From his unavoidable infomercials, not to mention, Asiaweek, Forbes, AsiaMoney and Asian Business Review, we all know his rags to riches story all too well. Born to a humble family from Tondo, Manny Villar helped his mother sell fish and shrimps in the Divisoria market to send himself to UP. After working in SGV and the Private Development Corporation, he got into business and became the housing industry leader, and the biggest homebuilder in Southeast Asia. His many achievements as a businessman and statesman were exalted by many honorary degrees granted by local universities and colleges and prestigious awards such as the Ten Outstanding Young Men Award, Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management, Most Outstanding CPA by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Most Outstanding UP Alumnus.

With this personal and professional acclaim, politics followed naturally. Villar made his political debut in 1992 as Las Pinas’ representative. From there Villar rose steadily. In 1998, he was made the Speaker of the House, which capacity he presided over the impeachment of President Joseph Estrada. His participation, which paved the way for the elevation of the articles of impeachment to the Senate, did not go unnoticed. This move won him a senatorial slot in 2001. He became Senate President Pro-Tempore; in 2004, he was elected as the President of the Nacionalista Party, the country’s oldest political party and became Senate President in 2006. After re-election as Senator and after losing favor in the Senate, he held Senate Presidency until his resignation. The notable pieces of legislation authored by him focus on social and economic reform, which comes as no surprise, given his personal and business background. The poll-topping Villar seems to have it all— business acumen; track record; the masses can relate to him; the resources of a Kingmaker; a clear platform of governance, no doubt perfected over years of experience; the best man for the job so it seems. But it is not all roses.

First, Villar’s credibility is tarnished by this senate inquiry on the alleged anomaly of double insertion of funds to an item of the annual budget favoring an infrastructure road project connected to his real estate business and charges of corruption, even if he has been exonerated.

Second, I have some misgivings about his excessive election spending because this could mean an ulterior motive to engage in corruption. He is spending millions of money on his infomercials, giving away houses and lots to OFW families, stamping his donations of relief goods with his name,  moves that are widely perceived as early political campaigning. Technically, it is not election campaigning since he has not yet filed his certificate of candidacy, but the effects are the same. With his impressive track record, he should have laid low on the infomercials or at least made them less like a campaign ad. But with Noynoy getting ahead of him in the opinion polls, it is unlikely.

Well, it looks like 2010 will be between Villar and Noynoy if the opinion polls are to be believed.

Note: I met Manny Villar, his daughter and 2 sons, about 2 months ago, together with 5 other bloggers. I will be sharing some interesting insights in a separate post. I would welcome the opportunity to meet other presidentiables as well.

Related post: Meeting Our 2010 Presidentiables: The Sorry State of Our Nation.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Watch out for the launching of Blog Watch 2010 Elections, a project of The Philippine Online Chronicles. Here’s a sneak preview.

I have learned a lot of lessons from MJ in THIS IS IT, foremost is to always look your best (you will never know that it will be your last). The footages shown in THIS IS IT were all rehearsals, but MJ came in his trademark “concert clothes” and made up (his back up artists were mostly in their rehersal clothes). I myself would not like to be caught dead not looking best, or at least good. I have also learned from MJ to do your best in everything—they were only rehersals, but it was already like the real thing. He may have looked haggard sometimes, but it still did not stop him from his high-energy moves and stunts. It was already like his greatest concert of all. Another is being perfect in your trade—he was  a perfectionist. He knew when his back up artists, his drummers, guitarist, etc., were performing from the heart and not. He also let others shine—see how he gave his guitarists their own moments. And yes, Michael Jackson sang love, spoke love, and shared love.

There is still one week remaining for its showing in the big screen (I would love to watch it again and again). Catch it if you can, otherwise you can just be content with the DVD version that I hope is coming out very soon. Here, see the official trailer on YouTube.

Thank you MJ!

That was the day the BLUEs blew my blues away. We were ecstatic, not only with smiles on our faces as we jumped and hugged and went home happy. Ang sarap maging Atenista! Went home for a shower then proceeded with the 6 kids to the Church of the Jesu for a Thanksgiving Mass—the church was practically a sea of blue and white. What a night to thank and praise the Lord, what a night to listen to the Champs, as they shared their experiences and feelings. What a night to sing the Hail Mary Song, the Ateneo song.

Twas only the kids’ camera phones we had that night, but that was fine—here, see these.

