like in comics. I like Sinestro's character design. He doesn't look like a villain you expect. It was less cartoony than what the Justice League look like. It also brought back some of the old members of the Green Lantern Corps. like Arisia, Chip, and Salaak. Featuring the voices of Christopher Meloni as Hal Jordan, Victor Garber as Sinestro, Michael Madsen as Kilowog, Tricia Helfer as Boodikka.

Power Rings of Different Lantern Corps.

Watch out for it at your nearest Comic Oddyssey or your favorite comic book shop.

Movie Review: Surrogates

Plot: In the near future,98 % of the world's population are dependent on Surrogates,androids virtually operated by humans using will power without leaving the comfort of their own rooms.

Review: This is type of Sci-Fi story that will make you think philosopically of what drove the humans to this stage of life. The surrogate lifestyle brought end of prejudice and discrimination. This seemingly perfectly society may sound ideal to you but if I observed it correctly there's always pros and cons. Chaos theory states there's always a flaw in evolution. This is one reality that I think humanity will not accept because there's a need for a human being to go outside the walls of his/her walls.

Rating: 4

Victims Or Victors

It's been over a month and I'm glad that people are trying to recover from the nightmare that was Ondoy. I may experience the trauma of some people I know or the tragedy of what people experienced, but all of us wre affected. I was reminded of Nehemiah's words, "Let us rise up and build." I also parallel our Ondoy experience to a scene in Rocky 2 where 2 equals Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed were exchanging punches but both weren't able to knocked each other out till both got tired and fell. As both rivals were flat on the ring, the referee is already counting to declare a draw. Rocky's coach was shouting for him to get up. As the time draws near, Rocky got up and was declared a winner. We too can rise from our ashes like phoenix. It's only up to us. Should we remain victims or be victors.

On Notarizing Documents

I was having my sister's document notarizing for the completion of her requirements for college,I was scouting nearby my place for notary public. Suprisingly, I couldn't find any at my nearest corner where a school and a marketplace was located. I went over till I reach Taft-San Andres where I saw a law office/notary public but it was beyond my price range. Good thing there was another near the recruitment area in Remedios. PhP50 vs. PhP250.00

TV Review: Supernatural Season 1 Episodes 1-2

Pilot or Episode 1
Two brothers, Sam (Jared Padalecki, "Gilmore Girls") and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles, "Smallville"), witness their mother's paranormal death as children and grow up trained to fight by a distraught father who wants nothing more than to hunt down the thing that killed his wife. Sam escapes to college to start a new, normal life, but gets pulled back in after Dean shows up on his doorstep to tell him their father is missing. Following clues from their father's eerie phone message, the boys travel to a small town and encounter a violent and vengeful spirit called the "Woman in White."

Episode 2
Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) follow the coordinates left in their father's journal and land in the middle of the woods where they investigate the disappearance of several campers. The two brothers soon learn they are dealing with a Wendigo, a creature made famous in Native America legends. A Wendigo is a former human whose cannibalism has transformed him into a creature with superhuman strength and speed that feasts on human flesh.
(Official WB description)

Review:I first heard about the series when it was shown in Studio 23 but I never got to watch it. It was only when my classmate in Cavite who showed me his Torrent downloads when I got hooked. I was surprised that like the superstitious here in the Philippines, the Winchester brothers uses salt as one of their weapons against the supernatural. They even know the magic circle. The magic circle is used by occultists.You can see that in occult sections of book stores. I can see that these practices are somehow universal. I thought the white lady folklore was only local. The Wendigo was also similar to aswangs here. That's why I always carry salt when I go to Cavite (Just kidding). The Winchester way of busting supernatural are much more cooler and down to earth.Supernatural is also being show on SciFi Channel here but I still wonder why because it's not even scifi.

Pamahiin

My sister's piano teacher was disrespectful to my household. She asked to brushed her finger with her saliva to my baby niece so that she will sleep soundly that night and asked if we believe that. We said no but she does it anyway. I talked to my mom about it but she won't listen. If only somebody explain if there's logic to that.

