The Oarhouse

Images from the Victims of Ketsana

2009-10-01T08:08:00.005+08:00

No one can tell the story better than the victims themselves.

Aftermath of Typhoon 'Ondoy' (Ketsana), Manila, 09.29.09

For contributions and donations accepted worldwide :

Website of the Philippine National Red Cross/Red Crescent to help the victims of Typhoon Ketsana -
http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/wtd.aspx

Nonoy

2009-09-28T15:42:00.001+08:00

Nonoy Tan, The Oarhouse, Malate 2004

Tatlong Tanaga Para Kay Cory ni Heber Bartolome

2009-08-04T12:42:00.005+08:00

Ang Pagdaan, August 3, 2009 © ben razon

TATLONG TANAGA PARA KAY CORY

ni Heber Bartolome

1. Dumaan ang tag-araw

Dumaan ang tag-ulan
Nang ikaw ang dumaan

Langit ay naging dilaw

2. Binti ay namimitig

Balakang nangangawit

Lahat ay magtitiis

Ikaw ay ihahatid

3. Bayan mong iiwanan

Ang pamana ay dangal

Ikaw ay halimbawa

Ng Dakilang Maylikha

and to continue the work of nationhood

2009-08-01T18:56:00.008+08:00

'Set thy heart upon thy work but never its reward.'

- Lord Krishna

Cory Aquino, 1933 - 2009

On September 18, 1986, just 7 months after she was swept to power by a popular revolt against dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino addressed the joint session of the United States Congress during her first visit to the country since she came home to bury slain opposition leader and husband, Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino, Jr. in August 1983.

Part 2 of former Philippine President Aquino's speech to the Joint Session of Congress, 1986

Part 3 of former Philippine President Aquino's speech to the Joint Session of Congress, 1986

Washington Post: D.C. Inauguration Plans

2008-11-19T16:25:00.004+08:00

D.C. Mayor Fenty Talks About Inauguration Plans

The District is expecting up to 4 million people to crowd downtown for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. The Post's Hamil R. Harris and Nikita Stewart caught up with Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) to talk about preparations.

'Dear Brother Obama'

2008-11-07T10:31:00.011+08:00

First press conference of President-Elect Barack Obama, November 7, 2008 (Chicago Tribune photo by Zbigniew Bzdak)

The American Presidents

The New York Times Online, November 5, 2008

An open letter from the author Alice Walker, to the 44th President of the United States of America.

Dear Brother Obama,

You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the
flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We
knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, someday, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.

I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate. One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.

I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actually not to have enemies,
but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often
fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.

A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.

We are the ones we have been waiting for.

In Peace and Joy,

Alice Walker

Illustration by Mario Mercado

Chicago congratulates Obama: Banners congratulating president-elect Barack Obama hang Wednesday outside of City Hall and the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago. Mayor Richard Daley said the flags were paid for by his campaign committee. (Tribune photo by José M. Osorio / November 5, 2008)

(Alice Walker is the author of 'The Color Purple')

Democrats Abroad Philippines - Quezon Bridge YES WE SPAN EVENT INVITATION, August 24 SUNDAY

2008-08-20T10:38:00.006+08:00

Dear Friends,

On the eve of the Democratic National Convention 2008 in Denver, you are all cordially invited to join us at our gathering this Sunday morning in Manila whose details and times are below.

Kindly forward and pass the word of this invitation on to all our friends here in the Philippines, as well as to all possibly interested Fil-Ams and US expat residents you know in Manila, for their info.

Thanks for your much-appreciated participation and support!

We'll SEE YOU on SUNDAY!

Sincerely,

Ben Razon

Democrats Abroad Philippines

Get Out The Vote Team

Americans In The Philippines For Obama

OBAMA IN TAGALOG

Filipinos For Obama

Vote From Abroad
To VOTE ABSENTEE

DEMOCRATS ABROAD Say 'YES WE SPAN'

Quezon Bridge "YES WE SPAN" EVENT -- Sunday Morning, 10:00 AM, Quezon Bridge Pedestrian Walkway and Arroceros Park, Manila

BY: David McCauley, Democrats Abroad Philippines Vice-Chair, ON AUGUST 19TH, 2008

REFERRAL: Jason Rush and Ben Razon, Democrats Abroad Philippines GET OUT THE VOTE (GOTV) Team, Media Outreach Coordinators

DATE: Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 9:30am - Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 11:00am

Obama Supporters Meeting on Sunday morning, August 24 (hand-made signs welcome!).

In timing with the kick-off of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado and the acceptance of the nomination of Barack Obama for President of the United States and to raise voter registration awareness amongst Filipino-Americans, US citizen residents here in the Philippines, this is Manila's version of more than 50 such events held around the world to mark Senator Obama's commitment to build bridges across party, ethnic and all other lines to reach solutions to our common problems in the US and around the world. Please join us to show your support!