Go Blue on Pacquiao Day and Send a Scholar to Ateneo

Watch the Pacquiao-Cotto fight live via satellite and support the Ateneo 500@150 Sesquicentennial Scholarship Fund
Sunday, November 15, broadcast starts at 8:30am
Irwin Theater, Grade School Complex, Loyola Heights Campus
Ticket prices: P500 for orchestra, P300 for balcony

Tickets are availabe at the Office of University Development & Alumni Relations, Alingal Hall, Loyola Heights Campus
For reservations, call Rita at (63-2) 426-6001 local 4081 and (0920) 912-0946
Exclusive raffle of 2 signed gloves of Manny Pacquio and a Pacquiao-Hatton Ticket in a glass case. Raffle tickets: P200 each
Organized by Ateneo Grade School class of 1969 with the support of Jesuit Volunteers Philippines

To learn more about the 500@150 Ateneo Sesquicentennial Scholarship Campaign, visit www.ateneo.edu/giving.
To read updates, news and events about the Sesquicentennial, visit 150.ateneo.edu.

Twas a night to break away from work, with only Chato keeping me company while she was FB-ing. The 2 boys (Vince and BA have been away for a few days), Pau was in pep training, Mox went to a party, and Alan Jr was having fun watching TV (and it’s exam week, mind you). Why not a night with Jim Brickman I asked Chato, who I was surprised liked his songs. Off to Eastwood City we went—she was impressed, we got in the VIP area, thanks to POC’s media ID (incidentally, watch out for the launching of Blog Watch Elections 2010 soon).

Watching (rather listening to) Jim Brickman live on piano was awesome! and mesmerizing! It was my first time to watch his concert though it was his 15th (or 16th) time to be in the Philippines. Twas like falling in love over and over again with his romantic piano pieces and songs. What’s so good about his pieces, which are all  original by the way, is that they are all feel-nice songs, no break-up songs, no rants, that is why he called America’s romantic singing sensation (now his songs are used by NASA to wake up their astronauts, making him a universal sensation). His music, though sometimes without lyrics, are simply magical and yes…with a touch of mystery, that sometimes, one is lost in space and time, transformed into timelessness, dream dreams, fly free, and simply feel love to the core—be it for loved ones, family and friends, even love for the world.

Reminds me of a poem I wrote: music…magic…mystery…

music touches my heart
soothes my soul
uplifts my spirit
stirs feelings long kept dormant
that envelop my entire being
caressing it to the very core
…enchanting

if i close my eyes long enough
i will hear the beating of my heart
going with the rhythm
of the beautiful music that perfectly fits
filling my whole being
with wonderful thoughts never imagined
…magical

there are things i don’t understand
that just happen, unexplained
just like the music
that stays on and on
even long after i open my eyes
and go on with my life
…a mystery

A lot of people have fallen in love together with his songs, got married with his songs, held hands with his songs, danced to his songs, even bubble bathed to his songs—his repertoire seems to be part of many a Filipino’s life. He’s simply awesome!

Last night was simply enchanting—in the backdrop of Eastwood Mall’s Open Park, a moonlit night with the wind gently a-caressing, Jim Brickman serenaded his audience with endearing songs—popular pieces among Filipinos (Valentine, The Gift and many more), even his duet with Kermit the Frog—Rainbow Connection, and those that are part of his new album, Beautiful World, which was inspired by his many travels and memorable experiences of music that has bridged borders and cultural divides. Noche Pacifica, which is part of this album, he said was inspired by his many visits in the Philippines.

Christian Bautista, Gail Blanco and John Trones sang some of his songs—and yes, Jim Brickman sang some of his songs, too. Most of all, I loved how he romanced the piano, and who wouldn’t?

Yesterday, Globe launched its BANGON PINOY Program—a massive effort to help Filipinos affected by the floods in rebuilding their lives, through relief operations, financial assistance, network restoration and a series of community-building activities. It is  spearheaded by its President and CEO  Ernest Cu.  The program was presented to the press—trimedia and the blogging community yesterday at the EDSA ShangriLa Hotel.

BANGON PINOY is basically rebuilding, restoring, reconnecting, rebates, and relief.

• Rebuilding communities affected by the most recent typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, with the support and cooperation of the communities, the local governments, Globe employee volunteers and partner NGOs. Globe helps local entrepreneurs in rebuilding their businesses through short- and long-term programs through the help of cooperatives. Special assistance packages will be given by Globe to its load retailers in Marikina and Rizal.


• Restoring downed facilities, upgrading them and installing new facilities.


• Reconnecting its wireless and broadband services—now 99% of its wireless facilities and 92% of its broadband services in affected areas  have been restored barely 2 weeks after the flooding, with a commitment to stop only when connectivity is 100%. Libreng Tawag , Libreng Internet, and Libreng Phone Charging Stations have been set up in flooded areas in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon in cooperation with the local government and church groups.


