It's Just Jammy's Luck

Forgetting JPG

2009-10-13T19:34:00.001+08:00

I miss you. =(

Forgetting JPG

2009-10-12T18:09:00.000+08:00

It takes 21 consecutive days of repeated doing of an act to make a habit and it takes 21 consecutive days as well to kill a habit. At my previous work and the others before that one, I'm known to be the one that arrives late or miss a day or two for no apparent reason. But I challenged myself in this regard,and for at least 21 days, arrived at least 30 minutes for work. I was punctual and never absent for 2 months --a big improvement according to my reputation. I tried quitting smoking but I can only go as far as Day 2, so I'm not so successful with that one but I think it is because I don't really want to quit the habit.

There is another habit I don't want to end; for the past 3 months, I've gotten the habit of spending 1/3 of my day with JPG, on the phone, ym, fb poker, etc. And all that ended, it's not like I didn't know it would happen but --for the months we wasted on each other, for the time I wasted his time and the times he made me wait, for the times I wake up at odd hours to talk to him and for the times he had to sleep at 6am to talk to me, for the many plans we crossed out for each other, for the many plans we made together, for our differences and brokeness, honesty and mystery that envelopes us--I prayed that we will make it together against all odds.

Only it didn't. It ended before it began.

It has been 21 days since we had blow, I didn't think it was that serious until we were literally not talking. It's hard when two proud people in love ends up fighting, it's like holding your breath underwater too long that your eyes are beginning to pop, your head in purple tint begging for air but you just won't let go , just won't breathe for the sake of pride. Maybe we were'nt really in love but we're certainly two proud people but I do love him--just not sure any more If I should but I still love him anyway.

I just wonder, what you are doing at certain hours that we usually spend together. How's your Saturdays? What time do you sleep now? What are you reviewing now? Who are you flirting with nowadays? How much poker chips do you have now? Does my voice still ring in your ears because yours certainly does to me? I miss your snoring, in some weird way, it lulls me to sleep.

Today, I know, I still love JPG. It has been 21 days but he's a habit I don't want to let go yet. Maybe the day will come when I won't be thinking of him, but not yet, because everything I do, reminds me of him and every boy I date, I see his face.

Bugtong [Riddle]

2009-01-26T02:06:00.005+08:00

"Nakaluhod kung gawin,
Padasal kung lutuin,
Nakatingala sa langit kung inumin."
-Lumang Bugtong
Sagot: _______

"Made while kneeling
Pray while cooking
Look up and thank the heavens
while drinking."
-Old Filipino Rhyme and Riddle
Answer: ______

Take a guess.... comments (answers) are welcome =)
Hint: Valentine Favortie

Sad Endings

2009-01-21T18:02:00.001+08:00

I hate sad endings. Actually I hate endings period. To end a story, a decision has to be made... and stick to it like it was what it has to be, a rest. So it has to be the proper rest so there is no point, no need to want to turn things around because that would be a regret. I don't like that word too -regret.

(too upset to go on...will elaborate more soon maybe)

2009-01-20T00:50:00.002+08:00

ok..

So I got curious anyway about Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Series and meant to read the first few pages from the first book of four yesterday and I find myself done with the second book and can't wait to dig on the next one.

I must say I'm impressed.

there, enough blabbing for now. It's about time Bella graduates highschool. tooodooodoooodum

The Best Job In The World

2009-01-13T23:30:00.004+08:00

I love my recent job as a preschool teacher. I was lucky to teach children on an international school in the most famous island in the Philippines -Boracay Island. Before this, I was teaching in Claret School and had to save a lot to fly to Boracay and it can get really expensive and I thought why not live on the island and find a job that can sustain my living cost on this white sand and blue-green waters. A long shot but dreaming paid off. That was the best job in the world for me for 2007-2008.

Until Yahoo! came up with this job post for a caretaker, and I must agree it is very tempting. It is the only one that can top my previous job.

It certainly is the best job in the world! I would fight my way to get that job.

