Price Freeze is Lifted

My head suddenly felt a jolt as I listened to the news today. I didn't hear the announcement on price freeze last Friday and was caught unaware about it. This is major headache both literally and figuratively not to mention that it will burn a hole on the people's pocket. I am not sure if people have been able to recover from the past typhoons because I know I can still see a lot of people slowly buying their appliances and furniture.

Oh well..Let us hope for the best for the Philippines.

Ironies

Just when I thought I was doing well, people would come to say what you have done is not enough....haaay....

Sad

I have been typing and deleting. I cannot find the words to say just how sad i feel over the destruction left by the typhoon that recently visited the Philippines. We still do not have electricity in our place, but some people lost more even everything that they have worked for.

Let us pray that the typhoon that they are expecting this week(yes another one) will not affect the country severely.

Let us do everything we can to rebuild.

Appropriate Quote

As elections draw near, it is good to ponder on this quote for the day


Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.

Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)


VOTE WISELY!

Realization...

In a few days...it is the -ber months once again....

...Meaning this year draws to a close

and

I have not found what I am looking for.

I have not done what I wanted to really do

and oh well...

Wasting my Time ...

I have so many things to do. I can think of more than one thing that needs my attention, and all of them are things that are related to my jobs. I often end up sidetracked by the internet (facebook, twitter, fanfiction top the list of culprits, ofcourse), by tv and other stuff that may affect productivity really bad. In the end, I do get the jobs done by cramming them.

2 nights ago, we were watching ABS-CBN's Kalye. What struck me the most was the feature on those park traffic helpers in eme in Quezon which is considered the fastest access route to Bicol. For one, it is a very dangerous job because eme is the most dangerous street in the Philippines since it is carved from the mountains and said to be spelling eme in script, hence, the name. With its elevated terrain and how it can only accommodate one car at a time, it has been a place where a lot of accidents have happened. The traffic helpers are not even official government workers. The only pay they get is from the coins tossed by motorists.

There was a guy whose shift started from 6am and by 9am, he only has 9pesos in his can. I felt mortified. I realized that if I work for three hours I get so much more than 9pesos. Still, I end up stalling sometimes. Even if I am more comfortably seated in front of the computers, I feel lazy while these traffic helpers are out under the heat of the sun standing in dangerous spots just to earn some bucks. I should be ashamed of myself.

I am trying to grapple with the message from this. I am thankful for having two jobs that I can juggle. I am thankful for the opportunities coming my way. I am thankful for everything.

May i not squander my time that much anymore. May I also reach out to help those that I can.

long time no blog

It has been a long time....

too busy to write...

too addicted to twitter...

too restless to write...

...bottom line is will write soon.

Our house was almost robbed. Two nights ago, I slept rather early because I was not feeling well. Then I was suddenly roused from stupor by a bang of something hitting the roof. It was unusually loud. Nothing was able to get me up from bed faster than that. I am such a heavy sleeper. The whole house could be awaken by the alarm, heck even the neighbors and even by an earthquake but not me. I was not sure what the sound was but i had a sneaking suspicion that i have to get up and turn on all the lights. I did just that and went down to take some medicine. I happened to turn on the tv then decided to watch a movie on HBO. I went back to bed after two hours only to be awoken by my mother asking me if there was by chance that I opened the cabinet of linens that was near the window. I said no. We later realized that someone seemed to have forcibly opened the window and even trying to get through. We put two and two together...These days, I feel as though, I am watching my back at all times. I have nothing to say really. I have no profound words because I do not want to verbalize just how much I feel and what I think at this point.

Distractions

The thing about having unlimited broadband wireless internet at home is that while there are a lot of things that needs to be done on the computer, the distraction is too strong to resist. There is always something more interesting to read or watch on the net. I know that I can even be more productive than I really am at this point have I not been sidetracked most of the time. I am considering pulling the plug off the router too many times, but I like surfing too much. I guess I need to discipline myself.I guess I should really follow a very strict schedule. That should work. Until then...there is a new chapter of my favorite fan fictions every day or so.

Good Ideas

Something about possibilities excite me. The minting of new ideas and the brimming cup of all good things that may come to pass are simply wonderful. It takes someone out of the mundane day to day existence. Best of all, possibilities give one a chance to hope for a change, for a hope for something better to come our way.