• Rebating identified typhoon affected postpaid subscribers (through 1 month free mobile service) and prepaid subscribers (through 1 week free load).


• Relief packages for 17,000 families in Marikina, Rizal, Muntinlupa, Laguna and Pangasinan, and a donation of P5 million by Globe BridgeCom to various foundations for the flood victims.

The Filipino is an amazing lot, with what he has to endure and with what he could greatly offer. Although typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng left the country in a really horrifying and pitiful condition, these typhoons left something positive in all of us Pinoys here and abroad—UNITY and the bayanihan spirit. Filipinos have already learned to perform bigger acts than the damages Ondoy and Pepeng have brought, and that basically makes each and every Pinoy heroes of the country.

And by the way, Globe through BANGON PINOY and the Philippine Blog Awards have taken the initiative in raising funds for Ondoy and Pepeng victims through Twitter.

Use the #BangonPinoy hashtag, Globe and PBA will guarantee P1.00 to be spent for Ondoy and Pepeng victims. After the hashtag, post pictures, videos, quotes and even links to blog posts that will inspire Filipinos around the world to help as well. This happens from Oct 19 to Nov 3, prior the Nov 6 Help day.

The BANGON PINOY Help Days are the days in which emlpoyees of Globe and bloggers will do actual physical help.

God bless the Philippines, and spare us of the upcoming typhoon, Ramil (Lupit).

Mabuhay ang Pinoy…BANGON PINOY!

People who have been experiencing almost flu-like symptoms are ignoring their illness, treating it just like any other colds or flu, until it ís too late. Unknown to many, due to the recent floodings, a silent killer is now on the loose: LEPTOSPIROSIS.

Here in Metro Manila, hospitals have been receiving patients from Marikina, Taytay, Pasig and Cainta, the areas severely affected by the flooding. A large number of patients that consulted and continue to consult the hospitals’ emergency rooms have already developed grave complications—liver, kidney and lung failure. And what does this signify? The illness is already in its late stage. Cases of death that have been reported lately.

These complications of Leptospirosis are mostly preventable had these patients been advised properly to take prophylaxis or seek early consult. The sad part is that we have not seen any massive information from DOH or the local government when clearly, Leptospirosis is more deadly than AH1N1, not until lately when the newspapers and television have picked up the stories.

Unlike AH1N1 which made too much noise and controversy, Leptospirosis is an illness which nobody is treating seriously, especially here in the Philippines, probably because it is an old case.

People have suffered enough, losing kith and kin, damage to properties, leaving the scars of Ondoy and Pepeng for the rest of their lives. They should not lose their lives now and those of their remaining loved ones just because of poor information campaign.

Let us pass the word around—with the current state the country is in now, with so many typhoons battering our country all throughout the year, and with the rats and mice that haunt each nook and corner of many homes, Leptospirosis is here to stay.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by ingesting or drinking water contaminated by rats’ or other animals’ urine. Another mode of entry is contact through the skin and mucous membranes.

It is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira interrogan which is common worldwide. It lives and spreads mostly in tropical countries that experience heavy rainfall. This bacterium thrives in damp soil, fresh water, vegetation, and mud for a long period of time.

The primary hosts of this bacterium are mice, rats and voles since they commonly live within the same area as the bacterium. Apart from these rodents, fresh water mammals, wild and farm animals like rabbits, sheep, hedgehogs, possums, deer, cows, raccoons and skunks are able to carry the bacterium around. This makes them the secondary hosts.

How is Leptospirosis transmitted?

In pets. House pets like dogs, cats and others can be easily infected by the bacterium. How? Bacterium can be transferred by the carrier through urine. As long as the urine is moist, it is contagious. So if an infected animal urinates in a puddle, and a dog or cat licks it, then the pet gets infected.

In humans. The same happens to a person who consumes contaminated food and drinks. Broken skin due to scratches or cuts, is also a gateway for the bacterium, as well as the eyes and nose. A person whose foot has an open wound and walks through the flood or wades through fresh water can easily get Leptospirosis.

This is why those farmers and workers in rice fields, sugar cane plantations, mines, slaughterhouses, sewer systems, and others occupations that involve water, mud and vegetation are top candidates for Leptospirosis. People who are into water sports like water rafting, kayaking and swimming which take place in contaminated lakes, streams and rivers are also at risk. Same goes to veterinarians who handle animals infected with leptospirosis.

