The 2014 National Children's Book Day Fair

Here's an announcement I got through my inbox, thanks to our school librarian, Ms. Agnes M:

July 15, 2014 is the Philippines' 31st National Children's Book Day! The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is organizing a children's book fair at Museo Pambata, Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila. The following publishers and organizations are participating in the fair:

Adarna House * Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang InK) * Anvil Publishing Inc.  The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) Dream Big Books * Hiyas * Lampara Books * LG&M Chikiting Books
Save the Children Philippines * Tahanan Books for Young Readers

Publishers will present their latest children's books through performances, games, and even cooking demonstrations! Booths at the fair will sell books, magazines, and art for children. There will be discounts, giveaways, face painting, a drawing/coloring corner, storytelling sessions, and book signings and meet & greets with authors and illustrators.

See you all on July 15 (Tuesday), from 9A.M. to 5P.M., at
Museo Pambata for the 2014 National Children's Book Day Fair!

Warmest wishes,

Frances Ong  

Tahanan Books

Slovak String Orchestra @ Concert at the Park

The National Parks Development Committee, in partnership with the UP Manila Chorale and The National Commission for Culture and the Arts, presents Musica Iuvenalis, Slovak String Orchestra, this Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Concert at the Park. Joining them on this show are UP Manila Chorale and Coro Tomasino. Show starts at 6PM at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium. Admission is free.

GMA News' Katipunan: Unang Kabanata

GMA News and Public Affairs did it again!

I hope this series reaches all Philippine classrooms and aid our students in learning more about Philippine history, culture, language and values. This is Katipunan Episode # 1- Unang Kabanata: Teresa aired October 19, 2013.

Let us have more of this on Philippine TV!

Ang galing GMA News!

Ely Buendia Sings for PETA

"Ely Buendia sings for PETA", a one night only fundraising concert for PETA's Endowment Fund.

Watch this music icon upclose & personal as he performs his greatest hits inside The PETA Theater Center's intimate 400-seater blackbox theater this Sept 20, 8:00P.M.

RESERVE NOW! Tickets are P1000 (balcony side), P2000 (orchestra side, balcony center), P2500 (orch center), P5000 (VIP). Contact 725-6244 or 0917-518 3654 to reserve.

UP College of Music: Freshman Show 2013

Everyone is invited to the Freshman show on Wednesday @ 4 PM, September 4, 2013 at the Abelardo Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The UP College of Music Freshman show is directed by Viel Eugenio. ANother product of homeschooling program.

Admission is free!

Teaser:

:

Trese Series: Twist and Shout

Yes I read the 5 books in the Trese series created by Budjette Tan and illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo about two months ago. I was introduced into the series by one of my students last year when we were discussing Pinoy Pop Culture, particularly Filipino Komiks.

When she brought the 5 books and showed them to me, I simply nodded to show her that I do approve her reading the series but I never read it nor even touched any of it. I thought this was another thrashy-time-wasting-publication that National Bookstore was propagating by having so many stocks on display all over the Philippines.

Then I chanced upon one of our school librarian and IT guy discussing about Alexandra Trese and how almost everything in the stories are very Filipino. Something ticked and I said I should start reading Trese.

Then one Friday afternoon, the universe opened and before I knew it, I was reading Book 1 and could not even put it down. Thanks to Mr. F for lending me his 5-volume collection of the series, I managed to read it everything in one weekend.

And my daughter did the same thing, she read after me and beside me on the sofa. She would ask me which book I' have read so that she can read too. And we were in awe! Filipino mythology in twisted form that will leave the readers screaming, shouting for more.

Where's Trese Six?

Thanks Budjette and Kajo!

And today I chanced upon Rappler's interview of the creators of Alexandra Trese, Budjette and Kajo:

   

Cultural Icons of the Philippines

Treasures found over at the National Commission for Culture and Arts. An alphabet of Cultural Icons of the Philippines or also known as Sagisag ng kultura ng Pilipinas:

Sagisag Kultura Ng Filipinas 001

Visit my Scribd page for the rest of the compilation here.

CCTV Footage of Filipina with Panama National

At lumabas ang video ng isa nating kababayan na nagrereklamo ng rape laban sa isang lalaking taga-Panama na mayroon daw diplomatic immunity. Matinding materyales ito pabor sa banyagang inirereklamo ng rape.