Backgrounder:

The last two U.S. Presidential elections were decided by a few thousand voters in a few states. With over 200,000 Americans residing in the Philippines, and over 6 million Americans residing outside the United States, these voters have the power to determine the outcome of the 2008 election.

On Sunday, August 24th, American citizens living in Manila will rally in support of U.S. presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama, and to encourage all Americans living abroad to register to vote. The Acting Chair of Democrats Abroad-Philippines, David McCauley – who has personally known the Obama family since the 1980s – will speak about why Senator Obama’s election is important for America, the Philippines and the world.

EVENT DETAILS, SUNDAY AUGUST 24, 2008, 10:00 AM --

1) Preliminary meet-up location of participants for the Quezon Bridge Yes We Span event is at parking area of Aristocrat Restaurant at Rajah Sulayman Park, Malate Church off Roxas Blvd. Assembly time is from 9:30 AM to 10 AM after which the group is to proceed in vehicle convoy to Quezon Bridge Event site at 10 AM sharp.

For those driving from Aristocrat Restaurant meetup site to Quezon Bridge, the route is to take Roxas Boulevard straight towards Luneta (Rizal Park and Manila Hotel), turn right at P. Burgos St. through and past the National Museum and Manila City Hall taking rightmost lane until reaching Metropolitan Theater Building and Park 'N Ride on your right where group is encouraged to park their vehicles. Do not cross Quezon Bridge that heads straight to Quiapo, as there is still a corner you can make a right turnoff onto an access road before the foot of the bridge itself, behind the Metropolitan Theater, where you can also find available places to park on the side or under the elevated line of the LRT (Light Rail Transit).

2) Gathering and parking at event site for group convoy is available at side of Metropolitan Theater and Arroceros Garden, or at Park 'N Ride Parking Building just behind Metropolitan Theater (visible location is directly under LRT line between Metropolitan Theater and Pasig River at foot of Quezon Bridge where all media will be gathered for coverage start) between 10 AM to 10:15 AM. Participants will not be exposed to traffic and will remain on pedestrian walkway. Children are welcome.

3) WALK of Bridge Yes We Span group participants and media on Quiapo-bound pedestrian walkway of Quezon Bridge, 10:15 AM.

4) EVENT and PHOTO-OP GATHERING among participants and media at QUEZON BRIDGE, MANILA 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM.

5) End of event. Group returns from Quezon Bridge back to Remedios Circle, Malate for meetup and no-host brunch (for those interested) at Cafe Adriatico at corner of Adriatico and Remedios St., Malate, 10:45 to 12:00 NN.

From: Democrats Abroad Philippines

Date: Aug 20, 2008 11:24 AM

Subject: Dates to Remember – Message to Democrats Abroad-Philippines Members

Dear Fellow Democrats in the Philippines,

Our last letter went out to you in May, when we reported on the delegates heading to the Denver Democratic Convention in Denver. Well, convention time is now upon us. Georgia McCauley, Chair of Democrats Abroad-Philippines, will be representing us as an Alternate Delegate at the convention – starting next Monday, 25 August (or Tuesday morning, Philippines time). You may also catch Georgia being interviewed in the CNN biography of Senator Obama to air this week as a curtain raiser for the convention.

We are still pushing hard to get US citizen residents in the Philippines to register and vote in the November election. Please help by promoting the website www.votefromabroad.org to any and all who are interested! Please try to deliver at least 10 additional votes to get the change we need in the US and around the world.

Several events have been planned to raise awareness about absentee voting and otherwise gain support for the election of Senator Obama. You are all encouraged to join these events and bring along your friends, whether they can vote or not (limited Obama campaign materials will be available for those who join and contribute):

Sunday, 24 August, 9:30-11:30am: Quezon Bridge "Yes We Span" Event – Assemble at Aristocrat Restaurant, Rajah Sulayman Park, next to Malate Church off Roxas Boulevard between 9:30-10:00am. The group will go together to the bridge for a short rally and photo-op, followed by a no-host brunch at Café Adriatico for those interested. We expect good media coverage, tied to the start of the Democratic National Convention.

Friday, 29 August, 5:15-7:15pm: Obama Acceptance Speech Party – Meet at TGI Friday's Restaurant, on High Street, Fort Bonifacio to hear David McCauley speak from his vantage as an Obama family friend about the candidate's Asian and Pacific roots and world view, and then to view Obama's speech given earlier in the day to an audience of 75,000 in Denver. Food included (but not drinks) with a minimum donation of P1500 to support the voter registration efforts of Democrats Abroad-Philippines.

Saturday, 27 September, 8:30-10:30am: Live Presidential Debate Viewing Party – Meet at TGI Friday's Restaurant, on High Street, Fort Bonifacio to join in viewing the live presidential debate between Senators Obama and McCain. Again, food (not drinks) will be included with a minimum donation of P1500 to support the local voter registration efforts of Democrats Abroad.

Additional information on these and other events can be found at www.democratsabroad.org/group/philippines.