Signs and symptoms of Leptospirosis

So how do you know if you or a person you know has Leptospirosis? The first few signs of this illness are muscle aches, headaches, pain in the eyes with bright lights, followed by chills and fever. Then the infected person suffers from watering and redness of the eyes. From the fifth day onwards, symptoms seem to disappear, until after a few days, the illness comes back starting with fever and neck stiffness. In some cases, serious swelling of the nerves, particularly in the eyes, brain and spinal column, happens. Pain in the upper part of the abdomen may also occur.

Act fast

Tell your family members that at all cost, avoid being exposed to floodwaters. Not every one will get sick but as soon as you or anyone in the family develops fever, chills, red eyes. loose stools, or any combination of these symptoms, consult your doctor right away.

Complications of Leptospirosis

If left untreated, leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure, liver damage, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, also known as jaundice, and internal bleeding.

Treatment of Leptospirosis

The earlier the illness is cured the better. Antibiotics like penicillin and doxycycline can cure leptospirosis in its early stage. Some, due to the severity of their cases, need to be hospitalized for IV fluid.

How to avoid contracting Leptospirosis

Like they say, prevention is better than cure. If possible, lessen your contact with mud, vegetation and fresh water. However, if your occupation involves such contact, then it is best to wear waterproof boots or waders. A wader is a one-piece waterproof clothing that consists of pants with boots attached.

If you plan to travel to tropical areas and get involved with activities that will expose you to the bacterium, make sure you take doxycyline (200mg) by mouth weekly prior to and within the time of possible exposure.

If there is obvious presence of mice and rats in your homes, wash your plates, glasses and cutlery that are left in the open properly before using them.

Since your pet may easily be infected, it is best to have it checked by the vet. To ensure your pet’s safety, antibiotic treatments must be scheduled regularly. It is recommended that you wear rubber or latex gloves in cleaning your pet’s wastes and don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning.

Keep the surroundings clean. In the homes, take care that your garbage is disposed of properly so that they do not attract rat and mice. On a larger scale—the government should improve its garbage management. Rats as large as cats abound in garbage everywhere.

Here is my contribution to Blog Action Day ‘09 Climate Change.

When I was a little girl more than 4 decades ago, I lived in a house overlooking a major river in my hometown. A dike separated the river from the houses. ‘Twas an idyllic place for little girls and little boys to frolic, catch fishes, wade, swim and even dream dreams.

But it was also something to fear about when rains would come and the river became swollen. I dread at the sight of the logs floating on the angry river. The dike was like a security blanket, serving as a protection us living by the side of the river from the raging waters.

Back then, summers were in March, April and May, and the rainy season in July and August.

Four decades later, the river was no longer there—it must have dried up, but the dike remains, bereft of the memories of time past.

And the rains come in any day and month of the year—from January to February…March…June…August…December. And the hot days? I remember savoring the cool times in the early days of February only to find myself sweating it out in the searing heat of the sun the next day!

Then I would hear of hailstorms in some parts of the city and other parts of the country, which have never or maybe rarely happened in this part of the world. It would rain and the next minute the sun is out. It’s a dry day one moment and a wet day the next, or dry and wet in the same day. The weather has become crazier by the day.

What is this, I asked myself? What is this? I have asked myself several times. And I found out from my friends in some parts of the world that they have been experiencing the same. A friend who has migrated to Canada told me that in a single day a few months back they have experienced all 4 seasons—winter, spring, summer and fall. Unbelievable! I thought.

These experiences are, simply put—the effects of climate change, making the words “climate change” self-explanatory. What will it be next? Things unimaginable perhaps?

It’s a good thing if climate change has its positive effects—but at the rate it is going on throughout the world, all we see are its negative effects. By the looks of it, climate change is here to stay.

Where did the world go wrong? Where did the people go wrong? Nay, I should ask myself first—where did I go wrong? As a individual, I cannot say that I am not at fault—I am at fault, like any other individual—you, and you, and you and you. We are all at fault—our lifestyles, our attitudes, our shortcuts, our conveniences, our quest for the good life, and so many more and on the larger scale deforestation, irrigation, emissions from fossil fuel, use of cement, aerosols, animal agriculture, and many more, ALL at the expense of Mother Earth.

We have been warned of the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. We have been advised to take care of the environment; conserve water; and love Mother Earth. We have heard this before, but we have turned a blind eye, a deaf ear, and an insensitive self. We must have thought that we were only individuals, and we would not have made a difference. We have pointed our fingers and put the blame to the big industries, to the multinationals, to the high and mighty who had a say. We didn’t realize that if there were thousands or millions or billions of us individuals—we must have made all the difference.