Simpleng logic lang mga kababayan ang kailangan natin dito at hindi ko na alam kung paano pa ipaglalaban ng grupong Gabriela ang kababayan natin. Ano nga ang kahulugan ng rape ayun sa ating batas? SA aking pagkakaalam, ang rape ay nangyayari kapag ang sexual act ipinilit lamang ng isang tao sa isa pa. Marami pang elemento ang napapaloob sa usaping ito at ang mga abugado ay maraming masasabi rito.

Isa lang ang nakikita ko dito, ang ating kababayan ay sumama sa condominium ng banyagang ito, nakita din sa CCTV footage na sa loob ng elevator ay naghalikan silang dalawa. Alas-onse ng gabi sila pumasok ng condo ng banyaga at lumabas ang babae ng mga magaal-una ng umaga. Hindi umiiyak ang babae, nakangiti pa nga ng siya ay kinausap ng lalake sa lobby.

Nasaan nga ba ang rape? Hindi ipinakita sa CCTV footage at sigurado ako na silang dalawa lang ang nakakaalam ng katotohanan. Marapat lamang na bigyan ng pagkakataon ang ating kababayan na marinig ang kanyang hinaing. Mali na ang sariling ahensya ng Pilipinas, DFA, ang magsasabi na maglalabas ng official statement na mayroong diplomatic immunity ang isang dayuhan na nahaharap sa kaso. Isang malaking sampal at dura sa lahing Pilipino ang ganitong gawain.
Kaya heto, panooring natin:

Extending RP's Territory: Benham Rise is Ours!

In the midst of China's territorial pissing over at Scarborough Shoal, our claim to Benham Rise, a 13-million hectare area off the coast of Aurora, my father's hometown. The United Nation Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf has approved our claim to ownership recently.

We get some, we lose some and this newly-acquired area is much bigger than the size of Luzon which is only 10.5 hectares and is a possible source of minerals and natural gas.

There's Continental Drift, Continental Breakfast and Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile, all of which are not new to us. But what is a Continental Shelf?

Well there are so many websites to give us scholarly and practical answers to our question so I better share them here:

• Continental Shelf @ Wikipedia
• Office of Naval Research: Continental Margin and Rise
• UNEP Shelf Programme 
• Anna Cavnar: Deciding Who Owns the Ocean Floor
• PHL's Claim to Benham Rise

Me and my family is scheduled to visit Casiguran and Dinalungan via Baler this year. All of which are towns in the Province of Aurora. Will we be able to island-hop and see for ourselves this new Philippine territory? Or this will just be one of those "Philippine treasures" that lived the life of a white elephant? Will the Philippine Government be putting in the necessary program and implement it for the good of our country?

What will it be?

Please read the PDF called PHL's Claim to Benham Rise and get to know more of your new territory, Filipinos should know.

Thanks to Rappler.com for the story!

Fil-Am events across America May 2012

Here is your events calendar for all Filipinos living, working and most probably finding luck in America. All these activities are organized by Filipino-Americans which aims to promote the Filipino Culture among the members of the Filipino communities.

Thanks to Asian Publication Journal for the weekly informative email messages.


May 2 SF Giants Filipino Heritage Night 

Join the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) and the Bay Area Filipino Community on Wednesday, May 2 at the 5th annual Filipino Heritage Night when the San Francisco Giants take on the Miami Marlins. This event sells out every year, so be sure to secure your tickets as soon as possible! Buy your tickets today: www.SFGiants.com/SpecialEvents

May 4 Annual Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE) 

Two days of exciting programming with invited, keynote, and contributed talks and posters. There is networking opportunities for US and Philippine based members with government and industry. Theme "Science and Engineering Challenges for Society and Sustainability". Contributions from selected topics on biological sciences, biomedical sciences, chemistry, physics, materials, and engineering are accepted as oral contributions or posters. Poster session and sponsored events. Delegates from the Philippines (government, universities, Industry) will be participating. Sponsored by the University of Houston and other donors.  Event will be held on May 4-5 at the Hilton University of Houston.  To register, fill in the form (website) and send with registration fees to Dr. Jean Tiong-Koehler.  Address to send fees are in the form. Send inquiries related to registration to tiongj@ninds.nih.gov

Lea Salonga: The Journey Continues 

THE Town Hall, Broadway's landmark concert and theatre venue, located at 123 West 43rd Street , is pleased to present Lea Salonga: The Journey Continues. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning actress and recording artist will perform in concert on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 8pm. Tickets, priced at $55, $50 and $45, are now available via Ticketmaster.com (800) 982-2787.