Don't forget that there are an estimated 100,000 potential American voters in the Philippines! Many of them have ties to key battleground states, such as Nevada or Virginia. We need your help to ensure that all eligible Obama supporters know how to register and vote – it can make the difference in a close election!! If you are willing to hand out some brochures to people you know, please contact Lisa Lumbao at lumbao@mozcom.com and she will deliver them to you.

We have been active in promoting awareness. You may have seen a public service announcement on Philippine TV encouraging Fil-Ams to vote. We have been networking with Fil-Am Obama supporters back in the US to encourage them to reach out to absentee voter family and friends here in the Philippines.

The Obama campaign has appointed a regional representative in Sydney to lend support, including providing us with Obama campaign materials and assisting with on-line outreach efforts.

Look for me and other Democrats Abroad-Philippines members being interviewed on TV or radio and being quoted in the press over the weeks to come as we increase our awareness raising efforts. If you want to give some of your time or provide much-needed financial support, please contact Larissa Bhandari, the Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV) drive leader at labhandari@gmail.com.

You may also be hearing from us by text message when there are important announcements, and please feel free to forward this email to any other interested Obama supporters.

Sincerely,

David McCauley

Vice Chair,
Democrats Abroad-Philippines

WHERE on EARTH will YOU VOTE?

2008-08-06T08:29:00.008+08:00

American? Living overseas? YOU CAN VOTE FROM ABROAD!

On Monday, actress Gwyneth Paltrow will debut in her newest film: a two minute advertisement on behalf of Democrats Abroad, an official party organization that persuades the millions of Democratic voters living outside the country's borders to participate in domestic politics.

The spot, titled 'Where In The World Will YOU Vote?' implores expatriates to ignore the usual excuses and lethargies and cast ballots in the '08 election...preferably for Obama.

-- Sam Stein, The Huffington Post

From 'Democrats Abroad Launches Global Voter Drive For Obama' announcement --

Washington, DC (4th August 2008) - With hundreds of thousands of new or unregistered US voters living around the world, the London-based actor Gwyneth Paltrow and Democrats Abroad, the official state party representing American Democrats living overseas, are scouring the planet for every possible Obama vote with a major new campaign that launches today featuring a video and a series of events around the world.

Through the 'Where In The World Will YOU Vote?' video, which debuted today on the popular American political blog, The Huffington Post, as well as live and virtual 'Search Parties' in London, Paltrow and the group plan to deliver an unprecedented turnout for the Democratic ticket on the 4th of November. Additional 'Search Parties' are also planned for other major cities with high numbers of resident Americans in the coming weeks.

Paltrow, as well as non-celebrity voters, appear in the video to demystify the registration process and to encourage voters to engage in time to participate in the November 4th US general election. The brief video was directed by Jaci Judelson, a native New Yorker now in Paris, whose credits include international television campaigns for The Gap, Volvic, Ralph Lauren and Nokia, among others.

Democrats Abroad, the overseas branch of the US Democratic Party, will host 'search parties' in major cities around the world to identify and engage Americans through friends and family and through social network applications such as Facebook. The group also has a website to help voters navigate the registration process.

"This is a critical election, and we urge all Americans living abroad to request ballots now. We hope that this video along with our other efforts will help Americans, including over 200,000 American students studying abroad, vote for change this fall," said Christine Schon Marques, International Chair, Democrats Abroad.

Democrats Abroad Multimedia Chair and Video Producer Caitlin Kraft Buchman said: "We know the missing voters are out there, between Toronto and Timbuktu, and they can't cast ballots without registering. We won't give up until we find them - with this video, through a friend or at one of the Search Parties we'll be hosting in the run up to Election Day."

EDITOR'S NOTES:

With members in more than 160 countries around the globe, Democrats Abroad holds eight positions on the Democratic National Committee and will send a voting delegation of 22 delegates from around the world to the Democratic National Convention, August 25-28, 2008.

In 2004, Democrats Abroad helped register approximately 250,000 overseas voters in person and online.

VoteFromAbroad.org was launched in 2006 and is available in both English and Spanish.

More than 7 million Americans live overseas.

The countries with the most resident Americans are Canada, Mexico, UK and Germany.

Four of the biggest swing states (Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania) are among the Top Ten for number of overseas ballots requested.

Deadlines to register and request a ballot vary from state to state. Allowing for postal delivery, the practical deadline is around October 4, 2008.

Links:

Federal Voting Assistance Program -- To VOTE ABSENTEE
Democrats Abroad Philippines
On Blogger
Americans In The Philippines For Obama
Americans Abroad For Obama

A Homecoming and Celebration, April 6, 2008

2008-04-08T10:50:00.018+08:00

Edd Aragon, self portrait, 2007

'Sunspots' © Edd Aragon 2008

IT was a day long awaited, of two simultaneous occasions whose most personal elements of which last Sunday for me were of Sydney-based artist Edd Aragon's invitation of his old friends and classmates to his opening exhibit on digital art, and of bringing my friend and colleague Mon Acasio back to the Oarhouse after he suffered a near fatal stroke at this same time last year and for the efforts of the photographers and generous friends who pitched in to raise more than half a million pesos to take care of his medical bills and a year of physical therapy which enabled him to walk again and to continue his road to recovery.