We are all doomed now. Look at the fury of Mother Earth—the latest are the destructive typhoons that hit the Philippines, the massive flooding in two states in India, the earthquake in Indonesia, the tsunami in Samoa…what next?

It might be useless to look back now, but it would help if we not only ask ourselves “What will I do to Mother Nature NOW?” but also to DO IT NOW! Do whatever positive mitigating thing we can and DO IT NOW! If I DO IT NOW (and YOU DO IT NOW) as an individual—imagine the effect even if a fraction of the world’s billions of people DO IT NOW (and tomorrow and the days after) also as individuals.

We will not of course immediately see the effect in climate change, not tomorrow and not the next few years (so much damage to Mother Earth has been done and now her fury) but slowly…slowly…we might be able to create a new beginning for the next generations to come. We our learning our lessons the hard way, but there is always HOPE!

I would like to quote a poem I wrote the other year—now, people tremble and cower in fear from the fury of Mother Earth.

Trumpet of Doom

Trumpet of doom
Don’t chase me now with your reverberating tune
I run away
I can’t bear to listen
I can’t bear to look back

Not my fault, I tell you
There are billions of people out there
collectively
ravaging forests
polluting rivers
dirtying the air
With no regard at all for Mother Earth

Trumpet of Doom
Don’t chase me now with your reverberating tune
I tremble
I cower in fear

But on second thoughts
Rather than slowly suffering
Shuddering
Blood oozing from my eyes, ears,nose
At the point of no return
When Mother Earth decides to avenge its wrath

When it is time
I will beg you
Trumpet of Doom
Chase me with your reverberating tune
And eat me alive, fast!

Unbeknownst to many, my family and I are experts when it comes to flooding. By this I mean that for almost 10 years when we lived in a low part of Sto. Domingo Street in Quezon City , we experienced flooding INSIDE the house at least once a year and if I remember correctly, sometimes it was twice or even thrice a year.

The first time it happened we were in shock, but as it happened more and more it became routine. Here are some nuggets of wisdom that may help:

1. I learned that once the water reaches knee level, the gates can’t be opened anymore because of the water pressure. We thought we still had time to take the cars out but realized we were trapped. That time our cars submerged. Make sure you know which area near your residence is considered higher ground and take your cars there EARLY.

2. Do not despair so much if your cars submerge. They can be fixed. It’s expensive and takes a long time for the smell to go away, but it’s not the end of the world. After the flood, just let the car dry. We were still able to use our Hi-Ace and Mitsubishi Lancer despite their having been half submerged in floodwaters.

3. I learned that heavy stuff, like the ref and shelves, FLOAT. So every year from then on, we would TIE DOWN heavy appliances like the ref (too heavy to carry upstairs but in latter years we did lug it all the way up to the 2nd floor), the big shelves with wedding souvenirs and knick knacks and my dad’s collection of wine. How did we do that? Tie them to the windows.

4. Adrenalin will give you superpowers once you decide you’re not afraid of a little water and start saving what you can. In my case, it was my collection of books. They’re not rare first editions but regular books. However, I love my books and I’m not letting them drown! I was able to move and carry our heavy sofa powered by my body’s own adrenalin hormone.

5. You can have fun in the midst of disaster so I took out our cameras and starting taking pictures. It was to make everyone have a good laugh as we surveyed the chaos around us, the cockroaches and rats swimming by, the black inky spots of oily stuff occasionally floating around.

6. Apparently, no matter how much you’re enjoying yourself frolicking in the water and saving what you can, once the cold water reaches your chest (especially your nipples), you start to shiver and it gets hard to breathe. This is the time to give up and go upstairs.

7. If your electricity stays on, go to the switch box and turn off all the electric outlets downstairs but not upstairs.

8. Cleaning after the flood is a pain. Once the waters recede, you are left with mud everywhere. They stick so you have to get the hose and start using the walis tingting (how do you say this in English? It’s a broom made of just think twigs/sticks tied together in a thick bundle). You just keep the water running and sweep, sweep, sweep like there’s no tomorrow.

9. You must scrub the walls with disinfectant. If you only rinse with water, it will still smell. We used Lysol. Scrub, scrub, scrub like there’s no tomorrow.

10. First time water got inside our house, we didn’t know we had to use Lysol and that the drying process is super vital. So, after a few days, there was this nauseating smell and later we found molds growing everywhere! We had returned the furniture and appliances to their normal places and the walls behind grew molds. Yuck

11. We were still able to use our ref that floated in flood waters. Just clean and clean and dry and dry.

12. Once electricity is available, get out all your fans and dry everything thoroughly.

13. Yes, paint will peel off and wooden drawers and shelves deform. Salvage what can be used. Once they dry, it’s still ok but sometimes the drawers get stuck because the wood expanded so you have no choice but to destroy it because icky water is still trapped inside.