For Sale: Condominium Units

Category:	Real Estate
Price:	PhP2M (more or less)

Home of today's young achievers

Rising 31 storeys along Taft ave., One Archers Place offers a world of convenience to students and young, urban professionals.

Live one step away from major schools and universities such as De La Salle Univ., DLS College of St. Benilde, St. Scholastica's College

Land Area: 3134 sqm
No. of storeys: 31 storeys (including 2 podium parking levels) with 1 parking basement
Commercial floors: 1st and 2nd
No. of parking slots: 199
Estimated Turnover Date: East Tower-May 2010
West Tower Dec. 2011
Amenities:
Hotel -like lobby
Study hall
Fitness Center

Hotline
(02)5230956

For Sale:Whilce Portacio signed comics

Uncanny X-men 285, 289-290
Wetworks 1-3
Wetworks Hero Premiere Ashcan
For PhP313.00

Disney's Up Advance Screening

The Lost Symbol September 15, 2009

Midtown Powerbooks
They only had it set up presentably along with other Dan Brown Titles. No big event happened here.

Singing Cooks & Waiters

Aug. 18, 1009

We ate there because it was a farewell dinner of my OFW cousin who will be going back to Dubai. The group improved a lot since I was last there but thy are not as many as before probably because it was on a week day.

Midtown car show June 21, 2009

Review: The Da Vinci Code Illustrated Screenplay

I got this from Fully Booked after my claiming it for my blog post was selected by them. The screenplay is not just any script book but includes also the ideas behind the movie by Dan Brown. He made insights why he didn't wrote a screenplay for the film and it was quite reasonable. I selected this so that it may proved useful when I take up filming at my Broadcast Communications course.

Movie Review: Charlie Wilson's War

I just got to watch it on HBO. The first Hanks-Roberts tandem was great. I was also haunted by the words of Joanne Herring played well by Julia Roberts when she said "it was God's will that they should help Afghanistan" in this pre-9/11 story. The question here is Joanne really sensitive to God's will when she herself entertains an affair with Charlie Wilson. If so, was 9-11 also God willed? The reason I asked this because I am currently reading When Religion Becomes Evil by Charles Kimball. He stressed that one of the signs that religion is evil when a religion makes a holy war and when a religion made an absolute truth claims. The U.S. was also guilty of these claims when they came to liberate to the Philippines which was also the same mistake done by the Spaniards. How many must all die in the name of God? Is God serving both sides or both has a different God? What I and Charles Kimball is saying that we should be careful with such claims.

Comics Review: Archie 600

I really had high hopes. When the issue was released, I was already disappointed. I maybe have an idea what will happen. Maybe because I was influenced by the the tele-movie, To Riverdale and back. Anyway, after Archie Comics heavy publicity, and many decades of unending love triangle. Archie is now settling down. As the cover suggests, Archie proposes to Veronica. I may be not fair giving this a half star since it's a 6 part storyline. I may also be biased since I favor Betty than Veronica

Review: Disney and Pixar's Up

Disney and Pixar brings magic to the big screen again with UP.

Balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen is a typical grumpy old man. But he wasn't always grumpy. He was just devastated by his personal loss. But he still aims to fulfill dreams he and his wife shared and what could make it more better than an adventure with an 8th year old wilderness explorer named Russell.

Carl Fredricksen was voiced by Edward Asner. This maybe the first time a veteran actor plays a lead role in an full-length animated film for today's generation. Making a hero of a grumpy old man was a good idea. It's not really expected and a tandem between an old man and an eight year old is very unlikely. Disney never fails to include life's lessons in their movies. The 3D experience will make it better so don't watch without a 3D specs.

The advance screening last August 14 was made possible by Walt Disney Studio Phils., TV 5, SM Cinema with Jack & Jill Roller Coaster, C2, and Milo. Special thanks to Azrael for the invitation. This movie can be enjoyed by the whole family. Disney and Pixar's Up will be shown in theatres everywhere on August 19. I give it a 5 out of 5 balloons. Rated GP.

