the sweetness of final four

http://www.krispykreme.com.ph/

Fabulous Marketing Strat.

I've seen this first in Tidoy's Blog. Very Interesting. I wonder how they taste.

During my high school and college days, I am a fan of college basketball. I even watch games live in Araneta then. Whew! The intensity of the games and thrill of watching them play is sooo exhilirating. Vying for the Final Four is really a feat for the UAAP member-schools. And what sweetness it brings to take home the gold.

Although, the obsession has faded, these donuts have definitely caught my attention and is luring me to try them. Again, VERY EFFECTIVE MARKETING STRAT.

I'll get one soon.

And of course, I'd have the yellow.

rules of engagement

Our lives are made up of rules.

Whether it is written or customarily observed; whether it is imposed by the society or the people around us or simply dictated by our personal choices; Or simply whether we like it or not;

Rules.

Oftentimes, rules make us feel trapped. They seem to limit our God given freedom since they appear to be parameters by which we are expected to act--thus we have to act accordingly. On the other hand, I would like to believe that rules are made to make life less complicated and chaotic.

Have you ever imagined life on the streets if there were no traffic rules that motorists and pedestrians follow? Our streets will be more packed than they usually are; accidents are more likely to happen which will be detrimental to both life and property. By following a set of rules, or simply abiding by the green, yellow and red colors that the traffic light shows, or by merely walking across the white stripes on the road, we can all have more safe and orderly journey. Or have you ever thought how life is if every person can just stick a knife against another person's body without any thought? Or every person will just nonchalantly take someone else's property without any reprimand for the violation of taking? Wouldn't that simply drive you haywire?

Even in an anarchical society, (which most believed to be a state of lawlessness and chaos) they have a sense of order or rule of "law" which is based on the presumption that every person has a knowledge of what is good and bad. This dictate of social conscience serves as the rule by which the State is ruled.

Rules are there to preserve order.
____________

On Saturday, I will have a recitation likened to a "revalida" for my Civil Procedure class. It'll cover Rules 1-71 of the Rules of Court. So, after I post this entry I will start digging my books and master my rules.

The knowledge of the Rules of Court is vital for every lawyer (and those aspiring to be one as well). Just like in any game, one must be proficient with the rules for him to play it well and win eventually.

I do hope I master my rules. Not only for Saturday's game but more like to serve it's real purpose when I become a lawyer.

an aspiring lawyer's day off

JPEPA, Lamy and Martini.

Three things all packed in a day out of school.

carlisle

"There will come a point in your life when you'll get tired of chasing everyone, trying to fix everything. It is not giving up. It's just a realization that you don't need all those you went after, because what you need are those who stood by you even if you never needed them."

17 September 2007

23:20

fireworks and fountains

two words.

keeping in touch

Many research have shown the importance of touch in the emotional health of a person. Touch is used to relieve pain, depression, and anxiety. That is why most new moms are encouraged to frequently touch their new borns. Touch is a basic necessity for human beings since this is the only means to get in touch with other human beings. Unfortunately, because of the indifference and lack of time to bond with others, we have less and less of this.

Now, there is a touching revolution--Hug Therapy.

Hugging is one of the intimate forms of touch. Most psychologists say that every person needs an average of four (4) hugs a day to survive, six (6) maintain emotional well-being, 21 for those who have emotional and mental problems (those who are neurotic).

According to Dolores Krieger, R.N., Ph.D., professor of nursing at New York University and expert in the field of touch therapy, when one person hugs or touches another, it actually invigorates the body by stimulating the level of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to tissues. When these tissues receive oxygen, they have a new energy that continues to rejuvenate the body.

Other research in the hugging field has shown that hugging helps lessen the chances of senility in people age 70+, increases liveliness, curiosity, problem-solving abilities and overall physical well-being, and substantially improves a newborn's developmental progress.

Isn't that amazing?

_________________

TIME Magazine had chosen the best inventions for 2006 and one of the more fascinating inventions is the Hug Shirt. This touchy innovation is invented by Cute Circuit.

Hug Shirt is a high-tech garment that simulates the experience of being embraced by a loved one. When a friend sends you a virtual hug, your cell phone notifies the shirt wirelessly, via Bluetooth. The shirt then re-creates that person's distinctive cuddle, replicating his or her warmth, pressure, duration and even heartbeat. And, yes, the Hug Shirt is fully washable. (TIme Magazine)

I guess is this one proof that there is indeed a scarcity of touching among human beings. A clear attempt to meet the physical and emotional needs of the human person. Isn't it funny how we content ourselves with what is created in our heads, well in fact we can have the real thing?