14. Wait at least 2 to 3 days to dry everything. Use fans and hairdryers. Do not, I repeat, do not be in a hurry to return stuff you saved to their original places.

15. Have this mindset: Ah, it’s good Im now forced to do a general cleaning of my house. Now I have no choice but to do it.

It is easy to go insane after this kind of calamity, to despair of the material things we lost (especially the cars), but please be thankful you got away with your life and that of your family and loved ones.

If you have any tips to share, please send them through the comment box.

We are learning our lessons the hard way. It’s not really too late, but we all have a lot of catching up to do in taking care of our environment and loving Mother Earth. Let bygones be bygones—let us start anew and do our share, no matter how insignificant an individual’s act may be. Millions, or billions of individual acts make a lot of difference.

Now I realize how insignificant my family’s experience was compared to the rest of the people affected by the calamity. As early as 10 am, we left home to fetch daughter Monica from her dorm in Rockwell to bring her to the Sofitel Hotel where Ateneo’s Bar takers were booked. Without realizing that the worst was yet to happen, we found ourselves circling the UP/Teachers’/SIkatuna Village area, near Kaipunan and near Kamias, in our attempt to reach EDSA at least. It was flooded all over, in between the car fell in a ditch—thank God for good people who helped us. We then got a call that the boys’ part of the house was starting to get flooded. No way that we could reach Makati, and it took us another half hour to reach home.

Good Vince was home he helped my mom bring their belongings to the main house. BA and Chato were stranded in UP. Pau had to return home after attempting to cruise Katipunan for her gymnastics training in Pasig. Thank God Chato reached UP at 9 am from an overnight org activity in Antipolo. She had a make up class in the morning, but we were able to fetch her only at 10 pm after the floodwaters have subsided in the area. BA reached home a little bit earlier—he and 14 other classmates helped relocate art works (Amorsolo and all) in one of the museums in UP to higher ground. Monica is still in Makati, we will fetch her and bring her to doctor for a check up. She has not been well lately, now she has a large infected and painful pimple in her nose.

The house is now in shambles, the boys slept with me in the living room, and by tomorrow, we are moving out of the place we called home for the past 15 years to a new location—we are yet to inspect the damage, if any, in the new home, as Katipunan and Loyola Heights were and still are flooded. So many things happening at the same time—decisions to make, things living and otherwise to give up, fond memories to remain as memories, and many many more.

And today is Vince’s 20th birthday. Happy birthday, our dear Vince.

And Lord, please continue to protect our countrymen. Open the hearts of those who have more in life (not only financially) and even those of us ordinary people to reach out their hands to those who have been affected by this calamity, to share, to help and to comfort. And please, Lord, let politicking stop for a while. Amen.

What else is new? Only in the Philippines do we have this brouhaha—when can people ever be serious about it? When can there just be one who truly has the sole intention, selfless beyond reason,  to bring us out of this sorry state and at the same time catch up with at least our Asian neighbors, who, half a century ago were all behind our country in terms of economic growth.

The most that I can do at this time, as a responsible citizen, is to meet my presidentiables, listen to them intently, not to be sweet talked either, ask questions and clarify the doubts I have in mind, and look straight in the eye once given the chance to come up close and personal—then vote wisely.

Another thing I can do is join a citizen’s watch, an independent one, with the aim perhaps of disseminating information, educating people, coordinating with the major players—a grand ambition, but it is possible.

Something new pops up everyday. Senator Mar Roxas declaring his decision to give up his ambition for the presidency to support Senator Nonoy Aquino surprised most of us. Now, it is in the news that Senator Aquino plans to meet up with former president Erap Estrada, with the intention of uniting the opposition by fielding only one opposition candidate to fight the administration of PGMA, which recently chose to field Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro over MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando. Senator Chiz Escudero who feels that the youth are in his side said he won’t budge, he would still run, while Senator Jamby Madrigal said she has her own platform so different from the others. There’s Brother Eddie Villafuerte intent not to give up until the final leg, while Governor Panlilio has dropped out of the race this early.