It's all for the best

Sometimes we don't expect bad things happens to us. Some call it bad luck, others blame Murphy(who's Murphy anyway?), karma etc. I am not spared from it all. My experience from not continuing my studies from may have not be such a bad idea after all. My mother was forced to resign from work because her superior was not able to think professionally. My mother has vast experience from her time at Tupperware Philippines(not the Tupperware sales) and recently was working from a real estate company. There was something I know about mom that she really knows how to work administratively. Though I have a sister already working but I know she can't be force to work for us because she has a kid now. I can work anyway for an N.G.O. w/c I am now applying for. There are some people now disappointed that I am taking it very cool without feeling bad because I always think it's all for the best.As a song says, "Always look at the bright side of life."

Review: G.I. Joe:The Rise of Cobra

I thought I would be disappointed and vowed not to watch the movie till I saw the action figures. The movie revived one of my favorite childhood collections. The story gave much more character emphasis than the cartoon series it was based on. As the subtitle said, it shows how Cobra originated and how Duke got into GI Joe. I like how detailed they were in character looks on SnakeEyes and Baroness. There were also vehicles from the cartoon series that was revived for the movie as well. The only part that makes me wonder was before the movie's story, GI Joe was already born not just for Cobra but for something covert. It just seems that GI Joe purpose to counter any threat. I also like their new motto,"When all else fails, we don't." But it was worthwhile. I look forward for a sequel. Gave it 3-star.

A Heck of a Week

It all came in a sudden. At 3:18 in the morning of August 1 last Saturday, it was announced that Cory Aquino died. What a way to start a month with this sudden news. I was privilege that in my lifetime, I get to have a hero,or to make it more feministic, a heroine in my lifetime. In August 1983, I was able to be aware of what was happening at the age of eight that a man was shot while leaving a plane. Before I turned eleven, I was witnessing history in the making during February 1986. Before I turned twenty - six, I took part along with the people back in EDSA last January 2001. Now, we are now witnessing another hero's burial since Sen. Ninoy's. This maybe going to be the last to see this in my lifetime since there maybe no one else who will deserve such honor. Last Wednesday, the day of Pres. Cory's burial, I never thought I could see the people united again since 1986 or 2001. People were once again in the streets paying their last respects to our dearest president. Even the kids who weren't born during that "dangerous life" were now aware who was Cory Aquino. Kris Aquino's last words for her mother was the most tear-jerking of all. Though she was not of model character in my opinion, this was the most sensible thing she'd ever said in her celebrity status. Maybe there's still hope for our country after the unexpected unity last Wednesday though it shows hopelessness. Just my wishful thinking.

Last Sunday's UPCAT

I went to accompany my kid sister to U.P. Diliman for this year's UPCAT. Once each year, 4th year students from all over the country braved enough to accept a challenge:To pass the UPCAT(Universty of the Phils. College Admissions Test). It's a big thing among these students because not all were able to pass UPCAT. My sister was scheduled to take it at 12:30. We were already there around 9AM. My sister entered her assigned building at 11AM as soon as the earlier batch finished. I left for lunch and to go elsewhere because their test will be taken until 5PM. There were already set up food booths near Vinzon's and ate along with other examinees and their families. I ate an old favorite: Beach House's famous barbecue. The place is almost a festival by the sights of the people there. The traffic was even heavy in the OVAL as the first batch leaves the campus at once. I never had classes at this campus but there was something about this campus that made you feel welcome. Besides the barbecue which I long missed, I have wonderful memories there when I was still a student. One of my best buddies was a student there. The atmosphere also contributes that factor since you rarely see an open field in Metro Manila. Now, my sister along with hundreds of students awaits what may changed their lives forever for whoever will pass the UPCAT.