The Wolves Took It

2009-01-12T14:38:00.003+08:00

Lost things have a way of coming back. In 2003, I bought two Neil Gaiman hardbound books in Fully Booked, Greenhills. The two picture books were "The Day I Swapped My Father For Two Goldfish" and "The Wolves In The Walls". These were very fantastic materials for storytelling for gradeschoolers, my students love it even my colleagues love it as well. I often lend my books to friends and sometimes these books forget to come back to me and because so many books had been lent out and so many months and even years had passed I forget to whom it was lent to. "The Wolves in the Walls" are one of the books that I lost and missed for ... 6 long years.

I've looked everywhere in the house to find that book but just couldn't locate it anywhere. And after some time, I've come to accept that it will never come back, whoever possesses it (after 6 years of keeping) assumes ownership. I guess most people assume that way, may it be about borrowed books, pen, dvds or money perhaps, --hoping the lender forgets about the matter. hmm, I see guilty eyes. hehehehe

But anyway, the book came back in the most peculiar manner and no need to point fingers. It magically appeared under the coffee table. I mean, come on! I can't believe its back and I'm in denial that its the very same book I bought years back, so I flipped the book to see the back cover and I saw what I needed to see -the proof (Fully Booked Sticker P714.00). Thats all I need, I'm glad.

If you do have toddlers, you might want to buy and read the books to them and later on when they do start to read by themselves have them read it to you. Its one of the good ways to encourage kids to read. A very amusing story and entertaining pictures.

Here is a browse inside application to the book. Check it out.

A Boracay Memoir

2009-01-12T02:19:00.005+08:00

Today's weather is as perfect as yesterday and its even more pleasant because the moon is at its biggest and brightest full moon glow. Times like these bring back fond memories, it makes me think of Boracay. Every time its nice and windy or so sunny that I could feel so warm to the bone or whenever the moon looks so dashingly handsome... such nights send me back to the island I just need to close my eyes and I know its real and tonight is one of those very nights.

I leave my little hut perched up in the hill, secured my key in my pocket and took my trusty lighter with a built in flashlight --oh what a firefly this is. I turned to face the narrow path that would lead to the main road and it was already illuminated,no need for firefly then, so I just light a cig. It's a pleasant night, I opt to walk the entire way. Its so quiet that I could hear the island in orchestra -the sound of the wind against the leaf blades of the grass and bamboo trees; tricycles and motorbikes slowing down offering a ride, I decline and they go like resonating notes of violas and cellos, the distant videoke singer (probably drunk) reaches for the high notes falters and tries again and it goes on like shreiking violin but distance is a friend, it sounds good; then I hear the cicada's love song --the erotic call for a mate, but the cicada is not alone, everyone is seeking a match. Driven by insatiable lust, crickets, cicadas and God knows even butterflies and fireflies have songs of love --all of them sing in chorus (no shame in sex). I could stay and listen to this exclusive six-legged insect band and learn from them but in fact, my mind has drifted off already about human sexuality and *bang* the cymbals, I hear the crashing of the waves and my side tracking ends. The waves can be predictable at nights like this one, they just crash within a definite time or interval or momentum or pace. The waves make a hushing sound when it withdraws and moans loud when it claws back to shore. The hushes and moans of the sea and shore an incesant erotic love affair.

Someone is playing the didgeridoo, that means the party is about to start and I'm not missing it.
Red Pirates Pub Full Moon Parties are nothing like anything else in the island and for that it has a special charm to backpackers. Its a place where people come barefoot, dressed down, guards off, all-pretentions stripped-off and sometimes just plain stripped off. Its a very secluded nook where people come for chats, drinks, fire dance and live drum jams of Boracay's very own. I come here often for the very same reasons plus mango rhum, a game of poker or two, scrabble and dinners. Joey and Jen (the pub's owners) are very generous with their Friday dinners and I am very grateful.

I love nights like this one.

----------------
Find discounts on Boracay luxury hotels and affordable lodges here.

The 2009 Starbucks Planner Hype

2009-01-07T23:58:00.003+08:00

There was quite a domestic stir last night over an obsession to own a 2009 Starbucks Planner. I'm not really a fan of the idea "meeting the quota to redeem prize" especially when year after year, the much awaited planner is less appealing than last year's offer. I would not be surprised that the year will come when Starbucks Planners would be reduce to a size of a then popular Hallmark Daily Planners (I used to have back in the days which is functional, appealing and reasonably priced) and of course, Hallelujah, be free.

