paloy says "I do"

Finally, my (soul) sister found his Prince charming. It set me into tears when I saw her walk down the aisle of Caleruega's Transfiguration Chapel. Everything was perfect and sweet that day and I am hopeful that it lasts until death parts them. Loi, you were a beautiful bride, trust me!

I pray that both of them share a lifetime of bliss. May they be blessed with children that will spice up their lives.

wanted: mayor, city of manila

I was leafing through the daily paper this morning when I learned that Panfilo "Ping" Lacson and Rosebud are at odds for the mayoralty post of Manila in next year’s local elections. I also heard rumors that Borgy Manotoc and Manny Pacquiao vying for the same position.

I cannot help but raise my eyebrows and shake my head in utter disbelief (add to that a smug). It is not the surprising disbelief how these people still have that guts to run for office but that frustrating disbelief how the political race in this country has became a career.
Allow me to just deliver my comments on these two rivals.

Who will not know Panfilo Lacson? This political nemesis has always in the forefront of several anti-administration campaigns. He once vied for the highest seat in the government. He was also elected as a legislator, after years of service in the police force.

Lacson’s battle cry is HOPE (Health, Order, Peace and Education) for the Manileño’s. If elected to office he will combat graft and corruption so as to uplift the image of the local government. Hallelujah, it is if this isn’t lip service! With all the benefit of the doubt, at least, there is one good soul in the government. I hope that this "HOPE" won’t turn out to be bleak.

He says that his running for office is the will of God after receiving a call from an unidentified man in the cloth. How blasphemous can that be! I am in no position to question each person’s appreciation of God’s signs and how God speaks to each of us but I suggest that we refrain from dragging God’s name in our filthy politicking. Please do not get me wrong. I am a woman of faith and my theology is that God has a hand in every area of our lives. I am just wary about the idea that God is being used as a pawn in this board game. I think that if one really finds in his heart that he is called for public service, it is best that he’d be man enough to take upon himself that responsibility without "name dropping".

However, if this is his means of preparing his way to run as President in 2010 National Elections, I just can’t say more. Veteran, he is.

Rosebud on the other hand, was the popular State witness in a case linking Lacson to illegal drugs and kidnapping some years back. I do not know her personally except for what I read in the papers, but I can trust my instincts that she isn’t fit to be in office. And for all it’s worth, I would not risk the leadership of my city to a neophyte. I doubt if she ever had a background in public governance, to which I will define as the "wild".

In an article today in Inquirer, she said that Ping’s decision of running forces her to run as well. I cannot follow such logic. Why would one run only because an antagonist is? Public office isn’t supposed to be a competition. If her messianic instincts are alarming her, let me remind her that super heroes aren’t real—and she can’t be one. She doesn’t possess super powers and she isn’t a god(dess) or at least a demi-god. I suppose she’s been spending much of her time in front of the TV. I am coming to the conclusion that she’s just using next year’s local elections as an opportunity for her to thicken the plot of her opposition of Ping. Her telenoleva-ic psyche seems to overtake her that she projects herself as the "doormat bida" and all the others as the villains, whose mission in life is to ruin her. As she puts it, "this is personal", which to my opinion is not a very good motive to run for office.

I have seen a lot of people scurrying their way into the political limelight—most of them local cinema actors, athletes, and in my judgment, those others not eligible to hold public office. Fellowmen, this isn’t reality TV (I should write another article on that), THIS IS REAL LIFE. No wonder everyone seems to be oblivious why government seems to malfunction. Yes, it’s neither the educational background nor the social status that matters in public service but a little background on the political system would help. And although, I agree that everyone should be entitled to equal opportunity in serving in the government, not everyone is necessarily worthy to be one.