FHM 100 Sexiest Women Victory Party

Last July 9, FHM Phils. hosted their biggest party held every year. FHM themed this year's party like a university hosted by Jaymee Joaquin,this year's 50th sexiest woman. Even before the party, attendees enjoyed the gimmicks from each booth. The one caught my attention most was the RRJ booth who designed their booth like a locker room. The party started with performances by Sandwich, Pupil, and Kamikaze with dance numbers from some of the 100 Sexiest Women. After the parade of models, it ended with the presentation of 100 Sexiests with a finale of Sexiest Woman of 2009, Cristine Reyes. Photos courtesy of Christopher and Mark.

Another Incident at Home

Last Saturday, A baseball went through our screen window in our second-floor flat and almost hit my sister in the head as it made impact on our divider that almost dropped picture frames on my baby niece on the other side.Our worst fear is that my niece could get hurt. My mother was asking through the window because people were staring at it and asking who hit the ball. An adult was shouting "Sori,sori" without answering the question. My mother ignored him and told us that at least nobody got hurt because tensions were really increasing. I answered back, "Just let them try claiming the ball back." Minutes later, 2 kids were knocking at the door. They were the owner of the ball because I saw them holding a bat and a glove. I asked them directly, "Who hit the ball?" They answered it was the the kagawad. I knew it. The kagawad was the one who was saying "sori" and was cowardly not accompanying the boys while claiming their ball were he should be apologizing to us properly. Just when I thought to complain in the baranggay which seem useless. That is why I never voted to any kagawad.I can see how illiterate the kagawad was since he might have not seen a real baseball game when he borrowed from the kids.I can see that the boys were sincere so I told them, "Boys, you could also get someone hurt here when you lend your ball and bat to that man. You could have paid for damages if there were any because you are the owner of the ball.This is a residential area(former squatter area) that is why it is played in the open field. Don't lend your baseball stuff to an adult again. Then,I gave their ball back.

Anti-ConAss rallies and Dog Tag Day

My views regarding the issue of ConAss is kinda mixed up. This is how I understand it. The ConAss wants to pushed through the parliamentary system but will end up GMA running for office again. I have nothing against the parliamentary system since the countries I know using it prospers but the idea of GMA going to run again is a no-no for me. I also like to make my stand that I am not fond of GMA but having rallies that causes traffic is not my thing. If only they allow the suspension of work that day so the people can no longer have problem with the traffic. It's alright to listen to people during rallies but I beg to differ when they will take the streets. I also heard the employees working in Makati said what would the rally can do to make a difference when nothing ever changes. If only rallies were taken to events like the Ako Mismo Organization's Dog Tag Day. It would be much more meaningful. I saw lots of people making commitments in the wall. There were also individual campaigns from different institutions whose known for charitable works like World Vision, Gawad Kalinga, Caritas Manila and more. I think the Dog Tag Day meets the standards of making a difference to the country rather than the rally in Makati. This is just my view.

I was crossing via underpass towards Manila City Hall when I saw on the steps there was a guy selling them. I was curious that I asked how much he is selling, he answered 80 pesos. I won't blame him because not all were able to go to the event last June 12 and his reasons maybe because he want to profit. Most of the people don't know that the AKO MISMO Dog Tags are more valuable than 80 pesos. The dog tags were given to those who painstakingly fall in line just to go to the event and paid 40 pesos which proceeds to the charitable organizations like World Vision, Gawad Kalinga among others. The wearer of these dog tags are a proud contributors who wanted to make a change for the nation. It's like a merit badge. The fake ones are bigger than the one I have