I think the best planner Starbucks has released was the very first one. Hard leather-bound, pen, monthly treats included and post cards for Mom and Dad. That one has the personal feel at least it was to me.

This year, I was given a Green HP 2009 Planner Notebook which is more functional and appealing than the costly alternative. But anyway, no one can stop me from my favorite holiday drink, Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte Frappuccino and so I also collect the very last 4 stickers to redeem a planner I won't be using, at least my sister would be glad to have it.

All is well.

Xaymaca Bar's Last Hurrah

2008-12-28T04:09:00.002+08:00

Well well, I just had to go without any acceptable reason not to be in Xaymaca Bar, Timog Ave yesterday night as it happens to be the last gig night. And on that very night, Brownman Revival (BMR) graces the faithful crowd.

At times like these, I can't be more sentimental and I think most of the people among the crowd last night are in the same bus as I am...going down to one's memory lane of Xaymaca as it was years back. So I went to Xaymaca with my friend Ayr from another party (at Bar42, Tomas Morato) and met up with long time BMR-faithful friends: sexynomad, adam mordo, koryn and michelle and needless to say, we had fun just like old times.

For posterity, I video-ed the last two songs the band played. I will upload it soon... but right now...I'm ready for shut-eye. If you like listening to BMR, then watch out for it because the band went crazy...even the seem to be timid Onard (Brownman Keyboardist)!

until then, x.

Movie: The Kite Runner

2008-12-12T09:04:00.014+08:00

The Kite Runner Movie

I've seen the story of the two brothers, Amir and Hassan, on film a few days ago and I still find it as moving as the novel where the excerpts were taken.

Some people would say that the movie doesn't give justice to Khaled Hoesseini's best seller novel "The Kite Runner". I agree but on the other hand I never expected the movie experience to surpass the novel's charm. In fact, I never ever did have that expectation with past novel-based movies. They can never be more enchanting than the book where the stories were derived from. It would take longer than 3 hours to watch if every event in the book was to be put into film. I am not going to watch a film longer than 3 hours. But even so, this movie is a must see!

My eyes welled-up with tears during the entire length of the film, right on the first frame to the last, I, without exaggeration, did tear up. The director really took time in choosing excerpts to show from the novel. As I, having read the book and needless to say am very familiar with the story, connected with the portrayed scenes and even scenes omitted in between but I have to fill in the missing details for my sisters who haven't read the book yet.

The first hour of the film was generously allotted to depict events from the first page up until Hassan and Ali leaves the house then more scenes were left out after that event. I was hoping to see more of Sohrab's issues (losing all hope in the world) but most are conveniently left out. Leaving out, most especially, Sohrab's failed suicide attempt. Which I think is very important to express Sohrab's helplessness and weariness explaining his aloofness towards Soraya and Amir.

But I can never say it enough, I LOVE THE FILM. Go and see the movie, it is not to be missed.

Favorite Lines:

"For You, a thousand times over"

"...there is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft...when you kill a man, you steal a life, you steal his wife's right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness..."

"There is a way to be good again."

Stills taken from the movie:

1. Hassan knowing where the kite will land.

2. Hassan and Amir watching a western film.

3. Hassan-the kite runner saying "For you, a thousand times over."

4. Amir provoking Hassan to fight back.

5. Rahim Khan giving his birthday present to Amir.

6. Sohrab with his slingshot hits Assef on the eye.

7. Amir, Soraya and Hassan flying a kite together in a park.

8. Baba forgiving Hassan for stealing Amir's watch. Ali and Hassan decides to leave Wazik Akbar Khan.

The Devil and Miss Prym

2008-12-08T22:39:00.003+08:00

For a limited time, Paulo Coelho; the author of many acclaimed novels such as The Alchemist, By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept, Eleven Minutes, Veronika Decides to Die (to name a few); has granted a 100% FREE reading of his best-seller novel "The Devil and Miss Prym".

This story of temptation is a thought-provoking parable of a community devoured by greed, cowardice, and fear—as it struggles with the choice between good and evil.

Browse Inside this book

Get this for your site

The Kite Runner

2008-12-08T04:23:00.004+08:00

Khaled Hosseini has won me over with his first novel, "The Kite Runner". He is, in my books (pun intended), one of today's phenomenal story tellers and I say it without exaggeration. I couldn't put the book down and read it, from cover to cover (with minimal sleep) in 3 days because I was so eager to find out where the events would lead.