Tomorrow what? Expect more to happen, from the unbelievable to the absurd to the shocking, until November when the political parties finally declare their official candidates and raise their hands from among any of these people (and who knows who else):

1. Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” C. Aquino III (Liberal Party (LP))
2. Vice President Manuel “Noli” L. de Castro, Jr. (Independent)
3. John Carlos “JC” G. de los Reyes (Ang Kapatiran Party)
4. Former Pres. Joseph “Erap” E. Estrada (Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP))
5. Sen. Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero (National People’s Coalition (NP))
6. MMDA Chairman Bayani “BF” Fernando (Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats)
7. Richard “Dick” J. Gordon (BAGUMBAYAN)
8. Sen. Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda (National People’s Coalition (NPC))
9. Sen. Maria Anna Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal (Genuine Opposition)
10. Nicanor Jesus III P. Perlas (Independent)
11. Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” C. Teodoro, Jr. (Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats)
12. Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas)
13. Sen. Manuel “Manny” B. Villar, Jr. (Nationalista Party)

It was so simple years ago, when there was only the National Party and the Liberal Party vying for the presidential seat.  Blame this on former President Marcos when during his time politicians changed color or formed a new party on their whim and fancy, then back again to the party only to leave again. Again, only in the Philippines! Leaving the 90 million or so Filipinos at the mercy of whoever is in power; making slaves out of the 10% who have become OFWs who sweat, nay bleed it out, in foreign lands. In the meantime they continue to bring in millions of dollars just to keep the economy afloat. And what happens? The status of their families range from semi-dysfunctional to dysfunctional. And what about the 90% of the population who are left behind? They, I mean, we who are left behind are witnesses to the never-ending cases of corruption, deceit, power tripping, shameless display of wealth, manipulations, etc., etc. while the poor, the homeless, the sick, the hungry and the dying are left on their own, the soldiers fighting for our cause left with the barest to support themselves and their families, the working force toiling each day not even earning enough for their keep.

Oh yes, undeniably, there are positive developments—we see roads, we see bridges, we see schools and hospitals, we hear so many promises, we see so many things nice and beautiful but can we just turn our backs on the ugly side of the fence? Indeed, we are a nation of people so diverse. A nation that has so far remained stagnant, rather, a nation that has been sliding,… sliding… down… down….down. This is the true state of our nation, don’t you think so?

When will we Filipinos learn our lessons? If indeed we have learned our lessons, are we doing something about it?

It’s not yet too late. Let this be my journey, your journey, our journey. Let it begin with me…let it begin with you…let us all do our part, our share, no matter how small for love of country, even though it is a cliché allow me to say, “So that our nation can be great again”.

This is the first of the series—I will share with you, dear Readers, what I have heard from them, learned from them, and saw in their eyes, once I get the opportunity to meet them. And by gosh! I will grab each opportunity that comes my way to meet them.

Last week he downloaded the chords from the Internet, and found a tutorial on how to play the guitar. He has been enjoying it since then; at least now he has the guitar as a diversion from his programming activities (yes computer programming has been his interest since he had his own Mac Mini two years ago). At home, he is our “Help Desk” both for hardware and software. He is 13 years old now.

How fast time flies—he was then our little baby.

And at 13, he has been earning his keep, part time. Last summer, and until recently when he has the time, he has been doing some VA (virtual assistance) work for me, like doing transcriptions, word processing, and even acting as my personal assistant. I pay him an hourly rate—he has a logbook to track the time. How about that? And he works amazingly fast! Faster than I would in word processing and transcriptions.  Would you believe, during his childhood, he never had any toys, except for that remote controlled car that his uncle gave him for Christmas. That doesn’t count the Rubik’s cubes and the desktop that he has been tinkering since he was 5.  I will have to ask him again what he did when he was small. He doesn’t mind if he has only 2 or 3 pairs of shoes, or few clothes. He doesn’t even complain. Lately, he bought a jacket with BA, without consulting his elder brother about the style and the price. He has his own style, I suppose.

I didn’t realize that his growing up years were years spent growing up with his siblings—at different stages. Angelo their eldest sibling was then 15, Monica 12, BA 8, Vince 7, and Chato and Pau 5 and 3. I am not sure if it was stressful for him coping up with elder siblings of different moods and ages, and with a mom who was partly away. Whatever it was, it does seem that it has not affected him negatively, though his siblings often say, he has a mind of his own—not doing what he is told to do if he doesn’t want to, short of asking, is he a brat?

No he isn’t—he just has a mind of his own, cannot be bullied, cannot be taken advantage of, and he speaks out what he wants to say, though sometimes  he is just quiet saying nothing at all.

At 13 there have been a lot of changes in Alan Jr. He has asked permission to come home from school by himself. He has become more sociable, he has become more active with his swimming, and he has become more attached to me, accompanying me when I go out (is there a personal agenda? lol) and to his siblings. He has taken over Mucci’s regular baths, too (though sometimes he forgets or does not have the time). He respects his dad and his mommlola.