In effect this wasn't so much about an exhibit or a birthday, but of a special homecoming welcome for an artist returning after 30 years to his city and country, and of my celebration of friendship that is as valuable as family to me.

It was not so much about Edd or me but more about how we have gotten to know people and almost unconsciously -- reconnected and consolidated many seemingly different parts and separate elements of our lives.

The true gift is how the character and spirit of a place such as The Oar has inspired a community of great human beings and the reality of last Sunday's celebration under the small modest roof of 'OUR house' on Mabini Street.

That sense of family naturally inspires a communtiy, and the community can give to the rest of those who have had neither -- that gift that we have.

Ben

4.08.08

A big SHOUT OUT and THANKS to Reg, Anabel, Wilson, Abel and the crew of The Oar. The great food and nonstop flow of drinks along with the presence of Krip Yuson, Sylvia Mayuga, Sol Vanzi, Heber Bartolome, Glenn Bautista, Tante Tagamolila, Marne Kilates, Claro Cortes IV, Jaime FlorCruz, Wally Gonzales, Willie Nepomuceno, Butch Perez, Red Constantino, Ronnie Lazaro, Dodo Lim, Apa Ongpin and the North Syquia residents of Malate out in full force coupled with the invisible spirits and vibes of Pepito Bosch and Santi Bose were all present in one way or another to sanctify the occasion.

Maraming salamat uli sa lahat. :-)

Photographs by John Javellana, Claro Cortes IV, Glenn Bautista, Constante Tagamolila

Bitch May Be The New Black, but...

2008-03-17T05:14:00.002+08:00

The Oarhouse Reopens, 1.11.08

2008-01-11T09:49:00.000+08:00

It's a story that needs a line or two from all of us. But beyond that, the Oarhouse is once again -- in its rightful place in Malate.

first there was darkness... (thanks for that initial three hour brownout, meralco)

then there was light.

the women of the japanese karaoke place next door came out and did their nightly salt-throw blessing.

anabel and reg thought that with electricity, maybe opening night was going to turn out okay after all.

then the people came, one by one and now in pairs..

in threes.

with more good welcome hugs..

and like-minded shirts...

with the smiles and the glares (stop me if this starts sounding like the star-spangled banner)

and the long sensual drag...

of tales at the bar.

Simply put, it's good to be back at OUR house. Thanks everyone.

-- Ben Razon, 1.11.08

(To the memory of Pepito Bosch and Santi Bose)

Reopening Softly, 1.09.08

2008-01-11T08:38:00.000+08:00

Images of a reopened Oarhouse from last Wednesday, January 9, 2008 --

the new manager of the oarhouse, Reg Hernandez

Lola, Ronnie, and Joel

Dodo, Anabel and Bart

eye of lazaro

WHOA -- LOVE the eyelashes, HATE the scars!
and what he would have given at the end of the day for an ice cold beer at the OAR!

It's 2008. Come Home To Us

2008-01-09T07:57:00.000+08:00

The OARHOUSE is Our House

One of the last strongholds of Old Bohemian Malate, along with Penguin Café and Hobbit House, Oarhouse first opened its doors in 1977 by retired US NAVY man Chuck Monroe. Musicians began coming in during their breaks from other bars for the cheap beer and the bumper pool table. Theater folk began coming in too, through Carrie, who eventually became Chuck’s wife. Susan Calalay, of the Metropolitan Museum also started coming, and soon the CCP artists followed, dividing their time between Penguin and Oarhouse. In the mid 80’s Jun Medina took it over from Chuck, since Chuck and Carrie had decided to move back to the States. Jun was the former manager of Channel 9 and so media people began spending time there. When Jun went back to Channel 9, his son Chino managed the place, bartending later on when bartender Wilson left. Those were the days I first stepped foot in Oarhouse - my uncle took me there as I sipped juice or soda at the bar some late afternoons and early evenings, getting fed Chino’s baked eggplant (versions of which has continued on the menu even after Chino’s time).

In 1998, Chino had to shut the doors of Oarhouse (for reasons known to him only) and everything else that took over the space (including a roast duck place and a version of it called Ore House) in the next few years – all of which failed miserably. Finally, in 2004 Nonoy Tan, who loved Oarhouse decided to bring it back- and with him came a lot of the old crowd, including former bartender Wilson who has also been a Malate fixture, having bartended as well in the old Blue Café on Nakpil Street.

Last December, Oarhouse was about to close again - Nonoy just couldn’t keep it going. The word went out on December 28 that it was Oar’s last night and the old photogs and journalists and bar regulars showed up to at least have one more San Miguel in their haunt.

A couple of the Oarhouse habitués, also concerned for the loss of Oarhouse, stepped in, and as luck would have it - Nonoy passed them the torch. Reg Hernandez and Redgie Cinco are the new managers of Oarhouse - and with them stands Ben Razon, who has been in charge of the Oarhouse Blog, and of course, yours truly and other friends who have been putting their time and even manual labor into a bar that we have loved for decades.