Favorite Author: Clive Cussler

Clive Cussler is a New York Times bestselling author popular for his Dirk Pitt novels. He started writing in the 1960's and started writing his first novel about Dirk Pitt in the 1970's,The Mediterranean Caper. It was until his third book,Raise The Titanic that Cussler and Dirk Pitt became a bestselling sensation and later became a movie. To Cussler and his Dirk Pitt fans, the movie turned out to be a disappointment. Cussler swore never to bring his stories to the movies again. Like his character, Dirk Pitt, Cussler parallels Pitt's adventures,whether maintaining his antique car collection or going underwater looking for lost ships. Cussler also wrote his first non-fiction novel along with co-author Craig Dirgo,The Sea Hunters, which narrates his underwater exploits of finding lost ships along with his non-profit organization,the National Underwater Marine Agency. Sea Hunters also became the start of Cussler's TV documentary series of the same title. After Dirk Pitt, Cussler co-wrote other fictional series featuring new main characters. After Raise The Titanic!, Cussler allowed his eleventh Dirk Pitt novel, Sahara to be in the silverscreen but it was also became a disappointment to Cussler's expectations. Cussler started co-authoring the seventeenth Dirk Pitt adventure,The Trojan Oddyssey with his son,also named Dirk. Clive Cussler has written more than twenty novels and three non-fictions. Clive Cussler divides his time whether in the deserts of Arizona or the mountains of Colorado.

Chicken Soup for the Beerdrinkers' Soul

"Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel shamed. Then I look into the glass
and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink
this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, "It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver." ~ JACK HANDEY

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~FRANK SINATRA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." ~ HENNY YOUNGMAN

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not." ~ STEPHEN WRIGHT

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. Sooooo, let's all get drunk and go to heaven!" ~ BRIAN O'ROURK

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." ~ BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza."
~DAVE BARRY

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To some it's a six-pack, to me it's a Support Group. Salvation in a can!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And saving the best for last, as explained by
Cliff Clavin, of Cheers...

One afternoon at Cheers, Cliff Clavin was explaining the Buffalo Theory to his buddy Norm:

"Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers."

Cheers!

SciFi Channel Launch

Last May 15, 2009, Mark Cerbo and I went to A Venue in Makati to witness launching of SciFi Channel in the Philippines. It was a dream come thrue for any SciFi fan because SciFi is still not known in the Phillipines. With the latest Star Trek making box office hit, it is also timely because SciFi channel is also showing Star Trek The Next Generation series. Along with it's launch, the local SciFi will features new,hot series like Sanctuary and Samurai Girl as well as old favorites like Stargate:SG-1, Quantum Leap and the remake series,Battlestar Galactica and more. SciFi is brought to the Philippines by Solar Entertainment and is available at Global Destiny channel 90. Thanks to Azrael for the invite.

MTV hold concert campaign against human trafficking

MTV Phillipines holds a free concert for a campaign against human trafficking.Performances by Pupil, Kitchie Nadal, Gary V., Bamboo and many more. The event also featured short length videos concerning human trafficking from all over the globe. To most people who went to the event, is not aware or don't know that human trafficking is a reality. In the event, with the exeption of the human traffick crusader, there were no civic organization nor a NGO who were supposed to campaign against human trafficking present during the event. The only civic organization present there was TESDA Women's Center which is an educational organization and a Violence Signature Campaign booth. There were also supposed to be infocards of different NGO for contact information but I didn't see a volunteer did their part distributing them. But I would expect their presence is much more better.

Human trafficking problems are worldwide whenever there's need of people who wants greener pastures in their lives. People take advantage of their situations and cleverly deal with them then scam them that costs them their freedom. Here in the Phils., it usually in poverty-stricken places of the provinces and human traffickers brings them to red-light districts and makes them either domestic slaves or prostitutes. Women are mostly the usual victims. To prevent this, investigate whether the recruitment agencies you are interested in are legitimate. People in power are usually behind this that is why I appreciate Bamboo's song:

Habang may tatsulok at sila ang nasa tuktok

Di matatapos itong gulo

People on top tend to take advantage of the weak and marginalize that makes this song relevant.

For more information, go to http://www.humantrafficking.org/
or mtvexit.org

Pasay City Youth Homes Days 10-14

May 13,2009
We made them a challenging group dynamics we ever did. We tasked them in groups to make a picture of house, pathway, trees, Sun, using art paper, crayons, glue or tape. The only catch was this. They had to present their items that they have like their shirt, accessories, slippers, etc. for trade just to buy what they need. We gave them a piece of paper that has the conversion rates and the amount of the items they need to use. we had fun doing this. One kid even had to remove his false teeth so that they can have more amount.Hehe. The purpose of this was to find out how they plan their lives and how they can work their plan. We had so much fun that we even extended throughout noon hour. After this, we counseled two kids who will be transferred to another facility in Tanay. We told instructed them that humility is the best virtue they can use so that they may be given pardon so they won't lose hope. The Youth Home is only a temporary shelter for kids who's awaiting a hearing session for their cases. These two kids were already sentenced for their offense.The two will be transfer tomorrow morning. I only pray that the next time we will see them is when they are already released from their sentence.