Since the possibilities are endless, let it serve as stars to light the dark night sky of our lives.

favorite book

I enjoyed reading Pride and Prejudice. I first read it when a friend lent it to me. Over the years, I was not able to give it back to her. (i hope that i get to see her one day so that I can return it to her.) A few weeks ago, I was able to buy my own copy. I am so glad because it is such a steal at only 99.00 pesos. I also have not seen the film in its entirety. I bought the disc but has not find the time to watch it. I am just happy that I now have my own book. =)

last router update hopefully

router is up and running and yes, without a password...good news is i was able to reset it. thank God!

router updates

still haven't found enough courage to retry using the router....

i have some definite ideas on how to get it back to working condition...but i have not found the right disposition to tinker...it seems that plug and plays can be confusing too.

signing off...got some work to do....

Untitled

Last night, I tried putting a password to access the wireless internet at home. I think it can be accessed by anyone within a distance from the house, and i often got notices that I should put a password. Last night, I tried, but I ended up messing up everything. For some reason, I could not connect to the internet anymore with that connection. I was thinking I messed up and inadvertently clicked something in the process of assigning a password. I was so heart broken and upset because I could not use the internet. This morning, i needed to email some stuff, so I decided to just connect the internet directly to my computer. This gave me a headache, as well. I could not get an internet connection. After a long time of talking to an online representative of my internet service provider, I finally saw the internet signal at the bottom of my screen. I was glad I had internet access once again. The sad part is that the router has afforded me with freedom to work in any part of the house with internet access. It also cleared off some space on my table. I do not know what to do....my hunch is I would need to unistall the router settings from my computer then install it again...what a big hassle really, but for now, i have to do with not being wireless...

The Irony of the Constituent Assembly

As I write, thousands upon thousands of people are converging in Makati to show their opposition of the Congress' move to turn itself in to a Constituent Assembly. Everything that is happening at this point is scary and hilarious at the same time.

It is a bit scary because the prospect of a change in the constitution might give those who wants to operate on a wider latitude to be able to perpetuate power or amass some more bucks. What is even more scary is that the rallies might give them a reason to call a martial law or suspend some of our rights. [God forbid!]

It is a bit ironic for me for many reasons. One,Constituent means voter, citizen. Clearly, this move by the congress is not blessed by their constituents; hence, the name they will use for themselves is surely ironic. Lastly, why get a monicker that is double negative- con is the opposite of pro and even worse con can mean "to deceive"...This is exactly what they are doing at this point. The word "Ass"...is so self explanatory....i do not need to expound on that.

Words...you should be aware of the meaning of these words...they show real intentions and the lack thereof....

One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.

Agatha Christie (1890-1976)

That is Sunday's Quote of the day.

I agree...childhood is that blissful time when you discover the world. It is a sacred time that we can always go back to when we feel sad and low.

It determines how good or bad you are in the future...some people who have come to the dark side did not have such a great childhood....look at Voldemort...I think that is the point of HP when Dumbledore showed a glimpse of the dark wizard's childhood.

some questions begging to be answered

A friend told me the con as has replaced the sex video scandals. There are still some loose ends, though. Few people can grasp the Con As, much less know what is contained in the Philippine Constitution, but a video scandal is something everyone can understand any day.

I do not understand why there are new revelations from Lolit Solis in every new interview. Why can't she spill in one sitting? Could there be more pieces of information up her sleeves? I feel that she knows more than she lets on. I think she should be a part of any investigation.

I wonder why Vicky had to ask Eric Chua to help retrieve and delete the files in question. Doesn't she have any computer guy on retainer for Belo Medical? Doesn't she have anyone she can trust? Is there a definite reason why?

Everyday, as more information gets out, I think more questions need to be asked. There are loopholes in the stories.And oh well, there are just a lot of things to write about these days.

Some Quick Thoughts on the Con Ass

Con As- even the name itself does not sound so good.

I do not like it when someone in any administration, from Ramos to Erap to GMA's, would suggest that there ought to be changes in the constitution. The 1987 Constitution may be misconstrued as a reaction to the excesses of martial law and the former regime, but I do not think it should be the main reason why it should be changed-revised or what ever they want to call it.