I hope that our electorate would be more educated and wise in picking our leaders. To the few who gets to read this piece of my thoughts, please remember that democracy is the rule of all. Let us realize how much power we have in our hands; that each vote is an exercise of our identity and a delegation of our inherent power as members of the State.This few whom we have entrusted our rights to are in turn expected to render us some service. Let us be cautious to whom we give that power, so that it may be used for the good of many and not the perpetration of the selfishness of a few.

a charmed life

"No earthly prince can wake her, now it's our turn to cry, carelesly we wept whilst her graceful spirit soared arrow straight, into a most glorious morning sky" - from a note of condolence left with flowers at Kensington Palace

It was 1985 when I first saw her. My aunt from London brought me a memorabilia from her wedding. She was in her elegant wedding dress and was wrapped in the arms of her prince. I never had a clue that she was real. All along, I thought that the princess in the picture was just one of those princesses in my fairy tale story books. At my young age, I already admired her. Her smile seemed like a radiance of joy. Her blue, expressive eyes communicated love (perhaps, bliss at the time of the photo). She exuded an aura of warmth. I wanted to be like her. Perhaps, one was because of the gown, but more than that, there was something in her I can't seem to explain, but I do admire. Perhaps her person.

There was not much that I heard from her, except from the stories that I hear from my aunt whenever she comes home from England. I did hear that her marriage fell apart, which though I did not pay much attention to, bothered me a little. Seemed like her fairy tale did not end the way it normally should.

In 1997, my heart broke when I learned that she lost her life due to a car crash in Paris. I hope she'd live, but that may be too much for a happy ending. Diana's life was always coveted for--the fame and the power; the glitter and the glamour. Although, in reality it wasn't a fairy tale after all. Nevertherless, I do admire her strength and simplicity. More than anything I salute her courage for standing by her principles amid the pressure of all the people around her. Whilst the whole world is amused by the role that she plays in the fairy tale that is they make us believe, she struggled to be herself. Despite the turmoils, she managed to play her parts well--as a mother, as a member of the royal family--and was beloved by humanity.

Indeed, her life was likened to a fairy tale, although not much on the happily-ever-after.
To the lady, whom I once admired, may you have found your place. May peace rest in you, wherever you are, far from conformity and judgment.

striking out

Tonight is the opening of the bowling tourney at work. We're up against the red team (by the way, we're the jeresey-ed in blue.) Score is 4-2. And we're up, by around 50 points total. Hah! ;) I love my team. They are all so good, making up for all my misses. Hahaha!

It's real fun being with people at work during these kinds of gathering. Everything's relaxed. No pressures. No hierarchy. No bosses. Hehe! All but plain fun.

I really hope we make it to the finals. So I better practice my swings...

going french

I am learning French, finally! Although, this has been a longtime wish, I hadn't really decided on sitting down and actually studying the language until an officemate invited me to enroll in a French Class, since according to her, she's bored. I though it would be fun so I agreed. That weekend, I started searching the internet for free french class and voila! I had the things I needed. I thought of learning things by myself first before enrolling in a language school. Besides, that is already way too costly. I also thought that the schooling will be a lot more fruitful if I already know a few vocabulary and little on grammar.

I now know a bit of the basics. (When I said that, I meant that it's really BASIC as it waaaayyy too basic..hehe!). For any consolation, I now know a few greetings. I also know my numbers: un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq. six. sept. huit, neuf et dix.

French is not easy in the sense that you don't write the words down as you say it. Spelling is a challenge so as the pronunciation which is very nasal. (My toungue is getting stiff actually...) I hope I do well on this one. (Read how my numbers are to be said: uh(n), du, thrwah, kaht, sahnk, sees, seht, weet, nef, deez)

That's all for tonight, I guess.

Bonne Nuit! =)

heaven's sweet blessings

over a cup of coffee

For the second time this week, I caught myself in one of Starbucks’ coffee houses. Last night was spent with Gen. I never realized how work can really suck all the energy out of you, until now that I am officially part of the workforce. I crave for the conversations and laughter I share with classmates and friends. I miss those nonsense chitchats in between classes and during meals, and the never-ending phone calls at the end of the day to friends from other colleges. The (free) movie last Thursday with Peds and last night’s dinner and coffee were definitely a refuge.

I just love Gen. I love our friendship. The laughter and stories were fabulous. I was reminded of what my seniors always tell me: “When you grow older, you’ll need your friends when you were younger.” I agree. With them, there is no need of pretensions. No make-ups. No composure. No judgments. Just you and your imperfections. Through the years, you’ll get to uncover more about yourselves, yet still continue appreciating the gift that you have each other. Well, as in any story of friendship, you’d never expect how a stranger can be one of your closest allies and confidant.