May 15, 2009
We featured another family-oriented film,"The Homecoming". Though it's an American production, local company proovided a dubbed version of it. We were also visited by our Field Education Coordinator to oversee our area. We were also sad about the two who were transferred to Tanay. But, we will continue to pray for them. Thus,closing our fourth week.

May 18, 2009
On to our last week here at Pasay City Youth Home, we started the day with a singspiration and learning of new songs which we were to use on Friday for our Worship Service. We were led by Ptr. Johnny in our singing. DJ led our morning devotion and I facilitated a “group dynamics”. The youngsters learned cooperation, trust and security. Although today we had some minor issues with one of the boys the staff handled it properly.

May 20, 2009
Last two days of our summer exposure and today we get to watch a film which featured Dwayne “Rock” Johnson entitled GridIron Gang, a story about juvenile kids inside a probation camp which holds them. Dwayne in his role coach the kids into football which taught them discipline, respect and character. We thought this film will make the young men at Pasay relate themselves with the characters and just like what the kids did in the movie (which is a true story by the way) will make them choose the right one also someday. Our morning devotion and our movie reflection was led by DJ.

May 22, 2009
We ended our summer community exposure with a worship service.We invited our Field Education coordinator as speaker and the kids also gave their testimonies of what they have learned and what we also learned from them Then we had a fellowship lunch.

Pasay City Youth Homes Days 6-9

May 1, 2009
We're ending the second week with another film showing. I first gave my reflection before the feature film, Facing the Giants. Though it was in English, we stressed some major quotes that they may draw insights from.

May 4, 2009
The highlight of this visit was that we had games and a group dynamics. We had them made a tower made of straws and only masking tape. We divided them in groups and some of them has many straws and some has no tape and some has less straws. Then, we discussed their work and reflected.

May 6, 2009
We are now exactly halfway of our summer community exposure at PCYH. Yesterday, I got a call from a couple of my classmates who are serving their summer community exposure in Bicol. We were exchanging stories. For Day 8, I gave them a short pep talk and played a game. Afterwards, a group dynamics. We ask them to group themselves in four then gave intructions to secure an egg and make sure it doesn't break and protect it. They only will use straws, scotch tape, masking tape. 2 eggs got broken, 1 egg got it's shell cracked. Only 1 egg survived after two attempts of a fall and a throw. We ask them if they really took care of the egg. Because, they don't really secured it while they were given the eggs. Some made joke attempts of releasing the eggs. We told them if that's how they value some things in life if they were given responsibility. The only girl among the youth there will be released today.

May 11, 2009
Late post.We were informed that we have two new youths there.More like newly back. They were already admitted before.After our activities, we gave them an introduction and recap of what happened so far.

Blind Item

I mentioned in my earlier posts,specifically this one <http://oneiros.multiply.com/journal/item/68/Weird_people_I_encounter_at_work> that I was wrongly accused by a contact in one of the areas I was used to assign. Though the work there still continues, word from another volunteer that the contact is still just as incompetent. Yearly during summer, the youth will also experience to volunteer in these areas because of the lack of manpower of volunteers. I'm glad that my sister was volunteering. The only problem is that the coordinator assigned my sister in that dreaded area in Interior Leveriza near Ninoy Aquino stadium in Manila. I fear that she might be mistreated there. Worse, that coordinator is aware that we're brother-sister. I texted her to assign my sister somewhere else because I still have bad memories regarding that area. No reply. I told her(the coordinator) that I already told my mother and sister regarding that area and that if she doesn't comply ASAP, I will ask my mother to withdraw my sister. The coordinator's response was: "Iba naman ang situation mo sa sister mo. Wala na kasi ibang area sa hapon, para di ka mag-alala, huwag mo na papuntahin sya". I replied back. You should considered that in the first place.If you have respect in me as I have respect in you, you shouldn't done that. OK, you win, My sister will not abandon her post since you lack the volunteers but my mother and I instructed my sister to report if there's something happened to her and the rest of the volunteers regarding that area. The only problem with the coordinator she was too proud to apologize. SHE SHOULD HAVE APOLOGIZE SHOULD HAVE ASSURED ME THAT NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO MY SISTER AND WILL OVERSEE THAT AREA TO ASSURE ME. INSTEAD, SHE LACKS THE DIPLOMACY TO ANSWER THE RIGHT WAY.