Think about it?

the anti-graft court spoke

The Sandiganbayan through its Special Division already rendered its judgment.

The dispositive portion of the 300+ page decision reads:

WHEREFORE, in view of all the foregoing, judgment is hereby rendered in Criminal Case No. 26558 finding the accused, Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of PLUNDER defined in and penalized by Republic Act No. 7080, as amended. On the other hand, for failure of the prosecution to prove and establish their guilt beyond reasonable doubt, the Court finds the accused Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Atty. Edward S. Serapio NOT GUILTY of the crime of plunder, and accordingly, the Court hereby orders their ACQUITTAL.

The penalty imposable for the crime of plunder under Republic Act No. 7080, as amended by Republic Act No. 7659, is Reclusion Perpetua to Death. There being no aggravating or mitigating circumstances, however, the lesser penalty shall be applied in accordance with Article 63 of the Revised Penal Code. Accordingly, accused Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada is hereby sentenced to suffer the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua and the accessory penalties of civil interdiction during the period of sentence and perpetual absolute disqualification.

The period within which accused Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada has been under detention shall be credited to him in full as long as he agrees voluntarily in writing to abide by the same disciplinary rules imposed upon convicted prisoners.

Moreover, in accordance with Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7080, as amended by Republic Act No. 7659, the Court hereby declares the forfeiture in favor of the government of the following:

(1) The total amount of Five Hundred Forty Two Million Seven Hundred Ninety One Thousand Pesos (P545,291,000.00), with interest and income earned, inclusive of the amount of Two Hundred Million Pesos (P200,000,000.00), deposited in the name and account of the Erap Muslim Youth Foundation.

(2) The amount of One Hundred Eighty Nine Million Pesos (P189,000,000.00), inclusive of interests and income earned, deposited in the Jose Velarde account.

(3) The real property consisting of a house and lot dubbed as “Boracay Mansion” located at #100 11th Street, New Manila, Quezon City.

The cash bonds posted by accused Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Atty. Edward S. Serapio are hereby ordered cancelled and released to the said accused or their duly authorized representatives upon presentation of the original receipt evidencing payment thereof and subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures. Likewise, the hold-departure orders issued against the said accused are hereby recalled and declared functus oficio.

SO ORDERED.

The defense counsels for the Former President are still conferring as to the remedy they wish to avail. As far as my limited knowledge in Criminal Procedure (which by the way I took under the instruction of the Hon. Justice Peralta), within 15 days, Former President Estrada can either file an Motion for Reconsideration to the Sandiganbayan or file a Petition for Certiorari directly to the Supreme Court. Failure to avail of any of these options and after the lapse of the reglementary period, the decision will become final and executory.

More than anything, I agree with the Special Prosecutor when he said that this isn't only a victory for the prosecution but also of the Rule of Law. At least, this is a clear evidence that our judicial system is working.

More on this on my next post. I need to run.

brotherhood

For weeks now, the death of a UP fourth year Public Adminitration student has been filling our news.

Chris Mendez was allegedly killed in an initiation by a prominent fraternity in the university he is in. According to most of his friends, he aspires to become a lawyer which is probably why he was urged to join the fraternity in prepartion for entering UP Law School. His death has however dragged the name of the fraternity and caused the hiding of almost all its incumbernt officers and resident members. Although, the police are now out to pin down those who are responsible for his death.

Chris' death stirred opinions as to the violation of the Anti-Hazing Law. Aggressive as they are, UP students have started lobbying that justice be served. The parents whose children also died through these violent exercise of brotherhood now surfaces one after the other, perhaps to extend concern and support. More importantly to reiterate their cries for vindication for the loss of a loved one.

On a personal point of view, my heart goes to them for a death offered for a cause I too cannot understand. Brotherhood (or sisterhood, as the case may be) is supposed to be for encouragement, support and mutual respect, and never, never for violence. They might have their "fraternal" reasons. I just shrug my shoulders. I just really cannot comprehend.