Reading the novel is like opening a door to Afghanistan's history and culture, that in itself is already a devastating story to start with. The novel tells the story of Amir's childhood in Kabul with Baba (his father), Ali (servant), Hassan (Ali's son) and Rahim Khan (Baba's friend who, to Amir's eyes, understands him more than Baba).

Amir recollects the painful events he has caused Hassan's (his kite runner) family; his desire for Baba's complete attention and approval; his jealousy over Baba's affection on Hassan; Hassan's courage, Rahim Khan's endearing presence and his search for redemption.

I don't really want to say more about the story as I might be revealing too much to spoil it (spoiler alert here).

There are numerous materials available online of and about the novel. I'm downloading the movie and the audiobook right now as these contents were not available at the time I've read the book. But if you haven't read the book yet, go get a copy. If you have, well then get Hosseini's second novel, "A Thousand Splendid Suns".

The story, "The Kite Runner", reminds me of my childhood -the '80s to '90s (yeah!!!) with my cousins. At that time, although we have gaming consoles like Nintendo Family Computer, Game n' Watches, joy sticks games, the games of choice are the really tiring 'It Games' like Tumbang Preso, Pepsi 7-Up, Touch the Color, Monkey Monkey, Langit Lupa, Pussy Cat Pussy Cat, and etc. I can go on on in this list of games. (I will, just you wait! LOL). We get repremanded to play around the time dinner is ready (yes, the time when the entire family eats together) and disobedience means a beating(LOL). Only when we are sent home do we really play with the gaming consoles.

Games back then were more DIY. We used to make and fly our own kites in our backyard with walis ting-ting, pastic grocerybags and our lola's sewing thread (hahahahaha). We make our own bubble fun in numerous fashion depending on the availability of the materials needed and where the modus operandi will take place. If we were out in the garden, we would crush gumamela leaves and flowers to a slimy paste and add water sometimes adding manang's detergent for maximum effect and a looped walis ting ting or hallow papaya leaf stalk, when in the bathroom with cousins, we just dab a tiny amount of Johnson's Baby Shampoo on our lips and start blowing and then weeeeEEE! We do get in trouble a lot and get a scolding from Manang because sometimes we use too much detergent for our bubble fun and the mysterious thinning of the walis ting ting.

What's Your Favorite Color?

2008-12-05T19:37:00.005+08:00

Dear Paris Hilton,

You're no longer in preschool where teachers would think it cute that toddlers wear their favorite color all over. Are you doing this as a motion to convince Crayola to rename Pink to Paris?

Were they bought on sale? Wait, that's not right... did you just shop at your own store?

Esthero - Everyday Is A Holiday With You

2008-12-05T17:50:00.001+08:00

Title: Everyday Is A Holiday With You (see video on youtube)
Artist: Esthero
Album:2006?

Met him on Sunday
Loved him by Tuesday afternoon
Woke up on Friday
Changed my whole life
to make some room

Around a quarter to two
I have remembered all of my lines
I say when I think of you

Your'e like a favorite song to
That melody, that melody I love
And it goes

La da da da da da da da da da
La da da da da
La da da da da
La da da da

Hopped on the Metro
And I'm on my way home
But I can't get him out of my mind
No matter just how hard I try

And if the rumors were true
I could look forward to some
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/RZq ]

Better days and get aways
Are so nice 'cause when I am with you
You're the cresendo to
that melody, that melody
I love

La da da da da da da da da da

Better days and get aways
'Cause every day is a holiday with you

La da da da da..

Better days and get aways
'Cause every day is a holiday with you

Gotta let them know
Gotta know for sure
Dont leave me I'm in the cold
Gotta know for sure

La la la la..

When I think of you
Better days and get aways
'Cause every day is a holida with you

La da da da da da da da da da

Better days and get aways
'Cause every day is a holiday with you

La da da da da..