May 5 TAGABANUA: A Philippine Dance Project by Jay Loyola 

The Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC), in conjunction with the American Center of Philippine Arts (ACPA), is proud to announce the U.S. premiere of Tagabanua (tah-gah-BAhN-wah) by renowned folkloric choreographer Jay Loyola on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 8pm at OACC. This is the inaugural piece of ACPA's new Emerging Works program. For more information on Tagabanua, please visit the American Center of Philippine Arts website: http://philippinearts.org/tagabanua.htm

May 6 Miss Philippines USA 2012 Coronation Night

This year's winner will receive over $20,000 in cash and prizes, record a commercial for ABS CBN Foundation, receive a modeling contract, become the ambassador of good will for the Fil-Am community for the entirety of her reign.Finalists will have the option to advance to other pageants with the support and assistance of Miss Philippines USA, both domestic and international.  Event will be held at the Marriot Hotel, Burbank, CA.  Doors open at 5pm.  Pageant start at 7pm.

National Museum of the Pacific War features Forgotten Soldiers

On May 6, 2012 the National Museum of the Pacific War will showcase Forgotten Soldiers, a new documentary movie about the U.S. Army's Philippine Scouts and the terrible ordeal they and their comrades suffered through on Bataan, Corregidor, and in Japanese prison camps. Event will be held at the National Museum of the Pacific War, 340 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX.

May 10 Community Reception for U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas

The U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance - Los Angeles (USP4GG-LA) hosts an intimate reception for Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr., on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Carla's Café - CBS Studios, 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, California 91604 in Studio City, California. The Office of the Ambassador reached out to the LA Filipino community through Ms. Loida Nicholas Lewis, Chair of the USP4GG, and through Ms. Rocio Nuyda, Secretary of the USP4GG Board of Trustees to have interaction with the LA Filipino-American community. Ambassador Thomas is a proponent for issues that are of interest to Filipinos, both abroad and in the Philippines, as the leader of the American Embassy in Manila.  $35 (Prepaid Online at USP4AMB.EVENTBRITE.COM) by MAY 3, 2012. Seats extremely limited. Reservations on first come, first serve basis while seats are available. Event will be closed once capacity has been reached. Contact Rocio Nuyda rocion@msn.com or Ted Benito paelive@tdrz.net.

May 12 Healing priest celebrates 10th Anniversary

On May 12, 2012, healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez commemorates the 10th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood with a gathering among friends and supporters of his ministry, Mary Mother of the Poor (MMP), at the Quiet Cannon, 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA. "It will be an evening of fun with Fr. Suarez and friends of MMP," echoed contacts Sugar Ray (626) 991-4015 and Jeannia Parayna (626) 991-9184. Donation is $75 per person.

Cabiao Association USA Annual Fiesta family picnic

CAUSA is inviting all members and non-members of Cabiao Association USA to their Annual Family Picnic to be held on May 12, 2012 at Schabarum Regional Park, at 17250 E. Colima Road, Rowland Heights, CA 91748  (Pepper Tree Picnic Area). There will be a Traditional Food Pinoy Specialties, Games, Entertainments, Prizes, for everyone to enjoy. Please coordinate with the following officers: Lulu Driz (213) 819-6387; Jimmy Santiago-(951)205-3661; Aning Policarpio (310) 775-0820; Ming Paras (626922-3385).

Santacruzan at St. Mark's Episcopalian Church

Everyone is invited to attend the Santacruzan at St. Mark's Episcopalian Church in Van Nuys. This is the Filipino celebration of the Santa Cruzan or Flores de mayo at 5:50 p.m. and we have Sagalas and Contantino or escort.

CAM Presentation Ball

The Catholic Action of Mary would be presenting the sagalas for the 34th Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo on May 12, 6:30pm at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel.  For more information please visit www.catholicaction of Mary.

May 19 2nd Annual Santacruzan in Manhattan at Alphabet City

Everyone is invited to the 2nd Annual Santacruzan in Manhattan at Alphabet City in loving memory of Rev. Fr. Misael "Mike" Bacleon.  Event will be held at 185 Ave. D and 12th St. New York, NY 10009.  Holy Mass 12:30pm, Novena Procession 2pm, presentation of Reynas/Sagalas 3pm, outdoor fellowship reception 4pm.