It is essentially the same place, standing in the exact spot where Chuck Monroe served beer. It is a tiny place, and we haven’t changed it much, but bringing new energy yet the old integrity and simple dignity the place had. It’s gonna take a lot of work, love, and patience, but slowly, I think we can do this. We’re retaining old favorites in the menu, and we will slowly be adding new things. Wilson is still the bartender, and we’re eventually going to have acoustic nights. We shall be serving you the cold beer and food ourselves, and we hope to breathe life back into a place which has been a home for many writers, photographers, artists, and thinkers. The walls will still hold exhibits- for all photographers, and visual artists. The eclectic mix of people who have been there and are part of Oarhouse include the late Santi Bose, Miguel Faustmann, Bart Guingona, Dodo Lim, Dong Alegre, Ben Razon, Julie Yap Daza, Butch Aldana, even former Congressman Bebot Alvarez (when he was still studying) and of course Pepito Bosch (to name a tiny few) as well as countless theater people, musicians, journalists, artists, photographers, bankers, students, peace corps volunteers, backpackers, and other Malate bar owners.

The Old Malate is dying, but the Oarhouse is a landmark, and we cannot -- should not -- let that happen. There is history in those walls, and there is a lot of history that has yet to be written.

Be a part of it.

-- Anabel Bosch
January 9, 2008

(Thanks to Uncle Dave Limsico, who has been part of the Malate scene forever, and has been there since the first day of Oarhouse in ’77 for sharing his memories with me.)

The Oarhouse re-opens on Friday, January 11, 2008 5pm onwards, but we will be operational on Wednesday, January 9 for our dry run. Hope to see you there.

oarhouse@gmail.com
1803 Mabini St., Malate
Manila, Philippines
(63) (2) 450-8301

Tarantadong Tarantino

2007-12-14T09:35:00.001+08:00

Hollywood Director Quentin Tarantino wears a Barong Tagalog at the Golden Globe nominations yesterday in Los Angeles.

The world is discovering the coolness of being Filipino as the shit gets worse. So in this case, the Tagalog word 'Tarantado' justly qualifies as a 'term of endearment'.

Quentin Tarantino waves goodbye at the nominations announcement for the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., Thursday morning, Dec. 13, 2007. Nominations were announced in 25 categories for the Golden Globe Awards, airing live Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

'ang mamatay nang dahil sa 'yo'

2007-10-14T07:59:00.000+08:00

translated: 'on why all filipinos should just take up boxing and beat the living shit out of each other'.

'some people weren't meant to just sell cigarettes'

now, the nike legend and 'heraldry', with his own crest insignia and ad campaign designed by the nike head office in beaverton, oregon.

International Bloggers' Day for Burma - Thursday, October 4, 2007

2007-10-04T00:00:00.000+08:00

MYANMAR is NOT free.

but on a bright distant note,
RADIOHEAD is.

neither juntas or profiteers. ;-)

Burma needs Rambo!

2007-10-03T14:46:00.000+08:00

"This is a hellhole beyond your wildest dreams, ...all the trails are mined. The only way into Burma is up the river."

-- Sylvester Stallone a.k.a. 'Rambo', in Myanmar formerly known as 'Burma', during filming of 'John Rambo' on-location with hollywood film crew at the border between Myanmar and Thailand, September 2007.

I think we've all seen this movie before. But like it or not, we're going to have to watch it AGAIN.

Remembering Macario Sakay and Lean Alejandro

2007-09-20T10:39:00.000+08:00

The Constantino Foundation is honored to invite you to the unveiling of the Macario Sakay and Lean Alejandro murals on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, September 21, 2007.

“Biyaheng Kasarinlan”

will be unveiled at 10: 30 am at the Ospital ng Makati at Pembo, Makati City and

“Daluyong”

will be unveiled at 1: 30 pm at the San Juan City Hall, San Juan City.

The murals are the result of the Foundation’s “Reclaiming Public Space, Recapturing Memory” Project. The paintings were done in collaboration with leading art group TutoK, the City Government of Makati and the City Government of San Juan.

The murals depict the aspirations and struggles of a people for genuine freedom, symbolized by Macario Sakay’s leadership of the national revolutionary movement against US colonial rule and the young firebrand Lean Alejandro’s fight against tyranny.

It is a time to remember. We hope you can join us.

"It's high time to recreate the conversation between young Filipinos today and their collective past. We intend to reclaim public space in a way that brings the memory of standing up to tyranny closer to our people," said Constantino Foundation Managing Director Renato Redentor Constantino. According to Constantino, "the paintings aim to start a national trend to transform public spaces as visual tools in recapturing national memory and history. The murals will highlight two largely neglected icons of resistance who fought for our nation's freedom."