_____________

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said that she will author a bill on the abolition of the Greek letter societies. To quote she said, “As far as I’m concerned, from my experience in UP Diliman for four years in the College of Law, these fraternities do not aid the academic tradition of the University. They are nothing but elitist enclaves...I really cannot be convinced of the necessity of joining fraternities and sororities. What is the benefit that is derived by these young, promising, idealistic students from the provinces who look at a UP education as their last ray of hope for success in life…”

I personally do not like the lady senator. I do not like everything about her--her points of view, her manner of speaking, her fashion sense and what have you. I infer that her statement may come from a personal, bitter experience of isolation or "post graduate bullying". The truth is no law school is without a fraternity or sorority. In fact, these societies has produced most of our prominent officials in the government. Members take pride in the association. But last night, while watching her on the news and letting out a smug, I have to partly agree on her observation, that in as far as one's stay in law school is concern there is a little that these societies offer. We are all equals. C'mon we study the same law.

Maybe I am speaking from the perspective of an outsider. Or perhaps as they say, the benefit comes after you are out of the school and is working you ass out there.

Or maybe, there isn't really a problem as to these societies. I think it's healthy to have "brods" and "sises", your so-called friends in law school. We too are social beings. We need people to cry with, whine and wine with, laugh with. Law school isolates such from the world outside, and sometimes they are all we have. However, maybe the prominence and privilege of brotherhood and the accumulation of "power" exercised over those who want to join their circle may have just gone overboard.

Sad but true.

verdict

Verdict - unanimous finding or decision of a jury on one or more matters (as counts of an indictment or complaint) submitted to it in trial that ordinarily in civil actions is for the plaintiff or for the defendant and in criminal actions is guilty or not guilty

Judgment - 1. a formal decision or determination on a matter or case by a court; 2. declaration by a court of the conviction of a criminal defendant and the punishment to be imposed.

Tomorrow, 12 September 2007, the Sandiganbayan will promulgate its judgment on the 4.3-Billion plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada. After six years of tedious and politically distabilizing trial, we will finally hear from the Court.

Former President Estrada's plunder case is composed of four charges -- acceptance of P545 million in protection money from illegal gambling (“jueteng”), misappropriation of P130 million in tobacco excise taxes, collection of a P189.7-million commission from the sale of the shares of Belle Corp. (a real estate firm), and amassing and depositing P3,233,104,173.17 in a bank account under the name Jose Velarde. He likewise falsely declared his assets which was imperative for public officials.

Although, he refused to enter a plea as to his guilt, he repeatedly underscored his innocence in the course of trial.

For the first time in the history of the Philippines, a former president was deposed, subjected to a full course trial, and now awaits to be sentenced. For what the law deems his guilt is, we have yet to find out. Whether he will be left to be unscathed by those collegiate justices or we'll wait until this thing drag itself to the Supreme Court, we will only be counting hours. My appeal is that the scale of justice, once and for all, be tipped to where justice will be equitably served. The position of these three justices are crucial. The Sandiganbayan's decision requires a unanimous vote of all three justices. I look highly on you and I appeal: Spell the difference.

Tomorrow, we will make history. Tomorrow, the Philippines will be changed. Whether it will spark massive upheaval or Filipinos will continue on turning a cold shoulder, we cannot change the fact that our government and society is faced with a new challenge to grow as a nation.

photos courtesy of www.philnews.com and www.abscbn.com

prophecy

This morning Mom and I had a peculiar conversation over breakfast.

"Gusto mo ba maging Justice?", she suddenly asked from out of nowhere.

"Oo." My answer was quick, plain and sure.

"Akala ko ba gusto mo magpratice ng immigration law?"

"Onga. Gagawin ko yung bago ako maging Justice. Syempre Ma, di ka naman agad-agad pwedeng maging Justice."

Then, I started explaining to her the requisites of becoming a Justice under the Constitution highlighting on years of practice and minimum age. Of course that was done in the most layman way possible. My mom is a simple citizen of this Country who like others would start nauseating the moment she hears technical terms such as res judicata, certiorari or habeas corpus.

If and when I become a lawyer, I would be the first in both my mom and dad's immediate family. Well, I've heard we have distant relatives who are lawyers and judges in the provinces. But of course, I do not know them. I think I have met them only once as to date. Other than my personal desire to fulfill my dream, our conversation reminded me that there are actually two clans watching and waiting for the time I take my turn to cross the Bar and become an agent of justice. Pressure? A bit. More of pleasure.ü

On one hand, I have always believed in the power of Parent's Prayers for their children. Mary did it for Jesus, Rebekkah did it for Jacob and Jacob for Joseph. They dreamt that their children be safe, be under God's guidance and care. And God did not fail them. He actually gave more than what one could expect.

I also believe in the blessing of parents to children. Isaac exhibited it to Jacob (although we know that how Jacob deceived his father to get the blessing that is actually for his older brother, Esau.) My point here is, parents' blessings are physical and outward manifestations of God's favor on their children and their endeavors.