Los Angeles launch of My Filipino Connection: The Philippines in Hollywood

"My Filipino Connection: The Philippines in Hollywood," the first book of U.S.-based journalist and Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Ruben V. Nepales, is a collection of inspiring interviews with talents of Filipino heritage who are making a name in the American entertainment industry, especially in Hollywood. Having successfully launched the book in Manila this month, Nepales will be hosted by friends and colleagues at a special book launch on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 3:00 pm at the CBS Studio Center, in 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604.

May 25 St. Paul Grand Reunion Event 

Alumni from all St. Paul's Universities and Colleges in the Philippines will gather in Washington, DC on May 25 and 26, 2012 for a grand reunion event. Over 300 Paulinians from all batches and branches are expected to come to the nation's capital for a long weekend reception, culminating in a gala night on Saturday, May 26, at the Tysons Corner Marriott, 8029 Leesburg Pike Tysons Corner, VA 22182. Information on activities, sponsorships, and tickets is available on www.paulinianglobal.org or email paulinian.alumni@gmail.com.

May 26 PAFCOM 22nd Friendship & Coronation Gala 

The Philippine American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM) request the honor
of your presence for an evening of dinner and dancing at their 22nd Friendship & Coronation Gala on Saturday, May 26 at the Sheraton Newark Airport Hotel, 128 Frontage Road, Newark, NJ at 6 pm.  Formal/Filipiniana Attire.  Donation is $110.  For details, please call Elaine Referente at (201) 716 - 9580;  Leslie Dimaya  (201) 988-1489; Ysadora Clarin (201) 653-1727; and Erno Hormillosa (646) 637-6337, Carmen Flores (201) 993-1158, Lita Pena (201) 232-1742.

Noli Me Tangere

Jose Rizal's: famous novel Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not), was written in l887, yet resonates with the "social cancer" it hoped to quell in many present day countries, even after 150 years. It will come alive in da Corneto Opera's world premiere presentation at the Harris Theatre for Dance and Music, on Saturday, May 26 @ 7pm and Sunday, May 27 @ 3pm. Tickets range from $35 to $90, and are available from Harris Theatre, 205 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, (312) 334-7777. Box Office Hours are: Monday to Friday, 12noon to 6pm. Or: online at http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/events/2011-2012-season/11-12-dacorneto. Student discounts are available.

PCG-SF Golf Tournament

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco cordially invites you to join the Golf Tournament to be held on May 26, 2012 (Saturday) at the Deer Ridge Golf Course in Brentwood, CA. This golf tournament is part of the activities to mark the 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2012.  Tee-off time is 12:00 noon (Shotgun start). Awards will be given (low gross/low net) and various prizes wil be raffled off to lucky participants. Fee is $100. inclusive of green fee, cart and dinner. For more information, please call Doy Ver (415) 433-6666 ext 319
or Tony Limgenco (415) 760-9850.

Wil Time Bigtime

TV5 International kicks off its North American launch by bringing TV5's popular television program "Wil Time Bigtime" to Filipinos living in the United States. Host Willie Revillame will visit Los Angeles on May 26 at the Shrine Auditorium and San Francisco on June 2 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium for a limited series of live concerts. Don't miss this chance to catch Willie Revillame and other TV5 stars, live! Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster and select ticket outlets. For ticket inquiries and reservations, call 1-855-KAPATID (1-855-527-2843) or email KapatidTV5@gmail.com. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Creative Concepts at 1-888-886-7889, or email CreativeConceptsIntl@gmail.com.

May 27 34th Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo

The Catholic Action of Mary (CAM) will hold the 34th Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo in Jersey City on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at St. Mary's Church (Second St./Erie St.). Ms. Ledy Almadin, 34th Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo Chairperson announced the Reynas of this year's Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo. The Reynas are Katherine Alcebar - Reyna Elena, Mikeala Banzuela - Reyna Del Cielo, Gabrielle Mari Manahan - Reyna De Las Flores. For further information, please check our website www.catholicactionofmary.com, facebook page Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo.