Maria Mena - Just A Little Bit

2008-12-05T17:48:00.001+08:00

Title: Just A Little Bit (see video on youtube)
Artist: Maria Mena (read interview)
Album: 2004

just a little bit stronger
just a little bit wiser
just a little less needy
and maybe i'd get there

just a little bit pretty
just a little more aware
just a little bit thinner
and maybe i'd get there

clearly, clearly i remember
hiking up my skirt
and asking for your time

clearly, clearly i remember
nervous if ever confronted
and questioning myself

oh perhaps, perhaps if i got better
perhaps if i challenged myself
perhaps if i was...

just a little bit stronger
just a little bit wiser
just a little less needy
and maybe i'd get there

just a little bit pretty
just a little more aware
just a little bit thinner
and maybe i'd get there

clearly, clearly i remember
pulling up my shirt
and staring blank ahead

clearly, clearly i remember
days of useless crying
and almost feeling dead

oh perhaps, perhaps if i was smaller
perhaps i could control myself
perhaps if i was...

just a little bit stronger
just a little bit wiser
just a little less needy
and maybe i'd get there

just a little bit pretty
just a little more aware
just a little bit thinner
and maybe i'd get there

just a little bit stronger
just a little bit wiser
just a little less needy
and maybe i'd get there

just a little bit pretty
just a little more aware
just a little bit thinner
and maybe i'd get there

oooahhhh oooahhhh oooahhhh oooahhhh
just a little bit pretty
just a little more aware
just a little bit thinner
and maybe i'd get there

Lenka - The Show

2008-12-05T17:46:00.000+08:00

Title: The Show (see official video on youtube)
Artist: Lenka
Album: Lenka (2008)

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried
And I don't know why

Slow it down
Make it stop
Or else my heart is going to pop
'Cause it's too much
Yeah, it's a lot
To be something I'm not

I'm a fool
Out of love
'Cause I just can't get enough

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried
And I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out
It's bringing me down I know
I've got to let it go
And just enjoy the show

The sun is hot
In the sky
Just like a giant spotlight
The people follow the sign
And synchronize in time
It's a joke
Nobody knows
They've got a ticket to that show
Yeah

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I dont know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried
And I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out
It's bringing me down I know
I've got to let it go
And just enjoy the show

Just enjoy the show

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I dont know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried
And I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out
It's bringing me down I know
I've got to let it go
And just enjoy the show

dum de dum
dudum de dum

Just enjoy the show

dum de dum
dudum de dum

Just enjoy the show

I want my money back
I want my money back
I want my money back
Just enjoy the show

I want my money back
I want my money back
I want my money back
Just enjoy the show

Coming Back Home

2008-09-08T02:33:00.003+08:00

almost everyone.
I'm back home.

My response to Jaeyoun Kim's Essay

2008-08-20T08:21:00.003+08:00

I am posting my email response regarding Jaeyoun Kim's essay on Filipinos and the Philippines. You may received it on your mail. I find it alarming that Filipinos actually find it inspiring and amusing and forward it to fellow Filipinos and the recipients forward it to more Filipinos. I personally want to stop the cycle. I don't find Jaeyoun Kim's essay amusing and much less, inspiring. Although, If you happen to be Filipino and find his essay otherwise, do enlighten me. I may be missing something. But for now, since you are reading already, I lay my thoughts. Comments are welcome. I just would like to know how Filipinos take Jaeyoun's "Philippines My Philippines" essay. If you haven't read it, well you are lucky (or not) because that's what the previous entry was all about.

My email response goes...

Good day everyone!

I have read the Korean's Essay and I find it inconsistent and maybe I don't share the same opinion with you.

I don't agree that Filipinos do not love their homeland and that being "the problem" of our country. I don't agree also that judging one's national patriotism on one's desire to live and work in another country other than your homeland as a sign of lack of love of the country. In this case, Filipino OFWs are questioned on their lack of love for the Philippines. It just doesn't ring true to my ears.

In the essay it was also mentioned that during a very hard time (40 years ago) in Korea, Koreans left their country to Germany to work and that they came back to Korea years after. We also have sent teachers, nurses, care givers, domestic helpers, foremen, security guards, miners, cooks, cruise workers, name it, we've sent them all over the world and after some time, OFW come back to the Philippines -balikbayans. Even if they left the country, I do believe that in every Filipino OFW's heart is a yearning to go home and a burning love of the country. I don't doubt that. (Of course a visiting Korean student wouldn’t know about that in his short visit to our country)

Who is this Korean dare judge Filipinos that way? Make conclusions based on an afflicted Filipino prisoner. Of course these prisoners would want to be off their burden thus wanting to leave and never come back. It isn't a secret to the world that our prison's state is so bad. I think the writer should have sought another Filipino like the ones who are OFW or just not in prison.