Yesterday, I was kinda touched. He brought home 2 large tubes of Meiji Choco Baby, gave them to me—and I thought they were mine. He asked me to bring them to his nieces Pia and Cate. He said he dropped by their house from school, but they seemed not to be home. I asked him where he got the money, as he does not usually bring his savings to school, only his allowance, which most of the time was spent for lunch and snacks. He said his classmate has paid him P200 for his items at Facebook’s Restaurant City. I didn’t expect him to bring expensive (for his age, P150 is already expensive) pasalubong because he was saving money for a personal project. That for me, is selflessness.

At a young age, Alan Jr knows how to love beyond self. I think I have already shared that he comes with me, BA and Chato to CRIBS every Sunday to take care of the babies there, except when he is sick.

We are all happy for our bunso, and proud of him.

With this I say, Happy Birthday! We love you so much!

(With this post goes the saying, “Better late than never” in greeting Alan Jr in my blog.)

The Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion won first runner up. It’s their first time to be in the top 3.

The UP Pep Squad (defending champion) won second runner up.

Here are the others:

Adamson:

UE:

UST:

NU:

DLSU:

Our daughter, Monica Rose (or Mox), along with 6,079 other hopefuls will take the BAR EXAMS today, 6 September and 3 other Sundays thereafter (13, 20 and 27 September) at the De La Salle University’s campus in Taft Avenue. The Bar Exams have been held in that venue since 1995.

And on the very same day another daughter, Chato, happily told me the Fortune Cookie message on her Facebook, which says, “A member of your family will soon do something to make you proud.” So at 4:30 am, I called up Mox to wake her up, boost her spirits, wish her the best of luck, and give some pep talk the way a mother would. I told her about Chato’s FB Fortune Cookie message, which made her happy even more. And she said, “This is it, Mom. I am overwhelmed, I love you Mom.” I love you, too, I told her—just be yourself, we will continue to pray for you, I assured her. Kayang kaya, I said, and I could see her smiling (again, with apprehension).

I could not kiss and hug her before she goes for her Exams, as I used to when she leaves the house for school, but last night I did. She and most of the Ateneo Barristers are billeted at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel for the 4 Saturdays/Sundays of the Exams. Yes, they are called Barristers—in fact, they have stars with their names on the floor along the halls of the Ateneo Law School, which they could take only after they pass the Bar Exams)

Yesterday, when we fetched her from her dorm in Rockwell to bring her to Sofitel, she was happier than usual, especially when she saw her nieces Pia and Cate and brother Alan Jr. She was looking for her favorite, Mucci and the kitties. Later, Angelo and Caren came with baby Raphael to visit her. These small acts from family and friends mean a lot. Just a show of concern and affection really matter-really!

She said she could only feel excitement to take the test, but last night before going to sleep she said she was crying again. I guess it is normal for anyone who is supposed to take an exam as tedious as a Bar Exam. The past few days that she was either visiting us or we visiting her, she would in between say that she was not ready or she was excited—as I said, mixed feelings. In the past, she would enjoy the traditional rolling of the drums in school at 6 pm to announce the forthcoming Bar Exams and pep up the Barristers. She would cheer her friends, but this time, she sees to it that she leaves the Ateneo before 6 pm (and come back afterwards for the review) so that she would not hear the beating of the drums, a grim reminder that the day was near. I told her she should for once be there, she said she could not take it.

Ateneo has made the arrangements for them to be in DLSU as early as 6:30 am. Exams will be held from 8am to 12 noon and 2pm to 5 pm for 4 Sundays, for the following subjects: Political and International Law (15%), Labor and Social Legislation (10%), Civil Law (15%), Taxation (10%), Mercantile Law (15%), Criminal Law (10%), Remedial Law (20%) and Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises (5%). For this year, a slight change has been made—two examiners have been appointed for each subject to improve the accuracy and speed of checking. In order to pass, a candidate (who is either a graduate of Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor) should have a general weighted average of 75% with no grade lower than 50% in any of the subjects. Last year, though, the average was lowered to 72.5% since the exam was extra difficult, such that more than 20% passed instead of the original 9%.

And after the Bar Exams, Mox sees herself working either at the Supreme Court or the Office of the Solicitor General. That’s her grand dream, and more. With God’s grace, she will be able to fulfill all her dreams—yes, I believe in this, because my family and I have been witness to all His mighty blessings. My dear Monica, we love you very much and care for you. GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS YOU!