Pistang Kristiano

Yesterday,my classmates and I went to Folk Arts Theatre to just look around. I know it was being held yearly by the church who hosts it and I also found out that it was also, Pastor Ed Lapiz's 30th year as the churches pastor. I even got to see the people whom he influenced from celebrities to masses, politicians to high ranking police officers. It was a wonder why my grandma listens to it's radio program. We were joking if we can transfer to worship there instead.

How do you say a blogger is active?

Just my curiousity? Am I not an active blogger?

Pasay City Youth Home Days 3, 4, 5

Day 3: April 24, 2009
We let them viewed a full length film today. Of course, we agreed that it will be non-violent and wholesome as much as possible. We also agreed that it will also have a positive message and it will be in Tagalog. We found that film from an original production of Victory Christian Fellowship titled "Rebound." We saw this film as a means to reach out to these kids who can relate to the story since they are also interested in basketball as well. We gave them our reflection for them to understand since we also witness some of them will receive their wishes fulfilled. Three of the kids there will be granted release today. We are sad that we won't see them anymore but glad at the same time that they will have an opportunity for them awaits so we gave them counsel so that they will not go the same situation again. We told them if ever they go back at the Youth Home, just only to visit.

Day 4: April 27
We played some fun games and and also did some serious talks in a more meaningful manner. We made them write what are their significant things that can be a person, place, or anything that is important in their lives. Glad to see that the only girl among the male-dominated residents started to participate much more.

Day 5: April 29
We played some games with them after the one of my fellow gave inspirational topic to them. We did charades. The last game was the highlight of the day. We gave them a story without an ending that they will decide how will they end the story. There were 3 groups of 5 that participated today. We found out that these kids can also be creative and some has potential leadership qualities. I failed to mention in my previous report that we have a new boy resident in the youth home.

Pasay City Youth Home Days 1 & 2

April 20, 2009
I was in charge of the group dynamics while Kuya Johnny was in charge with the small dialogue.I had them tasked with an activity that will help us identify the kids since this is our first major gathering. I had them make something out of paper without using any tools that will represent them in a creative way. I was glad this turned out alright. Though some kids were still up with some chores and my other team mates were in charge of the songs and some snacks. 11 out of the 16 kids participated today.

April 22, 2009
We started with some games and proceeded with a pep talk then a illustrative group dynamics and gave them something special to look forward this Friday: Film viewing. All 17 kids were present including the only girl.

My First Visit at Pasay City Youth Home

We were briefed and given a tour around the facility during our ocular visit. Even though we will start our exposure next week, we learned a lot already. The term juvenile deliquent is no longer advisable. They are now called children in conflict with the law or CICL for short. For valid reasons, we are not allowed to take pictures with these kids for the duration of our visits.The next step will be implementing activities for the next 5 weeks. I am overwhelmed already that I have so much ideas I wish to implement that I also need to refer with my team. We already set the Week One tasking. Watch out for next post.