One Heart for Hope Charity Event 

The 2012 One Heart for Hope Annual Fundraising Event - "Hope Shines Through" will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 6:30 PM - Phoenix Club, Anaheim, CA.  One Heart for Hope is a recognized U.S. charity, registered under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Tax ID 26- 3057344). Therefore, your donation will be 100% tax deductible. Please visit our website at www.oneheartforhope.org to learn more of what we do or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@oneheartforhope.org.

May 31 Brown Strokes on White Canvas 2012 

Dulcie Dee is one of the artists participating in the "BROWN STROKES ON WHITE CANVAS 2012" Lasting Impressions Group Art Exhibit at the Philippine Embassy, Washington, DC opening May 31 - June 4, 2012. Dee will be exhibiting her new "Floral Fantasies" drawing, using only color pencil on black paper, it revels in depicting her everlasting dreams of the beautiful Philippine Island flowers. Opening Reception: Thursday May 31, 2012, 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Philippine Embassy, 1600 Massachusetts Avenue North West, Washington, DC 20036.

Minsan may Isang Puta

May 1 is right around the corner and every anti-establishment organization in the Philippines in the thick of preparation for the big day. They are fighting for every known right a worker has ever known. Fighting for the poor and impoverished, injustice to workers and wage hike have become so ordinary among Filipinos. We even find them annoying at times and uncultured but the fact remains, we should be vigilant against the systemic oppression the government and private companies doing against us, the laborers.

If we will not do this, who will? If not us, who? Fight for your rights and fight till the end. Remember, revolution starts with knowing you are responsible with your own destiny. If every Filipino realizes this, then there's hope for our country. The pervasive culture of "kanya-kanya" which has caused so much anguish for us will vanish.

Let me share this Mike Portes article-essay-turned-into-a-movie called "Minsan may Isang Puta" but before that, I'd like you to read what Mike has to say about it:

“Minsan may Isang Puta” was originally published in April 30, 2004 @ Peyups.com. The 2007 version is a response to the apathy and complete disregard of our kababayans to the worsening plight of our country. 

It’s been seven years since I wrote the article and at 2010, it is still finding it’s way to blog sites, fora, search engines and now on an Indie film. “Minsan may Isang Puta” has also been studied in high schools, universities and colleges for PolSci, Filipino and Theater 12 subjects. 

“Minsan may Isang Puta” and all its entities have copyrights with the National Commission for Culture and Arts.

So here it is:

Tingin ng mga bobong kapitbahay ko, puta daw ako. Nagpapagamit, binabayaran. Sabi nila, ako daw ang pinakamaganda at pinakasikat sa aming lugar noon. Di ko nga alam kung sumpa ito, dahil dito naletse ang kinabukasan ko.


Tara, makinig ka muna sa kwento ko, yosi muna tayo.


Alam mo, maraming lumapit sa akin. Nagkagusto at naakit. Ang hirap pag lahat sa iyo, virgin eh. Tinanggap ko naman silang tao, bakit kaya nila ako ginago? Hindi ko maintindihan ang mga nangyari sa akin. Bukas palad ko naman silang pinakitunguhan, ni hindi ko nga itinuring na iba. Iniisip ko na nga lang na kasi di sila taga rito kaya siguro talagang ganoon.


Tatlong malilibog na foreigners ang nagpyesta sa katawan ko. Sabi nila na-rape daw ako. Sa tatlong beses akong nagahasa, ang pinakahuli ang di ko makakalimutan. Parang maski di ko ginusto ang mga nangyari, hinahanap-hanap ko siya. Kasi, ibang-iba ang hagod niya. Umiikot ang mundo ko sa tuwing ginagamit niya ako. May mga pagkakaton na nasusuka na ko sa mga nangyayari sa aming dalawa. Parang ‘pag humahalinghing siya, nararamdaman ko na nalalason ako.. Gusto ko mang umayaw, hindi ko makuhang humindi. Hindi ko din alam kung bakit. Ibang klase din kasi siya mag-sorry eh, lalo pa at inalagaan niya ako at ang mga naging anak ko.


Alam mo, parating ang dami naming regalo – may chocolates, yosi at ano ka! May datung pa! Nakakabaliw siya! Alam kong ginagamit niya lang ako pero pagamit naman ako nang pagamit. Sa kanya namin natutunan mag-inggles, di lang magsulat ha! Magbasa pa!


Nung kinasama ko siya, guminhawa buhay namin. Sosyal na sosyal kami! Ewan ko nga ba, akala ko napapamahal na ako sa kanya. Akala ko tuloy-tuloy na kaligayahan namin, yun pala unti-unti niya akong pinapatay.