Firstly, take note that the Constitution is the outline of the aspirations and the ideals of the people. It is the basic law of the land in that it defines which things can be done and cannot be done. In itself, most of its laws, being the principles and sentiments of the people need enacting laws to make it more specific or more atuned to the times. Because of this, if they claim that the constitution does not match the present needs of the country, I do not think the constitution is much to blame. The constitution is made more specific by laws the congress and senate pass. I realized that it is not the failure of the constitution as they claim but really the failure of those who are supposed to write these specific laws which can easily fit the needs of the times and easily change if need be. I do not see any reason why we should blame the fundamental law when it is not even fully utilized to its potential. I suggest that they try to make sure that each and every law in the Constitution be made specific before they change it. How can they prove that it does not work when they have not really used it well? Why blame the Constitution when they are the ones not doing their jobs?

Secondly, Senate must make a vote. They should show their official stand. At this point, I saw the interview with Fr. Bernas on the news, and the only way that Congress can be considered doing something unconstitutional is when they act apart from the Senate. The Senate must then show through a resolution that the lower house, indeed, acts on their own in this matter. Making the vote, would make it official and would even make House Resolution 1109 clearly unconstitutional. Notice that a ¾ vote is needed in this matter whereas some things in congress or the senate can be resolved by simple majority or the 50% + 1 vote. This is a way to make sure that the Constitution is protected by making it harder to get a majority.

Thirdly, it still is all about the numbers. I was wondering how voting in the senate will turn out. I heard that some are really against Con As but others may have their votes for sale. Why is it that they have not voted? Why haven’t they sealed the deal? Are they waiting for some negotiations in the form of Php or even $ or a slot in the next election? What ever it is, it still boils down to politics with its maneuvers. I hope that the senators would think about their reelection aspirations, at the very least, if not the welfare of the people.

Lastly, if indeed, we need to change or amend the points of the Constitution, I suggest that we try to hear the voice of the people on this. If the constitution is truly not so relevant in our lives, I suggest that we make sure that there is grassroots consultation before any constitutional commission or assembly convenes. What is it that the people need? What do they want? What will make this country move forward? The constitution cannot be changed just out of someone’s whim. The constitution is not to be trifled with so easily. But I am hoping against hope that the senators, pro or against the administration will see the wisdom in blocking this. I hope that they would consider what they know about the Constitution. I hope they show that they are truly learned men who are capable in making good decisions for the country.

In the next few days, I will be able to find out if I did cast my votes right in my choice of senators during the last elections. I also hope that I would not have to feel so bad about going to EDSA 2. The things that will unfold will surely be pivotal to the people’s choice in 2010…should there, indeed, be choices that will be made.

I also salute the men and women who voted against it in Congress and most especially those who trooped to the streets to let their voices be heard.

I was able to watch this film on HBO last night. I wanted to catch it on the big screen but was not able to. I like watching period films especially those that are really based in history. Of course, Anne Boleyn was credited for the schism between England and Rome. She had changed a country and even religion. As this part was discussed in history books and religion classes, I often pictured her as the heartless viscous type who was pure evil- I suppose. The movie was able to show the dynamics that led to her decisions. I wonder how much of that was accurate? What about Mary? I tried searching the net, but it still did little to satisfy my curiosity. Oh well, suffice it to say that watching Elizabeth (years ago) was also a good treat, seeing how the great queen's mother could have been was a good watch too. I probably just have a very strange fascination over these type of films.

book worm

I must admit that I was a bit of a bookworm. oooohh Let me rephrase that I have been a book worm since I first started hoarding and hiding the Nancy Drew books in the school library. Or was it when my mother insisted that I buy books instead of toys or that i make sure that I have a balance of both. Needless to say that growing up, I often find my nose buried in a book. That was how my cousins saw me since every vacation I was always with some paperback on my hands. My classmates considered me well read. In reality, though, I believe there are a lot of people out there who read more than I do. But there are still others who think that reading is such a burden. I cannot imagine how life was for them not knowing the thrill of how a story unfolds or why the antagonist turned dark and how the protagonist overpowers the odds. I cannot think of how they do not know how books can get them anywhere or how it can make them understand things that have not been experienced yet.

There was a time my mother had to stop me from reading because my eyesight was so weak and my grade has been escallating, but books have never stopped beckoning for me. I used books to know things, I read when I am feeling low. I used books to pass the time. I do not know what my life would be like without readings books.And as I hear people who do not have any interest in reading at all, I feel sad for them and the possibilities that await them if they would only pick a book.

kiss and tell

i realized that nobody wants a kiss and tell...much more a show and tell which seems to be the case lately.....

how can that be a video diary? then it means this guy has videos of himself doing all sort of things in a day if this is indeed a diary. What a cool way to circumvent the truth....call it any other way.