April Week One(1-5) Highlights

I attended a seminar /workshop on community organizing just to comply with school standards. I found out that most of the expected people who should attend are not around. This was a waste of time since I'm not sure if the groupings in our summer exposure are represented. If not, are the absentees are considered better than us since we are the only ones who attended? I considered the seminar useful when a minor problem arises.During the seminar, I can't accomodate the task for filing an exit clearance for the summer break because we were loaded. I was told that once I secure an exit clearance that I should bring my stuff along.I can't do that because I have lots of stuff and since I'm coming back the by June, it would be a hassle to remove and put them back so I decided to come back for it at the nearest date. I arrange with some of my dorm mates that we secure our stuff in one room and share the two months worth and it will be cheaper if we are more than three sharing the expenses. I just realized the usefulness of the seminar we attended has some good use. We actually did community organizing and found its worth in practical use.Hehe!

Thoughts on baranggay basketball

I'm not into basketball. I never got to play because I'm not athletic. But to this situation. We still give even a little though we show that we don't like it. We think its better for them to play basketball than to be involve in gangs though most of them still do in a nearby former slum area in Meding. It took a while for my neighborhood(San Isidro) to remove the fear among taxi drivers from entering because of the reported notorious gang leader that was caught. However, I was wondering if they are soliciting really for there uniforms. Though, they were given written permission from the baranggay, is it still right for them to solicit from every house? What if the baranggay officials from the baranggay area they represent should do the soliciting? Perhaps, they should solicit from an establishment for sponsorships or a politician. I really flared up when these uneducated players came to my place on the second level at around 11pm asking me through a window. It doesn't take someone who took etiquette to know that most of the lights are off and the only light available is from the TV. I was the only one awake.. Common courtesy. I didn't give them what they deserve but they were more afraid that I might tell the local officials about it. So, being able to give them sense was enough.

Undisciplined Jeepney Drivers

Jeepneys are always part of Pinoy life. I don't know any pinoy from all walks of life who never been able to ride a jeepney. Even one of my professor wrote a hermeneuticsabout jeepneys. But I really can't tolerate was the jeepney drivers in Cavite. Though, I am studying in a non-traditional program and have classes only on Saturdays,I still carry the name of PUP in my ID. Students are entitled to have student discounts on weekdays but in Cavite, the drivers turned deaf ears upon hearing the word, "Bayad,estudyante po." Earlier before I made the post, I tookthe usual ride from the nearby mall. The mall is not far from the PCU gate that you can even walk if it not consumes time and it was already dark and raining. I always say, "Bayad.Isa. Sa PCU lang ang baba." The driver's deaf ears got worse. "Saan ang bente? Silang. Ilan ito? I answered, "Sa PCU lang. Isa. He kept repeating Silang as if he didn't hear. I was nearing my stop even though he didn't give the right change. So before I went down, I said, "Para. Kulang pa ang sukli?" Funny part is that "para", they can hear perfectly.

Playboy Bloggers 'Party and Anniversary Issue Launch

Playboy Magazine hosted an event last March 20, 2009 at The Source Bar for the launching of it's Anniversary Issue. The event were welcomed by gracious Playboy Bunnies Yahnnie and Jobie. The bloggers were treated in some fun games, sample drinks and witnessed the Playmates featured in the April issue unveiled its cover layout.

Student Send Off

I was a part of the commitee for sending off graduating students and interns this year. Not only I hosted the event but I made customary CDs which include their pictures, a powerpoint presentation, music selections which I see relevant. I had fun and I was privilege to this task.I only hope that they will find this memorable.

It's nice being part of a group from time to time

I was invited by a professor to eat dinner one time along with my fellow students/dorm mates. We had fun chatting about life in the men's dorm. As the title suggests, it was nice being part of a group from time to time. These guys make you feel welcome.

Liminality

I was having a blast with my fellow teammates last three nights ago because we were celebrating after our sportfest. We didn't win but we had fun.. We got to share time with each other in a dinner prepared in one of the houses in our campus. Afterwards, we were singing songs and drink some punch. Before, I was only open to my core group but after this, I found out that they're alright. I wish I had known these fellows sooner. Most of them are graduating and few of us are gonna be left behind. Thus, recalling the word liminality. I remember that the time will come my place in this campus will soon be over. So I have to maximize my time to people who can get along with me.