Punyetang buhay! Sa dami ng lason na sinaksak niya sa katawan ko, muntik na akong malaspag. Ang daming nagsabi na ang tanga tanga ko. Palayasin ko na daw. Taon ang binilang bago ako natauhang makining sa payo. Iniisip ko kasi na parang di ko kakayanin na mawala siya sa akin… Sa amin! .
Sa tulong ng ilan sa mga anak ko, napalayas ko ang demonyo pero ang hirap magsimula. Hindi nga ako sigurado kung nabunutan ako ng tinik o nadagdagan pa. Masyado na kasi kaming nasanay sa sarap ng buhay na naranasan namin sa kanya, kaya eto nabaon kami sa utang. Lubog na lubog kami sa pagkakautang, kulang yata pati kaluluwa namin para ibayad sa mga inutang namin.


Nakakahiya man aminin pero hanggang ngayon, sa tuwing mabigat ang problema ko, siya ang tinatakbuhan ko. ‘Yun nga lang, kapit sa patalim sabi nga nila. Para akong isang aso na nangagat ng amo, na bumabahag ang buntot at umaamo kapag nangangailangan.


Usap-usapan ako ng mga kapitbahay ko. May nanghihinayang, namumuhi at naaawa. Puta na kasi ang isang magandang katulad ko. Ang dating hinahangaan at humahalina ay nabibili sa murang halaga. Alam mo maski ganun ang mga nangyari sa akin, nilakasan ko pa rin ang loob ko. Kailangan makita ng mga anak ko, na masasandalan nila ako maski ano pang mangyari.


Maski ano pa ang sabihin ng iba, sinisikap namin na maging maganda ang buhay namin. Nag-aambisyon kami at nangangarap. Ayun, may mga anak ako na nasa Japan, Hong Kong, Saudi. Yung iba nag-US, Canada, Europe. ‘Yung iba ayaw umalis sa akin. Halos lahat, wala naman silbi. Masaya daw sa piling ko, maski amoy pusali ako.


Sa dami ng mga anak ko na nagsisikap na tulungan ang kalagayan namin, siya din ang dami ng mga anak ko na nanamantala sa kabuhayan at kayaman na itinatabi ko para sa punyetang kinabukasan naming lahat. Eto na nga ang panahon na halos di na kami makaahon sa hirap ng buhay. Napakahirap dahil nasanay na kami sa ginhawa at sarap.


Alam mo, gusto ko na sanang tumigil sa pagpuputa kaso ang laki talaga ng letseng utang ko eh. Palaki pa ng palaki! Paano na lang ang mga anak kong naiwan sa aking puder? At paano na lang ang mga anak kong nasa abroad? Baka di na nila ako balikan o bisitahin man lang? Hindi na importante kung laspagin man ang ganda ko, madama lang ng mga anak ko ang pagmamahal ko. Malaman nila na ibibigay ko ang lahat para sa kanila.


Sa tuwing titingin ako sa salamin, alam ko maganda pa rin ako. Meron pa din ang bilib sa akin. Napapag-usapan pa din. Sa tuwing nakikita ko ang mukha ko sa salamin, nakikita ko ang mga anak ko. Tutulo na lang ang mga luha ko ng di ko namamalayan. Ang gagaling nga ng mga anak ko eh, namamayagpag kahit saan sila pumunta. Mahusay sa kahit anong gawain. Tama man o mali.


Sa dami ng mga anak ko, iilan lang ang may malasakit sa akin. May malasakit man, nahihilaw pa.
Mabigat dalahin para sa akin, ang katotohanan na ni minsan ay di kami naging isang pamilya. Halos lahat ng mga anak ko, galit sa isa’t isa. IIlan ang gusto magtulungan, naghihilahan pa. Madalas kong itinatanong sa sarili ko kung naging masama ba akong nanay para magturingan ng ganito ang mga anak ko?


Kanino bang similya ng demonyo nanggaling ang mga anak kong maituturing mong may mga pinag-aralan pero nakakadama ng saya at sarap sa paghihirap ng kapatid nila? Di ko lubos maisip kung saan impiyerno nanggaling ang kasikiman ng ilan sa mga anak kong ito. Sila pa naman ang inaasahan kong magbabangon sa amin. Nakakabaliw isipin na natitiis nila ang kalagayan ng kanilang mga kapatid na halos mamatay sa hirap ng buhay. Parang di sila magkakapatid sa tindi ng pagkaganid at walang pagmamalasakit.