Conflicted

The recent sex video scandals have left Filipinos buzzing with judgement, with interest, and everything else in between. It brings to the fore a lot of issues that is not about sex alone. It questions the way society sees women. It shows how promiscuity has been eating up our society. It makes us question privacy, perversity, and psychological problems. The one that would take the worst beating will have to be love.

Personally, I feel bad for the girls (involved) who were in love. Because the act that they thought was something intimate and sacred is now marred by a real scandal for all the world to see. Now, instead of a loving act between two people, it has become a spectacle and that one thing that would make them feel regretting ever loving that person ever. They probably hoped that person were never born.

Heck what am I talking about? Bottomline is- I think love is love and whatever it is that two people shared intimately should be between the two of them. Why do we cringed when couples are doing acts of public display of affection? Why do we not want to see even our friends making out in front of us? It is because something as intimate is something that is not for public consumption. It makes a mockery out of love. It makes a mockery out of trusting people we love.

It looked like a simple flower, but when I tried taking its pic, it seemed to have come to life. A classic case of being photogenic!

couldn't sleep

i have a full day in a few hours...i really need sleep...but no...i just can't

This is so ironic...i don't even want to pull an all nighter... oh gosh....

As the holy week approaches....

These past few weeks....

I was struck by many things lately.
I was enraged by a lot of things.
I was thankful for so many things.
I was working for so many things.

but for now I want to share a few thoughts that may be realted to the Holy Week...

I. Last Sunday, as we were watching The Buzz, Maricel Soriano was asked what is one thing that she always includes in her prayer? She replied that she always asks for forgiveness because she know that it is not possible to be sinless throughout the day. It made me realize that we too should remember that a day will not pass without us having offended anyone or said a thing or two that is not suitable. And we should always consider asking for God's mercy on things that we did both intentionally or unknowingly.

II. Last week, we ordered pizza thought the phone. They gave a specific delivery time. After that, the pizza will be for free. Lo and behold, the pizza arrived around 20 minutes after the designated time. To which, everyone was saying it should be free. The manager of the nearest branch told us it would be free because we waited for a long time. I asked the delivery boy who will pay for the pizza, and he said it will be divided among the staff who had a hand on the preparation and delivery. I gave him the money instead. I do not want to eat pizza off other people's money. I realized that I may not be rich, but I think I earn more from those people who would be charge just because the pizza was late. I told him to just make sure that it will not happen again.

III. I had pages of the book photocopied the other day. It was already close to closing time when I arrived. I was supposed to photocopy page 15 and 29 only for 5 copies each. The thing was she thought I wanted from pages 15 to 29 photocopied for 5 copies each. What an excess, I had! I looked at my writing on the markers for the book but it did look clear. I asked someone to look at it for me, and said it was clear that I only wanted 2 pages photocopied. The xerox girl told me that I did not have to pay for the extra pages she inadvertently xeroxed. I asked her what would happen and who would pay? She said the company would deduct it from her salary. I told her to just include it in my bill, but be careful the next time.

These are my good days lately...I remembered lessons on social justice ...and I remembered to think and be nicer....maybe because Holy Week was near...or maybe just maybe i listened to my guardian angel.

typed in a hurry..will be back to edit....sorry

oh well....

there are times when you feel that there is nothing more you can give...

there are times when you fell like there are not a single friend left....

there are times when nothing right happens....

then there are times that are just times...

i guess these are the thoughts of someone who is very tired...and sleepy....

tomorrow...the times will be so much better!!!

after a good sleep... =)

wireless router

After five days of unsuccessfully trying to install/configure the router that I finally bought after months of pondering, i was able to make it work...i was beginning to feel so frustrated and so stressed out about it...i really did try everything possible. and there are somethings they do not say inthe manual....oh well what is entry about? it is so sabog...yeah me...sabog today....maybe the high of being able to use the router finally....hehehhe

busy and lazy

I do not know if I was just lazy that is why I was renege on blogging(but have been updating the photos on my other social networking account.)

Sufifce it to say that I was busy too...

And probably, I have been trying to write emails to friends individually. Nothing like saying "hi" to friends I have not seen in a long long time. It can be quite refreshing...