I am a teacher, I wished the writer asked me and maybe he would think differently. I wished the writer met my student to prove that Filipinos are patriotic. Although at the moment I am not affiliated in any school but I consider myself still a teacher. The same logic applies to any OFW even if they are not in the Philippine Islands, they are still Filipinos and proud at that. But anyway, going back to being a teacher, I taught in Island Home International Primary School (A British International School) in Boracay Island. My students are foreign in nationality and some are of Filipino descent having one Filipino parent. Although they have difficulty in speaking Filipino, they are proud of their Pinoy heritage. They know their flags and some were taught by their parents to sing Pinoy nursery rhymes. You will be surprised, they have bright plans only a loving Pinoy child citizen would dream for their neighborhood, city, and the Philippines. So what is this Korean talking about?

Ask athletes maybe. Ask them how it feels to carry and wave the Philippine flag on a foreign country and represent Philippines. Their victory is not a selfish one, they shout "Pilipinas" with all their heart; “Ginto Para sa Pilipinas” with pride. They cry too, and their tears roots from this well of Filipino pride. We all have this well in our hearts and I hope we take good care of it, let’s not think so badly of our own countrymen. (Let the Koreans do that –I’m kidding).

My point is, his claim isn’t valid. Why of all people would you ask a prisoner deprived of freedom and then generalize his desire to fly out of the country never come back be true to all Filipinos. I think any prisoner would say that even a Korean.

Regards,

Maria Jasmin Maramag
PROUD FILIPINO TEACHER

To all Filipino bloggers out there, I wish you would write your insights too on your blog about this.

Jaeyoun Kim's Essay About the Philippines

2008-08-20T08:09:00.004+08:00

Before I say my opinion about this Korean's essay about Filipinos and the Philippines. I think I should keep a copy of it so everyone who reads my response on Jaeyoun Kim's essay would know the story.

--Lifted from a forwarded email
(AND PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF PHILIPPINES, DO NOT FORWARD IT ANYMORE)

...and the email goes ...

"Please pass it to all Filipinos you know.

As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently studying in the Philippines to take advantage of our cheap tuition fees and learn English at the same time. This is an essay written by a Korean student, (Never mind the grammar; it's the CONTENT that counts). Maybe it is timely to think about this in the midst of all the confusion at present.

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines . Do you really think the corruption
is the problem of the Philippines ? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines .

Let me first talk about my country, Korea . It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because
entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had nonatural resources. Koreans used to talk about the Philippines , for Filipinos were very rich in Asia . We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism. Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea .. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea . So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country. My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray every day. However, they do not love the Philippines . I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in their countries and never come back to the Philippines

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines , I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines . Street kids always make me sad, and I see them every day. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids.

When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action.

She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off.

I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.

I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country.

Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love.

If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos. "

Asian Spirit 6k Seat Sale

2008-08-14T14:55:00.008+08:00

Well yeah. It is the the season again of limited period seat sales, this time I was suprised because Asian Spirit joined the bandwagon on giving REAL seat sales. To be honest, I doubted the validity of it but it is real but only for very very very short while. Imagine as low as Php991 from Manila to Caticlan, when Manila-Kalibo only went as low as Php999.

So what's the catch on this miraculous event?

Well, the cheapest rate is the Php0 fare round trip which cost about Php2888. ROUND TRIP MANILA-CATICLAN and BACK. So when I tried to book a group of 10. on this promo sadly I don't have the list of the names of the passengers. It's a missed cheap fare opportunity but it's ok. And the seat sale go so quickly! Without exaggeration, they change in less than 1 minute.

I haven't slept yet for the last 36 hours and so did my laptop and did nothing but scheme up the lowest airfare for clients. But the sad end to that is, after I've fished a low, if not the lowest fare for some clients, I get bypassed. Not just once, i must add. That's really a loophole in what I do. Of course it is easy to retrieve info from the net but to get it on the perfect time to fish cheap deals to ditch the one who saw an opening, seems unfair. But then again, we learn from our mistakes. Adding accommodation with airfare is a loopy business.