Ang di ko akalain ay mismong mga anak ko, ang tuluyang sisira sa akin. Kinapital ang laspag na ganda ko. Masaya sila sa mga nabibili nila mula sa pinagputahan ko. Buong angas nilang pinagyayabang ang mga pansamantalang yaman at ang kanilang hilaw na pagkatao sa mga makakakita at makikinig. Talaga bang nakakalula ang materyal na kayamanan at mga titulong ikinakabit sa pangalan? Hindi ko maintindihan.
Minsan sa pagtingin ko sa salamin, ni hindi ko na nga kilala sarili ko.


Dadating na naman ang pasko, sana maalala naman ako ng mga anak ko. Ilang linggo pa, magbabagong taon na. Natatakot ako sa taong darating. Ngayon pa lang usap-usapan na ang susunod na pangbubugaw sa akin. Gagamitin pa nila ang kahinaan ng mga kapatid nilang alipin sa kalam ng tiyan. Sa tagal ng panahong ganito ang sitwasyon namin parang eto lang ang sulok na gagalawan ko. Sana may magtanggol naman sa akin. Ipaglaban naman nila ako. Gusto kong isigaw: “Ina ninyo ako! Pagmamahal nyo lang ang kailangan ko!”


Sensya na, ang haba na ng drama ko. Masisira na ang make up ko nito eh. Salamat ha, pinakinggan mo ako. Malaking bagay sa akin na nakausap kita. Ang tagal nating nag-usap, di man lang ako nagpapakilala.
Ay sorry, di ko nasabi pangalan ko.


Pilipinas nga pala.

Say No to Panda

This one should never reach the mainstream, free Philippine television:

2012 Luneta Open Rapid Chess

The Luneta Open Rapid Chess Tournament 2012 is happening tomorrow at the Lapu-Lapu Plaza, Luneta Park, Manila.

Organized by the Rizal Park Chess Foundation under the auspices of National Parks Development Committee. This event is sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines with sponsorship from Spartan Mining.

Registration fee is PhP 300.00. Tournament begins at 10 in the morning. You may call or send an SMS to the following for registration and other tournament details:

Ronald Dableo - 0917-4877835
Eugene Trasfiero - 0920-4171597
David Garma - 0905-3925130

Players who have confirmed their participation are GM's Wesley So, Mark Paragua, Oliver Barbosa and Darwin Laylo.

Asia's first grandmaster Eugene Torre will be the guest of honor.

Scarborough Fair

While China is doing a Pontius Pilate on the Scarborough issue, PNoy and the rest of his henchmen continue to send out memos and statements that only mean one thing: "we are a small country afraid of fighting against a bigger one and we want to go to the authorities... please come along with us".

Scarborough Fair of Simon and Garfunkel, with its melodic but sad tune, reminds us of impossible tasks asked by two lovers. In the Scarborough standoff, we are reminded of the impossible achievement of acceptable solution between the countries claiming territorial rights because of greed.

United Nations has a tough task on hand and the US Government will definitely act only when their investments are at stake either in China or in the Philippines.

Cityhood for Bacoor and Imus

Congratulations!

After years of speculation and posturing, these two municipalities from the Province of Cavite are now cities. The Man in Malacanang has signed into law the bills converting these municipalities into cities after meeting the requirements for cityhood.

These two new cities have played a major role in my life. Bacoor is were my high school Alma Mater is and Imus have been my hometown for the last twenty-one years. I've seen these two cities during the nineties when the migration of Manilenos and other Metropolitans started to pick-up.

I literally saw how the major malls of both cities were put-up. SM Bacoor was built and is currently standing in front my my high school Alma Mater, Cavite School of St. Mark while the Robinson's Place Imus was built right next to where our subdivision is.

In fact, we call Robinson's Place Imus as the "Phase 3" of Southern City Subdivision. On the spot where the mall stands was where we used to fly kites, play kiddie softball and catch dragonfly, grasshoppers and snakes (we tried!).

I was born in Makati City but I feel at home here in Imus. Imus City, the land of progressive living with strong roots and ties from the past.