In partnership with the city governments of Makati and San Juan, the mural "Biyaheng Kasarinlan" mural will be installed at the Ospital ng Makati in Pembo, while the "Daluyong" painting will be displayed at the City Hall of San Juan.

A strong sense of history is needed in order to achieve real and lasting independence. Thus, focus is given to Filipino revolutionary hero Macario Sakay and youth activist Lean Alejandro. Although separated by 80 years, the two lives of the heroes symbolize the aspirations and hopes of a free nation. Sakay and Lean are not larger than life heroes,though their acts of resistance are heroic. Sakay was an original member of the Katipunan who continued the struggle for national liberation against US colonial rule. Maligned by American authorities and mainstream history books, Sakay was hanged on September 13, 1907, a victim of American and local elite treachery. Considered as one of the most popular and courageous activist of the 1980s, Lean led massive rallies against the Marcos dictatorship and took part in rebuilding the democratic order after the fall of the tyrannical regime. On September 19, 1987, the 27-year old Lean was slain by unknown gunmen.

a 9/11 George Bush Tribute, Frank Zappa Style

2007-09-11T16:56:00.000+08:00

in remembrance of 9/11, and a frank zappa musical video tribute to the one american who's kept osama bin laden happy, inspired and laughing in his cave the last six years. and God Bless America.

It's That Time Again

2007-08-27T16:31:00.000+08:00

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Manila still needs a direct satellite feed of ALL the american collegiate and pro football games now that it's 'the season'. From the way I buggered people for those Nathans hotdogs last June and July, this focus now on pigskin sportsfeed is still my perennial ongoing dilemma year after year around this time with watching the games and trying to keep up here, which in spite of the actual several live telecasts available now on asian ESPN and the other local broadcaster, Solar Sports, on early monday mornings of some NFL games, is hardly adequate or nonexistent and more so when it comes to the college games. Let's face it. There's not a whole hell of a lot of good you can say about America in general right now, and who gives a shit about the latest fictional shows and movies from Hollywood and New York when nearly every imaginable existing film title and complete TV season episode DVD can be bought from our beloved muslim brothers at the nearby public market for less than a U.S. dollar. With that, who even needs cable? But really now, it's just that the NFL and the NCAA is as necessary and important as CNN or the BBC or FOX in this part of the world because certainly, unfolding action in the form of news, disasters and sports MUST be brought to the public LIVE. Denying access to live broadcasts of the gridiron merely adds to the already blatantly ignorant misconception that Americans have only basketball and baseball to offer the world. And sportswise that's a downright heretical view of the United States. The world's greatest superpower knows its game, and it didn't get that way merely on the heels of a Kareem or a DiMaggio or a Michael Jordan. It did so on the collective might, will, and physically uncompromising, strategic and decisive drives of a Lombardi, Halas or a Joe Paterno, a Brown, Hornung and a Walter Payton, a Butkus or a Joe Greene, a Namath, Landry and a Noll. The true face of American gusto and character is defined by the history of American collegiate and professional football. And if you want insight and understanding into the best and brightest of a people who call themselves Americans, you have to know THIS game. And I'm not the first one to raise this issue on a blog either, folks.

I think though that the same technology that brought cable and connectivity here will bring the coverages and broadcasts on to this part of the world eventually. And can you imagine once 'the FEED' and HDTV becomes reality here?!!?? It would be virtual TAILGATE BARBECUE every WEEKEND from September to January in 85-degree weather! Sonofabitchin' absolute football HEAVEN without having to freeze your ass off!

Another interesting phenomenon to note, that what happens around this time of year in America afflicts me too. Schedules, attention to what's going on locally or in the neighborhood, changes in waking, eating and sleeping -- all these manifest themselves as football season wears on. Short of visiting my favorite supermarkets once a week, I'm not going to give a shit about newspapers, politics, religion, santa claus, military uprisings, government, malls, movies, show business, paris hilton, the weather, hell even people around me in general -- and nearly everything that happens outside this football axis. In short, I'll effectively be from another planet and time in the next few months which you can appropriately label my 'American Football Ramadan Uranus' state.

Just so you all know where I am until this forthcoming Oarhouse Thanksgiving, the typically insufferable Manila Christmas, and the one and only climactic sports event of its kind, the Super Bowl.

(This post is dedicated to Hunter S. Thompson and that other extraordinary American, George Plimpton -- both of whom in their own participation, observance and writings on the sport -- inspired this piece.)

American Football - More amazing videos are a click away

EYE SPY - Imaginary Memories

2007-08-10T10:05:00.000+08:00

Jordan Arabejo and Photography

It was the 90s then, when Mr. Manny Ang was personally conducting what seemed to be one of his last summer photography workshops at his 'WELLS Photo' in Magallanes, Makati that I attended one of them and was forever at the mercy of the camera. This may have very well been the start of my "image-chasing" habits. But it was probably forthcoming since my uncle, Nap Jamir (who encouraged me to take the workshop and sponsored my workshop fees as well) and my grandfather Nap Jamir I, are/were both in the business.