Maybe all these trouble aren't worth it at all. It's not that easy to book the cheapest fare, it takes time and patience. So there goes my tip for all of you who wants to get the cheapest fare... as Professor Mad-eye Moody always say..."constant vigilance".

So there.

I'm just so tired.

One last yosi.

Sleep.

Maybe all these is just a bad dream.

Boracay Travel Expenses: A Budget Guide

2008-08-11T17:14:00.003+08:00

Boracay is in every Filipino's must visit list and budget is always keeping us so away from the destination.
So plan your trip early to save money or save money to start planning your trip. hmmm? Either way, just save up and go when it is cheapest. And you are so lucky because its off season!

So you're still calculating your travel expenses but still clueless of the various fees and taxes you might come by to get here? Lem'me help.

There are various ways to get to Boracay by plane (Kalibo and Caticlan). Kalibo is my favorite because it is relatively much cheaper than Caticlan. But some would prefer Caticlan over Kalibo because it is the fastest way to the island. SO it's really up to you.

Now, get your calculator and compute with me.
(PER PERSON QUOTATION ON 3 Days 2 Nights)

MANILA-KALIBO RoundTrip
Php5500 Airfare (Average of lowest-Php2000 and highest-Php9000)
Php 200 Airport Terminal Fee
Php 150 Kalibo - Caticlan van ride; inclusive of boat fare and jetty port terminal fee)
Php 75 Environmental Fee
Php 100 Special Tricycle fare from jetty port to resort/hotel/hostel
Php2200 Cheapest 3 Days 2 Nights beachfront Lodging
Php 20 Tricycle fare to Boracay Jettyport
Php 40 Boat fare and Terminal fee to Caticlan Jettyport

TOTAL: More or less Php8285 per person/3Days 2 Nights Accommodation

MANILA-CATICLAN Roundtrip
Php8000 Airfare (Average of lowest-Ph4000 and highest-Php12000)
Php 200 Airport Terminal Fee
Php 40 Boat fare and Jetty Port Terminal Fee
Php 75 Environmental Fee
Php 100 Special Tricycle fare from jetty port to resort/hotel/hostel
Php2200 Cheapest 3 Days 2 Nights beachfront Lodging
Php 20 Tricycle fare to Boracay Jettyport
Php 40 Boat fare and Terminal fee to Caticlan Jettyport

TOTAL: More or less Php10675 per person/3Days 2 Nights Accommodation

So raise that travel money and hit Boracay soon!

Habagat Series 1

2008-05-17T20:06:00.007+08:00

Its 4pm and there's no sun but still we're having so much fun! Feeling tourista ulit with all the photo-taking among friends at Bombom bar.

and the boys pose

Lody and I posing a classic tourista pose hehe

Summer Left the Island

2008-05-14T22:45:00.010+08:00

I heard around the island that when the sun sets at its fullest and brightest yellow orange glow, summer is about to end.

And so the day came, the sun set its last glorious show for the year. It was really different. The sun was 5 times bigger than usual. It splashed the island to the orange tinge. Nothing escaped its rays. Then the show came to an end. And indeed, it was the last sunset show.

Days after that, it started pouring like 3 times a week, then it became 4 nights a week. But this week, the sun hardly shone. It was raining all day since yesterday...and today is a same story.

Summer ended so quickly this year. Habagat xame too early and low season is here.

This is what D'mall beachfront at Habagat looks like:

the empty beach front

the umbrella display

Bombar waiters turned People watches (hehehe)

the unusuall empty bombom bar

6.8 Earthquake in the Philippines Hoax

2008-05-14T17:28:00.003+08:00

"U.S. Geological Society predicts a 6.8 magnitude earthquake will hit Philippine plates tonight. Please be Calm and alert"

Late this afternoon, I received a SMS message from a concerned friend about this horrifying to-be-disaster. But before we panic, let's get the matters straight and check the reliability of this information.

Good thing there is internet! It is easy to counter check fraud.

First of, there is no U.S. Geological Soceity, only U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program or better known as USG or Hawaii State Emergency Preparedness Office.

Second, it is so impossible that the entire Philippine plate would experience earth quake all at the same time. Just imagine.

Third, there is no accurate / reliable earthquake predictions anywhere in the world.