Ripley's Believe it or Not -Jan 19, 2009

EPISODE 2 3 AIRING: January 19, 2009

Ngayong Lunes sa RIPLEY'S BELIVE IT OR NOT! Maniniwala ka ba...

Imbentor, nakagawa ng motorsiklong isang-gulong... haharurot sa bilis na 57 miles per hour!

Pintor, gumagawa ng makukulay na paintings... gamit ang abo ng mga namatay!

Pusang pilay, ngayon, pusang gala na dahil sa... wheelchair!

Lalake, aakyatin ang mga palapag ng mataas na hotel under time pressure...

walang gamit n tali o pansalo!

Babae, ginagamit ang dibdib para protektahan ang sarili!

Mga tao na hayop sa galing! At hayop na parang tao ang dating!

Magpapakitang gilas ngayong gabi para pabilibin kayo!

WELCOME TO:

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

Hosted by CHRIS TIU.

After GMA TELEBABAD.

Maelyn Tupas-Ballen

Production Coordinator

Local 2311

Cel # 0920-6201476 / 0917-8808432

A Love Lost

for that person who was once a part of my life in the distant past....who is now far away...


I am sorry.
I was not able to see the twinkle in your eyes whenever you glance upon me.
I am sorry.
I did not hear the melody of your heart beat.
I am sorry.
I did not tell you just how much you mean to me.
I am sorry.
I was not strong enough to admit that I do feel something for you.
I am sorry.
I did not swallow my pride to say "I am wrong."
I am sorry.
I did stop you when you walked away.
I am sorry.
I did not give you a chance to apologize.
I am sorry,
for all the years that we had to be apart.
I am sorry,
for all the pain that could have been avoided had we been together.
I am sorry.
I cannot bring back the hands of time.
I am sorry.
I am simply sorry.
I hope that one day you can see how sorry I am.

Prayer

While I was Christmas shopping last year, I was able to get a free copy of our Daily Bread from Celine after we bought stuff for gifts and my mom's pair of shoes. Then, my spiritual director gave me a pamphlet on forgiveness. While I was going up the stairs of my office building today, the guard handed out a book that was apparently left by one of my friends. I realized it was pandesal (bread of salt). I realized that these were all reflection guides or prayer guides. There was probably a message there somewhere to just pray. I probably have not prayed that much for a long time, and this is God's way of telling me that He misses me. =)

The Challenge of a New Year

Yesterday, one of my best friends asked me in her email what my super goal for the year is. She said it has to be just one, and I could not come up with an answer to fit what she was saying.

Today, my prayer group's spiritual director was telling us to focus on the Gospel for the day. He shared it to us. It was the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. He wanted to tell us that Jesus was often active. He was always creating and recreating. The question now is what do we want to be active with.

Again, I have no answer. I realize that people always assume that since it is the start of a year we have to always start something or change something. Is life not a continuum? Does it truly have to be episodic?

I guess for someone who was not brought up to write resolutions and all that stuff, it is quite hard to really make one goal even. I usually make a goal any time of the year and follow it trough.

At this point, I guess I can only claim this - I have goals. They are the same as last year...only more refined.

but who knows? I might end up finding one tomorrow....

The price of fame and success

This has two parts.

1. I was able to watch High School Musical 3 and Twilight last year. Needless to say that it stuck me how the male leads were the ones who were catapulted to stardom. Zac was the one voted as most likely to succeed in an informal online survey. My mom said, " well, he is gwapo(handsome in filipino) and talented." Who would have thought that Robert Patison's hair would spark that much concern and even rage? Isn't that enough to show how much interest he had sparked? The focus has been away from the leading ladies towards the leading men, so it seems.

2. At the height of the brouhaha over Twilight the movie, there was picture of Kristen Stewart and a caption that said she had committed a fashion faux pas during one of the primiere nights. I was a bit sad for her. Maybe because it was her first time to ever have a major movie and walk the red carpet with her as the lead, and yet the fashion police seemed to be quick to tear her to pieces. Not to mention that it was splattered all over the internet for a few hours or days enough to have a lot of people see it. It was quite unfortunate, but i realized that is probably the price of success. Being thrust to the public eye to be scrutinized and criticized is something that they should be prepared to face since they decided to be an actor. I guess the same is true for Robert Patison's hair. Who would have thought that strong reactions will be garnered from something as mundane as a hair cut? Simply the price of success, I suppose.