At the time, I honestly did not 'get it', and most of the lessons came in one ear and out the other. To top it off, I think most of my photos were really bad. Fortunately, I was then attending high school at the Philippine High School For The Arts in Mount Makiling, Los Banos Laguna. Under the tutelage of Alfredo Aquilizan, our visual arts instructor, I developed a better sense of aesthetics. I further pursued this passion for visual expression as a college student majoring in painting at the University Of Santo Tomas.

I now work freelance in film and advertising, doing graphic work on the side, striving as best as I can to pursue a career in cinematography. Ironically, how I got to this point demanded a re-entry into photography, and luckily enough this process ended up being more like a "re-discovery" rather than a re-education. I had gained a magic eye. Everywhere I turned, the world appeared to me a strange, throbbing mixture of beauty and ugliness. Wonderful! All I needed now was a camera.

The first camera I had was a Nikon F ("F" probably stood for "fully-freaking manual"). The camera was originally my grandfather's. That's what you call a real family heirloom! The Nikon F was one of the few cameras that my "gramps" had passed on to his photographer son (Nap Jamir II) which was then finally passed on to me. A friend borrowed it and left it in a taxi cab. I'm still kicking myself today for having lent it.

On the selection of these images on exhibit -

Nap Jamir, Director of Photography for television commercials and films, generously helped select this photo series. He has guided my vision, skills, and appreciation for the mediums of photography and cinematography by enabling me with the tools and opportunities. Assisting him in his film and commercial shoots has taught me the nature of light and the balance of visual elements within the frame. These pictures are random applications of that honing and our collaborative efforts to showcase a window that looks out of the norm. We hope that they stimulate and encourage everyone to take a fresh look, perhaps once again, at the world we wake up in.

- Jordan J. Arabejo

August 2007

In Quest of Manila's Hotdog Valhalla

2007-08-07T19:54:00.001+08:00

GO ahead, name them all -- Purefoods, CDO, Mekeni -- when it comes to hotdogs, what these Philippine companies put out can all go straight to damnable unforgiven hell. The gas chambers of Dachau and Auschwitz were designed for these artificial, red dye-injected, oversized and skinless vienna sausages posing as anything but the real stuff. No living organism of the earth should ever be sentenced to eat these, much less feed them to children or humans. Any parent who thinks this is good for their kids should be gassed along with these fake dogs. There's no way to make these things edible regardless of whether you boil, steam or - horror of horrors - fry them (the sight of red dye mixing with the grease is just too much). And has anyone ever been repulsed by how that red coloring looks as it permeates into that undefinable mush of its interior? Worse, they've attempted to embed all the kiddie come-ons inside these things such as cheese, bacon, vitamins, VITAMINS FOR GOD'S FUCKING SAKE, and who knows what else short of antibiotics, hormones and the listeria pathogen. But that's life here, right? Worms, additives, extenders and chemical carcinogens can all be cultivated and be made to live with each other in harmony too, and they wouldn't find the complicated makeup of the philippine hotdog such a bad place to live.

But you see, a hotdog is not merely child's food. It's not about entertaining kids and making them eat shit in whatever form that's supposed to appeal. Nor is it a marketing campaign conceived by mental retardates to appease teenage adolescent psychos or spoiled fat sugar-fed brats who aren't eating right with their already screwed diet in the first place. The hotdog is a purely North American invention and product. It is essentially a medium to long length all-beef sausage wrapped inside a bun that accommodates the encased meat's shape. It was introduced at the turn of the previous century in America as a food conveniently held and consumed while outdoors or watching a sport such as a baseball game or walking through an amusement park. That is why it IS as 'american' as baseball and apple pie. To even challenge or distort the definition of the hot dog would be to question the tradition born of that particular culture, and why it wouldn't surprise me that that would be basis enough for americans to go to war over the fact. Why? They're AMERICANS, that's why. And so the same squarely, proudly and definitively -- is the HOTDOG.

So what started as an innocent postscript interjection in an email to friends who were heading to the states for summer break over a month and a half ago and which up to now and for me had evolved into an emotionally soulful holy grail quest that ended just the other day in my happy intestines: a true genuine, imported for my eating pleasure Nathan's Famous Hot Dog -- served in hotly steamed yet unassuming perfection nestled in a bun topped with a latticework of mustard spread that complemented the summer salty, meaty taste of this Coney Island New York frank.