Earth Day 2012

Today is Earth Day and everyone thinks going green is the best way to solve environmental problems plaguing our Mother Earth.  Environmental activists all around the world have tried in vain to help in preventing further damage to our only home which has suffered greatly since the dawn of industrialization.

I say "unless greed, abuse of power and selfishness is not addressed among the world's elite, our environment will never recover from further destruction".

The year 2012 is critical for all humans. Will we be seeing the end of times to see the new Era of Peace for Mankind? I repeat, it is the end of times that we are to look into and not the end of the world. It is the end of sinning for mankind and the reign of peace that we are looking forward to seeing.

Will our race be ready for the challenges ahead?

I guess these activists are screaming to their hearts discontent and yet missing the point. Greed, abuse of power and selfishness have led humanity to where we are now. We are now in a new dimension where the fight between good and evil is obvious.

Which side will you be in? It's your choice.



   

Flagging a Chessplayer on Chesscube

I played this game with the white pieces over at Chesscube against ahmed2005100 with flag handle of Egypt. I had to report him after game for sending me a message in Arabic and followed it up with "f u mother".

For sure, this Egyptian flag-carrying player over at Chesscube doesn't know English. All he knows is violence and poor frustration tolerance.

Can't blame him though for acting that way. He and his entire country has been in a war mode since the first flooding of the Nile.

Here's the game:

PNoy on Scarborough Dispute

It is no longer a stand-off but bullying on the side of the Chinese government. They have sent their third vessel on the Philippine West Sea which by common sense, is an in-your-face act, a spit-on-you-face act to the Filipino people.

While people like you and me are really worried about the tension happening on our Philippine sea, PNoy thought it wise to crack up this one: "Kahit sa pitikan ng ilong talo tayo dyan".

How could a president of one country be the first one to crack a stupid statement concerning a very important issue? Can't he really say anything motivating for us Filipinos? Instead of doing a Boy Pick-up line, why not issue an official statement?

Mr. President, if you can't say anything good for the people to hear, don't speak a word. A basic rule which we all hear from our parents. Didn't you hear that from your parents? Or you were busy puffing those cigarettes in your bedroom?

And please stop treating Filipinos like we're a bunch of non-thinking individuals whose only world is enclosed in a box called the Television.

You should sire a child or children so that you become a forward-thinking person whose thoughts are on preserving this country for the next generation. But then again, you just broke up with the Korean girl named Grace.

Preserving this country for the next generation, for my children, is something really personal for me. This Scarborough shoal dispute and the rest of the Spratly Islands' our country's hope for a better, independent, economy.

SPICE Boy GM So

Remember the seven-member group of congressmen Estrada called as the "Bright Boys"? They were openly critical of then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and they played a key role in the removal of Estrada in Malacanan in 2001.

The group consisted of the following:

• Rolando Andaya, Jr. – 1st District, Camarines Sur
• Robert Ace Barbers – 2nd District, Surigao del Norte
• Michael Defensor – 3rd District, Quezon City
• Hernani Braganza – 1st District, Pangasinan
• Federico Sandoval II – Navotas-Malabon
• Juan Miguel Zubiri – 3rd District, Bukidnon

And in Philippine chess, GM Wesley So has become a SPICE Boy. This was confirmed by no other than GM Susan Polgar when I asked her about the rumored move of Wesley to the US of A for college education via Twitter:

"@brownmandiary Wesley So applied and has been accepted to Webster University. He will join 7 other GMs at Webster SPICE in August 2012.
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) February 21, 2012"

This is the best move Wesley So has made in his entire life and I congratulate him for doing so. Although I've never been a big fan of the global education system that is in place, no thanks to the industrialization, I still believe getting a college degree will give him the confidence and good self-image in the end.

Don't go Iskul Bukol Wesley! Make the best of what is given to you and remember, your generation will be looking up to you for inspiration and as a role-model. The next few years will hopefully make you a stronger, willful and better person outside of chess.

A SPICE Boy he is!
 

The Learning Center Special Collection 2012

One of the Philippine's pioneer in providing special education services within a school context, The Learning Center Inc, is raising funds for the school's continued sustainability.

Proceeds from this event will be for The Learning Center, Inc.'s Financial Assistance Program for special students from low-income families, Sheltered Social Enterprise, and Community Service Programs. We need all the help we can get. Please help us spread the word.

Give it a try people!