My conversation with Mama this morning was a prophecy and a blessing, so I would like to believe. More so, it is simply an assurance that she too is praying that I become great and excel in what I do. Perhaps, she knows deep in her heart I have the skills to do it and God is faithful enough to meet me in case I fall short.

As I write this, my heart is warm, my chest is tightening. Especially knowing that once, she did not fully supported my pursuit for a degree in law. Hopefully, someday when what we have talked about becomes reality, she would still be here on earth savoring the joy of it with me.ü
__________

What is funny is that yesterday, I was piecing together in my thoughts my long term goals for my legal career. Then, this conversation. Is that coincidence? I don't think so. How will I get there? I am not exactly sure. But I will get there.

God will surely show the way.

sunscreen

I encountered this song a long, long time ago. At first I thought it was merely an article of some sort until I found the song. Some grains of truth. Pieces of advice do have to pick up to remind ourselves. Click on the link to listen to the song.

Everybody is Free (to wear sunscreen) Baz Luhrman

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '97... wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be IT.

The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.

I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.

You are NOT as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium.

Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't, maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't, maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either. Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance. Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they'll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings; they are your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

ive in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet music from the House of Iona, Something For Everybody

reflections of a bar ops volunteer

The Bar Examinations for 2007 started yesterday. This means that the schools and people supporting are up and about the Bar Operations.

I signed in as volunteer for the Bar Operations (Hotel Ops specifically) for the Arellano Barristers. But before my shift, I did my personal bar ops for my former classmates from UST. After my Civil Procedure class, Carlisle and I hitched a ride with Froi and off we went to Manila Hotel where they were housed.

Grabe! Maaaliw ka sa kanilang lahat. Iba-iba ang coping mechanisms ng mga tao para sa tensyon nila for the first day ng bar. Well, shempre first eve yun so nde pa din talaga nila alam ano ang ieexpect sa La Salle. Si Rem, wala... petiks na. Ready na ata e. Mindset lang din tlaga yan e. Si Ernest, Hala! Sige aral pa din. Security blanket siguro. Si Ohme, nagbabasa pero nirereklamo nila na ang tagal magbasa. I guess, dina-digest nya mabuti. Si Pantas, cool lang...pero basa pa din. Si Peds, petiks din. Tutulog daw sya ng maaga. Tama naman. Mahirap ang puyat pagnag-eexam. Si Aira, nakikipagdiscuss sa mga kapatid nya. Hindi ko nakita si TL nung gabing yun.

For a law student, Bar Examinations is the culmination of your years of toil. This will define your life...so, better make it good. Give the best of all you have.

I realized that, again, it is all about preparation. Physical, psychological, emotional and most importantly, mental. The exams need answers. It's about inner drive, although encouragement from people close to you are important as well. School support is very crucial too. This one I've seen with the spectacular Bar Operations of AUSL. Although, this year's Bar Examinations Chairperson did not allow the loud music that has become a tradition. According to her, Bar Exams shouldn't be a fanfare but a solemn ceremony instead. O well... But I liked it better the traditional way.ü

I could have been a barister for this year's Bar Examination, but I have to admit I am not yet prepared. I'll have my turn in 2010.ü As I ushered them to the La Salle premises, I felt a pinch inside but most importantly, I felt pride that my friends made it. And they will definitely make it over the Bar.

Sa mga, Barista...Kaya nyo yan! Andito lang kami nagdarasal para sa inyo.

lager night

It's my first time to attend Lager Night. It is a regular event in AUSL where there is bottomless booze and lots of partying. (Btw, this is sponsored by the school and the AUSL SC.) As the Dean of Admissions would always say: "Law school is hard as it is, why would we make it harder? It is supposed to be FUN." In AUSL, yes, law school is fun.ü

Tonight's party is also the send-off for the 2007 AUSL Barristers. Cheers to you guys! You can make it!ü (It's a post midterms parteh too!)

Here are some of the shots I got from my phone. (Tsk. I should have brought a camera!ü Maybe next time.)

From left to right; top row: Juris with her friend; AUSL peeps drinking their hearts out; that's me with a glass of draft; mid row: with Andrea (IPL classmate); with Liz; with Greysh; bottom row: UST peeps (kaye, liz,greysh, me and froi); marshall shirt for the bar ops + beer; juris, froi, greysh, kaye and liz

We study hard...and we party hard!ü