The repository and sole custodian source of Nathan's Famous here is the 'Hotdog on Sticks' franchise that now dot most of the major malls and supermarkets in the city, and they are exactly the right kiosk entity to introduce the name and the product to Manila. They've been making their own local wieners since 1984, but they chose to start importing Nathan's only at the beginning of this year and offering them for just a few extra pesos more, not to the elite or upper classes of this town but to the general public who with their kids in tow at any given day or location treat them to hotdogs on buns or on sticks which children always like. Hell they've even got corn dogs! When I found their stall at the Glorietta in Makati yesterday, I froze and stood in glee in front of the familiar Nathan's sign, and at the vendor who before I even stopped had already yelled 'HOTDOG SIR!' at me. I stared with dropped jaw at the menu display like an anthropologist looking at egyptian hieroglyphics. It listed 'medium dog', 'jumbo dog', and 'spicy polish dog'. This was IT. I had reached my destination of frankfurter valhalla, and it felt downright euphoric trying to decide what to go for. But of course, the jumbo had to be it. 'RELISH SIR?!??' to which I instantly shouted 'NO!' and chose just mustard to grace the sacred meat. No freshly-diced onions which I wanted but that's okay. My fingers were twitching with anticipation as I watched the guy assemble my order and as he handed it over, I had to cradle it for a second to view it in its wondrous entirety before digging my front incisors on the right leading edge of the furter. Even without the diced onions but with yellow mustard squishing out the sides of my mouth, I was THE happy camper. In that moment the rest of life, consciousness, and the world faded into the background. Given my fill the past few months of dealing with difficult, old, complicated and dying people and situations, I was one again with a good and familiar thing that didn't need much else except a modest and welcoming appetite. And the whole deal was just sixty pesos ($1.25 USD) plus the worthy mention that you can get a side order of their really good french fries and onion rings for an additional thirty pesos (.60 to 70 cents).

As much as it's too easy to believe that one can have the best of anything in the West and certainly this is as far and unlike being anywhere in New York City, Manila and why I love this town is that you can have just a taste of nearly everything one's been hankering for and after the occasion of experiencing content, I can go back to the real, daily sustenance that's kept much of the center intact and an ultralight heart going. And even from across the world of its origins amidst the heathen hordes, the plain lowly hotdog must still always have its true keepers of the flame.

Ben

The Man from Tomorrow

2007-08-01T21:46:00.001+08:00

Talk show host Tom Snyder, left, gets ready to interview convicted murderer Charles Manson at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville in June 1981. © AP

On one fine spring afternoon in 1981, I chanced to sit in on a live audience taping of Tom Snyder's 'Tomorrow' show at the NBC studios in New York City during the year I was there schlepping as a photographer's assistant, and Tom's guests were none other than Ted Turner who spoke about his vision and hopes for CNN, the author Alexandra Penney, and the fusion jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr.

It was the time when his late night interview program immediately followed Johnny Carson's Tonight show with Ed McMahon and Doc Severinsen's band, and the cool adult 'sedateness' of the classic moments of the personalities Tom interviewed like Charles Manson, Harlan Ellison, the Sex Pistols' Johnny Rotten and Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics were outright and simply the stuff of broadcast legend. It was the time before the rise and heyday of Letterman and Leno, before Larry King made talk TV a primetime staple, and where all any viewer would be interested in was the interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee. Tom went at his guests on a straight one-on-one basis, and you had the distinct feeling and mood that you were in some big city hotel lounge as he would strike up a tasty, soft-spoken conversation that only you were privy to with him and the guest. Such was the intimate, private aura of the late night talk shows of mid-70s and early 80s television before twenty-four hour cable and bigtime celebrities and the notorieties they carried along with them on camera began to consume broadcast media itself.

Lorne Michaels' Saturday Night Live on NBC had also long immortalized Tom's interview style, thanks to Dan Aykroyd.

It was an era I have often and will continue to miss (how could an incredulous Paris Hilton interview on Larry King Live today even dare compare) and now with the passing of Tom Snyder, an absence that speaks as loudly as the personas of Johnny Carson, Steve Allen, Dick Cavett and all who had gone before. It was the common but bullseyed questions he asked of his guests in this dark, late-night cavernous background setting at 30 Rock which endeared many like me to stay up that extra hour on weeknights.

The talk show and the art of conversation in broadcasting has not been and never will be like that of the man from Tomorrow.

Ben

Manila with People - Boracay without People, July 2007

2007-07-27T10:54:00.000+08:00

smokestacks under Mt. Makiling, Metro Manila and Puka Beach, Boracay , July 2007 © Ben Razon

The Tagalog word 'Suka' that rhymes with Puka - as in 'suka' translated into english would be 'vomit', and 'puka' as something, well, let just say we're not going there. ;-)

Cebu vs. Guantanamo

2007-07-22T23:00:00.000+08:00

this youtube clip is a cult classic. even my friends on the east coast of a mailing list i belong to have sent this to me. it's gotten an unbelievable number of hits.

the filipino's capacity for expression is unmatched in every respect of contemporary interpretation and context. no words adequately describe it.

still it partly explains and no wonder that we remain -- psychologically at least -- amongst the happiest people in the world. there are no serial killers, sons of sam, john gacys roaming our busy non-isolated teeming hubs of community. okay, there are your crimes of passion prisoners like your rapists, child abusers and jilted martyrs, but hey, that's old shrift compared to really mentally screwed people in the west.

and even in our orange jumpsuit incarcerated state, it'll be a cold fucking day in abu ghraib hell if this scene ever replicates itself in guantanamo.

thank you michael jackson.